by Ruby Rowe
Elliott
“You’re right; I’ll never look at socks the same again. Ties, either,” Sailor says before she giggles against my chest as we lie in bed.
“I’m glad you’ll let go with me and try new things. Sex is incredible with you regardless, but I like feeling in control and seeing you that excited from the unknown.”
Her lips press against my skin. “It is exciting. I get nervous, but I trust you.” She props herself up on her elbow so she can see my face. “However, I’d appreciate a little less taunting. I was about to go mad, needing to come.”
She grins, so I know she can take the torment and that a part of her enjoys it. From how she’s propping herself up, I catch sight of her wrist. Shit. I lift her other one.
“Your wrists are red, which means they’ll probably bruise.”
She examines them, too. “It’s my fault. I kept yanking on the tie. Or, maybe it’s your fault for withholding my orgasm.” She grins again, but I can’t.
“Jake’s going to be pissed.”
“Why?” she asks. I glance away, frustrated that we have to talk about him while in my bed after mind-blowing sex.
“Jake knew I was into kink, and liked rough sex, so when we agreed to this arrangement, he made me promise to be careful with you. He won’t consider marks left on your skin as being careful.”
Looking back at Sailor, I find her frowning.
“It’ll be OK. I’ll explain how it’s my fault. Um, you two have seemed more competitive, or on edge, with each other lately. Is something going on I don’t know about?”
My body tenses since Jake and I also agreed not to tell Sailor when sharing her is trying, and lately it has been.
“I shouldn’t say anything, but maybe if I do it’ll thwart a worse situation. Jake’s having a hard time with the holidays, particularly the gift-giving part.”
“I don’t understand.”
“It frustrates him that he doesn’t have the money we do. After I told him what I got you, he started sulking about how he can’t buy you extravagant gifts.
“He’s worried you’ll give him an expensive present, and he won’t be able to reciprocate. I’m only telling you this because if you bought him something pricey, you may want to return it.”
Rolling onto her back, Sailor rubs her forehead.
“I did buy him something pricey … a watch, and I haven’t been happy with it. The gift seems so cliché or lazy on my part. I’ll fix it. I’ll figure out something more meaningful that isn’t expensive. Jake often cracks jokes about having less money than us, but I didn’t realize how insecure he was about it. I always emphasize how much I enjoy the things we do together that cost nothing. I hate that he doesn’t believe me.”
I want to tell her that he probably would believe her if she weren’t also in a relationship with someone who can shower her with lavish gifts.
“Maybe I should give you your present now, while he isn’t around.” I smile at her, hoping I wasn’t wrong about her liking lavish gifts, as well.
“OK.” Still mulling over Jake’s feelings, she bites her lip. I have to bring her back to me. This is our time. Reaching over to my nightstand, I open the second drawer and pull out the white envelope.
“Sorry, I was going to make this more decorative before Christmas, but I don’t want to wait to give it to you, and not only because of Jake; it’s been killing me to keep quiet about it.”
Sitting up, she takes the envelope from me to open.
“We’re going to California?” she asks excitedly after pulling out the two plane tickets.
“Yep, the day after Christmas, but the final destination is a surprise. All I’ll say is you need to pack a bikini. I’ve barely had the pleasure of eyeing you in one since you filled out this sensational body.” I squeeze her thigh. “We can only stay four days, though. I can’t be away from work any longer than that.”
I won’t share with her how I spent a fortune bribing another resident to cover for me, but Sailor is worth it. We cancelled our trip a couple of months ago since it was scheduled for right after we agreed to participate in this polyamorous relationship.
At the time, it didn’t feel right to take her away from Jake, but it’s been long enough. I love Sailor and want to spoil her, and there’s not a damn thing wrong with that, especially when I owe her the world after the pain I left in my wake years ago.
Setting the tickets aside, Sailor straddles my body. She’s naked, and I groan from how sexy she is. Her long, messy hair reaches her chest, the raven tips teasing her perky tits.
Damn, I can’t wait to have her alone in a beachfront condo. I’ll have the luxury of peeling a bikini off her wet body that’s sizzling from the sun and peppered with sand. She can fall asleep in my arms on the terrace after we have a lot of sex and plan our future.
Hell, yes.
“I love you, baby.”
“Aww.” Laying her body on mine, she kisses my lips. “I love you, too, and I’m excited to go away with you. I know we’ll have an amazing time.”
CHAPTER THREE
Jake
“You have to take a coat,” Sailor says, grinning. She claps, and I chuckle from how eager she is. “We’re going to be outside at times.”
I quirk an eyebrow and admire how fucking cute she is in her tight jeans, cream sweater and brown boots. She curled her hair, which she seldom does, and I’m diggin’ it.
Elliott reaches the bottom of the staircase, and I’m glad to see he’s leaving for work. I mean, I feel a little bad that he has to work on Christmas Eve, and part of Christmas Day, but he also gets to be with Sailor alone for four days afterward, so I don’t feel too bad for the guy.
“Where are you two headed?” he asks Sailor.
“My lips are sealed. I’m surprising Jake, so I can’t say.” He strolls over to her, and dropping his duffel bag on the floor, he brings her in for a hug.
“OK, you can tell me tomorrow.” She wraps her arms around his neck, and as the sleeves of her sweater ride up, I notice something on her wrist.
“How did you get that bruise?” I ask. I’m next to her in a flash, and as fast as Sailor’s yanking her sleeve down, I’m gripping her arm to pull it back up. “What the fuck?” I grab her other arm and lift the sleeve.
Pursing my lips, I look at Elliott. “You did this.”
“Jake, he didn’t hurt me.”
“Your wrists are bruised, Sailor. Is this why you barely spent time with me the last two days?”
“No–I mean, not entirely. I knew you’d be upset, and I didn’t want to hurt you.”
I drop her arms and glide a hand through my hair.
“We agreed no secrets.”
“We also agreed we wouldn’t discuss our separate sex lives,” Elliott quips. “Look, I didn’t do anything to her she didn’t want.”
Pointing toward the door, I glare at him.
“Leave. Now.”
He looks at Sailor. “Are you cool with me going?”
She nods.
“Text or call if you need me,” he adds.
“She won’t.”
“Shut up, Jake, and stop acting like a jealous teenage boyfriend. We agreed we wouldn’t make Sailor feel uncomfortable.”
“Yeah, and we agreed on a few other things, too.”
“Guys, stop,” Sailor pleads.
After planting a kiss on her cheek, Elliott gives me a dirty look and leaves. Sailor steps up and cups my face, and as much as I feel a need to pull away, I don’t.
“Jake, I’m sorry. We did agree we wouldn’t hide stuff from each other, so I should’ve told you about it right away, but this is all still new and awkward at times. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings or have you angry at Elliott.”
“You not telling me makes me feel like the third wheel. Am I not rough enough with you? Am I already being shoved aside?”
Sucking in a breath of shock, she drops her arms, and I feel shitty for my words in an instant.
“Jake, I lo
ve you, and you’re perfect in my eyes.” She tears up. “I’m so sorry.”
Dammit, I’m being an asshole. I pull her to me and cradle the back of her head.
“I’m sorry for what I said. I worried he made you do something you didn’t want and hurt you. I guess I was jealous, too. I don’t like that I don’t know something about you.” I lean back to see her face. “I didn’t know you were into kinky sex.”
She wipes her eyes and looks away. “I didn’t know it, either, until I tried it with Elliott, but it doesn’t mean you and I have to do it. I love our intimate time together. It’s hot and sexy … and playful at times, too.”
Gazing back at me, she slides her hands up my arms. “Mostly, it’s loving, and I seldom get that kind of sex with Elliott. Please don’t feel like you need to change. I meant it when I said you were perfect.”
“OK, but I wouldn’t mind trying some different things on occasion.”
Smiling coyly, she looks away again. “As long as I don’t lose my sweet Jake, I’m down for that.”
“I’m sorry I lost my cool.” I kiss her forehead. “I hope it didn’t spoil our day.”
“Not at all. I’m so excited.” She grants me a glowing grin that’s far brighter than the lights on our Christmas tree. “Now, get your coat so I can take you on a holiday adventure.”
***
Putting my Nissan GT-R in park, I look at the kaleidoscope of Christmas lights to my right and left and as far as the eyes can see along the road ahead. There’s a parade of fond childhood memories marching before me, as well.
“Sailor, I don’t know what to say.”
“Tell me you don’t mind my silly present.”
I look over at her and squeeze her knee.
“It’s not silly. OK, I’ve asked you at every stop, but you have to tell me how you pulled this off. Did you ask my mom?”
“Your dad.”
“My dad remembered all these places?” My father was a busy man while I was growing up and not as sentimental as my mom. I never would’ve guessed him to remember all the places we went to during the holiday season and all the activities we did together while I was growing up.
I stare down the street and think about the phenomenal day I’ve had with my girl. Sailor’s given me the opportunity to relive every one of those memories, and she claims this is the last stop. It’s the Dyker Heights subdivision, where many of the residents decorate their homes and yards for the holidays.
Some are gaudy, others tasteful, and every year while I was growing up, my family would drive to Brooklyn to walk the streets and see the homes. I enjoyed it until I was about fifteen.
Then, I began thinking I was too old for the tradition, and my sister had already reached that point, so we stopped going. I remember feeling guilty about it every Christmas afterward since my parents and grandparents enjoyed it so much.
“Damn…”
“What?” Sailor asks anxiously.
Slipping a hand into her hair, I clutch it and kiss her.
“Every time I think you couldn’t get any sweeter, you prove me wrong.”
She bares a timid smile, and the way she’s making me feel like I’m her only man is awesome. It makes up for what happened earlier with Elliott.
“Let’s go. One of your surprises is waiting on this street.” The reflection of colorful lights in her dark irises only enhances her excitement. She opens the door, so I get out, too.
As she puts on her cream gloves, we begin to walk. The cold air whips against us, so I pull her closer to my side and kiss her head. Her hair’s cold against my lips, but it still has Sailor’s signature fruity scent.
We stroll down the street, laughing at some of the homes that have way overdone it with their holiday décor. I’m surprised there is any air left for us to breathe after how much of it was used for the inflatable figures on display.
Reindeer, snowmen, and Santas, to name a few, are swaying in the wind to the festive music playing from some of the houses. When we reach the more tastefully decorated homes, Sailor stares in awe.
“I feel like this is my present from you. The trees at Rockefeller Center are impressive, but it’s hard not to lose interest when you see the same scene year after year.
“This place, though, is unique and fun … joyful.” She peels her eyes away from the yard adorned in light blue. “Time with you has been nothing short of mesmerizing.”
“Back at ya, Princess.” I wink and take her hand to walk again. We reach the next house, and I stop. Children are running to and from the front door, and if the same people live here as when I was a child, then the kids are getting treats like it’s Halloween rather than Christmas.
“I know the people at this house. At least, I used to know them. I’m guessing they still live here.”
“Who are they?”
“The Mastersons. They’re some of the nicest people you could meet and are good friends of my grandparents. I think Grandpop was in Vietnam with the old man.”
Sailor snickers. “Grandpop … I love it. Let’s go see.”
“Nah, they probably won’t remember me.”
“I doubt that. Come on; I want to meet them.”
“All right, but it’s been years since I’ve seen them, so they might think it’s strange.”
The memories of my youth swarm my mind as we make our way up their sloped drive. As soon as we reach the few steps that lead to the front door, I smile.
Grandpop’s friend is standing with his back against the inside of the glass door as he holds it open to hand out candy. His stomach is rounder, his hair white now.
He glances up at me, and after studying my face a few seconds, he grins.
“I know you. You’re Carson Callister’s son, Jake. Get in here. My wife, Winnie, has been waiting for you. Who’s this pretty girl you have on your arm?”
“Did you do this?” I ask Sailor.
She shrugs. “I had help.” All I can do is shake my head over how much she surprises me.
“This is my girlfriend, Sailor. Sailor, this is Mr. Masterson.”
“Call me Roy, and it’s nice to meet you. Come on in. Winnie’s probably in the kitchen.” A few kids run up behind us, so we walk inside, and the familiar scent of baked-goods linger in the air.
We stroll toward the kitchen while glancing around at the old but well-kept living room. Once at the doorway of the spacious kitchen, we stop and wait for Mrs. Masterson to notice us from where she’s standing at a counter. She jerks her head our way, and after a couple of seconds, she turns and grins.
“Hi, Jake. How have you been?”
“Hi, Mrs. Masterson. I’ve been good.”
She walks over to us while straightening her short grey hair.
“You’re all grown up. I can’t believe how many years it’s been.” She looks at Sailor. “Where does the time go? You must be the girl Carson told Roy about on the phone. It was so nice to hear from him after all these years.”
“Yes, I asked him to call. I’m Sailor.” She sticks her hand out to shake Winnie’s.
“It’s nice to meet you, Sailor, and I’m glad you both stopped by. I have something for you, Jake. Sit on the stools there at the island so we can catch up a bit.”
Walking over to the counter, she picks up a rectangular, plastic container and brings it over to me. “I thought these sweets might bring back some memories for you. I remember when you and your sister sat right here and ate my desserts while we caught up with your grandparents.”
Taking the container from her, I open the green lid, and inside are various treats she always served us when we stopped by. There are lemon bars, a few kinds of cookies, and Christmas cannoli that I recall are fantastic.
“Oh, man, I remember how good your cannoli are. Thank you for this. I’m sure I’ll enjoy every bite.”
Pleased, she grins and says, “You’re welcome, and be sure to share some with your girlfriend.”
“I guess she’s earned a taste of your delicious desserts.
” I bump Sailor’s shoulder with mine. “You’re incredible. I thought I nailed your gift, but now I’m not so sure.”
“Don’t stress about it. I’m certain I’ll love it.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Sailor
“Are we making pottery again?” I ask Jake after he parks on the side street by his mom’s shop.
“Nope.”
“You have me intrigued.”
Like a gentleman, he comes around to help me out of the car. He takes my hand, and we walk to the back of the building, to the far end where a porch light shines down on us. He opens the door, and with a flick of a switch, he lights up a stairwell.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see…” We take the old steps, and at the top, I wait in a small corridor while Jake unlocks another door and steps back for me to enter. “Welcome to our tiny abode.”
“Ours?” Curious, I walk in and let my eyes bounce around the long but narrow room. To my right, there’s a light tan loveseat and a small Christmas tree decorated next to it.
A television is resting on a stand to my left, and straight ahead is a queen-size bed with one nightstand next to it. The ceilings at each end are slanted like you’d find in an attic.
The space is warm and welcoming, but I’m a little nervous since I’m unsure of what’s happening. I turn around to face Jake.
“What did you mean when you said this is our abode?”
Grabbing my waist, he pulls me close and presses his lips against mine for a beat.
“My parents own this apartment. The last tenant moved out, so I rented it for us to stay in when we want to be alone. You can even come here by yourself if you ever need privacy. It’ll be our secret place.”
“You mean you don’t want Elliott to know, yet earlier today you were upset about us keeping a secret from you.”
He rolls his eyes. “OK, wrong choice of words. I don’t mind if he knows about it, but I want this to be our sacred place– somewhere he’ll never be.
“I don’t mind sharing you or living in Elliott’s home. I’m grateful he lets me live there for so cheap, and it’s the reason I can rent this place, too.