Distract Me

by M. J. Berterman

  “Oh, that’s right, with that guy Tom from your work?” he asked.

  “It’s Trent, and it’s with a bunch of us, not just him.” I felt annoyed I had to explain that.

  “Well, keep in touch with me. I don’t want my girlfriend around some rowdy guys yelling over a baseball game.” He cleared his throat just as I heard some voices and a woman giggling in the background.

  I was surprised I heard anything at all after he said the word girlfriend, but I definitely heard a woman. The word made my ears ring with excitement, and I guessed that made this thing kind of official now. But the voices in the background made me a little uneasy. I thought about Mariella joking with me about his secret family. Now this lifetime movie had me on edge too. Why did she have to say that crap? He has a career that requires him to be around both the male and female gender, so I wasn’t going to let myself get jealous.

  “So, how is your work thing going?” I quickly changed the subject as I heard a few more quick giggles in the background, and I tried to ignore it.

  “It’s work, but hoping to finish things up early and get back to you soon.” He didn’t give me any details as to what he was doing, but I thought it best not to ask.

  “Oh, well, I hope you have a safe trip home from wherever you are.” I nervously bit my thumbnail as I hoped he would tell me.

  “I will, thank you, and Adi, I’m in Pittsburgh.” I smiled.

  “Well, hurry up and finish work so you can get back.” I was too anxious.

  “I will, so I’ll see you soon, beautiful.” His voice was soft and made me want to melt into him.

  I ended the call and laid in bed thinking about what he was doing. I don’t know why it was so hard to ask him. I guess I just didn’t want to feel closed off from him again if I asked.

  The week flew by with a few parent teacher conferences after school and some grading challenges that held me over my pay time, but I didn’t complain because I had a job in the city where I wanted to be. I barely made it to spin class this morning and had just enough time to shower afterward to get to work on time. The gym was packed for a Friday morning, and my kids were extra crazy because it was an extended weekend. Most of them were planned to go to a beach or do something fun since the weather was getting warm for summer. Just a few weeks left until summer break, so the madness had begun.

  I walked quickly through the hallway because time got away from me, and I only had a few minutes to get them from their specials class. I sighed. Just two more hours to go until dismissal. As I walked down the hall toward the art room, I slowed my pace when I saw Trent standing outside the music room waiting for his kids too. I waved and gave him a weak smile. I didn’t want to get into any deep conversation with him after the last one in my classroom that left me feeling guilty over something that never existed between us. It was had enough to be around him outside of work after his confession, and the almost lip lock earlier this week, but I didn’t want to tell Ryder that because he would worry. I could handle him on my own, and Trent could respect that I was with Ryder. We are all adults here.

  “Can I talk to you really quick?” Trent approached me and instantly had his hand on my elbow.

  “Sure, but I only have a minute until my class lets out.” I pulled back giving some space between us and looked down at my watch.

  “Look, I’m sorry for making you feel uncomfortable this week, and I promise I will keep it professional from here on out.” He looked down at his feet in disappointment.

  “Trent, I do appreciate your apology, but I hope we can be friends and not let this get in the way here.” I looked him in the eye. He needed to know I was serious, and we couldn’t keep talking about this at work.

  “It won’t, and I hope you’re still able to make it to the pub tonight.” He lifted his face to meet mine.

  “Yes, I’m still planning to go. I’m not completely avoiding you.” I laughed hoping to make him feel more comfortable with me.

  “Ouch. Well, I’ll see you later at Finnys.” He smiled and grabbed his chest as he walked away.

  The rest of the day went by fast, and the kids were happy to start their three-day weekend. As I was packing up my grading folders to take home, I heard a chime come from my phone. A message from Ryder.

  “I miss you. Bad news. I got caught up in work stuff and won’t be home until late.” I frowned. I wanted to see him.

  “Okay. I’ll be out with my coworkers tonight anyway, but let me know when you’re home. Miss you more,” I quickly replied back.

  Janie’s room was quiet as I sat down at her desk. She finished a parent telephone conference as she waved her hand. Her room was beautiful, so earthy and smelled like Hawaiian ginger. I thumbed through her photo book she kept on her desk of the class adventures from this school year. It was a cute idea, and I thought about stealing it for my room.

  “Hey, are you stealing my projects again?” She smiled as she ended her phone call.

  “It’s so cute, though. I might have to do just that.” I put it back on her desk.

  “So...are you ready to go?” I asked.

  “Yes, I just have to clean myself up first.” She grabbed her makeup bag.

  “You look great. You don’t need to do anything.” I rolled my eyes.

  She looked down at her outfit, which was a white cotton button up shirt and dark skinny jeans with a cute pair of tan flats.

  “Are you sure?” She looked worried.

  “Yes, you’re beautiful.” I wiggled my eyebrows. She wasn’t as confident as I thought she should be.

  “Well, you’re showing me up in that cute blue sundress.” She laughed.

  I looked down at my casual sundress and tan wedge shoes. I just thought it looked like every other outfit I wore.

  “This?” I smirked.

  “Yeah, who are you planning to see later?” She winked.

  I was more excited for the new lingerie I packed in my bag for later if Ryder got home in time, but it wasn’t looking good based on his last text. I tried not to let it get to me, but I was excited to show off my new lingerie I had bought for him.

  “Come on. Let’s get this thing started.” I rolled my eyes.

  I pushed the thought out of my mind because I needed to stop being so obsessed with this man. I would see him eventually, and I needed to have fun tonight with my other friends. Space—you need it sometimes.

  The pub was loud, crowded, and people were already drunk an hour into the game.

  “Come on, you ass wipes!” Some obnoxious bearded man yelled from across the bar.

  I was annoyed. I hated being around loud drunks, and that’s why I didn’t go out much anymore. The thought that I used to be one of those obnoxious people when Mariella and I used to go out made me cringe. My neck started to itch, and I grabbed for my charm. My fingers were empty—it was gone. Gasping, I searched frantically around my feet to the floor. I don’t remember taking it off when I showered at the gym this morning. Panic—don’t—please. Just breathe.

  “Please,” I whispered.

  I prayed that it didn’t fall off. My fingers searched frantically through my bag, but I found nothing. I could feel my neck starting to swell up in hives. My eyes searched the face of everyone around me. No one had an idea I was scared to death. I lost the one thing I had left of her. This is a nightmare. Janie was busy yelling at the game to realize I was freaking out. My head ducked down under the bar to check around the stool where I’d been sitting. This dark floor made it impossible to see anything. I bent down and brushed my hands against the dirty floor. It made me cringe that I was basically touching every germ on the floor.

  “No, no, no... Please, Mom... I can’t lose you again.” Tears blinded my vision.

  There was no way I would ever find it. I needed to get out of here, quick. I grabbed my denim jacket and bag from my chair and tapped Janie on the shoulder.

  “Janie, I’m not feeling well. I need to leave.” I barely got the words out without breaking down.


  “What’s wrong?” Her eyebrows wrinkled.

  I grabbed my neck. I was just starting to feel feverish.

  “Oh, my God, Adi. Your neck is so blotchy. Do you need me to go with you?” She looked down at my neck.

  She looked from my neck to Trent sitting next to her. They were getting along really well all night, and he had bought her a few beers as they shared their arguments over their love for the Yankees. I didn’t want to ruin her good time by having to walk me home.

  “No, really, Janie, I’m fine. I just need to get home and take a shower and relax,” I reassured her.

  “Okay, if you’re sure you’ll be okay... Text me when you get home?” She frowned and grabbed my arm.

  “Sure, of course.” I smiled, and I hugged her goodbye and gave Trent a quick wave.

  He smiled and waved back. Not sure how my legs carried me to the exit, but it felt like I floated above the crowds. My fingers still searched my chest for my necklace, hoping it would magically appear. I couldn’t think straight. Did I take it off anywhere? I never took it off—it must have fallen. I bumped into a woman leaning against the doorway.

  “Hey, watch where you’re going!” She yelled and shot me a crazy look.

  I thought better and chose not to say anything back to her. Holding up my hand to apologize, I slid out the exit to the sidewalk. As soon as my feet hit the sidewalk, I took off running. Tears filled my eyes, but they didn’t fall yet. How could I have lost it? It was the only thing I had from her. The tears fell. That’s it. I couldn’t stop them. I wiped my eyes and ran faster. I needed to get home and check my room now. I prayed I had left it at home today.

  Stepping out into the crosswalk, I saw a bright flash of headlights coming full speed toward my body. I had nowhere to run. My body froze like a deer in headlights. Move, Adi, I pleaded in my head, but my body didn’t respond. Just as I closed my eyes, I felt a tight pull on my arm. My body crashed against a hard body. Opening my eyes just as a honking taxi drove quickly past me, I turned around to see who had just saved my life. In those last seconds, nothing existed. I was still in a blurry daze, but I could recognize that scent and touch even if I was in the dark. It was Ryder holding me. His face was drained of color as I imagined how mine looked at this moment.

  “Adi, what’s wrong?” He shook me.

  “Why the hell were you running into the street?” He pleaded with me as his hands held me tighter against him.

  His eyes never left mine. But I couldn’t find the words to respond.

  “Adi, what happened?” He shook his head and rubbed his hands down my arms. I crashed into his chest and cried the hardest I’ve cried in a long time.

  “Adi, please talk to me. Did he do something to you?” he snapped.

  “What, who?” I pulled away from him in confusion.

  “That guy from your work, Tom, Brent or whatever his name is?” His face was filled with rage, and his jaw was tight.

  “No, he’s fine, I’m fine… Well, I’m not fine, but that isn’t the problem.” I frowned.

  He pushed my hair back from my face. My long wavy hair had no control sometimes.

  “Then what’s wrong. please tell me so I can fix it?” I pressed my face into his suit jacket and inhaled him, taking a deep breath of his scent.

  “I lost my necklace...” I barely got the words out because I was a stuttering mess. I grabbed for it again, but my fingers hit bare skin, which confirmed my words were true. Nothing. It was gone, and she wasn’t with me anymore. He smiled weakly, and his face softened.

  “Adi, is that all it is... your necklace?” He frowned.

  “That’s all?” I yelled and looked up at him with anger.

  “It was my mother’s necklace, and it’s all I have from her.” I yanked my arms from him and walked away.

  I heard him running behind me to catch up. We were both doing a power walk back to my apartment.

  “Adi, I didn’t mean it like it doesn’t mean anything. I guess I was just relieved you weren’t physically hurt or something worse.” I turned around and looked at him.

  “I am physically hurt.” I grabbed my chest.

  My heart was hurting, and I knew what the term heartbroken truly felt like the day I lost her. I missed her so much it made my heart ache. His face fell.

  “Adi, stop... please. I didn’t mean it like that. We’ll look for it, or I’ll buy you a hundred more just like it.” He held my hands.

  “I don’t want a hundred more. I want hers, mine.” I rolled my eyes.

  “Adi.” He pulled on my arm to stop me.

  His eyes were pleading for forgiveness. He is beautiful. I sighed. It wasn’t his fault, and I was taking out my guilt of losing it on him. I took a deep breath and looked away for a moment then back at him.

  “I know. It’s not your fault.” I surrendered, and my arms fell at my sides.

  He immediately wrapped his arms around me and kissed my forehead.

  “Come home with me. You can relax and take a bath, and we will order some food.” He squeezed me tighter, and I felt secure with him.

  I nodded, and we walked silently to the curb to hail a taxi.

  CHAPTER NINE

  His apartment looked the same as the last time I was here. Nothing was out of place. He set his bag down and took off his suit jacket and tie. Rolling up his sleeves, he walked toward his bathroom as I watched him.

  “I’ll start your bath.” He pointed down the hallway.

  “Thanks.” I smiled.

  He disappeared into the bathroom. I took that time to look at the photos in all the dark frames hanging in his hallway. They were filled with an older couple. I guessed they were his parents and a few of a beautiful young girl that I knew was Liv. I studied her features. She had Ryder’s dark eyes and hair. Her skin was perfect and her smile contagious. I reached out and touched the frame because I couldn’t help it. I felt an instant connection with this girl.

  “That’s Liv.” He smiled. “My sister,” he added.

  I watched his expression carefully as he stood in the bathroom doorway. He looked relaxed now talking about her—much different from our last conversation we had about her.

  “She’s beautiful.” I studied her photo.

  “She was, thank you.” He smiled.

  I looked down at my feet and suddenly felt terrible for giving him such an attitude earlier about my necklace. He knew what I was going through, and I shouldn’t take it out on him for my stupid error. Walking past him in the doorway of the bathroom, I flipped my wedge sandals off. He stood at the door watching me. I reached down to grab the hem of my dress right above my knee and pulled it over my head. No matching underwear today, but I was thankful they were still cute. I grabbed my teal polka dot lace thong and slid it down my legs. They dropped to the floor with my dress. Looking at him over my shoulder, I saw him scanning my body. He was standing in the same spot with his hands in his pockets. His mouth was parted as he bit down on his lower lip.

  “Ryder, can you help me?” I asked.

  He licked his bottom lip and walked right over without hesitation. He stood behind me and rubbed his hands down my hips. He gave me chills every time he touched me. His lips rested on my neck, and I tilted my head back to give him more room to work his lips against me. I could feel the wetness settle between my legs as I felt his hardness against my ass. As he kissed down my neck, he unhooked my white lace bra and threw it to the floor. He held my breast in his hands, massaging my nipples between his fingers.

  “Ryder,” I whispered.

  His hands felt warm against my skin, and they moved in every direction taking me in. I had a little more than a handful, which for my small frame, was more than enough for me. He turned me around to face him, and I began unbuttoning his shirt as I kissed his lips. Quickly, I pulled his shirt off and tossed it to the floor. Running my hand down his abs, I kissed him harder. They were so tight. I leaned down and licked his nipple, and he tilted his head back with a low laugh.

  “You
drive me crazy.” His stare was so intense I couldn’t pull away from him.

  Smiling, I unbuckled his pants and dropped them to the floor. His cock sprung from his briefs. That sight would never get old.

  “Can you join me in the bath?” I smirked, and he kissed my lips softly in return.

  “If that’s what you want, I’d be happy to.” He pushed his briefs off and stepped into the tub behind me.

  I sat down in front of him as he rubbed my back with body wash.

  “That feels amazing.” He knew exactly how to touch my body.

  He rinsed off the soap, and I turned around to straddle him.

  “Your turn.” I washed his chest and squeezed his muscles.

  I don’t know how he had time to keep his body so perfect. I thought about seeing him at my gym when we weren’t on good terms. I rinsed his chest off and kissed down his neck. My ass rested on his cock, and I could feel his hardness against my opening. I rocked back and forth to tease him even though it was teasing me more. He throbbed against me.

  “I want to be inside you.” His eyes were closed as he took in our bodies thrusting against each other.

  He opened his eyes and took my mouth with his. Gripping the back of my neck, he held me tight against him. I reached down and placed his cock at my opening. My lips parted as I felt the tip slide in.

  “Do you want me to get a condom?” he asked.

  “I’m on the pill if you’re okay with that.” I was so hungry for him that I didn’t want him to get up.

  “I’m more than okay with that.” He smiled and kissed me harder.

  I smiled back because I trusted him. I never had sex without a condom so giving him this control was something I wasn’t used to doing. My wetness was getting too much for me to handle and the thought of him bare inside me made me weak. The mirrors were steaming up around us as the water filled the tub. I sat up higher on him with the tip of his large cock inside me, slowly lowering myself down on him. Between my wetness and the bath water, there was no trouble taking him all in. We moaned together as I positioned myself down on his lap.