by Heather Rae
~~12~~
In the months that passed, Matt and I had grown close. Nearly every night had been spent wrapped in each other’s arms, by the fireplace, sharing stories of our lives. He spoke of his time in the military, traveling the world, and of the horrors he had seen. I told him of the dreams I used to have, the mistakes I had made that had forever changed my life, and how much I had missed my parents.
We both had wanted the same things in life; to have normalcy, or as close to it as possible, to not hurt, to share our lives with someone who mattered, to be happy, and to love and be loved in return. Slowly, and with time, all of those things were happening for us.
We didn’t speak of permanency. We stayed away from empty promises. Nor did we discuss our feelings for one another. No longer did I believe in the happily ever after, the fairy tale. I lived each day. Matt had understood that.
“Let’s go away for a weekend, just you and I,” Matt suggested on our drive home from the gym one afternoon.
“What about the kids?” I frowned.
“Auntie said she’d love to keep them for us to have some alone time.” He winked at me. “I already asked her.”
“Well I guess I can’t object then now, can I?” I laughed and shook my head.
“Nope, so we’ll be having dinner with them this evening before heading to the airport.” He kept his eyes on the road ahead.
“Tonight?! Have you lost your damn mind, Matt?!” I punched him lightly in the arm. “I have to pack and I don’t even know where we are going!!”
“You don’t have to pack a thing,” he grinned.
“I don’t like surprises,” I said, a smirk playing at my lips.
“You’ll like this one.”
After getting the kids together, we drove just outside of the city to his aunt and uncle’s house. Half-way through coffee and dessert, Matt glanced at his watch then pushed away from the table.
“Whelp, it’s time for us to go.”
We said our goodbyes and kissed the kids as I made them promise to behave, which they did. Matt then practically dragged me out of the house and into his SUV.
“You’d miss our flight if you said goodbye one more time.” He kissed me lightly on the cheek before pulling out of the driveway.
“I know, it’s just that I have never been away from the kids before,” I sighed. “Weekends at Sylvia’s doesn’t count, you know.”
“I know. They will be just fine.”
“So where are we going?”
“You’ll find out once we are in the air,” Matt grinned.
I had only flown once before in my lifetime. It had been the typical commercial flight out of our busy metro airport; nothing fancy, nothing out of the ordinary. I was confused as Matt took us in the direction of a small nearby airport that catered to smaller private aircrafts.
He said nothing as he parked us outside of the long hangar. He took my hand as we were met by an older man wearing a dark suit.
“Matt!” the man laughed and shook his hand. “She’s all gassed up and ready to go.”
“Great! Good to see you, man. How’s the family?” Matt asked of his friend.
“Everyone is good; about to be a grandpa soon.”
“Oh really? Congratulations! This is my lovely and beautiful girlfriend, Nikkia. Nikkia, this is Paul Wyatt. We did a stint or two together.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Wyatt,” I said and extended my hand to him.
“Beautiful you are! Pleasure is all mines.” He shook my hand. “You got yourself a great man, Nikkia; a stand-up kind of man – a hero.”
Matt shook his head. The smile he sent his friend did not quite reach his eyes.
“Pay him no mind, Nikkia. Paul likes to exaggerate.” Matt squeezed my hand. “Can we board the bird and get in the air?”
“Certainly!”
With a flourish, Paul opened the doors to the private hangar. My jaw dropped as Matt pulled me inside. A sleek 850 private jet sat waiting, with doors open.
“Oh wow, is this the surprise?” I asked as Matt had led me to the stairs.
“Nope. This is just a perk. Come on. We can talk once we get inside.”
Plush carpeting lined the floors. The sofas were made of soft buttercream leather. The tall oversized bucket seats reclined, were heated and had built in massagers. The bar was fully stocked in addition to the countertop covered with a variety of fruits, chocolates, and appetizers.
“Sit, Nikkia. Once we are up in the air, I’ll fix you a drink,” Matt said and planted himself in one of the chairs.
I did as he had done and made sure I was securely fastened in. I had no idea how much this trip was costing Matt, but I would have guessed the flight alone had been something well over any budget.
“Matt?”
“We’ve never really had any time to ourselves. I wanted this weekend to be special. Just enjoy.”
When we had reached our cruising altitude, Matt explained the jet; Paul had actually owned the luxurious aircraft. Many years ago he had made some investments that had proven to be very lucrative. In return for saving his life, Paul promised to fly Matt anywhere he ever wanted to go.
Turns out this had been the first and only time Matt had ever “needed a ride”. Four hours later, we had touched down on the southernmost point of the Florida Keys. The weather had been a perfect 95 degrees upon arrival; nothing but clear skies for the entire weekend.
I stepped out onto the patio of the private beach house that was ours for the weekend. The beach was at the bottom of the weathered stairs with the ocean lying just a few hundred feet away. Matt offered me a glass of wine as he stood next to me.
“It’s beautiful,” I murmured as the sky became a swirl of colors.
“Yeah, you are.”
“So this was the surprise, right? There can’t possibly be more.” I craned my neck to look up at him.
Matt had set his wineglass on the scarred wooden railing. His hand slid into my knotted windblown hair as his mouth lowered to mine.
“I’m in love with you, Nikkia Miles.”
I had forgotten all about the magnificent sunset and the delicious wine as my arms wound around his neck. Everything was perfect. He couldn’t have planned for a better moment and if I hadn’t already been in love with him, as much as I had been denying the fact to myself, I would have fallen for him then.
“You sure know how to make a girl fall in love with you, Matt Collins,” I murmured against his lips.
“Wait.” He drew his head back and smiled lopsided at me. “Is that your way of telling me you love me?”
My hand slid around to the collar of his shirt. One by one I popped the buttons free as I spoke.
“I’m not quite sure…when I fell for you…I didn’t want to…but it’s safe to say…I’m in love with you too…”
Once his shirt was open, my fingers slipped under the fabric and over his shoulders. Matt muttered a curse, shrugged off the material and pulled me towards the sliding glass doors. He kicked off his shoes as did I while I tugged at the hem of his white ribbed tank.
“You know there’s only one bed in this place.” Matt dragged the thin cotton over his head and tossed it to the floor.
“Guess we’ll have to make due.” I locked my arms around his neck.
“Woman…”
His mouth had fused to mine, devouring it like a starved animal. His hands were everywhere; one moment twisted in my hair, the next gripping my hips. Then I was pressed against the wall.
I had clung to him for dear life, breath heavy and ragged. He peeled my fitted t-shirt over my head to sink his teeth into the flesh of my shoulder. Effortlessly, he lifted me off of my feet and my legs encircled his waist like a vice-grip. He had to have felt my heart beating wildly in my chest, as he carried me up the stairs.
“Say it again…” he growled near my ear.
“Mmm…” I couldn’t help but smile as he lowered me to the center of the bed. “I love you…”
“Yes…”
As he worked the denim down my hips, I noticed the candles burning all over the room. Hundreds of them. I rolled up onto my elbows as his jeans hit the floor. All the nights I spent fantasizing about him had done no justice to the reality of him at the foot of the bed, standing shamelessly naked.
Sweet baby Jesus…
“You’re so damn beautiful, Nikkia.” His voice was thick with need as his hand wrapped around my ankle.
“I think the same can be said of you…” I whispered.
His body was a damn work of art. Not an ounce of fat existed. Each muscle elegantly defined in a masculine way. He was sculpted to perfection. And that V…
“I’m just a simple man…” He said, lifted my foot & pressed his lips to my instep.
“I recall you saying those words before.”
“Well, since you know the rest of that sentence, you should just relax while I indulge.”
I fell back against the mattress as he positioned the heel of my foot on his wide shoulder. A shudder escaped my lips as his breath softly whispered across my skin, his mouth trailing from ankle to calf. His tongue found a sensitive spot I never knew existed at my knee as he lowered himself to the bed.
“Matt…” I breathed.
“Shhh…I’ve waited so long to have you right here.” His mouth kissed over my thigh. “So many sleepless nights…too many cold showers…”
“I…”
I could not think as his teeth sank into my hip.
“It seems like you’re ready…” His brow arched at me. “But I’m just getting started, love.”
“I know if you don’t come here, Mr. Collins…” I exhaled sharply as his tongue trailed across my lower belly. “We’re gonna have a problem…”
“I know your mind & your heart. Now it’s time for me to know your body.”
No man had ever said such a thing to me before. I had no response, nothing slick to say. So I closed my eyes. And did not fight or resist.
He was nothing short of meticulous; He made sure his hands, mouth & tongue glazed over every inch of my body. Not one bit of me had not been kissed, caressed or licked on. Tiny beads of sweat dotted my brow. My body quivered like jello beneath his as teeth caught my ear.
“How you doing, beautiful?”
“I…um…” Limply I laid my arm over his shoulder.
“Look at me.”
The fog that had taken over my brain momentarily lifted as I rolled my eyes at him. He laughed softly as I smiled up at him & into his big brown eyes. I slid my fingertips thru his scruffy hair then along his hard jaw.
“I’m great.”
“Mmm…gimme a kiss then…”
As I had obliged, his hand caught my knee & locked himself between my legs. His tongue filled my mouth as inch by glorious inch he took over my body. His teeth sank into my shoulder as he growled my name. And I clung to him as my body exploded, my nails scarring his shoulders.
“Listen to me…” he trailed a kiss across my cheek.
“O…k…” I stammered.
“Now, since we got that out of the way,” Matt suck the length of my neck. “I’m gonna make love to you all night long. I won’t stop until you’ve said my name over a hundred times. Not until we are drenched in each other’s sweat. Breathless. Spent. And utterly exhausted.”
He moved in tune to every sentence he spoke. I found out that whatever Matt promised, he delivered 10-fold.
When I opened my eyes the following morning I was sprawled across Matt’s chest. The sun peeked through the thin sheers, bathing us in its warmth. I stretched atop Matt, every muscle and fiber of my being screamed at me in protest. I turned my head & caught Matt staring down at me.
“If I can wake up to you like this, every morning for the rest of my life, I’d be the happiest man alive.” He had said, planting a kiss on my forehead.
“Hmmm…sounds nice…” I murmured & stretched again as he rolled me on to my back.
“Does it?” He nuzzled my neck. “Because I really want you to be my wife…”
My eyes snapped open. I became fully awake & alert as the cool metal slid perfectly onto my finger. Matt had pressed his lips to my knuckles, sealing the dream.
“Say yes.”
“I…”
The diamond caught every ray of the morning light & gleamed brilliantly on my finger. Tears, happy ones for once, filled my eyes. Speechless, I answered him from the heart. I bobbed my head in response, rolled over him & plastered my mouth to his.
We never saw anything the Florida Keys had to offer during our weekend there.
~~13~~
Matt’s aunt & uncle had been absolutely thrilled by our news when we returned to town. So much so that Mrs. Michaels had insisted upon throwing us a huge engagement party. I had been very hesitant. Seemed there was enough planning for a wedding itself. But Matt had used his own special powers of persuasion to convince me to give in to his beloved aunt’s desires.
A catered meal at the Michaels’ home, something simple & intimate. The spread of food had been far from simple. But every bite had been delicious, and practically melted on one’s tongue. The drinks were poured often; bottles of champagne popped in celebration of a budding love that was sure to grow. But sadness tugged just a bit at my heart. I disappeared out of the large French doors for a breath of fresh air.
“What’s wrong, chick?” Shaylah had seen me leave & crept out behind me quietly.
“Nothing.” I said & leaned against the stone bannister.
“Bullshit. Try again.” She sucked her teeth.
Yeah, we knew each other for too many years. I glanced at the beautiful young woman next to me. New York looked good on her. She looked every bit of the young, successful, mover & shaker that she had become.
“Did I tell you how great you look?” I grinned.
“Don’t even try that flattery shit, Nik. Do I really have to bust some heads open while I’m in town?”
“No…” I sighed. “I guess I just wish I had my parents to share in this. I mean, The Michaels’ have been great to me over the years. And the rest of Matt’s family. I have you here.”
“I understand. I just can’t believe they have not gotten over that bullshit. I mean, you were 18!” Shay shook her head full of silky weave.
“So many wasted years.” I held back my tears. “Kiandre? TJ? And now an upcoming wedding of their only child?”
“Fuck ‘em.” Shay shrugged her shoulders. “They were the ones that turned their backs on you, Nik. And at a time when you were scared senseless. You didn’t fail them. They failed you.”
“I know…” I exhaled heavily & pushed myself away from the cold hard cement. “You’re right.”
That had not been the time for me to wallowing in self-pity. I was newly engaged to a man that adored me. That I loved & loved me back. I was going to spend the rest of my life with him. It had been my parents’ choice for our relationship to be nonexistent. It was my choice to be happy despite anything else.
So I returned to my engagement party with my best friend at my side. I laughed & celebrated what lay ahead for Matt & I. And drank entirely too much champagne.
I awoke late the following morning, naked & in the arms of a ruggedly sexy man, with a banging headache.
“Hey sleepyhead.” Matt grinned & kissed the top of my head.
“Shhhhh….quiet….” I closed my eyes as the drums continued inside my brain.
“Pour baby…lemme get you some Motrin.”
He slipped out of bed & strode to the bathroom. I opened one eye to steal a glance at his sexy ass.
“So I guess we had drunken sex last night.” I muttered.
“YOU had drunken sex last night.” He laughed from the bathroom loudly.
“You couldn’t just agree with me?”
“There’s no fun in that.” He returned to sit down next to me. “Here.”
“Well, I guess I can cross that off of my bucket list.” I washed the tablets down with a swig of water. “Champagn
e leaves a hell of a migraine.”
“I can make the pain go away…” Matt shot me a cocky grin.
“I bet you think you can.” I had shot him my middle finger as I rolled towards him & flung back the rumpled sheets.
“Scooch your ass over & lemme love you. Then I will treat you with a mug of coffee.”
Let’s see. Coffee, great morning sex with a big hot man? I would have been foolish to pass on all three of those things.
So many details went into the planning of a wedding. There was a bridal shower to be had. The possibilities for venues for both the ceremony & reception were limitless. Indoor versus outdoors. Church or a beautiful garden. A date needed to be agreed upon. Then colors, dress style, flowers. Guest list. Bridal party choices. And still…there were many more things to decide upon.
Matt was agreeable to almost anything, which aggravated me just a bit. He had only laughed & pulled me into his arms. He kissed me thoroughly until my head spun. Then stared down at me with those warm coffee eyes of his.
“I want to make all your dreams come true, love. All that matters to me is marrying you & making that happen. The rest, they are just minor details to me.”
I guess he had a point. We had agreed on a date, May 1st of the coming year. It would have given us plenty of time to work out the details & get through the holidays without either one of us suffering a stress-induced heart attack.
We had debated with his family whom would host the holiday meals. His aunt insisted they had had the most space, which they did. But I argued it was not fair for her to go through all the work. After several rounds, I had won Christmas. The smug look lasted for several weeks to come.
I had several lists made up. A gift list. Grocery list. Liquor list. And a to-do list. One day at a time, bit my bit, I managed to knock everything off of them. I was officially ahead of schedule with only one item needed.
“It’s two weeks before Christmas, Matt. We don’t have a tree yet. It is all that is missing.”
“How big of one do you want? And where do you want to put it?” He asked & stooped down in front of the fireplace, giving it a poke.
“I don’t know, a decent size one I suppose. I think it would look nice by the doors. Yes?” I crossed my arms as I envisioned the look of it.