by Karen Deen
“Right. Now, enough of this mushy crap. We need to show Sammy what man time is all about.” He dropped his arm from around my shoulder. I was having none of that, though. I wrapped both my arms around him and he returned the strongest hug I ever remembered getting.
“I love you, Dad. Thank you for everything. The talk, and keeping the secret.”
“Always here, son, and I’ll never stop loving you.”
28
Zoe
I LOVES GIRLS’ DAY with Luke’s family. They made me feel like I was just one of them. Sophia, or Me-Me, as we all called her, often took my arm in hers as we wandered the mall, just like she did with all the other girls. Little Sophia, grabbed my hand and dragged me off to show me different things that she thought Thomas or Samuel would love. I was Aunty Zoe to her. Zach and Emily told me to run with it because she loved me like her other aunties. That brought on tears while I was in the office. They believed it was just because I thought it was cute. The deepness of that little girl adopting me as one of her own took me back to Mrs. Dawson. There was no blood relation involved, just pure love and friendship for each other.
We were sitting in a café chatting over lunch when Sophia came out with the funniest statement that had us all choking.
“When Uncle Grant finally marries Miss Zara, my dance teacher, do you think she will come on our girls’ days, too? I really like her and want her as my next aunty.” There was laughing, choking, and a bit of spit water from Lilly while we all took in her words.
Grant had fallen hard for Zara who owned the dance studio where Sophia went for lessons. We could all see it plain as day. He wanted her bad, but she was about to move to New York to pursue her dancing dream. It was tearing the two apart. It was a feeling I knew too well. The idea of wanting someone so desperately and thinking you couldn’t have them. Grant was such a hard ass and most of the time, he and I bantered back and forth because I wouldn’t take his bossy crap. In this instance, however, I really felt for him. For someone to crack that hard-exterior shell, she had to be a very special woman. I hoped they’d be able to work something out which suited them both
Luke and I may not have been perfect, but we had found the perfect compromise. We were almost at the point we needed to tell everyone. I was getting stronger and was looking for the right time. I couldn’t tell Luke because I didn’t want him to get his hopes up.
“Love takes time, my little one. When you’re a big girl, you will learn that. You are going to be so lucky to have all these beautiful aunties and your mommy to share your boy questions and problems with. Just remember that. Us girls, we all stick together. That’s what a Stevenson woman does.” Sophia giggled at Me-Me’s advice. I realized that instead of looking at Sophia, Me-Me was looking intensely straight at me. She was trying to include me as a Stevenson woman. If only she was to know the truth.
I was still saving hard for my home, so shopping days with the girls were about fun and laughs, not so much the spending. I sometimes splurged on an outfit, or a present for the kids. Today, however, I spotted a present for Luke when on my way to the bathroom. I knew the perfect time to give it to him. I quickly raced into the shop and made my purchase. I didn’t want the girls seeing so I stuffed it into my bag.
After the shopping trip, I spent that night at Luke’s place. He seemed to be on a high with plenty of smiles and lots of kissing.
As the week had gone along, he just seemed happier. I was unsure what had happened when I was out with the girls when his Dad came to visit but something had given him a new lease on life.
Work had been busy with Zach being away. Grant was covering Zach’s work as well which meant I was the lucky one who got to take orders from him. To make matters worse, Grant was all wound up about Zara and it made him grumpier than usual. Luke understood what he was like and found excuses to need my help out of the office. It had been a pretty awesome week. I loved working with Zach but spending work time with Luke on our own had been so much fun. It would never be healthy to do on a permanent basis but for a little break, it had been perfect.
Thursday seemed to come around before I knew it. I’d somehow managed to get through all my work plus the extra that Grant needed done, and now had the last hour of the day to tidy up and prepare for tomorrow. I got a message from Zach to say he and the family were on their way up. I didn’t usually need a warning when they entered the building. Sammy was our alarm. I sometimes wondered if that was what Luke was like as a little boy. Full of life and never standing still.
I was looking forward to a bath when I headed home tonight. Luke had the best deep bath where you sank your whole body into it. Our two bodies fit perfectly. Zach might be the one winning all the awards, but Luke had a natural design talent. I was unsure if he had ever been allowed to explore that side of himself. Maybe he could help me on my place. I finally had enough for a deposit on a home. Nothing flashy like Luke’s place. A little two-bedroom house was all I needed. Luke and I had been looking for a while, at what you call a renovator’s delight. Yesterday, we actually put in an offer on one not far from Luke’s house. It could easily be a knock-down job, yet I loved the character. I could see potential and it just had a good vibe about it. I hadn’t heard back from the real estate agent, so I was feeling a little nervous. This was such a huge leap. I just needed to be patient, something I was trying hard to get better at.
Hearing all the commotion of the family down the hall, I looked at my watch and realized it was time to head home for the day. I was exhausted.
“Hey, Zoe, we are heading to Mulligan’s for drinks and dinner. Are you coming?” Alesha called as she passed down the hallway to grab her things from her office.
“Thanks, but I will pass tonight. I’m about to head home now. It’s been a long week already. You guys have a good night, though.” Turning, I saw Luke standing at his door, looking confused. He didn’t speak until Alesha passed again on her way out, telling Luke to hurry up.
“Why aren’t you coming? I don’t want to go without you and I already said yes. Is everything okay?” His confused look made me melt. He worried about me all the time, even over the slightest thing.
“I’m fine, just tired. With the week we’ve had at work and the house offer, I’m just feeling a little overwhelmed. A quiet night at home is what I need. You go, I will be there when you get home. Okay?”
“Should I be worried?” Luke was never afraid to ask. He didn’t nag, he was just straight forward.
“No, I’m fine, really. I just need a little time to breathe and regroup my thoughts. Now go have dinner. The sooner you eat, the sooner you get home.” I leaned in and whispered in his ear. “Love you, big boy.” With a quick kiss on the cheek, I turned and walk away, making sure my hips swayed. As I reached the elevator, I looked over my shoulder and saw him leaning against the wall. I had never kissed him in the office like that, so out in the open where we could be caught. He might’ve looked stunned but the smile on his face told me he loved it. The time was coming, I could just feel it. Even I was getting sick of hiding.
***
Laying my head back on the edge of the bath, my muscles started to relax. My mind, however, was still spinning around. I was on the verge of so much change. I knew I shouldn’t be nervous, but it was hard keeping my emotions under control. When Luke asked if I was okay, I was proud to say I actually was, and meant it. I might have been struggling to keep on track, but the fact that I was on track was a major achievement for me. He didn’t know the half of what was going on in my head with the decisions I was in the middle of making. No wonder I felt like I was walking a tightrope. If I could balance, I would get to the other side where the grass was green, with beautiful flowers, butterflies and the sun shining. If I fell, for the first time I knew I wouldn’t hit the bottom, Luke wouldn’t let me. He’d catch me and then help me start the climb back up. That in itself was a comforting thought. Before Luke, there was no safety net. Just the cold and dark below me.
My cell rang, ma
king me jump with fright.
“Hello.” I didn’t even have time to look, I just assumed it was Luke checking on me.
“Ms. Gullivan, it’s Rita from the realtor. Sorry it’s late. Is now a good time to talk?” I almost dropped my cell as I fumbled trying to get out.
“Sorry, just give me a minute.” Grabbing the towel and wrapping it around me, I sat on the floor. Standing could be dangerous for me.
“Go ahead, it’s no problem to be calling now.”
“Fantastic. Sorry it took a little while to get back to you about your offer on the house. The owners have been away and were a little hard to get a hold of. I finally spoke to them ten minutes ago and put your offer forward. They were hesitant at the price, however, they are under pressure to sell. After a bit of negotiating they have agreed to sell at the price you offered. Congratulations, Ms. Gullivan, the house is yours.”
My mind had gone blank, like I couldn’t hear anything while I tried to process her words. Thank God I was sitting down.
“Ms. Gullivan? Are you still there? Are you okay?” My mouth was opening, but the words weren’t coming out so easily. Breathe, Zoe. This was a good shock. For once it was good news.
“Umm, yes. Just a little surprised. Things don’t usually go my way. Oh, wow. Are you serious? The house is really mine?” Happy tears streamed down my cheeks.
“Of course. Providing all the paperwork and finance gets sorted, this little dream place is all yours. I have a feeling to you this is so much more than just a house. Am I right?”
“You’re spot on. Oh, thank you so much. I need to call my boyfriend with the news.” In my mind, it sounded weird that I even had someone to tell my news to.
“Certainly, call me tomorrow and we can organize the details. Again, congratulations. Have a great night.” With that, we said out goodbyes.
I was sitting naked, wet and cold on the bathroom, sobbing. The best thing. I was laughing. I couldn’t stop. The happiness was just pouring out of me. I needed to tell Luke. Picking up my cell to call him, I had a different idea. Shooting off a text message, I put my plan into action while wiping the snot off my face.
Zoe: I’m feeling better, I might join you. Are you still at Mulligan’s Bar?
Luke: Best news I’ve heard all night. Get your sexy arse here ASAP.
Luke: Wait, they are talking about heading out to a nightclub now. Meet us at Metros.
Zoe: Just getting changed. Meet you there.
Luke: You better be wearing something ugly. If I can’t touch you, I don’t want other men looking at what’s mine.
Zoe: Okay, boss. I’ll see what I can do. They might get to look but they will never touch. Only you, big boy.
Luke: Too fucking right!! Get your ass here. I miss you.
Zoe: On my way. Dressed in a garbage bag. In the car now.
Luke: You will still look hot. Drive safe.
I never thought I would get used to driving Molly the Mercedes, but now her and I were best friends. I loved this car and Luke told me she was mine to keep. There was no way that was happening. In the meantime, I was more than happy to keep her company. Luke had too many cars for her to be driven every day. I could babysit for him.
Walking into Metros, I spotted the girls on the dance floor with another girl I didn’t know. I couldn’t spot Luke anywhere, so I joined them.
“Zoe!” Lilly screamed as I approached. “You look so hot in that dress. Every guy here just had to adjust themselves.”
“Oh my God. Keep your voice down.” Alesha slapped her arm and a blush appeared on her cheeks. I wasn’t sure what that was about.
“Thanks, hun. Where is everyone?”
“The party poopers went home. Luke was at the bar but just went to the men’s room, I think. He’s with Xavier. Oh yeah, this is Natalie, a friend of Zara’s, and Xavier is her brother. They’re pretty cool.”
Natalie just laughed like we all did with Lilly.
“Nice to meet you,” I greeted, feeling nervous and scanning for Luke.
“Dance with us.” Lilly grabbed me and I moved to the music before I could say no. The song changed to one my favorites, Be My Lover by La Bouche. I used to dance in front of my mirror, singing along to this song, when I would dream about a better life. I started to get lost in the words and sang to myself.
I twirled to find eyes of fire glaring at me. Maybe he thought I was serious about the garbage bag. My dress was far from it. Short, black leather, and molded to my body, just like that night all those years ago.
It was time.
Using my finger, signalling I wanted him on the dance floor with me, I sang the words to him so he knew exactly what this meant.
“Be my Lover”. I couldn’t be any clearer.
His eyes widened and mouthed three words. “Are you sure?” A simple nod was all it took. Striding down the steps, he was on me, giving me an R-rated kiss in front of the whole club. There was not an inch of space between us. He wasn’t stopping anytime soon. I wanted it all. I wanted every person in the bar to know he was mine.
All mine.
It felt like only us on the floor, everyone suddenly disappeared.
That was until Lilly spotted us.
Her scream was louder than the music.
“Oh my God! About time. Now you can stop sneaking around. It’s not like we didn’t know.”
Looking into Luke’s eyes I saw one thing. Love. It was all I ever wanted.
29
Luke
SHAKING THE SNAKE and tucking him away, I checked my watch for what felt like the hundredth time. Zoe should be here by now. I should have picked her up or told her to take an Uber. But then she would be on her own with a stranger. Driving herself was a better option.
I saw Xavier standing at our table. His shoulders were rigid, gaze fixed on the girls dancing. There was something brewing between him and Alesha. It was easy to see. Knowing my sister, she’d do nothing to pursue it. I’d never seen her mix much with a guy. Maybe we needed to encourage her. Slapping him on the back I was about to give him a spiel about Alesha to help the process along, when I spotted her.
My girl. Dressed in a short, tight, black leather dress.
Fuck. Me. Dead.
There was no way I could keep my hands off her. My memories of that first night rolled through my mind, although the blonde hair still messed with me. She hadn’t seen me yet. Her ass was mighty fine in that dress, tight and curved. I knew what I’d be doing when we got home. It’d teach her for teasing me. That ass was going to have a few red handprints on it by the time I was finished.
Spinning on the dance floor, our eyes locked on each other. Her finger beckoned like she was reeling me in, her words what I’d longed to hear for so long. I needed to know she wasn’t just flirting. I needed to know if this was real. I was bordering on the edge. That dress, those words.
“Are you sure?” was all I could get out. The first tilt of her head and I was done. She was mine and everyone was about to find that out in the best possible way. I couldn’t hold back anymore.
My hands circled around her, lips taking everything I’d dreamed about. Love, lust, friendship. All the things she was to me.
My sisters cheered but I don’t stop. Not now, not ever. Lilly was yelling at us, but I wasn’t listening. Pulling back, I took her face in my hands.
“You almost killed me. You look un-fucking-believable, kitten.” She giggled, and it sounded just perfect. A sound I would never get sick of. “That outfit, holy shit.” I slowly twirled her, checking out every square inch. “Did you buy this for me?”
“I knew it would be the right outfit for this moment. The timing is perfect.” On her tippy toes, she whispered in my ear. “I got the house. I finally did it. I ticked all my boxes. Time to make new dreams.” Pulling her back to look at her perfect face, I saw the excitement in her eyes. It all made sense now. She was getting to a place she could finally relax and feel in control. Now she could let love in.
“Baby, I lov
e you so much. I am so damn proud of you. Never forget that. No matter what happens, I’m always here, right beside you, not that you need me. Look what you can achieve on your own.”
“Yes, I did it all by myself. However, I will always want you beside me to hold my hand. From now on, I want to do it together. I don’t want to have to do it alone anymore.”
“You are far from alone. You have me and all my family. I mean, just look at them.” The girls were still screaming and jumping up and down. Lilly launched herself at us for a group hug. My sister was a crazy ass, but I didn’t care. Nothing was going to take the happiness from me. I felt like I’d just been given the greatest gift ever.
“Get off, Lilly, you can’t hug my girl all night. That’s my job and I’m not good at sharing. I have waited far too long for this. Come here, you hot sexy thing. Let’s dance.” Lilly smacked my arm and continued dancing with the girls. Zoe lined her body with mine. We fit like perfection. When your dreams became reality, it felt weird. So many times, I’d watched her from afar, standing at the bar or sitting at the table with the boys. The sway of her perfect hips, tits bouncing, flirting with me, making me struggle to maintain control. For years, she had no idea how she affected me. Once she did, those hips swayed that little bit more, her tits always seeming to face me. She knew exactly what she was doing. She also knew what it would get her when we got home. A good hard fuck, just like she wanted. Tonight, I got to touch and torture her as payback. Already, she was riding my leg as she danced to the beat. I saw how turned on she was, that twinkle, the pink flush on her cheeks. She was well on her way to wanting more. I was going to enjoy this.
