More Than Enough

by Johnson, Ashley

  He kissed the top of my head. I bet anything he tasted nothing but hairspray. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got stabbed in the lip by a bobby pin too. “I wish I could take the past back Macy. I would do anything to take it all back.”

  I didn’t answer right away; I just stood there taking this moment in for all it was worth. The past was nothing but hell and I was hurt but this right here made it ok. “What did you tell your parents?” I whispered afraid to speak out loud.

  “I avoided the subject as long as I could until my mom bombarded me in my room and made me talk. She told me to quit being a stubborn ass and come back but I still didn’t know what to say because I felt like such an ass. And then you showed up at my apartment that night and when you started crying, I couldn’t take it. Your friend came and got you and I just shut the door, when all I wanted to do was pull you inside and beg for forgiveness. I called Halley that next day and she talked to me and then I felt like an even bigger ass. I told her I was coming today and not to tell you. I wanted it to be a surprise.”

  Did I just hear him right? I looked up and met his gaze. “Halley knew you were going to be here?” I wasn’t mad at either one of them. I was actually thanking the heavens that he even called her.

  “Yeah, I’m sorry. I should have called you because I wanted to know how you were. I love you so much Macy, I’ll never fuck up like that again.”

  I tiptoed up and kissed his lips. We walked off the dance floor as the song ended and I began walking up to Halley. I didn’t even say anything to her at first; instead I threw my arms around her neck and hugged my best friend. “Thank you so much Hales,” I whispered in her ear.

  “You’re welcome,” she whispered back. I let go of her and hugged Marcus congratulating them both. They were going to be heading out soon to their hotel. They had an early flight tomorrow to the Bahamas. Halley knew that’s where she wanted to honeymoon since she was a little girl, or at least that’s what she told me when we first met. When Marcus proposed she began saving every little penny she could to make her dream come true. Her father helped out too along with Marcus putting up money and she was so excited to go. She was all packed up and ready. I told her she better bring me back something pretty awesome and she told me all I was getting was a postcard. I knew better than that.

  She made it very clear she didn’t want rice thrown at her so everyone was going to blow bubbles as they made their exit. Everyone lined up with bubbles in hand and as they ran through the crowd to their limo, bubbles filled the air. A minute later they were inside and heading off. A few people hung around talking and dancing. Paul stood by my side with his arm linked to mine being the awesome date he was.

  I saw Trevor out of the corner of my eye, he was talking to Reina and she looked absolutely smitten with him. Her eyes sparkled as he talked and she touched his arm resting it there for a minute while she laughed at something he said. His eyes met mine and I winked and mouthed thank you. He smiled back and walked her to the dance floor as another slow song came on. Who would have ever thought that after all we’d been through we could even smile at each other in a room? My guess was that I would always hate him but that wasn’t true. He turned out to be one of the people I was grateful for the most.

  I was grateful for the learning experience because isn’t that what life is all about. Reina leaned up to kiss him and he returned the kiss, I couldn’t help but smile and wish him all the happiness in the world whether it was with her or some other girl.

  Halley had rented the place for the entire night so everyone could have fun but one by one people were starting to file out. I know I definitely wanted out of these shoes and this dress. I wanted to be comfortable in sweat pants and a t-shirt. Oh, and get all these damn bobby pins and this hairspray out of my hair.

  Luke grabbed my hand and I let our fingers intertwine. I forgot just how perfect our hands fit together. My heart skipped a beat when he leaned in and whispered, “You ready to go home?” Ohmigod I was so ready to go home with him. The butterflies in my stomach were practically cutting flips; I’ve never wanted something so bad. I wanted nothing more than to lie next to him and let him hold me and I would never move from that spot ever again.

  “Yeah, I need to let my date know I’m leaving with another man.” I winked and he smacked my butt as I walked towards Paul. He ended a phone call and looked at me smiling.

  “Well well Grace, this night has been fun but my honey just called to tell me he has a wonderful evening planned. So I’m ditching you.”

  My jaw dropped and I began laughing. He was so funny and little did he know I was coming over here to ditch him in the first place. I never told him I was ditching him I just stuck my best pouty lip out and nodded. I gave him a big hug. “Thank you for being the best date ever. Call me later.”

  He waved to Luke then made his exit. “Was he mad?”

  “Oh no. He ditched me for his boyfriend so I never told him I was trying to ditch him.” He scrunched his nose and made a face that was too damn cute for words. I reached for his hand as he led me outside.

  He opened the door to the Challenger for me and when he got in he leaned across the seat and pulled me in for a kiss. “I hope you don’t mind, but I have quite a bit of kisses to make up for.”

  “I don’t mind at all.” My heart was beating rapidly in my chest and my breathing started getting ragged. I missed this effect he had on me.

  He parted my lips with his and pulled me closer. I wrapped my arms around his neck and scooted as close as I could be without practically being on his lap. I placed my hand on his thigh and moved it up his leg then stopped and just rested it on his inner thigh. He let out a soft moan as we continued to kiss. I opened one eye and noticed the windows were beginning to fog up. I pulled away laughing and Luke started the car as he rolled down the windows. He didn’t turn the radio on; it was just the two of us holding hands enjoying each other.

  Chapter 20

  The apartment was just as I remembered before all this mess happened. Still spotless and everything was in its place. I stood there in the kitchen taking the atmosphere in. I was home and I knew I was safe. Luke slipped his arms around my waist and kissed my neck before he scooped me up. I let out a shriek as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

  I was glad he picked me up because those shoes were starting to kill me. I should have taken them off in the car and I have no idea why I didn’t. I kicked them off as he stood me up. Oh god that felt amazing. I really hope I’d never have to wear them again. Matter of fact tomorrow, they were going to be placed in the back corner of the closet.

  Luke sat down on the bed and I sat next to him with my head on his shoulder. We sat that way for a few minutes before he raised my head and looked me in the eyes. His green eyes were wet with tears that threatened to spill over his beautiful cheeks. He unbuttoned his shirt and I could see his tattoo from after he lost Juliann and their baby. Around his heart there was an ‘M’ with barbwire around it. I just stared at it and reached to touch it. I ran my fingers over it and then laid my hand over it. Why did guys seem to think they needed tattoos when we had issues? My first thought was Trevor and the bracelet. Thank God this wasn’t that insane.

  “When did you do this?” I started to trace over it again and looked up to see a couple tears fall from his eyes.

  I reached up and wiped them from his cheeks. My heart felt like it were breaking again just seeing him like this. “I did it two days after our falling out. I was sure you wouldn’t be back after I left you like that and I had quite a bit to drink and had my friend do it for me. If I couldn’t have you in my heart, I wanted you by my heart. I was torn up.” He searched my eyes for a moment before he began to speak again. “I’m so sorry. Please let me spend the rest of my life making it up to you. I’ll do anything to keep you here with me and happy. I can’t let you go again. That was the worst thing I’ve ever done.”

  I wiped a few more tears that fell as I held back some of my own. “Paul was the bartender at Th
e Lounge that night. He sat with me after you left. I thought my life was over, honestly if he hadn’t been there I don’t know what would have happened. He drove me to my moms. We instantly clicked; he was such a good friend to me. He told me to give you time, that you still loved me.”

  He grabbed my hand bringing my palm to his lips. He kissed it then intertwined our fingers. “Crazy girl, I never stopped. I just was hurting and I didn’t handle it like I should have. That night I should have talked to you and listened. I’ll never forgive myself for not doing that.”

  “Hey, don’t beat yourself up over it. We’re together now and that’s all that matters. The past is the past. We can’t change it Luke, but we can move forward and that’s what we’re going to do.”

  “I love you so much Macy Young.”

  “Not as much as I love you Luke Nolan.”

  His lips met mine for a kiss as his hand reached for my zipper. It felt so good to have that dress off me. His body hovered over mine as he continued to cover my mouth with sweet kisses. Those kisses trailed from my lips to my neck then back up as he fumbled with my bra. Once the bra was off, he teased my nipples with his free hand. I arched my back as I let out a soft moan. I began to fumble with his pants and once they were off, he slowly slid into me and sat there for a second before he started to make love to me. Every kiss and touch felt like the first time and I moaned in delight.

  My hand traced his new tattoo and then I reached around to his back matching him thrust for thrust. As I got closer to my climax, I let out another moan that wasn’t as soft as the others. He parted his lips with mine and consumed my mouth as my legs began to buckle underneath me. I moaned as we released together and he lay on top of me kissing me one last time.

  Luke rolled off me but our legs stayed intertwined. My head rested on his chest and I could hear his heart beating. I know I definitely needed a shower after the wedding and especially after what we just finished. But neither of us moved, we’ve waited too long for this moment and I wasn’t ready to give it up yet. I could easily fall asleep right here with him holding me.

  He kissed my forehead and started to get up. “No, Luke lay down with me.”

  “I was just going to order a pizza or find something to eat. Are you hungry?”

  Actually I was pretty much starving. I hadn’t eaten anything since the cubes of cheese that I stole off Paul’s plate at the reception. Most pizza places would deliver this late but I could settle for something in the house so we didn’t have to get dressed. I just got him back and I planned to use every minute to our advantage.

  “I’m starving actually. What do you have here? I don’t want to get dressed if you know what I mean.” His eyes lit up and he jumped back in bed kissing me. “Let’s go see what you got in the kitchen.”

  I slid one of his t-shirts over my head and walked into the kitchen. He just slid his boxers on and followed right behind me. I opened the refrigerator and found ham and cheese. That would work. I grabbed the mayonnaise and the loaf of bread and set it on the counter. We ate our sandwiches at the table and sipped on some sweet tea. Every time I looked up he was just watching me and smiling.

  “What babe?” I asked once I swallowed the bite of ham and cheese. I had to know what he was looking at; I mean what if I had mayonnaise on my cheek or something? No on second thought, he would have cracked a joke about it or simply gotten up and wiped it away.

  “I’m just thinking about how lucky I am. You’re everything to me Macy. And you make one hell of a sandwich.”

  I nearly choked on my last bite as I began laughing. Geez, talk about the oddest thing to come up. At least he valued my sandwich making skills, I mean it’s not like it was incredibly hard to make, but I’m pretty sure I’d win the award for packing his lunch one day.

  “Well, I’m lucky too. You have one pretty mouth.”

  He raised his eyebrow as he replied with a devilish grin, “Oh yea, why don’t you come over here so I can show you how pretty it can be.”

  My grin met his and I smiled as I gave him a challenge. “Why don’t you catch me and show me?”

  I got up out of my seat and didn’t make it too far before he tackled me and carried me back to the bed. His shirt was off and I was bare again. I let out a squeal as his mouth met mine then traveled down my body and he stopped between my thighs. I sucked in a deep breath as he kissed me there. Christ almighty I’m going to explode. I began to whimper and beg as he continued, “Please, Luke, I need you.” It didn’t take much more than me begging and made his way back up to my mouth. As he kissed me, he slid back inside and my body responded immediately.

  When he collapsed on the side of me this time, I had to hold my chest as I tried to catch my breath. I felt a bobby pin stab my scalp and I let out a small yelp. Luke looked at me and saw me reaching into my hair trying to get some of these out.

  “Do you want some help baby? How many are even in there?”

  I didn’t want to sit up but I could definitely use the help with getting these out of my hair. Then maybe I could muster the strength to take that shower I needed. I groaned as I sat up. “If you don’t mind, there’s about a million in my hair.” I put out my pouty lip so he would have pity on me. Luke started fishing through my hair pulling them out one by one. Some were in a little tighter than others and I yelped once or twice. When I gave up feeling for them, he didn’t complain. Luke just continued to remove them.

  Twenty minutes later, my hair was wild and finally free. I grabbed all the bobby pins and carried them into the bathroom so I could throw them away. I could probably save them because you never know when you need a bobby pin for your hair. The more I thought about it, I just threw them. After all, they would end up lost anyway just when I would need one. I stepped into the warm shower and washed all the hairspray out of my hair. I felt cleaner and now I would definitely be able to rest.

  I slipped a towel around myself as I went back into the room. Luke was already lying under the covers getting comfortable. I threw on the same t-shirt from earlier and checked my phone. Halley had texted, it read: “Thank you for being there for me today. I love you so much. I hope you aren’t upset that Luke called me (I know he told you!!) I’ll get a tan for you while I’m gone!!”

  I smiled as I responded to her text: “I love you too. I better get more than a postcard!! And I could never be mad at you. Have a blast for me!”

  While I had my phone in my hand I texted Paul: “Will, I hope you’re having an awesome night like me :)” When he didn’t respond immediately I knew he obviously was having a wonderful date night with Drew. I plugged my phone in before I climbed into the bed and snuggled against Luke.

  He kissed my forehead and held me closer to him. I swore I heard him say something before I closed my eyes but I was so tired, I couldn’t make out what he said. All I know is I am right back where I belong.

  The next morning I had to look around to make sure I wasn’t imagining anything from last night. Luke wasn’t in the bed but soon came walking into the bedroom carrying a tray that held a glass of orange juice, some bacon and a biscuit. There was also a red rose lying on the tray. I felt my face instantly blush as he sat beside me and kissed my cheek. “Good morning beautiful.”

  This wasn’t a dream at all! I was more than relieved to see that this was my life and it was finally back to normal.

  “Good morning. Thank you baby, it looks amazing.”

  I ate my breakfast and then went to brush my teeth. When I came back into the room he was in the same spot on the bed. I met him and lay against his chest. “What do you want to do today Mace? We can do anything you want.”

  Well I could think of one thing in particular I could do all day and I’m sure he wouldn’t object. I placed my finger on my lip as if I were thinking hard and then suddenly I had an idea. “I have an idea Luke, what about if we go to the beach today.”

  His eyes lit up as he turned to face me. “You want to go to the beach? You sure?”

  “Yes, I’m ve
ry sure. I want to go to the beach with you and we can visit with your parents.”

  He jumped off the bed and immediately found his board shorts. He never told me yes, but I’m assuming this was my answer. “Hey Mace, you can invite Paul or Will, whatever his name is, if you want to.”

  I grabbed my phone and shot a text to Paul which he immediately answered this time. He said Drew had to work this morning but he would love to come with us. I told him to meet us here in a few minutes and we could ride together.

  I pulled the same bathing suit out from last time. After I washed it, it still looked good and I thought the water would taint it. I slipped it on before placing a tank top and my jean shorts over it. Luke had my beach bag in his hand and was looking through it. “I think I have everything we need, the sunscreen is in here too. Take a look and make sure nothing is missing.”

  I gave the bag a quick once over and sure enough, everything was in place. “Looks good babe thanks.”

  There was a knock at the door and I opened it to find Paul standing there in some flowered board shorts and a white t-shirt. “Well, well Grace. Nice to see you again,” he started looking around before he stepped inside. “He doesn’t have a tattoo gun in here does he?”

  I snorted as I tried not to laugh. “Actually he does, want to see it?”

  “Hell no, I’m waiting outside. Come get me when you are ready.”

  I grabbed his arm and brought him inside. “We’re almost ready. Relax, it won’t hurt.” I winked as Luke came walking in holding the beach bag.

  He stuck his hand out to Paul and they shook hands. “Thanks for inviting me. Sure beats staying home all day. I need a tan and well Grace, so do you.”

  My jaw dropped as I looked down at my legs. He was right and I knew it but my face began to flush after he said that. “Well babe, it’s a wonderful day for a tattoo isn’t it? Will, would you like to get one before we go?”

  Paul’s eyes practically bugged out of his head as I started laughing. Luke grabbed my hand intertwining our fingers and we made our way outside. “Don’t let her scare you and I’m not going to put a penis on your head.”