Don’t Hesitate

by Winters, Jeannette

  Finally, I found a condom, put it on, and rushed back to the living room. Anne was still lying on her back, her legs wide open, but her eyes closed. I could tell by the heaving of her breasts that she was still trying to catch her breath.

  Kneeling between her legs, I gripped her ass and pulled it to the edge. Then I slid my cock inside her and we both groaned in pleasure. Her body felt so damn good clenched around my cock. It never wanted it to end. We fit like we were made for each other. I didn’t believe in such things, but nothing had ever been like it is with Anne. Not the laughs, the ease of conversation, and definitely not the mind-blowing sex.

  I was not prepared for the emotions that Anne brought out in me. It wasn’t just physical. There was so much more, and it was…almost overwhelming. I closed my eyes and forced myself to think about how good it felt to be inside her. But there was no escaping these feelings. I just wasn’t sure what they were.

  Anne reached up and touched my cheek. “Are you okay?”

  I looked into her honey brown eyes and knew that right now, I was. I was here with her. And right now is all that matters.

  I nodded and slowly started to move in and out of her. Her hand raked down my chest and finally rested back on the couch. As I increased the pace, in and out, faster and faster, I couldn’t take my eyes off her face. She arched and moaned. I wanted to watch her come as I slammed inside her.

  Over and over again, I thrust back into her body, sending sensations through me so intense that I barely could control my own release.

  I pounded into her until I felt her body spasm around me.

  “Yes…” she screamed, thrashing from side to side, her core clenching me tightly.

  I plunged one last time into her and my body exploded into a release so intense, I thought I would black out. It was more powerful than anything I’ve ever experienced before, and my body shuddered from the wave of pleasure that pulsed through me.

  Although I was gasping for breath, I mustered all the strength I could and stood. Taking a few deep breathes I bent over and scooped her into my arms. Anne barely was able to wrap her arms around my neck. Even as I carried her to her bed, my legs trembled, and felt weak. I was spent physically, but I had given her my whole self, my soul, and in return, I received hers. I felt filled with something so beautiful I had no words to describe it.

  Gently I laid her on the bed and she sighed, then rolled onto her side. I pulled the sheets up around her and slipped into bed. Neither of us spoke as we lay snuggled so close you’d think we were one.

  I wouldn’t allow myself to sleep. What if what I feel right now vanishes when I closed my eyes? I needed to hold on to it as long as possible. My heart pounded in my chest with a feeling that almost brought me to tears. And the fair that I might not ever feel it again, scared the shit out of me,

  Lying there and holding her tenderly, I listened to her sweet purr as she drifted off. My lids became heavy, but I forced them to stay open. Anne has become someone I couldn’t picture not having in my life. But the painful truth was, one way or another, it would. She’d learn what I’d been doing behind her back, and then she’d hate me.

  Good night, sweetheart.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Anne

  “Aunt Trixi, what are you talking about? That makes no sense at all. I’m not inquiring about a property,” I said.

  “Are you sure? I mean the talk in the diner is that you are,” Trixi said.

  “Are you going to believe rumors over your own niece? I mean, what purpose would I have in lying, anyway? We’re in this together,” I said. “Even if you forgot and left me to do it all alone.”

  “First of all, I didn’t leave you alone. I believe I left one extremely handsome young man to help you with whatever you need. And if I’m correct in my assumption, he’s done plenty of that,” Trixi said with a snicker.

  I wasn’t in the mood for Aunt Trixi to joke with me. This was serious. Someone was out there spreading rumors that could be detrimental to my livelihood. And not just mine, but all the employees at the club. I didn’t want to believe it, but I knew Aunt Trixi wouldn’t lie to me.

  “What should I do?” I asked.

  “I would go right to the Mayor’s office and set things straight. Oh, maybe stop at the diner, too. After all, it’s more effective than going to the newspaper,” she replied.

  Ain’t that the truth. I needed to get to the bottom of this and quickly. There was no reason for my name or the club to come up in conversation anywhere. “Who would benefit from starting a rumor like this?”

  “Honey, I don’t know. Did you have a falling out with anyone at the club?” she asked.

  “No. Well, I did have an issue with some patrons. But really, they were having an issue amongst themselves. I just got in the way,”

  “What are you talking about?” Trixi asked with concern.

  “Two men who should’ve been cut off got a bit loud and physical. I made the mistake of trying to intervene.”

  “Oh, my God. Are you okay? Why didn’t you tell me?” Trixi blurted.

  “Because it was no big deal. Just a few bruises. And it won’t happen again. Andrew has been there every night working the door. And starting tonight, we have a bouncer.”

  “Really? How did you find him?” Trixi asked.

  “Andrew did.” I seem to be saying that a lot. Andrew this and Andrew that. When did he become so involved in my business?

  “I guess having him around has been good for the business, too. Maybe I should stay away longer,” Trixi said.

  “He’s only here one more night, remember? I doubt he wants to keep working at the club for free.” I don’t think he wants to be in Bermoose a second longer than he has to, either.

  “Too bad. I thought for sure you two had something…special. Guess I was wrong.”

  I wish you weren’t. Although I missed Aunt Trixi, I’d gotten used to Andrew being here. It wasn’t going to be the same when he left. No matter how much I told myself to protect my heart, it was too late. I really liked him a lot.

  Not a surprise, because generally, I didn’t have sex without having feelings for the person. I just never thought my feelings would be so strong. I’d been in love before, and that was nothing like this. Which will make it all the more painful when it comes to an end.

  Changing the subject, I asked, “What time are you arriving tomorrow?”

  “I was serious. I don’t need to come right back.”

  “Aunt Trixi, this is your house. I’m the guest. If anyone should be here, it’s you,” I argued.

  “I was thinking about selling it,” she said.

  “What? Why?” I couldn’t believe it. She had lived there as long as I could remember.

  “It’s not the same without Carl. Did you know he had it built when we were just dating?”

  “No, I didn’t. And you don’t want to stay here?” I asked.

  “Even after the divorce, he still came by frequently. The fact he won’t ever come by again is too much for me,” she said, her voice cracked with pain. “I think it’s better I move and start over again someplace else.”

  I felt for her. There was nothing I could say or do. She was mourning, and all I could do was listen and be here when she needed me.

  “Do you know where you want to go?” I asked.

  “I’m thinking Florida. I want the sun and the beaches.”

  “Wow, you’re not even staying in New Hampshire?” I was shocked. She and Carl had traveled a lot together, but they always returned to New Hampshire, insisting it was home. Guess it’s not home without him.

  Who was I to judge? I yearned to be back in Boston, yet I was stuck here. And I’m going to be alone. No Aunt Trixi and no…Andrew.

  “I guess I’ll have to come and visit you in the winter. It’ll be a nice break from the snow,” I said.

  “Oh, yes! No more shoveling. I can’t wait!”

  “You know you’ll miss it,” I said with a grin.

  She became
serious. “I miss the walks Carl and I used to take as the first snowflakes began to fall. And if I missed the snow overnight, I would wake to find a small snowman and snowwoman on the rail of the porch.” I heard her sniff, and she said, “I’m okay not being there when it snows this year.”

  I love you, Aunt Trixi. I’m sorry you’re hurting. “I hope the change will help.”

  “Carl said it’s important to follow your heart. Mine is saying ‘go South’.”

  “But you’re coming home first, right?” I asked, realizing that I might not see her for some time.

  “For a few days to pack and meet with a realtor to put the house on the market.” Then she said, “But don’t worry. I’m sure it won’t sell right away. You can stay there until it does.”

  “Don’t worry about me. I have plenty of options,” I said. The motel or the motel. But it was fine with me. It was only for a year. Fingers crossed.

  “I’d better let you go. And I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you, Anne.”

  “I love you too, Aunt Trixi.”

  I ended the call and slumped on the couch. Nothing would cheer me up after that call. Even Andrew was in town on business. I get it, Aunt Trixi. This place can feel very…lonely.

  Since there was nothing else to do, I might as well tidy up the place. I got up and grabbed the pillows to fluff them up. In the corner of the couch, something was stuck between the cushions. I looked closer and almost died. I tugged at the pink thing and pulled out the thong I’d worn the other day.

  Oh, God. I’d better do a major house cleaning. I wasn’t sure what else I might be missing. Even though Aunt Trixi would only laugh and tease me endlessly, I would still die of embarrassment if she found anything…personal of mine or Andrew’s.

  I couldn’t even look at the couch and not yearn for Andrew. I have no idea what came over us last night, but I wouldn’t mind a repeat.

  I was standing there holding my thong when Andrew entered the room.

  “I suggest putting that on before you put on your jeans,” he teased.

  “Very funny. It went MIA last night. You wouldn’t happen to be missing anything, would you?” I asked.

  He stepped forward and pulled me into his arms, “I’m missing this.” His lips connected with mine briefly.

  “You’re in a very good mood,” I said. “I guess your business went well?”

  “It did. And how about your day?” he asked.

  “Not like yours. I just got off the phone with Aunt Trixi. She told me she is moving to Florida,” I said.

  “Good for her,” he said.

  “Yeah, I guess. But that’s not why she called.”

  “Did you want to talk about it?” he asked.

  I took him by the hand and led him back to the couch. “She told me that people at the diner are talking about me.”

  “Do you really care what people say?”

  “No. But when it comes to my business, I have to.”

  “What happened?” he asked.

  “There’s a rumor that I’m closing The Treasured Chest. You know I’d never do that. I mean, if I won’t sell to you, why on earth would I close it?” I hadn’t told anyone but Trixi about Andrew’s offer.

  “She heard that where?” Andrew asked.

  “The diner on Main Street. That is where all the gossip occurs. But this one is not good. I’m sure I’m going to be hit with questions when I get into work tonight. I just don’t know how to make anyone believe it’s not true. I mean, everyone knows I didn’t want the club. Many people might believe I’d do it.”

  Andrew became very quiet and I asked, “You know it’s not true, right? I mean, if anyone should know, it’s you.”

  “I know you didn’t cause these rumors, but…”

  “But? But you know who did, don’t you?” I asked. He nodded. Something about his body language had me on edge. I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear the answer, but I needed to. My hand still in his, I asked, “Who was it, Andrew?”

  He looked me square in the eye and said, “It’s not a rumor.”

  Well, that made no sense at all. “Of course, it is. I should know because I’m not looking at any property. And I sure as hell am not closing the doors at the club.” I knew my frustration was shining through, but if he wanted to talk in riddles, then he’d have to deal with my tone.

  “Anne, promise me you’ll hear me out completely before you…”

  “Flip out? Because if you don’t start talking soon, that’s exactly what’s going to happen,” I warned.

  “I’m the reason people are talking.”

  “You told people I’m selling my club?” I asked.

  “No. I was looking for a new location for your club. Which meant I needed to make sure it was zoned for such a business in that district.”

  “Which makes no sense, because I am not looking for another place. I already told you I’m not selling my club,” I said firmly.

  “Not selling, but moving,” he explained.

  “That either. And what the hell made you think that I was?” I was trying not to be angry, but already bordering on pissed. He’d crossed a line, one I didn’t expect. You broke my trust. And my heart.

  “I can explain, but I’m not sure you’re going to be happy.”

  “Don’t worry, I’m already not happy.” I pulled my hand from his. “Tell me,” I ordered.

  “I have a copy of the will. I found a loophole. You have to run the club for a year in the black. It does not state you need to do so at that location. It just has to be The Treasured Chest.”

  My mind was trying to process this, but all I could hear was he had a copy of the will. “Why do you have the will?”

  “I was told about the stipulations around it. I figured that…”

  “That you could get me to move so you can have that fucking land. It’s all about that land, isn’t it?” I got up off the couch, as I couldn’t stand to be near him a moment longer. “I can’t believe you. Everything has been…a lie. You are exactly what people say you are. A man who thinks of one thing, money.” I stepped further away as he reached out for me.

  “Don’t touch me. Don’t ever touch me again.” I turned to head to my room and then spun around and said, “I suggest packing your bags and going back to Boston. There is nothing left for you here. Not the club, not the land, and definitely not me!”

  I stomped across the living room and slammed the bedroom door behind me so hard a wall mirror crashed to the floor.

  A knock on the door was followed by Andrew saying, “Anne, are you okay?”

  No. I’m not. I’m dying inside. “Don’t pretend to care. I’ve seen your true colors.”

  “Anne, please. Let me explain,” he said.

  “Tell it to someone who cares, because I don’t. Now leave me alone, Andrew. I have nothing to say to you.” That wasn’t true. There was so much I wanted to say, but if I did, it’d be like opening the floodgates and I knew the tears would begin to fall. No way in hell was I giving him the satisfaction of hearing me cry.

  None of this was real. It was a fantasy that I fell into because I wanted it. I know my reality. And Andrew isn’t in it.

  I went to my bed, careful not to step in any of the broken glass, and buried my head in the pillow. His sweet, musky scent still lingered on my linens. It was torment. Everything here was going to remind me of Andrew. I could now relate to what Aunt Trixi was feeling. I didn’t want to spend another moment at this cabin, either.

  Quietly I sobbed, but I swear the sound of my heart breaking was louder than the crashing mirror.

  When I finally got back up and left my room, the cabin was quiet. Andrew was gone. I had gotten what I wanted, yet somehow it hurt more.

  How can someone make me feel so good, so alive, so happy, and then ruin it all in the blink of an eye?

  I knew how. Because I had fallen in love with him. And as they say, “Love hurts.” But I don’t believe them for a second about a broken heart healing. Whoever ‘they’ are.
/>   Normally I’d call Aunt Trixi and cry on her shoulder, but she was going through enough right now. She doesn’t need to know anything about this. Ever.

  As I walked through the living room, I spied the pink thong still sitting on the couch. I picked it up and threw it in the trash. They might have been my favorite pair once upon a time, but now, I never wanted to see the color pink again.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Anne

  “I know you’re upset, but have you given any thought to what Andrew said? Was he right?” Trixi asked.

  “Does it matter? He…lied to me,” I said firmly, still filled with anger.

  “I believe the correct word would be secret.”

  “What are you talking about?’ I asked.

  “He didn’t lie. Because you never asked the question. He kept a secret, which is totally different,” Trixi explained.

  “Not in my book,” I snapped.

  “You’re being too hard on him. I’d like to believe that he would’ve told you what he was doing if you had given him the chance. And by that, I mean if I hadn’t called you about the damn rumors. So really, this is all my fault,” Trixi said.

  “Now you’re being ridiculous. If you didn’t tell me, someone else would’ve. But that doesn’t change what he did.”

  “But you haven’t answered my question. Was he right? Are you able to move The Treasured Chest? I mean, without risking everything?”

  “It’s so much more than that. It states that I only have to run The Treasured Chest in the black for one year. It never said where or what that would be. So yes, Andrew uncovered something very important.”

  “And you still can’t forgive him?”

  I want to. But how can I trust him again? “It’s better this way, Aunt Trixi. No matter what, this was going to end anyway.”

  “I don’t believe that for a minute. I heard it in your voice when I called. You sounded…happy. I mean, the type of joy that I heard when you told us you had gotten accepted to Boston University.”