by Lynn Jaxon
“Try not to let it stress you out. I will be there before you know it.” My office phone starts ringing in the background interrupting my time with Marley. “I’m going to have to let you go, babe. My phone is ringing, and I need to see who is calling.”
“Goodbye, handsome.”
“Goodbye, beautiful.” I hang up with a satisfied smirk on my face. She has no idea what is in store for her in Chicago.
Before I can answer the phone, it stops ringing. This works out well for me, because I have so much shit to do before I can leave today.
I plan on spending the rest of the day here at EM Fitness packing up my office. Mitch wants the big portrait from his senior trip that is hanging on the wall in here. I told him that I would wrap it up good and bring it with me. Tomorrow is going to be a long day with the drive back to Arkansas. I’m so glad the desk fits in the back of my truck, and I won’t have to rent something to bring it. The rest of the stuff easily fits on the back seat.
Alan walks into my office looking a little pensive. “You about to get everything packed up? I have to admit that I’m getting a little emotional thinking about you leaving for good. It will not be the same here without you. I’m going to have to step up my workout routine so the ladies will have some new eye candy to look at. Hell, half of them are only members so they can see your fine ass every day.”
I chuckle and shake my head. “Shut the fuck up. You’re so crazy. But I agree. You do need to step up your workout game, brother.”
“You’re such an ass. I don’t know how you’ve managed to have not one, but two amazing women willingly put up with your ass.”
I rotate my pelvis and raise my eyebrows. “It’s not just my ass they are putting up with.”
“I just can’t with you,” he laughs.
“Come help me load these boxes in my truck, please.”
At the end of the day, the crew at the gym throws me a going away party. I’ve been so in the zone that I didn’t even notice all the employees that were milling around that don’t usually work on Friday.
Vance, one of our long-time personal trainers, comes up to me patting me on the shoulder. “It’s so good to see you happy again. I know these past six months have been hell on you. It has been so wonderful having you as a boss and a friend. I just might have to come to see you during football season. I hear those SEC games are fun, especially the pregame tailgate parties.”
“You’re welcome any time. From what the boys have said, the Razorback football team has had a rough few seasons. I’m hoping that will change. Games are so much fun to watch if your team is on the winning end.”
Instead of a cake, they filled the table with Cake Bites, One Bars, and Quest bars for everyone. We did have real chips, dips, and salsa along with tea, water and soft drinks.
When I look at my watch, it’s almost seven o’clock. I say my final goodbyes to everyone and thank them for the party. Alan is waiting by the door with Barbie. He pulls me into a full body, back-slapping hug. “Have a safe drive tomorrow. Don’t be a stranger. I love ya, man.”
I return the hug and look at Barbie. “Take care of this man. You hear me? He is like a brother to me.”
She nods, “I will take good care of him.” She squeezes his hand and smiles sweetly. Alan pulls her to him and kisses her on the top of the head.
I climb in my truck, that is filled with all my junk, and head to my house for what may be one of the last times. I instruct Siri to call Marley. She picks up sounding breathless. “Ben…sorry, I’m running. How was your party?”
“How’d you know about the party? That’s why I haven’t heard from you and the boys like I normally do when y’all are out eating. Alan must have told the boys about the party.”
“You’re correct, oh sexy one. So, was it fun?”
“It was very nice. It would have been better if you and the boys were there. It was kind of sad saying goodbye to everyone.”
“Goodbyes are always hard, but look on the bright side, you get to foster all new friendships here in Arkansas at the new location.”
“That is very true, my dear. I knew I could count on you to put things into perspective. I know you’re running so I won’t keep you on the phone any longer.”
“See you soon, Ben. Drive safe tomorrow.”
“Soon. I can’t wait to see you.”
I wanted to tell her I love her so badly, but I didn’t want to do it on the phone for the first time. I am going to stick to my plan.
Chapter Fifty-Three
Benson
I cannot wait to surprise Marley next weekend. From all our talks, I don’t think she has any idea about the concert or me being there. I just want this to be a night she will never forget. I called her dad last night, to double check that everything was still a go for next weekend. I reassured him how much I loved her and would do everything in my power to make her the happiest woman alive. He told me that was all he could ask.
I drive by the house on the way to the jeweler and see that it is packed with people at the Open House. I think it’s a good sign and I’m feeling very hopeful.
The jeweler had a room set up in back for me to look at all his one-of-a-kind rings. When I see the two-carat heart-shaped diamond solitaire I know that is the one. She is the last woman I’m going to give my heart to, and I can’t think of a better way to show her. This is it. Her mother told me she wore a size six ring. I hope that this will fit her. “What size is this ring?”
“All our rings come as a size six, but we can size them to whatever size you need.”
“Size six is perfect. This is the one.”
I hand him my debit card and pray to God in heaven that she says yes.
The jeweler hands my card back and gives me the ring in a blue velvet box that makes me think of that damn velvet bag and bottle that ruled my life for a short period. My, things have changed. I no longer hate the sight of velvet. It is no longer my weakness, but I hope it gives me my forever strength.
When I get home, the open house is over, but there are still two cars in the driveway, one is the realtor, Jim’s, and I don’t know who the other belongs to. I walk in and see Jim sitting at the kitchen table with a young couple signing papers. He stands up, as does the couple. “Benson, this is Chad and Heather Miller. They just made an offer on your house.”
I extend my hand shaking each of theirs. “Benson Davis, it’s nice to meet you. I’m so happy you like my house. It is filled with a lot of love and memories. My late wife and I raised our two boys here. This neighborhood is wonderful.”
Chad speaks up first, “The minute we walked in your home, we just knew it was the house we wanted to make our forever home. We have two young boys, and this is just perfect.”
“The kitchen and master bathroom sold me,” Heather smiles.
Jim pushes the offer in front of me. It is for the full asking price. I’m blown away.
“My wife and I have looked at a ton of houses, and none of them have spoken to us like this one. We’d love to make it our own. We have already been pre-approved and can close as soon as you would like if you agree to our offer.”
“I absolutely agree to your offer. The house is yours.” Heather squeals in delight. “Give me a pen, Jim, so I can sign this paper and make it official.”
“I cannot wait to tell the boys,” says Chad. “That is a boys backyard dream with the basketball goal, soccer goals and swimming pool.”
“Once you put down your earnest money, I ‘m fine with you moving in before closing. I’m moving to Arkansas, and I’m leaving in a few minutes to head that way. Jim will take care of the closing details for me.” I sign the paper, stand up and shake everyone’s hand again. “I hope you experience all the love and happiness that I did in this home. Jim, please keep me updated, and I will fly back when it is time for closing.”
After leaving my house for the last time, I make one final stop. The cemetery is in a quiet secluded area with green space and a lot of flowers and benches lini
ng the sidewalks that surround the plots. Em’s is in the very back under an oak tree. I had a bench with planters placed under the tree. I kneel down in front of her headstone and read the inscription that the boys picked out. I was too fucking wasted to do it.
Emily Davis
March 10, 1975 - December 25, 2018
Loving wife, mother, and friend who selflessly loved everyone.
She will be loved in death as she was in life.
Speaking out loud I tell Em everything I’m feeling. “Em, I still can’t believe I’m kneeling at your grave. You were supposed to be my forever, my one and only, but fate had other plans. I have spent way too much time cursing God and fate for taking you from me. But you, you remained strong even at your weakest. You made sure that I would be okay. I know that Marley is the last gift you gave me. I promise you I will love her like YOU taught me to love. I bought her a ring today. I just wanted you to know. I love you always.”
I stand up, wipe the tears from my eyes and lay the pink gerbera daisy on her headstone. This is my final goodbye.
I have a long drive ahead of me. I’m emotionally drained but somehow feel lighter.
The drive to Arkansas is long, but I’m so excited to be closer to my boys and Marley. I can’t wait to see her beautiful face. I have about three more hours to go, so I give her a call just to hear her voice.
“Hello, handsome. I’m so glad you called me. I was just thinking about you. I have a place ready and waiting in my office for your desk.”
Her enthusiasm makes me smile. “Hi, yourself. Sounds like you’ve been a busy little beaver. That makes me dam excited.” Marley snorts at my attempt at being ‘punny.’
“Omg, you did not just say that. You’re quite the comedian.”
The lilt in her voice makes me want to drive even faster so I can pull her into my arms. “I’m just a few hours away. It won’t be long before I have you in my arms.”
“I’m counting down the minutes. Have you eaten anything? I put a roast in the oven, and I’m making garlic mashed potatoes and carrots. I know it will be after midnight when you get here, but you need real food. I will have it ready and waiting for you.”
“That sounds amazing. I just ate some peanut butter crackers and drank a Bang when I stopped for gas. Between the coffee and Bang, I’m buzzing,” I say with a laugh.
“Sounds like you will be bouncing off the walls when you get here. I’ll have to think of something to calm you down after I fill your belly with food.”
In my most flirtatious voice, I say, “I don’t think there is anything you can do to calm me down, babe.”
“Ben, you’re incorrigible. What am I going to do with you?”
“Oh, babe, I can think of all kinds of things that you can do with me.” My dick is hard as steel after this playful banter with Marley. She just makes me smile.
“I can’t wait to see you. Drive safe.”
“Bye, beautiful.” I hang up with a smile on my face and a lightness in my heart. I’m feeling more and more like the old me. After visiting Em’s grave, I can feel her pushing me towards my future. From the beginning, she put my needs first. Even in death, I can feel her strength and love. I never thought I would be here, in love again, after losing Em, never thought it would be possible, but I’m desperately in love with Marley.
The time flies by listening to the radio and thinking about my future. When I pull up in the driveway, the garage door immediately goes up. She must have been watching for me out the window. As soon as I climb out of my truck, Marley is in my arms. I can smell her clean citrus scent, and my dick gets painfully hard. I nibble on her ear and kiss her succulent neck. I kick the door shut and press her back into the door. “God, I’ve missed you so much, Marley. I have been dreaming about doing this to you all week long.” She is wearing one of my T-shirts and a thong, and I can smell her desire when I make my way down her body and nuzzle my nose between her thighs. I nip and lick my way to her pussy and have my dessert first. She moans, and the way she is pulling my hair lets me know how much she loves what I’m doing. When her thighs tighten around my head, I know she is close. One more long suck on her clit and she explodes in my mouth. I’m in heaven. “You taste like heaven. I could never tire of feasting on your sweet, sweet pussy.”
Marley is panting and wipes the sheen of sweat off her forehead. “Oh, Ben that was…it was incredible. You make me feel things I’ve never felt before.” She pulls me up and kisses me hard. “I taste so good on you.”
“You taste exquisite. I can never get enough of you.” I kiss her softly on the nose. “Dinner smells wonderful. Thank you for letting me have my dessert first.” My stomach lets out a loud growl and Marley giggles the sweetest sound.
“I better feed my man some real food. Sit down, and I’ll bring you some food.”
She looks so cute dancing around the kitchen while making my plate. Dinner smells, and looks, amazing. I eat it like it’s going to run off of my plate.
“You act like you haven’t eaten in a month. That is the highest compliment you can give a cook.” She smiles and takes another bite of her food.
“I’ve really missed you, Marley. I just can’t believe I almost ruined everything by being such an emotional mess and hurting you on our first date. I was such a fool. If I could go back and change things, I would. Hurting you is the last thing I ever wanted to do.
“I know that. I knew in my heart that it was too soon, so ultimately I’m to blame more than you.”
“I think all things happen for a reason. Our relationship is stronger now than it would have been if you hadn’t faced your pain head-on, which allowed you to heal and come back to me.
After dinner, we clean the kitchen up together before going to bed. I’m fighting sleep big time. Marley leads me down the hallway to her bedroom.
Marley grabs a bottle of massage oil and says, “You look so tired and stiff from all the hours in the truck. Get undressed and let me give you a massage and make you feel better.”
“That sounds incredible, Marley.” I pull off my clothes and climb on the bed. Marley pushes on my chest causing me to fall back against the mattress. I roll over onto my stomach to give her access to my back. When she straddles me, sitting on my ass, my dick becomes painfully hard again. She starts to rub and slide her hands up and down my back with the perfect pressure. “That feels amazing. I can feel the knots in my back loosening up.” She continues to knead and massage in all the right places.
Marley rolls me onto my back, and her eyes grow large when she looks down and sees my needy cock begging for her attention. In the blink of an eye, she has my briefs pulled down and her glorious mouth surrounding my cock. She hums and moans as she sucks, making me grow even larger in her mouth. She looks up at me with her big blue eyes saying, “You didn’t think I was going to let you be the only one to have dessert tonight, did you?” She begins to suck harder, and my eyes roll back in my head. I suck in a breath as she lightly drags her teeth along my shaft. It’s taking all of my control to keep from coming.
It’s not long before I feel the first tingles of my release. I caress her cheek. “I’m about to come, so if you don’t want me to explode down your throat, then you better pull off.” Just like before, she takes me deeper, and I lose myself screaming out my release.
We get a quick shower, each of us staying on our own side, knowing that if we come any closer, we will be going for another round. We climb into bed, and it’s not long before I’m falling into a deep sleep with the smell of citrus and sunshine surrounding me like a warm blanket.
I awake to the sound of my phone ringing. It’s Mitch calling. I don’t feel like talking, so I send it to voicemail. My phone immediately starts ringing again, and I have a sinking feeling in my gut that something is seriously wrong.
I answer the phone, and before I can say a word, Mitch is screaming for me to get to the campus police station now. “What the hell is wrong? You’re freaking me out.”
“It’s Marley,
she needs you.”
“What do you mean Marley needs me? I look over on Marley’s side of the bed, and it is empty. Where the hell is she? “I am on my way. Why are y'all at the university police station?”
“Marley was attacked outside her office. I will tell you all about it when you get here.”
A rage like I have never felt before builds inside my body. I want to kill someone for trying to hurt her.
I don’t even remember the drive to the university, as anger coursed through my veins. Mitch, Henry, and Kristi are waiting for me at the entrance. They are there to keep me calm I’m sure. “Talk!” I all but yell at them. “Tell me what the fuck happened to Marley. Where is she?” I say with a now pleading tone in my voice.
“Calm down, Dad!” shouts Henry. “She is okay, only a few scratches and bruises, but she is shaken up really bad. It could have been so much worse if we hadn’t been leaving the library and heard her screaming. Remember Steven, the biology professor, who had a thing for her? Well, it turns out he is bat shit crazy. He has been stalking her and must have followed her here from your house this morning.
“What the fuck! He has been following her? How do you know this?”
“He was on top of her screaming at her when we got to her. He was spouting nonsense about her being his and how dare she slut around with another man, dying her hair, going out of town, leaving him, etc. That is when Mitch yanked him off and beat the ever-living shit out of him. I called campus police, and here we are. They have him in cuffs, and they are talking to Marley now. We are waiting to give our statements.”
I feel physically ill. “This is all my fault. He attacked her because she is with me. I have taken what he thinks is his. She told me she felt like she was being followed and watched. Shit! All those text messages that said SOON were probably from him, too.” I don’t even realize I’m talking out loud when I feel her soft hand touch my cheek, and her soothing words cross my ears.
“This is not your fault. I was coming to the library to get a book for a class I’m teaching next week. That is when Steven came out of nowhere looking like a crazed man. I was so scared I would never get to see you again. I know that if something were to happen to me, you would find a way to blame yourself.”