The unexpected orgasm was welcome. It played out as they shuddered together. She looked into Dominic’s eyes just as he came as well. He clung to her and shouted her name. She felt him release into her body. Then he went limp.
“You… OK?” she asked between breaths.
He moved a finger over her leg and gave a short nod. That was a relief. She lay her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat begin to slow. When his hand fell to the floor, she knew he was asleep. She reached down and pulled that arm around her.
“I love you, Dominic.” Her eyes closed, but she did not sleep.
* * *
Dominic stirred about two hours later. He was shocked to find Noelle passed out still on top of him. He ran his hands over her blouse, then squeezed her ass. “Hey.” He tapped her ass cheek softly. “Hey, Noelle. I don’t want them to walk in and see you naked.”
“Huh?” She opened her eyes. “Who’s naked?”
He chuckled. “You are. Kinda.” He shifted his hips and grinned. “My dick’s still in you, too. My brother would never forgive me if his kids caught us having sex.”
“True.” She carefully extracted herself and got to her feet. “I call master bathroom.”
Dominic cleaned up in the hall bathroom. Then he changed his clothes. “You hungry?”
“Yes.” Noelle had taken a quick shower. “I’ll make something light. We can order pizza later.”
“Good idea.”
Dominic walked to the music room and opened the door. He had borrowed several guitar rack cases to transport his collection. They had been packed that morning. The piano would be complicated. However, he had hired professional piano movers for everything in that room. He couldn’t take a chance. The rest of his things could fit in a small rental truck, since he only planned take what he truly needed. He used the move as an excuse to finally give away his girls’ things.
“You OK?” Noelle slid her arms around him from behind. “I know this is hard.”
He leaned his head back until it touched hers. “It is. Couldn’t do this without you.”
She smiled. “Glad to be here for you.” She hugged him tighter. “I always will. Always.”
Dominic laid his hands over hers and sighed. “Thanks. I’m gonna need you this week. A lot.” He closed his eyes. “What’re you making?”
“Soup and grilled cheese.”
“Perfect.” He hadn’t eaten that day. “You’re the best.”
She squeezed him again. “I have to go back to the kitchen. Just wanted to check on you.”
“I’m OK now. Thanks.”
When she let go, he opened the cabinet against the wall. It contained framed photos, songbooks, guitar pedals, cables and other accessories. He grabbed an empty box on the piano and started to fill it.
Noelle flipped the second grilled cheese. She could hear boxes move. The best thing she had done was to hire a moving company to bring her things cross-country. Although she did not have remotely enough to fill a truck, they were supposed to arrive within two weeks to their new place, Dominic made sure the furniture they chose for the new house would blend well with the pieces she kept. She appreciated that she had so much input in their new home.
“It’s almost ready,” she called out as she stirred the chicken noodle soup. It was colder than usual outside. Soup was the first thing that came to mind. “Do you have snow tires on the Jeep?” It had started to snow just before they arrived home.
Dominic stepped into the kitchen. “Yes, and four-wheel-drive. I can get through almost anything.”
“Wait. What about everyone else?” Noelle turned to him. “It’s slippery out there.” Dominic’s family, Tommy and Chad planned to help that day. No one gave a time, since they all had to work.
He smiled and took her into his arms. “They all know how to drive in the snow. It’ll be OK.” He kissed her forehead. “I missed you so much.”
“Me, too.” She sighed then laid her head on his chest and listened to his heart.
* * *
After they ate, they walked into the hallway, Dominic stopped in front of Annabeth's room. That would be the hardest job of all. He rarely stepped into the room. Never mind sorted through what was in there.
“Maybe we should do this before anyone gets here.” He glanced at the door. “I don’t know how I’m gonna react.”
She turned and slid a hand over his chest. “However you want to do this. I’m here no matter what.” He didn’t move. She knew he couldn’t do it, so she reached over and opened the door. “We can stop whenever you want.” Without a word, she let him go and grabbed several new plastic bins he purchased for the items he was to give away. She set them inside the room and took his hands in hers. “You ready?”
He nodded. Then he kept his eyes on hers while she led him into the room. “I only want to keep her pictures. The rest… I can’t look at it all my life.”
“OK,” Noelle whispered. “We can start with her clothes.” She tried to pull away, but he maintained his tight grip. “Do you want me to do this alone?”
Eyes closed, he shook his head. Tears threatened. He had to do it. Closure would never come if someone else packed her things away. His head spun suddenly. The pain hit him again as if they died yesterday. His knees buckled. He held onto Noelle so he didn’t hit the floor.
“Easy, honey.” Noelle eased him down to the floor before he dragged her down. She held his head to her chest. “I’m right here. If you need to cry, don’t hold back. We’ll get through this.”
Dominic took in a shaky breath, then let out a sob. He knew it wouldn’t be easy. It was like he planned to give his girls away. Or a piece of his heart. Never again to have the option to go into his daughter’s room hit him hard. Although it was the next logical step to heal his heart, he had become reluctant to do it. How can I forget about my girls?
Noelle felt his pain. She whispered, “This is not letting them go forever. It’s moving on. They’ll always be in your heart. And I want to have pictures of them on the walls. They were part of your life. We need to remember them. It’s just time to let go.”
A knock made her head snap up. She refused to let him go when he needed her most. She kissed the top of his head and sighed. He had to let it all out. She shed her own tears but kept silent. He shook and clung to her waist. Him being comfortable enough to cry made emotions clog her throat. His trust had been hard-earned, just as he had earned hers.
Tommy walked up the steps to Dominic's apartment and was surprised to see Anthony and his kids waited outside the door. “He's not home?”
“Don't know.” Anthony shrugged. “He's not answering.”
Concerned, Tommy put his ear to the door. Nothing. Then he pulled his keys out and unlocked the door. He opened it just an inch and listened again. He didn’t hear anything.
“Let me make sure it’s all clear.” Tommy winked at Anthony.
Slowly, Tommy walked in and moved through the apartment. Soft sounds caught his attention. They didn’t come from the bedroom. He peeked into Annabeth's room. Oh, wow. He quietly hurried back to the front door.
“Uh, he’s here,” Tommy explained. “It’s not what I thought. He may need a few minutes, though. I’m gonna try to help.”
Anthony nodded but didn’t know what Tommy meant. “OK.”
After a deep breath, Tommy went back inside. He made a beeline for the pink bedroom and stepped inside. Noelle looked up, but he put a finger to his lips. He got to his knees next to them and wrapped his arms around both of them. Eyes closed, his head rested on Dominic’s. He hoped the support helped.
“We’re both here for you,” Tommy said softly. “Tell me what I can do.”
Dominic mumbled, “This.”
“OK.”
Tommy felt a bit awkward. He always had a hard time with showing affection other than if sexually charged. His family wasn’t the touchy-feely type. He grew up with very little hugs or kisses, but he knew his parents loved him nevertheless. His siblings were
similar to him, but a bit less cold.
Curious what took so long, Anthony turned to his children. “Stay here. I’m gonna make sure Uncle Dominic is OK.”
Tony lifted Hunter. “If he needs it, we can go to Grandma’s and Grandpa’s for a while. Tommy looked worried.”
“So am I.” Anthony took a deep breath and entered the apartment.
He followed the voices to Annabeth’s room, and his breath caught. The scene before him made tears come to his eyes. He didn’t expected to find his brother on the floor in tears. At first, all he could see were the trio in a group hug. Then his eyes flitted around.
The untouched room was a shock. Everything was exactly as he remembered it. Although he had only been to Dominic’s place a few times in the past, he easily recalled the beautiful way Claire had decorated the nursery. She was as creative as they came.
That meant Dominic still mourned their loss. He had no idea his brother had held the guilt in for so long. The terrible things he said to his brother came to mind. The accusations, the unfounded blame, it had to fuel Dominic’s guilt. He felt awful. I made it so much worse.
He was overwhelmed with the need to apologize. Quickly, he fell to his knees and put a hand on Dominic’s shoulder. “I’m so sorry I accused you of killing them. I took out my pain on you. It was wrong. I wish I could take it back.”
Noelle tried not to react. She knew Anthony had made Dominic’s guilt worse, but she didn’t know the extent of it. When Dominic’s body relaxed, she was relieved.
“Thanks,” Dominic whispered and turned to his brother. “I tried to save them. I turned away from the car.”
Anthony’s eyes watered. “I’m sure you did. You could never hurt them.” He sniffled. “I was an asshole. She… she…” He pursed his lips and took a few breaths. “I was in love with her, too. I’m sorry. When I heard you were driving, it felt like you took her away from me. I always hoped she would come back to me. Then she was gone.”
Sure his friend was better, Tommy got to his feet. “I’m gonna let the kids in.” He walked out and closed the door behind him.
Tony had just come into the apartment. “Sorry. Frankie hadta pee.” He looked around at the small living room, dining room and kitchen. “Uh, where is it?”
“Third door on the right,” Tommy smiled at Frankie who hopped around. He waved at the couch. “Why don’t you guys sit and relax. Your dad and Noelle are talking to uh… Uncle Dominic.” He let out a loud breath. “Uh, maybe I should make the kids a snack? Think they’re hungry, Theresa?” He was glad he remembered her name.
Theresa laughed. “You sound so nervous. Relax. I can cook if we need to feed them.” She had Hunter on her lap and Angela next to her. “Only thing I’m worried about is boredom.” Hunter squirmed. “Tony, did you grab the bag of toys?”
“Yeah.” He had left it by the door. “I’ll get it.” By the time he got back, Hunter had gotten down and started to run down the hall. He dropped the bag and chased him. “Don’t touch anything!”
Hunter opened the first door he saw. “Hi, Un-Dom.”
Startled, Dominic looked up. “Hey, buddy. You found me.” He scooted back and put his arms out to the toddler. “Come ’ere, Hunter.” When he had the child in his arms, he smiled. “Missed you, little guy.” It felt good to hold him. “You know what I got for you? Fruit snacks.”
Hunter smiled and laughed. “Yay!”
With a deep breath, Dominic knew it would be fine. “Let’s go get you some.” He smiled at Noelle. It took a bit of work to get to his feet, but he managed it without dropping Hunter. They moved to the kitchen, and he found the box. “You like turtles?” Hunter’s nod made his smile widen. After he reached into the box, Hunter giggled as he pulled out a pouch. “That’s a boy.”
Noelle leaned on the wall next to the stove and grinned. The pair looked adorable. She loved to see him with his family. Each time, it made her surer he would be a great father. They had talked more about children, but with the tour, they knew they had to wait. It was funny neither had spoken of marriage, though. She wasn’t interested in that, though. What she had with Dominic was commitment enough.
“OK.” Tony stepped into the kitchen but stayed close to the other doorway. “Where should I start?”
Dominic turned to him. “I was in the music room earlier. You can finish the cabinet that’s open.”
“Sure thing.” Tony grabbed Frankie to help.
Anthony stood just behind Noelle. “What time you picking up the truck Saturday?”
“8:00.” Dominic set Hunter down. “Meet me here. If you don’t mind, I’d like to get all this in the truck before we head out to your hotel to grab your things.” They had collected a great deal more possessions in the 10 weeks they had been in New Jersey.
With a shrug, Anthony replied, “It’s fine. As long as it gets done. That’s what matters.”
“It will.” Dominic was glad they were close again. “We have a whole crew showing up to help us unpack.” He leaned his hip on the counter. “Was your furniture delivered yet?”
Anthony nodded. “Yeah. Sunday. Yours?”
“It will be tomorrow.” Dominic sighed. “Can’t wait till all this is over.”
“Me neither.”
Chapter 38
Saturday came faster than Dominic thought it would. Before he knew it, the truck was unloaded. He was in his new music room, and he hung his favorite Les Paul, signed by Eric Clapton. That had been difficult to get. He asked for a few favors from the right people, so he was able to meet the famous singer/guitarist. He stepped back and admired the wall of beauty.
“This is much better.”
The room was larger than in the apartment. Actually, all the rooms were bigger. He wasn’t used to so much extra space. When the furniture was delivered on Thursday, he was surprised at how much free space was still in the living room even with it fully furnished.
He turned to the piano in one corner of the room. Everything fit how he imagined it. He had shelves put in and extra hooks, so he could add to his guitar collection. They even bought a desk for either of them to write music at. In addition, they had the flat screen and A/V equipment he had put in for Noelle installed as well.
Noise outside caught his attention. The room was in the rear of the second floor. He looked out the window and smiled. Frankie and Angela ran from their house to his. They had a fence build around the two properties but open in the middle so the kids had more room to play. The snow back there was several inches deep and untouched.
Sam appeared in his field of vision. He waved to the kids and walked toward the middle of the properties, Dominic watched as he started to make a snowman. Frankie and Angela headed his way to help. He smiled and decided that was the perfect way to take a break.
Noelle was in the kitchen. She put away the dishes she had washed. Laughter made her look out the window over the sink again. Sean and Tony had ventured out back as well. A snowball fight was in progress. They had all worked for hours to bring things in from the truck and unpack. A stress reliever was in order.
“Time for some fun.” Jon passed Noelle dressed as warmly as possibly. Then he went out the back door.
Dominic and Anthony soon went outside as well. Noelle touched her abdomen and wondered if they should plan to start their family as soon as the tour was over. It would be great to see Dominic play with their kids. She let it go and stacked plates again.
“Where do you want the wine glasses?” Emma asked as she walked into the room.
Noelle turned around. “Top shelf over there is good.” She pointed to the set of cabinets over the oven.
“Too cold out there,” Tommy commented as he carried a case of water into the room. “They’re crazy.” He set it on a free section of counter. “Glad they’re having fun, though.” He put multiple bottles into the refrigerator. “I’ll be back.” He left the room to get more groceries out of the car.
Emma stood next to Noelle. “He’s making up for lost time. Glad thi
ngs worked out.”
“Yeah.” Noelle turned to her. “It’s great that you two got together. Sean must be excited.”
As her face beamed, Emma replied, “He is. We’re moving in with Jon after graduation. Unless something breaks us up.”
“Wow. I knew he was falling for you.” Noelle had noticed the way Jon looked at Emma. “It’s amazing how that all came about. You meet when they were on tour in Florida or something?”
Unsure if she should explain, Emma took a few seconds. “Uh, yeah. It was kinda… well, a one-night stand, although we talked a lot before we went back to his hotel room. When I found out I was pregnant, I didn’t know how to find him.”
“One day, that story will make you laugh.”
Emma chuckled. “It already does. If not for that night, I never would have found him again. I’m falling for him, too.”
Noelle looked outside again. “Now we need to help Dean straighten out and meet a nice girl.”
“That would take a miracle.”
Tommy walked in with two armloads of grocery bags. “That it will.”
“Where do you want this?” Chad asked as he appeared with two cases of beer in his hands.
Noelle pointed to the doorway to her left. “I doubt they’ll have time to get warm once the guys see them.”
Soon, everyone came inside and shed their snow-covered outerwear. Noelle was glad there was a foyer between the backyard and the kitchen. “Shake off your pants guys. I don’t want melted snow all over this clean kitchen.” She knew she sounded like a nag, but they had just mopped the floor an hour ago.
Emma had boiled water on the stove already. “You might want to make coffee. They’re gonna be cold.”
“True.” Noelle turned to find that Tommy had already did just that. “Thanks. You can help out any time you want.”
Evolving Urges (Gasoline Book 2) Page 29