Taking the Plunge

by E. L. Todd

He nodded then turned away.

  They spent the evening in front of the TV, talking about his artwork and other things. Thatcher missed Nancy like crazy. It was pure torture being without her. He could barely sleep when her warm body wasn’t beside him.

  Later that night, Thatcher walked into his bedroom and got ready to go to sleep, which was pointless since Nancy wasn’t there. When he got into bed, he tried to go to bed but he couldn’t. He just tossed and turned.

  There was small knock on his door that made him jump. The only person who would come to his door was Nancy. He smiled as he jumped out of bed and opened it.

  “Can I sleep with you?” Grace asked, wearing a t-shirt and a thong. “I’m just too depressed right now.”

  Thatcher stared at her, disappointment flooding his body. He didn’t know what to do. “You can take the couch and I’ll lie on the sofa.”

  She shook her head. “Let’s just lay in your bed. Couches aren’t comfortable.”

  Thatcher kept his hand on the door. “I’m sorry. I can’t do that.”

  “Why? It doesn’t mean anything.”

  “I only sleep with my girlfriend. I won’t do that to her.”

  She looked down and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Her other hand touched her small shirt, which revealed a part of her flat stomach. She still wore her makeup and her earrings dangled. Thatcher waited for her to walk away but she didn’t. Grace remained rooted to the spot. Then she stepped forward and grabbed his face, pressing her mouth to his.

  Thatcher pushed her away, violently, using more force than he meant to. “What are you doing?”

  She stumbled back, a look of hurt on her face. “I—I’m sorry.”

  “I can’t believe you did that,” he snapped. “You know I’m with Nancy. I told you I loved her. Why would you do something like that?”

  Grace pulled her hair out of her face, avoiding his gaze.

  “Is that what you’ve been trying to do the whole time?” he asked, anger in his voice. “Why you wanted to go hiking where we made love, go to the restaurant where you met my parents? Did you chase Nancy off?”

  She stepped back, fear on her face.

  “I took you in because I thought your request was genuine. You needed me in a difficult time. But you were just trying to seduce me? Make me break up with Nancy? Let’s get this straight; you’re the cheater, I’m not. There’s nothing that could ever make me leave Nancy. I loved you when we were together, and nothing will ever ruin that time, not even this horrible behavior. But now I’m with Nancy. I’m going to marry her and spend the rest of my life with her.”

  “Can we just forget about this?” she pleaded.

  “No. Our relationship is totally different now. I don’t trust you. Like I said a million times, without trust there is no relationship.” He shook his head, his arms shaking. “Pack your shit and get the fuck out of my house.”

  “What?” she asked, shocked.

  “I said get the fuck out. I’ll get you a hotel room since I’m not a complete jerk but I don’t want you here. The only girl who belongs here is Nancy.”

  Grace didn’t move.

  “NOW!”

  She walked to her door then changed and grabbed her things. Thatcher carried everything to the truck then drove her to a nearby hotel. He threw his credit card on the counter.

  “This is for her stay. Cut it off after a week.”

  The worker slid the card through the machine then handed it back.

  Thatcher glared at Grace before he turned away.

  “Thatcher, I’m sorry,” she said with falling tears.

  “I don’t ever want to see you or talk to you again. I mean it. Have a good life, Grace. And good luck with the divorce, if that’s even true.” He stormed out of the hotel then called Nancy. She didn’t answer. He called again.

  “Hello?” she said quietly.

  “Are you at your father’s?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I’m coming to get you.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Just get your stuff together.” He hung up and threw the phone into the passenger seat. He was too upset to talk right now. After he saw her beautiful face, he would feel better. When he pulled up, she was standing outside in his clothes.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  He marched up to her then grabbed her face, kissing her hard on the mouth.

  “Is this a booty call?” she asked when he pulled away.

  He smiled at her. “No, but I wouldn’t mind if it led to that.”

  “Thatcher?”

  He took a deep breath then looked at the ground. Thatcher didn’t want to tell her the truth but he knew he had to. What if she left him? Nancy had every right to. “Nancy, I have to tell you something.”

  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her hands shaking.

  “Grace made a pass at me. She tried to kiss me but I pushed her away. I’m so sorry.” He grabbed her waist and pulled her to his chest. “Please forgive me. Please.”

  Nancy opened her eyes and looked at him. “You didn’t kiss her?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “Then why are you apologizing?”

  “Because I should have realized what she was doing. She’s been trying to get back together with me. At first I thought she was just emotional, confused, but after she came to my bedroom and tried to seduce me, everything became clear. I feel horrible for not realizing it. I’m such an asshole.”

  She sighed. “Thatcher, you aren’t an asshole. You’re just very forgiving, sweet, and optimistic.”

  He cupped her cheek and looked at her. “Please don’t leave me. I only love you and nothing happened between us.”

  “I know, Thatcher. Where is she now?”

  “I kicked her out and took her to a hotel. She isn’t welcome in my house anymore.”

  She nodded, clearly relieved.

  “Nancy, did you know? Is that why you’ve been distant?”

  “Yes,” she said as she tucked her hair behind her ear. “When we had breakfast together, she told me she wanted you, that your love for each other was stronger than ours. Grace said there was nothing I could do about it. She would win you back.”

  He stared at her, anger brewing in his eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me that? I would have kicked her out in a heartbeat.”

  “Because I wanted to win. I wanted to prove to her that I don’t need to fight for you, that I trust you. You said without trust there is no relationship. Well, I trust you, Thatcher.”

  He pressed his forehead against hers. “I can’t believe you did that.”

  “I knew I had nothing to worry about.”

  “You’ll never understand how happy that makes me.”

  She placed her hands on his chest, feeling the muscle underneath.

  “You’ve come so far, Nancy. I feel like you’ve let go of your past and have put yourself back together.”

  “You put me back together, Thatcher.”

  He rubbed his nose against hers. “And you’ve made me happier than I ever thought I could be.”

  She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the house. “Let’s go to bed. I’m tired.”

  “You want to sleep here?”

  “Yeah. Why not?”

  “Well, isn’t you dad here? I don’t want to be disrespectful.”

  “He knows I sleep with you and that we have sex,” Nancy said. “And he loves you, Thatcher.”

  “He does?”

  She nodded. “He told me he couldn’t have picked anyone better.”

  He smiled. “That makes me really happy.”

  “It should.” She pulled his hand again but he wouldn’t budge. “What’s wrong?”

  “I—I didn’t want this to happen his way, but I’m going to go for it.”

  She stared at him, not understanding his meaning.

  “I don’t want to take your stuff back to your apartment,” Thatcher said. “Let’s take it to mine—everything.”

&n
bsp; “What are you saying?”

  “I know it’s sudden, but I can’t sleep without you, I hate being apart from you…I don’t want you to ever leave. Move in with me.”

  She felt her heart accelerate. “What?”

  “Please.” He grabbed her hands and held them to his chest. “Please live with me. I’m not taking no for answer. You belong with me, you’re my other half, you’re my soul mate.”

  She felt her tears bubble under her eyes. “I would love to.”

  He pulled her to his chest and held her close. “Thank you so much.”

  “You don’t need to thank me.”

  “And thank you for not leaving me. I was so scared, Nancy. I didn’t know what you were going to say.”

  She grabbed his face and looked at him. “I don’t care what other people do. I only care about what you do. And I trust you, Thatcher—more than anyone.”

  He kissed her forehead.

  “Now let’s go inside.” She pulled him through the front door. All the lights were off because it was late. They walked into a spare bedroom then removed their clothes.

  “Where’s your dad’s room?” he asked.

  “Down the hallway, on the other side of the house,” she said with a smile.

  Thatcher felt uncomfortable. “I don’t think we should—you know.”

  “Then you’re going to get raped.” She crawled into the covers, naked, and opened her legs, inviting him toward her.

  Thatcher stared at her with a hungry expression.

  “I’ll be quiet.”

  He climbed on top of her then pulled her hips toward him. “You have to be silent.”

  Nancy grabbed his face and kissed him, slipping her tongue into his mouth. Thatcher hadn’t felt her embrace in so long, and his body burned as her lips touched him. Her nails dug into his back, making his cock harder than it had ever been. He started to leak from the tip and his balls started to ache.

  Nancy spread her legs wider and pulled her tip to her entrance. “Thatcher.” She grabbed his hips and pulled him into her.

  He moaned quietly, his breath suddenly gone.

  She grabbed his face and kissed him again.

  Thatcher pushed her legs back while he leaned over her, thrusting into her without moving the bed. When he felt her tighten around him, he knew she was coming.

  She bit her lip, her nails digging into his ass. “Right there.”

  He kept his orgasm back, lingering in his stomach. He hadn’t gotten off in a week and he was eager to do it now. Thatcher could tell Nancy was just as horny as he was. She was wetter than she had ever been, dripping around his cock.

  “Fuck me, Thatcher.”

  His moaned at her words and moved into her as fast as he could without making any noise. The headboard rocked slightly but didn’t make a sound.

  “I’m there,” she said as she gripped his shoulders. “I’m there.”

  He pushed his entire cock inside, his balls touching her warm skin.

  Her head rolled back as she came, her breathing deep and heavy.

  Thatcher watched her come, turned on by the sight. He felt the orgasm explode from his balls, shooting out of his tip. He fucked her harder as he released, making the headboard move faster. “Nancy…”

  She grabbed his ass and pulled him further inside. “I love it when you come inside me.”

  Her words made a little extra come out.

  They stared at each other while they caught their breath, both relieved that they finally got off. Thatcher pulled out of her soaked pussy then lied beside her, finally feeling her return to his arms. Now that she was beside him, he felt peaceful. He closed his eyes and fell asleep immediately.

  32

  When Nancy woke up the next morning, Thatcher was staring at her. “How’d you sleep?” she asked.

  “Wonderful,” he said with a smile. “It’s the most sleep I’ve gotten all week.”

  “Me too.”

  He looked at the time. “Do you think your dad is awake?”

  “He’ll be soon. Let’s make breakfast.”

  Thatcher seemed hesitant. “And he won’t be mad that I slept here?”

  She rolled her eyes. “My father loves you.”

  “And I don’t want that to change.”

  “We’re moving in together,” Nancy said. “We’re going to have to tell him.”

  Thatcher sighed. “That’s right.”

  Nancy changed her clothes then walked out. Thatcher appeared a moment later. Together, they made pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Her father walked out his room, wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Nancy wasn’t used to seeing him dress so casually. He always wore a suit.

  Her dad smiled when he saw Thatcher. “Hey. What a surprise.”

  “Hello, sir,” Thatcher said as he shook his hand. “I hope you don’t mind me joining you for breakfast.”

  “It’s Bill,” he reminded him. “And course not. You’re always welcome.”

  They set the plates down and ate together at the table. Nancy made mimosa just to have a little fun in the morning. Thatcher sipped his but didn’t drink much. Her dad had two glasses.

  “Are you excited for our class?” her father asked.

  “Very,” she said. “Anytime there’s paint involved, I’m happy.”

  He nodded. “I just hope you can tell what I’m drawing.”

  She smiled. “You still hung up my paintings even though they were disasters.”

  “They were not disasters,” he said quickly. “They were beautiful.”

  Her cheeks flushed at his words.

  Her father looked at Thatcher. “Are you coming with us?”

  “No,” Thatcher said quickly. “I have work to do. You two have fun.”

  They sat in silence, scraping their knives and forks over the plates.

  Thatcher cleared his throat then looked at her father. “Bill, there’s something I would like to discuss with you.”

  Nancy smiled at him, encouraging him to continue.

  Her father stared at him. “And what would that be?”

  “I’ve asked Nancy to move in with me and she’s agreed,” Thatcher said. “It would mean a lot if I had your approval.”

  Her father chewed his food and stared at the table for a moment. Thatcher waited patiently for a response. “I’m very happy for both of you.”

  Thatcher released the breath he was holding. “Thank you.”

  “I just hope Nancy understands how serious this is,” he said as he looked at her. “You shouldn’t move in with someone unless—it goes somewhere.”

  “I intend to marry her,” Thatcher said quickly. “Whenever she’s ready.”

  “Then I’m even more happy,” her father said. “It’s a relief knowing she won’t be alone in that apartment anymore. It gives me peace of mind.”

  “Dad, I can take care of myself.”

  “And I would prefer if Thatcher took care of you,” he said as he drank from his glass.

  Thatcher kissed her on the forehead. “It’s official.”

  “I can’t wait to tell my friends,” she said with a smile.

  “Now they’re going to be around all the time,” Thatcher said with a laugh.

  “I thought you liked my friends?”

  “I love your friends,” Thatcher said. “I just think they like me more than you.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Unfortunately, I think that’s true.”

  Thatcher finished his plate then carried the empty dishes to the sink, cleaning them and putting them in the dishwasher.

  Her father leaned toward her. “I like him a lot, Nancy. I’m very happy with your choice.”

  She smiled. “Thank you.”

  “I’ve always wanted a son.”

  That made her smile wider.

  Thatcher returned then kissed her forehead. “You guys have fun today. I’ll call up the guys and we’ll move your stuff into the apartment while you’re gone.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” she said.

&nb
sp; “I want you living with me as soon as possible.” He walked to the front door and Nancy and her father followed him.

  “Bye,” Thatcher said as he kissed her on the cheek. He turned to her father and extended his hand. “Thank you for breakfast, Bill.”

  Her father waved his hand then embraced him, patting him on the back. “Thank you for being so wonderful to my daughter.”

  Thatcher smiled and returned the hug. “I love her very much. She’s in good hands.”

  “I know.” He stepped back and came beside Nancy.

  Thatcher left the house and closed the door behind him, taking Nancy’s heart with him. She missed him already.

  “Are you ready to go?” her father asked.

  “Yes.”

  They left the house and drove to the community arts building in the suburbs. When they walked inside, families were grouped together, their paints sitting on the table and their paper placed out on tables.

  Nancy sat with her father and smiled at him, realizing they were really spending time together. Years had been lost because of their distance, but her father was making up for that. She was scared he would return to his old ways but it didn’t seem that way. He was a new man in her eyes.

  Together, they drew a picture of the rainforest, detailing animals under the canopy. Since he didn’t have a steady hand like Nancy, he colored the bigger images, such as the trees, the leaves, and the rocks. Nancy detailed the animals, making them ferocious and intimidating. Her father stared at it for a long time.

  “You’re so talented,” he whispered, pride in his eyes.

  She blushed. “Thank you.”

  “I never knew I would have a famous daughter.”

  “I’m not famous.”

  “Not yet,” he said with a smile.

  After the class was over, they returned back to his house. Together, they hung up the picture on the refrigerator.

  He put his hands in his pockets and looked at her. “I hope you’ll still come by even though you’re moving in with Thatcher.”

  “Of course, Dad. I’ll be here all the time. Come over and watch the game with us on Sunday. My friends will be there too.”

  “Your friends? I’ve never met anyone.”

  “You’ll meet them now.”

  “I would love to,” he said. “Thank you for inviting me.”

  “You’re always welcome at our place. I know Thatcher likes you.”