We lay quietly in each other’s arms, lost in our own thoughts.
“Blue?”
I turned my head toward him. “Yeah?”
“I’ve never loved like this before. Thank you for hanging in there with me.”
“I’m ecstatic you feel that way because I do too.”
“Was it okay for you?”
“I felt panicked for a second, but it passed. I can’t believe I’ve missed out on that position for so long. It was so intimate.”
He hugged me to him. “It was for me too.”
After we both recovered, Tate made room in his dresser for my clothes and I unpacked.
“If we’re going to stay here, can we personalize this place?” I asked.
“If we decide to stay here, we’re going to buy the place and expand the bathroom.”
I laughed in joy. “Big tub and shower? Of course, a hot tub on the deck wouldn’t be bad, either.”
“Brilliant idea. Should we sleep and then take that drive down the coast?”
“The sky has cleared, so let’s.”
He scooped me against his chest.
I sighed in contentment. Reason #1 would always be my favorite.
He loves me!
He loves me!
He loves me!
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Glitter In the Air
by Pink
Before heading up the coast on Sunday, we dropped by my mother’s house.
“How are you doing?” I asked my mom, hugging her tightly. Somehow, Tate’s love left me free to forgive my mother and her shortcomings. Helena’s words helped, too. I was genuinely happy to see her.
“I don’t think it’s fully set in yet.” She kissed my forehead, and I savored the gesture. “Having Daniel has made it almost bearable.”
“I know what you mean,” I said, glancing over at Tate who sat talking with Daniel.
“Are you in love?” she asked, holding me away by my shoulders and scanning my face.
“Like nothing I ever imagined but always hoped for.”
“That makes no sense and yet, I know exactly what you mean.” She laughed. “I’m so happy for you, Sugar. Do you think he’s the one?”
“He’s the only one.”
She hugged me again. “Matt’s been back around to check on me. He said you’ve talked. Have you forgiven him?”
“I have, and Dad too.”
“And me?” she asked, her eyes brimming with tears.
“I know you did the best you could, and I do forgive you. I’d like us to be friends.”
“I’d like that a lot. Maybe we can make plans and have Matt over, too.”
My eyes filled as well. “Sounds good. Listen, Helena said you’re holding a picture for me. I can’t take it now because we’re on the bike, but I’d love to see it.”
“Come.” She led me into the guest room, my old bedroom with the same wallpaper I’d grown up with.
Leaning against the couch was a framed, blown-up photo I’d never laid eyes on. My tears began to spill as I took in the image. I couldn’t have been more than two years old. Helena and I, both wearing white cotton dresses, danced barefoot, holding hands in the grass. Our auburn hair glittered in the sunlight, and we seemed to be laughing. A white butterfly flew just beside us.
“Where was this?” I asked my mother.
“I’m not sure. She liked to take you to the park.”
“Wow.” My heart hurt once again over the loss. “Tate,” I called.
“What’s up?” he asked, dipping his head inside the door.
“Look.”
“Is that you?”
“Yeah, with Helena.”
He wiped a tear from my cheek, and said, “I know just where we can hang it.”
“Really?”
“Definitely.” He held onto me as I took in every detail of the photo.
“She really loved me.”
“She really did, Sugar,” my mother said.
We left her house and drove over to the Bread Building. I didn’t plan to stay for the group, but I wanted to check in. Tate waited downstairs for me.
“Judy, you look great!” Suzie said as I walked in.
“Thanks, I feel great.”
“She must be getting laid. She has that just fucked look,” Charmaine said.
“Over and over,” I said and winked at her.
“Glad someone’s getting some,” Suzie said.
I turned to our facilitator. “Ann, I’m taking off in a minute. I just wanted to check in with you.”
“He came around,” she said with a smile.
“Yes,” I said, beaming back.
“Something tells me we won’t be seeing you anymore.”
“That’s probably true. I wanted to thank you all for listening and for your support. Even you, Charmaine.”
“Yeah, yeah,” she said, waving me away.
“I wish the best of luck and love to all of you. Thank you, Ann.”
She nodded and smiled, and I took that as my cue to leave.
“How did it go?” Tate asked as I slipped on my helmet.
“Good. Now take me for a ride!”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Happy
by Pharrell Williams
The next few days passed in a blur of love and passion. Tate and I spent every free moment together. I gave notice at The Chart House and began counting down the days until I never had to wait on a table again.
Tate and I strolled into Red’s on Wednesday, and I felt the joy that comes with finally being part of a loving couple. My life was no longer just my own, and I welcomed it. While Tate and I were busy cocooning, much had happened.
“Wow, you’re here,” I said to Rory when we approached the kitchen. I looked around for Bond.
“He’s out back.”
“Right, okay.”
“You okay?” Tate asked me.
“Stunned and mystified, but good. I’m going to go talk to Bond.” I lay copies of my novel on the kitchen counter.
“I’ll get us a drink and put out the stuffed mushrooms.”
“Great.” I practically sprinted out back. “What the fuck, Dude?” Jacqs looked quite content in Red’s lap, so I sighed in relief.
“Lot’s happened since you went AWOL.”
“Clearly. So, are you and Jacqs—”
“Over? Yes, and she and Red are already talking about a wedding and kids. Knowing him, he’ll plan some wild-ass proposal.”
I clapped. “No doubt. What’s up with the chippy in there?”
“We’re taking it slow.”
I cracked up. “I’m pretty sure you aren’t set at that speed.”
“Yeah, it’s a daily struggle, and she doesn’t make it easy. And knowing me, I’ll probably cave soon.”
I laughed again. “You brought her here, so that’s a big deal.”
“Yeah.” He rubbed his neck and said, “Listen, Blue, I hope you get how happy I am for you.”
“I do, and thank you, Bond. You helped me in so many ways, and I’m so lucky I get to keep you as my friend.”
“Your best friend and don’t you forget it,” he said, pointing at me.
“I won’t.” I smiled. “Love you.”
We hugged.
“Love you too.” He lifted his head from my shoulder and uttered, “Shit.”
“What?”
“Rory. I told you, she’s the jealous type. I better go inside.”
Then I really laughed as I watched him scurry into the house.
Tate came up behind me and folded his arm around my waist. In his other hand, he held a margarita and a beer.
I took my drink and we clinked the bottles.
“She’s a piece of work, that one,” he said, flipping his head in the direction of the kitchen.
“She sure is. She might just be what he needs. At any rate, she’ll keep him on his toes.”
He nibbled on my ear and breathed against the side of my neck.
“If
you keep doing that, we won’t be here for long.”
“That’s the idea.” He lifted my hair to the side and bit the back of my neck, sucking hard. “I want to do that on your inner thighs,” he whispered.
I turned in his arms. “Cut that out, you’re making me wet.”
“I know you’re dying to talk to the girls, so do it and let’s get home.”
Home!
“You’re pushy, but I’ll make it quick.” I went up on my toes and whispered, “I’m ready to let you try out the tiny crop on my clit.”
“Damn you, woman,” he said, smiling.
“I’ll hurry.”
We all gathered around the pool with our legs dangling in the water, minus Rory, who had gone to the game room with the guys.
“So spill it,” Cat said, kicking water in my direction. “But first, tell me what I love to hear.” She cupped her ear and cocked her head.
“You were right,” I said, laughing.
“That never gets old,” Cat said proudly.
“Honestly, I feel high all the time. I’m not even scared, which has to be a first. I’ve spent my life living in fear, mostly of my own inferiorities and yet, somehow, with him I feel like ... I ... me...” I pointed to my chest. “...was put on this planet solely for Tate. Stupid, right?” I said, my voice cracking a bit.
“Not at all,” Lainie said. “I totally get what you mean. Stay is my Tate. Girlfriend, I’m so ecstatic for you.”
“Yeah,” Jacqs said. “I think it would’ve been hard for me if you ended up with Bond.”
“Do they all know?” I asked.
She shrugged as if it were no big deal.
“Yes,” Sam answered. “I must say, you kept it well hidden. It was really Bond who gave it away.”
They all nodded in agreement.
“Well, alrighty then.” I shook my head at my new reality, loving it. “I brought copies of my novel for each of you.”
“No fucking way!” Jacqs called out. “I can’t wait to sink my teeth into it.”
“Just don’t bite me too hard.”
“Oh we won’t!” Lainie said, rubbing her hands together. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Yeah, totally,” Sam said.
“Good for you,” Cat said. “I’ll try not to be my bitchy self.”
I chuckled and said, “You do that.”
“So, give us the lowdown on Rory. Rumor has it that you’ve already met her,” Cat said.
“Know her? That’s a stretch. I will say she has it bad for Bond. It’s funny watching him be so baffled about what to do with her.”
“Give me time and I’m sure I’ll find it amusing too,” Jacqs fessed.
I splashed her.
“Hey!” she said.
“Is it true about wedding bells with Red and all that? At this rate, you and Lainie will be racing to the altar.”
“He hasn’t officially asked me,” Jacqs shared.
“Stop being preoccupied with Bond, and I’m sure it’ll happen,” Sam admonished.
“Yep,” I said. “I’m a bit confused about why you’re still holding on.”
“It’s more about the rejection than anything else. Lane can tell you that I’ve wanted him to be the one to move on and yet, it pokes all my tender parts.”
“Yeah.” I held up my drink. “Let’s drink to finding the men who love and understand our tender parts.”
“That has so many meanings,” Sam said, taking a drink of her soda.
“You’re next,” I said to her.
♥♥♥♥♥
I had known for quite some time that I hit the mother lode in the friendship department and for years, I just assumed that would have to be enough. I absolutely love the tattoo Cat did for me, not only because of her amazing artwork, but because it brought Tate to me. Through his love, I found a real appreciation for my body and the things he does to drive me completely insane with lust.
I scheduled another appointment with Cat and couldn’t wait to surprise Tate with my new tattoo. Around the side of my foot, I’m having her tattoo in script: Wherever the wind takes me.
Blakely Bennett grew up in Southeast Florida and has been residing in the great Northwest for over nine years. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a degree in psychology, which accounts for her particular interest in crafting the personalities, struggles, and motivations of her characters. She is an avid reader of many genres of fiction, but especially enjoys erotica and romance. Writing has always been her bliss.
Blakely is married to a wonderful, loving, and supportive husband, who is also a writer, and who helps to keep her grounded. She is a mother, a communitarian, a lover of music (it is always on while she is writing thanks to Pandora), and a good friend. An advocate of love and female empowerment, she is also a facilitator for a women’s group. She loves to walk and hike for exercise, and finds that, since moving to Seattle, Washington, she is now one of those crazy people who walk in the rain.
Blue Persuasion is her seventh novel and the third in the Bound by Your Love Series (Stuck in Between and Bittersweet Deceit). She is also the author of the dark erotic suspense My Body Trilogy (My Body-His, My Body-His (Marcello) and My Body-Mine) and the co-author of the contemporary romance, The Demarcation of Jack, which she wrote with her husband, Dana Bennett.
You can find Blakely on the web at: www.blakelybennett.com
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The fourth novel
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Salacious Samantha
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