“Let me show you and then you can tell me if it’s the same or not as you do,” I suggested.
Ivy twisted her hands nervously in her shirt.
“I want to return the favor,” I stated. “I like what you do for me. I just want to make you feel the same way.”
“Okay,” Ivy agreed after several, long, painstaking moments. “But, you can’t look.”
“Why not?” I whined.
“Because, I haven’t looked at yours,” she reminded.
“I’ll happily show you,” I announced, ready to drop my pants in front of her.
“No!” she shouted. “I mean…no…not yet. I’m not ready for that.”
“Okay,” I soothed. “What do you want to do then?”
“What we usually do…but then you can touch me too,” she directed.
“Okay,” I agreed happily.
We laid back down on the blanket and started kissing again. It didn’t take long for our hands to start moving over each other’s bodies. My fingers grabbed the back of her leg, settling it over the side of my hip to pull her closer. Ivy’s hand slid down and took a hold of my dick, stroking me like she always had before.
When my fingers began to trail down her stomach, Ivy started to giggle. I apologized for tickling her, but she started to fight me a little when the tips of my fingers started to slip past the edge of her shorts.
“Wait,” she breathed.
“I’ll go slow,” I offered.
“I know,” she sighs. “It’s just that…it might not be what you expected.”
“What do you mean?” I inquired.
“I’m not like most girls down there…or, maybe I am,” she laughed nervously.
“I’m confused,” I admitted.
“Okay, fine,” Ivy said, grabbing my wrist and jamming my hand down her pants. She continued to wince even though I hadn’t started moving my hand or fingers.
“Am I hurting you?” I checked.
“You don’t feel it?” she asked.
“Feel what?” I searched.
“No hair,” she stated.
I wiggle my fingers a little and at first thought that my hand was just below her belly button. When my hand moved a little more, I realized I was also touching her thigh. “You’re…bald?” I stated more than questioned.
“Yeah,” she confirmed bashfully. “I know that many of the models do it.”
“How did you remove it?” I asked, trying to peer down her pants.
“I shaved it,” she admitted, preventing me from being able to look.
“How did you do that? Isn’t that dangerous?” I checked.
“No more dangerous than you shaving your face,” she giggled.
I thought about it for a second and continued to move my fingers, desperate to find a spot that she’d respond to in a positive way.
“You don’t like it,” she huffed, pushing me away.
“I do,” I stated. “I was just more focused on finding the best place to touch you.”
“Really?” she asked nervously.
“Really,” I confirmed.
It took Ivy a second to trust me, but then she redirected my hand back down her shorts, showing me where exactly to go. She instructed on how to rub it and that she particularly liked a circular motion.
“How do you know that?” I asked.
“Know what?” she checked.
“That you like it like this,” I said.
“Because, that’s how I’ve done it and you can tell because it makes me wetter,” she admitted.
“Really?” I asked eagerly, slipping my middle finger between her lips.
Ivy let out a moan and I stopped immediately.
“Did I hurt you?” I searched.
“No,” she giggled. “I liked that actually.”
We continued to kiss and touch each other until we made each other come. I was proud of myself, being able to make a girl come for the first time. When we finished, I licked my fingers and enjoyed the taste of her. Ivy didn’t seem to mind that I did that.
It only took a few more times of us hiding in our secret treehouse and touching each other to that we were suddenly performing oral sex on each other. Not long after that, we started having sex—lots of sex.
The memory suddenly changed and I felt like I was losing control—loosing Ivy.
“This can’t happen again,” Ivy stated, buttoning up her dress.
“Why?” I asked, getting my belt buckled.
We’re suddenly in our twenties, particularly on the worst day of my life.
“Because, Henry,” she sighed. “You’re getting married. I’ve encouraged you to cheat. If we don’t stop, you’ll be an adulterer.”
“Then, I won’t marry her,” I proclaimed.
Ivy studied me for a few seconds. “I go back to New York tomorrow,” she reminded.
“I know,” I huffed.
“You and I know you won’t leave Blackburn,” she stated calmly.
“And, you won’t come back,” I sighed, knowing the truth of our situation and hating it.
“I can’t,” she reminded. “This is home, but I’ve built a life for myself in New York.”
“You aren’t dating anyone are you?” I inquired.
“Not yet,” she said cautiously. “But, it would probably do me good since you’ll be a married man in about six months.”
“I’ll come with you,” I blurted.
“I want to believe you, Henry,” she replied. “I do. But, leaving town scares you.”
“Staying scares you,” I pushed.
“I have the chance to do what I love which would allow me to take care of Momma and Papa when they need me,” she stated. “Grady’s still trying to figure out who he is and what he wants. Momma and Papa aren’t getting younger. They’ve got plenty to deal with since Nana and Pops are living with them now.”
My head bobbed despite the fact that I knew it was all true. She’d never stay, she hasn’t since she left for college, only coming back for holidays and summer break unless she got some kind of an internship for experience. I cherished the days when she was back because that’s when we were together and nothing else interfered with us being together. Ivy knows I’m scared to leave town. My family is here, including my future family.
“I will always love you, Henry,” Ivy said, pulling me from my thoughts. “But, I want more. I need more than just this little town. Hell, than just this state.”
“You’re all I need,” I returned, hoping to convince her to stay.
“Says the man who’s getting married,” she quipped harshly.
I felt sucker punched by the truth.
“Maybe at some point, Blackburn won’t bother me so much, but right now, I want to experience the world,” Ivy shared.
“I know,” I replied. “I knew I was never enough for you.” My left hand covered my cheek after feeling the sting of Ivy slapping me.
“That’s a low blow, even for you Henry Lee Rein,” Ivy spat through a clenched jaw. “You’ve known me all my life. I’ve always been honest with you. You’ve known the things I’ve wanted to do. The dreams I’ve had and want to achieve.”
“I’m sorry,” I let out on a heavy breath. “I’m so sorry, Firefly. You know I didn’t mean it like that.”
“When you’re ready to grow up, Henry. You know where to find me,” Ivy declared. “When I see you in New York, and single, that’s when we’ll be together. Until then, I think it’s best if we don’t see each other for a long while.”
“Ivy!” I shout, waking up with a cold sweat. My eyes dart around the barn in search of her, but she’s missing. Her sweet scent still lingers on my bed, confirming that at least last night hadn’t been a dream too.
9 Ivy
When I woke up in Henry’s arms, it was the best feeling in the world—until I realized where we were and that the sun was just starting to come up on the horizon. I remembered that Henry was always a heavy sleeper, so I knew it would be easy for me to climb out of
his bed undetected.
The skimpy clothes I arrived in were still wet and I reluctantly put them on. Driving naked through Blackburn, even at this hour, is not a smart thing to do. Though we only have a few cops, they’ll arrest you for indecent exposure even if no one else is a witness.
I think I was eighteen and almost done with high school when Mrs. Drummons complained how Officer Lloyd arrested her on false pretenses. She was wearing a strapless dress, so to a passerby, it would look as if she was naked until one was up close. I don’t even know if she ever did get that charge off her record, but I was not willing to test the local authorizes this morning after last night’s escapade.
“Well, looky what the cat dragged in,” Momma announces to Papa as I try to sneak inside the house.
I tiptoe back into the foyer, not wanting my father to see how I look.
“What?” Papa questions, not looking up from his morning paper.
“Your daughter,” Momma announces.
I freeze in place, hoping that Papa won’t bother to look up so I can get away.
“What?” Papa repeats.
I hold my breath, confident that he hasn’t seen me yet.
“Your…daughter,” Momma says again, louder this time.
I slowly look over my shoulder, fearful of what my parents will say.
“Ivy, honey,” Papa calls. “What are you doing up so early?”
“You know,” I giggle nervously. “I’m used to being up early. I have a son.”
“Why do you look all wet?” Papa inquires.
I turn the rest of the way to face them. “Umm…I went for an early morning walk,” I lie.
“Sounded like an early morning drive,” Momma quips. “With my truck.”
“Yeah, that too,” I chuckle timidly.
“Why are you wet if you went for a drive?” Papa pries. “It didn’t rain on you, did it?”
I look to Momma who has a smug, pleased look on her face.
“Looks like someone got caught coming in late,” Grady teases, walking in from behind me. “Who’d you fuck?”
“What?” Papa shouts, not liking profanity used around Momma or any ladies.
“Oh, that’s right,” Grady laughs, taking orange juice from the fridge. “Let me guess…hmmm…could you have opened your legs that easily for Henry?”
“Watch your mouth, boy,” Papa directs. “I will wash it out with soap.”
“Why me?” Grady whines. “She’s the one who’s been out all hours of the night.”
“She doesn’t live under this roof,” Papa defends. “She’s visiting.”
“But…” Grady starts to complain, but Papa cuts him off with a glare.
“Did you tell him yet?” Grady pushes, looking at me in an effort to avoid digging his hole deeper.
I’m not sure what happened between Grady and me. We used to get along the majority of the time. It hasn’t been until the last year or so that he’s been meaner. I get it. He doesn’t like the fact that he still lives at home, but that’s on him. He’s old enough to get a full-time job, but he’s too lazy to do it. We’re only three years apart, but I don’t understand how we can be so different when we’ve been blessed with the same parents.
“I just saw him yesterday, Grady,” I returned coldly.
“Stop meddling,” Momma commands, looking at Grady.
“But….”
“No, buts,” Momma presses. “Your sister will talk to Henry when the time is right.”
“You always told us secrets were bad,” Grady reminds harshly.
“Mean secrets are bad,” Momma corrects.
“How is this one not mean?” Grady challenges.
“Grady,” Momma warns.
“Fine,” Grady huffs. “Just tell him before you leave again for another few years. The man has the right to know since you’re dicking around with his heart and cock.”
“Grady Everett Abney,” Momma scolds. “If you want to continue to live in this house, you will obey by our rules.”
Grady eyes me as he grabs a handful of bacon and a stack of pancakes Momma already set off to the side while she continues cooking. He doesn’t comment as he stares me down, stuffing a large amount of pancake into his mouth before disappearing out the back kitchen door.
“You alright, Sweetpea?” Papa asks sweetly.
“I will be,” I answer with a forced smile.
“Did you really sleep with him?” Momma asks.
“Suellen, I don’t want to know that shit,” Papa whines.
“Well, how do you think our sweet grandbaby was made?” Momma presses playfully.
“Don’t, Suellen,” Papa warns. “I don't want to hear it or think about it. My sweet little Ivy conceived just like the Christians believe their holy what’s her name….”
“Mary?” Momma answers, interrupting him. “You and I know that….”
“Woman!” Papa shouts playfully.
My eyes dart back and forth between them, becoming grossed out by my parents’ odd sense of flirting which can lead to something else that I don’t want to be in the house to witness.
“I’ll leave you two alone,” I announce, backing out of the room and heading for the stairs.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Momma asks slyly.
“Clearly, you and Papa are having a moment,” I declare, continuing to get away from them.
“Be back down with fresh clothes in five minutes,” Momma instructs.
“Will do,” I reply, making my way up the steps. “But if I hear weird noises, I’m staying up here.”
After breakfast, I take a long walk into town, hoping to clear my head about Henry, what happened last night, and what I want. My dreams have changed since having my son and I’m concerned that I won’t ever achieve these new dreams, regardless of my previous successes.
A few trucks pass by and I’m grateful that none of them stop to talk to me. My legs keep moving toward town and my gut flips a little when I hear a vehicle approach and slow down.
“Hey, Firefly,” Henry’s voice calls out from inside the truck that’s now beside me.
My nerves settle quickly realizing it’s him instead of a creeper.
He continues to slowly steer along side me as my feet keep me going forward.
“Hey,” I reply, biting back a dorky smile.
“Where you headed?” he inquires.
“Just a walk,” I inform. “Nowhere in particular.”
“Want company?” he asks, stopping the truck when I do.
It takes me a second to turn and face him. Leaning into his door, I place my arms on the edge of the window and place my chin on them. “We…we need to talk about last night,” I state.
“What’s to talk about?” he shrugs.
“Henry,” I command, not appreciating him diminishing the importance of last night’s events.
“It…it shouldn’t have happened,” I announce.
“Why not?” he asks, turning himself more to face me.
“Because,” I sigh, standing back up. “You’re a widower.”
“I ain’t married,” he states matter of factly.
“You just buried your wife,” I remind.
“So?” he presses.
“So, it’s not right…at least not right now,” I return, trying to stay level headed.
“When is anything ever right, Firefly?” he asks.
“The town will talk,” I inform.
“No one knows but you and me,” Henry claims.
I wince.
“So…your Momma knows,” Henry adds.
“And, Papa,” I reveal.
Henry checks his rearview mirror and then looks back over his shoulder for several long seconds. “Doesn’t seem like he minds,” Henry states playfully.
“Just because Papa ain’t running after you with his shotgun doesn’t mean shit,” I declare, biting back a grin.
“He still probably thinks you’re a virgin too,” Henry snickers. “Doesn’t believe it when the word
s Ivy and sex come up in conversation.”
“Henry,” I scold, sending my hand inside his truck to hit him.
Henry snatches me by the wrist.
“Let me go, Henry Lee,” I command, fighting back a smirk.
“God, do I love it when you say my name like that,” he states. “I’ve missed that. It’s sexy as hell.”
“I will sick Papa on you,” I laugh. “Now, let go of me.”
“Not until you get in and we go somewhere,” Henry instructs.
“Where?” I giggle, loving how it feels just like old times with him already.
He shrugs his shoulders. “You’re the one who said nowhere in particular.”
I study him, catching the desire burning in his eyes. “As long as we stay in public, I’ll go,” I reply.
Henry regards me. “Fine,” he says, kissing my knuckles before letting me go. Henry reaches over the rest of the way and opens the door from the inside.
“Well, aren’t you a gentleman,” I tease.
“I’ve learned a thing or two,” he replies with a devious grin.
Henry waits until I’m buckled in to start driving again. We ride in silence, glancing back and forth at each other; goofy, giddy smiles popping on our faces each time.
I start to think back over everything since seeing him and that’s when I blurt out, “Grady knows too.”
“Knows what?” he checks.
“Knows what we did last night,” I inform. “Probably Nana and Pops since they were in the living room reading.”
“So?” Henry replies, seeming unphased by the news.
“So, you know how Grady can be with shit,” I remind.
“Yeah, I know,” Henry replies, keeping his eyes on the road. “It’s not just with you, you know.”
“How do you know?” I check.
“Seen it a few times now and then when we were in school and the past couple of years,” Henry explains.
I nod, not liking the uneasy feeling that is settling in the pit of my stomach.
My brother is known to reveal different things to people at the most inopportune times in situations to make someone stand out and generally look the fool. He’s been like that for a long while; I’m not sure when it started exactly. I think it’s his way to feel important since he still hasn’t found his way in life. I know that I need to tread lightly with him because Grady could reveal my secrets to Henry before I’m ready and before Henry is ready to hear them.
Hot Georgia Rein Page 7