by Lee, Tara
“Jensen, it might not be bad.”
“What if it is, Charli?” he says, looking over his shoulder with a frown on his face.
I sigh.
“What if it’s something I can’t handle?”
“We can open it together,” I offer.
“No, I just can’t.”
I nod, not wanting to push him. He’ll open it when he’s ready.
* * *
Eli is due home any minute, and I’m anxious to talk to him about the wedding. Why? I don’t know, because I know Eli is eager to make me his wife.
When the rumble of his truck fills the air, the butterflies start. I know I haven’t been myself lately, and it’s taken us time, but we’re slowly getting back to us. The us before we lost Harley.
Why is this so hard?
The front door opens, and Eli’s bag drops with a thud at the door. He makes his way to the kitchen.
“Hey, baby.” He places a kiss on my forehead.
He notices my stillness.
“You okay?” he says, cupping my cheek with his hand. It’s rough from working all day, but it couldn’t feel any better than it does right now.
“I know I stink. I need a shower. Do you want to join me?” he says, winking at me with a playful smile.
“I want to get married.” I say all too fast.
The smile on his face tells me he’s happy. Before I know it, his lips are on mine as his hands cradle my face. He slips his tongue in, and I let him. Let him take what’s his. I grip his arms as he backs me up against the counter.
Our tongues mix together in a heated frenzy like we’re starved for each other.
“Best news I’ve heard all day, baby,” he says, backing away from my lips. But not for long as he crushes them back against mine again in seconds. He lifts me up, placing me on the counter. His hands slide down my body, cupping my breasts as he does.
He groans as he pushes his erection into me. I can’t help the moan he brings out of me.
I try to close my legs for friction, but he forces his way between them, bringing one over his hips pushing himself further into me.
His lips don’t leave mine as he tugs his pants down freeing his cock. He lifts my bum in the air and yanks down my leggings along with my panties. He places me back down but pulls me to the edge, so my pussy is easy to access. When he pushes himself in, I moan out loud. My knees rest against his hips as he guides me down so my back is on the bench. He thrusts a few times, getting me accustomed to this position. He grips my hips, forcing me to move up with each thrust. My body is humming, eager for the release it so desperately craves.
We’re both panting hard, as we fuck like crazy kids on the kitchen counter. I know Eli is close by the hisses leaving his throat. I slide one of my legs up and over his shoulder, making the position even deeper.
“Fuck, baby, I’m going to come.” Eli grunts
He throws his head back, and I know he can’t hold out any longer. I bring my other leg around his waist as best I can and push him into me even more.
He explodes, filling me taking me, on that high with him. I convulse around him as he holds still inside me.
“Fucking hell, baby.”
I giggle.
“Not what I was expecting when I got home.”
He kisses me hard. This time I’m breathless by the time he pulls back.
Even after everything we’ve been through, I love that no matter what, we stay strong together.
15
Eli
IF SOMEONE HAD TOLD me months ago, I’d go from the darkness that comes with losing a child, nearly losing my fiancé, then having her seclude herself so much I thought she’d never come out again to the place where we’re fucking like teenagers who can't get enough of each other, I don’t think I'd have believed them.
After Charli told me she was ready for us to finally get married, at first, I thought maybe she needed more time. Then she distracted me with sex. Kitchen counter sex, then shower sex, and then again in the bed. I mean don’t get me wrong, I love sex with Charli, but my dick is sure getting a workout. It's the most sex we’ve had in three months. Charli still isn’t hundred percent back to her old self, but she’s slowly getting there. Talking with Dr. Green is really helping.
“So,” Charli says, bouncing up from my chest where she was lying.
“I’m thinking we should get married soon. Like in two months. I know it’s rushing it. But I’d already picked out most of the stuff I wanted the first time around. So, it’s not that much work. And I don’t want to wait anymore I just—" She looks at me as I smirk at her.
“What?”
“Nothing, just you.”
“What about me?” she says, sitting back in bed, the sheets barely covering her tits.
I kiss her shoulder and sigh. “It’s just good to see you like this again, you know?”
She smiles briefly, then it falls as she disappears in her head.
“Baby, it’s a good thing. Trust me. I love that you're excited about the wedding. I can’t wait to marry you. You know that.”
“Ok.” She grins again.
"You’re right. I just feel like we shouldn't be happy."
Survivor’s guilt. I wrap my arms around her, bringing her flat against my chest. I kiss her temple and drag my fingers along her back.
She shivers as I do, making the grin on my face even wider.
"I know, baby. It feels wrong that we’re happy without Harley. But remember Dr. Green said that we need to plan ahead, plan for our future. It will always be hard, and we'll have tough days. But no matter what, he'll always be a part of us."
She nods against me. Her sniffle lets me know the tears are falling.
I hold her tighter, needing her to know that no matter what, I'll always be here for her. She can try to push me away—she can shove me out the door as hard as she likes and scream at me—I'm not going anywhere. She's stuck with me.
"Cry as much as you want. Scream, punch me, whatever you need. I'll be here for it all, baby. You can't get rid of me that easy."
"Thank you."
I lift my brow at her in confusion.
She shrugs holding the sheet around her. "For sticking around even though I was horrible to you."
I smirk at her. "You weren't as bad as you think, baby. Nothing I can't handle, trust me."
She places a kiss on my lips and cuddles into my chest.
I lean back taking her with me.
We lie like that for what feels like hours, me holding her, running my hands along her back and shoulders, comforting her.
Charli falls asleep in my arms, and I never want to move from this spot.
She truly is an angel. She may have been sent to heal me, but now it’s my turn to heal her.
* * *
When I walk into work the next morning, all the guys look up at me.
"What?" I ask
"How are you doing, bro?" Lucas asks
I’d been coming to work sporadically these last few months, not wanting to leave Charli alone more than necessary.
"As good as I can be, I guess."
He nods then he pulls me in for a hug.
Lucas isn’t the hands-on type. This is strange for him.
"I truly am sorry. I know I've said it before, but I really am, man. "
Did I miss something?
It’s been months. I’m trying to get used to guys wanting to talk and their constant concern for me.
"Thanks. Just having you guys around helped."
Max and Carter are next to hug me. As strange as it is, I feel the love. These guys are my family. They don't realize the small gesture of a hug can tell a million things.
"So, are we going to braid each other's hair next?" I joke.
Carter chuckles, and Max throws his head back in a boisterous laugh.
"Dude," Lucas says, laughing. "Had to ruin the moment, didn't you?"
I laugh because he's right, the moment is kinda ruined.
"Wel
l, I thought it was getting a bit emotional in here, so I had to break it up."
Lucas chuckles. "That's the last time I pour my heart out for you. You only get one, buddy."
I slap him on the shoulder. "What not even at my wedding?"
"Wedding?" Max asks.
"Yep, Charli wants us to get married. In two months.
They all hoot and holler, giving me more hugs and a slap on the back for good measure.
"That's great news, man. Fuck, you ready to be married?” Carter says.
"Yeah, been ready since Charli became mine."
He nods, chuckling at my words.
Charli has always been mine but having her officially be mine is better than anything I could ever imagine.
Lucas doesn't have any more moments, but I tease him endlessly about it all day.
What kind of friends are we, if we can't rip on each other every now and then?
Lucas takes it like the champ he is and just gives me shit back.
Carter at one point tells us to stop stirring the pot and work. But even though he's our boss, we pile on him too.
I look up and see a rainbow stretching across the sky. It hasn't rained. Maybe it’s a sign?
It lifts my spirits a lot. Now just to get Charli down that aisle and put that ring on her finger. My ring.
Who would’ve thought after the heartache we’ve been through, the sun is finally shining on us again? Maybe someone is watching over us.
Listening to the guys talk about how awesome mine and Charli's wedding is going to be, helps keep the smile on my face. They’re excited for us. If I’m being honest, I want this for each of them one day too. They keep telling me they never want to be tied down, but they just didn't have it yet. When they find the one, they’ll see. And as much as they like to tease me and make jokes, I know deep down, they want what I have. Who wouldn't want to share their life with someone? To have someone who’d be there through it all, even the bad stuff because when you get through the bad shit together it makes it all worth it.
When we lost Harley, I was sure it was going to break us. I thought Charli would never recover and be the same girl I fell in love with. But she’s proven me wrong.
With everything that’s happened in our lives, we’ve had enough drama to last a lifetime, definitely enough for a daytime soap opera. As hard as some of it was, I wouldn't change a thing, because I think those events in our lives have made us who we are today. We’re stronger because of them, and not just together but separately too.
16
Charli
AFTER TALKING WITH ELI about our wedding, I know there’s one more very important thing I have to do.
The girls are coming over today, so we can catch up. I’ve been a little absent these last few months. I know they understand, but I feel like I haven’t been a very good friend.
The doorbell rings, letting me know they’ve arrived. Why am I so nervous?
When I open the door, Aria forces her arms around me, hugging me tightly. I wrap my arms around her waist, hugging her back. Isla and Mikayla quickly join us for a group hug.
Even after our outing a while ago, I still hadn't really opened up.
It feels good to know my friends don’t hate me for being distant.
"Ok," Aria says, pulling back and wiping her cheeks. My fingertips whisk my own tears away.
"How have you been honestly?" Mikayla asks.
None of them really know. I haven’t let any of them in. For a while I didn’t wanted to see anyone.
"Better, I guess. It still hurts, you know. It’s still painful, but I'm coping."
The girls smile at me, letting me know secretly they understand.
We all made our way to the lounge. Today I’m going to ask them to stand by me on my wedding day.
"So, you're sure we're not here too soon?" Isla asks, placing her hand over mine.
I shake my head. "No, of course not, I'm pleased you're here, really. I'm sorry I haven't been present lately. It’s just been so hard."
"Oh, hush now. Don't you even say a thing like that. We understand, Charli. You went through something so heartbreaking. I wouldn't expect you to cope well," Aria says, chastising me.
I give her a small smile.
We have a long talk about how I'm doing and what everyone has been up to. I'm pleased to hear Carter is still chasing Aria, gunning for her attention. She hasn't given in to him yet.
"Don't you like him?" I ask her, concerned for Carter. Aria may be my best friend, but I wouldn't want to see Carter get hurt because she's stringing him along.
She shrugs. "I don't know. I'm so confused. My whole life has always been planned out for me you know?"
I nod, urging her to continue.
"Carter is a great guy. He truly is. he's been so amazing and patient with me. I just can't decide."
"Isn't Reed a total douche-bag?" Mikayla asks.
She sighs. "Sometimes yeah, but he's the man I'm supposed to marry. He's been pushed in my direction my whole life. He's all I kind of know. I know I sound crazy, and you don't understand. I don't expect any of you to."
"What does your heart tell you?" I ask, grabbing her hand.
She lets out a little laugh shaking her head. "My heart wants Carter, but my mind is telling me Reed is the more acceptable choice."
"Go with your heart, Aria," I tell her, hoping she’ll make up her mind.
"I- I can't."
"Why not," Isla asks, confused.
"Daddy hates Carter, and I'm not sure why. Something to do with his papa. I don't know, but he wouldn't give us his blessing. And I wouldn't want to put Carter in a position where he's uncomfortable or force him around my parents just to make me happy."
"Ok. So, have you told Carter this?"
Aria shakes her head, and tears fall down her cheeks.
"Carter hates me right now. I know he does. He hasn't spoken to me in a week. And every time I see him, he avoids me. He doesn't even want to look at me anymore."
"Do you think maybe it’s too painful for him? I mean he loves you, but you can't make up your mind about who you want. It has to be hard for him to go on and pretend everything is okay when he's probably dying inside," I explain.
Aria thinks about it for a moment. I can tell she's never thought about it that way before. When another tear slips down her cheek, I know she really does feel strongly for Carter. She's just trying to make everyone but her herself happy.
I grab her hands and take a deep breath. "Do you think you're more concerned about everyone else's happiness, instead of your own?"
"I dunno maybe."
"Aria, if Carter makes you happy, then why not give it a real chance? You might surprise yourself. I mean he's an attractive guy. He owns his own business. He's a sweetheart underneath all that hard exterior he portrays."
"Yeah… I guess you’re right. I have to start thinking about my happiness, not what Daddy and Mother expect from me, or Reed for that matter."
I smile, because I know I may have just gotten through to her. Finally.
"So, why did you ask us here today, Charli?” Aria asks, changing the subject.
"Oh, Eli and I are getting married in two months, and I want you girls standing beside me on my big day."
They all squeal with excitement over my news. There’s more hugging and more tears from all of us.
For the rest of the day, they help with planning my wedding. Even though I don't want anything too fancy or huge, I still want it to be a magical day for both Eli and me.
Eli comes home an hour after the girls leave. I'm sitting on the couch, looking through a bridal magazine at dresses.
I don't even hear him until he speaks, "Hey, baby. Whatcha doing?"
I shut the magazine so fast. He chuckles at my attempt to hide what I'm looking at.
"Nothing, just looking at dress ideas."
"Oh, is that right?" he says, making his way to me
I nod slowly even. Though I'm about to marry this man, he still
makes my body do crazy things.
"So… do I get a peek at these dress ideas?" he asks, placing small kisses across my neck and collarbone.
I pull my bottom lip between my teeth. "Don't distract me with that glorious tongue of yours. And no, you don't get to peek. My dress is strictly a need to know basis, and you don't need to know, not until the day of the wedding."
He kisses me again, making a moan escape my lungs
"Eli this is so not fair."
"Oh, really, how so?" he says, teasing me even more.
"You know I can't control myself whenever your tongue is anywhere near my skin."
He chuckles, and even that sends goosebumps over my skin. What is wrong with me? The sound of his chuckle turns me on. Damn, I'm losing it.
"It's unfair, you know?" I say again, making him stop kissing me and look up. "You're too damn good-looking for your own good. And I'm a slave to you. My body is a slave to you."
Eli leans towards me, so I fall back onto the couch. He moves over me, his body covering mine just slightly, so I can feel the added pressure. His cock pokes through his jeans, making my panties cream when he connects with my pussy. Even she's a goner.
"You're a slave to me, huh?” Eli asks, digging himself further into me.
I tilt my head back and groan. He knows what he's doing to me, and he doesn't let up. He grinds himself against me again and again until I'm breathless, hungry for him.
"Eli, please."
"Please what, baby?" He hisses as he lifts my bottom a little higher, adding more pressure.
"Oh, god. Please make me come. I need to come," I beg
"I fucking love it when you beg, baby. So, fucking hot," he rasps, his voice is husky and deep.
He yanks my pants down, baring me to him. He groans at the sight of my wet pussy, dripping with the need for him.
"Fucking hell, baby." He moans as he dips his head between my legs taking my bud between his lips. I cry out at the touch. The moment his tongue touches my clit, I'm a goner. He licks slowly, purposefully over every inch of skin. Eli works his mouth over my sex, making my entire body respond to him. The groans coming from my body are so loud and frequent that Eli laps at my folds with more purpose than ever, coaxing my orgasm from my body. He's like a man starving, and I’m his last meal on Earth.