by Ford, Mia
I got back to my article as Remy worked on something on his laptop. He was finished with dinner, but Melinda got Brin a plate when she came back in leggings and a t-shirt.
I looked around as the house fell quiet. The parents were watching a movie in the living room while we did our own thing at the table. It was so peaceful here and I smiled as I thought about my parents. This is what they would want for me. I saw Brin look at me, scrunching her nose. “What do you look so happy about?”
Remy looked up from his computer and I caught his blue eyes and smiled. “I just like this. It’s where I was meant to be apart from living with my own family.” The siblings looked at each other, sharing a sad smile. None of them would have wished this on me but they were there when I needed them.
“I kind of miss the dorm when all we had to worry about was school,” Brin whined as I laughed at her. “I mean, we bitched back then, but it’s so much crazier now.”
Remy smiled at her and she rolled her eyes. “Let me guess, old wise one. You’ve been doing this for a while and I should just shut up. Right?”
He sipped his water and looked thoughtfully at me for a moment. “I think that you need to appreciate what you have in life. It’s hard sometimes but we have this place to live and a great family. We have each other and stable work to keep us moving forward. Celia and I know what it’s like to lose someone and feel like we have none of that.” He wasn’t trying to sound condescending at all, but I winced. Tired Brin was tough.
“I know. I need to remember that, but I get caught up in the now. I forget how good we have it.” She sent a loving smile towards her parents, who were oblivious to our conversation. “I am such a whiny bitch sometimes.”
Remy threw up his hand and laughed, shaking his head. “I wasn’t going to say it.”
She hit him with her napkin and I laughed as I ducked. When I looked at the couch, Melinda was watching us with a soft smile and I caught her eyes.
Brin went to bed first since she’d been on set straight through for hours. I finished what I could and knew I’d finish in the morning, shutting down my computer. Remy did the same, and we walked through the dark living room to what had become our room. I walked in first, rolling my neck before I felt Remy’s hands on it. “Hurting?” He asked as I moaned in response. He rubbed gently, telling me how tight I was as I laughed. I certainly took too much on all the time. We moved to the bed once he’d taken his work clothes off, and he gave me a great back rub. I closed my eyes and rested against the pillows as Remy disappeared into the bathroom.
He returned and moved behind me, kissing my bare back as I shivered. “I thought about you today.”
“Yeah?” I asked in a distracted voice as he pressed open mouth kisses over my skin.
“Yep. I missed you.” He slid his hands between my legs, telling me to spread them for him. I obliged and felt his fingers stroking my needy folds. “I miss doing this all the time.”
“You’re not bored after five months?” I teased as he found my clit.
“Nope. I have years away from you to make up for.” He gently turned me to my back, kissing me gently. I was naked for my massage and he was down to boxers. He kissed my lips hungrily, and I moaned against him. Going away had given us a private room, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Our tongues moved together, and I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Remy moved down my neck, sucking my skin as I bit my lip. His body was heavy between my legs and his hard cock pressed against my thighs, making me crazy. When he reached my nipple, I arched my back to offer him more.
“Jesus, Remy,” I whispered as he dragged his teeth over me. His knees spread me open, and I cried out softly as his fingers brushed against my center. I was wet for him. Always. Even if it was just a quick morning or afternoon romp, my body was always ready for him. He plunged a finger inside of me, kissing me to stifle my moan as I gripped him. He pushed in and out, pressing against my clit until I wanted to scream. “I need you.”
Remy tugged his boxers off and threw them to the side before he pushed into me. We decided I would go on birth control, so we didn’t have to deal with condoms and it was so convenient. He felt so good inside of me and I pressed my hands against him as I rocked with him. “You feel so good. Always so good.” He murmured as we moved together. I still went back to that first night together when we needed each other so much. It was desperate and needy, and I loved it.
Now, we were together. I went to bed with him every night. I made love to him some nights and others we fucked like bunnies if we were alone. I didn’t care. Tonight, it was slow but deep and I felt him everywhere. I came first, and he followed because my tightness was too much for him to resist. We kissed to hold back our moans, pressing together tightly.
Remy rolled beside me, pulling me against his body. He was just as sexy as the day I realized he was growing into a man. I wanted him just as much. I closed my eyes and pressed my face to his chest, breathing him in. “I want to stop time,” Remy told me as I nodded. “I made light of what Brin said but she’s right. Everything gets too crazy and I think about the best parts of my life as an afterthought sometimes. At least it feels that way.
“It does. We just need to cherish these moments.” I said as I found his lips with mine. We cuddled together and fell asleep until his alarm went off, making love quickly before he got up to shower. I decided to get up as well to finish my work and brewed coffee before setting up at the table.
“The early bird gets the worm?” He teased me as I chuckled.
“Or the payment. That works too.” I gazed at him and took in his slacks and dress shirt, which was his standard uniform. “Have a good day. Working late?”
“Not if I can help it.” Remy kissed me firmly before pouring some coffee into a travel cup. He walked into the garage and I smiled as the door closed, moving my eyes to the sunny skies outside. I sighed and turned on a podcast to listen to while I worked, sipping coffee like my life depended on it.
Melinda poured coffee for Thomas before he left for work and made us a quick breakfast. She knew I was working hard and took great care of me. All of us. I knew it was why I stayed here in part, but I also loved the proximity of the beach.
I nibbled on my toast and eggs as we talked about the day, enjoying the break. I knew I’d be here all day working and looked forward to the walk on the beach later with Remy. Melinda was going to do some shopping, and I told her to be safe before getting back to work in the quiet house.
Chapter Ten
Remy
I arrived to work early to get some work done since the clients were piling up. Our firm was getting to be one of the most well-known in the area and my work hours proved that. It was hard being away from home so much despite Celia’s support and I missed the time with her.
I made coffee and went to my office to start working. Rick would be in shortly to help and I warmed up my computer as I stared out of the windows. The sun was rising slowly, and I cursed my hours as I sipped my coffee.
I had the better part of seven months with Celia to enjoy my normal work hours. I got promoted after six and started working more, but I was bringing in more money. Celia didn’t consider her money in the bank as something to spend and I think that she resented it sometimes. She worked as hard as I did to build a name for herself.
I was trying to save up for our own place. I’d talked to Celia about buying a beach house once upon a time and now that we were together, I wanted to do it. With my savings along with Celia’s work, we could dip into the inheritance and find something nice.
“Morning, Remy,” Rick said from the door as I glanced over. “Vic gave his notice to me last night. I forgot to tell you. He’s going with some firm in the PNW and we get to replace him. I already have something out there to get some interest.”
“Great. He’ll be tough to replace.” I said as Rick nodded. Vic was one of our best and quick with the ideas. I’d gotten close to him.
“I am going to see what comes in and get
started on the project. I’ll keep you posted.” He disappeared, and I sat for a moment, considering the news. Vic worked as much as we did and if we didn’t get someone, that knew what they were doing, we’d be working that much more. I wondered where he was going to work and thought of Ian’s company. I hadn’t thought about him much or even looked online to see what was going on over there. I had everything better here now.
I got back to work and designed the logo for the new store in town that was going to quickly become the most popular one here. They needed a series of projects done and soon, so I was tackling it as much as I can.
I got home at eight that night and skipped the walk with Celia. She was sleeping on the couch after writing all damn day and I carried her to bed before sitting with my mom on the couch for a while. “I don’t know why she does that. She doesn’t need the money.” I said softly as I sipped a beer.
“She wants to prove herself, Rem. It might seem like the inheritance is a good thing but for her, it’s a curse. It’s a reminder of what she is missing, and she doesn’t want to acknowledge that deep down. She’ll get to it when she needs to but right now, she’s working and happy. Tired, but happy.”
“I know. I just hate seeing her kill herself this way.” I told Mom about losing Vic and how we were going to hire someone, possibly adding to my own hours.
“I know, honey. She’s going to keep it up until she decides to stop. That’s Celia for you.” Mom sipped her tea and smiled at me.
“I want to give her everything down the line. I want us to get a place on the beach. She loves it here so much. I want her to know that I am here for her.” I felt like a pussy talking like this about a woman after playing the field for so long. It was Celia though, and she had probably always been it for me.
“Oh, Rem. I knew that this man was inside of you somewhere and I couldn’t be happier that it’s with Celia. I have always loved her like my own and this is what her Mom wanted. I am sure she’s smiling down at us.” Mom looked sad for a moment and I knew that she missed her friend.
“Yeah. I am going to make her proud.” I pictured Celia’s face when she got the news from my parents. They wanted to be the ones to tell her over the police since she would be staying with us straight away. She had been since her mom moved to Oregon to pursue a career. She’d checked out some after her husband died but we kept Celia stable. We continued to do so as she drifted in and out of her life, loving her daughter madly when she was in the mindset. When she was working that was all that she thought about. It was hard on Celia, but she had the sense to take the time she had with her with a grateful heart. Her parents were madly in love and losing him changed everything for both. Her mom just didn’t take it well and sadly, died the same way that he did.
“I know. She wanted the best for Celia even though she was all over the place.” Mom nodded and sipped her tea again. They had been close up until the first car accident and the friendship was flighty at best afterward, but my mom enjoyed her warmth.
I went to bed the same time she did, glancing at Celia curled up under the covers. She looked exhausted, and I got myself ready for bed before slipping in beside her to pull her body against mine. She moaned gently, and I breathed her in, knowing that I wanted this scent in my bed for the rest of my life.
I wanted us to get our own place first and settle in. I enjoyed living here at the beach house, but we needed one of our own and a dog to take on walks. We needed our life to start in a home of our own. I fell asleep playing that through my mind, breathing in her sweet citrus scent.
In the morning, Rick told me that a great resume had come through. It was a woman from Washington State and she had a lot of potential. I asked when we were going to interview her, and he suggested the end of the week which I agreed to. It would be nice to not have to work so hard for a change. I got back to my project, putting the interview in the back of my mind as I got lost in ideas. If the person was a good fit, I didn’t care if they were male or female. I’d keep focusing on the job either way.
The week passed with work and what felt with just sleeping with Celia at night. We were both tired and didn’t do too much after we had dinner with my parents and sister if she was there. I dressed Friday and remembered the interview shortly after I arrived, groaning as I poured coffee. I hated this part, but I wanted to promote within the company and possibly move on to my own someday.
I drove in and got what work I could do in before rising to meet Rick. We were going to the conference room together, and he handed me some papers as he walked out of his office. “What’s this?” I asked as he straightened his tie.
“Resume. I never gave it to you to look over.” I nodded and glanced at it, pausing at the name on the cover letter.
Amy James. My ex-girlfriend from Seattle that slept with my friend and business partner.
“Mother fucker,” I breathed as Rick shot me a curious look.
“Do you know her?” He asked as I realized how little I said about Seattle.
“Yeah. Not in a good way but she’s here. I can see this through.” I murmured, knowing that I’d moved on with Celia. I was happier with Celia than I had ever been with Amy. I walked after him, dreading the idea of seeing her lying blue eyes again after catching her with Ian. Rick glanced back at me before heading into the conference room and I offered him a small nod of encouragement. He walked in first and I followed, seeing the curvy blonde sitting at the table. She glanced up and her mouth formed an O when she met my eyes.
Emotions flashed through her eyes and Amy reached back to check her low bun. She always played with her hair when she was nervous. “Good morning, Miss James. Thank you for coming in today.” Rick walked over and shook her hand before looking at me. I shook it and felt her shaking as I looked into her face.
There was a time when I thought we might be something. I was looking forward to a future with my company and my girlfriend. That was the past now.
Rick took a seat across from her and I joined him. He rifled through the papers and asked her the standard questions as I listened closely. She had great experience, and I noted that she worked for Ian for a year and another successful firm after that. What was she doing here? I knew that Rick was the type to give her a chance without years of experience and the degree that she held. I watched her walk across the stage after it was my turn at graduation.
He asked her why she left Seattle and she explained that the company didn’t offer her what she wanted. Her eyes flicked to me when she spoke, making me want to know more. Amy explained that she wanted to give the California coast a try and hoped that we’d give her a job.
Overall, she had experience, and I knew she was a good worker. I watched her the last couple of years in college and she graduated at the top of her class. Amy would make a good employee, but our past concerned me. San Diego was far enough away from Seattle and I didn’t think she would just come here without knowing anyone. I hoped to hell that she wasn’t here for me.
When the interview ended, we shook hands with her again and Rick told her that he’d call her soon. Amy nodded and looked at me hesitantly for a moment. “Can we talk?” Her voice was soft, and I saw a flash of the sweet girl I met in college.
“Sure,” I replied as Rick gave me a sharp look. I shrugged, and he moved out of the conference room as I walked over to lean against the wall. “What is it?”
“I wanted to apologize about everything that happened back home. I was a bitch for what I did, Remy. You were the best thing that ever happened to me.” Her eyes were big, and I raised my hand to pinch the bridge of my nose.
“Is that why you’re here today, Amy?” I asked as she nibbled on her full lip.
“I was looking into firms in California. This is one of the best and the area is beautiful and then I researched the company. I knew you worked here and thought we could work together again. It was great before.” She stepped closer, and I held up my hands as I noticed the seductive smile on her face.
“What was great
about catching you with Ian?” I reminded her as pain flashed across her face. “Where is he these days?”
“Ian… he died two weeks after you moved. He was robbed leaving a store, and they shot him. I left his firm after that since I had no idea how to run it and went elsewhere.” My face dropped as I let her words sink in. “I know that he would have wanted to apologize to you as well, Remy. We did everything wrong and weren’t even really together when… he died.” I saw sadness fill her eyes, and she blinked the tears away. “Anyway, I needed to get out of that city and all the reminders about how messed up my life got. I wanted to find something that made me happy again and that was you.”
“Amy, I don’t want to get back together.” I told her as she nodded.
“I know. I don’t blame you, but I’d like to be friends. I’d love the experience of working here.” She smiled weakly, and I stared at her for a moment.
“It is up to Rick at the end of the day, Amy. You’ll hear something soon, but I wish you all the best if we’re not the company for you.” I turned to leave, and she reached out to touch my arm gently, causing me to freeze for a second.
“I have the same number. I’d love to talk more.” She offered, and I shook my head slowly. I left the room and headed to the break room for another cup of coffee, feeling the shock of the news to my system.
Chapter Eleven
Celia
I wrote all day and shut down the computer in the afternoon, needing a walk to loosen my muscles. Remy was due home in around an hour and we planned to go out to dinner. As much as we both worked and were always tired, we wanted to have a normal relationship and leave the house. I walked down the long stretch of sand and turned around in time to get ready for dinner.
I just wanted to see Remy. The sight of him always affected me but today, I missed him. I wished that we would have been together when we were younger with more time. Now we were working towards a future though I didn’t know quite what that was.