by K Larsen
“Congratulations, Laney!”
My body goes stiff realizing that everyone is standing outside of our window, not having watched--thank god the curtains were closed--but listening! Jake’s ribs shake before an audible laugh escapes him. “Oh my goddd,” I groan and bury my face in his chest. He rolls to his side and pulls me into him, pushing my overgrown bangs out of my face.
“At least they’re cheering,” he jokes. “Can you imagine if they had booed?” I can't help but laugh at his words. We both have a good chuckle before calming down.
He’s lazily dragging his fingertips up and down the length of my body, making me shudder every now and then. I pull his gorgeous face into mine and kiss him with everything I’ve got left in me before we start again. This time is unrushed, slow and sweet and exploratory. By the time we’ve finished, it’s late and we’re both spent. He pulls me close in his arms, letting me settle my head in the crook of his arm. I’m delirious with contentment and fully sated as he whispers, “Sleep, Laney.” I close my eyes and listen to his heartbeat. I lay awake listening until his breathing is steady and slow and I think he’s asleep. “I love you,” I whisper. His breath hitches.
I let my guard down in a momentary lapse of emotion, it just slipped out and now we both know my heart can be broken. “Laney,” he whispers. I panic and do the only thing I can think of. I pretend to be fast asleep like a coward. I don’t know what the hell he thinks but after waiting a moment and getting no response from me, he pulls me even tighter into him.
Jake
She whispered it so quietly that I’m not sure I really heard it. I call her name but if she’s awake she doesn't let on. I pull her impossibly closer to me instead of saying it back because I’m gutless. It was clear from the look in her eyes as we made love that she felt it, but to hear her say it threw me off. She settles into my embrace as her breathing slows. The moonlight streaming through the crack in the curtain barely lights up her face. She’s beautiful. Her mouth forms a perfect pouty “o” while she sleeps. Stray pieces of silky hair frame her face, making her look so innocent as her warm body presses into mine. I stare at her perfect sleeping figure tangled around me and my chest tightens and swells. I’m surrounded and captured by the armies of her heart.
A warm hand slides across my stomach as soft lips press into mine. Laney. My sleep-heavy eyes open slowly.
“Morning,” she murmurs between kisses. I wrap my arms around her, crushing her to my chest.
“Mmmm, morning.”
She throws a leg over my lap and looks up at me through long black lashes. Need.
My hand drifts to her hips, helping her shift onto my lap. Her nails drag down my torso and I’m instantly awake and hard. She slips me into her easily and sets a slow grinding pace. My fingers dig into her hips, moving her a little faster. Her full breasts sway and bounce. I angle my hips up to get deeper, making her whimper. The sounds she makes are so hot. Need drives me. I sit up, never breaking our connection and scoot to us to the edge of the bed. I secure her to me, stand up, turn, and set her back on the bed. Grabbing her calves, I place them on my shoulders and kiss her ankle before I pull out to tip and drive back in. She gasps and her hips buck wildly. I lean forward, hoping that she’s flexible enough to fold this much and pin her wrists above her head. I thrust in and out, gaining momentum. “Shit, Jake!” she gasps as I speed up. Her eyes never leave mine. Her body trembles under me and I can feel her clench around my cock. Her eyes though, her eyes tell me everything I need to know. I have her completely pinned. This isn't sweet and slow, it’s aggressive and almost rough but her eyes tell me she trusts me. That she’ll let me take her however I want.
I stand, pulling her wrists up as I go. She wraps her arms around my neck as I grab her ass and pick her up. She’s bouncing up and down hard on me as I stumble three steps and slam her back against the wall. “Don't stop. Please don't stop,” she begs as I continue to pound into her. My fingers are digging into her ass and her fingernails bite into my shoulders. Her thighs squeeze my hips and shake as her head slams back against the wall and she screams my name. It sounds so good coming from her. I love watching the way her lips move when she says it. I drive into her twice more before a grunt escapes me and I come.
I lean into her, pressed against the wall, forehead on her chest, panting. She pulls my head up and kisses me with such passion that my cock throbs and jerks inside her and her breath hitches. I carry her back to bed where we lay silently and her fingers explore my body lightly and lazily. “You drive me wild,” she says quietly as the tips of her fingers trail over the ridges of my abdomen.
“I know the feeling,” I say as I tilt her chin up so I can see her face. Her eyes are heated and I want nothing more than to spend an entire week in bed with her learning all the things that will make her scream my name.
“I can hear people up, we should probably go join them,” she laments.
“Do we have too?” I tease. She brushes a whisper of a kiss on me, leaving a trail of fire on my lips before she rolls off the bed and digs in her bag for something to wear.
Delaney
“Well good morning, nymphos,” Molly giggles at us as we emerge at the top of the stairs together.
“Food,” Jake mumbles, causing everyone to laugh.
The smell of bacon, eggs, and home fries makes my stomach growl. Ellie is manning the stove and everyone's getting ready to feast on breakfast. I plop down into a chair and sigh. Jake moves beside me, setting a mug of coffee in front of me and sits. I can't help it. I grin like a fool at the mug. He blew my mind in the bedroom and now he’s made me a cup of coffee to boot. Sometimes, it’s the little things in life.
“Thanks,” I tell him. He throws an arm around me in response.
“Gag!” Ginny feigns disgust at Jake and me. I chuckle at her.
“Don't hate, Ginny,” I laugh.
“Yeah, yeah...” she relents.
“So what’s the plan today?” Ryan asks.
“Sun, sun, and swimming!” Molly excites.
We all eat Ellie’s delicious breakfast together before taking turns showering for the day. It’s another gorgeous day out and I’m all smiles. I tan, I swim, I read, and all the while Jake stays happily at my side enjoying the day with me, touching and kissing me like he can't get enough. By the time late afternoon rolls around, we’re all packing up and piling in our cars to head home. I give hugs and thanks to the girls before hopping in the truck. Jake closes my door and climbs into his seat. Before I can buckle, a strong arm reaches across my lap and slides me left.
“Sit with me.” He grins at me. I buckle the middle belt around me and snuggle into the comfort of his right side. He puts on the radio, selecting a country station, and we goofily sing together. The short drive home flies by and as we pull into the driveway I’m consumed by the feeling of loss again. I tilt my head up to watch Jake as he parks the truck. When he looks to me, heat flares low in my belly. I feel like an addict. “You probably have to get home, huh?” I say quietly. He holds my gaze for a moment.
“I start a new job early tomorrow but I can come in for a bit if you want.”
“I want.” I jump at the chance to have a little more time with him. He chuckles and amusement dances in his eyes.
“What will we do though?” he asks.
“We can move my bed into my room and use it,” I say as seriously as I can muster.
We don't end up moving my bed to the newly finished room but we do christen my living room and then snuggle on the couch together and watch movie. It’s nearing midnight by the time he forces himself to leave.
“I don't pick up Claire for another four days,” I inform him.
“I’ll call you when I’m done for the day then,” he grins.
“Okay.” I sound breathless and lustful. It’s ridiculous. I’m a grown woman for Christ’s sake.
“Night, Laney.”
“Night.”
He bends down and brushes a kiss on my lips that leaves me
desperate for more. I watch from the window as he folds into the truck and pulls out the drive.
Sighing I shoot a quick text to my sister.:
I’m so fucked.
Why? What's up
Jakes stolen the heart right out of my chest
You did it?!!!
Yup. But what’s that got to do with my heart?
Everything! You never do it unless your hearts involved.
I guess.
Shut up you sissy and enjoy it.
* * * * *
I can’t resist checking in with Laney so I type out a quick text message to her.
Hey babe, on my way home.
Available to play?
Hmmmmm
Hey!
Yup. Come over.
Leaving now.
Ha ha
Jake
“What have you done to me? You’re like crack,” she laughs. We’re both tangled in each other’s arms, spent from screwing. I love her laugh. Her eyes sparkle.
“Me?” I ask. She smacks my chest playfully.
“Yeah you.” We lay together, enjoying the moment for a bit.
“Can I ask you a question?” she asks.
“Of course,” I tell her. She props herself up on her elbows to face me, opens her mouth, then closes it, hesitating.
“Where do we stand? I mean, is this casual or, well, see, I don't introduce Claire to people I date unless it’s serious, but I get that’s all assbackwards with us because you’ve already met her, but I don't want you to spend time with us together if you aren't…well, I mean I have a child and can't have people coming and goi....”
“Laney!” I cut her off. She looks down, biting her bottom lip. She’s the most adorable rambler I’ve ever met. “I know we’ve only been on a few dates, but it’s not casual. We’ve seen each other almost daily for a month now.” The tension in her shoulders releases with her breath.
“Yeah?” she smirks. She’s so damn sexy. “I’m mean, you’re sure? Because I mean I know a kid in the mix can totally scare a guy off.”
“Laney, please.” I brush her hair away from her face. “I’m thirty-six. I can handle the idea of a child...especially if said child comes with a MILF like you.”
She busts out laughing at me. I’d be a fool to let her get away from me. She’s everything I’ve been looking for: sweet, kind, funny, adorable, sexy, generous, and totally goofy. I crunch up and take her mouth. Every time, her lips are so soft and warm and full and I want them whenever I see them.
We eventually get up and find our way to the kitchen. Laney makes the most amazing casserole for dinner. I ask her to stay the night with me. I know she’s not a morning person and I leave early for work but it really didn't take much convincing to get her agree to stay. We don't get much sleep. We’re both too busy exploring each other’s bodies. Last I looked at the clock it was one in the morning.
The alarm startles me awake and I’m tempted to slap it into submission, permanently silencing it. Laney is soft and warm molded against me and I need another four hours of sleep at least to feel rested. I maneuver out of bed, careful not to wake her. I pad to the kitchen, start the coffee maker, and hop in the shower. By the time I’m ready to leave, Laney is still fast asleep in my bed and watching her I realize that I like the sight of her there, in my bed, mine. I shake the thought from my head, write a quick note, place it on the nightstand next to her, and head to work.
Delaney
I wake up and glance at the clock. Nine thirty-seven. Jake must have left hours ago. I roll over and toss my legs over the side of his bed. A note sits on the nightstand. I reach out and grab it, smiling stupidly.
Laney,
Didn't want to wake you.
Make yourself at home.
I like seeing you in my bed.
xx
J
He’s just so damned thoughtful and charming and open and honest and Jesus the list is never ending. I’m not prepared to be swept off my feet but at this point I don't have much choice in the matter.
I take my time showering and getting ready. The house smells like him, musky and masculine. I wander around a bit looking at the few pictures he has around. Mostly him and Owen or him and his Uncle. He’s really quite neat and orderly. My usual nagging inner voice is warning me that all that glitters isn't gold. It’s always trying to protect my heart to make me doubt my feelings and keep a part of myself closed off, one foot out the door so to speak, in preparation for heartbreak. If I don't give them all of my heart, they can't really break it and I don't have to endure the crushing grief I felt once before ever again. I shove the voice way down, vowing that Jake is worth it and I will go balls-to-the-wall this time. I will allow myself to be reckless with my heart this time.
As I walk through the door I shoot Jake a message to let him know I’m home finally.
Home.
It’s eleven !
SO?
Just jealous you got to sleep
Awww...
Har har
I can let you sleep tonight
Hell no.
My place or yours?
Delaney
My birthday is today! I am an avid birthday lover. I don't give a crap that I’m a year older, all I give a crap about is that I get to celebrate me. This morning started off perfectly. Jake and Claire let me sleep in late and then made me breakfast in bed and it was delicious! Following a lazy morning together, we decided to go see a kid-friendly matinee. I’ve been in seventh heaven so far.
“Open it, Mom!” Claire squeals at me. I take the wrapped gift from her little hands and start tearing the paper open.
“Oh babe it’s perfect!” I exclaim as I hold up the hand painted beaded necklace she made me. “I love it.”
She beams at me with pride adorably. Next, Jake hands me a small bag. “This one’s from us,” he says. My heart swoons that he and Claire got me something from the both of them. I pull the tissue paper out of the bag and reach in.
“This is too much,” I breathe. The “two” of them got me a full day at a local spa inclusive of lunch. The corners of Jake’s eyes crinkle when he smiles at me. “Do you like it?” he asks.
“I love it! I can't wait to use it!” I exclaim and pull them both in for a hug. Lastly Jake presents me with an envelope. “What’s this?” I ask curiously.
“Your present from me,” he winks.
I tear the envelope open and find a voucher for a sunset hot air balloon ride...tonight.
“Wait…are we really doing this?!” I ask, hopeful. He nods his head at me and I think my smile might split my face in two. “I’ve always wanted to go up in one! This is awesome!” I squeal. Jumping out of my seat and into Jake’s lap, I kiss him with all I’ve got.
“Ewww, Mom. GROSS!” Claire cries with disgust. I hop off his lap and straighten my shirt a little. “I was just thanking him.” Jake and Claire burst out laughing at me.
Everything’s been arranged already. Mom and Dad are watching Claire while Jake and I go for this hot air balloon ride. As we wait for the pilot, Jake pulls me to him and kisses me deeply. “Happy Birthday, Laney.”
I stare up into his gorgeous face and try to think of a better birthday. I can't. Today has been monumentally perfect on all counts. My heart swells and I push up on my toes to kiss him again.
The view from up here is stunning. Glorious. Amazing. I don't even have words to describe it.
“Jake, it’s breathtaking,” I murmur.
“Just like you,” he says softly. He stands behind me with an arm circled around my middle, taking in the view with me. Every so often he plants a soft kiss on my neck or just behind my ear. When we reach the middle of the height of the sunset he pops open a bottle of champagne, pours us both a glass, and toasts to me. The ocean reflecting the rich colors of the sunset, my divine boyfriend toasting me, and the rest of today has me feeling like I am the most adored woman on the planet.
“Do you like it?” he asks.
“I love
it! This is the most amazing thing, really. You’re so thoughtful. I just…thank you,” I stutter over my words, feeling helpless to convey how much it all really means.
He picks up my hand and kisses my knuckles one by one. “The fun stuff happens when we get home.” His brows waggle and I fall into a fit of giggles. Never in my life have I felt so pampered.
* * * * *
Jake might be the most amazing man I’ve ever met. He definitely has earned both of his nicknames but it’s more than that. Over the last few months he’s embedded himself into my and Claire’s lives. He cooks for us. He plays with Claire. He cleans up after himself.
My favorite thing though is when he sneaks up behind me and wraps his arms around me. Sometimes, if music is going, he’ll sway us to the music. Sometimes he just holds me for a moment and kisses me behind the ear. He brings me flowers once a week. Always a beautiful unusual arrangement and I always love them. He leaves cute notes for me on the mornings he doesn't want to wake me when he leaves. He even suffers through romantic comedies and chick flicks with me without complaining. I feel like I’ve entered a parallel universe where the average girl gets the extraordinary, sex-on-a-stick guy.
Each day that goes by I wonder at least once when it will end. When Jake will wake up and see that I’m just a run-of-the-mill thirty-something single mom. On weekends when Claire visits her dad, Jake plans at least one romantic date for us. We’ve had some amazing picnics overlooking the water, a sunset cruise on a sailboat, and a night of slow dancing, all of course followed by hot, passionate sex.