by Taryn Steele
I climb back in to bed with Jameson. He stirs a little. I’m guessing thanks to me. I lay on my left side and feel his warm naked body press up to mine with his arm reaching over me.
“Mmmmmmmm, good morning.” He moans.
“Good morning.”
“Waking up next to you, how could it not be?”
“Such a charmer.”
“No baby. I’m just being honest.”
I roll over so I’m facing him and he has the biggest smile on his face. I love his just woken up face. I reach up with one hand to stroke his cheek with my thumb. He closes his eyes and I continue but the smile never leaves him. I can’t help myself but smile now. And just like that I kiss his slightly parted lips. I chuckle to myself when in response he makes what sounds like a grunt and groan mixed together. Either way I know he was happily surprised because I could feel his happiness hardening and poking me under the sheets. It stole my breath. He turned me on to my back quickly pressing his hips to mine. His mouth went right for my ear lobe, licking and biting gently. It sent magnificent warm sensations through me. His mouth moved down to my neck, up to my chin, then he took my mouth. I allowed him an all access pass. He was outstanding with his tongue. He goaded, playing games, nipping at my lower lip, gliding in and out. My breasts were sieving against my silk pajama top. He knew it too. His fingers rolled the tips of my nipples through the fabric. My hips arched in to his. I could feel the wetness pooling between my thighs. A hungry animalistic groan coming out in my attempt for a breath. Jameson took that as a sign that I needed more. He parted my swollen flesh with his capable fingers and dove in. I clenched around the push and pull of his fingers. The incredible commotion of an orgasm approaching. My nerves were shouting for more! Then he stopped. He pulled his lips from mine, took his magical fingers from my needy folds.
“What do you want?” He asked.
“More. I want more. I need more.” I panted.
His eyes blazed with fire. He grabbed a condom from the nightstand, ripping the package open and rolling it on to his rock hard erection. I couldn’t help myself but stare at all of the glory in front of me. He grinned as he caught me staring. Lowering himself in to his elbows, I wrapped my legs around him and with one slow push he buried himself inside me. His hips started rocking, his strong hands everywhere, massaging my breasts, grabbing my ass, gripping my jaw to pull my mouth open to suck on a finger tasting myself where he had been just a few moments earlier. I could feel the fire starting to rise in me. Jameson was moving faster, his breathing following the same pattern. My breaths were coming fast and short. I knew my orgasm was approaching.
“God Hillary! You feel so good!”
“Yes, Jameson! Yes! Harder!”
His thrusting went harder and faster just like I pleaded. It took my breath away. I swear I saw stars. He cupped my ass and groaned like a lion with renewed vigor. It was like the Fourth of July, fireworks exploding high in to the sky. It was the strongest orgasm I had ever experienced. Jameson was holding on to me tight, gently biting down on my left shoulder coming down from his release.
WE SPENT MOST OF THE DAY SHOPPING at the Settler’s Green Outlet Village. I think we went in to almost every single store. They have so much to choose from. Nike, Claire’s, GAP, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi’s, PacSun, Yankee Candle, Wilson’s Leather and so many more I lost count. The weather couldn’t have been better if I planned it myself. There was a chill in the air but the sky was clear and the sun was shining bright. We were both sporting our new sunglasses that we had bought at the Sunglass Hut in the outlets too. I think we looked like a pretty awesome couple.
As we strolled around the outlets we talked about other places we might like to see and visit during our stay. I had mentioned possibly driving in to Portland, Maine to visit the small local shops. Jameson mentioned anything ski related but most of all we wanted to see the sites and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. I think we’ll get a lot of that on the Kancamagus Highway.
After a perfect day of shopping, site seeing, fresh air, hand holding and stolen kisses we found ourselves back in our room getting ready for dinner. Jameson said he had the perfect choice for tonight.
While I was still in the bathroom fixing my hair and makeup Jameson poked his head in and said he was going downstairs to smoke a cigarette and would be back shortly. That was almost twenty minutes ago. Not only was I getting worried but I also wanted to go outside and smoke a cigarette too but I was afraid as I went down the elevator he would be coming up so I just waited, not so patiently.
Checking my purse while sitting on the bed to make sure I have my essentials Jameson finally returns.
“What the hell took you so long?”
“Sorry. I uh… got talking to another guy outside,” he stammers.
I eye him warily. He gives me a lopsided grin and motions with his head toward the window.
“Can you see the mountains? They’re gorgeous today.”
I take a couple steps toward the window.
“What are you talking about? I see the parking lot, you weirdo.”
“Look again. Are you sure?” he asks, while he’s on his hands and knees fumbling around in his clothes drawer.
“Jameson. All that we can see from this view is the parking lot. I don’t know what more you want.” I tell him while closing the curtains.
“Come here and sit down.” He demands back up on his feet.
“What’s wrong? You look serious.”
“Sit down please.”
He takes my hands in his. He looks as pale white as the sheets of the bed I am sitting on right now. I hope he doesn’t say having sex with me is awful. I couldn’t handle news like that. Shit. What could it be?
“Close your eyes.” He tells me.
“No way. You’re going to lick my face or something gross.”
“Hillary, I’m not going to lick your face. Please just close your eyes.”
“Okay, fine.” I comply.
“Now open them.” He says after about seventeen second count I made in my head. Jameson is on one knee in front of me with an open box in his hand with a diamond ring.
“Oh-my-god.” I say, barely audible.
“Hillary Nowal I have been in love with you since the first moment I saw you at Dawn’s Coffee Depot in your red work-smock. I was so amazed by your beauty I literally fell over a fence. You know what else I love about you? I love the way your blue eyes change to grey when you’re upset, so I know to watch what I say. I love how close you are with your grandmother and do everything for her. I love how you love to cook with your dad. I love your hard-ass work ethic. Even though you’ve had a rough time growing up in your teen years with a shitty role model for a mom, you’ve worked hard at becoming who you are and who you want to be. You’re a tough-ass chick who can certainly hold her own. I know you don’t need to be saved. You’ve survived a lot already. I found you and I want to spend the rest of my life appreciating you for exactly who you are. I want to build up your self-esteem that has been pushed down. I want to show you how much I value our relationship. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”
“Oh-my-god!”
“You’ve said that already.”
“Jameson….”
He can’t really want to marry me. Could he? I’ve let my guard down so much with him already in this short time. I’m so scared!
“I love you, Hillary. Will you marry me?”
I know what to do. The right answer tumbles from my lips. “Yes. Yes, I will marry you!”
Somehow between both of our shaky hands the engagement ring made it onto my finger. It was beautiful. A brilliant princess cut diamond surrounded by smaller princess cut diamonds on the white gold band truly added to the allure. I couldn’t stop smiling. Then I couldn’t stop laughing.
“Is that why you asked me if I could see the mountains when I was closing the curtains, because you were getting the ring out?”
“Yes.” He chuckles. “It’s
also the reason why I was gone for so long when I said I was going outside to have a cigarette. I was so nervous I stopped in the bar downstairs and had a couple of shots to calm my nerves.”
“I was wondering what was taking you so long. I wanted to go have one but I was afraid if I took the elevator down you would be coming up at the same time and we’d miss each other.”
“How about we go out to dinner and have a few drinks to celebrate?”
“I think that’s a great idea.”
“Your parents are probably waiting to hear from you anyway.”
“Why is that?”
“Because after you called me to tell me you were on your way yesterday morning I called your house and asked your parents for permission to marry you. I had both of them on the phone at the same time.”
“Seriously? What did they say?”
“Well, as I expected your dad was pretty quiet. Your mom was pretty short and serious.”
“Yup, that sounds about right I guess. I could really use a drink now. Let’s go out.”
“Sounds good to me. I know exactly where I’m taking you. It’s called The Muddy Moose.”
Oh! Good Lord!
“You’re Jameson’s problem now.”
March 7, 2002
I DIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE NEW HAMPSHIRE but our five-day getaway was over. My girl friends were anxious to hear about the sex, I finally gave up, and my mother only cared about what the ring looked like. Lily already knew what the ring looked like. Jameson put her up to the mall trip to get an idea of what type of design I liked. According to Lily, Brody had been keeping it locked up at his house. Karolyn wants all of us to go out to dinner Saturday night to celebrate. I can’t wait! Jameson and I don’t have to be back to work until Monday, so we are down for anything.
When someone tells you they are engaged what’s the first thing you normally say? Congratulations, right? Well, not my mom. The first thing she said was, “how big is the diamond?” The second thing she said was, “what does the ring look like?” The third thing she said was, “what did you say?” The fourth thing she said was, “stop at my work before you head home on Thursday so I can see the ring.” That was it. My dad got on the phone and said congratulations. We talked for a few minutes about the familiar sites I’ve seen from childhood trips. It was a nice change from the conversation with my mother. Jameson’s conversation with his mom was brief. He said that was only because she already knew he was going to propose, and she told him to tell me congratulations. It wasn’t very convincing at the time but I brushed it off.
Pulling up at Daylight Dairy where my mother is a bookkeeper, I could already feel the frustration threatening in my loins. Jameson laughed at me and told me to relax and we could leave whenever I wanted. Climbing the metal staircase outside the fifty-year-old building I took multiple deep breaths. I pushed open the squeaky door and walked through the delivery men’s report room and into the main office where my mother and her longtime friend Jane also sat. Jane and my mom have been friends since before I was born. As soon as I knocked on the door and poked my head through both women squealed. I was happy to see Jane, my mom not so much. My mom shot up out of her chair, came charging at me and grabbed my hand to see the ring. Jameson stood right behind me rubbing my back, like a great supporter. Once my mom got a good look at the ring she walked past me and hugged Jameson. I went right over to Jane with arms outreached to hug her. She understood my relationship with my mom and me. She hugged me, squeezed me tight, she told me how happy she was for me then she looked at the ring. That’s how it should be done. We only stayed for a few minutes, mainly because I can’t handle my mom’s bullshit, and because we were hungry and wanted lunch. It was after two o’clock so maybe we should call it linner (late lunch, early dinner).
Jameson wants me to sleep over tonight but I need to do my laundry and I really want my own bed even as old and springy as it is. Also, but he doesn’t need to know this, Lily and Karolyn are dying to her about the sex and the proposal. Hah! Girls. We can’t help it.
Once I got home and unloaded my bags I started on laundry immediately. My parents were still at work, so I could get away with doing just my clothes and not theirs too. You want to charge me rent to live in my own house? I’m not washing your nasty underwear!
In between loads of laundry I called Lily and Karolyn. We made plans to go out tonight for Italian and girl talk. I miss them. I can’t wait! We live in three different directions from each other so we opted to meet in the middle as best as we could.
“Okay, before the waiter comes and asks us what we want to drink – I need to know how big Jameson is.” Lily asks.
“Oh-my-god, Lily!” Karolyn shouts.
“Ha! I’m not going to tell you how big he is. I’ll just say it works fine for me.”
“Is that the nice way of telling us his dick is small?” Lily asks.
“Hi! On that awesome note, my name is Danielle and I’ll be your waitress. Can I get you ladies a stiff drink to go with this conversation? No pun intended.”
We all can’t help but laugh out loud. Thank God she appears to be in our age range and has a sense of humor.
“White wine all around please.” I request still trying to keep my fits of giggles under control. She nods her head and walks away. “Do you guys know what you want to eat? I had a late lunch so I’m not super hungry, even though it is almost 8:00 p.m. now.”
“Three simple words will ruin Jameson’s ego. Is it in?” Lily cracks.
“Stop trying to change the subject you little trollop.” Karolyn jokes.
“I’m not. I just know the waitress will be back shortly and will want to know our order. We can talk sex all you want after she takes our order.”
And I was right. Seventeen seconds later the waitress did arrive with our much needed wine and asked for our orders. Lily, Karolyn and myself had a great night of eating, drinking and talking about guys, sex, my proposal, the vacation and everything under the sun. Laughing until you cry is how our time together usually goes. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. We can talk about anything, no judgement, just honest feedback.
SATURDAY NIGHT, JAMESON AND I decided to have a simple quiet dinner out and head back to his apartment. We had a wedding to plan and money to save, so dinner and home was the decision. No pool hall, no movies, no bar hopping with friends.
When we got back to the apartment Marcie was sitting on the large wrap around couch in her usual spot, the reclining seat at the far right end, foot rest up, cigarette in her hand.
“Wipe your feet! Take off your shoes! I just finished vacuuming – again!” Marcie shouts.
“Ma, why are you yelling? And we always wipe our feet and take our shoes off. This isn’t our first time here, ya know?”
“Well, you two have been in and out all day and I saw dirt tracks on the carpet, so I had to vacuum again.”
“We only came back once but whatever. You don’t have to yell when we’re only ten feet away.” Jameson states.
I don’t want any part of this conversation, so I turn and hang my coat in the closet, push my shoes to the shoe mat and stalk off to Jameson’s room. I could hear mumbles of their voices but it was brief. A minute later I heard the bedroom door shut and Jameson leaned his head against the door and let out a huge sigh.
“What’s her problem?” I asked.
“I don’t know and more importantly, I don’t really care right now. I just want to change my clothes, cuddle up with you in bed and watch some television.”
“Sounds good to me.”
March 10, 2002
What is that noise? It sounds like a wind tunnel and banging. Am I dreaming? I feel Jameson’s arms tighten around my side. I open my eyes and look at the clock on the nightstand next to me. I think it says 6:47 a.m. That can’t be right. I rub my eyes. It is 6:47 a.m. Why is there so much noise going on in the apartment? Oh-my-god is she vacuuming at this ungodly hour on a Sunday? She keeps hitting the bedroom door with the vacuum. I have to w
onder if it’s intentional. I nudge Jameson awake.
“Why the fuck is your mother vacuuming so damn early?”
“What time is it?”
“It’s not even seven o’clock in the morning.”
“Ugh. I don’t know. The apartment isn’t that big. She can’t vacuum forever right? As soon as she’s done we can fall back asleep.”
“You didn’t hear her banging your door with the vacuum?”
“I’m a heavy sleeper. I don’t hear shit.”
“Well I can’t fall back asleep now. I have to pee. I’ll be right back,” I tell him.
I don’t know why but I found myself tip toeing to the door. I slowly turn the doorknob not knowing what to expect on the other side. The bathroom is directly across the hall from Jameson’s bedroom, so I should be able to get there without any interaction with Marcie. I don’t know what kind of mood she’s in since last night’s conversation about shoes, and now she’s vacuuming at the butt-crack of dawn. I open the door and take five large leaps darting across the hall in to the bathroom, flipping the light switch on and quietly but quickly closing the door behind me. Unscathed. Phew. Now I sit on the toilet and pray she can’t hear me peeing, but I’m pretty sure I’m screwed once I flush the toilet. Once I’m done, I flush, wash my hands, take a look at my smudged eye makeup, and think if me and Jameson are going to keep cuddling I should brush my teeth really quickly. You never know what it could lead to…
Standing at the door, my hand on the knob, I look up at the ceiling as if I’m sending a look to God to be on my side and don’t let me get caught in the web of Marcie on my way out. I slowly turn the knob and pull it open. I take a deep breath and dart back across the hall, pushing the half open door all the way open and stop dead in my tracks. Marcie is in Jameson’s bedroom sitting on the bed talking to him.