Claiming Love

by Holly J Gill

  “Right, I’d best allow you to enjoy your evening,” My mum said, walking to the door as Ross stepped back, giving her access to leave. She barely acknowledged he was there. “I’ll call you,” she grimaced and walked away. Yeah right! As if she’d call me!

  “Hi,” Ross said softly.

  “Hi,” I said, as he moved closer to me, and kissed me on my cheek, my body instantly reacting to him. His spicy cologne filled my nostrils, and my knees weakened by the second.

  “Sorry about that. I wish I could say she isn’t usually like that.” I rolled my eyes. “My mother.” I clarified.

  “No apologies necessary.” His smile made me forget the little drama my mother almost created. You ready? You look stunning by the way,” he commented.

  “Thank you. This has been sat in the wardrobe for a while, waiting for the right opportunity,” I blushed, rubbing the dress down.

  “Well, it was worth the wait.” He smirked.

  Oh, my God. This man was making it harder and harder to resist him.

  I grabbed my handbag and house keys to lock up. We moved to the street where he’d parked his Range Rover. He opened the door like a true gent and waited for me to get in, before closing the door.

  I inhaled a deep breath, not believing that this was really happening. I was dating Ross. Did I really deserve him? Would he see me the way my family does someday?

  “Good to go?” He glanced at him with a glorious smile.

  “I am,” I replied.

  “Good…shall we?” he suggested getting on the road.

  He drove us to a restaurant he’d made reservations at beforehand. We were seated in a corner, and I seriously couldn’t take my eyes off him.

  As happy as I was to be here, something weighed heavily on my heart. “Do you believe things happen for a reason?” I asked.

  “I do. I believe life is a risk, every day we make choices that could make a change in milliseconds. Life is about learning and making mistakes, only, it’s how you handle them that turns things in your favour,” he said, considering me.

  “That is very true. I’ve made many mistakes, and I was always told that if you trip, get back up and stand tall…” I said. “That said, I think you need to know that I come with a huge warning sign?” I continued.

  “Yeah and I come with a dictionary,” he teased. “What are you trying to say, Donna?”

  “That I’m clumsy and stupid, and I sometimes say things without thinking that leads me into serious trouble,” I added. I had to be honest with him.

  He took my hand. “Hey, where is all this come from?”

  I lowered my head feeling humiliated.

  He sat forward, tilting my chin up to look at him. “Let me guess it has something to do with earlier and what you told me the other night about your family. Look, I have one thing to say about that: ‘fuck them’ ‘fuck them all’. This is your goddamn life, and they have no right telling you what you can and cannot do. You’re your own woman and a special one at that. They make you feel bad about yourself by bringing you down even when you try to do your best and make them proud. You don’t have to prove anything to them. Just be yourself, be happy, and live the life you want. And you certainly have nothing to prove to me,” I stared at him, catching him furrowing his brows. “I hate seeing people being mistreated and especially you. I like all the quirky bits about you, you’re none of those things you said, stop doubting yourself.”

  He squeezed my hand, “What do you think made me notice you in the first place?”

  I shrugged my shoulders.

  “You’re beautiful, bubbly, quirky, funny, and you have the power to make this lawyer smile and relax. Trust me that isn’t easy, that in itself should be a degree.” He smiled, and I could not help but laugh at that comment.

  “Donna, there are a few things you need to learn about me,” he kept a firm hold of my hand. “I am not here to correct, dictate to or mock you in any way. I am here because I want to get to know you. I want to learn everything there is to know, discover your likes and dislikes, your passions, what your favourite colour is, what season you enjoy the most… I will not patronise you or cause you any distress. Not ever. What I do want is for us to embark on this journey together and see where it takes us, and hopefully, fingers and balls crossed, we work,” he laughed.

  “You really like me?”

  “Donna, if I didn’t like you, why would I be here? Look I’m not just trying to flatter you. This isn’t some game. I am serious. I really like you.”

  I smiled. “I think I like you too.”

  “Then let’s get to know each other, shall we?”

  I nodded, and he kissed the top of my hand.

  “What kind of books do you like to read?”

  “Mostly Erotica.”

  “Ah,” he replied, staring at me with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

  “I’m not all filth, I do read romance, and action too,” I added before he thought I was some sex freak, even if I was frustrated and sitting opposite him wasn’t helping in the slightest.

  He nodded his head.

  The food arrived, and we tucked in. My heart raced hoping he didn't think I was some erotic, dirty woman and was put off by me. We had much to learn about one another and right now all I wanted was to see him naked and make crazy, erotic love to him. The food on my plate was nice, but I would rather be tasting him.

  He really was sweet, and his, Mr Know-it-all attitude was gone. I talked, and he listened. He spoke, and I listened. He even spoke of a few of his cases and the way he explained the stories made me giggle.

  “Do you fancy leaving?” he asked when we were done.

  “Sure,” I answered.

  He paid after I insisted on paying my half, which he wouldn’t have. I felt guilty, so we agreed that the next meal would be on me, without arguments.

  I felt the chemistry, but then I wasn’t the best person to analyse such things, with the number of times I‘d been used and left hurt.

  Sophie and Melissa were my genuine friends, and before them, I was a loner. I stayed to myself. I know how pathetic that sounded, but I had my reasons. People used me and once done, discarded me. The story of my life.

  Ross drove back to my house. We hardly spoke a word, but it was a comfortable silence. I wanted to spend more time with him, it was far too early to be dropping me off, even though it was eleven pm, well past my regular bedtime. Even though I do spend most of my evenings reading and using my vibrator.

  He drove down my street. A large lump formed in my throat. My breathing felt restricted.

  Every inch of me ached for this man. I had never felt this way in my entire life, and it felt crazy. I liked it. Unfortunately, he was dropping me off at home, and our night was over.

  When the car pulled up outside my house, I didn’t feel ready to go inside and leave this man.

  “So here we are,” he said.

  “Yeah,” I whispered, unsure he even heard me.

  “You ok?” he asked.

  “Yeah!” I stared at him, hoping he saw the evident disappointment on my face. “Thank you for tonight.”

  “It’s been a pleasure.”

  Oh, God. He was about to dump me. He had decided he did not like me and tonight was a massive mistake for him. I sucked in a breath and bit my lower lip.

  “Will I see you again?” I asked.

  “Donna, of course you will. Actually, I have a Silver Wedding Anniversary to go to next weekend and well, I was going to ask if you would like to be my plus one?”

  I never expected that. Not in the least. “Sure, who is it?” I asked curiously.

  “A work colleague, so yeah, lots of posh talking people, but I’ll be there to protect you,” he winked.

  “Then it’s a date. I need a new dress, I’m going shopping with the girls, so I’ll find something nice,” I told him.

  I leaned over the console and pressed my lips to his cheek. I stayed there, allowing the moment to linger for a few extra minutes. He
burned into my soul, and I craved for him to stay, hold me, for us to wake up together, make love, the list was endless.

  I moved away and took hold of the door handle and jumped out of the big car. I turned to face him as a charming grin spread across his gorgeous face.

  “Right, I’ll see you soon,” I said, not hurrying.

  “That you will, thanks for tonight.”

  “I’ll ring you,” he said.

  He watched me walk to my door, and when I was inside, I waved goodbye as he drove back to York.

  I stepped into my empty house, wishing I had opened my mouth and offered him coffee at least. But as much as I wanted him, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that stage. Or was I?

  Chapter Eleven

  Ross

  I’d been in and out of meetings, researching and dealing with, demanding clients. It was a nightmare.

  I wondered if it was time for me to move onto something else, criminal law maybe, rather than family law.

  Donna was not far from my thoughts and the fact that I wanted a future with her. There was no doubt that I was presently married to my job, and it took up most of my life. Was I unfair to expect Donna to stand by me while I worked at this rate?

  I wished to spend so much more time with Donna. But I loved my job. I enjoyed the challenges it gave me. It gave me the kind of lifestyle I enjoyed and had become accustomed to, but something was missing. And when I met Donna I realised what that was, a home, with a woman I loved, someone to go home to and chill with, make love to, cuddle on the sofa with after a hard day at the office.

  I called my solicitor about my house, and all was moving swiftly. Hopefully, soon I’d be moving into the countryside for a more relaxed atmosphere. There was a time I’d thought about travelling, but I needed to be grounded too.

  My phone rang, and I noticed it was Cal.

  “Hey, mate?”

  “Fancy a drink?” Cal asked.

  “Ten minutes?”

  I was done for the day, so I headed to the usual bar around the corner from both our workplaces.

  I arrived first and got the drinks. Cal walked into the bar looking as drained as I was.

  He slumped in the chair opposite me.

  “Crap day?” I asked.

  “Yeah, everything has been a nightmare, I swear if I didn’t need to drive home, I’d drink the bar. How’s your day?”

  “Same as yours should’ve stayed in bed. But hey, think of those bills we have,” I added trying to lighten the mood.

  “True. So how're things with Donna?” Cal asked.

  “We’re talking. Did you watch the game last night?” I didn’t feel like saying too much, in case I jinxed what we had.

  “Yeah, the control was crap… but I didn’t ask about the game. I take it you haven’t managed to get her yet?”

  I sighed. “No, it’s not that, it’s still early days, and it’s kind of hard to spend more time with her. I have far too much on with work, and you know how it is Cal?”

  “I do, but only you can make it happen. You need to make the time Ross, as otherwise, you’re going to end up lonely wishing you’d nabbed her. Not only that; you look like you need some serious attention in the sack” he chuckled.

  “Trust you to bring that up. Ok, look, we’re dating.” Calvin’s eyes widened. “We’re taking it slow, but,” I ran my hands through my hair. “I’m taking her to an event this weekend,” I informed him.

  “Ah, Sophie went on about a shopping spree last night. I wasn’t even sure that was today.”

  I reached into my jacket for my phone and decided to message her.

  Hey Donna, are you in York? Xx

  After sending the message, I just felt anxious. How the heck could a woman do this to me?

  My phone beeped a reply.

  I am buying a dress for the weekend!

  I sighed longing to see her. I had to see her before the weekend, but I had work coming out of my ears. If I didn’t get it done now, I would end up working in my own time over the weekend, and that was certainly not happening.

  What time you heading back? Xx

  Not sure, haven’t thought about it! Why?

  Just asking! You have a good time, and I’ll see you on Saturday. Xxx

  Ok, I’ll see you then.

  No kisses, she still wasn’t sure about me.

  “You ok? You’ve gone pale mate,” Cal asked.

  “Yeah, I’m going to head back to the office and crack on with the case. Otherwise, I’ll be working on it till midnight,” I told him and stood.

  I left without needing anyone to ask questions, including my best friend.

  Donna was due any time, and I was racing around like an idiot, making sure the house was reasonable, which left me just enough time to get showered. I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable in any way possible. I wanted today to go perfectly, allow her to be in the company of people I associated with, in my personal and work life. This was my world, and I hoped I didn’t make a mistake and make her feel like she was not welcome.

  My heart thumped in my chest, and my tummy flip. The house was littered with boxes and bags, all ready for the move, which could happen soon. I had so many doubts racing through my mind. Was I acting too hasty? Was it too early for her to walk into my world? There I went again, overthinking everything.

  I had just stepped out of the bath when the doorbell sounded. I checked the clock on the wall. She was early. I wrapped a towel around my waist, and I was worried about the state of the house, amongst other things.

  I debated getting dressed, only keeping her waiting on the porch was rude.

  “Donna?” I yelled through the glass pain door.

  “Yeah.”

  “Please don’t overreact, but I’m not wearing much and…you caught me off guard, this is not intentional,” I warned her.

  “It’s ok. I am early, so don’t worry.”

  I inhaled a deep breath and opened the door. Donna’s long dark hair was down and hung in waves. Her make-up was done, and she looked totally breathtaking.

  I stepped back, letting her into the house.

  “Please excuse the packing, the house looks so untidy,” I told her as she walked in giving me a chance to admire her backside in the form-fitting leggings, that clung beautifully to her contours.

  She continued through to the kitchen diner.

  “This place is really nice,” she told me as I followed her. She turned startling me, we were so close. I leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

  “Thank you. Right, I’ll go and get dressed and then you can too,” I said and before she replied I headed upstairs to place my pounding heart back into my chest.

  Chapter Twelve

  Donna

  Oh my days, Ross was almost naked. It took everything not to pull off the towel. Crap, I was having those erotic thoughts again. It was bad enough I used my vibrator to entertain myself last night while thinking about him. He turned me on to levels I didn’t know even existed. I was heightened to the point I was sure the roof on the house would collapse.

  I stood in the open kitchen, boxes surrounding me as I gazed around the area, the modern kitchen in suited the Georgian house with its high pitched ceilings.

  “Sorry about that. Like I said you caught me off-guard,” Ross said, entering the kitchen. “I’ll make you a cuppa while you go and get changed and don’t worry, I won’t bring it in until your dressed.”

  “It’s fine.” I smiled at him. He was gorgeous in his grey slacks and white shirt and ascot.

  I picked up my bag and headed upstairs.

  “Any room I can’t go in?”

  “Nope, take your pick, but the front is my room, with more space and fewer boxes,” he laughed.

  I opened the door to his bedroom to find a large king-size bed that gave me all sorts of fantasies.

  I reached inside the bag and pulled out the dress I had chosen, hoping it was conservative enough. I thought lawyers, barristers and professional people wouldn’t apprec
iate my boobs popping out, plus Sophie offered me some great advice with her being in this environment longer.

  I made my way downstairs just as Ross was coming up. He stilled, admiring me from top to bottom.

  “Oh wow, you look sensational, you really do. I love that dress, it’s suits you, just stunning Donna,” he said in awe.

  “Thank you, Sophie helped, since she’s been to these high-class events. I didn’t want anything that displayed too much cleavage.” I laughed.

  “You look incredible and good choice. You can show off your boobs for me anytime…” His eyes widened realising what he’d just said, and I could not help but giggle. “Sorry, whenever you’re around, I end up shooting myself in the foot,” he shook his head.

  “It’s fine, really,” I assured him

  Ross handed me a mug of tea when we were downstairs.

  We rode a taxi to the party. I confess I was nervous about being around all those intelligent, professional people, especially if they started talking their language. But Ross’s presence made me calmer.

  When we arrived at the venue, Ross climbed out and rushing around the car to open the door for me.

  I looked at the old building which Ross told me dated back to the 1800s. It was such a masterpiece. Ross placed his hand on my lower back as he led me into the main entrance. Everything was so grand and posh with large pictures and ornate chairs.

  Ross gave his name at the front desk …

  “Ross Chase my good man, how the devil have you been?” a jovial older man approached us shaking Ross’s hand.

  “I’m good, Derek, this is Donna, my…my,” he tilted his head at me, waiting for me to reply.

  “A friend. Nice to meet you,” I said, holding my hand out in greeting.

  “The pleasure is all mine. Ross mentioned the other day he was bringing a lady friend and well what a beautiful lady you are,” he added with a grin.

  “Thank you, that’s kind of you to say.” I smiled.