Here and Now

by Wasowski, Mary

  I instructed her to lift her long slender leg and step to the side. Once she was free from her dress, next was the sexy as sin bralette set she was wearing underneath. On my knees ready to worship her and it amazes me that she doesn’t believe how fucking sexy she is. I’m almost nervous about how fast my heart is beating.

  “Baby, it’s not our first time you know.”

  That earned her a love tap on her ass. “I’m just taking my time if you don’t mind.”

  “I actually do because I want you so badly and now is not the time for your teasing.” She turned and lifted my chin so I could look up at her. “What are you waiting for?”

  “I just love you, baby.” I worked my fingers up her leg caressing every part of her until I reached her garters and unfastened them one by one. The silk material only made me harder for her. She turned with her hands twisted in my hair pulling me closer to smell her arousal. I ripped her underwear off and entered her slick folds with my tongue making her tighten her grasp on me.

  “Holy shit! I’m going to fall over,” she shouted out.

  “Shhh, I’ve got you, Renee,” I whispered and took her wet pussy again until she shouted out her release. Practically limp in my arms, I carried her to the extravagant bed layered with rose petals. It took me a second to get naked and climb over her. My hands were on the sides of her head watching her glazed over eyes look back at me.

  “You are so beautiful and under me where you belong. I hope you don’t plan on sleeping because I intend to be buried deep inside of you until the sun comes up.”

  PRESENT…

  Renee

  Two amazing months later, I was standing before my staff and saying goodbye for a while. We conducted a rigorous search for the perfect partner to join my practice and be the new “me” until I was ready to come back. Casey Davidson was the perfect fit for what we were looking for. She specialized in the same field as I do. I almost laughed out loud when I was interviewing her because, in another life, we could be sisters sharing the same likes and dislikes. She was well rounded with an easy-going flow to her personality, perfect for this office.

  It was a Friday, spent going over every last detail before it was time for me to leave everything I worked so hard for in their capable hands. Emily and Gus were thriving with building up their client list and making their own mark in the practice. I’m so proud of the both of them. Okay, this is it. The part where I walk out those doors and trust that all will be well upon my return.

  “Stop stalling, mom,” Emily said as she stood close to her husband.

  “I’m not, I’m just so incredibly proud of what we have built here. To work alongside you amazing people. We have learned and grown with each other helping so many individuals who have trusted us to help them, and by doing so, making our lives so richer in the simple knowledge of that. You’re going to be great, just not too great where you all forget me.”

  “Not a chance, boss. We love you. Now go find that handsome husband of yours.” said Jeanie.

  “Yes, I second that, but eww to the handsome part. Don’t you two ever stop gushing over each other?” I laughed as Rogan walked in and joined us.

  “No, and I hope we never do. You should be so lucky son in hopes you will find your someone special someday.”

  “I’m working on it, mom. You never know? Someday may just be around the next bend. But today is not about me, it’s about you and dad who is waiting for you. Are you ready?”

  PRESENT…

  Lawson

  “Okay, I believe that covers it. Thank you, Alison.”

  “Hey, what about me? I helped her.”

  “Right, and the sky is purple. You just be brilliant in what you know but leave the managing of the office to the boss here.” I pointed to my longtime assistant who was practically bouncing on her feet. It wasn’t often I displayed such emotion, let alone high praise but I’m a changed man and I know what I have and promised myself I would not be taking anything in my life for granted again and that includes my staff. She’s had to put up with a lot from me over the years and never has let me down, it’s only fair to be awarded with not only words but a huge raise too. She deserves it and so much more.

  “You have an amazing time, son. Give my daughter a hug and kiss from me. We will be here when you two return.”

  “Thanks, dad, I will. Don’t work too hard, okay?”

  “Yeah, and the sky is purple.” He took me in for a long strong hug and a slap on my back. He wasn’t always the most affectionate man but I knew and felt what he was saying.

  I stood at the top of the stairs of the company jet watching Rogan open his mother’s car door. She stepped out under the late day sky getting ready to set and begin the night. Her smile was warmer than the late day sun. She gave our son a hug and began walking toward me. I took her in my arms and said, “Are you ready for the next adventure?”

  “As long as we’re together, I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth.”

  “That’s what I hoped you would say.” Kissing her passionately, I scooped her up in my arms and carried her to our private quarters hearing Rogan call out “have a good time” I was in bliss and couldn’t help myself. I felt younger than my fifty years and so strong in body. Her love made me feel this way and I never wanted it to stop. We divested of our clothes in record time and made love 35,000 miles in the air locking out the rest of the world.

  Just us two.

  Back then, the only thing we were sure of was the knowing and feeling of being in love. Yeah, it’s the stuff that makes up fairy tales in the romance novels my wife and daughter love to read.

  I kissed the top of her head as she slept soundly beside me. I breathed her in knowing just how lucky I was to be the man she chose and trusted. In our beginning, we had our doubters. Young love is just that. It’s built on infatuated emotions and unrealistic dreams. I let out a small laugh causing her to stir.

  “You okay, baby?” she whispered nuzzled into my chest.

  “Yeah, I’m good. Go back to sleep,” I said and kissed her again.

  Sometimes in life, the book is judged by its cover, never knowing the story inside, and that’s okay. Not everyone has to believe in love but we do and it was that love that has sustained us throughout all these years together.

  Although I loved her from the time she was just sixteen, and watched her wave from her porch as I left her there to wait for me to return. The real story of Lawson and Renee began the moment she circled the date on the calendar. It’s when I knew she was truly the one then as much as she is now.

  Now that’s a wrap for Lawson and Renee’s love story.

  Now moving on to Rogan and Alexane.

  “You got another postcard from your father,” I hear from Alison, his longtime assistant and my saving grace since he’s been traipsing all around the world with my mom. I peer up from my monitor and she never misses an opportunity to tell me how tired I look.

  “Where are they now?”

  “Thailand,” she replies. “It’s getting late and you are the last man standing. Do you want me to order you some dinner before I go home for the night?”

  “Nah, I’m fine,” I say as she hands me the card. “They are crazy. Who knew they were global adventurers? Did you read it?”

  “I couldn’t help it.” She smiles and tries hard to stifle her laughter.

  “It’s okay. It’s hard not to when it’s written with a bold black marker. I’m happy for my parents.”

  “We all are but I really need to get home. See you in the morning, and please do not sleep here again, okay?”

  “That was a one-time occurrence and I appreciate you not telling my father how many hours I’ve been putting in. The project is now done and the only thing we are waiting on is the inspections to come through which should be any day now.”

  I worked for another three hours before heading home. I was beyond exhausted but so freaking proud of the completion of the new water systems for the farmers that were affected by land
deals that went bad, weather, and just bad luck.

  I climbed the stairs to my old bedroom back at my parents’ home. I had been staying here while they were away on their trip and enjoying the perks of using their huge hot tub. Yes, casa Douglas had its advantages after a long day spent at the office. I swam some laps in the Olympic size pool and then soaked my sore muscles in the hot tub for a while. When I was finally relaxed, I collapsed on my bed and managed to sleep to almost eight which is a new record for me. I knew I didn’t have anything pressing to deal with this morning, so I took the time to get a work-out in and eat a real breakfast for a change.

  My phone was vibrating with one call after another, all from my father. I knew he was checking up on me, no thanks to Alison his spy.

  “Hello dad,” I answered with a sigh.

  “Good morning, Rogan, I see you are making good use of the pool while we are away.”

  “What!? How do you know that?” I questioned.

  “The house is monitored, you know that. And before you ask, I wasn’t spying, your mother was.”

  “Gee, that makes me feel better.”

  “Watch the tone. She was worried about you because you haven’t returned her calls and have been avoiding mine, so we checked the feeds on the cameras. What gives, Rogan? You are practically living at the office which you promised you would not do.”

  “I know and I’m sorry for that. I’m sure you have checked in with Ty and Paul about the project completion.”

  “I have and I am extremely proud of all the great work you have accomplished.”

  “But? Come on, I know it’s coming.”

  “No, it’s not. You are a grown ass man and you have your own life. You have done incredible work over at Douglas, and I’m proud of you.”

  “Thanks, dad, I appreciate you saying that.”

  “No, thank you, Rogan. You, grandpa, and the team have made it possible for me to have this time with your mother. It saved my marriage.” He paused after he said that maybe not wanting to reveal something so personal to me.

  Mom and dad always sheltered us from any real problems not that we really had any growing up until they took their small window apart. “You’re welcome but I think you are exaggerating on the saving part. You two are amazing and perfect role models on what a marriage is all about. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You just had a blip, that’s all.”

  “Maybe, but it still makes me grateful for all of you. We have a few more stops before we head home for good. Let me know how the inspections go. I hear the new inspector down in Fleming’s office is tough and doesn’t cut corners. I think his name is Depry, yeah, Alex Depry. He just doesn’t just hand out green tags until completely satisfied with the work.”

  “Well, we are too, and I’m not worried about a newbie still wet behind the ears inspector. We will have our green tags and then it’s back to business. His name is not familiar to me, have you worked with him before?”

  “I have not. He’s new with the Agricultural Division at the EPA. Take my advice and work with Ed, and play nice with the new inspector. You don’t want to make an enemy down there. Okay?”

  “Yes, I get it. I’ve been around these guys long enough to know how the game is played. I’m not worried about our jobs.”

  “Very good. Keep me posted if that’s not the case.”

  “What? No daily reports from Alison?”

  “Smartass, and no. She’s not your babysitter, she’s my P.A. and a good one at that. Don’t give her a hard time and get one of your own. I don’t like to share.”

  “Bye, dad.”

  “I love you, son.”

  “Good morning, Alison,” I said as I stepped off the elevator.

  “If you want to call it that,” she said grimly. “Here, you need to take a look at this. Ty and Paul are already at the site.”

  I took the file and dropped my bag on the chair before taking a seat. The minute I opened it, I knew my day was fucked. “The dipshit red flagged us? How is this possible?”

  “That’s what the team is trying to figure out. You should get over there.”

  “No, I have a call to make first. Will you give me the room?”

  “Of course. I’ll be outside if you need me.”

  I continued to read on before throwing the file across the room. I hit #2 on my desk phone and hoped I could get this misunderstanding worked out before lunch. “Are you fucking kidding me!?” I shouted into the phone receiver. “No, I won’t calm down until you get me Ed Fleming on the phone. I don’t care if he’s in a meeting. One way or another, he’s going to talk to me.”

  Well, that went well with his assistant hanging up on me. “Alison, I’m going over there, I’ll be on my cell if you need me,” I called over my shoulder as I took the elevator down to the parking garage. I was so fired up, I could spit nails. This is bullshit and I will get to the bottom of this. My phone buzzed in my pocket and I looked down to see it was Ty calling. “Hey, you still over there?”

  “We are and it’s not good. The new inspector is a hard ass and will not budge until we pull the lines from Harrington, Stallings, and the Jefferson farms. I’m telling you, Rogan, these lines are sound. I don’t know what made this guy fail us but it’s not our fault.”

  “Don’t I know it. I’m going to speak to Ed in person.”

  “Yeah, good luck with that. The bastard has been ghosting us all morning.”

  “Me too, but that ends right now. I’ll call you back.”

  Thank goodness for boring routines. My grandfather Roman was dead on when it came to Ed Fleming. He leaves his office every day at noon and eats lunch in the same spot at the Promenade. I didn’t waste my time going up to his office, so I waited for him to come out and then I followed him. Sure enough, he sat down at his usual table and then when he was about to take his first bite, I sat down taking him by surprise.

  “What the fuck, Douglas. Isn’t it enough that you harassed my secretary all morning, now you stalk me on my personal time?”

  “Why was I flagged?” I slammed my hand on the table.

  “I wish I knew but I don’t. Rogan, I have worked with your grandfather and father for years and I never once red flagged anything that had the Douglas name on it, and I never will. I have a few more years left and then I retire. We got new blood up in there and I was pulled from this and replaced with Alex Depry.”

  “How is that possible when you’re in charge?”

  “Yeah, that may be true but I’m not an army of one. I have people to answer to as well, and it wasn’t my call.”

  “None of this makes sense, Ed.”

  “Listen, keep your head about you and give me some time to look into it. I’ll call you this afternoon after I make some calls.”

  “Ed, these families have waited a long time for this victory. Please do everything in your power to help us make this right. Our lines are good. I worked those lands myself and helped install all of them. Make this right, Ed.”

  My chair skidded behind me and I left Ed to his lunch. Meanwhile, I drove over to the farms in question and met up with the guys. My grandfather was talking to Mr. Harrington when I pulled up.

  “Hey grandson, what did you find out?”

  “Hi grandpa, not too much right now but I have Ed Fleming working on it.”

  “Rogan, how is this happening? You assured me all would be okay with the lines. I trusted you.”

  “Look, I know you’re upset and have a right to be but I promise you, I will get to the bottom of this. I can’t tell you why we were red flagged because I have no idea, but I will.”

  “Okay, I guess I have no choice. Let me know what you find out.” I watched Mr. Harrington walk away with his head cast down low in defeat. I have to help him and make this right for the farmers, or all our hard work would be for nothing.

  “He’s just upset, don’t take it personally.”

  “Grandpa, how can I not? This was the first project I was given the lead on. It’s my responsibility.”


  “Yes, but grandson, you are not the lone ranger here. We are a team and work as a team. Just because you carry the Douglas name doesn’t mean you are the solo act. Now, let’s get out of here so you can buy me a beer.”

  “I have to get back to the office.”

  “No, it’s beer time and that’s an order.”

  “Seriously, grandpa, what are we doing here?” I grumpily asked as I twirled around on the swivel bar seat.

  “Will you stop it! And what does it look like to you?”

  “Sorry, I don’t mean to be a jerk but I have to get back to work. This red flag issue is driving me fucking crazy and I need to ring the neck of Alex Depry.”

  “Watch your mouth and down your shot. Here, drink,” he handed me the tequila and I did what I was told. “You see? It helps on a bad day. Bartender, another round.”

  “Grandpa,” I said as my head began to slowly spin. I wasn’t a big drinker and my father would have my ass knowing I was in this dive bar with my grandfather. Sometimes I don’t know who’s scarier, Lawson or Roman Douglas. “One more drink and I’m out of here.”

  “I think you need to get laid.” I spat out my beer all over the bar countertop.

  “Grandpa! Are you for real right now?”

  “Yes, are you? I swear the younger generation makes me sad. You are not hurting in the looks department, thank you very much. You can grate cheese off that stomach of yours. Seriously, what is the issue?”

  “Right now, it’s work. I’ll figure the rest out later. Oh, and thanks for the advice but I think I’m good.”

  “Yeah, you’re good? So why haven’t you noticed the leggy blonde over in the corner checking you out for the last ten minutes? Yeah, I’m old but I’m not dead yet. From what I can tell, she looks like she’s drinking a martini. Send one over to her, the dirtier the better.”

  I held my head and counted to ten. I feel as if I have entered the twilight zone sitting here with my grandfather but I can’t help but love the guy. He’s freaking awesome and right. I flag down the bartender and send the martini over but not before confirming that yes, I’m looking too.