Brody: Not 2 me. English and writing English is hard. Autocorrect usually fixes my spelling.
Me: I think you're doing great.
Brody: R u coming 2 my game?
Me: Yes. I can't wait!
A new text comes in from Levi
Levi: Stop distracting my son. He's supposed to be getting his shoes on. We need to be on the field in forty minutes.
Me: He texted me. Wanted to know if I was watching the Yankees game.
Levi: Were you?
Me: I was trying.
Levi: I can't picture you watching a baseball game.
Me: I watch all of your games.
Levi: That's different. We're fun to watch. And don't pretend you're watching the game. I think you come to check out my ass.
Me: Stop distracting me! Go leave for your game. I'm leaving shortly, too.
Levi: You're coming over after, right? Don't forget to bring a bag with extra clothes this time.
Me: I've got a bag packed. If you think of me during the game bend over a few times ;)
Levi: Okay. Why?
Me: Because I want to check out your ass <3
While I was texting Levi, Brody sent me another text so I switch over to our conversation.
Brody: If we win I want ice cream.
Me: That sounds good. We can definitely get ice cream.
***
"What's something that you'd really like to do and can be done during the day in the middle of the week?" We're lying on Levi's bed after an incredibly satisfying round of sex and I'm playing with the hair on his chiseled chest, finding it hard to fall asleep.
"I don't know, why?"
"Because it's been a while since we've been out on a date. Actually, we've never really been out on a date."
"Why does our date have to be during the day in the middle of the week?"
"Brody goes back to school Monday after having his mid-summer week break. I thought we could celebrate by going out on a date."
I kiss his chest and rest my chin on the spot my lips abandoned so I can look up at his face. "I like that idea, but really there's nothing I can think of doing."
"We could do a picnic in the park?"
"That's really romantic, Levi. I like it."
I rest the side of my head back on his chest and he kisses my hair. His hand trails along the skin of my bare back and I love the way his touch sends shivers down my back. I'm content with him, just like this. I never want to lose the way it feels to be wrapped in his arms.
"Try and sleep, baby."
"But then I'd miss this," I whine, hugging him closer to me.
"You're not Cinderella. This doesn't end at the stroke of midnight." His words are meant to be assuring, but they strike an insecurity I didn't realize was there until now.
"I'm not used to this, Levi. I've never been in a relationship like this before. If things end between us, I'll be crushed."
"Hey," he whispers softly. His hand on my back moves under my arms and he pulls me up his body so we're face to face. He smiles softly, revealing those dimples I fell in love with so long ago and I can't help but smile back. "Who said this is ending? I'm as invested in us as you are."
"I can’t help but wait for it all to come crashing down. Being with you feels too good to be true."
"It's not going to come crashing down, Kendall. I love you."
It's the first time he's said those words and my heart feels like it might explode. I've been in love with him for weeks now, but too scared to say the words because he might not say them back.
"Say it again," I softly command. "Please, Levi, tell me again."
"I love you, Kend–" I don't let him finish saying my name. I press my lips to his as I cover his body with mine. His cock hardens against my stomach and I fist his erection, placing him at my center and letting him fill me. I slowly begin to ride him as I continue to kiss him–I never want our lips to part. Our lips brush together–slow and sensual. We're making love to each other with our mouths and our bodies, and in this act of love we're not chasing an orgasm. We're relishing the act of closeness that we both know is hard to find.
As we move together I find the perfect moment to whisper against his lips, "I love you, too."
He smiles against my lips and we continue to move together, drawing out the act of our love making for as long as we both can. When we reach the peak, we find our release together and bask in the afterglow. I fall asleep with a peace I've never felt before. The peace of knowing I am in the arms of a man that loves me, and in the home of a family that's welcomed me and wants me.
Chapter Twenty-four
Kendall
"Hey, stranger. I feel like I haven't seen you in forever." Skye enfolds me in a tight hug, and I'm surprised at how strong my little pixie friend is.
"You're so dramatic. We had drinks two nights ago at the bar," I reply, rolling my eyes. I look around the lobby at the gym and we're the only two people waiting for spin class.
"That's different. You work there and my husband owns the place. Those drinks feel obligatory. This is the first time in a while we've planned something outside of Forbidden Desires."
She's right. How have I not realized I've ditched my friend?
"I'm sorry, Skye. I'm one of those girls, aren't I? The girl who ditches her best friend once she falls in love with a guy." I've always hated those girls and I swore I would never act that way.
"Yes, but don't be sorry. I did it, too. When Noah and I first got married I disappeared for two months. I think every girl does it to her friends at some point. Eventually it all evens out and you'll find a balance between your friendships and your boyfriend."
"Thanks for understanding. I'll try to be more conscience of it. I just wish you had said something a little earlier. I don’t like when I act like a dick."
Rolling her eyes she teases me. "I didn't say anything because I was enjoying the break from all these ridiculous workouts you make me do."
"Spinning isn't ridiculous. It's a good workout. You'll thank me in twenty years when you've still got a tight ass." I look around again and even peek through the window to see if maybe the class has already started, but the room is dark and no one is inside. "Where is everyone? Class should start in a few minutes."
Skye lifts her hands in a praying motion. "It's a sign from God that he doesn't want me working out."
"If God didn't want you working out he wouldn't have put me in your life. If I don't work out, I'll get love handles."
She reaches for her stomach and pinches the few inches of soft skin between the top of her shorts and the bottom of her tank. "At some point in life you'll get love handles no matter what. It's a part of aging. You should embrace the changes now so that you're not disappointed in the future."
"You're so ridiculous, Skye. You'll do and say just about anything to get out of a workout, but since no one is here I guess we could run across the street and get some cake."
Her eyes light up with excitement. "I like the changes I see in you, now that you're with Levi. You're suggesting cake and we haven't even broken a sweat."
"We'll burn some calories after," I promise.
We head across the street and after ordering our coffee and cake we sit down at what has become our regular table. Whenever I sit here with her it's like time is frozen and we're the same women who met all those years ago. As I reflect on all of the times we've been here, the time I first met Noah stands out. If he hadn't walked in that day and agreed to give me a job, I would have never met Levi. I also wouldn't have a job I could put on my resume that's lasted long enough to matter.
"So tell me about Brody. Is it weird having a kid around all the time?"
"You know, not really. I thought it would be a little more difficult, but he's cool as shit. You should see him play baseball. Those two hours he's out on the field during the game, it's like he's found his second home. Levi is the same way when he's out there. If the two of them could skip out on their responsibilities and spend
each day on the field they would."
"Is it hard communicating with him?"
"Yeah, it's difficult, but we text and I've been..." I hesitate to say the words and then I decide not to. "Never mind."
"Don’t do that."
"Don't do what?"
"Don't get me interested in what you're about to say and then suddenly stop talking. You've been what?"
Giving in I reply, "I've been learning ASL."
"What's ASL?"
"American Sign Language."
"Wow. Things must be getting serious between you and Levi if you're learning sign language."
"It is serious, but that's not why I started to learn the language. Levi doesn't even know I've been watching videos and taking an online course."
"You didn't tell him?"
Taking a bite of my cake, I wait to swallow before responding. "No. I want to surprise him once I'm better and know more of the language. Brody's been a big help. He loves that I'm learning ASL and he's always sending me good videos to watch."
Her face flushes and she grins at me. She's practically giddy and the excitement is evident in her eyes. "You're glowing."
"Okay, crazy," I respond, shaking my head. Leave it to the romantic one to take what I said and turn it into something more.
"No, really. When you talk about them you get this beautiful radiance to your face. It's like you're practically glowing."
Shrugging my shoulders, I respond honestly. "I'm happy."
"I know. I'm so happy for you, Ken. After all the shit you've been through you deserve to be happy."
"Thanks, doll."
I'm able to change the subject and we talk about her second year of school starting up in a few days, the new apartment her and Noah are thinking of buying and renting out, and their dog, Kaya, getting fleas. When we finish our cake and coffee, we head outside and stretch before I convince her to come run some city blocks with me.
"So do you think he's the one?" she asks as she twists her hips, loosening up her torso.
"Aren't we done talking about me? What are your classes like this year?"
"Agh, the old Kendall is still in there."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means whenever a question gets too personal you deflect."
"I'm not deflecting."
"Actually, that's exactly what you're doing."
"Okay, yes."
"Yes, you're deflecting, or yes, you think he's the one?"
I give in and shout, "Yes, I think he's the one!"
"Squee!!!" She squeals, jumping up and down. I look around, making sure no one is watching my friend act like a spaz.
"Can you calm down? I don't want to jinx this."
Taking a few deep breaths she replies, "Okay, okay, I'm better."
"Just for that I'm adding an extra mile to our run."
"Jeez, Ken, I said I'm sorry."
"Yeah, but adding the extra mile will be a nice reminder for you to never get excited like that again."
Chapter Twenty-five
Kendall
The only thing better than Mondays is Mondays in the fall. The crisp New York air is cool enough in the mornings that I don't want to get out of bed. Since Levi and I both have Mondays off together, he gets Brody off to school and we spend several hours just relaxing under the sheets. Sometimes I fall asleep, sometimes I read, we definitely make love, and it's these few hours we get of blissful tranquility that I look forward to every week.
While we had a wonderful summer together, I'm glad that summer baseball season is over because that gives us more time to spend together as a family. Not that I'm saying we're family–because we're not–but the more time that goes by the more I could see us becoming a family.
One day.
I've grown to adore Brody and he likes spending time with me, too. Since I've been dating Levi I'm filling a void in Brody's life and that's exciting and scary all at the same time. I now understand why Levi was so hesitant to date for all those years. Levi and Brody are a package deal. If you date Levi, you also form a relationship with Brody. If you break up with Levi, Brody's heart gets broken, too.
I never want to do anything to break either of their hearts. I love them too much.
The front door to Levi's apartment opens and then closes. He comes back in the bedroom and strips down before slipping into bed next to me. "He's at school and we get seven hours alone together before I have to pick him up."
"What are we going to do for seven hours?" I ask teasingly.
His cold hands reach for the oversized t-shirt I'm wearing and he pulls it off my body, leaving me naked in his bed. "I don't know what we're going to do all day, but I know what we're going to do now."
He moves in and kisses my breasts. He blows on my nipples and they harden in anticipation for what's next. He's kissing each erect bud and sucks my areolas into his warm mouth. His lips travel lower, kissing my stomach and then my navel. His tongue traces my belly button and then he's kissing my pelvic bone and I'm filled with lust. When his lips reach my mound, I arch my back and fist the sheets in my hands, waiting for him to make me feel good. His tongue separates my folds and then he's there, licking my clit before sucking it between his lips. Soft, sweet noises leave my throat as I come alive under the touch of his tongue. Beautiful sensations pulse through my body as my climax builds and builds. Within moments I'm screaming out my release and not at all surprised he made me come so fast. He has a magical mouth.
"Mmmm..." I hum. "That felt nice."
He moves from between my legs and lies beside me. "I love making you come."
"I want to reciprocate."
"That's not necessary. I like just being here with you in my arms."
I nuzzle into his chest. "How come you can go down on me but I can't go down on you?"
He bites down on my shoulder and replies, "Because I was hungry and needed breakfast."
We spend the rest of the morning in bed before heading out onto the streets of New York and enjoying the beautiful fall day. We take a nice long walk through the park and then stop at a street vendor for some pork tamales. His kitchen is empty so after lunch we stop at the store and stock up on groceries. We have just enough time to pick up Brody from school and head back to the apartment. Once we're back Brody starts on his homework and I start to make dinner.
"You're cooking for us tonight?" Levi asks curiously.
"Don’t sound so shocked."
"I'm not. It's just...you said you couldn't cook."
"I can't and this might be a disaster, but I want to try."
He kisses the side of my head. "And I love that you want to try."
After a surprisingly delicious dinner we play a few games of Spoons before Levi puts Brody to bed. When he comes back out he's on his cell phone so I pick up one of the sports magazines on the end table and try to find an article interesting enough to keep my attention. It's hard but eventually I find one about football wives and I read it until Levi gets off the phone.
"Are you busy next Monday?"
"Not any more busy than every other Monday. I plan on spending Monday with you. Why?"
"The lawyer for Forbidden Desires just called and I have to testify next Monday about those college guys who assaulted one of our dancers. I knew it was coming up but now I have the date. Noah and Kevin are testifying, too."
"Oh, okay. Do you want me to come with you for support?"
"No, actually I was kind of hoping you could watch Brody."
Whoa, this is a big step for Levi. With all the time I've spent these past months with Brody, Levi has never left me alone with him–not even to run to the corner store. He's overprotective and the only people who stay with Brody are Levi or Laura.
"Doesn't he have school?"
"Next week is another no school week."
"What about Laura?"
"If you don't want to stay with him I completely understand. I just thought this would be the perfect opportunity for you to try it out and get your
feet wet. If you're not ready, though, I understand. I don't want to pressure you. I can call Laura and see if she can come in on her day off."
I look over to the couch where Brody was watching an episode of Scooby-Doo earlier tonight. I wonder if he'd want me to watch him. Does he like spending time with me as much as I like spending time with him? The one-on-one time could be good for us.
"Yeah, okay. Maybe I'll take him swimming up at the club. They have a nice indoor pool."
"No. No swimming."
"I thought he liked swimming."
"He does, but I'm not comfortable with you taking him swimming by yourself. He spends most of the time in the summer playing baseball so he's not the greatest swimmer. It's different going to the pool with him compared to a hearing kid. He can't hear if there is danger or if you're calling for him. I'll worry too much if you take him there without me."
"Okay, what if I take him to the zoo?"
Levi flashes me his dimples and nods his head. "He'll love that. Thanks for understanding about the pool."
"I didn't really want to go swimming. I was just thinking of things to do. The zoo is much better."
Levi sits down on one of the chairs and I sit on his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing his head. He kisses my arm and it all feels very domestic. "If I get out early enough I can meet you guys there. We can spend the afternoon together."
"I'd love that."
"Me, too."
Chapter Twenty-six
Kendall
The Bronx Zoo is surprisingly packed as we go from exhibit to exhibit, learning about the different animals. In addition to the regular visitors and tourists, there are several schools here on field trips, causing long lines in the front of each exhibit. Brody's having fun, though, which is what really matters.
Levi Page 12