I have finally cleared away all of Lindsay’s things. Clothes are all gone to a charity shop and everything I wanted to keep for Lucy is packed away in the garage. When Lucy is old enough I will tell her all the good about her mum, she never needs to know about our troubles. In my opinion, no kids should be told all the bad things in a marriage, unless there is abuse involved. Even then it might not be a good idea to tell kids that, having it playing on their minds.
I have decided that I am entitled to a fresh start. To grab my chance of happiness.
Sophie and I have talked everyday on the phone. Just hearing her voice at the end of the day, ensured I had a peaceful night’s sleep. She is a breath of fresh air. She has such a passion for life, living it to the fullest. She is also quick to put me in my place. Has done on more than one occasion, when I’ve been feeling a bit down.
Yes, she acknowledges some of my reasons for being down, like the days I spent sorting out all Lindsay’s clothes. But also reminds me of all the good going on in my life. Most importantly Lucy.
I’ve missed the physical connection we share; I really can’t wait to wrap her in my arms and kiss her. It’s been great chatting every night, I feel as though I have got to know more about her. Maybe things that we wouldn’t normally talk about face to face. There are still a few things we’ve yet to discuss.
When I mention James’s name she clams up. I want to know what he’s done to her, because he has done something. I will find out eventually, but I would rather she felt ready to open up to me. I’m sure she will in her own time.
When I was packing Lindsay’s things away in the garage, I decided it was time to take my bike out for a spin. I was never one of your typical bikers, but I always enjoyed the freedom and the wind blowing around me as I took off.
So, I did take the bike out and found myself out at the hotel. I went for a look around the site, where my new home will be. Alex already has contractors in looking over the site and preparations should be starting soon. It’s a great spot, far enough away from the hotel but yet close enough for Libby to even walk to work in the summer months. Not in the winter, that’s for sure, it would be far too dark. She is going to fall in love with it, I’m certain of that.
I popped in to see Libby that day. She was very surprised to see me, even more so when she saw my transport. Libby used to love going for a spin on the back of my bike. Not sure she has shared this information with Alex. She wanted a ride that day. I had a very good argument for her not getting on the back of my bike. The babies. She told me I was a spoil sport, but the smile on her face told me a different story. I don’t think, no I know, I won’t be going back out on the bike. I’m definitely putting it up for sale.
The buzzing of my phone distracts me from tidying up.
Sophie; I will see you 10 mins x.
Me; Ok x.
I’m sure Sarah isn’t happy her daughter is coming straight here and not going to see her. Actually, she won’t see her until the wedding tomorrow. Maybe we should pop over to Libby’s and see her before picking up Lucy. I don’t want to give her mum any ammunition to use against me in the future. I like Sarah.
I’m sure Sarah will still be there later this afternoon, although I do know she and Richard are booked into the hotel.
We are all staying at the hotel tomorrow night after the wedding. Moria and Tom can’t make the wedding; they go on holiday tomorrow morning. I know Libby is disappointed in that, considering we have known them since we were small children. But it can’t be helped, they’ve had it booked for a while.
Now on the subject of things that can’t be helped. Alex has given away his tickets for the old firm game that Libby gave him for Christmas. I’m sure there will be another one in the future he could attend. Libby had joked about cancelling the wedding. Alex, he didn’t find that amusing at all.
I’m just putting away the last of Lucy’s toys that are lying on the floor when Alex’s car pulls into the drive.
She’s here.
I rush out toward the car as Murphy gets her cases and takes them straight inside. She steps out and fuck she looks amazing. I’m so glad my mum has Lucy. She stands in front of me saying goodbye to her dad. She’s dressed for our cold winter weather, it might look nice and sunny but it is freezing. A big warm jacket hiding all her glorious curves. She turns to face me and her warm smiling eyes reel me in as she walks toward me. She has me completely. She has stolen my heart. In this moment as she looks at me with glistening eyes, I think I have completely fallen for her. We say goodbye to Richard and Murphy and the car pulls away.
“Ethan!”
“Sophie.” I open my arms and she throws herself at me. I pick her up; she wraps her legs around me and kisses me hard. This isn’t the type of kiss for standing in full view of the neighbours.
She rests her head on top of my shoulders and with her legs still wrapped around me, I carry her inside to the warmth closing the door behind us.
“I’ve bloody missed you,” I tell her.
“Me too. Where is Lucy?” I knew that would be one of her first questions.
“At Mum’s.”
“Why?” She looks puzzled.
“Because I want you all to myself for a while, before I have to share you with everyone else.” And that is not a word of a lie.
“Okay so what do you plan on doing with me now that you have me?” she asks, her voice already lower. I keep hold of her and start walking up the stairs. “Put me down,” she squeals. “Before you drop me or we both fall down.” I laugh.
I finally put her down on the middle of the bed throwing her until she’s lying down. I lean over her, my body crushing hers and my mouth finding hers and kissing her fiercely. I’ve waited three long weeks to do this. I couldn’t wait another minute.
I link one of my hands with hers, the other I lace through her hair, gripping her head. Holding her close.
Eventually, I pull away and just look at her. Our heavy breathing is all that can be heard in the room. My heartbeat is racing from just the sight of her.
“I think we should at least get that jacket off. Don’t you agree?” I ask.
I stand and pull her to her feet. “Have I told you how much I’ve missed you?” I ask, kissing her forehead.
She smiles and lifts her fingers and runs them along my lips. I moan and close my eyes. I hear her small chuckle. I’ve missed that sound.
“You’ve told me more than once.” I open my eyes and find her taking the jacket off.
“Are you hungry?” I ask.
“No, I managed to eat on the plane. But do you know what I would love?”
“What would you love?”
“A warm relaxing bath with your arms wrapped around me holding me close. I’ve missed your touch.” I smile, because I feel the same. Warm feelings flood through my veins at her words.
“I’m sure that can be arranged.” I kiss her one last time before heading to the bathroom.
I pour some bubble bath as I run the water. I leave the water running and go downstairs and bring up her cases. I want her to feel at home. I’ve made space in the wardrobe for her things.
She watches me in amusement as I bring the cases in the room.
“I have cleared out some space for your things. You are not a guest here. I want you to feel at home.”
“Thank you.”
I leave her and check on the running water. The bathroom is full of steam and all I can smell is the scent of the bubble bath I have used when I enter. I remove my t-shirt. Turning the water off, I hear her footsteps crossing the floor before her arms wrap around my waist. I smile as soon as her hands touch my skin. I love her touch, it’s warm and delicate.
Love.
This is the first time I’ve allowed that word to enter my mind when I think of Sophie.
Could I be in love with her? I think it’s more than possible.
“Are we going to stand here or are we going in the bath?” she asks, kissing my back.
I turn to her
and start to undress her. Jumper first followed by her bra. I have the sudden urge to take each breast in my mouth and tease her. My dick stands to attention with my last thought. I crave our sexual contact, but right now I just want the physical contact. Skin on skin and my arms around her, holding her close.
I loosen the belt on her jeans and carefully remove her shoes before removing her jeans and underwear. I hold her hand as she steps in the bath. She watches me as I finish undressing, before climbing in the bath behind her.
I pull her close to my chest and I feel her relax as she wriggles against me before settling in her chosen position. I take the hairband that she has on her wrist and tie her hair up to keep it dry. Her hair smells so good as I breathe in her scent.
We just lie here with the water splashing around us. I’m happy and content and I wish we could stay here forever.
Forever.
Do I want Sophie in my life forever?
I think I do.
But I don’t think I’m ready to declare my feelings for her and I’m not sure I ever will be able to let those little words leave my mouth again.
She closes her eyes.
“Hmm.”
“Are you relaxed?” I ask her, even though I can hear the contentment in her voice.
“Yes. Are you?”
“Of course I am. I have you where you belong in my arms.” I cringe as soon as the words leave my mouth. And there I have given her a declaration of how I feel. Me and my mouth.
She turns slightly so she can face me. “Do you mean that?”
“Yes,” I answer her truthfully. “I don’t say things I don’t mean and I’m always relaxed around you. You seem to bring out the best in me. In my mind you belong in my arms.”
“I’ve missed having your arms around me the most these last three weeks. And I’ve missed waking up with your skin touching mine.” She holds my gaze and I press my lips to hers. Her mouth moulds to mine as I take control of our kiss. Kissing her firmly. She is already breathless and panting when I release my lips from hers. I’m fully aroused and wanting more.
“Ethan, I want you now. I don’t want to wait, not even a minute more.”
“I’m all yours, take what you want.”
She moves position in the bath until she is straddling me. Now I think I’ve died and gone to heaven. This is a position that I’m growing to love. Or is it just because it’s Sophie?
I think it’s just because it’s Sophie.
She lowers herself onto me and I gasp from the sensation that floods through me. God, I’ve really bloody missed this.
She rises and lowers herself very slowly. I watch as her expression slowly changes. Her lustful eyes hold my gaze. I’m more than happy for Sophie to control the pace and just sit back and relax.
The rhythm is slow and steady as she moves up and down. I close my eyes, wanting the feelings of my enjoyment to take over as she slides up and down my length.
“Oh God,” she moans.
“God can’t help you, sweetheart.”
“Please?”
Suddenly she changes the pace. I feel her clench all around me and as she does I grow harder deep within her. Her mouth captures mine, with the passion and desire I have grown to love.
And there is that word again.
Her tongue darts inside and seeks out mine. I reach out and take hold of her hips, looking to take control. I’ve let her have her fun as she repeatedly slides up and down my length. But now we both want and need to have the end in sight.
I thrust hard against her as I search for my release. Her eyes close and her head falls back as she cries out my name as her orgasm comes through full force. Her body vibrates against me, yet she still manages to ride me, drawing out my own release.
She flops against me and shivers. We have been in the bath for some time; the water is no longer steaming hot. We stay tangled in each other’s arms until I finally say that we should get out.
I climb out the bath and grab a towel from the radiator and wrap it around me. Taking another for Sophie, I take her hand and help her climb out. I hold the towel out and wrap it around her as she walks back into my arms.
Holding her close against me. I kiss her.
Her hands make their way roughly through my hair. Pulling it tightly. I deepen our kiss, wanting to feel more of our connection. Neither of us holds back. There is so much raw passion and lust between us.
She pulls away first and inhales deeply.
“Let’s go to bed, you look tired.” I take her hand and lead her into the bedroom. Pulling the covers down, she lets the towel drop to the floor before climbing into bed. I remove my towel before lying down beside her and taking her in my arms. Right back where she belongs. Her head rests against my chest.
“I’m not tired,” she states.
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
“So, what do you want to do?” I ask.
“Just lie here for a bit.” I don’t know who she is trying to convince, me or herself, but I know for a fact if we lie here for even a short length of time, she will be sound asleep. “You never did tell me what you boys are all wearing tomorrow.”
“I thought I had. We are all wearing the kilt, including Alex.”
“Really?” She lifts her head to look at me. “I had my brother down for a suit.”
“Nope, he is wearing our family tartan. Another surprise for Libby tomorrow.”
“How has she been? When I’ve spoken with her, all I get is she is fine.”
“Yeah, get used to that. Libby is always fine even when I know she’s not. The doctors want to keep a close eye on her. I believe she and Alex are at the hospital today.”
“Why?” she asks with concern etched on her beautiful face. I feel the tension in her body.
“I’m sure today is just a routine appointment.” I see her relax.
“How has she coped with organising the wedding? Isn’t this supposed to be stressful?”
“This is my sister we are talking about. She is organised in everything she does. But my mum and yours have been a great help. As has Kieran over at the hotel. Libby has left him to make all arrangements and I’m sure he won’t let her down.”
My phone rings, speak of the devil.
“Hey, sis. What’s up?”
“Nothing, is Sophie with you?”
“Yes.”
“Great, put me on speaker.” I do as she requests. “Hope you are resting, Sophie? We have a long day ahead tomorrow.”
“I know, and yes I am. I’m lying blissfully happy in your brother’s arms.”
“Too much information,” says Libby with a laugh. “What time will you both be at Mum and Dad’s in the morning?”
“Just in time for breakfast,” I tell her. “Libby, Kirsty and I have already sorted this with dad.”
“Have you?”
“Yes. Are you okay?” I ask her. Sophie mouths, ‘nerves.’ Shit, she’s right, I’m just used to my sister being the one in control. She never lets anything bother her, usually takes everything in her stride. “Libby, everything will run smoothly tomorrow. No need for you to be getting stressed. It won’t do you or the babies any good.”
“I know, but I have this feeling I’ve forgotten something,” she tells us, sounding worried.
“Libby, where are you?” Sophie asks.
“I’ve just left Alex and I’m heading to Mum’s.”
“We will be there soon, we have Lucy to pick up,” Sophie tells her. I’m not due to collect Lucy until much later, so why? I frown and raise my eyebrows. Sophie can only shake her head at me.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, and I can go over everything with you.”
“Sophie, thank you and, Ethan?”
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry if I’ve ruined your plans for the afternoon.”
“You haven’t,” I tell her, before we end our call.
“So, please feel free to tell me why our peaceful afternoon is being cut short
? I am more than happy to be lying here with you.”
“Because your sister is going to end up working herself up into a state, and that’s the last thing she needs. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Yes, but does it have to be us? Could we not just phone Alex and leave him to deal with her?”
“No, he can’t see her the night before the wedding.”
“But it’s still afternoon.”
“We have a full week here together and then another in New York. So behave and stop acting like a spoiled child and let’s go and take care of your sister for a bit. And on the plus side for me, I get to see Lucy sooner.”
“You win,” I tease as I pull her toward me and kiss her.
“I always do.”
We both get out of the bed and start getting dressed. “Sophie, I haven’t told my parents or Libby that we are going to Tom and Moria’s tonight for dinner.”
“That’s fine, I won’t be mentioning it. I’m nervous enough about going to theirs, that’s maybe another reason to help Libby today, it might keep my mind off meeting them.”
SHIT. “Sophie if you would rather not go, I will understand and so will they.”
“No, I’m going. If we are going to be spending more time with each other, they need to know their grand-daughter is in safe hands with me. I understand. I just don’t want them to think I’m trying to replace Lindsay in both yours and Lucy’s life. I don’t want them to think bad of me.”
I walk toward where she is and kiss her. I know this is harder on her than me. But they are going to love her as much as my mum does, the minute they see her with Lucy.
“As long as you’re sure about tonight. I don’t want you to feel pressured into going.”
“Of course I’m sure. If I didn’t want to go then I would say. But I will admit to you that I’m scared.”
“Please don’t be scared.” I kiss her again in reassurance.
“Now, handsome, keep that up and we won’t be going to help Libby.”
“So my plan is working then?”
She playfully pushes me away and we both continue to get dressed.
“I’M SO GLAD YOU ARE both here,” Mum says as we enter the kitchen. “I will admit I’m worried about Libby. I don’t think I’ve witnessed her behaving in such an odd way.”
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