Breaking the Rules

by L. K. Lewis

  “Drake came over last night with flowers, wine, and an apology dinner. When our heated moments get a little too hot, he becomes a complete asshole to me, doing everything in his power to push me away. First he would tell me how much he wanted me, and given the feelings I have for him, I would be drawn right in. In an instant, though, his emotions would turn on a dime, and he would tell me we couldn’t be together. It has been a rollercoaster these last few weeks to say the least.”

  “So what does that have to do with the flowers and apology dinner?”

  “Thursday night, I went to dinner with Adrian,” I continued, hoping Amanda wouldn’t catch on to whom I was speaking of.

  “OMG!!!!!” she screamed. Apparently she had caught on. “Adrian Adrian?” she asked.

  “Yes, Adrian. Thompson Manufacturing is going to be doing some work for Baylor. Adrian is my first client. We ran into each other at the club on Sunday. I went golfing with my dad, Drake and his father, and was about to have brunch with my mom, when we ran into each other in the parking lot. Drake had pulled another of his “I want you so much, Morgan, oh wait, we can’t be together, never mind” moves on the course when our fathers weren’t looking, and I was pissed off. When Adrian asked me to dinner Thursday night, I jumped at the invite. Drake somehow found out that I was going to Vines on 3rd, and made an appearance.”

  “This guy sounds like a dick, Morgan, why are you wasting your time? Drop him,” Amanda interjected. I could tell this story was riling her up, she gets feisty when she’s being a supportive best friend.

  “I know, I know, let me finish explaining everything and you’ll understand. Okay, so Adrian and I arrived at the restaurant, and Drake was already there. He was trying to make me jealous, and it actually worked. I did get to have a chuckle at his expense, though, ‘cause it looked like he and his date were only a cocktail into the evening, and she was already sloppy … lightweight. He was trying to pass it off as being sexy, but really, I could tell he was annoyed with her, and was feeding her the breadbasket to sober her up! I decided to ignore them, and it worked for most of the evening until Drake decided to stop by our table on the way to the restroom. He tried to be aloof but I was onto him. When I went the restroom to freshen up as Adrian paid the bill, Drake pulled me into the nearby linen closet.”

  “How tacky, could he be more cliché?”

  “I know! I was pissed. He was all over me, asking me why I was trying to make him jealous, why I was with Adrian, and even alluded to the fact that I may have been trading sexual favors for having him as our client! I screamed at him, and basically told him he was a dick and everything we never were was over. I was so hurt, and even more confused. When Drake showed up last night, not only did he bring me wine and flowers, but the apology dinner was the exact same dinner from the restaurant I’d ordered the night before. He even asked the chef how I ordered my steak so he could grill it himself to my exact liking. He was bringing me a do-over ‘cause he had ruined my meal.”

  “You are kidding me. Okay, Morgie, that is really sweet,” Amanda melted.

  “I know!” I feel like I’m a record on repeat with that expression. “After dinner he sat me down and apologized for everything. He explained that he couldn’t stay away, that he was drawn to me. That’s why even though he would be a dick and say we couldn’t be together, he would just come back for more. He can’t help himself when it comes to me, just like I can’t help myself with him. Amanda, he told me he loves me, and although he didn’t deserve for me to give him any more chances than I have already given him, he was asking for one more. He loves me, Amanda, and he wants to be with me. He is willing to give up everything he has rebuilt in his life to fight for me and what we could have together,” I say as a tear runs down my face.

  “I don’t know, Morgan, is he just running hot again? What happens when he throws you in the “ice bath” again?” She says with air quotes.

  “He won’t. This time it’s for real, I’m sure of it. He started to let me in, Amanda. He told me some of his dark secrets from his past, and asked me to fight for us too. Which is exactly the point I’ve been trying to get to … I had been feeling like a complete loser for getting my hopes up and giving him another chance time and time again. I lay awake Thursday night after the blow up at the restaurant, and finally allowed myself to admit what I had known all along. I kept giving him another chance, because I’m in love with him too. I can’t stay away either, Amanda, I’m going to fight for him. When he left my place this morning-” I continue but am suddenly cut off by Amanda.

  “This morning? He spent the night last night?”

  “Uh, yeah,” I say with a sly grin crossing my face. “When he left this morning, I told him I needed time to think about everything. He wants a future with me. He wants to provide me with everything I never thought I could dream of. It is a lot to take in all once. We can’t be together, at least in public. Our relationship will have to be on the extreme down low until Drake figures out how to handle his dad. I shouldn’t even be speaking with you about it, especially in public, but I needed to talk to someone, and you are my best friend. I’m really afraid to give up the career and independence I’ve worked so hard for, but honestly, Amanda, a loss like that seems so insignificant right now compared to what I would feel if I lost Drake.”

  “Aww, Morgie, you really do love him! I will admit, your situation is kind of fucked up, but then again, whose isn’t on some level, right?”

  I nod in agreement. She understands, and supports me like a true best friend. I knew she would.

  “So what are you sitting here talking to me for? Go home, get that bubbly on some ice, and call your man!”

  I smile as a few more tears run down my cheeks. “You are the best friend a girl could ask for. Thanks for listening, and thanks for understanding.”

  “I love you too, Morgan, now scoot!” With that, I grab my bags, my bubbly, and my chocolate, and run home to call my man.

  Chapter 14

  Drake

  I’ve been doing my best not to pace around my house, but by the time “Jake” calls, I’m sure I’ve worn a path into my carpet.

  “Hey, baby,” I say, answering my phone.

  “Oh, hi … it’s, uh … me. Morgan.” She sounds so nervous.

  With a chuckle, I reply, “I know, Morgan, who else do you think I call baby?”

  “Haha, yeah, I guess I didn’t think about that. I’ve never called you before, I guess I didn’t know what to expect when you answered.”

  “I missed you today, are you okay? I was getting worried about you.”

  “Yeah, I’m okay, I missed you too. What did you do today?”

  “Well, after I left your place, I went to the gym for a while and tried to clear my head and find some answers to our little … situation. Then I went home, cleaned my place top to bottom, and was still feeling a little restless, so I went to work for a little while.” I don’t mention my dad. No need to bring him up and put a dampener on the cute little conversation we are having right now.

  “You went to work?” she sounds shocked.

  “Sure, why not? I needed to occupy my mind. I thought about grabbing a beer and watching a game down at the bar, but I thought remaining clear-headed and productive was a better use of my time. What did you do today?”

  “Me?” God, she’s cute.

  “Yes, baby, you …” I tease.

  “Well, after you left, I took a shower and did a lot of thinking, then I laid down, and did a lot of thinking, then I called Amanda and went shopping and had lunch.”

  “I sat here sweating bullets and you went shopping?” I keep my tone playful, but am a little crushed that she went out before calling me to finish what I believe to be a life changing conversation.

  “Yeah, sorry, I know that sounds bad, but I really needed to talk things out with Amanda. I think I made the right decision, but I needed to bounce it off of someone before calling you.” She sounds more nervous now. Oh God, maybe this playful conver
sation isn’t going to end well after all.

  “I’m really glad you enjoyed your day, baby, you sound more relaxed then you did earlier. Did you really have to talk about us with Amanda, though? It’s really important to me that we keep this as private as possible.”

  I’m trying to keep my voice smooth so I don’t freak her out, but I’m actually kind of pissed now. Not only did Morgan not call me when her decision was made so we could form a plan, but I feel like I’m about to get dumped, and someone else knows about it before me!

  “I’m sorry, Drake, I know you want this to be private, I totally understand. I even knew it was going to upset you a little for me to talk to someone else about this but I needed to. I needed my best friend, the person who knows me better than anyone to confirm that the decision that I already know in my heart is the right one, really the right one, does that make sense? Amanda is my best friend, she would never betray my trust. Please don’t worry.”

  “Okay, baby. If you say so, I won’t worry. I trust your judgment.” I let that double meaning hang out there.

  “Drake? Would you like to come over tonight? I thought maybe it would be better if we talked face to face. I’d really like to see you. What are you doing … now?” Oh. My. God. I’m getting dumped. I think I just threw up in my throat a little.

  I can tell my voice is going to come out a little shaky because I kind of feel like I could cry at the moment, so I clear my throat before I answer.

  “I’ll be right over, baby.” I grab my keys and head out the door. Fifteen minutes later, I’m knocking on Morgan’s apartment door.

  Chapter 15

  Morgan

  Oh God, Drake is at my door. Calm down, Morgan, everything is going to be okay. One last final check of my apartment: sheets are clean, bubble bath is drawn, champagne is chilling beside the tub, and I’ve decoratively laid the chocolates on my Grandmother’s silver platter. I check myself in the mirror. I pulled my hair up in a loose but sexy knot on the top of my head, put two coats of waterproof mascara on, and some light pink lip gloss. I’m wearing my new sheer silk robe, and nothing else. My teeth are brushed, legs are shaved, and I dabbed a little perfume behind my ears. Okay, Morgan, it’s now or never, time to go get your man.

  I walk to the door, take a deep breath, and open it with a sheepish yet seductive look on my face.

  “Hey, handsome, you got here fast,” I say, pulling Drake into my apartment, and planting a huge lip-smackingly loud kiss on his mouth.

  “Holy shit, baby, you look hot! This is not what I expected to find you in,” Drake says, picking his chin off my floor.

  Doing my best to stay in the seductive role I’m not really used to playing I reply, “Well, you told me how much you liked washing me last night. I thought it was pretty hot myself, so I thought I’d draw us a bath, and we could talk things through in a more relaxed environment. What do you say? Want to move this conversation to the tub?” I trail my gaze from Drake’s eyes down his body, relaxing my mouth into a small grin when I notice Drake’s growing bulge in his pants.

  Still a little shocked Drake replies, “You mean you aren’t breaking up with me? Am I worth the fight?”

  That broke my heart. I know Drake has paid dearly for his past mistakes, but he has come so far. I hope no one has ever made him feel unworthy. Maybe that is the root of his problems …

  “Of course I’m not breaking up with you, Drake, I love you. I told you I’d fight for us. I just needed today and my time with Amanda to clear my head. Come with me, the water is going to get cold.”

  I grab Drake’s hand and lead him to the bathroom, stepping aside as he did last night for me, so he can get a glimpse of the bath.

  Besides the bubbles, champagne, and chocolate, I’ve lit some candles, put a mix of relaxing love songs on my iPod, and spread some rose petals around the tub. I look over at Drake so I can see his reaction as he takes the room in, and I see tears streaming down his face as a small sob escapes him. I pull him into a comforting embrace, and he drops his head onto my shoulder, his face finding the crook of my neck. I didn’t expect this reaction from him. I knew Drake would be surprised when I answered my door tastefully not-quite-naked, and of course he wouldn’t be expecting me to draw a romantic bath for us to relax in while we form a plan, but I think I’m the shocked one as I stand in my bathroom comforting the man I love while he gently sobs. Pulling back from him, I cup the sides of his beautifully chiseled jaw with both my hands.

  “Drake, what’s wrong?” I ask, searching his big brown eyes for answers.

  “I really thought I’d lost you. This morning felt like goodbye to me, then I didn’t hear from you all day and I was so worried. When you finally called a while ago, you sounded so nervous on the phone, and when you said you’d rather talk in person, I thought you were asking me here to end things, and my heart shattered. I drove here as fast as I reasonably could without getting a ticket. Baby, I thought you weren’t going to fight for me.” He lets out another small sob as my heart broke in two.

  “Drake, look at me.” Drake averts his eyes, instead he gazing at the floor. He seems ashamed to be crying. “Babe, look me in the eyes.” I wait a minute, and his eyes meet mine. “I love you with all my heart. It’s a little crazy to think of how much you mean to me when we have spent so little time together, but you do. I want you in my life. I want to get to know you better than you know yourself. You are worth fighting for. What we have is more special than I think either of us even realizes. I’ll never stop fighting for us.”

  I lean in and kiss Drake’s tearstained cheeks before pulling him tight to me and kissing him with everything I have to give. I want him to know in this moment how much he means to me.

  “This is all so beautiful, Morgan, beautiful like you. Thank you for going to all of this trouble. Shall we climb in and enjoy this bath? Now that I know we are in this together, we have some scheming to do.” Drake’s beautiful smile has returned.

  I slowly undo the belt to my robe, and let it slide off my shoulders onto the floor. Drake’s eyes widen a bit at the sight of me standing naked before him, and his breath quickens.

  “Morgan, you are so beautiful. I know I’ve said that a lot in the past 24 hours or so, but I have meant it every time. You are truly breathtaking, I’m a very lucky man.”

  Drake steps closer to me, grabbing my hips and pulling me close to him. He rains kisses down my shoulder and neck as I slowly undress him. I start by unbuttoning his shirt and pushing it off his shoulders before breaking our kiss to pull his undershirt off. Drake gently strokes my back, kissing my lips softly and sweetly while I undo his slightly faded and well-worn jeans, dropping them to the floor. He kicks his shoes off then steps out of his jeans while I reach into his boxers, slowly massaging his erection from root to tip.

  “Ahhh, baby, you’re amazing. That feels so good. Let’s get into the tub before we go any further and I forget all about why I came here tonight in the first place.”

  I give Drake a mischievous smile, then drop to my knees and take him in my mouth. Drake threads his fingers through my hair.

  “Oh, Morgan, that feels good. Bath time can wait.” Drake growls, muttering his approval as I continue to suck and kiss his girth. I feel Drake shudder and I know he’s close. I moan in anticipation, and the vibration from my throat sets him off. I grab Drake’s legs and steady myself as his release fills my mouth. When his breaths have slowed, I rise up, and Drake pulls me into a tight embrace.

  “Thank you for that, my love,” Drake says softly, before planting a kiss on the tip of my nose.

  “I like to pamper you too, now let’s get in before the water gets cold.”

  After climbing into the tub, Drake and I both sit with our legs crossed, knees resting on the sides of the tub while we face each other. I open the champagne while Drake does the honors of feeding me the first piece of chocolate, following it up with a small, sweet kiss. This feels so easy and so right. Being together always feels right with Drake. It’s
when we try to pull apart that things fall to pieces.

  Drake

  We have been soaking in the tub for a while, and I really don’t want to put a dampener on this moment, but I really want to get our conversation over with so I can make love to my beautiful girl. Just as I am about to speak, Morgan reaches behind her and pulls the plug for the drain.

  “Is it time get out, baby?” I ask while grabbing my champagne flute.

  “No, the water is getting a little cold, but I’m enjoying myself in here, so I thought I’d drain a bit and refill it with some more warm water.”

  “Sounds good to me, did you formulate a good plan for us while you were thinking today? Or were you too busy buying that sexy robe and planning this wonderful surprise?” I ask, wanting to start the conversation. Keeping the atmosphere light, I lean over and kiss her softly before sitting back and listening to what she had thought about.

  “I wasn’t able to form a concrete plan, but I was able to clear my head, and formulate clear thoughts that I wasn’t able to articulate properly to you this morning. If it’s okay, I’d like to articulate them now while they are fresh in my mind.”

  “Go ahead, Morgan, I’m all ears,” I answer with a relaxed smile. Knowing I’m not going to be kicked to the curb, I feel at peace, ready to hear everything Morgan has to say.

  Morgan takes a deep breath in, centering herself, gathering her thoughts. The more time we spend together, the better I’m getting at reading her body language, and that makes me happy. On her last big exhale, she starts speaking.

  “I was really freaked out this morning. It took a good portion of the day to figure out that it was a few things, actually, that had me so terrified. My thoughts might get jumbled, but bear with me. First, my job at Baylor is the first job I’ve ever had. I didn’t even babysit as a kid. My mother was so busy grooming me into the perfect future Mrs. Somebody that I never actually had time for a job. As far as I can remember, I’ve always had a packed calendar. My parents sent me to the best local prep school. My mother chose not to send me away so she could manage my social calendar herself. I had school, homework, tennis, riding lessons, etiquette lessons, and constant grooming of some sort. My hair was always perfect, nails done, outfit perfect for the occasion, custom tailored of course. Getting my hands dirty doing manual labor was laughable in my mom’s eyes. Why should I get a job when I would be married right out of college, and looked after by my husband until death do us part, when his large bank account and life insurance policy went into my name? I love my mom dearly; she is not only my mother, but one of my close friends and I love that about our relationship. But I shit you not when say this is really how she thinks. She believes this to be a normal lifestyle, because it’s her lifestyle. It’s how her mother raised her, so the poor lady doesn’t know any better.”