by Elle Boon
“YES, THAT’S IT. COME all over my cock. Son-of-a-bitch, Nova. You’re so fucking tight.” He didn’t want to come, didn’t want the night to end. His fingers continued to thrum her clit, and her tightening pussy demanded his dick do nothing else but join her. With a few more thrusts, he too came, jet after jet, filling the damn condom he hated. He slapped his palms down onto the bed next to her, a feeling of lightheadedness hitting him. What the fuck? Shit, he’d never had that happen to him, not once in all the times he’d had sex or made love. The admission made him feel as if he’d done something wrong, like he’d fallen for a woman.
He shoved backward, leaving the warmth of Nova. “Be right back,” he muttered. This time when he entered the bathroom, he shut the door. He turned the shower on, needing the water to do something. What he didn’t know.
Inside the tile enclosure, he braced his hands on the tile. “Fuck,” he growled.
How the hell could he feel so damn good one minute and like shit the next? For that matter, why should he feel guilty? His wife was dead, had been for years and years. Even before that, she was gone from him. He’d been faithful. She hadn’t, choosing her lover over him and their child. She died because of her life choices while he...he’d been left with being a single father.
Of course, throughout their marriage she’d left many times, but the last time when she’d come back to him and Delilah, he’d taken her in knowing she was dying. His love for Delilah had been that great. So why then, when she lay dying, hadn’t she wanted him beside her, the father of her child, the man who had taken her back, taken her in and given her everything? He’d often wondered what he could’ve done to be better, but the fact of the matter was, his wife had been an addict. The man she’d left him for, time and again, had been her dealer. Nothing he could’ve done would’ve been what she needed or wanted because he wasn’t a drug. Keifer hadn’t truly loved her either, but his ego had been hurt. He hadn’t slept with Rachel for years, not even when she’d asked him to for old times’ sake before her death.
The water turned cold, making him realize he’d been in there a long time. Shit, Nova. He turned the knobs to off, grabbing a fluffy towel from the rack and with quick motions, and hurried back toward the bedroom. The silence that greeted him had his stomach twisting. He looked around for her clothes, but they were gone. “Shit,” he said out loud this time.
Chapter Six
Nova had thought she’d been humiliated before. You know, walking in on your boyfriend getting his dick sucked by another dude while a bitch rode his face was pretty bad. However, having a guy fuck your brains out, not once but twice, then hurry into the shower to quickly wash you off of him—that right there ranks up there above the boyfriend bullshit.
If she hadn’t needed to use the bathroom, she might’ve missed the way he’d cussed and the dejected way he’d held himself in the shower. She almost apologized for...she wasn’t sure. Sullying him with her body maybe. But dang it, she really did enjoy it. Her body still tingled from his possession. No way could she face him, ever. Thank god he’d been wise enough to wear a condom. Since her breakup, she had no need for birth control. She would’ve hated to have had to worry about an unexpected pregnancy, or some sort of STD. Not that she had one, but what did she know about him. She wasn’t going to think of him or give him the courtesy of using his name even in her mind.
Quickly and quietly, she bundled up her clothes, tossing them on in the living area. She pushed her feet into her boots then looked around to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything. She wished she could’ve used his restroom to clean up, but clearly that was a no go. Thankfully it was winter so she could put her hat on and cover up her just-got-laid hair. The beard stubble marks that marred her from neck to knees was also hidden. She hoped she didn’t run into anyone she knew in the lobby or streets because conversation was beyond her at the moment. At ten in the evening in Sweetheart, most of the residents would be home.
“If I’d have known what kind of epic disaster this night was going to be, I’d have been too,” she whispered, doing her best not to cry as she took the stairs instead of the elevator. She peered down the hallway, happy nobody was around. With her hands in her pockets, Nova hit the exit and headed to her Nana’s house. If luck was on her side, Nana would be in bed and she could slip in without the older woman questioning her.
The front porch light was on, which was a good sign. Holding her breath, Nova entered the house, listening for noise. No television or Nana chatter. Nova almost felt guilty for not going in to check, but her mind and body needed a moment. She went into the guest room and shut the door, locking it behind her. She shucked her clothes, dropping everything into a pile before she went into the adjoining bathroom. After a hot shower where she washed her hair and then her body twice, she finally got out and put her comfy clothes on. She was tempted to just go to bed, but she knew that was the coward’s way. Her Nana might need her, and that was her main reason for being in Sweetheart. “Way to hop back on the horse,” she said, thinking she should’ve chosen a different man to have broken her celibacy with.
Outside the guest room, silence met her. “Nana?” she called.
In the kitchen a note was pinned to the refrigerator. She had to read it twice before she grasped what she was seeing. “Nana is staying the night with a man?”
She picked up the house phone and dialed the number her Nana had been kind enough to leave. On the third ring, her Nana’s laughing voice answered. “Darling, what are you doing home?”
Nova pulled the phone away from her ear and looked at it like it was a foreign object, then put it back to her ear. “Where else would I be, Nana? I’ve taken a shower and thought for sure you’d be home any moment. I didn’t think to check the kitchen until just now. Color me shocked to see your note.” She had known the injury was better and that her Nana was going to be returning to work on Monday, but she still hadn’t thought the older woman would be...with a man.
“Well, you see. Me and Harold had a little misunderstanding. And well, your mom thought I needed someone to stay with me. I didn’t have the heart to tell her differently. Then there’s the salon, and I couldn’t really work so you were really perfect. You know I hate to let my clients down, and you are an amazing stylist, just like your Nana. You’re not upset with me, are you?” Her Nana didn’t sound as chipper now.
“Of course, I’m not. So, does that mean you don’t need me anymore?” She tried not to sound as excited by that prospect. However, sticking around Sweetheart and possibly running into Keifer was about as appealing as a root canal.
“You don’t have to leave just because I’m not...there. What about your date?”
“Nana, it wasn’t a date. I told you that.” She didn’t know how to explain to her Nana that what she and the man she wasn’t naming had done, was clearly a colossal mistake. “Besides, this way I can get home and get things ready for New York Fashion Week. You know that big thing I’m part of,” she teased.
“Oh, darling, I hope I didn’t mess things up for you?” Nana Nell sounded contrite.
“Nana, I had everything done and ready to roll. I still have over three weeks, and my partner is more than equipped to handle things until I returned next week. However, since you don’t need me, I can go back early and work on some new designs that I came up with.” She had no such thing that could be done in that timeframe, but she wasn’t above a little white lie.
“I just can’t believe you were a stylist, and now you’re having your own runway show at fashion week. I can’t wait to see all your creations.”
“You don’t need to travel right now, Nana. I’ll have more, and you can come to the next one.” Nova didn’t correct her Nana in regard to her being a stylist, not when she hated the thought of her Nana missing her first big show. Only picturing the older woman with her tennis-ball-laden cane while trying to get around New York didn’t sit well with her.
“Nonsense. I will be there with bells on, and my Harold will be with
me. Luckily this old fart and I set things right. When will you be leaving?”
“I’m going to see if I can get a flight out this evening or first thing in the morning.” She closed her eyes, tears falling from them.
“Oh dear, I won’t get to see you before you leave,” Nana cried.
“You’ve seen me every day for a week. Besides, I’ll be back in a few months with mom and dad. You go on and do Nana things with your guy. I don’t want to know what they are, but have fun doing them. Your clients are all good until you come back Linny said. Your salon is amazing, Nana.” It was, too. She was so proud of her Nana.
“You’re just like your father, full of it.” Nana’s sniffle filled the line.
“It’s why my mother married him. Ok, I’m gonna get off here and see if I can get a flight out. Love you, Nana Nell.”
“Love you to the stars and beyond, my sweet Nova Leigh.”
More tears fell from her eyes, unchecked, which she was glad the older woman couldn’t see. Her mother said on the night she was born, that her Nana had been outside the delivery room and saw a shooting star as she stared out one of the windows. When they’d explained they were naming her Nova, her Nana had smiled, saying that was a fitting name, since I was the bright new star in their lives, just like a super nova.
She hung up then hurried back to her room so she could get her cellphone. Within minutes, she was able to secure a flight out at the asscrack of dawn. Instead of staying at her Nana’s house and worrying about traffic into Denver, she decided she’d leave right then and chill at the airport. She wasn’t running away from what happened, rather running to her real life. That was her story, and she was sticking to it. After she dried her hair so it wouldn’t freeze in the cold, she french-braided it, ensured she had all her things, and left a little note for her Nana. The tradition her mother had started years ago had been one she continued. Anytime they visit one another, they always leave a note.
Dear Nana Nell,
Thank you for your hospitality and letting me be your stylist-fill-in-extraordinaire. Although your shoes are mighty big, I hope I did you proud. I will say your clients are some of the best I’ve ever encountered, but I wouldn’t have expected anything less, since they’re friends of the bestest Nana in the world. One day, I hope I can be half the woman you and my mom are, but until then, I’ll continue to be a student of yours. When I look up to the sky and see the brightest star, I’ll know that’s you and mom watching over me, and when you look up and see the little one behind it, know that’s me in your shadow. Thank you for being my guiding light. You’ll always outshine me, and one day, I hope to shine for my children too.
Love you always,
Nova Leigh
She looked down, watching as one of her tears smudged a corner of the letter. The cellphone dinged with a message telling her the Uber had arrived. She did a quick sweep of the house, making sure everything was secured and then she walked out the door.
“NELL’S DUE BACK NEXT week and doesn’t have any clients until then. I had a message from Nova on the machine, so I’m pretty sure she’s not coming in again, either. Is there something I can do for you?”
“No, thank you. I was just going to tell her how much I appreciated her for taking care of my daughter’s hair the other day,” he said, lying through his teeth.
“Ah, such a lovely girl. I’m glad Nova was able to change her mind about dying her hair black. It was sheer genius to suggest the subtle blue under the blonde if I do say so myself. I really would’ve had to tackle her to the floor. I don’t even want to think about how I’d have had to have explained to Nell why her granddaughter and I were tussling in the salon. Trust me, Nell is a sweet woman, but if anyone hurts her granddaughter, they should be prepared for the wrath of...well, it’s best to not find out,” the woman said with a laugh.
“Ah, yes, I can only imagine. Well, thank you again, and please convey my thanks to Nova when you see her.” He hung up without waiting for a reply.
“I’m such a dumbass,” he said.
The squeak the of door to the suite opening drew his attention away from his own inner flagellations. For a second, he thought Nova might’ve come back, which was stupid of him to think. For one thing, it was daylight, and for another, hours had passed since she’d snuck out on him. He should’ve gone after her last night instead of allowing her to have walked home alone. Not that he blamed her after the way he’d left her lying in his bed following the most sublime experience of his life.
“Hey, dad. You look like crap.” Delilah, followed by her grandparents, entered the suite.
He was glad housekeeping had come in and cleaned up already. The last thing he needed Rachel’s parents to see when they entered, were the wine and whiskey glasses sitting around with the dregs of last night’s alcohol inside. Not that there was much liquor still in them.
“Love you too,” he said, smiling at his daughter’s little jab as he held his arms open for her. No matter how awful he felt, he would always love his little girl. She was his world.
“Hello, Keifer. Thank you for letting Delilah Jean come and stay with us last evening. We’d love to have her for more extended stays.”
Keifer heard the unsaid words, without you. “I’m glad you had a good time. What are your plans today?” There was no reason to reiterate that it was their last one before they leave tomorrow. If his daughter wanted, he’d let her come back and visit on her own.
He listened with half an ear as the trio talked and made plans.
“So, how long before you’re ready, Keifer? Or would you rather stay here and...rest?” His ex-mother-in-law asked.
Keifer narrowed his eyes, wondering if that was her subtle way of insinuating, she thought he was hung over or something. “It’ll take me ten minutes to shower and get ready. Why don’t you three hang out here while I do that?”
“If you’re sure?” Karla Dupont questioned.
He gave a nod, meeting James Dupont’s sorrowful stare. The man was always silent and without a backbone, the poor bastard.
“Delilah, did you want to get the presents we brought for them while I shower?” He didn’t have any desire to be present while Rachel’s parents looked over the things. He’d given his daughter carte blanche to go through her mother’s stuff and select what she thought her grandparents would like. Hell, he couldn’t give two shits if it all went in the trash, except he knew his daughter wanted some of it.
“Oh, you brought us gifts?” Karla’s eyes glittered with a brightness that might’ve been unshed tears.
“Yes, ma’am. They were things of Rachel’s we thought you might like. Go ahead and get them for your grandparents, Delilah. I’ll make it quick.” He brushed a kiss over his child’s head as he passed her, heading for the bedroom before the older couple could thank him.
Once in the shower, he hurried through his routine, ignoring his dick and thoughts of how good it had felt to sink inside Nova last night. When he came back out, the DuPont’s were sitting on the couch with Delilah, looking over the things they’d brought for them. He stood in the doorway and watched them for a moment, wondering how things might’ve been had Rachel still lived. The reality hit him that more than likely they wouldn’t have still been married because he wasn’t a forgiving man, and infidelity was something he wouldn’t have been able to forgive, let alone forget. She’d said that he worked too much and hadn’t given her the attention she’d needed, which was probably true. However, he didn’t believe that gave anyone the right to fuck around on the one they vowed to love for the rest of their lives regardless of her addiction. The first time he’d forgiven her because he’d felt like it had been his fault. The second time he’d taken her back because they’d had a baby. The third time he’d taken her back because she was dying. However, he knew they wouldn’t have stood the test of time. Rachel wasn’t cut out to be the type of woman he needed or wanted as a partner. He stared at her mother and saw nothing of the woman he’d been married to. His daughte
r may look like her mother, but she was beautiful on the inside and the outside, unlike Rachel who was for lack of better words, a narcissist. He actually didn’t blame her parents who were lovely people. Sometimes even the greatest parents wound up with kids who were bad eggs.
Mr. Dupont had his arm stretched across the back of the couch, his fingers twirling in his wife’s hair. He couldn’t imagine him ever straying into another woman’s bed or Mrs. Dupont for that matter. In that moment, Karla looked over at James, a smile he’d never seen bloomed on her usually stern face. No, those two would never hop into another’s arms.
“Dad, they love their gifts,” Delilah exclaimed.
Keifer straightened from the doorframe, strolling into the room like he hadn’t been watching for the past couple of minutes. “That’s good. I can have them sent over to your house, if you’d like, then we can take you both out to brunch?” Surprisingly, they had a wonderful visit, making him change their plans.
Keifer and Delilah decided to stay and spend the next couple of days with Karla and James. The loss of their daughter was still a huge wound for them. He understood how they felt to an extent, being a father himself, even thinking of anything happening to Delilah could send him into full-on-panic mode. They blamed him for a lot of things, and again, he understood because they had to blame someone, and Rachel had frequently called her parents to vent. Although they’d known their daughter had issues long before meeting him, they’d thought he could fix her. It didn’t matter that their daughter would call and make up stories in order to weasel money out of them, blaming him for all her woes. Did he agree with her doing so? Hell no. One thing he did know was you couldn’t change the past and you sure as shit couldn’t predict the future. You live in the here and now, so he was prepared to make each and every day the best for his child as he could. If that meant allowing her to see and talk to her grandparents more often, then he’d do it. And if coming here, he ran into one Nova the runner, well, then he’d call that a happy coincidence.