‘Please don’t ever forget again,’ I chuckled as he went a bit scarlet and focussed on the road. He really did like his leather gear, I made a mental note to tell Lexi Xena was a definite outfit for her for any fancy dress parties we may attend and Lara for me to please Gabe. Doug dropped me off outside the campus gates and I dipped my head back into the car. ‘Thanks for the lift Doug, see you over the weekend?’
‘No problem, I can go and report back to his grumpiness that you’re safely installed on campus.’
‘Look after him for me? I want him happy for tonight.’
‘I’ll try my best Mia, good luck for later and remember if you need me, ring me,’ he nodded and gesticulated with phone fingers to his face. ‘Even if it’s for a second opinion on your dance or skimpy outfit.’
‘Bye Doug,’ I laughed as I shut the door and waved him goodbye. I sighed and headed to English and found Lexi already in her chair.
‘Morning, how’s it going?’ I asked.
‘Good, you?’
‘On edge. He’s got another Physio appointment later and I’m worried for the therapist’s safety if he’s told sex is still banned. I swear it doesn’t matter how many times I relieve him, he’s brewing the next batch in the hope that we can finally do it. He’ll go insane if he can’t soon. Christ, it’s killing me too, every time I see him all I can do is fantasise about ripping his clothes off and jumping him. Sex would seriously help with his irritability, I’m convinced of it. Please can we talk about your sex life instead? How goes it?’
‘I thought he was looking after you with toys and stuff.’
‘O he is,’ I nodded firmly. ‘He’s even purchased me a lockable white painted wooden chest with Mia’s Toy Chest written in purple on the side and has filled it with even more vibrators. I swear I’ve got more toys than Ann Summers now and it’s costing me a fortune in bloody cleaning wipes. It’s great and all, but it’s nothing compared to him. I need him so badly, Lexi. You tricked me with another question and didn’t answer mine.’
‘Shit, too bad, I can’t answer now, Taylor’s just arrived.’
‘We’re going to have that conversation, soon Lexi. Also, once he’s permanently out of his sling I’d like to come home for at least some of each week.’
We headed to the cafeteria for lunch when History ended and I had a muffin and a coffee. It was usually just a coffee, but Gabe kept getting annoyed with me not eating regular meals given I’d fainted on him again a couple of weeks ago. The doctor had just reiterated that it was low blood pressure and low blood sugar, so regular eating, hydration and not getting up too quickly would help.
‘So you’re really not going to tell me about how you’re finding sex in a relationship as opposed to one night bangs?’ I asked.
‘It’s good, really good,’ she nodded, avoiding looking at me.
‘Lex “Good, really good” is not great, fucking great. What’s up?’
‘I have a great time with him and the sex is good,’ she shrugged. ‘There’s just no … oomph. I don’t know ... the way you and Gabe look at each other, everyone can see exactly what you’re thinking and what you both want to do to each other. I don’t know if I’m happy to settle for less.’
‘Gabe and I are only like that because we can’t and we’re desperate, don’t compare.’
‘O come on Mia, you were like that the minute you saw each other, before you even started fucking,’ she retorted giving me an annoyed scowl.
‘Are you thinking of ending it?’
‘No, but I’m not sure I see myself with him for good either. I need the loo,’ she said rising quickly. ‘See in you English?’
‘Sure and Lex, whatever I have going on with Gabe, I’ll always find time for you if you need me, ok?’
‘I know, you’re the best. See you in a while,’ she smiled as she swung her bag over her shoulder. I sipped the remains of my coffee and pecked at my muffin and felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to see Milo.
‘Hey partner. How you feeling after that work out last night?’ he smiled.
‘Hey Milo, pretty good actually. I’m really going for it with the swimming and running as well as our Thursday Pilates and the gym.’
‘You’re killing me on that treadmill now, I’m having trouble keeping up with you,’ he said, with a fake pout.
‘Milo,’ I laughed. ‘Don’t let your ego be bruised. You’re still king of the weights. No way I can press what you do and you slay me on the rowing machine.’
‘I’m laying all my focus on that treadmill. I can’t have a girl out do me, Mia.’
‘So what time does Jenny arrive tonight?’
‘She’s not, she had to cancel,’ he sighed as he pushed his hand through his short black hair.
‘No. Seriously? O God, you were so happy last night. You must be gutted. Are you sure things are ok?’
‘Yes, she’s just busy with work. I think I’ll get the train home and go and fit in around her.’
‘You don’t drive?’
‘No,’ he laughed. ‘Way too expensive. So Gabe’s hoping for better news today?’
‘Yes, Doug’s taken him and we’re hoping he can ditch the sling permanently. I’m just really worried about his swimming. It was such a nasty tear and with the fracture as well …’ I let out a heavy sigh. ‘They keep warning him that he may not be able to swim competitively, but he’s insistent he’ll be fine. I just wish he’d listen more to the experts. We’ve had a few arguments about it, he’s seriously grumpy at the moment.’
‘Are you both doing ok?’
‘Yes, it’s just been a lot of added pressure lately.’
‘You know I’m always here if you need to talk, right?’ he asked with a reassuring hand on mine on the table.
‘I know,’ I smiled. ‘It’d be nice to just get back to normal and date and go out, you know? God, I so need to go out and dance and get hammered, it’s been weeks.’
‘Come out tonight. Me and the guys are going out, who knows where we’ll end up but you’re welcome to join us. Lexi too. You know you’re pretty hot property on campus as it is and that You Tube video has only added to it, the guys will be buying you drinks all night hoping you’ll look their way. I’m sick of them nagging me for your phone number.’
‘Ah, thanks Milo, but I actually have plans tonight. I’m taking Gabe out to cheer him up. When this is all behind me though count me in for sure.’
‘Shit, we’d better move or we’ll be late,’ he exclaimed as he looked at his watch. We grabbed our bags and I binned my empty coffee and half eaten muffin and set off at a quick pace following him.
‘Don’t tell me you’re scared of Jenkins too, Milo?’
‘On my own, no. With you, yes,’ he laughed. ‘He seems to have it in for you.’
‘I know and I don’t understand why. I’ve kept up to date with everything else going on the last few weeks and my last assignment got a decent grade, but he seems to like to dig at every opportunity.’
‘I’d talk to him, that or make a complaint, I’ll back you up as I’ve seen and heard it.’
‘Well if it carries on next term I’m going to have to ask to have a word.’
We just scraped in as he was about to start and I avoided eye contact as I scurried to my seat next to Lexi and unpacked my bags. At least no comments were made. I looked across at Gabe’s empty seat and dug out my phone and sent him a text.
Hey boyfriend, good luck with Physio, let me know how you get on. Will be back around 6 and I’ve a table booked for 8. I’m looking at your empty chair and I miss seeing you in it <3 xx
I picked up my pen and started scribbling and nodded when Lexi asked if I wanted another coffee in our break. I needed something, it seemed like such a good idea at the time agreeing to do this dance, but now after my conversation with Doug, I was starting to worry how he’d react. My phone vibrated, it was Gabe.
Hey beautiful. Just out and heading home. Sling is finally gone, I ripped it in half :-) I also have two
bits of VERY good news for you. Can’t wait to see you and share. Thanks for being so patient with me over the last few weeks, you’re the best girlfriend and I’m so happy you’re mine. I love you Mia Page. G xx
I told you that’s what girlfriends do, but thank you for saying thank you. Are you seriously not going to tell me the good news? I’ve everything crossed it’s a green light for sex :-) because I now look like this :-O with all the sucking of this 8===D I’ve done. My mouth needs a break ;-) I love you too Gabriel Austin. M xx
I rapped my pen on the paper praying he’d been given the all clear, five weeks without and I was climbing the walls, plus it would cheer him up no end.
What do you mean 8===D?? Mine’s bigger than that!! 8========D is more like it Page xxx
‘You ok? You seem a bit on edge,’ asked Lexi when she returned.
‘It’s tonight Lexi, I’m wondering if it’s such a good idea, the way his moods are swinging he may take it the wrong way.’
‘I told you it wasn’t a good idea before we even went to see strippers Mia, this is so bloody far beyond a good idea.’
‘I thought it would chill him out.’
‘You’re really going to take your bra off in front of a live audience, who will be whooping and lusting with a tense and irritable Gabe sitting there?’
‘Well I’m hoping this will stop him being irritable, plus it’s no different to going topless on the beach, Lexi and I asked him about that and he said he was fine with it, plus I’ll have nipple pasties on. It’s just dancing, I’m a trained dancer.’
‘This is so different to topless on the beach, Mia. Topless on the beach is wandering to the sea or the beach bar and back, it’s run of the mill every day, guys just staring at your tits. This is shaking your ass, hanging upside down on a pole and grinding. You’re selling them sex and they’ll be wanting to fuck you.’
‘O please, like they don’t think that when you’re standing next to them at a bar fully clothed. Trust me, if the last few weeks have taught me anything it’s that all men think about is sex. Keep talking Lexi, the more you try and put me off, the better I’m starting to feel about it. He’ll be so turned on, he won’t care. I’m doing this, this is so on.’
‘Your funeral.’
We wrapped up English and I called a taxi to pick me up from the bus stop as we walked over there.
‘You’re seeing Doug later, aren’t you?’
‘He’s stopping over,’ she nodded.
‘Say thanks to him again for not letting my secret slip.’
‘Yeah, I’m pretty impressed he’s kept it quiet. I did have to slap him the other night though when he asked if we could actually go tonight and see you perform.’
‘Lexi.’ I burst out laughing.
‘Well, Christ. It’s bad enough seeing the guy you’re with eye up another woman, I don’t need him seeing my best friend half naked and thinking of you like that.’
‘He’s only had eyes for you since he met us both, Lex and you know it, but I agree it’d be a bit weird.’ I was glad I hadn’t mentioned that he’d offered again this morning, or he’d have got more than a slap from her.
‘Better hope Robert or your either of your dad’s haven’t come up for a surprise weekend and call in for a lap dance.’
‘O God, don’t joke about things like that, can you imagine the embarrassment?’
‘Well at least your dad wouldn’t be able to argue that it’s a job only a man should do.’
‘True. I also thought a tampon tester would have to meet with approval too.’
‘You should be a bloody vibrator tester the amount you’ve got. Get paid for it as well as having fun.’
‘I wonder how people get those jobs? I’m going to look into that. Here’s my taxi, are you ok here alone?’
‘Mia, I’m at a bus stop with loads of traffic going past. No one’s going to strangle me here. Have fun and let me know how it goes, stripper,’ she winked. I stuck my tongue out and got in the taxi and headed back to Gabe’s.
I felt nervous at the front door, like it was a first date. Even with all the daily playing with toys and him using his fingers on me, it felt like it was going to be our first time again. I took a couple of deep breaths and was about to put my key in the door and he opened it.
‘Welcome home baby.’
‘You’ve a very big grin on your face, Gabe and no sling. God, I’m so glad to see the back of that ugly blue thing. Can I please hug you properly now?’ He bit his lip and nodded, looking so excited. I stepped inside, shut the door and walked up close to him and carefully put my hands on his chest, leaving a few inches between us, scared to hurt him. He quickly put his arms around my waist and yanked me onto him tightly. I nuzzled against him as his one hand stroked my back and he nosed my hair as I slid my hands under his arms and gently held his shoulder blades. It felt so good to feel the full length of his body against mine, his strong arms enveloping me again. Even to have his erection poking my stomach for the first time in weeks. I felt a few tears of happiness roll down my cheeks and I really hoped that this would get us over the last few horrendous weeks and we could move forward and forget it all.
‘O God Mia, I’ve missed holding you so much. It felt like I’d lost a limb and now I suddenly feel whole again,’ he whispered and tightened his grip on me.
‘I know, I feel it too.’
‘Are you crying baby?’
‘Yes,’ I whispered.
‘So am I,’ he said with a big sniff. We both laughed and he released me and cupped my cheeks in his palms smiling at me before bending and kissing me. As his lips met mine I got goose bumps all over my arms and my stomach flipped. I held onto his shoulders tightly as we rediscovered each other’s mouths from this much missed position. Both of us sighed with pleasure and I had to pull away and grab the hall table behind me. ‘Mia?’
‘You’ve made my legs go all weak, I just need a minute. God I’ve missed kissing you straight on. Are you hurting at all?’
‘I still have an ache in my shoulder and collarbone but that’s not made it worse. If anything, it’s made it better. Can we do it again?’
‘Give me a second, you really don’t understand the impact of your kissing prowess do you? Tell me these two bits of good news, I’m desperate to find out.’
He stepped to me and stroked my hair away from my face and behind my shoulders. ‘We’ve the keys to our new apartment,’ he said with a smile.
‘Are you serious?’
‘Yes, completed at lunch time. Doug took me to pick up the keys on the way to Physio. I can finally take you inside and the builders are moving in Monday.’
‘O God Gabe I’m so excited, that’s fantastic.’ I stood up and squeezed him around the waist and kissed him, grinning up at him as he clutched my bottom and looked down at me equally happily.
‘I’ve booked Tom for two p.m. tomorrow so thought we could have lunch out and head over to meet him there, what do you think?’
‘I think yes. It’s the biggest smile I’ve seen on you since I gave you your miniature Lamborghini key ring and put on that nurse’s uniform when you got home.’
‘You didn’t see me smiling when I was holding you a minute ago, Mia. I’m so happy,’ he said kissing me again.
‘So what’s the second piece of good news? Please tell me it’s what we were hoping for?’
‘Shit, sorry no, it’s something else.’
‘O right,’ I bit my lip and tried not to look disappointed.
‘O baby your face, you look so gutted. I’m sorry I’m teasing you, we’re good to go, sex is back on the menu.’
‘GABE.’ I let go of him and punched him on the good shoulder.
‘I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist,’ he laughed.
‘So why haven’t you ripped my clothes off and had me up against the door already? You’ve been a walking pot of testosterone the last five weeks.’
‘It’s got to be gentle sex, with me on my back the first time to test me out. If that�
��s ok, we can try other positions, but I’ve got to avoid putting any weight on my right shoulder for now.’
‘I can do gentle sex, gentle sex is so much better than no sex. What are we waiting for? Get your sweet arse upstairs, I’m going to ride you like a stallion.’
‘Wow, you’re keen.’ He looked taken aback. ‘You don’t want a drink or something first?’
‘O my God. What’s wrong with you? Have you gone off me?’
‘Of course I’ve not gone off you, I could never go off you.’ He grabbed my hand and pushed it against his solid erection, which moved under his jeans, fighting to get out. ‘I’m just kind of nervous.’
‘About it hurting your shoulder?’
‘No, about having sex with you again. It’s been so long, it sort of feels like it’s going to be our first time.’
‘You were nervous our first time?’ I uttered, astonished.
‘Yes, because I knew it wasn’t just sex for me and I was worried you were going to break my heart.’
‘I had no idea. Well it’s fine that you’re nervous now, I feel the same. I was standing on the door step thinking just that. We’ve had our first time Gabe, we’ve had many times, hard and gentle and I’ve loved all of them. We’re going to be fine and I think the sooner we do it, the better. Like before we go out.’
‘I was sort of hoping you’d say that,’ he smiled and kissed me again quickly and grabbed my hand and led me upstairs. He opened the bedroom door and nodded me through and I stood in the doorway open mouthed. He’d closed the shutters and recreated our first week’s anniversary, with so many flickering tea lights, but he’d not stopped there. There were rose petals all over the bed and he’d put hand tied, free standing bouquets of white roses dotted around the room, except for one red rose on my bedside table. I was speechless and a few more tears started rolling as I turned around and buried my face into him as he held me. ‘I thought it might be a bit more romantic than just fucking against the door. White roses symbolise new beginnings, which seemed appropriate today and, of course, the red rose means I love you, but you already know that.’
‘It’s so beautiful Gabe, you can be so romantic, thank you,’ I reached up and kissed him and he wiped the tears away from under my eyes and took my hand closing the door behind us and led me to the bed.
The Honeymoon Period (The Austin Series) Page 7