by Leslie Pike
I kick off my shoes and jeans and grab the dress pants. Wait. I peel off my boxer briefs. Yep, I’m going commando. It’s time to push the envelope. Stepping into the pants, I zip up just in time to hear the knock on the door.
“Decent?” she says.
“Occasionally,” I answer.
I hear her giggle.
When she walks in I see her size me up. It’s a momentary sweep of my body, head to toe. But no doubt about it…she took an extra nanosecond on my junk.
“Yeah, I need them hemmed and taken in around the waist a little,” I say holding out the extra inch with my thumb. I wish she was looking down them right now. I’d give her an after-dinner surprise.
“Did you bring the shoes you wear with them?”
“No. I’ve just got my tennis shoes.”
“Alright. Next time bring the right shoes. Stand in front of the mirror.”
I chuckle a little. “You’re one bossy tailor. Am I going to be punished if I disobey?”
She’s not making eye contact with me, but she’s smiling, and her lips are pursed together holding back a laugh I think. God, I love embarrassing her. I stand in front of the mirror and lift my shirt so she has access to my waistband. Maybe I hold it a little higher than needed, but I want her to see the goods. When she looks, an eyebrow lifts almost imperceptibly.
I feel her fingers grasping the fabric and holding the extra half inch on each side. I stay quiet. Her hand is shaking a bit. Am I making her nervous? Hope so. She places pins on the waist and lower.
“Ow!” I flinch with the pin stick to my side.
“Oh, sorry!”
She repositions the pin. This time avoiding my flesh. Then she comes around in front of me and stares at my crotch. Wish it wouldn’t be rude to give a few pumps.
“I’m just seeing how things hang. It’s off a bit. On the left.”
“Well…” I say it with a big grin.
“Oh! Yes! Understood.”
She understands exactly what I’m referring to. I hang left and now she knows. It takes her only a half-minute more to repin and be satisfied. Then she gets on her knees. Fuck me.
“Now for the hem,” she says, as if she needs to explain her position.
Starting in the back she pins my pants to the length she likes.
“Turn to the side,” she says.
I do. My dick’s starting to harden with the knowledge her face is going to be close very soon.
“Turn to the front.”
Slowly I turn to face her, or rather dick her. Green eyes glimpse the bulge in my pants, then move to my hem. Quickly she pins the last of the measurements.
“That’s it,” she says, standing before another two seconds pass.
Then she starts talking fast, a nervous kind of stream of consciousness. “It’s important to make things hang right. It spoils the whole look if it’s lopsided. That’s why I was looking so intently, and umm, why I had to repin. I think it’ll take…”
Her words fade away as I step off the round and walk slowly toward her. I crook my finger calling her to me as she backs up.
“What? No! Wait!” She covers her mouth then tells me to stay quiet with a finger to her luscious lips.
I keep following as she retreats backwards across the room. When I have her trapped against the bed she climbs on and walks to the other side laughing while trying to keep balanced.
“Stay back!” She makes a cross with her fingers as if I can be deterred like a vampire.
I stop. “Come here, Charlotte.”
She stops. “Just let me say one thing.”
“No. Come here before I have to slap your ass and pull your hair.”
It’s a good sign that one eyebrow lifts as she walks to the edge of the bed and takes my extended hand as I help her down.
“What exactly is it you want?” she says, knowing the answer.
I lift her face in my hands and look into her eyes. I take the kiss.
No more baby steps. One big step for man, one giant leap for me. Magic.
4
Charlotte
I wanted it to be a bad kiss. It would have made my life much easier. Instead, I was carried away to an unknown land, where only the best kissers can be citizens, and Atticus has been overwhelmingly voted in as their president.
It was soft at first, and his hands cradled my face. Romantic. Then he brought my body close to his with an arm around my waist. I could feel him hard against my belly. That’s when he kissed me like he’d been waiting all his life for the moment to arrive.
I swear my panties were already wet at that point, and that was something that hadn’t happened for years, and an honest to God flesh and blood man had made them that way. It wasn’t my own doing this time.
I don’t know what would’ve happened if we’d been alone in the house. Yes, I do. We would have been in my bed and we’d still be there. An all-day sex fest sounds about right. Even though I’m so out of practice he might have to tell me what goes where. It’s been a record-breaking drought and when the rain finally comes, I have no plans to run for cover.
But maybe having to rein in our desires worked in my favor. I need to think this through before I take the next step. There’s always the possibility Mallory and I might need to move someday. I made the promise, and I never would go back on it. I’ve got to keep it in my mind that should things progress in this direction I’m going to have to come to terms with the ugly truth. For one reason or another there may come a day I’d have to say goodbye.
Besides, a man like Atticus Swift isn’t looking for long term. He probably isn’t looking for anything. Everything’s at his fingertips. All he needs to do is say yes. And the little I know about him tells me he says yes all the time. I have no plans on becoming one of many, so I need to get in and out quickly. Or more to the point he has to get in and out of me quickly.
Even if the rest of me is horizontal, it’s going to be important that I keep my head level. I’ve already given in to the idea we’re going to have sex. It’s inevitable now. But I cannot lose my heart.
I cannot lose my heart. That’ll be my mantra.
Climbing out of the shower I wrap a towel around my wet hair. The sound of my cell ringing in the bedroom snaps me out of my reverie. I’m dripping water across the bathroom floor and onto my rug, but I make it in time. It’s Atticus.
“Hello?”
“Hello, you. Whatcha doin?”
“Just stepped out of the shower.” There’s a pause. A long one. “Atticus?”
“I’m still here, I was just imagining you standing there. Are you naked?”
I feel the blush rush to my cheeks. “Stop it!”
“Answer my question.”
“There’s a towel on my head. And I’m wearing a toe ring.”
“That’s it?”
“Yep.”
“You’re killing me, woman. Seriously. I may drop dead right here, overdosing on stimulation.”
“I’m sure you’ll live.” I laugh.
“Don’t you feel sorry for me?”
“Not a bit. I think you’re a sex maniac.”
“I would be with you.”
My giggle sounds like a teenager’s response. “One kiss and I’m a foregone conclusion?” I half tease. Because at this point he doesn’t know what a sure thing I am.
“No, nothing close to it. It’s just that I want you. More than anyone I’ve wanted before. Why deny I feel that way?”
My heart is tugging at my brain. Do you feel me, Charlotte? I’m soaring.
“Are you there?” he says.
“I’m here. Just processing.”
“Alright. Listen, I’d like you to join me this weekend for Sunday Supper at my folk’s house. You and Mallory.”
“Really?”
“Really. I want you to meet them. Paige will be there and Brick. Everyone. We’ve got to go over the final details for the Firefly Ball. If you say yes, we’ll be going on the 27th.”
“What’s tha
t?”
“Every year at the start of summer my parents throw an outdoor dance and firefly viewing on their property. My mother insists on saying firefly instead of lightning bug. Thinks it sounds more refined. The Firefly Ball rolls off the tongue, she says. I think you’ll like it. Wanna come with me?”
I give the idea 1.2 seconds of consideration before I answer. “Yes. Definitely. What’s the dress?”
“Whatever you like to dance in. But for the viewing we’re gonna kick off our shoes and be on top of wide couches and oversized pillows under the stars. So be comfortable.”
“That sounds like so much fun!”
“Good. It’s a date then. And I’ll pick you girls up for supper at five on Sunday, if that works for you.”
“Perfect.”
We didn’t see each other all week because he got released from the doctor. No more sling, and he was able to start practice. He’s got to see how strong the arm and shoulder are before he can play. It’s exhausting he says.
But he’s called every night. It’s probably wishful thinking, but I’d be surprised if he’s seeing anyone else. How could he be? We talk for hours, sometimes while he’s eating dinner or I’m in the bath. Sometimes he puts me on speaker and goes through his home exercises. There’s such an ease to our conversations and one topic flows to the next.
It’s interesting hearing about the life of a baseball player, how much it’s meant in his life, learning the lingo they use. It’s surprising how open he was about his career. How his contract expires next year, and he’s never one hundred percent sure he’ll be renewed.
Mallory has been schooling me on the sport too, and we’ve watched the games on TV so I can see who’s who. I’m trying to memorize the players in case I meet one at the Firefly Ball. She’s as excited as I am about me going, so maybe she likes the idea of Atticus and I having a few dates. Today’s another matter. I know the only reason she agreed to be around so many strangers is because Paige will be there. They spent the night at Brick’s and will be going together. Thank God.
And then there’s me. I may be thirty plus years old, but I’m nervous about meeting his family. It’s T-minus 15 minutes till he picks me up. Yesterday he gave me a kind of Cliff Notes version of the group. Let’s see…Boone’s his father, a former pro baseball player who married his high school sweetheart, Lucinda. She’s a water color artist and book lover. Then there’s Grandma Birdie the best cook in the family and Grandpa Davis the lifelong bird watcher. The only sister is Bristol, a pediatrician who works in Memphis.
Atticus said they’re all warm welcoming people and I shouldn’t worry. But it’s been so long since I’ve been around a big family. Decades really. The last time was when I used to spend the night at my best friend’s house in grammar school. I’m woefully out of practice.
Lately I’ve seen what a small world I live in, and how Mallory has been affected by residing there too. It wasn’t intentional, but it’s what unfolded as our lives led us in certain directions. Just recently I’ve come to the realization It’s important I don’t protect my daughter so thoroughly she misses the surprises of life. I want her to be able to feel good in new situations and to seek out things she hasn’t experienced. It’s hard enough to make any of it happen when she’s shy about being seen. I’ve protected my baby bird for so long maybe it’s time she learned to fly a bit. That’s why her new friend Paige is good for her. She’s the one who’s going to push Mallory forward.
Giving myself a last look in the mirror, I smooth the skirt of the new yellow and white print dress I made for the occasion. I’m happy with the way it turned out. I was going for a simple summery look with just a hint of sexy, provided by the surprise low back. The flesh-toned toned heels add to the look. One spray of Angel under each earlobe and on the pulse point of each wrist, and I’m ready. Exiting the room and walking down the hall I’m just in time to hear the doorbell.
My stomach flips. Calm down!
I take a centering breath before opening the door. There he stands, the image of man, wearing soft grey pants with a white dress shirt. Classic.
“Hi!” I say trying to sound perfectly calm, in spite of a racing pulse.
The corners of his mouth lift, as do mine.
“Afternoon, Miss Charlotte.” He tips an imaginary hat.
“How southern of you,” I say in my best accent. “Afternoon kind sir.”
“You look so lovely, I’d bet the South could rise again,” he says looking me up and down.
I press my lips together holding in my grin and motion for him to come inside with a sweep of my hand. “You flatter me sir, when it’s you who could make camellias bloom in the mud,” I volley.
He points a finger at me. “Oh, good one! The Pennsylvania girl bests the Tennessee boy.”
He leans in for a kiss. But when I mistakenly offer my cheek he pauses, lifts my chin and turns my face toward his. “No, Charlotte. Here.”
Our lips meet in a heavenly moment filled with both our hungers. Damn! I could lay him down on this rug and ride him like a stallion. Or, just look into his chocolate eyes for eternity. Jesus, Charlotte! Calm the hell down.
“You smell great. It’s entirely your fault I’ve had an erection since we first met,” he says with a straight face.
“You’d better call a doctor.”
“Calling Doctor Bay, calling Doctor Bay,” he says in a sexy voice.
Omg! This is the best kind of embarrassment. One that you wouldn’t avoid for anything.
“I love when you do that thing with your lips when you’re embarrassed,” he says smiling. “Do I embarrass you? Is it this?”
He presses against me and I feel his cock, his eyes never leaving mine. I don’t pull away. Instead I up the ante by dropping my hand and grasping him gently. I use my fingers to trace its outline. His head leans back.
“I’m not embarrassed by you,” I say quietly.
“Ohhhh,” he moans.
I take my hand away. “We’d better go.”
His expression is so pitiful I giggle.
“Do we have to?” he says. “We could be late. Flat tire, business call, you weren’t ready on time. I can think of a hundred excuses, or no excuses.”
“No. If we decide to be intimate I don’t want the first time to be rushed. It’s been a long time coming for me.”
“If we decide? I’ve already made up my mind. And I’d say you have too.”
“You know what I mean.”
He doesn’t argue, doesn’t plead or cajole. He accepts with a quiet nod and a wink. Adorable sexy as hell man. I’m going to make you happy you waited.
Standing at the Swift front door is nerve wracking.
“Give me your hand,” he says.
“What?”
“I just want to hold your hand, Charlotte.”
“I don’t want Mallory to see us holding hands.”
A tipped head and slight smirk tell me he’s not in agreement.
“Who do you think gave me your schedule? She’s okay with us dating,” he says.
So I slip mine into his and hold on tight. I’m so nervous I’d climb into his arms like a toddler if he’d offer.
“You’re getting a kick out of this aren’t you?” I say, playfully pushing my body against his side.
“I am. You’re so fucking cute I can’t stand it.”
He leans back and looks at the back of my dress. “I’m not hating this. No bra?”
“No. It would have shown. Stop it! I’m too nervous to talk sex right now.”
This beautiful door looks foreboding. As if I’m about to enter a dungeon instead of this spectacular home. I’m terrified it’s going to open, which of course it will as soon as Atticus rings the bell.
“You ready now?” he says.
“I have to pee. Wait a minute.”
“Why? You gonna pee here in the bushes? At least let me look for a few leaves so you can pat yourself dry.”
“No!” I start laughing. The nervous kind that b
ubbles up unannounced.
“You’re so tense I can see your shoulders touching your ears,” he teases.
He rings the doorbell and an involuntary squeal leaves my mouth. “Oh God,” I say under my breath.
A barking dog sounds and footsteps can be heard approaching. It swings open and we’re greeted by the friendly faces of a great looking couple. She has thick dark hair with a beautiful grey streak running from her forehead to the tip of the cheek curl. He has silver white hair and a nose exactly like Atticus. Now I see where the boys got their looks.
“Welcome to our home, Charlotte. I’m Lucinda, Atticus’s mother.”
“Hello, Mrs. Swift. Thank you for having Mallory and I.”
She drops the hand of her husband and opens her arms for a hug. “Oh honey, call me Lucinda, please.”
I happily give her a hug and I feel myself relax with her hospitality. It may be okay after all.
“My turn! I’m Boone, the father of this piss ant standing next to you.”
“Hello, Boone.” We share a big hug and I feel his kiss on my cheek. “Your property and home are so beautiful. I’m not sure where to look first.”
“Atticus will have to give you the two-dollar tour. This is our little slice of heaven, God’s few acres.”
“Hey! What about me? Don’t I get a hello?” Atticus teases.
Lucinda lifts her hands in the air. “Darling boy. I’m so sorry you’ve been neglected. Come here and give your mama some sugar.”
Lucinda and Boone greet their son with as much warmth as they did me. As if they haven’t seen him in a long time. I sense no embarrassment from Atticus. There’s a big smile on my face because this scene is sweet, genuine, and out of the realm of my experience.
“Well, come inside. The family’s already half way through Grandma Birdie’s appetizers. Paige and Mallory are exploring the back six. Your daughter’s such a nice girl, by the way.”