Welcome to New Haven

by Dawn Doyle

  He quickly wiped the back of his hand over his cheek where tears had escaped. He didn’t want to make her feel any worse by seeing him like that. She wouldn’t have wanted him upset. He would be more upset, however, if Kim hadn’t called and he’d found out the next day, what Holly had been through.

  He was grateful that she had.

  He needed to be with his girl as often as possible, especially when things like that happened.

  Kim had been amazed when Alex had touched Holly’s face, and she’d started to stir. Because of the times that Holly had passed out in the past, it was usually close to an hour before she had come around.

  “Let’s get you into bed.” He said casually, and Holly’s eyes snapped to his I surprise. “Oh no! I meant ‘into bed’ not into bed. I just don’t want to upset your Mum by keeping you awake.”

  He pulled the cover over her legs.

  Her smooth, bare, toned legs that had been wrapped around him again.

  He swallowed hard and looked away from her as he covered her up.

  “Will you stay with me until I fall asleep?” she asked, shyly.

  “Of course, babe. That’s what I was hoping for.”

  Holly lay down on her side; facing Alex and he face her as he lay on top of the covers. He leant towards her for a goodnight kiss. Holly’s hand cupped his head as he held her tight. He stroked his tongue into her mouth and hers responded in kind. They held onto each other, close, as their lips danced and sucked. Alex’s hands moved up to pull Holly tighter.

  His pants restricting further.

  He had to stop.

  Holly had just had a massive fright, and he was getting turned on! He gently pulled back, much to his dismay.

  “Try to sleep, my precious girl.” He said. “My Dad used to call me that.” She whispered.

  “Oh shit, sorry!” Alex felt bad for calling her something that would bring back sad feelings.

  “Oh no, no. I like that you call me that. It’s nice.”

  “That’s good.” He said, feeling better. He loved her so much that it actually hurt him. His chest ached, like it was going to explode, and his groin… enough said on that one!

  Alex kissed her forehead before she closed her eyes. He lay with her, like that, for a little while until Holly’s breath evened out and her grip on him relaxed. He brushed her hair away from her face so he could see her better.

  Oh crap!

  He’d forgotten to text Dev.

  A: Holly’s fine now. Nightmare. Kim asked me to stay because it’s late. Spare room. CU2moro. X

  D: Ok. I was worried. I’ll tell Mom & Dad. CU2moro. X

  Alex lay next to Holly for a while longer before he started to drift off. He untangled himself and went to the spare room Kim had told him to use. He removed his clothes, except for underwear, and got into bed.

  Knowing Holly was a few feet away, and safe, made him feel so much better.

  He wasn’t in bed long before he too, fell asleep.

  Holly woke up and remembered her nightmare. Her stomach flipped, and she felt sick.

  It felt so real.

  The detail, the colours. Even Stacey. Holly had dreamt of her before, in the same outfit, when her arms had, literally, snaked around Alex. Why the same outfit? What was the significance? She must have seen it before, somewhere else to place all of the details.

  The feelings in her stomach turned from sick to excitement as she remembered Alex had stayed over.

  He was here!

  She hoped he still was and hadn’t left early in the morning.

  He wouldn’t do that, without telling her, would he…? No. He wouldn’t.

  She jumped out of bed, had the quickest shower of her life, and brushed her teeth. She pulled on some jeans and a Red Cardinals baseball shirt and walked quickly to the spare room.

  She knocked on the door and waited, nervously.

  Alex opened the door, and Holly’s mouth popped open.

  His hair was wet from the shower. He was finishing fixing his T-shirt, and she caught a glimpse of his chiseled abs. He beamed a huge smile and pulled her in for a kiss.

  “Good morning, babe.” He said in her ear as he held her tight.

  “Mmmm it really is.” She replied, her voice muffled as she pressed her face into his chest.

  “How are you? He asked as he pulled back, cupping her face with his large, strong hands.

  “I’m fine now.” She replied. “I’m glad you stayed.” Holly pushed him back and closed the door with her foot. Her hands trailed up his magnificent body, and his arms tightened around her waist.

  Her hands ran up his neck to his hair, and she pulled his face to hers, pressing their lips together.

  Alex angled his head to deepen the kiss, and their tongues found each other.

  Holly sucked Alex’s lower lip and gently nipped his making him moan sexily.

  “Mmmmmm” His voice came out in a low rumble, sending the reverberations right down into Holly’s already throbbing centre. He cupped her head and kissed her as if he were devouring his last meal.

  It was So. Damn. Hot!

  Holly was heating up fast.

  Her insides boiling with the need for Alex.

  Her skin prickled as he brought his hands down her back and gripped her rear with enough force to make her squeak. He stooped further, his hands stroking down the back of her thighs, without breaking their kiss.

  Holly’s legs were trembling more than ever as his hands lowered a little more before he gripped her thighs, lifted her up and pulled her legs around him.

  Holly hooked her feet together, behind him and his hands cupped her rear again. He took a couple of paces forwards until Holly felt her back come into contact with the door. At that height, Holly had better access to Alex’s luscious lips and silky, black hair.

  Alex pressed his body into hers, and she could feel the rousing in his pants. She was beside herself with desire.

  Her heart racing, frantically, her breath ragged, her nipples standing to attention and her lady parts were heated to the point of burning.

  Alex broke their kiss and wasted no time in moving to her neck, lightly licking across her collarbone.

  “Oh. My Gaaah!!!” Holly tried to stay as quiet as she cried out with pleasure.

  As Holly was against the door, Alex could pretty much do anything he wanted from that position.

  She was turned on just from the thought of it.

  Alex’s hands moved up and under the back of her shirt. His hand travelled up her skin, stroking her with his smooth palm. Up and up until he reached the back of her neck. All the while, kissing across her jaw, grazing his lips until he reached her mouth again.

  Holly let one hand dip into the neck of his T-shirt, so she could feel his upper back. As his hand caressed under her shirt, Holly let out a highly aroused breath.

  Alex looked into her eyes and as he did, she stroked down his chest, over his abs and pulled at his T-shirt to release the hem from where her legs were against him.

  She tucked her hands underneath to touch his bare skin.

  She bit her lip and closed her eyes as she felt his perfect torso. His muscles tight, quivering beneath her touch. She opened her eyes and saw that Alex’ breathing was heavy; his pupils large, and skin flushed.

  He looked how she felt.

  Holly longed for there to be nothing between them. Alex’s ‘friend’ seemed to be in agreement too.

  “Holly.” He groaned as he leant his forehead against hers. “I can’t help getting carried away when we’re alone.” He said with pain evident in his voice. He was restraining himself a much as he could.

  “Me neither.” She panted. “I only came to ask if you wanted some breakfast.” She said, smiling.

  Alex laughed.

  “If this is how you ask me, then I’m worried how you’ll tell me.”

  He bit his lip cheekily. Holly squeezed her legs a little tighter. Their lips were almost joined again when there was a knock at the door.


  “Holly, Alex, breakfast’s ready.” Said Kim.

  “Oh my God!” whispered Holly. Alex had to stifle a laugh so he wouldn’t be heard. “Ok ta. Be right out.” She said, trying to keep her voice steady like she hadn’t just been held up and pressed against the bedroom door and being kissed almost to oblivion.

  Alex took a step back and slowly lowered Holly to the floor. Holly’s legs were like jelly as she tried to stand. Alex ran a hand though his hair to fix it, and Holly watched, her lips parting.

  “You’re so sexy.”

  “Thank you, babe.” He chuckled “You’re so damn hot yourself.” He gave Holly a quick peck on the lips as she came out of her Alex fog.

  “We best go.” She said and opened the door.

  They made their way to the kitchen and the dining room that was adjoined, in an open plan space. Kim had put out pancakes for them and then looked at their faces. She looked back and forth a few times and then cocked an eyebrow.

  “What?” asked Holly. Worrying what innuendo filled comments her Mum, or Dad would make. They were as bad as each other most of the time.

  “Nothing. Just wondering what took you both so long? I heard you shower turn off, but you never appeared.” Kim said with a smirk.

  “That’s because I went to see Alex.” Holly said in an as-a-matter-of-fact way whilst she took hers and Alex’s plates to the table as he carried their juice.

  “And it took that long because…?” Kim asked.

  Because Alex had me up against the bedroom door…

  “Oh for goodness sakes, Mother.” Holly said, rolling her eyes. “You really think we would be up to something? Especially with you in the house?”

  “Good answer.”

  Kim stood behind Holly, as she sat at the table, placed her hands on her shoulders and kissed the top of her head.

  “You ok baby girl?” She whispered. Holly nodded and looked up to Kim.

  “Thanks Mum.” Holly was thanking her Mum for calling Alex.

  “Thank you, Alex, for coming over so fast.” Kim said.

  “Anytime.” He replied as he looked at Holly.

  Holly saw her Mum’s facial expression change. She’d pulled her lips into her mouth as if to stop herself from speaking.

  “Mum! Don’t even think about it!” Said Holly, embarrassed yet again.

  “I’ll just be over here…” Said Kim as she went over to the lounge area.

  “What do you think she was going to say?” Alex asked as Kim walked away.

  “Probably something to do with what she asked, and what you replied.” Holly saw Alex thinking for a second before recognition showed across his face.

  “Oh my God!” He said as he dropped his head.

  “So the ball drops!” laughed Kim.

  “Of course! Have you heard how deep his voice is?” Said Oli, grinning mischievously.

  “Will you two stop!” Holly turned to scold her parents. Alex was blushing like mad.

  “Seriously, you’re like…teenagers!” Holly complained. “Do I have to send you to your room, or are you going to behave?” she asked as though she was the parent.

  “Fine. We’ll behave.” Said Oli.

  “That’s more than I can say for you two.” Said Kim, laughing and pointing at them both. Oli snorted a laugh and high fived Kim.

  “I am so sorry about those two.” Holly apologised to Alex.

  “They’re ok.” He shook his head. “It’s actually quite funny. I don’t think many parents are as open as yours. I think it’s cool.”

  “Really? Well just wait until they’re in a crowded, public place. Remember what I told you abut the supermarket? Imagine that…” She said and pointed to her parents. “…With both of them. In public. Unrestrained.”

  Alex laughed.

  “Yeah, I see your point.” He chuckled.

  “I’m off to work.” Said Oli as he picked up his briefcase.

  “Today? It’s Sunday.” Said Holly.

  “Just a couple of hours honey. I need to collect some files regarding yesterday’s events.”

  “Oh.” Holly looked to Alex, and he squeezed her hand, gently.

  “We’re going to get to the bottom of this, baby girl.” Oli said. “For both of you.”

  Oli kissed the top of Holly’s head before he left.

  “Oh my fucking God!” squealed Dev when she met them at the door to their house.

  ”Hol! How are you?” Dev asked with a concerned look on her face.

  “I’m ok now Dev.” She said with a smile as Alex took her hand to lead her into the house. Holly knew Alex would’ve told Dev why he’s suddenly left and had stayed over. “Well, come through, and tell me what happened.” Dev said, linking her arm through Holly’s, and steering them towards the hangout room.

  “Dev, don’t harass Holly already.” Said Alex with a chuckle. He knew Dev was concerned, but he didn’t want Holly to get distressed about her nightmare.

  “Since you ran out last night, Alex, I’ve been worried. Mom and Dad were too when I told them.”

  “Were they mad that I stayed out?” He asked. He’d never even thought about that. He just…did.

  “No, actually. They were more concerned with what happened than you staying over.

  Alex was relieved that his parents hadn’t freaked out. They obviously trusted them enough to stay in the same house. Holly’s parents being there too would’ve helped.

  “Good”

  Dev told them that the delivery of the bed had come that morning, before they got there, when Ben walked into the room.

  “Hey, Alex. Are you ready to go? Oh hi, Holly…Dev.”

  Alex saw the look in Ben’s eyes as he looked at his sister.

  He looked sad.

  “Oh…I don’t think I should…” He began. He didn’t want to leave Holly alone right then. She was with Dev, but after last night…

  “It’s ok, babe.” Holly said with a knowing look. “Go with Ben. Dev can help me with my list.”

  “Ooh what list?!” Dev perked up, moving her gaze from Ben.

  “I need to order some stuff for the garden."

  “Oh.” Said Dev, dejected.

  “Will you be ok?” asked Alex as he stroked Holly’s cheek.

  “Yeah I’ll be fine. Go do your workout. The sooner you go, the sooner you come back.” She said, smiling up at him. His deep brown eyes looking into hers with worry. “Ok babe.” He kissed her gently and pulled her to him for a hug. “I just need to change and get my gym stuff. I’ll just be a minute.”

  The room was quiet after Alex left, and Holly could feel the tension between Dev and Ben.

  “So…Ben…What workout are you doing today?” Holly broke the silence. She knew that the guys trained specific body parts on different days.

  “Back and triceps today.” He said and glanced to the door.

  He looked as if he were waiting for something that wasn’t Alex and uncomfortable doing so.

  “Should be tough.” Holly added. “Don’t you think Dev?”

  “Oh yeah. Totally.” Said Dev as she rolled her eyes.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Ben.

  Oh here we go.

  Holly wished she hadn’t opened her mouth.

  “I just agreed with Holly. What do you think I meant?” Dev said, calmly.

  “Not just that, the eye roll.” Ben said as he pointed to his eyes.

  “What? It didn’t mean anything! Why are you trying to start a fight with me?”

  Dev looked as if she were getting angry.

  “I’m not starting anything. You’re the one who did that with the ‘totally’…” Ben said in a mock tone of her voice. “…And the eye rolling. Like you want me to say something to you.”

  “If I wanted that, I would’ve spoken first. Don’t blame me because you’re a hothead.”

  Holly was looking back and forth between them. Their bickering had escalated quickly.

  “I’m a hothead? You’re one to talk, Miss ‘over
-the-top-about-everything’.”

  “I am not!” Dev was losing her cool with Ben and she looked like she would kick him where it hurts if it got any further.

  “Hey, you two, stop it!” said Holly, holding her hands up. “Just stop, ok? Seriously guys, you need to give it a rest now.”

  “What’s up?” asked Alex as he walked into the room with his bag. “Oh.” He said as he saw Dev and ben glaring at each other. “Ben, let’s go.” He said, but not before saying goodbye to Holly first.

  “With pleasure.” Ben said as he left.

  “I won’t be long, babe.” Alex cupped his hands to Holly’s face and kissed her with so much tenderness even Dev said… “Awwwww!”

  “I love you.” He whispered.

  “I love you to.” She replied.

  Dev pounced as soon as they left.

  “Ok, Missy…spill.”

  Holly told Dev about her nightmare, panic attack, and waking up and seeing Alex. She left out the ‘good morning’ details. Dev was sympathetic and clutched her chest when Holly got to the shooting part of her dream. Her eyes filling with tears as Holly told her about her passing out afterwards.

  She pulled her in for a hug.

  “So…separate beds?”

  “Yes!” Holly said laughing as Dev waggled her eyebrows.

  “Ok, ok, so what’s on your list”

  As Holly told Dev the stuff she needed for the garden, Dev got out her laptop and they got to work.

  Alex was having a tough time with Ben at the gym. He was in a worse mood than usual, and he wasn’t forthcoming with the details.

  “I don’t want to talk about it. Ben said when Alex asked him what had happened with Dev.

  “Hey, I talk to you about Holly.”

  His best friend had really helped him figure out the craziness he’d had in his head, over Holly.