“Making love. It was a first for me.” There’s a hint of vulnerability in his voice.
Staring into his eyes, my mouth widens into a full megawatt smile, my insides dance lightly like I’m in ballet shoes springing around the stage gracefully, my heart drums dramatically inside my chest wall. “Really?”
Nodding his head, he runs his finger over my cheek. “Yeah, really.”
“Did I do it okay?” Worried now that I may have let him down, I doubt myself.
“We made love together perfectly.”
My leg drapes over his, my fingers tighten in his hair. “Shall we do it again?”
Laughter roars around the room and I push his ass forward so he’s still close to my pussy.
“Oh baby, I think you may have a liking for this.” He rolls onto his back, taking me with him.
“Only with you, Ocean.”
I just made love.
To a woman who now controls my heart.
I don’t need anything more.
My body alive but quiet and tranquil, drowning out the savage for now.
This here is everything.
Time flies when you’re busy with a gorgeous dark-haired beauty.
Two days have slipped past. Phoebe’s confidence has increased in bed, but she’s also been keen to be around the girls to finalize wedding details while I’ve been trying to track down her brother without any success.
“You remember the girl from the shop? The one with the father and brother who used to beat up on the girl in the shop?”
“Oh yeah, your crush? How can I forget?”
“Well, Bluebell’s her. Phoebe and Bluebell are the same woman.”
My sister sounds like she spurts her coffee all over the phone in shock. “Are you serious? That’s insane.”
“Yeah, but more insane is that he’s trying to hurt Phoebe again and I can’t fucking find him, anywhere.”
“Ocean, I know you think you can fix everyone’s problems, but some things are out of your hands. Look at Mom and Dad, nothing we do will ever make them see you in a different light.”
“I don’t care about them. I love you, the guys and their girls and Phoebe.”
“At Crystal’s, I could see how drawn you are to her and her to you. It’s so uncanny you guys have found each other. And almost running her over. Sheesh.”
“What can I say, other than she’s mine.” Pacing the floor, my eyes lift when I notice Phoebe’s feet in front of me.
“I saw that instantly too.”
“Anyway, sis, I have to go. Phoebe’s on a tight Emerald made schedule so you know what that means. Are you okay to get to the wedding yourself?”
“Sure am, I’ll see you there. Bye.” Hanging up, I wish she would find someone that would treat her how she deserves to be cared for but there’s still plenty of time, I guess, she’s young.
“We have to stop at the shop to pick up the flowers for Emerald, then we need to head to Crystal’s factory.” Breaking me out of my thoughts, Phoebe’s twirling her hair around her finger and she coyly looks at me to make sure I’m alright with her giving directions.
“When do we need to leave?”
“In about ten minutes, that way you have time to get back here to get organized with Slate.”
Nodding my head, she’s got our part all planned out.
“Emerald hasn’t given you much time. All I need to do is show up to go with the guys out there. You though, have got lots to get done.”
“I only have to pick up the bouquets. Lilly’s made them up for me after I explained to her exactly what Emerald wanted. She didn’t care she had to stay back. She was happy to help out, plus she’s happy for the extra work while I’m away. I feel bad that I haven’t been there for ages. If it wasn’t for Lilly, the shop would be closed and I’d have no income.”
“Money’s not everything, your safety is more important. But are you missing the shop?” Drinking my coffee, Phoebe looks wistfully to me.
“Of course. It’s my life. The shop and the work keeps me centered. Building it up to what it is today, I don’t want it to suffer because of my family. I’ve lost enough to them, but I know while my brother is still out there, I need to stay here. I get it.” She glances down but her voice remains strong.
“I hate knowing you’re not doing what you love to do.”
“Well.” Placing her finger on her mouth like she’s thinking. “It is a hardship I guess, staying in this luxury apartment with the man I fantasized about for years but…” Pouncing on her, I wrap Phoebe in my arms and start to tickle her.
Laughing loudly, I should take pity on her, but I don’t. Her body thrashes and she hollers. “No more, no more, I can’t… Ocean, please. I’m sorry.”
“I don’t think you really are.” My fingers dance over her ribs and under her arms, she twists and turns. I feel lighter than… in forever.
“Please. I’m sorry. I love it here. Please, no more. I don’t want to leave.”
Moving back, my hands stop on her hips. Her breathing is fast, her cheeks pink.
Quietly, I search Phoebe’s eyes for any hint of a mistake coming from her lips. “What?”
Catching her breath, she realizes what she’s said. “Ummm. Hmmm. I di—” Uncomfortable with me scrutinizing her, she lowers her chin, her eyes cast down to the ground.
“Did you mean what you said?” Lifting her face up to meet mine, worry radiates from it.
“Arrr, yeah. But I know it’s only for a short—”
“Baby, stop.” Pulling her closer to me, I make sure we are still looking at each other. There can be no mistakes. “I want you here. Not because your brother is out there someone, not because I want to protect you at every turn but because having you here with me, feels better than anything has. I want you to stay but I didn’t want to scare you. I have a habit of being a little… bossy?”
Running my hand through her hair, she closes her lids, chuckling a little while taking in my words.
“Truly?”
“Yeah baby, really and truly.” I find it hard to contain my smile.
A phone alarm dings loudly. “Snap. We have to go.” Wide eyes shine looking at me.
“We’re not going anywhere until you tell me you got it.” Smirking and cocking my head to the side, my grip tightens around her slight body.
Chewing her lip, I can tell she’s unsure.
“I honestly mean this, Phoebe. I want you in my life. I want you here with me, in this apartment and anywhere else we go. I know I’m a lot to put up with.”
Reaching up on her toes, she kisses me. There’s no holding back until she escapes for air. “I want that too.”
Smacking her sweet ass playfully, I know she doesn’t want to let Emerald down. “Come on, we will have to save this for later. Delayed gratification apparently is all the go at the moment. Guess we’re going to find out how it works for us.”
Nodding her head, Phoebe looks happy. “Thank you.”
“Would you stop with the thank yous. I should be thanking you.”
“Why?”