My skin beads with sweat. She’s so good. Too good. My hand slides along the arch of her back, tracing her spine until my fingers tangle in the hair at the nape of her neck. I tighten my grip into a fist and pull, bringing her neck to my mouth. “Fuck. Look at you. Look at us,” I whisper at her ear and increase the speed of my thrusts.
Her pussy tightens and she releases a sound that goes straight to my dick. Her hands press against the mirrored glass, trying to hold steady against my pounding. Her breasts bounce, creating the most erotic sight. She’s pure sexuality personified and I’m the lucky guy who gets to call her mine.
My balls tighten with the need to release, but I stave it off. I need her to come with me. Reaching one hand around to where our bodies connect, I find her clit with my fingers and circle it, strumming with a quick beat. In my other hand, I cup her breast and pinch the nipple. I’m rewarded with more breathy moans, and follow her body’s cues until she’s chanting my name—a prayer on her lips, and her thighs start to shake.
“Yes, yes, yes,” I answer back. What’s left of my control snaps with the burst of her orgasm, and soon I’m falling over too. My chest presses against her back, pushing us both against the wall while my cock pulses inside her. This is everything. She’s everything. Peace. Comfort. Home. My mind still says I don’t deserve it, but my heart knows otherwise. This woman is a gift, and that’s something that can’t be earned or bought or bartered for. It just is.
“I love you.” I nuzzle my head into the crook of her neck and press a sweet kiss to her skin. I need her to know without a doubt how I feel about her, even though I pushed her away. Even though I struggle to see my worth.
My words hang between us and I lift my gaze, still unsure of what I’ll find.
Her smile, so radiant, honest and pure tells me everything I need to know.
The next morning I awake, my heart a little weary but not battered and bruised like it should be. All because of one woman’s love. Her warmth cloaks me like a super power, and with her in my arms I don’t feel insignificant or lost. “Hey.”
“Morning.” She presses a kiss to my chest and lifts her gaze. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m gonna need David to sleep in his own bed.” I reach one hand back to knead the spot where my neck is tight, careful not to shift too much and send us both falling off the couch. His toddler bed sits in the corner of our room, unused most nights. He outgrew it six months ago, preferring to sleep in my bed, which worked perfectly fine when it was just the two of us.
She snuggles her body closer, her thigh rubbing against my morning wood. “I don’t mind.” She giggles. “This is cozy.”
“I think my arm is asleep.” I laugh. She used it as her pillow most of the night—not that I minded enough to move. I roll us so she’s flat on her back. I lower my lips to hers, stealing a kiss that soon combusts with the desire that’s always beneath the surface when we’re together. My cock grows hard and I press my body into hers. She opens her legs wide, inviting me closer. If it weren’t for these damn clothes, I’d push inside.
A shuffle from the other room has me pulling away before we do any of that. “He’s up.” I bury my head into the crook of her shoulder and groan with frustration. I anticipate this won’t be the last time my son cock blocks me.
“It’s okay.” Cora’s chest shakes with silent laughter.
“Hey, bud. You sleep well?” I lift my body off of Cora’s, adjust myself, and head David off at the door before he fully notices our overnight visitor. Not that I mind. Honestly, I have nothing to hide from my son. I love this woman. Besides, it’s not as if he’s gonna blab to my sisters that she slept over. I chuckle to myself, finding some positive humor in our situation.
I get him changed and throw on a pair of clean sweats before meeting Cora back in the living room.
She’s changed into her clothes from last night and is slipping on her shoes. “Good morning, David. I like your shirt.”
He ignores her, walking past to go straight for his cars.
She grins, first at him and then me. Normally I feel the urge to make excuses for my son’s behavior. A protective instinct that’s become a habit. I’m so thankful I don’t have to do that with Cora. She just takes him as he is. It’s all I want for him in this world.
“Want to stay for breakfast? I’m gonna whip up some pancakes.”
“I should get going.” She picks up her bag, pulling out her keys and phone. “I need to stop by my place before heading to the studio.”
I close the space between us, looping my arms around her hips. “Thank you for staying.” I press a chaste kiss to her lips.
“Always.” She kisses me back and steps away. “See you on set later.” She lifts her hand in a wave. “Bye, David.”
I hold the door, stepping into the opening to watch her leave.
She pauses halfway down the steps, glancing back over her shoulder. “Hey, Isaac?”
“Yeah.”
“Do you think one of your sisters would watch David this weekend? Just for the day?”
“I can ask.”
“Okay, let me know.” She grins, her smile brighter than the sun breaking through the morning haze. “There’s something I want to show you.”
Cora was everything I needed last night. She listened. She empathized. She offered to help with whatever I needed. Her presence gives me the strength to move forward. I know the path won’t be easy or devoid of challenges, but at least now I know what I need to do. As soon as I drop David off at daycare, I research how to get it done. Hell, with her by my side, I can take on the world.
Forty
Isaac
I make it through the rest of the week, focusing on one task at a time. One homework assignment, one shift at work, one phone call before the next. It’s overwhelming, and the little time I have left is spent with David. Cora and I sneak phone calls, texts, and glances across the crowded studio. While I wish for more moments alone, she doesn’t make me feel guilty that this is all I have to give. Besides, she’s busy too. The production is set to wrap next week and everyone on set is working long hours to make it happen.
By the time Sunday rolls around, I am desperate for some one-on-one with my girlfriend. Marlena comes over to watch David after lunch, and Cora pulls up soon after to kidnap me for the afternoon. I have no idea what she has planned, but her excitement is contagious. Besides, it doesn’t matter where we go, I’m happy to be together.
We drive for over an hour and catch up on the week. We discuss the next steps and challenges for David’s care, and once again she blows me away with her understanding and knowledge on the subject matter. The ride goes too quickly and before I know it she’s taking an exit just north of San Diego. A few miles later she pulls into a mostly vacant parking lot. The sign above the adjacent building reads, ALAA HOUSE. I’ve never heard of it and my curiosity spikes.
I turn to ask, but Cora’s already hopping out of the vehicle. I do the same and meet her around the front. Her gaze seems a little unsure. Maybe nervous? She doesn’t say anything, which is rare. Cora, who has no qualms about saying what’s on her mind or keeping conversation going. She holds out her hand, palm open, and when I take it in mine, she walks us toward the entrance.