Justified Love (The Southern Gentleman Series Book 1)

by Hite, Nicole

  “It was never a factor for me. I never looked on the outside when it came to you. Your personality, then and now, are the same, and I can’t get enough. You could have been a troll for all I cared, as long as your personality and attitude didn’t change.”

  “Are we talking, troll with the long, crazy hair, or are we talking scary, under the bridge trolls, here?” I said jokingly.

  “See, that’s exactly what I’m talking about. Most women would take offense to the comment, but you see the humor in my personality. You get me, and I get you.”

  Not sure how to respond, I continued my scanning of the room. I noticed he had a vintage phonograph in the corner of the room. Walking over I ran my fingers over the metal speaker.

  “Does it work or is it just for decoration?” I inquired.

  “Oh, it works. Here, I’ll put something on,” he said setting his beer on the windowsill. Riffling through his huge collection, he pulled a record out. Carefully freeing it from its sleeve he placed the vinyl on the turntable. Hearing the initial crackle of the needle hitting the record brought back memories of dancing with Daddy when we were little. Immediately I heard Frank and knew I wasn’t going to be able to hold it together much longer. Peter Pan reminded me of chemo with mama and hearing Frank’s voice reminded me of Daddy so much.

  On rainy summer days, Daddy would pull out the records to keep me occupied. As a child growing up in the middle of nowhere, activities were hard to find, so when Daddy pulled out his vinyls, he meant business.

  “Daddy! Put on the records! I wanna dance,” I exclaimed.

  “Ok, Care Bear. Calm down,” he said laughing. Dancing with daddy was my all-time favorite thing to do. Daddy let me stand on his toes while he whirled me around the living room floor. Frank Sinatra’s, “You make me feel so young,” rang throughout the house.

  “Young lady,” he would say bowing down to me with extended hand.

  “I would love to,” I whispered, taking his hand. As Daddy grabbed my hands and placed me on his feet, he started singing to me while we glided around the room. “…And even when I’m old and gray, I’m gonna feel the way I do today. You, you make me feel so young.” Frank was always my favorite.

  As the song changed, I got so excited to see mama standing in the doorframe watching us dance. Mama was wearing a worn nightgown and a wrap to cover her balding head. Just then, daddy flung me into the air by the hands while Frank sang, “Come fly with me.” Twirling me around, the song faded as daddy landed me on the couch. Walking to mama, he presented his hand, “May I have this dance my dear?” Smiling, mama took daddy’s hand as he pulled her in, wrapping an arm around her waist, and extending their arms. Placing her cheek to daddy’s it looked as if daddy was lifting Mama off the floor, so she wouldn’t use too much energy. “When somebody loves you, it’s no good unless he loves you. Allll the way…” he would sing into her ear like it was their first dance.

  I remember sitting on the couch cross-legged, watching them fall in love all over again. I was hoping I would have a love like that one day. Daddy loved mama so much. Even when she wasn’t sick, he never wasted a single minute, or second with her. They were the ideal couple, and I was privileged to see how a true gentleman should treat a woman he loved. I hope someday I have a love so all-consuming like that.

  “Do you like Frank Sinatra?” Colt asked.

  “He’s one of my favorites. As the song began, Colt took my beer putting it on the windowsill and requested my hand. “Ma’am,” he asked.

  “Why thank you, sir,” I responded taking his hand.

  Pulling me in close, he draped his hand around the small of my back just the way daddy used to with mama. Adoringly he pulled my hand to his chest, resting it to his heart as we danced around the room to, “The Way You Look Tonight.” Genuinely entertained we paraded around like two little kids at a cotillion.

  As the track faded and a new one started, I couldn’t help but notice it was, “All The Way”, the last song I had seen my parents dance to before she became too weak to dance. Curling into Colt, I couldn’t help but be soothed by the vibrations from his chest as he sang to me. Getting caught up in the moment, I could feel my eyes misting just thinking about how Colt was my forever. He was the man I wanted to be with. He was the man I wanted to dance with when we were eighty years old. He was my love, just like mama was daddy’s.

  “Carr? You ok?” Colt asked lifting my chin to look at him.

  “Baby, why are you crying? I can change the song if you don’t like it,” he said concerned pulling away to look at my face.

  “Oh no, no. It’s not the song at all. I love this song. Dancing and the song reminded me of my parents,” I confessed.

  “How so?” he asked.

  “Daddy used to dance with my mama to this song, just like this. As a little girl, I remember how much I admired them, and how badly I wanted to have that someday,” I said full of emotion.

  “Carrington Grace Mason, you do sweetheart. I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere,” he said pulling me in close. Wiping my tears away, he kissed me deeply.

  “Would you like to stay the night?” Colt asked. “I think you’ve had a long day, and I want to make sure you get some sleep. I promise I’ll be a gentleman,” he said stating his case.

  “I would like that,” I said giving him a slight smile.

  “Come. I’ll run you a shower. You can get the stickiness of that drink off you,” he said pulling me into the bedroom. Colt bent down before me and took my heels off for me one at a time. It was the sweetest thing, looking at him catering to my every need. I have never had someone so determined to make me happy. After stripping my jeans off, I met Colt in the bathroom where he was placing a towel on the counter.

  “There’s shampoo, conditioner, soap and one of those loofa things in the shower,” he pointed out.

  “There’s a brand new toothbrush and hairbrush in a basket under the sink. Next to those are extra towels, if you need them. If you need anything else, holler at me. O.K.?”

  “Thank you for being so wonderful,” I said kissing him.

  “You don’t have to thank me, babe. I would do this for you even if you weren’t my girlfriend,” he confessed. “But, I much rather you be my girlfriend and I take care of you.”

  Letting the hot water and steam consume my body never felt so good. Stepping out of the shower, Colt had left me the biggest, fluffiest towels. I felt like I was in a fancy New York hotel the way I was being pampered. Drying off, I extracted a new toothbrush and hairbrush exactly where Colt said they’d be. Feeling fresh and clean, I walked into Colt’s closet to find something to wear. Out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of Colt’s jersey. I rolled on the jersey, which was two times too big for me. His jersey was soft from the multiple cycles from the wash, but still smelt like Colt. Wrapping my hair in the towel, I opened the bathroom door with hairbrush in hand.

  “Your shower is heaven,” I proclaimed.

  “I’m sorry, did you say something? I was too distracted by my hot-ass girlfriend wearing my jersey. I can’t promise I’ll be a gentleman tonight, but I’ll try.”

  “I know you have restraint, babe, but I do love your shower.”

  “I’m so glad you liked it. Did you find everything you needed?” he asked.

  “Yes, thank you.”

  Sitting on the bed, I pulled the towel from my head and flipped my auburn hair.

  “Babe, you’re making this “gentleman” crazy right now. You’re going to need to dress like a nun from now on if you want me to behave myself.”

  “I have faith you can be a gentleman,” I said giggling. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I began to brush out my hair.

  “Let me help you,” he asked extending a hand for the brush. Turning around, I hadn’t had my hair brushed since Harley brushed it the night of the milkshake incident. Coincidentally, another night destroyed by Paisley.

  After untangling my hair for me, Colt gently kissed my neck and pulled me next
to him. Pulling the covers over us, I turned my head facing him. Turning to look at me, he gently took his hand and stroked my cheek.

  “Carrington Grace Mason, how did you do it?” he asked.

  “How did I do what?” I asked. “How did you capture my heart?”

  “It’s a gift I guess,” I said while giggling.

  “Well, I thoroughly enjoy your presents then,” he responded. Kissing me sweetly, I rolled over so Colt could hold me. Circling his arms around me, we finally drifted asleep. That night I never slept so peacefully.

  Chapter 17

  As the sheer curtains billowed through the room from the morning breeze, I couldn’t help but wrap myself in the comfort of Colt’s white cotton sheets. The sunlight hit my face and brought out a huge smile across my lips. Rolling over, I noticed a note on the nightstand. I must have been out cold not to hear Colt get up and go to work. Rubbing the pillow where his head rested just hours before, I could still smell him all over. Grabbing the note, I rolled over onto my back.

  Carr-

  Good morning, beautiful. You looked so peaceful sleeping. I couldn’t bear to wake you. You looked like an angel the way your hair laid across the pillow. I hope you had a good night’s sleep. I know I did. I could get used to waking up with you in my arms.

  There’s coffee in the kitchen or orange juice in the fridge. If you’re hungry, feel free to take whatever you want. Whenever you decide to leave, and there is no rush, I left a spare key on the kitchen table.

  I shouldn’t be at the office long, but I’ll meet you at the parade. I’ll be the one dressed in red.

  XO

  Your Sherlock

  Colt was too funny, “I’ll be the one dressed in red.”

  Laying the note on the comforter, I flailed in excitement. I can’t believe I’m in Colt’s bed - my boyfriend. Grabbing my purse from the floor, I pulled out my cell phone and found Man of My Dreams in my contacts and began drafting a text.

  Carrington: Thank you for my note this morning. That was awful thoughtful of you.

  Seconds later as if he was waiting next to his phone.

  Man of my dreams: I contemplated pillaging your body, but thought that might tarnish my reputation.

  Carrington: Well, seeing as I’m the new town hussy, I don’t think that would have been a problem.

  Man of my dreams: You’re definitely not a hussy, but I’ll keep that in my back pocket for next time.

  Carrington: Next time?

  Man of my dreams: Of course! I’m not letting you go that easily.

  Carrington: Am I being held captive?

  Man of my dreams: Only if you want to be.

  Carrington: Oh, I definitely want to be. And, by the way, your sheets are exceptional. I’m having a ball rolling around in them right now.

  Man of my dreams: Is that so? What else would I find if I walked in on you right now? Would I see those sexy lace panties on my floor?

  Carrington: I can make that happen if you want.

  Man of my dreams: Well now. If you’re going to discard those sexy panties, you might as well discard the jersey as well. Seems silly to wear that as well.

  Carrington: Oh, of course. Nothing like a silly jersey to ruin a fashion statement. If I’m naked, I can’t very well leave the apartment.

  Man of my dreams: Who says I want you to leave?

  Carrington: What would you have me do then? I have to do something with my time till you get home.

  Man of my dreams: Hmmm, I have an idea.

  Carrington: Want to enlighten me? Remember, I’m a very important person and have many things to do today.

  This is getting real. I like where he’s going with this. Who needs panties and a top?

  Man of my dreams: I want to walk in and see you running your hands up and down those amazing breasts of yours.

  Carrington: Is that so? Amazing, huh? And then…

  Man of my dreams: Touch yourself while I tell you what I want to see…

  Yeah, this is happening. Sexting with my man is so fucking hot.

  Man of my dreams: …run those delicate fingertips across your delectable nipples. Make them hard for me…

  I’m in so much trouble, but God, this feels good…

  Man of my dreams: Picture me running my tongue across those taught nipples…

  This man…oh my…

  Man of my dreams: From the lack of response I hope my girl is feeling good right now….

  More than you know baby…

  Man of my dreams: Imagine me running my tongue down your stomach…kissing every inch of your body…

  I should just call him and make him come home…. he’s driving me crazy.

  Man of my dreams: Visualize me spreading those beautiful legs and kissing your inner thighs….up one side and down the other…

  God, I’m so turned on right now….don’t stop…

  Man of my dreams: Can you picture that baby?

  Carrington: Yes, baby…please don’t stop…

  Man of my dreams: Carr you have me so hard right now. Just knowing you’re at my place touching yourself is driving me crazy.

  Man of my dreams: I wanna be the one touching you. Running my tongue over your sex. Massaging your clit.

  Sweet mother I’m going to come…

  Man of my dreams: Circling…sucking…flicking that sweet spot…. until you come…

  Oh…my….

  Man of my dreams: Come for me, baby…I wanna know you're getting off in my bed right now...

  Ohhhh fuckkkk…. what is this man doing to me…

  Man of my dreams: Did that feel good, baby?

  Carrington: More than you could possibly know :)

  Man of my dreams: I’m going to have blue balls until I can get my hands on you.

  Carrington: Don’t worry. When I see you, I’ll return the favor in person. Just let the image of my hot, naked body, getting off in your bed sear itself in that gorgeous head of yours.

  Man of my dreams: You are good… evil, but good.

  Carrington: That’s why you adore me.

  Man of my dreams: I do…and much more.

  Hmm…ok…I’m interested.

  Carrington: Really?

  Man of my dreams: Yes, ma’am. I hate to sext and run, but I do need to get some work done so I can get to you as quickly as possible.

  Man of my dreams: I’m really glad you texted me this morning :) I will see you at the parade, my darlin’.

  Carrington: I look forward to it.

  Never, did I think in a million years, I would be sexting Colton Wilson, in his bed, and getting off. I wanted this man so bad but more than that, I was falling hard for him. I think I love him. I guess I always knew I did, but this is the first time I’m admitting it. I love Colton Wilson. I’m completely, and totally bat-shit crazy, in love with this man. Holt shit! I’m in love with Colton Wilson!

  ●

  Tidying up for Colt, I grabbed the key off the counter and headed for the door. Still wearing his jersey, I slipped on my jeans and carried my heels. I truly look like a walk of shame right now. Too bad it was more like strut my inner slut kind of walk. Grinning like a Cheshire cat, I called Harley to come pick me up and take me back to my house. Laying on the horn right as I passed her hood, I flicked her off.

  “Really, Har? Was that totally and completely necessary?” I said giving her shove.

  “Ummm, that’s not the shirt I sent you home in last night. What have you been doing you dirty hooker?”

  “Actually, we didn’t have sex last night. I took a shower, and we went to bed. It was completely innocent.” I said thinking about the sexting we did this morning. That wasn’t exactly innocent.

  “You’re getting more action than I have in a year. I’m so envious!”

  “Wanna hear something crazy,” I said. “I think Colt’s the one. I mean I’ve only had years of yearning to prove that, but I really do think he’s the one.

  “Honey, I knew it years ago. I’m just glad you’re finally accep
ting what the fates have in store for you. Reaching over and giving Harley a hug and kiss on the cheek, I was in total bliss.

  ●

  After cleaning up, changing and picking up Skye, we were on our way to the parade. The streets were littered with people. Sitting on the curb were the town’s children, spread across the streets in all ages and varieties. Just like the little ones Har, Skye and I popped a squat on the curb and shared a bag of Auntie May’s Kettle Corn. Still warm from the kettle we licked our fingers as if we were ten again.