by Tracey Smith
“You look like a kid who just got caught with his hand in the cookie jar.” She giggled. The analogy made me laugh too.
“Are you okay?” I asked her, still a little apprehensive.
In response she leaned forward and kissed me.
“I’ve never been better.” She whispered against my lips. It sent shivers through me.
“Want some breakfast?” She asked jumping out of bed and throwing on an oversized t-shirt.
“You don’t have to cook for me.” I said
“I like cooking.” She told me as she headed toward the door. “You can take a shower if you like.” She said gesturing to the bathroom door. “I’ll be in the kitchen.” And with that she was gone.
I lay there for a few minutes allowing the pleasure of the moment to wash over me. Last night had been passion like I’d never experienced, but this, this love and warmth and utter happiness was more than I’d ever hoped for. She was more than I’d ever thought to hope for. I had dreamt of her beauty but I’d never imagined the depth of her kindness, her sincerity and her ability to love. Everything I’d ever wanted had been delivered to me in this moment. I was purely and utterly happy.
I decided to shower before meeting her for breakfast. I had just stepped into the shower when the door opened behind me.
“I decided to join you.” Katherine said standing there in front of me completely naked again, her big t-shirt on the floor at her feet.
I stepped aside to let her climb in beside me. She tilted her head back to let the water run through her hair. I admired how perfect her body was as I leaned against the wall of the small shower watching her. As she stood there with her head leaned back into the water, her eyes closed, her back arched, water glistening as it ran down her body I couldn’t imagine anyone ever looking as beautiful as she did in that moment.
Then she opened her eyes and looked at me igniting a heat inside me the way only she could. I took a step closer to her and she wrapped her arms around my waist pressing her body against mine. She laid her head against my chest and I hugged her to me. We stood like that for what seemed like hours, just holding each other in a tight embrace with the hot water streaming down over our bodies.
Eventually she pulled her head away from my chest and looked up at me. I leaned down to kiss her. As we kissed she ran her fingertips gently up and down my back sending tingles through my body. Our kissing intensified. I turned our bodies so that the hot water was against my back and her back was against the wall. I leaned in pressing her against the wall as we kissed.
She raised one leg to wrap it around my waist bracing herself against the wall. I ran my hand down her stomach as I kissed her, until I reached the warm center between her legs. I felt that she was ready for me. I slid my hand over to grab her other leg and lifted her body so that she could wrap both legs around me. I entered her as she clung to me tightly. Her arms were wrapped around my neck and I held her thighs pressing her into the wall as I moved against her. She kissed my neck and moaned softly in my ear. I pulled my head back so that I could look into her eyes. It felt like we were staring into each other’s souls as our bodies moved in unison.
I had never felt so completely connected to another person. I didn’t want the moment to end. It did end though, rather abruptly, as the hot water turned cold. We both screamed at the shock of the cold water hitting our hot bodies. We pulled apart and I quickly turned the water off as she jumped out of the shower. She handed me a towel laughing as I stepped out of the shower with her. We both laughed as we dried off and the romantic mood seemed lost for the moment.
I walked to her bed and sat on the edge. She surprised me by following and standing in front of me. She was still naked and the way she stood in front of me her breasts were only inches from my face. I reached for her running my hands along her thighs, up her sides and finally cupping her breasts. I leaned forward and kissed her breasts as I held them in my hands. She ran her fingers through my hair and then pulled my head back away from her body. I looked up at her face confused. Did she want me to stop?
She quickly quieted my fear as she straddled my lap and lowered herself down on me. She took me inside her easily this time and immediately began moving her hips against me. She kissed me urgently as I caressed her back. I moved farther onto the bed lying down. She remained sitting on top of me rocking her body back and forth. She arched her back and threw her head back closing her eyes. She moaned loudly as her movements became faster. With each thrust she pushed me deeper inside of her.
I held on to the edge of the precipice until I felt her tighten around me, then I erupted inside her and she brought her body down against mine as she shuddered with pleasure. She remained lying on top of me for several minutes with our bodies still connected as we tried to catch our breaths.
Once we were both breathing normally again she rolled to her side and laid her head on my chest. I gently rubbed her back as we lay together for a few minutes longer.
“Breakfast?” She finally asked and my stomach growled in response making us both laugh.
Chapter 21: Soul Mates
If I could have spent all my time making love to Michael I would have been perfectly content. But we both had lives to lead, businesses to run. I had the bakery and he had his painting. We couldn’t spend all our time wrapped in each other’s arms as much as we both would have loved to.
Michael went back to his list of clients and occupied his days painting murals all around the city. I still loved my shop and loved being there, even if he wasn’t with me. If I had to spend time away from him, I couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be.
When I got home at night he was always waiting for me. Some nights we stayed in my apartment, other nights in his, but every night we were together. I barely slept anymore, but I didn’t mind. Michael and I would stay up late into the night talking, sharing stories from our lives and learning about each other. When we weren’t talking we were making love. I never imagined I could ever be so happy. My life finally felt complete, nothing was lacking anymore.
Sundays were my favorite day. The bakery was closed and it was the only time that Michael and I could spend the whole day together. Most Sundays we would sleep in late, and then make breakfast together. Some days we never made it out of bed.
One Sunday we decided to invite our friends over for dinner. I still saw Amy every day at the bakery, but I hadn’t done anything with her and Dan since I’d met Michael over a month ago. And he hadn’t even seen his friends Charlie and Claire since we’d met. He’d told me all about them and I was very excited to meet them.
“What time is everyone getting here?” Michael asked hugging my back and peeking over my shoulder at the apricot glaze I was making.
“Around 5.” I told him stirring the sauce.
“So we have a little time?” He asked suggestively pressing his hips against my backside.
I turned the stove off and moved the sauce off the burner. I turned around in his arms to face him.
“What did you have in mind?” I asked our faces only inches apart.
He grabbed my waist and spun us around so he could lift me up onto the counter. He kissed me and for a moment I forgot everything else. I wrapped my legs around him and kissed him back. After a few minutes the oven timer reminded me that I had a dinner to prepare.
I reluctantly pulled away from Michael and hopped down off the counter. I pulled the pork roast out of the oven and brushed the apricot glaze over it then put it back in. I reset the timer for another 30 minutes and turned to look into Michael’s expectant eyes. I didn’t need to say anything, he swept me up into his arms and carried me to the bedroom.
I undressed quickly, knowing exactly what I wanted, but he wouldn’t let me rush. He pushed me down onto the bed and held me there while his hands and mouth explored my body. The anticipation grew and I writhed beneath his touch. He teased me with soft kisses and light touches that only intensified the burning all consuming passion I felt.
; Slowly deliberately he kissed every inch of my body until I finally couldn’t stand it any longer. I sat up twisting our bodies around and pushing him onto the bed beneath me. He smiled at my aggressiveness as I pulled his clothes off and climbed on top of him.
I decided to tease him a little too as I hovered over him only allowing him to enter me slightly. I smiled at the anguish on his face as he strained to push deeper inside me but I held my position suspended above him. I saw the desire flash in his eyes as he pulled my face down to his and crushed his mouth against mine. I lost all control and brought my body down fully against his allowing him to enter me completely. We both moaned simultaneously at the pleasure of our bodies joining together.
Immediately we began rocking against each other, moving at a feverish pace. I couldn’t move fast enough, hard enough to satisfy my need for him. He flipped me onto my back and pulled my legs up over his shoulders. In this position he was able to push even deeper inside of me. I raised my hips to take all of him in. We moved against each other frantically, faster and harder with each thrust until finally our bodies both shook with pleasure and we collapsed against each other. Seconds later the oven timer went off.
“Dinner’s ready” He panted, and we both laughed.
I pulled the roast out of the oven and then we both jumped in the shower to get ready for our guests that would be arriving soon.
Amy and Dan were the first to arrive. I introduced Michael and Dan and left them to talk while Amy and I went to the kitchen to finish preparing dinner.
“How can I help?” Amy asked looking around the kitchen
“You can get the snap peas ready while I make the orange-ginger butter.” I told her. She eagerly accepted her assignment and started breaking the tips off the peas.
“You seem happy.” She said as we worked in the kitchen.
“I am.” I told her
“Do you love him?” She asked
“Yes.” I answered without hesitation.
I looked up to see her reaction and she was smiling.
“If it was anyone else I wouldn’t believe that they were in love after only a month with someone, but you’ve never been like anyone else Katherine.” She smiled at me “You’ve never been one to fall easily, that’s for sure.”
We both laughed, but her comment made me think of Jared. I remembered how upset he’d looked the last time I’d seen him at her wedding.
“Jared is seeing someone now too.” Amy told me as if she’d read my thoughts.
“That’s wonderful!” I exclaimed.
I was so relieved to know that I hadn’t scarred him permanently. I thought back to that time when I had felt incapable of love. I had been so wrong. Michael had shown me how intensely I could love someone, how intensely I could love him.
Just then Michael came into the kitchen to tell me that Charlie and Claire had arrived. Amy had just finished cooking the snap peas and I tossed them with the butter, carved the roast and dinner was served.
Introductions were made all around the table. It was so nice to have everyone I loved sitting together. Amy was my best friend. She and Dan were the closest thing to a family I had ever had. I was so glad to finally be meeting Charlie and Claire, I could tell from the way Michael spoke of them that they meant a lot to him.
I knew Michael was happy to see his friends too. We had been so absorbed in each other lately that we hadn’t spent time with anyone else. Having all of our friends over tonight made everything feel complete.
“So where did you guys meet?” Claire asked as we ate.
I looked at Michael and we both smiled. Normally that should be an easy question to answer.
“Well I guess at my bakery… technically.” I answered and Michael and I both laughed.
“Didn’t you make my wedding cake?” Claire asked looking confused.
“Yes I did.”
“I knew you looked familiar,” Claire said “Didn’t you meet at the wedding?”
“Not exactly” I replied, wondering how to explain.
“You’re the girl from the coffee shop.” Charlie interjected.
“What?” Claire looked more confused than ever.
“Back at UCSD there was a girl in a coffee shop that Michael kept staring at one night.” Charlie recalled “It was the night you found out about your mom, just before you took off.” He said to Michael “She’s the girl isn’t she?”
“Yeah, she’s the girl.” Michael said smiling at me and reaching for my hand. “That was the first night Michael and I saw each other.” I explained. “We saw each other again at your wedding. But we didn’t actually meet until a month ago when he painted a mural at my bakery.”
“That’s so romantic.” Claire gushed smiling at both of us.
“I’m just glad Katherine’s finally getting a life!” Amy joked. “I was beginning to lose hope”
“I know exactly what you mean.” Claire exclaimed rolling her eyes toward Michael and everyone laughed.
The six of us got along perfectly. We ate dinner in my apartment and then we all went upstairs to Michael’s place so he could show Charlie and Claire some of his latest paintings. Recently he had begun painting small canvases again. Most were portraits I had posed for, but they were so much more beautiful than I actually was. Michael was such a talented painter.
“Did you tell Katherine the good news yet?” Dan asked Amy as we all sat down to have some wine.
“What good news?” I asked her, she looked a little nervous.
“I’ve been offered a job as a fashion consultant for a teen magazine.” Amy told me looking down at her glass.
“That’s wonderful!” I exclaimed.
She beamed a big smile and looked relieved.
“I couldn’t believe it when I got the call.” She gushed
“I believe it.” I told her “It was only a matter of time before someone recognized your talent.”
“They want me to start in two weeks.” She said a little quieter, looking down at her glass again.
“You’re going to be fantastic!” I told her.
“But what are you going to do?” She asked looking back up at me.
“I’ll hire someone.” I shrugged. “I’ll put some fliers up at the institute. There are plenty of eager culinary students looking for a job.”
“I feel so guilty leaving you.” Amy cried.
“I’ll be fine.” I assured her. “I’ll miss you, but this is what you’re supposed to be doing. You were meant for fashion, not cookies.” I laughed and got up to hug her.
“I’ll miss you too.” Amy was really crying now, but I wouldn’t let her feel bad about this. I was so proud of her.
“I am so excited for you! Tell me all about it.” I exclaimed trying to steer the conversation back towards a happy tone. It worked and Amy started telling us all about her new job.
After a few bottles of wine and several hours of conversation everyone began looking tired. Tomorrow was Monday and we all had places to be in the morning, so reluctantly we said goodnight. I couldn’t have been happier with how the evening had gone. Michael felt more a part of me than ever. Everything about our lives had blended so naturally, I couldn’t imagine my life without him.
“I love you.” He whispered to me as we lay in bed that night.
“I love you too” I replied as I nestled my head against his chest. He sighed.
“It was fun having everyone over tonight.”
“Yeah, I’m glad everyone got along so well.”
“Me too, it’s important for the in-laws to get along.”
“Amy and Dan really are the closest thing to a family that I’ve ever had, it means so much to me that you love them too.” I told him.
“What did happen to your family Katherine?” Michael asked me.
“They died.”
I realized he already knew that, but I wasn’t sure exactly how to respond.
“How?” He probed.
This was the one thing we hadn’t talked about. I h
ad told him everything else about my life, but not this. He had never asked before, and now that he had I didn’t know what to tell him. I hadn’t ever talked about that day with anyone, not even the counselors I was forced to see as a child. I wasn’t sure if I could talk about it now.
“I was only five, I don’t remember it very well.” I started to tell him, and he wrapped his arms around me comfortingly.
“My parents had taken me to a museum and there was a terrible accident.”
I felt his body stiffen as I said this. Confused I lifted my head to look at him. His face was pale and his eyes were wide.
“I was there.” He whispered.
I didn’t understand.
“What do you mean?” I asked
“I was ten years old and I was at a museum with my parents… I saw the sculpture fall… I was there.”
Tears were running down my face as I listened to his words. The room started spinning. I sat up in bed and hugged my knees to my chest. I couldn’t focus my mind. It was racing. Images from that horrible day flashed in my mind. My parents, my father’s smile, my mother’s eyes, and… and blue eyes. Michael’s eyes. I turned to face him again and tears were running down his face too.
“How?” Was all I could manage to say in between sobs.
He wrapped his arms around me again and rocked slowly rubbing my back as I cried against his chest.
“I remember seeing you.” I finally said after my crying had slowed “I remembered your eyes. I realize now that’s what caught my attention in the coffee shop.” My head was still tucked against his chest and he held me tightly as I spoke.
“You looked at me that day.” His voice was distant and hoarse, I realized he was still crying too. “We looked into each other’s eyes right before it fell…”
“I remember.” I whispered.
“I haven’t talked about that day since it happened.” He told me “My parents refused to talk about it. I always wondered what happened to you. I saw your father try to throw you to safety, but I never knew…” He trailed off, and I looked up at him.