by Mia Taylor
“Well I wasn’t really up on the news much until I got back either, but like you, I pay attention now. Why did you decide to not keep up with ballet? I know you are the best,” he said. She blushed slightly.
“I don’t know…well, I do. I just felt like I was done. When I was going through rehab everyone was talking about getting back on my feet and back into dance. The more I heard, the less I wanted to do it. I figure I busted my ass and danced on the biggest stage in the world, the Olympics. I just don’t have anything to prove to anybody but me now. I am doing some product endorsements, since I became pretty well known, and I teach calisthenics. I might even teach dance if it is on a smaller scale. I am doing alright for now so I am in no hurry. Mom and Dad are not too happy about it, but I am an adult so they have to live with it,” she could not help grinning at the last. He knew better than anyone how her parents were and smiled too.
“I bet their heads will explode if they hear you and I connected again,” he said with his own grin.
Oh yes, she thought, he knew her parents. She laughed because he was right but Anna did not care. After her rehab she had intentionally made a separate life, away from her demanding parents. She was happier now than ever and having dinner with Mike Hardlake! She could not comprehend life being any better than it was right then. She reached out and took his hand on the table.
“I am so glad we ran into each other Mike. I have thought about you ever since high school and wondered. Mags kept telling me to look you up, but I guess I was nervous to find out you got married or something,” she said blushing slightly. He squeezed her hand.
“No chance. I have thought of you ever since high school too. I thought I was seeing things at the deli. I was wondering if you would mind a walk in Central Park? I have always wanted to take you there,” he said looking away, embarrassed. She squeezed his hand this time as her heart fluttered.
“I would love to walk in the park with you Mike. You always were a little romantic. I remember the notes we used to pass in class. Don’t laugh, but I still have most of them,” she admitted and he actually blushed slightly. His handsome tan face blushed!
“Me too,” he said softly and then cleared his throat. She realized a Navy Seal probably did not need to be embarrassed for his soft heart so she grinned.
“Great, so we are both old softies in our twenties. I hear the boat races at the lake are fun,” she said to change the topic. He seemed to appreciate it.
They walked through the park with the summer tourists. They bought ice cream cones at a stand and she was approached twice for autographs. She just smiled and signed what they wanted. The second one wanted a selfie with her and she gave it. She waved as they left and turning back to Mike she saw he was grinning at her. He ran his hand through his black hair.
“Does that happen a lot?” He asked as they continued their walk. She felt brave and put an arm around him as she licked her ice cream.
“Not like it used to. I have a commercial coming out as part of the Wheaties Cereal Olympic series. Not sure why they wanted me, but why not,” she said. He laughed at her nonchalance attitude.
“You handle it great. I was impressed. I don’t know if I would do as well,” he said and they walked down to the edge of the lake, watching people race remote control boats back and forth over the water.
“I bet you would. You have always been charming,” she told him and his arm found its way around her waist and she sighed happily.
They continued enjoying the park and then strolled over to a local pub to get a drink. She found he had got a good apartment not far. It wasn’t a high rise like hers, but it was in a good neighborhood, as well as close to his work. For him, that was the most important.
“I hate long commutes. Being able to leave home and be at work within a half hour is my goal in life,” he told her loftily, getting a laugh out of her.
After a few beers he asked, almost shyly, if she would like to see his place and she was glad he did. They walked down the street hand in hand and she knew she was smiling hugely. Being around him again had ignited long lost feelings deep inside her and being alone with him, away from others, would be yet another dream come true in a night full of them. They both had a little bit of a buzz and they swayed together as he unlocked his apartment door. It was a ground floor and she followed him inside.
“It is not much, but it works,” he said turning on the light.
“Are you kidding this in nice. Two bedroom you said?” she asked, looking politely around. She was being honest. For a single guy it had plenty of space without being too big, she decided as he showed her around. They were leaning against the kitchen counter side by side and she finally decided to be forward with him.
“There is something I always wanted to know about you Mike, do you mind?” She asked. He turned to face her and shook his head.
“I don’t mind…” was as far as he got. She reached up as he started shaking his head and put her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. After his initial start, he got into it as she did and they did not come up for air right away. When they parted, arms still around each other she sighed deeply and contentedly.
“Now I know. It was worth the wait,” she said and he chuckled with her.
“I am never going to know what to expect from you am I Annie?” He asked. She had not been called Annie in a long time.
“Nope, I hope you don’t mind?” She said.
“I don’t, but you will have to get used to surprises from me,” he answered mischievously.
“Like what? Oooh!” She shrieked as he scooped her up into his arms, laughing. He carried her across the apartment.
“I like your surprises,” she gasped out and she had no problem with him carrying her into the bedroom. They had both desired each other since high school. She felt it was completely natural that the evening would end this way.
He laid her on the big bed and she stretched out and undid a few buttons on her blouse. She was wearing a white one-piece leotard under it that Maggie had said showed off her breasts and she saw his eyes widen as he began taking off his jacket, then his shirt. They both kicked off their shoes and he climbed onto the bed. He stretched out with her and leaned on one elbow over her.
“Annie, I have dreamed of this moment since high school, I had almost given up on it ever coming true,’” he said with a hoarse, soft voice. Her heart fluttered and her body reacted with a heat of desire she had never felt.
“I have too Mike. I was so angry with my parents for chasing you away and not having the courage to do anything about it. If it makes a difference, I do now,” she promised him, feeling her eyes well up with emotion. He leaned down and kissed her in answer and it was even better than their first kiss. The tenderness he showed her was intoxicating, the feel of his gentle hand, as it caressed her side and then up to her breasts made her gasp. She reached up and cupped her face, running her fingers through his hair and it felt so right she couldn’t believe it.
Mike slid the shoulder straps down over her arms exposing her breasts and he groaned lowering his face down and when his lips touched her in that place, she gasped again, arching her back in acceptance and an erotic greed for more. He obliged and slid her top down further. The touch of his hand on her bare belly was explosive and she moaned in her joy and desire for this amazing man. Her hands went down to undo her skirt and he moved back to get out of his slacks. His body was muscular and lean. She could see a few scars on her shoulder and chest but then when they were naked he moved back in and she could feel his nakedness against hers. It was a dream that she too had never thought she would get to experience. Now that she was, she gave herself to it.
He went back to kissing and caressing her willing body and she returned it. Loving the feel of his hard body under her hands. His hairy chest felt soft and strong at the same time. Then his hand moved its way to above her thighs and it was like he had touched her needy opening. She groaned and lifted her hips uncontrollably. His fingers tr
ailed over her secret lust and it was not a secret anymore. She moaned again and arched her back as she felt an orgasm from his touch.
Groaning they wrapped their arms around each other and he rolled half over her. She wanted it and him like she had never wanted anything. Mike was the love of her life and desire and he soon lifted hips, positioning himself, panting as she was. He entered her deep places, touching a great desire and need that set off a chain reaction. Every movement of their hips he plumbed the depths of their desire and she cried out each time. Panting and gasping their full enjoyment of each other’s body, soul and mind. When his final thrust released inside, her whole body felt the wave of pleasure and she trembled uncontrollably until it slowed to a stop.
They both lay, catching their breaths in amazement for what they had experienced together. She had always heard about an afterglow and never completely understood what was meant by it. Now she did, it was a complete tingling feeling of completeness. It felt like her whole life had led to that moment, to lay in the arms of her love. It was a joyous moment and once again she considered herself greedy, because she wanted many more just like it.
“Annie, I think I have found the first perfect moment in my life,” Mike said, echoing her feelings. She felt tears fill her eyes and she turned her face against his chest and he hugged her as she softly cried in her agreement of joy. They lay together for hours, planning the upcoming weekend that they both wanted to spend together. Anna did not want to leave his side.
********
He felt the same way, she guessed, because they showered together the next morning and giggled at the close quarters of his little shower with two people in it. Then they got dressed and he had to go to work. She was a little disappointed, but it was Saturday and he only had half a day, so she could entertain herself until he was done.
“Actually, if you don’t mind, I will walk with you and then head over to Chancers Diner and make some calls, maybe meet up with Mags until you are done. More than likely I will head home and change into different clothes,” she told him and he smiled, leaning over to kiss her. He was six foot to her five two so it was a reach.
“You can walk with me anytime Annie, anywhere,” he told her in response and she loved how close they had become so quickly.
They strolled down the street and stopped for bagels and coffee. They enjoyed breakfast as they walked and he gestured to a tall, ten story building as they approached.
“That is it. Jacobs Financial Service. I am part of their security. Kind of boring, but the pay is excellent. I have a suspicion they hired me to be able to say they hire veterans, but I will take what I can get, ya know?’ He said with a dry humor. She agreed. As they approached a man came out the front doors, looked around, saw Mike and seemed relieved. He ran over and Mike stepped a little ahead of Anna, guarding her without thinking about it.
“Jesus Mike, I am glad you are here man. The place is going bonkers. There was a break into the system last night,” The tall thin man said. He was a nerdy looking guy with red hair and glasses. He wore a nice suit like Mike did, but this man’s suit hung on him like a scarecrow.
“A break in? Shit Kyle. How did that happen?” Mike asked him. The man glanced at Anna and then back to Mike and then she recognized the look when he turned back to her. He had recognized her.
“Are you…” he began.
“Yes, this is Anna Hart, an old friend from high school. Anna this is Kyle Norton, a buddy of mine,” Mike told her.
“Pleased to meet you,” they both said at the same time.
“So what’s going on Kyle, that shouldn’t have happened?”
“No shit man! I don’t know. It happened sometime last night and the company is shut down for the day. They are going to want to talk to you. I told them you would be here soon and came out to meet you. You are never late,” Kyle said with a degree of respect. Mike nodded absently.
“Crap. I think I might know what happened or maybe who happened,” he told Kyle turning to Anna.
“I have to go Anna. I am sorry but this is serious,” he told her putting his arms around her, giving her a quick hug.
“No problem Mike, you have a job to do. I am going to go over to that deli for a while though, so let me know if you need me for anything,” she could not help saying.
Not that she could imagine what it would be. He kissed her and she returned it with gusto before he went into work. She watched until he was out of sight, in the lobby, before going across the street. Her phone rang Adele as she approached the door to the deli where she had run into Mike the day before. It was Maggie. Anna smiled, this would be fun, she thought.
“Hey Mags, what’s up?” She answered cheerfully.
Anna got a cup of coffee and took a seat, telling Maggie about her night. Her friend was extremely happy for her. Anna watched the people on the street as she talked to her friend and noticed a car across the street in front of Mikes work. It had been there when they had walked up, she thought absently. A gray four-door, she wondered what they were waiting for.
“Oh and Anna, I have a little bad news, your folks know already. A friend of theirs was in the Park last night and recognized you and Mike. Rumor mill has it they are not happy, so heads up,” her friend said and that got her full attention.
“Jesus Mags, in a city as big as this and I can’t even date a guy without them knowing. Well screw them. They can’t chase him away anymore. I won’t have it and I am pretty sure neither would he,” Anna told her fuming. Her phone beeped and she looked down and it was her financial advisor. He never called her and it was Saturday.
“Hey Maggie do you mind if I call you back, there is an incoming call,” she told her.
“Your mom?” She asked.
“Nope, money guy,” she said.
“Oh yeah, take that call. Talk to you later,” Maggie said and Anna flipped over to her financial man. George Wilson.
“Hi George, what is up, nothing bad I hope,” she said. It turned out to be infuriating.
“You can’t be serious! Mom and Dad are trying to take over control of my money! What the hell man, how can they do that?” She asked.
“Calm down Anna, they can’t. I explained that to them and reminded them they have no access to anything of yours, exactly as you set it up. I honestly don’t think she believes me when I tell your mom that, even though I know you have told her yourself,” he said exasperated.
“What grounds are they using to say they should have control of my funds?” She asked. She had to take deep breaths to keep calm.
“They said you are dating someone they don’t trust, whatever that means to them. Look Anna, who you date is your business and frankly I don’t care. If you are happy, cool. There is no way they will be able to push this through. She claims they are going to file the paperwork, but I am sure it won’t even be accepted. I called you mainly to let you know what was going on. I take it you haven’t heard from them?” He asked.
“No, but they are going to hear from me, don’t worry about that. I am sorry my parents are ruining your Saturday George. I hope it gets better for the both of us,” Anna told him. He was nice and brushed it off, but when she finished the call she got up and headed for the door, looking for her mom’s number.
“All done ma’am, you left your purse?” the waitress asked.
“No, I’ll be back, I just have an unpleasant call to make. Could you keep an eye on it for me?” She asked the petite black haired woman.
“Certainly ma’am. It will be here when you get back,” she answered. Anna thanked her and called her mom. She began pacing out in front of the deli as it rang. This was the final straw.
“Well, hello dear. We were wondering when you would call,” he mom said in greeting.
“What the hell do you think you are trying to pull. Are you nuts!” She said, abandoning any chance at a civil conversation.
“You cannot speak to me that way!” Was her mom’s response.
“You are trying to rob me, da
mn right I can. I talked to George and I am assured my money is safe. You know he is a lawyer too right? Not just a financial planner?” She snapped.
“We are only looking out for your…” Anna interrupted her.
“I am tired of hearing that crap mom. I did the ballerina thing for you two and I even ended up liking it, but I am done being the trophy you get to show your friends!” She said, barely able to keep from shouting. She watched the car across the street pull a U-turn and head toward the diner.
“How dare you? Mike Hardlake will only bring you down and we can’t allow it.” Her mom said angrily as the car turned down the alley next to the diner. She hardly it.
“I will dare more than this mom. My next commercial is out on Monday and I will be in the papers again. How do you think it will look when people find out you have a vendetta against a decorated Navy Seal!” She snapped. Anna did not know if Mike was a decorated officer or not, but he was a Navy Seal.
“You wouldn’t dare. Just threatening me proves you are not fit to handle your own affairs!” He mom shouted into the phone. Anna felt herself blush. She was embarrassed for her mom’s behavior and suddenly sad that that this conversation was taking place at all. She remained silent thinking, it was bound to come to something like this eventually. Her parents had always believed they ran her life.
“Are you there? Did you hang up on me!” He mom asked.
“No mom. I am about to though, and when I do I am calling a lawyer, and double checking the security at my condo. I might even check the prices of living overseas,” this time her mom got silent. Anna sighed. She wasn’t really going to live overseas but at least it shut her mom up.
“Look mom, I don’t know why you and dad can’t just be proud of what I have accomplished and let me live my life. I guess it really doesn’t matter anymore. I gave up on that hope years ago. So consider this a goodbye and any further communication will happen between our lawyers,” she said and hung up, turning off the ringer and vibration. She turned next to the alley looking back towards Mikes work. Out of habit she tucked her phone into her top and bra. She saw Mike waving and smiled waving back. Amazing she thought, he was an immediate mood lifter. He was shouting and she could not hear him as he vigorously pointed behind her and then began running towards her. Traffic kept him on the other side of the street, but she could see panic in his face. With an instinct she did not know she possessed she started to drop to the ground at the same time an arm went around her throat and dragged her back into the alley kicking and screaming.