by Lanee Lane
"Oh, good because I want to stay with you when I get out of inpatient treatment."
I was not expecting that. I loved my sister, but I didn't know if her staying with me was the best. Uncle Dwight had more room. He also didn't have a girlfriend that he may want to bring back to his place.
"Abby, Uncle Dwight has more space. Plus he cooks and all you'll get with me are basic meat and veggies. I don't get too creative in the kitchen."
"I can cook, and I'll sleep on the couch. You won't even know I'm there."
"I don't know Abs. I don't even think you need to be leaving the facility yet."
"Please, I really think I'll be fine."
She sounded like the little girl that used to ask me for a piggyback ride on our walks home from school. Years of catering to her almost every whim, and feeling like I failed to protect her from the world weighed heavy on me. She was my baby sister, and I wanted her to be comfortable and happy. Even if it went against my better judgment.
"Ok I guess, but if you even think you may need to go back, you need to let us know."
Abigail's face lit up and she clapped her hands.
"Thank you bubby," she wrapped her hands around me for a hug.
She hadn't called me that since before our parents died. I patted her back in return hoping that I was making the right decision.
When I looked over at Penny, I couldn't read her face. She looked distracted in her own world. I reached down and squeezed her hand. She gave mine a small squeeze and a weak smile in return.
If It Isn’t Love
The following Wednesday I met with Noel for a hip-hop dance class. I was proud of us for keeping up with our weekly routine. I was starting to get used to working out and eating more whole foods. My clothes were fitting better and I could feel a difference in my overall energy levels. Some days I struggled with not wanting to workout, or not sticking to my meal plans, but I'm human. I made sure to allow myself treats here and there so I didn't completely lose my mind. Let's face it, I wasn't living life without pizza. Not happening.
The class was an hour long and by the time it was over I was dripping sweat. I felt like I had burned about a billion calories. We chugged water and headed out to the lobby area.
I saw him before he saw me. He was speaking to a member at the front desk. The girl was leaning over the counter listening intently to what Reed was saying. He was behind the counter a few feet away from the woman. I took a moment to admire him. He was so beautiful. Sometimes I still couldn't believe that he was mine. He wasn't just nice to look at, he had such a kind heart. He cared about other people, and that was one of the things I admired most about him.
The woman at the counter was doing everything in her power to keep Reed's attention on her. Never wanting to disappoint or turn a client away I knew that Reed would give her his undivided attention with any health or fitness questions she had.
We were a couple of feet away when Reed spotted us. He waved and when I reached the counter he asked the woman to hold on just a moment.
"Hey," he said as he leaned over the counter and kissed me.
I was still getting used to the whole PDA thing. We weren't obnoxious, but Reed wasn't afraid to hold hands or give me a peck in public. I secretly liked that he staked his claim.
"How was your workout?"
"Exhausting, but good."
"That's always a good sign. Give me just a second. Amanda had a few more questions. Let me finish and I'll walk you to your car. I still have a little while left for my shift, but I can stop by when I get off."
He turned back to Amanda to finish up their conversation. Her whole demeanor changed. I assumed it was due to the fact that she now knew that he wasn't up for grabs and her efforts were wasted. I'd say I felt bad for her, but I'd be lying. With her new found knowledge their conversation ended quickly.
Reed walked me to my car and gave me a more intimate kiss than the one from earlier.
"I'll call you when I'm on my way to your house."
"Sounds good, Noel is coming over and I'm cooking us dinner. I'll make enough for you so that you don't have to cook tonight."
"Thanks, babe, I really appreciate that."
About forty-five minutes later Noel and I were sitting in my living room eating spaghetti made with spaghetti squash instead of pasta. It was one of the many recipes I’d found on Pinterest.
"So, how are things going with lover boy? It looked like the two of you have gotten things smoothed over since the last time we talked."
"We have I think. I have to admit I do have some concerns with his sister. I had dinner with him, his uncle, and his sister and she was pretty standoffish with me. I don't know if it’s because she doesn't know me or if she’s used to being number one in Reed's life."
"Hmm, it could be either or both. Especially if he’s always been there for her, she may be threatened by you. She could be afraid you’re going to take her place."
"It makes no sense though because she hasn't even seen him in years. He could have been married with children by now. What would she have done then?"
"You have a good point there. I can't see how she wouldn't warm up to you, Pen. You're freaking awesome. I mean you're friends with me so clearly you have good taste."
"Your head couldn't get any bigger if it tried. Anyway, another concern I had was she was in rehab for drug use, but she only stayed for a week. She insisted on getting out. Reed and his uncle were against. Then instead of staying with her uncle, she begged Reed to stay with him. I think this may be a recipe for disaster."
"Yikes, it doesn't sound good. No one gets over an addiction that quickly. Reed is going to have to grow a backbone when it comes to that girl. It sounds like she’s ready to come in and take over."
"That's exactly what I'm afraid of. I'm trying to give her the benefit of the doubt because I've only met her once. I'm definitely going to stay on guard. I just get a bad vibe."
A knock sounded at the door and I went to grab it. I knew it was Reed. As soon as the door opened he grabbed me and pulled me into a kiss. His hands roamed to cup my behind.
A throat cleared and Reed pulled back.
"Oh, hey Noel. Sorry about that."
"No need to apologize. It was kind of hot. I need to go find a guy to manhandle me like that."
"Good grief Noel. Have you no shame? Wait nevermind, I've known you forever and I know the answer to that question."
Reed just laughed.
Noel had her purse in hand and slid past us and out the front door.
"Text me tomorrow, Pen."
With that, she was gone.
"If you want to sit on the couch, I'll bring you your dinner."
Reed made himself comfortable while I went into the kitchen to fix him a plate. When I returned, he was flipping through the channels. He wasn't staying on any one channel long enough to even see what was playing. His attention wasn’t on the T.V.
I set the plate and a bottle of water on the coffee table. I tucked one leg under me and sat facing him on the couch. My hand ran up his muscular arm and began to knead his shoulders. They were full of tension.
"Is everything ok? Do you want to talk about anything?"
He let out a long breath.
"It's just everything that’s going on with Abby. Although her moving in with me wasn't my number one option for her I didn't want to say no, you know? I know she’s been gone a while, but she's still my baby sister. I'll always love her."
"I understand that. You’re in a stressful situation."
I wanted to be open minded about everything and not put too much of my two cents into the matter. I wanted him to know I was there for him, but family matters could be a touchy subject. I knew that all too well.
"I just hope that I'm making the right decision. I love my sister, but I also don't want anything else to interfere with me being able to spend time with you. Having my little sister in my house is a bit of a cock block."
I had to giggle at that. Reed was rarel
y that blunt. I kind of liked it.
"Well my door is always open, and so is my bed." My voice was playful.
I saw heat flash in Reed's eyes.
"Is that an invitation, Miss Crowder?"
"It's whatever you'd like it to be."
His lips were on mine before I could blink my eyes.
He gently laid me back on the couch. The weight of his solid body felt good on my softer one. I felt myself getting wet. I hadn't expected anything other than hanging out tonight, but I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about our first time together every day. I wanted to help relieve his stress. If only for a little while.
I broke the kiss and motioned for Reed to sit up. Frustration flashed on his face before he schooled his features. I started to stand up. He grabbed my hand and cocked his eyebrow in question. Instead of answering him I kneeled down in front of him.
My hands skimmed up his tights and under his basketball shorts. His breathing became more labored. I peered up to see his eyes were half closed. His hooded gaze was on me. More accurately down my shirt. He smiled a sexy grin when I caught him looking.
I cupped his erection through his boxers and his breath hitched. I loved the sounds he made when he was turned on. I removed my hands from his shorts and hooked my fingers in the waistband. He lifted his hips and allowed me to slide his boxers and shorts down his legs. His hard-on sprang to attention as soon as it was free.
Licking my lips I looked up at him through my lashes. His head was rested on the back of the couch and his eyes were closed. He looked so relaxed. That's exactly how I wanted him. My tongue licked from the base of his cock to the tip. He gasped and I took that as a sign that he liked what I was doing. Taking his full length in, I worked my mouth and tongue drawing pleasure filled moans from him.
"Fuck, Pen. Your mouth is perfect."
His hips began to buck feverishly. I knew he was getting close. Hell, I could feel my own panties becoming soaked. Seeing him so free and turned on was satisfying. I loved that I could make him feel good and forget about his stress for a moment.
"Penelope," Reed rasped out before he took me by my forearms and pulled me up.
"Why'd you stop me?"
"I'm not stopping you, sweetheart. We're just getting started. I when I com, I want to come inside of that beautiful body of yours. The way things were going I was about to explode."
I knew my smile was taking over half of my face. Someone as beautiful, kind, and as smart as Reed coming undone by me was one of the best compliments I could receive.
"Straddle me, Pen. I want to see your gorgeous breast while you ride me."
I’d never been on top before. I was a little nervous to try. Reed must have seen the uncertainty on my face. He leaned forward and pulled my shorts and panties down like I did to him. His fingers grazed across my slit.
"Pen, baby you're so wet." He brought his fingers to his nose and inhaled. As if that wasn't enough, he stuck his fingers into his mouth and licked my juices off. "Delicious."
Fuck me.
He leaned forward and grabbed my ass with both hands pulling me down on top of him. He pulled my shirt over my head exposing my bare breasts. Strong hands kneaded them while while his mouth went back-and-forth licking and sucking each nipple. I thought I would cum just from that alone.
"Reed, I can't take anymore. I need you, please,"
My voice was pleading. I couldn't help myself. I’d never felt a need this intense, this raw.
He released my breasts and grabbed for his wallet he’d set on the side table. He pulled out a condom, opened it, and rolled it on in record speed.
"After our first time, I made sure I'd always be prepared."
His hands went to my hips. He helped guide me onto his cock. I lowered onto him allowing him to fill me. He felt so good. We moaned in unison when he was snug inside of me.
"Pen, you’re so damn tight."
I rocked my hips back and forth in response. His mouth found my neck, and he trailed open mouth kisses down to my collar bone. His hands were still on my waist moving with my body. A warmth was slowly building from my core and working its way up.
The sounds of our bodies colliding together filled the room. I closed my eyes savoring every second. I began to move quicker using my legs to help propel me up and down. He hips lifted from the couch matching me thrust for thrust.
I could feel the orgasm building with every move. A scream escaped, and I gripped Reed's shoulders. A wave of emotion overcame me as my orgasam took over. My body began to tremble, and tears forming in my eyes. I was overcome with pure pleasure and joy.
Reed wasn't far behind letting out a very manly grunt.
I collapsed onto his chest. I was spent, but I loved it.
Reed held me and rubbed his hands up and down my back. My head rested in the crook of his neck. One of his hands came up to my face and he wiped his thumb under my eyes.
"Why are you crying, baby?"
I sniffled and took in a big gulp of air.
"I don't know. I'm just really happy I guess."
"So those are tears of happiness? Not tears because you want to kick me out of here?"
I lifted my head and looked into his eyes.
"They’re definitely tears of happiness. I don't want you to go anywhere. You make me feel ways that I never imagined I could. I don't know how to deal with these feelings."
Reed kissed my forehead and pulled me in for a hug. His chin rested on the top of my head and I relished in the feeling.
"Sweetheart, you deserve to feel these type of feelings. You are so special. I'm both happy and privileged that I'm the one that gets to make you feel this way. You make me feel things too."
"I do?"
"You do. Things I'm probably too scared to admit to myself right now."
Oh, my goodness, what did that mean? Could it be possible that Reed loved me? I didn't think so. We hadn't known each other long enough. If I was honest with myself my feelings were probably past the like phase. I couldn't think about it right now. It was too much, and I was already feeling some raw emotions.
We stayed like that on my couch holding each other and talking quite a while. Reed's phone buzzed breaking our intimate bubble.
"It's Abby. I better answer it just in case."
The conversation was quick. Reed's demeanor shifted.
"Babe, I'm so sorry, but I think I have to head home. Abby seemed kind of weird on the phone. I don't know if she was scared or what, but I better not leave her alone."
My heart sunk, but I forced myself not to pout. .
"It's ok. I know you have responsibilities."
Although I knew it, I still didn't like it.
He slid his clothes back on and I walked him to the door. He gave me a lingering kiss that I felt to my core.
Cupping my face he said, "I'll call you tomorrow."
When I went back into my living room, I realized he'd never eaten his dinner.
Third Wheel
Things seemed to be getting back on track with Reed. He’d been making an effort to text me in the morning and throughout the day. We saw each other several times over the next week. The days that we didn't get to see each other he made sure to call me before bed. We hadn't gotten to have any more sleepovers. I was a bit disappointed. I enjoyed snuggling up with him at night, but I knew that it was a crucial time for his sister
I was deep into one of my latest projects when my phone rang. I had half a mind to ignore but decided against it. I had been working for a solid two hours. A little brain break would do me good.
"Hello?"
I couldn't deny the giddy feeling I got when I saw his name on my screen.
"Hey beautiful, how's your day going?"
"So far so good. I've been pretty productive so I'm happy about that."
"That's good, babe. Have you eaten lunch yet?"
"No, I haven't. I lost track of time, actually."
"I'm in your neck of the woods. Would you want to have lunch wit
h me?"
Was he kidding me? Of course, I'd like to have lunch with him. I'd love to have him for lunch, but I'd take what I could get.
"Sure, where do you want to go?"
"I don't care. Where ever you want to go is fine. I'm downstairs in the lobby. We can walk somewhere close from here."
My heart picked up speed knowing that he was so close.
"That sounds good. There’s a little deli that sells soups, salads, and sandwiches. We can walk over there. I'll be right down."
I grabbed my purse and headed to the ladies room for a quick freshen up. I checked my makeup in the mirror reapplying my lipstick and adding a coat of mascara. I didn't know why I was nervous to see him. He’d seen me sweaty in workout clothes a ton of times.
He was sitting in a chair by the window when I got to the lobby. When he saw me he stood up and started toward me. His smile was radiant and all for me. Gah, I felt lucky to have such an awesome man that cared about me.
When we reached each other, he wrapped me up in his arms and kissed me with passion and an unspoken need. I knew because I felt it too. I forgot that we were in my place of business and melted into his touch. When he pulled away, I looked down at my feet.
"I can't believe I just did that in the lobby of my office building."
He raised my face to look up at him.
"Never be embarrassed to express how you feel. Who cares if it’s at work. At least they know you’re happy. Plus it's not like we were getting it on for all the world to see."
"Reed!" I couldn't help but laugh at his bluntness.
He gave me his gorgeous smile, clasped his hand with mine, and pulled me toward the door. The sun was high in the sky. There were a few white puffs scattered across the otherwise blue sky. I tilted my head back and allowed the sun to warm my face. I wanted to laugh. I felt like a complete lunatic because there wasn't anything funny. I was just truly happy. That was something I hadn't felt in a long time. I had Reed to thank for so much of that.
"What has you over there smiling and giggling?"
I swung our arms back and forth between us as we walked.