30 Days

by Larsen, K

  “Then let’s get home.” I wink.

  DAY 20 -21

  “Get that.” He groans and nudges me awake.

  “What?” I yawn.

  “Your phone. It keeps beeping.” He mumbles into his pillow. I reach out to the nightstand and tag the phone. Flipping it open I press it to my ear. “‘Lo?” Nothing. “They hung up.” I mutter.

  “It didn't ring Elle. It beeped.” I open my eyes letting them adjust to the light and rub them vigorously. Jenna has been blowing up my phone texting me. I shoot her a quick message that I’ll call we’re still sleeping and I’ll talk to her later. Almost instantly it beeps at me. Sighing I pull the phone back open and read; It’s picnic day. Meet us at the beach at four.

  Colin’s arm swings over my waist and he drags me backwards into him spooning me.

  “What’d she want?” He murmurs in my ear. His hand drifts up and down from hip to ribs always lingering on my tattoo.

  “Picnic day. Beach. Four.” I breathe deep enjoying his trailing fingers.

  “What time is it?” His hand slips down between my thighs.

  “Noon.” I rasp as he kisses the back of my neck.

  “Plenty of time then.” He whispers before his fingers start working their magic.

  My pulse quickens and I moan into his teeth as we kiss. He takes his time exploring my body ankle to mouth with his tongue. The electricity sparking off him sending currents through me. His defined muscles flexing as he moves, I can’t tear my eyes away. Watching him is carnal. He pins my wrists above my head as he enters me, his eyes never leaving mine. It’s intimate and leaves me dizzy and struggling for air. His slow movements tease me as he takes his time loving me. Slow and sweet and gentle. He dips his head to my ear and runs his tongue up my neck, circling my earlobe. “Come with me Elle.” He commands low and rough.

  My hips buck wildly as his pace picks up and moments later we’re exploding together. Colin collapses on top of me. I trail my fingers over the muscles of his back and kiss his neck lightly, trying memorize every divot and hollow of his frame.

  “I love it when you do that.” He sighs.

  “What?”

  “Run your hands over my skin like that.”

  “I love it too.” I murmur and shift. “It’s almost one. We should get up. I have food to make.”

  “Danishes?” He asks hopefully.

  “Hmm... I don’t know.... will you help?”

  “Anything for a Danish.” He answers playfully.

  I smack his behind giggling. “Up then, we have work to do!”

  We actually managed to make a batch of Danishes, a cheese, fruit and cracker plate and grab a bottle of wine before needing to meet Ben and Jenna at the beach. I was thoroughly impressed with us. Us. It’s a funny word. A short one, but it carries so much meaning behind it. I snap out of my thoughts as I feel Colin’s hand collect mine.

  “Penny for your thoughts.”

  “Oh it was nothing really.”

  “You’re a terrible liar Elle.”

  I smirk at him. “I was thinking about the word ‘us’.”

  “What about it?”

  “That it’s a tiny word with a big meaning...and that when I think of me or you... it’s as an us. Now...where’s my penny?”

  “I think that particular thought is worth a lot more than a penny.” He kisses the top of my head as we hit the beach and look for Ben and Jenna.

  “Hey! Over here!” Jenna’s voice carries across the beach.

  “Hi guys. Good spot.” I tell Jenna as we spread out another blanket.

  “Ben found it.”

  The four of us make ourselves comfortable as Jenna and I unpack the feast we’ve packed. The spread we concocted is delicious and filling. By the time we’re ready for the Danishes I’m not sure I have room for another bite of anything.

  “Oh.” Ben moans mouth full of Danish. “These are heaven.”

  “Seriously, you guys made these?” Jenna asks in awe.

  “Yup. We learned in that cooking class.” Colin beams.

  “Are there more?”

  “There’s two for everyone...because Elle’s bad at sharing pastries.”

  “Gimme.” Ben swipes his second Danish from Colin’s hand.

  Ben, Jenna and Colin and I hang out on the beach together enjoying the view and company until all three bottles of wine are empty.

  “Well, we should head home.” Jenna stands brushing sand from her pants.

  “Oh yeah, it’s hot sex time!” Jenna shoots Ben daggers as Colin and I burst out laughing.

  “TMI!” I chuckle. I help Jenna load their stuff back into their bag and we say goodbye promising to train tomorrow together.

  “It’s so peaceful out here.” Colin squeezes me into him.

  “Mmmhmm.”

  “Elle, let’s knock two things off the list.”

  “Which ones?”

  “Why don’t we sleep out here tonight and watch the sunrise together?”

  “I didn't pack anything for us to keep warm with though.”

  “I did.”

  “You did, seriously?”

  “I thought it’d be romantic.” He stammers.

  “It is. I just... you’re always one step ahead of me.” I grin. Colin runs up to the car leaving me on the beach quietly enjoying the sound of the surf. When he returns he has a pillow and one sleeping bag.

  “Ahh... where’s the other one?” I question.

  “It’s a two man sleeping bag.” He winks.

  “Those exist?”

  “Yup, now climb in here with me.” He spreads the sleeping bag on top of our beach blanket and strips down to his boxers before crawling into the bag. Watching him strip never gets old, my heart still pounds and I my breath catches in my chest. He’s stunning, but beyond that he’s so much more. I don't know how I got so lucky but I’m running with it. He motions for me to join so I stand, pull my shirt off and drop my pants.

  “This is as naked as I get.” I tease. Colin’s heated expression makes me want to take that statement back immediately. I can feel the sexual tension as his eyes roam my body. I shimmy into the bag with him resting my head on his shoulder. I struggle to control my breath. The feel of his skin on mine makes me feel bold and devious. “When the sun set’s, the panties come off.” He breathes in my ear. I run my hand down his torso and let it rest on his erection before lightly stroking him through his boxers. “Think you can make it till then?” I whisper. He cocks his head and his lips collide with mine. I can feel all the love and desire he holds for me in this kiss. He rolls us until he’s on top of me. His mouth never leaves mine. I expose him through the hole in his boxers as he pushes my panties to the side and slips in. I’ve never made love on a beach before. The sound of the surf and the stunning sky combined with the salt air and risk of being seen heightens every sense as he languidly rolls his hips withdrawing and entering again and again. Tremors wrack my body as I cling to him until I can’t hold back any longer and I let the pleasure blast through me. He finishes with a low animalistic growl that makes my belly whoosh. We lay spent and breathless twisted together.

  The first stars of the night sky become visible and as I stare up at them completely satisfied and held tight in Colin’s strong arms a lonely fat tear rolls down my cheek. I’m overtaken with emotions. Safety, love, adoration, tenderness, and happiness.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing...” I sniffle, “nothing’s wrong... that’s why I’m crying. Everything right now in this moment is right. It’s amazing. I’m not sure I remember a time ever really feeling like this.” He pulls me to his chest and twines our legs together but says nothing. There’s nothing more to say. We stare at the stars together and watch the sky grow velvety and dark in each other’s arms until his breathing is steady and even and I know he’s fallen asleep. I roll onto my hip, slinging an arm and leg over him, put my ear to his heart and listen to his ever present heartbeat until I finally drift off.

  “Ell
e.” Colin whispers gently.

  “Mmm?”

  “Wake up.” I open my eyes to the most heavenly sight. At the horizon the water sparkles deep orangey-pink before graduating shade by shade to a brilliant yellow. The sun’s reflection on the water is impressive. It sits just above the water hovering in a cone of color before meeting the blue of the sky.

  “Striking isn't it.” Colin comments.

  “Yes.” Seagulls call and waves rush the shore making a perfect soundtrack to the rising sun. We cuddle together in silence watching it rise for twenty minutes.

  “I need to stretch.” I yawn.

  “Let’s grab breakfast before we head home.”

  “Perfect.” I agree leaning in to kiss his perfect lips.

  Finally arriving at the cottage to change before hitting the gym Colin’s first action is crossing off three more things from the list. Watching him strikethrough the text gives me the most insane feeling of accomplishment.

  Ryan

  It was so easy. Her parent’s death made headlines due to the tragic nature of the accident. I knew her father’s name, hell everyone knew his name, he was one of the most successful businessmen in the area. When I attended the benefit to stop drunk driving I knew she’d’ be there. I didn't count on her being so hot though. Her long blonde hair fell in silky sheets down her back and the evening gown she had on clung to her curves in a way that made my mouth water. Her good looks only sweetened the deal. She stood with her sister shaking hands and thanking people for their support.

  I didn't even have to try that hard. Honestly, she accepted my proposal after a year of dating. Her sister, an ever present irritation, caused a lot of headache over the engagement . She begged Elle not to marry me but besides saying I had mean eyes, couldn't come up with a better reason than general distrust. If Elle was smart she would have listened to her sister.

  It didn't take long to extricate her from her life, and friends. They quickly gave up on her after deciding they didn't like me. I did what was necessary to break her to gain access to her damned inheritance. She kept it so locked up that I had to do something. I need that money. I have goals, dreams and my salary just isn't going to cut it. I have debts that need paying. Debts to people who are dangerous.

  I married up for a reason. The more I pushed the more pathetic she became. She grew pliant, eating from my palm, jumping when I said jump. Just as I had conditioned her, she feared me. Yet still, never allowing me access to the damned money. I couldn't put off payment to my associates any longer, they were already growing impatient with me.

  I check her computer and voicemail regularly to keep tabs on what she's doing. I wasn’t shocked to find out that Jenny had convinced her to leave me. I was shocked and enraged that Elle was agreeing to it. I had stormed to Jenny’s shitty apartment a few days later and told her she could fuck off and butt out of my marriage. She wailed on about treating her sister right and abuse and what not. I stood there as long as I could tolerate and then left slamming the door in her still bitching face.

  A week later I found Mitch. He advertised himself as a personal investigator but he also helps take care of other personal matters. Removing people if necessary. The fee was steep but would be well worth it in the end.

  The day Elle found out her sister died in a car accident I thought maybe she was on to me. Turns out she wasn't. Clueless and obsolete as ever my darling Elle. After weeks of her hitting an all-time pathetic low, even for her, Dr. Rand stepped into my office to talk about securing a line of credit to pay off some massive debts. Just like that my world came together effortlessly.

  All I needed was three more months before I’d be able to gain access to all her assets and investments. Not only that but essentially with Elle permanently institutionalized I was a free man. It is so incredibly easy to use your wife’s mental illness to pick up a quick lay.

  When the call from the hospital came, interrupting me from a nice little piece of ass, I almost ignored the call.

  “What the fuck do you mean she’s gone?!” I had screamed into the phone.

  “Sir, we’re doing everything we can to figure out what happened.” I had hung up on the voice at the other end and promptly kicked the slut out of my bed. At two am there wasn’t much I could do outside of call Mick- again.

  PRESENT

  DAY 22

  “You really slept on the beach?”

  “Yeah.” My voice is breathy

  “That’s stupidly romantic.” She sighs dreamily.

  “Yeah.”

  “Girls! MOVE! Elle practice those right hooks. Jenna, light on your feet, dodge!” Colin booms at us. Jenna and I smirk at each other and resume sparring. We continue on for ten more minutes before Colin’s patience for us flees the scene completely. He sends Jenna off with Ben to continue training and pulls me aside.

  “Elle. I’m going to throw you in the ring with someone.”

  “Uh. Who?” I ask.

  “A stranger. I want you to focus on what you’ve learned.” I’m a little leery of what Colin’s suggesting.

  “Why?”

  “Just get in the ring.” He commands. He’s in trainer mode not boyfriend mode so I obey. A large man enters the ring. He’s wide, fleshy, solid and completely intimidating. On top of his stature he doesn't look like a nice person, his eyes are hard and currently trained on me.

  “Start.” Colin clips.

  The man glances at Colin quickly before stalking towards me. I dart right and try to throw an uppercut but he dodges it easily. “Worthless.” He grinds. I stop moving unsure I heard him right. He takes the opportunity to jab my shoulder sending me flying. When I’m stable on my feet again I swing again barely clipping his torso. “Pathetic.” He sneers. I blink rapidly trying to understand what’s happening. He throws a left hook that knocks me to the floor. “Can't you do anything right?” He snarls. I scramble back as he approaches me trying to breathe. I hop to my feet and swing wildly trying to make contact. “How stupid do you think I am girl?” Tears start building and my vision blurs. “Go on, take a swing, we both know you’ll fail.” I stand frozen and he raises his gloved fist and punches me in the ribs. The words spewing from his mouth send me careening back to a life I don't live anymore. Panic passes through me but then Colin’s voice rings out. “Fight back.” Panic transitions into rage. Not at this man in front of my but at Ryan and at myself for putting up with him. I lunge and land a jab to his kidney before shifting my weight and launching an uppercut that connects with his jaw sending him a step backwards. I continue the well-practiced combinations that I’ve been slaving over and connect with each attempt I make. Giant scary man bears the brunt of my rage but it’s only moments before he begins to fight again. Two quick jabs to the face and I’m on my ass again panting, tears streaming down my face.

  “Enough. Thanks Chip.” Colin shouts. I lift my head up eyeing the big man “Chip?” I question. How does a menacing man like that have a name like Chip? He nods at me and exits the ring leaving me a heaving pile of emotions on the floor.

  “You alright?” Colin’s handsome face appears above mine.

  “You’re an asshole.” I huff.

  “You needed to know how to fight through it.”

  “Still an asshole.” I clip.

  “You’re really mad aren't you?” He pushes. I shove up and stalk past him to the locker room. “Elle!” He shouts after me but I don't bother stopping. I shower, change and drag Jenna out the door without a word to Colin.

  “What was that all about?” Jenna asks wide eyed.

  “I don't want to talk about it.”

  “Okaaay. Well, what do you want to do then?”

  “Read a book out loud.” I answer curtly.

  “List?” She asks hesitantly. I let out a sigh trying to put a nicer tone to my voice. She didn't do anything wrong, I’m not upset with her.

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, I know just the place for that! Let’s see if the library will let you read at the kids readin
g hour today.” I look over to my friend and genuinely smile. She never pushes, and she always cheers me up.

  “Alright. Thanks Jenna.” She links her arm through mine and leads the way.

  The Searsport library is quaint. The old brick structure screams history. When you walk up the granite steps and open the door it’s cozy and inviting. Jenna talks to the librarian briefly before coming back to me.

  “All set. Reading hour is in thirty minutes so she suggested you look through the stack of books picked out and choose three to read.”

  “Thanks Jenna.”

  “Hey, everyone fights and everyone makes up.” She says pointedly. I nod my understanding as we make our way to the children’s room. I used to think that by now I’d have at least one little one of my own but Ryan’s behavior had quickly changed my mind about ever wanting to procreate with him. How could I justify bringing a child into a home full of hatefulness. It had hit me hard, realizing that I didn’t want him to father my children, but as always I conceded to the fact and took the necessary precautions. Jenna takes a seat near the back while I thumb through the stack of books. Parents with their children begin to file in as I pick a third book and make myself comfortable. As the room fills in I watch as parents gush over their kids. Loving them is easy. I’d given anything to be a kid again. Life was simple and easy. The world was innocent and no matter how many times you failed at something as a child the ability to pick yourself back up and have another go comes naturally. I’d give anything to have that back. After a quick introduction the kids settle into silence and I begin to read. They make the cutest little noises, little ooo’s and aahh's, and for forty minutes are completely entranced in the stories I read. It’s calming reading out loud to children. They’re so happy and involved in simply listening to your voice. When our time is up three of the children race up to me, grinning foolishly and give me big hugs.