Stuck with You: A ONE WEEK Novella

by Carmen, Roya

  “No way. It’s freezing!”

  “Hell, yes.”

  I try to run away from him but it’s useless. He catches up to me and wraps his long arms around my waist. He’s kind though. He doesn’t just throw me in, he holds me tightly and drags me in slowly. My breathing shallows and my pulse races as I sink deeper into the frigid water. We stare into each other’s eyes as we go down — it’s painfully delicious.

  When I’m finally fully immersed, I revel in the coolness of the water and the pulse of my beating heart. I feel alive, like I haven’t in ages. Ever since Jacob and I separated, I’ve been on auto pilot, a walking zombie.

  Alex and I swim around each other. Every now and then, he dives into the water and grabs me from below, scaring the shit out of me. I laugh hysterically every time.

  I’m having the time of my life, not a care in the world, when it all comes to a halt. Jacob is standing there in the distance, watching us. I can’t quite see his expression because he’s too far away but I know he’s not happy.

  I float away from Alex, wishing Jacob hadn’t seen us. The last thing I want to do is hurt him. I’m just trying to move on with my life.

  Alex is all smiles when he waves at Jacob. Jacob throws a hand up and continues on his way, shoulders slumped.

  Alex heads straight at me with an I want to get kinky in the water expression. I press a hand on his chest when he reaches me. “How old are you?”

  He grins. “Twenty-seven. Why?”

  Just as I thought… about ten years younger.

  “How old are you?” he asks, curious.

  I smirk at him. “I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.”

  He laughs and dives in again.

  12

  Following our swim, we head back to Alex’s where he convinces me to go commando under my shorts and tank top. The sheer fabric of my tank leaves very little to the imagination. My breasts might be nothing to write home about, but I still have nipples, and right now they’re very erect — because it’s chilly post-swim, and for no other reason.

  I emerge from the washroom, my arms self-consciously crossed over my chest. Alex smiles at the sight of me.

  “My tank top is kind of see through,” I explain. “These arms are staying in this position.”

  He laughs and sprints to the front door. He grabs a cozy looking sweater and throws it at me. I catch it and hug it against my chest. It’s soft. I turn away from him and slip it on. It’s way too big for me, but I love the feel of it. “Thanks, now all I need is a cup of tea.”

  He grins. “I can do that for you.” He bounces off the sofa. “Hey, how about a game of Scrabble? Do you like Scrabble?”

  I’m surprised by the turn of events — perhaps I’ve underestimated the boy. “Sure… I’m not very good though.”

  He plugs in the kettle. “Don’t worry. I’ll go easy on you,” he says with a wink.

  Damn. I know he’s talking about letters on wooden squares, but my body stands to attention regardless.

  We have a great time, drinking tea and eating shortbread cookies made by a neighbor. We laugh when we realize that most of our words are naughty: BREASTS, BED, WET, SHEETS, LIPS, PIE, HARDER, MOUTH, CLAMPS, REAR, TEDDY, SALSA, KISS, HEADLIGHTS, INTERCOURSE, MONSTER…

  “There’s definitely a theme going on,” I quip.

  “Seriously, what’s wrong with us?” he jokes.

  We have so much fun, I don’t even notice the time go by. When I check my phone and see that it’s already five-thirty, I’m shocked. “I should go.”

  His face falls but just for a second.

  “Jacob usually makes dinner,” I explain. “He’s a better cook than I am. I don’t want to miss it… it’d be rude. He’s probably making something for the both of us. I don’t want him to worry.”

  “I totally get it,” Alex says with a smile. “Keep the sweater for now. You can give it back to me tomorrow.”

  “Thanks. I should go get my underwear.”

  I scurry to the washroom and pick up my panties and bra which are hanging on the edge of his bathtub. When I get back, it’s awkward. Goodbyes are always a little uncomfortable, especially when one is holding one’s panties and bra.

  Alex gives me a quick awkward hug. “I had a great time.”

  I smile up at him. “Me too. Thanks again.”

  I know he wants to sleep with me. I’m not that woman who thinks every guy wants to nail her. But once in a while, men will look at me exactly like Alex is looking at me right now, and I know precisely what’s on their minds.

  I dash out the door with a wave. I’m exhilarated as I jog back home. I’m on a high — I feel like a teenager heading back home for dinner, a few minutes late.

  As soon as I walk in the kitchen, I know something’s wrong. Jacob doesn’t smile at me or say hello. He’s busy frying fish — it smells so good. Abby and Baxter paw at my legs, excited to see me. I pet their cute little heads.

  He eyes the underwear in my hand. “Had fun?”

  “Oh,” I’m quick to say. “I went for a swim with Alex… you saw us, right?”

  He dips his head over the stove. “Yeah, I did.”

  “Anyway, I’m going commando right now,” I point out. “I should go change. What are you making for dinner?”

  He turns to me. “Talapia… but there’s only enough for me. I assumed you were having dinner with Alex.”

  I glare at him as I head to my bedroom.

  Jerk.

  I’ve got fresh underwear and sweats on. I’ve kept Alex’s sweater on because it’s so cozy. I’m still so angry at Jacob. He could have made extra, just in case I showed up.

  I pull a frozen dinner out of the freezer, stick it in the microwave, and cut an apple up. I help myself to a glass of milk. I seethe the whole time. Jacob is reading in the living room, completely ignoring me.

  After dinner, I read a little and have a bath. Jacob and I don’t say a single word to each other. Just before I head to bed, I find him brushing his teeth. I suddenly feel bad. “All we did was swim and play Scrabble, I swear.”

  He spits in the sink. “I don’t care.”

  “But you do,” I argue. “I know you do.”

  “Goodnight,” he deadpans.

  “Goodnight.”

  Surprisingly, despite the heavy weight in my heart, I fall easily into slumber. Fresh air and a busy day will do that to a gal.

  Jacob seems to be in a better mood in the morning. He actually bothered to make extra eggs and bacon. I’m enjoying them over the morning paper, which Jacob picked up at the nearby convenience store. “So…” I say, “How’s your crotch doing?”

  He laughs. “It’s much better now… but I’m still mad at you. That was a low blow.”

  I smirk. “Well, you know me.”

  His gaze lingers on me for the longest time. “I do.”

  My heart skips a beat, and I can’t pull my eyes away from his. Just then, the doorbell clangs, and I turn to see Alex on the other side of the screen door. He’s smiling widely, and at the sight of Jacob’s expression, my heart sinks.

  I wave Alex in. What else am I going to do? Tell him he can’t come in because my soon-to-be ex is jealous of him?

  “Hey, how’s it going?” Alex asks Jacob.

  “It’s going,” Jacob deadpans as he rises from the table. He carries his plate to the sink, his back to us.

  “So what’s up?” I ask Alex, wondering what brings him around so early.

  “I was just having my morning walk and I thought I’d drop by and get my sweater back.”

  “Oh… yeah, the sweater. Thanks for lending it to me.”

  “It was a gift from my grandma, so it means a lot to me.”

  “Oh, I didn’t know. That’s cool.”

  Jacob rolls his eyes as he walks past us to leave the kitchen.

  I go fetch Alex’s sweater and hand it back to him. “So… what are your plans today?” I ask, an attempt at making conversation.

  “Not much…
working on a commission,” he says. “But feel free to drop by if you’re bored,” he adds, and I know that he’d drop everything to spend some time with me.

  The offer is tempting, but I’m not quite sure where I’m at. I’m confused. Do I really want a fling with a boy ten years younger than me? Of course I do. But somehow, it doesn't feel right. With Jacob here and everything. I feel guilty. How does he manage to do this to me when we’re not even together anymore? I’m so messed up.

  I smile up at him. “Well, we’ll see. I’m actually pretty busy today.”

  Busy doing absolutely nothing at all.

  He nods. “Sure. No worries.”

  Jacob rushes past us in a huff and heads outside. I watch him walk away into the distance toward the dock, his tall frame slumped.

  “Well, I better be off,” Alex says. “Lots to do.”

  “Thanks again,” I say and wave goodbye to him as he sets out to leave. I watch him walk away, and I look in the far distance and study Jacob. He’s dragging a yellow inflatable boat to the dock.

  I fetch my journal from the nightstand next to my bed, and walk over to the living room. I get comfortable on the sofa, help Abby and Baxter up, and they eagerly settle at my feet.

  13

  Today’s Rants:

  Little balls on old sheets are so annoying. What are those called anyway? Note to self: tell Beatrice she needs to buy new sheets. Is that rude to say? She’s kind enough to lend me her place, and I criticize her sheets. What the hell, she’s known me for years. She knows what I’m like.

  Soon-to-be ex husbands who cockblock you. Jacob is acting like a jealous little bitch!

  Sagging titties. I mean I don’t have much going on there, so they’re not sagging too much, but they’re just not as perky as they used to be. I’m sure Alex is used to perky, bouncy tits, pointing straight ahead. It’s decided… I’m never sleeping with him. It’d just be too embarrassing. Well, perhaps I could keep my bra on… I digress.

  Still wanting your ex. It’s annoying as hell. Why couldn’t Jacob have grown a beer gut and lost all his hair this past year. It would make things easier.

  Frozen dinners: they suck. Why can’t these huge food companies make them better. Us non-cooks have taste buds too. I have a sudden craving for Jacob’s lasagna.

  The screen doors swings loudly as Jacob swoops in. I startle around. “We’re going for a boat ride,” he announces. It’s not a suggestion, more of a command.

  “I’m in the middle of writing in my journal,” I point out.

  He grabs my journal and throws it on the sofa. Abby and Baxter both startle, wondering what the hell is going on. “You can write later,” he says.

  I’m intrigued, I have to admit.

  “I blew up the boat, and we’re going for a ride.”

  I sigh. “I guess…”

  I follow him reluctantly to the water. The boat is tied to the dock. There’s a checkered blanket and two oars on the dock. He hands me a life jacket. “Put this on.”

  “Nah… I’m good. We’re not going too far, I’m sure.”

  “You’re putting it on,” he scoffs.

  “I’m a good swimmer,” I point out. “You know that.”

  “What if the boat punctures and we’re stranded in the middle of the lake? Don’t be stupid, Corrie.”

  The man has a point. I take the lifejacket and put it on. He already has his on. He helps me into the boat and I take a seat on the edge. I shamelessly ogle him as he unties the boat, hops in, and starts to row — his long lean muscles are everything they used to be.

  “So what’s this all about?” I ask, curious.

  “I just wanted you all to myself.”

  “Are you trying to take me away from Alex?”

  He grins. “Something like that.”

  I scrutinize him without a word. He’s so possessive — always has been.

  “I thought it might be nice,” he adds. “All you do is read, paint and write in your journal.”

  “Well, that’s what I came here for… a little quiet and reflection.”

  “And a roll in the hay with a young Brad Pitt look-alike.”

  “Are you jealous, Jacob?”

  He shrugs, staring off across the lake.

  He doesn’t need to answer my question — I already know the answer.

  “What are you doing with him, Corrie?”

  “Nothing… just having fun. He’s nice…”

  He scowls. “Yeah he’s nice because he wants to get into your pants.”

  I shake my head. “I don’t know about that. I’m way too old for him.”

  “I’m sure he couldn’t care less. You don’t realize how sexy you are, do you?”

  His words warm my core. I hate that he can still affect me this way, with just words.

  “It’s been hard this past year,” I confess. “I’ve been lonely, and maybe… I just want someone to like me.”

  “I like you,” he says. “This is all your doing, Corrie. You’re the one who wanted this.”

  I know.

  I wanted this. But all I want right now is to press my mouth to his, to feel his arms around me, his tongue dancing around mine.

  We stare at each other the for the longest time. He doesn't move, willing me to make the first move. I know this is a bad idea, I know I’ll regret it, but I can’t help myself.

  I slowly lean into him, and as soon as my lips press against his, he pulls the oars in and wraps his large hands around my ass. He pulls me in flush against him in one swift move. His kiss is wild, desperate. Our mouths dance, teasing each other. I feel it all the way down to my core. I could kiss him all day, until the sun sets. His mouth slides down my jawline. He glides his tongue down to my collarbone and I let out a loud moan. He scrambles to undo my life jacket. One hand finds my breast, and the other is clamped to my rear. My own hands are busy feverishly pulling off his jacket too, and exploring the ridges of his torso. Finally, I undo his fly and dig into his boxers. I find his length, hard and ready for me.

  “What do you want, Jacob?” I ask, breathless.

  He drags his mouth against my ear. “I want to taste your sweet pussy again.”

  God, I want to. I’ve missed it so much. I can’t count how many times I’ve touched myself, imagining Jacob’s head between my thighs.

  “Then I want to fuck you senseless… right here,” he breathes.

  Without a word, I reach for the band of my sports shorts and eagerly pull them down my ass, along with my panties. He’s keen as he helps me along, peeling them down my legs. He leans down and I scooch myself back, resting my head on the edge of the boat. He dives right in, and as soon as his hot mouth presses on my sex, I’m in heaven. I gaze up at the blue sky, lost in the pleasure. His tongue slides skillfully up and down my pussy, and I press my hips harder into him.

  He pulls away for just a second. “You taste so good.”

  “Don’t stop,” I beg.

  Back to it, Mister.

  My legs are spread wide across the edges of the small boat as I rake my hands through his thick hair — I’ve always loved the feel of it. I stare at my Keds as I press his head closer against me, and I shamelessly rub myself against his face. With anyone else, I could never be so bold, but with Jacob, I have no inhibitions. I sink into the pleasure of it as I climb feverishly to my climax. When I finally get there, I whimper loudly, letting him know how good he makes me feel.

  When I finally settle down, he slides back up and smiles playfully at me. His face is wet and smells of my sex.

  “Thank you,” I say shyly.

  He smirks. “I bet Alex could never do that so well. I’m the only one who knows exactly what you like.”

  I reach for his erection and wrap my hand around it. “Someone’s still hard… what should we do about that?”

  He smiles and leans back into the boat. “I want you to straddle me.”

  I laugh. “Of course you do.” I waste no time when I climb over him and let myself sink into the plea
sure. I’m tender but he feels so good. I don’t think I’ll get there again, but I’m just enjoying the sight of his beautiful face as my body brings him closer. His eyes are closed, his full mouth slightly opened. He’s on cloud nine as I slide slowly back and forth against him, pulling him as deep as I can. I go harder and faster when I see that he’s almost there.

  “Come for me, baby,” I urge. “I love the way you look when I get you off.”

  And with those few words, he loses it. He grabs the flesh of my hips as he jerks and presses hard into me twice — I love it.

  I collapse on him and press my head into the crook of his neck, just like I used to. I miss this so much, it brings tears to my eyes. I realize that I’m never going to be able to let him go. How am I going to do this? Yet, I still think it’s for the best. I haven’t changed my mind. I know he’ll be better off without me.

  As if he can read my mind, he asks, “What are we doing, Corrie? Where are we going?”

  I wipe a tear from my cheek. “I haven’t changed my mind.”

  I feel the dip of his chest as he inhales a long breath. “I don’t understand you, Corrie. You know this is crazy, right? This idea that you’re not good enough for me, that I’ll get bored of you and leave you. That I won’t be happy unless I have a kid. All I want is you, Corrie.”

  I pull away from him. “I’ve seen you with your niece and nephew, Jacob. You love kids. It’s all you could talk about when we started trying, before we knew my body was useless.”

  The sorrow in his eyes breaks me. “Your body is beautiful, Corrie. It is anything but useless.”

  I pull away, back to my knees, and search for my shorts. I find them lodged in the bottom of the boat, panties still tucked in.

  “You know I’d love to adopt,” he says. “Why won’t you even consider it?”

  “Because… because I want to see your eyes when I stare at my baby’s face. Or your smile… some part of you.”