Always Beautiful

by Oien, M. K

  “Hello?” “Good morning Angel.” His deep voice came through the phone and melted my heart. I smiled. “Hey you, did you make it to Seattle?” I asked. “Yeah, just got here twenty minutes ago I’m at my parent’s house.” He replied. “Nice, well I’m glad you’re safe and sound. I got your note this morning.” “Good. I miss you already babe. I know it sounds crazy, but I do.”

  Dixon stepped out of the truck and headed in to the shop. “I miss you too.” I told Zeppelin. “I’ll be in touch as much as I can. I have to go now.” He replied. I nodded though he couldn’t see me. “Okay, I’ll talk to you later.” I said. “Bye Angel.” “Bye.” I ended the call and let out a sigh.

  I felt a tiny weight lift off my shoulders after being able to talk to Zeppelin. Part of me wondered if I should try and be more guarded with him, but the thought of not being around him or talking to him hurt. I stepped out of the truck and made my way in to the office where Uncle Eddy was.

  I spent the next three days helping out at the shop in the office and also on a few of the cars when Matt called in sick on Friday morning. It was nice keeping busy and focusing on something else besides my growing feelings for Zeppelin. He had called me Tuesday night to say goodnight. We also texted each other throughout the week and he sent me a picture of him at the Space Needle saying that he wanted to take me there one day. I found when I went to bed, I would dream of him.

  It was now Saturday night and Dixon talked me into bringing my car out to the races again. He had me set up to race a guy who was fairly new to the scene. I was excited to race again and have the potential to earn a little bit of money. I had talked to Zeppelin earlier in the day but hadn’t heard from him since. I figured he was busy and I focused on making a good pass down the make shift track.

  Hannah and Josh were here as well and she helped me prep my car before the race started. “I heard that the bets are pretty high tonight.” She said as I closed the hood and wandered over to the driver’s side. “Me too, have you seen this kid race before?” I asked her. Hannah shook her head. “No, but he’s straight out of high school and I’m not sure he really has any experience.” I smiled at her. “Well then I better win. If I do, then maybe I’ll take my best friend out on a date with my winnings.” I said. Hannah laughed. “I would love that! We could go to dinner and a movie or something.” She said. “Yeah, that would be fun.” I agreed. “Or you could take Zeppelin.” She winked at me.

  I shrugged. “Maybe, but I don’t know when he will be back.” I admitted. “Josh talked to him yesterday. It’s weird that he won’t tell anyone why he had to leave.” She said. I nodded. “I think so too, but I guess we just have to assume he would tell us anything if it was important. Maybe he doesn’t want to air his dirty laundry.” I said. It was something that I had been thinking about every day since he left. I could only hope that maybe one day he would finally open up to me or anyone for that matter. I still had a suspicion that Dixon knew more than he let on.

  Hannah and I talked for a few more minutes and then Matt hollered at me to head to the starting line. I got in my car and started it, the engine purring as I made my way to where I needed to be. I could feel my heart starting to pump faster like it always did before a race. I loved this feeling. I pressed the power button on my stereo and Hollywood Undead started playing. I closed my eyes and let the music fill my soul and amp me up. When I opened my eyes again, I looked at the girl who would signal us to go.

  I glanced over at the guy I was racing in an old beaten up Nova. He was watching me and when he caught me looking at him, he smiled and winked. I rolled my eyes and let them land back on the girl in front of us, watching her carefully. I was gone the minute her arms came down. I flew down the track, tapping the brake as soon as I knew I was far enough ahead. It was an easy win and I was ecstatic about it. Circling around I brought my car back to where Dixon’s truck was and parked beside it.

  “Awesome job as always, Lucky!” Dixon said as he high fived me. “Thanks.” I said with a smile. Hannah ran up to me and hugged me. “Great job chick, you were amazing!” I hugged her back. “So we have a date?” I asked with a laugh. Hannah giggled and shrugged. “I guess we do.” I had to wait until all the other races were done before I could collect any winnings so I chatted with Hannah some more and we made plans.

  Later on, we were standing around Dixon’s truck and watching the next set of racers getting ready to make a pass when I heard the roar of an engine that had become quite familiar to me. My head shifted to the direction of the sound and I saw Zeppelin’s GTO pulling up beside my car. It had only been a few days since I had seen him and we had just talked a few hours ago, but knowing that he was back made me extraordinarily happy. I had no idea that he would be coming home today because he hadn’t mentioned it at all.

  I began walking toward him before he even made it out of the car. I watched as he opened the door slowly and stepped out. His gaze landed on mine and a huge smile spread across his lips. I noticed a few days-worth of growth along his jaw and his hair was slightly disheveled like usual. He looked every bit of the bad boy I thought he was only a month or so ago.

  His blue eyes sparkled as he shut the driver’s side door and began moving toward me. It didn’t take him long to reach me and his arms came out, gripping my waist as he lifted me against his body. I immediately wrapped my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck. He held me tight, squeezing me.

  “Well this is a nice welcome.” He chuckled and pulled his head back to look at me. One of his hands went to rest upon my cheek as he held me up with the other. “God Angel, I missed you so bad.” He growled as he pressed his lips against mine. My lips instantly moved against his, rapid and hungry for the taste of him again. “I missed you, so much.” I said in between our kisses.

  I was totally enthralled in Zeppelin and forgot the fact that we were standing out in the open in front of a crowd of racers. I heard someone clear their throat and then Matt began speaking.

  “You’d think they were separated for years and not days.” He said. “Get a room you horn-balls!” Zeppelin smiled against my lips and pulled back. I untangled my legs from him and slid down his body. “It felt like a lifetime.” Zeppelin said, gazing into my eyes and tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. If it was possible, the smile I had grew wider.

  “Glad to see you back buddy.” Dixon said as he walked up and slapped Zeppelin’s shoulder. “Thanks man. I’m glad to be back.” He replied. “Did everything go well in Seattle?” Josh asked as he approached us with Hannah beside him. Zeppelin nodded. “For now everything’s fine.” He turned his attention back to Dixon. “I’m really sorry I couldn’t help out this week at the shop.” He said. Dixon shook his head. “No worries man, Lucky was a huge help actually.” He told him with a smile as he lightly punched my arm.

  Zeppelin cocked a brow at me. “You worked on the cars?” He asked. I nodded. “You know that I know what I’m doing.” I said. Zeppelin narrowed his eyes at me and chewed on his bottom lip. Before I had time to register anything, he grabbed my hand and began pulling me toward his car away from everyone else. He led me around to the back of it and grabbed my waist as he backed me against the trunk. I gasped and gave him a questioning look as I searched his face.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked breathlessly. The way he was staring at me had my body heating all over. “I was thinking about you working on a car in the shop.” He said softly. His hand trailed up my arm to my cheek, cupping it as his thumb ran along my lower lip. “You wearing tight jeans and bending over the front under the hood with grease up to your elbows.” He added in a low tone. My heart hammered in my chest and Zeppelin pressed his body against mine.

  I nearly moaned when I felt his hard length against me. Smirking, I brought my arms up to rest on his shoulders. “That’s exactly how it happened.” I told him. “I even did an oil change.” I added seductively. Zeppelin groaned. “That’s so hot Lucky.” I giggled and shook my head. “If you say so Zeppelin,” I leane
d forward and pressed my lips against his. “I want you to myself. Are you racing?” He asked against my mouth. “Already did,” I mumbled back. Zeppelin pulled back from me and raised his brow.

  “Did you win?” He asked. I nodded. He grinned at me and kissed my lips one more time. “Good job Angel. You want to get out of here?” “Yeah, but I’m going to have to get someone to take my car home.” I said. “Alright let’s go talk to Dixon and then you’re mine for the rest of the night.” Zeppelin said. I smiled at him. “Sounds good to me,”

  Dixon agreed to take my car home for me and Josh would take his truck. I promised Hannah I would call her later on to continue planning our date night. Once Zeppelin and I were in his car and heading away from the track I asked him where we were going. “I’m taking you home to my bed where I can show you just how much I missed you.” He said as he stretched his arm across the console and placed his hand in mine. I smiled at him and lifted the hand that he was holding mine in to my lips. “That would be perfect.” I said.

  Soon after that, we were in the elevator at Zeppelin’s building making out. He had me pressed against the wall as his hands roamed over my body and his mouth devoured mine. I moaned into his mouth and he pressed himself against me as he began to nibble on my neck. The faint ding of the elevator opening registered and then I heard a gasp and a throat clear. Zeppelin stepped away from me and we both turned to the open elevator doors.

  An older woman and man were standing there with a look of horror and shock. I immediately felt my face flame and looked at Zeppelin. He smiled at the couple and then winked at me. He grabbed my hand and began leading me out of the tiny space. “She’s beautiful isn’t she? Can you blame a guy?” Zeppelin said to the man as we passed by. There was no time to wait for the couple’s response. Zeppelin dragged me down the hall to his door and opened it quickly.

  “I can’t believe we got caught making out in the elevator.” I said as Zeppelin kicked the door closed and locked it before pulling me to him again. I felt him smile against my neck as he kissed and gently bit my skin. “I can, I need you so bad right now Lucky.” He said with a groan. His hands began tugging at the hem of my t-shirt as he brought his lips to mine. I placed my arms around his neck and kissed him back.

  My body was on fire for Zeppelin and any thoughts of what just happened in the elevator were slipping from my mind rapidly. I was filled with only the sense of his warm, strong touch, his smell, and his soft, full lips against mine. I was thoroughly consumed and more than ready for him.

  Zeppelin pulled back from me and took off my shirt before removing his own. I had my hands on his jeans, unbuttoning and unzipping them before reaching inside and grabbing his hard length. He sucked in a sharp breath and his hooded blue eyes landed on mine.

  “I’ve missed your touch Angel. It feels so amazing when your hand is wrapped around me.” He said in a gruff whisper. “I’ve missed touching you.” I said as I began to stroke him slowly. Zeppelin groaned and grabbed either side of my face, smashing his lips against mine. He guided me backward as he kissed me, until I was against the hallway wall. Unhooking my bra and letting it fall, his lips traveled down my neck to my collar bone as his hands covered each of my breasts, massaging them roughly.

  I moaned and my head fell back against the wall. Zeppelin removed my hand from him and stepped back to undo my jeans and pull them off along with my panties. I was now standing naked in front of him and panting like a wild woman. Zeppelin smirked and stepped closer to me, his finger trailed from my lips down my chin, neck, chest, and then my stomach down to where I was aching for him. He ran his finger against me and growled low.

  “You’re so wet for me Angel.” He breathed. I nodded and met his eyes. “I want you Zeppelin.” I told him as I reached out and ran my palm against his body. He shuddered and then without warning, he grabbed my hips and was lifting me up against him. I moved my hands to his shoulders and wrapped my legs around his waist. His hand moved between us as he held himself, pressing slowly into me. As soon as he was inside of me, he held my hip with one hand and cupped my cheek with the other.

  We began kissing again as my body familiarized to him. His hips pulled back from me slowly and then met mine again in one quick thrust. I moaned into his mouth as he did it again. “How do you want it baby?” Zeppelin asked against my lips as he thrust in to me harder. I gasped and met his eyes. “Hard and fast like that.” I moaned. “God, you’re fucking perfect.” He said as he kissed me again. Our bodies began to move faster against each-others.

  Zeppelin kept his hand on my hip as he rocked into me. My back was pressed against the wall, pinned there by his body. I ran my fingers through his hair as he kissed me, our moans becoming one with the others. I felt myself getting so close to the edge as we moved faster and harder. His free hand flew to the wall beside my head and I squeezed my legs tighter around his waist. His head lowered to my shoulder, his forehead resting against it.

  “Oh god, Angel, I’m so close. You feel so good like this.” He moaned. Just hearing his voice sent me over the edge and once again I saw stars, rainbows, unicorns, and every other unworldly thing. That was what Zeppelin did to me. It was damn near magical. I cried out and shouted his name as he thrust into me a few more times. He groaned as his body shuddered violently and his head lifted to kiss my swollen lips.

  Both panting heavily and completely spent, Zeppelin lowered me from against the wall and slipped out of me. We were both covered in a light sheen of sweat and my body was trembling. Zeppelin put his arms out and scooped me up into his arms, carrying me to the destination we had been heading for earlier, the bedroom. He gently placed me on the bed under the covers and then crawled in beside me. We lay there trying to catch our breaths and let our bodies cool down. His hand found mine under the blankets and he tangled his fingers with mine.

  We were silent for a long time. It was comfortable just being beside him and listening to his breaths slow and even out. I turned my head to look at him and saw that he was looking at me, a hint of a smile on his face. I rolled onto my side and slipped my hand out of his to wrap my arm around his waist.

  “I’m so glad I decided to come back early.” Zeppelin said softly as he moved to his side too and tucked my hair behind my ear. He placed a soft kiss against my lips. He leaned back to look at me and his eyes became serious as he searched my face. “I’m falling hard for you Angel.” He admitted. My heart stumbled over his words. I had known for a few weeks now that I was beginning to fall for Zeppelin. I had no idea if he had felt the same way too until now.

  “I’m falling for you too.” I whispered. Zeppelin smiled at me and kissed me again. “I don’t think I can quit you just yet Lucky. I know you have school coming up and you’re moving into your own place. I’ve got things going on too and I don’t know what’s in store for me in the next few months. But I do know that I enjoy your company and I want to be around you if you’ll let me.”

  A small smile spread across my lips. “Of course I want you around me. I found that I was missing you a lot more than I expected while you were gone. I don’t know what this connection is between us and I’ve never experienced anything like it, but I like you a lot Zeppelin.” Zeppelin wrapped his arms around me and kissed my hair as I snuggled against him. “Let’s sleep Angel. I’m exhausted and I want to fall asleep holding you.” He whispered. I nodded against him. I was incredibly tired too and there was nowhere else I would rather be at the moment than in his arms.

  Chapter 9

  ~August 2012~

  “You’re not helping at all!” I complained as Hannah sat in the green vintage recliner by the window. My arms were aching as Dixon and I maneuvered the large wooden headboard around the small hall to my bedroom.

  “I’m taking a break Lucky. My feet hurt and that microwave was heavy.” She said with an eye roll. “Ugh! You are so lazy.” I mumbled as I backed into my new room. Dixon and I rested the headboard against the wall where my new bed would go. He shook his head. “Why did y
ou even invite her to help?” He asked as he stretched. I rolled my wrists and shook out my arms. “I didn’t invite her, she offered to help.” I said. Dixon shook his head and chuckled.

  I shrugged before heading out to the hall. “I’m pretty sure she just wants to decorate after the moving is done.” I said as he followed me into the living room. Zeppelin and Josh came into my new apartment next. Each of them carried a side of the wooden frame that would go on either side of the bed. My eyes roamed over Zeppelin’s tattooed arms and back. I watched the muscles play under his skin, shifting as he made his way to my room.

  “You’ve got some drool on your chin chick.” Hannah said as she stood from the chair. I slapped her arm and headed back outside to get the new comforter and pillows I had bought. She went with me and ever so kindly offered to carry the pillows. The boys came back down to Dixon’s truck to get the mattress.

  I had decided to purchase a king sized bed instead of a smaller one. It was typically only me sleeping in it, but I loved the amount of space I could have to curl up and figured that would give Zeppelin and me plenty of room whenever he chose to spend the night. Once the guys got everything for the bed put together and in place, Hannah helped me make it up and then she set out to the kitchen to unpack other small things.

  I loved the fact that this place was all mine and came basically fully furnished. It was the first weekend in August now and everything was falling into place. Zeppelin and I were better than ever since he came back from Seattle a few weeks ago. I was set to register for school next week and was excited to get back into the routine of learning. Call me a nerd, but I thoroughly enjoyed school and was eager to see the campus I would be at for the next few years. Hannah had agreed to go with me to check the place out.

  It seemed as if the summer was flying by too quickly now that it was near an end. I found myself having more frequent thoughts about what would come of me and Zeppelin, but I didn’t stress about it too much. His “live in the moment” mentality was beginning to rub off on me and in all honesty, I quite enjoyed not being such a planner. I was realizing that life was a lot more stressful when you worried about the future.