by Anna Parsons
“I suppose,” she said and took a step back, though really enjoying the warmth of his body against hers. “It wouldn’t have been so bad if they just criticized the music or the playing, but instead they criticized me personally.” She turned to the window.
“We’ll work on that together. Deal?” He walked up next to her, offering his closed fist, which she bumped as she smiled.
“Deal.” She jumped up to kiss him on the cheek. “Look, you can see almost the entire grounds from here.” She drew his attention to the window and pointed out the stables, pool, basketball court, and tennis courts.
“It’s beautiful, Hope. So are you.” He resumed stroking her back. This is a multi-million dollar property. Hope needn’t worry about her parents’ finances. I think they are just fine.
“I would show you Matt’s old room, but it’s kind of scary,” she said, looking up at him.
“That sounds like a challenge,” Dylan said as he pulled her into a hug, stroking her hair.
“Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She took him by the hand and led him past the Jack and Jill bathroom to Matthew’s room. She opened the door and stepped aside to let him in.
“What? Aw, Hope, this is the greatest room!” Jerseys hung in cubbyholes just like in a professional locker room. Dylan stepped closer to see that the jerseys were autographed. “Warren Moon, Walter Payton, Lawrence Taylor…oh shit, is that an autographed Mike Ditka poster?”
“So you like it?” Matthew walked up behind Evie, causing Dylan to turn.
“This is the greatest room. Did you get all these yourself?” Dylan pointed to the jerseys.
“Most of them. I have several more in the closet.” He walked over and opened the door. “Oh, Evie, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“Not at all, Mattie. I really need to go help Mom. You take over.” She reached up to kiss Dylan on the cheek before leaving.
Evie left the room just as Matt said, “Here, check this out.” To which Dylan responded, “Damn, I always wanted one of these.” Evie smiled as she descended the stairs, heading toward the kitchen.
“Where’s Dylan?” Shawna asked when Evie entered alone.
“He is in Mattie’s room, looking at his collection.”
“Boys and their toys.” Shawna smiled. “Darling, he is very handsome.”
“You keep saying that, Shawna,” Sean said from his seat at the table. “I’m bound to get jealous in a minute.”
“You drool all over yourself at the girl at the gas station up the road.” Shawna placed her hand on her hip. “Do you hear me complaining?”
“As a matter of fact, I don’t. Why is that exactly?” Sean turned to look at his wife.
“Well, suffice it to say…I always know when you fill up your tank because you come home anxious to fill up mine.” She leaned over the counter, looking straight into her husband’s eyes.
“Eewww, gross!” Evie said, covering her ears. “No way can I unhear that.” Both laughed as they looked at their daughter blushing.
“What did we miss?” Matthew asked as he and Dylan entered the kitchen to see Sean and Shawna whooping it up, while Evie held her ears saying, “Lalalalalalala.”
“Just us being silly and embarrassing Evie,” Shawna said as she poked her daughter and pointed at Dylan.
“Dylan,” Sean chimed in. “Welcome to Sunday dinner at the Hopes’. JJ should be here soon. His ass is always late. Even in college, I had to get him up in the morning for class.” As if on cue, JJ entered the kitchen with two bottles of wine, still in his hospital scrubs.
“Are you talking about me?” JJ kissed first Evie and then Shawna, handing the bottles to Evie. “That’s what you asked for, right?”
“Perfect, JJ. Thanks.” As Sean and JJ continued taking jabs at each other, Dylan watched his Hope expertly open the bottles of wine, allowing them to breathe. She opened the pantry door, where several aprons hung from hooks on the back of the door. Evie reached for a black one, paused, and returned it to the hook, obviously recalling Dylan’s order to avoid wearing anything black. She entered the walk-in pantry, exiting with a red apron which read “don’t touch my pots.” Dylan had to smile.
“Dylan, it’s the ladies’ turn to cook and clean this week. So there will be no meat and potatoes. When they cook, you can always expect some culinary adventure.” He turned to pat his wife on the ass. “What are we having sweetness?” His accent was clear.
“We are having a three course menu tonight,” Shawna said as she picked up a notepad. “For appetizers, we will have crab cakes with ginger and scallion, and smoked chicken meatballs.”
“Evie makes the best crab cakes,” JJ said, turning to Dylan and taking a seat next to him. “Have you tried them yet?” Dylan shook his head as he took a sip of his ice-cold beer. “You’re in for a treat.”
“Thank you, JJ. I’ll give you extra.” Evie bowed at the compliment.
“Next,” Shawna continued. “Spicy carrot and hummus on sourdough. That replaces the salad, because the main course is paprika roasted salmon with spinach.”
“Wow,” Dylan said. “Sounds terrific. My father would be in heaven.”
“Call him up. The more the merrier,” Sean said, slapping the table.
“Dear lord,” Evie said under her breath, which Shawna noticed.
“Okay, boys, out. Let Evie and I get this party started. I will bring the appetizers out to you.” Sean and JJ groaned at being put out, but they still went.
“He is gorgeous, Evie!” Shawna watched the men walk out the door.
“That he is, Mom.” Evie stood next to Shawna, watching Dylan’s ass in his loose jeans. Have mercy. “And he’s so nice. Bought me a car.”
“What?” Shawna turned to look at her daughter. “It’s not like you to accept extravagant gifts like that.”
“He didn’t give me much choice. He said he was tired of seeing me drive a ten-year-old car. He ordered it special for me.” Evie turned to start her kitchen work. “And, he told me he loves me.”
Shawna turned her daughter to look into her eyes. A broad smile bloomed on her face. “And you love him, too.” Shawna took her daughter into her arms. “I think that’s wonderful.”
“I haven’t told him,” Evie said as she stood back.
“Why not?”
“Every time I’ve ever said those words to a man, it’s ended badly.” Evie placed the first crab cake into the pan. “I’m not ready for this to be over yet.”
“Evie, I’ve never known you to be timid or cautious about your feelings. If you love him, you have to tell him. You don’t want him to think he’s in this alone. I’m not saying that you should fall all over yourself. Your father loved me more than I loved him at first, and that worked out pretty well.”
“I know, Mom. It’s just scary. The crap with Peter is still so fresh.”
“Let me ask you a question.” Shawna prepared the dipping sauces for the appetizers. “When you are with him, do you feel like the most important thing in his life? When you are apart, do you think about the last time you were together?”
Evie paused to consider. “Yes, I believe I do.”
“Well, daughter. I’ve got news for you.” She dipped her pinky into one of the sauces and tasted. “Oh, that’s good. He loves you and you love him. Deal with it and give me some grandbabies.” She walked to the door with a platter of food for the guys.
JJ was right. Evie’s crab cakes were the best Dylan ever had. Dad needs her recipe. The meal was not unlike the dinners he had with his family. The laughter, dry humor, and constant chatter were not new to him, but the Hopes took it to the next level. There was no topic off limits, and Sean and Shawna led the discussion, each sitting at opposite ends of the table. JJ and Matthew sat on one side, with Evie across from JJ and Dylan across from Matthew. None of the guys was sure about the spicy carrot concoction, until they took the first bite. The burst of flavor on Dylan’s tongue caused him to moan, resulting in laughter around the table. Not embarr
assed in the slightest, he shrugged and took another bite, moaning for a second time.
The salmon was cooked perfectly, along with the spinach. My girl can cook. They ate and talked and drank until they were all stuffed. Throughout the meal, Dylan reached over to touch his Hope under the table, either hand to thigh or foot to foot, just as long as there was a connection.
“JJ, let’s go feed the horses,” Sean said to his friend.
“Just damn, Sean. A brother has to work for his meal around here?” JJ pretended to be indignant.
“Get your lazy ass up and come help me.” Sean rose and headed for the door. “We’ll stop by my cave to get some beers.”
“Well, Dylan,” Matthew started. “The ladies have to clean up, so you and I can take a walk.”
“Sounds good.” Dylan took his Hope’s hand and raised it to his lips. He rose, expecting to head outside, but Matthew headed upstairs to the third floor. The view from the widow’s walk was better than Dylan expected, with the Houston skyline sparkling in the distance. Matthew pointed out the other areas of the farm, and they watched Sean and JJ try to handle the horses and argue over how and when to feed.
“I must say, I’m not surprised about you and Evie,” Matthew said as they both plopped down onto beanbags.
“Really? Why is that?”
“She’s one of a kind, and she has a huge heart. The two things don’t normally go together.” Matthew tried to size Dylan up.
“I agree. She is a riddle wrapped up in an enigma. I am honored to have her with me.” Dylan met Matthew eye to eye.
“Winston Churchill? I guess that’s appropriate.” Matthew laughed. “You know she has been through a lot. She wants to please everyone, and that’s often to her own detriment, as was the case with Peter.”
“She told you what happened,” Dylan stated rather than asked. “If I hadn’t been so concerned about protecting her, I would have loved to have knocked him on his ass. I might still if he shows back up at the club.”
“You didn’t revoke his membership?” Matthew looked surprised.
“No. Thought about it, but didn’t.” Dylan cleared his throat. “I wanted him to see what Evie could become with the right training. I want to show him what he let go. I want him…”
“To suffer from a distance like you did for months.” Matthew smiled and shook his head when he saw the look on Dylan’s face. “I was there once when Evie was with Peter. I saw you watching her. Everywhere she went, you went. When she was uncomfortable, you got pissed off. When she was interested in a scene, you took notice.”
“My life is an open book, I see.” Dylan nodded, not sure how to take this revelation.
“If it weren’t my sister, I wouldn’t have noticed. I hate Peter with a passion for what he did. Even before that, really. He disrespected her by taking other subs, quite often, as I understand. I was about to tell Evie all I knew about him when he did what he did.” Matthew shifted in his seat. “She deserved better anyway.”
“I agree. I’m the man for her. Just so you know, I plan to marry her.”
“Well, I noticed the bangle. Didn’t figure you would give her a five-thousand-dollar bracelet on a whim.” Matthew rubbed his chin as if pondering. “Does she love you enough to marry you?”
“You don’t pull any punches, do you?” Dylan had to laugh. “I think she does. I hope she does.” Dylan paused as he heard the music floating from downstairs. “Is that her playing?”
“It sure is. Come on.” Matthew rose and headed downstairs, Dylan right behind him.
They entered the living room moments before JJ and Sean returned from the stables. Shawna was seated on the sofa, eyes closed, listening to her daughter play. Even as a classical neophyte, Dylan recognized Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody, one of his mother’s favorite works. His Hope played expertly from memory. She sat at the piano, looking at the keys as the fingers on her tiny hands moved quickly. “She’s something, isn’t she?” JJ came to stand next to Dylan. He was unable to form words as he watched her. The depth and layers that he continued to discover left him mute. She finished the piece and turned to her family, locking eyes with Dylan, giving him a shy smile.
“This is the time in the program when the parents make requests,” Sean said to Dylan. “Since my lovely wife obviously selected that classical foolishness, it’s now my turn. I would like to hear some Donny Hathaway…with vocals please.”
Vocals? If she sings, I might pass out. She started playing “A Song for You.” When she started singing, Dylan was completely under her spell. Her voice was husky and strong, a crystal clear alto showing great ability singing the classic song. Dylan sat on the edge of the sofa near Shawna, leaning forward, elbows on knees. He watched Evie intently. She played without looking, sang with her eyes closed When she sang about holding nothing back, and being there for the person she loved, he couldn’t help but think of how the song paralleled their lives. Dylan felt as though he was baring his heart to her, but she was giving little in return other than her body and her submission. He wanted her heart and her soul. After a couple of more songs, one a duet with Evie and her father and a rousing rendition of “Molly Malone” sung by the men, everyone said their good-byes, except JJ, who fell asleep on the sofa after a few too many beers. Evie led Dylan to the passenger’s side of the car, under protest. She had no idea how much he had to drink, but if the slurred speech and bloodshot eyes were any indication, he’d had quite a bit. Dylan rarely overindulged and never lost control. “One afternoon with my family, and they turn my strong, smart, handsome Dom into a beer swilling, bar song singing, sleepy head.”
“I’m in complete control, Hope. I just need to close my eyes for a minute.” He leaned the passenger seat back. “Hey.” He sat up and looked at her. “I love you.” He leaned back. “Now take me home.” Evie shook her head as she waved to her mother and drove away. She looked over at Dylan as he slept, his lips slightly parted, his breathing deep. Evie drove with the radio barely audible. She didn’t want to disturb Dylan as he slept.
“He really does love you, mi hermana.” The voice retuned, loud and clear.
Hey. Where have you been? Haven’t heard from you much lately.
“I’ve been around. You don’t need me when you have him.”
I don’t “have” him.
“Of course you do.”
No. If I give too much, he’ll leave. Plus, I don’t want to tell him that I have a faerie godmother who talks to me regularly. He’ll think I’m crazy. Maybe I am.
“Darling, you are becoming his world. Let him become yours.”
I’m scared.
“Tell him what you’re feeling. He will help you through it.”
Evie looked over at him again. Mine.
Chapter 26:
Punishment
Instead of driving back to the island, Evie drove to her apartment. She parked in Dylan’s reserved space and reached to wake him. Before she made contact, his hand shot out and grasped her wrist. “You thought I was sleeping,” he said as he opened his eyes.
“You were sleeping. The snoring gave it away.” She giggled as she stepped from the car.
“I don’t snore,” he said when she opened the passenger door to let him out.
“If you say so.” She smiled as he pushed her against the car, rubbing his body against hers before he yawned. “Come on, let me get you to bed,” Evie said as she closed the car door and took him by the hand, leading him to the elevator.
“You’re always trying to get me into bed, Hope.” He staggered behind her. “You take such advantage of me.”
“Do I?” She punched the number to her floor and pushed him against the back of the elevator.
“When I let you,” he said as he entwined his fingers in her hair, pulling her closer to him, covering her mouth with his, snaking his tongue to meet hers. Their touches became more urgent, seeking flesh against flesh. Only the ding of the elevator chime, signaling that they had arrived at their destination, caused them to pau
se. Evie took him by the hand and led him to her door. She reached into her bag to retrieve her keys, but Dylan was quicker, having his keys out and the door open before she even unzipped her purse. “Too slow,” he said teasingly from just inside the apartment before pulling her inside. He enveloped her in his arms, closing the door with his foot.
“Thank you for today,” she said, looking up at him.
“Thank you, my Hope. You have a wonderful family. I can tell where you get your spirit, generosity, smarts, and openness.” He squeezed her.
“They are a mighty fine group. I love them a lot.” She buried herself in his arms.
“I also see where you got your lovely face.” He kissed her on both cheeks and her forehead. “And your beautiful body.” He opened her shirt, allowing it to fall to the floor. Reaching behind her, he unclasped her bra, which joined her shirt. She tried to help him unbutton her jeans, but he pushed her hands aside before lifting her out of them. With every movement, his fingers touched her skin, causing tiny sparks all over her body. “You are gorgeous, Hope. My Hope.” He kissed her soundly. “Now”—he broke the kiss and turned her toward the bedroom—“shower and bed.”
“What?” Evie said when she turned to face him. “I thought…”
“You thought what?” He looked at her with a puzzled expression.
“I thought we would…well…I’m naked!” She looked down at her body, holding her hands out by her sides.
“Of course, you’re naked. We’re alone. Remember, you’ll be naked when we’re alone, right?” He moved to step around her.
“Yes, but…” She moved to block his path.
“No buts, Hope.” He easily lifted her and walked her to the bedroom. “It has been a long day, and you have to work tomorrow. I need to get you into bed.”
“But…” When she tried to protest, he placed his finger over her lips. She puckered and kissed his fingertip, giving him a sly smile.
“You little minx,” he said, tapping his forefinger against her nose. “I want to be inside of you. I want to fuck you until you scream. My cock weeps for you.” He got close to her, running his hands down her sides, finding a resting place on her hips. “But, right now, I want you in the shower and in bed.”