“Deal.”
“Let’s go home.” I carried her to the truck. “I meant my house, by the way.”
“I know. Although, since I have all of my studio supplies there, I consider the shop half mine.”
“For some strange reason that doesn’t bother me at all.” I kissed her forehead. “Weird?”
“Not weird at all. You like me.” The way she spoke the word caused me to snort.
“I do, especially when you revert to being a teenage girl.”
Her eyes widened.
“Wait, that didn’t come out right at all.”
Her laughter joined my own as we drove the short distance to my house.
ONE EVENING HAILEY and I sat sprawled in the chairs on my porch, watching a warm spring rain drip off the eaves. Each day further trapped me in the web she wove around my heart. I couldn’t remember a reason why I’d resisted this. She never made demands and I didn’t feel the urge to run or deflect. I fell into dating Hailey like falling off a boat: panicked and fighting at the beginning but floating on the surface with little effort once I accepted I was in the water.
My fingers traced a random pattern on her arm, and she rested her feet across my lap.
Over the past two months, we’d survived going public with parents and siblings, work, and friends. It had all gone well, better than I imagined. No one screamed or tore their clothes when they learned I was off the market. There had been shock, disbelief, and laughter over the idea of me settling down, but all in all, uneventful.
With the exception of Ashley. I hadn’t seen or heard from her. Her silence worried me. I hadn’t expected her congratulations, I wasn’t that egotistical. Or delusional. I anticipated some reaction from her, especially after Lori’s insight.
Then again, no one expects a package of hamburger meat to the head.
I ran into Ashley while grocery shopping. I had been standing in the meat section when the sound of stomping feet approached. I glanced up and got a package of ground beef straight in the face.
“What the hell?” I asked.
“You, Tom Donnely, are an asshole.” Her hands rested on her hips and she glared at me.
I picked up the cellophane enclosed tray and set it in the case. “I’m sure many would agree with you, but can you give me the reason this time?” I knew the answer, but I figured she would feel better getting it off her chest in person, in front of the butcher, Connie, Sally, and Sandy, who all conveniently stood off to the side.
“You ladies need some popcorn for the show?” I called over to them.
“No, we’re good,” Sandy said. “Carry on.”
I closed my eyes and shook my head. “Can we do this somewhere less public?”
“Oh, no, this is perfect.” Ashley showed her teeth.
“Great,” I muttered to myself and braced for the floor show.
“You. You and I were alike. No strings, no commitments, no dating. I got you. I never asked for anything more. I waited. I bided my time.”
“We were friends, Ashley. For years.”
She snorted. “Right. Friends.”
“What else would you call it? We hung out, we enjoyed each other’s company and had fun.” I kept my voice low. It didn’t matter with our attentive audience gathered around us. I thought I saw Connie with her phone pointed in our direction. Sandy’s fingers flew across the screen of her own phone. Great. One of them was probably live Tweeting this entire conversation.
“Ashley, please don’t. You’re better than a big dramatic scene using meat as a weapon. You’re a cool girl. I’m not the right guy.”
“You weren’t the right guy for anyone. You’re not the boyfriend type!” Her voice rose to screech level. “What does Hailey have that I don’t? A magical vagina?”
Soft gasps came from the peanut gallery. I stared at the ceiling, my nose flaring as I tried to count.
“I’m not doing this here.” I set my basket on the floor and marched toward the entrance.
“And another thing?” Ashley called from behind me.
“What?” I paused and turned, waiting for another round of crazy-woman.
“You’re banned from the coffee huts. Don’t come around asking for your morning hit or afternoon pick-me-up anymore.” She spun on her heel and stomped past me, knocking over a display of paper towels on the way out of the store.
Someone clapped at the end of the aisle. I needed to get out of here.
“So it’s official with you and Hailey King?” Connie’s voice dripped with sweetness. “We’re so happy to hear the good news.”
What did I say? Thanks? I rubbed my ear and shook my head. “Okay then, I’ll let her know you send your congratulations,” I responded politely, slowly backing away until I reached the far end of the aisle.
Outside, I inhaled fresh air and stood in the misty rain for a moment before I texted Hailey the short version.
*You missed a great new performance of This is Tom’s Life at Payless Foods, starring Ashley as the angry woman. Chorus played by the Island Gossips.*
*I heard it was amazing and people applauded at the end.*
*What?*
*Connie sent me the video. You’re very handsome in that flannel. Come over and I’ll give you an afternoon pick-me-up.*
*Oops. Forgot the ;) *
I smiled despite the ridiculous situation. Damnit, I loved her.
My breath caught in my throat.
I loved her.
The new truth washed over me.
I was in love.
FOR THIRTY-THREE YEARS, I shared my birthday with Pops on May 18th. Hence the middle name and our close bond. To honor him, I decided to go fishing since we never got another season out on the water together. However, Hailey had other plans for the weekend. Plans she enlisted John and my family to execute. They were all in cahoots together, plotting to take me down, rejoicing in my demise, and reveling in my comeuppance.
Instead of John and my dad meeting me at the marina Friday afternoon, Hailey stood at my slip when I walked down the dock. Gorgeous in some sort of flowing, non-boat appropriate dress, she could have been one of those old ship prow figureheads.
“Surprise!”
I hated surprises.
“I’m kidnapping you for the weekend.”
“With my own boat?” I asked warily, stopping a few yards away.
“Don’t find flaws in my plot.” She closed the distance between us and gave me a soft kiss.
“Okay. Where are you forcing me to take you?” I dropped my bag and pulled her against me.
She stuck out her tongue. “I’m not telling you.”
“How will we get there?” I kissed her and sucked her tongue into my mouth.
“It’s a need to know basis. Right now, all you need to know is to head north up Saratoga Passage.”
“Okay, that doesn’t really limit our options.”
“Maybe I’m taking you to China.”
“We’ll never make it to work on Monday.”
“Fine. Not China.”
“Canada?”
“Nope. Quit stalling. This will be fun. The MB is all stocked thanks to your dad.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” I swept my arm in front of her. “After you.”
Clouds blocked the sun before we hit Oak Harbor and the wind created white-caps on the water. After crawling into the queen size berth, Hailey changed into jeans and a down jacket. She handed me a vest and my knit hat. The calendar said mid-May, but this felt like an early spring storm brewing.
I checked the tide chart and determined we’d miss the slack water when we hit Deception Pass. I hated going through the pass with its eddies, rip currents, and the stray logs swirling through the racing, choppy water. At least the tide would be against us. More work, but more control meant an easier passage.
Flanked by steep, rocky cliffs dotted with pines, we passed under the twin arched spans of the bridge. I steered us closer to the southern shore and slowed, wondering if she remembered
the last time we were at the park. I know I’d never forget our picnic table.
“Having happy memories?” she asked, stepping close enough so I could wrap an arm around her.
I squeezed her closer. “I am. One of the best motorcycle rides of my life.”
“I’d hope so. Do most of them have head at the halfway point?”
“Only the best ones.” I dragged my teeth over the line of her jaw. “Speaking of, even though my birthday isn’t until tomorrow, when do I get my birthday blow job?”
She snorted in response. “Is that a thing?”
“It isn’t now, but I think it should be a new tradition.”
Her fingers traced my growing wood, its outline clear through my jeans. “Where did you have in mind?”
I blinked at her, not understanding the question. “The usual place. In your mouth.”
“No, I meant on the boat or later.”
I steered us around the small islands to the north and into the calm water of Rosario Bay before dropping anchor. “Here works fine.”
I kissed her while turning to face her in the small aisle between the captain’s chair and the dinette. With the poor weather, we were the only boat in the bay, giving us all of the privacy in the world. I gave her a devilish grin and lightly pushed on her shoulders until she caught on and knelt in front of me.
Sexist, chauvinistic, whatever some people might call it, there was something so hot about seeing a woman on her knees in front of me. Unless she was standing and bending at the waist, nothing beat this view.
She pulled down my zipper and kissed me through my boxers before her warm breath brushed against me. Once again her hot mouth contrasted with the cool air as she licked and sucked. Her eyes fixed on mine for a few seconds and I almost lost it. Unexpected emotions crashed over me. I touched her cheek and fought the urge to tell her how I felt. Her hand stroked my base, adding to the sensation of her mouth. She hummed and I felt it vibrate deep under my skin. In this position, I couldn’t touch enough of her. Other than her head and face, the rest of her was too far out of reach.
A brilliant idea popped into my head.
“Stop,” I whispered.
She obeyed and sat on her heels, with her hand still around my shaft. “What?” She released me.
“I have a better idea.” I held out my hand to help her stand, then pulled her into the berth with me. Struggling out of my jeans, I unbuttoned her shirt at the same time. My multi-tasking resulted in a tangle of limbs and clothes, and was completely unproductive.
“Take off your jeans,” I said, attempting to remove my boots.
“It’s cold.” She pouted, but complied.
“I’ll warm you up.”
Once naked, I pulled her on top of me. She rubbed herself against me while we kissed, but I had other plans. “Flip around,” I said with a small slap to her ass.
She paused in nipping and biting my neck.
“Flip around,” I said, again, this time with a slightly harder slap.
She wiggled her ass, but didn’t move.
I pinched her nipple and she yelped, but scrambled to change her position. Her mouth found my dick again and I trailed my tongue between her thighs, using my hands to open her to me.
Inside our small cocoon, only the sound of water splashing the sides of the boat and rain falling on the deck above us, we licked, sucked, and kissed our way to simultaneous orgasms. I was certain our moans carried over the water and anyone on the shore could have heard us, but in the moment it felt like we were the only two people in the world.
The storm delayed us in the bay for an hour until finally letting up enough to let a weak sun break the clouds. Under the covers inside of the cabin, we watched the light brighten through the hatch above our heads. She lay across me, and I drew lazy circles on her arms and down her spine.
“So far this is the best birthday of my life.”
“Didn’t you get this boat for one of your birthdays?” she asked without lifting her head.
“I did. Still this one beats it.”
“And didn’t you get your land when you turned twenty-five?”
“Yep. This one’s still my favorite.”
“Spending it in Rosario Bay in a storm?”
I paused my movements until she turned her head to focus on me. “I’m spending it with you.”
A slow, blinding smile lit up her face. “Better than the best birthday cake?”
I nodded and licked the corner of my mouth. “Sweeter, too.”
The blush I loved spread across her cheeks.
“We could stay here,” she suggested. “Although, I’m not sure we have any real food, but there’s wine.”
“Where are we going, by the way? Have I mentioned I hate surprises?”
“You seem to like this one so far.” Her hand trailed over my navel and further south, teasing me until I stirred.
I gripped her fingers. “Okay, I’m liking this surprise, but you need to tell me where we’re going so I can get us there.”
A shy smile tugged at her mouth. “Oh, some place up in the San Juans.” She shifted so she could kiss me.
I opened my lips and my tongue brushed hers, the kiss escalating quickly. She climbed over me and lifted my hands to my shoulders, lacing her fingers with mine, and trapping me between her thighs. I could have escaped if I wanted, but I wasn’t a fool.
“Where in the San Juans? Friday Harbor?” I asked.
“No,” she whispered against my lips.
“Visiting the nuns on Shaw?” I rolled my hips into her.
“So wrong to bring up the good Sisters while naked and grinding yourself into me.” She met my thrusts. “Don’t you think?”
With the right angle I could slip inside of her, if she lifted her hips a little. Reading my mind, she did. I moaned and her breath caught in her throat when I thrust deep within her.
She sat up, but held my hands. Her cheeks were flushed and her nipples peaked.
“You’re beautiful,” I said because it was true.
Her full lips were swollen from my mouth.
“I love your mouth,” I said.
She smiled.
“I love your boobs.”
She pursed her lips.
“I love there is a flower the exact shade of your nipples.”
She blushed.
“I love being naked with you, but I love when you’re clothed, too.”
She leaned forward to kiss my lips, lifting our hands to her boobs and releasing mine. I held her soft weight and gently squeezed.
Still moving above me, but not racing toward her release, she stared into my eyes. In the swirls of green and gold, I saw her heart, and my future.
“I love all of you.” I closed my eyes because I hadn’t wanted to say those words for the first time during sex. What an asshole move. I had plans. Big, elaborate, cheesy plans involving candles and a fancy dinner, and maybe flowers and music. Feeling like a noob, I opened my eyes and my mouth to apologize.
“I love you, Tom.” Her words shattered me.
“I love you,” I repeated.
“I love you,” she echoed.
“I love you.” I traced my finger over her cheek, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
“I love—”
Her finger silenced me. “Show me.”
I rolled us over and took control, loving her with every thrust and touch. My lips brushed her cheek near the corner of her mouth. “I love you.”
“A chuisle mo chroí,” I whispered.
A happy sigh escaped her lips. “I know.”
Close to midnight, we arrived at the Roche Harbor Resort, the most romantic location in the San Juans. I didn’t balk when she told me. I wanted her naked and all to myself for the weekend, and couldn’t think of any reason to complain. Lights illuminated quiet buildings and empty pathways, continuing the feeling we were alone in the world. The constant sense of loneliness I’d fought for years had disappeared. Her hand warmed mine as we walked to
our cabin.
Inside were two bedrooms on the lower level and upstairs a living room with a fireplace shared the open space with a kitchen. I immediately made plans to have sex in every room. We had the weekend. Easily accomplished. The wrought iron headboard could prove interesting, too.
Everything had closed at midnight, leaving us to feast on wine and the snacks Hailey had packed. The fire I built warmed the room as we ate.
I yawned and leaned against the leather couch. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Sitting on the floor, she rested her head on her hands near my hip.
“For everything.” Content, sleepy and warm, my eyes grew heavy.
“Come on, sleepy. Let’s go to bed.” She stood and pulled my hand.
“I can’t believe the following words are about to leave my mouth, but can we go to sleep? I could cuddle, but I’m too tired for sex. Rain check?” I opened one eye to gauge her reaction to find her yawning, too.
“I’d probably fall asleep on you and crush your delicate man-ego. I better take the rain check.”
I padded down the stairs to our room. “Idaho, you’ve laughed with your face inches away from my most prize possession. My ego was crushed months ago.”
She managed to pull off an expression which might have been considered sheepish if it weren’t for the amusement in her eyes. “Sorry about that.”
“No, you’re not.” I fell face first on the big, soft white bed.
When she didn’t respond, I turned my head.
“I think your ego will make it.”
“It might need resuscitation in the morning.” I lifted my arms to reach in her general direction. “Come to bed, so I may spoon you.”
Laughing, she did a slow, sleepy intimate and beyond sexy strip of her clothes. Yawning, she climbed under the covers next to me and rolled to her side.
I pulled her curved body against mine, sliding my knees behind hers, and wrapping my arm around her waist to cup her breast.
“I love you,” I whispered.
“I know.”
“Why do you keep saying you know?” I frowned and moved closer so our skin touched in as many places as possible.
“Because you’ve shown me for months how you feel.” She rolled to face me, resting her thigh on top of my hip. “With your body, your words, and your actions.”
Wingmen (Modern Love Story #2, 4, & bonus) Page 48