CalvinClimbing back into Schuyler’s bed seems as natural as if I do it every night. Being near her is easy and comfortable. I feel like I’ve found the other half of me, my soul mate.With my head propped on two pillows, I watch Schuyler turn on the ceiling fan, her fan on the floor, close the blackout curtains tightly, turn the flashlight from her phone on, shut off the overhead light, then dart to the bed, hopping on the mattress with a giggle.I fight the laugh, trying to escape. In the faint light from her phone, she squints at me.“What?” Schuyler demands, shutting off her phone light and snuggling under the covers.“That’s quite a routine,” I chuckle. “I especially like the sprint after turning off the light and the hop onto the bed.” I turn onto my side, facing her in the dark. “It’s the monster under the bed, isn’t it?”“Maybe,” she murmurs sheepishly.“I can’t sleep with a closet door open,” I confess. I’m sure she thinks I’m teasing, but I’m not.“Who’s turn is it?” she asks,
SchuylerThe two drinks I consume on the patio calm my nerves as the ocean waves pound against the sandy beach. I’ve enjoyed our conversation along with the soft, featherlike motion of Calvin’s fingertips on my arms, shoulders, and the back of my neck.I look up after placing my empty bottle on the cement beside me to find Calvin’s hooded eyes and luscious lips moving toward mine. I stifle a moan at the contact. They caress gently, slowly at first. In his kiss, I feel his want, his need, and his desire for me. It’s gasoline on the flames low in my belly.His hot, wet tongue glides along my lower lip suggestively. He’s ready for me to open up for him, to let him in. Like him, I want more. I press myself closer to him, my breasts longing to be free from their confinement to find friction against his chest. One large hand cups the back of my neck as the other presses on my lower back. He guides me with him as he stretches out on his lounger. His hands nestle me tight against him from my h
SchuylerMyth busted.I lie lifeless on my mattress. I love the sensation of sated desire. Not only did I have an orgasm post-hysterectomy, but it was a long, magnificent one.It feels much better than the releases my vibrators give me.As I come down from my post-orgasmic high, fear floods me.Was it as good for Calvin?Did my body feel different to him?Could his tip feel that?Does he know I’m a 23-year-old freak?Reluctantly, I turn my head in his direction. He confirms my worries when I see the look on his face.Slowly, his face morphs into a smile. His tongue darts out to wet his lower lip. He rolls onto his side.“I failed,” he murmurs.My brow furrows.What does he mean he failed?Is he blaming himself for my faulty equipment?“I lost my focus and failed to show my foreplay skills,” Calvin apologizes.“I didn’t notice,” I confess. “You gave me a...”His fingers press against my lips, silencing me. “I felt it from the inside.” He smiles.“And for you...?” I let the question hang
SchuylerWe enjoy a couple hours relaxing in the pool, using the swim-up bar, and soaking up our last day in the tropical heat. I relish Calvin’s attention and his body, which seems to be constantly in contact with mine.While in the deeper section of the pool, he loads me onto his back as he walks about. I lean over his shoulders to clasp my hands in front of his chest, and my thighs grip his hips. The sun-warmed skin on his back starkly contrasts the cool water that surrounds me. He lowers me to stand near the pool's edge.“I saw that,” Calvin murmurs into my ear.“Saw what?”“Your yawn.” He moves to stand directly in front of me. “Let’s dry off and head in for a nap.”I open my mouth to protest, but thoughts of playing under the sheets before we nap flood my mind. I attempt to quell the smirk that forms upon my lips, but fail miserably. I nod, and we exit the cool waters of the pool.Our eyes remain on each other as we try to towel off as best we can. I smooth out a dry towel upon m
CalvinThough I try, the snow prevents me from taking in the front of the Dawes’s home. With luggage in hand, we scurry into the open garage to escape the cold. Schuyler hands my bag to her brother then guides me into the house. Warmth assails us as we pass through the laundry room into a large kitchen with a breakfast nook.“Oh, thank God! You made it home safely! Now, all my babies are safe and nearby,” the woman, I assume is Sky’s mom rejoices, her hands pressed together in front of her. She greets Schuyler and Dallas with a hug, commenting on their sun-kissed skin. “Hello, Calvin.” She looks at me then at Garret. “You must be Garret.” It takes me a moment to remember how she knows me. I spoke to her on one of Schuyler’s FaceTime calls.We take turns making introductions with Theo and her husband, Richard Dawes. They instruct Clint to carry our luggage up to the guest rooms, then guide us into the living room to sit. I strain, but I cannot make out what Clint mumbles under his breat
SchuylerThe weeks after our Mexico trip pass quickly. While my friends attend class, I busy myself with online applications and paperwork. My student-teaching successfully ended, so I apply for my teaching license and graduation. I spend many hours applying for teaching positions in Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas. I also post my resume and paperwork to many of the education sites that districts use to recruit new hires. It’s almost a full-time job, but I’m eager to secure a position.I fear the reason I’m not hearing back on jobs is the two-semester break in my college studies. It’s a giant red flag, bringing up questions about my work ethic and follow through. I refuse to explain my absence in my cover letter, though. I worry they will pity me for the accident, and I don’t want a pity hire. I want to earn a position based on my credentials.Calvin calls or texts me each day. We’ve met a couple of times on campus for lunch between his classes. His studies demand most of his time
Name“Go ahead and change into the gown. Wear the opening in the front. The doctor will be in shortly,” the nurse states as she exits the exam room.“Couldn’t they make these gowns more feminine, more glamorous?” I mumble, removing all my clothes. “It’s bad enough we must have this appointment annually. The least they could do is let us feel pretty while we do it.”With the thin hospital gown over my shoulders, I hold the front closed as I climb onto the exam table. The white paper crinkles annoyingly. The cold, sterile environment causes my skin to crawl.The doctor whips in with her nurse, and they quickly begin the breast and pelvic exams. I lie on the table, staring up at the fluorescent lights, praying for this to all be over quickly. You’d think after a hysterectomy, pelvic exams would no longer be necessary. I don’t question the logic, though; I endure it as every woman does.With no concerns, my exam ends, and I’m briskly walking toward the door and exiting the lobby. My jaw ti
CalvinMy presentation is over, and my college classes are officially complete for the week. I pull my cell phone from the side pocket of my backpack, turning it on as I walk through the hallway. I push through the heavy metal doors into the warm spring sun.Done.Finally.It’s time to pack up my stuff and move into the next phase of my life. But first, I’ll spend the evening with Sky. Since I didn’t convince Garret to let me have the girls’ apartment tonight, I’ve invited her to my place, promising to fix her a meal to die for. She’s begged me all week to tell her what’s on the menu, but I’ve kept that a secret, just like the big one I plan to reveal to her tonight. I’m nervous, yet ready.After tonight, she’ll know everything. With Sky in my home, there can be no more hiding Tyler. I think I’m finally ready for the secrets to stop.Finally awake, my cell phone vibrates several times, signaling a missed phone call, many social media updates, and two texts. Since there is no voicemail,
Montana Snuggled close, my head on Carson’s chest, my mind rewinds the past twenty-four hours. What a day it turned out to be. “Are you ready to talk about our news?” Carson asks, tucking hair behind my ear to reveal my eyes. “This baby has made me so happy, love.” “What will I do while you go on tour?” I ask, feeling nervous. “Stay in Des Moines or LA?” “What do you want to do?” he asks. “I don’t know,” I confess. “Well, I’d prefer if you were with me in LA while we prep for the tour. Then, I’d love to have you on tour with me,” he says, pulling me closer. “How would that work? Would I drive my own RV and follow your tour busses or be on the bus with you and all the guys?” I inquire. Carson shrugs. “The guys have had women ride the bus with us from time to time. Most of theirs were one-night stands. But I’m sure we could lobby to sleep in the actual bed at the rear of the bus. The guys love you, and as long as you could tolerate al
Carson When Tony joins us in the emergency department, Montana’s still unconscious. I share the information Fran told me. In her motherly tone, she tries to calm my nerves.I watch as the nurse replaces the empty IV bag with another. She promises Montana’s improving with the fluids in her system.Later, a rustling sound near my head wakes me. I lift it from the bed, finding Montana looking down at me.“Kiss… Beth…”I barely make out her raspy whispers.“What?” I ask.Tony appears on the opposite bedside.“Kiss…” Montana’s eyes flutter closed. “B-e-t-h…”And she’s out again. Neither Tony nor I understand what the two words mean. We attempt to work through it out loud, but we’re too tired. The wall clock reads six a.m. We need Montana to wake up. Then, we need to go home and sleep. **** Hours later, the nurse returns, taking Montana’s vitals. At her movement and tou
Montana I wake deliciously exhausted from our session in the studio followed by hours of lovemaking here in our bed. I take my time stretching my arms over my head then pointing and flexing my toes. Beside me, Denali groans as he stretches, too. He takes up more of the bed with each passing week. He’s going to be huge.My phone informs me it's nearly ten o’clock. Carson’s already in the studio. I’m surprised Denali let me sleep so late. I guess we kept him up late last night, too.“Let me go potty, then I’ll take you outside,” I tell him as he nuzzles my neck, and I scratch his belly. Never far from my side, he follows me into the bathroom, whining as I wash my hands. It’s hours past his usual potty break, so I don’t delay him any longer.Every muscle aches as I descend the stairs, and my head hurts. Once outside, I take a seat on a patio chair as Denali does his business then runs to greet his friend, Snoopy, now on my lap.
Montana When his parents come into view through the large, glass window, separating the production area from the recording studio, shock and worry flood Carson’s face.“What’s wrong?” he asks through the studio mic, filling the booth.I open the door to the studio. “Nothing’s wrong. I asked your dad to help me with some marketing—I didn’t plan to mess with your recording schedule. I’m sorry.”He shakes his head, smiling. “It’s okay. A break will be good for the four of us. We’ve spent too many hours in this little space without windows to the outside world.”I wrap my arms around his neck, looking up at him through my lashes. “I love you,” I whisper.“I know,” he teases, guiding me into the booth. “Let’s break for the day.”“I’ll be at the pool,” Eli announces.“Remember sunscreen,” I tease him. “Set an alarm on your phone.”“Yes, child bride,” he sing-songs.I hear Jake murmur to Warner,
Montana It’s Wednesday of the next week, and I’ve a billion things to do. Carson’s already in the studio when I wake up. I forego a shower, grab a quick bite, then lock myself in the office. I reached out to Carson’s father last night, hoping to get some ideas on marketing our product. We’re set to meet in a videoconference on Monday.I swallow my last bite of cherry toaster pastry as I enter the office. What a mess. I take in the piles of papers I’ve spread out on the floor. Today, I need to focus on a presentation for Carson’s father, explaining our product so he can best help me with a marketing strategy. The piles on the floor will need to wait.I settle myself in the large, leather office chair behind the desk. I move a stack of papers, freeing up room to open my laptop. While I wait for my presentation software to open, I check my cell phone calendar for today through Monday.Crap! I have my annual doct
Montana When we return to the backyard, I pull on my swimsuit coverup. I find that Carson and Eli are manning the grill full of burgers and chicken breasts.I join my brother near the kitchen door, placing all the fixings on the long table. Working as a team, we position the buns, condiments, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, chips, and dips. Mom and Dad set up a cooler of water, beer, and pop.Taking turns, we fix our plates soon after then scatter around the patio and poolside, gathering around tables and chairs. Sporadic conversations continue while we enjoy dinner. Dad commends Carson on the burgers and asks which seasoning he used. The two discuss the best flavors of seasonings and barbecue sauces. Luckily for me, the band is on their best behavior, and we enjoy hours with my family.“Time for gifts,” Mom announces.Carson takes my hand and leads me to the round table by my parents. He pulls out a chair for me, kissing my ex
Montana “You know, many couples get a dog to prepare themselves to become parents,” Carson’s mother tells my mom.I’m lounging in the sun in the chair next to theirs. My eyes are closed, and they believe I’m asleep. Wanting to hear what they say next, I keep pretending.“A grandbaby may be in our future.” My mom claps excitedly.“They rushed into marriage,” Carson’s mom reminds mine. “It would be okay if they took their time in starting a family.”“Do you have any grandchildren?” Mom inquires.“No. Do you?”“No. I can’t wait. I do look forward to it,” Mom states excitedly. “I assumed my son would give me my first grandchild, but he doesn’t usually stay in the US long enough to meet a girl. Although, I don’t know what to make of Starr traveling from Africa with him.”“She knew the band. Maybe she tagged along to see them,” Carson’s mom offers. “I’ve got another son and a daughter, both married, but they
Carson Fresh from my shower, I towel dry my hair then secure the towel around my waist. I smile at my reflection. I can’t wait to wake Montana and reveal my plans for us today.A female scream tears through the house. I lean into our bedroom. She’s gone. It’s Montana! I sprint from our room and down the stairs, hopping from the third step to the tile floor below.I narrowly miss falling from water dripping off of me onto the marble of the front room. I use a Scooby-Doo-like maneuver until I gain traction and run into the kitchen.I’m unable to speak or catch my breath when I stand in the doorway, finding Montana wrapped in another man’s arms as Fran and another woman watch.She pulls away, wiping tears from her eyes. “What are you doing here? And why didn’t you call me? I could’ve picked you up at the airport.” Before the man can respond, she asks, “How did you get here?”“Mom brought me ov
Montana I feel like I’m right in the middle of an entertainment show publicity scandal. Like Jake said, “This sucks!” I understand the woman’s need to seek the father of her unborn baby. On the other hand, though, I can’t imagine Warner’s fear that he might be the father. I suspect he fears the DNA result, and that’s the reason he’s protesting it so.I try, but my mind can’t help but wonder how many women Carson slept with while on tour. Having witnessed the women throw themselves at the guys while in Las Vegas, I’m not sure Carson could have refused many of them.I refuse to sit here and wonder about this all night. I snag a bottle of vodka from the bar and head toward Warner’s room. I knock lightly three times.“Leave me alone,” Warner snarls.I ignore his demand, turn the knob, and find it’s unlocked. I slip inside, shutting it behind me.“I come bearing a gift,” I state, extending the vodka bottle for him.