Chapter Eight
Michael closed the door as the last of their friends left. Lizzy stood behind him and when he turned, she took his hand. The couple gawked at their new home. Between Ivan’s men, the team, the grandparent crew, and the women, the empty house had now turned into their home.
Chase and Kassie gifted the couple a pair of matching recliners. Kassie read somewhere during her recovery, sleeping in a recliner provided an optimal position for someone recovering from breast cancer surgery. They placed one in the living room and another in their bedroom. Catherine and Leo gifted them a new security system for Michael’s office, Samantha and Whiskey didn’t come inside the house, but sent along a basket of scented candles, an assortment of teas, and a bundle of skin care products. Samantha included a special ointment made with vitamin E for Lizzy to use on her scars after surgery.
The grandparent crew chipped in and bought the couple all new appliances for the kitchen. Saint and Edie presented them with a book of encouraging stories of breast cancer survivors and a homemade quilt. Taco, Shadow, and Matthew provided them with an adjustable bed base and mattress for their bed to help Lizzy’s recovery.
“I can’t believe they moved us in one day,” Lizzy whispered.
“Joe said the construction crew will finish my office and the exam rooms once you’re home and healing. They prioritized the all-season room so you can enjoy the view during your recovery. We can close off the treatment area with the new door leading into the kitchen and seal it to prevent any dust from coming through,” he told her.
Lizzy walked to the new fireplace and marveled at how comforting it felt to mingle her stuff with Michaels.
“Do you want to take a shower to wash off the day? I’ll grab one in the guest room. Did you get a chance to check out the master bathroom? The contractor found a new clawfoot tub to replace the old one. It’s nice. Do you want to enjoy a bath instead?” he asked.
“I can’t remember the last time I soaked in a tub. That sounds wonderful,” she told him as she turned toward their room. Samantha’s scented candles sent a light fragrance of lavender through the air, even unlit. Michael went into the bathroom and started running water in the tub.
“You don’t have to draw my bath. I can do it,” she chastised him softly.
“I’m doing it because I want to. Let me take care of you tonight. We’ve hustled nonstop today and tomorrow’s a big day,” He wrapped his arms around her and moved his hand up and down her back.
She laid her head on his chest, relishing the feel of his love. “Okay.”
He poured bath oil into the water and mixed it with his hand. Lizzy pulled out towels and gathered her pajamas.
“Take your time. I’ll shower and grab a book to read,” he told her.
“The hospital scheduler called. I check in at fourteen hundred,” she reminded him.
“Then we’ll pick up your prescriptions in the morning, and I’ll run to the grocery store for some essentials. Did you want anything?” Michael halted at the doorway.
“No, check the fridge. Ty and Bryanna put some things in there this afternoon, plus we have leftovers from dinner tonight. We might need fresh milk and bread,” she told him as she tried to recall what she unpacked in the kitchen.
Between her friends and all the help, she barely did anything except point and someone began unloading the box and placing things where she wanted. The way everyone pitched in and helped overwhelmed her at times and she’d retreat to their bedroom to collect herself. Living in a foster home didn’t allow her to make friends for long. Her job required a certain amount of distance from employees. It didn’t seem realistic to acquire a group of people who went out of their way to help you the way these people did.
Michael closed the door, giving Lizzy privacy. She rummaged through the suitcase she had packed earlier, no longer needing it since her clothes hung organized in her closet and her dresser restocked except for one drawer. She pulled out a set of pajamas and set them aside. The bra she planned to wear tomorrow draped over the edge of the suitcase. Her fingers lingered before she undressed and stepped into the huge tub. Michael set the water to the perfect temperature, and she sighed as she luxuriated in the scented bath oil from Samantha. She wished she had mustered up the courage to ask Michael to join her. He remained incredibly patient with her, and every evening, up until he learned of her diagnosis, he’d treated her as if they dated. He never pushed her to sleep with him and she wondered if he didn’t desire her as he did before or if he worried about her running again.
Her pale pink satin robe hung on the hook behind the door. Grabbing the body scrub, she began applying it to her legs as an idea began to form in her mind. She stared toward the door and longingly back at the suitcase. Sucking in her bottom lip, she contemplated her options. Tonight might be the last night she felt like a woman. Pulling the plug from the drain, she rinsed off.
She rose from the tub and wrapped a towel around her as she brushed her teeth and applied a bit of lip moisturizer. Her hand trembled in anticipation at the thought of Michael touching her. It felt like forever since his hands glided their way down her body.
Rubbing vanilla lotion all over her body making her skin soft and silky, she slipped on the matching bra and panty set. Admiring her girls in the mirror, she turned to the side to view her silhouette. She tried to imagine what she’d appear like after the surgery. The doctor explained the process and she read all the pamphlets and searched the internet for photos. Somehow her mind refused to reconcile the pictures with herself.
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, praying Michael didn’t refuse to make love to her. He might see her lumpectomy scar and want to start a discussion. Lizzy didn’t want to talk. She turned on the shower light to see if it provided a dim glow.
She took the satin wrap from the door and tied the belt around her waist. Opening the door, she found Michael sitting in bed with his e-book in his lap. Although he focused on the object, he appeared deep in thought.
Walking to the light switch, she flipped it off. The dim glow from the bathroom allowed her to see his face. He glanced up, startled.
“I thought you planned to soak for a while. Did you not enjoy it?” His forehead creased in concern.
Walking to his side, she soothed the worry from his face with her fingers.
“I loved it, but I thought of something I wanted to do more,” she whispered.
He searched her face, ready to do whatever she needed. Lizzy stood and slowly untied the robe, letting the belt fall to the sides. The wrap parted, showing the bra and panties.
Michael slowly swung his legs over the edge. His hand slipped between the garment and clasped her waist. His thumb moved along her hip bone.
“Lizzy…” he started.
She placed a finger on his lips. “Shhh, I want this. I miss our connection. You asked me to move here with you and allow you in. I’m trying right now.”
His other hand slid between the folds and grasped the other side of her. He pulled her close and laid his forehead on her tummy. Her hand stroked his hair and down his neck.
Michael groaned and stood in front of her. He cupped her cheek and placed a soft kiss on her mouth.
“I’ve wanted to make love to you from the moment I found you again,” he murmured. His hands glided upward, and he pushed the robe from her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor. A slight smile played on his lips as he noticed the bra and panty set. “You know my kryptonite. I love this set on you. It reminds me of our wedding night.”
“We conceived Conner the last time I wore it,” she reminded him.
“You’re beautiful, Lizzy Bee,” he softly told her as he slowly stroked her back. The movement relaxed Lizzy and she leaned further into him. Her hand went to his chest. He slept in boxers and a t-shirt, and she felt the rippling muscles of his abdomen. Her hands itched to run along the edges.
She licked her lips as she tugged the shirt upward, causing Michael to chuckle. He removed his hands from her and pulled it over his head, which joined her robe on the floor. She stood mesmerized by his thick chest tapering down to his tight abs. Did he gain more muscles since the last time she saw him without a tee?
Her fingers traced along the chords of his neck and his bulging shoulders. Slightly tickling her sides, he allowed her to inspect him. He resembled pure perfection in her eyes. Her thumb skimmed over his nipple, and he grasped her sides slightly harder than before. He turned her around until her knees hit the bed. Michael picked her up and placed her in the middle.
He lay beside her and traced the outline of her face. Michael leaned in and captured her mouth. The kiss felt more demanding than when they’d made out on the couch before, and she made excuses for him to stop. His tongue melded with hers, making butterflies dance low in her belly. She closed her eyes and let a low moan escape as his hands began exploring her body. He smelled like patchouli from his soap. She inhaled his scent while he stoked the flames inside of her with his touch. He planted a kiss on her nose as he moved downward and kissed her chest. His fingers easily undid the clasp on her bra. He gently tugged it down her arms and threw it over his shoulder.
Lizzy’s breasts ached in anticipation of his skin brushing against hers. They felt heavy with need. Michael bypassed them and spread tiny kisses on her belly. Lizzy frowned. His teeth tugged on the hip of her panties, and he lowered them down to her ankles before pulling them the rest of the way off and tossing them. His eyes gleamed with desire as he took all of her in.
“Touch me, Michael. I want to feel you on my skin,” she begged.
“Before tonight ends, there won’t be a place on your body I haven’t touched with my lips or tongue. We aren’t rushing this moment. I’ve waited until you felt ready. I hope you understand I won’t let you go again,” he whispered.
“We agreed to take this one step at a time,” she reminded him. “We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, and I need you right now.”
Michael sighed and shook his head, “I’m your forever, Lizzy Bee, not your today or tomorrow. I’m your lifetime.”
He leisurely climbed over her body and settled over her. She frowned when she felt the fabric of his boxers. She didn’t miss the thick, stiff rod tenting from them and touching her stomach. Why did he insist on taking his time?
His lips lowered to her neck as he began to explore every inch of her. Her hands slid down the hard flesh of his back. Her fingers breached the edge of his boxers preparing to slide them off. His hand caught her wrists and brought it to his chest as he kissed her lips.
She let out a growl and her lip came out in a pretty pout. Michael laughed as he rose and flipped her over on her tummy. “I’ll say it again. I’m taking my time, Lizzy Bee.”
He kneaded the muscles of her shoulders turning her into a pile of goo. Her body relaxed as he massaged and kissed his way down her back. She let out a sigh as he caressed the swell of her butt cheeks and moved her legs further apart. The side of his pinky grazed the edges of her entrance, making her jump and shiver at the same time. Michael’s adept hands rubbed her inner thighs, and her hips lifted, craving the tiniest bit of attention. Desire swept through her, and she felt the moisture between her legs. The torture of his touch everywhere except where she wanted it frustrated her. Michael didn’t relent. He set his course and refused to divert from it.
When he turned her over, he kissed her ankle before setting it on his shoulder, and he caressed up her legs, causing her breath to hitch as he got close to her core. She watched him as he finished with one leg and set it down. She started to draw her leg in when he arched his brow in her direction and removed his hands. She immediately felt the loss of contact with him. She slid it back to where he put it and he began again, teasing and taunting her.
He placed her left leg wide when he finished, leaving her on display. His eyes turned darker as he stared at her center. His thumb drifted through the wet folds until it found the bundle of nerves. Her back arched as he began to make tiny circles. She mewled out her pleasure.
“Don’t come yet, Lizzy,” his voice deepened. She glanced down to see the tip of his penis above the waistband of his boxers. She rose on her elbows wanting to reach out and touch it. Her mouth watered as she thought about licking the pearl of liquid from the tip before lowering her mouth over his cock. She licked her lips. Michael followed her line of sight and an evil grin spread across his face. He lowered himself between her legs. His hands held her thighs in place. His tongue skimmed slowly between her lips. Her hands clenched the bedding as her eyes rolled back into her head.
“Don’t stop. Please don’t stop,” she pleaded. Her voice came out in little pants.
“No. I won’t quit now,” he told her. His hot breath hit her pussy, heating her up from the inside. “I’ve wanted to make love to you since I found you, but I didn’t want to push you. Now, you’re wearing our special lingerie and offering yourself to me. I’m not even close to halting now.” His tongue delved between her legs. He feasted hungrily on her. Her hips fought his hold as she let her body rise higher and higher. Her heart raced in her chest, and she panted.
Her skin felt heated as a thin sheen of sweat covered her stomach. Her thighs quivered as she tensed. Michael’s grip changed to her hips as he made his way up her body. He kissed her stomach as he cupped her breasts. Her hands flew to her scar to cover it, not wanting him to see the faded puckered skin and ruin the moment. His fingers intertwined with hers as he captured her hand.
“Don’t hide from me, Lizzy,” he commanded. The wild gaze in his eyes let her know he felt as affected by their lovemaking as she was.
He covered her nipple with his mouth and began to suck. Her hands roamed in his thick hair as she arched into him, giving him more access.
“I want to touch you,” she murmured as he played with her nipples, bringing them to taut peaks.
He rolled to his side bringing her with him. She leaned down, wasting no time in sliding the boxers off his thick thighs and down his legs. She didn’t stop massaging his calves as she bent over him. Her tongue swiped the tip before she covered him with her mouth. Michael closed his eyes and tilted his head back, enjoying the moment.
“I’ve missed you,” he hummed.
“I love you, Michael Harris,” she cooed.
“Your mouth feels hot, baby,” he breathed heavily.
Her hand grasped his balls and squeezed as she sucked and lapped her way up and down his thick rod. She liked making him lose control. His chest blotched red, and his breath hitched faster as his eyes stayed pinned to her and her actions. Her tongue swiped upward making him groan.
“Lizzy, ride me. I want to watch you,” he ordered as he rose to pull her further up on him. He positioned her on her knees. He handed her the small package he had pulled from the bedside table. Lizzy ripped the condom packet open and slid the latex over him. He reached down and slid his fingers through her soaked lady bits. He separated her lips and guided her down on top of him. She clutched his shoulders, digging her nails into his skin. Michael cupped her face with his other hand and kissed her savagely as she slid down onto him.
He leaned back, bringing her with him. They lay still for a moment, appreciating the feel of each other. Lizzy sat up and slowly began to undulate her hips as Michael gripped her. He set the motion as he moved and teased her with the length of his cock. Sometimes, he only allowed her to go halfway down and then gave her all of him. His hands covered her breasts, and his thumbs brushed her taut nubs. She sighed and leaned into his caress. He tugged on them, making her moan. She crooned as his touch became harder and more aggressive. She gripped his defined abs to hold on to him as he thrust harder.
“Come, Lizzy Bee,” he gritted between his teeth. She barely heard him as the wave of pleasure started. Her muscles clenched around him. She screamed his name when she reached a dizzying height. Michael let go. His eyes closed as his orgasm rolled over him. Lizzy continued to move her hips, drawing out the last of it.
Michael smiled as he opened his eyes. A single tear ran down her face and landed on his chest.
“We wasted so much time. What if we don’t get a second chance?” Lizzy’s voice trembled.
“Hey. We’re here right now. We need to accept what happened to me, you, and Conner. The fact we’re lying here together proves how strong we are. No matter what life throws in our direction, we’ll lean on each other,” he comforted her. She slid off him and he grabbed a tissue from the nightstand and stood to take care of the condom. A couple of minutes later, she heard the water turn on. Michael returned and helped her from the bed, leading her into the shower. He washed her from head to toe, briefly glancing upward to determine if she cried or if water rolled down her face.
He shut the water off and grabbed a towel. Lizzy helped him tuck in the ends as he dried off the rest of her legs and himself. She walked over to the mirror. Michael stood behind her, holding her in his embrace.
Their reflection stared back at them. She wanted to avoid this. Michael’s face pinched with worry. His face appeared haunted by the ghosts of the past. His mother’s diagnosis had ripped his family apart. Unable to watch his wife wither away after months of trying different treatments, Michael’s father kissed her, walked out of the hospital doors, and never returned until the funeral. His brother showed up once a week and spent exactly thirty minutes. When his imaginary egg timer went off, he promptly kissed his mother and left. Not Michael: he stayed by her side. He moved her home and cared for her until the final days of her life.
Now, she saw the same resigned gaze in his eyes and knew he’d stay with her until the end. Some women might find comfort in knowing the man they loved sacrificed everything to stay with them. Lizzy didn’t think any less of them for it. She preferred to save him from the ugliness of the disease. Yet a small part of her heart clung to him in fear and anxiety, and she struggled with the idea if things turned out for the worse, the breast cancer might not kill her. Leaving Michael would.