Never Let Me Go

by Kianna Alexander

  Al, with the desk phone cradled between his shoulder and his ear, held up his index finger when Maxwell entered the trailer. Taking a seat in one of the guest chairs, Maxwell quietly waited for him to finish with the phone call.

  After Al hung up, he said, “Well, well. Good to see you, Mr. Devers. What brings you here this morning?”

  “Hey, Al. Just wanted to stop in and let you know I’m going on vacation.”

  “Oh, I see. How long?”

  “A week. Tomorrow until the following Friday.”

  “I’m jealous.” Al chuckled. “If I took off that many days in a row, things around this place might just fall apart. But what can I say? It’s nice to be needed.”

  Maxwell laughed. “Anyway, I think the job is off to a great start. I’ve seen everything I need to see, and I’m comfortable leaving the job to you and Braxton. I’ll be stopping by now and then, just to see how things are going, but that’s it.”

  “Got it. To tell you the truth, you’re way more involved than most of the other architects I’ve worked with. So you’re welcome here whenever you wanna stop by.”

  “Thanks.” Maxwell stood, waved. “Keep them in line for me, Al.”

  Al, his eyes on the computer screen, flashed him a thumbs-up.

  Back outside in the sunshine, Maxwell took one more walk around the site, offering his thanks to members of the crew. Then he returned to his SUV, got in, and drove away.

  Even if the foundations weren’t in, I don’t think I’d have stayed the whole day today. His mind had been wandering all morning, and it always seemed to take him back to thoughts of Yvonne. It seemed like ages since they’d made love, and he knew his craving for her body, for her touch, would soon get the better of him.

  Back at his office, he ran through a list of things for Carson to do while he was gone. “Keep up with my messages. Keep everyone out of my office. Make sure the new blueprints for Mrs. Dartmouth’s lake house are in order. And only contact me if it’s a legitimate emergency.”

  Scribbling on a notepad, Carson asked, “Is that all you want me to do?”

  “That’s it. There won’t be much going on around here while I’m on vacation, so I’ll be okay with you catching up on your school assignments during work hours.”

  Carson blew out a breath. “Thanks, Mr. D. With finals coming up, you couldn’t have picked a better time to take a vacation.”

  Maxwell laughed, shaking his head as he went into his interior office. Seated behind his desk, he spent about an hour making phone calls and answering emails, tying up loose ends so that Carson and Mary Alice wouldn’t have to deal with them. As the lunch hour approached, he locked up his office.

  “All right, Carson. I’m done. See you the week after next.”

  “Okay, Mr. D. I hope everything goes well.” Carson gave him a mock salute.

  Maxwell left his office, hitting up a local burger joint for a quick lunch. His stomach satiated, he headed home to satisfy his other hunger. As he pulled out of the parking lot, sipping cola from the paper cup he’d brought with him, his phone rang.

  Glancing at the dashboard display, he felt his brow crease when he saw his father’s number appear there. I should just let it go to voicemail; I don’t want to talk to him. But what if the old man has taken a fall or something? With a sigh, he tapped the green button on his steering wheel. “What is it?”

  “That’s how you answer the phone?” Humphrey’s tone indicated his disapproval. “No ‘Hello, how are you?’”

  “I didn’t really want to talk to you, Dad. I only answered to make sure there wasn’t anything wrong.”

  Humphrey harrumphed. “Of course there’s something wrong. I’ve been banished from sleeping in my own bed for the first time in fifteen years or more.”

  Maxwell said nothing, preferring to listen rather than rail at his father. He knew that if he got started down that path and really unleashed the bitterness and anger he felt, he’d have to pull over to the side of the road. Arguing and driving just didn’t mix.

  “As much as I love that leather sofa in my study, that thing is hard. It was not meant to be slept on, that’s for sure.”

  Maxwell wanted to chuckle but refrained. “Dad, I hope you’re not looking to me for sympathy.” He kept his eyes on the road, refusing to let himself be distracted from getting home safely. He missed his daughter, and he’d been dreaming of Yvonne’s touch all day.

  “Oh, I see. So you’re just like your mother and Kelsey. You think I deserve to suffer for what I did.”

  “We’re not doing this right now, Dad.” Sure, he could lecture his father about how he’d disrespected his mother and betrayed their wedding vows and how his selfishness had affected so many others. But what would be the point? “Either you understand that you did something wrong, own up to it, and make it right, or we have nothing to talk about.”

  “And I suppose you don’t think that bearing the burden of a secret for so many long years is punishment enough, Maxwell?”

  He didn’t hesitate. “No, Dad. I don’t.”

  Humphrey groaned. “Son, I just want to explain—”

  “Dad, have you had a real conversation with Mom about this whole thing yet?”

  “No, but I—”

  “Then, with all due respect, save it.”

  “Maxwell! How dare you…” His father’s tone grew incredulous.

  “Again, with all due respect, I don’t want to hear it. You need to make things right with Mom before you and I can have a conversation.” He couldn’t begin to imagine his mother’s pain, the anguish his father’s self-serving actions had caused her. “She’s probably suffered more than anyone else because of what you did.”

  “Son, I think you’re speaking out of turn here.” Humphrey’s voice took on that deep timbre he’d used to lecture Maxwell both when he was a teenager and on the day he’d brought his baby daughter into the house.

  That wasn’t going to work on him now. “Dad, I don’t agree. I’m not out of line now any more than you were when you lectured me about responsibility. And you didn’t seem to have any problem doing that.”

  Humphrey grew silent, and for a few moments, Maxwell heard nothing other than the sounds of the passing traffic.

  “Fine,” his father snapped and hung up.

  Shaking his head, Maxwell put his full focus on driving. Highway 210 had significantly less traffic this time of day, making him think he should leave work early more often. Now that I have Sasha full time, I’ll probably have to leave early on occasion to take care of daddy duties.

  He entered the house and found Yvonne on the sofa, sitting among a huge pile of the baby’s clothes. She was dressed in a yellow V-neck tee and light-wash jeans. The aroma of the laundry detergent was strong, but nothing could conceal the familiar fragrance of the woman he loved. “Hey there.”

  She looked up from the tiny onesie she’d been folding. “Hi, Max. You’re home early. I just put Sasha down for her nap.”

  “I’m officially on vacation, starting now.” He came near the sofa. The cushions were barely visible, and he didn’t want to sit on the clean laundry, so he stood. “I haven’t taken more than two days off from work in over a year, and I figured with Juliana coming home, now’s the time.”

  “Makes sense.”

  He picked up a hint of something in her voice, something he couldn’t quite identify. Annoyance? Jealousy, perhaps? “How has the day been going here?”

  She shrugged, continued folding. “Nothing too exciting. She seemed pretty content to stay with me most of the morning instead of crawling around the house. I read her a few books, we played with the building blocks, had a snack.”

  He moved closer then, scooting a small pile of laundry out of the way so he could sit down next to her. “Are you all right, Yvonne? You seem a little…distant.”

  Raising her gaze t
o meet his, she sighed. “I have my reasons, Maxwell.”

  “Care to share them with me?”

  She shook her head. “I don’t think it would be productive.”

  He touched her shoulder, relieved that she didn’t jerk away from him. “Fair enough. But I have to be honest with you. I miss you, Yvonne.”

  She sucked on her bottom lip, a momentary action that nearly sent him over the edge. “I haven’t gone anywhere.”

  “I think you know what I mean.” He eased into her space, nuzzling her neck.

  “I have so much more folding to do.” She let her head drop to the opposite side, exposing more of her skin to him.

  “I know. But the laundry isn’t going anywhere.” He pressed his lips to the side of her throat, tugging the fabric of her top aside a bit as he placed a line of soft kisses from there to her collarbone. He thrilled at the feel of her pulse quickening beneath his lips.

  She murmured weakly, “It’s the…middle of the…day…”

  “Doesn’t matter. Baby’s asleep.” He flicked his tongue over the curve of her shoulder, eliciting a sexy little groan from her throat. “I want you, Yvonne. I’ve been thinking about making love to you all day.”

  “Mmm.”

  “Say yes, baby.” He brought his kisses up the front of her throat until their lips met. Sweeping his tongue over her parted lips, he said, “Pretty please?”

  “God, Maxwell.” She leaned into his kiss, and as he pulled her into his lap, he knew he had his answer.

  * * *

  By the time they reached his bedroom, Yvonne could feel her entire body vibrating with desire. She hadn’t been expecting him to come home so early, and he’d caught her unaware. Now, as she stood near his armchair watching him undress, she licked her lips in anticipation.

  Best. Distraction. Ever.

  Her senses were alive, taking in every nuance of the moment. The slivers of sunlight filtering through his drapes, the thick carpet giving way beneath her feet, and the sounds of their breathing were all parts of this experience. Yet nothing was more arresting than the sight of him baring his body for her.

  He was already naked from the waist up, and he held her eyes as he undid the button at his waist. She swallowed, watching him slowly tug his slacks and underwear down, only to kick them away.

  “Like what you see?” He stood before her, wearing nothing more than his male confidence and the lingering scent of his woodsy cologne.

  She nodded, unable to find her voice. She was too busy enjoying the visual feast of his firm, muscled body. She could remember the last time they’d made love, and recalling just what he could do with that body sent shivers racing through her. She grazed her fingertips over his flesh, wrapped her fingertips around his thickened length.

  He drew a sharp breath, took a step back. “Your turn, baby.” He took a seat in the armchair, never taking his eyes off her. “Let me see that beautiful body.”

  She drew a deep breath, lifting her shirt up and over her head. Under his intense gaze, she stripped off her bra, jeans, and panties.

  He held up his index finger, making a circling motion.

  Understanding what he meant, she revolved slowly, every cell in her body aware of his scrutiny. When she faced him again, his expression had taken on a darker, more sensuous appearance. “You’re so perfect, Von. I want you so much.”

  He pointed to the nightstand, and she retrieved a condom. Bringing it over to where he sat, she held it between her index and middle fingers. “Is this what you wanted?”

  “This is what I want.” He slipped his hand between her thighs, his fingertips finding the tight bud of her pleasure.

  Her knees buckled and she purred. She let him play for a moment, enjoying the way his touch made her blood rush. Her core warmed, flooded with the heat he generated. Finally easing his hand away, she said, “Then let’s not keep you waiting.”

  She moved in front of him, tearing open the packet. Rolling the condom down over his hardness, she eased onto his lap, her thighs straddling his hips.

  He pulled her close, closing his lips over her nipple. While he sucked, licked, and played, she crooned for him, relishing the slick heat she felt growing between her thighs. He switched to the other nipple, lavishing it with the same attention, and her core pulsed with wanting.

  She lifted her body, centering herself. Then she lowered herself, simultaneously leaning forward for his kiss. His hardness slipped inside her, filling her, stretching her, touching her in all the places she craved, and she moaned into his mouth. Their tongues mated as their bodies became one.

  Her heart squeezed in her chest. She loved this feeling, the moment their two souls entwined. Nothing could match this ecstasy, this glow that began low in her belly, growing until it finally consumed her.

  Yes. I want this. Consume me. She pulled back from his kiss, sucking in air. “I love…you…Maxwell…” She could barely string the words together, but they simply could not go unsaid.

  “I love you.” He fairly growled the words as he thrust his hips up, driving himself deeper inside her.

  She let her head fall back, giving in to the rhythm. Sounds escaped her throat, sharp, high-pitched cries of passion that she barely recognized as her own, mingling with the guttural growls he made with each stroke. She shivered as his palms caressed her stomach, then her waist before he gathered her hips in his hands.

  Every nerve ending in her body fired, her entire being alive with pleasure. She rocked her hips, and he matched every move. Her nails dug into his shoulders as she rode him, chasing the climax that she sensed coming on. “So close…ahhh…”

  He grabbed her waist, edged them both forward on the chair. Then he began pumping his hips, his wild, fast thrusts sending them both over the cliff. She shouted his name as orgasm spread through her like a burst of light and magic, leaving her shimmering and breathless.

  She fell against his sweat-slicked chest, unable to move. He cradled her in his arms, and she snuggled closer as he placed a soft kiss on the crown of her head.

  “You’re a very naughty nanny,” he whispered, his tone teasing.

  She feigned offense. “Excuse me? I was diligently working when you came in and interrupted me.”

  “And you loved every minute of it.” He stated it as fact.

  She chuckled, feeling the lightness of the moment. He’d impinged upon her day, yes, but in the best possible way. “Feel free to interrupt my work anytime you like.”

  “I could lie here with you like this forever, Von.”

  Forever? It sounded both wonderful and scary at the same time. No man had ever made her feel the way Maxwell did, and she doubted anyone ever would. She loved him; her feelings couldn’t be changed or denied. But what would it mean to have a real future with him? What would he ask her to sacrifice in exchange for a life with him? Every man has an angle, something they won’t budge on. What’s his?

  A part of her wanted to stay there, to enjoy the feeling of being in his arms. But she knew it was only a matter of time before Sasha woke up, if she hadn’t already. “I need to get up, Max.”

  He groaned but released her.

  She extricated herself from his lap, gathering her clothes from the floor. Hoping to get a quick shower before going to get the baby, she slipped from the room.

  Later, freshly dressed and with the baby in her arms, she approached his bedroom door. As she raised her hand to knock, she could hear him snoring. Not wanting to disturb him, she turned away and took Sasha downstairs.

  Chapter 19

  Friday morning, Maxwell took Sasha from Yvonne as she headed out the front door.

  “My father’s surprise birthday party is Sunday, and I need to pick up his cake. The bakery’s closed on Sundays, and I won’t have time tomorrow.” She gave him a peck on the cheek. “I’m also sure you and Juliana will need privacy so you can dis
cuss things.”

  Holding his daughter close, he nodded. “Thank you, Yvonne.”

  After she left, he took Sasha to the blanket laid out on the living room floor and sat her down among her sea of colorful plastic toys. “There you go, sweetheart.” He sat down beside her, watching as she filled her little toy purse with random objects and dumped them out, over and over. Each time she dumped the contents, she laughed and clapped, and pretty soon, he joined in. He wasn’t sure he understood her game, but if it brought her joy, that was enough for him.

  If Von were here, she could probably tell me all the developmental reasons why she’s doing this. But he knew Yvonne was right. He and Juliana had a lot to discuss, and doing it with a third party present would make things far more awkward than they already were.

  When Sasha seemed to grow bored with the toy purse, he dragged out the large plastic bin holding her soft, fabric-covered blocks. “Now, this is more up my alley. Let’s do our first big construction project together, okay?”

  She bounced up and down, giggling as he dumped the blocks out on the floor. Watching her play with the blocks, he thought about how, one day, she really could be working with him at the architectural firm. Would that be the path she chose? Or would she follow in her mother’s boot prints to a military career? Or would she choose something else altogether? There was a certain excitement in dreaming about her future. Her possibilities were boundless, and he would see to it that she had everything she needed for a happy, successful life.

  He became so enthralled in their play that the ringing doorbell startled him. Climbing up from the floor, he padded barefoot to the door and checked the peephole. A moment later, he opened the door. “Come on in, Juliana.”

  She entered then, giving him a wry half smile. “Max. How’s it going?”

  “Great. You?”

  “Can’t complain.”

  She stood in the doorway for a moment, and he took in the sight of her. She was tall and slender, her athletic frame a consequence of her physically demanding career. Her attire was all black: a T-shirt with the word ARMY spelled out across her chest in bright yellow letters, slim-fit jeans, and ankle boots. Her glossy black hair, which had been long enough to touch the small of her back when he’d last seen her, was now cut into a short, blunt bob that framed her olive-skinned face. She wore lavender contacts, but he remembered the rich brown of her eyes beneath.