Unexpectedly Royal

by Jennifer Domenico

  Lathan chuckles. “Unique tastes indeed.”

  “Yes, but, I guess what really gets me is how I made a resolution to step outside my comfort zone and be adventurous. I told Fallyn I wanted something spectacular to happen.” I look back at him. “Then I met you.”

  “I believe in fate, my darling, and that she has led me straight to your arms. I don’t know why yet. I don’t know where we’ll end up, but I do know that you are here right now with me by design. For that reason, I remain open to what fate wants for us.”

  I nod, as a grin spreads across my face. “I think she wants me to sit on your face again.”

  Lathan bursts into laughter. “I do believe we both want that.”

  A few hours later, as we sit in front of the fireplace, my thoughts drift toward home. Closing my eyes, I imagine Delaney walking through town, the warm breeze blowing through her hair, knowing it can never happen. It’s just a fantasy, but one I wish I could make come true.

  “I’m starving,” she murmurs.

  “Want some cake?”

  “That sounds good.”

  We get up and walk together to my kitchen. Delaney props herself on my island. “Hope you don’t mind my naked ass on your countertops.”

  I laugh. “I don’t mind your naked ass anywhere you wish to put it.” Stepping between her legs, I press my face between her tits. “I never eat in here, but I feel a sudden urge to change that.”

  “You haven’t had enough of me yet?”

  “That will never happen.”

  She smiles. “Good to know, but I need to eat before I get hangry on you.”

  “Hangry? I don’t know that word.”

  “Hungry and angry. I turn into a raving bitch if I get too hungry.”

  “I see. We should prevent that, although, I admit to being slightly intrigued by your anger after seeing how you handled Janice.”

  “I’m pretty chill most of the time, you know, but I can stand up for myself.”

  “I know. It’s incredibly hot. I’m still waiting for the accent to show up.”

  She tilts her head, grinning and dragging her finger under my chin. “You want to hear it? I can do it whenever I want.”

  “Can you?”

  “Yeah, like whataya wanna hear?” Her voice changes suddenly, sounding more casual. “You want me to pahk the cah in Hahvard Yahd? Or maybe you want me to talk about the clam chowdah famous in these pahts?”

  I grin, kissing her mouth. “Nice.”

  “Or maybe you want me to get real.”

  “Get real?”

  “Yeah. Want to hear how I talked when I was in high school?”

  “I do.”

  “So me and Fallyn, right, we went down to the pierah, and this freaking douche starts following us and talking all kinds of wicked dirhty shit, right?”

  I grin. “Right.”

  “So I’m all, Fallyn, we need to get outta heah, but then his freaking girlfriend shows up, and she starts getting in mah face, so I’m thinking I’m gonna have to beat this trick’s ass, right?”

  I’m laughing now as she continues. “And then?”

  “I grab the bitch by the hair, and Fallyn gets in her face, and we tell her unless she’s wants a serious ass kicking, she needs to get the fuck outta our faces and take her douchebag boyfriend with her.”

  “Did she?”

  Delaney laughs. “She did.”

  “That’s hilarious.”

  “True story.”

  “I bet that poor guy wanted you even more after he saw you be so fierce.”

  “Meh, I told him to shut his pie hole.”

  “Pie hole?”

  “Mouth.”

  “It’s like meeting someone new when you talk like that.”

  “Fallyn still does, but my mother wouldn’t let me get away with it. The swearing part. Then I majored in English in college so I got all propah and shit, as Fallyn says. She calls me proper as fuck. Wait until she meets you.”

  “I find it oddly endearing. Seeing another side of you is captivating.”

  “Says the proper gentleman that drops the word pussy.”

  “Mmm, well, yes, what else would I call it? Vagina? Not a sexy word.”

  “No, it’s not.”

  “I like the word. I like the body part. I adore this particular pussy.” I reach between her legs. “Now that I’ve experienced such bliss, I’ll never want another.”

  She runs her fingers through my hair. “If only it were true.”

  “It is.”

  “For now.”

  “Don’t be sad.”

  “I’m not.” She smiles. “But I am hungry.”

  “Right. Food coming right up.” I open the refrigerator to find the cake from last night. I also decide to grab some of the cheese and deli meat I purchased. After turning around, I look at the woman waiting behind me.

  “Please don’t let yourself worry about the future. Stay in the moment with me.”

  She smiles. “I am. I promise.”

  “Good.” I pull her down from the island. “Ready to eat?”

  “I’m always ready to eat.”

  The following morning, I climb out of bed and look outside. The streets have been plowed and the sidewalk shoveled. I have to go to work. Dammit.

  Turning around, I watch Lathan as he sleeps. What an incredible day we had yesterday. I’ve never spent an entire day naked, just talking and making love, but I want to again. I pad out to the living room and start the coffee still wishing the weekend didn’t have to end. A few minutes later, the coffee is done, and I fill two mugs then carry them back to the bedroom. After setting them down on Lathan’s nightstand, I bend forward and kiss his cheek. He rolls over, opening his eyes and smiling.

  “Everything alright?”

  I nod and gesture to the nightstand. “Yeah. I brought coffee.”

  “Thank you.”

  I climb back into bed as Lathan sits up and hands me a mug. “I have to go to work. The streets are cleared.”

  “I understand.”

  “I don’t want to.”

  “I don’t want you to leave. This was the best weekend I’ve ever had.”

  “Mine too.” I sip my coffee. “Whenever you want to see me again, just ask.”

  “Tonight? I’ll come to you.”

  “Tonight’s good. I think I’ll call a cab. I only have heels to wear.”

  “Good idea. Want me to come with and make sure you get home okay?”

  “I’d love that except then I’ll never make it to work. I can manage.”

  “A fair point.” He reaches out and caresses my breast. “I will miss you until I see you again.”

  “Same here.”

  “What will you miss the most?”

  “Besides your incredible dick?” I laugh. “You, the man. The sex was amazing, but honestly, just talking and cuddling and getting to know you has been the best part.” I sip my coffee again. “What about you?”

  “Realizing…” he pauses, looking away for a moment before gazing back at me. “Realizing that someone like you exists. The best part, Delaney, was you.”

  Hours later, after my work day is over, I pull off my clothes, jump in the shower and throw on something comfortable. When I’m done, I call the local pizzeria and place an order, knowing Lathan will be here in about twenty minutes. As soon as I hang up, my phone rings again. It’s Fallyn.

  “Hey, girl. How’s it going?” I answer.

  “I have big news.”

  “Listening.”

  “Remember that guy I’ve been talking to online, but then he said his job was getting kind of crazy, and he had to take a break?”

  “I do. Clark, right?”

  “Yeah, exactly. So he called today, and he said he couldn’t stop thinking about me and wanted to know if I was available for dinner.”

  “Really? Just out of the blue?”

  “Yeah. He said he was dumb not to pursue me, and he wants another chance.”

  “That’s cool.
Are you going?”

  “I said yes. Why not, right? We got along well before.”

  “Yeah, but wasn’t he weird when you wanted to meet in person?”

  “No, not weird. We had it all planned, but then he had to go out of town.”

  “Oh yeah. I remember now. Where are you going?”

  “Totally casual. I’m meeting him at Pat’s Pub and Grill.”

  “That’s good. Just in case he’s a weirdo or something in person.”

  She laughs. “Right? How’s things with Willy Shakes?”

  “Who the hell is that?”

  “Duh, your personal William Shakespeare.”

  I laugh. “He’s fine. On his way over for dinner.”

  “So, you’re seeing him again. Spending all day with him went well?”

  “Perfect. We need to catch up soon.”

  “Definitely. I gotta take a shower, but wish me luck.”

  “Of course. Text me when you get home just so I know everything’s cool.”

  “Will do. Have fun tonight.”

  “You too.”

  I finish straightening up my tiny space. I wonder if he’ll feel squeezed being here compared to his spacious place. My thoughts are interrupted when the doorbell rings.

  I open the door to a smiling Lathan, who’s holding a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of wine. “Hello, my darling.”

  “Come in.”

  He kisses me sweetly on the cheek then hands me the flowers. “For you.”

  “Thank you. That’s so sweet.”

  “I have more gifts.” He reaches in his coat pocket and hands me five chocolate squares. “The last of my supply until another shipment arrives.”

  “What a treat.”

  He sets the wine down on the table then pulls his coat off. Pulling me close, he kisses me softly. “I missed you.”

  “I missed you too.”

  “How was your day?”

  “Boring. You?”

  “Boring, but much better now.”

  “Same here. I ordered pizza. I hope you like it.”

  “I do.” He takes my hand in his, putting his arm around my waist and swinging me around like we’re dancing. “How should we spend our evening?”

  I laugh as he dips me low. “In bed.”

  “Mmm, a woman after my own heart.” The doorbell rings again interrupting us. “Did you pay?”

  “No.”

  “I’ll handle it.”

  He walks over, opens the door, and takes care of paying for everything. Carrying the pizza to me, we sit on my couch.

  “Do you want some wine?” I ask.

  “Yes. I’ll open it. You just relax.”

  I smile. “Okay.” Leaning back on the couch, I watch Lathan navigate my tiny apartment. “I bet you’ve never seen such a small place to live.”

  He glances over at me. “I think it’s charming. It’s you.”

  “Tiny and charming?”

  Lathan laughs. “That description fits.” He carries the wine glasses over, then hands me one. “Smells good.”

  “We don’t have forks to clink.”

  “No.” He lifts a slice of pizza. “Clink pizza slices?”

  I laugh, lifting a slice. “That works.”

  We bump our slices before eating.

  “I have to admit something,” I say, as Lathan gazes at me. “It’s nice the way you do things for me. I’m used to doing everything myself.”

  “A man should help carry his woman’s load, not because she can’t, but because she shouldn’t have to.”

  “Not all men think that way.”

  “All good men do.”

  Later that night, I’m startled awake by pounding at my door. Lathan sits up, putting his hand on my leg.

  “I’ll answer it.” He climbs out of bed, throwing on his boxers, and walking over to the door, while I watch.

  “Is Delaney here?”

  I quickly climb out of bed to see Fallyn, a crying mess standing in my doorway.

  “Are you okay?” I ask when I see her.

  “Can I come in?”

  “Of course. What happened?” I pull her into my arms while Lathan looks at us with a creased brow.

  “I can’t believe what he did,” Fallyn cries into my shoulder. I pat her back. “He’s such a dick.”

  “Lathan, can you get us some wine?”

  “Of course.”

  I lead Fallyn to my couch. “What happened?”

  “Clark. We met for dinner, and everything was going really well for a while so I invited him to my place for a drink.”

  Lathan returns with a glass of wine and a box of tissues. Fallyn looks up at him. “Hi.”

  He smiles. “Hello.”

  “Fallyn?” I get her attention again. “What happened? Did he hurt you?”

  She shakes her head. “We went to his car and he kissed me, and then…” She

  starts crying again.

  “Did he touch you?” I ask.

  “No, it’s not like that. I let him, you know, do stuff to me.” She glances at Lathan

  who nods at her. “Then the door opens and this woman grabs my hair dragging me out of the car. The next thing I know I’m in a full on screaming match with this fucking bitch. Clark has to get between us ’cuz she keeps taking swings at me. She’s yelling at me that I’m screwing her husband and calling me a home wrecker.”

  “Whoa.”

  “Yeah, so he’s yelling at her and she’s yelling at him, then she tells me that he’s

  a chronic cheater and I’m just one of many. That’s why she was following us ’cuz she’s sick of it, and she’s gonna chop his dick off so he can’t stick it in anyone else.”

  “Oh, Fallyn.”

  She sobs on my shoulder. “Why do I keep finding all the losers? I’m like a

  douche bag magnet.”

  “You’re not, sweetie. You’re not.” I lean back. “Did you have sex with him?”

  “No. Close but no.”

  “How did it end?”

  “I just walked away while they were fighting. Someone called the cops, and I didn’t want to be involved so I just came here. I’m sorry to interrupt you guys. I forgot you had company.”

  “Never be sorry. You know I’m always here if you need me.”

  She looks at Lathan. “Sorry to meet you under crappy circumstances. I swear I’m not a whore.”

  He smiles, taking her hand in his. “I’m glad to meet you, and I don’t think that at all. I’m so happy to hear you weren’t harmed.”

  Fallyn stares at him as though she doesn’t understand English all of a sudden, so I bump her arm. She looks at me wide eyed then back at Lathan.

  “Uh, sorry, your accent is um, distracting. I mean, in a good way.”

  Lathan chuckles. “How about some cookies? I hear that’s a good way to get over douche bags.”

  I laugh softly. “Cookies would be great.”

  “Be right back.”

  He excuses himself and Fallyn grabs my shoulders. “Holy fucking hell, Delaney. Is he for real? Like seriously.”

  “I know. He’s amazing.”

  “His body is like whoa. I mean, I don’t mean to be staring at your man, but he is wearing just boxers, and whoa.”

  “I know.”

  She smiles, crinkling her brow. “I’m happy you found someone nice. I don’t know why I can’t get it right. Why didn’t I see the warning signs?”

  “May I offer a perspective?” Lathan asks, entering the room again.

  We both look up and Fallyn nods. “Yeah, let’s hear it.”

  He sits down, handing her the package of chocolate chip cookies. “Obviously, I don’t know you well, but in our brief discussion, I noticed something I hope you don’t mind me addressing.”

  “You can say whatever you want,” Fallyn says. “I’m tough.”

  “You said you attract losers and douche bags and that you didn’t see the warning signs.”

  “Right?”

  “We attract w
hat we believe we attract. How long have you thought that about yourself?”

  Fallyn’s eyes immediately shift to me as they fill with tears again. “As long as I remember.”

  “Your first boyfriend. Douche?”

  “The douche king. He cheated on me constantly.”

  “And you took him back too much,” I say.

  She nods. “It’s true.”

  “That set the tone for your future. You believed that he was the best you could do so then the next man was just like him, perhaps worse, proving you correct. It became a pattern.”

  Fallyn nods. “Oh my god. He’s right.”

  Lathan smiles. “Don’t be distraught. This is a wonderful moment. You’ve hit the bottom. Your eyes are opened now. You have an opportunity now to realize you are beautiful and strong and deserving of a man that worships you, a man that can’t stand to spend a moment of his day not in your arms. Any man worthy of you would never even look twice at another woman. You can attract everything your heart desires as soon as you believe it. You can start now.”

  I grin. “Try to argue with him. You can’t.”

  Fallyn’s mouth hangs open as she stares at Lathan in disbelief. “Well fuck.”

  After we get Fallyn set up on the couch, we crawl back into bed, and Lathan pulls me into his arms, cuddling me close.

  “I guess I will have to refrain from attacking you in the morning.”

  I laugh. “Unless you want an audience.”

  “Hmm, sounds naughty.”

  I laugh softly. “Me and Fallyn are close, but not that close.”

  “I’ll behave. For now.”

  “I look forward to letting naughty Lathan play again.”

  “I can hardly wait, my darling Delaney.” He kisses my forehead. “Now you should sleep. You’ve only got four hours left until morning.”

  I kiss his cheek. “You were awesome with her. Thank you.”

  “I believe in that, that we attract what we believe. For example, I believe I am worthy of the sexiest, most beautiful woman in Boston, and here you are.”

  “Sweet talker.”

  “I mean every word. I hope somehow I was helpful to Fallyn.”

  “I think you were.”

  He kisses me again. “Close your eyes, sweet princess. Morning will be here sooner than we’d like.”

  I close my eyes, laying my head on his chest. Maybe somewhere deep inside, I believed I was worthy of a man like him.