A Leap of Faith

by T Gephart

  Alex pushed up against me, the full length of his body pressed on my smaller frame forcing me to walk backwards until I was hindered from moving further by a large grey sofa.

  “Lexi, you make me feel things no one has ever made me feel before. All rational thought leaves me when I am around you. I need you.”

  He pressed his lips on mine, his desperation to be close evident in his loss of control. His hands travelled down my back, pressing me closer into his chest. I responded by linking my arms around his neck, our kiss deepening. I leaned back onto the sofa, hooking my leg around his hip. He let out a small, animalistic groan as the heel of my shoe accidentally bit into his flesh.

  I couldn’t speak, I didn’t want to speak. In my mind I knew we should be back in the main house with all the other guests but my heart and my body prohibited it. I need to be here, with him, in this moment.

  He silently moved his hands to the side of my dress, untying the bow so that the dress fell open. He slid it off my shoulders and it cascaded to the floor. He stepped back and looked at my semi-naked body, his fingertips tracing the mesh and lace bra that had matched my panties which were now safely tucked away in his pocket.

  “Mmmmmmmm,” he moaned as his eyes followed the line of his fingers. “You are so beautiful.”

  “If I’m naked, you are naked.” I grabbed the waistband of his pants and pulled him close to me again. I blindly fumbled with the button and zip before pushing them down so that my hands rested on his taut ass, housed in his usual fitted trunks. He unhooked my bra as I unbuttoned his shirt, continuing to kiss my neck and breasts as he casually tossed it to the floor. I slid off his shirt and it tumbled to the where the mass of clothing lay at our feet, his thin cotton Calvin Klein trunks the only barrier between our naked bodies.

  I looked into his eyes, his need for me stoking my desire.

  “Alex, I can’t wait. I need you inside me.” I moaned.

  “I thought I was the one who was “needy” tonight?” Alex breathed in my ear.

  I wrapped my fingers around his trunks and pushed them down in one swift motion. My fingertips slightly grazed his skin, causing him to arch his back to display his hard, ready erection.

  “I need you. Now” I demanded as I rocked my hips to meet his.

  He placed his hand around the base of his cock and slowly guided it in to me. I pushed back against him as he moved his hand to my ass to stop my body from falling backward onto the sofa.

  We had done away with condoms months ago when it was clear that we were in monogamous and trusting relationship. We had both agreed we would have no other sexual partners and had been through the rigorous screenings that responsible partners undertake. I was on the pill, which I took religiously, so there was no need for external protection. The skin on skin contact only intensified our lovemaking.

  “Baby, you are so wet, so ready for me. God you are amazing Lexi” he bit his lip as he slowly slid out.

  I locked onto his hypnotic clear blue eyes. “I love you Alex, I need you.”

  “Baby, that’s all I need to hear,” he breathed as he thrust deep inside me again.

  My head rolled back and he dragged his lips across my collarbone.

  “I love YOU Lexi, I need YOU.” Alex panted, pushing deeper into me with each desperate thrust.

  Time had done nothing to diminish our intensity. Every single time I was with Alex it was as if every cell in my body was awakened. My skin tingled under his touch, I could never get bored with this, it would never get tired. Knowing he felt the same way only heightened my desire. I loved watching the effect I had on him, knowing that of all the women he could have, he chose me and only me. He gripped my thigh tightly as he positioned it higher. I wrapped my other leg around his waist and tilted my hips upward, my heels resting on his strong, muscular lower back.

  “Mmmmmmm,” I moaned as he I took him in further, my slick wetness coating his hard erection.

  “Lexi. Ahhhhh. Oh... My... God,” he stuttered as I pushed my hands up under his arms and curled them over the top of his shoulders and pulled him in towards me. I felt my body tighten as I neared climax, the ache in my limbs further heightening my arousal. I started to shake as his pace quickened. Each time he entered me, his hard, throbbing length rubbed up against my clitoris, igniting me and pushing me to the brink.

  “Oh Baby... I am going to come,” I gasped, trying not to scream.

  “That’s it baby, I’m close too. Come with me,” Alex groaned.

  “Baby, Baby...Oh God, don’t stop.” I bit into his shoulder as my body spasmed in pleasure as I tightened around his cock, pushing him over the edge as he pulsed his release into me.

  “That. Was. Incredible.” Alex panted as he tried to regulate his breathing.

  “We are in sooooo much trouble,” I smiled as I smoothed his messed up hair back into place.

  “Why baby?” Alex straightened, lowering me carefully on the edge of the sofa.

  “We are like freaking fiends. There is a house full of people not far from us and we couldn’t wait a couple of hours?” I reached down and scooped up my clothes.

  “We weren’t gone that long, trust me. I think that was a record, even for us. I doubt we were even missed. Besides, Mrs B said I looked pale. I did say I was stepping out for some air.” Alex collected his trunks before slipping them on.

  “Air is not ASS!” I teased as I struggled to hook up my bra.

  “Here let me do that for you.” Alex pushed my hair over my shoulder before turning me around, smoothing the back strap and fastening the hooks. “I liked taking it off better,” he winked.

  He fished out his shirt and slid it back on, before slipping back into his pants. I fussed with my dress, wrapping it around my waist before tying it to the side, as it had been earlier.

  “Can I have my panties back?” I held out my hand patiently.

  “I thought they were a gift?” Alex pouted, “I kind of like having them in my pocket.”

  “Fine! Keep them. We need to get back before anyone comes looking us.” I smoothed my hair, hoping it didn’t look too much like I’d just been fucked.

  “You look perfect,” Alex reassured, taking my hand and leading me back to the door.

  ~~~~~~

  Alex was right. We hadn’t been missed. As we re-entered the room, it was now full of people and all of them were milling around Hannah and James. Everyone seemed to having a wonderful time but then it was more like a cocktail party than a traditional baby shower. Andrea came over to fuss over Alex again and say hello to me.

  “Alexander, are you feeling better? Did you need something to eat?”

  It was endearing to watch her care for this man who was not her son. James and Alex had been best friends since high school so it was only natural that their families had become intertwined. I guessed Alex had spent as much time with James and his family as he had with his own. I didn’t even have one family who cared for me, let alone two!

  “Much better, Lexi helped me get some air.” He smiled, kissing my hand.

  I smiled in return, thinking of how I’d helped Alex as Andrea hugged me tightly. Yep, James definitely got the hugging thing from her.

  “Such a beautiful girl! How are you Lexi? You did such an amazing job with this shower, it’s stunning! Is there nothing you cannot do?”

  “I’m great, it’s wonderful to see you again too.” I wrapped my arms around Andrea, returning her hug. “And thank you. I’m glad everyone is enjoying themselves”

  “You two make such a lovely couple, I’m so glad to see you with a nice girl Alexander.” She beamed as Alex took me into his arms.

  “Well it took me a while but I’ve got her now.” Alex kissed the top of my head tenderly.

  “Mike is over by the bar with Jason and Dan. It’s thanks to you he’s here with us. I can never thank you enough for saving my baby’s life!” Every time I saw Andrea, she brought up the accident that almost claimed Mike’s life. I was still uncomfortable calling myself
a hero. I just did what I had to do, what anyone one else would do. While I understood the gratitude it still made me feel a little awkward.

  Alex could sense my discomfort and leaned in to Andrea. “We should go say hello to the guys. I’m sure Lexi would love to see how remarkable Mike’s recovery has been.” Alex spoke over the noise of room, gesturing to the bar where most of the band stood, along with James’ brother Mike.

  “I know he would really love that.” Andrea glanced fondly across the room at her youngest child before noticing the newest arrivals in the room. “Oh, Hannah’s mother just got here and I want to go say hello. See you two later.” Andrea quickly hugged us both before disappearing into the crowd.

  Soft music was now being piped through a small PA and the chatter and laughter had grown louder. Wait staff were circling the room with silver trays filled with canapés and the drinks (strictly non-alcoholic) were free flowing.

  “Lexi!” Mike’s face lit up as we came into view.

  “Hey Mike. You look amazing! Have you been working out?” I greeted him with the standard Bowden hug and felt that he was more defined than he had been. His chest and arms were straining slightly against his microfiber shirt as he flexed to return my hug.

  “Yeah, a little.” He blushed, “It’s part of the rehab, building up the legs so I figured I’d do a whole make over.”

  “Well, you look great!” I gently kissed him on the cheek, causing him to blush again.

  “You trying to put the moves on my girl?” grinned Alex slapping Mike playfully on the back.

  Mike glanced over at me, slightly alarmed before relaxing. I shot him a quick wink and a reassuring smile to confirm that Alex was joking.

  “Technically, I found her first,” laughed Mike, goading Alex further.

  “Found me? I believe it was me who found YOU,” I corrected, my mind being cast back to that horrible, rainy night that forever changed the path I had been traveling on.

  “Yeah, Yeah... and now you’re with this douchebag,” grumbled Dan, poking Alex in the chest. “I want to know why I can’t get a beer in this place? It’s unnatural Lexi. You can’t have a bar without beer!” Dan’s eyes were wide in utter confusion.

  “It’s a baby shower Dan, it’s not fucking Frat party.” I shook my head in amazement. Sometimes I thought Dan just said stupid shit purely to piss me off.

  “Well I didn’t knock anyone up! Why am I being punished? And where is the fucking soap?” Dan’s tone was becoming increasingly annoyed.

  “There is no actual shower, Numb-nuts!” Troy chortled, grabbing a drink from the bar.

  “Another freaking disappointment. I once saw this strip show in Vancouver that had these two girls in a shower...” Dan proceeded to explain.

  “Dude! There aren’t going to be any strippers. James’ Ma is right over there,” explained Jason smacking Dan across the chest.

  “No booze, No strippers. This is a shit party,” pouted Dan.

  Jason, Alex, Mike and Troy laughed uncontrollably at Dan’s lack of understanding at what he had RSVP’d for.

  I looked at these men and shrugged, my affection for them was growing exponentially as more time passed.

  I grabbed the mic from near the PA and flicked it on it. A small pop filled the room as the microphone came to life. I took a deep breath before commencing.

  “Hi Everyone. Can I have your attention for a moment?”

  Everyone turned to face me, the music had been lowered and I had the rooms’ undivided attention.

  “I just wanted to thank everyone for coming and helping us celebrate this new little life that James and Hannah are going to be welcoming into the world soon. If everyone can gather round, Hannah and James are going to open their gifts and then there will be another food service. Thank you and please enjoy the party.”

  Hannah grabbed my hand and squeezed it.

  “This is the best shower ever,” she squealed.

  “I’m sure Dan would disagree but I am so glad you are enjoying yourself,” I laughed as I placed the mic back on the top of the speaker.

  Everyone gathered around as James, Alex and Troy carried over the gifts and placed them in front of Hannah. Jason had grabbed a large chair and instructed Hannah to sit when she tried to help, as everyone else gathered in a roughly formed circle around her.

  She took her time reading out each card and opening various boxes and gift bags. There were blankets, toys, bottles, clothes and other nursery items. James’ parents had rolled in a beautiful Bugaboo pram to various “ooh and ahhs.”

  Hannah stopped occasionally to wipe her eyes, being emotionally moved by the generosity of their friends and family. She laughed when she opened gifts from Troy, Jason and Dan - each one of them truly unique. Dan wheeled in a small drum kit, complete with tiny stool and cymbals. He had had the base drumhead painted with the bands name. Jason’s gift bag housed a small leather jacket with the words My Daddy is a Rock Star emblazoned across the back and a collection of miniature retro band t-shirts such as the Ramones, the Clash and Nirvana. Dan’s gift was, well what I’d expected from Dan. A motorized Mercedes convertible, complete with 12 volt rechargeable battery, twin leather seats and custom rims very similar to his own car but a fraction of the size.

  “Dan, you know we are having a baby right... he or she won’t be able to use this for months probably even a year or more.” Hannah laughed nervously not wanting to offend Dan.

  Dan slapped James on the back, “I figured with this loser as the father he or she was going to need help on the cool factor.”

  James just shook his head but didn’t seem the slightest bit offended.

  Finally she came to my box. Taylah had helped me wrap it, so the box itself was a visual masterpiece. Hannah read the card, dabbing her eyes when she got to the part where I signed it Uncle Alex and Aunt Lexi.

  I was hesitant about that initially, what it implied and whether it was presumptuous of me to assume that Alex and I would be together forever. I knew in my heart that it was where I wanted to be but hearing it aloud seemed almost surreal. Either way I knew we were both going to be part of this little person’s life.

  Alex came up behind me, his arms wrapped around my waist.

  “I like that... Uncle Alex and Aunt Lexi.”

  “I hope you don’t mind. I didn’t really think about it, I just signed the card.”

  “Are you kidding? I love it.” Alex kissed my neck. “By the way, what did we get them?” he whispered into my ear.

  “Wait and see.” I smiled as Hannah struggled with the ridiculously large bow Taylah had tied.

  Out of the box Hannah pulled out a customized baby journal I had made for her and James. It allowed them to write in all their milestones and add pictures for the first five years.

  Buying traditional baby gifts wasn’t my thing. Firstly, baby bottles and wraps while necessary, bored the hell out of me and secondly I’m sure Hannah’s type A personality guaranteed that stuff had been purchased, sterilized and ready to go. I wanted something personal, something they could keep and something that hopefully they would love.

  Hannah examined the thick embossed pages. I had already added a photo of her and James the night little “Jelly Bean” was conceived. Slowly she turned through to where she would write about his/her arrival, first words, first tooth, first step, first Birthday.

  Hannah looked up at me, her eyes brimmed with tears “Lexi, Alex... this is beautiful”

  I smiled, “There is something else in the box, which is a little more Lexi.”

  Puzzled, Hannah pulled out a small rectangular velvet box. I could see by the look on her face she knew it was some form of jewellery. Almost as if the box had fangs and would strike at any moment she tentatively opened it. The surrounding crowd of friends and family were all hushed by the curiosity of what was housed in the box.

  “OH MY GOD!” Hannah looked at the open box that she clasped tightly between her hands.

  “Lexi, this is beautiful, it’s...”
she paused, trying to gain composure as a tear fell down her check. “... It’s stunning.”

  She held up the tiny, platinum ID bracelet, the smooth flat panel in front was blank awaiting a name to be engraved and on the back I had added a small inscription - You were loved from before your first breath.

  Hannah leapt from her chair and hugged me, her belly hindering her efforts for a full frontal hug before turning her attention to Alex. He tenderly wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye and gave her a kiss on the cheek before she whispered something in his ear that I couldn’t hear. Alex nodded before turning to respond in Hannah’s ear in an equally hushed voice.

  Hannah smiled at me before joining the guests who had resumed eating and drinking. The music had been turned up and laughter had once again filled the room.

  I couldn’t help but be curious as to Alex and Hannah’s poignant exchange. “What was all that about?” I threaded my arms around Alex’s neck, tilting my head back to look in his astonishing blue eyes.

  “She told me if I ever let you go I was a fool.” Alex leaned down and kissed the corner of my mouth, his teeth catching on my bottom lip and giving it a discreet tug.

  “Hmmmmm. And what did you say?” I mumbled

  “I told her I have no intention of ever letting you go.” Alex had no hint of humour in his voice as he kissed me again.

  Chapter 7 – Families, Freebies and Face-offs

  It was late when we finally got back to Alex’s apartment. We had lingered at the baby shower even after the last guest had left and Danielle and her crew had started cleaning up. Alex accused me of having OCD and not being able to help myself by straightening furniture, but I was just used to being “hands on” and found it difficult to step back and let others do the work. I knew it was something I was going to have to work on with Matt coming onboard, after all that was the reason I was hiring him... I couldn’t do this ALL myself.

  “What are you thinking about?” Alex ran his thumb across my forehead, the light pressure sending shivers down my spine. He turned onto his side to face me, I had assumed he was sleeping by his relaxed and steady breathing and I had been staring into space.