by Stacy M Wray
“You sure?” I nod and he slowly pumps in and out, immense pleasure builds and takes over. He continues to pick up the pace and the tingling sensation I’m feeling intensifies. Keep going…don’t stop. The intense pulsing is almost more than I can stand as I finally feel like I’ve been turned inside out.
Braden tenses up right after me and I know he’s found his release, as he cries, “Jesus, Karma…you feel so fucking good…” through clenched teeth.
I feel his dead weight drop on me, loving the sensation because I can’t get close enough to him. My hands glide up and down his back as he catches his breath, his cheek lying on top of my heart.
We always shared great sex as teenagers, but we were just learning back then, figuring it out as we went. But this…this was so much more – like slowly sipping a twenty-year-old whiskey that’s been matured in a charred oak barrel as opposed to downing a shot or mixing it with a sugary soda. There’s just no comparison.
He finally lifts his head and smiles at me. “That sure beat any fantasy I’ve ever had about you. I’ll take the real deal any day.”
I laugh. “Fantasy?”
“You have no idea,” he says, smacking a kiss on my mouth. He offers no more than that so I let it drop. Maybe one day I’ll get him to describe this fantasy.
Rolling to the side of me, he lies on his back with one arm bent at the elbow and his hand on his chest. “Whoa – that was something,” he says, looking at me, his smile meeting his eyes.
I turn on my side so I’m face-to-face with him. “That was something,” I say in agreement. “I almost forgot how great we were at that.” He frowns at me and I follow with, “Almost.”
Braden brings his other hand up to my face and I take it and kiss his palm. “This is it, lady. You know you’re mine now. Again. I will die making sure it’s you and me. Forever.”
His powerful, heartfelt words coat me with warmth, the punch behind them knocking out any teeny-tiny doubt I might have had lingering in the back of my mind, my faith in our renewal escalating every moment I’m with him.
Pressing his hand into my cheek, I tell him, “I believe you.”
“Good. Now I’m going to go grab a couple of waters out of the fridge. Be right back,” he says, and smacks me on the ass on his way out.
“Ouch,” I yell at him. His laughter ricochets down the hallway.
I’m almost asleep when I hear his bare feet slap against the wood floor. I look up to see him enter the bedroom, comfortable with his nakedness, with two bottles of water.
My thirst makes me sit up.
“Can I have my water, please?” I hold my hand out, flexing my fingers back and forth.
Smiling at me, he says, “Since you asked so nicely…” He grabs a bottle and places it in my grasp, at the same time giving me a chaste kiss on my lips.
“Thank you,” I tell him, twisting the cap off and taking several drinks before placing it on the nightstand on my side of the bed.
He sits back, leaning against the headboard. I snuggle into his side as he pulls me close, his chin resting on the top of my head. “This feels so right. I can’t believe we get a do-over after all of this time.”
“I know what you mean,” I tell him. “I can hardly believe it myself.”
I feel myself drifting to sleep and am slightly aware of Braden edging us down the bed and turning out the light.
I remember thinking I haven’t been this happy in a long time.
chapter thirty-four
July 2013
We’re making the hour drive to his parents’ house for dinner and I have to admit that I’m fairly nervous. I never felt comfortable around them back in Colorado Springs, and I feel even more uncomfortable since Braden thought it would be fun to spring me on them for dinner.
“Stop it,” he says, squeezing my hand.
Giving him a sideways glance, I say, “Stop what?”
“Stop worrying. Everything is going to be fine,” he assures me. I don’t answer him because I think he’s sorely mistaken.
Pulling up to the over-sized house accented with large, white pillars and the biggest wrought iron door I’ve ever seen, I get out when Braden opens my door. Taking my hand, he leads us to the pretentious entrance and walks in.
My eyes roam around the entryway at the outlandish décor, a black marble table comprised of stacked circles boasts an ornate vase filled with every kind of flower imaginable, a white velvet high-back chair sits off to the side. I roll my eyes, making sure Braden doesn’t see me. It just makes me feel better.
The sound of a woman’s high heels echoes down the hallway, and I turn to see his mom’s mouth drop open. Remembering her manners, she shuts it quickly, saying, “I had no idea you two were seeing each other again.” She’s talking to Braden but her eyes never leave me.
“LARU needed a photographer for a campaign and hired Karma, and yes, we’re definitely seeing each other again,” he tells her, wrapping his arm around me.
I decide to be polite and say, “It’s nice to see you again, Mrs. Stewart.”
She nods and turns back to Braden. “I thought you’d be bringing Julia.”
Confusion and shock cross Braden’s face. “Mom!”
She waves her hand in the air, saying, “Sorry. You just caught me off guard.” She turns and heads back in the direction she came from. “Your father is in the living room. Why don’t you go say hello while I check on dinner.” She’s almost to the kitchen and her voice trails off.
I look at Braden and give him an I told you so look and he just shakes his head in disbelief.
I lean in and whisper, “Should I be concerned about Julia?”
His brows scrunch in anger. “No! She’s some girl my mom’s been trying to set me up with. I’ve never even met her.” He’s clearly agitated.
He leads me into the living room where his father’s sitting in an over-stuffed chair with his feet propped up on an ottoman, watching golf.
“Hey, Dad. Remember her?” he asks, pulling me in front of him with his hands on my shoulders.
His dad looks up from the television and says, “Well, I’ll be…” He gets up quickly and says, “Karma! It’s been such a long time.” Taking my hand in his, he looks at Braden and says, “Well, this is quite a surprise, son.”
Braden beams like he’s just won his first soccer game. It’s sweet.
“It is, isn’t it?”
His dad drops my hand and pats me on the arm. “It’s good to see you, dear. And I haven’t seen this boy smile like that in quite some time.” He winks at me and right away I’m put at ease. At least his dad has mellowed.
“Thank you, Mr. Stewart.” I tell him.
“Nonsense – call me Mitch,” he says. “Come now, have a seat and catch me up on how you two became re-acquainted.”
Braden explains everything to his dad and finishes right before his mom walks in to inform us that dinner is ready.
“Sue, can you believe this?” he asks her, pointing his finger back and forth between Braden and me.
“Hard to believe,” she says, her voice tight. If he picks up on her insincerity, he doesn’t let on.
Just shoot me now.
We all go into the dining room, taking a seat at the table. The dinner looks wonderful and I pray Braden’s mom didn’t put poison in my portions.
Braden shoots me an apologetic look and sits down beside me, squeezing my knee and making me jump. His mom looks at me like I’m a social bumpkin and I hit Braden under the table.
It’s quiet for a bit, but then Mitch asks Braden things about work and the conversation flows. I feel his mom staring at me but I don’t acknowledge her. I don’t understand what I ever did to that woman. I’ve heard stories about how some moms just refuse to believe anyone is good enough for their sons, telling myself she’s just one of those moms.
I ask Braden to pass me the rolls when his mom says, “So, it seems to have paid off – changing your plans and going off to study photography. I guess congratula
tions are in order.” She pastes a fake smile on her face, her words clouded with double meaning.
And the way Braden tenses beside me lets me know I’m not just imagining it.
“Yes, so it seems,” I say with a bite to my words. Jesus Christ. The woman’s acting like I’m the one who left Braden.
I’m about to enlighten her when Braden says, “I think she did the right thing – her photos are amazing.” His eyes land on mine, nothing but pride in them.
Thank you.
“Well, I’m just saying that your soccer career may have turned out differently had you not been devastated by her change of plans, perhaps causing you to lose focus.” That forced, fake smile is still on her face. Who in the hell is she trying to kid?
“Sue!” his dad says. “What is – ”
The loud clank of silverware hitting china makes all of us jump. I turn to the source of the clatter and find Braden fuming. “I cannot believe you just said that. I believe we’re finished here.” He turns and says, “Karma?”
Braden stands, pushing from his chair while I place my napkin on the table, unable to believe this dinner fell apart so quickly, and follow.
“Please, Braden, she didn’t mean it. Sit back down and finish your dinner,” his dad pleads.
“Oh, I’m quite finished, Dad. Believe me.” He shoots daggers at his mom, now cowering in her chair, knowing she went too far.
“I’m sorry, Braden. Please sit back down,” she says.
“It’s not me you need to apologize to, Mom.” He waits for her to do so and when she doesn’t, he grabs my hand and says, “Come on, Karma.”
With tight eyes and flaring nostrils, he leads us to the door.
“Braden – wait!” His mom runs down the hall.
“I’m going to wait outside,” I tell him. Opening the door, I slip out to the front porch but I don’t close it all the way so I can hear their exchange.
“How could you treat her like that, Mom, knowing what she means to me? What’s your problem?” I hear him say.
“You know it’s true, Braden. Had she been there like she was supposed to, none of this would have happened.” My eyes get huge when I hear her words. Is she fucking kidding me?
Braden roars in frustration. “Enough! You are delusional. Karma had nothing to do with my accident. It’s over, Mom. It’s history. You need to get over it because she’s in my life to stay. Don’t make me choose,” he threatens.
I can’t help but smile the way he’s sticking up for me.
“I’m sorry, Braden. Please don’t be angry with me,” she pleads. I roll my eyes once again.
“We’re leaving,” he says and opens the door to find me standing on the doorstep. “Come on.” Taking my hand, he leads me to the car and opens the door for me.
I refuse to look back at the house, sensing she’s watching us.
Aye yai yai! That was brutal.
Getting behind the wheel, Braden slams his door and turns over the engine. He says nothing until we’re back on the highway.
“I’m so sorry you had to go through that, Karma.” The tension continues to roll off of his body and I reach over, placing my hand on his thigh. He covers it with his instantly.
“I guess it wouldn’t be sporting of me to tell you I told you so, would it?” He shoots me a look and I realize I shouldn’t have said that. I sigh and say, “I’ve got thick skin, Braden. I can take it.”
His mood softens and he says, “If she does anything to jeopardize us getting back on track…well, I don’t think I’ll ever forgive her.”
I turn my hand so our palms meet and our fingers interlock. “I’m not going anywhere, Braden. We’re going to work through these obstacles. I promise.”
He seems to relax and pulls off at the nearest exit. Pulling into a McDonalds’ parking lot, he turns the car off and faces me. I’m sure my confusion is written all over my face.
“Craving a Big Mac, are we?”
Shaking his head, he smiles at me and says, “Come here.” He threads his hands through my hair and gently pulls me to his mouth.
What starts out gentle builds up to the most intense kiss I have ever experienced. He pours his soul into this kiss, trying to convey everything he’s feeling. And, yes, I can’t help but feel his fear.
Pulling away slightly, he locks eyes with me and says, “I love you so much, Karma. I don’t think I ever realized just how powerful my love for you was until you were gone – and I know that was all on me – but I have never stopped loving you for even one second. It’s always been you.”
Tears form in the back of my eyes, and I can totally relate to his words. “I’ve never stopped loving you either, Braden. It’s always been you, too.”
He kisses me again and then takes me in his arms, holding me so tight that it almost hurts. “I need you so much,” he whispers in my ear.
A myriad of thoughts quickly goes through my mind of our history and how much we’ve been through. There’s no way anything or anyone’s going to come between us. I know with every fiber of my being.
“I’m here forever, Braden. I promise you,” I whisper back.
I don’t know how long we stayed in that McDonald’s parking lot, but it was a long time.
chapter thirty-five
September 2013
Our plane has just landed and we’re making our way through the airport to find my mom and dad.
Jeremy and Rachael are getting married in a few days and I couldn’t be happier for them.
“There they are,” I tell Braden, quickening my pace as my parents notice us at the same time. I run into my dad’s arms, tears forming in my eyes.
“I’ve missed you so much,” he tells me, tightening his hold.
“Me, too, Dad,” I respond. “More than you know.”
I trade places with Braden and hug my mom, both of us so excited to see each other. “Oh, sweetie, it’s so good to see you both.” She pulls back and looks at me. “You look so happy, Karma. I’m so thrilled for both of you.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I look over at Braden chatting with my dad. It’s all so natural for the four of us. I wish it were like that with his family.
Braden still hasn’t spoken to his mom, but I know he will eventually. I think he’s trying to teach her a lesson. But he still keeps in touch with his dad, and I feel bad Mitch is in the middle. As long as I know I have the support of his dad, half the battle is won.
“Come on, you two,” my dad instructs. “Mom’s got a great lunch waiting at the house.” My dad takes my carry-on from me and we walk down the corridor that leads to the car.
We play catch-up in the car, telling mom and dad all about living in L.A. and talk about our work. I’ve received quite a few requests for jobs, so many to the point I’ve had to turn some down. That clothing line shoot I did for LARU opened up so many doors, and I am so thankful to be doing what I love.
When we get to the house, I can hardly wait to find Doobie. It’s been so long since I’ve snuggled with him. Rushing through the front door, I call out for him, knowing that he’s curled up in some remote spot. Pretty soon I hear the ting-a-ling from the bell on his collar, and I scoop him up in my arms, nuzzling my face into his fur. His little motor runs so loud, letting me know he’s just as happy to see me.
My parents and Braden come in and laugh at me, knowing how much I’ve missed my cat.
My dad grabs Braden’s bag and says, “I’ll just go put these up in Karma’s old room. I’m sure you’ll both be comfortable in there.”
Braden flicks his eyes, smiling at his words. “Thanks, Dad,” I tell him.
Mom busies herself in the kitchen, putting the final touches on lunch, and I put Doobie down so I can help her. First, I give Braden a kiss and tell him, “Make yourself comfortable. Dad will be down in a minute.”
He hugs me and says, “Your parents have always been so great.” There’s a sadness behind his eyes, and I know his mom’s behavior towards me upsets him.
“Everything wil
l work out. You’ll see,” I tell him. “Now go relax. You’ve worked so many hours the last few days trying to get ahead to take this time off – I want you to enjoy it.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he says, finally letting me go.
Dad comes down the stairs and says, “Come on, Braden, let’s see if we can’t find you some soccer to watch.”
I smile watching the two plop in front of the big screen my dad has mounted on the wall. It pleases me to no end to know there’s a mutual respect between them.
Walking into the kitchen, I ask, “What can I do to help?”
My mom looks up from plating her famous chicken salad sandwiches and says, “Just sit down, honey. I’ve got this.”
I sit at the kitchen bar and watch her. “So how’s the bookstore doing?”
She lights up at my question. “It’s doing great – I had to hire another sales clerk since business has picked up. But my barista didn’t last long – she moved away to reunite with a fling she had in Texas. So I hired a personable guy and he’s great with the customers. Let’s just hope he sticks around.”
She picks up the tray and says, “Why don’t you call the boys in. It’s time to eat.”
“Dad! Braden! Let’s eat.” I hear them coming as I take a seat at the table.
After we’ve all filled our plates, my mom looks around the table. With misty eyes, she says, “This is so wonderful. I’m so happy to have you for a few days.”
I smile at her and my dad chimes in. “This table would look even better with grandchildren sitting around it. Right, Dana?”
She takes his hand and gives it a squeeze. “Now you’re talking.”
Braden and I look at each other – we’ve not even discussed anything like that. To save him, I say, “It’s a little early to be discussing such things. We’ve only just moved in together.”
I had a talk with Jada, telling her I wouldn’t move out until she found another roommate. It only took her two weeks to find one. We had a big dinner before I left but we still keep in touch. She will always be one of my great friends…she’s one of the most genuine people I know.