Sublime Forgiveness (Sublime Series Book 3)

by Charlene Zapata

  *****

  Christmas day is finally here. I’m a little ticked off that I pulled Tommy’s name last week at our family dinner. Maggie refused to let me buy her anything extra saying it would break the rules and the spirit of the secret Santa. She also said I didn’t need to spend a huge amount of money on some gift because she already has the best gift ever. Getting to spend Christmas with us. How can I argue with that?

  Of course I feel like I’ve gotten the best gift in the whole world because I’m waking up next to Maggie on Christmas morning. I can’t imagine anything better than this feeling. I almost hate to wake her but I promised my mom we would be over bright and early in the morning as per our family tradition of opening gifts at the crack of dawn.

  “Hey, sleepy head. It’s time to get up.” All I get in response is a loud grunt. I give it another try. “Maggie, if you want a shower you have to get up now.”

  “Who says I need a shower?”

  “I do. You kind of stink.”

  “Liar.”

  I can’t help but laugh under my breath because she’s right. She smells incredible. She starts to rub small circles over my side, right below my rib cage. I know she has no idea how much that turns me on because I usually spend a tremendous amount of effort controlling the uncontrollable. I might need another cold shower before she gets out of bed.

  “Want me to go first so you can sleep a little longer?”

  “No. I take forever to get ready anyway. You’re in and out in less than five minutes. Guys are so lucky. You don’t have to primp to look good.”

  “I guess I’ll take that as a compliment. Now if you want time to look as good as me, you better get up.”

  “Fine. You’re so pushy in the mornings.”

  “No. You’re just stubborn and grumpy and irritable.”

  “Okay. Okay. I get it, Slick. Way to be subtle. I’ll be back in like forty-five minutes. Don’t fall back to sleep.”

  “Never.” I give her my biggest shit eating grin. She rolls her eyes before closing the bathroom door.

  The next thing I know; warm breath is tickling my neck as soft lips press down against my skin. I savor the feeling as long as possible before she whispers in my ear.

  “If we don’t leave soon, we’ll never make it to your moms and she might never forgive us.”

  I hate it when she’s right. Besides, her little wake-up call has alerted another part of my body that needs taming. I wait until she heads out to the kitchen before climbing out of bed. A nice cold shower should do the trick. I take them so often now; I’ve forgotten what a hot shower feels like.

  After grabbing the wrapped presents off Maggie’s coffee table, we head out to the truck. I haven’t been able to drive the Mustang much with all the snow but she’s well protected in my garage, stored away for the winter. We pull up to my mom’s house just as the sun is rising over her rooftop. I can see the soft, glowing lights streaming out from the front windows of the living room. I wrap my hand around Maggie’s as we head inside.

  My mother is in the kitchen cooking what I assume will be an epic breakfast. Joey and Keri are sitting on the couch snuggling like the love sick puppy dogs they are. Tommy should be on his way. We usually come together but since I was at Maggie’s, he was on his own. Maggie makes a beeline for my mom, offering to help with whatever she can. I put the presents under the tree and take a seat in the armchair next to the sofa. I must have dozed off because the next thing I hear is Maggie’s soft voice in my ear.

  “This really isn’t fair. You got to sleep while I was in the shower and now, you did it again.”

  “Sorry. It was either sleep or watch the two youngins over there make out.”

  “Well, in that case, you made the right choice. Come on, breakfast is ready.”

  We sit down at the table and I say grace. It’s something I’ve been doing more and more frequently. Then we all dig in. Tommy must have come in while I was taking my little cat nap because he’s sitting across the table from me now. He gives me a little smirk just before piling his plate high with pork and carbohydrates. My mom knows how to put on a good spread. Of course Maggie eats as much as a grown man sometimes, which thrills my mother because it shows that she approves of her cooking skills.

  It’s finally time for presents. I’m drying to see what Maggie got Joey considering we limited it to twenty-five dollars. We all gather around the tiny tree in the living room as I hand out the gifts. My mom insists that Maggie open hers first since she’s the newest addition to our family. She carefully pulls the tissue paper out of the gift bag before reaching in deep to dig out her gift.

  “Oh Keri, it’s perfect. Thank you so much.”

  “I figured since you like to run, a nice water bottle that’s insulated was a good option. I’m glad you like it.”

  Of course the girls get up and hug, which gets repeated when Keri opens her gift from my mom. Tommy and I got each other parts for our cars and of course Joey re-gifted something that was already in the house to my mom.

  “Smooth, dude. Real smooth.”

  “Stop it, Vincent. I love it just as much as I did the first time I got it. Thank you, mijo.”

  “You’re welcome, Mom.”

  Joey turns to me with the stupidest grin I’ve ever seen. I roll my eyes in response. It’s Maggie’s turn to give her present. I tried to get her to tell me what she got Joey, but she refused. Saying it would ruin the surprise. She hands Joey a box that seems way too big for anything I could imagine. After tearing off the wrapping paper, he seems frozen. An expression of shock maybe, or sadness comes across his features before I see the tears start to fall. I turn to Maggie, who now seems very unsure of her gift.

  “Joey, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. It’s just that Vince has shared so many stories with me about your dad fishing with you boys that I thought maybe someday you might want to go again. I can take it back and get you something else.”

  Maggie gets up from the couch, reaching for the gift in Joey’s hands but he pulls it toward himself, out of her reach.

  “No, Maggie. I don’t want you to return it. I love it. I will use it someday, I’m just not sure when I’ll be ready.”

  “I understand. I lost my father many years ago but hold on to those good moments you shared with him because when you do, it’s like he’s right here with you. He sounds like he was a great man and an even greater father.”

  “Where did you find the picture of just the two of us?”

  “Your mom helped me with that part. But the tackle box was all me. I did get a little help from the sales guy on which kit would be the best for shallow water fishing so I hope it works whenever you’re ready to use it.”

  Joey holds up a metal picture frame that holds a photograph of him and my dad at the creek with several fish in hand. I remember that day. It was the one and only time he caught more fish than me. The memory brings a small smile to my face because I’m the one who took the picture, even though I was so jealous of my little brother. I’m glad he has that memory with dad. I turn to Maggie, who still seems unsure if she did the right thing or not. I grab her hand to offer some reassurance.

  “You are the most incredible person I’ve ever met. That was probably one of the best gifts he’s ever gotten. You also found a way to include my dad in our Christmas celebration and that means more than anything else.”

  She finally smiles brightly, accepting that she couldn’t have gotten a better gift. I like that she finds joy in making others happy. It shows what a compassionate person she is while once again reminding me why I love her.

  Chapter Twenty

  Spring is right around the corner. Maggie and I are driving around in my truck for what could be the last snowfall of the year. It’s just after six in the morning, the haze is starting to clear and a tiny amount of light is showing to the far east as the sun rises. She’s snuggled up next to me, wrapped in her fuzzy blanket but she isn’t asleep. Not today. I know she wants to talk some more. I fee
l like we’ve been doing a lot of that lately.

  “Vince, can we talk?” Here we go.

  “Sure. What do you want to talk about?”

  “College. I’m still waiting on my acceptance letters from three of the schools but I got the one from The University of Michigan and Ohio State. I wanted to talk to you about it.”

  “Okay. What are you thinking? I mean, which one do you think you might go to?”

  “I don’t know. That’s why I wanted your input. Obviously Ohio State is much closer but Michigan has a great marketing program.”

  “Okay.” My mouth is dry; I can’t think straight when she starts talking about leaving.

  “Michigan is over five hours away. I just think that once things get busy, we won’t have the time to drive to see each other every weekend. So I’m leaning toward Ohio State. What do you think?”

  “Maggie, I think you need to do what is best for your education. We will find a way to make it work.”

  “Would you come with me if I chose Michigan?”

  “We’ve been over this. I can’t. My mom and brother still need me. Plus, I have my business to run. What am I supposed to do, walk away from the only success I’ve ever had in my life?”

  “I understand. I do, but you could do so much more if you went to school.”

  “I disagree. I think it would be more harmful to leave right now.”

  “What about the community college here in Milford or Union?”

  “And then what would you do? We would still be separated. Besides, I can’t afford to go to school right now.”

  “Community college is very inexpensive. I’ve looked into classes there and if you saved up, you could go in the fall.”

  “Maggie, please. I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I know college is important to you but it’s just not something I ever saw myself doing.” She gives me an exasperated huff before pulling away, sitting up and looking out the window. “We will make it work. I promise. People have long distance relationships all the time.”

  She gives up for now but I can tell I’ve only won the battle not the war. I’m able to lighten her mood slightly with a little breakfast from one of her favorite fast food places. Then I add the icing to the cake. I offer to take a nap with her back at my place after we finish plowing today. It’s Sunday and we don’t have much else going on. That at least makes her smile. She never does come back to snuggle next to me and I can’t help feeling like we just had our first official fight. Once we pull in the driveway, she seems to have forgotten the argument.

  “Let me carry you inside since your boots are soaked from walking around in the snow earlier.”

  “How can a girl refuse such a generous offer?” She bats her eyelashes at me while giving me an over the top smile. I walk around to her side and decide to be very ungentlemanly. I open the door wide, grab her arm and lift her over my shoulder so her ass is right next to my face and her head is facing my back. She squeals out in delight when I smack her round behind, grabbing mine in both her hands in response. I walk through the front door holding my woman like a caveman and it feels good. We pass the living room where I see Tommy and Amanda out of the corner of my eye but I don’t stop.

  “Are you alright?” Amanda asks her friend out of true concern.

  “I’m fine. We’re going to take a nap. See you in a little while.” Maggie can barely get the words out in-between her laughter. I’m glad the lightheartedness is back and the heavy conversation we had early seems to be forgotten.

  I lay her down gently on the bed before kicking off my work boots and striping all the way down to my boxers. I climb under the covers, lifting them just enough for her to scoot in with me. She nuzzles up next to me, putting her cold hands on my chest. She starts running them up and down, slowly from my ribs down to my abdomen. I wish she knew the effect she has on me when she does that. We’ve been getting a little more daring with each other every time we’re in this type of situation. I want to respect her. I want to wait until she’s ready but it’s getting harder and harder. No pun intended.

  She props herself up on her elbow so she can look into my eyes. Then she leans down and kisses me hard. My mouth opens hastily, responding to her hunger. Her tongue explores my mouth before pulling away slightly so she can take my bottom lip in between her teeth, sucking and pulling until I can’t take it anymore. I react instinctively, grabbing her wrists, rolling on top of her until every part of my body is pressing into hers. I don’t bother hiding my arousal, not anymore. We’ve crossed that line so many times, I’ve lost count.

  She’s moaning softly, pulling me closer with each kiss. I run my fingers down her side, to the bottom of her shirt. I start inching it up her waist slowly, unsure if this is alright. She’s on the same page because she sits up slightly and pulls it the rest of the way off. She’s wearing a pink, lacey bra that makes her breasts look incredible. This is the first time she’s taken her shirt off in front of me. Unfortunately, she doesn’t give me time to admire her beauty because her lips are back on mine as we fall into the mattress.

  She wraps her legs tightly around my mine, forcing me closer and closer. I start kissing her neck, her collarbone, her shoulder when all I really want to do is take this damn bra off so I can kiss her everywhere. I grind into her, losing myself in the moment. She feels unbelievable. We’re both getting caught up in the heat of things, losing our minds for a minute. Her hands slide down to my ass, squeezing while pulling me closer.

  My mouth rushes back to hers, feverishly kissing her, craving more but somehow knowing in the back of my mind that we need to stop before this goes any further. I just can’t seem to find the self control right now. She’s never responded to me for this long before. Usually she’s the one slowing things down. Not this time. Maybe that means she’s ready. No, no. Not like this. Not in the heat of the moment with Tommy and Amanda down the hall. Just as I’m about to come to my senses, I hear a knock on the door.

  “Hey, do you guys want to watch a movie with us?” Of course it’s Amanda. We both respond in unison.

  “NO!”

  “Okay, okay. Sorry. Don’t bite my head off. I was just trying to be nice. How about dinner later?”

  “No!” But this time it’s just me shouting.

  “Maybe. What were you thinking about?” Maggie says from under me.

  “I don’t know. What do you feel like?”

  Shoot me now. This could go on for hours.

  “Can we decide when we get up?” I yell over my shoulder.

  “Fine. Whatever. But I know you weren’t sleeping in there. I probably just saved your asses from doing something stupid and instead of thanking me, all I get is grief.”

  “Go away!” I can’t help my impatience. The girl is always here. Like always. Maggie tends to be a little softer with her words.

  “We were asleep until you interrupted, so go watch your movie and we’ll be up in a little bit. We can decide then. Okay?”

  “Whatever.”

  “Finally. That girl is relentless.”

  “Tell me about it. But honestly, it’s probably good that she interrupted us. Things were getting a little out of control. I don’t think I’m ready for the next step. Not yet. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t ever apologize for not being ready. Okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “This isn’t how I imagined our first time together anyway. Trapped in my room, being held hostage by Tommy and Amanda? Not my idea of romance.”

  “Don’t be too hard on yourself. It wouldn’t have been the worst timing, just not exactly…”

  “Ideal.”

  “Yes.”

  “Besides, we aren’t ready. I want you to be one hundred percent sure. Your comfort level is very important to me. I don’t want us to do something out of lust. I want it to be out of love.”

  “Me too.”

  “Now, how about that nap?”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  I slide off her warm body, resting back o
n my side of the bed. She slides over until her cheek is lying on my chest. The heat from minutes ago has dissipated, leaving behind a feeling of want that aches within me. It’s a constant ache that I’ve felt since the first time I met Maggie. We slowly drift off to sleep, holding each other tenderly as I try to imagine letting her leave when the time comes.

  *****

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Maggie graduated today. I’ve never been more proud of someone as I am of her. My mom threw a great party for all of us to celebrate. Maggie’s Grandfather even made it for the special day. There was no sign of her mother. As much as that makes me happy, I could sense a small sadness in her. I don’t have any idea what it would feel like not to have either parent there to support you.

  We just pulled up at her apartment. I’ve been so nervous all day about what I plan to say to her and the gift I have for her. After setting the tone that she isn’t allowed to complain about me spending money on her, we sit down on the couch. I really hope she likes what I picked out for her. Her Grandfather was kind enough to help me by giving me a picture of her father and himself. I thought for a very long time of what would mean the most to her. I hand her the black box and hold my breath.

  “Vincent, this is stunning. It means so much that you know how important these two men are in my heart. I will wear it always and be reminded of the abundance of love in my life. Thank you.”

  My heart leaps up into my throat, almost causing me to choke before I can get the most important words out. Words that I’ve waited months to say to the love of my life.

  “Magnolia, I love you. I think I’ve loved you since the first time I saw you. There was just something about you. I feel drawn to you. Like we are meant to be.” The moment feels frozen as I wait for her response, hoping against all odds that she feels the exact same way.

  “Vincent, I love you too. I’ve wanted to say those words for months but I wanted to be sure. Now I’m more sure than ever.”