Conklin's Blueprints

by Brooke Page

  The gym was just as I expected it to be, high-class equipment and dead as a doornail. I wouldn’t have to worry about waiting for a machine, but then again it was a Saturday afternoon. The vast room was surrounded by mirrors and had every type of machine you could ever want. There was a clear fridge with complimentary water and a table with protein bars. Realizing I hadn’t eaten anything, I took a bar and quickly ate it. The last thing I needed was to pass out. Once I was done, I grabbed a bottle and headed for a treadmill.

  About 30 minutes in, I was startled by a familiar voice.

  “What’s up Becca,” Nathan was getting on the treadmill next to me.

  “Hi,” I squeaked. Shit. I still wasn’t sure if I was supposed to be out and in the open with Nathan about Tyler and me. The fact that I was in a completely different city and just so happened to be in the gym of his brother’s condo might be hard to fabricate.

  “So, I take it you said yes to help Tyler out this weekend?” I simply nodded to his question, slowing my run to a walk. Of course, Tyler had already helped with the cover up of why I was here, or at least some of it. He knew Nathan and I could cross paths, and he probably needed an excuse for me to take the plane ticket.

  “And he just uh, happened to not need you the second half of the day and let you come hang out here until he was done?” He was trying to hold a smirk in.

  “Mmhmm…” I trailed, gulping my water down. The less said the better.

  Nathan shook his head trying to hold back a grin.

  He started the treadmill. I cocked my head at him. He obviously knew more than he was letting on. Maybe I could finagle some information about his brother.

  “Did you see Tyler this morning?”

  He licked his lips then turned to look at me, “I was with him in all of his meetings this morning.”

  Well, then he really knew I wasn’t here on business “helping” Tyler. I guess for Tyler’s odd demand we were both going to have to beat around the bush and pretend I was here for business and not to just spend time with his brother.

  “He was in a very good mood I might add,” Nathan smirked. I was blushing, but Nathan probably couldn’t tell because my face was already flushed from running.

  “Yes, he was. Is he not normally with you?” I asked.

  “Tyler is normally cranky. He thinks the world is out to get him,” Nathan said rolling his eyes.

  “Why?” I blurted out.

  Nathan sighed, “He is normally mad at my dad for something or other. They both are hard headed. My dad likes to get Tyler all riled up. If it weren’t such an easy task to do, RJ would leave him alone.”

  I knew they didn’t get along, but it had to be more than a conflict of personality. As crazy as my mother was, I still loved her and got along with her. She is my mom, how could I not? Tyler acted like he hated his dad and would be happy if he never had to see him again.

  “Did something happen between the two of them? Tyler really seems to not like him, more than just normal parent and child bickering,” I asked.

  Nathan shrugged his shoulders. “It’s not really my place to say, but my dad did something to Tyler that really messed him up. Honestly, I don’t even think RJ knew what he did.”

  He didn’t say anything more which disappointed me, but I knew enough to know that Nathan had already said more than he should have.

  I hopped off the treadmill and took one of the towels and started to wipe my face. “Do you have a condo here too?” I asked Nathan, wanting to leave with a lighter conversation between us.

  “Yes, so does Mitch. Our parents gave us each one for graduation. Maybe my mom thought we would all come and visit more if we had a place in town.”

  “Did it not work?”

  Nathan gave me a wry smile. “Not as well as she hoped. I visit her more than Mitch and Tyler. When our grandparents died, the family dinners started to slim down.” His expression was almost sad.

  How was our conversation getting deep again? “Well, I should get going.” I said, trying not to sound uncomfortable. “Do you know if there is a farmers market or something like that in walking distance?”

  He gave me the famous Conklin mischievous grin. “Sure, there is one a couple of blocks north of here. Might be kind of hard to bring groceries on a plane tonight though…”

  I tried to mimic his grin, “I’m just going to get a few things...” We both knew I wasn’t going home tonight.

  He laughed. “Tell my little brother I said hi and to get his peanut butter stirred.” I gave him a puzzled look that made him laugh even harder. I waved goodbye and headed back upstairs to put on some warmer clothes. It was nice seeing Nathan outside of the work environment. He still acted like he was on a mission, but had a more playful side.

  I walked down the street to find the farmers market, and Nathan was right it was only a few blocks away. I decided I was going to make Tyler dinner and stay in for the evening. Even though going out and about together would be safer in a bigger city than in Grand Rapids, I wanted alone time with him. Once I picked up a few things to make a decent meal I headed back to his condo. It was 3:30pm, so I would have time to get myself and dinner ready before he got home. I would need about 45 minutes for dinner, and the other 45 minutes to get myself in order.

  I took a nice, hot shower and shaved every inch of my legs. Luckily my Brazilian had paid off and still looked good. I blew my hair dry and straightened it. I would have rather had curls, but Jamie was the only one who could curl my hair the way I wanted it to look. I took my time on my makeup, but wanted to keep the natural look. A little bit of eyeliner and mascara went a long way, and I even put on some light eye shadow. I stuck with regular lip gloss. I didn’t use any cover up; I rarely did because I tanned throughout the year which helped to keep my skin blemish free and have a nice bronze tan.

  I put on one of Tyler’s T-shirts to cook in because I didn’t want to spill anything on my scandalous dress. I was still nervous to wear it.

  I bought a bunch of veggies to make a stir fry. They had fresh chicken at the market and even had rice by the pound. I had to stop at different stores to get some soy sauce and olive oil. I happened to pass by a mini mart and got a bottle of wine as well.

  I set the table while the food was cooking and started to chill the wine. Tyler would be home in 20 minutes, and I wanted everything to be perfect. I rummaged through the cupboards and found plates, silverware, and wine glasses. I set the table in the formal dining room. Once the table was set, I threw all the ingredients into a large wok and poured in a bit of soy sauce. The rice was done so I covered the top of the pan and turned off the burner, and continued stirring up the other mixed ingredients. I looked at the clock. It was already 10 to 5:00pm. Tyler hadn’t texted me, so he was running on time. I quickly dumped the veggies and chicken into a large bowl and put it on the table and did the same with the rice. I sprinted to his bedroom to throw on my dress and the stiletto’s Jamie had packed for me. Gosh they were tall. Hopefully I wouldn’t fall over while greeting him. I did a once over in the mirror. The push up bra did wonders and gave me awesome cleavage in the strapless dress that snug to my body. I was showing quite a bit of thigh, and I was shocked how sexy I looked and felt. Hopefully Tyler would feel the same way when he saw me. I walked into the kitchen and decided to try and clean up a little. Fortunately I didn’t make a huge mess, and it was easy to clean. Just as I was about to close the dishwasher I heard the door open.

  I smoothed over my dress and ran my fingers through my hair. Taking a deep breath I went to meet him in the dining room he would most likely cross through.

  I saw him in the front entry way taking his coat off and putting his briefcase down. I bit my lip in anticipation of him turning to see me and the dinner I had made for us. He did a double take as he hung his coat on the coat rack and flashed me a huge smile. He walked over and leaned on the large archway that separated the entryway and the dining room.

  “Well this is very nice to come home to,” his v
oice was low and raspy. I walked over to him from behind the table that was lit by candles and dressed with steaming hot food for the two of us. He held his hand out to me, and I gave it to him immediately. He gave me a once over as his eyes grew large and greedy. He twirled me with his hand to get a full circle view of my outfit.

  “I like what Jamie packed for you,” he said, his eyes smoldering. I blushed under his stare. Before I knew it, he grabbed me and swiftly switched places with me so I was pushed up against the archway and bombarded me with his lips. His kiss was forceful and needy. I grasped his hair with my hands trying to pull him in closer to me. Tyler’s hands were on my hips and were pulling up my dress. Before I knew what was happening he had my leg wrapped around him and was unbuttoning his pants.

  Wow, he was getting to the point.

  I gasped as I felt his hands move my thong to the side and pushed inside of me. He blinked his eyes for a long second and groaned then removed his hand and filled me.

  Holy crap, I wasn’t expecting that! When did he put the condom on?

  I felt a little nervous, but I could definitely tell he had put one on. His pace was so fast and unexpected that I didn’t know how to react. I moved my hands from his hair to his shoulders and tipped my head back against the archway. He was breathing heavily into my neck, I doubted he would last long at this pace, and as nice as it felt, I was feeling a bit off by his sudden assault. I had to push what happened in Florida out of my mind, knowing that Tyler was different, and that I was safe with him, because this quick attack felt a lot like my previous experience.

  Well I was right, it didn’t take long for him to finish. He stilled inside me as his chest heaved against mine. He brought his head from my neck to my cheek and gave me a gentle kiss, letting his lips linger on my skin. I ran my hands along his biceps and dropped my leg as he pulled himself out of me.

  He cleared his throat and said, “I’ll be right back, you can start without me.”

  He took his hands from my hips and sauntered over to the bathroom.

  What the hell just happened?

  I straightened my dress and stood with a blank face, trying to figure out where his passion, or stress, had originated. I tried really hard not to feel weird about it, but an unsettling feeling was rising in my stomach.

  I was still standing in the entry way when Tyler came back from the bathroom. He had taken his sport coat off and was still in his dress pants, shirt and tie. His brows were furrowed and following the lines of the wood floors as he walked up to me.

  He walked passed me without saying a word and pulled out the chair gesturing for me to sit down. I cautiously sat and pulled up to the table. He wouldn’t look at me. Did I do something wrong?

  Tyler took the chilled wine out of the bowl and popped the cork. Pouring wine in both of our glasses he said, “How was your day?” He still wouldn’t look at me.

  A lump was starting to form in my throat. “It was fine,” my voice was barely a whisper. He took a large swig of his wine and sat down across from me in silence.

  When he finally looked up at me the expression on his face was startling. His eyes were red and glossy. Is that why he went into the bathroom because he was upset?

  “Are you okay?” I said with concern. He tilted his head and sighed.

  “Becca, I… I’m so sorry. I can’t believe I just did that to you,” he gasped into his hands. His elbows were on the table as he covered his eyes.

  I jumped up and walked over to him, putting my hands on his shoulders. “Tyler, what’s wrong?” He slowly turned his body and pulled me onto his lap, still refusing to look at me. I put his face in my hands and forced him to look at me. His eyes were glassy and threatening tears. He buried his head into my chest and wrapped his arms around me squeezing me tight.

  “Please talk to me,” I begged.

  He took a deep breath in and kept his head on my chest. “I’m just mad at myself. I just fucked you, and I said I would never do that to you.”

  I stayed silent, hoping he would explain himself better.

  He gazed up at me. “I’m not used to normal relationships, and I want ours to be perfect. I never wanted to just pound you into a wall like that. I always want there to be a connection, like the other times we have been together.”

  “Is that what your past relationship was like?” I asked, afraid of what his answer would be.

  His expression held his answer. His eyes were so sad. There was obviously more to his story than what he wanted to tell me. I knew where he was coming from when it came to wanting to keep quiet about his past. I had enough secrets in my closet as well.

  I held his face and gave him the best smile I could. “Well Mr. Conklin, good thing you have time to make it up to me.” A smile crept across his face. His eyes were still sad, but hopefully I could get his mood to shift.

  I slowly stood up and started to walk back to my seat. “Eat please, before it gets cold.” I scolded him.

  “It looks great,” he said appreciatively. “I take it you went to find a store?”

  I nodded at him while putting some rice on my plate. “I ran into Nathan at the gym, and he told me where one was,” I spoke the words carefully while watching his reaction.

  He stopped mid scoop and blinked at me.

  “I don’t think he believed your cover story…”

  His lip quirked, “Yes, I think you are right. Fortunately he knows how to keep his mouth shut.” He continued scooping food onto his plate.

  “He has a condo here, too?” I said. He finished chewing his first bite, “Yes, he is on the next floor up. Mitch is one down from me.” Tyler took another bite of food.

  “Oh, and he also told me to tell you to stir your peanut butter?” I told him with a confused expression.

  Tyler nearly choked on his food.

  “What was he talking about?”

  He shook his head back and forth trying to contain his laughter.

  “It’s nothing we want to discuss over dinner,” he laughed.

  His mood was beginning to shift and it made me happy. I wanted the fun carefree Tyler to hang out with the rest of the weekend.

  Tyler finished his food before I did and sipped on his wine. His eyes were on me the entire time. I felt odd being under his stare and didn’t want to finish my food because he was watching me so intently.

  “I hope you liked it,” I said, sipping my wine. Tyler put his wine glass down and ran his fingers down the base of the glass. “It was great. I’m looking forward to dessert,” he said cocking his head to the side.

  Shoot, I forgot about dessert. “Sorry, I didn’t make anything. We could go get something if you want?”

  A sly grin spread across his face, “Oh, I think you did. You’re not wearing that dress just for the fun of it.” He stood up and walked over to me. I kept drinking my wine, trying to rid the embarrassment from my face. He took my wine from my hand and set it back down on the table. He leaned on the table and ran his thumb across my cheek to my lower lip. My eyes were locked on his. I couldn’t move my mouth because I was so caught off guard by his gesture.

  “How about, you go run a bath, while I clean this up,” he said, his words were slow and deliberate as his eyes smoldered into mine.

  I gulped. I had just taken a shower maybe an hour ago. Why did he want me to take a bath? He sensed my confusion. “I will come join you, if you don’t mind…” His voice trailed off but his eyes were fixated on me. I wasn’t so sure about being in a bath with him, but if I got it started, I wouldn’t have to get in with him watching my every move.

  “Okay,” I finally mustered the strength to say.

  He took my hand and helped me stand up. His eyes trailed down my body, all the way to my very high heels, then back up. “I hope one day you will let me help you out of your dress with the lights on,” he smirked.

  I squirmed under his stare. Then a thought crossed my mind as my squirm faded and bravery kicked in.

  “Will you unzip it for me?” I aske
d. His eyes widened as I turned around so my back was facing him. I heard him swallow as he moved my hair to my shoulder. I felt his hand start at my neck and move down to the zipper, slowly pulling the clasp down to my lower back. He kissed my neck as his hands touched the bare skin of my back.

  “I better go start the bath. Try not to take too long.” I said with my best flirty tone while walking away. I heard him let out a gasp and then the sound of plates clinking. A slinky smile crossed my face.

  Once I got to the bathroom I had realized what I said. I must have sounded like an idiot! I quickly turned on the faucet and willed it to hurry up and fill the bath. I found some bubble soap and fragrance oils to put in the large marble tub. They hadn’t been opened, so it was safe to say he hadn’t taken a romantic bubble bath with anyone before. The sooner the water would fill up, the sooner I could hide amongst the bubbles. I didn’t want him to think I was ready for him to see me in full form. When I let him unzip my dress I probably led him on. Once the tub was halfway full, I shimmied out of my dress and threw my bra and thong on the ground next to it. I caught my body standing in Jamie’s stilettos in the mirror. The extra height made my body not look as frumpy, and for once, I felt okay as I stared at myself in the mirror. I quickly pulled myself out of my trance and yanked the heels off to climb in the tub. I took the hair tie off my wrist to throw my hair up so it wouldn’t get wet. It wasn’t the best pony tail I ever made, but I didn’t mind strands of hair falling out of it.