“Are you sure Jase is here?” Salem looks around at the dark, empty apartment.
“Where else would he be? All he does is attend meetings and chill out here.”
“True, maybe you two should spend a little more time together,” Salem encourages.
“Yeah, you’re probably right,” I kiss her cheek. I’ve been so wrapped up with work and Salem, I’ve forgotten to spend some quality time with my little brother. “I think I’m gonna start takin’ him to the gym with me a couple nights a week. Get his ass into shape.”
“That’s a great idea. I’m sure he’d love that.”
“Jase, don’t tell me you’re sleepin’ already!” I say loudly, as I walk to his bedroom door and push it open. I look around his room; the bed is made and looks like it hasn’t been slept in, but the rest of the room is completely torn apart, with his dresser drawers hanging open and clothes scattered all about. “Salem!” I shout.
“What’s the matter?” she questions as she comes rushing into Jase’s room. “Oh my God, what happened in here? Did someone break in?”
“I don’t know, but I want you to stay with me.” I raise my voice, just in case there is someone still in my apartment, “If there’s someone still in here, they’re gonna have to get through me to get to you! Give me your hand, Say.” Squeezing her hand tightly, I cautiously lead her out of Jase’s room.
“I think we should call the police,” she whispers.
“Shhh…” Kicking my bedroom door open with my foot, I flip on the light switch. My room looks identical to Jase’s; it’s torn up.
“Is there anything missing?”
“I’m not sure,” I inspect my room quickly.
“What do you think they were looking for?” Salem asks.
“Beats the hell outta me. Neither one of us has a pot to piss in.”
Salem pulls her phone out of her purse, “I’m calling the police.”
About an hour and forty-five minutes later, I plop down on the couch. “Well, that was a complete waste of time.”
Salem takes a seat next to me and frowns. “Gabriel, don’t say that.”
“What?”
“It wasn’t a waste of time. We learned there’ve been some break-ins in your building and in your neighborhood over the past few weeks. The officers took your statement and said if you see anyone suspicious, to call them immediately. We wouldn’t have known to keep an eye out otherwise.”
“Yeah, well, it would’ve been helpful if my douchebag of a slumlord had alerted the building about the break-ins.”
“And what would you have done?”
“I don’t know, but I certainly don’t want you here alone. Not until they catch whoever is doing this.”
“I think you’re overreacting,” Salem sighs.
“No, I’m not overreacting.” I take both of her hands in mine. “Who the hell knows what kind of animal this person could be. If anything ever happened to you…” I can feel my anger brewing and the tension building at the thought of someone laying a hand on her ever again. “Maybe we should stay at your place tonight.”
“What about Jase?”
“He’s not here.”
“Okay,” Salem agrees, “but I think we should wait for Jase to get home. He can crash on my couch. I don’t like the thought of him staying here alone either.”
“Why don’t I text him and let him know what’s goin’ on. He’s probably hangin’ out with his sponsor or one of the other guys from his meetings. Sometimes they go out for coffee.”
Me – Hey bro, our apartment got broken into. The cops have been here and took a report. It doesn’t look like anything’s missing. I’m gonna crash at Salem’s tonight. Make sure you lock the door when you get home. And if you hear or see anyone suspicious, call the cops! I’ll see you tomorrow.
“Okay, I texted him. Now let’s get outta here. That hot tub on your deck is callin’ my name,” I flash her a cheesy smile.
“Really?”
“Yes, really,” I pull her into me. “I can’t wait to see you in that tiny white bikini.”
She pulls back a little and looks at me suspiciously. “How do you know I have a white bikini?”
I shrug and answer, “’Cause I went through your underwear drawer.”
“Gabriel!”
“What?” I chuckle.
She just smiles and shakes her head like an exasperated mother. “You. You’re too much.”
“I wanted to make sure you weren’t holdin’ out on me,” I tease with a wink.
“Say! Come out here, the water’s perfect!” I yell to her through the open sliding glass door.
“Keep your pants on. I’ll be right there,” she responds as she passes by the doorway.
Reappearing, she then takes a step back when I say, “Too late, my pants are off already.”
She laughs. “Please tell me you’re kidding.”
“Take a look for yourself,” I point over to the chair that my bathing suit is on.
“Gabriel Vega,” she shakes her head again, “what am I gonna do with you?”
“I can think of several things, but I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.” I try to look innocent, but I’m sure I’ve missed the mark based on the look she’s giving me.
She mutters, “I doubt that,” under her breath, rolls her eyes playfully, and walks away.
Ever since the night that Blaine attacked her, I’ve taken things very slowly with Salem. I’ve kept my distance and let her dictate how far she wants to take things sexually. I’m not gonna lie and say it’s been easy; there’ve been many nights that I’ve gone to bed with the worst case of blue balls, but I’m willing to wait for her. Even if she needs a year, I’ll wait. She means more to me than just sex.
“Hurry up!” I bellow after her.
“How about a little champagne and strawberries?” She finally walks out onto the deck carrying a tray with a bowl of ripe strawberries, a bottle of champagne, and two glasses on it.
“Champagne and strawberries? Are we celebrating something?” My heart sinks at the idea that I may have missed a milestone in our relationship, but I can’t think of anything.
“No, we’re not celebrating anything. I just thought it’d be a nice treat.”
“Mmmm… I have a nice treat standing in front of me.”
She casts me a look over her shoulder after she sets the tray down. “Well, if you don’t mind, I’m going to enjoy a glass of champagne.” Taking a long slow sip, she closes her eyes for a mere second. “Mmmm, it’s so refreshing. Would you like one?”
Licking my lips, I respond, “Yes, yes I would.” She sheds her cover-up to reveal a barely-there bathing suit. I’m not even sure it can be classified as a bathing suit, being just a few scraps of material. “Do you wear that in public?”
“Yes, I wear it in public,” she retorts, in complete awe of my shock. Glancing down at herself, she arches her back and pushes her tits out. “What’s wrong with it?” She gives me a seductive smirk and fiddles with one of the ties that’s keeping the tiny bottom sections held together. She’s fuckin’ torturing me. Tonight, I’m gonna have to take matters into my own hands again, literally.
My cock grows hard and my eyes remain glued on her as she slinks her way back over to the table where she set down the tray a couple of minutes ago. I’m captivated, staring intently at her as she pours me a glass of champagne and then drops a strawberry into the glass. She turns toward me, smiling sweetly, and hands me the glass. “Here you go.”
Rising to my feet, I take the glass and growl, “You better get that sweet ass in this hot tub, now.”
“You know we’re not alone,” she looks down at my naked body and then back into the condo. “Daniela and Jocelyn are both inside.”
“I’m fully aware of that.” I down the glass of champagne and set it on the side of the hot tub. I don’t care who’s here; I need to be inside you as soon as possible. God, please let her be ready tonight.
“You forgot your strawberry
.”
I scoop the strawberry out of the champagne glass and take a small bite, then I turn and feed the rest to her. “Mmmm, it’s so good,” she exaggerates as strawberry juice drips down her chin and her eyes roll in appreciation.
Motioning to her chin, I stammer, “You… you got a little somethin’…”
She leans in close to me. “Do you mind getting it for me?”
My breathing becomes heavier the closer I get, and instead of using my hand to wipe it off, I softly suck her chin. “Mmmm… it is good.”
Salem lets out a soft giggle.
“Okay, no more distractions. I need you.” The fact of the matter is, I do need her; it’s not just a want anymore. My body aches for her when she’s not by my side. When I’m with her, I’m whole, with no more feelings of loneliness or wondering if I’ll ever find love like Jimmy and Patsy did; I’ve finally found it. My love, my one, is the caring and beautiful woman who stands before me, and I need her more than I need my next breath. I extend a trembling hand to help her into the hot tub.
She notices the tremor and asks, “Gabriel, are you cold?”
“No.”
“Your hands, they’re shaking.”
“I’m fine, Salem, please…” I urge her to join me.
She carefully steps into the water, and my body immediately envelops hers. “Your whole body is shaking, Gabriel.” She pushes back a little, her eyes scanning my face, trying to read me.
I glance at my empty champagne glass, wishing I hadn’t chugged it. “I’m fine, really.” I swallow hard, trying to force down the large pit that has formed in my throat.
“No, you’re freezing,” she pulls me down into the water so that our bodies are immersed in its bubbling, liquid warmth.
Looking into her beautiful eyes, I whisper, “I’m not cold.”
“Then, why are you shaking?” She caresses my face tenderly.
My eyes cast away bashfully. “It’s you, Salem. You do this to me.”
“Gabriel, you don’t…”
“Will you let me finish?” I can’t help but smile at her. “Jesus, just like a lawyer, always wanting to have the last word.” I let out a shaky breath and prepare to lay myself bare. “I’m not sure what I did in my life to deserve you, I’m still not convinced that I do, but every day I pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”
“I’m…” my hand covers her mouth, muffling her words as I stare her down.
“I love you, Salem Harris. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anything in my lifetime. My heart beats for you, my body aches for you, and my soul would die without you. You are as important to my survival as the next breath I take. You’re the one, Salem, you… are… my one. What do you have to say about that?” My stomach immediately turns upside down at the admission of my true feelings for her. I’m on edge, waiting to hear her response to my confession.
Her eyes begin to swim with tears and her chin quivers. “Gabriel,” is all she gets out before her lips claim mine. My eyes remain open and my heart feels like it’s going to burst out of my chest as she kisses me. I feel light-headed as she draws me in closer, wrapping her legs around my waist, and pressing my cock between us. She breaks the kiss and looks into my eyes, and I know she feels the same. “I love you, too,” she sobs. Then, tilting her head in toward mine until our foreheads touch, she exhales, “Make love to me, Gabriel.”
I pull my head back to get a better look at her. “Are you sure?”
She gives me a sad smile, understanding my hesitation. “Yes, I’m sure.”
“You don’t have to do this, Say. I already told you that I’ll wait forever if you need it.”
“I know you did. I also know how hard these past few months have been on you.”
“It’s fine.”
“It’s been hard on me too, you know. There’ve been so many nights when I wanted to make love to you, to please you, but something always held me back. And I’m so grateful to you for giving me the time I needed to heal.” She slips from my hold and disappears under the water from the neck down. Her bikini top comes floating to the surface, and then a moment later, her bottoms find their way up.
Her arms make their way around my neck and she settles back onto my lap. “I’m so ready, Gabriel.” The head of my cock gently grazes her clit and her body jolts.
Holy fuck, that was like a bolt of lightning straight through me, too. I groan, “There’s so much I wanna do to you right now.”
“I’m all yours, Gabriel,” she moans. Rolling back her head, her breasts bob in the water as her nipples rub up against my chest, and her hips gyrate against mine below the water.
“Are you sure you wanna do this out here?”
“Yes,” she whispers, her eyes wide and vulnerable.
“What about a condom?”
Slowly, she shakes her head, “I want all of you tonight, Gabriel.”
“Christ, you’re so fuckin’ beautiful.” I brush the hair out of her face saying, “Don’t hide from me. I wanna see you when you come unhinged.” I reach down between us and guide my cock to her center. The water makes things a little more difficult; her natural lubrication isn’t there, and she flinches as I try to work my way in. “Am I hurting you?” She feels so good. This is our first time not using a condom, and I can definitely say I won’t be lasting long at this rate. Every pull and tug is intensified without that sheer lining of protection. I’m kicking myself for waiting this long, but I’m also concerned for her.
“No, it’s a good hurt.” Moving her hips in a circular motion, she assists in my quest to fill her. “Aaahhh, that’s better.”
I let out a gasp, “Salem?”
“Yes?”
“Have you ever used these jets for anything besides massaging your back?”
“What?”
“Here, let me show you what I mean.” Lifting her off of me, I quickly spin her around to face the wall of the hot tub.
“Gabriel, what in the world?”
“Have I ever led you astray before?”
She shakes her head.
“Then I need you to trust me. You’re gonna love it, I promise.”
She reluctantly gives in to me. As we close in on the side of the hot tub, my hand searches for a jet that’s shooting out water. “Kneel up on the seat with your back to me.” Her body stiffens at my words, but she goes along with it. “I’d never do anything to hurt you, Salem.” I kiss her shoulder reassuringly. My hand finds its way in-between her legs and begins to tease her clit. She lets out a deep sigh, and her body relaxes into mine, her head resting back onto my shoulder.
My body pushes against hers, guiding her closer to the jet. “Put your pussy up to the jet,” I urge her.
“Gabriel,” her hands are holding onto the side of the hot tub, preventing me from nudging her any closer.
“Say, please try it for me? If you don’t like it, you can stop.” Letting go of the side, she’s now flush up against the fiberglass. I reach around and massage her thighs, slowly making my way toward the insides. With splayed hands, I spread her legs so that I can tease her core while my eager cock is pressed against her ass. As she begins to pant, I make a small adjustment to make sure the jet stream of water hits her in just the right spot.
Salem lets out a squeal and her entire body jumps when the water hits its target.
“Are you okay? Does it hurt?”
“Ah, no, it definitely doesn’t hurt. The pressure just startled me.”
Running my tongue along her shoulder, making my way up her neck, and finally to her ear I coax, “Just relax.” I breathe heavily, trying to control myself and not take her fast and hard. I want this to be gentle and slow and all about her. I want her to feel safe and protected. I want her to know how much I love and worship her.
My hands leave her core and let the water do all the work. Her body stiffens up against mine and she rolls her hips as she moans. Christ, she’s building already. I’m so ready to join her when she finally reaches the top. Reaching d
own, I guide my cock back to where it belongs, the warm, wondrous channel between her legs.
Turning her head toward mine, she mewls, “I love you,” as we kiss.
“God, I never get sick of hearin’ you say that.” There’s a hint of vulnerability in my voice; I’m scared, but hold nothing back. My hips pump slowly, while my cock enjoys the feeling of her warm, wet core gripping me tightly.
“I’m so close, Gabriel,” she gasps out. Then she reaches around to clutch my ass with both her hands, digging her nails into my flesh.
“Don’t wait for me; give in,” I pant in her ear. “I wanna feel you coming on me, your pussy latching on hard and tight.”
“Oh God!” she cries out and shudders, her head falling forward as she grabs onto the side of the hot tub for balance.
Leaning my body over hers, my thrusts become quicker and harder. I feel a twinge in my balls as they tighten in warning of my impending release. “Salem,” I cry out. “Aaahhh, it feels so fuckin’ good.” My head begins to spin from the heat of the water and the pleasure blazing through my entire body. Her moist depths steadily grip and release my cock, milking me as I empty myself into her.
Carefully, I pull out and take the seat next to her. “Jesus, woman, you’re gonna be the death of me,” my head falls back onto the built-in headrest as I try to catch my breath.
She makes her way back onto my lap. “I certainly don’t want to be the death of you. But, I don’t want anyone else having you either.”
“That’ll never happen.”
“How do you know? You’ve never been in a relationship before. Maybe you’ll get tired of me.”
My hands capture her face. “Never, Salem.”
“How do you…?”
I plant my lips on hers. “Never, do you hear me? I’m not him. I will never betray you like that.”
“Are you guys just about finished out there?!” Jocelyn yells from the kitchen. “I’d like to get in there sometime tonight.”
Going the Distance Page 23