by Wendy Louise
What an amazing way to start the day.
I inhale her sweet scent, and lie as still as I can so that I don’t wake her. Her breathing is smooth and even so I know she’s still asleep. I think back to the incredible night that we shared and I feel an overwhelming sense of protectiveness come over me. I love this girl, and I need to take care of her and protect her from everything bad that could come her way.
Always.
The thought both thrills and terrifies me at the same time.
I’ve never really had anyone that belonged to me in my life before. In turn I don’t really feel like I have ever belonged to anyone before either. It’s a heady feeling. One that comes with great responsibility.
I need to guard her heart.
And mine.
My mind starts to wander and thoughts of Nanny fill my head. I haven’t had any calls, so no news is good news - right?
As the anxiety over Nanny takes hold, I carefully remove my arms from around Ava, being sure not to wake her from her dreams. I pad quietly over to my dresser and grab a page out of the daily script we were using to film with in Hawaii. I start to fold the sheet of paper….
When I was younger, Nanny taught me origami. She actually taught me a lot of crafts – pottery, painting, sketching; not very masculine I know but it was kind of our thing. The only skill I retained was the origami; only it has become something that I do when I’m nervous or anxious. I sit and fold paper into shapes to keep my hands busy. At least now with Ava, my habit has a purpose.
Hey, it’s better than biting my nails or smoking. Although I have been known to have the occasional cigarette when under the influence.
Without thinking, I’ve folded the paper into the shape of a heart. It opens out to the sides so I grab a black marker and write I LOVE YOU on the inside. I fold the two halves back together and place the heart on my pillow for Ava to find when she wakes up.
I then make my way to my bathroom and turn the water to hot. I’ll grab a quick shower and then get the chef to make some pancakes for Ava for breakfast; I know they’re her favourite. Then we can head in to the hospital to see how Nanny is doing.
I close my eyes under the stream of water and my mind drifts back to last night with Ava; I can’t stop thinking about it. What a fucking perfect night. I take myself in hand and begin stroking up and down as thoughts of Ava flood my mind. After all the times we made love last night, I’m surprised that my equipment is still functioning. Just thinking of her makes me want more, I can’t get enough.
I feel a rush of cold air hit my back, and I turn to see Ava standing in the doorway of the shower. She is utterly gorgeous. Her hair is all mussed up from sleep, and her eyes are droopy after waking up. I’ve never seen her look more beautiful.
She’s holding my origami heart in her hand and biting down on her bottom lip, as her eyes drift down to where I’m holding my erection. She looks up with a wicked grin.
“Want some help with that babe?” she asks, cocking her head to the side, her voice sexy as hell from sleep. I think I just got harder hearing her call me babe. I will never get enough of that.
She kisses the paper heart and turns to place it on the bathroom vanity before lifting her tank top over her head, and lowering her panties to the floor, before stepping in to the shower with me. I pull her to me and take her mouth in a ravenous kiss. One that she returns just as passionately.
We kiss like we’re starving for one another, even after the night we had, neither of us can get enough. I don’t think I’ll ever have my fill of this girl. I don’t know what she’s done to me, but I fuckin’ love it.
She pulls back and looks up at me through her lashes as she rains kisses across my collarbone. She gives me a saucy smile through hooded eyes as she moves lower and runs her tongue across my pecs, paying close attention to each of my nipples. I suck in air when she bends down further and runs the pad of her tongue across the V of muscle that leads to where I really want her to be.
When she lowers to her knees and her face is right where I want it, I almost collapse to the tiled floor… and then… and then her mouth closes around me. The breath I take fails to inflate my lungs as she works her mouth and tongue over the length of me. I slap a hand to the tiled wall to keep myself upright, and throw my head back, trying to maintain my composure.
This girl has tricks, and Oh My God, she can use them on me anytime. I think I just fell in love with her all over again.
I hear my voice come out all breathy as I say “Ava…..baby…..”
She looks up at me from her position on the floor and says “Mmmmmm….” without removing her lips from me and that does me in. The slight vibration from her voice is enough to tip me over the edge and I come hard and fast. She stays in place taking everything I can give her, and then slowly stands, running her hands over every part of me as she makes her ascent.
“My turn now?” I ask, as she smiles and nods.
I lower to the floor and lift her leg over my shoulder, opening her to me.
I give her a smile before burying my face between her legs.
We spend the next half hour under the stream of water connecting in our new amazing way.
As I’m dressing a text comes through from Josh:
Heading home today. Shoot relocated to sound stage. Call time 8am tom. Will call u when we r back. Hope Nanny is OK. J.
“They’re all heading back today,” I say to Ava as she runs a brush through her hair.
“Yeah I know. Liv called me before I came in to the bathroom. She said that they have been able to change the shooting schedule to include more indoor honeymoon scenes that can be shot on the sound stage. We’re back on deck tomorrow, as long as Nanny Grace is okay that is.”
My heart skips a beat as Ava mentions Nanny. “Let’s get to the hospital to see how she’s doing, shall we? We’ll have a quick breakfast first. ”
I’m anxious now, and I just want to see her and talk to the doctor to see if she’s made any progress.
“Give me five minutes and I’ll be ready,” Ava says as she opens her large suitcase. She pulls out a blue sundress with little straps that run over her tiny shoulders and a pair of wedged sandals. Her legs look like they go forever whenever she wears those shoes, I love them. She ties her long hair up in to a messy bun and fixes little star shaped earrings to her lobes.
Just then, Rosa knocks on my door with breakfast. She enters and places the tray down near my sofa. “Thanks Rosa,” I say.
“You’re welcome Mr Ethan.” Rosa gives me a small smile and leaves us to it.
I call to Ava who is back in the bathroom. “Breakfast is here. Do you want to eat outside; it’s such a gorgeous day.”
“Yes, that sounds great,” she calls back.
“Don’t take too long, the pancakes will get cold,” I call as I open the sliding doors that lead out to the patio area.
“Oooh pancakes, yummy,” she says.
That brings a smile to my face. I love making her happy.
The sun is sitting low in the sky today and the air is warm. It’s a stunning LA morning, perfect for anything other than visiting hospital. I wish Ava and I could enjoy it by the pool, or walk through the park, anything but having to see Nanny the way she is.
I set our breakfast up on the large wrought iron and glass outdoor setting. We both have pancakes with all the trimmings, strawberries, maple syrup and cream. Rosa has also brought us each a pot of tea. A large plate of freshly cut fruit is on the table along with a rack of whole-wheat toast with butter and preserves.
Ava strides through the glass doors looking stunning, and walks over to me. I can’t help myself; I stand and place my arm around her waist, pulling her to me. I crush my mouth to hers and kiss her hard. I control the kiss in every way tilting her head, and sliding my lips and tongue over hers. Her plump lips are swollen from all my kisses, and I love it.
I love the fact that every time I look at her, I know that I am the one that has made them that way.
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br /> When I pull back, she’s breathless. Her brown eyes are alight, and if we hadn’t just had breakfast delivered, I think I’d pick her up and take her back to bed. I place a light kiss on the back of her hand and pull her chair out for her so she can sit.
“Wow, this is quite a breakfast,” she says as she spears a piece of watermelon on to her fork. I watch her chew the sweet fruit. She closes her eyes and moans about how great it tastes causing me to have to adjust myself under the table.
I grab her tea pot and pour her a cup.
I drizzle maple syrup over my pancake and hers, and then pour out my tea.
I want to take care of her; I want to make sure she has everything she needs.
“Thank you….” she says smiling sweetly at me, “…for everything,” she continues.
I drop my fork and take her hand. “What do you mean for everything?”
“For everything,” she says again with a shrug. “You’ve been so sweet to me over the last day and this breakfast, it just makes me feel special. I know that you’re going through a difficult time with everything that’s happened with Nanny, and I appreciate that you have made this time so wonderful for us, despite that.”
I lean in and kiss her soft lips. “I want all the times we spend together to be special Ava, you deserve this and more.”
She smiles and picks up her fork, ready to tackle her pancake. I sit back and stare in to her gorgeous brown eyes and smile, realising how lucky I am to have her with me. Despite the worries that I’m having over Nanny, I feel content and secure with Ava.
Our peace is broken when I hear my mother’s footsteps from behind, “Ethan?”
I turn my head as she appears on the patio and I watch her face drop when she takes in the sight of Ava sitting with me. I’ll give her credit though; she fixes her face in to that fake-ass smile that I know all too well as she moves forward.
“Good Morning Mother, you remember Ava right?”
“Of course dear,” she says as she extends a manicured hand out to shake Ava’s.
“Good Morning Mrs Drake,” Ava says with a smile. I see her shoulders tense up, so I know she is uncomfortable.
“Ethan I need a word with you dear. The hospital just called re Nanny.”
I sit up in my chair, “What did they say?”
“Nanny is awake. She’s doing well. She’s been asking for us.”
Thank God!
My heart skips a beat and slows. The relief at that news is instant, and when I look in to Ava’s face, I see her relax too.
My mother informs us that she has been in to see Nanny since her stroke. She was in and out of the hospital in record time by the sounds of things and barely spoke to the doctors. Typical. Her visit seems to have created quite a diversion for all the nurses though; apparently they were all very star struck to have her there. Of course she is in heaven telling us how adored she was.
“Ava and I will be heading in to see Nanny as soon as we finish our breakfast.”
“Good dear, I’m pleased to hear that. I have a meeting with the Producer of a film I am keen to pursue at eleven this morning so I’ll head in to the hospital after that.”
My mother turns her gaze to Ava’s, “What brings you here Ava?”
Here we go!
Ava looks to me as she falters with what to say. I take Ava’s hand and give her a warm smile. “Ava and I are together Mother. She returned from Hawaii with me when we got the news about Nanny. I couldn’t have gotten through the last two days without her.”
Ava gives me a shy smile as I pull her hand to my lips and kiss the back of it.
My mother looks at me and then to Ava. That same sly smile returns to her lips. “Well how lovely,” she says. I can see that she’s not happy. She would never be happy with me dating anyone that wasn’t from a prominent showbiz family.
“I’m heading out to an appointment Ethan dear. Lovely to see you again Ava.” She turns on her desginer heels and clicks her way over the patio, back in to the house.
Ava lets out the breath that she probably didn’t even realise she was holding. “Your mum was very sweet today Ethan.”
“Don’t let that fool you. She’ll be heading in to the hospital today to ensure that she upholds the pretence that she cares about Nanny. It’s all for show.” I don’t say anything to Ava about the fact that my mother looked unhappy about us being together. I don’t want my mother to taint any part of our relationship, and I don’t give a shit what she thinks.
“Let’s not talk about her anymore; shall we head in to see Nanny?”
Ava wipes her mouth with her napkin and rises from her chair. “Just give me a moment to brush my teeth and I’ll be ready”. She heads back in to the house and away from my view. I take the opportunity to text Josh to let him know that I will be at the studio in the morning and to thank him again for all the arrangements he made for us.
I also shoot a quick text off to Grayson:
Hey Gray. Nanny awake. Heading to c her now. Will keep you posted. What’s doing tonite? E
Now that I know Nanny is awake, I feel like celebrating and a few quiet drinks with Grayson and Ava would be perfect. Ava is still in the bathroom, so I quickly fold another origami flower, for Nanny this time, and push it in to my pocket. I’ll grab her some flowers and some fudge from the gift store in the hospital lobby.
I grab my phone, keys, some cash and sunglasses and wait for Ava to finish up so we can get going.
Ava holds my hand tightly as we walk towards Nanny’s door.
“Ethan, I think I’ll wait out here so you can spend time with Nanny alone,” she says, letting go of my hand and walking back towards the chairs we have just passed in the hallway.
“No way Ava, you’re coming in with me. She’ll want to see you too.”
I grab her hand and pull her to the door with me.
Nanny looks over at us the minute the door opens. She has a huge smile on her face and extends her hand out to me. She looks tired and older than she did last time I saw her. It is plain to see that this has taken a toll on her. I don’t see any signs of the stroke, her face looks to be fine, and her motor skills seem normal, if just a bit slower.
“Ethan sweetheart,” she says in a raspy voice.
I move to her bed and take her hand, bending down to give her a gentle kiss on the cheek. I place my origami flower in to the palm of her hand. Nanny looks down at it and gives me a knowing smile.
“Nanny, you scared us,” I reprimand.
“I know sweetheart, I’m sorry. I’m feeling okay though. A little tired and a little slow but otherwise good. Ava darling, come sit by me. It’s so nice to see you.”
Ava gives Nanny a kiss and places the flowers and fudge on to the rolling table that sits over her bed.
“Thank you my darlings.” Nanny seems delighted.
“What are the doctors saying Nanny?”
She takes a deep breath and sighs. “Well, they want me to take things a little easier. They don’t want me to have another stroke that causes more damage next time. All in all I’m very lucky. There is no permanent damage from this one. I need to watch my diet a little better and take time out to relax more.” She gives me a cheeky grin, “you know me Ethan, it’s hard for me to sit still.”
“I’m fully aware of that, but you know that we’ll all be watching you more closely now don’t you? I don’t want this happening again.”
“Nor do I sweetie,” she says. “Enough about me, tell me about Hawaii. I’m so sorry that you all had to return early on my account.”
“Don’t be Nanny. Ava and I had a great time in Hawaii. The production schedule has been reworked, and we will still get the shots we need here. We’re both back in the studio tomorrow morning to pick up where we left off.”
Nanny looks between Ava and I and gives us a smile. “I can see that things are well with you both. I’m so pleased.”
“I think that Mother is coming in to see you later this morning,” I say.
“Yes sweetie, she let me know that she would be here. She called past while I was sleeping too, I understand. Caused quite a stir with all the nursing staff. There was much excitement that Elizabeth Drake was here on their ward.”
“I bet,” I mutter to myself.
Nanny turns to Ava. “Ava sweetheart, would you mind if I had five minutes with Ethan. I could really do with a vase for these stunning flowers.”
“Of course.” Ava rises from her chair and places a kiss on Nanny’s cheek and then mine. “I’ll go see what I can do. Back soon.”
My gaze follows Ava as she heads out the door.
I turn back to Nanny with a grin on my face. She’s smiling at me like the cat that ate the canary.
“Ethan, I’m so pleased to see you so happy. She’s such a sweet girl. I get a good feeling from her.”
“Thank you Nanny. She’s so special. I really love her,” I confess.
Nanny’s eyebrows raise and she takes my hand. “Treat her well sweetheart. The heart is a special thing to hold in one’s hand, and it deserves to be treated with respect and reverence. Always remember that and you’ll both do fine.”
She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes for a moment before gazing back at me. “Ethan this has been a bit of a wakeup call for me. I always thought that I would be on this earth for a long time, but that may not always be the case.”
I shake my head. “Hey, you aren’t going anywhere, stop talking like that.”
Nanny raises her hand for me to stop. “Ethan sweetheart, there are things that I know that I need to tell you. Things that you should have been told a long time ago but for many reasons they’ve been kept from you. We need to have a long conversation. Not here in this hospital, but when I get out we need to make the time. Can you do that for me?”
I feel uneasy about Nanny’s tone, but I nod and promise her that we’ll catch up as soon as she gets out. A smile breaks on Nanny’s face as if she is relieved that I haven’t pushed her for further information now, but I can tell that she wants to wait before we go there. I’ll respect that but I won’t pretend that I’m not anxious to know what she has to tell me.