by Dana Mason
“Rachel wrote letters to Mikey,” Diana said. “From the day she left town until last week, she wrote him letters in a journal with updates about Raegan’s life. She also wrote a lot about herself and about what she was going through. Once you read some of what she wrote, you have to believe her.”
“Oh my gosh, Mikey…” My mom turns to look at my dad. “I can’t wait to meet Raegan. Have you been spending time with her?”
I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. “I have. Diana and Olivia have got to know her this week too. She was actually here most of the day, but Rachel’s mom is in town and wanted to see her.”
“What?” Diana spurts. “What the hell is she spending time with that shrew for?”
I hold out a placating hand and say, “I don’t like it either, but I’m new to this, and I can’t come in making demands and telling Raegan she can’t see her grandmother. But, I will talk to Rachel about it later. I just haven’t had a chance. Personally, I don’t trust her.” I clap my hands together, hoping to change the tone of the conversation. “But, you guys get to meet Raegan tomorrow. We’re having a family dinner at Rachel and Raegan’s house.”
“How exciting! I can’t wait,” Mom says.
“I’ll text you the address so you can meet me there after the opening. We’re going to barbeque. Rachel said around six, and there’s a pool too if you want to swim.”
“So… Michael… what is happening with Rachel now? Why a family dinner at her house?” My dad rubs a hand up and down his bearded chin and says, “Maybe you should talk to a lawyer about joint custody or at least visitation before this goes downhill.”
“No, I’m not doing that. Nothing is going downhill between Rachel and me. She wants me to be a part of Raegan’s life, and so does Raegan. I want to be a part of their lives… and not just Raegan’s… I want to work things out with Rachel too.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea? She’s lied to you all this time. How do you know you can trust her?”
“Dad, I understand your reservations, but I know what I’m doing. I love Rachel, and I believe her—and I know what’s kept her from contacting me over the years.” I glance from him to my mom’s worried face, to Diana, who nods at me as if to tell me she has my back. “You’re going to have to trust that I know what I’m doing. And I don’t want any tension or animosity toward her this weekend. Raegan’s a smart girl, she’ll pick up on it if you’re not comfortable—and she’s fiercely protective of her mother.”
My mom and dad look at each other and then to me. “All right… if you’re sure, I’ll keep my mouth shut,” Dad agrees.
“Thank you… and just watch… wait and see. It’s going to be great, I promise.” I wave my hands toward the door and say, “And I love you guys, but I really have to get back to work. I’ll try to stop by the hotel tonight to see you before I head home. That’s if it’s not too late.”
They head toward the door, and as they do, I feel a sense of calm. I’m optimistic about our future as a family… I just need to come to terms with Rachel and Raegan’s relationship with Rachel’s mother.
Thirty-Nine
Rachel
It’s six thirty and Raegan isn’t home yet. I’ve tried calling her and my mother but they’re not answering. I keep my phone handy while I clean up around the house. It’s mostly clean, I just want to make sure everything is in place for Mike’s family. It’s not as if I get visitors like that every day. I’m a nervous wreck at the thought of seeing them again. I’m sure they’re not happy with me, and who could blame them?
I know Mike’s optimistic about this, but it’s hard for me. I try to turn the situation around. What if someone had kept a similar secret from me? Or someone I love? I’d be pretty mad about it too. I’m hoping they can see through their anger and try to understand. I’m also hoping that if Mike can forgive me, they can too.
After putting the groceries away, I change out of my work suit and into my bikini and shorts. I step out onto the patio and fluff up the cushions on the patio furniture, then I sweep the pool for fallen leaves. It’s hot and the pool looks so inviting. I glance at my phone to see if Raegan’s called, but she hasn’t. Mostly everything is done besides a little food prep I need to do for tomorrow.
What the hell. I slip out of my shorts and dive in. It’s instant relief from the heat. I swim a few laps, appreciating the peace and quiet, using the time and exercise to clear my head. I relish the feel of my muscles working, flexing, and stretching as I push through the water. After my sixth lap, I stop and grip the edge. Before I can turn around, a huge, loud splash sounds behind me and I nearly jump out of my skin. I quickly scramble over to the edge and get out of the pool. I have no idea who it is, but I wasn’t expecting anyone and I know Raegan wouldn’t make a splash like that.
As I’m getting to my feet, I hear, “Holy shit, did you see that cannonball?”
I literally jump at the sound of his loud voice. “You scared the crap out of me!”
Mike starts laughing as he stares up at me. “I couldn’t watch you do another lap in that bikini and not join you. You have a beautiful breaststroke, you know.” He waves his hand and says, “Come back. What’d you get out for?”
“Are you kidding? I thought I was alone. Hearing someone jump in the pool behind me nearly stopped my heart. What are you doing here? I thought you were working most of the night.”
“I am, but I needed a dinner break.” He points to the patio table and says, “I brought you guys dinner. Where’s Raegan?”
“She’s not home yet and she’s not answering her phone.”
His brows scrunch together. “What does that mean? Should we be worried?”
“I’m sure she’s fine, it just means my mother is trying to get under my skin. Don’t move,” I say as I dive back in the pool. I surface a foot from him, but it’s not far enough to keep him from grabbing me and towing me closer. “Thank you for dinner,” I whisper through his kiss.
“I didn’t think you had plans. I got a little nervous though when I saw your car in the driveway but you didn’t answer. Then I remembered that I still have your key so I let myself in. I hope that’s okay.”
“If you ever scare me like that again, I’m taking that key back!” I say, gripping his neck as he spins around in the water.
“You can have it back if you want.”
“No, I don’t want it back.” I glance down and say, “Are you in my pool naked?”
This gets a hearty laugh out of him. “No, I have my boxer briefs on. I didn’t know you were alone or I might have gotten in naked.” He presses me up against the wall of the pool and says, “I’ve never had sex in a pool before. This could be fun.”
“Aha—it could be fun if we weren’t expecting our daughter home any minute now.”
“Oh, good point.” He grinds against me once with a smoldering look and says, “Next time, babe. Right now, we can eat since I need to get back to work.” He sinks into me with an achingly slow kiss that makes me wish Raegan wasn’t expected.
Then he’s gone. Swimming away as if he didn’t just set me on fire.
I slowly follow him out of the pool and head to the outdoor linen cabinet and grab us a couple of towels. When I see his boxer briefs are soaking wet and fully tented with his erection, I feel a little better about the state he’s left me in. I’m not the only one suffering from it. I grin at this thought as I hand him a towel.
We sit at the patio table together and eat the roasted chicken he picked up on the way over. As we’re eating, my phone pings with a text from Raegan. I wipe my hands and pick it up.
Raegan: Sorry. We went to the movies and Grandma made me turn my phone off.
Movies? That’s insane. I don’t think my mother has ever taken me to the movies.
Me: I wish you’d let me know. I’ve been worried.
Raegan: I tried.
It’s as if I can feel her aggravation through the phone.
Me: Sorry. I hope Grandma isn’t b
eing too much of a pain.
Raegan: No. She’s been fine, really. We enjoyed the movie. She wants me to spend the night with her and Uncle Mitch.
“Oh, God! You poor thing.”
“What’s up?” Mike asks.
“My mom wants Raegan to spend the night over there with her and my Uncle Mitch.”
“Is that unusual?”
“Not really. It’s just not much fun. My mom is… well, she’s my mom.” I don’t think I need to say more than that. “It’s fine though. I can pick her up on my way over to the gym tomorrow. I’ll bring her a change of clothes with me.”
Me: Raegan, that’s fine with me if you want to stay there. I’m almost done with the cleaning so I don’t really need you here. If you don’t want to stay, tell me now so I can get you out of it.
Raegan: I don’t mind. Grandma promised to play Monopoly with me and Uncle Mitch so she’s being fun. Not the downer she usually is.
Me: Good. I hope that means my talk with her today helped. Mike’s here. He came by to see you.
Raegan: You’re alone together? Are you okay? I can come home if you need me.
Me: Why wouldn’t I be okay? I told you I don’t need you. Everything is mostly done and Mike is going back to work. He stopped by to bring dinner and to see you. Don’t worry, you can see him at the grand opening tomorrow.
Raegan: Right. Call me if you need me, Mom. I can have Grandma bring me home.
Me: I will. Have fun. I love you.
As I finish my text, Mike stands, wiping his hands on a napkin. “I hate to leave you alone, but I really have to get back to work. I still have so much to do.”
“Already?” I stand up and lean against him when he comes around the table to give me a kiss goodbye. “You know, since Raegan isn’t here, I could come with you. Maybe help out.”
“I love that you want to help, but I was actually thinking that since Raegan isn’t here, maybe I could come over when I’m finished.”
I grin at the thought. “I fully support that idea.” When Mike wraps his warm arms around me, I hold tight, enjoying the warmth of his skin and the way he smells like summer. I wish he could be here all the time, but I know I have to let him go, so I do and get rewarded with a kiss.
When he withdraws from my embrace, he says, “So… what’s the move? Should I come in quietly and sneak in bed with you or should I make a bunch of noise so I don’t scare you again?”
“You can come in quietly. It won’t scare me since I know you’re coming. I won’t set the alarm so you don’t have to worry about disarming it when you get here.”
“Okay, but I’m gonna be pissed if you shoot me.”
I laugh hard at this. “I’ll remember to ask questions first and shoot second.”
He throws his shorts on over his wet boxer briefs and tugs on his t-shirt. “I’ll see you later.” And with a quick peck on the cheek, he’s gone.
When the cool hand circles my waist, I jerk awake with a gasp. Before I can react further, I hear his whisper in my ear. “It’s me, baby. Relax.” Then his hand slides up and cups my right breast. It takes me a moment to get my bearings and by the time I realize what’s happening, both his hands are on me and his masculine scent is surrounding me.
Is this what it’s like? I’ve never had a man sleep over until this week. I’ve never felt the sensation of waking up to an erect cock pressed against my bare behind. Knowing Michael would be here tonight and Raegan wouldn’t, I purposely went to bed naked—something that’s very out of character for me. Always having a child in the house, I’ve never slept in the nude.
Mike caresses me until I’m fully awake and pushing back against him. I could get used to this… waking up to a horny man touching me until I’m so wet I can barely contain myself. When his hand travels down and grazes my clit, I gasp again. I’m so sensitive and ready, it won’t take much for me to lose it. Mike slides a finger inside me and with it, I feel his teeth graze my shoulder.
“I want you so badly, baby. May I have you?” he whispers as his teeth travel to my ear lobe.
I open my eyes to find the room completely black and the house silent except for the sounds of our breaths. “Oh, God, yes, please.”
A moment later, he pulls his finger free and presses me, stomach down, into the mattress. His weight covers me and I like it. While his hand is cool, his body is warm, like a heavy blanket. He spreads my legs with his knees, then his weight’s gone and he’s sliding his hand down between my legs from behind, spreading me. When I feel his cock pressed against me, I lift for him, until he’s inside. He doesn’t hesitate and I’m so glad when he’s filling me completely.
I lift a little further and then he’s pressed against me again. His hands cover mine and I cannot move. He’s not resting on me, he’s somehow supporting his own weight, but he’s pressed hard enough that every inch of me is covered by his heat. It’s sexy and sensual at the same time. Between his flexing body covering me, his knees between my legs and his hands on top of mine, I’m completely pinned and it’s the most arousing thing I’ve ever felt. He’s so big and so strong, I’m completely at his mercy. It’s not frightening like I would have thought, no, the opposite. I feel secure and protected… small, even, and it’s exactly where I want to be. With each hard thrust, I lose more and more control. I can’t touch him, I can’t see him, but holy hell, I can feel every inch of him and it’s glorious!
I fight to maintain some control so it’ll last, but I can’t. It’s too hard to focus. Too hard to stop myself. Mike’s breath is in my ear and with every movement, in and out, in and out, I can hear his faint grunting. It’s so hot, so erotic, I can barely make a sound myself. I just want to feel everything, I want to experience him in this carnal moment, losing himself in me.
But I’m the one getting lost in every sensation. My body is tensing, tightening… it’s not quick. No, not this time. No flash and bang and I’m coming. This orgasm is from the deep and it’s heating every inch of me. He speeds up, pressing harder against me and I’m lifting off the bed. It’s agonizing in its intensity, the most beautiful agony I’ve ever felt, and I’m nearly breathless when I cry out for him before I let go. “Oh, God! Michael!”
It takes me a moment to get my bearings again and then he slows slightly. Pushing all the way inside me, he holds himself there. He’s flat against me, and we’re both sweating and I’m dying to touch him. I want to feel his skin, taste it, and run my hands all over his body. He lifts and frees my hands as he slides out of me. I groan at the loss, but I’m relieved when he flips me over and his lips land on mine. I take the chance and run my hands down his body, pushing him by the hip until he’s on his back, but he doesn’t lay down, he sits up, bringing me with him.
“Come here, sit on my lap, Rachel.”
I’m straddling his lap and before I know it, he’s between my legs and guiding himself inside me again. Oh God… I’m shaking from the pleasure and as soon as I feel his erection spread me, I lower down until I’m fully seated on his cock. We both push out loud moans and with a couple of grinds against him, I’m on the edge of climax again. I’m not sure if it’s his hands wrapped around me, or him completely filling me… stretching me, but I’m building toward the edge again and I’m not sure how long I can hold out.
I have my hands wrapped around his shoulders, and feel his scruffy chin between my breasts. Everything about him feels good… and he’s so big inside me. I slide up and down with a grinding motion and with each thrust, I cry out a little louder. I don’t even care who hears it, I just want him to make me come, now.
“Oh God, Michael… I can’t wait. Oh God!”
“Don’t wait, baby, let go when you’re ready.” His hands move down and hold on. His mouth sucks on one taut nipple then switches to the other. “Fuuuck you’re hot, Rachel. That feels so good, keep going. I want to watch you come, baby.”
I can feel him grow harder inside me, stiffer, and then he says, “Jesus, Rachel, yes, like that.” His hands tighten on my
hips. “Ride me, baby, just like that. Oh, fuck. I can’t wait.” The look on his face as he throws his head back is pure satisfaction and it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. But when his hand slips between us and the pad of his thumb brushes my clit my eyes slam shut and I completely lose it.
Then Mike’s crying out, his arms bracing around me to keep me upright. When we’re both spent, I drape myself over his chest and shudder from the release.
“Jesus, Rachel.” He brushes the hair away from my face and lands a kiss on my neck, below my lobe. He sighs and says, “I want my hands on you all the time.”
“Good,” I mumble. His arms are still wrapped around me and he’s holding on tight. I am too, I don’t want to let go, but eventually, I slide back to the mattress. Mike scoots down next to me and draws me closer, until he’s spooning me. His every touch sends little jolts of electricity through me—still—even after all of that. “What a way to wake up. Please feel free to sneak quietly into my house anytime you’re in the mood.”
I feel his body move with the soundless laugh and I like it. I like this. Him here. Our bodies glued together, but I know there’s so much we need to work through. So much exploring to do before we leap into a future together.
I loosen my grip and shift so that I’m facing him.
“Michael…?”
His eyes pop open. “Hum?”
“We need to talk about the fact that we’re not using condoms.”
His eyes close again but with a nod of acknowledgement. “I know… I assume you’re not taking the pill.”
“I’m not.”