by JA Johnston
I can not form any words. Tears just continue to envelop me. I am not sure how long we’ve driven or where we’ve gone. But when Phillip opens the door, I am the only one in the car. He doesn’t offer me his hand, instead, he sits beside me and closes the door.
“I’ve never seen you cry, Amelia. What’s happened?” He asks gently as he pulls me into his arms. I cry into Phillip’s shoulder while he pats my head. I’ve known Phillip since I was eighteen, and he’s always been with me since I’ve worked for Piper. He continues to hold and rock me until I finally begin to calm down.
Phillip looks at my face and wipes it with another tissue. “Now, tell me why you’re crying, is it Adam? I saw him come out of the restaurant behind you.”
“Yes.” I quiver. Phillip is waiting patiently for me to continue. I take a deep breath, “He was with someone else.” I begin to cry again, but try to stop. “He never even called to say that he couldn’t handle my career choice. He told me he would call me once he had time to think about everything I told him.” I take another deep breath, “Tonight he walked in with another woman.”
“That doesn’t mean he was with her Amelia.” Phillip states.
“His hand was on her lower back, and they were laughing and smiling at one another.” I gulp in a huge amount of air.
“Maybe, but he ran out of that restaurant calling your name. There was no woman with him when he did that.” Phillip still is holding me in his arms. “If a man runs after you, I take that to mean you misunderstood something.”
“How do you misunderstand that.” I ask in a hurtful tone. “Are you on his side?” I state more than question in an accusatory tone.
“Amelia, I am on no one’s side here. I don’t even know what’s going on tonight.” He looks me in the eye, “All I know is, you are like a daughter to me. A boy you’re in love with, hurt you. But he came running after you and you didn’t respond.”
“But…” I didn’t get to finish because Phillips cuts me off.
“I’m not done.” He states. “I understand he hasn’t called, I’m not even going to try an explanation for that. But I saw his face as he came running out of that restaurant. It was a face of a man running to someone he loves that he just realized he hurt.” He places a finger under my chin, “Now, if he didn’t run after you, I would tell you to have nothing more to do with him. But he did, and he’s followed us all night long.”
“What?” I say tearfully as I look into his pale gray eyes.
“He’s standing right outside this door and I can tell he’s shed some tears as well.” Phillip wipes my tears one last time. He takes all the dirty tissues and places a box of tissues in my lap. “Now, I am going to open this door and step out. Adam is going to sit beside you. The two of you need to talk. I won’t go far, I’ll be inside the lobby, watching.”
I’m staring at Phillip. “You’ll watch?” I gulp, “You’ll wait?”
Phillip smiles, “Of course I will. I always have. Now, you and Adam talk.” He places a kiss on my forehead. With that, he opens the door and steps out. Adam slides into the spot that Phillip just vacated.
“Hey.” He whispers. He scoots towards me and places a finger under my chin, “why didn’t you stop when I called you?”
Looking into his hazel eyes, I begin to cry all over again. It’s more like bawling, and then Adam has his arms around me as he lifts me onto his lap. I begin to push against his chest, to get away.
“Amelia, talk to me. What’s going on?”
“What’s going on? You tell me.” I finally manage to squeal out while crying. “It’s been two weeks and nothing. Nothing from you. Then tonight…” I take a deep breath and hiccup, “I see you with another woman.” I begin to cry again, “You were both smiling and laughing at one another, and your arm was around her.” I feel like I am hyperventilating. I’m shaking, hiccuping and crying.
Adam pulls me closer and is gripping me tighter as I am struggling with him. “Amelia, please stop and let me explain.”
“Explain! What’s there to explain. You’ve moved on and you didn’t even bother to tell me.” I yell.
Adam clasps his right hand over my mouth, “Can you please calm down and I will tell you.” I don’t, instead, I bite his hand.
“Shit! Amelia!” He shouts
I make my way to the door; my hand is on the handle when Adam pulls me by the waist and lays me down on the seat. He’s lying on top of me. Again, he places his hand over my mouth. “Now, can you please be quiet long enough for me to tell you that was my Aunt.” He says in a deep hurt rushed tone, while I’m still struggling beneath him.
His aunt. I still. Adam keeps his hand over my mouth. “She’s been out of the country for years. She just got into town the other day and today I’ve been with her all day looking at places for her to live.”
“I haven’t called because I haven’t been in town.” He sighs. “I’ve been in Idaho for a week in meetings. I only just got back the same day as my Aunt showed up.” He hasn’t broken eye contact this entire time. “I was getting ready to come see you when I got the call about a deal in Idaho. I didn’t want to call you on the phone. I wanted to be face to face.” He pauses again. “I’ve fallen in love with you, Amelia. I don’t want to lose what we’ve started. I’m not ecstatic that you’re an escort, but I don’t want to lose you.”
“Mmm mot man mescort.” I mumble beneath his hand.
“What?” he says. I shake my head and he realizes his hand is still across my mouth. “Oh.” He looks down, “Are you going to yell again?” He asks as he looks at me.
I shake my head no. He removes his hand. “I said, I’m not an escort. I was in college, then for a while after. But since I met you, I haven’t gone with any of my clients. In fact, I no longer have my own clients. I run the escort business.”
“But you did…” I cut him off.
“I did. Past tense. Not anymore.”
“But you slept with…” again, I cut him off.
“Adam, I’m sure you’ve slept with other women. You probably dated them. Whereas, I did not date my clients. And I did not have sex with all of my clients.”
“But you got paid.”
“Did you bring your dates gifts? Flowers, meals, chocolates?” I ask.
“That’s not the same.”
“Not exactly, you’re right. But I never told the men I was with an amount. I never advertised that I would sleep with them.” I sigh. I can’t believe I am having this conversation with him lying on top of me. “Can we sit up, please?”
Adam sits up and holds his hand out for me. He pulls me up, we are facing one another and he’s holding both of my hands. “The clients that I did have sex with, would tip me. Generously. I had seven clients and only had sex with two of them. The other one, I wouldn’t even call it sex. I’m not sure what you would call it.”
I place a finger against his lips, “And before you ask, it was always protected sex. Every six months I would go and get tested. I just had my last test the other week.”
“And?”
“I’ve always tested clean, and still have on this last one.” I look deeply into his eyes, “Did you mean what you said?”
“That I’ve fallen in love with you?” He asks as he tucks my hair behind an ear.
I nod my head.
“Yes, Amelia, I’m in love with you.” He smiles.
“Oh, Adam.” I begin to tear up again. Adam cups my face with his hands and brings my face closer to his.
“Don’t cry.” He kisses the tip of my nose. I can’t control the tears now. Adam picks up the tissues and wipes my face. “We have a lot to talk about. But right now, I think we need a break from talking. But I don’t want to leave you right now.”
“I don’t want you to leave either.” I glance to the lobby from the car, I see Phillip leaning against the security desk talking to the guard, but his eyes are on the car. “Will you come up with me? And stay?”
“Yes.” He takes my hand as he opens the door
. I step out right after him. As we enter the lobby Phillip looks to me. I smile as best as I can, I walk over to him and give him a hug; “thank you” I whisper. “You’re welcome” I hear Phillip’s whispered reply.
Seventeen years, four months
I FINALLY MANAGED to sneak out of work early the other day and buy some maternity clothes. Not a lot, but a couple of outfits. My own clothes were just too tight. Then Lucas said we were going out to dinner to celebrate Adam’s birthday.
“I’m going to meet Adam?” I question. “Honestly, I think he’s a figment of your imagination.” I smirk at Lucas as we are getting ready.
“What? Why would you say that?” He looks at me with a puzzled expression.
“You do realize that we have been together for over two years and I have never met him.” I state as I step into my shoes.
Lucas laughs, “I haven’t realized.” He looks like he’s thinking. “He’s very busy with his business, and he couldn’t attend the wedding because he was traveling.” He chuckles, “I talk about you a lot, I guess I had not realized that you two haven’t been introduced.”
“I still say he isn’t real.” I chuckle. “Can’t wait to meet your imaginary friend named Adam.” I grin at Lucas. “I really thought you would have grown out of that stage by now.”
“Ha ha ha!” He pulls me into his arms and kisses me. I match his kiss and run my fingers through his hair. Our tongues are intertwining, Lucas slides his hands down to my ass and squeezes. I moan into his mouth. He’s pressing against me as close as he can when all of a sudden.
“What was that?” He asks and looks down.
I’ve been feeling the babies move some, but that was a big thump. I place my hand on my stomach, then I take Lucas’ and place it there. “That was one of your children.” I smile at him.
“Really?” He’s holding my stomach and his other hand is on my waist. There’s no more movement. “Is that all?”
“Right now, I’m sure the bigger they get; I’ll be feeling more kicks.”
“I love you. Thank you for this.” Lucas says to me while looking into my eyes.
“I love you too, and I should be thanking you. Without you,” I squeeze his hand that is still on my stomach, “this wouldn’t have been.”
We arrive at the restaurant and I tell Lucas to head to the table, while I make a stop in the restroom. As I slowly approach the table, I see Alex seated beside Lucas, who has an empty seat on the opposite side of him. Then there are two other men at the table, whom I can’t see, only their backs.
Lucas stands up when I approach; “Here she is!” he exclaims.
The rest of the men stand and turn towards me once I get there. Lucas places his arm around my waist, “Amelia, this is my friend Adam Hunter and his brother Ben Hunter. This is my Amelia.” He smiles.
I look up and oh shit! I’m looking into the gorgeous hazel eyes that belong to the man in the elevator. Ben takes my hand first and smiles at me. “Nice to meet you, Amelia.” I extend my hand towards Adam, damn its hot in here! “Very nice to meet you, Amelia.” Adam says in a deep voice, his eyes showing a bit of despondency.
“Likewise, I thought you were a figment of my husband’s imagination.” I say in an amused tone. He releases my hand. As we sit, I say “Thank you by the way.” He looks at me and quirks his right eyebrow, “For saving me from my fall in the elevator.”
“That, was you?” Lucas asks with a chuckle.
Now I’m looking at him and around the table as the other men are chuckling. I’m confused, and it must show because Alex begins.
“Adam was just telling us that story and then asked us if we know who the woman is that works on the twenty-fourth floor.” He grins, “All he got out was how gorgeous she was, then you walked up.”
I’m blushing I know. I can feel the heat on my face. “Well, he definitely got the gorgeous part down. But as you can see Adam, she’s taken.” Lucas grins over at him and takes my hand in his.
“I did not know it was Amelia.” Adam says while looking at me. “Also, I didn’t look for a ring. I was too busy looking into her eyes and holding her in my arms.” He winks at me.
Oh shit! I turn towards Lucas, “I tripped when I entered the elevator. I braced myself for the fall, which didn’t happen. Instead, I landed in his arms.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about it?” Lucas questions with humor in his voice.
“Honestly, I forgot about it.” They all look at me now. “That was the morning of our first ultrasound. My mind was elsewhere, like telling our family.” I sigh, “I really didn’t think about it for long. I felt stupid for even tripping.” I grimace, while Lucas is grinning at me.
“I’m hurt that you didn’t think about me for long.” Adam states jokingly.
I laugh it off when the waiter comes to the table to take our orders.
The rest of the evening flows smoothly. I learn a lot about Adam and his business. Ben is a couple of years younger than his brother, Adam. Also, they are working together.
“I’m curious.” I say. “How did the two of you meet and become friends?” Adam is obviously older than Lucas.
Adam takes that question. “When I was a junior in college, I got an internship with Lucas’ father, Robert, that summer. I was able to keep that internship through my final year.” He pauses and looks at Lucas’ with amusement, “Lucas was a gawky geeky teenager who would always show up alongside his father when he wasn’t in school.”
“Very funny!” Lucas says. “I was geeky, but not gawky.”
Alex chuckles, “keep telling yourself that.”
I smile in amusement at my husband and suck my lips in, shaking my head. I lean towards him, “I’ve seen your teen year pictures, you were not gawky.” I kiss his cheek.
“I love you.” He says looking longingly into my eyes.
“I think we should call it a night on that note.” Adam says hastily.
Lucas and I are climbing into bed when he says; “Were you attracted to Adam when he caught you from your fall in the elevator?”
“What?” I stare at him. “I can’t believe you just asked me that!” He’s on his side of the bed, his body is turned towards me, staring at me with an amused look on his face.
“Yes. For about two minutes when we were in the elevator. He caught me by surprise.” I sigh. “Honestly, once I got to my office, I didn’t think about him again. I didn’t even know who he was.” I lean back on my pillows with a huff.
Lucas is grinning at me. “You don’t need to be offensive. Adam’s a good-looking guy.” He’s on his knees making his ways towards me on my side of the bed. “I love you. I’m teasing you.” He traps me beneath his arms. “I love making you flustered. And I’m sure that’s the way you looked in the elevator.” He rubs his nose against mine, “I completely understand why he was taken with you.” He stares into my eyes, “That’s how I felt the first time I saw you in class.”
“Are we honestly going to talk about Adam while we’re in bed?” I ask.
Lucas chuckles, “No.”
I stare into his eyes. “But he has nothing on you.” I run my hand up and down his chest. “You are way more attractive.” I state seductively.
Lucas smiles down at me, as if I’m his prey and pulls me into a kiss. My hands run up over his shoulders through his hair. His right-hand glides down my back, over my hip. “I really want to restrain you tonight and have my way with you.” He moans into my mouth.
“Okay.” I say breathlessly as he kisses my neck.
“Are you sure? The babies?” He hesitates and looks in my eyes.
“The babies are fine.” I assure him. He pulls me up into a sitting position.
“You’re not comfortable laying completely flat…”, he pauses and is staring at me. I can tell he’s thinking about how to make this comfortable. Suddenly he gets up, pulls me up and leaves me standing by the side of the bed. He arranges my pillows and some of his, not in the middle of the bed but yet not at the foot of the
bed.
He walks into our closet and appears with five purple silk scarves. Where does he keep these things? I’m in the same closet every day, I never see the stuff he walks out of there with.
He walks me to the foot of the bed. “Sit as close to the edge as you can comfortably get.” He commands in a longing tone. I get comfortable; “lie back” he says as he kneels on the bed beside the pillows. He helps me get adjusted with the pillows behind me, so I am not completely flat on the bed. “Comfortable?” He asks.
“Yes.”
He stands in front of me with one of the silk ties. “Lift your head a little bit.” He leans down over me and ties the scarf around my eyes. He cups my cheeks and kisses me until my head is against the pillows once more. His beard scratches the surface of my skin as he continues to kiss down my neck, down my chest to my left breast. There he sucks the nipple into his mouth.
I gasp. My nipples are becoming a lot more sensitive. Both his hands are squeezing my breasts as his mouth makes its way to my right breast. “Your breasts are getting bigger.” He says as he releases my nipple and I can feel goosebumps emerging over my body.
His hand glides down my right arm, he ties a scarf to my wrist. I feel my arm tug upwards, to the right. Next, I feel him do the same to my left arm. My hands are strung up and out above me. He’s paused. “I don’t think I am going to be able to restrain your legs in this position. But, this will do.”
I feel the bed strain behind me. I feel his breath upon my head. His hands softly glide over my shoulders, up my arms, then down. He repeats this with a crisscross motion of his hands along my chest.
Now his hands are kneading my tender breasts. He pinches my nipples into stiff peaks. I moan loudly. “Oh, Lucas.” His hands move down over my stomach. He gently caresses my growing belly. He moves his hands back up and cups my breasts one last time. He leans over me and takes my left nipple into his mouth while his other hand tugs my right nipple.