Never Let Go

by Anne Carol

  “You should get in line now,” Dad encouraged, though he and Mom both wore sullen expressions. It was obvious they were struggling to see me go. I couldn’t blame them; this trip was symbolic of what the near future held—their last child leaving the nest.

  In an effort to reassure them, I threw my arms around my dad, and then my mom. “Don’t worry, I’m going to be fine. You know I’ll be in good hands.”

  Mom held me firmly. “I know. I’ll just be happy when you get home. I’m going to miss you, honey.”

  “It’s only a week, and I promise I’ll keep in touch.”

  Finally out of my mom’s possessive clutch, I waved to both my parents as I approached the ticket agent.

  “Have a great time, kiddo!” Dad called out to me as I stepped onto the jetway.

  “You hardly touched a bite. Are you quite alright, dear?” the nice English lady beside me asked.

  “Yeah, just a little nervous.” I sighed as I peered down at my still-full food tray.

  “Is this your first time flying alone?”

  “Yes, plus I’m seeing my boyfriend for the first time in four months.”

  “Oh, well that explains it. Is he from London?”

  “Yeah, we met last summer when I was there on vacation.”

  “How romantic.” She smiled.

  As soon as the food trays were collected and the overhead lights turned off, I started getting sleepy. I took advantage of my drowsy state by curling up against the window with my pillow.

  I slept on and off for most of the journey, and when I woke up the sun was poking through the window shade.

  “We’re getting close,” my seatmate observed.

  “Yeah,” I said, lifting the shade and staring out the window.

  My mouth was dry and it didn’t look like any beverage service was happening, so I made my way to the back to fetch a cup of water. I paid a visit to the lavatory as well, splashing cold water on my face to wake up.

  I was able to eat most of my breakfast, but as soon as they took the trash away and started preparing the cabin for landing, I regretted eating so much. My stomach churned and my throat was so dry I had to ask for more water. Needing something to do with my hands, I fiddled with my hair and ended up putting it in a bun. I’m sure I looked like a street person with my messy hair and lack of makeup, but I didn’t care. All I wanted was to get off that plane, go through customs, and meet up with Uncle Ned.

  Less than an hour later, after saying goodbye to the English lady, I headed into the international arrivals area and stood in the daunting customs line.

  “Oh, God, please be with me this week,” I prayed quietly, bouncing up and down in place.

  As soon as I got through customs and picked up my luggage, I made my way into the greeting area, scanning the crowd for Uncle Ned’s familiar figure. Panic struck me when I couldn’t spot him right away. Oh, no. Stopping in my tracks, with people brushing past me on either side, my gaze fell upon a pair of warm chestnut eyes staring at me. The face they belonged to wore the most captivating grin I’d ever seen in my life.

  “Oh, crap. I look horrible,” I mumbled as I self-consciously touched my scraggly hair.

  David waved me over, mouthing to me, “Come on.”

  And at that moment, I didn’t care what I looked like; I tore ahead, excusing my way through the crowd to reach him. His arms were open, ready to accept my embrace. Not realizing my own eagerness, I slammed into him—nearly knocking us both to the ground—and buried my face in his chest.

  I was home.

  “Hi, stranger,” we said in unison. He chuckled with amusement as he held me close. His distinct fragrance consumed me; it was unbelievably intoxicating, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

  “Oh, sweet girl,” he murmured, with one hand cradling the back of my neck and the other encircling my waist as I pressed against him. His breath tickled my skin, making me shiver. I sensed his whole body trembling with yearning as he began trailing soft kisses along my neck.

  He managed to undo my hair while kissing me, stuffing the elastic hair tie in his pocket. The subtle, sensuous way he took my hair down made me forget I was in the middle of an airport, and I circled my arms around his neck and devoured his lips. As we passionately kissed, I buried my fingers in his hair, caressing his scalp and pulling gently on the dark strands. The electricity between us was almost lethal; there wasn’t a single nerve in my body left untouched.

  After the long, delicious kiss, we simply held each other for a moment, savoring the feeling of our bodies perfectly molded together.

  “So what happened to Uncle Ned?” I said into his shoulder.

  He slowly backed out of the embrace, picked up my bags, and the two of us started walking.

  “My angel, Uncle Ned was never going to pick you up. Well, perhaps for about five minutes, but as soon as I heard you were coming, I insisted on being the one to collect you.”

  “Wish you would’ve told me, I look like a bum.”

  “I think you’re beautiful.” He was completely sincere as he gazed at me with his warm brown eyes. He’s irresistible.

  I slowed down my gait, pulled him toward me, and kissed him again. “I missed you so much.”

  Giving me his most gorgeous smile, he returned, “I’ve missed you, too, angel.”

  I tugged my jacket around me as we made our way out to David’s car. It was gray and drizzly, of course. He quickly loaded my bags into the “boot,” as he called the trunk, and joined me in the front seat, where I sat leaning my head back. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed him staring at me with an expression that only spoke of complete adoration.

  I smirked. “Enjoying the view?”

  “I like this view.” He looked at me methodically, before whispering, “You want to make out in the back seat?”

  Shaking my head at him, I said, “I haven’t even been in this country an hour, and you’re ready to attack me?”

  “Anything wrong with that? I was ready to attack you the moment I saw you.”

  “And I’d be lying if I didn’t admit the same thing.”

  He lit up in a smile, and then sighed, “But …”

  “I think we should get to my uncle’s house. I’m sure they’re expecting me and I really want to clean up before you get that close to me.”

  “I don’t care about that, but I do understand about your aunt and uncle, so …” He held my chin and winked. “… we’ll catch up later.”

  My heart did a somersault. How does he do that?

  In the next beat, I was practically on his lap, kissing him like there was no tomorrow. My tongue did an intimate dance with his as we became reacquainted, this time without an audience. I was just getting started when he abruptly pulled back. “We need to stop or I won’t be able to.”

  At that, I returned to my seat, mumbling, “I’m sorry.”

  He took a breath and then tugged me back over to him, cradling me in his arms. “Bloody hell, you don’t know what you do to me, Beth.”

  I smiled, before chastely kissing him. “I think I do, so just drive.”

  It was a miracle we arrived at Uncle Ned’s in one piece. Not that David was a bad driver, but let’s just say he was a bit distracted. He kept turning his head to look at me when he should’ve been watching the road.

  “Eyes forward, Somers!” I kept telling him.

  “Sorry, I can’t believe you’re actually here,” he’d say, squeezing my hand tightly.

  Pulling up to the curb, I waited for the onslaught of family to greet us, and as predicted, Uncle Ned, Aunt Ellie, and Jenny came pouring out of the house just as we were unloading my things.

  “Beth!” Jenny cried, giving me a warm hug. “Hi, David!”

  “Hello, Jenny.”

  “So did you like your little surprise, cousin?” She asked, grinning at me.

  “Yeah! It was the best surprise ever. You guys did a great job of keeping that a secret.”

  They all laughed as I proceeded to greet my au
nt and uncle.

  “Come on, we have tea and biscuits inside,” Jenny said, leading me up the steps with her arm around my shoulder.

  After briefly catching up over tea time, I found myself yawning.

  “Dear, why don’t you go have a lie-down before supper?” Aunt Ellie suggested.

  I glanced over at David, not wanting to leave him for a second. “Is it okay if David sits up there with me if we leave the door open?” I shyly asked. That was the standard rule in my house about boys in my room.

  “I suppose that’s alright. We trust you two.”

  “Are you okay with that?” I double-checked with David.

  “Oh, I’m not going anywhere,” he said, looking at me like I was crazy for thinking otherwise.

  A minute later, upon reaching the top of the stairs, David surprised me by swinging me into his arms and carrying me into the room.

  “What’re you doing?” I whispered, wrapping my arms around his neck.

  “I haven’t held you like this in ages. It feels incredible.” He kissed my forehead before setting me down on the bed and crawling up alongside me.

  “I’m going to hold you all afternoon, angel,” he murmured, pulling me onto him so my head was on his chest with my arm around him.

  Secure in his embrace, I drifted off to sleep, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat under the palm of my hand. Four months of agonizing separation vanished in a moment.

  About an hour later, I woke up to the ticklish sensation of wet kisses all over my face. It made me giggle. “David …”

  “Sorry to wake you, but you’re too tempting.” He kissed the tip of my nose.

  “Did you even sleep?”

  “No, I just watched you,” he admitted, kissing the top of my head, and then in a swift move, he brought my leg up over his waist.

  I gasped at what I felt under my thigh. Rubbing the hard spot playfully, I said, “Are you happy to see me, Mr. Somers?”

  Holding me closer, he said, “Always. Especially after being away from you for so long.”

  I saw the pulse in his neck increase, matching my own. I whispered, “I can’t wait until we’re married, because I—”

  “Knock knock!” Jenny called out, coming into the dark room. “Oh! Sorry!”

  “Yes?” I asked, not looking up.

  “Er, supper’s on. I apologize for interrupting … anything,” she cleared her throat.

  “We’ll be right down.”

  As soon as she left, David shifted positions, rolling on top of me and pinning me beneath him. “What were you saying?”

  “Nothing. I just can’t wait to make love to you.”

  His mouth turned up in a dazzling smile, and he brushed my hair back. “Neither can I.”

  Over a supper of chicken and mushroom pie, one of my favorite dishes, David told us that his band was playing a gig on New Year’s Eve.

  “Really? So I get to hear you play again?” I said, bursting with excitement.

  “Yes. But that also means I’ll be rehearsing all week, including tomorrow.”

  “Oh.” I sighed.

  “After I have to work,” he nervously added.

  “What? You have to work? But—”

  “I couldn’t get out of it, Beth,” he said, looking around the table, perhaps for support. “We have several people out on holiday, and I need to cover their hours for just tomorrow.”

  “Darn.” I stabbed my fork into a carrot and angrily shoved it in my mouth.

  Silence hung over the dining area, and I could sense his hesitant eyes on me. I don’t know if it was the jet lag or what, but I suddenly felt irritable.

  “Hey, I guess that means we’ll have to go shopping, right, Beth?” Jenny suggested.

  “Yeah, I guess,” I mumbled, removing my hand from David’s thigh.

  He gave me a questioning look and grabbed my hand back.

  Aunt Ellie filled the pause by asking Jenny, “So where will you take Beth shopping?”

  We continued chatting and finished out the dinner with the proverbial elephant in the room, i.e. my evil twin intent on directing all my fatigue and built-up tension onto my boyfriend, who wanted nothing but to show me love and affection.

  Damn her.

  It was diplomatically suggested (by Uncle Ned) that I hit the sack early, so after dinner I walked David out and stood on the tiny porch with him.

  Gone was his searing expression from our upstairs exchange, and in its place were blank eyes and a faded smile. “Don’t be cross with me, Beth. It couldn’t be helped. Trust me, I’d much rather be with you than at work.”

  “I know. I’m sorry.” I gazed up at him and warmed his cold cheek with my hand. “I’m sure I’ll feel better after a good night’s sleep.”

  “Sure,” he said, but his torn face told me that I’d hurt him more than he cared to admit.

  Nestling into his chest, I whispered, “It’s heavenly being in your arms.”

  His hands gently smoothed down my hair, “I’m so happy you’re here, sweet girl.”

  Our lips met in another fervent, tongue-tangling kiss that sheathed my body from the frigid air as it formed a heat wave between us. All too soon we separated and he reluctantly headed down the steps.

  He was almost at the sidewalk when he called up, “Maybe I’ll come round for breakfast?”

  I nodded. “I’d love that.”

  Back up in the room, I was trying to fall asleep when Jenny came in and startled me.

  “You’re in quite a mood. Are you feeling alright, Beth?”

  I groaned inwardly, not enjoying the stab of guilt that hit me. “I’m sorry about that. I guess I wasn’t counting on him having to work on my first full day here.”

  “You know he has no control over that.”

  “I know. I realize I came off a little harsh.”

  “Beth …” She sat down across from me on her bed. “David is a good man, and I know he’s been completely faithful to you all these months. You couldn’t ask for a better boyfriend. Don’t mess this up.”

  I lay back on my pillow and put my arm over my forehead. “I won’t, believe me. My emotions are just out of whack today.”

  “I’m sure.” She got up to switch off the light. “By the way, it’s good to have you back.”

  “Thanks, it’s good to be back.”

  Jenny and I spent the next morning hanging out at the house, after David came over for breakfast, and then we eventually bundled up and ventured out to the shops. We stopped in to visit David at the infamous record shop where I’d fainted on him six months earlier. He caught me off guard by kissing me in the middle of the aisles.

  “David,” I pleaded, feeling shy.

  “Am I embarrassing you?” he said into my hair.

  “No, its okay,” I said, not wanting to hurt his feelings.

  He just smiled and looked into my eyes. “Sweet girl. Be ready by five fifteen, alright? I’ll come by and collect you then.”

  “Sounds good, now get to work,” I said, squeezing his hand.

  “You don’t mind walking, do you? I know it’s rather brisk,” David said as we started off for his house later when he came to fetch me.

  Linking my arm in his and snuggling next to him, I said, “No, as long as you keep me warm.”

  We both had thick coats on; I was borrowing one of Aunt Ellie’s, and I also toted along David’s Christmas gift. Brightly lit Christmas trees peaked through windows of many of the houses we strolled by. It was a beautiful evening, though frigid.

  He kissed the top of my head. “You seem in better spirits this evening.”

  “I slept well last night.”

  “Hmm, so did I.”

  “Then we shall have a jolly good time tonight!” I said, mimicking David’s thick accent.

  I squealed as he pulled me close and tickled my neck with his lips. “My crazy girl.”

  As we walked along, I thought back to the first time I was invited to his house for supper. I was so nervous about meeting h
is parents and worried that I wouldn’t enjoy the meal being served. Now, half a year later, it was almost like going to another relative’s house. The Somers’ felt like extended family to me, and I suppose soon enough they truly would be part of my family.

  When we entered David’s house, my senses were overwhelmed with the savory smell of poultry cooking, coupled with the buttery aroma of mashed potatoes.

  “Mmm … it smells good in here. I’m starving.” I rubbed my stomach, which was making funny noises.

  Mrs. Somers greeted us wearing an apron and wiping her hand in a towel. Her dark hair was pinned up in a bun and her eyes, chestnut brown like David’s, lit up at the sight of me.

  “Beth, dearie!” she cried, hugging me gently. “Welcome back. We’re so glad to have you here. Somebody’s been missing you.” She peeked at David from the corner of her eye.

  “Yes, and you’re all he’s talked about over the last month,” Cameron declared as he appeared wearing a giant smirk.

  “Cameron,” David said in a warning tone, narrowing his eyes at his sixteen-year-old brother, who appeared two inches taller than the last time I saw him. He was definitely maturing into a nice-looking boy, not unlike his brother.

  “Hey, Cameron.” I greeted him with a brief hug. “How are you? Getting tall there. Hardly recognized you,” I remarked, trying to boost his ego.

  He immediately broke out into a wide grin and hunched his shoulders. “Thanks, Beth.”

  David and I exchanged a quick glance, and I could tell that he was pleased with the way I got along with his family.

  In the next second, Mr. Somers brushed past Cameron in the narrow hallway to grace me with a one-armed hug. “How are you, love? I’m looking for a dance partner for later.”

  “Dad,” David warned, his eyes expanding. He looked down at me, saying, “I don’t know who these people are, honestly.”

  I rubbed his arm affectionately. “Oh, come on, they’re fine.”

  “Supper’s about ready. Why don’t you all tidy up and come round to the table?” Mrs. Somers suggested, ending the awkward scene for David as she headed back into the kitchen.