“Ah, so that’s what you decided on, huh?”
“Yes, I was thinking we could paint you green, give you a ripped shirt, and maybe you can growl at people all night.” She paused, blinking. “Is that okay?”
“Hey, you’re the mastermind behind the costumes. I just do as you ask, baby. If you want me to dress up as the Hulk, I’ll do it. Besides, it’ll be fun. I can’t wait to see you in your costume.”
“Shut up.”
“You’ll make that leather look so sexy.” His voice became deeper, huskier, and her body tingled in response. “It’ll be hard to behave in front of your friends.”
“Well, you’ll have to. Jeb will be there, remember?”
“So? You’re my girlfriend—and we want to stay as close to the movies as we can, so he can’t argue with Bruce Banner being all up in that.”
“Shush.” She was laughing so hard she could hardly breathe. “I promise you can do whatever you want to me—after the party. Just keep it PG in front of my brother and our friends.”
He sighed dramatically. “Fine. I suppose I can do that. For you.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He paused. “You know I’m just teasing you, don’t you?”
“Of course I do.”
“Good, because I’d hate for you to think I’m really that big of a horn dog. I’d never disrespect Jeb, or you, like that. I’ve got morals, babe.”
“And that’s why I love you.” She smiled and rolled onto her stomach, only realizing what she’d said when she heard Callum’s breath hitch.
Oh, God. You idiot! She buried her burning face against the mattress. Stupid, stupid, stupid!
“So anyway,”—she cleared her throat loudly and awkwardly—“I’m going to order our costumes and then we can drive to pick them up later tonight. Are you okay with taking a road trip with me?”
“Uh, yeah.” He sounded disoriented and she knew why. Her stupid big mouth, saying things she didn’t mean to say out loud. God, she hoped it wouldn’t change things between them. “What time do you need me to pick you up?”
“Six would be great.” She chewed on her lip and got up from the bed, pacing back and forth nervously. “We can get dinner, too—if you want.”
“Have you ever known me to pass up dinner?” He chuckled. “Six is fine, babe. I’ll see you then.”
“Okay. Bye.” She made a kissy noise and hung up, staring at her phone as if it had suddenly turned into a hideous monster.
He didn’t mention anything about what she’d said. Did that mean she was in the clear? Would everything be okay?
I really do overthink things.
—————
Callum
It was almost eleven when they finally got back on the highway and headed back to Prairie Town. With their costumes in tow and bellies full, he wagered that Lydia would fall asleep at any moment and he was completely okay with that.
It’s the little things. He told himself as he gripped the steering wheel and eyed the speedometer. I want all the memories I can get with this girl.
The last three months had been the best of his life and he was incredibly happy with her. He couldn’t remember the last time he was so happy—maybe when he got his first car, but that was an entirely different kind of happy. Lydia made him happier than that old beat up Toyota ever could.
Yet there was still a worry that lingered in his mind, even now, as he held her hand within his own between the seats, he couldn’t help but think about December.
He was well aware that Jeb’s grandma had given specific instructions in her will for her grandchildren to receive their inheritance; Jeb had to go back to college the following summer, Laney had to invest in a new car to get her back and forth to cosmetology classes in the spring, and Lydia had to stay in Prairie Town for six full months before writing it off for good.
No matter how many times she smiled at him or how many kisses they shared—no matter that she had said she loved him earlier on the phone—he was afraid it wouldn’t be enough to keep her around.
I won’t be enough to keep her around.
It was stupid to think like that. He knew it was stupid. Jeb had told him a thousand times he was being a moron about it, but how could he not worry? Lydia had said, time and time again, that Prairie Town wasn’t where she wanted to be. She was a beautiful, exotic bird and such birds could not be caged.
But he’d never cage her.
I’d fly free with her.
Lifting her hand to his lips, he traced them over the backs of her knuckles and snuck a glance at her. She smiled at him and he smiled back, feeling his heart swell with more emotions than he knew what to do with.
“Thank you for going with me.” She said, squeezing his hand. “I can’t wait for tomorrow night.”
“I can’t either, babe. And you’re welcome.”
He knew she was excited to see her friends again and he had meant it when he said he was, too, but there were stupid worries lingering in his head.
What if seeing Benji and Agatha again only made her homesick?
Stop being selfish. His mind scolded. You can’t keep her here against her will.
True, he couldn’t. But her grandmother’s will could, at least for three more months. Perhaps he could convince her before time was up.
Prairie Town needed her.
Her family needed her.
He needed her.
The feel of her warm, soft lips against his cheek startled him, but it was more than welcome as he grinned and looked at her.
“Trying to make me wreck?” He asked as she kissed her way to his mouth.
“No,” she giggled, nipping his bottom lip. “If I was trying to make you wreck, I’d do this.”
He released a grunt of surprise when her hand cupped him over his jeans, palming him slowly.
“Babe,” he said breathlessly, forcing his eyes to stay on the road. “What are you doing?”
“I’m getting into character.”
“W-what?” He sucked fresh air into his lungs and squirmed as she began to kiss his neck. The distinct sound of his zipper being pulled down reached his ears just as the bright beams of an oncoming car came into view. “Lydia, someone will see us.”
“No, they won’t.” She promised. Her sweet kisses moved down his body over the fabric of his shirt, and God, it was all he could do to keep his foot on the pedal as her cold hand reached inside his pants and grabbed hold of him.
“Baby, what are you doing?” He laughed nervously, licking his lips in anticipation. “I’m trying to drive.”
“Then keep driving.” She said, stroking him. “You know you should always have dessert after dinner, right?”
“Is that what this is?” He swallowed hard.
“Mhm. So just keep driving. It’s called road head, you know.”
“I know what it’s called.” His eyes threatened to close on him as her tongue swirled around his sensitive head. “Oh shit. Oh...Lydia...”
She had gotten braver over the last few weeks. They explored each other for hours at a time, giving selflessly and taking heatedly from one another. His mouth had been on every inch of her body just as her tongue had traced over every centimeter of his skin.
But this was a little too brave.
Glancing in the rearview mirror, he eased off the highway and rolled to a stop on the shoulder, turning on his emergency flashers.
“Lydia—oh.” His eyes rolled into the back of his head as she inched him into her mouth. Thank God he’d pulled over or they would have crashed by now. Lifting his hand and running his fingers through her hair, he watched her head bob up and down. “Baby...”
She moaned quietly, sending vibrations down the length of his cock and the tightening in his stomach grew stronger. Yes, she’d gotten braver, but hell if he wasn’t reaping the benefits of it. Her blowjob skills were amazing.
The windows began to fog up as his breathing became heavy and rapid. He tightened his fingers in her
hair and let his head fall back against the seat.
“Almost.” He panted. “Almost, baby.”
“Mhm.” She moaned.
The slurping sounds she made while sucking him off were divine, and it drove him closer and closer to the edge as he turned his head and watched her perfect ass wiggle in the air. Sliding his hand down her spine and gripping her soft bottom, he squeezed as he came, hard and beautifully, into her hot mouth.
“Oh my god.” He released a throaty moan. “Lydia, so perfect. So, so perfect...”
She slowly sat up and wiped at her lips, smiling again as if nothing had happened.
He gazed at her from beneath heavy eyelids and grinned lazily. “Thank you.”
“You silly man,” she kissed the tip of his nose. “You don’t have to thank me for going down on you. I like doing it.”
“Well, I’m glad you like doing it.” He smacked her ass, earning a yelp from her as he pulled her closer. “Because I like returning the favor.”
“In here?” She asked in surprise. “There’s not enough room. Besides, we’re on the side of the highway. It’s dangerous, don’t you think?”
“Well, you’re the one who decided we like living dangerously.” He smirked, twisting around in his seat until he could face her. “Just roll down your window and stick your foot out.”
“You’re kidding.”
“No,” he shook his head. “I’m not kidding. It’s doable.”
“But...but someone might see us.”
Dipping his hand beneath her skirt, he began circling his fingers around the outline of her clit and she immediately silenced. Her hips undulated against his palm and he knew he had her right where he wanted her.
“You weren’t too worried about anybody seeing us just a few minutes ago.” He whispered in a deep, smooth-as-honey voice. His fingers worked steadily against her clit over the fabric of her panties and she moaned in response. “Window down, foot out.”
Lydia nodded quickly and fumbled to find the button for the window. The mechanic whir of the window lowering was deafening as he applied more pressure, rubbing faster.
“That’s my girl.” He caught her earlobe between his teeth, tugging lightly. “Foot out.”
Kicking her shoe off, she lifted her leg and stretched it out, allowing her foot to dangle out the window.
“Perfect.” Tugging her panties to the side, he eyed his prize. “You should always have dessert after dinner.”
And then he dove in.
Chapter Sixteen
Lydia
The day of the big Halloween party had finally arrived and everyone was busy preparing for one hell of a night. Sure, it wasn’t Vermont or California, but Lydia was certain they could make it a night no one would forget.
Jeb and Callum had gone to the ice plant to get some ice—a perk to being employed there, her brother claimed. Laney and Benji had gone shopping to get all the ingredients for the appetizers and desserts they intended to serve, and Lydia stayed at the apartment to decorate with Agnes.
“Man, I love Halloween.” Agnes declared, hanging up another glow-in-the-dark ghost. “It’s the one night of the year people can dress ridiculous and not be judged for it.”
“And it’s wonderful.” Lydia smiled, tip-toing to tack a string of orange lights above the doorway. “Ugh. Can you help me?”
“Sure thing. Move over, short stuff.”
“Thank you. I’m so glad you’re here.” Hopping out of the way, she watched as her friend pushed the thumb tack in with ease, not even having to stretch to do so.
“I’m glad I’m here, too.” Agnes turned to face her, his light blue eyes sparkling as he cupped Lydia’s cheeks between his hands. “And I’m happy to see you happy.”
Blushing, Lydia smiled. “It’s that obvious, huh?”
“Yes.” Agnes patted her cheeks and lowered his hands, heaving a pleased sigh. “I was worried you’d never break free and find someone. That worried me, you know.”
“Worried you?” She frowned. “What do you mean?”
Agnes made his way back to the kitchen and began rummaging through the glittered madness of pumpkin ornaments and little black bats. They’d been Laney’s idea, but there was so much glitter.
“I remember the girl who hid behind Aggie’s skirts every time a man asked her to dance at the club.” Agnes snickered. Referring to his alter ego in the third person was nothing new. Sometimes Lydia suspected Ags was just more comfortable viewing his split personalities as twins, two separate people. It made sense to Lydia at least. “You were so terrified of them, sweetie. It was cute, sure, but it was also worrisome. I don’t like the thought of my friends ending up alone in this world. No one should be alone.”
“I was never alone. I had you and Ben,”—her voice became softer—“and Gran.”
“Yes, and you’ll always have us, Muffin, but...”
“But what?”
“Everyone deserves to experience the wonders of love. That Cinderella song knew what it was talking about.”
She immediately knew what Agnes was talking about. Cinderella was one of their favorite movies to watch together. Hell, all the Disney movies were their favorites to watch together. Benji may never admit it, but he liked them, too. Most of their nights together consisted of fixing popcorn and singing along, rather loudly and off key, to every single song.
“You think I’m in love?”
“Are you kidding me?” Agnes cocked his head to the side, dark black hair falling into his eyes as he grinned. “I don’t have to think it, darling—I can see it, clear as day. You. Are. In. Love.”
She was certain her face turned twenty different shades of pink and red as she busied herself with sorting through the ornaments, but when Agnes’ hand fell atop hers and the scent of his cologne invaded her nostrils, he had her full attention.
“I can still remember all those nights you’d fall asleep with your head in my lap, worrying that you’d never find love.” He whispered, blinking back tears. “Lydia, it is wonderful that you finally became comfortable enough with who you are to allow someone else to experience it. There’s nothing greater in the world, sweetheart. Love is a wonderful, extraordinary thing. Just tell me one thing, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Do you think he may be ‘the one’?”
That question sent her heart into overdrive and her lungs began to ache as she thought about it. Was Callum ‘the one’? There had never been anyone else to compare him to, but he was pretty wonderful in her book. Not only did he accept her for who she was, past and all, but he also encouraged her to always be herself. He wasn’t ashamed of her. He made her smile. He made her happy. He had somehow become her reason for being born.
“You know,”—she bit her lip and rested her hand atop Agnes’—“he just might be.”
“Good.” Leaning in to kiss her forehead, Agnes bumped the tip of his nose against Lydia’s, something they had done countless times in the past. “Just make sure he knows I’ll castrate him if he ever hurts you.”
“Will do.” She laughed, looking up as the front door opened.
“We’re back!” Laney giggled, carrying about ten bags in each hand as she hurried into the kitchen. “We bought so many great things. I’d love to eat them all right now, but—”
“I told her there wouldn’t be anything to eat after we get high and that pretty much stopped her from chowing down.” Benji finished as he came in behind her, more bags in tow.
“High?” Lydia rolled her eyes. “Please tell me you’re not being a bad influence on my sister, Ben.”
“Me?” He feigned offense as he lifted a tattooed hand to rest over his heart. “Would I ever do such a thing?”
“Yes.” She and Agnes said in unison, laughing.
“Oh, puh-lease, Lydia!” Laney giggled, shaking her head furiously. She seemed so excited, so happy as she began emptying the bags. It seemed they bought more candy than actual food. “You act as if I’ve never had a joint before. Mind
you, big sister, I’ve done a lot more experimenting than you may think.”
“So you’re a little rebel, huh?” Benji wiggled his eyebrows, causing the piercing on his left brow to glint from the bright lights above. “I think I like you.”
The blush on her sister’s cheeks did not go unnoticed by Lydia and she couldn’t help but to wonder if there was a spark between them. It would be wonderful, in her mind, but the thought never crossed her mind that her sister could be interested in one of them—one of her friends—someone like her. It caused her heart to flutter in a wonderful way.
“Be good, Benjamin or I’ll be forced to lock you in a room all night.” Agnes said in a sing-song voice.
“Oh, please, Papi.” He pleaded, clasping his hands together and shaking them. “Promise me you’ll use handcuffs, too?”
“Get out of here, you filthy boy. Go fetch the rest of the food!” Agnes swatted his rear and sent him on his way, chasing him out the door and down the hallway.
“Oh my god.” Lydia said softly, eyeing her sister.
“What?” Laney’s smile faded as she stared at her, her eyes widening in confusion. “What is it?”
“You like him, don’t you?”
“W-what?” She ducked her head down, pretending to assort the seemingly hundreds of bags of candy bars and gummies. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yes, you do. You can’t lie to me.” Lydia maneuvered around the counter, cornering her near the stove. “Do you like Benji?”
“Don’t be stupid, Lydia.” She suddenly became defensive and mean. “That’s so stupid.”
Backing off, Lydia placed her hands on her hips and gave her a knowing smile. She didn’t mean to embarrass her, but if there was a potential match in the making, she wanted to be a part of it. Benji was a good guy—a little crazy and wild, but good. Laney deserved good.
“He’s single, you know.”
“Because Tara cheated on him—yes, I know.” She mumbled, turning her back to her to open the cabinet doors. As she began to grab the big bowls they’d bought specifically for the party, Lydia noticed her hands were shaking.
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