by Marie, Dani
Chapter 3
Fall then winter, was fast approaching and with it came the cooler weather, the start of snow and a general feeling of a time of solitude for Aqua. She was used to winters weather wise, but the lack of sunshine often left her melancholy. This year seemed to be worse than others. She was in a new town with a few new friends, but no one special in her life and no family to spend the upcoming holidays with. Because she had met Nancy who ran the food bank and liked her so much, she began volunteering her time helping distribute holiday baskets and heading up food drives. Although Aqua enjoyed the season and really enjoyed helping out she could not help but feel alone. Those were the times that Blu would slip into her mind again. She had not had a single conversation with him since that night he’d took her home and kissed her. He was polite but there was no doubt he was avoiding her and wanted nothing to do with her. This was making Aqua crazy, she kept feeling that he was supposed to be part of her life that there was more to their story but month after month, there had been no real contact.
Because she was feeling so melancholy she declined any offers to spend holidays with friends. She didn’t want to dampen anyone else’s holidays with her mood. On the morning of Christmas Eve, she found herself at the grocery store. There was no reason to cook a big meal tomorrow so she ordered some sliced turkey at the deli, figuring a turkey sandwich would be just fine to compliment the holiday movies she figured she would be watching.
Blu happened to walk up behind her just as she ordered, he was there at the request of his Mom to pick up some deli trays that the family had ordered earlier in the week. Blu had heard that Aqua had turned down all offers to join folks for the holidays. The thought of Aqua spending the holidays alone was not one that made Blu feel comfortable. He had heard her parents had passed away and that she had no siblings. As far as he knew she didn’t have any family at all. With a sigh of resignation he knew what he had to do. No one should spend the holidays alone, especially someone who was dying.
With a soft touch on her shoulder he put on his best smile and said hello. Aqua startled, almost dropping the shopping tote she held. The soft laugh and tentative smile she gave him kicked Blu right in the heart. Nope, he couldn’t let her spend the holidays alone. Especially when his family had more room and food than they knew what to do with. “I meant to ask you before but things just got crazy, but well, I was wondering if you’d like to spend the holiday weekend out at my family’s ranch, with me?”
She was so shocked that it wouldn’t have surprised her if her mouth was literally hanging open. All she got out was “umm” before Blu was talking again. “We have tons of room, there will be more people than you can shake a stick at and well, I could use your help.”
Aqua was stunned, “my help?”
Blu explained that with his brothers and sisters and their families all coming that he would be the only single sibling there and that with a matchmaking mother that definitely put him in a tough position. “Even if you come as just my friend it will take some of the pressure off.” “Please,” he leaned down and softly whispered close enough to her ear that she could feel his breath brush against her skin. He could tell she was thinking about it so he nailed the lid to the coffin by adding that there would be sleigh rides and marshmallow roasts with hot chocolate and all the fix’ns a body could ask for.
Not really knowing why she agreed since she’d turned down all other offers and was completely confused since Blu had been avoiding her for months, she agreed. They made arrangements for Blu to pick her up in an hour, giving her time to pack a bag and get ready.
It didn’t take Aqua long to pack jeans a few blouses and one dress just in case. She even had time to run downstairs to the store and pick up a few trinkets that she figured she could give as thank you gifts. She was about to head back upstairs when saw something she just knew Blu would like, she grabbed it too. She put plenty of food and water out for Satin and by the time Blu came back she was all ready to go and starting to get nervous. She still didn’t understand why he asked her to his family’s ranch or why he kissed her months ago and then avoided her. Basically, she was just confused and was getting more and more nervous as the minutes ticked by. Then, he was there, knocking at her door and when he smiled at her, she just couldn’t back out. She knew she had to see how this was going to play out.
Blu almost drug Aqua into his arms to kiss her silly, just for wearing a dark purple sweater that for some reason made his mouth water. He wanted to find the hidden treasures under it. What is it about a woman in a sweater that brings out the caveman in a guy? What he didn’t realize was that he was staring at her, at her chest specifically with a strange look on his face. Aqua started to squirm and softly whispered his name. Blu startled, looked embarrassed and mumbled ‘sorry’ before taking her overnight bag and leading the way to his Bronco. During the ride out to the ranch, there wasn’t much conversation so Aqua watched Blu drive. The way his hands worked, the concentration on his sexy face that made her wish for more kisses. She really should have said no but if she was being honest with herself, she wanted to spend time with this man that so confused her. When at last the ranch came into view, Aqua was stunned. It was amazing, the place was huge and decorated for the holidays in what could only be described as picturesque. It was as if someone had sprinkled holiday spirit over the entire area.
Aqua turned to Blu and exclaimed, “Oh Blu, this is so pretty, I’ve never seen anything like it before.” He was enchanted with the look of wonder on her face and stopped the vehicle so he could take a longer look. Her eyes were sparkling with wonder as brightly as the lights surrounding his family home would sparkle later that night. The smile she gave him got him right in the gut and all of a sudden, no matter what happened he was glad she was here with him. He reached out and slid his fingers down her cheek. They sat there looking at each other for several minutes, not talking, not moving, just looking. Finally with a shake of his head, Blu turned and putting the Bronco back in gear drove up to the house.
Blu had called and let his Mother know that he was bringing a friend out so that a room could be ready. But, he might have neglected to mention it was a female friend. When the pair walked into the kitchen where everyone was sitting having coffee before lunch, the room went completely silent, with more than a few shocked looks on his family’s faces. Blu made the introductions but Aqua knew she wouldn’t be able to remember everyone’s names. There were just so many of them, and this was just the adults. They mentioned that the children were out with a few of the hardier adults’ ice skating at the pond not far from the house. Aqua had never known anyone who had their own ice skating pond and turning to Blu asked if they could go watch. Blu’s Mother thought that was an excellent idea and even procured a pair of skates once Aqua had let her know her shoe size. “I’ve never skated,” she told Blu as they walked the path to the pond, both having a pair of skates hanging over their shoulders.
“It will be fun teaching you,” he chuckled. They heard the children way before they saw them, there was so much laughter and Aqua couldn’t imagine how many children it would take to make that much noise. She laughed when she saw them all, exclaiming that that couldn’t all be one family’s children. Surely there was a school somewhere close that had sent a few extra over.
“We like kids around here,” Blu told her as he laughed at her expression. She just couldn’t believe that many kids could belong to one family. She had been an only child and neither of her parents talked about or had anything to do with their families. Her Mother’s gift had been the subject of ridicule from both sides so they had cut all family ties. Therefore, Aqua had grown up with just the two of them, no grandparents, uncles, cousins and or siblings.
Blu and Aqua sat on the bench and put their skates on, while several children slid up and teased Blu about how much falling he would be doing, and how he’d be sitting on a pillow for a week. This ribbing he took while making comments back about young’ns that didn’t know how to skate or fall
. This didn’t really help Aqua’s nervousness about her first time skating. She figured a few bruises would be worth it to at least say she tried it once. Aqua was taking her time and Blu was ready before her so she told him to go ahead and she would be ready soon. Once he got on the ice, the kids all shrieked and he gave chase. It was so funny watching them all that Aqua was in tears laughing, but at least her fear about Blu’s skill on the ice was now gone. The man could glide all over the place, stop on a dime and all while having children in his arms, on his back and darting all around him. This was obviously something the family did on a regular basis, and thoroughly enjoyed. Aqua was a bit surprised at how good Blu was with the kids as she remembered the day they met and how gruff he had been with his niece. But this was all part of the puzzle of the man. He just didn’t conform or act the way she expected.
After some crazy game of tag, Blu skated up to Aqua and asked if she was ready to take him on. With a laugh she held out her hand and let him drag her out onto the ice. Blu slowly glided around the pond backwards holding both of Aqua’s hands, the kids giving the new skater room. After a little bit he let go of her hands but stayed close. She did pretty well, slowly making her way around the pond. That was until she tried to stop and hands waving in the air and with a soft squeak was very grateful that Blu caught her before she went down. When he hauled her up it was just natural for him to pull her close and enclose her in his arms. She felt so safe and protected and all she could think was that she wanted more. She wanted this man, in her life and in her bed. That feeling must have reflected in her eyes when she looked up into Blu’s eyes his breath caught and he just stared at her.
He didn’t realize he was still moving backwards until his skates hit the snow bank and the couple fell into it. They were both shocked, Blu with his back in the snow, Aqua draped over him having landed right on top. They didn’t move, didn’t say anything until there were a dozen eyes on them. Blu looked up at the faces of his family’s younger generation and smiled. It started with a slight snicker then the real laughing began. Aqua could feel Blu’s body shake under hers as he laughed. He looked back at her and told her “Now you really owe me, I will never live this down, my reputation is ruined,” then he put his hand on both sides of her face, wet gloves and all and brought her mouth down to his and kissed her silly. This brought even more hoots and hollers from the kids, which was effective in keeping Blu from doing anything more than kissing.
Aqua was thoroughly enjoying herself. This was the closest she would ever have to a big family and she loved it. Blu was having a great time as well, Aqua was easy to be around, not needy like several of the women he’d dated over the years. She didn’t care if her hair was messy and was joining in with the kids in a snowball fight that the two adults soundly lost in. Dripping wet, cold and laughing they made their way back to the ranch house holding hands. Once inside, they both went to their rooms to shower and change for dinner that would be ready soon. Blu was so torn, he knew this woman was different and that there was something special about her, something that pulled at him.
Aqua was mostly confused. Blu seemed so perfect, so approachable here at the ranch with his family. They were having a great time and she didn’t think she was misreading his glances that held a promise of something more. Passion and lots of it she guessed. That kiss was killer, she thought. Even with the kids around she could feel his arousal as she was sprawled over him in the snow, surely she couldn’t have misread that, she thought. The hot shower felt wonderful and she blushed thinking that Blu was doing the same and how she wished they were showering together. These were not family get-together type thoughts, she reminded herself as she finished her shower and dressed.
Dinner was another new experience for Aqua, there was just so much noise. She wasn’t sure who was loudest, the kids or the adults. Insults were laughed at, jokes told, funny family stories about Blu particularly made her smile. His brothers seemed to take great enjoyment in trying to embarrass him and making Aqua laugh. All too soon it was time for bed, the children had been sleeping for a few hours and the adults were tired from a long day and the final preparations for Christmas morning. Aqua was in awe, she looked at the tree with so many presents and gifts from Santa all ready for the family in the morning. She’d never seen anything like it. She’d even snuck the few she’d brought out and they were nestled in with the other presents. Blu walked her to her bedroom door and softly told her that he’d enjoyed the day. His soft kiss made her heart beat fast but all too soon he was on his way to his own room. Aqua shut the door and with a smile got ready for bed.
A few hours later, something woke her. She heard footsteps softly coming toward the bed. The weight of Blu sitting on the bed caused her to snap her eyes open he shushed her with his fingers over her lips. “I need to talk to you,” he told her. Even in the dim light she could see how serious he was. She gave a tug on the blankets so he would stand up, then she held the blankets up in an invitation that he couldn’t ignore. He slipped out of his jeans and t-shirt, leaving him in just his boxers and climbed in beside this woman that was driving him crazy. He pulled her close and just held her for a while, not quite ready to talk yet. She seemed to understand and just patiently enjoyed the comfort of his warm body next to hers.
Just when she thought he was falling asleep he started to softly talk while his hands gently slide up and down her back.
“I have feelings for you Aqua but, I just don’t know how we make this work. I guess I need you to explain to me how we do that or even if you want to. mean, do you want to have a relationship with me, with anyone? I’ve read some lately and have tried to understand the precautions we need to take, but it’s all so clinical and I admit I’m nervous. Not so much for me, but my family. I can’t do anything that could potentially hurt them. I know,” he said shushing her with his fingers again, “You would never intentionally hurt them or anyone, but there are risks and I don’t know quite how to handle them. Damn, this is hard. I don’t even know if you can have kids and I think I might want some of my own someday.”
Aqua was stunned, kids? They hadn’t even been on a real date and he was talking about kids? This conversation was as confusing as the man himself was.
“I don’t understand what you think I’m going to do that would hurt your family, I don’t understand you at all in fact,” she told him.
He gave her an exasperated look and just said, “AIDs.”
That shocked her. She sat up looked at him with a sorrowful look in her eyes and whispered. “Oh my God, you have AIDs?” She wrapped her arms around him while tears fell down her cheeks.
He went perfectly still, then pried her arms from around him and almost growled, “What the hell are you talking about, you’re the one that has AIDs.”
“What are you talking about? I don’t have AIDs, why would you think I do?” Aqua was stunned again, this conversation just got stranger and stranger.
Blu grabbed her by the arms, “you told me you had it the day I tackled you, woman.” Aqua started to softly laugh, finally figuring out what he was talking about. The months of hot and cold from this man started to make sense. He’d thought she was dying this whole time. What man wouldn’t be leery of getting involved with a woman with AIDs? No wonder he had been making her so crazy. The more she thought about it, the more she laughed until he had had enough.
Blu leaned over her pushing her back against the pillows and kissed her until her laughs became sighs then gentle moans. When he finally stopped, she sighed and explained that her self-defense instructor had told her to yell that as a possible deterrent to a rapist. Blu couldn’t believe it, all this time he’d been trying to figure out what he felt and how to handle the situation and there was no situation. Soon the frustration of the situation hit him and he stilled. Aqua knew something was changing just from the expression on his face.
“Woman, you had better tell me to get out of your bed right now, or I am going to make love to you until you can’t walk. Do you have any
idea how crazy you’ve been driving me, how much I’ve been wanting you?”
Aqua couldn’t answer, she could feel his need. Instead of answering she raised her head and kissed him, letting the emotions she was feeling tell him all he needed to know. With a strangled growl he took over the kiss, making love to her mouth like he had dreamed of doing for so long. His hands stroked her body wherever he could touch without breaking the kiss that he needed more than his next breath.
They were both trying to catch ragged breaths as Blu peeled Aqua’s nightshirt off and over her head. The way he looked at her, even in the dim light and the strangled groan he made before he softly stroked his fingers over the beaded peaks of her breasts made Aqua shiver with need. She knew he wanted, no needed her and that for right now only she could do this to him. Only she could make him feel this way. He lowered his head and she moaned as he drew one nipple into his warm mouth, his tongue teasing the tip then the sharper pleasure when he drew even more of her breast into his mouth. She could feel herself getting wet, the need becoming sharper. He slowly released one nipple just to give the same sinful attention to the other. He kept his hand on Aqua’s lower belly, holding her still as he did with her what he wanted.
When she grabbed his hand and slid it lower to her core where she needed him to touch her, he softly chuckled and whispered, “Slow down Darl’n, I’ve been waiting too long for you to rush things now.” But, he did slide his work roughened fingers over her mound. He could feel how wet she was through her panties. He loved how responsive she was, the way she couldn’t hold still but arched up to meet any touch he gave her. The way she softly moaned, trying not to be too loud since they were in his family home. However, he didn’t count on her deciding to take over once he pushed her too far and was caught unaware when she sat up under him and rolled him over, straddling his torso.