Taking one last look out the window at my old life, I see Braydon standing on the sidewalk. He looks happy and I remind myself that my new beginning also means a new beginning for him. I truly hope things work out for him.
Last night, after my family left and the van was all packed, I was finally able to climb in to bed, my sore muscles sighing in relief. I was surprised when a soft knock came to the bedroom door, followed by Braydon peeking his head inside.
“Got a minute?”
“Absolutely. Come on in,” I responded quickly as Braydon came to the end of what used to be our shared bed and hesitantly sat down.
“Listen, Kate, I know the past few days—hell, the past few months—have been rough on both of us, but I just wanted to let you know that I truly am sorry things didn’t work out between us. You’re a great person, and although I may not have loved you like I should have, I do care a great deal about you. I think we both realized a long time ago that this”—he waved a finger between us—“was never going to work.”
“I know, Braydon, and there is no need to apologize. Yes, the last few months have been tough, and the last few days have been awkward to say the least, but I do wish you all the best with Candy. Thank you for everything over the last few years. You’re a good man, and don’t forget that.”
With that, Braydon stood with a look of resolution on his face and then gave me a quick goodnight before walking out.
Now, as I stare at him through the van’s window with my heart full of hope for the future, I give a wave of understanding then pull from the curb.
***
After pulling up in front of the apartment building on Love Lane, I park, thanking the gods that there was a spot right in front. Now standing on the sidewalk, I take a few minutes for myself. Last night’s conversation with Braydon provided the perfect closure on our relationship, and now I’m ready, after a self-appointed pep talk, to move on and start over without guilt or regret.
Hearing the soft of strum of feet, I turn to see Henry walking up the sidewalk. He has a huge smile on his face this morning, and he’s wearing a pair of faded jeans that hang low on his hips along with a plain white tee and black Chuck Taylors. All I want to do is jump into his arms.
It hits me then that, while Love Lane is the location of my new physical address, it is Henry that is making it feel like home.
Stopping next to me, Henry looks into my eyes without a good morning or hello but with a knowing look.
“Ready?” That one word is so significant and telling.
“Yep.”
Grabbing my hand in his, my heart feeling lighter than it has in a long time, I know I made the right decision.
Walking up the brick steps, Henry motions for me to hand over the keys I picked up from the landlord only days ago. With a turn of the lock, the door opens easily, and Henry steps aside to let me enter first.
How is it that this man knows exactly what to do to make this all okay? By taking the lead on such a simple task as unlocking and opening a door, he is giving me the strength and encouragement to be brave in this new chapter of my life.
Smiling my appreciation, we walk inside.
Surrounded by white subway tiles on the floor; a rich, dark wooden staircase to the right; and ornate wall scones surrounding us, it is like taking a step back in time. Seeing the shining silver mailboxes to my left—one with my name, Winters 2B—I am finally let out of my head and focused on the here and now.
“Good morning,” an unfamiliar voice says from my right. “You must be our newest tenant.”
Looking over, I take in the beautiful blonde who looks to be in her late twenties, with long, straight hair pulled into a high ponytail.
“Hi, yes. I’m Kate, and this is my friend Henry,” I say with a thumb pointing over my shoulder.
“Well, welcome, Kate,” she says as she gives a curt nod of hello to Henry. “I’m Danielle, but you can call me Dani. I am actually your new neighbor in 2A. I’m heading out for a run, but feel free to stop over anytime. I have some great wine, and I’ll give you the rundown of everyone in the building.” With a wink, she departs, leaving Henry and I alone in the entryway.
“She seems like a nice neighbor,” Henry says.
“Yeah, she does.”
“Okay, stop stalling,” Henry responds, “and let’s get this day going; otherwise, we will be moving your shit well into the night, and I’d rather take you out later to celebrate.”
Chapter Eight
Standing in my apartment with Henry at my side feels surreal. It is a small space, but with the natural light coming in from the large living room windows straight ahead, it feels much larger than it really is. A modest kitchen with updated appliances, cream tile floor, and a single run of faux granite countertop is to my left. On my right is the doorway leading to my bedroom, which without furniture is basically a square box with white walls and a wooden floor. The closet sadly is only large enough to hold just my dresses and shoes. The rest of my clothes will have to go in my dresser drawers. Just beyond my bedroom is the bathroom.
That is the room I am most excited for with its original claw-foot bathtub. I have been daydreaming about taking a soak ever since I signed the lease. In my dreams, Henry may have even made an appearance in the tub with me a few times, just sayin’. My plan is to crack open some wine and simply lay back in the cool water once everything is moved in.
“Nice,” comes from Henry. “Where should we start?”
“I packed the van according to each room to make things easier, so the first boxes are for the kitchen.”
Hopefully, between the two of us, moving everything in won’t take too long. I really don’t have that many belongings and the larger furniture, like couches, my bed—yes, I will be sleeping on the floor for two nights—tables, etc., are being delivered Monday from the furniture store. My first order of business, though, is to set up a docking station for my cell phone. There’s nothing like listening to music to make moving all these boxes seem less daunting.
As the morning turns into late afternoon, Henry and I make good progress getting everything into my apartment. I continue to find myself enjoying his company immensely. Between walking back and forth up the two flights of stairs with boxes, we have talked about everything from the projects we have going on at work to making mental lists of items I clearly didn’t think to bring, like a bottle opener. Pizza and beer go hand in hand with moving, right? So, how could I have forgotten the one kitchen utensil needed to open the beer?
Thank goodness Henry thought ahead and has a small one on the end of the utility tool he brought, thinking he may need to tighten a loose screw or something. With a few small water breaks to help cool us down from the heat, we make pretty quick work of it, considering it is just the two of us.
“I think it’s time for a food break,” Henry says as he sets a box down on the bathroom counter.
“I think you’re right,” I respond while wiping sweat from my brow. Whoever’s idea it was to move in the oppressive July heat is an ass, and I want to punch them square in the balls. Oh, wait, that was me. Damn. “How about I order a pizza to go with the beer I have in the fridge?” I didn’t bring much food with me, as I plan to go grocery shopping tomorrow, but I did make sure to have the essentials: beer, wine, and Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers.
“Sounds good to me. I am just going to hang in here and freshen up if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. I’m going to do the same just as soon as I get the food ordered. There are fresh towels right over there.” I point to the cabinet above the toilet as I begin to walk out of the room to give Henry some privacy. “Help yourself.”
***
“Mmmmmm,” purrs deep from Henry’s throat as he takes a huge bite of his pizza and chews. “This is so good. I was starving.”
Taking a much smaller bite of my own slice as we sit on a carpet made of blankets in the living room, I just stare at Henry. I never thought watching a man eat could be so incredibly
sexy, and such a huge turn on, but with Henry, it is. His eyes close with each bite as he revels in the taste, his lips pink and moist, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down with each swallow. The soft murmurs of pleasure coming from his throat cause an erratic beating in my chest. I want him to taste and savor me exactly as he is doing with that pizza.
“You certainly look like you’re enjoying that,” I say nervously, my cheeks flushed red with want. My body is heating up with each passing minute as my iPhone shuffles to the next song. The raspy vocals and sensual lyrics of Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon begins to play, adding fuel to the already burning ache simmering low in my belly.
Henry rests the pizza on his plate and looks pointedly at me with a wicked, knowing smile. In response, I timidly bring the bottle of beer to my lips and take a deep pull as Henry begins to chuckle. Like a contagion, I follow suit and begin to laugh, as well, not knowing what else to do in my nervous state.
A tiny trickle of cold beer spills from my mouth and drifts in a slow glide down my chin, cooling my heated skin. I bring my hand up to wipe away the amber liquid, which is quickly followed by peeking my tongue out of my mouth to capture the last of the malty flavor on my lips. It is then I notice Henry’s gaze has changed from jovial to something more serious. He assesses me with hungry eyes that I never would have known possible if I hadn’t seen it for myself.
As I continue to gaze at Henry, my body begins to hum with fevered anticipation. This is it. This is the moment when all my fantasies and daydreaming come to life—well, at least I hope it is. Attraction, awe at discovering just how amazing this man actually is, and regret that I didn’t take notice sooner all swirl in my mind. I swallow it all down with my next sip of beer.
“Don’t be nervous, Kate,” Henry says as he slowly reaches over and wraps his right hand behind my neck, pulling me in closer for a kiss.
Henry pauses mere inches from my lips and stares, and the heat reflected back into my eyes is enough to steal my breath away. In that moment, I realize how wrong I had been. Henry is not the meek, quiet boy from work; he is a man full of passion, depth, and promise. I want whatever is about to happen between us more than I have ever wanted anything before. This new version of myself—this new Kate—wants to live life and experience everything it has to offer.
With that thought, Henry closes the distance between us and tentatively places his mouth on mine. With lips velvety soft and cool from the cold beer he has been drinking, he kisses me with a gentleness that is so tender I want to cry from it’s beauty.
Right when I think he is going to pull away, he opens his mouth and delicately swipes his tongue along the seam of my own. I return the action and slowly open, giving Henry entry into my mouth. He tilts his head slightly to the right as he slips his tongue inside.
His scent invades my nose as his taste invades my mouth. My heart races in unison with the throb pulsing between my legs. I grab onto Henry’s shoulders with my small hands to pull myself closer, pressing my breasts against his chest in an effort to sooth the ache caused by my tightening nipples.
Our kiss grows deeper as Henry pushes farther into my mouth, our tongues licking at each other as if we can’t get enough. I am breathless, my desire resonating around the room with a throaty groan. As I clutch to this man, our bodies are so close I can feel as Henry begin to grow hard from our kiss.
Breaking our mouths apart, I take in a huge gulp of air. Our eyes meet again, and I stare, completely entranced with this beautiful man. I want him and I want what is happening between us but I am so fucking scared. Me, the girl who had no qualms about fucking her last boyfriend everywhere and anywhere is nervous. This is different though; I can see it in his soft gaze and gentle smile. This is more than just a fuck; this is the moment I will look back on as a significant turning point in my life. It’s when I first felt a tiny tug on my heart.
“Please.” I whisper softly, as if fearing rejection, which is crazy considering the huge bulge in Henry’s pants.
That one word is all I needed to say. Henry understands exactly what I want, and by the dark look he is now throwing my way, he wants the same thing.
Few words are exchanged as Henry brings his hands to the hem of my tank top and slowly, as if savoring each newly visible inch of skin, brings the shirt over my head, exposing my simple, white cotton bra.
Stopping to look at my body, Henry speaks for the first time.
“God, you’re so beautiful Kate. Is this okay?”
I respond with a muted yes then reach behind my back to unclasp and remove my bra. All the while, Henry continues to stare at my chest as if in awe.
After tossing my tank somewhere off to the side, Henry reaches over to cup my right breast with a tentative hand as he leans forward to once again capture my mouth. Our tongues clash as his hand softly kneads my breast. His touch is incredible, causing my body to melt into him. I desperately want to feel Henry’s skin against mine, so I take my turn and remove his T-shirt, breaking our kiss only long enough to allow his shirt to pass over his head. The glimpse of his sun-kissed skin is nowhere near enough, though. I need to see more of him.
Pulling back, I take in Henry: his brown hair mussed from my fingers running through it as we kissed; his beautiful, soulful blue eyes; the most perfectly pink lips, and finally, his broad shoulders and chest. I knew Henry is fit, but I had no idea it was to this extent.
His strong, toned arms show off the lean muscles underneath, and as my eyes take in his firm chest, I notice a spattering of dark hair. Following its trail down, over the most amazing six-pack, the hair begins to darken and grow thicker before disappearing under the waistband of his jeans.
“Kate, you’re killing me with that look.”
“You are so perfect,” I say while reaching out a hand to touch his chest. I need to do more than just feel him, though. I want to touch and taste every inch of his skin.
With that thought, I lean forward and gently push him back from his seated position on our blanket oasis so he is lying on his back. Leaning over, I begin to suck and kiss, starting at his neck and working my way down his chest. I stop at each nipple to give a little flick with my tongue, enjoying the heavenly sounds of pleasure coming from deep in his throat. I am so hungry for him I can’t keep my mouth off of his skin. Henry’s body is warm and he has a unique taste that can only be described as purely belonging to Henry, with just the faintest hint of soap. I am not usually this forward with men—I always let them take the lead—but I just can’t help myself with Henry. I am like a crazed animal wanting nothing more than to strip him bare and devour him whole.
Reining in my inner beast, I slowly unbutton his jeans, savoring the pop as it comes undone. Then I slide his zipper down and give a tug as Henry lifts his hips, and I push the jeans past his thighs. His black boxer briefs, now riding low on his hips, allow for a much better view of that sexy V-cut, but I need to see more. I want it all.
Grabbing hold of each side, I slowly lower his underwear. His hardened cock springs to life before my eyes, and I can’t help but smile as it does. He is achingly perfect with soft skin pulled taut over his straining erection.
Kicking off his jeans and boxers, Henry is now free to get comfortable. I take hold of his generous length and bring my mouth down then begin to lick a slow trail from base to tip, all while staring into Henry’s eyes.
“Fuck, that feels good,” Henry, mutters as he follows each movement I make.
Wanting to give him as much pleasure as tasting his body is giving me, I grant one last lick and then lower my mouth to take him in fully. His groans become louder with each increase in pressure as I suck. Filled with a sense of satisfaction I continue with a steady pace deep suction followed by lavish caresses with tongue.
“Kate,” the way he says my name, throaty and husky, the timber causing a tremor of lust coursing through my body. Henry grabs hold of my hair and gently begins to thrust his hips to get even deeper into my mouth. Thrust after thrust, I can taste the salty tan
g of pre-cum as it hits my tongue. Opening my throat as much as I can, I prepare for the next thrust when Henry suddenly pulls out, and the look in his eyes alone is enough to bring me to orgasm. Henry pounces at me, and our positions are reversed. I am the one laying on my back now.
“All’s fair,” Henry says as his hands make their way down to the zipper of my own shorts at the same time his mouth crashes onto mine.
With my shorts now unbuttoned, Henry gives me a few more fevered kisses before sitting up on his knees and gliding the rough denim down my smooth legs. My white thong is next to go. Henry is not wasting any time in getting me completely naked.
“I’ve imagined you naked a million times in my head, but none of it compares to this,” he says, running a fingertip over my collarbone then down the swell of my left breast, stopping to rub circles around the pert nipple.
Goose bumps suddenly pop up on my skin, and even though I am still heated from all the heavy lifting, a rush of coolness creeps around me. The knowledge that I was not the only one wishing for this moment makes my heart and other more sensitive parts of my body swell in pleasure.
Trailing down past my breast and along the sensitive skin on my left side, Henry’s finger is soon joined by two more as he draws them farther down my body, as if mapping each dip and curve. When he reaches my aching core, I practically melt into the blankets beneath me.
Parting my folds, he looks upon my pink flesh with reverence, and a flush takes over my entire body. I have never had a man look at me in such a way. I feel beautiful and precious under his gaze, like my body was made just for him.
Henry is nothing like I expected. This salacious behavior is such a contrast to the gentle nature he has shown me up until now. I need more. I want to experience every side that is Henry, and I want to start right now.
When I spread my legs farther apart in invitation, Henry needs no words to understand. He begins to slowly trace my folds before gently entering me with two fingers. I gasp at the sensation and lift my hips for more. Slick with desire, Henry glides his fingers easily in and out of me. This is all almost too much.
Lucky: A Love Lane Short Page 4
