Perfect Fit

by Taige Crenshaw

  She returned to the kitchen and put away the groceries. Regina went to the kitchen that was adjacent to the main one. Again she was grateful she had decided to add a second kitchen. It was large, and they usually used it when they held an event at her home. With how many friends they had, they needed the space and it came in handy for the neighbourhood party if things needed to be stored, kept cold, or heated up. She placed the many loaves of breads on the counter. She hoped she had enough, because what she’d said was true—the neighbours would be coming by if they knew Dakota would be making French toast. She turned off the kitchen lights and went back to the living room. Trying to be quiet, she took a light quilt from the chair, then went to the couch to cover Spencer.

  He grabbed her and pulled her down on top of him.

  “Spence.” She stared at him, then smacked him on the chest. “Faker. I thought you were sleeping.”

  “I was. Been home for a long while.” Spencer grinned. “I heard you come in. Who can sleep with you trying to be quiet.” He cupped her ass. “Do you know you make less noise when you act normal?”

  “I didn’t know.” She propped her elbows on his chest and placed her chin on her palms, staring at him. “You look tired, Spence.”

  “Yeah. I am, but things will be better now. People are on the mend and started coming to work.” Spencer rubbed his hands along her butt. “I missed you, Reggie.”

  She lowered her hands, then her head. “I missed you, too.” She kissed him gently.

  “You can do better than that,” Spencer murmured, his voice husky.

  Regina kissed him again, deepening it. Spencer opened and sucked her tongue. Regina moaned, moving against him restlessly. Spencer shifted her until she was below him on the couch then he rose, sliding off the couch. He tugged off her skirt as well as underwear before unbuttoning her shirt and pitching it behind him. Spencer kissed the top of each of her breasts, undoing the back clasp of her bra as he nuzzled the plump flesh. Regina cupped the back of his head.

  “You’re tired.” She put up her token protest, her body already wet and wanting him.

  “Never too tired for this. For you.” He released her breasts from the bra before throwing that away too. Spencer kissed down her breast, lifting it and circling the nipple with his tongue then sucking it into his mouth.

  She tightened her hands in his hair, holding him close. Spencer pushed her back to lay fully down again on the couch. He blanketed her body, teeth scraping against her nipple. He moved from one to the other, driving her crazy. Regina widened her legs, shifting under him, moaning at each nibble, bite then suck of her aching nipples. Spencer’s tongue bathed the areola, and she gasped.

  “Spence. Please.”

  “Anything, Reggie,” he murmured around her skin.

  “Any time, Spence.” She ran her fingers along his cheek, moving her fingers to his lips sucking her nipple.

  He released the bud and turned his head, sucking in her finger. Regina shivered and closed her eyes, moaning. Spencer swirled his tongue over the tips of her fingers. He kissed each lightly, nibbling on the tips. He moved to settle firmly between her legs.

  “Look at me, Reggie.” The urgency in his voice made her open her eyes.

  Her breath caught at the look in Spencer’s gaze.

  “I love you, Reggie.”

  She blew out a shaky breath, hearing him say the words she hadn’t heard in a long time.

  “I love you, Spence.” Her eyes burned as tears filled them.

  “Love you.” He thrust into her.

  “Love.” Regina gasped, arching and taking his long length inside her.

  Spencer stroked quickly and urgently. She grabbed his butt, driving him on. She lifted her legs then wrapped them around him, moving with him. The heat and need filled her as he increased his motions. She dug her fingernails into his ass, moaning as he took her with such firm demand.

  “My wife.” Spencer’s voice was low and intense.

  “My husband,” Regina replied, holding him close.

  Spencer thrust, his cock filling her. Regina tightened around him, hissing at the slide of his shaft in and out of her needy flesh. She met him motion for motion. Her pussy’s wetness caused his pleasurable glide to go deep as he filled her then pulled back—goosebumps broke out on her skin. She lifted her head and he lowered his, meeting her in a deep kiss. Heat filled her belly, and Regina stiffened as she arched, coming. Spencer joined her in release at the same moment, jerking as he erupted inside her. Gripping him tight, she continued to move with him as they shook with the force of their pleasure. Eventually, he slowed his thrusts, moving lazily, filling her with little flashes of passion. Then he stilled, resting against her. His breathing calmed, and his body started to get limp.

  “Spence. Did you eat?” She kissed the side of his face.

  “Hmmm…no.” Spencer yawned. “I’m too tired.”

  “Go upstairs and I’ll get you something to eat.” She ran her hand down his side, feeling his ribs. “You haven’t been eating, Spence. I can count your ribs.”

  “Busy…work.” His voice was sluggish.

  “That is no excuse,” she scolded, then smacked him on the ass. “Up.”

  Spencer jerked up, blinking. “Hey, I was trying to sleep here.”

  “And you can. Once you have eaten,” she said, firmly pushing at his chest.

  Spencer moved back, sitting between her legs. He yawned widely and stretched. Regina scooted back and sat up next to him, staring at his muscular body. She licked her lips, wanting to taste. But when she looked at his tired face, she decided to wait. She rose and stood before him, holding out her hand. He accepted it and stood. Regina led him to the stairs, then urged him up. Spencer carefully went up, the lines of his body and how slowly he moved clearly showing how tired he was. She stared at his firm ass and smiled. Regina hurried to the kitchen to get him something to eat.

  Regina whistled as she made them both sandwiches. Things were going to be okay. Spencer loved her and she loved him. That was all that mattered.

  He’s going to want to talk. She stilled as she realised that with him not being so busy, that would be the case. Regina’s throat got tight. “I can’t do it.”

  She pushed away the fear and decided to focus on now. She would put it off as long as she could. She finished the sandwiches, grabbed some drinks then headed upstairs. In front of the partially closed door to their room, she took a deep breath before pushing it open. Regina went to the bed and looked at Spencer, sprawled on his stomach, already asleep. She placed their food and drinks on the bedside table, debating whether she should wake him up. She reached to do it, but couldn’t. Instead, she stroked her fingers along the side of his face. Spencer moaned slightly under her touch, nuzzling her hand. Regina knelt on the floor by the bed and continued to touch him. She had to talk with him. She didn’t want to lose him again. Regina made up her mind she would talk when he asked. Even if it would destroy the hard won peace she had achieved.

  “I’d do anything for you, Spence,” she whispered the vow as he slept.

  * * * *

  “Spence, get your lazy ass down here!” Regina yelled behind her shoulder as she opened the front door. “Dakota is here. You know he’s going to rope us in to coo—” Her words stalled as she saw who was with Dakota.

  Regina studied Driscoll, noticing that although he looked himself, he wouldn’t meet her eyes. Pain filled her, and she wished he hadn’t come.

  “Damn right I would.” Dakota spoke, making her look at him. “Brought Dris to help too. He tried to get out of it, but I dragged him here. Now, first we unpack the vehicles, then get to making French toast magic.” Dakota clapped his hands together. “Let’s get to it.” He looked beyond her. “Spencer, good of you to show your lazy self.”

  “Humph. I’m going back to bed if I have to put up with looking at your ugly mug so early in the morning.” Spencer spoke behind her, and she jumped when he placed his hand on her back.

  Regina loo
ked at Spencer and saw his confusion. She forced a smile, then glanced anywhere but at Driscoll. She went outside with the men and they unpacked the car. Spencer, Dakota and Driscoll bickered playfully back and forth. Once they had unpacked the cars, she left them to start putting together the French toast. In the main kitchen, Regina braced her hands on the kitchen island. She should have expected Driscoll would be here today. But they both had got so adept at avoiding each other, she had thought he would come up with some excuse. She knew just as much as she avoided him, he did the same to her—it was so much easier that way.

  “Reggie.”

  She jumped as Spencer spoke behind her. He touched her back then turned her to face him.

  “Why are you so jumpy?” Spencer studied her.

  Regina averted her face. “Nothing. Just thinking of all I have to do.”

  “That’s not it. I thought I was imagining it, but you and Driscoll—something is going on between you two. I’ve realised that it’s been a long time since you all have been in the same room. You can’t even look at each other.” Spencer narrowed his gaze. “What is going on?”

  “All you do is push. Why do you keep pushing me?” Regina jerked away. “Leave it alone, Spence. Leave me alone,” she whispered urgently. “Why can’t you just leave me alone?”

  Spencer stiffened, then lowered his head. He breathed deeply. When he looked up, Regina gasped at the pain in his gaze.

  “Those were the same words you said to me before we fell into the silence that almost killed us.” Spencer rubbed his hand over the back of his neck. “I’m not going back to that, Regina.”

  She flinched as he called her by her full name.

  “Never again.” His tone went even lower. “You have to decide if you want us enough to open up to me. Talk with me, Regina. Stop pushing me away.”

  Regina hugged herself, unable to say anything. Spencer sighed then turned, going back to the adjacent kitchen. Shaking, Regina sat on the stool by the island. She rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “What happened to your saying last night you’d do anything for him?”

  Regina closed her eyes. Seemed like she had lied to herself. She couldn’t do the one thing he wanted—talk. It’ll be okay. We’ll get through this. Taking a deep breath, Regina rose and went to prepare the cornbread for the party.

  * * * *

  All through the day, Regina rethought whether it would be okay. Spencer avoided her, and she cursed herself for causing him to. By the time the party finished, Regina was relieved. Wearily, she turned off the lights and went to go upstairs. Spencer had gone to bed already. She walked to the bedroom—each step feeling like lead—knowing Spencer would be there. She feared he would want to talk, then in turned feared he wouldn’t. She couldn’t decide which she hated more—his need to talk or the silence.

  Regina pushed open the door then stumbled to a stop, staring at the empty bed. She pivoted on her heels and went to the guest room. The door was open and it was dark inside except for the night light. She could make out Spencer facing the door. His eyes were closed, but she could tell he wasn’t asleep. His body was too tense, as if he was waiting. Spencer opened his eyes and stared at her. Regina opened her mouth then thought better of saying anything. She turned and left, returning to her room. Like an automaton, she got ready for bed. When she was done, she slipped into the cold bed and cursed herself again for driving a wedge between them. Yesterday, he’d said for the first time in a long time that he loved her, and tonight, he was again sleeping in the guest room.

  With his actions, Spencer had clearly shown he wasn’t going to let go that he wanted to talk. Regina knew that talking to him might change something between them, but even with best intentions, she didn’t know if she would actually be able to do it. Regina clenched her fist, frustration welling up inside her. They were at an impasse and even now, although she longed to go to him and spill everything about what he wanted to hear, she couldn’t. She wanted to open up to him but found when it came time to do so she shut down.

  Damn you, Spencer. Stubborn bastard. I can be stubborn too. This isn’t going to happen. Regina started to think on how she could get him back where he belonged—in their bed.

  Spencer watched her go, surprised that she hadn’t said anything. He had been prepared to resist whatever she wanted to say to convince him to come back to her bed.

  “Damn it, I should have stuck to the plan.” Spencer was angry at himself for moving forward with the physical part of their relationship. He’d come back so they could work on the other parts, but being around Regina made him want. Denying himself had been hard before, but having tasted her again, it was going to be impossible. He had to do this. Usually, Regina and he talked about everything without barriers. Yet the one time they’d needed it most, the words hadn’t come. Spencer tried to think of a way to get her to talk to him.

  * * * *

  The next day when he returned home from work on time, he was still thinking of what to do. Opening the door for the kitchen, he was surprised there was no music playing. Even at her most upset, Regina would play something usually from one of her angry music CDs. He automatically went to enter the alarm, and realised it was off. He turned and surprise filled him.

  “Hey, Dris.” Spencer came over to the island and placed his bag on the stool next to where his brother was sitting. He looked between his brother and Regina curiously. She was avoiding looking at either of them.

  “I have some work to do.” Regina walked out of the room.

  Spencer frowned at her retreating back.

  “The only thing that kept her from bolting before was her being a good hostess.” Driscoll laughed ruefully.

  “You’re family, and she doesn’t need to act like a hostess.” Spencer glanced at Driscoll. “Regina invited you over?” Yesterday they hadn’t been able to keep far enough away from each other—now he came home and Driscoll was here with Regina. He was confused on what was going on with them.

  “Nope.” He shrugged. “Dakota was supposed to come do her a favour, but couldn’t make it, so he sent me.” Driscoll narrowed his eyes. “I think Kota played me to get me here. We’re going to have some words.”

  “What is going on between you and Reggie?”

  Driscoll stood and walked away and Spencer followed, determined to find out what was happening. Driscoll opened the front door and went out, but Spencer grabbed his arm before he could cross the porch to go down the steps.

  “Tell me, Dris. Why are my wife and brother acting so strangely? Why can’t you all look at each other?” Spencer took a step closer. “How long has this been going on?”

  “A lot of things changed, Spencer. You just never noticed. Think about it, and you’ll figure out how long and why.” Driscoll sounded tired. He shrugged him off and went to walk away.

  “Just tell me.” Spencer grabbed him again.

  Driscoll glanced at his hand, then his face. “Let go.”

  The softness of the tone made Spencer automatically let go. Driscoll only used it rarely, and when he did, Spencer heeded it. Driscoll left, and this time Spencer didn’t stop him. He crossed his arms over his chest, watching Driscoll get in his Escalade then drive away. Spencer watched his taillights as they disappeared, then he re-entered the house. He heard the TV playing in the living room and went in. Regina glanced up at him briefly. She pointed the control at the TV, then rose, coming to him. She handed him the remote before leaving. Spencer stared after her, but when he heard the music start to play, he focused on the TV. He stood and watched the music video for Mirrors, the song by Justin Timberlake she’d been listening to the day they’d first made love after he returned home.

  The words of the song and message in the video sunk in, and Spencer got what she was saying. He turned off the TV and went to the kitchen expecting to see her there. She wasn’t, but there was a covered plate waiting for him on the counter. He pulled off the cover and put it in microwave. As he waited, Spencer wondered how they would figure this out. The mic
rowave beeped, and he took out the food. He grabbed a drink and placed them both on the counter and sat. He ate, not really tasting the food. After he’d finished, he washed his dishes then closed up the house for the night. Regina didn’t come to join him, and he felt her absence profoundly. On the landing, he looked towards the partially open door of their room. Spencer turned away and went to the room he was staying in. He pushed open the door and stared at the space where the bed should have been. Frowning, it dawned on him why Driscoll had been here—Regina had had him remove his bed. He turned and went back out into the hall, then checked all the other guest rooms and found the same thing. The beds had all been removed.

  Spencer threw his head back and laughed. He had to give it to his wife. She was too smart for his own good. He’d have never thought to remove the beds so he had no place to sleep. Spencer returned to the guestroom and went to the adjacent bath to take a shower. He frowned when he realised the room had been stripped of towels, soap and washcloths as well as his personal things. Although he’d been sleeping with Regina, he’d kept his things in here. A suspicion formed, and he checked the closet as well as the dresser, and they, too, were empty. He laughed again, because Regina was thorough.

  Spencer went back into the hall and to their room. He entered, and she looked up from her e-reader.

  “I see you took all the beds but this one out of the house.” Spencer leaned against the doorjamb.

  “Yep. If you’re going to sleep in a bed, it’ll be here with me. Or, if you prefer, the floor in any of the rooms. The couch in the living room might work too.” She shrugged. “It’s up to you.”