5. Chapter Four
“No, I just pulled into the driveway, Rhett. I’m exhausted. I’ll worry about getting the rest of my things tomorrow, okay?” I rub my eyes from how exhausted I am, hoping it helps me keep from falling asleep mid-conversation.
“Alright, if you’re sure,” Rhett says, clicking his tongue. “Are you okay? You sound more than exhausted.”
I blow out a breath, leaning back in my seat as I stare at the front door of my new home. It’s a large wooden door that is arched at the top with an iron handle. It was the first thing I saw that made me fall in love with this house.
“I’m okay. It’s been a wild day. I was stuck in traffic for a while due to the accident.”
A long pause occurs from his end. “And you had just talked to Ms. Livingston too. Are you okay? She’s been a client of ours since the beginning. She was always supportive.”
I scoff internally and immediately feel guilty about it. She only wanted to flirt with me, but I suppose business is business, right?
“Yeah, I just find it odd that she would walk straight into oncoming traffic like that. She seemed fine when I talked to her, Rhett. Hell, she has been wanting to go out with me for ages. I don’t think she was seeing anyone like everyone is saying.”
“Well, I hate to say this, but we really didn’t know her that well, Fitz. She could have been seeing him, and in the moment of pain, she followed the path where she thought she’d find peace.”
I shake my head but keep my mouth shut. I know in my gut that Ms. Livingston didn’t know the man who died. According to the rumors spreading around town like wildfire, he was an out-of-town businessman just passing through.
How the hell would Ms. Livingston know him?
“I guess we will never know what happened.” The same feeling I had in the parking lot overcomes me again.
The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, goosebumps tickling the surface of my skin. I glance out the window, darting my gaze through the darkness, but see nothing.
“Listen, I’m going to go. I need to shower and get some sleep. I’m barely able to function,” I tell Rhett a small lie. I know I won’t be able to sleep for another few hours, but he probably knows that too. It always takes me ages to fall asleep.
“No problem. If you need anything, you know me and Mickey are here for you, right?”
“Damn, I didn’t even ask how she is doing. Is she alright?” I rub my temples, exhaling the all-too-familiar guilt slowly.
“Fitz, she is fine. Miserable. I don’t blame her one bit. I’d tell you if she weren’t. Thanks for asking. You’re a good friend. Get some rest.”
“Will do.” I open the driver’s side door, stepping out into the chill of the night. I’m about to hang up the phone when Rhett’s voice has me bringing my cell back to my ear. “What was that?”
“Sorry. Quick question and then I’ll let you go.”
“Shoot,” I tell him, flipping through the keys until I find the one that opens the front door.
“You’re really okay with the shop?”
I grin, shaking my head. “Always so worried. I have rescheduled all non-urgent appointments. I’m only taking the ones that need to be seen immediately. I won’t be okay if you don’t let me go to bed.”
He chuckles. “Alright. Have a good night.”
“Night, Rhett.” I hang up the phone and sag against the side of the truck. I’m bone fucking tired.
Grunting, I stretch to reach the door and close it. Tilting my head back, I stare up at the night sky, getting lost in the endless vast of stars. It’s a moonless night which has the canopy of darkness somehow seem bigger as it stretches across for all eternity.
My phone rings again and I groan, “Come on, people. Can’t a guy get a break?” My sister’s name flashes across the screen. Another roll of guilt hits my stomach.
Ever since I moved away, I haven’t been talking to her as much as I used to. It isn’t because I don’t miss her. My new life has just been busy.
It isn’t right. I need to be a better big brother.
“Hey, Sis,” I manage to answer, pouring every ounce of energy I have left for the day into those two simple words.
“Hey, Fitsgerald. About time I get to hear your voice. It’s been too long.”
I grimace when she calls me that. Fitz is only a nickname, shortened so I didn’t sound like a grandfather.
It’s a name passed down to every man in the family and It’s a tradition that I would happily break.
“Sorry. It’s been busy here opening up shop. I can’t talk for long. I just got home and I’m so tired. Can I call you tomorrow?”
“Yes, I only called to make sure you were alive and well.”
“I’m alive,” I state, walking to my mailbox at the end of the driveway.
I haven’t checked the mail in days. It’s one of my worst habits. Nothing good is ever in the mail anyway unless I bought something online. If I get one more damn postcard about the pizza place in town, I’m never going to eat pizza again.
“But not well?” Her voice lowers to concern and a slight whisper.
“I’m well. I promise.” Headlights coming down the street have me turn around. The beams are too bright and force me to turn away. “I love you, okay? I promise I’ll call tomorrow when I get some sleep. It’s not a good time. Give my nephew a hug for me.”
“I love you too and I will. Talk at you later.” She hangs up and I press the button on the side of my phone to turn the damn thing off. I officially no longer want to talk to anyone.
I flip through my mail. “Junk. Junk. Junk.”
“Do you always talk to yourself or is this just a bad habit, Fitz?”
I look up from my gigantic pile of trash when a familiar voice captures my attention. My breath catches in my throat. My heart suddenly finds a different rhythm. My tongue forgets how to form words. The mail drops from my hands and the sound of it slapping against the pavement pulls me from my stupor.
“Holly? What—What are you doing h-here?” I stammer, wanting to kick myself for not sounding more put-together and smooth.
She smiles and I swear, I see fangs. I rub my eyes again and the long sharp cuspids are gone.
I really do need sleep if I’m hallucinating physical traits of monsters.
A man wants what he wants.
She bends down at the same time I do to gather my mail. Our hands touch, and a wild bolt sparks my fingertips and travels through my veins. Her touch alone gives me the bolt of energy I need.
I’m more awake than I was this morning.
“Sorry,” she giggles, handing me a stack of mail.
“Don’t worry about it. I’m glad to see you.”
“Are you?”
I grin, running my oil-stained fingers through my hair. “I am. It’s been one Hell of a day. It’s good to see a friendly face.”
“How do you know I’m friendly? I could be stalking you.”
I lick my lips, wondering if that would really be so bad. “I think I’d live.”
A flash of horns protrudes from her forehead but the moment she turns to look at the house next door, they are gone.
“Well, I’m sorry to disappoint, but—” she points to the house next door. “I just bought this house, so I’m your new neighbor. I guess I’ll be bringing your mail to you, so it doesn’t get so… piled up.”
I tuck the thick stack of envelopes under my arms. “You’re my new neighbor?”
“I am.” Her long hair morphs from blonde to blue but just as quickly as the teal color is there, it’s gone. “What a pleasant surprise to know I have such a handsome neighbor.”
Heat fills my cheeks. I know I’m blushing. I’ve always been a bit bashful when it comes to women I like.
“I don’t know about all that but if you need help moving in just let me know.”
She closes the distance between us, locking eyes with me, before squatting ever so slowly. Holly is so close that her chin grazes my stomach. Then, my half-hard cock pressing against my zipper.
I gasp, and our eyes lock onto one another before she stands up again.
“You forgot a piece.” She holds up another envelope that has a thirty-percent off sticker on it.
I swallow, unable to get my thoughts under control because all I see is her on her knees, sucking my cock.
“Have a good night, Fitz. I can’t wait to see more of you.” She backs away and if I’m not mistaken, she checks me out from top to bottom with a bite of her lip.
“Have a good morning. I mean day. I mean—” Kill me now. “—I mean night. Have a good night. Sleep well. Have sweet dreams.” I wave at the most intriguing woman I’ve ever seen in my entire life.
“I’ll be dreaming of you, so I doubt any of them will be sweet, Fitz.” She blows me a kiss before unlocking her door and disappearing inside.
I’m finally able to let out a breath. “Holy shit.” I toss the mail down on the ground and spin on my heel. Bending over, I rest my hands on my knees and chuckle, curious as to why I’m so out of breath as if I’ve run five miles.
Holly seems to suck the air out of the space she invades. My space. My head feels light, yet my body is wound so tight. I bet the only way to relax would be to feel her hands on me.
I bend down, again, to get my mail, and whistle as I walk to my own front door. My thoughts clouded with Holly. I almost feel like I’ve had one too many beers. I’m going to blame it on the long, odd day instead of seeing Holly and learning she is my neighbor.
How am I going to be able to act normal when I see her outside? What if she knocks and needs a cup of sugar one day?
“Get a fucking grip, Fitz,” I tell myself as I fumble with the damn lock I need to replace. “Come on.” I wiggle the key, kick the door, pull it towards me, and finally the damn thing opens. “Well, that needs to be fixed.” I toss my keys on the small handmade coffee table sitting against the wall to the right.
Feels good to be home even if I’m alone. I sit on the stool I keep next to the front entrance and unlace my boots before kicking them to the side. Stretching my leg out, I kick the door closed, then reach for the deadbolt to lock it.
My head thuds against the wall as I take a moment to myself and appreciate the silence. With hooded eyes, I study my new space. Even though I have a sectional couch, a large flat-screen TV, a recliner, and a small wet bar to the right near the kitchen, the house is empty.
I hope that changes one day. The sound of silence is haunting. It’s heavy, suffocating, and a stark reminder of how this house is not a home just yet. Love doesn’t fill it.
Yet.
It seems the more I want an all-consuming love, the more unrealistic it becomes.
I groan as I force myself to my feet. My knees pop from the ripe old age of thirty-nine. Unbuttoning my pants, I head toward the staircase to go up to my bedroom. As I climb, I take a moment to look at the photos I have framed on the greyish-green painted wall.
From photos of me and my sister playing in the mud, to my high school graduation, to the first day of working at Rhett’s Garage, to a picture of him and me in front of Snapdragons.
It’s wild that I’m one of the few that can see him. It’s a shame no one will be able to see how extraordinary he is because they will feel threatened. I hate it for him.
My hand follows up the industrial rail. The metal is a rusted dark brown. More my style than the old, chipped oak that was left behind. I’ve even put gorgeous metal beams across the ceiling to tie it in.
This house only needed a few tweaks. What sold me was the view of the lake. I can see why Mickey loves the water so much. It’s so relaxing.
I kick my bedroom door open, the bathroom so close I can nearly feel the hot shower searing my back. I turn the knob that controls the new low-hanging lights installed, giving the room a faint glow instead of a bright light.
Shucking off my shirt, I toss it in the hamper, unzip my pants, and kick them off to the side.
I’ll pick them up later.
Sliding the door open to the bathroom, I take a moment to appreciate the upgrades the previous owners did. The tile consists of small dark green hexagons with black grout. The double vanity holds two copper sinks and a large antique mirror with a copper frame hangs on the wall above. The toilet is to the left but it’s the shower and tub that I’m obsessed with.
Both the shower and tub are enclosed in the same space surrounded by frosted glass. The green hexagon tiles continue through the stall. The soaking tub can hold three of me while the showerhead is gigantic and hangs from the ceiling. There is a touchscreen inside that controls the temperature, a heated towel rack, and can frost the glass more or less.
I don’t care about that since I’m the only one who lives here.
Snagging the black handle, I open the stall door and press a button on the touch screen that turns the shower on. Then, I press the aromatherapy button, and as soon as it begins to steam, lavender fills the air.
I inhale as deeply as I can, the stress from the day easing away. The spray of hot water soaks my hair as I step under it, allowing the water to wash away all the sweat, oil, and grease.
First, I wash my body with a loofah and scrub every inch of my skin. The second step is to scrub my fingers, getting the gunk from under my blunt fingernails. Like always, I wash my hair by squirting the shampoo directly on my head and continue scrubbing until the water runs from grey to clear.
Now, I stand there, enjoying the hot water and relaxing my tight muscles. I press a hand against the wall, my shaggy hair falling into my eyes. I brush it out of the way, hanging my head as the pressure from the spray massages the back of my neck.
Closing my eyes, my mind is occupied with Holly.
Not the human version of her, the monster my mind keeps conjuring. Groaning, I lean my head against my bicep, imagining I’m wrapping my hands around her horns as I thrust into her, using them as leverage to fuck her as hard as I can.
I have a feeling she’d love that.
“Fuck.” I grip my thick cock, stroking it to the thought of fucking the monster who belongs to me.
Her blue hair is bright, draped across the black silk of the pillow.
She screams my name, “Fitz. More. Harder.”
And I give it to her, giving her more with every fucking thrust.
“You like that. You love my fat cock. You love being stretched and used.”
She growls at me, flashing her fangs with a promise of violence before flipping me onto my back.
“I’ll show you what it’s like to be stretched and used, Fitz.” Something long and slick slips into my ass, pressing against a spot I’ve never explored before.
“Oh, fuck, Holly. That feels so good. Don’t stop. Keep doing that.” In my mind, it feels so good, but I don’t know if I’d ever dare to actually do it.
Wings spread out of her back, the tips pinning my wrists above my head. Her tongue shifts from normal to a tentacle and she tests the suction by licking up my stomach. Small circular dots appear, similar to a hickey. The small mark makes me feel claimed like she has stamped ownership on me.
“You’re all mine, Fitz. This body. This cock.” Her tentacles wrap around my dick, giving it a teasing squeeze.
I whimper.
“I want your come, Good Boy. I want it so bad. You know I can’t live without it.” She slides her tight cunt down on my shaft and my fucking toes curl against the tile. Holly rocks back and forth. “Give it to me. Fill me. I want every drop. Be a good boy and breed me.”
The praise has come shooting from my cock, my orgasm wracking through my body and causing my knees to go weak.
“Holly, oh, fuck, Holly. Take every drop. It’s yours. Every fucking drop of me,” I moan so loud, thankful I’m by myself.
Just as I tilt my head back, I swear a shadow moves from the corner of my eye. My chest rises and falls as I try to catch my breath from the best orgasm I’ve ever had.
“Hello?” I call out, licking the water from my lip.
There’s no way someone could be here. It’s only me.
I wash the evidence of my dirty thoughts down the drain, press the button on the screen to shut the water off, and snag a warm towel from the rack.
“Just imagining things,” I mumble to myself while I dry off and another shadow captures my attention.
I laugh when I see my own shadow cast on the floor.
“Idiot. You need to sleep.” I ignore the paranoia telling me someone is in my house.
I wipe the condensation from the mirror, staring at my reflection as I brush my teeth. My hair curls at the end just above my eyes and I make a mental note to get a haircut. I debate on shaving but damn it, I don’t feel like it, so I decide to leave the stubble just to crawl into bed a few minutes earlier.
Spitting the toothpaste in the sink, I rinse my mouth out, and straighten, catching a glimpse of Holly in the mirror.
“What the fuck!” I spin around, but she isn’t there.
It’s just the wall.
I’m relieved and disappointed.
“Fucking Hell, Fitz. Get a grip. Your imagination is running wild. Calm the hell down.” I flip the bathroom light off and crawl into bed, covering myself with the comforter.
It isn’t long before my body becomes light, my mind becomes quiet, and my eyes close to finally get some rest.
I swear I feel someone watching me but I’m so tired, I don’t care. Maybe my house is haunted.
“Make yourself at home,” I grumble with my eyes still shut, fluffing my pillow.
“Don’t worry, I will.”
I chuckle at my own thoughts. It’s official.
I’ve lost my mind.