I can hear him rummage through the fridge until it finally goes quiet. I assume he saw the note about dinner because the microwave starts. I put his food in there to keep it semi warm until he got home. I guess he didn't stop for dinner, which makes me happy that another plate of food won’t go to waste.
Lying in bed, I have the blankets pulled up tight with just my head poking out with a sliver of my arm that’s wrapped around my body pillow. With every blink, my eyelids grow heavier, slowly drowning out the room as the waves of sleep begin to take over. I’m so looking forward to what lies ahead this week. Everything is falling into place; I never expected for my goal to be this easy.
The last thing I remember was feeling his arms wrap around me after he crawled into bed with a whispered “I love you, good night” as he snuggled his head in closer to mine on my pillow. Holding his arms closer, I pull his body flush with mine, finally ceasing my battle to Mister Sandman.
***
Morning comes all too quickly. I feel as though I had just fallen asleep.
The alarm chimes frantically next to the bed. Stretching to reach it, I shut it off a little more forcefully than I intended to. I’ve never liked alarms. They normally startle me, and I hate being woken up that way. I would much rather just wake up when my body and mind are ready to. The girls have always been the same too. Nathaniel, on the other hand, is up and out of the house without so much as a cup of coffee. I know he left in a rush this morning because the coffee maker I set up last night still has a full pot. Sadly, I won’t see or hear from him until he gets home this evening—whatever time that may be.
I pour coffee into my oversized mug and sip the delicious caffeinated liquid while walking up to the bathroom, starting the shower, and pulling out my clothes for the day. My email notifications have already started to come through on my phone. Those don’t normally start for another hour or so, which signifies that it is going to be another long, busy day. I quickly shower and get ready to leave for work, throwing on of my favorite skin-tight dresses.
Before I head for the door, I wake the girls up, reminding them to be awesome and have a terrific day.
Busy days at work make the time go by a lot faster. There was no down time today. Surprisingly, I actually managed to sneak away long enough to pee a few times. There are already four calls pending that I have to return in the morning as well as a page of emails to respond to.
There was a meeting with a client who had been running late. Lunch was skipped, so luckily, I was able to leave an hour earlier than I thought I was going to. After the day I had though, there was no way I was going home to cook a gourmet meal, so I stopped by the market and grabbed two bags of premade shrimp and pasta. Yet another favorite in my home. Getting out of the car, my phone vibrates in my pocket with a text from Breann.
Hey Mom, I know you won’t but don’t forget about Delilah today.
A wide smile spreads across my face as I read it. Before I put my phone back into my pocket, I reply.
I won’t.
I throw the bags of pasta into the freezer and quickly clean up the living room. Adjusting things and planning the evening in my mind. As I carry the last armfuls of stuff up to the girl's rooms, I hear the knock on the door I have been waiting for. Quickly, I put their things inside of their rooms and walk back down the stairs, opening the door with a bright smile.
“Delilah, come on in. The girls aren’t here, but they said you would be coming over.”
“Thanks. I saw your car in the driveway. Are you sure it’s a good time?”
“Any time is a good time for you.”
Once she is inside, I shut and lock the door. For two reasons. One because it’s my obsession. Two…is hopefully about to happen.
“I won’t be long. I’ll make sure to let you know when I’m leaving too.” I watch her from the door as she walks up the stairs. This girl has no idea just how long I have been waiting. I can tell you, almost down to the minute, just how long—four-hundred and thirty-seven days and if I had to guess twelve minutes. I made sure to surpass her birthday, so that she is more than legal. I wouldn’t want to get myself or her into any trouble for what I’m about to initiate.
A few minutes later, I hear her huff as she comes back down the stairs.
“That didn’t take you very long. Got everything?”
“Yes ma'am. I just needed to print the last assignment and update the log. Thank you again. Ours should be fixed this weekend. If not, I’m just going to buy one myself. I've saved a bit from my weekend shifts at the burger joint.”
“You know we don’t mind you being here. Everything okay? I heard you huff as you were coming down the stairs.”
“Yeah,” she shrugs. “Things are fine. Just a stupid boy.”
“Oh. Yup. That will definitely make you huff.”
“He's dumb. I know I shouldn’t let it bother me. Besides, once I leave for college I’ll probably never see him again.”
“I don’t want to pry, but if you want to talk about it, I have time. You could always stay for dinner too. The girls won’t be home for a while though.”
“That would be great Mrs. Jameson. My parents won't be home until later and I was just going to order a pizza.”
“It’s a date then. We can talk now, and you can help me later. How about that?” I ask with a smile before adding, “can I get you anything?”
“Sure. Maybe just some water?” She places her backpack on the couch and follows me into the kitchen.
“Here you go, sweetheart.” I turn to hand her the glass and bump into her, water soaking the front of her shirt.
“Oh, that's cold!” she yells, trying desperately to pull her shirt from her chest.
“Shit! I am so sorry. I didn’t realize you were that close.” I exclaim.
“It’s okay. Just water, right?”
“Still. I didn’t mean to make you all wet. Well, at least not like that.” I wink at her, hoping that she caught the hidden meaning behind that.
“Mrs. Jameson, someday I might just take you up on that. I’m sure you would be better than the boys at school.”
“First, you can call me Deena. Second, I know I’m be better than the boys. What’s bothering you with this one?”
“Nothing that should be, I guess. I know I shouldn’t be worried about sex and that I should be focusing on my studies and blah blah blah as my parents would say but man…it would be nice to relieve some stress and not have to think about it all for just a few minutes. I know I shouldn’t even be thinking about it but seriously, I am human.”
“What happened?” I ask, motioning for her to sit at the couch.
“We were supposed to yesterday, but he got too high and well... he couldn’t. After I got done laughing, I left.” She smiles. I’m sure it matches the smile she wore yesterday while laughing at the immature boy she was waiting on. How could he let her leave unsatisfied?
“Why not tonight then?”
“Why not tonight, what?” She crinkles her brows together. I can see the corners of her lips pulling up. She knows what I’m talking about and how bad I have been wanting her.
“Why don’t you let me see… how wet I can make you?” I say, scooting in closer toward her. Taking the dish towel I’ve been holding, I slowly start to pat her chest dry. Gently rubbing first left to right then up and down, making sure to spend extra time on her nipples. I can tell that she is thinking about it. Her nipples are rock hard, begging to be set free from her bra.
“I honestly thought you were joking. You're serious?” She says with a pause.
“Damn right I’m serious.” I say sternly, handing her the towel. I shift my weight to lean my arm back on the couch.
“I, uhm. I... don’t know what to say.”
“At this point, it’s either the cold water or your body telling on you, but I think you're interested, to say the least.” I point to the towel she's now using as a shield.
“I never… I never thought you were serious.” She says, th
e blood rushing to her face as she replays all the remarks I’ve said over the years.
“I don’t say things just to say them.”
“I would have no idea what I’m doing.” She half laughs but her tone drops with her gaze falling to the ground.
“I didn’t ask for you to do anything.” I whisper. Leaning in even closer, I tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her cheeks turn red again as I lean into kiss her. Gloss lingers on the surface of her delicate lips. They gingerly part allowing me to sneak my tongue inside.
I can’t wait to see what her other set glistens like.
As our kiss deepens, I switch between sucking her tongue and gently biting her lip. She slowly leans back and lies down on the couch, giving me full access to her body. Carefully, I balance over her, sliding my free hand up the middle of her stomach and under her shirt. She breathes in sharply as my fingers creep under her bra. I trail gentle kisses down her neck, taking my time as I pull her shirt and bra up further, showing off her perky breasts.
“Damn, you’re gorgeous” I tell her before deliberately nibbling on her nipple then sucking it into my mouth. The squeal she lets escape her makes my heart beat faster. I undo the zipper on her jeans and start to slip them down when I feel her freeze.
“Do you want me to stop?” I ask, lifting my gaze from her panties. Inside I’m begging her to let me continue, but if she tells me no, then I won’t hesitate to stop.
“No,” she whispers, shaking her head. “I’m just nervous.”
She helps me with her jeans, pulling her pink lace panties down with them and tossing them to the floor. Kneeling down in front of her, I knead her inner thighs before spreading them apart. I place one over the side of the couch and the other over the back. Spread open, she shines better than the gloss on her tender mouth. This view is better than what I envisioned many times while pleasuring myself.
Anxiously, I dive in, licking right up the center and suckling on her exposed clit. Sliding two fingers inside, I feel the wall of her pussy against my flesh, making me wet. She tastes better than I could have ever imagined. I plan to take my time; appreciating every moment I’ve waited so long for.
With every thrust of my fingers, I feel her barriers breaking down. She moves knowingly, moaning and breathing heavily. The harder she bucks beneath my hand, my own desires burn inside, the pressure building in intensity. I try to ignore the throb between my legs, but I cave to my own physical needs.
I pull my dress up and push my panties to the side. Using my free hand, I match the force and rhythm I’ve set with Delilah. Masking my own sounds so I focus on hers, I bury my face deeper between her legs, lapping at her desire as it pours from her body.
I picture that if there is a next time, I want the sounds coming from us to be screams, not just moans. I also wonder what her limits are, what all she will allow me to do to her. The thoughts rolling around in my head only add to the moment, fueling the fire.
It doesn’t take long before we both explode in a wave of ecstasy. Delilah puts one of the throw pillows over her face as she moans loudly, slowly bucking against my tongue, ensuring that she gets every last drop of her juices out and on my face.
Allowing her to breathe for a moment, I start on her again, this time lightly biting her thighs as I push further inside of her. I’m not as gentle as I was the first time. I push deeper, nibbling harder, taking more control.
After the third time, silence fills the house as she slips into the bathroom to clean up. I take this time to straighten the couch back out and adjust my dress. Out front, I hear a car pull up and shortly after a door shut. As I look out the window, I tell Delilah that Breann is home.
We must have been preoccupied for a lot longer than I thought.
“Can I tell her I just got here?” She smiles brightly, walking back into the room.
“You sure can. I hope that you’ll still stay for dinner.” I say, my tone hopeful.
“I plan to. As long as it’s still okay.”
“Of course, it is. I’m hoping that you’ll come over more often.” I tell her, wiping my hands on the dish towel, then wiping my mouth. She turns another beautiful shade of red as she watches me clean myself up.
Breann comes inside, dropping her bag on the couch where we just were and starts rambling about how her shift was cancelled after she arranged to be there.
“It’s okay. Take the time to just hang out and relax. You don’t always have to be on the go. One day off is not going to hurt you.” I tell her.
Delilah smile and adds, “Yeah, let’s just hang out for a bit. We can catch up on a show or something. Your mom invited me to stay for dinner since my parents won’t be home until later.”
“Sweet. Alright, I’ll stop bitching then. Come on.” Breann waves for her to follow her.
They grab a snack and a soda from the kitchen. I saw Breann smuggling a bag of cookies under her arm before she zooms pass me, laughing like she was a little girl again. I can vaguely hear them as they race up the stairs and retreat to her room, discussing school and what the plans are for the weekend before the door shuts. Alone and in a stellar mood, I decide to try something new. The last time I had thought about baking something myself, the twins had just been accepted on to the cheer team in the sixth grade. Since then, I have purchased their desserts and surprises or bribed a neighbor to make them.
I pull out the bags of shrimp from the freezer and start them in a pan. Pouring the last bit of wine into my glass, I have a small celebration for today’s events. I have an energy buzzing through my veins that I haven’t felt in a long time, too long for me to even place correctly.
Unlocking my phone, I ignore the three new emails blinking at me from the corner of my screen. Instead, I click on the internet icon and search for a few minutes for a recipe I think I am capable of replicating. I have never been so glad my girls like to bake and always grab the stuff while were at the store, though most of what they make they take to school or devour before I get home. Excitedly, I start to grab the ingredients from the cabinet, pantry, and fridge. I double check the list, checking off the chocolate powder, eggs, milk, and flour. There is a container by the coffee pot that holds the sugar, so I won’t need to grab that since it will be within reach.
Meticulously, I measure and mix the ingredients, paying extra attention to the instructions. The last thing I want is for my second attempt ever at brownies to come out like bricks or lumps of burnt coal. I set the temperature on the oven and wait for it to preheat while I pour the brown liquid into the pan.
Knowing that I have about twenty more minutes, I start to clean up the kitchen and my mess. As I’m putting away the last few cups from the dishwasher, my phone chimes. I sigh, thinking that it’s just another email, so I take my time to get to it. It chimes again. Almost frustrated at this point, I grab it, hoping that it’s not Baylee in need of something. I should have heard from her by now anyway.
What I see when I unlock my phone brings a grin to my face and a hot flash runs through my body. It’s from Delilah.
Thank you. Definitely better than the boys
Same time tomorrow? ;)
I had forgotten all about her having my number. A safety concern of mine when they moved in. I didn’t want my sweet neighbor girl left with no one nearby to save her if she needed something. Her parents thought it was a kind and sweet gesture. Little did they know, I was craving to taste their daughter.
My waiting paid off.
Hopefully, there is much more of her in my future other than seeing her with my daughters. Taking a sip of wine, I reply.
Can’t wait ;)
Looks like there are going to be a lot more secrets kept around this neighborhood
MAYHEM
The Thief and The Liar
YOLANDA OLSON
THE THIEF
Prologue
I use the back of my hand to wipe the sweat from my brow. This room has become so muggy and thick with a low-hanging cloud of cigarette smoke, but I
don’t open the window. That’s a relief, a reward of sorts and I haven’t earned that yet.
I hate this seedy, old fucking motel but it’s the only place I can ever think of to escape to when she tells me that she’s sick of looking at me.
She never means it in a cruel way and only ever banishes me from her sight, for a lack of a better term, when we’ve gotten into one of our rare heated arguments.
She does it for both of us; it gives her time to cool her temper and it gives me the opportunity to walk away and spend some time alone.
Not that I’m alone tonight, or any other night I’m away from her, for that matter. I usually find someone to pass the time with but never in a way that will break her heart if she found out.
Though if she did ever find out, she’d never believe that it’s always for her.
I was never her “type”; I knew that much from the very beginning.
She never voiced it of course, but there are somethings you just know by the way another person’s gaze falls upon you and others as they walk by. There’s been a constant turmoil deep inside of me to try and be everything I assume she’s ever wanted, but she’s never asked that of me and I like to think that maybe it’s all in my head. Maybe when her hazel green eyes follow someone else down the street, it’s not their appearance she’s looking at—maybe it’s their manner instead. I have to believe that because that’s the only thing that makes these nights spent in this goddamn place worth the work I put in.
For every restless night and every drop of blood spilled, she'll know it was all for her and she'll be proud to love me again.
I wonder if she’s thinking of me right now as much as I’m thinking of her. I hate being away from her; it’s almost like being away from the heart beating inside of my chest and it’s a pain I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
I know it’s not forever because it never is, I just hate when I have to endure these moments. But I won’t sit here and wonder about her any more than she worries about me, which is most likely not at all.
Love is Strange: A Taboo Anthology Page 22