His Redemption

by Nikki Chase-Coakley

  "Well," Sarah interrupted. "To be fair, it is kind of how things got started for us."

  "No, it wasn't. My feelings for you started a lot sooner than that if you recall. But getting back to Christy, you’re right her idea was dumb and it never would have worked because you already know she was never the one I wanted. You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved."

  He reached for her wrapping his arms around Sarah in a bear hug that lifted her off the floor. Sarah couldn't help the giggle that bubbled past her lips as she returned his embrace with just as much enthusiasm. It always felt so good to be with him. Tucked in Tony's arms she felt as if nothing bad could ever happen to them. She felt completely safe there. All of her fears and anxieties melted away whenever they were together like this. He had a way of pulling her out of any kind of funk she might be in and chasing away all her doubts.

  "I love you too." She whispered for his ears only.

  "Do you realize that was the first time I have ever seen you lose your temper? You actually referred to me as your man." Shaking his head he chuckled.

  "Well, aren't you?"

  "You know I am but up until now I’d never heard you sound so possessive about me. It was a hell of a turn on."

  Feeling slightly embarrassed, she mumbled something about needing to get back to work but before she could retreat Tony took her hand and tugged her along until they were enclosed in the kennel kitchen. Once both doors had been secured he had her in his arms and was kissing her with everything he had. Sarah draped her arms around his neck and kissed him back with just as much enthusiasm. She gasped and shivered when he slipped a hand beneath the hem of her work shirt to lightly stroke the smooth silken skin of her belly with his fingertips.

  "I really missed you the last couple of nights. I want to do so much more than this but we still have a few more hours before I can take you home and get you out of these clothes."

  “Does this mean your parents are gone now?”

  “Yup, I put them on a plane a couple of hours ago. Now I can have you all to myself again.”

  She lowered her head to rest over his heart. It had been like that ever since she’d helped him to get over his insomnia. There was hardly a night they'd been apart. “I missed that too and I couldn't sleep either." As if in cue she began to yawn. "I’m so tired, Sweetie. I don’t know how much of a reunion we’ll be able to have until I get some rest.”

  “That’s alright. As long as I have you near me I can be patient about the rest.”

  He kissed the top of her head before straightening her top and turning to leave. Sarah's legs felt like rubber and she could barely stand as she watched him go. It was crazy how much she loved that man or how hard and fast she'd fallen.

  Tony whistled softly between his teeth as he made his way back across the sales floor. Christy stepped directly in his path. Her arms were folded as she tried her best to get in his face. "Did you talk to Sarah about the way she spoke to me?"

  "Should I have?"

  "You heard her. She threatened me. Isn't that considered workplace harassment or something?"

  "Not really, that would have been what you were doing. As a matter of fact, what you admitted to back there could be grounds to fire your ass. Sarah was just warning you about what would happen if you didn’t watch your step. While we're on the subject, if I were you I would tread very carefully when it comes to things that have nothing to do with you."

  At her open mouthed outraged expression Tony did his best not to laugh. “You’re a good employee Christy and up until recently a real team player. But ever since I started showing a personal interest in Sarah you’ve done everything you could to make life around here harder than it needs to be. Problems have been cropping up left and right and most of them can easily be landed at your feet. I don’t want to have to get rid of you even after everything you’ve put me through but I will if you don’t lose the attitude and get back to business. When Sarah and I are here we give a hundred percent just as we expect of everyone else. You are no exception.”

  He gave her a final warning look then walked away.

  ∞∞∞

  The minute Sarah and Tony hit the front door it was a race to the bedroom. Clothes came off on the trek up the stairs and into the bedroom. Sarah laughed as Tony stopped to untie his boots grumbling to himself that he should have worn sneakers so he could just kick them off. She finished first and taunted him by standing naked next to the bed.

  “Need any help?”

  He looked up then and his mouth went dry at the sight that greeted him. Full firm breasts jutted out of a petite torso that gently sloped into a tiny waist and flat tummy that flared into sweetly rounded hips and a rear he loved to cup and squeeze. His Sarah was exquisite from the top of her head to the toes on her tiny feet and he had waited way too long to be inside her again. The weekend had been long and the workday even longer knowing what awaited him at the end of it. Now she stood before him wearing nothing but a smile. Her soft slender curves beckoned to him and it was more than he could take. Standing at his full height of six feet five inches, he tossed the second boot over his shoulder, kicked off his jeans and stalked towards her.

  They eyed each other for a bit. Sarah’s pupils had dilated and her breathing grew harsh. She was already worked up and he hadn’t even touched her yet. The realization only served to heighten his own excitement as he reached for her. Their muffled laughter rang through the room as he toppled her onto the bed.

  Laughter soon gave way to moans and groans as hands and mouths went to work. Tony inched them up to the head of the bed where he pulled Sarah on top of him. Unaware of what he was doing she continued to kiss him as he positioned her with his hands so that she soon straddled him. In one swift thrust he entered her making her cry out in unexpected pleasure. She lifted her head. "What are you doing?"

  "I thought it was obvious."

  "I know that much but what exactly are you doing to me?"

  "Just follow my lead Baby you'll figure it out soon enough."

  She did, lowering her mouth back to his she felt his hands trailing up and down her back. Legs parted over his hips he thrust upwards while she tried her best to match his movements. Tony gripped her rear in both hands helping her along. Soon the pace became too much for her and she gave up trying to keep up with him. She held on tight as he drove up into her. Lips fused together he rolled them so she was now beneath him as he rode her home.

  Later Tony looked down at Sarah as his heart rate slowly returned to normal. He brushed a gentle kiss across her lips. “Every time we're together it’s incredible. I love being with you Sarah.”

  Her eyes were shining as she smiled up at him, a slow, lazy, contented smile. Her skin still glistened with sweat from their recent intense love making. “I know what you mean. You make me feel as if I’m the only woman in the world that can make you happy.”

  “That’s probably because it’s true. No other woman has ever made me feel the way you do. It’s not just that I enjoy having you in my bed. I love the way you look at me, the way you’re so enthusiastic about life. You put your whole heart into everything you do, even loving me. I feel it every time you’re in my arms. You’re amazing, woman.”

  She lazily traced the outline of his mouth with her fingertips. “Yeah, well, what can I say? You’ve grown on me Mason. You warned me it might happen."

  He captured her small hand and kissed the palm before pressing it to his heart. She was so damned wonderful he could hardly believe she was his. “I want to be with you always Sarah not just as my girlfriend. I want you to be my wife.”

  She blinked several times, her smile fading by degrees as his words registered. “Did- did you just ask me to marry you?”

  His grin turned lopsided. “Yeah, sorry. I know that wasn’t the most romantic proposal in the world. I just love you so damned much. I don’t want to ever think about a time when you won’t be here with me. I want us to always be together.”

  “Oh, Tony.” She moaned a
nd pushed at him. He rolled away allowing her to sit up. Panic flared. He felt her withdrawal acutely but tried not to let it show as she slid off the bed dragging the top sheet with her. Sarah began pacing the floor. The bottom of the sheet trailed behind her like a bridal train.

  “I take it this is not the way you expected me to spring this question on you?” He teased trying to make light of her reaction.

  “No, I had no idea you were even thinking about marriage much less with me.” She studied him then for a long moment. “You love me that much?”

  Sliding off the bed he closed the distance. “Of course I do. Is that really so hard for you to believe?”

  “I’m not sure. Nothing like this has ever happened to me. It just seems so unreal. I told you before it felt too good to be true. I’m afraid if I start to let my guard down I’ll wake up to find myself alone again.”

  “Does this mean you are or aren’t happy about my proposal?”

  “I don’t know. Don’t you feel even the least bit unsure about us?”

  “What do you mean? Is there a problem I’m not aware of? You and Christy didn't get into it again did you?”

  “That's not what I mean. Don’t you worry that being in an inter-racial marriage will be more work?”

  He snorted. “More work than what? I already know marriage is a lot of work. I’ve seen my parents over the years. Most of the time they loved each other with all their hearts but there were times when they couldn’t stand to be in the same room with each other. In the end though, they worked at it every day. They kept talking. They remained faithful to each other and they never stopped loving each other even through the rough spots. Why should the fact that our skin is a different color make any difference?”

  He dipped his head so he could see into her eyes as a thought struck. “Is that really why you’re having a hard time envisioning a future together? Or is the thought of spending the rest of your life with a man- whore more than you can accept?”

  Sarah's eyes narrowed to angry slits and her voice dropped dangerously low. “Don’t you ever ask me something that stupid again, do you hear me? Do you honestly think I could have shared my body with someone I didn’t love or respect? You are a wonderful man. Any woman would be blessed to be with you. This whole marriage thing was unexpected that’s all. You threw me for a loop just now but it has nothing to do with your past so get that idea out of your head.”

  Her words, though harsh, were just what he needed just then. Maybe he was being overly sensitive. Sarah had never thrown his past in his face so maybe it was time he stopped worrying about it. “I’m sorry, Baby. You’re right I shouldn’t have said that. Of course I don’t doubt your love for me and maybe it was kind of sudden. I probably should have given you a little more warning that I was thinking about forever with you. So, how about this? Since, you already spend nearly every night here anyway, what if you move in with me? Then after you’ve had more time to get used to the idea we can start talking about it again. Will that work?”

  Tony watched the different expressions chase across Sarah’s face, worry and anxiety being the most prominent. He knew deep down she loved him just as much as he loved her but something was holding her back. On paper they made sense. They were two mature responsible adults. They cared deeply for each other and wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. The problem was that although they were living in the new millennium some things hadn’t changed all that much.

  Most people assumed the election of the first African American president was proof that most problems with racism were a thing of the past and for a minute that’s exactly how it appeared. Lately though, a whole new breed of bigot was emerging and thanks to the internet it was all too easy to spread this hatred to the masses. Proving there were still plenty of people in the world that would look to make their lives a living hell if she and Tony chose to make their relationship permanent.

  Despite these valid reasons for not becoming Tony’s wife he still wanted it. He wanted so much to be able to roll over and look into her eyes every morning, to curl up with her in his arms each night and make love any time they wanted without the worry that his parents were in the next room. That idea alone sounded like heaven and he told her that.

  Sarah’s expression softened as he poured his heart out to her and after a long hesitation she smiled shyly. “I like that idea.”

  “You won’t be sorry Baby. I’ll make sure of that.” He hugged her tightly unable to believe this was really happening.

  “You’re always trying to make things easier for me, but what about you? Don’t you ever feel like I’m not giving enough in this relationship? I'm pretty sure I’m getting far more out of this than you are.” She asked. The insecurity in her voice took him by surprise. How could she ever think that?

  “You have no idea how much you've already given me Sarah. You’re the woman I want and I know you’re giving me everything you have. I know you love me and I hope you believe that I love you too, with all my heart.”

  He stroked her hair as he held her. He wasn’t sure what he said but she was looking at him with tears in her eyes and he began to panic.

  “What's wrong?”

  “It’s nothing.” She insisted.

  “If it’s nothing then why are there tears in your eyes? Did I do something wrong?”

  She shook her head. “You’re going to think it’s stupid.”

  “I have never thought that about you. Come on tell me. If it’s bothering you it’s obviously important.”

  “It’s just that you’re doing it again. You make it so hard to say no to you. The funny thing is all you you’ve done is show me love and respect. I shouldn’t find that so hard to resist but I do.”

  “Hey, I’m just a persuasive kind of guy.” He teased. “I don’t understand why that’s such a bad thing.”

  Sarah sniffed. “What’s the old saying? If something looks too good to be true it probably is. You are this incredibly generous, loving man and we're actually together. You’re asking me to spend the rest of my life with you and believe it or not I want that but I worry that as wonderful as everything is right now it could just as easily take a turn for the worst. I’ve seen it happen and I don’t want us to ever grow to hate each other.”

  Tony was silent for a long moment absorbing what she was saying. “Is this because of your parents?”

  "By all accounts they loved each other so much in the beginning. But eventually the stress of being from two different cultures tore them apart. Daddy moved back home and left my mother to raise me alone. She never remarried and as far as I know even though Daddy did, he never found anyone that he loved half as much as he loved Mom. It makes we wonder if love is really enough.”

  “We have more than love to keep us together. We share common goals and beliefs. We also have this time in history on our side. The world is far more accepting and supportive of relationships like ours now than back when your parents were married.”

  “If that's true why did your parents look so stunned when they met me for the first time?”

  Tony tried not to wince at the memory. “They were just surprised that’s all. I’ve never dated an African American woman before and I didn’t exactly mention it when I talked to them before they got here. To be honest, it’s not the first thing that comes to mind when I think of you.”

  “Then what is?”

  He lowered his mouth to hers. “Your beautiful breasts, your sexy ass, the way you call my name when you fall apart in my arms, take your pick. All of it gets me hard just thinking about you. Anyway, after my parents got used to how much more beautiful you are compared to anyone else I've ever dated they warmed up to you right?”

  She jabbed him in the ribs. “Nice try Mason but I’m on to you. You’re just saying all that to try and soften me up.”

  “I won’t try to deny it but I was also telling the truth. After my folks got over their initial surprise they seemed to accept it, didn’t they?”

  “Sort of
, I guess but that’s not my only misgiving. I don’t want to blow it with you. I’ve never been this way before and I don’t want to make a mistake. This is the rest of our lives we’re talking about. I don’t take that fact lightly.”

  “Neither am I. I’m just as worried about things falling apart as you are Baby. But I trust that if we’re both committed then we’ll work at it every day and we will make it. I really want this for us. Don’t you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then, the way I see it we don’t have any more to worry about than other couples, do we?”

  Sarah was thoughtful for a long moment, chewing absently on her lower lip as she considered his answer. “When you put it like that, it almost sounds like the easiest decision in the world to make.” She took a deep breath then and closed her eyes. “I want to marry you Tony. I want that more than anything.”

  “But?”

  She shook her head. “No, I’m not going to give in to worries or fears this time. I’m going to trust what we have and take a leap of faith.”

  “Really Baby? Are you sure?”

  She beamed up at him with absolute conviction. “I know I love you with all my heart. I know I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I also know that I’m more than willing to put forth the effort to make this work. So yes, I’m sure.”

  He let out a whoop and she giggled like a teenager as he lifted her in his arms to twirl her around. The sheet she'd been holding slipped and Tony tripped on it sending them both careening to the floor. Laughing they kissed and he rolled over placing Sarah on top. “I can’t wait to tell our folks but for now I think we should do something to celebrate.”

  She lowered her voice to a sexy purr and reached down to caress the length of his shaft as she lay over him. “What did you have in mind?”

  He kissed her tenderly. “I think we should go out to dinner.”

  She pushed at him in mock outrage. “Ugh! I thought you were going to suggest we head back to bed.”

  Laughing he squeezed her bottom playfully. “That’s what I have planned for dessert. Now why don’t you go get cleaned up and I’ll meet you downstairs as soon as I’m done.”