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Remind Me

By: musingsalone



I lean into your body, shielding myself from the cold wind.

We hold each other. Friends first, our embrace is comfortable, comforting. 

I grow warmer in your arms. My sense of comfort is slipping into desire, lust. I wonder if I can give you a simple kiss good-bye without betraying myself.

I tilt my face to yours; the black high-heeled boots give me the added inches I need to avoid standing on my toes.

We kiss tentatively, as though we haven't shared this moment before. Once, twice. Tiny kisses, hints of past, of moments to come.

I open my mouth ever so slightly, taste your lips. I think I hear you sigh a little. I wonder if I've gone too far.

You don't make me wonder for long. 

Your hands come up from my waist, cradle my face. You kiss me thoroughly, completely. 

I step back, lean against the car. Our foreheads come together, and we pause, breathe. 

Then your hand runs down my back, over the curve of my ass. Your fingers slip under the edge of my skirt, just above my knee. I wrap my leg around you as you press yourself between my thighs. I feel you rock hard against my hip.

After midnight on a dark street and up against a car, we're groping and fumbling like teen-agers.

You cup my breasts, tug at my skirt. I press against you. I'm completely turned on, hoping we won't be interrupted before we finish whatever it is we're going to do.

The wind picks up, cold and harsh, but I'm getting hotter, wetter. I'm lost in this moment we created. You keep bringing me to the edge and then backing me off. I'm not sure I could stop now; I know I don't want to.

Then somehow you spin me. I'm facing the car, arms flung over the roof, legs spread, you grinding against me. 

You kiss the back of my neck, slip your hand under my top. My skirt is pushed up around my waist. Your fingers massage me, bringing me close, closer. God.

My legs are trembling. 

"Imagine me inside you."

Your throaty command sends me over the edge. I'm shaking, can't believe you're doing this to me in full view of anyone who might decide to look. Can't believe I want this so much. 

My release is powerful, empowering. I want more, more of you, now.

I turn in your arms. We kiss again, again, again.

I have to touch you. Any semblance of control I have is gone.

I reach down, feel your length, squeeze. I slide my hand into the waistband of your pants. You're so hard, silky-smooth, hot.

I'm trying to touch you but it's not enough. You seem to know. You open the button on your pants, pull the zipper down. 

I wrap my hand around you; my fingers barely meet. I slide my hand up and down a few times, but it's still not enough. I need more. I have to taste you.

I step down off the curb and duck my head. You hold my long auburn hair back as the wind tries to whip it around.

I can smell you; it's intoxicating. I'm almost there again, wet, aching.

I take you into my mouth. God. 

I trace circles around you with my tongue, sucking gently at first, then harder. There's no way you can know how hot this makes me, how I wish I could spend hours tasting and teasing you with my mouth, my breasts. 

I look up at you. Your head is thrown back, your eyes closed. I can see the waves of sensation washing over your face as I lick and taste and suck you. You're beautiful. You take my breath away.

You open your stormy blue eyes and look down at me. I know the visual turns you on as you get stiffer, harder in my hands and mouth.

You're so close, throbbing, pulsing between my lips, against my tongue. I grab your ass and pull you to me, as deep as I can take you. Your whole body tightens, everything stops.

Then you're exploding in my mouth, hot, salty, tangy. I love your taste, swallowing everything you give me. It sends me over the edge again, without even being touched.

"Sensitive. Babe." You tug at me, and I slowly let you slip out of my mouth and rise. 

You wrap your arms around me again, and we hold each other, breathing hard.

"You make me wanton and reckless," I chuckle into your chest.

"No. I just remind you-"

"Of who I really am," I finish your thought.

We kiss again.

Remind Me



The early summer sun sank low on the horizon as Ellie Rogers passed the sign that said 'Bakersfield, population 1094. We welcome you!' Her car made a grumbling noise, and smoke had been coming from under the hood for a good few miles. 

"Come on, you piece of crap. Just a little farther." 

No such luck. The engine sputtered and the lights went out on the dashboard. She managed to steer the car off the side of the road before it came to a complete stop.

"How ironic. I love the way I can make an entrance!" She stepped from the car and slammed the door with more force than was necessary.

Pulling her suitcases from the back, she tossed them on the ground and sat on the biggest one. Her mind began replaying the past five years, and she grimaced. There wasn't much to be proud of.

Eighteen, carefree, and ready for life, Ellie had hooked up with the bad boy in town. A bit of a prude, she delighted in Cole Lucas corrupting her and taking away her innocence. Honestly though, she figured Cole wouldn't do much by way of making a life for himself. And she wasn't sure he would ever grow up.

So when Matthew Warren breezed into town on his wealthy father's coattails, Ellie found herself charmed and delighted. A real gentleman, Matthew took her to fancy dinners and the country club and showered her with gifts. He blinded her. Ellie broke it off with Cole and decided to go with Matthew to his hometown in California. To a small town Ohio girl, it sounded divine.

Ellie felt tears well up when she thought about the day she broke it off with Cole. They had only been seeing each other for a few weeks, but it was long enough she knew she liked him, and was probably on her way to loving him. But she cut the relationship short, so she would never know what might have been. 

Cole stood at her door, asking her to stay. His electric blue eyes bore into hers, and they were so bright with frustration and anger and pain...and love, that she had to look away. Ellie tucked her hair behind her ears in a nervous gesture and informed him that she had made her choice. He didn't want to be tied down anyway.

She could still remember the tightening of his chiseled face, the way his jaw muscle twitched up to his temple. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, and Cole spun abruptly, jogging down the stairs of her grandma's porch. She watched him squeal away and watched as his tail lights faded. Then she sat on the step and cried.

Five years later, she was sitting on her suitcase on the outskirts of town at sunset, crying again. Matthew had ended up being a nightmare. He never worked, he spent her money almost before she made it, and the worst part was, he spent the majority of the time high or drunk or a combination of the two. Their wedding never happened, and his parents cut him off after a particularly unpleasant visit. 

Ellie hoarded every dime she could, and it took several months, but she finally had enough for gas money to get home. Now, with fifty-seven bucks in her billfold and a broken down car, she hoped against hope that her parents would let her stay. If not, she wasn't sure what would happen. 

Wiping her eyes, she sighed and stood, lifting her suitcases. Turning towards town, she started walking.

"Terrible idea. Oh my God, it is so hot. I hate summer."

A half hour had passed, and with each step she wondered why she didn't just call her parents and have them come get her. But deep in her heart she knew it was because she was scared they wouldn't. At this point though, she was almost into town. So at the traffic light, she stopped and set down her bags and fluffed her hair. 

"Ugh." She was drenched in sweat. Grabbing a ponytail holder from her purse, she pulled her auburn tresses high off her neck. Swiping under her eyes, she figured that was as good as it could get. She knew she had raccoon eyes. 

"Forget it. I don't care what they think."

She waited for the light to change so she could cross the street, and a tow truck came barreling down the road, making it through the light on yellow. Her car dangled off the back of the truck.

"Hey! Hey! That's my car!" Ellie switched directions and headed off after her vehicle.

The tow truck beat her by a rather large margin, and when she stormed through the door of Byron and Co., she knew she looked like a hot mess. With the aforementioned hair and make-up problem, to add to that, her shirt was now wet with sweat, and her feet were filthy.

She let go of her suitcases in the reception area and stomped to the desk. She was angry, but the air conditioning felt so nice it actually reeled in her temper somewhat.

"Excuse me. My car was just towed here, and I didn't ask for it to be."

"Ellie? Ellie Rogers?"

"Yes, it's me. Hi Carl."

"Well I'll be... I hadn't heard you were back in town."

"That's because it just happened. My piece of crap broke down on me so I just walked in. But Carl, I don't know that I want this car fixed." Ellie's mind whirled. What would they charge her for storing it if they didn't fix it? She didn't have much money.

"Well, sheriff put a call in about an abandoned vehicle, and he makes us get 'em off the road. Sorry Ellie. But we won't touch it 'til you tell us to, deal?"

"Thanks Carl. I really appreciate it."

"Carl, where's the.... Ellie?"

That voice. The last words she heard from that voice had been, "Please, just stay with me. Give us a chance." The voice now was surprised, but already she could hear the edge of irritation creeping in.

Ellie turned. Her stomach jerked as she met those blue eyes again after the handful of years. Cole was still sexy as sin. Her mouth practically watered as she took in the changes time had made. He was bigger, more muscular, and his face had changed. There were harder edges, but it only added to his appeal.

"Hi Cole." She didn't know what else to add.

"Where's your husband?"

Ellie cringed. "I don't have one."

Carl's head whipped back and forth, watching the exchange. It was common knowledge around town that Ellie had picked Matthew over Cole. And Carl wasn't going to miss a second of this.

"Divorced already?" 

The snide edge to his voice stoked the flames of her anger. 

"No, we never married."

"Living in sin, then?"

Ellie's anger crumpled as quickly as it came. "You have no idea." She glanced at Carl and added, "Please, just don't do anything to the car. I can't afford it. I'll let you know what to do with it when I decide." 

Ellie gathered what few shreds of self-respect that remained, picked up her suitcases and headed out the door.

"Just what in the hell was that about?" Cole glared at Carl. He felt his frustration mount.

"She just got back into town. That old Plymouth was hers. She doesn't want it fixed, because she can't afford it. That's all I know." 

Cole cursed under his breath. Why was she back and why was she husbandless? Apparently her fairytale hadn't worked out quite as she planned. But the victory he always knew he would feel was nowhere to be found. In fact, Cole felt a little sick. She'd had such high hopes and expectations...and apparently, Matthew hadn't delivered. 

He gave himself a shake. He'd had hopes too. Hopes that she had crushed beneath her stylish sandals that hot summer evening. It was none of his business, but for some reason he was drawn to her and her situation. Did he want to see her down and out; did he want to watch her suffer? 

Cole strode through the garage, angry with his thoughts. Ellie was still beautiful. Once he'd recovered from the shock of seeing her, he noticed that she'd grown into herself a little. She was curvier, her breasts were fuller, and her face had lost some of the youth, only adding to her appeal. She still had those same smoky gray eyes, and her auburn hair was still as thick as he remembered.

Those summer nights they'd spent together, tangled in each other's arms and legs, lying on a blanket under the stars learning each other... Cole abruptly shook his head. That was not the path his mind needed to take.

"Aw, hell." He stomped out the side door and hopped into his Camaro, squealing tires out of the parking lot.

Ellie was only a couple blocks away, and he pulled up alongside her.

"Get in!" He hollered over the grumble of the engine.

"No thank you." Ellie looked away, trying not to remember the way the taillights had looked the night he drove away. He still had the same car.

"Ellie, dammit, get in the car. I'll drive you to your folks." Cole stopped the car.

After a few more steps, she turned back and tossed her suitcases into the backseat. A flash of a memory of them trying to make love back there caused her to blush. They gave up because there wasn't enough room, and ended up on the ground to finish the job. Shaking her head, Ellie climbed in. 

Cole took off almost before her door was shut, and she hurriedly fastened her seatbelt.

"Look. I'm sorry I was a jerk back there at the shop. You just threw me for a loop."

"It's all right. I didn't figure you'd be the second person I saw when I came back into town, tail between my legs. I was planning on staying out of your hair."

"I'm sorry things didn't work out for you. I always figured I would be happy about it, but for some reason, it just makes me sick. What happened?"

"Matthew...didn't like to work. But he did like to party. Drugs, drinking, women... I honestly haven't seen much of him the last five years, even if we did live under the same roof."

Ellie nervously spun her thumb ring, wishing she didn't have to have this conversation with anyone, let alone Cole. She was scared to death of what her parents were going to say when they got there. She hadn't talked to them in three years. Since...

In a flash, Cole was pulling into the driveway. Ellie rubbed her palms on her capris. She was a nervous wreck. 

"I'll grab your stuff."

"No, I can-"

"Ellie, just let me." 

She turned her head and her eyes clashed with his. She expected to see anger and hatred, but she could feel that he felt for her situation. If only he knew the whole story.

"All right. Thank you." She unfastened her seatbelt and climbed out of the car. 

Cole took his time getting out, giving her a few moments to reunite with her parents. He glanced up and saw her back, watched her straighten her shoulders as her mother opened the front door. He leaned the seat forward and pulled her bags out, setting them down to put the seat back and shut the door. He was stalling.

Her parents weren't too fond of him then, and they weren't fond of him now. They took their cars elsewhere for service. The thought quirked his mouth into a smile. Small town people, with small town minds. And a little too far on the religious side for his liking...they were almost zealots. He had no quarrel with the Lord, but they just had always freaked him out a little.

His boots clomped on the sidewalk as he made his way to the porch. Then their words traveled to his ears.

"Mother!"

"You aren't back in town for five minutes and you're already on a slippery slope. Just look at the company you've decided to keep."

Ellie cast a tortured look over her shoulder to see Cole only a couple of feet away.

"Mom. He gave me a ride out here. My car broke down and it got towed to his shop. It's hot, I've been walking for what feels like forever, and he was being a nice guy. I just need a place to stay for a few weeks until I get back on my feet."

"You made your choice. You chose the path of sin. Running off with that Matthew who didn't even have the decency to marry you like he said he would. And a baby out of wedlock, why, we know exactly why you lost it."

Cole froze with one foot on the bottom porch step. Ellie had miscarried? And her mom was standing there, basically saying it was punishment from God. He spun and went back to his car, throwing her suitcases in the backseat. Ellie was so trapped by her mother's words she hadn't even noticed.

"That's a terrible thing to say." Ellie's voice was a shattered whisper.

"But it's the truth. So you best be on your way. Maybe once you learn some respect for yourself and the Lord, you can move back here. But until then, I'm afraid I can't have a sinner under my roof."

"Lady, you might want to pick up a different Bible. Isn't there some stuff in there about not judging, and about love being the greatest of all? Come on Ellie." Cole grabbed her hand in a crushing grip and all but dragged her down off her mother's porch. 

Ellie was frozen. Her mom had dredged up old pain, and new pain from her mother's words layered on top of it. Cole helped her into the car and went around the front, sliding into his seat. Ellie hadn't moved, so he reached across her and fastened her seatbelt.

A few miles later, she finally spoke.

"She said my baby deserved to die. It was a baby, not a demon. An innocent baby that never had a chance to take its first breath. It broke my heart Cole, and she knew that. That was the last time I had talked to her, to tell her I had a miscarriage. But I had no idea that's how she felt, or I never would have come here." Tears welled in her eyes, but they didn't fall.

"You couldn't have known, Ellie. And this was home. You were supposed to be welcomed back with loving arms." Cole reached and laid his hand on top of hers. Ellie flipped her hand so that her palm was up, and entwined their fingers, drawing strength from his touch.

"Home is where they catch you when you fall. But I learned a valuable lesson today." She stared out the windshield.

"What's that?"

"One, that I'll probably never speak to my parents again. And two, I will never, ever make any child I have feel the way my mother made me feel today."

Cole was silent for several minutes. As he pulled into his driveway, he finally spoke.

"Ellie, you will be the greatest mom on the planet. And don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise."

The next morning, Ellie woke to a rumbling stomach, the smell of coffee and the scent of bacon cooking. For a moment she was confused, but once she shook the sleep from her brain she remembered where she was.

She and Cole had stayed up talking a little the night before, and they agreed that she would stay there. Until she got on her feet, she would cook and clean for her room and board. Apparently, she was already shirking her duties. With a jaw-cracking yawn, Ellie climbed from under the covers and staggered to the door.

Her stomach growled again, and she followed her nose to the kitchen.

"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty. I was beginning to think I was going to have to wake you with a kiss." Cole grabbed the spatula and flipped the bacon.

"Nothing as drastic as that, I'm afraid." A glance at the clock showed her it was only 6:30.

"Oh, wow, it's still early. What time do you go to work?"

"I usually leave between seven and seven thirty. Depends on what I've got lined up for the day. If there's a job leftover from the day before, I go in even earlier."

"That's quite the work ethic." Ellie poured herself a cup of coffee.

"Well, you can't make a living if you don't go to work, and you can't make a reputation if you don't work like ya mean it. My customers trust me. I give them reason to." He smiled and set the bacon on a paper towel lined plate.

"I can see that." Ellie's voice turned soft. "Congratulations, Cole, for being so successful. I'm glad life has been good to you."

He looked up at her face. There was no sarcasm, no nastiness hidden behind her words. She was genuinely happy for him. And other than losing her, life had been good to him. But, she was back... He frowned and shook his head at the path his thoughts had taken.

"Something wrong?" Ellie noticed the change in his face.

"Oh. No. Just thinking that life hasn't exactly been as good to you."

"Don't I know it. But, I'm still breathing, and I expect things to turn around. I'm going to be happy one day. I deserve it." Ellie took a swig of her coffee.

"Damn right you do." Cole was shocked at his vehemence. Really? This was the woman you picked some loser over him, and he wanted her to be happy? He must be touched in the head. The truth was, he was thinking he wanted to be the reason she was happy. Maybe...maybe there could be a future for them. Would she want that though? Hell, did he want that?

Something deep in his chest said yes. No matter how they had ended before, he wanted her now, and he wanted her for good. He thought about the dresser drawer upstairs. He had been madly in love with her five years ago, and nothing had changed. Well, he spent a good amount of that time angry, but looking at her now, broke and helpless...he didn't want her to hurt. He wanted her to love him back.

As they ate their breakfast and drank their coffee, they made small talk. Ellie discussed job hunting, and he discussed fixing her car. At a quarter after seven, Cole finally stood, reluctant to end their morning.

"What time will you be home?"

"Probably around six, if all goes as planned."

"Is there anything special you'd like for dinner?"

Cole's mind said, 'You. Then again for dessert.' But his mouth said, "Whatever you fix will be fine. I'm easy."

Ellie spent the majority of the day looking in the newspaper and online for jobs. Then she took to the streets, walking through town, looking to see if anyone had help wanted signs in the windows. Nothing. Oh, there were jobs available, just nothing she was qualified to do.

By mid-afternoon, she had returned to Cole's house. She was disappointed that her search hadn't magically produced a job. With a glance in the fridge, she realized that there was next to nothing. Apparently the man lived on canned corn and bread. The walk into town from Cole's house only took fifteen minutes or so, and that was at a leisurely pace. So with a brisk sense of purpose, Ellie headed for the market.

By the time Cole arrived home from work, Ellie had a salad made, corn on the cob cooling in the pan, and the steaks were about to come off the grill.

"Wow, this is great. I didn't expect all this." Cole headed to the sink to wash up.

"Well, a run to the store was in order...in fact, I think you better just hand over a credit card. Your cupboards are barer than old Mother Hubbard's were."

"It's not that bad." Cole scowled.

"Oh yes. I found a mouse in the cabinet that had hung himself. He left a note that said, 'I can't live like this.' Don't look at me like I'm lying."

"Now you're just being ridiculous." Cole barely resisted the urge to stick his tongue out.

"I hope you still like your steaks well done." Ellie sat the plate in the center of the table.

"I do. Mmm, this smells delicious. This is what I've been missing all these years?"

The comment was said innocently enough; the kind of banter you'd trade with anyone. But considering their past...the moment grew incredibly awkward. 

"I'm sorry, Ellie. I didn't mean anything by that."

"I know you didn't. Cole, I'm sorry I did what I did. I'm sorry I didn't choose you."

"It's in the past. Let's eat." Cole grabbed his fork and knife and attacked the meat on his plate like it had come to life.

Ellie watched him in silence, unable to make a move for her silverware.

"Aren't you going to eat?" Cole gestured with his fork.

"I thought about you, you know. I'd lie there at night, staring at the ceiling...Matthew would be off God knows where, and I'd think about you. About how I doubted you'd let me sleep alone, for even one night. About how you'd touch me at random times, just to make sure I knew you were there. About how you loved me, and wanted to marry me."

"Ellie, don't."

"I wondered what it would have been like, to be Mrs. Cole Lucas. Life takes us down some funny roads, and there I was, stuck in a cul de sac, wanting to be on the wide open highway with a bad boy with an even badder Harley."




Remind Me



"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I want you to understand how it was for me. Taking off was the hardest decision I ever made. I'm still not sure why I did it. I was terrified. You were so wild...I thought I could never hold your interest. Maybe I was trying to save myself hurt for when you wanted to leave me."

"Leave you? Ellie, I couldn't leave you alone for a day! I tried. I knew getting mixed up with a good girl like you wasn't a great idea, but I did it anyway. I was so in love with you, it hurt. I thought I was going to die the day you left. Leave you? Do you remember what it was like between us? I wouldn't have left you in a million years." Cole leaned back in his chair, dumbfounded by what she'd said.

Ellie lifted her eyes from his jaw, and met his gaze.

"Do you, Ellie? Do you remember what it was like between us?" Cole leaned forward and stared holes into her soul. Need clawed his belly, and a love, twenty times stronger than five years ago climbed its way through his heart.

Ellie blinked, slowly, like a cat waking from a nap. Her eyes dropped to his lips.

"Remind me."

Cole felt like someone had hit him with a right hook. His eyes widened, and he watched her chest rise and fall as her breathing quickened. Ellie's face held invitation, and Cole wanted nothing more to take her up on the offer. But it was too soon, wasn't it? She just got back into town... Her gray eyes held promise, and Cole had to look away from the honesty.

"Ellie, I don't know if this is going to be the smartest thing...I think we should wait for a while before we go starting any fires." Cole looked at her, blue eyes blazing.

Ellie couldn't figure out how such ice blue eyes could burn so hot... Before her hormones got too far ahead of her, she looked away.

"You're right. We should wait. Get to know each other again. We're different people now." Ellie finally paid attention to her plate.

Silence fell, but they took turns watching each other. Cole was pretty sure he would either die or go back on his decision the minute she picked up her corn. Ellie had painstaking buttered the cob, then picked it up by either end and crunched her teeth into it. She closed her eyes for a moment- Cole would admit, it was fantastic corn- but she looked like she was in love with it. 

As her arms came down, butter coated her lips and a fleck of corn stuck to the corner of her mouth. Cole figured he would grab her napkin, but her tongue flickered out and he had to look away. Ellie glanced up and watched him shift in his chair. She couldn't resist.

"Are you sure you want to wait?" She widened her eyes innocently.

Her answer was a growl. 

A month later, they had settled into a rhythm and it was actually a comfortable routine. Ellie found herself thinking that a relationship between them could work. The only thing missing at this point was the sex. 

And she thought about it plenty. Her memories of them together clashed with fantasies about him now, and so for the majority of the time, she ran around in a half aroused state. Ellie was beginning to think she was a teenage boy. Cole seemed mostly unaffected but at random times she would catch him watching her.

Ellie kept to her word and cooked and cleaned. On this particular Sunday morning, Ellie had gotten into a fight with the coffee filter. As she went to throw it away, the damp filter ripped and grounds went flying. 

She scooped up as much as she could, then grabbed the sponge and hit her knees, wiping the cupboard off. The pile of grounds on the floor was more of a challenge, then she realized it had managed to get on the baseboard a foot away.

"What the hell?" Ellie had to laugh. Supporting herself with one hand, she reached for the mess. 

Cole came down the stairs, getting ready to head to the garage to hunt for some paperwork he couldn't find. As he rounded the corner, a wonderful sight met his eyes.

Ellie was on her hands and knees, cleaning something. Her ass was up in the air and her jeans were perfectly molded to her curves. She was clueless to his arrival, so with a smirk, he announced himself.

"Lord have mercy, baby's got her blue jeans on. She can't help it if she's made that way..."

"Cole!" Ellie jerked up, and coffee grounds flew off her hand.

"She ain't really trying to cause a scene, it just comes naturally...no the girl can't help it."

Ellie's face turned bright red, and she stood up quickly. She started to stutter something out, but Cole brushed past her, dropping a kiss to her temple. Then he was gone.

Ellie had found a job working in a call center. It was just shy of telemarketing, which she didn't like, but it was a job. After the first month, she didn't know how much longer she could take it. People were generally rude and nasty, and no one seemed to realize she was just doing her job. 

After a particularly long day, she stopped and got a pizza for dinner, and got home after Cole for a change. She had been thinking about bringing up the subject of them, their living arrangement, and what to do now that she had a job. She was more than willing to start paying him rent, if he wanted. She had already started buying the groceries, but she didn't feel like she was contributing enough.

"Hey." Ellie sat the pizza on the counter and headed for her bedroom to change.

"That wasn't very enthusiastic. You okay?"

She was already mostly out of earshot, so she kept walking. Cole followed her.

"I asked if you were okay." He propped his shoulder in the doorframe.

"Yeah. Just a rough day. I'm tired." Ellie stepped into the closet to change her shirt. "Do you want me to start paying you rent?"

Cole scowled. "No."

"But I'm working, and I'm caught up, so I just-"

"I said no. You cook and clean for your room and board, remember?"

"Well, yes, but that could just be normal contribution. I can pay you too."

"I don't want you to." 

Ellie emerged from the closet in a pair of black cotton shorts and a sky blue tank top. Cole's eyes immediately dropped to her breasts, noting that she was braless. She usually was, but the lighter colored shirt was proving to be interesting. He belated realized she was talking.

"...doesn't that make sense to you?"

"Sure." 

"Cole, you aren't listening to me." Ellie breezed through the room, leaving a trail of attitude behind her. 

What was with her today? Summer was baking the town, and the air conditioner was working overtime. Maybe she was cranky because she was hot. Cole followed her out of the bedroom, watching her thigh muscles as she walked. His eyes drifted up to her ass, appreciating the swell of her cheeks, then up to her where her waist dipped into her hourglass figure. 

"I want to stop feeling useless and helpless, all right? Starting with Matthew, then with my parents, and I don't want to be a burden to you. I'm going to give you two hundred bucks out of each of my checks. That seems fair to me." Ellie turned to him, slice of pizza in hand.

"I don't need your money, but if it makes you feel better, that's fine. Have you talked to your parents recently? You haven't said."

"Nope. And I don't plan on it anytime soon, either." She took another bite, and Cole watched her lips as she chewed.

He reached to the box and grabbed himself a slice. Matching her bite for bite, they stood in the cool kitchen and watched each other eat. 

"Do you want to stay here?"

"Well, I don't really have the money to rent someplace yet. Maybe in a few more months."

"That wasn't the question." Cole tossed the crust in the box. 

"What was the question then?" Ellie wrinkled her brow.

"Do you want to stay with me?"

The last bite of pizza lodged in her throat. Grabbing a can of pop to stall, she took a drink and asked, "Do you want me to?"

"I asked you first."

"What, are we in second grade?"

Cole advanced on her, and in a few steps Ellie was backed up against the sink.

"I like having you here, Ellie. I want you to stay. But I want you to stay because you want to, not because it's a convenient arrangement."

"What are you saying?"

"I want you to stay with me because I love you, and you love me back. I want you to stay here because we got married and you're my wife and this is your home. Do you understand? That's why I don't want your money."

Cole pushed off the counter and headed out the door. Ellie was in shock. He loved her? Did that mean he loved her? Is that what he just said? The summer sun was sinking, and Ellie followed outside a few minutes later. Cole was sitting on a lawn chair under the shade tree.

"I love you." Ellie stopped in front of him.

"I love you too. Will you stay with me?"

"Of course I will. Will you take me for a ride on your Harley?"

It had been a joke between them...she had always wanted a ride; he felt it was too dangerous for her. 

"I still don't think it's safe."

"You'd be driving me. I couldn't be safer."

"Honey, there are plenty of other things I'd rather you ride."

Ellie smirked. "Remember when you asked me if I remembered what it was like between us?"

"Yeah."

"Come inside and remind me." Ellie spun on her heel and slipped through the sliding glass door.

Cole sat frozen. She loved him, she was staying, and she just invited him to bed. And at this point, they had waited long enough, gotten to know each other plenty. Cole practically jumped up from the chair and entered the house. Her shorts were on the floor in the kitchen. Down the hallway, his boots clomped on the hardwood floor. He kicked her shirt aside. It didn't escape his notice that there weren't any panties lying around...

He felt himself harden at the implications. He pushed the door to her bedroom open, but she was nowhere to be found. He spun on his heel and went to his room, using the toe of his boot to push the door in.

Ellie was draped across his bed, completely naked. 

"Come on."

Ellie sat up, surprised. "Come on what?"

"This wasn't how it was at all. Let's go." Cole disappeared through the doorway, and a few seconds later her clothes hit her in a crumpled ball.

"Let me get this straight. I'm laying here naked, in a very inviting manner, and you're making me put my clothes back on." Ellie slid her shorts on slowly.

"Yep. Hurry up."

"But..."

"You said remind you. So, that's what I'm doing." Cole smiled and exited the bedroom.

Ellie stood and slipped on her shirt as she took off after him. The sun was setting, lending a purple-peach haze to the sky. She took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the twilight, then hurried along, trying to figure out where Cole went.

The growl of his Camaro sounded from the garage, and Ellie had to laugh. She stopped for a moment to slip on a pair of flip flops, then ran out the door and hopped in the passenger seat.

"I can't believe you still have this thing."

"What? This baby is in mint condition. I love this car."

Ellie remembered when he bought it; it was pretty much a piece of crap. The '69 had seen better days. But with a lot of time and elbow grease, Cole got it running again. Apparently, in the past years he had put a lot of work and money into making 'her' a show car. Ellie inhaled the old leathery smell as was transported back to a simpler time. She was almost able to make believe the years hadn't passed, and that they were heading out to go parking.

Cole draped his wrist over the steering wheel as they drove down the open road. In town, activity was starting to wind down. The curfew siren went off at nine, and they kept driving. They weren't kids anymore. Ellie smiled as the wind sailed through her hair, knowing it was creating a tangled mess. She didn't care. The heat of the day had worn off for the most part, leaving a sticky summer night behind.

Ellie had to laugh when Cole turned into an old farmers' access road. This was the first spot they'd parked at; and the last place they'd had sex. 

"Look familiar?" Cole flipped the key and the ensuing silence was almost as loud as the engine had been.

"Yes." Ellie grabbed the handle and climbed out of the car.

Cole followed, grabbing the blanket he'd brought from the backseat. He fluffed it out, laying it on the grass beside the car. Ellie lay down and Cole joined her, taking her into his arms. They stared up at the sky. Stars were out already, but the horizon still glowed with the last wisps of day. 

"Did you ever think this would be us?" Ellie's breath touched his neck.

"I didn't think, but I'd hoped."

Ellie moved so that she was on her elbow, looking down at Cole's face. She brushed a wayward lock of hair from his forehead, then trailed her fingers along his jaw.

"I'd hoped too. I'm very glad you've forgiven me." She smiled and leaned down, her lips barely whispering over his.

Cole relaxed under her ministrations, feeling no rush for anything. He had her for forever now. As much pain as had been in the past, he was tired of thinking about it. She was here now, and she was his. Nothing was going to change that. Looking into her gray eyes that were telling him how much she loved him, he knew he was going to look forward to the future.

Ellie's eyes came open slowly, and she blinked in confusion. She was in Cole's bedroom, but he was nowhere to be found. A glance at the clock said she'd slept way too late. Then a voice from the door surprised her.

"I played hooky today."

"I can't believe we didn't have sex last night." Ellie's lips plumped into a pout.

"I'm wooing you. Get ready. We're going to have some fun today."

"Are you allowed to take a day off? What about your work ethic?"

"Carl understands. And today didn't have much lined up anyway. It's a Wednesday. Cars don't have trouble on Wednesdays."

Cole left the room then hollered back, "Put on your suit. We're leaving in ten!"

"Suit. Like, bathing suit?" Ellie received no reply.

"Maybe it's the feeling or maybe it's the freedom, maybe it's that shady spot where we park the truck when things get hot...And it makes me wanna take a back road, makes me wanna take the long way home. Put a little gravel in my travel, unwind, unravel all night long...and it makes me wanna grab my honey, tear down some two-lane country who knows... Get lost and get right with my soul...makes me wanna take a back road."

Ellie adjusted the halter strap of her turquoise bathing suit and slipped her sunglasses onto her nose. A smile quirked her lips as Cole sang along with the radio. She never would have pegged him for a country guy. Apparently that had changed as well. She glanced over and watched his face as he drove. Completely at ease, she noted he had a pretty nice voice. 

Cole glanced over and caught her staring, and he reached one arm out and rested it against the back of her seat. His fingers brushed her hair from her neck, and he found the sweet, sensitive spot just below her ear. He caressed her neck gently, his fingers moving over her ear on occasion. Ellie shivered. Her neck was her favorite spot. He obviously remembered. The fact that he remembered had her shivering too.

They swung through a drive thru and as Ellie sipped her caramel iced coffee, she reflected on life. It had been pretty rotten, but thanks to Cole she had turned it around. Staring out the windshield at the open road ahead of them, she knew she was home at last. 

Cole's cell phone started ringing in the console and he glanced down.

"Who is it?" 

"My mother." He made no move to answer it.

"Do you think it's important?" 

"No. I think she caught me playing hooky. I'll call her back tonight."

A half hour later, Cole steered the car into the parking lot of a public 'beach'. The sand was more the texture of kitty litter, and the water was more green than tropical blue. But it was wet, and they had the whole day to spend together.

Cole lugged the cooler and the chairs, and Ellie grabbed the beach bag and umbrella.

"You thought of everything, didn't you?"

"Yes, darlin'. This ain't my first rodeo." He bumped the back of her leg with the cooler.

They walked down what seemed like three hundred stairs and picked a spot pretty close to the water. The sun was up, and it was well on its way to hot and miserable. Cole set up the chairs and shoved the umbrella into the ground. Ellie stripped off her black sarong and tossed it by the picnic basket, then dug into the beach bag.

Towels, a brush, a bottle of conditioner, tanning oil and sunscreen. Ellie looked up, surprised that he had remembered. He must have read her face, and his face actually turned a bit red.

"You remembered that I put conditioner in my hair when I'm done swimming."

"I'm going to be honest- there's nothing I don't remember from our time together. So don't look so shocked." Cole stripped his tee-shirt off and stretched out on one of the lawn chairs. 

Ellie eyed his physique as he moved, noting the fluid way his muscles flexed beneath his skin. He was wearing black swimming trunks, and she had to laugh at his sock tan line.

"What's funny?"

"Your paste-y white feet. Maybe you need to go barefoot more often."

Cole shot her a glance. "Have you seen your legs? I need my sunglasses."

"Whatever!" Ellie laughed and knew he was right. 

She applied tanning oil to her legs, and sunscreen to the rest of her. By the time she was finished, she was hot. Letting it all soak in for a few minutes, she announced she was heading into the water.

There were several groups of people already, but Ellie figured it would pick up later in the afternoon. She was glad they got there early, and got a good spot. After a moment, her feet hit water and she shivered. It was coooold. Goosebumps rose on her skin, and she crossed her arms over her chest, knowing her nipples would be plainly visible through her suit. 

Once she was in to her waist, she dove in. Coming up to the surface with a shriek, her teeth almost chattered. But it was wonderful. Ellie pushed out further, to the point where she had to stand on her tip-toes to keep her face above water. She doggy paddled in a circle, turning to face the land. Cole wasn't in his chair.

Ellie's eyebrows scrunched together. Where did he go? Did he decide to get in too? Scanning the water, there were only a few people, and he wasn't one of them. Suddenly, hands gripped her thighs, and she let out a yelp. Cole surfaced in front of her, water spraying off his hair as he tossed it back from his forehead. 

"Chilly, isn't it?" Cole's hands slipped up along her waist, settling on her ribcage.

"Chilly doesn't quite cover it. Are my lips blue?" 

"Maybe a little." He leaned in, brushing his mouth across hers.

"Cole, there are people." Ellie glanced around nervously.

"So?" He pulled her closer, his hands moving up to cup her breasts. 

Her nipples were already hard from the water, but at his touch, they hardened to the edge of pain. Ellie looked up, her eyes locking with his. He moved closer, and hiked her legs up to wrap around his waist. Cole moved them a little farther out, making sure they were completely covered by the water.

"Hmm, comes in pretty handy, this water not being crisp and clear." Ellie arched an eyebrow at him.

"That it does." 

Ellie mostly floated against him, and he released her chest, one hand sliding down her back to cup her ass, the other moved to the front. She gasped as his fingers slipped under her bathing suit bottom. Cole moved with purpose and the knowledge of the past as he gently massaged the sensitive nub, causing her fingers to tighten on his shoulders. 

She tried to keep her face placid, not wanting to alert any other swimmers of the illicit activities going on just a few yards away. But when Cole slipped a finger inside her, she let out a whimper. Ellie laid her head on his shoulder, then began biting and kissing the curve of his neck.




Remind Me



Cole withdrew his finger and went back to the 'massage', teasing her. When Ellie's hips began moving, asking for more, Cole released her completely and swam a few feet away.

"What do you think you're doing?" 

"Swimming. I hear this is a pretend beach."

Ellie saw his smile before he dove under the surface of the water. Her body had adjusted to the temperature of the water, so she wasn't freezing anymore. She decided to swim farther out, but then she felt hands on her thighs again. Then she felt a warm mouth. She bit her lip as Cole kissed his way up her thigh, and moaned audibly as he settled his mouth between her legs. Even through the fabric of her suit his mouth felt incredible, and she wanted nothing more than to go home and feel it for real.

Cole's teeth nipped gently at her lips, and Ellie had a hard time keeping herself afloat. Moments later, Cole resurfaced. 

"I was afraid you were going to drown." She laughed.

"Never. Not until I have my way with you."

"Can we go home now?"

"Nope."

Cole swam towards shore, and she watched as he got himself settled in the lawn chair again. Then she started swimming. After about fifteen minutes, she felt calm enough to get out without jumping his bones on a public beach.

Cole had his eyes closed, so she flipped her head and wrung her hair out over his chest. He jumped in surprise and gave her a swat on the ass as she tried to hop away. Settling down in her chair, she enjoyed the feeling of the breeze drying her skin. Ellie shut her eyes against the glare of the sun, and without realizing it, drifted off to sleep.

"Wake up sweetheart." Cole's voice made its way through the fog of sleep.

"Mm, no." 

"Let's finish our fun day so I can get you home."

"Then what?"

Their voices were quiet, whispered. 

"I'm going to get you out of that bathing suit, put you in the tub for a bubble bath, then have my wicked way with you."

"But I'm sleepy."

"You won't be. Don't you want to go home? Feel my hands all over you...feel me sliding into you, making you mine?"

Ellie's eyes flew open at his words. Cole glanced around, making sure the umbrella blocked the view of any other beach-goers. He slipped his hand between her legs, pressing up against her clit.

"Remember how my mouth feels," he pressed against her more firmly, "...right here? I remember the noises you make, the way you bite your lip when you're getting ready to come. I remember how your mouth feels on me... and how you're muscles tighten around me... I remember how your breath feels against my neck, the way it sounds when you pant against me, asking me with your air to take you..."

Ellie's body flushed from her hairline to the tips of her toes. Cole's hand covered her mound completely, the heel of his palm pressing against her in time to his words. Her nipples were tight buds, and she felt a wave of wetness roll between her legs. At that moment, she could have taken off her suit and begged him to make love to her right there in front of everyone. The depth of his voice, the soft-spoken words...

Cole removed his hand and stood. The evidence of his arousal was apparent and he quickly made adjustments in his trunks. 

"Come on. Get in the water one more time." He extended his hand.

Ellie stood on shaky legs, letting him mostly pull her along behind him. Once in the water, she climbed his frame, wrapping her legs around his waist to get their parts aligned correctly. His cock pushed against her, and Ellie wriggled against him, wishing he was inside of her.

Cole wrapped his arms around her waist, keeping her as close as possible and let his mouth capture hers. Ellie was waiting for it, her mouth already partially open. Their tongues met and dueled, and she whimpered into his mouth.

Suddenly, Cole pulled back.

"Let's go." He pushed them towards shore, and once his feet hit the ground, he practically took off running. 

They gathered their things quickly, and Ellie laughed at the fact she wasn't bothering with the conditioner he'd so thoughtfully brought. Their cooler hadn't been touched, and neither had the picnic basket. They had only been there for a couple hours. 

The sun baked the parking lot as they loaded up the Camaro. They laid their towels over the seats so their swimwear didn't get them totally soaked. Cole started the car and drove like a maniac to the back of the parking lot.

"Want to make the forty five minute drive home, or do we wanna stop here?"

Ellie considered for a moment. The need won out over the desire to make love in a bed for hours. She was ready now.

"Here." 

Cole swung the car around and parked under a tree. This part of the lot was deserted, so they didn't have anything immediate to worry about. And he knew this wasn't going to take long. As soon as the car was in park, Ellie climbed over the seat into the back, and Cole was quick to follow. 

They laughed at themselves as their mouths met, hungrily devouring one another. Hands searched and found ways inside their swimming attire, and once Cole's cock was freed from his trunks, and Ellie's bottoms were on the floorboard, nothing was stopping them. 

Cole sat on the seat and Ellie quickly swung her leg over, straddling him. She was more than ready, so she slipped down, finding the head of his cock and guiding it to her entrance. A fraction of an inch was in, and she dropped herself down. Cole's head flew back, his hips bucking up against her.

Ellie yelped as he hit bottom, but it was delicious. He felt exactly as she remembered, and once he started moving beneath her, she lost all conscious thought. Her breathing came out in shattered gasps, and she grabbed the back of the seat for leverage. Cole caught her hips in a bruising grip, and held her steady as he pounded up into her. He groaned, trying to hold back as long as possible, but the teasing of the day had taken its toll. 

Ellie's muscles clenched around him, and Cole moved his hand to rub her clit furiously. She was so close...with a glance to make sure no one was around, she deliberately didn't bite her lip. She wanted to give Cole her all, let him hear how good he made her feel. She panted, whimpered, and moaned her way to orgasm. 

Cole was surprised, but the look in her eye said she did it on purpose. She felt so good, surrounding him in that wet heat...her muscles tight, fitting him like she was made for him. The extra noises she made did their job. Cole growled out her name as he came, his hands pumping her hips down onto him. Ellie laid her head on his shoulder, completely spent. 

"Oh. My. God." Their breathing was ragged.

"No kidding. Let's get home. I'm not done with you." Cole slapped her ass and helped her off of his lap. 

Using one of the towels, they cleaned up their mess and Cole got them home in record time. The pair laughed as they made their way into the house. Ellie was pretty sure she had never been happier in her life. Cole's phone rang again but he didn't bother to check it. He had a goal, and that was to get Ellie on his bed and have his wicked way with her again. 

Ellie slipped into the master bathroom and turned on the water to take a shower.

"I'm sorry ma'am, but that action hasn't been approved by management. I need you to get into this bed, right now, if you'd please." Cole lounged in the doorway, watching her undress with heavy-lidded eyes.

"Never fear. I need someone to wash my back. And probably my front." Ellie grinned as she stepped inside the shower stall.

"You realize I get overtime for this, right?" Cole stepped out of his swim trunks and tossed his shirt to the side.

"I'm sure you'll enjoy your payment."

Ellie turned her back to the spray and wet her hair. Grabbing the shampoo, she washed her hair as Cole looked on, watching her breasts shake as she scrubbed. A smirk quirked his mouth and he decided this particular 'detour' was one that was worthwhile. Ellie soaped up her hands instead of a washcloth- she was a little burnt, despite the sunscreen- and watched Cole's mouth water as she washed herself. 

She paid particular attention to her breasts, letting her hands slide over her silky skin, cupping and lifting them, letting her nipples peek out from between her fingers. A muscle twitched in Cole's jaw. It did that when he was frustrated, or when he was trying to hold back. And at that moment, she wouldn't have been surprised if he would have attacked her. 

Cole watched Ellie bathe herself, and he was surprised at how erotic it was just watching her wash her arms and legs. This woman did something to him that he didn't quite understand. It was deep, and it was primal. He wanted her, all of her, to be his until the end of time. Her hands slipped between her legs and she washed herself there, and Cole's eyes burnt a path to her soul. 

"I think you're clean enough." Cole's voice was deep and gravelly. 

Ellie's answer was a smile. 

She rinsed herself off and they traded spots. Ellie slinked past him so that not an inch of their skin touched. Cole wet his hair and washed it quickly, while Ellie enjoyed the show. There was something erotic about the whole thing... not touching, only skin and eyes and fire. 

Cole's upper body was deeply tanned from the outside work, and there was something sexy about it showing up through the cover of white suds. He washed his body quickly, much quicker than Ellie had. He wasn't putting on much of a show. He just wanted out of the shower and into the bedroom. He also neglected using a washcloth, and when his hands slipped to his cock, Ellie's lips parted and her chest rose and fell as she breathed a little more heavily. 

He decided to tease her a little, slowly stroking himself more than was necessary to wash. Ellie glanced up at his face when she realized what he was doing, and Cole smiled, adding, "He'd already be inside you if you wouldn't have taken the scenic route."

Ellie sent him a mock glare and he laughed as he turned around to rinse. When he turned to face her again, his eyes were closed and as he wiped the water from them, he grunted in surprise as Ellie slid him into her mouth. Cole opened his eyes and looked down, and felt a jolt in his stomach as he met her eyes.

She had squatted down, and she looked up at him with the head of his cock in her mouth. Ellie kept eye contact as she slid him deeper...deeper...and only looked away when she had to as her nose bumped against his stomach.

"Good...God." Cole tipped his head back and braced his hands on the shower stall. 

Ellie moved slowly, sliding his length from her mouth, then picked up the pace. She brought her hand up and grasped the base, holding him steady as her mouth moved. Her tongue swirled on him, her teeth raked gently down his length, and when she got to the tip, she sucked him between her lips. Letting her tongue flicker back and forth, she caught her breath, and then took him deep once more.

Cole had to get ahold of himself, or he was going to lose it right here, and that wasn't what he had planned. He opened his eyes and looked down at her, then slowly pulled his hips away.

"More later. Come on." He grabbed her under her arms and all but hauled her off her feet. He turned off the water quickly and half-dragged her to the bedroom. Neither had bothered to grab a towel.

Cole shoved Ellie onto the bed, and she laughed as she bounced. Cole climbed on right after she landed, and his mouth took hers roughly, his tongue delving to find hers. Ellie lifted her arms and tangled her fingers in his hair, pulling his head closer. She moaned in her throat and spread her legs farther, as Cole came to rest between them. She felt his cock, hot and hard, pressing against her inner thigh, and she wriggled, wanting him inside her.

Cole felt her moving, and he reached down, guiding his cock to her entrance. Belatedly he realized he needed to do some 'prep' work, but as he hit her center his cock slipped in. She was more than ready. He pulled his mouth from hers and looked down into her eyes as he pressed deeper inside of her. Ellie's eyes were half-shut, and she stilled as he made his way inside of her. With each inch, she felt more and more like she belonged to him. He moved his hand and propped himself above her, finally pinning her to the bed with his hips.

Ellie twitched her muscles around him and Cole's eyes widened. She smiled and tightened her arms around his neck, pulling him to her. Their skin was wet, still hot from the sun, and their mouths met once more, a slower dance of longing and lust and love. Cole rocked his hips against her, and Ellie lifted her legs, wrapping them around his waist. He slipped a bit deeper as the angle changed. 

Cole began moving, slowly at first, and as their lips and tongues found each other, the urgency increase. His hips picked up tempo and their breathing became ragged. Ellie tightened herself around him, drawing him closer with her arms and legs, wanting to feel every bare inch of him against her skin. Cole had been waiting for her and wanting her for so long he wanted it to last forever, but he couldn't hold back.

Ellie sucked her bottom lip between her teeth and muffled a moan, bringing a hint of a smile to Cole's face. He moved above her, feeling himself about to burst, and Ellie's hips shot up against his as she came. Her walls thrummed around him as her orgasm washed through her, and Ellie panted with the relief of it. Cole thrust a few final times, grunting as he came, and let his weight rest on Ellie's quivering body.

After they collected themselves, Cole rolled to the side, completely spent and completely happy. It was then he realized Ellie was asleep. He smiled. She had had a busy day. Deciding to let her nap for a bit, Cole rolled out of bed and pulled on a pair of jeans. His phone buzzed on the dresser and he grabbed it. It was his mother again.

With a last glance at Ellie's sleeping form, Cole pulled the door shut and headed downstairs to call his mom back.

"There you are!" 

Cole about jumped out of his jeans.

"Mom, my God. You scared the crap out of me." 

"Well I wouldn't have to be sneaking around like an intruder if you would have just answered your phone." Frannie Lucas crossed her arms over her chest, waiting for a good reason.

"Sorry. We were at the creek. I told you that." Cole dropped a kiss to his mother's temple and brushed past her to the kitchen. His stomach grumbled.

"Where is Ellie?" 

"Upstairs, napping." Cole dug into the picnic basket, all but polishing off one of the sandwiches in two bites.

"Good. I brought it. Are you sure this is what you want to do?" The older woman's eyes held shadows. She was worried about her son. This Ellie was a precious girl, but she had broken his heart once before...

"It is. The ring I bought five years ago just isn't right. It isn't big enough; I was broke as a joke. And, it represents a time I'd rather forget. This is us now, and I want something special."

Frannie dug in her purse and extended an old jewelers box to her son. His big hand closed around it, and he flipped open the lid. His grandmother's wedding set twinkled back at him. The center diamond was by itself, and it fit inside the band that was a circle of diamonds. 

"I think it's pretty fitting...full circle and all that." Frannie looked meaningfully at her son.

"That's exactly why I wanted it." Cole smiled.

"I also brought your grandfather's band... I figure that they had such a good marriage and wonderful life, well, it wouldn't hurt." Frannie produced another box.

"Thanks a lot, Mom." Cole gave her a hug. "Now, is everything set for this evening?"

"Yep. See you at 8:30. Oh, don't forget." Frannie motioned at a garment bag that was draped over the kitchen chair.

"I won't. See you then." 

Cole let Ellie nap for a while, then woke her up with a cup of coffee and a kiss.

"Wow, how long did a sleep?"

"A few hours. Do you feel refreshed?"

"Actually I do." Ellie stretched and sat herself up, accepting the cup gratefully.

"There's a party at the park tonight. Wanna go?"

"Hmm. Sure. What kind?"

"Um...I'm not sure what they're calling it. But it's sort of fancy. Mom stopped by and brought you something to wear. That's why she was calling earlier." Cole smiled inwardly. It wasn't a lie exactly.

"That sounds like fun." 

The rest of the day passed slowly. Cole was nervous, and a little anxious. Finally around seven, he retrieved the box and got the solitary diamond out, hoping against hope it would fit her finger.

"Hey Ellie. Could you come here a minute?"

Ellie rounded the corner into the bedroom. She had just gotten out of the shower, and was starting to get ready for the party.

"I thought it might be nice to make it official in front of the town." Cole hit one knee. "Would you marry me, so ya don't have to pay me rent?" 

"Oh my god!" Ellie laughed, and Cole grinned, extending the ring towards her.

"Don't keep me in suspense woman." 

"Of course I will." Ellie's smile lit up the room, and possibly the whole house.

Cole slipped the ring on the correct finger and stood in one motion. Ellie barely had time to feast her eyes on it before Cole was pulling her up against him. She tilted her head back and found his mouth, sealing the deal with a kiss.

Ellie tried to concentrate on getting ready, but her eyes kept dropping to her finger. It was so unreal...She was going to be Cole's wife. Ellie Lucas. What she had dreamed of when she was a star struck teen was coming to pass, and she was a little disbelieving. 

Cole came in and caught her gazing at the ring and his laugh announced his presence. 

"I can't help it. It's gorgeous." Ellie shrugged one shoulder.

"Wait until you see the band." Cole grinned. "Oh. Here's your dress." 

Ellie stood and Cole held the bag while she unzipped it. The dress was revealed; about knee-length, the white dress was light and summery, with a square neckline and empire waist. 

"Oh, it's beautiful." Ellie's eyes glittered.

"Wait til you see the flowers."

"Flowers? Did you get me a corsage like we're going to prom?"

"Something like that." Cole smiled. "Now hurry up. We're going to be late."

The gazebo in the middle of town was covered in sprays of flowers. Peach tipped roses to be exact. The local caterer had been called in, and banquet tables were set up underneath tents. Tables and chairs were grouped together, waiting for the guests. Townspeople wandered, enjoying the feast, waiting for the show to start.

Cole parked his car and together, he and Ellie walked hand in hand to the center of the action.

"Wow, what a turnout. I'd say the whole town is here."

"I'd say you're right."

The closer they got, people began seeing them, and the word spread throughout the crowd. Frannie appeared, with her hands behind her back.

"Hello Ellie. It's good to see you again."

Coming from Cole's mother, it was about the last thing she expected to hear. But Ellie just smiled and agreed.

"You made my son happy years ago, and then you broke his heart. Now you're back, and you're making him happy again. For that, I thank you. You helped him grow as a man, and I think that from now on, you'll help each other grow. He loves you desperately." The older woman had tears in her eyes.

"Thank you." Ellie said simply.

Frannie pulled her arms from behind her back, showing off a bouquet made of the same yellow roses that graced the gazebo.

Ellie took them, slightly confused. 

Cole stepped in front of her and dropped to one knee.

"Ellie, you already agreed to marry me. Will you marry me, right now?" He grinned.

"This...this is our wedding?" Ellie's voice squeaked.

"It is, if that's all right. If not, we'll make this our engagement party."

Ellie stared down into his ice blue eyes, and nothing felt more right. 




Remind Me



"I will marry you, right now. It's beautiful. Thank you."

Cole stood and pulled her into his embrace. "Then let's get started."

They married that night, under the stars and in the company of friends and loved ones. That night, they arrived home, and Ellie smiled at the wonder of it all. Home. This was her home and this was her husband. 

"It's all a little unreal, isn't it?" Cole stripped out of his clothes.

"Not just a little." Ellie pulled the dress over her head.

"You're my wife." Cole grinned. He couldn't stop doing that.

"Not quite yet." Ellie quirked an eyebrow and smiled.

They climbed into the bed and met in the middle under the blankets. Their mouths met and it was all it took to make their need frantic. They clutched at one another, hands seeking, parts aligning. As Cole slid inside of her and hit bottom, he spoke.

"Mine." 

Ellie smiled as her hips rose to meet his.

"My wife."

Cole thrust again.

"My lover." 

Ellie gasped against his throat.

"My heart."

Ellie clung to Cole as they made their marriage official. And when he came, buried deep inside her, she hoped to bear his children and make him happy until the end of their days.

In the middle of the night Cole reached for her, and with soft sighs and whispers they came together. His hands drifted over her body, branding every inch as his. Ellie did much the same, and after they made love, she snuggled against him, knowing that she'd never be alone again.



Remind Me



Kyle loaded the last of the boxes into the small elevator, most of the space already taken up by the dozen other boxes and furniture that he and his sister had hauled into it. With a grunt he propped the box up on top of the others and slid it toward the back. It was a wonder the old lift could take it all, and he was thankful that they only had to go up four floors. He blew his breath out and rolled his shoulders, preparing himself for the next half of the job - unloading the elevator at the top.

"That's it then, that's everything."

Kyle turned around as his sister stepped into the lift with him, carrying the last item - one of the sculptures she'd been unable to sell. To Kyle it looked very much like a random mess of metal and plastic, but apparently that was art these days. Pam brushed past him and set the dangerous looking metal tumble weed on top of the boxes and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank God the movers agreed to help us." she said. "It's hard enough in this heat. I can't imagine what we'd have done on our own." The boxes took up most of the space in the elevator, and the siblings were left with less than a metre wide space at the front to ride up in.

Kyle nodded and pressed the button for the fourth floor.

"It was good of them to off load the white goods first." He said. "Those would have been impossible for us to do. The rest of this stuff we'd have just lugged slowly up."

The doors to the elevator closed slowly, the mechanism reluctantly forced to work in the oppressive heat. The elevator, like the rest of the building, was old but still fairly well maintained. There were no signs of leaks or water damage that Kyle had found when they inspected the place a few days earlier, and the whole place was made out of brick. Even the interior walls of the apartments were brick. The major trade off had been space - the apartment on the fourth floor was apparently the smallest in the entire building. But beggars can't be choosers, and Pam's situation meant she really couldn't be too fussy about her room. As long as it was safe and clean, Kyle had said, then that was enough.

"Thanks again for helping me today, Kyle." Pam said as the doors closed with a quiet thud. "Thanks for everything." She looked him in the eye and meant every word of gratitude. "I know we've never really been that close and all, and I don't mean to make things weird. It's just good to know I still have someone out there I can call on when my life falls apart."

Kyle smiled and said, "It's cool. What are big brothers for?" The elevator screeched momentarily as it got under way, and began crawling up the building.

"I guess they're useful as pack mules for hauling the pitiful remains of my life out here on a blisteringly hot day," she said. She glanced over the collected pile of belongings in the elevator. "Not really much to show for 3 years of marriage."

"Hey now," Kyle said as he took a step over to his sister, blocking her view of her things, "never mind all this stuff. It's just stuff. You can live a full life and end up with nothing, or have everything but feel like you have nothing."

Pam rolled her eyes and said, "Well that's kind of how I feel right now, you know? Like, I only have this stuff to show for those years because everything else was just so empty." She sighed, and Kyle could feel the frustration in her voice. "I know you and Mom never liked James," she said looking up at her brother. "And I really thought we had a good chance at things when we first got married. But then, I don't know. Things just progressively got more and more shit as the months went on." She paused and leaned against the elevator doors. "I know we rushed it. I know that now."

Kyle didn't really know what to say. He'd hinted enough when Pam had told their family that she had met someone and they were going to get married. She and James had only dated for five months before he proposed. And she had said yes in a heartbeat. Kyle wanted to tell her that she'd always been spontaneous, even reckless at times. It was actually something he was fond of. As children he was always the party pooper, the serious one, and she was always the rebel. She'd never been disrespectful or a real troublemaker, but she certainly wasn't shy about bending the rules. And Kyle always felt she was fun to be around. He hoped that the breakdown of her marriage didn't take that spark away from her.

"It's not the end of the world, you know? That's what today is - the start of a new chapter in your life. A new beginning."

"Hmm," she said, "I guess I'm having trouble seeing it. Every time I close my eyes, all I see is him, and her. It's just -"

Suddenly there was a loud clanging sound from on top of the elevator, and then it dropped for a brief moment before slamming to a halt as the emergency brakes kicked in. The sudden drop and stop tossed most of the contents of the lift around haphazardly, including Pam and Kyle. In that moment, he had fallen forward and only barely caught himself from landing against his sister by bracing his arms on the door. Pam was rubbing the back of her head as she'd knocked it as the elevator has jammed to a stop.

"Are you alright?" Kyle said.

"Owwww. That hurt, but I think I'll live" Pam replied. "What about you?"

Taking a breath to calm himself, Kyle said, "Yeah I'm OK. I think this statue thing of yours has fallen over though as it's stabbing me in the back."

Pam forgot her own pain and ducked under her brothers arms to take a look around him. But as the boxes had all shifted to the only space in the elevator, the only place she could stand was right where she was. But by leaning over she could just see that her sculpture had indeed fallen over and was jabbing into Kyle's back.

"Ok," she said, "I'm gonna try push it off you."

She stepped closer to her brother and wrapped her arms around him trying to reach for her sculpture. She couldn't get a good grip on it, and shifted her feet around the debris on the floor to get closer to him. As she tried to reach again, she embraced her brother in a bear hug. Despite the heat, his skin was cool. They had both only worn shorts and a vest, the heat of the day prohibiting anything more. So as she took hold of the sculpture behind him, their legs touched and she turned her face away from his as she laid her head on his shoulder. She managed to get a grip on the offensive art and levered it away from him.

"There, I think that's the best I can do from here," she said as she stepped away from him. "Any better?"

Kyle lowered his hands from the door and stood up straight, before recoiling again.

"Ah, yeah that's ok, but it's still poking out a fair way."

"Ok well come this way then." Pam shuffled backward a half step and stopped as she hit the door.

Kyle followed and shuffled closer to her, enough that he could stand up straight and not get a dose of modern art in the ribs. Unfortunately it meant that they were virtually face to face - Pam's forehead lining up to his mouth.

"Right then," Kyle said, "next thing is to see if we can get out of here."

He pushed the floor button on the console, but there was no response. He tried to door open button, but once again was met with nothing. Finally he tried the emergency button. The speaker on the old console cracked to life, a dial tone chirping out. After what felt like minutes, someone answered the call.

"Hello?"

"Hi, we're stuck in the lift at," Kyle looked at the address on the console, "44 Cornish Way. Can you send someone to help us?"

"Ah that lift again," said the speaker, "I'll be right over. Are you hurt?"

"No, but it's fucking hot in here."

"Righto. See you soon."

With a burst of crackling sounds the caller hung up.

Both siblings sighed wearily, resigned to wait out the problem in the heat.

"Sorry to get you stuck in this hot box, Kyle," Pam said.

"Don't worry. It's not like it's your fault."

Pam leaned against the door and crossed her arms. "Well, it feels like it is. I mean you wouldn't be out here if it wasn't for me."

"Oh come on Pam," Kyle said as he rubbed his forehead in frustration, "it's not your fault. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and just relax."

A look of defeat and exhaustion swept across Pam's face, and Kyle regretted saying what he did. His sister had never been one to play the girly-girl with him, always acting more of the adventurous tomboy. But in that moment, Kyle realised just how badly she was hurting.

"Ah, Pam, I'm sorry," he said as he placed his hands on her upper arms. She'd always been athletic, but she seemed so frail and brittle in his arms. "I didn't mean to sound harsh. Yeah, it's hot but there's nowhere I'd rather be than here helping you."

Pam could feel the well of emotion begin boiling over with her brothers words. All the anger and disappointment she'd been holding in after her marriage had ended came racing back to the surface. Combined with the embarrassment of getting help from her dear brother, to the scare of the elevator drop and the heat, it all combined in that moment to finally break her resolve. She shut her eyes tightly as tears began streaming down her cheeks, soft sobs bursting from her throat. She knew it was silly but the intensity of the storm she'd had to weather these last few weeks came crashing down on her and she wept openly.

Kyle's heart ached when he saw Pam's tears, and he stepped to her and swept her into a hug and held her as she cried. Pam slipped her arms under his and held tight to her brother and she buried her face into his shoulder. Her whole body shook and she let out all her grief and fear and pain.

After a couple of minutes Pam's sobs slowed and eventually stopped. Still holding each other, Kyle said, "Are you OK?"

She didn't say anything, only nodding and sniffing. She withdrew her arms, and Kyle let her go thinking she was ok. But she only brought her arms up and looped them around his neck and stepped into his arms again.

Kyle was taken by surprise and for a moment stood frozen. He'd never really been the type to hug - no one in their family was like that. And so the sudden closeness to his sister was strange. But he knew that there was nothing unusual about it, and given her situation, completely understandable. He wrapped one hand around her back and stroked her hair with the other.

Pam was in that quiet place in her mind; emotional exhaustion had left her running on autopilot. Nothing else intruded on her thoughts, and for the first time in weeks she felt the bliss of being free of her worries and her pain, even for just a few moments. And so she quietly revelled in that place, safe in her brother's arms.

While Kyle's heart and mind knew what was going on, his body reminded him that the last time he'd been this close to a woman was a very long ago indeed. The thought of his ex-girlfriend came suddenly in his mind, naked and fresh from the shower. She'd been called away, back home overseas to attend some urgent family matters. Her flight had been booked for the afternoon six weeks ago, and on that last day together she wanted to leave on a high note, and had come to him after her morning shower. Unfortunately the sudden change in gear in Kyle's mind from emotional support to sexual frenzy had him keyed up in an instant. He could smell the sweat and sweet fragrance of his sister's skin. Her hair felt smooth and delicate in his fingers. The warmth from her body seemed to soak right through him, like he could feel her radiating into his bones. The soft curves of her back and her waist felt totally feminine, and her breasts were wonderful pillows of flesh pressed against him.

He knew it wasn't right, but he couldn't help himself. It wasn't as though he was doing anything to her really, he rationalised. He was just hugging her, he told himself as he squeezed her tighter. It took all his willpower not to dip his head down and bury his face in her neck. And while his body might betray him, he still had enough self control to keep his eyes fixed straight ahead.

Pam had never really ever wanted to get close to her brother. They had a good relationship, built on mutual respect and independence. She knew he appreciated her feral streak, and she admired his intelligence. But as he hugged her tighter, she had to admit it felt nice to be able to go to someone who you knew would never judge you, and who would be there for you when you needed them the most. She had tried to keep up her facade of stoic resilience, but she was deeply thankful that her brother had been there for her just as the dam had broken. His strong arms now held her and she let herself relax in that safety net for the first time. She pulled her brother closer to her as he hugged her tighter.

Unfortunately, Kyle's body had other plans. And the thin shorts he'd worn that day weren't going to be of any help in hiding his situation. I should probably end this now, he thought, and save myself the embarrassment.

But just as he was about to untangle himself, she said, "It's ok, Kyle. Don't worry, just hold me for now. Please?"

The heartache and desperation in her voice decided it for him. His own awkwardness and embarrassment were nothing compared to the love he felt for his sister. He realised then that if she was lost somewhere, no matter where, he would cross whatever oceans or deserts to find her. The realisation of just how important she was to him hit him like a slap in the face. And while his erection had only been at half mast, the intensity of that sudden burst of emotion in him was enough to set it right off.

Pam felt her brother tense up and was afraid he had decided that he'd had enough and was going to let her go when suddenly his penis seemed to jolt against her. She'd already felt it slowly rising and had actually felt flattered that she had caused that in her brother. But the sudden rise that she felt now was unlike anything she was expecting.

"Woah, down boy!" she laughed. She made no move to distance herself from him, and in fact hoped that she would be able to use this situation to poke some fun at him once they got out of the elevator.

"Uh, sorry Pea," he said, using the old name for her they had used as children. The use of the name surprised her. Kyle was never really sentimental, and bringing the name up now - particularly as she was joking around with his manhood - seemed odd. She looked up at him with a confused expression and said, "Is this alright? We don't have to stay like this if you're uncomfortable..." Her voice drifted off, hinting that she really didn't want to be separated just then.

"It's fine." Kyle said with a smile. Looking a her in his arms like that reminded him so much of the young girl she used to be. He thought he could still see that girl somewhere in Pam's eyes. The joyful memories of their youth and the physical excitement he was feeling at the moment were beginning to blur together. Yes this was his sister, but he loved her dearly. Being there for her in her weakest moment and shielding her had brought out a side to himself he never knew was there. And he didn't quite know what to do.

"I was just thinking how much you mean to me," he finally said. "Besides being the only sister I have, I really like being around you." He realised he was starting to sound a bit creepy, and quickly continued. "It just feels really good to know you're safe and alright."

Pam felt a sudden glow within her from her brother's words. To her, they confirmed what she had started to feel, that being there in his arms just felt right somehow. It was a safe place for her, but it was also the best place for her. She reached up and quickly kissed him on the cheek. The motion of rising to her toes to kiss him forced her against the hardness in his pants. She gasped softly as she realised how hard he was, and suddenly the elevator felt much too small and too hot. She'd laughed off his reaction earlier, but getting a true sense of his manhood was like flipping a switch - suddenly the sexual side of their embrace was unavoidable. But to her surprise, she wasn't really shocked by it. More surprising to her was her reaction to her brother's obvious excitement. She felt elated by it, knowing that someone who cared for her as much as he did could also have physical feelings for her as well.

She looked up at him again and for the first time, saw not only love in his eyes, but also something else. She searched his face to try decipher what it was, but it was the pulsing of his cock that gave it away. She smiled as she felt the lust in his eyes.

"You seem a bit excited there," she toyed with him. "You know, a brother shouldn't be looking at his sister the way you're looking at me."

"And a sister shouldn't so obviously enjoying feeling her brothers hard on, so I guess we're kind of even."

She looked at him seriously and said, "This is really not right, you know. I mean, as good as this feels right now, this is so wrong."

"I know," he replied, "but I can't help it. I meant what I said. I love you Pam. I enjoy being around you, and I feel really good knowing you're happy."

"So what does the thing in your pants have to do with me being happy, huh?"

"Well," he faltered, "that's just a side-effect of me being really glad you're here."

She laughed at his ham-fisted attempt to recover. "You're an idiot! What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Kyle could only shrug, conceding that the whole messy situation had him stumped.

Pam smacked him on the chest playfully and said, "Idiot. Just control yourself down there and hold me again."

"Yes ma'am," Kyle said as he wrapped her up in his arms again. "Although I can't promise anything about what happens in my pants."

Pam responded by hugging him tighter still. She was enjoying the new closeness with her brother, despite feeling conflicted. Her mind told her that she shouldn't be feeling this way for him, but her heart and her body told her otherwise. And slowly the needs of her heart and her body began to drown out the reason in her mind. She still knew it was wrong, but she couldn't deny that in her heart she felt it was right.

She pulled her brother closer and leaned in for another kiss, but this time she took his face in her hands and turned him to face her. Looking into his eyes, she gently leaned closer and kissed his lips. 

Kyle was content to simply enjoy holding his sister, basking in the new found feelings he had discovered for her. It seemed to have unlocked a part of him that found pure joy in just being close to her. And as she turned to kiss him, he looked in her eyes and saw the spark of mischief that had been missing these last few weeks. The first brush of her lips against his was magical, her lips were so soft and delicate. And in that moment, the heat from her body, the scent of her skin and the touch of her lips all combined with the depth of emotion he had for her. He dove into that emotional whirlpool with abandon, and swept her up in his arms to kiss her as intensely as he loved her.

The sudden force of Kyle's kiss shocked Pam for an instant, but she quickly accepted it and kissed him back, pulling his face into hers as she ran her fingers through his hair. She probed with her tongue and moaned when she felt his lips part and his tongue slipped out to meet hers. She pulled him in tighter again and drove her tongue harder into his mouth, revelling in the taste of him. His strong arms held her up and she brought her legs up to his hips, trying to mount him. He followed her by grabbing her butt and hoisting her up higher. She gasped as his hard cock slammed against her pussy, and even though they both had pants on still, she quivered at the thought of his hardness rubbing against her pussy. Grasping his head and kissing him again, Pam started to slowly grind herself against her brother's cock, drawing a deep moan from him.




Remind Me



Suddenly there was a load scraping sound from the front of the elevator.

"Hello in there?" It sounded like the person they had spoken to through the emergency line.

Kyle quickly set his sister down on the floor and she fanned her face trying to get rid of the blush she knew was there.

"Yes." Kyle replied. In that crazy moment, it was the only thing he could think to say. "We're here."

"Are you alright?" the voice said.

Kyle looked at his sister and saw a cheeky smirk on her face.

"Yeah," he replied, "we're fine."