EDITH, AKA FLOATING ON AIR
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After weeks of dreaming of this day, I’m finally at Duke’s house. His pictures didn’t do justice to the gorgeous rustic home nestled in the woods in an untouched part of Basin Rock.
Duke opens my vehicle door and offers a relieved smile. He’s often talked about bringing me here. I sensed for him that our relationship wouldn’t be truly real until I spent time in his home.
The only time I’ve ever been to Basin Rock was during the pre-wedding party. Duke stuck to his bar. I was next door at Erin’s diner. On the menu was Duke’s garlic chicken. I ordered it to go, wanting to feel close to him.
Thinking back to that night, I remember how much I struggled. Duke helped build the diner. This place was a part of him. I stood within feet of his mom and daughters. I was so close to belonging in his life, yet I had to keep my distance.
Ma-Journey hugged me a lot. My pa was also extra sweet to me. Now, I know he understood why I was so mopey.
With no more secrets to keep us apart, I slide out of my SUV and into Duke’s arms.
We breathe easier as he walks me around the property. Duke is like an excited kid, sharing memories about his life here. I think back to Duke as a young man, newly married, building this house, and starting his motorcycle club. I doubt he could imagine a day when he’d have Donovan Mooney’s daughter at his side.
Once we’re through the double front doors, he kisses me and guides me toward the kitchen. Overwhelmed as my fantasies merge with reality, I can’t find any words. I cling to Duke as he shows me around the house, ending up in his bedroom.
Finally, I can speak again. “Let’s see what kind of mattress firmness you’re used to,” I announce before climbing onto his king-sized bed. “Oh, this is nice.”
Duke grins at the sight of me spread out on his mattress. He carefully climbs over me and plants a kiss on my smiling lips.
“Yesterday was very stressful,” I say as my fingers dance around his front button. “The lack of sex hasn’t helped my mood.”
Duke’s expression shifts, only for a moment but long enough to reveal how much he’s missed me. Now, I’m in his bed. Our secrets are in the open. Our future is wide open and full of possibilities.