by Kacey Shea
“Oh, did he put the ring inside your dessert?” Melissa grins.
“No.” Evie shakes her head. “Though he said he considered it.”
“Yeah. Ezra and Eli wanted him to put it in the cheesecake but he wouldn’t do it. He was worried you would eat it or choke on it!” Carly laughs.
“He knows me well.” Evie sighs. “So, when the boys delivered our dessert to the table, Tate moved his chair so we could sit side by side. He said the sweetest things between trading bites of cheesecake. Super romantic and then when he dropped down to one knee.” She dabs her napkin at the moisture gathering at her eyes. “Having the man I love, on his knees, asking me to be his partner for life… Words can’t express how that made me feel. I’ll treasure that moment forever.”
“And don’t worry.” Carly winks. “I caught the whole thing on video.”
Evie mouths thank you across the table and we resume eating, trading stories and laughter, the conversation easy. The excitement and joy that flow from Evie tonight are infectious, and Carly entertains us with tales of horrible patients. I laugh so hard my stomach hurts. My heart feels full, the worries from earlier gone.
I wave good-bye to the girls and walk the short distance to the light rail station. It’s only a quarter mile, but it’s August and the heat presses down, leaving me sweaty and uncomfortable by the time the next train arrives.
A ten minute ride yields my stop. A prickling sensation moves up my spine; my skin breaks out in gooseflesh despite the warm air. I power walk. My building is only two blocks over. It’s late, and I keep my bag close and head down. The click clack click of my heels is the soundtrack to my thoughts.
The faint footsteps of another approaches from behind. I look over my shoulder. A man in grungy blue jeans, white T-shirt, and ball cap pulled low so I can’t see his eyes follows several paces back. I tuck my head down, hyper aware of the sound of his steps and how they grow closer to mine.
I turn right at the corner, one block away from my apartment, and hope he continues his direction. I don’t like the feeling of being followed. I’m relieved when I glance over my shoulder and no longer see the man. I release the breath I’m holding.
With my building in view, I move to cross the street and I find the stranger from before walking slowly down the opposite side of the street. Unease settles in my gut. Maybe he’s going somewhere else. It’s probably just a coincidence. I attempt to breathe normally as I pick up the pace of my steps. Fear climbs through my belly and threatens to choke me. Calm down, Kate!
I pull open the door to my building, wishing I had taken up Carly and Evie’s offer to drive me home. The man is following. I can’t hear him, but I feel the presence of another person. I try not to panic. I don’t look behind. I walk with purpose, hit the elevator button, and pray the car arrives soon.
Bing. The doors open, no one exits the elevator. I rush inside, jab at the close button and the number five circle.
“Hold the door!” A low voice rumbles and a thick, muscular arm reaches between the closing doors and halts my safe escape. Stranger steps in, reaches around me to hit the door close button, and effectively traps me with his body inside the elevator.
“Floor?” I croak. He steps to the opposite side of the car which gives me a little space, but ignores my question. He knows I’m going to five. I’ve already pressed the button. If I scream no one will hear. Shit. I don’t know what to do. Fright works its way into my bones. Another chill runs down my spine. I pray the car stops on another floor and one of my neighbors gets on, but that doesn’t happen. We reach five.
Bing.
GOD, I HOPE THIS WORKS. I’ve spent the last week giving her time. And getting my shit in order. Because if there is one thing I know to be true, it’s that actions speak louder than any words. And I’m not great with words. So, if there’s a chance for Kate and me together, I’m gonna have to prove it. I just pray it’s enough.
I hope she gets home soon. Relaxing against the wood of her apartment door, I sink to the ground and sit. This place is not safe. I know she likes the apartment, but I passed three homeless guys and several shady looking characters on my way up, and that was only between the parking garage and the door.
They’re all at Melissa’s for their monthly girls’ night in. I glance at my phone, it’s just after nine. I don’t know how late they’ll go, but I’ll wait as long as it takes. Maybe she won’t come home afterward? I shake my head and banish the insecurities that beg to steal my confidence. No. She’ll come home. And she’s not the kind of girl to bring home random guys. This I know now.
I twist the small package in my hand, wrapped in brown paper and twine. A smile plays at my lips. This is important. Kate is important. As if my thoughts have psychic powers, a ding sounds across the hallway. The doors part and I stand as Kate rushes off the car. A man with a ball cap pulled low over his face steps out and follows behind a few paces.
She isn’t looking up but her steps seem rushed. She glances over her shoulder at the man behind and breaks into a jog.
“Kate!” I call and her gaze snaps to mine. She sprints the distance between us and hurls herself into my arms.
“Jon! Thank God!” Her voice is laced with fear and I wrap my arms around her trembling body. The ding of the door catches my attention; the man with the hat disappears behind the closing doors.
“Kate, are you okay? Was that man following you?” I hold back the urge to chase after him. Kate’s shaking against me.
“Oh, my god!” Her eyes are wild as she loosens her hold. “That man… I was so scared… What if he—?” Her eyelids squeeze shut and her body shudders. I rub my hands up and down her arms. “Jon, if you hadn’t been here waiting for me I think he would have tried to follow me into my apartment.”
“But he didn’t and I’m here.” Yeah, I want to kill the cocksucker. But Kate needs me, and losing my cool won’t help matters. She nods and pulls her keys from her bag.
“You’re right.” I follow her inside without bothering to wait for an invite. I have things to say and quite frankly, I don’t think she wants to be alone after what happened. She tosses her bag onto a small table and turns to meet my gaze.
“Why are you here, Jon?”
“I was waiting for you, Kate.” She rolls her eyes with a grin.
“Yeah, I figured that part out.” I clear my throat.
“Can we talk?”
“Sure.” She leads me to the sofa. Her place is small and there aren’t many seating options. We sit side by side and I twist to meet her gaze.
“I brought you something.” I hand over the small brown package. A soft smile plays at her lips as she turns it over in her hands.
“What is it?” Her eyes are bright with excitement. I chuckle.
“Open it and find out.” She carefully pulls at the string and unfolds the paper to reveal the bird charm necklace.
“Jon, it’s beautiful,” she says on a breath. I take the chain from her and she pulls her hair from her neck as she turns around.
“It’s a swallow. The Romans believed swallows to be a totem to grieving mothers. It was said they carried the souls of the unborn children.” I connect the clasp and Kate turns back to face me. Her hand goes to the charm resting on her chest. Her eyes fill with unshed tears and she smiles.
“That’s beautiful, Jon.” I nod and reach out to take her other hand in my own.
“I thought so. When I found this I thought maybe you could wear it, to remember how much you love your child, and even though you never held your baby, that you’re a good mother.”
Kate nods, and a smile fills her face. A few tears fall from her glistening eyes and I wipe them away with my thumb. I take a deep breath.
“I saw a counselor today.” Her brows rise.
“You did? How was it?” Her voice is cautious, hopeful.
“Oh, it sucked ass.” I laugh and run my fingers over my scalp.
“Oh.” Her eyes study her nail polish.
“Bu
t I’m going back next week.” I grip her hands with my own and hold her gaze. “I’m going back every week until they beg me to stop. Because you were right. This is bigger than me and I don’t know how to deal with Will’s death. And I can’t put that on you or anyone else.
“And you’re worth it. I want to be a man who deserves your love. Your trust. Your pain. I want all of it.” Kate leans in and I dip my head. I cover her lips with my own and savor the taste of her mouth. Her tongue searches to play and I moan at the sensation.
Hands around her waist, I pull her close, but she has a better solution and straddles my waist with her legs. I run my hands up and down her thighs. Each time I inch closer to the sexy as fuck panties I’m sure to find. She bites my lip and I groan, pulling her center closer to me. She gasps.
Damn it. This isn’t why I came here. I grip her shoulders and push back so there are several inches between us. Her breaths are ragged, mine the same, as though we’ve just run sprints rather than made out.
“Kate.” I take another jagged breath. She cuts me off, pulls away further and attempts to climb off my lap.
“I’m sorry, I thought—” I hold her legs and pull her back close.
“Kate, let me finish. And stay here.” She stops pulling away and gazes up from under her lashes. “I just want to clarify something before we take things further. I want you. But not for one night. I want you for an indefinite number of nights. I want you to be my official and exclusive.” Her big eyes study mine. She doesn’t say a word. The silence stretches. I clear my throat.
“So, what do you think about that?”
“You scare me.”
“Kate—”
“No, let me say what I need to say. Jonathan Beltran you scare the shit out of me. Because I’ve never wanted to be someone’s one and only. Not since Kevin. I’ve never wanted more than a night or two of fun. And you—” She blows out a deep breath and runs her fingers through her long locks. “You make me want more. And even though I’m scared, I want to try. This. Us. Jon, will you be my boyfriend?”
“Hey, that’s my line. I’m supposed to ask you that question.”
“You want me to be your boyfriend? Because I’m a woman, so that’s impossible, and I’m surprised you swing that way—”
I grip the back of her head and slam my lips to hers. “Kate, shut up.”
“Okay.” She giggles, but soon her laughter turns to panting as my lips make their way to the valley between her breasts. I pull her shirt and bra down to suck one pert nipple into my mouth. My cock is rock hard. She rocks her hips against my erection and I groan. I release her nipple.
I use my fingers to find her center. She’s soaked. Hands tugging, clothes thrown aside, licking, sucking, nipping. I’m moving too fast but I can’t help myself. Kate rides my hand and I circle my finger around her clit.
“Oh, God yes! I’m so close.” I reach in my back pocket and pull out the condom I stashed there. Kate helps me unzip my jeans and pull them down my thighs. I finish kicking them off and stroke the latex down my shaft. She lifts and slides down my cock in one fluid movement. I shut my eyes. Fuck.
“I’m not gonna last,” I bite out between kisses. Her hips move in a tantalizing rhythm. My hands grip her ass. “It’s been too long.” I spread the fingers of my right hand wide and slide them so I can reach her center with my thumb. I can tell she’s close, and within seconds she’s screaming my name. I swallow her cries with my mouth and pump into her three times before I’m coming deep inside.
I’ve never felt so satisfied as I do in this moment. With Kate in my arms, my cock still pulsing inside her, a wave of bliss seeps to my core. “I love you.” I murmur against her mouth. I can feel her smile.
“I love you too, Jon.” She sits back on her hips and I catch the playful glint in her eyes. I trace my hands up her back and down her legs in lazy strokes. She flips the charm on her necklace between her thumb and index finger.
“I’m surprised this didn’t come with Skittles.” She raises a brow. I sit up off the couch cushion.
“You want Skittles? I’ll go get some right now.” She laughs and pushes me back down to the couch. She stands. I love that she’s so comfortable in her skin, completely naked before me. She’s so damn beautiful, and she’s mine.
“Well, I do like to taste the rainbow…” I growl, and she screams as I push off the couch and haul her back into my arms. My lips overpower her giggles.
“The only rainbow you’ll be tasting is me.”
“So caveman,” she teases. I hold her as I walk us towards the bathroom.
“Careful… I’ll hit you over the head and drag you back to my cave.”
She kisses me again, biting at my lower lip, and I groan. “No need. I’ll go willingly.” She breathes out the words, holding my face in her hands. Pride, love, and peace fill my heart. I kiss her with all that I feel. When our mouths part I can’t stop the giant grin that pulls my lips.
“Damn right.” She giggles as I carry her through her small bathroom door.
“Hey, put me down, Army.”
“Not yet.” I adjust my grip to free one arm. I reach into the shower and turn the knob.
“Are we showering together?” Her eyes light with joy and I can’t understand how I’m so lucky. “We end up together in showers an awful lot.”
“Yeah, but those times weren’t any fun. I promise to make this one good. From now on we’re taking lots of showers together.”
“Oh, I like the sound of that.” She grins and I reach inside to make sure the temperature is right. The warm stream of water feels good. Kate wrapped around me, even better. My cock stirs to life. I kiss her and she moans into my mouth. She pulls away, unwrapping her legs to stand before me.
“Maybe showers can be our thing, you know. Every couple has a thing.” I laugh and shake my head as she reaches to a shelf near my shoulder and fills her hand with body wash.
“What?” I croak. She grins as she works her hands over my chest and abdomen. Biting back a groan, I reach for the soap and coat my own hands to move across her skin.
“Like Evie and Tate have food. And Melissa and Drew have sex in public bathrooms…” That halts my hands. I raise my brows.
“They do?” She giggles. I resume kneading her shoulders.
“Yeah. Pretty kinky, right? Totally not what you’d expect from them.”
“Totally.” My fingers skim to Kate’s breasts and I lightly pinch each hard nipple.
“Mmmm… So, maybe showers can be our thing.” She grips my hard length in her hands and drops to her knees.
Best. Shower. Ever.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this.” I grumble under my breath. Kate’s posing her model for the evening, our server from a few nights ago. His arms, chest, and back are bare and covered in Asian themed tattoos.
“What was that, Army?” Kate grins over her shoulder. She goes back to clicking away with her camera.
“Nothing.”
“You know you don’t have to be here.” The fuck I don’t. What she doesn’t realize is that I’m never leaving her to do one of her nude photo shoots alone. Not because I don’t trust her. Because I do. However, I don’t know or trust any of the models she finds. Therefore, she gets intimidating boyfriend bouncer. I almost feel sorry for the models. Almost.
“I want to be here,” I grumble, and earn a little laugh from my girlfriend. I do though. And she’s fucking brilliant with her art. It’s edgy and pushes boundaries, but she’s professional in the way she presents herself. I respect her so much, and I don’t want her to stop taking photos like this. I’m so damn proud of her.
“Okay, Ramon. That’s a wrap.” She starts packing up and Ramon dresses. I help her gather the heavier items, like the portable lighting.
“Thanks again, Ramon. I got some great shots tonight. I’ll email you a few as soon as I get them edited.”
“Thanks, Kate. Awesome to work with ya. Nice to meet ya, Jon.”
“You too.” I no
d. “You ready, babe?” She grins.
“Yep. All packed up. Thanks for being my assistant tonight.” She giggles as I take the bag and pull her to my side.
“The things I do for you.” I shake my head and then lean down to claim a kiss. We make our way out of the industrial park and toward my truck.
“You love it!” She smirks and rolls her eyes. I smack her ass and she yelps in surprise. “Last one to the truck buys dinner!” She takes off in a sprint and I shake my head. With all the equipment she knows I won’t chase her.
I pile everything in the back seat before I climb in. She’s messing with my radio controls.
“Kate,” I warn, but she just laughs and settles on some top forty crap. She sings along at the top of her lungs. Good thing I love her.
“Can we just do takeout and go home?” She sighs between songs.
“Whatever you want. You okay?”
She smiles. “Just tired. Besides, I can’t wait to get home. My roommate is kind of a rock star in the bedroom, if you know what I mean.” She winks and I give in to the smile that pulls at my lips.
“Oh yeah? Do I know him?”
“Yeah. You might think he’s a bit of an asshole at first, but don’t be too quick to judge. He’s got a heart of gold. Plus, he’s hung.” She laughs at her own bizarre antics.
“Sounds like a cool dude.”
“Eh. He’s okay.”
“I’ll remember that later.”
Kate moved back in the day after we officially got together. Evie willingly moved in with Tate once they were engaged, which left the apartment’s master bedroom open. It seems fast, and people have their doubts about us, but frankly I don’t give damn. Kate’s it for me, and she was happy to move in. We cleared out my old room to use as an office for the business.
Kate insisted she keep her old apartment in case we break up, so she uses that for studio space. I’m sure some guys would take that as an insult, but it doesn’t worry me. I realize she’s scared. The newness of our relationship, after being let down by so many people over the years—if keeping her own space is what she needs to feel safe, that’s fine. With time I’ll prove to her that I’m not going anywhere, and I’m never letting her down. She’s my girl, my person, my forever partner in life.