Because I Love You

by Amy Brent

  The last thing I had wanted to do was encourage her, but I couldn’t help but feel more for her after she’d trusted me enough to take that step. Marriage was a big deal, and even though we were using it to save our livelihood, it still meant something to me. I had married Blythe’s mother, my wife, Beth years ago, but she’d been taken from me too soon. I had sworn I’d never remarry, but this situation left me no choice.

  As I lay there beside her, her soft breath sounding more like a purr, I couldn’t help but think of Blythe and what she’d think. I hoped she’d like her, but I couldn’t imagine my sweet little girl not liking anyone. She had always had a big heart and never met a stranger.

  I knew Harbor would like her too, and they’d hit it off. Both were funny, smart, and amazing, but I felt more like I was bringing her home a sister or something. It was all a bit strange. I wondered what Lucinda would think of her and if she’d think I was a dirty old man for being with someone so young.

  As much as I hated our private time to end, I needed to wake her up so we could leave. The honeymoon was over I supposed, and now when we returned we’d have to be much more careful with Blythe around.

  I would put her in the room across the hall from mine since Blythe’s was at the other end of the hall. I’d put her down there hoping to keep her as far away from the stairs as possible.

  I kissed her forehead, and she stirred. “It’s time to wake up, baby. We need to get home.”

  She lay there a moment then shook her head. “Home. That’s a strange thought. Will you take me to the apartment and help me break the news to Courtney?”

  “I can go along if you want, but I think you should come with me to meet Blythe first.” She smiled at that and then leaned up to kiss my mouth. She was getting so comfortable with me that I wondered if she’d be able to handle this. It wasn’t going to be forever, but over the next few months, we’d be getting nice and acquainted.

  I still had things I wanted her to try, and with any luck, we’d find the privacy needed to do them. I had a few tricks up my sleeve and in my toy box at home. For one, she still needed to learn to edge her release. If I could get her to do that, things would be even more intense.

  “Can we grab a bite on the way out? You worked me up an appetite.” She reached over to the bedside table to find her glasses and used the cotton sheet to clean them before putting them on.

  “Of course, we’ll stop as often as you like.”

  Turns out once she got her tummy full she fell back asleep for the rest of the trip, which was fine with me. I wasn’t sure she’d make it the whole way without needing a release, but maybe the long nap was her hormones leveling off. It couldn’t last forever.

  Finally, we pulled up at my house, and I nudged her awake. I had called to warn Lucinda that I wouldn’t be alone and that I preferred to ease Blythe into the situation. I didn’t feel the need to explain myself to Lucinda about what happened. I’d introduce her, and that would be that. Aside from Blythe, my personal life wasn’t her concern, and if she had an issue, she could always find other employment. I’d hate to see that happen and I couldn’t see Lucinda really quit a job over something that didn’t affect her.

  “Are we home?” She slipped a finger behind her glasses and rubbed her eye.

  I leaned over and gave her a kiss and broke it just in time for Blythe to open the front door. Lucinda pulled her back and picked her up, which I was glad to see. I didn’t want her thinking it was okay to run out of the house like that. She had no way to see that it was me.

  Harbor’s mouth opened as if she was awed by my daughter and then she put a hand on her chest. “That’s Blythe?” She reached for her door handle, and I nodded.

  “Let me introduce you,” I said as she opened her door. She looked at me and nodded as I got out of the car and took her hand. Lucinda’s eyes widened, and she put Blythe down.

  As my daughter ran into my arms, Harbor and Lucinda exchanged a smile. I spun her around and then shrugged her over to one hip. “This is my friend, Harbor Moore. She’s going to be staying with us.” I could see Lucinda’s eyes on the ring I bought Harbor and then she offered up her hand.

  “Good to meet you. I’m Lucinda.” The woman turned and went back inside as Harbor returned the sentiment.

  “You can stay in my room,” said Blythe. “I’ve got lots of stuffed animals, and we can put them in a pile, and I will sleep on them. They are so fluffy and soft like Daddy’s hair.” She patted my head, and Harbor giggled.

  “Thank you, but I think your daddy wants me to stay in the guest room.” I led the way in, and she followed behind still focused on Blythe who hadn’t given up yet.

  She met my eyes and poked out her lip. “I could still sleep in the fluffy pile of animals, Daddy. My bed isn’t as soft.”

  Harbor chuckled, but I shook my head. “No, you’re not sleeping in a pile of animals when you have you own big girl bed.”

  “It’s a princess bed, Daddy. But I don’t want to be a princess anymore. I want to be a zookeeper.”

  Lucinda came out with a pitcher of lemonade and placed it on the table in front of the living room sofa. “She’s been on that kick since you left. She tried to get me to let her make her a fluffy bed. I told her you’d not approve.”

  “Do you like animals?” Harbor asked. Blythe nodded and smiled. “What’s your favorite?”

  “I like bunnies and kitties, but Daddy won’t buy me one, not until I’m older.” She gave me a sad glance and then turned her attention back to Harbor.

  She was grinning ear to ear. “I like bunnies and kitties too, but I think kittens are my favorite of the two.”

  “You want to go see my room?” She grabbed Harbor’s hand and dragged her to her feet. Harbor gave me a glance as if seeking my approval.

  “Run along, the two of you. I’m going to unpack the car and then make some phone calls. Lucinda, I’d like to talk to you in the kitchen please.” The woman’s eyes widened, and she nodded before hurrying away.

  The two were gone in a flash, and I released a deep breath thinking how there was only sixteen years difference between them before joining Lucinda in the kitchen.

  “Thank you for taking such great care of her. I hope it doesn’t put you off that Harbor will be staying with us. The truth is, we were married this morning after secretly dating. But I love her very much. I’d like to ease Blythe into it, so I’ll tell her when the time is right.” I wasn’t planning on ever telling her what was going on, but I didn’t want Lucinda trying to either.

  “Your business is your business, sir. I don’t see how it could hurt to tell her, but I’m sure you have your reasons, and I’ll respect that.” I had a feeling she’d see it my way. I gave her a nod and then went out to unload the car.

  I figured it was best to ease people into the idea because soon enough Nora Strong would play her hand and I’d have to admit the marriage to everyone. The plan was to make it like we’d been dating in private for a while, but only now made it official because we couldn’t stand to continue living apart. The only person who could bullshit would be Tana. But I hadn’t heard from her since I’d pissed her off.

  After I finished unpacking and made a few phone calls, I went down the hall to check on my two girls. Music filled the room, and Blythe had Harbor by the arm, and they were dancing with her big teddy bear. Blythe was giggling so hard I thought she might wet herself, and Harbor grinned singing along.

  She helped me a bit at bath time and was a bit embarrassed when she had to tell Blythe she couldn’t join her in the tub. She promised her she’d take her on a trip to the pool, and then tucked her into her big princess bed after Harbor had brushed her hair and I’d promised I’d buy her a zoo themed quilt with monkeys and elephants.

  The two had hit if off better than I imagined they would, and I asked Lucinda to stick around so I could take her to her house to get her things and talk to her roommate. We were really doing this. So far so good and everything seemed to be working out. It was a
lmost too good to be true.

  A little voice inside my head reminded me that it wasn’t.

  Chapter 16: Harbor

  I was three weeks in before I realized I was in over my head.

  Everything had been going fine, but that was the problem. Things were too good; too good to last.

  We’d finally been brought before the board to discuss our relationship and though the idea of us being a couple was a shock to some, most respected the fact that he’d married me and wished us the best. Dr. Strong had taken her defeat well and went ahead and left earlier than planned. The new administrator was a friend of Evan’s, so that had made things even better. Once the case had been dismissed against us, it was final, and there was no chance of it being brought up again.

  Lucinda and I had actually grown much closer, and the only strain was that she talked like I’d be around forever. Each time she wanted to make plans for anything past June, my heart would sink, and I’d known that I’d be gone.

  Blythe was a different story. Every time I thought about leaving her in June, I teared up and had to excuse myself. There were, even more, tears in private, and it only got worse the closer I got to finishing school.

  We’d hit it off so well, and in the few short weeks, she’s become a special part of my life. I really felt like I had a family. With Evan and I being so intimate, which hadn’t slowed down a bit, even though my hormones had leveled out and the cravings weren’t as intense, I had fallen for him in a way I hated to admit.

  It’s funny how a little slip of paper brought me back to earth. I had reached into my handbag to clean it out and found the agreement I’d written up and was reading over it when Evan came into my bedroom to say goodnight.

  I had been waiting in my room for him every night until he checked on Blythe to make sure she was asleep, then he’d either come into my room or call me into his. Tonight we’d made plans to fuck, but for the first time, I wasn’t in the mood.

  “She’s out.” He sat next to me and stiffened when he saw what I was looking at. “What are you doing with that? You needed a refresher in bargains 101?” He gave a short chuckle, but I wadded the paper up and tossed it at him.

  “I think we need to talk.”

  He unfolded the paper and placed it on my knee. “You see this. This was your idea. You insisted we write this up and sign it.” He pointed a finger to my name and then to his. “What’s there to discuss? So far things are working out fine.” He stormed out and headed down the hall toward the stairs.

  I chased after him and followed him downstairs to his office. “That’s how you really feel? Nothing has changed for you?” The very idea that he didn’t feel the same for me as I did him was a hard blow to take. It was no matter. I was still going to tell him what was on my mind.

  “I think—

  He turned and grabbed my hand pulling me close. “I think you need to follow along with this deal.” He pulled me close and kissed me and even though I was frustrated that I hadn’t gotten a chance to speak, I was lost in him.

  “I want more.” I let the words fall from my lips like a confession of a sin that was far too unforgivable and it felt that way, even more, when he released a long breath.

  “Things are going so good, Harbor. Let’s just go with it okay? We’ll see where we are on the other end of this.” It might have been easy for him, but my heart was breaking inside.

  Not only had I fallen in love with him, but I'd also fallen in love with his daughter, with the whole idea of family and even with this home. I didn’t want to ever leave, and I couldn’t help but wonder what was going to happen on the other end of it all. Would he send me away? Would we try to remain friends? He’d never let me tell Blythe that we were married and her life was so sheltered that no one else had mentioned it either. I could only think that it was because he knew my graduation wouldn’t matter.

  He held my face and stroked my cheek with his thumb. When he looked deep into my eyes, I always wondered what was going on in that mind of his. “I just think we should reconsider.”

  “I’ve got Blythe to think about. This isn’t easy for me, Harbor. I was married before, and I loved her so much that when I lost her, I vowed never again. I won’t be put through that pain.” That was all I needed to hear. He wasn’t in love with me. If he was, he’d realize that he was going lose me come June and he’d do everything he could to keep me. I’d be easy to let go.

  He drew me closer and kissed my cheek. “I don’t want you to worry over this. Trust me. It will be fine.” I didn’t know I was supposed to trust him, not when everything he was saying was pointing to things ending. “Let’s go to bed.” He took my hand and walked me back upstairs and into his room. He closed the door and locked it behind us before taking off his shirt.

  I followed suit, shedding my clothes and the heavy burden of it all to lose myself in ecstasy for a while. He pulled me close, and we kissed as he cupped my breasts and then pushed them together. Then he lowered his mouth to them, kissing and sucking my nipples.

  “I want to fuck these.” He slapped one of them sending a delightful sting of pleasure to my core and then he took my hand and walked me to the small bench at the foot of his bed where he had me sit. I pushed my breasts together as he slipped his cock between them, and I tucked my chin, allowing him to push into my mouth. I worked my head up and down on him and then he laced his fingers through my hair and quickened his pace. He fucked me like that until I was red-cheeked and out of breath. Then he slapped my breasts and tweaked my nipples before pulling me up to my feet and walking me around to the bed.

  “I want your face down and ass up.” He spun me around and nudged me forward, and I crawled up on my knees, resting on all fours. I always felt so vulnerable like that, and I loved it when he had something special in store for me.

  Tonight was no different. I heard the buzzing noise after he’d stepped away a moment and reached into the small bag under his bed. Then I felt the blunt intrusion of the vibrator as he pushed it inside my soaking wet channel and worked me with it.

  I rolled my hips at the pleasure and longed so bad for him to touch my little bud with it, but he left it in my channel working up my nectar as he placed the clamps on my nipples. I wanted to cry out, but I couldn’t with Blythe sleeping just down the hall, and that was something I’d learned to control within the first night.

  My need grew so great not a moment too soon he pulled the vibrator free and replaced it with his cock, which was much thicker. His hand spanked my pinched nipple, and I cried out, my release building only to be edged. “Don’t come.” He pulled away, and my knees were so weak I wanted to collapse. They shook as I waited for him to plunge back inside of me.

  “You want more of this, don’t you?”

  “I want more of everything with you.” He pushed his cock deep and then worked me over so good, that my release crashed around his cock, splashing my nectar against us as he thrust.

  “I’ve told you before, little one, to be careful what you ask for.” He gripped my hips and pounded me so hard my eyes rolled back in my head. He put the vibrator against my clit, and I wiggled beneath him. I moaned a bit too loud and paused, but I lay dawn against the bed and bit the covers to muffle the sound.

  Just when I didn’t think I could take anymore, he pulled out and turned me over. Then he tugged my hips up and sheathed his hard cock back into my depths, rubbing my breasts with a free hand and working my clit over with this thumb. He was very greedy with the vibrator, and I was begging for it by the time he was done with me. He put it against my clit as he continued working for his release and I bucked my hips upward, swirling and grinding on him. “Here it comes, baby.” His cock twitched and pulsed as he spilled into me and as he stilled tears sprang to my eyes.

  He laid down beside me and pulled me into his arms and cleared his throat. “Talk to me.”

  “I can’t do this much more if you’re just going to end things. I want more from this now, I didn’t think I would, but I do.” />
  “I need to know you’re a woman of your word, Harbor. Besides, we had a deal. I won’t be pressured into anything when you’ve already agreed to these terms. Just hold out for the duration” He tried to keep his voice gentle, but failed.

  “And then what?” I snapped back. His eyes met mine with a hard glare. I couldn’t take it anymore. I’d done everything and let him be in control, but he couldn’t control my heart for me.

  “Just give it time, baby. It’s only been a few weeks. It’s still too soon.” I wasn’t sure if he was trying to convince me or himself.

  I stayed there for another few minutes while I settled down and he stroked my hair. He seemed to be trying to soothe me, but it was going to take way more than that.

  I decided to give him more time, but in my heart, I knew I wouldn’t be able to stay until graduation without something more.

  Chapter 17: Evan