The Swear Jar

  “Should I even bother with pajamas?”

  “If you want to go without, I won’t complain,” she giggled, climbing into bed.

  He hung up his towel in the bathroom and slipped into bed naked. He pulled her into an embrace and kissed her goodnight.

  “I love you.”

  “I love you, Duncan.”

  Early in the morning, Duncan awoke and had to use the bathroom. He slipped out of bed without waking Meara. When he returned, her body was in a tangle of sheets, blanket and pillows. Her nightshirt had ridden up her hips. She had a pillow under her back, pushing up her chest. He watched the gentle rise and fall of her soft, round breasts. He remembered he was naked. He was aroused. Climbing back into bed, he hovered over her. He needed her to wake up. His desire for her was strong. Sleeping naked next to her was probably not his best decision, but it had felt so good.

  He whispered, “Meara?”

  There was no response. He tried again. She murmured in her sleep. She had slept soundly, no nightmares. He tried again. His voice was strained. If she didn’t wake up soon, he would have to relieve his own tension. It was becoming painful.

  Her chest heaved and he almost lost it. “Oh, Meara, there’s only so much I can take.”

  She stirred. “Duncan? What’s wrong? Are you all right? Was I having a nightmare?”

  “No, everything’s all right. Nothing’s wrong. You weren’t having a nightmare.” He massaged her thigh.

  “Duncan, something’s wrong. Tell me.”

  “Meara. Please.” He kissed between her breasts while rubbing against her thigh.

  She realized he was aroused and naked. She woke up quickly.

  “Duncan.” She blushed to know he wanted her.

  “Meara. Please. Let’s make love,” he whispered in agony.

  He ran his hands over her body. She pushed him back to his knees. She slipped off her panties. She put both hands on his chest and pushed him down on the bed. She straddled him and with a quick thrust, he was inside her. She gently thrust her hips up and down. He ran his hands along her sides. He groaned and reached for her breasts. Her soft, round breasts bounced wildly with the increased rhythm of her thrusts.

  He groaned again. He thrust upwards while gripping her hips. Crying out, he felt a wave of release. Panting, he pulled her down beside him. He had lost control too soon for her to orgasm. He was going to make sure she felt as good as he did. He straddled her and pulled off her sexy nightshirt. He kissed her deeply, massaging her nipple. He pinched it and her back arched. He sucked on her nipple.

  “Harder,” she whispered.

  He sucked harder. He switched to the other nipple. He applied as much pressure as he felt was safe without hurting her. He flicked his tongue over her nipple. She moaned. He reached between her legs and rubbed the soft mound there. He gently bit her nipple.

  “Please, harder. Please,” she begged.

  She wrapped her legs around one of his legs. He grabbed her breasts, pinching one and sucking on the other. A flash of pain crossed her face. She didn’t want him to stop. Switching breasts, he repeated the pinching and sucking. Her back arched and her chest heaved. The pressure around his leg increased.

  She gripped the blanket in both fists and lifted up towards him, panting. “Harder.”

  He changed breasts again. He flicked his tongue on her erect nipple, biting it carefully. He sucked beyond what he thought was safe. He wanted to stop. She wanted more. The look of pain came back on her face. She groaned, tightening her grasp on his leg and slamming her buttocks up and down. Her breathing jagged rasps, she moaned aloud. She went rigid and stopped breathing. She shuddered. Releasing his leg, she curled up in his arms. He held her until her breathing slowed.

  “Good morning, my love,” he whispered.

  “Good morning, you sexy beast,” she cooed. “Is this what I have to look forward to every morning?”

  “Mornings, afternoons, evenings. You’ll never be sure when I’ll pounce.”

  Holding a hand to her forehead, she said, “I won’t be able to fend you off. I am yours, Sir Duncan. Do with me what you will.”

  “Good,” he said, spooning with her. “It’s Sunday. We have a decision to make. Your place or mine?”

  “It depends. One car or two?”

  “It depends. Are we keeping up appearances or are we admitting we’re together?”

  “We’re together, but we can keep it discreet. Two cars. How about your place tonight?”

  “Good. I have a bigger shower. And a bigger bed.”

  “You hold me so close, what does the size of the bed matter?”

  “Tickle fights need room.” He reached for the back of her knee.

  Shrieking, she laughed hysterically. “No!”

  “I’ll be gallant and stop, but at my house, all bets are off. I love the way you spazz out and fight me.”

  “I’ll have to work a little hand magic to throw you off.”

  Remembering what she had done, his face went blank. “Mission accomplished.”

  She laughed. “What are we doing today?”

  “You’re packing a bag. We need food at each house. I have laundry to do. This is sounding so boring.”

  “It sounds like domestic bliss to me. I can’t wait for it to start. As long as I am with you, it’ll be perfect.”

  “Boy, you are in love. You actually made that sound believable.”

  “It is! Don’t make me hit you with a pillow!”

  Chapter Forty

  For Duncan and Meara, it was domestic bliss. Time flew by as they settled into life together. Weekday nights were at her house, weekends were at his house. He insisted on spending their nights together in case her nightmares returned. She hadn’t had a nightmare in a long time, but he wasn’t taking any chances. Domestic bliss wasn’t a smooth process as tempers flared on occasion. Once, he had to keep her in a bear hug until he explained himself a little better. He worked his Duncan magic and she calmed down.

  They discreetly mingled their private and professional lives. She was upset he wasted so much time paying his personal bills and writing checks. She set up and showed him how to do online banking. Seeing how easily it was done, he was thrilled to have more time for her. He asked her to set up online banking for the library. He made sure the Board’s treasurer knew she had inspired the idea.

  She asked him for help when her Jeep needed to be fixed. He made minor repairs and took it to a garage when it needed work he couldn’t do. He explained to her what work needed to be done and got her approval to have the Jeep fixed. She finally felt confident about car repairs because he took the mystery out of it for her. She thanked him again and again that weekend. Although he was thrilled, he was worn out by Sunday night.

  She couldn’t believe he paid to have his dress shirts ironed. He couldn’t believe she liked to iron. She liked to cook and he didn’t, so he had no problems eating whatever she made, even if it was healthy. She hated food shopping, so they made a game of it by shopping without a list. If they forgot something, he picked it up the next day. They enjoyed going to the gym, even if it was for different reasons. She enjoyed the workouts and the pool. Sweating right next to her, he enjoyed watching her.

  At the library, their friends knew Duncan and Meara were together because their private life slipped through now and then. One day, she mixed up their lunch bags. She had added a healthy snack to his, so she had to swap them in front of Tom. Tom smiled wickedly. She blushed and Duncan grinned.

  She would not allow him to make repairs on her house. She felt it was Ben’s responsibility. It was also Ben’s way of helping her. Duncan respected this arrangement and tried not to interfere. It gave her a chance to lovingly nag Ben when something wasn’t fixed promptly. He knew she loved Ben like a brother. And if she had her sticking point, he had his.

  He wanted photographs of them together. She balked since she didn’t like having her picture taken. He held firm, gently reminding her they would be separated for four days
at Thanksgiving. Eyes misting up, she compromised by having Anne be their official photographer. Meara had final say on the photographs he could have.

  For his nightstand at her house, he chose a Duncan magic moment. Holding her in his arms when she was mildly annoyed, she couldn’t help smiling up at him because he looked at her with such love in his eyes. For his desk at work, he chose a photo of them dressed up for dinner at a fancy restaurant. They thought of Sophia’s words as they wore their complementing outfits. He adored Meara in that dress. Delightfully, he had also managed to figure out her tricky bra.

  His nightstand at his house held two photos. One was their sandcastle because it reminded him he should marry her. He intended to follow the young boy’s advice. The other photo showed them walking up the driveway to her house, holding hands, and laughing. She was the one responsible for making him happier than he had ever been. He was the luckiest man in the world.

  The weekend before Halloween, Duncan and Meara took Anne to Maple Tree Farm to pick out pumpkins and mums. Anne suggested getting some for the library. He thought it was a great idea. Meara let Anne go crazy and choose enough for all three houses and the library. Anne hugged him, thanking him for working his magic. He chuckled, winking at a giggling Meara.

  The whole family carved pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns that night. Anne placed the pumpkins on the two front porches. She gave Duncan instructions on how to place the pumpkins at his house and at the library. Anne was excited, because on Halloween, she was going to her first party instead of trick-or-treating. Meara was going to spend Halloween night with Duncan. He enjoyed Halloween because he liked classic monster movies. He was planning a marathon filled with thrills and chills. And hopefully lots of cuddles too.

  On Friday, Halloween morning dawned brightly. Duncan and Meara were at her house. He needed to leave early for work. He liked to dress up for Halloween, but this year, he had a serious meeting with a Board member, making a costume unrealistic and unprofessional. He dressed in a black suit and black tie. At worst, he could say he was a vampire or an undertaker. He kissed Meara goodbye and headed out to his car. Anne was on the front porch of her house, switching off the battery-powered lights inside the jack-o-lanterns.

  She waved to him. “Happy Halloween, Duncan!”

  “Happy Halloween, Anne! Have fun at the party tonight!”

  “I will. Where’s Aunt Meara?”

  “She’s still getting ready. I have a meeting this morning.”

  “I want to see what she thinks of my zombie costume. Thanks for the help!”

  “You’re welcome. I’m sure your aunt will be disgusted. Make sure you take pictures!”

  “I will. Duncan, can I ask you a question?”

  Detouring to the porch, he always had time for Anne. “What’s up?”

  “You and Aunt Meara are happy, right?”

  “Last time I checked, yes. I’m happy. I hope your aunt’s happy too.”

  “Would you say this is a big change for her?”

  Duncan knew about Hank’s letter. Anne was on the lookout for a big change in Meara. Hank didn’t have any hold over Meara. Duncan was curious about the letter, but Meara was unconcerned. He was going to answer truthfully.

  He said, “We love each other very much. It’s a change in our lives, but it’s not an earth-shattering decision. It’s a natural progression in our lives. Your aunt doesn’t like drama, you know that.”

  “I know she doesn’t, but I thought when she met you, it would be a big change.”

  “It was a change from her life before. Maybe it hasn’t happened yet. If you’re looking for changes in your aunt, it’s really for you to decide when it happens.”

  “Thank you, Duncan. I’ll think about it.” Anne ran off to find Meara.

  He drove to the library, thinking about Anne’s dilemma. He wanted to help her. He wished Hank had given Anne better instructions. It was a heavy responsibility to give a young girl. Hank had done damage to two important people in Duncan’s life. He shook his head.

  After going over library business with the trustee, Duncan mentioned Meara. He explained how vital she had become to the library. She ran the Youth Services Department and assisted in managing the library. He relied on her to supervise the library when he wasn’t there. She had also made recommendations to improve the library. He pointed out changes she had made in the four months she had been there.

  The library now had online banking, which saved time and money. She had also started a volunteer program for adults and teens. Tom and Lucy had thought this might threaten their jobs, but it had the exact opposite effect. The library staff was involved in training volunteers. It freed the staff up to work on other projects they hadn’t had time to do before, such as weeding and books displays.

  The trustee listened as Duncan spoke passionately about Meara. The trustee had heard only good things about her and everyone liked her. Duncan explained he would like the Board to consider promoting her to Assistant Director. The trustee was surprised and said he would speak to the Board. If Duncan was making the recommendation, the trustee knew the Board should consider it seriously.

  Duncan wanted her to be the Assistant Director because she had earned it. Even if the Board waited until she had completed a year of service, he wanted her efforts to be recognized. He checked his watch. He wondered where Meara was. Tom and Lucy arrived. Tom was dressed as a scarecrow with a floppy hat and overalls. His flannel shirt had straw sticking out of it. Lucy was dressed as a 1920s flapper with a beaded dress and headband.

  “Duncan! Was that a trustee leaving? Why aren’t you dressed for Halloween?” asked Tom.

  “Yes, that was a trustee. I had to get your paychecks signed,” replied Duncan. “What? All I need is a pair of fangs and I’m a vampire.”

  “Boo. Hiss,” Lucy said. “What a lousy costume! Wait until Meara gets here. She’ll whip up something for you.”

  “I’m not sure Meara will come dressed up herself,” Duncan said. “I never mentioned we celebrate Halloween.”

  Tom replied, “I did. I’m surprise she let you out of the house without a better outfit.”

  “TOM!” Lucy yelled.

  “Oops,” Tom whispered.

  “It’s all right. There’s no fooling you. I’m surprised she didn’t say anything to me,” Duncan smirked.

  Sherrie appeared dressed as a lumberjack with a red flannel shirt and baggy jeans. She wore a knit cap and carried a stuffed blue ox.

  “Hello Paul Bunyan! And is that Babe with you?” asked Lucy.

  “It sure is! Dave’s camping stuff finally came in handy! Duncan, what are you supposed to be?” asked Sherrie, appalled.

  “A vampire?” Duncan said, uncertainly. “How about undertaker?”

  “I think undertaker will be convenient. Duncan, here comes Meara,” Tom said, letting out a low whistle. “Now you know why she wasn’t concentrating on you. Wow.”

  Meara entered the library, smiling sheepishly. She twirled for everyone to see.

  “What do you think?” she smiled, her dimple deepening.

  She was dressed as a black cat. A scoopnecked, long-sleeved, knee length black dress hugged her curves. She had lost weight with her hard work at the gym. Black leggings and black flats showed off her shapely legs. Around her neck she wore a black ribbon choker with a large, heart-shaped silver pendant. Perched on her head were a set of velvety black cat’s ears. There was a black spot on her nose and wisps of whiskers on her blushing cheeks.

  “Duncan, you’ll break your jaw that way,” Tom said. “Say something or I will.”

  “Meow,” Duncan said, mesmerized. “You look fantastic. May I offer you an ear scritch?”

  Sherrie chuckled. “You know, that constitutes sexual harassment.”

  “He’ll take his chances, no doubt,” laughed Lucy. “You look very nice, Meara.”

  “Thank you, Lucy. I love your dress. It’s beautiful! Is that Babe the Blue Ox, Sherrie? And Tom, a scarecrow. I like you most of all.�
� Meara patted Tom’s cheek.

  “Aw, shucks, Miss Meara, you’re making me blush. But what about Duncan? He doesn’t look very Halloweenish,” asked Tom.

  “While Anne was picking out my costume, I found a pair of unused vampire teeth, still in the original package. Ben had a black cape Anne borrowed for me. Are you willing to be the undead, Mr. Phillips?” asked Meara.

  “Only if you’ll be my first victim,” Duncan said, without thinking.

  “Yep, definitely sexual harassment,” Sherrie laughed.

  Meara blushed. “Duncan!”

  Tom, Lucy and Sherrie were stunned.

  “Did you just call him Duncan?” asked Sherrie.

  Meara turned bright red. “I did.”

  Lucy spoke up. “We’re all adults here. If you two want to keep it private, fine. But call each other by your first names, all right? It’s a little weird to hear you be so formal. Got it?”

  “Yes, Lucy,” said Duncan and Meara together.

  “Now, Meara, go get Duncan dressed up so he fits in around here. And Duncan, keep your fangs off her,” laughed Lucy.

  “I’ll try, but I make no promises when she looks like that.” Duncan pointed.

  “Duncan!” Meara giggled.

  “Or when she giggles!” Duncan followed Meara into his office and closed the door.

  While Meara was tying the cape around his neck, Duncan dropped his voice to a low growl and reached for her. “If I had known you were going to look like this today, I would have kept you at home.”

  She playfully slapped away his hands. “Anne asked me if I was dressing up today. I said no. She insisted on picking out something. Now hold still so I can get this right.”

  She stood between him and his desk. While she fussed with his cape, she watched his eyes dart behind her to his desk, to a side desk against the wall, and then back to her.

  She frowned. “What are you thinking about in that head of yours?”

  “I’m thinking about you, me, this desk, that side desk, and the floor. Right now.”

  “Think again, sweetheart. Our friends know we play together, if you know what I mean. Going to a first name basis is the only new indication of our relationship I want to give them today. They don’t need to hear us fooling around in here.”