Chapter 10
CHAPTER TEN
I awake, lying in his arms. Snuggling up to him, I try to get as close as I can. I can’t believe how many times we made love last night. The first time was brutal, but in the best way. He was punishing me for pulling away from him and for calling him old. His desperation to have me was in every thrust. He pounded my flesh as if he were trying to climb into my body. I could almost hear him yelling “mine” each time our hips met. We took, and we gave until our appetites were replete and we collapsed in exhaustion.
His arms fold around me; even in his sleep, he pulls me closer, making sure I don’t get too far away from him. I scoot my bottom next to his body and relax in his embrace. I have no idea what time it is, but I’d do anything to stay like this for the entire day.
“I called in sick for both of us today.” I hear him whisper. “I thought we both needed the extra sleep. Since all you do is fetch coffee, I figured they could live without you. I cannot.”
I can feel his erection pressing against my butt cheeks. I groan as he presses it forward. I’d love to make love to him this morning, but I don’t have it in me .
“Thanks, baby, I can use the extra sleep. Someone kept me up all night long.” I can’t control the yawn that escapes from my mouth.
“Someone kept me up all night long as well,” he replies, pushing his hardness against my bottom again.
“I can’t do it again this morning. I’m too sore. You showed me no mercy last night.”
“What? My twenty-four-year-old smokin’ hot girlfriend can’t keep up with her much older boyfriend? I’m shocked and disappointed.” His hand rubs my hip. It feels so nice when he caresses my body. I could almost rally myself for another round, but I’m so tired.
“You win. You’re a very young man, and I should’ve never given you such a hard time.” I pull his arm around me and place his hand over my breast. I love to sleep with him like this.
“I’ll be the only one giving anyone a hard time in this house. I hope to be giving you a hard time for many years to come, babe.”
“Put that thing away for now. I need my sleep. I have a lunch date with Kat today, and I don’t want her to think you beat me when I can’t walk in the door on my own accord.”
“Kat just got engaged. I’m sure she didn’t do very much walking in Hawaii. She’ll understand,” he teases.
“Go back to sleep and hold me, old man.”
“Are you going there again? Haven’t you learned your lesson? I’m going to let you rest for now, but you’re going to have to pay for that old comment later.”
“I’m counting on it,” I say as I pull him closer to me and drift off to sleep.
“You’re late,” Kat says as I rush into Amigos at nearly ten past noon.
“I know. I’m sorry. I was up all night having makeup sex, and I got a late start.” I fall into the booth, sitting across from Kat. “Did you order the guacamole yet?”
“Of course. How long have we been coming here for tacos? They see us coming and immediately scoop the green stuff into bowls. Are you working today, or are you off?”
“I’m off all day. What did you have in mind?” Kat flags down the server and orders us two big margaritas. “Okay, spill the beans.”
“Everything is okay now. I think I was just being overly sensitive about my independence, and I upset him. He was very calm during the whole thing. It was me who did all the yelling and screaming.”
“That doesn’t sound like you. What’s up?” The server delivers the chips, guacamole, and two massive margaritas.
“I don’t know. I’ve been in a funk all week. Maybe it’s because last week was a hard week for me.” I exhale and take a sip of my drink. “I’ve never had to answer to anybody. I got pissed off when I told Anthony I wanted to apply for a job at Ahz, and he didn’t react the way I’d expected. He likes having me around.”
“Is he treating you well, Em? I mean, he’s not violent or abusive or anything, right?”
“Oh, God no, he’s amazing. I think it wasn’t the time to have that talk. It was one week after the anniversary of my mom’s death. We talked about her a lot lately, and that brought up a lot of different memories. One of the most vivid memories is of her telling me never to allow a man to limit my options.”
“Do you think he’s trying to limit your options? I don’t know him that well, but I don’t see him as that guy.”
“No, you’re right. I think he’s used to getting what he wants, and he wants me to work where he is. I don’t like my job there. Everyone treats me with kid gloves because they know I’m sleeping with the boss. I’m not having an authentic work experience at Haywood’s.”
“If you’re not happy, find something else, Em. You’re not the type of person to settle. You never have been, so why are you starting now? ”
The waiter approaches to get our lunch order. We get the same thing every time; chicken tacos for me and carne asada ones for her.
“You’re right, but here’s the thing, I’m venturing into unfamiliar territory. I’ve never been in love before, and I don’t know how things are supposed to work.”
“Em, I really don’t know what advice I can give you. I’m new to this whole love thing, too. I can only tell you that you have to decide for yourself how things will work for your relationship. What works for one won’t work for all.”
“I’m sure you’re right. Things are back on track. We made it through our first disagreement. The makeup sex was amazing. I’m thinking about making him mad more often just so we can do that again.” I fan myself as if I’m hot.
“That good, huh? I think Damon and I have had enough drama for a lifetime. I’m just going to enjoy the peace and tranquility we have right now.”
“I can understand. Let me see that ring again. I didn’t get to ogle it at dinner the other night.” She places her left hand in front of me. “How do you lug that stone around all day long? It must weigh a ton,” I tease.
“It is huge, isn’t it?” She looks down at her ring and smiles. I can tell she is blissfully happy. “I get my cast off on Wednesday. Yay!”
“Finally. That will make lugging this around much easier. So, did he get down on one knee and all that?” I ask. “I want all the dirty details.”
“Yes, he did the whole down on one knee thing, champagne, flowers, and beautiful music.” She raises her hand for a high five. “Hawaii was wonderful. It was peaceful and relaxing. We spent a week focused completely on us. I’d highly recommend that.”
“I have no idea how you guys figured it all out in four months, especially after having to overcome so many hurdles along the way.”
“I guess it just came down to the fact that we both loved each other and knew there would be no one else for either of us. ”
“That’s what scares me, Kat. I think Anthony is the one. Having said that, I don’t have a relationship track record I can compare anything to.”
“Why’s it scary? You should be full of joy, knowing you feel the same way about each other. He loves you, Em. He called today and is having us set up a prom night at Ahz just for you.”
“He didn’t!”
“Yes, he did. He said that, for whatever reason, you missed your prom, and he wants to make sure you experience it. We scheduled it for next month. It’s a great idea, and I think you are going to have a great time marketing it.”
“Why would I be marketing it? That job belongs to Trevor, and you, for that matter.” Her face breaks into a goofy grin.
“You didn’t hear it from me, but I think they have transferred you to Ahz. I got a memo this morning. It said you were the new PR person. You will work out of my office until they set one up for you. That should take a day or two. He’s listening to you, Em. He hears you. He loves you.”
A tear falls from my eye and runs down my cheek. I swipe it off my face and take a long swig of my drink.
“I don’t know why I’m crying. I’ve been a mess lately. I’m happy for you, Kat. I’m happy for me, too. Anthony is a wonderful man.”
We eat our lunch and drink another margarita. By the time the check comes, we are both too tipsy to drive. I pull out my phone and text Anthony.
Hey, you sexy, young thing, your lush of a girlfriend has had too much to drink. Can you pick me up? Kat too?
Where are you? Damon and I are at Ahz. We’ll both come and fetch our women.
We are at Amigos on Sunset Blvd. Thanks, baby, I owe you.
I intend to collect. See you in twenty. Love you, babe! 3
You made me a heart. How sweet. You must love me.
You have no idea. We’re on our way.
“Damon and Anthony are on their way. We have time for another margarita before they get here.” I order two more drinks and ask for the updated check.