MANTRUM

by Jacob Chance

  “I’m proud of you for making that decision. I know it wasn’t easy to admit you need help. But you have made a lot of progress already and now you guys can get into what the triggers for it are.”

  He raises my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss on the back. “As long as I have you by my side, I can do anything.”

  Teri walks into the middle of the room. “I was thinking since this is our last class, we should go out and celebrate. Let off a little steam without getting out of control. It could be a good test for you and your partners. What do you say?”

  A chorus of “yeah” goes up. Rex turns to me. “Looks like we’re going out.”

  The bass is pumping so hard it’s a relentless thud in my chest. My ears ring from the extreme volume the music’s being blared at. “I’m too old for this place,” I groan to Rex, and he chuckles. “You voiced my thoughts before I had a chance to. I’m older than you. I feel ancient compared to everyone here.” He nudges my arm and points his chin toward Teri. “She’s older than both of us and she’s having a blast. If she can do it, we can. Come on, let’s dance.” He grabs my hand and pretty much drags me into the middle of the dance floor. To say I’m reluctant to be here is an understatement, but I know if I give it a chance I’ll probably have a great time.

  He pulls me into his arms, placing his hands on my hips. We edge closer together with every sway of our hips. Before we know it we’re bumping and grinding with the best of them. “See. We’re not too old for this place.” We might not be too old, but being so close to him has me turned on. With everything that’s been going on, we haven’t had sex since before he got arrested. And I’m raring to go.

  “Wouldn’t you rather go back to my place where we can be alone?” My fingertips caress his shoulders.

  “Does this mean you’re ready to completely forgive me for acting like an ass with Gray?”

  “I forgave you when it happened. We all make mistakes, Rex.”

  “Yeah, but some of us make really big ones.”

  “Those days are over. I like to think you learned your lesson.”

  “Oh, hell yeah. The thought of going to jail had me petrified. I never want to feel that again.”

  “And you won’t. Now let’s go home and enjoy the rest of our night. We earned it.”

  24

  Rex

  One month later

  “Happy Birthday, baby.” I set the cake down in front of Danika, the candles bathing her face in a golden glow.

  “Rex. You didn’t have to get me a cake.”

  “Of course I did. I can’t have you ring in your thirty-sixth year without a birthday wish. I think this is where you say ‘I already have you. What else could I possibly wish for?’” She rolls her eyes.

  I sing happy birthday to her and hold my phone up taking pictures. “Make your wish before the cake melts.”

  She closes her eyes, and when she opens them, she blows the candles out in one breath. I clap and whistle, sitting in the seat next to hers.

  Danika picks up a knife and begins cutting our pieces. “This is so much cake for the two of us.”

  “I figured since the girls and my brothers are joining us tomorrow, they’d finish it up.”

  “I can’t believe we’re introducing them. Do we really want to do this for an entire weekend?” she questions, handing me a plate of cake and a fork.

  “Yeah, why shouldn’t we?” We figured having them come to the cabin would be a neutral place for them to meet. And there’s plenty to do, so if they don’t hit it off, it won’t be uncomfortable.

  “I don’t know. What if they get together and then break up and there’s drama? I don’t want to hear how your brother sucks for the rest of my life. What if he ends up my brother-in-law?” She dips the fork into the frosting flower and slips it between her lips.

  “What if he ends up? You better know that he will end up related to you. I’m not letting you out of this relationship.” She laughs. “You think I’m joking? No way. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” I drop my fork onto the table and slide her chair closer to me. “I love you more than I ever imagined loving any woman.”

  Her eyes tear up. “Oh, Rex. I love you too.”

  “You’re my partner in life and crime.” I tap the end of her nose.

  “No more crime, Rex,” she huffs before giggling.

  “Okay, you’re my partner in everything, and I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side.”

  “I only want you. And I can even deal with an occasional mantrum as long as you don’t break any laws.”

  “When we get married we can have that added to our vows.” She narrows her eyes at me. “Okay, maybe not.” Dipping my finger into the blue frosting on her plate, I paint her lips with the sugary substance. Then lean forward and lick every trace away. Her tongue meets mine, helping.

  Rising to my feet, I hold my hand out for her. “Come on. I have something I want to show you in the bedroom.”

  “I’ve heard that line before.” She wiggles her eyebrows as I pull her to her feet. We hold hands as I lead her up the stairs to my room. She sighs when she sees the view out the large windows. “I don’t think I’ll ever tire of that picturesque scene. With so much open land all around us, I feel like I can breathe more fully. And all the day-to-day stresses have melted away.”

  “That’s exactly why I love coming here so much. Now that I have you to share it with, we’ll have to head up here on the weekends.”

  “I’d love that.” She turns to face me, leaning against the window. “So what was it that you wanted to show me?” Her lips quirk in a teasing smile.

  “It’s not what you’re thinking, but I hope you’ll be pleased just the same.” Fingers gripping the worn cotton of my t-shirt, I drag it over my head.

  “Oh, Rex.” She stretches out a hand, edging closer. Her fingers trace out the shape of the compass tattooed over my heart. “It’s beautiful. When did you get it done?”

  “A couple of days ago.”

  “Oh my God.” She finally notices her name in place of the N for north. “Rex?” My name is a question on her lips.

  “You’re my moral compass. You keep me on the straight and narrow, focused on the things that matter most—you and Ruby and loving you both the best that I can. I know we’ve only known each other for a few months, but this is how confident I am that you and I are forever. I love you, Danika Putnam, and I’m going to love you a little more each day until I finally die from my heart exploding.”

  “You were doing so well until the heart exploding part.”

  “Yeah, but don’t forget why it exploded. Because there was so much love it couldn’t all be contained.”

  “That’s a little better.”

  “How about if I shut up and kiss you?”

  “I think that’s your best idea yet.”

  Cupping her cheeks in my palms, I connect our lips. With every stroke of my tongue, I show her how much I love her.

  Danika’s fingertips trace over my tattoo before her lips move down to press gentle kisses against it. “I love you,” she whispers against my skin before her tongue licks a path down to the top of my shorts. My hands clench by my sides as her fingers deftly undo the button and zipper. When she slides my shorts and boxers from me, gripping me firmly, I groan her name. She pumps my length a few times and drops to her knees in front of me.

  “Oh Christ,” I groan, as she licks me like an ice cream cone from base to tip, swirling her tongue around. When she takes me in her mouth, sliding all the way down my length, my knees almost buckle. My fingers clutch her head and her long, blonde strands wrap around my fingers like her mouth is wrapped around my cock.

  She moans and hums like I’m the best thing she’s ever tasted, and I almost lose control. Barely hanging on by a quickly unraveling thread, I tear her mouth from me. Gripping under her arms, I pull her to her feet and throw her over my shoulder. Striding to the bed, I lay her down and strip her naked. Staring at her, I marvel that she’s mi
ne.

  “Turn over,” I order. “I want to see your ass jiggle as I fuck you.” She rolls over, giving me a coy glance over her shoulder. I tug her to her hands and knees and slap her ass, admiring the blooming red handprint left behind. Danika arches her back, letting me know how much she liked it. I slap the other cheek and then lean forward, gliding my lips over both round globes, soothing the sting.

  Hands bracing my weight, I lower and dip my tongue inside her. She moans, grinding against my mouth, and I shift onto the bed, kneeling behind her. My palms caress down her delicate spine, my hands so dark and large against her narrow, fair back. Gripping her hips, I nudge against her opening, pressing into her inch by torturous inch until I’m buried and never want to leave. I’m overcome by love and lust for this woman.

  “Fuck. You feel so amazing.” I start to move slowly, but the sight of Danika on her knees with her ass up in the air is too much. Slamming into her, I thrust faster and faster, chasing the high that only she can bring. The slide of her warm, wet pussy against my cock has my teeth snapping together and grinding. When she falls over the edge into the abyss of orgasm, I immediately join her.

  We collapse together on the bed and I roll us to our sides, my chest to her back. Feathering my lips over her temple, I hold her close. “Every time we make love it’s better than the last time.”

  “Practice makes perfect.” She giggles.

  “I like your attitude.” We lay in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the closeness and peaceful views out the large windows. “I forgot to show you your present.” I slip from the bed and grab my phone from my shorts. Ambling back over, I sit down beside her. “While we’ve been gone, I’ve had Adam and one of our crews doing some work on your condo.”

  “Rex,” she scolds.

  “Don’t bother telling me I shouldn’t have. Do you know how hard it is for both of us to fit into your shower at the same time?” She smiles. “Look. You have a brand new bathroom.” I hand the phone to her and she scrolls through the pictures.

  “Rex, it’s beautiful. It’s perfect.” Her eyes are full of tears when they meet mine.

  “Look at the size of that shower now. Think of all the fun we’re going to have breaking it in.”

  “I can’t wait.”

  The next afternoon, Larsen and Adam show up as planned. Our peaceful time here has come to an abrupt end. I love being with my brothers, but I’m glad we had a couple of days alone before they came.

  “Have either of you heard from Jack? Is he coming or not?” I ask.

  “I’m not sure. He’s been busy whenever I’ve talked to him lately. I can’t imagine what’s got him so occupied when he’s a professor who’s off for the summer,” Adam replies. “This is Jack we’re talking about. It’s not like he’s shacking up with some hot girl. His game is so rusty he wouldn’t know what to do if someone paid him attention.”

  “He does have two kids,” I say in his defense.

  “Yeah, college-aged kids who don’t need a babysitter,” Larsen points out.

  The doorbell rings and Danika squeals. “Roxanne and Violet are here.” She rushes off to get the door.

  “Who are they?” Adam questions.

  “Danika’s best friends.”

  “Are they hot?” Larsen smirks.

  “They’re attractive.”

  Adam rubs his hands together. “Excellent.”

  The girls come bouncing into the living room. I give them both hugs and introduce them to my brothers. Roxanne’s eyes go wide when she sees Adam and she gasps. “You.”

  Adam smirks. “I see you’ve heard of me, darlin’.” Roxanne narrows her eyes, shooting daggers at him. There’s got to be a story there, but I’m not sure I want to know it. Somehow she knows him, but he doesn’t seem to be familiar with her.

  Thankfully, Violet doesn’t have any adverse reactions to either one of my brothers before Danika escorts them upstairs to their rooms.

  “What was that all about?” I ask Adam.

  He shrugs. “Honestly, I have no idea. But she seems to hate me for some reason. I know I never banged her. I’d never forget that face or rack.”

  “Jesus, dude. Don’t be so crass.”

  “Okay, Mr. Lover. Remember when you used to not have a girlfriend and you made the same bad jokes as us?”

  “Vaguely.”

  “Well, you did.”

  “All I know is neither of them hated me, so my weekend is shaping up nicely,” Larsen states.

  Adam scowls. “Fuck that. Just because she hates me now doesn’t mean anything. I work fast.”

  Larsen sniggers. “That’s what she said.”

  “Why don’t you guys go change into your bathing suits and we’ll hang out in the pool.”

  “Good idea.” Larsen punches my arm. “Then we can see the girls in their bikinis.”

  I aim a stern look his way. “By girls you better not mean my girl.”

  Larsen spreads his hands. “Hey, we can look.”

  Adam claps our baby brother on the shoulder. “Don’t fire him up, Lars. We don’t need him getting arrested and ruining our weekend.” I give them both the middle finger and head upstairs to find Danika and change.

  25

  Danika

  “I’m so happy you guys are here. We’re going to have so much fun.”

  “The ride wasn’t too bad either,” Violet states.

  “So are we going to address the elephant in the room?” I ask.

  “If by elephant you mean Rex’s brother, Adam, then yes. I couldn’t help my reaction. Let me explain why I was so surprised and then you guys will understand.” She glances at Violet and me to make sure we’re both listening. “In the past few months, I’ve had more than one woman request a MANFAX on him.”

  I giggle. “You’re kidding.”

  “Nope. It’s true. He has a very colorful dating history and he’s a complete commitment phobe. I never made the connection that he’s Rex’s brother. I don’t think I ever asked you what Rex’s last name is.”

  “Well, why would you make the connection? And I don’t doubt his commitment issues.” I’ve heard a few stories from Rex and I’ve witnessed Adam in action myself on more than one occasion. Women are drawn to him like ants to sugar, and he knows it.

  “He is adorable, though,” Violet states. “And the other brother. Whooee.” She fans herself. “How old is he anyway?”

  “He’s thirty-two.”

  She scrunches her nose up. “Hmm, is four years older too much? Do I look too old for him?” She pats the skin around her eyes as if she’s feeling for nonexistent wrinkles.

  “Hell no. You can play cougar,” Roxanne offers. “In fact, I think it’s a great idea. When was the last time you had some fun with a guy?”

  “It’s been too long. And I’d like to play whatever he wants, but we all know I’m all talk. There’s no way I’m sleeping with your future husband’s brother. Even though he’s the hottest guy I’ve ever seen.”

  “Don’t let the fact that Rex and I are together stop you. I’d be more concerned with the fact that he’s never had a serious girlfriend and you’re too sweet for him. I don’t want you to get your heart broken.”

  “What does your pussy have to do with your heart?” Roxanne blurts out, and we all laugh.

  Tired from all the sun and swimming, we head to bed earlier than usual. After being around everyone all day, it's nice to be alone again. I turn over, facing Rex. “Do you want more kids?”

  His blue eyes are earnest as they glance at me. “I don’t know. I’m not against having more, but I don’t feel the need to, if that makes sense.”

  “Yeah, it does.”

  “Do you want kids?” He turns on his side mirroring me.

  “I’m not sure. I always thought I didn’t, but now that we’re together, I sometimes wonder what it would be like.”

  He caresses my shoulder. “We’d make beautiful babies. Maybe we should give it a try.”

  “We would,” I agree. “B
ut we need to have a better reason to have kids than how they’d look.”

  “We have time to think about it. You’re still young.”

  “Hmm. Not really. I’m thirty-six. That doesn’t leave me much time.”

  “I’m game for practicing if you want to use me.”

  “You’re so unselfish.”

  “It’s nice of you to recognize my sacrifice.” He slots his fingers with mine. “I want to marry you soon.” His words stun me. It takes me a few seconds to inhale my next breath.

  “How soon?” I gasp.

  “Tomorrow.”

  “What?”

  He grins. “Okay, I can wait a little while. How about six months?”

  “Is this supposed to be a proposal? Because it kind of sucks if it is.” Not that I should be complaining, because I’ll take Rex however I can get him.

  He rolls over and turns the other nightstand lamp on then fumbles around in the drawer. When he turns back over he’s holding a diamond ring between his fingers as if it’s an everyday occurrence. “I bought this the day after we made love for the first time. I already knew then that I was never going to let you go. That’s how sure I am about us.” He kneels on the bed next to me. “Danika Putnam, I love you more than I ever imagined possible. I want to experience everything life has to offer with you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Absolutely. So, what do you say?”

  “Yes. I’ll marry you tomorrow or any other day.” He slips the beautiful diamond ring on my finger and I rise to my knees, throwing my arms around him. “Am I dreaming?” I whisper tearfully.

  “No. We’re wide awake, engaged in the present, making the most of each moment as it comes. And a lifetime of these moments together will add up to all our dreams coming true.”

  I glance at the promise of his love shining from my finger. “They already are.”