by Jamie Craig
I didn’t really expect you to do my gardening.
Ana
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: ana_moon
From: bj_scalia
Subject: Re: ??
You could have asked me to check up on things. I would’ve been more than happy to do it.
Since when have you known me to say I’ll do something and then not follow through? *wink* But I showed up at the house, and a guy I didn’t recognize was walking out, and he kept calling it “his” house. I got angry, which, all right, maybe I shouldn’t have. But I thought you two were over, and then to hear some of the things he said…
I’m sorry. It’s just hard. Because I love you, and I hate anybody saying anything derogatory about you. Or me, for that matter. He kept calling me “kid.” *snorts*
Love,
Ben
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: bj_scalia
From: ana_moon
Subject: Re: ??
Not to excuse his rude behavior, but you *are* 20 years younger than him. You probably look like a kid to him.
We are over. We’ve both moved on. He’s engaged even. But he’s still a part of my life and it’s just…it’s complicated, Ben. The two of us, well, we’ve always had a complicated relationship.
I’m sorry I’ve been too busy to talk this past week. I still have my other clients and responsibilities to deal with, on top of little miss prima donna. But maybe that’s for the best.
Ana
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: ana_moon
From: bj_scalia
Subject: Re: ??
Does complicated give him the right to bad-mouth you? Or to try and warn me away from you? Because that’s what he was doing. Telling me to call him after the honeymoon was over, so that we could dish about how awful you were, apparently. I don’t care who he is, or what kind of relationship you two might have now, but I’m sorry, that kind of ill respect isn’t acceptable. Not to me. And it’s not because of how I feel about you. I probably would have popped him if he’d said those kinds of things about any woman I cared about.
I know you’ve been busy; I’m not holding any of that against you. That’s what happens when you’re at the top of your game like you are. *wink* I just plan on spoiling you thoroughly when you get back to make up for it.
Love,
Ben
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: bj_scalia
From: ana_moon
Subject: Re: ??
Thank you, Ben. I know Clint probably said some…disrespectful things. I know he can be an ass. Well, I know it now. He wasn’t always like this, and sometimes, I prefer to think of him as the person I used to know. He used to be very sweet and thoughtful, and I’m still not sure what happened to him.
And thank you for taking care of the weeds. They would have been totally unmanageable if left on their own for three weeks. You know, I do appreciate everything you do for me. I’ve missed you. I keep meaning to call you, but by the time I get a few free minutes, it’s already like two in the morning. I miss your voice.
Ana
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: ana_moon
From: bj_scalia
Subject: Re: ??
Well, I don’t have classes now, so if I knew you were going to call, I could be up at that hour if you wanted. There’s always something cheesy on SciFi or Comedy Central to keep me awake. I got my paper done already, so I’ve got more time on my hands. I’m just waiting for my buddy Mason to look it over before I start polishing it for submission. I would’ve asked you, but I figured you wouldn’t be interested in reading about wave theory and how it can be used to predict urbanization trends, lol.
Oh, Shasta ate one of the chili pepper plants before Claire or I could stop him. I don’t think you have to worry about Shasta getting into the garden again any time soon.
I miss you, too. I’ve missed waking up with you. I’ve missed your freckles and the way your nose wrinkles up when you smile. I’ve missed kissing you for hours. I’ve missed your laugh.
Two more weeks is a long time.
Love,
Ben
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: bj_scalia
From: ana_moon
Subject: Re: ??
Congrats on finishing your paper. You know, I’d be happy to help you if I could, but just reading the topic of your paper is enough to make my eyes glaze over. Are you sure you want to be with somebody who doesn’t even know what wave theory is?
Miss Prima Donna had a bit of a breakdown yesterday morning. It was just a bad day for her, I guess. First, her spot on a radio program was bumped because they ran out of time. To her credit, she managed to keep from crying, but just barely. Then she had a luncheon with a local writer’s organization. They apparently didn’t get the memo that she doesn’t eat red meat. This, as I’m sure you know, is my fault, even though I sent them a very specific menu that they ignored. Once she realized the menu was messed up, she refused to eat ANYTHING. She wouldn’t even let me buy her a salad or a sandwich. So, of course, she was hungry and short-tempered during her signing this afternoon. There were only maybe 3 or 4 dozen people at the signing. She has decided this is an unmitigated disaster and wants to know how I’m going to fix it so she doesn’t have to be humiliated like that again.
Sometimes, I wish I could hit somebody, too.
Ana
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: ana_moon
From: bj_scalia
Subject: Re: ??
My secret is out now. You’re dating a math geek. The leather pants are my last ditch effort not to fall prey completely to my eventual total geekhood.
Honestly, I don’t know how you do your job as well as you do. What I like about dealing with numbers is you can’t argue with them, and they can’t argue with you. Where do you get the patience to deal with the people you’re forced to? It constantly amazes me.
Are you staying someplace with a spa or those kind of facilities? It sounds to me like you need to be pampered for a change, instead of having to pamper everybody else.
Love,
Ben
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: bj_scalia
From: ana_moon
Subject: Re: ??
No, no spas here. On the bright side, when I planned her itinerary, I built in three extra days here in Chicago. I figured she’d appreciate the time off, if nothing else. I had no idea it would save my sanity, too! That also means we can chat or use the phone.
Sometimes, my job is pretty awesome. I try to focus on those awesome moments.
You know, I find your geekdom very endearing. And very sexy when it’s paired with those leather pants.
Ana
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: ana_moon
From: bj_scalia
Subject: Re: ??
We need to find an excuse to go out when you get back so that I can wear them again. I haven’t had much luck in finding new bands that sound interesting, but I’m too picky, I guess. I’m going to keep plugging away. *Something* has to be worthy of our attention.
Do you own any leather? Should we have a shopping trip when you get home? *wink*
Love,
Ben
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: bj_scalia
From: ana_moon
Subject: Leather
No, I don’t own any leather. I’m not sure I can pull it off anymore. What have you got in mind?
Ana
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: ana_moon
From: bj_scalia
Subject: Re: Leather
Not pull it off any more?!? Are you kidding me? With those legs and that ass, you were *made* for l
eather pants. Sometimes I wonder if you’re even aware of just how sexy you are. I honestly don’t get this blind spot you have.
If the pants make you uncomfortable, what about a vest or a top or something? We’ll start small and work up to the pants, lol.
Love,
Ben
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: bj_scalia
From: ana_moon
Subject: Re: Leather
A vest would be good, I think. I want something new for the Moon concert in September. What about cuffs? Would that be a good use of leather?
Ana
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: ana_moon
From: bj_scalia
Subject: Re: Leather
Cuffs work. Cuffs work well.
It’s a shame you’re not here for the concert tomorrow night. This author of yours has the worst timing ever. I don’t suppose you can fly back for the night and then fly back the next morning?
Love,
Ben
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: bj_scalia
From: ana_moon
Subject: Re: Leather
I have tried and tried to figure out a way to get halfway across the country and back without being noticed. I feel like I’m fifteen, trying to figure out a way to sneak out of the house. Suffice it to say, it’s not going to happen. You’ll send me some mp3s of the show, right?
Ana
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: ana_moon
From: bj_scalia
Subject: Re: Leather
It’ll be just like being there, I promise.
What are you doing right now? Can you talk?
Love,
Ben
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: bj_scalia
From: ana_moon
Subject: Re: Leather
I’m on a conference call. I’m emailing you while everybody else babbles on and on and on and on and on…
And on…
They’re a bunch of windbags.
Ana
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: ana_moon
From: bj_scalia
Subject: Re: Leather
Then I’ll be satisfied with what I can get. I should probably be grateful for the windbags. This is the most time I’ve gotten with you since you left.
So how bad would it be if I started talking about how hard I am for you? Is there anybody around you, or will you have to sit in front of your client and try not to squirm when I start talking about eating you out?
Love,
Ben
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: bj_scalia
From: ana_moon
Subject: Re: Leather
It’s a little bad. I’m alone in the room, but I’d have to keep my breathing under control.
Speaking of bad, is it bad that I bought a vibrator the first free second I had here in town?
Ana
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: ana_moon
From: bj_scalia
Subject: Re: Leather
It’s only bad if you plan on being selfish with it when you get back. Though it would have been nice if you didn’t need it at all. You could have pent up all that sexual energy and set it loose on me when you got home. What a way to say I missed you. *winks*
We need to think about how we can celebrate when you’re back in LA. Anything you want to try that we haven’t already? *asks the horny man, desperate to hear details about what would get you especially hot*
Love,
Ben
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: bj_scalia
From: ana_moon
Subject: Something new
After the day from hell yesterday, I needed to majorly blow off some steam. So I took a long bath, but that didn’t help me at all. And the vibrator wasn’t doing anything for me. So I decided to try something a little…different.
I propped my hips on the pillows and made sure the vibrator was good and slick (I had a little bottle of KY). I used my fingers first to stretch myself, and I thought about how long your fingers are. Once I was stretched and slick, I pushed the vibrator into my ass. It has been a LONG time since I’ve done anything like that, so it took a while to get it into me completely.
I really wish it hadn’t been a vibe, Ben.
Ana
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: ana_moon
From: bj_scalia
Subject: Re: Something new
*deep breath*
*another deep breath*
Have I mentioned how much you kill me when you say things like that? Jesus, Ana…
I hate that vibe. I don’t think I’ve ever been so jealous of an inanimate object before in my life. And I’m sorry, but you do know that there is no way I’ll be able to refrain next time I see you, right? I’ll let you choose the position, though. On your back or from behind? Personally, I’d love to see you on your back. I love to watch your face, and to see you as I’m burying my cock in your ass…
*another deep breath*
Two weeks is an eternity. It’s a good thing my paper is done. I would never be able to concentrate now.
Love,
Ben
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: bj_scalia
From: ana_moon
Subject: Re: Something new
If I expected you to restrain yourself, I wouldn’t have mentioned it at all. I’ve had that thought in my head since the first night we met at the club. I want to be on my back. I like to watch your eyes. Do you know they change? They get darker and darker until they’re not blue or green.
Ana
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: ana_moon
From: bj_scalia
Subject: Re: Something new
You, Ana Seger, are a woman of unending surprises. All the best kind.
Does this mean I’m forgiven for punching the ex?
Love,
Ben
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: bj_scalia
From: ana_moon
Subject: Re: Something new
Yes, you’re forgiven. Just try not to do it again, ok?
Ana
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: ana_moon
From: bj_scalia
Subject: Re: Something new
As long as he doesn’t say anything bad about you in front of me again, his face is safe from my fist. My fist would actually be grateful for that. Do you know how much it hurts to punch somebody in the face?
Love,
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: bj_scalia
From: ana_moon
Subject: Re: Something new
*Laughs*
I’ll have to take your word for it. I’ve never actually punched anybody in the face, though I’ve been tempted. More tempted than you know.
It’s probably time that I take the key away from him. It’s my house. He doesn’t need to be coming and going like he still owns the place.
Ana
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: ana_moon
From: bj_scalia
Subject: Re: Something new
*stands up and applauds*
That’s my girl. You don’t need his shit. You have plenty of friends and other people you can rely on to do whatever little things he was doing. Not to mention, it’ll show him once and for all that both of you need to get on with your lives. If he’s engaged, I can’t imagine that the new wife-to-be is happy about his little trips to your house. Think of the favor you’re doing her.
Damn. That was a really tall soapbox. I should probably get off it.
Love,
Ben
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: bj_scalia
From: ana_moon
Subject: Re: Something new
It was just nice to still have the connection…I know, I know. We’ve already established he’s being a jerk, and he probably deserved a good punch in the face. But still.
Well my call is finally over. I think I’m ready for bed.
Ana
* * * *
Date: May 17, 2007
To: ana_moon
From: bj_scalia
Subject: Re: Something new
Sleep well. Dream well. I’ll talk to you as soon as I can.
I love you.
Ben
Chapter 12
Ana curled up on her bed with a single glass of wine and resisted turning on her laptop. Ben was probably at the concert, so he wouldn’t be around to chat or e-mail. But that didn’t make a big difference, because she wasn’t sure she wanted to talk to him. Every time she read one of his e-mails, her resistance wavered. She knew what she needed to do. She knew she made the right decision.
But if it was right, why was it so fucking hard?
She was a coward. If she had been less cowardly, she would have broken up with him before she left. And she had considered telling him her decision in e-mail, but that seemed like a really awful thing to do. She could at least break-up with him face-to-face. But if she did that, he’d try to stop her. So that left the phone, but didn’t he deserve better than that?
Ana didn’t know. She set her wine aside, afraid if she didn’t stop sipping, she’d keep sipping, until she made it through the bottle. Then maybe a second bottle. Then she would call Ben, and who knows what horrible thing would happen next? It was better not to wine. Better not to fall back on that crutch.
A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. She considered ignoring it. But whoever was out there was insistent. Growling, Ana pushed herself off the bed and marched across the room to yank open the door.
Her angry greeting died on her lips. “What are you doing here?”
Ben smiled, that I got you smile that made his eyes twinkle and her resistance waver. His hair was disheveled, his clothes casual, and there was a backpack thrown loosely over his shoulder. He could’ve been a college kid hiking through Europe. Maybe he had hiked through Europe.
But he was here. At her door. And he was still smiling.
“I told you. Two weeks is a long time. Too long.”
It didn’t seem very long to Ana. If anything, she wished she had another week. Maybe after a month, she’d have her nerve.
