She leans over, kissing me tenderly. I reach over and wrap my arm around her waist to bring her closer. That action causes her to kiss me more intensely. Things quickly begin to turn from a tender moment into something heated. She pulls my hand, indicating she wants us to go to the bedroom. We get up slowly from the couch, our hands, our bodies, our mouths constantly touching. It takes some time but we eventually make it to her bed.
I lay her down gently, then I climb in next to her. I start at her neck, licking and sucking my way up and down from her ear to her collarbone. I inhale her scent, making my way back to her mouth. Before I can connect with those luscious lips again, she whispers softly in my ear.
“I want you to make love to me. I’m ready.”
“Maggie, that isn’t what tonight is about. I didn’t say those words or give you that gift to pressure you into anything. I want you to be sure that is what you want.”
“I’m one thousand percent positive this is what I want. I want to experience what it’s like to be with someone who really loves me.”
I look at her, like really look at her. I need to know that she’s sure. I never want her to regret being with me the way she regrets being with Sam. I don’t want that for us. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t ready. I’ve never been more ready. The fact that she told me she loves me tonight makes it all the more enticing. I’ve waited months to hear those beautiful words. When I don’t see any doubt in her stunning brown eyes, I start to inch my way closer and closer to her. When she lifts her chin, giving me permission to kiss her, I give in. She kisses me over and over again until I start to relax. My body begins to take over, full of need.
I begin to put my lips on her soft skin, making contact with every inch that’s exposed. My hand slides along her rib cage and over the top of her breast. I slowly start to unbutton her shirt. She responds by sitting up and taking it the rest of the way off. I pull her gently off the bed, undressing myself while she takes off her jeans. She’s standing before me in just her bra and underwear. I’ve never seen something so mind-blowing. Her body is perfect. I take all the time I want to soak her in.
We climb back on the bed together where I resume my consumption of her delectable body. I love the feel of her smooth skin touching mine. She runs her hands over my shoulder blades then down my back. I slide my hand under her, unhooking her bra in one swift move. I pull the straps down her arms slowly, deliberately taking my time so I can enjoy this moment to the fullest. This will be the first time I’ve seen her naked and I want to appreciate every inch of her body.
I stare down at her bare chest, then gradually lower my lips to her breast. I look at her for encouragement that this is what she wants. Her body reacts almost immediately as she lifts her breasts closer to my mouth. I begin the assault on her senses by starting with one perfect nipple and then moving to the next. I go back and forth, rubbing and massaging each breast as I lick and suck passionately. I somehow manage to pull my boxers off while she’s writhing beneath me. Her desire building to an all-time high.
My hand begins the slow decent to her panties. I brush her thigh before pulling on the silky fabric. I look back into her eyes, staring into the face of the woman I love. I want to give her the first orgasm her body has ever felt. My hand returns to her thigh before moving to her sweet spot between her legs. I begin to move my thumb in circles while kissing her exposed body. Her moaning, panting and excitement have me more turned on than I’ve ever been. Then it happens. She explodes around me, finding her release.
I quickly search around the floor for my pants, pulling a condom out of the back pocket. I have to tell myself over and over to slow down because this will likely be painful for her. At least in the beginning. She’s only had sex once and that was a very long time ago. I remind myself again to be gentle as I put the condom on and lower my body back to hers. I tell her how beautiful she is while kissing her soft lips. Her legs are wrapped around me, eager to connect in a way we never have before.
I enter her slowly, trying to be wary of her pain. I feel her wince slightly until I’m all the way inside of her. I stop and make sure she’s alright before moving again.
“Are you okay?”
“It feels a little uncomfortable but not in a bad way. You aren’t hurting me. I want this more than I’ve ever wanted anything. I love you.” To hear her say those words without me saying them first feels…well, indescribable.
“I love you Magnolia. With all my heart.”
I give her a few moments to get used to the feeling of me inside her before I start to move again. Each time I pull out a little more and push back in a little harder. I can feel my body building up to its release but I want to make this last for her. I want her to feel how much I love her. How much I want this to be about her and not me.
My body is enveloped in hers as she continues to pull me closer, panting and moaning in my ear. My body takes over as I start to move faster and faster. She kisses my lips, then my neck, then my shoulder. I feel her body begin to quiver beneath mine as her orgasm takes over. Hearing her moan my name over and over sends me to my own breaking point. I fall on her body when we both finish, searching for air. We’re covered in sweat, melting the two of us into one. I kiss her lovingly, anxiously awaiting her first words after I just made love to her.
“That was amazing. When can we do it again?” I can’t help but laugh. She never ceases to amaze me.
“Whenever you want me. I’m all yours.”
Truer words have never been spoken. I’m so glad we waited because I’ve never felt this way after sex. I don’t feel empty or like I just made a mistake. I feel complete. Maggie slips a tank top and panties back on while I grab my boxers from the floor. We both clean up before crawling back in bed. Tonight has been by far, the best night of my life.
It’s early in the morning, just after the sun has come up. I look down at the beautiful girl in my arms and can’t believe this is my life. I decide right then that I will encourage her to pick Michigan. I can tell that’s where she really wants to go. We can and will figure this out. I love her too much for her to give up her dreams. Maybe in a couple more years, I can join her. But for now, I want to stay in our bubble a little longer.
My fingers start to move in small circles over her arm until I feel her eyes slowly opening. She looks at me and smiles before reaching up and planting her lips on mine. I wish I could say that it was soft and sweet, but it wasn’t. Apparently Maggie has something on her mind and she won’t take no for an answer. Her kisses become harder, forcing her way into my mouth. I respond immediately, pushing her and rolling over so I’m on top of her. We start back where we left off last night. Once I get her undressed again, I reach for another condom. After putting it on, I hesitate while hovering over her body.
“Are you sure you want to do this again so soon? Aren’t you sore?”
“Maybe a little but I don’t care. I want you. Again. Now. I love you so much that being this close to you and not having you inside me physically aches. Please, Vincent. Make love to me again.”
How can I possibly say no to her now? I take things as slow as my body will allow, entering her gently. After we get a good rhythm going, I pick up the pace. We seem to move in unison, so aware of the others intention that we never break contact. We are skin to skin, our sweat mixing together, bringing us closer and closer to our end point. Her moans are what send me over the edge. Her body shudders under the weight of mine until we’re both panting, exhausted from our early morning round.
After an entire weekend spent locked away in her apartment, I’m actually looking forward to some sleep. We just can’t seem to keep our hands off each other now that we’ve become physically intimate. It’s not anything I’m used to. Usually I can’t wait to get away from a girl after we’ve slept together, but with Maggie it just makes me want to be with her even more. I head back to my house in hopes of catching a few hours of sleep. Tomorrow will be a busy day. The warm weather has brought lots of new business. I
’ve finally been able to offer Tommy full time work. He quit the factory last week and tomorrow will be our first full day with two crews. And by crew, I mean Tommy in one truck and me in the other. But it’s a start.
“Hey, man. Long time, no see. How’s it going?”
“Great.”
“Oh shit. You finally did it! You finally tapped that!”
“Dude, don’t ever talk about Maggie like that. She isn’t that type of girl.”
“Okay, okay. Sorry, man. I know she means more than that to you. But still, good for you for getting some.”
“Do you even know how to be respectful of a girl?”
“I’m learning. Amanda doesn’t put up with any of that crap either.”
“Speaking of your girlfriend, where is she?”
“I think she’s at the shop today. And she said something about seeing Maggie later.”
“How’s it going with you two?”
“Good. We’re still getting to know each other. I don’t think I’ve ever gone this long without sex before.”
“It’s good for you. It makes you appreciate her even more when you wait.”
“Well, I just hope I don’t have to wait as long as you did. My dick can’t take the anticipation.”
“TMI. Seriously dude, TMI. I’m going to bed now. We have a big day tomorrow so get some rest.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Don’t ever call me that again. We’re more like partners. Okay?”
“Are you sure? I mean, this is your business, not mine. I’m just grateful I don’t have to be in that metal box anymore.”
“I’m sure. I’m not your boss. I’m your partner, best friend, your family. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Man, getting laid has turned you into a big, fluffy marshmallow puff.”
“Shut-up, jackass.”
I head to my room, pull off my clothes and flop down face first on my bed. Maggie will be leaving in a couple of months. The thought depresses me but I decide to make the most of the time we have left. I plan to spend every available moment with her until she heads off to Michigan. That is not a conversation I want to have but a very necessary one. She needs to know I support her even if that means being apart. Maybe we don’t have to talk about it right away. Maybe I can stall just a little longer. Keep her to myself for just a few more weeks.
Chapter Twenty-Two
A couple of weeks later, Maggie and I finally make it out in public to have a nice meal. I never thought it would be this hard to keep my hands off her but it’s proving to be quite the challenge. We decide to head to the creek after dinner. I love the summer months because the sun sets much later, giving us more time to spend outside.
After walking through the tall grass and past the trees, we break through the brush and into our own personal oasis. The creek is truly transcendent this time of year. All the flowers are out in full bloom and the water looks clear and crisp. I have my arms wrapped around Maggie as we take in the fresh air.
“So I made a decision to stay in Milford and go to the community college for the next two years. I figure that gives us more time to figure out where this is going.” My heart drops down into my stomach at her words. What is she thinking? She can’t stay here.
“Maggie, you can’t do that. I told you we will work it out. I don’t want you giving up your dreams to make me happy. I can drive to see you on the weekend or you can come back here.”
“I don’t want to do that. I don’t want to be away from you all week long. Besides, if I went to Michigan or Pennsylvania there is no way I could come home that often. Both are over five hours away. I have to make the time for studying and homework. I just think this is the best option for now.”
“It’s not. I can’t let you do this. I know how much you want to get out of this town and away from Patricia. I can’t let you throw away your dreams because of me.”
“Dreams can change Vince. People can change. What I wanted a few months ago isn’t what I want now.”
Oh no. She’s got that determined look in her eyes that tells me she isn’t going to back down. Once Maggie makes up her mind, it’s very hard to change it. A lesson that has taken me months to figure out. I try a different strategy with her.
“Maggie, you don’t know what you’re talking about. We’re just kids. We don’t know what we want. You can’t make a life altering decision based on our connection.” I see the hurt in her eyes the minute I say the words.
“Based on our love? Why not? Isn’t that what people search their whole lives for? Is to find that person that they can spend the rest of their life with?”
Things are getting serious, fast. I respond quickly, without fully thinking through the ramifications.
“When did we start talking about forever? Maybe we need to slow things down. Step away and take a breath.”
What the hell am I saying? I don’t want a break from her. I don’t need time to breathe. I want her today, tomorrow, forever. We talk a little more before she gets frustrated enough to head back to the truck. We don’t speak the whole way back to her place. When I drop her off, I see pain and hurt in her eyes. It kills me to leave things this way but I need time to think. Unfortunately, I can’t do that with Maggie around. When I’m with her, she’s all I want no matter the consequences. I pull up to my house about ten minutes later. After sitting in the driveway for several minutes, I decide that maybe talking to someone is the best course of action. I drag myself inside to find Tommy alone. Thank god for small miracles.
“Hey Man. You got a minute?”
“Hey Vince. Sure. What’s up?”
“I need to talk. Maybe get a different perspective.”
“Okay. About what?”
“Well, Maggie got accepted into several schools and has been trying to decide which one to attend. I was going to tell her to follow her dreams and go to Michigan but today she told me she wants to stay here and attend the community college for the next two years.”
“Okay. So what’s the problem?”
“The problem is I don’t want to be the reason she stays. I don’t want her to regret anything in life and I’m afraid if she stays for me and things go wrong, she’ll resent me for the rest of our lives.”
“That’s pretty heavy. I’m not really sure what you want from me.”
“I told her it was crazy. That she needs to go. That maybe we need a break.”
“Wow. Dude, what were you thinking? You love that girl. I’ve never seen you care about someone the way you care about Maggie.”
“I’m thinking I don’t want to be the reason she stays. She has talked about nothing else since we met. She wants to leave this town and never look back.”
“I’m sorry, man. I wish I knew what to tell you. I mean, I get what your saying, but don’t you think that should be up to Maggie?”
“But she isn’t thinking clearly. She’s leading with her heart and not her head. I just feel like if I don’t do something, I’ll regret it just as much as her. Thanks for listening. I’m going to my room for a while.”
*****
I laid in my bed for hours thinking about Maggie and if I could live with her gone. I kept going back and forth, trying to picture my life without her. I just wish she could see it from my perspective. Why can’t we at least try the long distance thing? She has to be one of the most inflexible people on the planet. That’s why I know if I do this, I will have to hurt her to get her to leave. She won’t go unless I do. I try to push everything out of my mind and head to work. I have another full day ahead with very little sleep.
It’s late in the day, Tommy and I cut so many lawns today. We also met up at a few clients houses to discuss landscaping options. Those bigger jobs will take both of us. Instead of going home to shower and eat, I decide to head to my mom’s. Maybe she can give me some insight about Maggie. Before I even cut the engine, she’s on the front porch to greet me.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hello Mijo. How are you? You don�
�t look so good.”
We sit down on the front porch and I explain everything to her just like I did with Tommy.
“Oh Vincent. You can’t take the choice away from her. You have to let her decide what’s best for her.”
“But I can’t. If she had never met me then she would be going off to the University of Michigan without a second thought. It’s my fault she wants to stay.”
“It isn’t your fault, son, that the two of you fell in love. It’s a wonderful time in your life. Why are you trying to push it away?”
“Don’t you see? I’m doing this because I love her. I know how much pain her mother put her through and I know it kills Maggie to know they live in the same town. The possibility of them running into each other causes anxiety for her. I can see it every time we go somewhere her mom could show-up. She has talked about college since the day we met. How can I take that away from her?”
“But you aren’t taking it away. She’s just taking a different approach. And why are you so against going with her?”
“Mom, please. Not this again. I can’t go off to college. I have a business to run. I also don’t want to leave you and Joey.”
“I know you feel responsible for us but you’re not. We’re doing fine. If you want to go, then I want you to go.”
“No. I’m staying here. But that doesn’t mean Maggie has to.”
“I think you’re about to make a big mistake, Vincent.”
It seems the more I talk about it, the more resolve I get. I just keep repeating the reasons over and over in my head. She is worth it to let her go. I love her that much. I head back to my house to get cleaned up. Maggie has texted me a few times but I keep limiting my responses to one or two words. I know I’m not being fair but in all honesty, I have to see if I can even be away from her for a few days. Because if I do this, I might lose her forever. I walk in my tiny house, ready to be left alone. However, tonight I’m not so lucky.
“Hey Vince.”
Sublime Forgiveness (Sublime Series Book 3) Page 14