by D. A. Young
“Take me to bed,” she whispered urgently, and he stood up with her wrapped around him and carried her up the stairs. Their kisses were hurried. She worked his belt buckle loose and unbuttoned his jeans. He bunched her nightgown up around her waist and felt that she had no panties on. At the top of the hallway, he leaned her against the guest bedroom door and freed himself. He slid the tip of his shaft through her slick folds teasing her, and she struggled to catch her breath. God, he loved the noises she made. She fed him teasing kisses, licking and biting at his lips. Holding her in place, he entered her in one thrust, and they sighed at the completeness of being one. Max broke the kiss to look deep into her eyes “I would never hurt you. You know that, don’t you?”
“Yes,” she breathed cupping his face. “God yes, baby, I know that. I trust you so much. I know.”
“Good,” he breathed as he held her by her waist and surged into her again, this time even deeper. Georgina flexed around him as he continued to thrust into her. “Because you are everything to me, Georgina, and I couldn’t stand the thought of you being afraid of me after everything you’ve been through.”
Georgina clenched tighter around him as she started to move up and down on his cock. It was just too good between them, and they couldn’t get enough of each other as he trailed kisses along her jaw and neck. She arched off the door to give him better access, her fingers clenching in his hair tightly. “Nooooo, Max. Never. Oh gawwwd…yesss. You are everything to me as well. Aaaaghh… like that, baby.”
“Shiiit, Georgie. Mmmm…baby, you’re sooo wet. You like that?” He groaned and thrust harder and harder as he felt her pleasure coating his balls, and she moaned long and loud as he quickened his pace. “So you’re not afraid of me? Of us? Tell me, baby.”
“Never this and never us, Max! Uggghhh! Yesss, baby, don’t stop!” she shouted, twisting her head side to side as the pleasure became too unbearable. And because she couldn’t hold it in any longer, Georgina grabbed his face and ravaged his lips with hers as she breathed her truth into him, “I LOVE YOU, MAX! Don’t you know that? I LOVE YOU! Cuuum with me, baby!”
And he did, her admission was his undoing as they soared through the clouds and heaven and earth shifted, becoming one as they came together. Max came and came, emptying himself inside of her, and hoping to leave a piece of himself with her, long after she was gone. “I love you too, Georgina.”
Elation rushed through her, and she gave a tired laugh as he pushed her plastered hair off of her forehead and kissed her damp neck, “Damn straight you do.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Alright, ladies, are we clear on how the routine goes?” Georgina asked as she met the eyes of the Spring Chickens members in the mirror. After receiving affirmative nods from the determined group, she smiled and nodded to Chelsea, who was sitting in the corner of the room, to play the music. “Remember, don’t forget to dip and roll with the beat! Just feel it! I want to see your booties bouncing! Not one of you better be standing still! We’re leaving it all on the floor today!” Beyoncé’s seductive voice filled the room.
Let me hear you say "Hey Ms. Carter" (Hey Ms. Carter)
Say "Hey Ms. Carter" (Hey Ms. Carter)
Give me some!
Georgina let the music flow over her as she moved along with the beat, watching with a grin at how the Spring Chickens didn’t miss a beat. Ida even added a little electric slide to her movements. “I see you puttin’ some stank on it, Ms. Ida!”
See me up in the club with 50 of the girls
Posted in the back with my things on my grill
Brooklyn brim with my eyes sittin' low
Every boy in here with me got that smoke
Every girl in here got to look me up and down
All on Instagram, cake by the pound
“Hey now, Ms. Mabel! Don’t hurt ‘em!” When Nate and Valerie arrived home a week ago, they’d released her of her duties at The Comfort Table, leaving her with free time to spend with Max. Unfortunately, Max went out of town the day after they returned, promising to be back in time for tonight’s party but had left instructions, per their agreement, for her to teach dance classes until he got back. “Get it, Ms. Grace!”
Drop the bass mane the bass get lower
Radio say speed it up I just go slower
High like treble, pumping on them mids
Ya man ain't never seen a booty like this
So the next day she’d pinned a sign-up sheet in town square with the dance classes she’d be offering, and when she came back at noon, it was completely full. The second day of dancing, she was inspired for an idea for Uncle Nate’s party that she discussed with her students, and they eagerly agreed to. So far she’d taught praise dancing, hip-hop, reggaeton, Beyoncé, and Disney dance. The last class of the day was next, and it was her Disney dance. She planned to use Princess Tiana and Queen Elsa as her inspiration today. At first, Georgina was very apprehensive about teaching a class of strangers, but they were so eager to participate and hung on her every word that slowly she started to relax and enjoy herself. By the end of each class, she knew a little something about each person, and no one referred to the incident at King Pinz or Davis Fowler, who’d wisely checked himself into rehab.
Georgina clapped as the music ended; “Great job, ladies! You definitely put me to shame! Will I see you all tonight at Uncle Nate’s party?”
There were enthusiastic yeses in response, and as the older ladies walked out, the little ones ran in, and she was greeted with a chorus of “Hi, Ms. Georgina!”
“Well helloooo, girls! Are we ready to dance and cheer on Tiana’s “Almost There? And to help Elsa “Let It Go”?”
Their shrieks of joy almost burst Georgina’s eardrums. “Okay then. Let me just talk to Ms. Chelsea for a moment, and we’ll get started, ladybugs!”
Chelsea eyed her with a smile as she approached. “Stop eyeballing me, Reyes.”
“I can’t help it. It’s just so weird to see you so…relaxed and…happy,” Chelsea said as she frowned at the revolving door to the entrance of the studio. “Are you collecting peoples’ souls as they pass through the door? Oww!”
“That’s what you get, brat. Now play the music please,” she said, taking a swig of water. “Can you make sure to record this lesson? I want to make copies to give to their parents.”
“You know you’re really good at this?” Chelsea stated, gesturing to the girls who were doing warm-up stretches as she rubbed her injured pinky. “You ever think about staying? Everyone with the exception of “Davis the Dick” and “Farah the Floozy” loves you, and whether you’ll admit or not, you are as community-orientated as your family.”
Georgina wouldn’t admit it aloud, but she really did like it in Baymoor this time around. As a child, she felt confused by Ingrid’s treatment, rejection, and abandonment of her. Then under different circumstances, Eliza and Graham left her as well, and she just felt misplaced. When she finally felt secure enough to open up and started making friends, Ingrid showed up and ruined it for her again. For years, malicious whispered gossip-plagued her, but she never told her aunt and uncle about the things kids would say after what happened with Darlene Myers. Only one person knew that her senior prom date, Kendrick Tollwell, had expected her to put out like Ingrid, and when she’d refused, he attempted to take regardless of her firm rejection.
“You’re gonna give it up, bitch! Quit trying to act innocent; we all know you’re a whore just like your mother. Come on, ho, spread your legs!” The round, brown face that she’d thought was so cute and harmless as he Eddie Haskell’ed her aunt and uncle was twisted with anger as she fought him. “Bitch, I spent money on you tonight! You’re definitely gonna give me some ass!”
He’d ripped the bodice of her dress and pawed at her like an animal until she punched him in the throat and slammed his face on the steering wheel. Then she ran all the way home, struggling to hold it together, before going inside. Luckily Nate and Valerie were still at the café. Before
cleaning herself up, she needed to make a call. With shaking hands, she dialed the familiar number.
“Hello?” the voice on the other end said. There was silence as Georgina struggled to speak. “Georgina, is that you? Talk to me, Bella!”
“D-D-Davey!” Her voice caught on a sob. “I-I need you, please!”
While it was true she was upset about what had happened, it was her rage that had her shaking and sobbing uncontrollably.
“Georgina! Tell me what has happened…”
Two days later Kendrick disappeared while hiking with friends. He was found hours later after it was discovered he’d lost his footing and fallen down a ravine. He survived the fall, but lost his phone and both of his arms and jaw were broken, which was why he was unable to call for help. Authorities were puzzled by the extent of his injuries, but he remained adamant that was how he received them. His family moved shortly after he fully recovered.
“Mmmm,” was all she said to Chelsea’s comment. “Okay, please play the music.”
The song came on, and Georgina found herself singing her heart out along with Tiana as the little girls danced along with her.
Mama! I don't have time for dancing!
That's just gonna have to wait a while
Ain't got time for messing around
And it's not my style
This old town can slow you down
People taking the easy way
But I know exactly where I'm going
Getting closer and closer every day
And I'm almost there, I'm almost there
Sure Chelsea and her family would be glad to have her back, but there was one person she’d yet to discuss anything with. Max. Although she and Max had declared their love for each other, they’d yet to say it since. Despite the declarations, love hadn’t been part of their month-long agreement. And neither had “Typhoon Ingrid”.
***
The celebratory party for Nate Banks was supposed to be held indoors, but thanks to the beautiful weather Baymoor was experiencing, the location was moved to the town square. In the late afternoon light, string lights threaded amongst the trees twinkled, and a stage with a live band was set up. Tables were set up, and people had brought their own lawn chairs out to enjoy the event as they paid their respects to Nate who sat at the head table with Valerie, Mayor Gibbons, and his wife, Theresa. Local food trucks pitched in to help Raymond and his crew as they whipped out small bites, including short rib ragu over cheddar polenta, mini chicken tacos, blackberry ricotta pizza, cajun shrimp guacamole bites, and spring pea & prosciutto crostinis that were quickly consumed. For desserts, there were snow cones, frozen yogurt, and cotton candy vendors.
Max walked through the square, exchanging greetings as he searched for his woman. Man, he’d missed her more than the comfort of sleeping in his own bed, but he’d definitely gotten a lot accomplished on his trip, and things were progressing as he hoped. Jack Sullivan had called him today and let him know he’d spoken with Georgina and liked her vision for her company, but she was concerned about the cost.
“Max, normally I wouldn’t get into something between a man and his woman, but why doesn’t Georgina know that she doesn’t have to worry about costs?” Jack asked curiously.
“Because we haven’t had that discussion yet. Don’t worry about it, I’ll be having that talk with her later this evening,” Max replied confidently and Jack laughed.
“I would love to be a fly on that wall! Somethin’ tells me she’s not gonna take it as sweet and graciously as you planned,” Jack whistled.
“It’d shock the hell out of me if she did,” Max said wryly. “Regardless, spare no expense on her. She gets everything she wants, understood?”
“You got it, brother,” Jack agreed in amusement.
He stopped by Nate’s table and said his hellos. They asked him how his trip went, and he engaged in light conversation even as his eyes kept moving. Where was she?
“Was there something or someone you were looking for, Max? You seem preoccupied,” Valerie teased, and Nate chuckled knowingly as the mayor and his wife excused themselves to mingle.
Max smiled. “As a matter of fact, I’m looking for my woman. Would the two of you be so kind as to tell me where she is?”
Nate gave him a leveled gaze. “Did you get everything squared away?
“Yes, sir,” Max said, and their silent communication spoke more than actual words could, and Nate seemed satisfied as he went back to teasing Max.
“Oh, so she’s your woman now?” Nate challenged with a smirk. “Does she know she’s your woman, and how far exactly are you planning to go with that title? Until the end of her visit or something more permanent?”
Max met his gaze, “The title alone should give you your answer. But as her parents,” he looked at Valerie, and her happy smile was a little bit wobbly as she clasped hands with her husband. “You should know that’s my end game. I want to give you and my parents lots of grandbabies, which of course means lots of practice-”
“By the cotton candy stand with Wade and Jackie,” Nate interrupted with a growl as Valerie leaned her head on his shoulder with a laugh.
With a smug smile at him, Max tipped his Stetson at Valerie and walked away, but not before he heard Valerie’s overjoyed exclamation, “Can you imagine, Nate? More grandbabies!”
***
Georgina was regaling Wade and Jackie with stories of touring with El Sol & Le Moon when she felt him behind her. Max slipped his arm around her and dropped a kiss on her bare shoulder, and she turned to place a kiss on his bearded cheek, inhaling his sexy scent. “Welcome home, baby.”
“Yeah, baby, welcome home,” Wade mocked, grinning as Max gave him the finger discreetly, causing the other man to blow kisses at him, as Georgina and Jackie shook their heads at their antics. “Didn’t think you’d make it back in time. Everything go okay?”
Max met his eyes and saw the concern in them. As one of his closest friends, Max had confided in Wade. “Yeah, everything is fine. Of course, I planned on making it back today. Wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”
“Well alright then, dude. We’re going to head to Leo’s when we’re done here. You two wanna hang?” Jackie asked.
“No thanks,” Georgina and Max replied quickly and looked at each other. Their attraction was a raging fire that would not be controlled, and they could not wait to be alone.
“OMG, you two were so meant for each other,” Wade teased. “Later, guys.”
They hadn’t taken four steps, before Georgina was spun around in Max’s arms, and rising up to meet his seeking lips. “I better not get a report of indecent exposure on you two.”
“Bite me,” Max taunted him before his lips covered Georgina’s. Aware of their audience, he kept the kiss brief, with the promise of more to come as he bit her lip. “I missed you, love.”
“You sure have a funny way of showing it. No calls or emails,” she said as she caressed his jaw, the soft hair of his beard tickling her palm. Although peeved about the lack of communication, she hadn’t really dwelled on it so much, because of the great time she was having with her friends and family. “But because you’re so cute, I forgive you.
“I’m sorry, Georgie, but it couldn’t be helped for most of the trip,” Max said apologetically as looked down at her in her form-fitting, chartreuse tube dress and matching sandals, with her bangs falling into her eyes. “You are definitely a sight for sore eyes. How are the dance classes going?”
“Oh you’ll see,” she replied mysteriously. “Did you get everything squared away with the animal hospital?”
Max’s face closed up. “I did. I interviewed Davis’s partner, Dr. Greg Ashton, but I don’t feel comfortable with Fowler anywhere in the picture. So I pulled my business from the Baymoor Animal Hospital and will have a vet flown in. I truly hate to do that, but it’s necessary.”
Georgina averted her eyes, feeling horrible because she was the cause of the hospital losing out on revenue, which cou
ld possibly lead to layoffs. Sensing her guilt, Max captured her chin and forced her to look at him. He could see the worry in her face as her brow furrowed and she bit her lip...
“Georgina, I did offer the hospital a compromise: find me another vet, and the revenue stays, but only if they get rid of Fowler. Trust me, after what I found out about him, they will choose to do what is right,” Max said cryptically.
Before she could ask him to elaborate, the mayor stepped up to the podium, and it was time for the dedication part of the ceremony. There was a speech listing all of Nate’s accomplishments, a slide show of him performing community duties, and then to thunderous applause, he was called up and presented with the key to the “city”.