Plastic Hearts

by De Jong, Lisa

  He turned his hand, clasping my fingers in his. “I love you, too. I’ve never felt this way about anyone and it makes me feel so fucking crazy sometimes.”

  “Do you want to leave? I’ve had about as much as I can take for one day and we have to do it all over again tomorrow,” I said, standing up and pulling him with me. This whole day needed a reset button.

  “So, how long do we have before your parents get home?” he asked. I didn’t miss the glimmer in his eyes.

  “Probably a good couple hours, why?”

  His sexy grin returned. “You are so tense and I know how to relieve that for you.” Warmth flooded my belly just thinking about it.

  He drove us back to my house going a little over the speed limit and stopping just long enough to be legal. As soon as we made it through the door, he picked me up in his arms and carried me upstairs. The excitement of having sex in my parent’s house doubled my usual need for him.

  As soon as the door to my bedroom closed, he set me down, pressing my back against the door. He began to kiss down my neck as I wrapped my legs around his waist to bring our bodies as close as possible. He worked at my skirt until it was wrapped around my hips as he nibbled on my earlobe. His lips were hard and punishing as they met mine. I could feel his erection pressed between my legs as I began to move up and down against him. I didn’t let go as he walked backwards toward the bed. He knelt down, slowly moving us so my back was pressed against the mattress, and covered me with kisses. God, I wanted him. He was a sex God and I was his worshipper.

  He gently lifted my body and pulled my dress over my head before working my underwear down my legs. When I laid back down on the mattress, he gently kissed a path down my chest and stomach until his lips and tongue connected in the one place they had never been. My body tensed; I wasn’t sure I would like it, but it opened me up in a way I had never felt before and my body began to hum. I couldn’t stop him; I had to have him. After a few minutes of pure bliss, I came harder than I had ever come before, grasping the sheets in my hands. I couldn’t even describe how good it felt, but it sent shocks through my whole body. “You’re so fucking beautiful,” he said, kissing the inside of my thighs. His mouth worked its way back up my stomach, stopping at my chest. Desire flooded my body as he teased my nipples with his tongue and soon I was so wet with need that I couldn’t see straight. His lips finally connected with mine again and I could taste myself on his kiss; it excited me even more. I loved that he did this to me.

  I cupped his cheeks to break contact. “I need you inside now,” I said, practically panting with need.

  He smiled a lazy, sated smile. “I’m not done with you yet, Baby.” I was breathless and couldn’t take much more.

  “Dane, please.” I tried to unbutton his pants, but my fingers were shaking. He kept kissing my neck while rolling my nipples between his fingers. Finally, he sat back up and I saw the same lazy smile playing around his lips. Dane found my eagerness comical. He was stalling, teasing me and it was driving me insane.

  I sat up, rubbing my hands over his chest. As they slowly traveled down his stomach, he grabbed my wrists and pushed me back down onto the mattress. Lifting my eyes to meet Dane’s, I noticed that the smile was gone from his face. Instead, it was replaced with a savage look of desire. One that told me how much he wanted me. How much he needed me. A reflection of my own need for him.

  He pulled his shirt off, followed by his pants, showing me exactly what I wanted. My heart was pounding and I felt breathless. If he wasn’t inside me soon, I would die with need. He looked down into my eyes and with one thrust, he filled me completely, his mouth capturing mine. The sensation of his naked body against me was the most incredible thing I had ever felt in my life. We were made for each other. He moved slowly at first then quickened his motions until I could feel the tension building in my body. With one more quick push, my body finally let go with his. It was so intense that I couldn’t stop the screams that left my body. It felt euphoric; I forgot where we were and I didn’t really care.

  We stayed in each other’s arms that night. I didn’t ask him to go back to his room because I needed him. I would deal with the rest later. For now, I was just high from the excitement of having sex under my parent’s roof. In a small way, I had defied them, and it felt good.

  I felt better after a full night’s sleep, especially after Dane had done as he promised and relieved some of my tension. That was the first time I had even kissed a boy in my bedroom and it had gone way past that. It felt incredible to be a little rebellious and go against mother dearest’s wishes. Straying from her strict guidelines didn’t feel so bad after what she put me through yesterday. Today would be better, I told myself. I felt a heavy arm wrap around me and pull me close.

  “Dane, you should probably go back to your room before my mom comes looking for me. We have hair appointments in less than an hour.” His grip on me tightened and I giggled into his hold; he wasn’t going to make this easy. “If you get caught, you’re going to have to sleep in your room tonight.”

  He groaned before rolling over and putting his pants back on. I hated to see him go as much as he hated to leave. When he was with me, everything felt lighter. “So, what exactly is the plan today?” he asked, sitting back on the side of the bed.

  “Well, I have to go get my hair and makeup done with the girls and then we are heading to the church to get the bride dressed. The guys are going golfing so you can either join them or you can take my car to do whatever. Just make sure to be at the church a little before two,” I said, pulling the sheet up over my chest and climbing out of bed. I didn’t make it far before the sheet was yanked from my hand.

  I squealed. “Dane Wright, what are you doing?” I tried to pull the sheet up, but he had a firm grasp on it.

  “I like you better this way,” he said with a cocky grin.

  I couldn’t help but smile. “I’m sure you do, but I can’t walk around like this all day. Plus, this is only for you to see, remember?”

  He stood up, placing his hands on my hips. “Yes, you are. Only mine, now and always.” My heart swelled in my chest.

  “Always,” I whispered against his lips. Our lips met and the moment my bare chest touched his, I knew I was in trouble. I never imagined I would have such an intense need for physical connection. I guess when your heart was wrapped up in someone, the physical need followed.

  Before we could go any further, there was a knock at the door. I felt the tension seep back into my body. Only one person ever knocked on my door. “Alexandra, we are leaving in fifteen minutes. I suggest you get in the shower.” It was the voice that played in some of my worst dreams. That voice had just broken me from my current dream. My mother always ruined my best moments, but never noticed the bad.

  “I’ll be down in a little bit!” I yelled back, still wrapped in Dane. The longer I stayed hidden in here with him, the better off I would be.

  I kissed him one more time. “Let me put on some clothes and then I will make sure you get back to your room safe and sound.” He hesitated before letting me go. I peeked out the door to make sure the hall was clear and held the door open for him to go across the hall. As soon as the door clicked behind him, my heart ached from the separation. I wondered if it was normal to miss someone this much?

  Throughout the day, I didn’t have time to text or call him because I was constantly being swept from one place to another. It was hard to focus on the wedding activities when I didn’t know where he was or what he was doing. Had he gone golfing with my dad? I kind of hoped he hadn’t. My father wasn’t as bad as my mother, but he wasn’t warm and fuzzy either. Dane didn’t seem the type to be easily scared, but my father was a different breed of intimidation.

  I had changed into my ivory and gold bridesmaid’s dress with a sweetheart neckline. It was belted around the waist and had a layer of organza over top. It wasn’t what I would have chosen, but it went perfectly with my sisters beautiful lace covered ivory dress. The deep v of her dre
ss, coupled with the mermaid skirt, made her look absolutely gorgeous. I loved my sister and I wanted her to be happy; putting on her dress had done that for her. I wondered if it would last beyond the wedding day.

  The wedding was beautiful. Ivory and pink flowers were everywhere with gold ribbon accents. The aisle was white and lined with flowers and candles and the church lights had been dimmed for a romantic feel. Something was missing though; the groom didn’t shed a tear when he saw his bride and the bride came down the aisle with her eyes on the guests rather than on the groom. I didn’t feel the connection that usually made me cry at weddings and my heart broke for my sister. I wondered if she even realized what she was doing or that she was walking down the same path our parents went down. I looked over to where Dane was sitting in the third row and smiled as I bit my lower lip. When you find someone you truly love, nothing else matters. I realized that being in love was worth the heartbreak that may follow. Nothing could compare to how that man made me feel. I knew what they were missing.

  The recessional started, taking me away from my warm thoughts. After greeting the guests, we followed the bride and groom to where a huge pearl colored stretch limo was waiting. I searched for Dane in the crowd of people who waited patiently for us to leave. I motioned him over from where he was standing at the back of the crowd.

  He approached me with a puzzled look on his face. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah, everything’s fine. I forgot we rented a limo to take to the reception. Just leave the car here and we’ll take a cab back to my house and pick the car up in the morning.”

  “Limo ride, huh? Is there beer? I could really use one,” he said sounding a little uncomfortable. This wasn’t his element. I could see it all over his face, but I appreciated that he came for me.

  “Champagne….and me,” I said, tilting my head to the side and working my lower lip between my teeth.

  “What are we waiting for then?” He put his hand on my lower back and guided me toward the limo door. I was about to climb in when I felt a small cold hand on my wrist. My heart dropped. I didn’t have to even look up to know who the hand belonged to.

  “Alexandra, limo is for wedding party only.” Her tone left little room for argument, but I was seething. I brought Dane here to spend the weekend with me, not to be separated from him.

  I gave her a fake smile, barely moving my lips as I found some rare confidence. “Dane is my guest. He goes with me this time.” I couldn’t see Dane’s face, but I felt his hand press into my back.

  She looked into the crowd and smiled. This was her discreet way of making sure no one was watching our exchange and if they were, she wanted them to think it was a happy one. So fake, just like everything else surrounding her. She was still smiling when she returned her attention to me, “I paid for this limo, my rules.”

  I wanted to slap her. I was not a violent person, but every muscle in my body was screaming for me to slap her. I didn’t, of course, but I wanted to. She needed to control everything. I wondered if it is as exhausting for her as it was for me. I was not going to let her control me this time. It was time to score one point for Alex. I turned, grabbed Dane’s hand and led him toward my car. A smile spread across my face and when I looked over at Dane he had a prideful smirk on his. I felt really good for once. Maybe this was why my mother liked control.

  I heard her say my name once, but she didn’t come after us. She can’t make a scene here and I used it to my advantage. For once, I didn’t think about the consequences and concentrated on how it made me feel now. Dane was the ultimate prize, but rebellion felt really good too.

  As soon as we got to the car, Dane picked me up and twirled me in his arms. I laughed as he put my feet back on the ground and pressed my back into the side of the car. He was standing so close and my heart was pounding out of my chest; I could feel every part of his body against mine. One of his hands touched the side of my neck while the other rested on the top of the car. He tilted my head up and kissed me so long and deep that I forget about everything but him. His tongue worked against my lips until I opened to give him better access. It was hungry, yet sensual. I loved it when Dane kissed me like he might die if he didn’t have me. I wanted him just as bad.

  Raindrops started to fall from the sky, rolling down my make-up covered face and bare shoulders. I didn’t care what it was doing to my seemingly perfect appearance. Nothing was going to break me away from him. I started to shake from the chill the rain had brought on a few minutes later. Dane pulled back, leaving me breathless and lonely, so he could pull his jacket over my shoulders. “Come on, let’s get you in the car before you get sick,” he said, practically setting me into the passenger seat. I rubbed my thumb over my lower lip, remembering the kiss he just gave me. He noticed what I was doing when he entered the car and reached for my thumb, kissing it softly. If a heart could smile, mine would be beaming right now.

  “Are you cold?” he asked, rubbing my arms. He cranked the heat up as high as it would go.

  “I’m feeling better,” I replied. He made me warm in more ways than one.

  Right before he put the car into gear, he turned to me. “What you did back there, Baby…I’m proud of you.” I wanted to cry. He didn’t know it, but that was the first time anyone had ever said they were proud of me. To me, saying I’m proud of you was almost as important as I love you. I entwined my fingers with his as we drove in silence to the reception. So much had happened in such a short amount of time today. I felt revived and happy.

  The reception was a circus of wealth; wealthy people, rich décor, fancy suits, beautiful dresses and an extravagant feast. This time it was just wedding party at the head table and Dane sat with the other spouses and significant others. I hated being away from him, but at least this felt fair. One of my duties as maid of honor was to give a speech. My nerves were already working overtime in anticipation. Talking to a room of people made me uncomfortable and it was even worse that I didn’t know these people in the literal sense. This was sad, considering I had been around them for years.

  The best man gave his speech first and then it was my turn. I took a deep, cleansing breath and stood up. I grabbed the microphone with one hand and held note cards in the other as I looked at the crowd. I saw my parents first; my mother was smiling with her mouth, but glaring with her eyes. It sent a chill down the entire length of my body; I wasn’t looking forward to being alone with her again this weekend. She was angry; her eyes said it all. The rain had altered my appearance from my earlier made up look; I was sure that had her spitting bullets. My father looked like he had somewhere else to be. He always looked that way, like something was more important than what I had going on. He hadn’t said a word to me this weekend and I was starving for any sort of attention from him. Then I looked over at Dane who was grinning from ear to ear. It wasn’t a mocking grin, but one meant to ease my tension. He mouthed, “You can do it” before winking at me. That was all I needed for my lips to start moving.

  “First of all, thank you for coming. I am so happy that Gwen finally found someone who makes her happy and whole. Phillip is a great catch and I know he will make a wonderful husband. I think we all wish to find that special someone in our lives and now there are two less people searching. I remember when my sister brought Phillip home for the first time. She couldn’t stop smiling and everything was Phillip this, Phillip that. I knew then that he was her forever man. To love, happiness and forever. I love you Gwen and Phillip.” I felt guilty as I sat back down in my chair. The words in my speech didn’t quite reach my heart; there wasn’t enough truth to it. I glanced over at Gwen before taking my seat again. She was crying. Were they tears of realization or happiness? I wondered if she knew her relationship was not what it should be.

  After the cake was cut and the couple had their first dance, Dane appeared at the head table. Dane in a suit made my heart pound. He was handsome. Not in a classic way, but an edgy sort of handsome. The moment I looked into his eyes, the glisten told me
he knew what I was thinking. He smiled and reached his hand out. “Dance with me.” The thought of dancing with Dane made my body tingle. Dancing with him was like having sex with your clothes on; our bodies said what our lips didn’t.

  We danced for most of the evening, only breaking for a quick drink. Even when slow songs would turn to fast ones we stayed close, our arms wrapped tightly around each other. He had his lips pressed against my cheek and when he spoke it felt like a soft warm kiss on my skin. “Are you having a good time?”

  “I am now.”

  “Do you want to have a big wedding?” he asked. This wasn’t the first time he had referenced marriage in some way and it always made me a mixture of nervousness and elation. I was nervous, because a big part of me didn’t think I could ever have this. My parents would never approve of Dane and give me their blessing. Anything I had with Dane beyond what we had now would be an uphill battle. I was elated, because he was thinking about it. He wouldn’t be asking about weddings if he wanted to completely avoid them. Did he see me as his forever? “Baby?”

  I shook my thoughts. “No, I don’t want a big wedding. I want something simple and intimate. I don’t know if I will get that if my mother’s in charge.” Just thinking about planning a wedding with her made me sick.

  “Your wedding should be exactly like you picture it. I hope when the time comes, my badass Alex comes out like she did today. You should have seen your mother’s face.” I hadn’t glanced back as we walked away from her. If I had, I would have broken down and did as she wanted. I had always been that weak.