Shelter in Place: Quarantine Romance Collection Includes New Novella

by Jamie Knight

  The next thing you know, we were all over each other. We were making out and trying to get at each other in the car. The seatbelts came off and he pulled me on top of him.

  He started dry humping me in the car. I could feel his erection trying to poke out of his pants.

  What the hell was I doing? I had lost it. Absolutely lost it. I wanted to tear his clothes off and have sex with him right on the side of the road. I mean, technically it was day time. We were sitting in the car in the day on the side of the road with the windows now all fogged up.

  “Oh, man. Oh, my God,” he gasped. “Let’s slow down for a beat.”

  He took me off his lap just as someone knocked on the window. I got back in my seat and he rolled it down. It was a cop.

  “Hey, you can’t park here,” he said. “I should write you a ticket. What the hell are you doing?”

  “I just stopped because of the rain, officer,” explained Phil. “Poor visibility.”

  “Oh, well, put on your defrosters and get moving,” he said. “Just go slow. As soon as your windows clear, I want you moving down the road. You can find a parking lot or somewhere to park if you don’t want to keep driving.”

  “Yes, sir. Thank you for not giving me a ticket.”

  Phil cranked the defrosters and we both got our seatbelts on. I was blushing and I think Phil was too. Another minute and he might have found something much more R-rated in the car. However, I was still pretty turned up. I wish we had finished what we started.

  Wait, what am I saying? What did I just do? I made out with my own stepbrother! That can’t be good! That’s wrong! Oh, God! I can’t tell anyone about this! If dad found out, he would lose his mind!

  “That cop,” said Phil, now trying to make conversation. “That was surprising.”

  “Yeah,” I agreed. “Didn’t see that coming.”

  We drove the rest of the way in silence. When we got back, the rain had stopped and the sun came out. Without a word, we unloaded the car. The moment all the bags were on the island, I slipped out of the kitchen and headed for the bathroom. At the last second, I went upstairs instead and locked myself in my room.

  Slipping off my pants, I got on my bed and put my hand down the front of my panties. I imagined Phil kissing me and I started fingering myself. I wanted his big strong fingers in there. Maybe his tongue too and his rock hard cock.

  I was horny beyond belief! We had just go back from the store and here I was with my hands in myself masturbating! I didn’t even do it that often, but I had to get off right there, right now. Even if my door suddenly fell off its hinges, I think I would still have to finish.

  In my mind, I could see Phil’s naked body rushing from the bathroom to his room. His strong muscles and toned ass--- I wanted him to plunge in and out of me, while I pulled that ass closer. I wanted his hot, dripping body on top of mine, ravaging my wet hole.

  Touching my clit, I was really getting into it now. I imagined Phil burying his face into my pussy, His warm, rough tongue on my clit, slurping up my juices. I put a finger in my mouth and started sucking on it. I imagined it was cock while I went in and out of my box with two fingers. I was on the verge! And then gusher!

  Grabbing a pillow, I had to stifle my own noises. I was squealing into the pillow and I’m sure they would’ve heard it all the way downstairs without out. I released so hard and so long, I was shaking and the comforter and my panties where I was positioned were soaked. My whole body was shaking and I spasmed, still orgasming a little.

  God, had it been that long? I guess it had. I really wanted to have some sex now and not simulate it. I couldn’t have sex with Phil for real though. He was my stepbrother! This was wrong!

  Oh, God! What if he tells dad?! Oh, my God, I would die! I would just die! Diamond and Gillian would never let me live this down either. This was supposed to be a joke, not something I’d actually do!

  But this was just a fluke, right? No biggie. He probably didn’t think anything about it, right? I’ll just talk to him and we’ll agree that it was all a big mistake. Obviously, he’d be in as much trouble as me, so he wouldn’t tell anyone. My God, dad would kill me and him!

  How did I let this happen? One trip to the supermarket and I end up in a step incest moment!

  Chapter Ten - Tracianne

  At first, I avoided Phil and he avoided me. We didn’t even look at each other. Then, I realized, we were the only two that knew and that by acting this way, we would arouse suspicion. I didn’t like Phil, but I was attracted to him. We had to talk about it or the parents would find out. That would certainly complicate things.

  While it was true I resented Phil and his mom for coming into my life and up heaving it--- I couldn’t blame them. Dad picked this woman. Is this what I had to look forward to in the future? A broken marriage and then a remarriage after I cheat on my husband? No way. I’m not going down that path.

  Suddenly, Phil started approaching me and I lost my nerve. Maybe it was better if we both forgot about the whole incident. We could pretend it never happened and just go on with our lives. People do that, right?

  “Hey, uh, Tracianne, you have a minute to---”

  “Sorry! No! Bye!” I replied turning too quick in a hallway and running into a wall instead of through a doorway. “Busy!”

  It was then I resolved that I would not talk to Phil. If I avoided him long enough, he’d give up and that would be that. Sure, we’d exchange awkward looks around the dinner table once in a while, but eventually that would fade. This virus would be over and we’d end up going back to college. Who knows? Maybe they already have a cure and haven’t announced it yet.

  I locked myself in my room and searched the Internet about the virus. There was lots of talk about what to do, but no one seemed to be able to agree on anything but locking everyone down for two weeks to “flatten the curve”. Great. Now I’m definitely stuck in this house for another two weeks!

  Maybe I could do what Diamond did and sneak out. I could go to Jersey City and hook up with her boyfriend’s friend. Maybe start something up with him and then that would send a clear message to Phil. He’d see me with another guy and then be too afraid to make a move or say anything. I mean, it’s not like he’s in love with me, right? I just need to keep the distance between us.

  Socially distant to the max!

  Unfortunately, I couldn’t hide in my room forever. Eventually, I had to come out to use the bathroom or grab some food. I would peek out of my doorway, make sure he wasn’t in the hall and then sneak downstairs in my socks. I was convinced he was in his room since the door was shut, so I was safe.

  But then, boom! There he was!

  “Hey, Tracianne,” he said, trying to engage again.

  No, I wouldn’t let him.

  “Sorry, gotta go,” I said quickly, rushing out of the room and into the nearest doorway.

  This time, I found myself in the pantry. It was pretty large and I wasn’t by myself. I found Daphene in the room, sobbing on the floor.

  “Oh, sorry,” I muttered. “I guess you’re using the pantry. I’ll go.”

  “No, Tracianne, please,” she begged. “Can we talk?”

  I wanted to leave, but talking to Daphene was probably easier. Plus, I did feel bad she was crying. What the Hell was that about it?

  “Yeah, sure,” I agreed. “Are you okay? Why are you crying?”

  “I just--- I’m trying to be a good mother and I--- I feel like I’m failing you!” she cried.

  “Oh, no, you’re not,” I said gingerly. “You’re my stepmother, so it’s different.”

  “You probably hate me!” she exclaimed.

  “No-no-no,” I assured her. “I just--- Well, this is an adjustment for me.”

  “Me too,” she sniffed. “I didn’t think it would be this hard.”

  Now I felt really bad. God, maybe Phil’s right. I’m a total bitch. I had certainly done everything I could to alienate Daphene. I wasn’t even happy at their wedding and I love weddings. Maybe
it was time not to make this all about me.

  “Daphene, I’m sorry,” I sighed. “Maybe I have been rough on you. I didn’t mean to be a jerk, but--- It’s hard.”

  “I know.”

  “I think you’re a nice person and my dad loves you a lot, so--- I just--- Baby steps, right?”

  “Sure,” she sniffed.

  I sat down next to her on the pantry floor.

  “Oh, this is nice,” I noted. “It’s cool down here. Is there where you come to cry?”

  “Not normally. I mean, I’m not normally crying,” she explained. “I used to be happy. Back when I was your age.”

  “Phil thinks you’re a wonderful mother,” I offered.

  “He said that?”

  “Well, we don’t talk much,” I admitted, not wanting to lie too much. “It’s certainly implied. You know how men are when it comes to expressing their feelings.”

  “I don’t think women are all that great at it either,” she confessed. “You know, I always wanted a daughter. Not instead of Phil, but another kid. I thought maybe we could do girly things, like go shopping or go get our hair done.”

  “That sounds nice,” I agreed.

  Well, I guess I could do a shopping date with her. I mean, I guess I feel like I owe her a nice day out. What would be the big deal, right? We go to brunch, then hit the mall, buy some stuff--- Maybe go to Starbucks.

  I mean, you’d have to be made of stone not to enjoy an afternoon like that, right? And it’s not like dad’s going to take me.

  “You don’t have to if you think you need to be nice to me.”

  “No, I want to go,” I insisted. “I think we’d have a good time. You like T.J. Maxx?”

  “The one in the mall? Yeah. I wonder when they’ll be open again.”

  “I can’t imagine they’ll keep the mall closed forever,” I said hopefully. “I mean, people gotta buy stuff, right?”

  “How’s schoolwork going?”

  “Good. It’s pretty easy now that everything’s online. Most people have the answers and start emailing to me before the professor can fully explain what the assignment is.”

  “Did the virus really disrupt things for you on campus?”

  “Yeah. I had friends there. We were close.”

  “What about boys? Were you seeing anyone?”

  “Not really,” I said, worried that she’d keep pressing. “I just wanted to catch up on my schoolwork.”

  “Really? Not even one? At college, my God--- The guys seemed to be everywhere.”

  “Yeah, they kind of are,” I agreed. “There was this one guy. Jared. But I made a fool of myself in front of him. Had a little too much to drink.”

  “That usually ends up with someone waking up looking the fool.”

  “I was tempted, but no,” I admitted. “Jared was a cool guy. I don’t know. Maybe when I got back. Seems like we’re so far from that.”

  “I know,” agreed Daphene. “Another two weeks at least. They’re talking about keeping the state closed through most of June.”

  “Wow, that’s too long, I think.”

  “There’s a big fight about it on the news,” Daphene relayed. “I don’t follow politics that closely, but it sounds like politics is getting in the way.”

  “Doesn’t it always?”

  “Yeah,” she agreed. “Look, Tracianne, this might be uncomfortable to talk about, but I’m going to breach the subject.”

  Oh, no. Where is this going?

  “Okay,” I said, as if agreeing to what sounded like a cringe moment.

  “I mean, if you need it--- There’re plenty of sites where you can order a vibrator,” she offered.

  “Daphene, I don’t think we’re at the stage in our relationship yet where I can discuss vibrators with you,” I confessed after a paused. “Please don’t pursue this.”

  “All right, but if you need any advice…”

  “I’m fine,” I said trying to move past it.

  “Okay, but we can talk about these things. We’re both women.”

  “Yeah, but I’m not comfortable, okay?”

  “I get it, but---”

  “Really not comfortable,” I insisted.

  “Okay, I guess, if you don’t want to hear about this new position,” she tempted.

  “What? No!” I dismissed. “Daphene, this is too personal for me. And you said you wanted to mother me. Go ahead, but don’t mention the V word again, please.”

  “But it’s important for your health.”

  “So is broccoli, but I don’t buy it every day.”

  “Dildos are an option.”

  “Oh, my God! Stop! Please!” I begged her. “You’re making this so uncomfortable. We were having a nice chat in the pantry.”

  “I just want you to know that you can talk about anything with me,” she kept insisting. “I’m here for you.”

  “Yes, I get it, but just--- Baby steps, Daphene. Baby steps,” I urged.

  “Can I get a hug at least?”

  She put out her arms. I gave her a hug. I really wanted to get out of the pantry and go anywhere now.

  “Thanks,” she said.

  “Let’s get out of here,” I offered. “Let’s have a snack to celebrate our new understanding.”

  “Ice cream?”

  Anything to end this conversation.

  “Yes, sounds great,” I replied.

  Chapter Eleven - Phil

  Playing Scrabble with Mom was a bit of a challenge. We had both gotten really good at the game since we played Words With Friends on our phones all the time.

  Tracianne and Richard were in the study. Richard needed her to set up his computer for a Zoom meet or something.

  Sometime around the third game, the topic came up as it always did. I think the word she put down was “abandon”. Guess I must’ve made a face.

  “What? That’s spelled right. Are you challenging?” she asked.

  “No, just that word. Makes me think of dad,” I said.

  “Oh,” she said, realizing we were about to have the same conversation. “If you want to talk, Phil. You can talk to me. Ask me anything.”

  “Why’d you leave dad?” he asked. “Don’t give me the kid reason. Give me the grown up reason. The real reason.”

  I kept my voice low. The last thing I wanted was for this conversation to be overheard by Tracianne and Richard on the other side of the house.

  “Oh, Phil,” she said looking down. “There were things that--- You were too young and you wouldn’t see them.”

  “Like what?”

  “Your dad was a trucker and I was alone with you,” she explained. “It was tough raising a kid alone. And that’s the way I felt. I felt like a single mother with no support.”

  “But dad was working,” I countered. “He was working for us. To provide a good home and support. He called from the road all the time.”

  “It’s not enough, Phil,” she said looking down again. “It was mental torture for me waiting for your father. I was married and I felt alone. And even when he was home, he was emotionally available.”

  “What does that mean?” I scoffed. “That just sounds like a buzzword. You mean he didn’t pay attention to you?”

  “I guess. Phil, I was alone for hours--- Days!” she said, raising her voice a little and then calming down. “When I got married, I thought I would be with your father, but I wasn’t. I was always…waiting for him instead. I couldn’t take it.”

  “So what, you needed constant attention? I mean, how were we supposed to live, ma?” I asked, trying to understand. “What would you have him do?”

  “I don’t know, Phil,” she said, already exhausted on the subject. “I just--- I needed someone around. Richard was there for me. He’s here now. And looking back on it, Richard’s a better fit for me. I care deeply about your dad, I really do, but--- Richard and I are on a different level. We’re in sync and we’re very happy.”

  “You don’t seem that happy, mom,” I countered.

 
“Did I seem happy with your father?”

  I wasn’t expecting that question. Guess I deserved it. What choice did I have if this was going to be a “real” conversation, right? I stammered, trying to stall for time, but by the expression on her face--- You could tell that she had cornered me.

  “Okay,” I confessed. “You didn’t seem happy. I will admit, you seem happier with Richard but--- What about dad?”

  “Your father’s a grown man,” she explained. “He can deal with loss and divorce. He’ll find someone else and it’s not like he would take me back--- Even if I did want to get back together with him. Which I don’t, by the way. Let me make that clear.”

  “Yeah, got it.”

  “This is not a game,” she added. “This is my life. Real life. And I want to be happy. Don’t I deserve to be? Don’t we all deserve to be happy?”

  “I guess,” I sighed, not really getting it.

  Tracianne walked into the room and the conversation abruptly ended. She asked for the code to the computer modem’s router. Mom had it written down on a tiny notebook in the junk drawer.

  “Oh, Scrabble,” Tracianne said. “I love this game.”

  “Here, why don’t you finish my game?” mom offered. “I have to finish up the laundry before dinner. If Phil doesn’t mind.”

  “No-no, that’s fine,” I said, trying to keep the mood light.

  “What’s the score?” asked Tracianne.

  “I’m at 65 and you’re at 61,” I explained. “It’s a pretty tight game.”

  “I see. You like it…tight?” she asked.

  Is she flirting with me? Tracianne was hot, but what happened in the car--- That could get us both in a lot of trouble. I tried to talk to her about it and she avoids me. Now, here she is playing this innuendo game.

  To be honest, I was a little distracted. Mom hadn’t really given me the answers I wanted. It wasn’t that I thought she was being dishonest, but that even she really didn’t understand either. Maybe we were both out of our depth when it came to relationships.

  “Hello?” Tracianne urged. “Are you going to take your turn or what?”