by S. Morayla
“How are you all tonight?” Harrison says into the mic. “We all hope you’re having a great time and we appreciate all the support.” The cheers become louder, women yelling, “Fuck me, Harrison!” All of us lads chuckle at the forwardness.
Last week, when we sang Happy Birthday to Harrison, the ladies were yelling a lot more than that to him. Tonight, we have a surprise for my Natalee. It’s hard to believe we’re in February already. Tuesday will be her birthday and I have a song I want to sing to her. I step forward.
“A while back, a very special lady sang a song to me right here on this stage. I want to return the favor.” Looking back, I nod at Nick, giving him the signal to begin the riff. “Natalee, this is for you, baby.” Her eyes widen and she smiles that shy smile I love. The crowd goes wild, cheering. Leif begins to beat box. Harrison and Lennon take place as my backup vocals. I begin my rendition of Justin Bieber’s All That Matters.
Her face is all I see in the multitude of people here tonight. My eyes never leave hers as I sing my heart out to her, and only her. We meld straight into the next song, which we have been working on. We sing of the things that may seem inconsequential to our girls, but they are the little things we love about them.
After our set, I see Shorty’s caramel hair. My body attuned to hers, I stride forward, wrapping her in my arms. “How was that?” Natalee turns in my arm, blinding me with her smile. She locks her hands behind my head.
“I loved it, thank you.” She stares into my eyes and I lean into her, our breaths touching. My mouth graze hers. I nibble on her bottom lip lightly, pulling on it before I lick into her mouth. I kiss her slow and unhurried. The world around us falls away. In this moment, only her and I exist. I pull back to catch my breath, and when I do, I see pure lust swimming in her eyes.
She pulls me to her. “I need you. Now.” I nod and grab her hand, leading her away from our friends. There is a little storage room off to the side by the bathrooms. My need is too great to think straight. I pull her into the room and kiss her with wild abandon. Thank God she is wearing a skirt. I push her panties to the side and slide a finger inside her. “No. Fuck me, Zayne. I need you to fuck me.” Shit, if she keeps talking like that, this quickie will be over far too quick.
Pulling out a condom, I unbuckle my pants. Sliding them and my boxer briefs down, I sheath myself then wrap Natalee’s legs around me. Sliding her panties to the side, I plunge deep and hard into her. I continue pounding into her drenched pussy. This is not something I ever expected with her, but I love it when she’s uninhibited. Delving faster and harder, I feel her pussy clench, taking me deeper. Covering her mouth with my own, I capture her mewls and moans. Minutes later, I feel her pussy squeezing around my dick. She sags against me, trying to catch her breath. I slam into her a few more times before my orgasm hits.
We put ourselves together before rejoining our friends, who give us knowing looks. With us being the final act of the night, the DJ has taken over. Adriana and Amaris pull Natalee away from the booth so they can dance. I smile while watching her, knowing she is mine.
* * *
I rush around my room, making sure I have everything I need. Today is Shorty’s birthday and I want it to be perfect.
“Where are you taking me? Why do I have to wear a blindfold?” Natalee whines, making me chuckle.
“Because it’s your birthday surprise.” I tell her, leading her to my car.
“I’ll take two-hundred for a clue, Alex?” she says, making me laugh harder as I pull the seatbelt around her.
“Sorry, not happening.” I kiss her pouty lips. “You’ll see soon enough, I promise.”
“Did I ever tell you I hate surprises? I break out in hives.” Shaking my head, I laugh at her theatrics.
“Then I guess I will be spending your birthday with you at the closest ER.” Groaning, she puts her head in her hands.
“You think this is funny, don’t you?” she fumes.
“Yeah, a little bit,” I chuckle, knowing she loves when I tease her.
“Fine, for the next…how long will it take us to get to wherever you’re kidnapping me to?” A bubble of laughter rises out of my mouth.
“About twenty minutes.”
“Okay, for the next twenty minutes, I’m not talking to you.” She folds her arms over chest with a humph. I turn up the radio, take her hand in my own, and drive toward our destination.
“Alright, we’re here. Hold on, don’t take the blindfold off yet.” My eyes slide over to Shorty. I get out, round the car, and open her door. I sit her on the hood of my car.
“Don’t move,” I instruct sternly as I gather the other things I need from the back of my car. I turn the music up, leaving both doors open so we can hear the songs playing.
“Okay, ready?” I ask.
“Yes.” I pull off the blindfold. Her eyes widen and she gasps, her hand flying to her mouth. “This is so beautiful.” I have driven her to the top of a cliff overlooking the Pacific. It’s close to sunset. She told me once she’s never seen the sunset over the ocean. Being limited on money, I wanted to give her something special for her birthday and this was something I knew she would love. I pull her closer to me, kissing her neck.
“Do you like it?” She shakes her head, making me stiffen.
“No, I love it. Thank you.” I relax, smiling against her hair. We sit and watch as the sun begins to set over the Pacific. We sit on the hood until the sun sinks into the ocean. I walk back and turn on the headlights when the song I want to dedicate to her comes on. Two Is Better than One by Boys Like Girls. I walk up behind Natalee and pull her into my arms.
“I thought you didn’t dance,” she whispers.
“I don’t, but this I can handle, especially with you wrapped in my arms. You make me want to do things I’ve never wanted to do before. You make everything seems as easy as breathing. The smile you have right now, I’d do anything to see that.” I pull her close and our bodies mold together. Her arms are around my neck. I want to tell her how I’m feeling, but the words won’t come. Shorty rests her head on my chest as we sway to the music. I kiss the top of her head and she looks up at me with a sweet smile. Her face glows ethereally in the moonlight, eyes gleam with such happiness that my heart could burst. I dance with her even after the music has stopped.
“You know the music stopped right?” Natalee giggles into my chest.
“Yes, smartass, I’m enjoying this.” I take her hand in mine and pull her to the hood of the car.
“Alright, I got you a few presents, you ready?” She looks up at me, her eyes shining.
“Are you serious? This was more than enough, baby.”
I pull out the bag from the seat and hand it to her. I inhale, hoping she likes the gifts. She smiles at me, grabbing the first small velvet box. Her head whips up to mine when she opens it.
“A lotus flower charm,” I tell her. “It symbolizes revival. Pushing itself through the mud and water to bloom. At night, it disappears beneath the water only to bloom again, unsoiled, in the morning. I thought of you when I saw it. You can add it to your bracelet.”
Shorty jumps into my arms. “Thank you so much. I love it.”
“You’re welcome. I have one more for you.” I pull her back so she can get her next present from the bag. I’m so nervous, it feels like my heart is in my throat. This next gift is special, coming from England. I had my mum ship it to me. I swallow nervously when she takes it from the velvet box.
“It’s so beautiful, Zayne.” I smile. “Can you help me put it on?” I stand behind her and take the necklace, pulling it to clasp around her neck. It is an antique Victorian locket, made of platinum. The oval pendant is embossed with detail around the edges. The very top is also engraved and has a dragonfly attached with small diamonds in its wings. Once finished, she turns to me and looks down at it, holding it between her fingers.
“It belonged to my Nan. Before she died, she gave all of us grandchildren an heirloom. She said when I found the right girl,
I would know, and this would be the family present to her. I had Mum send it and it’s inscribed just for you.” Tears gleam in her eyes.
“Two hearts, one soul,” she reads, gaping up at me. “Zayne, I can’t take this. Your grandmother wanted this to go to the woman who will be your wife one day.” I cup her cheeks, smiling down at her.
“I know, that’s why I’m giving it to you. I love you, Natalee Alessa Rodriguez.”
Two is Better Than One
Shocked.
Surprised.
Astonished.
I look into his eyes, not knowing how to respond.
I want to cringe.
Have him take back those three words.
I’m a liar.
A faker.
Who is Natalee Rodriguez? She is not me.
How can he say he loves me when he doesn’t even know me?
“I know you can’t say those words back to me yet, but I want you to know how I feel. I am in love with you.”
Rationality hits me upside the head. It’s just a name. Rodríguez may not be my birth name, but I’m still me, regardless of the name. Finding my voice takes a bit.
“I’m sorry, Zayne. I…” Shit.
Tell him, Natalee. Tell him how you feel.
Great, that’s not the advice I need at this moment.
“I want this with you. Please give me time to get there.” Colorado needs to come. That will be the true test.
Do you have to wait until then? Just tell him.
I shake my head at the voice in the wind. No. I need time. I’m afraid he won’t want me after all is revealed.
“I told you before, Shorty, I will wait as long as you need. I’m in this for the long haul. When I see you, I see my future. I knew it was a long shot, but whatever we need to face in Colorado, we’ll do it together.” He pulls me into his warm arms.
My body melts into him.
How did God grant me this?
What did I do to deserve such an angel?
* * *
“Uncle Victor, please, I’ve been asking you for weeks.” He sighs into the phone.
“I know, baby girl, but I’m working.”
“Since when is sticking your dick inside someone work?” I question tersely, awaiting an answer. “Hello?” I ask, frowning, even though he can’t see me.
“Did you just say that to me?” He sounds stunned.
“Uh, what?” This is ridiculous.
“About my dick and work?” What the ever-loving hell?
“I guess, but what does that even—” He bursts out laughing, effectively cutting me off.
“Wait, I can’t believe this.” He laughs so hard, I can barely understand what he’s saying.
I start to giggle.
“My God, Nat, I love you like this. You have never made a comment like that. It just shocked me a bit. That boyfriend of yours is a bad influence.”
“Whatever. Get back to the point, mister. Will you come or what?”
“I plan on it if Quinn will answer my calls.”
“Oh God, NO! That’s not what I mean. Stop it,” I chastise.
“Alright, yes, Natty, after you get back from Colorado, I promise I will go. But I make no guarantees. I haven’t been excited about a band in a long time. Nobody I’ve seen has that extra special spark I’m looking for.”
“Yay, and I can tell you with all my heart, I think you will be excited for them.”
“Umm hmm. Like you said about Jimmy?”
“Hey,” I say, pouting “I was ten, I didn’t know. Don’t judge me.” I laugh
“Alright, Natty. You and Zayne leaving tomorrow night? You ready for all the secrets to finally come free?”
I take in a deep breath and release it. I automatically reach for the locket Zayne gave me, rubbing it between my fingers. “I’m a little scared he’s not going to understand or he’ll feel like he can’t be with me anymore.”
“Honestly, Natty, I don’t think he will push you away. If anything, it will bring you two closer. He’s a smart kid. After what you told me about your birthday, it sounds to me like he already knows how he wants his future to pan out. What is your gut telling you?”
“I don’t know. I feel like a jumbled mess,” I sigh. “This trip is going to open old wounds, ones that have scarred me deeply. On top of that, getting closure with Rhys…it’s emotional and jarring.”
“I know, but he loves you and he deserves to have all of you. If you don’t tell him now, it’s only going to be harder later. I know you love him, Natalee, and it’s okay. Deep down, I know you feel that Rhys gives his approval as well.” I chew my bottom lip, thinking about what he’s just said. A calm washes over me—a peace that settles the nerves.
“You’re right, Vic. Thank you. I really needed to hear it.”
“You’re welcome. Call me when you get back from Colorado and tell your dad he owes me a hundred bucks. He better pay me, too,” he exclaims.
“I’ll tell him. I’m sure he’s going to say you cheated or something. Love you.”
“You, too, kid.”
* * *
Flying into the Grand Junction airport, I'm jittery. My anxiety is high. Zayne notices my fidgeting and pulls my hand into his, entwining our fingers.
"You alright, Shorty?" It takes a lot of effort to not to let the anxiety take over.
"Just nerves," I assure him, trying hard to keep myself in check.
"Daddy!" I run into my dad’s arms, thankful to see his face. I've missed him so much. The last time I got to hug him was at Christmas, which seems like a lifetime ago.
After getting our baggage, we walk out into the cool Colorado night. This is something I have not missed.
"Do you want to go get something to eat?" Dad asks. The grin on his face has not disappeared since we arrived. I turn back to Zayne, raising my eyebrows in question.
"Sure, that sounds good," Zayne replies.
"What do you have in mind? Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Yup," my dad answers with a twinkle in his eyes. I laugh instantly, knowing exactly where we're going.
I groan in appreciation, the burger melting in my mouth. We sit at the booth, stuffing our faces with Jimmy’z Hamburgers. This is our favorite diner.
"Zayne, I'm glad Natalee finally brought you home. How is everything going for you?"
"Good. This semester has been quite exhausting, but I know my studies will pay off in the end." Dad nods approvingly.
"I remember those days. It's seems like a lot right now, but when you get your degree and start your life, you'll be thankful for the hard work you put in. The best feeling in the world is being able to take care of your family." Dad’s eyes glide to mine, giving me an anguished smile.
* * *
The next morning, I wake up feeling apprehensive. The night was full of fretful sleep. Zayne had to sleep in the spare room since dad felt it was better for his sanity. This room used to be my sanctuary, now it stifles me, feeling more like a tomb. I go downstairs to start breakfast. Hitting the landing, the sweet aroma of coffee assaults me.
"Morning, baby. I made breakfast. It’s on the stove. I need to get going before I'm late for work."
"You have to work?" He pushes on my pouty lips.
"None of that, and yes, it’s been extra crazy at work lately. We’ll have dinner tonight, and tomorrow, maybe we can do something fun.”
“Alright.” I kiss my dad on the cheek before he leaves. Zayne isn’t up yet, so I decide to go sneak up on him.
I watch him for a minute from the door.
His chest moves up and down.
My eyes follow the lines of his muscles.
Heat pools in my stomach.
His hair is messy, but it still looks good on him.
He never looks bad. Like, ever.
"Are you going to stand there staring at me all morning or are you going to come cuddle with me?" Zayne asks, causing my lips to lift into a smile. He never opens his eyes, just opens his arms. I'm all too
happy to fall into those.
"How do you do that?" My bare feet hit the cold hardwood floor, causing a shiver to run through my body.
“What?” he asks, eyes still closed.
“How do you know when I’m near?” He folds his arms around me when I slide in next to him.
“You don’t feel that, Shorty?” I rub against him, smiling when he starts to thicken.
“Not that.” He chuckles “My body is attuned to you. I can feel your presence when you walk in a room. It’s so strong, it can break my concentration or wake me from my sleep. The air changes, my heart speeds up, a warmth courses through my body, wanting and needing to be near you.” It hits me then that everything he just explained is exactly how I feel about him.
“Yeah, I feel that, too. Is that weird?” My voice is low, feelings of guilt swarming me. I never felt this for Rhys, and I know I loved him.
Zayne turns my head toward him. “No, and I never want you to think that because we have this bond your love for Rhys wasn’t real. It’s just different. He taught you how to love. He helped you grow. I’m thankful for him.”
“How did you know I was thinking about Rhys?” My voice quivers.
He shrugs. “I just know you. I know this is hard for you and we’re here so you can get closure. Just know that closure doesn’t mean you ever have to hide when you miss him or how you cared about him. I’ve never been through what you have, but from what your uncle and dad told me about him, sounds to me like he was a guy who wanted nothing but happiness for you. How could I ever take that from you? I love you, Natalee—all of you. I can’t guarantee I will never hurt you, but I will always try not to. You have the ability to crush my heart, but it’s a chance I’m willing to take if I can be half the man Rhys was to you.” He folds me into his arms, allowing me to fall apart.
Elated.
Blessed.
Fortunate.
I don’t know what I ever did to deserve this man, or any of the people in my life. They have all stood by me. Been there through the bad, dark, and scary. Never leaving my side, helping and coaxing me to find my light.