Special’s hand covers her mouth. “Oh, God! What are you going to do?”
“Nothing. It’s done. What could I do?”
“What’s going to happen with your dad?”
“Probably nothing. I’m sure all the resignations will be blamed on me. That I incited them or something. Dad needed a scapegoat and I’ll be it.”
She grabs my arm, saying, “But that’s crazy.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’ve made a decision anyway.”
“A decision?”
“I can’t work with Dad anymore, so I’m going off on my own. Starting my own firm.”
She sits straight up in bed. “Did you say you’re starting your own firm?”
“I did. That’s what transpired yesterday. I hate it ended the way it did. I had meetings with my both my attorney and investment broker to verify my trust status. Dad can’t change much. He can change a little, but most of it is locked up since I’m over twenty-five. So I switched everything to a different account to protect my assets. Dad only has access to ten percent of my holdings now.”
She cups my cheeks and kisses me. Then her arms are around me, hugging me. “Are you sure about leaving? What about your mom?”
Leaning back so I can look at her face, I say, “You met the Ice Queen. Did she seem like she cared even a tiny bit about me? I swear she doesn’t —at all. Never has.”
“Oh, Weston, I’m sorry it’s come to this. Maybe in time, things will iron themselves out. Either way, I’m positive your business will soar.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I’m not worried. I have so many connections, and my reputation is solid. Besides, now I can work at Habitat too.” I was exaggerating how easy it was going to be, but I didn’t want her to worry with the new bar already weighing on her.
“Come to Mimi’s for Christmas. I know she’ll want you there and so will Cody.”
“I’d love to. And since my family doesn’t give a shit about me, they won’t even notice I’m not there.”
The truth is, I’d been disowned and was no longer invited to my own family’s Christmas. Not that it mattered, because I hated going there anyway, but I didn’t mention that to her. The encounter with Dad ended up with me being kicked out of the office, and it wasn’t without witnesses. Even so, I was worried about his business. He was losing half of his people—the ones who made things tick. There would be no way for the company to function without them. When he told me to clean out my office, it was with rage and fury in front of a dozen or more employees. I tried to calm him down, but the more I tried, the more agitated he became. He even tried to hit me. Finally, I lost it and my big mouth told him to fuck himself in the ass, which was stupid on my part. I should’ve taken the high road, should’ve walked away, head held high. Instead, I yelled and left with my things in a box.
From there, I went straight to my broker’s and then on to my attorney’s. I was too quick for Dad. He must’ve assumed I would crawl home to lick my wounds. But he underestimated me. Everything was solid, set in stone, had been since I’d turned twenty-five, and there was nothing he could do. I’m sure he was fuming when he discovered what was done. All I kept thinking was where had I gone wrong? The only thing I’d ever done was tried to please him. I’d never gone against him on anything except my hair and ink. Well, those and the fights I got in when I was an adolescent. But the school counselors had always said that was a call for attention. The time has come to let it go and recognize no matter what I do, I will never be the person they want me to be. I have finally realized they are the ones who are incapable of love, not me.
Chapter 32
Special
If I could march over to Weston’s parents’ home and wrap my fingers around their necks, I would do it. But then I’d go to jail, and Cody would be left alone with Mimi. Those fucking assholes don’t deserve a son like him. Honest to God, what is wrong with people?
When he left, all I wanted to do was hold him and not let him go. The pain and emotion in his voice as he told me what happened razored through my gut. I can’t even come close to understanding how he must’ve felt. At least now he won’t be subjected to their mental abuse over Christmas. I called Mimi and told her he will be spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with us.
“He is?”
“Yes, so make your biggest best meal because he has a huge appetite.”
I laugh when I think about it. Mimi loves feeding people. My phone rings and I check out the caller ID.
“Hey, Jeb, what’s up?”
“Does Cody have one of those fancy video things?”
“Yeah, why?”
“I want to get him some games for Christmas. Which ones does he want?”
I let him know and then I tell him about Weston joining us.
“That’s great news. You two are getting mighty cozy.”
“He had a major falling out with his family, which is why he’s coming.” I hope I’m not crossing any confidentiality boundaries by telling Jeb.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” He chuckles.
“It’s not funny, Jeb.” I can’t believe how insensitive he’s being.
“Oh, I’m not laughing about that. I was thinking how excited Mimi will be when she hears the news.”
Now he’s got me laughing. “She acts like a dorky teenager around him. It’s a little ridiculous.”
“You have to cut her a break. She thinks he’s cute.”
“Cute? I wouldn’t exactly call Weston cute.”
“What would you call him, Special?”
Hot. Sexy as fuck. Soaks my panties. “I’d call him attractive.”
Jeb’s shout of laughter nearly cracks my eardrum. “Right. I’ve seen the way you ogle the man, particularly when his backside is facing you. Those eyes of yours are glued to his gluteus maximus. Attractive, my ass.”
“Ha-ha. Aren’t you funny?”
“No, not funny. Just honest.”
“You can take your honesty and put it you know where.”
“Would that be up my gluteus maximus?” Jeb laughs again.
“I’m hanging up now.”
The next week is hustle and bustle. Work is crazy busy. We are lined up with people, parties of eight, ten, and twelve, all celebrating the holidays. I hope it’s not temporary and won’t fade after the new wears off. Jeb keeps telling me this place will stick. He’d better be right.
My Christmas shopping is done. Cody wanted tickets to a Falcons and a Braves game, along with a trip to Six Flags. I was able to secure tickets to the Braves game, but it won’t be until March. I struck out on the Falcons. They are already in post-season playoffs, and it just wasn’t happening. We’ll have to wait until next season. Six Flags doesn’t open until March, so for a replacement I got tickets to the aquarium. We’ll also visit Legoland. I hope he’s not disappointed. Santa will leave him a note, explaining the situation.
As for Weston, he’s a difficult man to buy for. Thankfully I know he has a great love for reclaimed wood so I combed the internet for old doors and located a couple. Jeb picked them up for me, and I have them stored in the barn. I hope he loves them.
Mimi was easy as usual. I bought her some new sweaters, and I got Jeb a Falcons sweatshirt and baseball hat. He’s a huge fan, which is how Cody ended up becoming one too.
Christmas Eve morning, Weston picks me up and we head to Mimi’s. Jeb talked me into closing A Special Place. I wasn’t going to because there were plenty of football games being played, but he convinced me that it should be family time, and the employees would appreciate me giving them the day off. So I agreed. Plus, the money I will receive from the lawsuit, which was settled super fast, thanks to Weston’s attorney friend, will come in early in the new year. It’s relieved some of my financial worries.
When we arrive, Cody is already bouncing off the walls with excitement, and it’s not even lunchtime. What will he be like by dinner? Weston takes him out to run off some of that energy. They toss the football and kick aro
und an old soccer ball that Weston brought with him. Then they come inside to watch a movie and play video games while Mimi and I cook. Jeb is supposed to stop by around five. Dinner is at six thirty.
Cody conks out for a nap at four. Weston carries him to his room and we all laugh.
“We are so happy you’re here to run off some of his energy,” Mimi coos. Good Lord, she nearly snuggles up to the man. I catch Weston out of the corner of my eye and he’s loving it. After listening to his story about his dad, I totally get it. He basks in affection. I hate to think it, but I wonder if this thing between us is because he is starved for attention. Am I simply a convenience?
“Yo, Spike? You okay over there?”
“Uh, what?” I say, glancing at him.
“I’ve been talking to you, and you’re in a trance.”
“Sorry. Just excited for Cody to get his presents. That’s all.”
He drops the potatoes he was juggling, likely showing off to Mimi, and walks over to me. I’m standing by the stove with a casserole trying to figure out how it’s going to fit in the oven. The big fat turkey is already taking up most of the space in there. Moving things around, I wedge it inside and close the oven door with a satisfied grin.
Taking my hands, Weston places them on his shoulders, then he leans down, and with no shame or embarrassment kisses me as though we are the only two people in the room. Even though I can’t see her, I know Mimi is gloating over this.
When he breaks off this kiss, he asks, “Now what are you thinking about?”
The little shit. I’m going to kill him.
“Too bad I can’t tell you.” My hand gives his cheek a little pat and I lick my lips—the same ones he just kissed and are now begging for more. All insecure thoughts of him are gone because they now are focused on how much I want him to fuck me. Only we can’t. My grandmother stands not five feet from us, and I don’t think she’d appreciate it very much.
Then to my utter shock, Mimi says, “If you two kids want to sneak out to the barn, now would be a good time.” And she turns back to the vegetables she’s working on.
Weston gives me a look that screams YES. I’m surprised his fist isn’t pumping the air. I don’t even have time to remove my apron before he’s dragging me out the door and into the barn. It’s pretty chilly out, but he knows exactly where he’s going. Up to the hayloft.
“You’re a devil, you know,” I say.
“The very worst sort. My horns are out to here.” He rests his thumbs on the top of his head and spreads his index fingers up in the air.
“Horny bastard.”
By this time, we’ve climbed up the steps. He grabs my apron and jerks hard so I cave into the wall of his chest. “Tell me your panties aren’t the slightest bit damp.”
“I can’t. I’d be a liar.”
“Good. Drop your drawers. I want to turn that damp into full on wet.”
His eyes never leave me as I strip. Goose bumps break out all over my flesh, and not so much because I’m cold, but mainly in anticipation of what’s to come. And I intend to come. More than once in fact.
He drops to his knees and buries his face in my sex, placing a thigh over his shoulder. Then his thumbs spread me as the tip of his tongue zeroes in on my clit, teasing it. Two fingers slide inside and I’m not sure how much longer I can remain on one foot. I don’t have to worry much because my climax bears down on me faster than a speeding train.
He picks up the old quilt that's lying on some stacked bales of hay and sets me on top of it. Unzipping his fly, his dick springs out, swollen and hard. Pushing me back and putting my legs over his shoulders, he thrusts inside me and we find a rhythm. This is going to have to be quickie because we need to get back inside before Cody wakes up. Weston presses his thumb on my clit and before long it sets me off to another soaring climax. He follows me shortly after. Afterward, he falls on top of me, catching my mouth in a bruising kiss.
“Have I told you how glad I am you went on the pill?” he asks.
“Yeah, so am I.”
Then he slides out and lifts up slightly to slip his hand beneath my apron and shirt.
“Cold?” he asks.
“No. You?”
“No. Your nipples are so hard.”
“It’s not from the cold.”
“That’s good to know.”
He rolls to the side and I see he’s still erect. “You … you’re still …”
“You don’t have to be shy about it.” He laughs. “Go ahead and call it a hard dick or cock. Or even a penis.”
I lick my lips. “I’m trying to get used to it.”
“My dick?”
“Yeah.”
“I thought you already were,” he says, running his fingers up my sex.
“Well, that part of me is. I meant talking about it. It’s just a little weird for me.”
“Why?”
I shrug as best I can lying down. “I don’t know. It just is.”
He takes my hand and pulls me up. “Let me un-weird it for you. Special, this is my dick. Dick, this is Special. You two are going to become very comfortable with each other. Kind of like I am with your pussy. And don’t say that’s weird too, because I have a seriously gigantic crush on your pussy. Actually, I have a confession. I have a problem when it comes to your pussy. I’m a pussy-holic, and I’m going to be talking about it a shit ton.”
The way he says it makes me bend over laughing.
“Should you seek counseling for this affliction?” I ask.
“Nah, just more fucking will suffice.”
I laugh even harder.
Then he holds out his hand. “Come on, Princess Spike. Time to get dressed. And don’t forget to thank Mimi. She did us a solid.”
Chapter 33
Special
We come strolling out of the barn right as Jeb pulls up.
“Hey, you two. What have you been up to?” He knows good and well what we’ve been up to.
“Oh, just walking around out here,” I say.
“That a fact?”
“Yep,” Weston adds.
Jeb pokes his tongue inside his cheek. “Spesh, come here a sec.”
I waltz up to him and he pulls something out of my hair.
“Thought maybe you might want to tidy yourself up before you go inside.” Then he hands me a piece of hay.
I glance at Weston for a second and say, “Thanks. And, Jeb?”
“Hmm?”
“Merry Christmas.”
“Yeah. I almost forgot.” He gives me a hug and shakes Weston’s hand. “Glad you’re here with us to celebrate, big guy.”
“Thanks, man. So am I.”
We walk into the kitchen. Our noses immediately tell our stomachs they’ll be happy as hell pretty soon. Cody dashes into the kitchen, yelling, “Santa’s coming tonight! Santa’s coming tonight! And it’s gonna snow!”
Jeb scoops him up and says, “Whoa, sport. Where’d you get the snow report from?”
Cody wiggles to get down, but Jeb tickles him.
During his giggles, Cody says, “I know ’cuz I asked him to bring me some. You know, in my letter.”
Jeb glances at me over Cody’s head. “Dude, that’s a tall order. Santa can do a lot of things, but snow? Now that’s a different ballgame you’re talking.”
“Nuh-uh. He can load it up straight from the North Pole. They have lots of it up there.”
I mouth the words, “Told ya,” to Jeb. I’m just going to put that in the letter too. No room on the sleigh for all the snow, Cody.
Mimi and I shove the guys out of the kitchen so we can finish cooking. She nudges me with her elbow.
“Did you have fun in the barn?” She winks at me!
“Mimi, I can’t believe you.”
“You should be thanking me. I saw the way he looked at you after he kissed you. Special, that boy’s in l-o-v-e with you.”
“He is not. We’re just having fun.”
She leans back, putting her hands on her hip
s. “Some kind of fun, too. You better open your eyes, girl. He’s head over heels for you, and you’re a blind woman if you don’t see it. His eyes never leave you when you’re around.”
“Mimi, I hope he’s not using me.”
“What are you talking about?” There’s no covering up how appalled she is at my comment.
“It’s just that he’s never received genuine affection before, and I have to wonder if he may be a little infatuated with me because of that.”
“Pfft. He’s too old and mature for that. In fact, I think he’d avoid infatuation. He’d only let his guard down for the real thing.”
“You’re probably right.”
Mimi grabs my hand and leads me to the small kitchen table where we both sit. “I know you had a terrible time in high school. I thought I was doing the right thing by sending you there, but I wasn’t. Those kids were awful to you. You thought you hid all those tears from me, but I knew better. You and Sasha sneaking out at night, going up to the hayloft. That was your place to share your secrets, but I knew more than you thought. I also knew you’d find a way to deal with your pain. What I didn’t know was that you’d close yourself off to men. I worried so much about you. When you met Weston, I was thrilled. He was the first man you ever showed an interest in. He’s a good man, Special. Follow your heart. Don’t be afraid this time. He won’t do you wrong. I feel it in here.” She makes a fist and places it over her own heart.
I throw myself at her. This is why I love her so much. She always knew when to open up, when to love, but also when to leave me be. “Thank you, Mimi. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
We finish cooking in the kitchen and call everyone in the dining room to eat. Cody is almost, not quite, but almost too excited to eat. The only time he asks for seconds is when he finishes his mashed potatoes.
“Honey B, instead of cookies and milk, can we put out some mashed potatoes for Santa?” Cody asks.
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