Chapter 20
Since soccer practice,it was like Brett officially became a part of our trio. We were no longer a girls’ house. We became this new unit that was closely resembling a complete family. Yes, the girls still saw Peter on his designated weekends, but when all four of us were together at home, it eerily felt natural. This was what everyone waited for. Despite only being a month since we started this new home life model, it felt like we had been doing this forever.
The days blended into each other seamlessly, with Brett effortlessly fitting in. His laughter filled the rooms, his presence bringing a newfound lightness to our home. It was as if he had always belonged here like we were made for each other. Even the whole age gap idea started to pale in my mind. How much did this number actually mean for us? Granted, we never revisited what we wanted in our futures, but it must not have been heavy enough to mention. We were living. Enriching one another and operating like the team I always wanted. Always needed.
It was a Thursday when I came home and, to my utter surprise, found Brett sitting between Sara and Zoe at the kitchen table. I paused at the front door, making sure I wasn’t dreaming. No, this was all very real unfolding before me. He was helping the twins with their math homework and, from the looks of it, struggling. It wasn’t like I was surprised to see him at the house because he was supposed to come over after work. I just didn’t expect to view my girls so comfortable with him.
With his brow furrowed in concentration, Brett tried his best to explain algebraic equations to Sara and Zoe. They giggled at his attempts, but it wasn”t mocking laughter. It was the laughter of camaraderie, of shared trust and affection. A tingly warm sensation spread in my chest, seeing them bond over the tortuous math homework as if they had known each other forever.
Stepping further into the kitchen, I couldn”t help but smile. “Are you helping them or just confusing them even more?”
“This curriculum is bullshit,” said Brett, lifting his eyes to meet mine.
The girls laughed…even Zoe.
“Seriously, they like to mix a million different topics together. I hated this in school and still do now.” Brett slammed the book closed, pushing it away. Zoe reached for the textbook, drawing it back.
“Well, we still need to do the homework,” added Zoe.
“It’s not that bad. The book shows examples with all these arrows. Eventually, it makes sense,” said Sara, leaning over her sister’s shoulder.
“Keyword, eventually. And I did all right in school. I was a solid B plus student throughout.” Brett held up a finger.
I laughed, walking over to my trio. I kissed the girls’ heads, them paying little attention to me, and then I squeezed Brett’s shoulders. We were careful never to outwardly kiss in front of them, just exchange simple forms of affection.
“So, do we know what we’re having for dinner?” I pulled the chair out next to Brett’s and sat.
“Brett said he’d barbecue,” said Sara, head buried in the textbook.
Just then, a rumble of thunder vibrated throughout the house. “I think there goes that plan,” I said, glancing out the window as the first pelts of rain slapped against the window.
“I don’t mind. It won’t take long. I’ll go out with an umbrella,” Brett said, rolling up his sleeves.
“Absolutely not.” I glared at Brett. It was obvious how Brett always wanted to maintain control, but sometimes, it got silly. I stood and walked over to the window, watching the rain pound the streets. It was a windy, heavy storm that would make barbecuing impossible. ”I think we”ll have to come up with a Plan B,” I said, turning to face Brett. He looked momentarily disappointed but quickly regained his composure.
“I’ll check the radar.” He didn’t hesitate and pulled out his phone, observing the forecast. His eyes popped. “Shit, this isn’t good. Did they predict this?”
“They have no idea how to predict the weather,” said Zoe, erasing something off the white page from her notebook.
“You can’t drive in this,” I said, peering again at the massive rain flooding the streets.
“I’ll be fine. It’s just some rain.” Brett shoved the phone back into his pocket. “I think we need to figure out what to eat because I’m getting hangry.”
Sara and Zoe giggled, which had become their constant reaction to Brett’s banter.
“I’ll order Chinese food. If that works for everyone?” I asked, getting ready to dial our favorite hole-in-the-wall spot. When no one challenged me, I took that as my signal to go ahead.
“Just tell me how much it is,” Brett said, pulling out his wallet.
I rolled my eyes, ignoring Brett’s offer, and placed an order, checking off all the staples on the menu. The rain continued to hammer down with inserts of thunder and terrifying lightning. The last crack made everyone jump and the lights flicker.
“That’s it, there’s no way you’re driving as long as this continues,” I said, pointing directly to Brett.
“Julia, I’ll be fine.”
“Yeah, in your sports car on flooded streets. No way.” I crossed my arms.
“Why don’t you just sleep over?” asked Sara.
The room fell silent. Brett had never slept over with the girls here, and neither of us even broached the subject. Brett glanced at the girls, his eyes filled with surprise and hesitation. Sara”s suggestion caught him off guard, just as I was. But something in her innocent remark made my heart twinge with longing. The thought of Brett spending the night here, tucked away in our little sanctuary, felt exciting and terrifying.
I looked at Brett, hoping to find some reassurance in his eyes. He met my gaze, his expression softening as he carefully considered Sara”s proposal. Finally, he nodded slowly.
”Okay,” he said, his voice laced with uncertainty. ”If it”s alright with you girls and your mom.”
I hesitated, my mind racing with conflicting thoughts. It wasn”t that I didn”t want Brett to stay. In fact, a part of me yearned for him to be here with us, to wake up wrapped in his warmth every morning. But the protective mother in me couldn”t help but worry about the impact this might have on the girls.
Taking a deep breath, I smiled at them. ”Only if you two are comfortable with it.”
“Yes, of course!” said Sara, her eyes buzzing. “It’s so dangerous outside.” She motioned to the window.
My eyes shifted to Zoe, and I swore Brett stopped breathing.
“Yeah, sure.” Zoe shrugged. “I don’t see the big deal. You guys are dating.”
I blushed, covering one side of my face with a clammy palm. Brett”s cheeks turned a shade of crimson, but his shoulders relaxed.
”Well then,” I said, trying to hide my amusement, ”It seems like the vote is unanimous. Brett will be spending the night.”
Brett released a nervous laugh and scratched the back of his head. ”It sounds like I don’t have much choice, do I?” His voice carried a playful resignation. Always kept it light.
As we waited for the Chinese food to arrive, we gathered in the living room, making ourselves comfortable on the couch. The girls cuddled beside me, their heads resting on my shoulders, while Brett sat on the armchair across us. An air of anticipation mingled with undeniable tension hung in the room.
The rest of the night went smoothly, and all four of us followed through the basic nighttime routine until it was the hour when we went to our separate quarters for the evening. It had been years since four people were going to sleep in this home, and I would never have imagined it happening again. If I were being honest, I resigned to the idea of being alone until the girls left for college. Instead of dealing with a new dynamic, it almost seemed easier that way. But with Brett, everything came naturally and expectantly.
We undressed in front of each other like we had been doing this for years. I threw on shorts and a T-shirt, and Brett stripped down to his boxers and undershirt.
The bedroom was dimly lit by the soft glow of a bedside lamp, casting shadows on the walls as we climbed into bed together. The cool sheets kissed my skin, starkly contrasting the heat pouring from our bodies. As I settled against the pillows, Brett wrapped his arms around me, drawing me into his embrace.
His touch was gentle yet possessive, his fingers tracing patterns along my back, sending shivers down my spine. I sighed contentedly, feeling a sense of warmth and security wash over me. In moments like this, I couldn”t help but marvel at the connection we had forged despite my hang-ups. As we lay in each other”s arms, the room filled with a comfortable silence. Outside, the rain continued to pour, creating a soothing backdrop to our whispered conversations and stolen kisses. It still shocked me how our lives had intertwined.
“Julia? I need to tell you something.” Nothing about Brett’s tone resembled the carefree one I grew used to.
“Yes?” I tensed.
He shifted away from me and hoisted himself until his back rested against the marshmallow pillows. Reaching over, he turned on the additional reading light anchored to the headboard. Peter was the last person to turn it on, and I wondered why I had never tossed it.
“I’ve been thinking.” Brett’s eyes never left my face, causing my stomach to lurch. “Tonight was really nice. I mean, all the nights are great here. Whether the girls are here or not. It’s like everything keeps getting better.” He swallowed, thoroughly freaking me out as my heart thundered against my chest.
“I feel the same way.” I flattened my palm against my chest.
“Just let me finish. There’s something I need to tell you.” Brett held up a hand.
Crap. Was he going to break up with me? Did he finally have his eureka moment of twenty-seven and understand that he could have all of this created by him and a woman closer in age? The idea made me feel sick.
I watched Brett struggle to gather his thoughts, the blood rushing in my ears. The room grew smaller, the air heavy with anticipation. I had never seen him so serious before, so vulnerable. ”Just tell me.” My voice cracked.
Brett took a deep breath, his eyes filled with apprehension and rawness. ”Julia, I love you.”
My heart skipped a beat as his words hung in the air. Love. It was a word that held so much power yet possessed the potential for heartache. He loved me. The intensity of his confession threatened to overwhelm me, but I held onto the edge of the bed for support.
“Is it too soon?” Brett asked, reaching for my hand, taking my shaky fingers. “I’ve never actually said that to anyone.”
“Brett, I…” I trailed off, my eyes darting around the room. My heart wanted me to say it back, but my mind urged me to wait. I had been down this road before, and while exploring it could be great, I needed to be careful. It wasn’t just me I worried about. I had my girls to consider, too. Lifting my eyes to meet Brett’s, he knew.
“Come here.” He didn’t wait for me to move but pulled me next to him instead. “You don’t have to say it tonight.”
“Wait, what?” I twisted my face. How did this man have so much patience? What cloth was he created from?
Brett smiled, his thumb gently caressing the back of my hand. ”I don”t want you to feel pressured, Julia. I meant what I said, but I understand that it takes time. Trust me, I can wait.”
I let out a breath I didn”t realize I was holding and snuggled closer to him, resting my head on his chest. His heartbeat was steadily beneath my ear, soothing the anxiety coursing through me. In that moment, all doubts and fears faded away, replaced by a sense of warmth and comfort only Brett provided.
”You”re amazing, you know that?” I whispered, looking up at Brett in awe.
“You’ll learn I’m not.” Brett chuckled, kissing my forehead. “But I just needed you to know how I felt. It was one of those things I couldn’t hold in anymore.” His eyes searched mine, waiting. And that was when I decided that while I failed to tell him not only did I love him, but I was in love with him, I’d let my body speak for the words I couldn’t form.
I swung my leg over, so in one move, I straddled Brett’s lap, and he instinctively wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling my chest flush against his.
“Is it okay if we?” Brett leaned in, and his warm breath coated my ear.
“Yes. We just need to be quiet.” My lips brushed Brett’s, already embracing the arousal flooding between my legs.
Our lips moved together in a desperate dance, hungry and needy. Our tongues intertwined, battling to explore the other’s mouth. His pulse pounded against my chest, matching the rhythm of my own racing pulse.
As our kisses deepened, our hands began to roam, exploring every inch of each other”s bodies. He traced the curve of my waist with his fingertips, sending shivers down my spine. I moaned into his mouth, unable to contain the pleasure that surged through me. Brett”s hands moved lower, cupping my ass and pulling me even closer, grinding against his cock. I pressed my lips to his neck, leaving a trail of wet kisses along his smooth skin. His breath hitched as I nibbled on his earlobe. He groaned in response, his hands gripping my hips tightly, urging me to move against him.
I slid my hand beneath the waistband of his boxers, feeling the heat and hardness of him in my palm. Brett gasped at the contact, his grip tightening on my hips as I stroked him slowly. Our movements became more urgent, fueled by a need that could no longer be denied.
With a swift motion, Brett flipped us over so that he was now on top, his gaze filled with hunger. My hands tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as he ravished my mouth. Brett”s body pressed against mine, the weight of him grounding me to the bed beneath us. Brett”s fingers danced along the sensitive skin of my inner thigh, teasingly close to where I needed him most. My breath hitched as his touch grew bolder, his fingers dipping between my folds. How could every time he touched me felt so right? It was like we had known what the other needed all this time. Our lovemaking was effortless while the emotions swirling between us continued to bloom.
I gasped as his skilled fingers found their mark, stroking and circling with precision. The tension built within me, coiling tighter and tighter until I was teetering on the edge of ecstasy. Brett”s lips left a trail of kisses down my neck, his hot breath springing goosebumps on my simmering flesh.
Brett shed the last remnants of clothing between us. His body trapped mine, skin against skin, the heat radiating from him clinging to my body. My fingers pressed into his lower back, urging his throbbing erection to enter my aching center. The tip of his dripping head brushed against my sex, and I sucked in a breath.
“Wait, I need a condom.” Brett tried to escape my grip, but I wouldn’t let him go.
I held onto Brett tightly, my legs wrapped around his waist. ”No, Brett,” I panted. ”I need you now. I want to feel you inside me.”
His eyes searched mine, a mix of desire and concern flickering in their depths. He hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering near the nightstand where we kept the condoms. But then, as if deciding, he leaned down and captured my lips in a searing kiss.
The urgency between us grew as he positioned himself at my entrance, his hands gripping my hips tightly. Without breaking eye contact, he slowly pushed forward, inch by inch. I bit my lip to stifle a moan as the sensation of him filling me overwhelmed my senses. Brett’s face teetered between pleasure and pain. I cupped his cheeks and dragged him until our foreheads were fused, and we shared the same breaths.
“You feel so fucking good,” said Brett through shaky exhales as he rolled his hips, getting used to the rawness of nothing between us.
My body arched as Brett began to move inside me, each thrust sending shock waves of pleasure through every nerve ending. “Go slow. I want you to really feel me come.” My nails raked down Brett’s smooth chest and stopped at his pecs, squeezing one of his nipples.
He sucked in a sharp breath, held my gaze, and obeyed my command. This was quickly becoming the most amazing tortuous slow fucking of my life. My heart pounded against my ribcage as Brett complied with my request, his movements becoming languid and deliberate. Every inch of his body pressed against mine, filling me completely and igniting a fire within that threatened to consume us both. The sensation of him stretching me, the delicious ache of desire building in my core, was almost too much to bear.
His hands grazed over my pebbled nipples, leaving a trail of tingling warmth in their wake. His fingers danced along my thighs, tracing delicate circles as he continued his deliberate, slow pace. Each thrust elicited a quiet, controlled moan from deep within me. I stared into Brett”s eyes, swimming in them. There was an intimacy in this moment that surpassed any physical act alone. We were meant to be together in this bedroom, under this roof, in the same home. I cursed myself for being unable to say the three words Brett declared to me minutes ago, but I would surrender myself to him now with the promise of saying the word, love, back to him one day.
I clung to him desperately, my fingers digging into his back as I urged him on. The intensity between us grew with each passing moment, fueled by our mutual hunger and the unspoken promise of what lay ahead. He knew exactly what I needed, exactly how to make me unravel beneath him.
As our pace quickened and our bodies moved as one, the room filled with quiet gasps and groans. The bed began to rock from Brett’s heavy thrusts, beads of sweat traveling down his chiseled torso and dripping onto my trembling skin. He readjusted ever so slightly, angling his hips to hit that special spot that instantly made my toes curl and chase after my climax.
“Fuck, Brett. Just like that.” I dug my fingers into the back of his neck.
“Yes, yes. Tell me. Tell me exactly how you want it.”
My voice caught in my throat as I struggled to find the words amidst the pleasure that consumed me. ”Harder,” I managed to breathe out. ”I want you...to fuck me harder.”
A primal growl escaped Brett”s lips as he complied with my demand, his hips now snapping against mine with an unrestrained force. The sound of our bodies colliding echoed in the room. I reached between us, my fingers finding my swollen nub and circling it in time with Brett”s powerful thrusts. The combination of his deep penetration and my own touch threatened to send me spiraling into oblivion.
Sensing my impending climax, Brett shifted his focus entirely to my pleasure. His hand moved from my hip, finding its way between our bodies. His skilled fingers replaced mine, teasing and rubbing my clit with an expertise that left me breathless. Every stroke set off sparks in my core, sending waves of ecstasy crashing over me.
I arched my back, unable to contain the pleasure of threatening to boil over. A silent scream tore from my throat as I shattered, waves of ecstasy washing over me in blissful pulses. My body trembled, riding out the aftershocks of my orgasm, clinging to Brett’s muscled forearms.
He continued to thrust into me relentlessly, chasing his own release. His muscles tensed, and his breath became ragged. Three more thrusts were all it took to send Brett over the edge as he buried his mouth into the crook of my neck, spilling every drop of his cum into my quivering body. As our bodies lay tangled together, covered in a thin film of sweat, we tried to catch our breath. I could feel Brett”s heart pounding against my chest, matching the erratic rhythm of my own heartbeat.
Laying here with a man who adored… no, loved me, felt unreal. In my mind, the logic proved to me that I was home. The physical proof was evident. There were walls and a roof; my children were all here to welcome me daily. But since the divorce, my heart wasn’t full. My heart was never completely home. And it wasn’t like I needed a man to make me feel complete. It wasn’t that at all.
It was the belief that never being able to trust again or feel like betrayal was inevitable. Still, with Brett, he was healing me. Showing me that everything I had believed was impossible was possible if I would open up for the right one. And being here with Brett on an unlikely rainy night finally brought my heart here. I was finally home.