Wilted

by Mia Michelle

  “Nik, my boy. What brings you out here?” Mr. Reynolds says, slapping me on my back and bringing me in for a hug. Since my father never showed me affection, this is super awkward for me.

  “I thought we might have a talk if you’re not too busy, that is.”

  “Not at all. I was just taking crossing off some honey do’s from the wife’s list. She’s a real slave driver, ya know?” he teases.

  “Oh, hush up, you!” She slaps him playfully on the arm and he smiles in return. I watch the way he looks back at Kylie’s mom and I see it. Love. It’s exactly how I feel about his daughter.

  “Why don’t you two sit on the front porch, and I’ll bring you some lemonade, Nik.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Thank you.”

  When she returns with the glass, she doesn’t stay. Instead, she leaves the two of us alone.

  I take a sip of the lemonade and play with the design etched in the glass. Any day now, Nik.

  “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it, sir?”

  “First of all, Nik, I told you to please call me Steve. Secondly, I don’t think you came here to discuss the weather. Am I right?”

  I nod and lean forward to put the glass down before I end up dropping it.

  “Relax, Nik, and tell me what’s on your mind?”

  “I guess I don’t know where to begin, really. I mean, Kylie and I have been back together for a while now and well… I feel like I owe you an apology for everything I put you guys through. I know you two were there for Kylie when I was too stupid to see how much I needed her in my life.”

  “Nik, what happened between Kylie and you is none of our business. You don’t owe us anything. She’s our daughter. Of course, we’re going to be there for her.”

  “But I do owe you. I owe you everything, Mr. Reynolds… Steve,” I correct myself. “I love your daughter more than life itself. And by some miracle, she’s forgiven me. I will never be able to get back the time we lost, but I promise you this, I will never hurt her like that again. She’s my everything, and I will never let a day go by that I don’t prove that to her.”

  He smiles knowingly as tears form in his eyes, the same eyes his beautiful daughter has.

  Taking another deep breath, I continue to ask the one question all fathers of little girls dread. “May I have your blessing to ask your daughter to marry me?”

  Watching a strong man struggle to contain his emotion is hard to witness, but at this moment, there is no embarrassment. Instead of an answer, he stands and moves towards me. I stand in return, uncertain of where this is going. With one swift move, he wraps his arm around me and pulls me in for a hug. Unlike all the others, this one feels different.

  “Welcome to the family, son.”

  Son. Maybe it’s the relief and emotion of what just happened, but I give in and allow myself to absorb it all. He’s welcoming me into his family.

  “Just one more thing.” he says, slapping me on the back again.

  “Anything.”

  “Take care of my baby.”

  With the love I feel for his daughter, he never has to worry one moment about that.

  “You have my word, Sir.”

  KYLIE

  Life is so unpredictable. A year ago, I never would have been able to guess that my best friend would be married with a baby on the way, nor that I’d ever say the words I love you to a man. So much has happened in these past twelve months that it makes my head spin. Through everything, I’m not the same girl I once was, and that’s not a bad thing. We grow, we live, and we learn… But most of all, we love.

  Love is the glue that holds life together. Everywhere I look, I see it. Funny how being in love does that to you. I find it in places I never dreamed. Maybe all this time, I’ve been blind. Love is in everything… even hate. Hate is only a scorned love. One has to fully have it, feel it, and lose it to appreciate what it does to you. Love is taking chances and believing in yourself because someone believes in you. Love is why I’m making this call.

  “I appreciate everything you have done for me by allowing me the opportunity to work with you at Telko, but I just don’t think it’s the place for me.”

  “Ms. Reynolds, I assure you, if it is about money, we can match any competitor who may have approached you.”

  “This isn’t about money. It’s about happiness.”

  “You’re giving up a very viable role to change careers. Are you sure this choice makes you happy?”

  “For the first time in a long time, I can honestly say yes. Yes, it does. “

  “Well then, we wish you all the best, Ms. Reynolds.”

  “Thank you, again,” I say, placing my phone back on the counter. I stare at the paint on my arms and hands, and grin at how wonderful this feels. Everything is falling into place and I’m no longer scared of it all crumbling, because true love doesn’t allow for that to happen.

  I take a deep breath, but I shouldn’t be nervous at all. With a gentle pat on my hip, I melt into the glorious god beside me. I look up at him and smile, remembering all too well that my heart belongs only to him. Once again, our names are called, and I turn my attention back to where the shouts are coming from. The thing is, he doesn’t. When I look back up, he’s never taken his eyes off me. That smoldering look has me breathless in front of all of these people. I squeeze my legs together to appease the throbbing of my clit. Fuck, I want him.

  Bright lights flash around us as the paparazzi takes our picture against the media wall at the opening of our new restaurant, Hype, in Dallas. The turnout has been absolutely incredible. Everywhere I look, celebrities of all sorts make their way into the place.

  When Nik told me he had a surprise for me, I certainly didn’t expect this. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw my paintings hanging up in each corner. The moment I laid eyes on this place, I had so many ideas for it. What I couldn’t believe was that Nik remembered every single one. It was as if he’d brought my vision to life, so to speak.

  It broke my heart when he told me how he’d thrown his time, money, and energy into this because it made him feel closer to me after we’d broken up. The place has been ready to open for a while now, but he just couldn’t bring himself to do it without me. It’s why I know fate has worked magic, once again, in our lives. The mistakes we’ve made? We’re stronger now because of them. And tonight, it’s time to celebrate it for the world to see that, no matter what, we’re a team.

  “You’re the fucking sexiest woman I’ve ever seen. Dear God! Your body in that dress is killing me,” he whispers in my ear as he slides his hand down the opening in the back of my halter dress.

  The combination of his touch and words makes me instantly wet. Lucky for him, I’m not wearing anything underneath it. With us, you never know when the need may arise.

  Placing my hand on his chest, I ignore the cameras around us and lean in to speak against his mouth. “Relax, Mr. Thorne. You can tone down the compliments. You’re definitely getting laid tonight,” I reply, placing a tender kiss on his lips. “Oh, and, by the way, I’m not wearing anything underneath this dress.” I return his heated glare.

  Without warning, he grabs my face and deepens the kiss, leaving me breathless and horny as hell.

  “I’m going to take your hand and lead you inside, but we’re not stopping to talk to anyone. We’re going straight to my office. I’m going to fuck you before I lose my goddamn mind.”

  Fucking hell, this man can make me blush! I can’t wait for him to make me come.

  NIKOLAS

  It’s almost three in the morning before everyone finally leaves the restaurant. Kylie’s artwork has gotten tons of notice tonight from our guests. Many tried to purchase the ones on the wall. The thing is, these are personal. They represent us, so they’ll never be for sale. I’ll never forget the look on her face when several commissioned her to paint pieces for them. Smiling, I can’t help but gloat about that. Painting is what she’s meant to do. Seeing her live her dream makes me incredibly happy.

 
After closing up, I find Kylie up on the rooftop level, looking out across the Dallas city lights. Sometimes I like to just stand back and watch her. I try to see the world through her eyes. I wonder what’s going through her mind, how she feels. But, most of all, I stand in complete awe of how this incredible woman has saved every part of me from myself.

  No time has ever felt completely right. No time until now, that is. I can’t let another perfect moment slip by without doing what I should have done months ago. If I had been the man I should have been, we would’ve never lost any time from one another. I will be damned if I ever let that happen again. Sure, we fight from time to time. But the fights we have are over average, silly things. I will confess that, sometimes, it’s fun to just to see her get all worked up over something. After all, making up is more than fun, if you know what I mean.

  Patting my pocket, I smile. If she ever finds out how long I’ve been carrying this ring around, she will freak the fuck out. I ease up, wrap my arms around her, and nibble her bare shoulder. Turning to her to face me, I take her hand into mine and gently kiss it before dropping down to one knee. Her face is priceless. I’ve actually managed the impossible. I’ve rendered her completely speechless.

  “Kylie, all these years, I’ve never believed in love… not until I met you. You blew into my world like a raging storm and knocked me on my ass. Losing you was the darkest time of my life. It made me realize that I can’t live without you. I thank God every day that you’re back in my life. You piss me off and you turn me on, all in the same breath. I want to spend forever listening to that smart mouth of yours. I want to hold your body against mine every night. Your beautiful face is what I want to see when I wake up every morning. You are my life, baby. Kylie Reynolds, will you marry me?”

  “Oh my God! Yes!!” She screams as she tugs me to my feet. I scoop her up and swing her around, kissing her with everything in me. This gorgeous woman has just agreed to marry me. Sliding the ring on, we make it official. I want the world to know. This woman is taken. She is forever mine.

  KYLIE

  There is nothing like being wrapped in these strong arms. Nothing. The way his bare skin feels against mine stirs every possible desire ever known. His familiar scent comforts me as I breathe it in. His warm lips brush across mine, urging me to open my mouth. In one sudden move, he’s shifted his weight so he’s on top of me, his tongue tenderly dancing with mine. My legs fall open for him, and in one gentle thrust, he’s inside of me.

  Slow. We break our kiss and lock eyes. Silence. No words. Our bodies speak what we can never possibly put into words. His hand brushes away my loose waves. The tenderness in his touch is enough to bring tears to my eyes. Slowly he inches out of me, before pressing back inside. Every ridge, every single inch deliciously rakes across my inner walls. When his length fills me, I push down to feel the way he teases my cervix. His balls against my ass make my eyes roll in the back of my head. Our breathing grows heavy as we struggle to hold the feeling inside.

  My hand finds his face, and the large engagement ring twinkles in the morning sunlight. He looks at my hand and smiles knowingly. Again, he pulls out and then tenderly fills me. The emotion in his face is so moving that I can’t help but feel it too. Entwining our hands, he leans down, allowing our tears to blend into one as they flavor our kiss. Our need grows. I hold onto him as his thrusts become harder. Our moans break the silence as the powerful sensation builds. Looking into each other’s eyes, we silently know to let go, our bodies climaxing in perfect unison. All we can do is hold on to one another as our bodies shake in pleasure. Exhausted, we lay panting, unable to move or speak. He turns to look at me, his breathing just as erratic as mine. Taking my hand into his, he kisses my ring and once again slides his fingers between mine.

  We’re two, but we’re one, proving to each other just how powerful making love is when it is with the other half of your soul.

  Looking at my very miserable pregnant, best friend, I smile. Skylar seriously looks stunning in that red dress, even if she waddles now. She’s gone out of her way to make sure everything is perfect for us tonight, and I can never thank her enough. Throwing this event near her due date hasn’t been easy, but she’s more than made it spectacular.

  “Thank you so much for having this party for us!” I say as I tightly hug her. These past months have flown by like a blink of an eye. Just as I thought, her pregnancy has been easy. Baby and momma are looking good, and not to mention, baby’s due any time now.

  “You know you’re welcome. Besides, it meant you had to stay in town and help me plan it.”

  “And I told your ass that I was staying until this baby is born. There’s no way Nik and I are missing our Goddaughter’s birth.”

  I haven’t told her yet that he and I have just bought a house not far from them. We are going to announce it later tonight to everyone as a surprise. My parents don’t even know.

  “I’m so glad Sophie made it.” I smile over in her direction.

  “Me, too. Bless her heart, she’s found herself in quite the predicament. Two men competing for her heart, when only one really has it.”

  “I guess she takes after her big sister, huh?” I joke but watch my friend frown. Surely she knows I’m only joking.

  “Ouch!” Skylar says, grabbing her stomach. “Man, this girl can sure kick.”

  “You sure you’re okay?” I ask concerned. I guess this is another one of those Braxton Hicks contractions her doctor’s mentioned.

  “I’m fine! Remember? The doctor told me yesterday it might be another week or so. Besides, she checked me and I’m not even dilated. See? Look, I’m fine now.”

  Raising my eyebrow, I remain unconvinced of her act. You bet your ass I'm going to be watching her like a hawk tonight.

  “Sebastian! It’s time we make our toast, baby,” she says, waving me off. Pregnant or not, I will gladly whip her ass if she doesn’t watch it.

  “Gather round, everyone!” Sebastian shouts and everyone falls quiet and takes a glass of Cristal from the servers’ trays. Nik and I stand side by side with Sebastian and Skylar on the steps of their patio. Beautiful lights are strung across the yard, connecting to the huge tents where we just had an excellent meal. Yes, my best friend has more than outdone herself on this party tonight.

  “We thank all of you for coming this evening to celebrate the engagement of our family. I say family for a very special reason. Kylie Reynolds has been my best friend since we were little girls. Growing up, she was the wonderful little firecracker who was always so full of life and adventure. Through every twist and turn of my life, she’s been right there, holding my hand. Kyles, I love you just like my sister, and I can never begin to thank you for everything you’ve done for me. When you met Nikolas Thorne, I knew you’d finally met your match. So I want to thank you, Nik, for making her the happiest I’ve ever seen her, and for setting her ass straight. You are our family. We’re so blessed to have you both, not only in our lives, but soon our daughter’s, as well. We love you both so much! Here’s to a lifetime of happiness for the two of you. To Kylie and Nikolas!” The moment she raises her glass, her face goes from a glorious smile to pained. She turns away from the crowd and faces me. The glass drops from her hand as she grabs her stomach.

  “Baby?” Sebastian grabs her by the waist. I grab her hand and she squeezes mine so damn tight, I think my bones are gonna crack. “Breathe, baby. Is it another contraction?”

  She nods and breathes through the pain.

  “Another? Why didn’t you tell me?” I snap.

  “She didn’t want to ruin tonight for you two. Besides, you know she’s been having those Braxton Hicks contractions for over a week now.”

  Once the contraction is over Skylar smiles at me. “I’m sorry, Kyles. It’s over now. Let’s go cut the cake.”

  “Fuck the cake! We need to get your ass to the hospital.”

  “I’m fine, Kylie. I’ve been having these on and off all day. They’d just send me home if I went. They a
ren’t even regular. We’ve been timing them.”

  “Let’s at least get you inside so you can sit down and rest,” I demand, pulling her up the steps. Sebastian opens the door and I walk her into the living room.

  “I’ll go get you a blanket, babe. Nik, go grab her a water please.”

  “I told you I’m fine—,”

  The sudden gush of fluid splatters across the floor and drenches my favorite shoes.

  “Fucking hell! Sebastian! Nik! Get your asses back in here!”

  “What is it?” Nik asks as a frantic Sebastian comes running behind him.

  When they see the puddle, I watch the panic go through them. Jesus! Can men not handle anything?

  “Nik, go pull our vehicle around. Sophie, go grab her bag. It’s in the hallway closet. Sebastian, go call her doctor and tell her we’re on our way.”

  On my orders, everyone scatters and I help Skylar sit down.

  “Everything’s ruined,” she says, hanging her head.

  “Ruined? Are you fucking kidding? Everything is absolutely perfect! I get to meet my Goddaughter today.”

  The French doors open and my mom walks in from outside.

  “Honey, your dad’s entertaining everyone. Is everything all right?” she asks concerned.

  “I’m fine, Ms. Reynolds. Just looks like our daughter’s wanting to make a dramatic entrance into the world.” Skylar gives my mom a pained smile.

  “Oh, how wonderful!” Mom smiles. “Why don’t I run upstairs and get you something to change into? You won’t be comfortable at the hospital in that dress.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Reynolds.”

  Sophie returns with the overnight bag and sets it on the floor beside her sister.

  “I can’t believe I’m going to be an aunt!” She smiles, taking Skylar’s hand.

  “Oh God, here comes another one!” Skylar bends over in pain.

  “Breathe, Sis!”

  “Really? How long does it take to pull a fucking car around?” I snap as I stand to go look for Nik.