THE HEALING HEART

by Zelda Clemens

  If she was being truthful Sophia didn’t like being a freeloader, but she knew Oliver didn’t mind paying for her. Surely she didn’t need such a lavish apartment. She could’ve done just as well with a cheap apartment on the crappy side of town. This was just how the situation was, and she wasn’t going to stir the pot.

  “So he’s hoping that one day you’ll make it big with your art and it’ll all pay off for him?” At Dylan’s question Sophia nodded firmly. She didn’t mind being used since it wasn’t malicious in any way. She understood the deal that she’d need to pay up to.

  “I’m definitely going to make it big, you know. But yes, basically. He’s a talent manager, you know. He covers some big names in Hollywood and a few big authors. He wants to branch into art and who better than his own cousin?”

  Dylan didn’t have a response for her rhetorical question, and Sophia glanced around the front of the restaurant. It was about time for their food to arrive, and a smile broke her face when she saw the waitress heading to their table.

  *****

  While they ate neither said a word, too engrossed in their meal. For Sophia, she was in absolute Heaven. Lobster bisque was an art that was just as difficult as painting, but Michael’s Bay had it perfected. Even if she wanted to speak she couldn’t; the only time her mouth wasn’t full was that rare moment when she took a breath. She wasn’t a messy eater, but when she liked something it was very obvious.

  “Do you want to come to my place?” Waiting for Sophia to get her plain, white plastic card back, Dylan watched her eyes widen across the table. He wasn’t sure why he asked, but at her reaction he opened his mouth again.

  “Just because Jocelyn might still be at your apartment and she could probably kick your ass if you went back and she was still pissed at you.” Arching an eyebrow at the logic, Sophia couldn’t stop her smile or eventual small laugh from escaping. It was certainly a laughable scenario. Jocelyn might’ve been a health nut but she didn’t like to fight. Dylan wouldn’t know that though, and she wasn’t going to tell him.

  “You worried about me, Dylan?” Offering the teasing response, she felt her smile grow when he nodded firmly. It was almost as if he refused to be embarrassed about asking her to come home with him.

  “I’d like to, sure. What did you have in mind?”

  “We can watch a movie. I have that new zombie film that came out last month on DVD.” This time it was Sophia that nodded even though she didn’t like zombies. She liked Dylan, though. While she couldn’t put her finger on it just yet there was something about him that drew her interests. Maybe it was because he was unlike anyone she’d met before. Not only was he a military man, but he was fairly easy going. Of course, not so much as her but they had a nice time together. After their harsh meeting she felt like they could be friends.

  “Okay.”

  The ride to Dylan’s house was quiet, and thankfully this time Sophia didn’t get sidetracked in watching him drive. She had to put in a conscious effort, though. Instead, she busied herself with wondering about her next project as the city flew by. His story inspired her; his look was attractive. Even in her mind he would look good on canvas, and not many people had that kind of quality.

  “You live by yourself?” Coming up on a small, single story home, Sophia took in the bland, beige siding and typical, clean front yard. The only thing it was missing was a white picket fence and a second floor. Glancing at Dylan in time to watch him shake his head, she furrowed her eyebrows slightly until he spoke up.

  “Not technically. This is my buddy’s house. He’s still in Afghanistan so he told me I could live here if I took care of the place. Once and a while his mom will stop by but for the most part I’m on my own.”

  Pulling into the driveway, Dylan shut off the car even as Sophia asked another question. He didn’t mind the back and forth, though. It was nice to have a casual conversation even though their date was pretty much directionless at this point.

  “What about your family? No one comes to see you?”

  “Ah- no. My brothers and sisters have their own lives and my dad disowned me when I joined the Navy because he wanted me to be in the Army.”

  Once again Sophia felt a crinkle in her brow. Why someone would disown their child was beyond her, let alone for something so small. Then again the military played by its own set of rules. It was inherited, so it might’ve been a slight too great to ignore. Frankly she’d never know or understand.

  “What about your parents?” Dylan asked.

  Sitting in the still vehicle, Sophia felt a full blown frown take over her face at Dylan’s question.

  “My mom died from breast cancer when I was fourteen and my dad got really strange afterward. I don’t know exactly what was wrong with him. I went to live with Jocelyn’s parents after that and we didn’t talk for years. He committed suicide about a year and a half ago. When me and my friend went through his stuff, he told me my dad was suffering from severe PTSD. He’s a psychologist, my friend- he’s also my weed dealer, ironically.”

  Staring at Sophia’s rounded face, Dylan felt his heart lurch in his chest. He couldn’t imagine losing everything at only fourteen years old. Maybe that was why she smoked weed. Pursing his lips together, he felt like he could identify. Death changed people, and for some there was no going back. For others, they tried to float through life on a cloud. To him it seemed like she was invested, but also at the same time she wasn’t.

  “It’s hard to watch someone leave one moment perfectly alive only to be in a body bag the next time you see him. It must’ve been worse to watch someone slowly slip away before his eyes.”

  Glancing over at Dylan, Sophia felt her frown melt into a small smile before opening her mouth. Her parents weren’t necessarily a sore subject, but she’d rather not talk about it. After ten years, whenever someone found out, they’d apologize.

  The truth was she could barely remember her mother, and there was no shame in that. She actually preferred it that way.

  “I wouldn’t know. Whenever I try to picture my mom, my Aunt Casey shows up instead. I mean, yeah- I was, like, fourteen when she died, but I don’t have the best memory.”

  Dylan’s house was neat and orderly and Sophia didn’t expect anything less. The furnishings were minimal, but for people that weren’t home for months at a time, she could understand. At least there was a couch and a television. Dropping quietly onto the plush, dark green fabric, she heaved a sigh while Dylan fiddled with the DVD player.

  “Doesn’t your friend know what colors are? I don’t mean to be rude or anything but it’s the same color as the local prison, you know.”

  “He’s colorblind.” Straightening with the remote in hand, Dylan smirked as he made his way to the couch. Sophia made a face but she obviously knew he was only joking, and she scooted a bit so he could sit next to her.

  “Even for a colorblind person, this place is depressing.”

  Draping his arm over the back of the couch, he flicked the television to the right channel with a heavy sigh. For someone that didn’t want to be rude she sure did speak candidly.

  “Just ignore it, then. This movie is actually pretty good.” Sophia frowned lightly but decided to keep her mouth shut. Now wouldn’t be a good time to tell Dylan she was scared of scary movies. He’d probably figure it out on his own when she had her hands over her face and peeked through her fingers. The horror genre couldn’t even be classified as a ‘frenemy’ for her. She hated it and it hated her right back.

  Only a few minutes into the movie Sophia caught sight of her first zombie and she instantly covered her eyes. It was covered in blood and guts and had obviously just been eating someone. She couldn’t block out the creepy noises it was making, though. They mixed with the panic of people shouting and running, their shoes slapping against pavement. Pulling her knees up to her chest, she cracked a gap between her fingers and held her breath.

  Dylan waited a moment or two to wrap his arm around Sophia and pull her closer. Against hi
s own muscular body, hers was soft. Still a slight frown appeared on his face before he parted his lips.

  “You should’ve told me you’re a scaredy-cat, Sophia.” Pressing the pause button on the remote, he felt her slump exaggeratedly before removing her hands from her face to crinkle her nose up at him.

  “I’m not a scaredy-cat! I just don’t like horror. I thought it was going to be a cheesy B-rate movie that was too bad to be scary.” Snickering at the defense, Dylan turned his eyes back to the television but Sophia only continued to frown. Her focus slowly wandered to his warmth and how solid he was against her. She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d had such a good time with a guy. Most of her friends were taken and she didn’t really date. Tonight had been a grim reminder of how hollow her life was. Watching a scary movie was way out of her comfort zone but here she was watching it anyway.

  *****

  “Hey-” Redirecting her attention at the call, Sophia tilted her head but before she could so much as hum in acknowledgment Dylan’s lips were on hers. Stunned by the sudden turn of events, she tensed and stared at the parts of his face she could see without going cross eyed. His kiss was quick but firm, and it felt like it went on a lot longer than a mere second.

  When he did pull away she just continued to stare before her mouth once again ran away from her.

  “I- I thought it was just a date?” Stuttering, Sophia automatically licked her lips as nerves tickled her belly. It only made her aware of the taste of peppermint that wasn’t what her own toothpaste tasted like. So close to her, Dylan simply lifted one shoulder in a half shrug before opening his mouth.

  “I just figured I’d try it. No pressure.” Sophia blinked slowly at Dylan’s sorry explanation as it flowed in one ear. He looked so calm and serious while she was having an inner breakdown. It made her a little angry that he’d kiss her and say ‘no pressure’ so nonchalantly. Unsure of how to respond, she kept silent. Even the quiet that surrounded them wasn’t heavy or burdened, though.

  It was just there. No expectation. No weight of any kind.

  “But you said you weren’t going to have sex tonight.”

  “I said I didn’t plan on having sex with Jocelyn. We might’ve been going on a date but even online I felt like there wasn’t anything there.” Dylan could’ve winced at the way he said those words, but somehow he refrained. It was hard to remember that Sophia was Jocelyn’s cousin. The incident that brought them together only hours ago was hardly worth remembering. Frankly he’d had a much better night than he expected.

  “Uh- okay… Are you going to put on that movie again if I say ‘no’?” Watching Dylan’s lips pull into a smirk, Sophia felt heat creep into her cheeks. Secretly she hoped he would say ‘yes’, but the rational part of her mind told her to call a cab. They only went on one date, and she wasn’t the kind of person to sleep with someone on the first date.

  Then again, they’d had a great time together. Nothing indicated that a little extra fun would change anything for the worse.

  “Do you want me to blackmail you with scary movies? ‘Cause I will even if it’s not tonight. I had a fun time with you, Sophia.” Sophia’s eyebrows bowed even more but if she were brutally honest with herself she had nothing better to do. Jocelyn was probably stewing at their apartment, so going home wasn’t a good idea. She also didn’t want to have to watch this zombie movie if there was a much more pleasurable alternative. Dylan was flirting with her in a teasing way, but she knew he was serious. If she didn’t want to she could say so and he’d drop it for now.

  It was that exact reason she nodded hesitantly.

  “Yeah. Let’s do it. But you have to come with me back home tomorrow so Jocelyn doesn’t kick my ass.” At the singular condition Dylan nodded firmly, and this time it was Sophia that initiated the kiss. Despite being rather chubby for her height, she was comfortable with her body. A lot of her extra weight was in her butt and breasts, anyway. Covering his mouth with her own, Sophia ignored the voice in her head that said this was a bad idea. In this day and age meeting someone she liked and that liked her didn’t happen often without internet intervention. It might not have been the typical dating website hook up, but she’d probably never date unless something bizarre happened.

  Focusing on the kiss, Sophia found she quite liked how Dylan tasted. She liked the way his arm squeezed her from its position around her back while his free hand crept up to palm her cheek.

  Only a few moments went by before Dylan pushed his tongue passed her lips, but Sophia didn’t really protest. Behind her green and blue stripped tank top her nipples were beginning to firm and her body temperature was rising. Her hands roamed aimlessly up his arms and over his shoulders. Kissing her deeply, his fingers began to trail down over her jaw and towards her collar bone. Excitement rushed in her veins and she inched closer to him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

  “You’re a good kisser.” Mumbling, Sophia leaned forward until Dylan was settled against the back of the couch. Under her he huffed out a chuckle, and she smiled in reply even as he cupped the back of her head. Lifting her leg, she moved to straddle him and felt the heat spreading through her flare to life. Even though they were both wearing jeans her body was ready. She rolled her hips experimentally and liked the way his hands immediately gripped her love handles. Pushing down on her hips, and lifted his own and it made a small moan escape the seal of their mouths.

  “You are too, Sophia.” Dylan fingered the hem of Sophia’s shirt as he complimented her, and it was only then that she pulled away. Her breath came in short, shallow pants and her face was hot. Then again he wasn’t fairing too much better as his own breath hitched when she unceremoniously pulled her shirt up and over her head.

  “Holy shit.” Palming her breasts with both his hands, Dylan’s slur came out husky and Sophia felt feminine pride bloom inside her. Leaning down, she wrapped her own hands around his in encouragement, a smile cracking her swelling lips.

  “I think that’s an oxymoron.” Dark eyes flashed up at her own, and her smile grew. Instead of offering a verbal reply his hands jerked her down. She only barely managed not to make some unattractive noise but it quickly flowed out anyway when he clamped his teeth on her nipple.

  Closing her eyes with a moan, Sophia rolled her hips as her core began to burn. Dylan wasn’t too gentle with her, but she actually liked it. His rough treatment turned her on in a way it hadn’t before. Maybe it was because he wasn’t too harsh, but she didn’t know and wasn’t going to question it now. Sucking on her pert, rosy bud, he let out a groan of satisfaction. It didn’t take long for his fingers to roll and squeeze and pinch at her right nipple as well. Holding his wrists tightly, small gasps and almost noises fell from her mouth as her hips moved steadily to and fro.

  “Jesus- shit… D- Dylan...” Sophia’s high pitched call was soft but Dylan still pulled away. Instead he attacked her neck and mouth, abandoning her breasts completely. His hands traveled lower as he nipped at her bottom lip for entry she freely gave. The fastenings on her jeans were no match, and her flushed skin quivered as his fingers slipped past her waistline.

  “You’re so ready, baby.”

  Somehow Sophia managed to wiggle out of her shoes, and Dylan’s fingers barely grazed her core before she stood up to work her way out of her jeans. Rushing through the slightly awkward transition, she glanced up to watch him kick off his own shoes and follow her lead. Standing naked over him, she felt powerful as he took off his t-shirt.

  “Don’t space out on me now, Sophia.” Frowning at the jibe, Sophia saw the twinkle in Dylan’s eye before she shook her head.

  “I don’t like being on top though.” Puffing up her top lip, she crossed her arms under her bust as he let out another huff of a laugh. She quite enjoyed being able to joke around during such an intimate act. Before her, he pushed himself to his feet before both of his hands once again landed on her hips.

  “Well, can’t have you workin’ up a sweat, can we? People might think you�
�re exercising.” Turning until she was in front of the couch, Dylan bent Sophia at the waist as she struggled not the laugh at his joke. She just didn’t have time when he nudged her entrance with the tip of his cock. Until that moment she hadn’t really paid attention to it because she was too distracted by other, less important things. Now that seemed like a mistake even as she spread her legs a bit wider and held the fabric of the couch.

  Sophia sucked in air through her teeth as Dylan entered her. It was a slow process, but it still stung. Clenching the couch cushion tightly, she squeezed her eyes closed. A lightness filled her skull, and she almost didn’t hear his strong curses from behind her. His own hands held her waist firmly and occasionally his fingernails scraped her skin.

  “Fuck- fuck…” Holding her breath, Sophia groaned softly as Dylan just as slowly pulled out of her channel. She had to force herself not to cum and the effort was wreaking havoc on her. Beneath her, her arms and legs began to tremble.

  “Shit-” Dylan thrust back into her and Sophia let out a squeak. She could feel the ridges of his cock as the length caressed her channel. Her velvet walls shuddered and closed in around him, burning with anticipation.

  “Sophia… God, I’m gonna make you cum so fucking hard.” Pushing up her backside at the growling tone, Sophia let out another soft cry as Dylan set a steady, hard pace. Already her orgasm was boring down on her, but she didn’t want to lose it yet. Savoring the feeling of him entering and exiting her, she closed her eyes just before his palms slid up her back to wrap around her shoulders.