This Side of the Sun (The Sun Trilogy)

by M. Lauryl Lewis

  “Saul, I was so afraid I’d lost you.”

  I sat on the edge of the bed and leaned against him cautiously. He wrapped an arm around me and kissed the top of my head.

  “You still smell like sunshine and honey,” he whispered.

  “What happened?” I moaned into his chest, doing my best to keep my composure as the reality of the day was beginning to set in.

  “Someone broadsided us. They ran right through the stop sign; fucking going way too goddamn fast.”

  “They died, Saul. The other driver.”

  I backed away from his chest to look at him.

  He nodded silently at first. He moved a hand to my face and stroked my cheek with his thumb. “I know. Lina told me.”

  “I know we’ve only known each other for a few days,” I said quietly. “But when I thought you were dead, it was like someone had taken my breath away. It was like life wasn't worth living.”

  He put his palm on the back of my head and gently pulled my head back to his chest.

  “I think I know how you feel,” he said. “It’s kind-of like I’ve know you for most of my life, Hattie. I mean that’s how it feels. I’ll be honest. When I was stuck in my truck and they were using that damned machine to cut me out, all I could think about was if I’d see you again. That’s all I wanted, was to see your face again. To hold you.”

  I sighed, melting into him a bit. His voice got really quiet, but I heard him loud and clear.

  “I love you, Hattie.”

  It was the first time I had heard those words from a man other than my own brother or my father. Somehow, the words felt natural and they felt real; they felt right.

  “I love you too,” I said, not hesitating to utter the words. They felt as right to say as they had to hear.

  I kept my head against his chest, but looked up to meet his eyes. He smiled at me and I felt almost complete. Almost.

  CHAPTER 16 ~ DRIFT WOOD

  Almost a week had passed and Saul and Lina had both mended, for the most part. Everett and I had taken them back to Saul’s little house, where I had tended to both of them for a couple of days. Lina had been called back to Virginia to give a statement on the death of the family for which she had nannied. Saul had suffered a hairline fracture of one of his ribs, which was beginning to heal by now. We spent most of our time watching movies and laying around. We were both getting cabin fever and ready to get out of the house.

  Saul swore that he was up to some physical activity, so I talked him into a short walk at the beach. We had set out on foot, headed just three blocks to a small public park that sat water-side. We walked hand-in-hand.

  “If you walk any faster you might pop your rib,” I joked. “What me to carry you down the steps?” I laughed.

  “I’d kind of like to see you try.”

  We began descending a set of timbers that created a stairway down to the rocky shore. The tide was high and the water calm; small but constant waves lapped at the shore.

  “Do you want to go sit on that drift wood?” he asked me.

  I looked at the path that led to a large log on the beach. “It looks too unstable,” I answered.

  He squeezed my hand and looked over at me. “I’m okay. I promise. It might be fun.”

  “Anything with you is fun, Saul. Well, except explosions and car wrecks.”

  We walked the short distance to a large log that had drifted in from Puget Sound and found a somewhat flat spot upon which to sit. A gentle breeze was blowing and in the distance I could hear the barking of a sea lion. There was new warmth to the air; a sure sign that summer was near.

  Saul took a deep breath and cleared his throat. “The funerals tomorrow. I was hoping you’d go with me, but I understand if it’s too painful.”

  “You’re going to the funeral of the guy who ran into you guys?” I asked, surprised.

  “No, no. The baby.”

  “Oh.” I hung my head in thought.

  “I just, I dunno, I just need to be there,” he said somberly.

  “Yeah. Of course I’ll go with. What time?”

  “Four o’clock.”

  “You’re feeling strong enough to go?” I asked.

  He patted his uninjured side. “Fit as a fiddle.”

  “Neither of us has a car,” I mentioned the obvious.

  “We better get one, then,” he said with a smile.

  “We?” I repeated.

  “Sure. We can share it.”

  I laughed. “You’re weird.”

  “So I’m told. There’s something else I want to talk to you about.”

  “Uh-oh. Did I do something wrong?” I felt instantly crushed, figuring he was about to tell me to take a hike.

  “No, no. Of course not. You’re awesome in so many ways. This is kind-of a weird one to bring up. I mean I know we’ve only been together for what, a week and a half?”

  “Almost two,” I added.

  “We haven’t really talked much about our plans. About where we want things to go from here.”

  “I guess I’ve just kinda been going with it. It’s new to me, Saul. I’m not sure how to act or what to say half the time.”

  “Well, you being you is a great start. ‘Cause I kind of sort of like you a whole lot, if you haven’t noticed.” He reached down and took my hand in his.

  “So what’s up? You want to talk about the ‘what’s next’?”

  “You’ve been spending a lot of time at my place. I thought maybe we could make that a little more permanent.”

  I looked at him, a bit confused. “Like me leaving a toothbrush there?”

  He laughed at me, causing his eyes to brighten. “Well, maybe a toothbrush and some clothes and the rest of your stuff. I want you to move in, Hattie. Come live with me.”

  I squinted my eyes at him. I wasn't sure if I should laugh or cry.

  “Are you serious?” I asked, not quite sure if he was joking or not.

  “Very. If you need time to think about it, I understand. I know it’s really soon to bring it up.”

  He leaned forward slowly, still guarding his side, and kissed me gently on the lips. My stomach did a flip-flop and I returned his kiss eagerly.

  “I don’t need time to think.”

  “Is that a no, then?”

  I smiled at him. “No, that’s a yes. I’ll move in with you.”

  He grinned like a little boy in a Lego store. “When?”

  “Whoa boy, calm down! We should talk about a few things first,” I said with a slight chuckle. “I’m going to need to look for a job soon. I’ll want to at least pay for part of utilities and groceries.”

  “That’s fair enough, but please don’t be in a rush. My granddad left me a hefty sum. If you want to work that’s totally fine, but maybe it would be good to take some time off? Maybe we could go somewhere for a few days?”

  I was wearing a pleated plaid skirt that, when standing, only fell to just above my knees. I blushed when I felt his warm hand slide up my bare thigh.

  “You’re trying to distract me,” I said as I felt my insides tingle with longing.

  “Uh-huh,” he groaned softly near my ear. His hand traveled to my inner thigh, causing me to gasp quietly.

  “You’re driving me crazy,” I moaned as I felt one of his fingers slide beneath my panties.

  “Good,” he whispered just before he started gently sucking on my neck.

  As his finger began gently searching, my legs automatically parted just a bit hoping it would help him find his way inside of me.

  “Saul, someone might see us.”

  I whimpered as his finger found its mark and entered me deeply.

  “Oh God, Hattie. Your pussy’s so wet.”

  He began stroking me on the inside, growling against my neck. I opened my legs farther and adjusted my hips in hopes that he would go deeper.

  “Fuck,” I whimpered pathetically. “Oh God, I want you inside of me, Saul.”

  To my dismay, he slid his finger from me. I watched as h
e slowly put it into his mouth.

  “You taste so good,” he said under his breath. I wasn't sure if I should be embarrassed or turned on.

  “Make you a deal,” I said.

  “What kind?”

  “I’ll start moving in tomorrow but only if you take me home and make love to me. Hard.”

  “Let’s go,” he said as he stood.

  ***

  It hadn’t taken as long to walk back to his house since we were both in a hurry. The temperature had started to drop as evening approached. The little house felt cool but neither of us could be bothered to start a fire.

  “Okay, sweet thing. You have me so fucking horny,” he said as soon as we walked in the front door.

  As the door shut behind us he gently grabbed onto both sides of my head and began kissing me with passion. He twisted my hair around his fingers and pressed against me with his hard cock.

  “Will you do me one favor?” he asked while looking me in the eyes.

  “Right now I’d do just about anything to feel you inside of me.”

  “Keep the skirt on? It’s super sexy.”

  “Uh-huh. Sure,” I whispered as I pulled off my white T-shirt, leaving just my brazier.

  “It’s a pretty bra, but it can go,” he said as he devoured me with his eyes.

  He got closer and wrapped his arms around me while he began tasting my neck again. Expertly, he unfastened the back of my bra and his hands moved to my shoulders. He wound his fingers beneath the straps and slid them down my arms. His gaze fell to my bare chest. My nipples were erect from the cold and excitement and he groaned as he took in the sight.

  “God you’re gorgeous, Hattie Cakes.”

  He used to the pad of his thumb to lightly stroke one of my nipples. I reached out and slid my own hands up the front of his T-shirt, enjoying the feel of his hard abs while being careful to not hurt his injured rib. He took my cue and pulled his shirt up and over his head. His smooth, muscular chest was gorgeous and made me want him that much more. Wearing only jeans, he knelt down and reached both hands up my skirt. He leaned forward and nuzzled his face against the plaid fabric. His breath felt hot between my legs, causing me to moan in anticipation of what was to come. He kept his face against me while reaching his hands around to my backside. His grip on me was firm and his obvious desire drove me wild. I ran my hands over the top of his head, grabbing onto his hair and pulling gently. Hooking his thumbs into the top band of my panties, he finally slid them down and they fell softly to the floor. I could feel my own wetness and was more than ready to have him inside of me.

  “Bedroom?” he asked softly as he gazed up into my eyes.

  I nodded, not breaking his gaze. He stood and took hold of one of my hands and guided me to the back room. I was nude now, aside from my silly pleated school-girl skirt, and I had never been more turned on. We walked to the side of the bed together, where he faced me while the backs of my legs touched the mattress.

  “Sit for a minute?” he suggested.

  I sat on the edge of the bed, watching him. He began to unzip his jeans, never taking his eyes off of me. I leaned back on my hands, waiting. He slid his jeans and boxers down at the same time, freeing his erection. I scooted back on the bed and situated myself until I was sitting up against the headboard. Saul walked, naked, to his dresser. His ass was tight and I loved the way he moved. He opened the top drawer and soon I heard the telltale sound of a condom package being opened. He walked back to the bed and sat on the edge next to me, halfway turned toward me.

  “Do you still want me to make love to you?” he asked quietly while he unrolled the condom onto his hard cock.

  I licked my lips and nodded. He turned and climbed on top of me, kissing me deeply while reaching beneath my skirt with one of his hands. His fingers searched until he found the moist warmth that was spilling past my lips. He traced lightly with his fingertips, making me shudder in delight.

  I could feel Saul’s breath against my neck as he whispered to me. “I’m so hard for you, Hattie.”

  I took his face in my hands and found his mouth with mine. The angle of his jaw felt strong beneath my palms and my insides were on fire with desire. I squirmed beneath him, getting his attention.

  “Is it ok if I’m on top this time?” I asked very quietly. “I’ve just always wondered what it’s like,” I began to explain, suddenly slightly embarrassed.

  “Just promise to not press down on my ribs and you can ride me whichever way you want,” he said with a shit-eating grin.

  “Will you tell me what to do?” I asked somewhat sheepishly.

  He carefully rolled off of me, situating himself near the center of the bed. I looked over the length of his body. He was lean and muscular, and his cock was erect and waiting for me. I stood on my knees on the mattress beside him and he reached up to caress one of my bare breasts while I began to straddle him. I adjusted my skirt until it was out of the way in the front and slyly looked at him.

  “What should I do next?” I asked, pretending I was clueless.

  “Oh God, girl, you’re driving me crazy. I need to fuck you so bad.”

  I took his cock in my hand and pretended to look at it with only half interest. I leaned back just a bit, putting my weight on his thighs, and gently placed his shaft against myself. He moaned in frustration. Finally, I lifted my hips just enough to guide him in to me. I let the head of his penis sit at my opening for a painful moment before finally lowering myself down until he filled me. His back arched and he groaned in pleasure. He held his hands up for me to take hold of, which was useful in protecting his broken rib. I began moving my hips in earnest, allowing myself to slide up and down as he worked at thrusting with his own rhythm. The sensation was different than what I had known before, the grinding on my clit sending me into a wave of pleasure far beyond what he had shown me so far. Not long after, he too found his release with a loudness he hadn’t shared the other times we had been together. I leaned down and placed my forehead against his chest, still being careful to not hurt him. We stayed like that for several moments before I gently climbed off and lay down.

  “Thank you,” he whispered.

  “Was it okay?”

  He chuckled. “Much more than okay.”

  I heard him climb out of bed and watched as he walked to the bathroom. I slid my skirt off and climbed under the covers. The room was cold and I was exhausted.

  Just as I was beginning to doze off, Saul’s deep voice woke me.

  “Ready for bed?”

  I nodded. “I’m so tired.”

  “I’ll turn out the lights. Tomorrow’s a big day.”

  I closed my eyes and waited for him to climb in beside me. Once he did, I snuggled up to him hoping to borrow some of his body heat.

  “Saul?” I mumbled sleepily.

  “Hmm?”

  “I started birth control while you were in the hospital. We’ll be safe in a few more days.”

  I felt him kiss my forehead. “Thanks,” he whispered. “I love you.”

  “Me too.”

  CHAPTER 17 ~ PLANS

  When I woke, I wasn't sure where I was. My lungs burned and my skin felt hot. I could hear the commotion from the explosion around me, but it was muffled. I gasped for breath.

  “Easy there,” said Saul, his deep voice grounding me.

  I continued to struggle for air.

  “Hattie, you’re ok. I think you had another bad dream.”

  “I was there,” I whimpered. “Back at the explosion. So many people were yelling.”

  “It’s okay,” he reassured me.

  I was sitting upright. Trying to get my bearings. I felt his warm hand on my back. The images that my mind had woven while I slept were thankfully fading, but an ominous feeling had been left behind.

  “Do you mind getting me some water?” I asked.

  He kissed my temple. “Sure. Of course.”

  The room was lightening with daylight and I wondered what time it was. I listened as Saul e
ased his way out of the bed and walked in the dark to the bathroom in the hallway. Some moments later the toilet flushed and I heard him rummaging through the kitchen. My heartbeat was finally starting to slow back down to something resembling normalcy. My bladder was telling me to get out of bed, the cold was telling me to stay in, and nothing was telling me to go back to sleep. I sighed heavily and finally crawled out of the warm bed.

  On the way to the bathroom, I quickly turned on the lamp that Saul kept on the dresser and rummaged through his drawers until I found a t-shirt to borrow. Once semi-dressed, I made my way to the bathroom, and eventually to the kitchen. Saul stood there in boxer shorts making coffee, which had already begun to brew. It smelled heavenly.

  “I heard you get up,” he said as he took two empty mugs from a cabinet and set them on the counter.

  “I don’t think I can go back to sleep,” I admitted. “What time is it?”

  “Eight o’clock. Hey, nice shirt.”

  I smiled. “Hope you don’t mind?”

  “Of course not. It’s today now. Your home, including all that’s in it. Me. And my shirts.”

  “I’ll need to talk to Joe and Justine later this morning. They might like the idea of me moving out. Making room for the baby and all.”

  “You sure you’re ready for this?” he asked. “Living with me?”

  “It’s fast, but I know it feels right.”

  I watched as he opened the freezer and took out a half-gallon of Breyer’s vanilla bean ice cream. He carefully put a scoop into each mug before putting it away.

  “What are you doing?” I asked, wondering what kind of a goofball I had gotten myself involved with.

  “Oh, it’s an age-old recipe to cure nightmare hangovers,” he said as he winked at me.

  “You’re so weird,” I said with a slight chuckle.

  “Seriously. My mom used to make this for us anytime we’d wake up and couldn’t go back to sleep. Well, back then it was vanilla ice cream with hot cocoa. This version is better.”

  “Sounds…interesting.”

  “I have a Presto log ready to light in the fireplace. We can have our coffee in there. Talk for a while if you want?”