To me, this was far more than just sex. Hours later we fell asleep together, entwined, and everything else in the world didn’t matter. I had never slept so well in my life.
Waking in the morning, I opened one eye to see Amanda still resting against me. We had moved around in our sleep, but I held her close to me with her back resting against my chest. As I listened, I could hear her gentle breathing and knew she was still asleep.
Deciding to stay like that, I thought back to last night. Our encounter had been one filled with sensual passion, and I honestly believed I would never forget it. It was about sharing that moment completely, which I believed we did.
I had come a long way from when I first left home. Lots had happened in meeting new people and visiting new places only to find out Sarah had been in an accident. Going home to make sure she was okay, and finally making the decision to head back out into the world.
I wouldn’t admit it to many people but Amanda was the reason I had left home again. Perhaps it had been love at first sight I just didn’t know. Whatever the case I was falling in love with this beautiful girl in my arms. And I didn’t want to let her go.
Knowing I was to be leaving soon was all the more difficult, but I had made that choice already. Rachel lived here after all, and Amanda and I had nothing official. There was only so much I could do.
The next step was to think of what I would do about it. Heading back to Canada was an exciting prospect. Brad and Chris were there and I’d have the chance to get back to the slopes to do some more snowboarding. But without Amanda, it wouldn’t be the same.
I wondered whether I should talk to her about my feelings or not. I agonized over this for the next hour or so as she stirred from her sleep. Finally, she woke with a cat like stretch. She turned her head to see me watching her with a smile on my face.
“Good morning, beautiful.” I said.
“Mmm.” She replied with another stretch and a smile, “Good morning, handsome.” She added, as she wiggled her way further into my embrace.
“Sleep well?” I asked, as I kissed her neck.
“The best.” She replied, squirming a little at my kisses.
“I think I’ll go have a shower.” I said, stretching.
As I started to remove my arms from her, she stopped me as I was standing up. Rolling over to look at me, her hair was disheveled, and she propped her head up in her hands and watched me. I was still naked and I noticed her gaze tracing lines across my body.
Only a sheet covered her legs and hips. I bent down and cupped her cheek with my hand, and kissed her lightly on the forehead. “Enjoying the show?” I asked with a grin.
“Oh yes.” She replied with a grin of her own, “Bring me with you to the shower.”
I gathered her up in my arms and I did my best to dash us to the shower unnoticed. Rachel seemed to be in the kitchen from the sounds of it. Getting through the door I made sure to lock it this time.
Running the shower we both got in together, and Amanda ran her hands across my chest and abs. The water rushing over our bodies, we cleaned ourselves off while each kissing and groping the other playfully. “You look good when you’re soaked.” She said, running her hand up my chest and to my head brushing some hair aside.
“You should see me when I’m dry.” I said with a quizzical look, but laughed as I pinched her ass in the process.
Laughing, she slapped my ass playfully in return and climbed out of the shower. I turned the shower off and followed her out. Drying ourselves off, I wrapped my towel around my waist, gave Amanda a quick kiss, and walked to my room for a change of clothes.
Now changed, I made my way back to Amanda’s room and gathered my clothing that was strewn across her floor from last night. She was getting dressed and I paused to watch the process. Once dressed she crossed the floor to me, “This is kind of hard to say.” She started, as she touched my arm. “But I think I’m falling for you.” She said, as she looked down at her hand.
Placing my hand under her chin I softly guided her gaze to my own with my warmest smile on my face. “I’ve already fallen for you.” I said easily, as I took her other hand, “I’m honestly not sure what to do about it.” I added, holding her hand in mine I gave it a squeeze.
“Why did this all have to happen now?” She said with a look of confusion, and upset across her face.
“Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy.” I said quietly, still holding her chin in my hand.
“Don’t leave just yet. Stay with me for a couple more days, at least?” She asked, as her concern slowly melted from her face.
“I’d love to.” I said, “I just can’t stay for too long. It doesn’t feel right. I hope you understand.” I added.
“I understand. It doesn’t mean I have to like it.” She replied, grabbing hold of me. Holding on tightly, she buried her face into my chest and she said something I couldn’t quite make out.
I held her and we stood together until she released me. “I’ve decided you’re just going to have to come back! Then we should go on a trip together.” She said as she walked towards the door.
“I’d like that.” I replied, and followed her out of the door and into the kitchen.
Rachel was sitting at the bench eating something and turned when she heard us coming out. “Hey guys, how was your night?” She asked as we joined her.
“It was amazing.” Amanda replied with a coy smile.
“That good huh?” Rachel replied with raised eyebrows. Looking from Amanda to me and back again a grin shot onto her face, “That good!” She added as she burst into laughter. I stood there shaking my head smiling to myself, and Amanda giggled until we both joined in on the laughter.
Today was the first day Amanda had to go back to work, so I spent the day with Rachel just relaxing and watching movies. It was an easy way to spend the day, especially after the night I had just had.
My mind wandered the whole day and I hardly managed to focus on anything at all. Rachel shot me the odd glance here and there, probably wondering what I was thinking about, yet I ignored the looks mostly and kept watching the movie until she finally spoke up.
“Remember how I said you need to look after Amanda as she’s had a rough past?” She asked hesitantly, looking up.
“Yeah I remember.” I replied.
“I don’t want to see her get hurt is all. Long distance relationships are hard. Are you sure you can make it work?” She started, “I see how you two are looking at each other.” She said, looking me dead in the eye.
“Honestly I don’t know. All I know is how I feel about her. I want to be with her all the time.” I replied quietly, as I thought about the feelings I had when she was around me.
“That’s good! Just be careful is all. I probably shouldn’t say anything but Amanda’s past relationship was an abusive one. She’s had trouble connecting to men ever since then. It looks like she’s finally opening up again, which is amazing. And I’m so happy to see it. Just, I don’t know, be careful.” She said earnestly, leaning forward to accentuate her point.
“Thank you for telling me.” I said slowly, as I thought about what she had said, “She means a lot to me, and the last thing I want to do is hurt her. I’ll be careful I promise.” I said as my mind raced processing this new information.
We sat in silence for the remainder of the movie, me thinking about everything that was said between us. I was never going to hurt Amanda, but the distance was going to be frustrating.
I’d have to think of something if we were going to have a chance of being together. Folding my arms I lowered my head, and a frown of concentration covered my face. I sat like that ignoring everything else for a very long time.
Amanda walked in the door and found us still sitting on the couch. “Have you guys even moved today?” She said, laughing as she walked over to us. I was still sitting arms folded and mind racing until a hand softly squeeze my shoulder, “Hey. You awake?” Amanda asked leaning over me. Looking up at her I smiled, and she l
eaned in for a kiss.
“Yes I’m awake. Just been thinking is all.” I said, smiling at her.
“About what?” She asked, a tiny hint of concern in her voice. I laughed to relax the mood.
“Nothing serious.” I said. Turning around, I grabbed her by the hips, dragged her over the top of the couch, and pulled her down on top of me. Her laughter was music in my ears.
“Just don’t think too hard or else you’ll hurt yourself!” Amanda said with a grin.
“Get a room!” Rachel laughed, as we landed on top of her.
“Sorry Rach! Not my fault!” Laughed Amanda, as she fought to escape my grasping hands.
“Not sorry Rach!” I said loudly, snaking my hand into Amanda’s sides. I began to tickle her until I fell off the couch, dragging her with me struggling the whole way. Reaching out, Amanda grabbed Rachel’s leg and dragged her off of the couch too, calling her in for backup.
They both attacked me vigorously until I couldn’t last any longer. Gasping for air, I laughed and struggled.
“I surrender! I surrender!” I shouted. The girls were playing their advantage, but finally they let go on the condition I wouldn’t fight back any more. I agreed and Amanda kissed my forehead.
“Good boy.” She said as she petted my head. Laughing I stood up and we returned to the couch.
“Haven’t been tickled like that before.” I said in genuine amusement, “Just don’t tell anyone you two beat me,” I pled. Which earned laughs from each of the girls.
“If you behave, I’m sure we can keep that to ourselves. Right Rach?” She said, looking over to Rachel with a playful smile.
“I think that could work.” She said with a conspiratorial wink.
“All that tussling has made me hungry!” I said, rubbing my stomach, “How about we get some take out?” I added as I looked at each of the girls in turn.
“Good idea! I don’t really feel up to cooking tonight anyway.” Rachel said. Amanda nodded her agreement.
“Take out it is!” She proclaimed.
Chinese was on the menu this evening and we ate it greedily. “How much longer are you with us James?” Rachel asked through a mouthful of fried rice.
“Probably two more days.” I said, looking over to Amanda who smiled, “I’ll be heading back up to Banff, but I’ll come visit again if you’ll have me.” I added with a smile
“If you’re lucky!” Amanda said, leaning over her food as a dribble of sauce ran down her face.
“Thanks!” I said feigning hurt. “You missed some by the way.” I said, pointing out the sauce on her cheek with a smirk, “Honestly, I’m not sure what I’ll be doing once I get to Banff - whether I stay there for a while or keep on traveling.” I said with seriousness coming into my voice. I looked over at Amanda, “I’ve got other things on my mind at the moment.” I said, smiling softly I turned back to Rachel, “What are you going to do without me around? Back to normal. That’s worrying!” I said, as I dug into my sweet and sour pork.
“Finally some peace and quiet!” She said around a mouth full of food, “It’s been fun having you here.” She added, “Even though you’re a perv!” She said with a wink and a laugh.
My last two days in their house were entertaining. Amanda’s bed was much nicer than sleeping on the futon, but then again we didn’t do too much sleeping. Our lustful romance had been a quick one ever since our dinner, and first night being together.
Everything was moving very fast, and we were with each other every moment we could be. Sadly, Amanda still had to go to work so every chance I got I would run through the streets of LA to do some exploring and get some exercise. It also helped keep my mind off the fact I was leaving soon.
Rachel kept me company the other times and we strengthened our friendship. She was truly a fantastic person, which I mentioned to her on my last day.
“You’re a pretty special girl Rach. Why haven’t you got a guy hanging around? Is it because your feet smell?” I asked, with a completely straight face
“What!?” She yelled in surprise.
“You didn’t know? I’ve been putting up with it, but it’s pretty bad.” I said, still trying to hold my straight face, but failing as a slight smile creased the corner of my mouth.
“Oh, is that right?” She said, as she caught on, “I’m sorry you’ve had to put up with it until now.” She said, thrusting her feet in the direction of my nose with a laugh, “No I just haven’t found the right guy honestly. Where’s my tall dark and handsome Australian?” She asked in pleading tones.
“So… What you’re saying is… I’m tall dark and handsome? You’re too kind.” I chuckled.
“Of course you latched on to that.” She said, trailing off with a laugh and gave my leg a quick familiar pat, “You’re alright.” She added with a smile.
“I should introduce you to my friends in Banff. You’d get your choice of the two.” I said with a grin. “One is Australian, and the other is British, but both are great blokes.” I finished, still grinning.
“Great blokes! That sounds good to me… Mate!” She replied, with her terrible take of the Australian accent. I burst into laughter at the effort, “Bring them with you the next time you visit then.” She said seriously.
“Maybe I will! Not quite sure when that will be, but I’ll be back.” I said, as I thought sadly of how long I would be without Amanda.
“Anyway, let’s stop talking about that. It’ll happen when it happens.” She said. Probably noticing my saddened look.
My flight was booked for six in the morning, and I was fully packed and ready to go. Amanda watched me putting the finishing touches on my bags from her bed, and once done beckoned me to join her. She was going to drop me at the airport in the morning, so we decided to have an early night together.
Once in bed I held her in my arms and gently kissed her. As we lay together I started to speak softly. “I’m going to miss you.” I said.
“I’ll miss you, too.” She replied, just as quietly.
She gripped the back of my head softly with her hand and drew me into a lengthy kiss. We finally fell asleep together with Amanda in my arms and the warmth of her body resting against mine. I was in a peaceful state of mind and slept soundly. Not dreaming of anything, I was completely at ease.
“What do you mean?” Yelled Rachel. I slowly opened my eyes. It was still dark, “No that’s impossible! How?!” Still shouting her voice turned to one of pleading. There was silence for a moment and Amanda touched my face. Looking over at her, I could see the concern in her eyes, “I don’t…” Rachel’s voice came softer now, yet laced heavily with emotion. She was speaking to someone on the phone.
Amanda jumped over me and ran out the door in search of Rachel. Sitting up in bed I wasn’t quite sure what to do. She was crying and I could hear Amanda talking to her trying to sooth whatever had upset her so much. Looking down at my watch I could see it was close to four in the morning.
I had to be up soon if I was going to be at the airport on time. “Dad’s had a heart attack.” I heard her say through her sobs. Her voice muffled probably by Amanda’s shoulder, “He’s on the way to the hospital now.” She was saying.
“I’ll take you there. Get ready sweetie.” Amanda said, taking charge.
As Amanda came back into the room I was already starting to get dressed. Concern for her friend was written all over her face. “I’m sorry James I won’t be able to take you to the airport.” She said, a sad expression on her face.
“I know. Look after Rachel. I’ll be fine!” I replied. Crossing the room to her I scooped her up into my arms. Our parting was not going to be anything like I had envisioned.
I kissed her soundly on the lips and we parted hesitantly until she dashed off to get dressed. She grabbed her keys and came running back to me throwing her arms around me.
“Come back soon. I like you too much to not have you around.” She said, kissing me again, and dashed out the door. I followed her out and saw Rachel coming out o
f her room.
Catching her eye, I walked over and gave her the warmest hug I could muster and a kiss on the cheek. Her eyes were red from tears streaking down her face. She smiled weakly at me.
“I’ll be thinking of you and your father. Take care Rach.” I said, kissing her once more on the forehead.
Watching as the girls sped out of the house, I stood for a moment by myself watching the door. Everything had happened so fast I had to ready myself for the airport and organize a taxi. It didn’t take me long to gather my belongings, and have a ridiculously quick shower just splashing the water over me before drying off. I got dressed again and walked outside.
Locking the door behind me with their spare key I returned it to its hiding place and waited in front of the house before the taxi arrived. After stowing away my luggage, I got in the cab and we drove off. Looking behind me I watched as their house dwindled into the distance. With the street lights still emanating a dull glow I turned forward and didn’t look back again.
Chapter Eleven
This was getting stupid. This was the fourth time I had been seated in row 15! Shaking my head at the coincidence, I settled into my seat next to an elderly man who I assumed sat next to his wife. They were holding hands speaking softly to one another and I couldn’t help but smile.
He was leaning his head close to her ear and she leaned back. The comfort of being in the others presence was notable. Instead of one man and one woman here sat a couple that had been together for the majority of their lives, and it warmed my heart thinking I too may look like that one day.
The elderly woman was wearing a beautifully knitted white cardigan and a cream scarf wrapped around her neck. Her hair was a light shade of blonde, and thinly curled. While the gentleman wore grey dress pants and a deep green sweater. Sitting down I smiled as they looked over to me.
“Hello!” I said politely.
“Hello there young man.” The gentleman responded kindly.
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