Beautiful Dream (20 page)

“Hi,” I give her a hug, handing her the wine.

“Oh you shouldn’t have,” she smiles.

“Hello,” Josh stands as I walk into the living room.

“What are you doing here?” I ask coldly.

“I want to talk.” He has his begging face on.

“We’ll leave you two alone,” Deb backs away, pulling Matt by his shirt. “Sorry, Luci,” she offers an apologetic smile. “I tried to not let him in, but I forgot he has a key.”

“It’s okay,” I sigh, before turning to Josh and shaking my head.

“I don’t have anything to say to you. I thought we had this all worked out. Now a letter went home! I haven’t even begun to think about what to say to my parents. The next PTA meeting happens, and I’m sunk.” I sit down on the couch, frustrated. “What happened?”

“It wouldn’t have worked,” he walks over, taking the seat next to me. “You think that’s all she wanted? One date?”

“No,” I sigh. “But I was hoping it would buy us time to come up with something better.” I stand up, even though I just sat down. I’m so annoyed over him making these decisions without even taking me into consideration.

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t do it,” his voice softens. “I’m not risking us again,” he points between us. “Luci, I’m done playing games.”

“But you already risked us again! You once again made a decision without consulting my feelings!”

I fall silent after my outburst, and he does too. We hear Deb and Matt lowly talking in the kitchen, mixing with the sound the dishes clanking.

“You told the principal we’re dating?”

“I had to. That’s how it makes the most sense,” he explains. “How people could confuse us from when you were my student, because we’re dating
now
,” he sighs. “And really,” he lowers his voice, “After the other night are you still so against us being together, and if so, HOW?”

I laugh at his joke about our mind-blowing sex.

“Why is it the first thing I want to do each morning is see your face? Why?” There’s exasperation to his voice. “Back then - now - it hasn’t changed. I woke up Saturday happier than I’ve ever been in my entire life.”

I put my hands up to stop him, but he immediately shuts me down.

“I know,” he surrenders. “I know I hurt you. I know I made numerous mistakes, and clearly I’m adding new ones to the list everyday, but can you not feel this?” His walks over and his hand brushes my cheek. “Tell me you don’t and I’ll leave you alone.”

“You know I do,” I whisper.

“Yet you say we’re friends,” he rages on, letting out a cruel laugh before backing away. “I don’t do what I do with you with friends. I don’t feel the way I feel about you with friends.”

“So what are you saying?” My lips are trembling.

He drops his hands, my face tingling from his touch.

“I can’t be friends with you,” he sits me back down, only in the chair this time. “Yell at me, lash out at me, shout about how much you hate me, accuse me of being cruel and cold. I won’t make anymore excuses or try and sooth you.”

I give him a confused look.

“Get it all out now, Luci, because once you do, we're never going to speak of what an ass and idiot I was again,” he swallows, kneeling down in front of me. “Once you say everything you need to, we’re going to give us our all.”

“But-”

“You have a choice, and unlike me, you always seem to make the right one,” he chuckles. “So you can sit in this chair and yell and scream at me, or you can walk away. Leave my sister’s house tonight and I’ll never bother you ever again, but I can’t be your friend.”

I say nothing as his hands cover my knees, caressing them softly.

“You’re not playing fair,” I tell him as the hurt and pain mix with the good, completely swirling together in my mind, the memories of Friday night in the forefront.

He removes his hands, backing away, sitting in the seat opposite me, waiting for me to make my decision.

I sigh heavily, and for a second I think he thinks I’m getting up to leave, but my chest falls, and my words spill. “You only told me you loved me AFTER everything that happened. After it was too late. You were so nonchalant and unconcerned as you made your decision - a decision that wasn’t me!” I stand up and start to pace, my hurt and anger rushing out as each breath leaves me.

I turn back to him, watching as he sits and says nothing, listening, all knowing that he’s completely deserving of the pain I’m inflicting with my words.

“You explained it, multiple times. To the point where I understood!” I shake my head. “After everything you did, the worst part is I understand, and I still love you.”

I look at his smiling face.

“I can’t help it,” I shrug. “I fall in love with you every day, over and over again. Sometimes it’s easier to stay away, because everything I do always leads back to you.”

Before I get another word out, his warm hands are sliding around my cheeks, and his lips crash against mine.

“I am so in love with you, Luci,” he mumbles.

“You’re not supposed to talk, remember?” I mumble back.

He smiles, deepening our kiss, and I can help but taste forever.

“Dinner’s ready!” We pull back upon hearing Deb. “Oh, sorry!” She covers her eyes, retreating.

I wipe my lip, embarrassed to have been caught making out in front of her.

“Let’s go back to my place,” he whispers.

“We can’t!” I argue. “Your sister invited me for dinner.”

He lets me pull him towards the kitchen easily, grazing his thumb against my hand as we move, and he doesn’t let go, even after we sit down.

“Even though you annoyingly came anyway,” Deb clears her throat, looking at Josh. “I’m glad you’re here.”

She puts a steak on the table as Matt brings over the vegetables and mashed potatoes.

“This looks amazing,” I tell her.

“Thank you!” She responds, taking her seat. “So, we have some news!” Her excitement is palpable, and I can’t help my smile as I dish up my plate.

“Luci,” she looks my way, grabbing Matt’s hand. “We’re taking your advice,” she stares, waiting for my reaction, before turning to Josh. “We’re going to elope over Spring Break, and we want you both to be there!”

“What?” Josh lets go of my hand.

“Matt leaves at the end of the weekend to fulfill the residency requirement, which works out perfectly for his new job,” she gushes. “Oh! I forgot to tell you! It’s going to be in France! Say you’ll come! Please!”

“Deb,” Josh’s tone is guarded. “What do Mom and Dad think?”

“No,” she shakes her head. “I’m not going to tell them! Let them have their wedding, but I’m going to have mine.”

“Bu-” Josh starts, and Deb interrupts, facing me.

“Matt doesn’t have any siblings,” she explains. “You’ll be the only ones there!”

I try not to make eye contact with Josh, as clearly I put this idea in her head.

I eat quietly while listening to them argue. Josh is hesitant to upset his sister, and I desperately wish I never got involved in the first place.

Josh leaves Deb’s house when I do, and after thanking Matt and Deb for a wonderful meal, we both head outside.

“What happened to your car?” He asks, noticing my Mom’s.

“It died,” I sadly tell him.

“Oh shit,” he says. “When did that happen?”

“This morning,” I sigh. “Now I’m a slave to my parents, or worse, Gracie.”

“Well if you need to borrow mine, let me know.”

“Thanks,” I smile, and he walks me to the car, leaning me up against it.

“I still can’t believe you threated to quit your job over my student teaching position!”

He shakes his head, tisking. “We don’t talk about this anymore.”

I roll my eyes.

“Do you want to come over?” He whispers.

“It’s probably not a good idea. Things are a little rough right now at home, since I basically didn’t tell anyone where I was Friday night.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s fine. Family can suck,” I shrug. “They’ll get over it soon enough.”

“Tell me about it,” he sighs.

“Don’t be mad at Deb, or me,” I place my hands on his shoulders. “I think it's romantic what they're doing.”

“You would,” he laughs.

“You don't?”

“I don't think it's right that my parents don't get to see this,” he explains.

“She’ll still have her fake wedding, and no one will even know,” I shrug. “She seems pretty determined. Are you going to go?”

“Of course I am. Are you?”

“I would love to, but I have to save up for a car now,” I sigh.

“What if I paid?” He lifts an eyebrow, and I start to protest. “You can pay me back over time,” he quickly adds.

“I’ll think about it,” I kiss him gently.

“I’ll also accept this as payment,” he mumbles as his powerful lips meet mine.

Chapter 16

-Josh-

Luci and I have been doing our best at avoiding one another while at school, at least until everything dies down some more.

I haven’t seen her yet today, except from a distance, and once school ends I stay late to administer a makeup test.

Once finished, I head to my office to gather my things, hoping to make it out in enough time for a run before Luci comes over.

I guess Luci changed her mine and decided to wait around for me after all, for as soon as I bend down to grab my bag, I hear the door open and her hands slide around my waist. I close my eyes and smile, turning around to kiss her. Our lips meet and my eyes dart open. It’s wrong. I see blonde hair that isn’t Luci’s, and I shove Brittney back with one hand as the other wipes my lips.

“What the fuck!” I shout. “I thought you were-”

“Luci,” she finishes. “I gathered.”

I pull at my forehead.

“Since we already started there’s no need to stop,” she moves closer. “I won’t tell.”

“Get out!” I back away.

“Great move, by the way, outing the rumor before it became a thing,” she sighs. “I underestimated the lengths you would go for her.”

“You have no idea of the lengths I will go,” I clench my teeth. “Blackmail works both ways, you know. I listened to Luci. I tried to do things her way, but how does it make you feel that the thought of even going on a date with you made me so sick I couldn’t do it?”

“It’s not over,” she threatens.

“Well before you go any further, you should know that I will leave this school before I give into you, and as you can see, I’m pretty wanted here, so you loose.” I pick up my bag and head for the door. “I know lawyers that will have you not working in another school district in this entire country for the rest of your life. That’s how far I’m willing to go,” I shove past her and out the door. “Your move.”

I head to my car, not picking up when Luci calls.

Even though it was just a kiss, I think I may
smell
like Brittney. I feel like I’ve betrayed Luci, and I can’t talk to her until I decide how I’m going to handle this. Do I let things be, and not tell her? We only
just
smoothed things over! I know it’s risky to withhold this, but what if it’s for the greater good?

I rack my brain the short car ride home, eager for my run.

I round the corner of the bakery, out of breath, when I spot Luci leaning up against my door.

“Have you been waiting long?”

“No,” she shakes her head.

I hesitate, unlocking the door and letting us in. “I’ll run to the hardware store tomorrow and get a key made for you.”

“Just don’t go to my Dads,” she laughs.

We head upstairs, and she takes off her coat, throwing it over the couch before walking over and caressing my arms.

“I should shower,” I mumble. “I’m all sweaty.”

“That’s okay,” she smiles, moving closer, and I swallow hard, dodging her and heading down the hallway to the bathroom.

“What’s going on?” She follows me.

I start to undress while turning on the shower nozzle.

“Josh?”

I pause, her gentle, honest eyes melting my heart, and in that second, my answer is clear. I can’t chance loosing her again. I have to be honest, even if that means she’ll hate me. Sighing loudly, I leave my boxers on as I sit on the side of the bathtub.

“I have to tell you something that’s not going to make you very happy.”

“Oh God,” her face scrunches. “What?”

“It was a complete accident,” I pause. “But, Brittney and I kissed this afternoon after school.”

I can’t handle the way her face falls, and at this very moment, I regret telling her.

“How do you kiss someone on accident?” Her lips are trembling.

“I was getting my stuff from my office, and she came up behind me. I thought it was you changing your mind and waiting for me, and as soon as my lips touched hers I realized it wasn’t you,” I explain. “I pulled away immediately, I swear.”

She nods as tears stream down her face.

“I’m sorry,” I place my head in my hands. “I obviously didn’t mean for it to happen.”

She wipes her eyes, exhaling loudly. “Do I simply say it’s okay and move on because I’m too blind-sided by my feelings? Because it’s not okay.”

“Please don’t cry,” I pull her down on the tub. “Believe that I didn’t do this on purpose.”

“I know,” she sniffs.

“You know I was the one who never even wanted to go out with her in the first place!” I exclaim. “You know how crazy she is!”

“No,” she nods again, grabbing a tissue. “I know.”

“It was really only a peck,” I explain. “I realized it wasn’t you pretty immediately.”

“So she didn't even make it past your lips?” She perks up. “No open mouth?”

“No!” I stand. “God, I registered it wasn’t you far before that!”

She nods again, her eyes searching the room.

“Okay,” she sighs, standing and grabbing my hand.

She pulls us over to the shower, the steam rising and clouding the closed doors. She opens them, pulling us both inside. Hot water sprays onto us, soaking her clothing and my boxers. I lower the water temperature a bit, watching as she searches around for something. “Should I not have told you?” I ask, and she gives me a look.

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t even ask me that.”

She spots the bar of soap she was looking for, picking it up and bringing it to my face.

“What are you doing?” I pull my head back.

“Close your mouth and pucker your lips,” she demands. I want to object, because this is ridiculous, but I don’t. Not if it will make her happy.

I sigh, doing as she asks, and she rubs the bar over them. Despite my mouth being closed, it tastes disgusting. I let her finish, and as soon as she does, I turn towards the showerhead to immediately wash it off, but she stops me.

“Wait!” She exclaims. “You need to let it soak in to get the germs off.”

I pause and take a deep breath through my nose, watching as she takes off her wet clothes until she’s standing in her bra and underwear.

“Okay,” she reaches up, twisting my head towards the shower stream. She uses both of her thumbs and starts rubbing my lips, washing the soap and any remnants              of Brittney away.

Once I can no longer taste the suds, I open my mouth and grab her finger, sucking it into my mouth. She hesitates before grabbing my face. “Don’t let that happen again.”

I nod, and she lets go.

“I just have to make sure I always go to kiss you with my eyes open.” I joke, opening them ridiculously wide, and she laughs.

I move closer, kissing her with need and hunger, and her mouth opens automatically as she jumps into my arms.

“So perfect,” I mumble.

My hands cup her ass, pressing her against my already hard cock. I feel where her legs meet, just above my dick, and I slam her against the shower wall. She squeals a delightful sound, and I can’t help my smile.

I’m enjoying her taste until our swift grinding movements are no longer enough. I need to be closer. I slide her down, so her legs reach the floor, not letting up from her wonderfully puffy lips, her skin gently stretching with each suck of mine.

Eventually I step back, watching as she drops her underwear. I slide off my boxers, taking her panties from her and throwing them on the bathroom floor. The brief coldness from the open shower door hardens her nipples, and I already can’t wait to taste them.

She takes off her bra next, throwing it over the top of the shower. It misses and falls on me, and she laughs wonderfully. I can’t help but stare at her perfect body, watching as she begins to lather soap into her hands, massaging it onto my chest and up and down my arms.

The side of her hand hits my bulging cock, but she continues as if it never happened, soaping my legs, bending down, until her ass is sticking into the air, and I all but fall backwards. She rights herself, laughing at my astounded expression.

“I should probably wash your cock too, huh?” She smiles, and I nod.

“That’s probably a good idea,” my mouth waters.

She wraps both hands around my engorged member, and I close my eyes, basking in the pleasure. Her already forceful push and pull has me on the brink of coming all too soon.

She speeds up her jerking movements, and out of nowhere, I rupture. A huge, streaming jet blasts all over her naked body, and I fall forward, my arm catching me against the shower wall as I tower over her while she continues to work the come out of my dick.

I don’t think I’ve ever come so fast in my life.

“Sorry,” I moan, apologizing for the mess and quickness of it, just as the last bits spew out.

She smiles, gathering more soap and washing my dick off. I kiss her shoulder, gathering soap as well, and start to wash her back. She moans, and I can’t take my eyes off her, not even to blink. I’m enjoying worshiping and touching every inch of her body far too much. I’m merely a servant and she is my most humble queen.

Eventually, I turn on the opposite shower head, using it to clean myself off as she does the same. I pause again, watching as she runs shampoo through her hair, her head leaning back as soap falls down the drain.

I finish first, both literally and figuratively, and I step out and grab us both towels. I wrap one around my waist, getting hers ready as soon as I hear her shut the shower.

She steps out, and I can’t take my eyes off her naked body. I hand her the towel, but quickly pull it away, still gawking. She laughs, grabbing it swiftly and wrapping it around herself.

“Are you so wet?” I can’t stop thinking about how turned on she gets whenever she works my cock. Her pussy must be gushing by now.

“Maybe,” she shrugs.

I sit down on the side of the tub and pull her towards me, my towel falling off in the process.

“What?” I catch her staring.

“You’re hot,” she licks her lips.

“The same could be said about you.” My hands roam up the underside of her towel, and she opens her legs, standing on either side of me. I lean back, taking her in, shaking my head, because I can’t believe we found our way back to each other.

Her lips are soft, and just as her towel accidentally falls I insert a finger into her sopping wet pussy.

“Oh!” She moans.

“Yeah, I’d say you’re pretty damn wet,” I smile, stretching her until I can fit another one in. She bounces lightly, meeting my drive. Our eyes meet and my thumb pushes on her clit, rubbing soft circles.

She moans that she’s about to come, pulling herself back, but this time, instead of meeting my fingers, she quickly removes them and lands on my cock. I slide into her effortlessly, and we both cry out.

I need to get her to bed. Maybe it’s because we were intimate for so long without using one, but I love rolling around with her.

I stand, dropping her slightly so that my cock stays buried inside her. It’s too difficult to walk like this, and I don’t want to stop, so I push her against the bathroom wall and start humping the shit out of her, watching as she bounces up and down, whimpering.

“Bed,” She swallows, and I lower my head and suck on her erect nipples, first the left than the right.

“I think you’re just obsessed with my bed,” I joke.

“Absolutely,” she smiles, her fingers scratching down my back as I reluctantly pull out of her.

I catch her off guard as I throw her over my shoulder and carry her to the bedroom. I don’t even bother to turn the light on. I need to get back inside her as quickly as possible.

The late afternoon sun is setting, creating the perfect amount of dusk as I gently throw her onto the bed. She lands on her stomach and I pull her back towards me, spreading her legs and thrusting into her from behind.

“Don’t forget to pull out,” she groans. “I haven’t gone to the doctor yet.”

“Ugh!” I moan, because there’s nothing more I want to do than come inside of her. She backs up, meeting my thrusts as we move faster and faster, and right when I feel her about to let go, I pull out and turn her over.

Mounting her again, and I grab her face as I shove my dick all the way inside.

“I'm in love with you,” I tell her through each push. “Always have been and always will be.”

Her stare tells me that she knows this - that she’s always known this.

“I am so in love with you,” she repeats my words from the other night, and I hope she realizes that it’s something I’ve always known too. “Now please, let me come!”

My eyes open, adjusting to the pitch-black room, my body naked. I feel Luci’s warm breath on my chest, and I squeeze her a little tighter. She stirs, her eyes fluttering open.

“Hi.” She stretches, and the sheet slides off of her. I can just make out her soft breasts.

“Hi,” I slide my hands over them, caressing.