Blue Persuasion (35 page)

“I forgot a bid at the office and drove back to pick it up. When I walked in to Cal’s office on my way out, there she was, tied naked to his desk chair.”

“Tied! Holy tyrannical bullshit! What a cunt!” I lay back staring at the ceiling, wondering how he must have felt.

“It’s a good thing I can laugh about it now.”

I turned to face him again. “What the hell did you do?”

“I was dumbfounded. My heart sank and I just stood there. Christina couldn’t move and Cal started babbling. ‘It’s not ... not ... what it looks like, Tate.’ I said, ‘It seems like you’re fucking my wife. Buy me out and I never want to hear from either of you again. Chris, I’ll have your shit shipped to his house.’” I walked out and never spoke to either of them again. Cal and I severed our business ties via attorneys, and I saw Christina once more to sign our divorce papers. According to Jessica, whose mouth never stops wagging, they had been lovers since high school.”

“Is that true?” I couldn’t fathom that kind of deceit, but it sure explained a lot about Tate’s trust issues.

“I have no idea. Kind of makes sense when I think back on different moments in the past. I was far too trusting. The worst part of it all, my gut told me something wasn’t right for a long time, but she always denied it. Called me paranoid and said shit about my heritage.”

“How do you mean?”

“‘You freakin’ Indians think you know stuff beyond the obvious. You’re just an untrusting and jealous lot.’ She had me convinced I was, but that’s not even the worst part.”

“There’s more?”

He forced out a breath and continued, “Besides all of our friends knowing what was going on behind my back and never telling me, she turned out to be pregnant. She never wanted to have kids with me.”

“Wait. How do you know it wasn’t yours?”

“We hadn’t had sex in over a year. That was a huge part of why I was convinced she was cheating on me. She always had such a high sex drive.”

I felt so sad for him. No one should have to go through such pain. “Did she have the baby?”

“Yes.”

“I can’t think of a ‘holy’ that would encapsulate all of that. Why was she so mean to you?”

“All I can figure is that she regretted her decision to marry me.”

“Were you a bad husband?” I couldn’t imagine it.

“No, but Cal and I were very busy the first few years, trying to expand the business and pay his father back.”

“Do you think she felt neglected?”

He shrugged. “Maybe.”

“Was she always a spoiled bitch?”

He appeared to be thinking over my question. “Yes.”

“Jessica said I look nothing like her.”

“You don’t. Christina is tall, with an athletic build, blonde hair, brown eyes, and very formal. She and Cal come from money.”

“Why me?” I asked.

“You’re my favorite person in the world, Blue. You’re perfect for me. If you want to know all the fine details, read all the Post-It notes.”

“Right now, I just want you inside of me.”

“There’s no place I’d rather be.” Tate’s lips touched mine, and his fierce kiss opened me up in a new, profound way. His taste turned me to liquid but also set me soaring free. He gave me all of him in that kiss, where we forged an odyssey of love and forgiveness. Our mouths crushed together in fiery passion and then swayed in a slow, silent dance. Back and forth, he escorted me into the depths of his heart.

I wanted to give him something significant in return for his trust and love.

But first, he had his own ideas. “I need to taste you again.”

I flopped over on my back and stretched my arms wide. “I’m yours.”

“I’m going to hold you to that,” he said, embracing me with his gaze. Then he shifted his body. His rigid cock taunted me mere inches from my mouth as his tongue lapped up my pussy juices.

I breathed in his smell, knowing that the man above me belonged to me. Then I ran my tongue over the head of his shaft and savored his flavor. “Mmmm,” I moaned.

He shifted his ass down to the other end of the bed.

“Hey,” I whined.

“Shhh, just let me.” He lay between my legs as his fingers tugged on my nipples. His firm squeeze, coupled with his tongue circling my clit, sent tremors through my body. “You taste so good.” He rested his head on my thigh, explored my folds with his fingers, and then he plunged inside my wetness, rubbing the ridge just inside my entrance. “There you go. You’re already gushing for me.” His mouth lowered to my clit again and followed the rhythm of his hand.

My body unwittingly rocked against his manipulations, desperate for release.

Then he used my wet arousal, left my G-spot, and engulfed two fingers into my ass.

“Oh, holy hell, yesss!”

“Cum for me, baby. Get me all wet.” The rough attention of his tongue against my clit, coupled with his thick fingers invading my ass, had me writhing and squirting all over his face.

“Oh, Tate! I’m cumming!”

The convulsing subsided as I melted into the bed, bliss and love surrounding me. I opened one eye and saw him staring down at me. “I’m ready.”

Somehow, he knew what I meant. “Are you sure?”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. Please don’t make me wait.”

His body covered me, his eyes never leaving mine. I shifted my legs up and his formidable cock slid inside.

I panicked briefly but reminded myself that I was doing the choosing. It was my choice. “Please,” I cried, grasping his ass and pulling him deeper into me.

He wrapped his arms under my shoulders and ground his full, hard cock into my pussy. His lips hovered over mine as we stared into each other’s eyes.

I had never felt so vulnerable in my life.

“Thank you,” he whispered against my mouth.

I swallowed the warm heat of his breath.

He took his time, savoring our connection, his exhale my inhale. His eyes showed the very same fragility I felt. “Ohhh, Blue. I want to live here forever.”

Me too.

I love you.

Please hold my heart safe.

He nodded as if he heard me and kissed my lips softly, waltzing his tongue against mine in synch with his hips. “I’m right there ... lingering at the edge ... and I ... oh god ... I don’t want to cum yet.”

“Stay with me,” I said as our bodies and hearts converged.

His all-consuming gaze intensified while his hands held my head and his mouth rocked my soul with his call of release. His eyes filled with tears along with mine as the bellow of his climax shook me to the core.

He held me as we both lingered in bliss. He shifted his weight to the side of me, both of us breathing heavily. Shaking his head, he cupped my face. “I’ve never.”

I wiped a tear from his cheek and just nodded. I couldn’t attach words to the immense emotions that hovered on the surface.

We lay quietly in each other’s arms, lost in our own thoughts.

“Blue?”

I turned my head toward him. “Yeah?”

“I’ve never loved like this before. Thank you for hanging in there with me.”

“I’m ecstatic you feel that way because I do too.”

“Was it okay for you?”

“I felt panicked for a second, but it passed. I can’t believe I’ve missed out on that position for so long. It was so intimate.”

He hugged me to him. “It was for me too.”

After we both recovered, Tate made room in his dresser for my clothes and I unpacked.

“If we’re going to stay here, can we personalize this place?” I asked.

“If we decide to stay here, we’re going to buy the place and expand the bathroom.”

I laughed in joy. “Big tub and shower? Of course, a hot tub on the deck wouldn’t be bad, either.”

“Brilliant idea. Should we sleep and then take that drive down the coast?”

“The sky has cleared, so let’s.”

He scooped me against his chest.

I sighed in contentment. Reason #1 would always be my favorite.

He loves me!

He loves me!

He loves me!

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Glitter In the Air

by Pink

B
efore heading up the coast on Sunday, we dropped by my mother’s house.

“How are you doing?” I asked my mom, hugging her tightly. Somehow, Tate’s love left me free to forgive my mother and her shortcomings. Helena’s words helped, too. I was genuinely happy to see her.

“I don’t think it’s fully set in yet.” She kissed my forehead, and I savored the gesture. “Having Daniel has made it almost bearable.”

“I know what you mean,” I said, glancing over at Tate who sat talking with Daniel.

“Are you in love?” she asked, holding me away by my shoulders and scanning my face.

“Like nothing I ever imagined but always hoped for.”

“That makes no sense and yet, I know exactly what you mean.” She laughed. “I’m so happy for you, Sugar. Do you think he’s the one?”

“He’s the only one.”

She hugged me again. “Matt’s been back around to check on me. He said you’ve talked. Have you forgiven him?”

“I have, and Dad too.”

“And me?” she asked, her eyes brimming with tears.

“I know you did the best you could, and I do forgive you. I’d like us to be friends.”

“I’d like that a lot. Maybe we can make plans and have Matt over, too.”

My eyes filled as well. “Sounds good. Listen, Helena said you’re holding a picture for me. I can’t take it now because we’re on the bike, but I’d love to see it.”

“Come.” She led me into the guest room, my old bedroom with the same wallpaper I’d grown up with.

Leaning against the couch was a framed, blown-up photo I’d never laid eyes on. My tears began to spill as I took in the image. I couldn’t have been more than two years old. Helena and I, both wearing white cotton dresses, danced barefoot, holding hands in the grass. Our auburn hair glittered in the sunlight, and we seemed to be laughing. A white butterfly flew just beside us.

“Where was this?” I asked my mother.

“I’m not sure. She liked to take you to the park.”

“Wow.” My heart hurt once again over the loss. “Tate,” I called.

“What’s up?” he asked, dipping his head inside the door.

“Look.”

“Is that you?”

“Yeah, with Helena.”

He wiped a tear from my cheek, and said, “I know just where we can hang it.”

“Really?”

“Definitely.” He held onto me as I took in every detail of the photo.

“She really loved me.”

“She really did, Sugar,” my mother said.

We left her house and drove over to the Bread Building. I didn’t plan to stay for the group, but I wanted to check in. Tate waited downstairs for me.

“Judy, you look great!” Suzie said as I walked in.

“Thanks, I feel great.”

“She must be getting laid. She has that just fucked look,” Charmaine said.

“Over and over,” I said and winked at her.

“Glad someone’s getting some,” Suzie said.

I turned to our facilitator. “Ann, I’m taking off in a minute. I just wanted to check in with you.”

“He came around,” she said with a smile.

“Yes,” I said, beaming back.

“Something tells me we won’t be seeing you anymore.”

“That’s probably true. I wanted to thank you all for listening and for your support. Even you, Charmaine.”

“Yeah, yeah,” she said, waving me away.

“I wish the best of luck and love to all of you. Thank you, Ann.”

She nodded and smiled, and I took that as my cue to leave.

“How did it go?” Tate asked as I slipped on my helmet.

“Good. Now take me for a ride!”

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Happy

by Pharrell Williams

T
he next few days passed in a blur of love and passion. Tate and I spent every free moment together. I gave notice at The Chart House and began counting down the days until I never had to wait on a table again.

Tate and I strolled into Red’s on Wednesday, and I felt the joy that comes with finally being part of a loving couple. My life was no longer just my own, and I welcomed it. While Tate and I were busy cocooning, much had happened.

“Wow,
you’re
here,” I said to Rory when we approached the kitchen. I looked around for Bond.

“He’s out back.”

“Right, okay.”

“You okay?” Tate asked me.

“Stunned and mystified, but good. I’m going to go talk to Bond.” I lay copies of my novel on the kitchen counter.

“I’ll get us a drink and put out the stuffed mushrooms.”

“Great.” I practically sprinted out back. “What the fuck, Dude?” Jacqs looked quite content in Red’s lap, so I sighed in relief.

“Lot’s happened since you went AWOL.”

“Clearly. So, are you and Jacqs—”

“Over? Yes, and she and Red are already talking about a wedding and kids. Knowing him, he’ll plan some wild-ass proposal.”

I clapped. “No doubt. What’s up with the chippy in there?”

“We’re taking it slow.”

I cracked up. “I’m pretty sure you aren’t set at that speed.”

“Yeah, it’s a daily struggle, and she doesn’t make it easy. And knowing me, I’ll probably cave soon.”

I laughed again. “You brought her here, so that’s a big deal.”

“Yeah.” He rubbed his neck and said, “Listen, Blue, I hope you get how happy I am for you.”

“I do, and thank you, Bond. You helped me in so many ways, and I’m so lucky I get to keep you as my friend.”

“Your best friend and don’t you forget it,” he said, pointing at me.

“I won’t.” I smiled. “Love you.”

We hugged.

“Love you too.” He lifted his head from my shoulder and uttered, “Shit.”

“What?”

“Rory. I told you, she’s the jealous type. I better go inside.”

Then I really laughed as I watched him scurry into the house.

Tate came up behind me and folded his arm around my waist. In his other hand, he held a margarita and a beer.

I took my drink and we clinked the bottles.

“She’s a piece of work, that one,” he said, flipping his head in the direction of the kitchen.

“She sure is. She might just be what he needs. At any rate, she’ll keep him on his toes.”

He nibbled on my ear and breathed against the side of my neck.

“If you keep doing that, we won’t be here for long.”

“That’s the idea.” He lifted my hair to the side and bit the back of my neck, sucking hard. “I want to do that on your inner thighs,” he whispered.

I turned in his arms. “Cut that out, you’re making me wet.”

“I know you’re dying to talk to the girls, so do it and let’s get home.”

Home!

“You’re pushy, but I’ll make it quick.” I went up on my toes and whispered, “I’m ready to let you try out the tiny crop on my clit.”

“Damn you, woman,” he said, smiling.

“I’ll hurry.”

We all gathered around the pool with our legs dangling in the water, minus Rory, who had gone to the game room with the guys.

“So spill it,” Cat said, kicking water in my direction. “But first, tell me what I love to hear.” She cupped her ear and cocked her head.

“You were right,” I said, laughing.

“That never gets old,” Cat said proudly.

“Honestly, I feel high all the time. I’m not even scared, which has to be a first. I’ve spent my life living in fear, mostly of my own inferiorities and yet, somehow, with him I feel like ... I ... me...” I pointed to my chest. “...was put on this planet solely for Tate. Stupid, right?” I said, my voice cracking a bit.

“Not at all,” Lainie said. “I totally get what you mean. Stay is my Tate. Girlfriend, I’m so ecstatic for you.”

“Yeah,” Jacqs said. “I think it would’ve been hard for me if you ended up with Bond.”

“Do they all know?” I asked.

She shrugged as if it were no big deal.

“Yes,” Sam answered. “I must say, you kept it well hidden. It was really Bond who gave it away.”

They all nodded in agreement.

“Well, alrighty then.” I shook my head at my new reality, loving it. “I brought copies of my novel for each of you.”

“No fucking way!” Jacqs called out. “I can’t wait to sink my teeth into it.”

“Just don’t bite me too hard.”

“Oh we won’t!” Lainie said, rubbing her hands together. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Yeah, totally,” Sam said.

“Good for you,” Cat said. “I’ll try not to be my bitchy self.”

I chuckled and said, “You do that.”

“So, give us the lowdown on Rory. Rumor has it that you’ve already met her,” Cat said.

“Know her? That’s a stretch. I will say she has it bad for Bond. It’s funny watching him be so baffled about what to do with her.”

“Give me time and I’m sure I’ll find it amusing too,” Jacqs fessed.

I splashed her.

“Hey!” she said.

“Is it true about wedding bells with Red and all that? At this rate, you and Lainie will be racing to the altar.”

“He hasn’t officially asked me,” Jacqs shared.

“Stop being preoccupied with Bond, and I’m sure it’ll happen,” Sam admonished.

“Yep,” I said. “I’m a bit confused about why you’re still holding on.”

“It’s more about the rejection than anything else. Lane can tell you that I’ve wanted him to be the one to move on and yet, it pokes all my tender parts.”

“Yeah.” I held up my drink. “Let’s drink to finding the men who love and understand our tender parts.”

“That has so many meanings,” Sam said, taking a drink of her soda.

“You’re next,” I said to her.

♥♥♥♥♥

I had known for quite some time that I hit the mother lode in the friendship department and for years, I just assumed that would have to be enough. I absolutely love the tattoo Cat did for me, not only because of her amazing artwork, but because it brought Tate to me. Through his love, I found a real appreciation for my body and the things he does to drive me completely insane with lust.

I scheduled another appointment with Cat and couldn’t wait to surprise Tate with my new tattoo. Around the side of my foot, I’m having her tattoo in script:
Wherever the wind takes me
.