“No shower today. We barely did anything to get dirty anyway. Besides, I don’t have that much restraint.”
“It’s okay. I don’t mind.” I give him my most seductive smile. He turns away quickly, grabbing a hold of the edge of the counter until his knuckles turn white.
“Maggie, it’s taking everything I have not to pick you up and carry you back to your bedroom. Please don’t make it any harder.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll be good. Promise.” He lets out a very loud sigh of relief.
“How about homework?”
“That’s actually a really good idea. I’m sure we’re both behind.”
After two hours of reading, then a nap, and another three hours of homework mixed in with sandwiches, I can’t take it anymore. I don’t know how I’m ever going to get caught up. My brain hurts. I decide its break time.
“Come lie down with me? Please? I’m really worn out.”
“Sure. I could use a break too.”
Vince helps me down the hallway, gently placing me on the edge of my bed. I slowly pull my sweatpants off leaving a pile on the floor. I need help with the sweatshirt because of my shoulder. Vince stands in front of me, looking sexy as hell, as he smoothly pulls it over my head and then gently off my right arm careful not to jostle my shoulder. He clears his throat and points to the bed. Telling me to move before things get out of hand. I back slowly up the bed until I reach the headboard. I can’t seem to take my eyes off his magnificent body. I watch as all the muscles in his arms flex while he pulls his t-shirt off. He leaves his sweatpants on as he climbs in next to me. I give him a small frown showing my disapproval.
“Just a precautionary step. We don’t need to add anymore temptation to the mix. Don’t you agree?”
“No. I don’t.” He laughs softly in my ear.
“Come here.” He pulls my body over to his, allowing me to rest in my favorite position. It’s perfect because I can lay on my left side, resting my right arm on his chest.
“Thanks.”
I settle into his arms, staring at his rising chest for several minutes before realizing sleep is not what I need. What I need is lying right beneath me. I can’t take it anymore. To be this close to him without touching every part of his body is pure torture. I start to run my fingers in tiny circles over his torso while placing gentle kisses on his chest, right over his heart. I wish I had the full use of my right arm but I make due with what I have.
“Maggie, you promised.”
“I lied.” I continue the exquisitely slow pace over and over moving my lips to his jaw and then finding his mouth.
“Maggie, we can’t. Please stop.”
“We can. I trust you. I know you will be gentle. Please. I need you.”
I place my mouth over his bottom lip, pulling it into my mouth, sucking on it gently. I know how much this drives him crazy. He hesitates for a few seconds more before I feel the full force of his mouth crashing down on mine. He has me on my back, hovering over me, trying so hard not to put any weight on my body. But I need that contact. I want it. I wrap my hand around his strong arm urging him closer.
“Maggie, this isn’t a good idea. I don’t want to hurt you.”
Instead of saying a single word, I show him how much I want him. I move my hand up to his face, bringing his mouth down to mine. I kiss him with everything I have. Every ounce of love pours out of me and into him. I don’t force him to move closer. I just take what I can get. Kissing his neck then his jaw working my way up to his ear. Then I whisper the words that will be his undoing.
“Make love to me, Vincent.”
That does it. He presses his body on top of mine, giving me exactly what I want. My arm snakes around his neck, grasping at his short hair, forcing him to inch closer and closer. His left hand trails down the side of my body until it reaches the hem of my tank top. He slides it under the thin fabric, making his way back up my rib cage. The anticipation has me panting wildly. The second his finger brushes over my nipple, I let out the loudest moan. I’m rewarded with a grunt deep within his throat.
“I’ve missed you so much, Magnolia. I love you. Every single part of you.”
He doesn’t give me a chance to respond before his mouth is on my lips again. He takes a small nibble of my bottom lip before slipping off the bed. I’m about to complain until I see his reason. He pulls his pants and boxers off together in the same move. I have never been so turned on. I take in the full view of my gorgeous man before he climbs back on top of me. He slips his fingers in between my hip and my underwear, pulling them down my legs and over my cast until they end up on the floor. Unfortunately my top has to stay on because of my sling but that doesn’t stop him from exploring what lies underneath.
“Maggie, do you have any protection?”
“Protection? Umm…no. Please tell me you have something.”
“I don’t. Sorry.” He leans his forehead against mine while we try to decide what to do now.
“Heather does! She keeps them in her nightstand. Go get one.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to go through her things.”
“Go. Get. One. Now.” I give him the most serious look I can manage. He climbs off the bed, pulls his boxers back on just in case and runs across the hall. I can hear the sound of drawers being opened and closed and then he’s back. He strips down again, holding a square, silver packet in his hand.
He pulls the blanket up over our naked bodies as he crawls back in bed. I wrap my good leg around his waist, resting my foot right on his ass. He puts both of his hands on either side of my head as he leans down and kisses me. I can feel the love and the passion this man has for me. I never want to lose it again.
I reach up to his hand with my left arm, the one I can actually move, wrapping my fingers around the prize. I tear open the condom package with my teeth, then Vince takes it out, moving his hand down his body. The second before we connect in a way so intimate, so personal, he looks into my eyes. We take that brief moment to express exactly how much we mean to each other but without words. Then my whole body comes to life as we slowly become one.
Vince is deliberate with every movement, trying hard to keep pressure off the right side of my body. But I don’t feel any pain. Not even a fraction of discomfort. All I feel is pure bliss. Our mouths never leave one another, our skin never feels the cool air of the room because we never lose contact. The sweat is building over his chest, glistening in the dim light while my thin top is drenched. I start to feel the buildup of my orgasm, but I’m trying so hard to make it last. I don’t want this moment to end. Ever.
Then when I can’t take it any longer, my body lets go. I call out his name over and over until I feel his body stiffen on top of me. Once he finds his release, he relaxes allowing his body weight to rest on top of me. I slowly run my hand over the back of his neck whispering in his ear how much I love him.
“That was the most incredible, the most unbelievable feeling in the world. I’m so glad you have no self-control.” I feel his smile against my neck.
“Me too.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Time is such an interesting concept. When I was lying in the hospital, broken and shattered physically, I didn’t think I would ever get home. Now, six weeks after the accident, I’m fully recovered. I got my cast off just in time to head home for Spring Break. Vince and I haven’t spent a single day apart since the accident. I haven’t been this happy in a very long time. We both got caught up with all our class work and even managed to stay above a C average. Quite the accomplishment given the circumstances.
It’s going to be so strange being away from him. We decided it was best if he went home to Milford while I spend time with my Grandfather. Besides, I have got to go car shopping. Don’t get me wrong, I love riding around in the Mustang but sometimes I just want to drive myself. At least we get to ride back to Ohio together before being separated for the week. Heather is heading back to Indiana and Asher is flying home to Florida. If you had told
me a year ago that this is what my life would look like now, I wouldn’t have believed it.
I plan to spend the first four days with my Grandfather and then the last two in Milford with Amanda, Tommy and Vincent before we drive back to campus. I can’t help the tiny thought in the back of my mind, wondering if I will see my mother. I haven’t gotten another letter from her since our confrontation. I have no idea if she heard about my accident or not. But if she did, she had no desire to contact me to make sure I was okay. I push back the resentment, trying hard to focus on forgiveness. I still remember my father’s words like it was yesterday. I have to forgive her someday or it will eat away at my heart. I’m working on it, Daddy. I promise.
“Are you ready to go?” Vince says to me as he carries the last suitcase to the front door.
“I think so. I have my phone charger, all my bathroom stuff, plenty of clothes…oh yeah…and you.” I give him a sweet smile before pushing up on my tip toes to kiss those glorious lips. It’s been several weeks since we got back together and I still can’t get enough of him.
“God, I’m going to miss you. I really wish I could stay at your Grandpa’s house with you.”
“Yeah, because that would go over just super. I told you, he is old fashioned and would never allow us to sleep in the same room. Besides, I need some time with just the two of us. I barely get to see him now that I’m off at college. I miss him.”
“I know. I want you to spend time with your Grandfather. I’m just going to miss you like crazy.” He puts his hand on the side of my face, cradling it gently.
“I’m going to miss you too. But it’s just four days. We went an entire year and a half with zero contact, I think we can handle a few days.”
“Good point. Okay, let’s get on the road before it starts snowing.”
Being in Michigan we can get snow all the way up until March sometimes even April. It’s crazy that just a few hours of distance can add several more feet of snow. I really can’t wait for summer, winter has been long enough. Vince ends up driving the entire way, which is fine with me. I think he can sense my uneasiness about getting behind the wheel again. Besides, it gives me time to finish a paper that is due shortly after break.
When we pull up to my Grandpa’s house, he steps out onto the tiny front step waiting to greet us. It’s crazy how much I missed him. I didn’t get a lot of quality time in the hospital. He and Martina were only able to stay two days and there was a constant parade of people in and out of my room the entire time. We’ve talked on the phone a few times but he is much more talkative in person. He walks over to the car to help Vince with my bags.
“Hi Grandpa. I give him a huge hug, not caring if he’s uncomfortable. He hugs me back, holding on longer than I expected. I guess he missed me too.
“Hi Maggie. Vincent, how are you?”
“Hi Mr. Wilson. I’m good. Just dropping Maggie off before heading back to Milford to see my mom.”
“Please tell Martina I said hello.”
“Of course.”
“Would you like to come inside for a little while?”
“Sure. I could use a break from driving.”
“Come on in.” Vince grabs the heaviest bag, handing over the lightest one to my Grandpa. I smile to myself at how tactfully he handled the situation. As much as my Grandpa doesn’t want to admit he has limitations, he does. We make our way into the kitchen after setting my things down in my room.
“So Vincent, what are your plans for the future? The last time Maggie and I talked she explained that you enrolled at The University of Michigan.”
“I did. My major is business. My plan is to expand my landscaping company, branching out as much as possible.”
“I see. And where do things stand with my Granddaughter? I can’t say that I was too pleased to hear you had come back into her life after the heartbreak I witnessed.”
“I completely understand. I want you to know that I love Maggie. I never stopped loving her. I did what I thought was best at the time, not taking into account her feelings on the matter. I will never make that mistake again.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I haven’t seen her this happy in a long time. I guess you can stick around.” Always trying to be the joke man. And I love him for it.
After spending about an hour talking about school, sports and other manly topics, Vince has to take off. I walk him out to his car giving him a quick hug and peck on the lips.
“That’s all I get?”
“My Grandfather is standing in the kitchen watching. So yes, that’s all you get. I will see you in four days. I love you!”
“Love you too!”
He climbs in his sexy black Mustang, waving the entire way out of the driveway. He makes me smile so much. I am so glad I listened to my heart and forgave him. Maybe I’m not as damaged as I thought. I head back inside to unpack before we head out to dinner.
The next few days fly by. We visit every dealership within a 50 mile radius. My Grandfather refuses to put me back in a tiny car so he has us looking at SUV’s and Sedan’s. I would prefer a sedan for the gas mileage. Plus, I don’t want to drive some huge tank. After talking to dealer after dealer, my Grandfather is finally convinced that a sedan will be safe enough. I end up with a used, dark green Honda Accord with every safety feature imaginable.
“Thank you so much Grandpa. I love it.”
“Please promise me you will be cautious.”
“I promise. I don’t want to be in another car accident the rest of my life.” He steps a few feet closer before he leans into me to say his next words.
“Maggie, I’m so glad I didn’t lose you. I love you.”
“I love you too, Grandpa.” As much as I want to talk about my visit with my father, I don’t. For whatever reason, he can’t seem to accept that I saw him. That it’s even possible. Maybe it just hurts him too much. I can’t imagine losing a child. Parents aren’t supposed to bury their children. I shake off the direction my thoughts have gone.
“I will see you back at the house. Be careful.” My Grandfather says right before he gets back into his Cadillac.
I climb in my new car, driving for the first time since the accident. I can feel the anxiety slowly building, pulsing through my veins, making its way down to my fingertips. I grab the seat-belt but my hands are shaking so badly that I can’t seem to get it buckled. I move onto a different task hoping my nerves will calm down. I adjust all my mirrors making sure I can see every angle. Take a deep breath, Maggie. You can do this. I reach for the seat-belt again, smiling triumphantly when I hear the familiar click.
I put the car in gear and ease my way out of the parking lot. I take my time, ignoring the dirty looks and honks on the short drive back to my Grandfather’s house. They can all suck it because I refuse to go even one mile over the speed limit. By the time I pull in the driveway, my palms are sweaty and red from gripping the steering wheel so hard. My shoulders relax as I breathe in and out. I did it. I managed to drive the five miles without freaking out. I see my Grandfather standing in the driveway with a small grin lifting his sagging cheeks.
“I made it. Aren’t you proud of me?” I say in teasing tone.
“You have no idea. I know I don’t say this enough, but your father would be so proud of you. Maggie, you have become such a lovely young woman. I can see the best of your father when I look at you. Not just his physical traits, but his personality. You are caring, kind-hearted, intelligent and forgiving. You also have a great judge of character. Something that is invaluable and cannot be taught. I look at you and see so many possibilities.”
I’m speechless. That is the most beautiful thing he has ever said to me. I can barely swallow back the heartfelt emotion rising up my throat let alone talk. I walk over to the gruff, retired military man afraid to show his feelings and give him the biggest hug of my life. I squeeze him as tight as I can.
“I love you Grandpa.”
“I love you, Maggie.”
He lets me stand there hu
gging him as long as I want. When I feel like I’ve had my fill, I let go. I smile up at him, so grateful to have this man in my life. He has been my savior when my father couldn’t be. I hope I never take him for granted.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
I take my time driving to Milford. As much as I missed Vincent, I also really enjoyed my time with my Grandpa. I know it sounds lame to some people my age, and maybe I have an old soul, but I really love talking to him. He has the most amazing stories about flying. He has lived such an incredible life. I can only hope my life will be half as rewarding as his.
I pull up to Vincent’s house in the early evening hours. The sun has just started to set over the back of his tiny house. I really missed this place. I glance over to the railroad tracks, grasping at the ache in my heart when I remember my father’s words. He is always looking out for me even when he can’t be here with me. I vow to try my best to appreciate everyone in my life and spend as much time with them as possible because you never know when that time will be gone.
I get out of my car, grabbing the smaller bag I packed for the shorter end of my trip. My eyes focus in on the front door, the anticipation building as I slowly make my way up the front steps. It’s been so long since I’ve been inside his house. I knock lightly as my nerves start to take over causing my hand to tremble slightly. But all of that melts away the minute he opens the door.
“Welcome home beautiful.” He picks me up in a huge bear hug and kisses me fiercely. My bag falls to the ground and I don’t care. Because I’m home.
“Hey. Did you miss me?” I can’t help but laugh because it’s very clear that he did.
“Maybe a little.”
“Are you going to let anyone else say hello?” I hear Tommy’s booming voice from behind Vince.
“Hey Tommy. Hi Amanda! And Martina, Joey and Keri too. Oh my gosh. I didn’t expect to see all of you! This is so great!” I walk in the room hugging every member of my family. Because that’s exactly what they are. Family.
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