Bittersweet Deceit (19 page)

I paused, not liking that idea at all.
“Have you taken other women there?”

“No love, of course not,” he said with conviction.

“Yeah, okay. Call or text when you know the time.” I threw my arms over his shoulders and said, “Thank you so much for today. I needed to know we’re going to be okay.”

“We’re more than okay love.
” He glanced at the time on the DVD player. “I have to get going.”

“Okay. Let’s say goodbye now,” I said, hating to watch him dress and walk out my door.

He gave me a passionate kiss goodbye, and I went to the bathroom to shower as he left.

I contemplated going back to Bella but decided against it. Instead, I enjoyed the downtime
, catching up on TV and recalling my time with Mason.

My phone chimed while I was in the bathroom getting ready for bed.
I brought up the screen.

MM:
I was lying in bed and couldn’t get you off of my mind. Your tight pussy and huge heart have me completely captivated. Please don’t text back. I just wanted to

MM:
say again how much I love you and need you in my life. Thank you for today and I can’t wait to see you on Friday.

I practically skipped my way into bed. I pulled my journal onto my lap and clicked my pen.

He loves me! He really loves me. I’m going to save that message forever and ever.

Today was amazing! I loved my time with Mason and he totally forgave me for the kiss with Stay. Now I
can put all that awful business behind me.

I can’t believe I told Mason I love him
, but I don’t regret it at all. He treasured it more than I could have hoped. AND he wants to see my again on Friday!

I know he’ll be going away for a while and that
’s always hard to face, but being confident in his love for me will make the waiting far easier. Maybe we will do phone sex again. That wasn’t so bad. Not at all.

I should make a point to call Dad and let him know how things are going. I hate to think he’s worried
for me.

I’m a bit behind at work and need to check the numbers and work on the next ad for publication.
Get on it, girl!

Tomorrow should be fun at Red’s. It will be nice to see everyone. I haven’t talked to Blue in a while so it’ll be
good to catch up with her. Hopefully Cat is doing better and not having any more crazy ideas. I can’t wait to hear from Jacqs. It certainly seemed like she, Bond, and Red would resolve their issues.

Wow, I don’t have much to
say tonight. It must be because I’m so happy. Just two more days to go before I get see Mason again! Life is good.

Once under the covers, I feel asleep fantasizing about Mason and our upcoming quickie.

O
n Wednesday evening, I closed up Bella Boutique after another great day at work. My good mood seemed to translate into abundant sales. Sam said, on three separate occasions, that I must have gotten laid because of my huge grin.
Oh that and so much more,
I thought but kept it to myself.

At
Red’s for our weekly gathering, all the regulars were there with the exception of Doug aka Dawg who recently had been travelling a lot between South Florida and Canada.

Jacqs pulled me outside to sit on the couch glider before I had the chance to greet everyone.

“You look happy,” I said, sitting down and stretching out my legs. “I have to assume everything worked out.”

“Red has been amazing as always and Bond understand
s my insecurities. Thank you for being so nice to Bond. I think you surprised him. He told me about the woman and what kind of friendship they have. I can’t say all of my jealousy has evaporated, but it doesn’t hurt nearly as much.”

“I’m very happy to hear it,” I said, patting her knee.

“And you? Where do things stand with Mason and Stay?”

I crossed my legs and said,
“Mason and I are better than ever. I’m so happy. I think Sam had a hard time dealing with me today at the shop.”

“And Stay?”

“We haven’t spoken since Saturday night, but I can promise you, I’m not a bit conflicted anymore.” And I wasn’t.

“I’m happy to hear that because I want both of you at the dinner party on Saturday.”

“It might be a bit awkward, but that’s fine with me.” I thought it would be good to get past that hurdle since we couldn’t avoid seeing each other forever.

“Oh good! I’m so glad you feel that way. I spoke to Stay and he said he was staying away today because he didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“No need at this point. I’m so in love, Jacqs, I think I might burst at the seams.”

“If you’re happy, I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks, girl. That means a lot to me.”

The French doors open to our right and
Blue approached us.

She said,
“You can’t hog Lainie all night. I haven’t seen her in a while.”

“Take my spot and I’ll go check on the others.”

“Thanks,” Blue said, sitting down next to me.

Judy, Blue’s real name
, had been in the group much longer than I, and even dated Red briefly years ago. She had the hardest time coming to terms with Jacqs having a relationship with both Red and Bond, more because of Bond than Red. Sweet Judy Blue Eyes had been dubbed Blue by Bond. She had the brightest and lightest blue eyes I had ever seen until I met Mason. She had large eyes, full lips, and a body to envy. Petite like Jacqs, but a few inches taller, her large breasts gave her a much more voluptuous appearance.

“How’ve you been?” I asked. I knew she struggled in relationship and valuing herself for more than her sexy looks.

“Mostly the same,” she said, brushing her auburn bangs out of her eyes. “I’m still waiting tables, but I’ve started bartending too, which is going well.”

“Are you still writing?”

“Yeah, when I can find the time but I don’t know if I’ll ever do anything with it. It’s a fun hobby and takes me out of my crazy mind for a bit.”

“I’m still open to reading
as I know Jacqs is too when you’re ready,” I said, noting that Kevin and Catherine had strolled outside.

“
I might not ever get there,” she said, adjusting her bra and the straps of her tank top. “Will you be here for the dinner on Saturday night? It’s a dinner party. Do we need to dress up for it?”

“
Yeah, I’ll be here. I imagine the dress is casual.”

She glanced over at Kev and Cat and then quietly said,
“I heard things are precarious between you and Stay. I didn’t know you liked him.”

“Who said that?”

“Bond mentioned it. Was it supposed to be a secret? I asked why Stay wasn’t here tonight.”

“No, I guess not.
”

“Are you into him? I mean, he and I are just friends but...”

“But?”

“Nothing. All’s good.”

The conversation made me a bit uncomfortable. I should be used to no secrets in this group, and Blue’s possible interest in Stay shouldn’t have bothered me. “I’m going to grab a drink. Do you want anything?”

“I’m good.”

“Hey you guys,” I said as approached Kev and Cat.

“I was hoping you were going
to make it,” Cat said, holding her arms out for a hug.

Hugging back, I whispered, “Is everything okay?”

Kev walked over to the glider couch and sat next to Blue.

“Yeah, I’m hanging in there. Still haven’t let go of my place.”

“But you’re behaving, right?” I asked, leading her back into the house.

“Well there’s this new girl at the coffee shop we go to a lot...”

“Don’t do anything stupid, okay?”

“You know me, all talk and no action.”

I stared with clear skepticism. “Let’s keep it that
way.” My hypocritical stance on her potential behavior had more to do with the incredible love Kev held for her and less about the morality of it. I also knew it was her way of keeping distance between her and Kev. Knowing Kevin, bring a woman home to share would be most welcomed.

I
really enjoyed my time at Red’s. Although it had taken me a while to forge connections with each person in the group, I had come to love each and every one of them.
They had taught me a lot about love and friendship. Although I didn’t share my most personal life with all of them, I knew in a pinch, I could rely on any of them in a crisis.

We played pool, laughed a lot, shared stories
and affection. It was a joy to see Jacqs so happy and in love. Of all of my friends, she was the one who taught me the most. I envied her ability to grow and change through her experiences.

She walked me out at the end of the night. “Blue and I were talking abou
t going to Delray Affair art and music festival on Sunday. I was thinking we could go in place of our brunch. What do you think?”

“That sounds like fun,” I said, excited to see the artwork and hear the music.

“We can firm up plans on Saturday.”

“Great. Hey, are we supposed to dress up for the dinner party?”

“Not at all.”

“I love you
, girl,” I said, hugging her goodbye.

“You too. Talk soon.”

T
hursday breezed by in normal fashion and on Friday morning I chose a sexy slip with garters that I wore under a mid-thigh, spring dress that synched at the waist¸ my brown high heels completed the look. Mason had texted the time and address where we were to meet, which was only a few minutes away from Bella Boutique.

Sam eyed me when she arrived at work just before I had to leave.

“Sexy dress, Lane,” she said. “Hot date, huh?”

“Something like that,” I said, rehanging a dress a customer had tried on. “
I shouldn’t be gone long.”

“I understand,” she said, her tone indicating she understood more than I would have liked.

To deflect her curiosity, I asked, “Are you seeing anyone these days?”

“Between working here, Sarah, and the online class I’m taking, there isn’t time. Plus, I tend to pick the wrong guys
, or truthfully, let them pick me. I think taking a break from dating and working on myself is good for me and my daughter.” She stepped closer and said, “I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you with Stayman. He’s a really good guy.”

“
Yeah, he is,” I said, straightening the objects on the counter. “You should consider someone like him when you’re ready to date again.”

“Guys like him don’t really notice me.”

Her assertion shocked me. “Don’t be ridiculous Sam, every man from here to Mars notices you.”

“That’s not how I see it, but thanks for the compliment.”

After checking the time on my cell phone, I said, “Listen, I need to take off. Call me if you need me.”

“Don’t forget the condoms,” she said as I passed by.

I shot her a look and headed out back.

As instructed, I parked in a guest spot and made my way to apartment 305. I knocked tentatively on the door and Mason quickly pulled me inside, wrapping me up in his arms before I could catch my breath.

“I have to be back
for a meeting soon, love,” he said, rubbing his hard cock against me.

“Slow down for a second,” I said, pushing away from his chest and scanning the small space, which held little furniture.
His jacket lay over the kitchen table.

“I’m sorry; I just got so excited waiting for you to show up.
Let me see what you have on.” He whistled as he circled around me. “Just for me?”

“
Especially for you. Now kiss me like you mean it.”

“Oh
, baby, I always mean it,” he said, stepping toward me and lifting me onto the yellow laminate countertop. “Just as I thought.”

“Oh?”

“Perfect height,” he purred against my mouth. Then his kiss overtook me, hot and insistent. He slid the skirt of my dress over my thighs and groaned, feeling the garters underneath. “Do you have panties on?”

“No Mason. I thought
they would just get in the way,” I said coyly.

“You make my cock so hard it hurts.”

I reached down and caressed his erection through his slacks. “Kiss me again,” I said my arousal sparking.

“Let me removed my pants. Walking into the meeting with you
r juices all over me might not go over well.”

“They might
give you a high five or think you’re a sloppy eater.”

He
chuckled as he kicked off his shoes and unzipped his pants. “What’s gotten into you?”

“You, definitely you, but not often enough.”

“Let’s remedy that.”

“Should I take my dress off?”

“Leave it on but lift the bottom so I can see your incredible legs. Oh, yeah, you look so damn sexy that way. Spread your thighs and scoot to the edge for me.” He jutted straight out, but didn’t penetrate me right away. As he ravened my lips with his, he circled around my labia and clit, making sure I was ready.”

And I was.

Hands on my ass, he pulled me forward and impaled my pussy tightly against him. “Right here,” he said, “this is where I need to be.”

“Won’
t get any ... ahhh ... arguments from me. So good, Mason. Fill me.”

Stroking slowly, he said, “You need to come for me first. I’m in a hurry but not in that big of a rush.
I have to feel you clamp down on me, baby. It’s what I live for.”

I placed my arms behind
me; wrist turned out and pushed my pelvis into his.

His hands threaded under
the back garter straps and squeezed my ass in his palms. “Lainie, honey, breathe for me.”

I laughed. “I can’t ... help it. It feels so ... so fucking good.”

“I’m getting closer,” he said, increasing the pace. His light-blue eyes held me imprisoned in his love and devotion, his eye contact absolute.

Each stroke of his cock roused my sensitive
G-spot and rubbed all the right places. I lived and died in his orbit, but this time it felt different. I had given him my heart and it left me feeling powerful.

The building eruption hove
red close, my nipples straining against my bra, the friction tremendous.

“There you go ... so close. Your pussy opens just before you’re... Come for me. Take me with you!”

Making sure to take deep breaths, I grunted out my orgasm, still grinding my hips onto his cock.

As my contractions slowed, he held me tightly against him, filling me with his come. “Oh yes, my sexy love.”

“Yesss,” I said, feeling the heat of his release. “Don’t forget me while you’re gone.”

“Not a chance. Never.
Let me grab you a towel.”

I watched him stalk away, naked from the waist down.
That sexy man’s heart belongs to me,
I thought.

We quickly cleaned up and fix our clothing. I straightened his tie for him and smoothed down his hair. “No worse for the wear,” I said.

“But you, love, look absolutely radiant.”

“Thank you,” I said, blushing over his remark.

“If we can manage it, I’d like to see you before I fly out on Sunday.”

“Oh really,” I said, jumping toward him and hugging him tight.

“Yes, really. I’m going to miss you as much, if not more, than you’ll miss me. We’ll talk a lot while I’m gone. You can text or call me anytime. If I’m free to take the call, I will.”

“Excellent.”

“I hate to make love and run, but I do need to go.”

“Of course, I understand. Let me know when you know what time on Sunday. We’ve never had this much time together and I truly appreciate the effort. Even if it’s a
quickie.”

“
Kiss me, and then out with you. You go first and I’ll lock up.”

We shared a short passionate kiss and then I left the apartment
and headed to the boutique.

As soon as I parked in the back of the shop, I noticed something attached to the door. I found an envelope with my name on it and yanked it off. After running my finger along the flap, I pulled out a card. The front simply said,
“Thought I’d send a recent photo of myself.” When I opened it, I laughed so hard, I stumbled on my heels. Inside was a very scenic picture with a horse’s ass taking up most of the space on the right. Next to it read, “Sorry.” The left side was filled with handwriting I didn’t recognize.

Dear OCDC,

I missed seeing your beautiful face on Wednesday. I know my behavior has been appalling. My only defense is how I feel when we
’re spending time together. Regardless, I’ve been a horse’s ass and should have respected your boundaries.

Jacqs tells me things with Mason are going well. I promise to stand down if you promise we can still remain friends. I might flirt here or there, but I promise to be the pillar of respect.

Our peeps are having a dinner party and I want you to come and feel comfortable there.

Let me be the friend I should have been before. I’m good at it and you’ll see if you give me the chance to redeem myself.

See you at dinner? If you want to talk, you have my number.

Begging at your fee
t and NOT looking up your dress,

Stayman

It was hard not to forgive the boy when he was being so utterly adorable.
Everything in my life was lining up well for me. Mason and I were in the best place in our relationship and Stay and I would be the friends we were meant to be. What could be better?

Samantha and I shared lunch and thankfully she didn’t
grill me about my whereabouts and I didn’t tell her about the card. They day sailed by as I floated high on a cloud of love. Mason even texted me to say he misses me already and can’t wait until Sunday. Life was more than good, it was great!

I closed up for the night since Samantha would be opening in the morning. I tried to reach my father and then remembered he went out of town for a wedding my mother dragged him along to. I didn’t bother leaving a message.

Back at my condo, it no longer felt like a lonely place. I could envisage Mason in every space in the apartment. In the kitchen leaning against the island as I fixed us a plate of food, snuggling on the couch or making love there, our games in the second bedroom and most definitely sex in my bed.

The bliss I felt stayed with me through the night.
I didn’t feel like smoking my nightly cigarette so I climbed into bed to write my thoughts down.

Jacqs has wanted to have a dinner party for a while now. She and Red planned the menu and will be cooking for us. Jacqs and Red have cooking in common and I wonder who cooks the most at their house. I would guess Jacqs. Definitely not Bond. I think she missed her calling as a chef instead of an executive assistant. I wonder if Bond will be helping or if he’ll be at work.

I’m no longer worried about seeing Stay and am kind of looking forward to it too. He seems to have gotten the message and I do like him. He’s a great guy, just not the one for me.

I’m super excited about the art and music festival in Delray. Jacqs and I have gone before. The huge event offers people watching in every direction. I can’t wait. Maybe I’ll find a new fruit bowl for the counter. I hate that my current one has a chip on the rim. I’ll probably check out the music more than anything. I’m happy Blue is coming too. That will give me more freedom to wander.

On top of that, I get to see Mason one more time on Sunday before he leaves town. I definitely need to drive myself to the Delray Affair so I can leave when I need to.

He loves me. I wasn’t as sure as I am now. I think Stay turned out to be good for us. It clarified things for Mason and me. Here I have been busy telling Cat to let Kev’s love in and yet I wasn’t really letting all of the Mason’s love in. I was scared it wasn’t real that I was a passing fancy and he would quickly move on.

I’m walking on a cloud of hope and love. It still amazes me that he finds me so attractive and sexy. He is by far the best looking man I have ever seen. His body is hard and fit where my body is soft and fuller in placing more than I would like. I hate my ass and yet he loves it. Who am I to argue? He loves my stomach too which means he must love me because he is completely blind.

I might not get to have him all the time, but I know his heart belongs to me. And for now, that’s enough.

Sett
ling under the covers, I found myself genuinely looking forward to the dinner party and seeing Stayman again.