Time For Love Box Set

by Karen Deen

  Shit!

  Alesha and Xavier are going to kill me if I don’t get my ass moving.

  A whole shoe cupboard, shelf after shelf of my little beauties to pick from. I can’t understand a woman who doesn’t love shoes. What better way to attract a man? Shoes that grab his attention, running his eyes up your calves, thinking about your legs wrapping around him while he enjoys more than just the shoes. My biggest problem right now is deciding which pairs I need to pack for my trip.

  Today’s one of those days I don’t have time to deliberate for too long.

  The perfect shoes will set the mood for this weekend, so I need to choose right.

  I run my fingers across the shelves, seeking the ideal pair. It’s almost like checking out a guy in a bar. What takes my fancy today?

  Trips where you’re flying and need to pack lightly hurt my soul. Women should get extra luggage allowance for our shoes and make-up alone. The current limit is just ridiculous. I need my full suitcase, plus my handbag with all the emergency life essentials that a woman just can’t be without when she travels. You know, spare underwear, toothbrush, condoms, my vibrator to name a few. Just in case your luggage gets lost, you are still prepared for every occasion.

  I take offence to Alesha’s comments when she says I have enough shoes that if they were sold, I could feed a small nation. I work hard for my money and these are my rewards. Along with my clothes, make-up and, of course, handbags. You can’t have the complete outfit if you don’t have the matching handbag. I like to look classy and sophisticated. There is nothing wrong with being proud of how you present yourself.

  It’s time to start placing things in my suitcase, otherwise I’ll be running more than just a little late. My family takes great delight in constantly picking on me for never making it anywhere on time. Normally I figure it’s okay, but I’m not sure the plane will wait for me. I mean, it’s not like I’m the princess my dad always tells me I am. Princesses have their own plane, anyway, which I could totally go for. I need to put rich on my checklist for the men I date.

  Future Date Checklist

  Big bulge… big cock…

  Brags about what he can do with the above-mentioned big cock

  Hot as hell

  Taller than me when I’m wearing heels

  Strong and muscular

  Hot as fuck

  Knows how to treat a lady

  Hot as sin

  Sexy and is good at fucking

  Perhaps a little repetitive but then there are no mistaking what I want.

  Now I need to add to this list

  Rich and has his own plane

  Willing to become a member of the mile-high club in abovementioned plane.

  Some may say I have a thing for hot men who know how to fuck well. I actually can’t argue with that. Life is for living and having fun. We all have our own way of defining fun. My fun is a little wilder than my family know about. They know I’m the crazy child, I’m just not sure they realize how crazy. They see the put-together professional businesswoman by day. Family girl when we are together. They just don’t really get to see the let loose party girl at night.

  I’m the youngest child in the Stevenson family. Annoying little sister to Grant, Zach, Luke and Alesha. Little princess to my dad, Mitch, and the sparkle of mischief in my mom Sophia’s eyes. I work with my family in our construction business, which has its advantages. Some days, though, I just wish I had that anonymity of a regular job. Being bossed around by your older brothers wears thin at times. Luckily, I’m pretty carefree most days; I just say my piece, get over it with and move on. No matter how much I frustrate them, at least I know they can never fire me, so that’s one perk.

  The chime on my phone is the text to tell me Alesha and her fiancé, Xavier, have left his apartment and are on the way to pick me up. Crap, I need to move faster, let’s hope they get stuck in traffic. I knew I should have started earlier. That statement sounds like a familiar sentence in my head that’s playing on repeat.

  We’re heading to New York for a few days to see Zara, Grant’s girlfriend, dance in her current show. I’m so excited to see her perform with the New York Dance Company. It’s her dream role. A dream so important that she almost gave up a life with Grant, because she was worried she couldn’t have both. Luckily, he got over his stubbornness and realized he couldn’t be without her.

  It’s also great for me because it gives me an excuse to visit New York. The mecca of great shopping and night life. Although being the fifth wheel on a night out is not ideal. So, I’ll be looking for a little company once we hit the town. Thinking about the nightlife makes me grab my red dress that I have been dying to wear. It hugs my body so tight, there’s not a spare inch of room. The low scoop neckline has my boobs almost on show but in a classy way, while the back has several straps crossing over my spine while the whole of my back is exposed until just above my butt cheeks. It makes me feel sexy so I can imagine what it looks like to a guy who takes the time to look. I match it with my black sky-high stiletto shoes. They are new and I’ve been waiting for the perfect night to break them in.

  I’m just sitting on my suitcase trying to squash everything in when I hear the front door open and Alesha call out as she comes through the apartment. We both have keys to each other’s apartments. It just makes life easier.

  “In here, just trying to close this damn suitcase,” I call out to her.

  “Hi there. Lordy, Lil, how much did you pack? You do know we’re only going for two nights, right, not two weeks?” Alesha starts laughing at me bouncing up and down on top of the suitcase.

  “Shut up and get your butt over here on top of this bag and help me. You know I need a lot of things no matter how long we travel.” Finally, the zipper passes that point that seems to be the stumbling block and slides freely towards the end. “Done. Now just let me touch up my face and I’m ready. See? It is possible for me to be on time…occasionally,” I call over my shoulder as I disappear into my bathroom. Now to decide on which shade of lipstick to pick for the plane, like there’s even a choice if I’m not at work in the office where I need to be more professional. Red lipstick every time. Sexy, hot stand-out lips is what I want.

  “Jesus, Lilly, what the hell is in this bag?” I hear coming from my room as Lesh tries to lift it off the bed. “I’m going to call Xavier up to drag it to the car.”

  “Don’t you dare!” I yell back at her. “I’m no weakling, you know; this is what your fiancé has been training us for, supposedly. Although, I’m pretty sure our gym sessions are spent with him too busy checking out your ass to be worried about what I’m doing. Luckily for me, his sister is just as good a personal trainer as him and Natalie keeps me going while he’s drooling over you.” I laugh, walking back towards my bed and a blushing Alesha.

  “That’s not completely true,” she mumbles. “Well, not all the time anyway.”

  “I’m just joking. If Xav wants to look at your ass like he wants to take you in the middle of the gym, then…”

  “Lilly!” she screams at me and whacks me on the arm. The slight blush that was on her cheeks is now full-blown red.

  “What? Enjoy that hot man every moment you can, Lesh. You can’t tell me the sex isn’t off the charts. Come on, spill the beans, he is pretty good in bed, isn’t he?”

  “Lilly, stop it. I’ve told you before, I’m not like you. I don’t share everything.” She turns and heads towards the front door, stopping just at the last minute before leaving my bedroom. Looking over her shoulder, she smiles and whispers, “Good is not even close,” then keeps walking, giggling to herself, but I bet her face is beet red. That man is the best thing to walk into my sister’s life and I couldn’t be happier for them.

  Alesha holds the door of the elevator for me as I struggle to push, then pull, my suitcase towards her. She laughs at me the whole time.

  “One day, you will listen to me and pack lighter. I bet you only wear half of what you pack.” I glare at her. I know she’s righ
t, but I will never admit that.

  “You know me better than that. It’ll never happen. Now let’s start thinking about the shopping in New York and how I’m going to fit it in your bag to bring home again.” We both look at each other and burst out laughing. I pull her towards me and hug her.

  “Love you, sis,” Alesha whispers.

  “Me too. Never forget that.”

  I can feel her taking in that deep breath just like I am. After the scare we had where we thought we might lose her, I make sure she always knows just how much I love her. Sometimes the feeling catches me unaware at strange times, but when I get it, I share it. Life’s too short.

  “Hi Xav, did you miss me?” I cheekily ask, approaching him where he’s leaning on the car. He takes Alesha in his arms and kisses her on the top of her head before turning to face me.

  “I missed a Stevenson girl but sorry to say, Lilly, it’s not you. Now, you did get the memo that we’re only going to New York for the weekend, didn’t you?” I knew the smart-ass comment was coming, but a part of me loves that we have the kind of relationship that we can stir one another, and no offence is ever taken.

  “This is packing light for a weekend. If the airline didn’t have the stupid weight limit, then there would be two bags. Now stop wasting time and get it loaded in the trunk. We don’t want to be late to the airport, do we? Grant will not be happy with us. I don’t want to have to tell him you took too long loading the car which caused the lateness.” We all start laughing but deep down know I’m right.

  Xavier groans as he hoists my bag into the trunk while Lesh and I stand watching him struggle. He looks up at me, and I just give him the look that lets him know not to say another word about my bag.

  The trip to the airport is full of idle conversation about our day, what the plan is for when we land in New York, and more importantly, where we’re off to after the show. I doubt Grant and Zara will be coming out partying with us tonight. They haven’t seen each other for two weeks, so if I were them, I’d want to be ditching us and heading back to Zara’s apartment. Not that I will be saying that to my big brother. Alesha and I might have that sort of relationship, but Grant is my oldest brother. Talking to him, even jokingly, about sex is totally off the table. He doesn’t want to know anything about his sister’s sex life and probably still sees me as his virginal little sister. Let me assure you, I’m far from that. I feel that same way about Grant. Thinking about him having sex is like walking in on your parents going at it. That vision burns the back of your eyeballs and it’s an image that can’t be unseen. Thinking about Grant gives me the same sick feeling in my stomach. It’s just off limits.

  Thank god Xavier chose valet parking so we can get inside and checked in. Grant is already blowing up our phones wondering where we are. I’m going to need champagne to cope with him this afternoon, until he gets to see his girl. Zara is the only one who can calm him and have him eating out of her hand. I never thought Grant would find someone who would put up with his dominant personality, but Zara has him on his knees and he’s happy to be there.

  We can see him pacing as we head towards the gate for our departure. I don’t know what his problem is, we have at least twenty minutes to spare. That’s got to be a record for me. Xavier and Alesha reach him first. He leans in and hugs her, leaving a kiss on her cheek, and then a man hug for Xavier.

  “Working on Lilly time again, are we?” He scowls as he turns to see me.

  “We’re here before they’re calling us to start boarding the plane. I don’t see an issue. I would say that I’m early, wouldn’t you?” I flash a big smile and dip my head and get just what I was aiming for. Grant to take me in for a hug, laugh a little, kiss my cheek and say what he always does: “Only you, Lilly, only you.”

  Now that, people, is how you tame a big brother.

  Sitting in airports is always so much fun. Watching people and trying to guess their stories. Where they’re travelling to, what for, who with and what sort of things they packed in their bag. Alesha and I used to play this when we were younger, but the older we get, the more elaborate the stories become. Mine always involve some crazy turn of events or a weird piece of luggage. They always end up coming back to something a little naughty. Alesha elbows me and looks across to the guy sitting on his own in the corner of the lounge where we’re sitting waiting. I smile at her and grab my phone, because the boys would not appreciate our stupidity. I start texting.

  Lilly: He has been on a buying trip for his company that sells sex toys. His suitcase if full of samples and his girlfriend is waiting for him at home. He told her to be naked when he gets home so they can try out the samples.

  Alesha: Wow, you went there early. I’m sure you have sex on the brain most days.

  Lilly: Me…? Not a chance. I have it on my mind every single day. I’m just not lucky enough to be getting it every day like you.

  Alesha: Sucks to be you then. Maybe you should go ask him for a sample.

  Lilly: Why, Alesha… I never, young lady!! Lol

  I can see Alesha giggling to herself as she hits send. I can’t help but laugh a little too as I read it. Who would have thought I would be the one being jealous of my sister’s love life? Not me, that’s for sure.

  Lilly: Ok, your turn. The two young girls sitting with the older lady near the check-in counter.

  Alesha: That is their grandmother who they have been staying with. Their mother and father have been travelling to New York for a job interview for their mom to be a Journalist with the New York Times. They’re flying to New York to meet up with them for a family holiday.

  Lilly: Yours are always so sweet, just like you.

  Alesha: Someone has to balance out your perverted mind.

  Lilly: Oh, the horror!!!

  Alesha: What about the lady over near the window looking out at the planes. Holding the baby and rocking her in that cute pink blanket.

  Looking over at her, there’s something a little different. It looks like she has security with her and no bags, not even a small carry-on for her and the baby. Before I have time to answer her, the people start filtering out of the doors from the plane that’s landed. I can see Grant getting antsy to get on the plane to get to Zara. Xavier is relaxed, sitting in his chair and looking at his tablet, with his arm around Alesha. Just slowly and softly rubbing up and down her arm. I turn back to watch the lady with the baby who has gained my attention and imagination; maybe she’s waiting for someone rather than her and the baby boarding the plane. The security guy says something to her and she moves a little closer to the gate.

  The passengers keep streaming past her, yet she still stands there nervously, rocking from side to side, slowly patting the bottom of the little one in her arms. Her body language tells me she’s nervous, apprehensive but also excited. You can see the anticipation inside her. I can’t hear what she’s whispering to her little girl, but the words are making her smile every time she looks down into the eyes of her baby. She keeps glancing back up to the people exiting the plane, looking, searching and trying to contain her excitement. I start to worry that whoever she’s waiting for has missed the plane because the passengers have stopped coming. Then part of the flight crew starts to come out with the captain waiting by the door for the last person.

  We become witness to the most emotional reunion. The man in an army uniform steps through the door, shaking the hands of all the flight crew. He’s limping, obviously carrying a leg injury. I look across to the woman who is now walking towards him with tears streaming down her face. She must have special military clearance to be in here to wait for him, hence the security.

  He turns to face her as she approaches him. He drops his bag and reaches out to take her face in his hands, slowly taking in every feature on her face as if to memorize it. Then he leans forward and gives her a kiss like he wants to consume her.

  Finally, he pulls back and then his hand drops to the bundle in her arms. He strokes the baby’s cheek and leans forward to kiss her. His tea
rs now falling freely as his wife lifts the baby girl into his arms. This big strong soldier is sobbing from what I am guessing is the first time he is meeting his daughter. His shoulders are rising and falling, showing the emotion flowing through his body as he clings to her with all the strength he has while he lifts his other arm around his wife, and they bond for the first time as a family. The waiting area has gone quiet as we’re all aware of the private moment we’re sharing.

  The captain and the flight crew start clapping and that has us all starting to cheer and clap. Alesha and I are both wiping tears from our cheeks. You can’t help but feel emotional after what we just witnessed. I hear Grant behind me whisper to no one, “Thank you for your service,” which is his way of showing how he’s affected by what he just saw, but he’s a macho man and doesn’t cry.

  Picking up his bag in one hand and carrying his little girl in the other arm, the couple start to leave the waiting area with his wife’s arm linked in his. I doubt they will be breaking that connection for days. Good luck to them and I wish them happiness and a speedy recovery from the injury.

  Looking to Alesha, I say through my tears, “I could never have made up anything as beautiful as that.” She just nods at me from where her face is resting on Xavier’s chest, him leaning down and kissing the top of her head. One day I want what they have, and especially the connection that is unspoken, like the soldier and his little family.

  One day, just not yet; I still have so much fun to enjoy.

  Note to self, though – men in uniform to be added to the future date list!

  Finally, they’re calling boarding instructions for our flight. I wipe the thoughts of a cozy family life from my mind. Time to party, getting myself another booty call to erase the memory of poor little Lenny.

  Look out, New York, here comes Lilly.

  “About time they start boarding, don’t they know they’re running late?” Grant grumbles. Always so patient, my brother.

  “Keep your pants on, Mr. Grumpy. The world does not revolve around us Stevensons. Maybe it should for me, but definitely not for you. Now let’s get on the plane and get this fun weekend underway. I could use a drink, not sure about you guys but I’m sure I heard Grant say he’s paying for them.” I slap his arm and start heading for the gate with my ticket, laughing over my shoulder at him stalking behind me with his usual Grant scowl.