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Puppy Love Ch. 01

By: honey28



"I really have to remember to get new sneakers," I muttered to myself as I briskly walked up front to load the next patient. I laid the file open on the counter to skim through the new patient form. Eight year old Jack Russell with a 4 month history of intense itching with minimal response to steroids and antibiotics. 

I turned to face the waiting room and my eyes fell on a scruffy, bald-legged terrier who started chewing aggressively on his hind leg. I smiled. This one would be easy, maybe we had a chance of catching up after our crazy morning. The owner leaned forward in his chair and murmured for the dog to stop chomping on himself.

"I assume this is Reggie?" 

The man looked up and our eyes met. " How could you tell?" he smiled.

Oh my, was he cute. Turning, I asked him to follow me back to the exam room. I faced him after we entered the room, and bent to pat Reggie as he jumped up at my leg in greeting. "I'm Emma, one of Dr. Paul's technicians. I love the broken coated Jack Russells, they're so cute!"

"I'm Dave," he grinned.

I maintained eye contact briefly, returning his friendly smile. "It's nice to meet you," I said as I lifted Reggie onto the table to get his weight. I always felt so awkward around good-looking guys. I knew it was childish but I couldn't seem to grow out of it. He was several inches taller than me with short, dirty blond hair that was a little disheveled. It looked like it would be curly if he let it grow longer. He had broad shoulders and nicely muscled arms that I could appreciate because he had on a short-sleeved tee. Lord, how I loved a man with strong arms...

I had to remind myself to be a big girl and make eye contact as I asked him a few questions about medications. I felt like a shy teenager, not a 29 year old woman. I explained that I would bring his paperwork back to the doctor and left the room.

When I got to our area in the back, Jess was the only person around. I looked at her questioningly and she sighed. "He went to see that case that came in through emergency since you weren't back yet."

"Oh for Christ's sake! I wasn't gone that long! Would you write this up for me then? It looks like scabies. I'll go get some samples and kill time so this poor guy doesn't feel ignored." I made my way back to the exam room, hoping he was the kind of person that was easy to talk to. I hated trying to make small talk when the doctor was running late, it didn't always come easily to me.

I knocked once then entered. "The doctor is running a little behind, so I'll start getting some samples. Sorry about the wait," I apologized.

"No problem, as long as you can fix my dog."

"That's what we're here for. Want to put him back up here?" I grabbed materials to do a skin scraping. "So this started about 4 months ago?"

"Yeah. I thought it was stress. He started licking his legs a lot after my ex-wife moved out." I looked up at his thoughtful frown, and my heart went out to him.

"I'm sorry. I got divorced last year. I know it's hard."

He smiled at me and it made my chest ache. I remembered how alone I felt when my marriage was crumbling. I had wanted someone to talk to so badly, but didn't know anyone who had gone through it, that I felt close enough to confide in. It had been 8 months since he moved out, and I still felt alone.

I rubbed Reggie behind his ears. "Let's see what's making you itch!" I explained what I was doing while I collected my sample, and put it under the microscope.

"This kind of mange mite can be hard to find," I said as I started looking at the slide. "He might have been sad when she left, but somebody else moved in and caused the itching. Want to see?"

Chuckling, he crossed the room to the scope. "Can you see them moving?"

"Yes. There's an adult and two babies in this field."

"Gross," he muttered as he peered through the eyepiece. "Why am I not itchy?"

"They can't survive on people. Some owners get a rash but most have no signs at all."

"I can't believe my vet missed this but we were here 5 minutes and you solved the problem."

He was standing close to me and I could smell cologne or aftershave. Whatever it was, it smelled great. And there I was, my hair in a ponytail, no make-up, in scrubs that smelled like dog. I felt really attractive. I averted my eyes from his smiling face. "It happens. I'm going to go see if the doctor is ready for you." 

Before stepping out of my way, he thanked me.

I met his gaze for a moment to say "You're welcome," and couldn't help but return his friendly smile.

In the back, I let the doctor know what I found before he went to see Reggie and I stayed back to do some phonecalls. A short time later, I went back to the exam room with his discharge paperwork and medications. He stood from the bench and stepped close to me while I went through his instructions, and I wanted nothing more than to lean in close and breathe him in. 

"You can see us in a month if needed, but these treatments should have him back to normal before then. Hopefully you won't have to see us again!" 

"I don't know if I'll hope for that, Emma." The curve of his mouth made me want to fall over. Did I hear right? 

I'm sure my laugh sounded nervous and ridiculous as I racked my brain for an appropriate response. I couldn't think of one. "Here's your meds," I blurted as I handed over the bag. My fingers tingled as they brushed his. I felt like, for every month that had passed since I'd been intimate with my ex, I had reverted a year in my sexual maturity. He was making me feel like a hormonal teenager. I wanted to hear him say my name while he was thrusting himself inside of me. The thought made me blush, I felt the heat spread across my face. And in other places.

"Enjoy your weekend," I said lamely. I thought I saw his blue eyes sparkle with amusement as he gave me one last smile before turning to leave.

He was probably laughing at me, I reasoned. I was so keyed up I probably misheard him, and he must think I'm an idiot, avoiding eye contact and stumbling over my words. Guys don't flirt with me. Especially when I'm wearing loose scrubs and a sloppy ponytail. Even when I'm all done up and dressed nice, out with friends, they're the ones who get the attention. Not me, the tall brunette with her boring brown eyes who could stand to lose about 30 pounds. I could make them laugh, but I could never seem to hold their attention long enough to make an impression.

The handful of guys I dated before I met my ex-husband 10 years ago, I had met online. I even met Michael online. Part of me had always felt like I had settled. He wanted to go out more than a few times, and at the time, that was enough for me. We got along fairly well for a long time, then as time went on we had grown apart. I talked to him about it, and we decided to try to make it work. Then he met someone else, and he was unfaithful. I didn't know how I'd be able to trust someone again. I hadn't even made any attempts at dating since our break-up because I felt so insecure. I thought, even if someone did show interest in me, how could I help but drive them away eventually with my distrust?

I went into the bathroom to put some cool water on my face and calm down. I felt all the pain of my breakup and all my fears for my future relationships welling up, and I couldn't have a break-down here, in the middle of my work day!

By the time I got back to our desks, Dr. Paul was typing up discharges for another case. "That jack russel guy was impressed with you," he said when he saw me.

"Oh shut up, Brad." 

"I told you, the next time, marry for money. He's a doctor."

"How do you manage to find out everyone's occupations when you talk to them for 10 minutes about their itchy dogs?" He shrugged, and I had to ask. "What kind of doctor?"

"Ophthalmologist."

"It doesn't matter anyway, we'll never see him again."

"He might come back in a few weeks."

"And if he did, so what? I'm not dressed to impress here. He won't even remember my name a week from now when his dog starts growing hair on his legs." I sighed. "I need to meet a man like him," I muttered under my breath.

"You just did," he replied. "Maybe you need an eye exam."

"Stop being an ass," I laughed.

***

Naturally, I googled Dr. David Harper when I got home that night. His practice was not far from my house. I had looked at his address in Reggie's chart and saw that he only lived 15 minutes from me. I felt like a desperate loser but I couldn't help myself. I was reading through his list of credentials and calculated that he would be about 33 years old. The picture next to his bio made my heart flutter as I remembered seeing that smile in real life. I felt guilty researching him like a stalker.

I needed to clear my mind, so I pulled out sketch paper and some charcoal, curled up on the couch, and started drawing. I always fell into this state of inner quiet while drawing or painting. I thought it must be like what people feel when they meditate, though I could never clear my mind by just being still. Soon, I was staring at a bright-eyed Jack Russel terrier, his tongue lolling in a doggy-grin, standing on his hind legs. I laughed at myself. So much for getting the eye doctor off my mind. I laid the drawing on my desk when I put away my drawing materials, and took my shih tzu for a short walk before bedtime.

He curled up in his doggy bed and watched me undress for bed. "I bet you'd have fun playing with Reggie, George." He lifted his head at the sound of his name. "I bet I'd have fun playing with his owner." I stripped off all of my clothes, thinking of that smile, and the way his bright blue eyes smiled, too. I enjoyed the feeling of the cool sheets on my skin as I slid into bed. 

I thought how nice it would be to climb in next to David, and run my fingers along the smooth buldges of his biceps, the soft skin on the inside of his forearm, and take his hand. I would place his palm over my breast and straddle his hips, so I could feel his hard length press against me as I kissed his sexy mouth.

I caressed my breasts, imagining the soft touch of his large hands. I felt a tingling down low and wished I could feel him fill me. As I let one hand caress my stomach, then the patch of curls on my mound, I imagined it was his finger delving into my wetness. I thought of his erection pressing against my ass before I lifted myself to allow him access, the swollen head of his cock pressing into my tight hole. I wondered if he would be large enough to bottom out, to completely fill me. 

I reached two fingers inside to caress my g-spot, then resumed rubbing my clit with my slippery fingers. It would be incredible to grind against him, make him beg for more, ride him to an earth-shattering climax. I thought of him growling my name as he pulsed inside of me, and I felt a tingling sensation spread down my legs before the wave of my orgasm washed over me. I gasped, catching my breath, and as I curled up on my side and closed my eyes I hoped I would dream of him. The small, hopeful part of my brain wondered if somewhere, a few miles away, someone might be thinking of me, too.

***

Weeks passed quickly because work was so hectic, and Dave slipped to the back of my mind. So when Brad informed me one morning that "Dr. Love" was on the day's schedule, I was confused for a moment. When I realized who he was referring to, I kindly reminded my boss that he's an ass.

"You're not very nice to me, Emma."

I rolled my eyes at him and went up front to get the first appointment of the day. I couldn't help smiling. Was he coming back because Reggie was still having problems? Or because he really did want to see me again? Did I even care?

The morning seemed to drag. As the hour drew closer to Reggie's appointment time, we started to get backed up because a client had arrived late. When I came back from discharging a recheck appointment, I was disappointed to learn that the other technician had gone into Reggie's appointment with Dr. Paul. 

As Brad approached his desk after the visit, he winked at me. "He asked if you were working today, so I told him I'd send you up with his paperwork."

"Don't bullshit me. I hate you so much right now."

"I'm actually not," he said with a straight face. That lame, delusional part of my brain hoped he was being serious. 

The rest of me muttered "Yeah, right" under my breath, then asked, "Isn't he doing better?"

"Yeah, he's great. We're just getting him a refill so he can continue monthly treatment to prevent him from being re-infested."

I grabbed his refill and discharge papers and headed up front, trying not to grin like an idiot. I knocked lightly and entered the room. 

He flashed me a bright smile and stood up to greet me. Reggie did too, so I laughed and scratched his head. "How are you, Emma? Did the doctor tell you I was asking for you?"

I was dumbfounded. I smiled. "I was happy to hear that Reggie has done so well."

"Yeah, I was hoping you were here because I wanted you to see him."

My heart sank a little, and I scolded myself. What was I expecting him to say? I forced the smile to stay on my face. 

"And I wanted to see you."

I realized my mouth was open, but all I could say was, "What?" I looked up into his eyes, too shocked to be shy.

He smiled, then he averted his gaze and cleared his throat nervously. "I know I don't know you, but I felt... drawn to you, last time I was here. Forgive me if I'm being inappropriate, please tell me and I'll stop." His eyes met mine. I said nothing. I just stared at him. Was he for real?

He continued. "At the risk of sounding like a creep, I looked you up on Facebook and was going to Friend you but I thought that might weird you out. I just wanted the chance to get to know you a little bit."

I felt a surge of confidence when I saw how nervous he was. I kept the blank expression on my face. "I guess that is a little creepy." I paused and he turned red. I couldn't keep a straight face. "I'm fucking with you," I laughed, patting his arm reassuringly. "I googled you," I admitted. "If I had thought of it, I would have Facebook-stalked you, too, Dr. Harper."

He smiled with a relieved look on his face, and laughed.

"I am also a creep," I grinned.

He flashed me that smile that made me melt four weeks earlier. "Maybe we could take our dogs to the park this weekend?"

"That sounds like fun."

"So, I can add you?"

"I'll accept." I opened the exam room door for him. He smiled at me and left. 

Puppy Love Ch. 02



Dear Readers,

I apologize that this took a little while to post, it had a couple of technical issues that delayed its approval. Hope you enjoy it and continue to read the series. Please take a moment to rate my story, and feel free to leave feedback, it's always appreciated.

honey28

************************

I drove home floating on a sea of endorphins. I had never been asked out before. After my divorce, I thought for sure the only way I'd meet a new guy would be on an online dating site.

I took care of the dog and poured myself a bowl of cereal because I didn't much feel like cooking a "real" dinner. I loved to cook, but making a meal for myself usually made me feel lonely. I turned on my laptop as I sat down to eat. Facebook was my homepage. I liked to check my sister's page daily for new pics of my niece.

I will admit, my stomach fluttered when I saw a new friend request. I guess the skeptic in me didn't think I'd hear from David again. After I hit "accept," I was pleased to see that he was online, but I was feeling too chicken to send a message. As I debated, with cereal crunching loudly in my head, a message popped up.

"I'm glad you weren't just being polite when you told me you'd accept my request. I thought you might ignore it. I felt like I was really putting you on the spot, asking you out at work like that."

"Well, I guess I'm not very professional."

"Fortunately for me! Actually you're very good at your job. I was impressed."

I smiled at the compliment. "I'll have to come get an eye exam so I can see if you're any good at what you do."

"I'm good at a lot of things."

I swear to God, I had a heart palpitation. I just replied with a winking smiley face and felt like a huge dork. "I'm sorry, that was a lame response, wasn't it?"

He replied with an "LOL."

"I just feel like I'm in foreign territory. I haven't dated in almost 10 years and it's making me feel adolescent."

"I know what you mean. It's really hard to meet people. To put yourself out there. I haven't gone on many dates since my split."

Did he not realize he was gorgeous? I had been divorced twice as long as him, and hadn't gone on any dates since. I didn't want him to think I was still hung up on my ex. I just hadn't felt comfortable getting back "on the market." I was afraid of putting him off; I didn't want to get into such an intense conversation so soon in our relationship. So I changed the subject to some safer, getting-to-know-you topics. We chatted a little about our jobs, and started talking about some of our interests. I learned that he could play guitar - who doesn't like a guy who does that? The thought of seeing him play made my mouth water, mostly because I imagined him playing with no shirt on. 

I felt high. The conversation was peppered with playful innuendo and the flirting was such a boost to my self esteem. I had promised myself that I wouldn't fall head over heels over the first guy I dated after my break-up, but it was already becoming difficult to reign myself in and we hadn't actually gone on a date yet. It was so easy to talk without being face-to-face. No awkward pauses. Time to think for a moment before "speaking." Something I'm not really good at face-to-face. The filter between my brain and my mouth has big tears. We chatted on and off for a couple of hours, then exchanged cell numbers and planned to get together on Sunday at the park. 

***

During my 15 minute drive to the park, I was a ball of nerves. I couldn't wait to see him, but what if he didn't show? I kept taking deep breaths and telling myself to calm down, but my mind was reeling. The parking lot was very full; it was a beautiful spring day. As I searched for a space, I tried to find his black Charger but wasn't having any luck. After parking, I looked over at George, who was staring at me eagerly, tail wagging. "Do I look nervous? I feel nervous," I murmured, lowering my visor to check my face. I had put on a touch of makeup, and pulled back the hair at my temples with a small clip at the back of my head, letting the rest of my dark hair hang just past my shoulders. I hated when my hair was constantly falling into my face. I looked down, smoothing my tee and worrying that the neckline was too low for our casual walk in the park. I prayed he wouldn't think I looked desperate and over-dressed. 

I nearly jumped out of my skin when my car door opened, and I heard Dave's laugh. "You look fine, come on out."

Could he read my friggin' mind?

I stepped out, then leaned back into the car to grab George's leash. As I was bent over my seat, I heard Dave murmur, "More than fine, actually." I nearly wailed my head on the roof of my car scrambling out, so embarrassed that I had pretty much shoved my ass in his face without thinking.

My neck and cheeks felt warm as I probably turned 10 shades of red, and he apologized. "I wasn't trying to embarrass you. Though it is fun to make you blush." 

His smile was infectious, so I couldn't resist grinning back at his handsome face. When Dave flirted with me, I felt so attractive. On the rare occasions that my ex paid me a compliment, I never truly believed him. He never made me feel special. 

We stood on the grass near the parking lot. The dogs were sniffing each other's rear ends in greeting and seemed to approve of one another. They looked at each other, tails wagging, then did a playful darting dance with each other before Reggie took off towards the trail. George followed eagerly and we let them lead the way.

"If only it was that easy for people to become acquainted," I mused.

"I doubt I'd want to be friends with someone after sniffing their butt." 

We both laughed. "I hope Reggie's got on that tick collar we gave you? George has his. I don't do ticks."

David laughed and nodded. "Isn't that part of your job?"

I barely suppressed a shudder. "The other day my boss was talking about chiggers and after he repeated the word several times it literally gave me a chill. They make fun of me at work all the time because I have one of them remove a tick if I find one on a patient. I know it's an irrational fear. Isn't there something you're afraid of that you know you shouldn't be?"

We walked in silence for a few steps while he considered, our feet crunching on leaves from last fall. The park was so large that even with a packed lot, the trails were peaceful and private. It was quiet except for birds chirping and small animals rustling. The dogs kept trying to tangle their leashes, running from one side of the trail to the other to sniff and pee on objects of interest.

"I can't bring myself to look into a mirror in the dark."

I laughed. "That's pretty strange, although now that you mention it, I can see how it could be creepy. Do you think you're going to see someone else's face? Or empty eye sockets and rotten teeth and dirty fingers reaching for your soul?"

He gave himself a shake and yelled at me, laughing. "Stop! That's enough! I won't tease you about the tick thing!"

"And I won't make you look in a mirror in the dark."

"Thank you, Emma."

My name sounded so beautiful on his lips. I looked up ahead and saw a deer grazing. Before I could point her out, David's arm jerked as Reggie lunged, barking. George just stopped and watched, panting and appearing to wonder what the fuss was about. Poor, dumb George. I didn't love him for his smarts, or his ability to keep me safe from vicious deer attacks. We chatted and hiked for over an hour. Time passed quickly, and George started to drag, so we headed back to the lot.

"I'm only a few minutes' drive from here. Do you want to drop the dogs off and I'll take you out to lunch?" I was ecstatic that he wanted to spend more time with me, and agreed to follow him to his house. We went to a local diner and our conversation came easily. I was amazed at how comfortable I felt around him. Before that day, the thought of going on a first date was daunting. I thought it would be awkward silences and struggling to make myself maintain eye contact and nervous laughter. Instead, I felt like it was our fifth date, not our first.

"I really like your car," I commented as we left the diner.

"Would you like to drive back?"

"Yes, please." He held the door for me, then went around and climbed into the passenger side.

"How's your driving record?" he teased.

"They haven't caught me yet." I backed out of the space, then approached the parking lot exit. I rolled the windows down. "I want to hear this bitch growl."

"Have I made a mistake?"

I answered by gunning it, shifting when the engine growled for a higher gear, quickly surpassing the speed limit. As I let the car coast down to 55 mph, he commented that I seemed to know what I was doing.

My hand on the shifter, I couldn't help but smile wickedly. It was becoming difficult to keep a leash on my bold sense of humor. "I know my way around a stick." As he chuckled, I cast a sideways glance and noted that his face looked a little flushed.

"I felt like I was in the filming of the next Fast and the Furious movie."

I wrinkled my nose. "Too many foreign cars in those movies. Nothing sounds as sweet as American muscle."

Moments later I pulled into his driveway. He made eye contact with me over the roof as we closed the car doors. "I like you, even though you aren't very nice to my car."

"Hey, I drove her like she was meant to be driven. I could feel the pent up frustration as we drove to the diner earlier. She told me she was tired of living with grandma David and his fuel-economical ways." He nudged me in the arm as we walked up to his front door. I felt something pinch under my bra's under wire and tried to surreptitiously scratch there as he unlocked the door.

The dogs were sharing Reggie's bed in the corner of the living room. "I'm glad they're playing nice," I commented. He pulled open the sliding glass door in the kitchen and whistled for the boys to go out. I had the urge to scratch again, wondering if my damned under wire had snapped. I asked where his bathroom was and went to investigate.

Standing in front of the mirror, I lifted my shirt and felt the metal band under my right breast but it wasn't broken. I lifted it away from my body, and saw a small, shiny, dark thing on my skin reflected in the mirror. I heard a shriek as I realized what it was, and then realized it was me who had screamed. I stood frozen, staring into the reflection of my own wide eyes, both hands clasped across my mouth, making strange moaning sounds as my heart pounded in my chest. I didn't know what to do. This had never happened before.

There was a tick on me and I couldn't move. I couldn't even take a tick off a dog using a hemostat at work. How could I touch this thing?

While I struggled my inner battle, David had apparently run across the house when he heard my scream. He banged on the door and asked what was wrong. I didn't answer right away because I didn't know what to say. I was torn between the potential embarrassment of him helping and my need for help. While I debated, he opened the door.

"I'm sorry, when you didn't answer I was worried. What's wrong? Did you hit your mouth? Why are you crying?"

It took every ounce of strength to let go of my face and whisper earnestly, "There's a tick." I held my arms up because the thought of relaxing my arms and allowing my under wire to press the vile creature further into my skin sickened me. He burst into laughter. Gritting my teeth, I begged him to help me.

"Where is it?"

I squeezed my eyes closed, I was so embarrassed. "It's under my under wire," I whispered.

"Oh. Um, which, um..."

"Right."

"Not to worry. I'm a doctor. I specialize in tick removal." I knew he was trying to make me laugh but I couldn't. "You don't have to whisper, he won't hear you and run away." I shuddered at the thought of this thing running across my body. 

"Oh, I'm sorry," he apologized. "I won't make any more jokes. Let me help you with your shirt since you seem to be stuck like the Tinman." He pulled my shirt up over my head. He hesitated and it felt like forever. At some point I had started chanting "getitoffgetitoffgetitoff" under my breath and it was helping me focus and creep a little farther from the edge of insanity. Some distant part of my brain was screaming at me to stop being so ridiculous but I was too freaked out to listen.

I felt his hand brush the underside of my breast as he lifted the bra and pulled off the tick. My eyes flew open and I jumped out of his way so he could flush the wretched thing. I stood shaking my hands and shifting my weight from foot to foot because I felt like ticks could be crawling all over me. I groaned.

"What? I got it, it's gone. Is this what it feels like to be a superhero?" His brilliant smile made me feel a little better, and I stopped fidgeting so much. 

"Will you check my hair? I feel like they're everywhere now." I bent my head slightly forward and felt him remove my hair clip. His fingers massaged my scalp lightly, feeling for suspicious bumps. 

"I don't see anything." His touch was calming, and as my breathing slowed, I took a moment to realize this was becoming quite enjoyable. I wanted him to check my whole body. 

"I hadn't really planned on losing my shirt on the first date," I laughed nervously, the adrenaline rush abating.

"I don't think any less of you," he murmured, and I realized his face was very close to my ear. I felt his fingers brush the hair away from the nape of my neck, and then a soft kiss below my ear. Another shiver made me tremble, but this one was pleasurable. "Did I find the spot?" His breath was so hot on my skin. I felt wetness between my legs, and a soft moan escaped my lips as he laid several more kisses down my neck.

I lifted my face and we were nose-to-nose, my eyes heavily lidded with the desire that was washing away the fear of moments ago. "Me and that tick have developed a love-hate relationship."

A raspy laugh escaped his throat and he smiled before leaning closer to kiss me. His lips were so soft, and I could taste the apple pie he ate at the diner. I smiled and he pulled away slightly.

"My first 'first kiss' in a really long time," I confessed.

"How was it?"

"Yummy." Grabbing the back of his neck, I pulled him down for another. I parted my lips and his tongue delved in to meet my own. The sound of our panting breaths and my pounding heart filled my ears as our kiss deepened. I savored the feel of his hand possessively gripping the hair at the back of my neck, and moaned into his mouth as his other hand caressed my nipple through the lace of my bra. My free hand found the lower hem of his tee and I felt his skin twitch as I ran my fingers up his stomach and chest. He felt so solid and strong and warm and loving... I felt overwhelmed with emotion as I realized what I had been missing for so long.

I used my nails on the back of his scalp. With a growl, he released his grip on my hair and his hands slid down my back and found my ass. In one swift motion, he lifted me a few inches and stepped forward so my back was pressed against the wall. Instinctively, I wrapped my legs around his hips, and felt him grind into me. For a moment, I felt frightened by this display of his strength, since I'm certainly not petite. But at the same time, I felt so turned on by him taking control of my body. He could do anything and I doubted I could stop him.

I could feel his hard length pressed against my aching pussy through the fabric of our pants, and I moaned, trying to rub against him, but I was pinned. He broke our kiss and hungrily explored my neck and breasts as I whimpered and sighed his name.

Suddenly, I had my first coherent thought. How had things escalated so quickly? He had been so reserved at times during our conversations, almost shy, but I guessed that the dam had broken. He nipped at the soft skin of my cleavage and I bit my lip. I didn't think I'd ever wanted a man so much before, but we barely knew each other.

"David." He licked my neck and I shivered at the pleasure. "David, put me down," I murmured.

He pulled himself back enough for me to let my feet find the ground, and his eyes were concerned. "Did I hurt you?"

I smiled. "No, not at all. Opposite of hurt, actually." His smile was relieved and he stole another kiss, this time more tender than insistent. I put my hands on his chest and gently pushed him away. My hands were trembling. "I don't want to rush this," I breathed, afraid of his reaction. I didn't want him to think I was a tease.

He had started nuzzling my neck when I broke the kiss. His deep voice rumbled in my ear, "I don't know what's come over me. I want you so badly." I felt like my legs were going to give out. The wall was the only thing keeping me from melting into a puddle. 

"Oh, God, give me strength," I whimpered. I felt his quiet laughter as he pressed himself against me in a warm embrace. 

Our eyes met. "I don't want to rush this, either."

"Thank you." He smiled down at me, and I averted my gaze. "I should go."

"You don't have to go," he protested. "This will go away. Eventually." He blushed, looking down towards his bulging erection, suddenly becoming self-conscious.

I was amazed that I'd had that effect on him. "I'm sorry, Dave. I wasn't trying to be a tease. I didn't mean for this to happen. I let myself get carried away. It's just been so long and you're so amazing..." I let my sentence trail off when I realized I was babbling like an idiot, and felt my own face flush.

"You don't have to apologize." He retrieved my shirt and handed it to me. Once I had dressed, he pulled me close in another hug and I buried my face in his neck, breathing him in. He planted a kiss in my hair. "Let's go watch a movie," he suggested. "I'll let the dogs in and you get comfortable on the couch."

So that's what we did. We spent a couple of hours on the couch, his arm around my shoulders, and it felt so good to just be together. When the movie was over, he grabbed the remote off the table and clicked off the tv. I sat up straight, stretching, and turned slightly to face him as he leaned back into the couch.

"I hope you don't think it was my goal to get you into my bed when I asked you to come back to my place."

"Actually, it was the bathroom," I teased.

He blushed and ran his fingers through his hair. We had spent the whole afternoon taking turns making each other turn red.

"I didn't think that at all." I patted his thigh reassuringly. "It's been a rough year for us both and I don't want to let our urges take us somewhere we aren't ready to go. I really like you, David. I had a really great time today."

He looked over at me and smiled. "I did, too."

Reluctantly, I stood. "Now, I really should go, or I might never leave." I retrieved George's leash from the table. "Come on, little man." 

David followed us to the door, and he gently pulled my arm so I would turn to face him. "I really want to see you again."

I felt I could get lost in those eyes. "Good, because you'd have a hard time keeping me away after that sneak preview." He lowered his face to give me the sweetest goodbye kiss, one warm hand on the side of my face and neck, the other at the small of my back, pulling me close. I could have stood there forever. 

Before I left, he said, "I'm really glad you're ridiculously afraid of ticks."

Me, too, I thought. Never thought anything productive would come of that phobia!

On my drive home, I contemplated what was better - the burning passion of our post-tick-removal make-out session, or the sweet affection of our farewell kiss. I couldn't decide. I wanted it all. I hoped desperately that I didn't screw it up.

As I recalled the vivid details of that afternoon, I felt the rush of the urges that had been left unsatisfied. I knew I'd have to do something about it or I'd never sleep. The very real possibility that he may be doing the same made me even hotter. I ached for the day that I wouldn't have to fantasize to get my release. 



Puppy Love Ch. 03



The following week, I replayed the events of my first day with David over and over. Especially the parts involving his mouth. I had forgotten how sweet the beginning of a relationship felt, and it was so exciting. We talked online Tuesday night, and he called me late on Thursday because I hadn't been on the computer. He said he was thinking about me. 

Normally, I'm irritated when I'm getting into a novel and something distracts me from my escape from reality, but when I heard the ringtone I had set for David (Nine Inch Nails "Closer"), I was happy for the interruption.

For the first time in a very long time, I didn't feel the need to escape from my reality.

Saturday, we had fun playing mini-golf then went out to dinner. When he brought me home, we spent quite a long time saying goodbye in his car, groping and making out like a couple of high school kids. 

Initially, I had been worried that my wanting to take it slow would make him look elsewhere, however it seemed to be having the opposite effect. Sunday, on the phone, he admitted to me that waiting was making him remember how fun it was to do all the "other stuff." And it let us know that we truly enjoyed spending time together, and weren't just feeling enamored of one another because we were sexually compatible. 

A part of me was afraid the build-up might lead to disappointment instead of enhancing the experience when we did finally sleep together. But then I remembered the heat of our encounter on that first day and knew that if our feelings for each other had grown, certainly the experience couldn't be anything short of amazing.

At least, this was what I hoped. Hmm.

The leaves were starting to change color, and evenings were becoming quite cool, which meant one thing: Pumpkin picking. Every year, my brother and I went with my sister's family for the hayride and pumpkin patch experience. My niece had just turned five, so this was our sixth annual trip. The first year, she was a cute, yet useless, lump that we laid in the crate filled with gourds so we could snap a photo for her scrapbook.

After much apprehension over whether David would want to meet my family, I decided to ask him if he'd accompany us. I was filled with nervous excitement when he said yes. If my filter had tears, my older sister's was tattered to shreds. I couldn't think of a reason why Lizzie wouldn't love Dave, but she'd certainly let him know if she didn't. 

In contrast, her husband was quite reserved. You'd have to be to put up with her shit on a daily basis. My younger brother, Ethan (I know, my parents were lame to give their 3 children "E" names), was very easygoing. I guess when you grew up with two bossy older sisters who made you the target of their premenstrual aggression, you learned to fly under the radar.

As we drove out to the farm, I warned David about my sister and told him a little bit about the rest of the family. I asked him about his family, because I realized I didn't even know if he had any siblings.

"I have a younger brother, but we don't hear from him much." His tone had changed from one of good humor to quiet and somber.

I quickly tried to rectify the situation. "I'm sorry, I won't pry."

"It's okay. I was always good at school and sports and that kind of thing, but things didn't come that easily for James. I'd have hated me too if I was in his shoes. When my parents would try to help him he just got defensive, and then he became withdrawn. He started hanging out with a bad crowd, got into drugs. Didn't come home a lot of nights, and when he did it was World War III. Eventually he stopped coming around at all. He asks my parents for money every once in a while. That's pretty much the only time anyone hears from him. He never calls me, though. And he's never at the same number for very long, so trying to get in touch with him is nearly impossible."

I squeezed his thigh reassuringly. "That's terrible. I can't imagine not seeing or talking to my sister or brother for years."

He shrugged. "To be honest, it's not like we were ever close. He wouldn't allow it. I guess what bothers me is not so much that I miss him, but realizing what I missed out on."

My heart ached for him, and for the first time, I wanted to tell him that I loved him. As I realized this, the ache in my chest was forgotten as my stomach fluttered nervously. 

I wanted so badly to say the words and try to take away some of his pain, to let him know that even though he never had love from his brother, I chose to love him. The fear that he may not say it back kept me tight-lipped. After all, we had only been dating for a few weeks.

We drove in a comfortable silence for the last ten minutes of our ride, holding hands. Even though our hands were the only parts of us touching, I hadn't felt that close to him ever before. I didn't want to ruin it by saying something trite.

When we got out of the car, he took my hand and we walked across the straw-covered field that served as a parking lot this time of year. I thought of pulling out my phone to call my sister, then spied her blue minivan. I could hear Nicolette's high-pitched voice loudly informing my sister that hats are for babies and she wasn't a baby. 

As we approached, we could hear my sister trying to reason with her daughter. Ethan and Joe saw us and I gave a little wave, but Lizzie was paying attention to my feisty niece.

"It's very windy, Nic. Don't you like this hat? You'll look like you have a cupcake on your head. Isn't that cute?"

She crossed her arms in front of her chest.

"This should be good," I muttered.

"It's for babies. Why don't you just make a new baby so it can be your cupcake-head?"

My sister made this frustrated, strangled sound. "Because you make me crazy!!! Why would I want another one?" At that point, her eyes took in our approach. "Big kids get cold ears, too," she said smartly, shoving the hat down on my niece's head and taking her hand to lead her toward us. "Look who's here!" she shouted in an attempt to distract the child.

The rest of us were laughing as we formed a group. I introduced David, and after a few pleasantries we went to get in line for the hayride. As we waited, Joe asked him what he does for a living. 

After his reply, in typical Lizzie fashion, she asked, "Why eyes? It seems to me that would get boring."

"Well it's not just eyeglass examinations. I became interested in the field because my father is an ophthalmologist, but I wouldn't have gone through all the schooling and spend my life doing it if it was boring." He smiled and we exchanged a glance. 

"To each his own, then. I don't know how my sister plays with stinky dogs all day, either. Or why she loves that stinky little dog of hers," she teased.

"I like George. He's not that stinky."

"George likes you too, Nic. Where did you get that fantastic hat? I have to get one." I patted her head.

The last few people were filing off of the wagon that had pulled up a few minutes before. We climbed aboard and arranged ourselves along the corner at the back of the wagon. When Nicolette complained about the hay stabbing her legs through her pants, Ethan lifted her onto his lap. He teased her about her hat, and my sister shot him a deadly glare.

I thoroughly enjoyed the bumpy hayride jostling me into David. Out in the field, we watched my brother try to keep up as Nic raced around in search of the perfect pumpkin, constantly tripping over vines. 

The bright blue, nearly cloudless sky and the contrast of the large green leaves and brown soil of the field, sprinkled with orange pumpkins, made for a beautiful backdrop. Her parents were standing close together, arms around each others' waists, and I watched Joe plant a kiss on top of my sister's head. I felt a pang in my chest. 

They were still so in love after all this time, yet my marriage had crumbled before we even had the chance to start a family. I was glad that we hadn't had children, though. Because I'm sure the outcome of our relationship would have been the same, and our divorce would have been infinitely more painful.

"It's pretty awesome that you guys do this every year." David's voice broke my reverie. "Your niece is something else."

"She takes after her mother. I don't want to be in that house in 10 years."

"Do you want to pick a pumpkin? I haven't carved one since I was a kid."

I admitted that it did sound like fun, so we found the best-looking one we could and loaded it onto the wagon when the tractor returned. When we returned from the field, Nicolette ran ahead to grab one of the metal wagons they had to cart around your pumpkins and such while you shopped in their little store. She struggled to pull it to where we were, but we reached her before she moved it more than a few feet.

"I want to put my pumpkin in!" she snapped as Ethan moved to do so. She took it from him and placed it just so in the cart. "You can put yours in my wagon with my pumpkin... Friend." She smiled at David. "I forget your name."

As he unloaded our pumpkin, he reminded her. "It's Dave. Do you want to go for a ride with the pumpkins?"

Her eyes lit up and she climbed in, rearranging her pumpkin so it was nestled between her legs, so he would be safe, she said. She held on to either side of the wagon and David took a couple of slow steps, then stopped.

"Was that a good ride?" Her mouth dropped open and her eyes looked hurt. With a laugh, he took off at a run, and she squealed with delight, bouncing around as the wagon flew over the bumpy dirt.

As I watched them circle back, I couldn't help the grin plastered to my face. I was so happy that he was having fun, and it was so sweet to see him playing with my niece. I felt that love-feeling bubble up again, making my throat feel tight. I wondered if I had felt it this strongly at the start of my relationship with Kevin.

As we drove home, we chatted idly about our afternoon, and tried to decide what we'd make our pumpkin look like. David asked if I wanted to stop to pick up George so I wouldn't have to rush home, and we swung past my place before going back to his. It was nice to hang out at his place because the dogs could run around in a fenced-in yard. We decided that we should wait until it was closer to Halloween to cut up the pumpkin so it didn't rot too soon, and the conversation turned to dinner. We decided to stay in. 

We went to the supermarket, and walking with him as he pushed the shopping cart through the aisles felt very domestic and homey. We bought steaks to put on the grill, fresh asparagus, and the fixings for stuffed mushrooms. Back at his place, he opened a bottle of wine and we started to prepare dinner together in companionable silence. While he dealt with the steaks, I prepped the asparagus and mushrooms, then slid them under the broiler.

I wandered over to the sliding glass door, sipping my glass of wine, feeling very contented. David's back was facing me as he grilled, and I let my eyes wander slowly over his tousled hair, the back of his neck, down to his broad shoulders, the slight taper of his torso. I watched his shoulder blades flex as he moved his arms, and felt a pleasant tingling sensation, brought on by wine and eye candy. I sighed happily.

I had a panicked thought that this couldn't last. Then it appeared that he felt my gaze, because he turned his head and made eye contact. I felt my lips turn up in a smile in response to the easy grin that spread across his face the moment our eyes met, and my fear vanished. 

He grabbed his glass and raised it in a silent toast before turning back to his steaks. I set the table and started looking through his CD's while I waited for the veggies to soften in the oven. I found an old Goo Goo Dolls album and put it on.

As he came through the back door, he commented on my finding his CD collection.

"I thought I was the only person left in the world who still listened to CD's," I said. 

"Well, I do have music downloaded in my phone, but I like to bust out the CD's every once in a while. There's something about listening to a whole album, it always takes me back to whatever age I was when I bought it."

"I know what you mean, I get that nostalgic feeling, too."

We sat down to dinner a few minutes later, and the food was delicious. As he poured the rest of the wine into our glasses, I thought back to his laughter as he took off pulling the wagon across the field.

"How come you and your ex-wife never had children?" I felt myself blush as I realized this was potentially a sensitive subject, and regretted blurting it out so carelessly. "I'm sorry," I stammered, "You don't have to answer that. It was just a thought that occurred to me because you seemed to have so much fun with Nic."

I saw that sad smile that broke my heart the first day we met, when we realized we had recent failed marriages in common. I reached out to place my hand over his, and he rubbed his thumb across my own.

"It's okay, I'm used to things just popping out of your mouth," he teased. "I always wanted kids, and didn't realize for a long time that Maggie would dance around the subject if it ever came up. She never committed to anything, but somehow had me under the impression that children were in our future. She had always been driven, but after her career took off she didn't seem to care about anything else. Then she was offered a transfer to the U.K. and expected me to just go along with it. When I told her that I didn't want to leave, that I wanted to be here near my family so our children could grow up near their grandparents, she told me flat out that she wasn't having children because she didn't have the time for it. I hadn't wanted to admit it, but the relationship had been dying and that was the final straw for me. So she left."

"You think you know someone... but the truth always comes out, doesn't it?"

He squeezed my hand. "What about you?"

"Well, I guess since hindsight is 20/20, I would say that a part of me always felt like Kevin wasn't really "the one," for lack of a better term. We got along okay, and I was pretty young when we started dating, so I didn't realize how crummy he was in bed for a long time. After a while, I got tired of giving without ever getting much of anything in return. It wasn't just that it was sexually frustrating, it..." I tried to find the right words. 

"I guess it really hurt my feelings, too. I'd buy toys and movies and lingerie, but he never showed much interest and we started having sex less and less. We grew apart, and when I finally talked to him about it he told me that he wanted to try to fix our relationship because he thought it was worth saving. But he didn't make any effort to talk about it and try to make changes, and then he started acting weird about his cell phone, which made me suspicious. Long story short, he cheated on me after begging me not to give up on him." My voice wavered with the last sentence, and I cleared my throat self-consciously.

"I guess we both picked the wrong people the first time around. I'm really sorry that he did that to you." 

"Hey, not your fault he's a prick, right?" I forced a smile, but didn't need to fake it for more than a moment. "I may not have met you first, but I'm so glad that I'm with you now."

"Me, too," he smiled. He gave my hand another squeeze before standing to clear the table. We cleaned up in silence, and the air seemed thick between us. Pensive. When we had finished, he took my hand and we sat on the steps of the deck while the dogs roamed the yard.

I looked up at the stars. It was getting dark so early now that it looked like midnight but it was around eight o'clock. I jumped, startled when David nuzzled my neck. He chuckled softly and kissed the sensitive area behind my ear until I sighed, "Mmmmm."

He pulled away, and I turned slightly to face him, answering his sly smile with a kiss. After a few moments, we separated and he looked at me solemnly.

"Would you spend the night with me?"

I was caught off-guard, excited, nervous, and happier than I had felt in a very long time. All I could do was kiss him in reply.

His kisses became more insistent and the anticipation of spending the night with him was making me feel light-headed, in a very pleasant way. As he licked and nipped at my neck in his now-familiar yet still exciting way, I couldn't resist teasing him. 

"This was your plan all along. Why you wanted to pick up my dog on our way back here. So I'd have no reason to leave you," I breathed. My soft laugh turned into a gasp as I felt his hands against my skin, sliding under my shirt to caress my hardening nipples through the lace of my bra. 

"Is that what you think?" He pressed his forehead against mine, our noses touching, and I closed my eyes so I could focus on what his hands were doing under my shirt. I nodded, breathing shallowly, heart racing. 

"Well maybe the thought crossed my mind. But does that change anything? I'm not forcing you to stay."

"Your hands are making it hard to do anything other than stay," I murmured, finding his mouth, arching into him as he pinched my nipples, feeling like I might climax before he even went below my waistline. "Oh, God, David!"

His throaty chuckle sounded so sexy. "We should go inside if you're going to be loud," he said in a stage whisper.

Several minutes later, I was giggling as he pulled me to his room, kicking off his shoes along the way and almost tripping into the wall.

"Take it easy, boy, I won't have you breaking yourself before I get to use you!" The dogs were excited, chasing us down the hall.

"This is people play time, no dogs allowed," David said as he pushed Reggie back with his foot and closed the door. After flicking one of the light switches, bathing the room in the soft glow of a bedside lamp, he turned to me with a wicked grin. "Now who are you calling 'boy?'"

My finger traced a line down his chest and stomach, and grabbed the waistband of his jeans to tug him closer to me. I rubbed against the hardness pressing into me. "Maybe I was mistaken," I murmured. "That's all man."

The amused look in his eye gave way to something else entirely. Lust, perhaps? I watched his face as his gaze swept over my breasts, and he grabbed the hem of my shirt and slowly helped me out of it. I responded in kind, holding my breath as the muscles of his chest and shoulders were exposed to me. 

It was all for me, and I was suddenly overwhelmed with disbelief and excitement. As he took my hands in his, I realized they were trembling.

"You're shaking," he said softly. I stared at our hands, feeling a little embarrassed that he was having this effect on me. He unclasped his hands from mine and held my face so I would look up at him.

"You're so beautiful, Emma."

As my palms ran up his chest, shoulders, and neck, and my fingers entwined in his hair, the trembling subsided. He closed his eyes as I massaged his scalp and I tried to memorize every line of his handsome face, wishing this could last forever.

We made our way to his bed, and he undid the fly on my pants and started pushing them down my hips. He pressed into me, kissing me, and I lay back on the bed. I watched him tug my clothing off, hoping he would like my matching plum-colored panties. He hovered over my body, and placed a light kiss at the edge of my panties, his lips grazing over lace and skin. I shivered.

His warm mouth traveled up my stomach to my breasts, drawing a moan from me as he licked the hard peaks of my nipples through the fabric.

"I love what you've got on, baby, but I don't want anything in between us," he murmured. 

"So lose those pants," I replied, arching so I could unclasp my bra. He complied. I couldn't help but stare expectantly, waiting to see what those jeans were holding back. He laid back down on the bed and I turned to him, aching to touch the smooth skin of his cock. He was larger than I'd had before, about 8 or 9 inches. I felt a gush of wetness soak my panties in anticipation of his thickness burying itself inside me. He twitched as I stroked him lightly, and I heard his breath catch in his throat with a quick intake of air.




Puppy Love Ch. 03



Gently removing my hand, he rolled to face me, and we kissed hungrily.

"I want to feel you in my mouth," I told him, kissing his neck. 

He groaned. "I don't think I could handle that right now," he confessed. "It's been a while." I wondered how long, calculating that it had been over a year for me.

"Next time, then."

"Move up," he directed, nodding toward the pillows at the head of his king-sized bed. I admired his biceps as he held himself over me. Another shiver tingled through me as he kissed my thighs.

His eyes met mine. "I love that I do that to you." After what felt like forever, he nuzzled the wetness between my legs, making me cry out. "I've wanted to taste you since I almost fucked you in the bathroom." I couldn't help but laugh, and he smiled up at me before removing that last bit of material between us.

I bit my lip, praying that he would be more skilled than my ex. I could count on one hand the number of times his mouth had been down there, and it was never for more than a few sloppy, ineffectual strokes of his tongue.

David did not disappoint. His tongue expertly teased my clit and delved inside of me. I felt sensations I'd never had before, and he rent noises from my throat I hadn't known I could make. I felt my orgasm building as he drew his tongue around my sensitive nub, then backed off, stroking the less sensitive areas, letting the intensity ebb before bringing me back to the brink. With a yell, wave after wave of ecstasy wracked my body, and I felt tears streaming down my face as I panted his name. My fingers were tangled in his hair, and when I stopped seeing stars, the thought crossed my mind that I hoped I hadn't hurt him by pulling on his curls.

I relaxed into the pillows, my eyes closed, catching my breath and marveling at how wonderful I felt. Suddenly, I heard David's voice close to my face.

"You're like my very own little porn star. All those wonderful noises." His lips were warm on my neck and jaw. "And the way you say my name." I could taste myself on his tongue.

"I need you in me," I pleaded. He kissed my forehead, my closed eyelid, my ear. "Please, David. Don't make me beg."

"I want to take my time, sweetheart. And I like hearing you beg."

I wrapped my legs around him, pressing myself into his erection. I whimpered like a petulant child. "Please, David," I repeated. "Please make love to me. Climb inside of me and never leave."

He covered my mouth with his and retrieved a condom from the nightstand drawer. As he slowly entered me, we both groaned with pleasure. It felt like we'd been waiting for years instead of weeks. Almost immediately, I felt another orgasm building as he filled me to the hilt.

Leaning close, he kissed me tenderly, quieting my mewling cries. His mouth swept down my neck, then his tongue teased my nipples. As he took one into his mouth and sucked hard, I arched my back and cried out, digging my nails into the skin of his biceps and scraping them across his upper back. I pulled him close, riding the wave, and kissed him as I shuddered, my muscles contracting around his girth.

With his face buried in my neck, I panted into his ear, "I've never come so hard and so fast in my life. You're fucking amazing, David."

I ran my fingers through his damp hair, tugging lightly as he slowly thrust into me. His sounds of pleasure were muffled against the skin of my shoulder. I felt a surge of emotion that nearly brought tears to my eyes.

After several minutes, he raised himself enough to rain more kisses across my face and breasts, then straightened his back. He was covered in a sheen of sweat and he had never looked more gorgeous. Shifting slightly, I brought my left leg up to allow him deeper access. His hand caressed my thigh, running up my calf, ankle, and then the top of my foot, which was over his shoulder. He pressed into me with renewed vigor, pumping faster, and I returned his dark gaze until I felt myself climax for the third time, involuntarily arching and pressing my head back into the pillows. I gripped the pillow with both hands, and my scream was muffled in the pillowcase.

"Oh, God, don't hold back, baby," he panted. "Let me hear you scream." As I shouted his name for what seemed like the hundredth time that night, I felt him burst inside of me with a cry of his own.

As we cuddled afterward, I realized that I felt parched. "Don't laugh at me," I said, sitting up. "I'm probably going to walk funny for days," I muttered. I headed to the kitchen for a bottle of water, his laughter following me down the hall. I took a few swigs and he finished the bottle, then I curled up against him. I looked up at him, laying in the crook of his arm, trying again to hold onto a mental picture. He rolled onto his side to face me, and kissed my forehead before I drifted into a contented sleep.

***

Early the next morning, I dug through my purse, muttering profanities under my breath.

"What's wrong?"

"I can't find my phone." As I upturned the whole thing over the kitchen table, I heard a familiar sound and froze, mortified. 

I turned to see David pull my cell out of the couch cushions, and he snorted a laugh as Trent Reznor sang, "Help me get away from myself, I wanna fuck you like an animal..." 

I must have missed when I tossed my phone onto my purse the day before.

"Give me that!" I tried to wrestle my phone from his grip. "Shut it off!"

"This is my ringtone?" he grinned. "Since when?"

I snatched my phone away and ended the call. My face felt flushed as I admitted, "Since you gave me your number. What's my ringtone?"

"Brown eyed girl."

"Hm. I like my choice better." I wrapped my arms around his neck to give him a good-bye kiss. "If I'm going to get to work on time, I have to get out of here."

"I'm going to be thinking about you all day at work, now that I know you want to fuck me like an animal."

"I already think about you all day," I smiled, taking George's leash and heading out the door.

To be continued...



Puppy Love Ch. 04



Dear Readers,

I love David and Emma too much to finish this story in 4 chapters as I had originally planned. However the next installment might take a couple weeks to finish because I decided it would be fun to enter the Halloween story contest. So please be patient, and check out my story for the contest while you're waiting. Vote for me! 

As always, I love hearing feedback so tell me what you think :) Hope you like chapter 4.

honey28

***********

I was even more nervous than I had been on the day of our first date. I had agonized over what to wear before settling on black dress pants and a turquoise turtleneck. My hair was pulled back in a clip to show off the earrings that David had given me for my birthday. I had told him they were too much, but he wouldn't take them back. They were 3/4 inch white gold hoops, shaped like two bands intertwined, with small diamonds set in one of the bands. My feet were already getting sore in my new silver open-toed sling backs. 

David was driving us to his parents' house. As if I wouldn't already be nervous at the prospect of meeting them, he had informed me that his mother always gave his girlfriends a hard time the first time she met them, so I shouldn't take it personally. But I had a habit of taking everything personally. 

Lizzie could be brutally honest, but she was never malicious. I was expecting the worst: a mean version of my big-mouthed sister.

I couldn't keep my mouth from gaping as we pulled up the semi-circular driveway in front of a large, beautiful home. The front entrance was framed by two wide columns, and the chestnut colored door was flanked by beautiful stained glass. There were small, well-groomed evergreens in front of the large windows on either side of the door. I slowly exited the car, taking it all in. 

His parents were both doctors, and apparently had done well for themselves. He had told me that his father still practiced, but his mother was a retired cardiologist.

David came around to my side of the Charger, closed my door, and took my hand. The front door opened, and I swallowed thickly.

He squeezed my hand. "You'll be fine. Remember what I said, just let it all roll off. It's like a rite of passage. After she sees you a couple of times she'll be sweet as pie."

I put on a smile and we ascended the steps. His mother had been the one to open the door for us, and she reached out to grab David's shoulders as she kissed him on the cheek. "It's so good to see you, dear." She stepped back and I felt the heat of her appraisal.

"Hello, I'm Emma," I offered my hand. "I'm so glad to meet you." Couldn't be farther from the truth.

She nodded with a tight-lipped smile and gingerly accepted my hand. "I'm May. Why don't you two come inside, the chill is coming in." His mother was small and slender, with chin-length hair the color of David's, yet straight and with some gray streaking through it.

I felt like we were entering the lion's den. I prayed that his father was more receptive.

The entryway had wallpaper with wide, vertical stripes and a small antique desk. The floors were hardwood. I could see that the front room had more contemporary furniture, and looked like a page out of a freaking magazine. 

"Is Dad in the kitchen?"

"Yes, dinner is almost done."

We followed her down the hall to the dining room, and through a doorway I could see a large man pulling a baking sheet out of the oven. He was about David's height, with a few extra pounds around the middle. His dark hair had a lot of gray in it. I watched in amusement as he tossed the still-hot biscuits into a basket, cursing at his burning fingers yet continuing to fill the basket instead of letting the bread cool.

"Do you need help with anything?" I offered. His mother declined and went into the kitchen to assist David's father.

"This house is too perfect," I whispered, turning to David. "I'm afraid I'll bump into something and your mother will scowl at me."

"Just relax, hon."

I stepped over to the wall across from the doorway, where there were half a dozen framed photographs on the wall. The largest, in the center, was a family portrait that must have been from about twenty years ago. Smiling parents, two young boys, and a Jack Russell Terrier at their feet. 

"You grew up with a dog like Reggie," I smiled.

"Yeah. I wasn't looking for a dog when I got him. I was at the mall with Maggie, and as we walked past the pet store we saw a few puppies in the window. She thought I was crazy but as soon as I saw him I remembered the day my dad brought Peanut home. He was a great little dog. I couldn't leave Reggie there in that horrible place, so I brought him home."

I turned as I heard his parents come in carrying dinner. After setting down a platter of what looked like chicken in a light-colored sauce, his father looked up at me and smiled warmly.

"You must be Emma. I'm Henry. It's nice to finally meet you."

"You, too." I felt such relief that his father was friendly. "Dinner smells amazing. Are you sure I can't help you carry something?" I started to move toward the kitchen, but I was again dismissed. David pulled out a chair for me before taking the seat next to mine.

"Don't worry about it, they never let me help before dinner. I get the honor of dealing with the dishes, if you'd like to help with that later."

I turned to look at the wall of photos again. There were several of him and his brother as children, a wedding photo of his parents, and David's high school graduation picture. There were no photos of his brother older than about 13 or 14. I assumed that was probably because there weren't any, if he had been as full of angst and anger as David let on. 

As we began our meal, I wracked my brain for something to say that wouldn't sound silly and forced.

"We're so glad you two kids could join us for dinner tonight. We don't get to see enough of David," his father remarked.

"I could be here every night and you'd still say that."

"David tells me that he's followed in your footsteps?" I thought it was probably safer to to try to use his father to get the conversation going because his mother didn't seem very forthcoming. 

"Yes, he did," his father beamed. "That reminds me. I wanted to tell you that I've decided to retire next year."

"Good for you, Dad. What are you going to do to keep yourself busy?"

"Oh, I'll probably lecture from time to time, that sort of thing. Do some traveling. I know your mother has been itching to go back to Italy."

I looked to his mother, assuming she would enter the conversation. I could see how she kept her slim figure. She had a handful of salad, a couple ounces of chicken, and a few green beans on her plate. But she had a nice, big, glass of wine... I thought that perhaps under the rough exterior she may be as apprehensive as me. This thought didn't last very long.

"Yes, that would be nice, dear. Emma, those are lovely earrings."

One hand instinctively raised to an ear. "Thank you, May. They were a gift." I smiled at David, who was shoveling a second helping of chicken onto his plate.

She arched her eyebrow. "Oh? That's a very nice gift for a... one month?... anniversary..." 

My face flushed with heat. Her small, polite smile belied her sarcastic tone. Apparently she assumed I was with him for money.

"Yes, they are lovely, and that's why I gave them to her for her birthday. Actually, we've been together for a couple months now. She helped fix Reggie over the summer," he smiled, squeezing my hand. 

"That's right, you work with a veterinarian. That must be a very rewarding job." The encouraging words were from his father.

"It is, I love my job."

His mother cut in before I could continue. "Why did you chose not to become a veterinarian?"

The way she asked the question infuriated me, but I left the smile pasted on my face. I very much doubted that human nurses were constantly asked if they were in school to become a doctor. It was one thing when a client asked this question out of curiosity, but her tone implied that perhaps I settled for my career choice because I was lazy.

Who did she think I was? Some unmotivated loser who cleaned dirty cages all day and thought I'd hit the jackpot with her doctor son? My smile was trying to creep off my face.

Worst of all, her implications that I wasn't good enough for her son were crawling into that terrible corner of my brain where the insecure teenage Emma cringed, always waiting for the worst. All that shimmers is sure to fade, right? What had I done to deserve someone like David? How long could this last?

If I wasn't so hot-headed, I would have let my lamer half take over. But this woman was offensive. So, I treated her like an annoying client at work - nice, deep breath, a fake smile, and a polite tone to hide my seething temper.

"Well, I don't have to give people the bad news when we diagnose cancer or other fatal diseases. And if I'm dealing with a particularly difficult client, I can always smile at them and say, 'Let me get the doctor.' Then it doesn't have to ruin my day." I was really trying not to let her ruin my day, but it was so hard to keep her from getting under my skin. 

I could understand why his younger brother had felt so resentful. I could almost hear her criticizing him, comparing his failings to all of David's successes, making him feel two inches tall. There must be another side to this woman, because I couldn't figure out why Henry, who seemed like such a nice person, would want to be with her. She was certainly rubbing me the wrong way.

A smile twitched at the corner of her mouth. Perhaps she understood the undertones of my last words. She would certainly be one of those pain in the ass clients who, when she left us a voicemail, would get a reluctant call back from Brad instead of one of us technicians. 

"I suppose that makes some sense, then, doesn't it," she murmured. "What is it that you do, exactly?"

"I assist with exams, read slides, draw blood, monitor anesthesia for procedures, spend a lot of time returning client calls. The technicians field most of the calls, actually. It can get a bit crazy, but I love it." 

David interjected. "When my vet had seen Reggie, he just told me that the breed was predisposed to allergies and I should try Benadryl. Emma took one look at him and knew exactly what to do."

"And the rest is history," his father laughed. The conversation became more comfortable as his father took the reins. 

After the meal, I helped David clear the table and loaded the dishwasher while he scrubbed the larger pots and platters by hand. I was grateful to be out from under his mother's glare. 

I wondered if she had liked David's ex. And if she was comparing me to her. I had seen a picture of her in a group photo at David's house. Pretty and petite with a bright smile, and I knew how career-driven she had apparently been. His mother had probably been thrilled because he had married someone like her. 

She probably thought he could do so much better than me.

Over the sound of the running water, I could hear his parents speaking quietly in the other room. I asked David to point me in the direction of the coffee and started a pot.

"You're doing fine," he whispered after he rinsed the last platter. He dried his hands, but they were still damp when he held my face and kissed me. "I told you it would be fine." 

I returned his smile, hoping that I was hiding the fact that I couldn't wait to get out of there.

"I owe you a proper apology for dealing with my mom's B. S." He kissed me again, this time letting his hands wander down to grab my butt. "I'll make it up to you later," he promised.

"Yes, you will. I hope you didn't just leave damp hand prints on my ass, babe," I laughed.

The rest of the evening passed without any more judgmental comments from his mother, and soon we were on our way back to my house. I rented the second floor, and David kept trying to pinch my ass as we ascended the stairs.

I plopped on the couch with a sigh. "George, you need to wait a minute. Mommy's feet are about to fall off."

"I'll take him out. Come on, fathead." 

I laughed at the nickname, as well as the fact that George responded to it. I had to admit, his head did look humongous because he was in dire need of a trim. 

I put my feet up on the cushions and laid my head back on the arm of the couch, closing my eyes. I had been feeling the beginnings of a headache for hours, probably from the stress. I must have dozed for a few minutes, because the next thing I knew I felt David kiss my forehead and bring me back to reality. He lifted my legs into his lap as he sat near me, gently pulling off my shoes. He started to rub my feet, but I'm very ticklish, so he had to abort the mission or else get kicked in the face.

"It was a very nice thought, Dave," I sighed. I sang, "But belle, je ne comprends pas 'foot rub,' so you'll have to speak to me some other way."

He laughed. "Jack Johnson would cringe if he heard you butcher his song like that."

I kicked him and feigned offense. "Are you criticizing my singing voice?"

"Baby, you have a lovely voice. I was referring to you changing the lyrics. So how else could I possibly show my appreciation of how tolerant you were of my judgmental mother?"

"Jewelry is out because you obviously spent too much on me already," I replied dryly. 

He moved onto his hands and knees to hover over me. "I told you not to take her seriously. My mom can be a bitch until she gets to know you." His hot breath tickled against my neck. He nipped at my ear lobe. 

"I want you out of these clothes. Now. So I can apologize the shit out of you," he growled.

"Oh, baby, you know all the right things to say," I laughed.

He unceremoniously ground himself into my pelvis as he yanked my shirt up to my neck.

"You're going to stretch it out!" I protested as he reached under me and started tugging at the clasp of my bra. "Oh, God," I wailed after he pulled my bra out of the way and sucked hard at my left nipple.

I pushed at his unyielding chest. "Sit up, you bastard," I teased. He complied. I sat up and straddled him, freeing my hair from its clip, then pulled my top off over my head and removed the bra that was hanging from my arms. He immediately brought his mouth back to my nipple and I had to push his head away with both hands so I could reach down to unbutton his pants and yank his shirt up out of them. He undid the buttons at his collar and I pulled the shirt over his head.

"That's better," I smiled, running my hands over his muscular arms and shoulders before grabbing his head and pressing his face back to my breast. I scraped at his scalp and shoulders with my nails as he teased first one nipple, then the other, with the tip of his tongue. One of his hands rubbed me through my pants. I tore myself away from him long enough to finish stripping, and he did the same. 

I climbed back into his lap and rubbed the smooth head of his cock against my clit. I was so wet, and he felt so amazing. After several strokes, he grabbed my hips and moved me slightly so the next stroke impaled me. I grunted as he hit my cervix. I let him slowly guide me up and down for a while, then I picked up the pace as I felt my orgasm building. I grabbed onto the back of the couch for leverage.

As I reached my climax, I let him fill me completely and stopped riding him while the tremors wracked my body in ecstasy.

"Don't stop fucking me, Emma," he panted. My thighs were burning, but I resumed my bucking ride, smiling at the grunts and groans of pleasure coming from David. Moments later, he grabbed my hips and thrust up into me , throwing his head back as he came. I squeezed myself around him and leaned forward to kiss his neck. 

When I felt the twitching of his cock subside, I climbed off of him and knelt on the floor to gently lick him clean. I could feel our fluids seeping down the insides of my thighs. I was going to need to shower. I stood up so I could lean over and give him a kiss.

"I wish you didn't have to go."

"I do, too, but Reggie is probably crossing his legs."

"You're probably right."

"I'll pick you up at 7 for dinner tomorrow?" I nodded. "Wear something nice," he smiled.

***

He took me to a nice Italian restaurant that wasn't far from my house, though I'd never been there before. The room was dimly lit, with candles on every table. One wall had a huge mural of a vineyard. The waitstaff probably made more money than I did. Not the type of place we normally frequented, but David said that a friend told him the food was amazing.

I was glad I had worn my new "little black dress" and black pumps, because it was one of those places that was so expensive, the menu didn't have any English. They probably would have refused to seat us if I had worn jeans... I had to ask David to order for me because my best attempts at decoding the menu failed.

I had a glass of wine while we waited for our meal, and excused myself to use the ladies' room before the food arrived. When I walked back out into the crowded dining room, the din of dozens of conversations was drowned out by a whooshing sound in my ears as my eyes focused on our table.

There was a pretty, young waitress sitting in my chair, scribbling on a napkin. She pushed it towards him and he flashed her a smile and said something. I felt a pang in my chest.

He was beautiful, sweet, charming... He could have anyone. So why I had I expected he would be satisfied with me?

I could feel tremors in my arms, across my chest, and up my neck, and I knew if I tried to speak, my words would come out in a stammer. I quickly made my way through the maze of tables and out into the night, praying he wouldn't see me. I didn't want to cause a scene. It had started raining, but the cold drizzle actually felt good on my hot skin. And it served to hide my tears.

Why did this keep happening to me? What was I doing wrong?

The restaurant was only a little over a mile from my house, so I started walking. I was soaked through by the time I reached home. As I reached the top of the stairs, I heard a pounding on the door.

My heart thudded in my chest as I realized it must be David. Enough time had passed for him to realize I was gone and come find me. Although I wasn't sure why he would bother. I pulled my shoes off of my sore feet and padded back down to the shared entrance. The pounding came again, louder. I opened the door and saw David standing in the pouring rain, his face a blank mask.

"Are you going to let me in out of this mess?"

I stepped back to allow him to come out of the weather.

"What the hell, Emma?"

I felt my hurt turning into anger, and balled my trembling hands into fists. "'What the hell, Emma?' What the hell yourself! I saw you," I sneered.

"Saw what?" he snapped, droplets of rain spraying from his hair.

"I saw you getting that waitress's number," I hissed.

"Is that what this is about? What you think you saw? Is that all you think of me?" He dug furiously in his pockets and pulled out the napkin, thrusting it at my nose.

It had a phone number and the name "Tom" written above it in round, female handwriting. "She's the kid sister of an old friend who I fell out of touch with. I can't fucking believe you, Emma."

I stared at him, gaping. I didn't know what to say.

"I fucking love you, Emma," he said, his voice faltering. I reached out to touch his arm, then cringed as he brushed my hand away. "But you won't let that be enough, will you?"

"I'm sorry, David," I croaked. I couldn't believe how pathetic I sounded.

His voice was cold. "I don't think I can be with someone who doesn't trust me."

I choked on a sob as he turned and walked back out into the rain before I could try to stop him. I couldn't believe that his first "I love you" may have been the last. 




Puppy Love Ch. 04



What the fuck had I done?



Puppy Love Ch. 05



Dear Readers,

Finally finished the last chapter of Emma's story. Hope you like it! Don't forget to vote :) 

~~~~~~~~

George kept me company that night while I sat and felt sorry for myself. I didn't know what else to do. We had something really good, and I had thought that I trusted him, but I had sabotaged myself. 

If I couldn't let myself trust in someone who had treated me as well as David, how was I supposed to get over my insecurities? I felt like damaged goods. I considered looking into therapy. Maybe it would help with the next relationship.

But I didn't want a "next relationship." I only wanted him.

I threw myself into work the next day, grateful for the distractions of a packed schedule. For once, I wasn't pissed at Brad for over-booking our day. I thought that I was hiding my foul mood pretty well.

"I've got the next one ready. Doing pretty well on allergy shots and Zyrtec, so it will be a quick one."

"I'm not ready yet," Brad responded, typing furiously. That discharge statement was sure to be rife with typos and probably have the wrong dog's name in there somewhere. "Okay, Jess, it's printed," he said, sitting back in his chair. "What, Emma, no comment that I wouldn't be a half hour behind if I hadn't removed the mass on that basset instead of making them come back Thursday?"

"Forty minutes, actually." I smiled as I handed him the chart for the next one.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." I followed him as we walked towards the front.

"No, you're not. You're quiet and well-behaved."

I pushed him towards the door to the hallway where the exam rooms were. "We don't have time for this. I promise I'll be a pain in the ass later."

He shot me a look before going in to see the patient.

As we finished up at the end of the day, he asked me again what was wrong, asking if it involved David.

I told him and Jess about how I overreacted the night before. "I screwed everything up. I'm a distrustful bitch."

"I guess you could have handled that differently."

I rolled my eyes up at Brad. "You think?" 

"Does he know why you and Kevin split up?" he asked. I nodded.

Jess joined the conversation. "It's obvious that you hurt his feelings, but I think after he cools off he will probably be able to see things from your side, too."

"I don't know. He was really angry. I never saw him like that before. If it were me, I'd find someone with less baggage," I sighed.

"I think you should give him a couple of days and give him a call," Brad suggested.

"If you feel like what you had was special, you shouldn't let it go without a fight. But don't go sending flowers and blowing up his phone with texts. I've found they don't respond well to that." Jess smiled at me encouragingly.

"Thanks for the advice," I laughed.

***

I lost sleep agonizing over what I would say when I mustered up the courage to call him. I was afraid that he wouldn't answer, and I was afraid that if he did answer, I might not want to hear what he had to say. Then I thought, what if he was waiting for me to call and apologize? I'd never stop wondering "what if" if I didn't try.

Thursday night, I couldn't stand it anymore and I called him. I wasn't really surprised that it went to voicemail.

"Hi, it's me. I'll try to keep this short," I muttered, more to myself than to him. "I know you didn't deserve my reaction and I know I messed up. I really miss you, but I understand if you don't want to talk to me. I -" I had to pause and take a breath. I was struggling not to sound crazy and overbearing. "I love you, too, David. I hope this isn't over." I pressed END before I really started rambling and dug a deeper ditch between us. 

Now it was up to him.

I promised myself that if I didn't hear back from him, I wasn't going to bother him anymore.

***

I break promises to myself all the time.

I couldn't stop thinking about him and it was making me feel fucking insane.

It was late Saturday morning, and I was going stir-crazy in my house. It was very sunny and the temperature was mild for an early-November day. This weather was making me nuts! I pulled a hoodie over my t-shirt, loaded George into the car, and drove him to the park that David and I had visited so often. As we walked, I couldn't keep my brain from replaying the last time I saw him. His dripping hair plastered to his head, and the anger on his face. The hurt in his voice when he said that he loved me. And the coldness when he turned and left.

George and I made several liesurely laps around the lake before heading back to the car. I ran into a friend I hadn't spoken to in a while, and was thankful for the cheerful distraction. We played catch-up while our dogs tangled their leashes. When we were joined by her boyfriend, I reluctantly let her get back to her afternoon plans and got into my car.

My thoughts turned back to David. I thought of the last time we had made love, and I missed his scent, and his touch. I thought of when we had cooked dinner together at his house the evening that we spent our first night together. I laughed out loud, remembering when he burst into his bathroom to rescue me from the tick, and how he had hesitated before touching my bra, probably wondering if I was going to regain my senses and smack him since we barely knew each other at the time.

Suddenly, I realized that while I was daydreaming, I had slipped into autopilot. I was around the corner from David's house; he and I had met at the park on numerous occasions before going back to his house.

I made a right turn onto his street and pulled over, reminding myself that I had promised I would let it be. He knew how I felt and it was up to him to decide what would happen next. If anything was going to happen. I peered down the road and could see his car parked in his driveway.

George made a small groaning sound, and it was like he knew we were on the way to Reggie's house and was anxious to keep going. 

"I know, I want to go, too. I can't stop thinking about him. I don't know what to do."

We were so close. How could I turn back? George yipped, urging me on.

So, I made a liar out of myself and found myself parking in front of his house. 

He would have called me if he wanted to see me. What was I doing? But my body wouldn't stop propelling itself toward him. George trotted up the driveway like he knew he was home. The living room window was cracked to let some fresh air in, and I could hear that he was playing his acoustic guitar. As I slowly stepped nearer, I could make out the words he was singing.

"When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face When you lose something you can't replace When you love someone, but it goes to waste Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home And ignite your bones And I will try to fix you."

Reggie appeared in the window and gave a short bark, wagging his nubbin tail. He was always getting yelled at for jumping up onto the window sill. 

David looked up and made eye contact. He sang to me.

"And high up above or down below When you're too in love to let it go But if you never try you'll never know Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home And ignite your bones And I will try to fix you."

Averting my eyes, I wiped at the tears that had run down my cheeks. That was my favorite Coldplay song, and it always made me a little choked up to hear it. I had never heard it quite like that before. When I looked up, David's guitar was on the couch. The front door opened, and Reggie shot out between his feet to greet George.

I stood there for a few moments watching the dogs play, laughing because they were so happy to be reunited.

"Are you going to come in?"

I felt like my heart was in my throat, trying to pound its way out. I went inside, and the boys followed. I unclipped George's leash while David closed the front door.

"Is it okay that I'm here?" I asked, feeling foolish. I made myself look at him, and when our eyes met, he closed the gap between us and grabbed my face, pressing his lips to mine. Not what I was expecting. When he pulled back, I felt breathless.

"I'm sorry I hadn't called you back yet. I'm so glad you're here."

I felt tears springing up again and cursed at myself in my head for being so emotional. I thought I must be premenstrual to be such a wreck. I hugged him, burying my face in his chest, both because I had missed him so much, and to hide my sprouting tears.

"You smell wonderful," I said, my words muffled by his clothing. I felt his face burrow into my hair.

"I missed you, too, Emma."

Feeling I had regained my composure, I looked up into his bright blue eyes. "Are we going to be alright, then? I know that I overreacted, and I'm going to work on this."

"I overreacted, too. I was really hurt that you assumed the worst, but it was just a misunderstanding. I love you."

"Show me," I smiled teasingly. I felt his large, warm hand at the back of my neck; the other had been at my hip, but was sliding lower as his eyes darkened with lust. Suddenly, my heart was thudding in my chest. I wanted him so desperately.

His lips crashed into mine, and he stepped forward, pushing me back into the wall. His warm, hard body pressed against me. I moaned into his mouth and nipped at his bottom lip. Searching, his hands unzipped my sweatshirt and found their way under my top, massaging me through my bra. My fingers were tangled in his hair, gripping tightly, afraid to let go. 

An hour ago, I thought I'd never touch him again. 

He broke our kiss when there was a sudden knock on the door. 

"Were you expecting someone?" I whispered.

"No. Maybe they'll go away," he murmured, bringing his face back to mine. He pulled away again as the doorknob turned, and when the intruder peered around the door he took a step back and turned to face her, running a hand nervously through his hair. He looked like he was seeing a ghost.

I looked from her pretty face, framed by a mass of auburn curls, to his wide-eyed stare, his mouth slightly open as though there was something he wanted to say but he couldn't find the words. 

Finally, he spoke her name. "Maggie."

A smile I recognized from a photo broke across her face. "I wanted to surprise you, so your mom gave me your new address. I saw your car out front, so I figured I'd try the handle." Her gaze swept over to me, and I saw her smile falter briefly. "Hello."

"This is Emma," David said, snapping out of his shocked trance and remembering that I was there. He reached out to put an arm at the small of my back, urging me away from the wall.

I placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm gonna go," I said softly.

"You don't have to -"

"Call me later. If you want," I added quickly. "George?" I called, jingling his leash. After he was attached, I turned to Maggie before heading out the door. "Nice to meet you," I smiled politely. She nodded, and I made eye contact with David before I left, smiling and mouthing the words, "love you." He gave me a small, uncertain smile.

As I descended the porch stairs, I wondered if he felt conflicted because he didn't want me to go... Or if he felt guilty because seeing her was dredging up amorous feelings. After all, it had been their differing opinions on starting a family that had led to their divorce. He may still love her; she may still love him. As I climbed into my car, I began to wonder if he'd still be with her if she had wanted to have kids.

I loved him. I didn't want to lose him. But I was realizing the wisdom in the old saying, "If you love something, set it free." I needed to let him come back to me. I thought that he would, though a pained part of me feared he wouldn't.

And as much as I hated to admit it, I was better off without him if he didn't come back. Better to know now, than be 10 years into the relationship.

After I found out that my ex-husband had cheated on me, it was easy to let the love I had, go. I was angry, but I was also free to see all the ways I'd be better off without him. All the flaws I had tolerated in the name of love became glaringly evident, and I wondered why I'd put up with it for so long. I hoped that a similar thing had happened for David. I thought back to the conversations we'd had about our past relationships, and he had indicated that there had been problems before Maggie made clear to him that she didn't want children.

I wasn't going to over-react this time. I told myself that I needed to have faith in the strength of what we shared. And that if for some reason, things didn't work out... well, I'd cross that bridge if I came to it, instead of throwing myself over the side.

***

That evening, I sat on my couch in a tee shirt and sweat pants, watching Knocked Up for the fifteenth or sixteenth time because I love Seth Rogen. I was idly feeding pieces of half of my grilled cheese sandwich to a very happy George because my stomach was bothering me. I felt crampy, and as I watched Katherine Heigl struggle with the realization that she was expecting, I dropped the rest of the sandwich.

I realized that I had been feeling like my period was coming for at least the past week, but nothing had happened. I leaped off the couch to grab my purse and dumped it on the coffee table, rummaging around like a madwoman until I found my packet of birth control pills. I had been so discombobulated all week that I had forgotten to take my pills, so I hadn't realized that this was the week of white pills, when I was due to have my cycle.

On my television, Allison ran through the store with Debbie, frantically searching for pregnancy tests, and they dumped a bunch in the basket. My heart was pounding and I felt like that scene was about to play out in real life as I shoved my feet into my sneakers and flew out the door with my wallet and my keys, not even bothering to put all my stuff back in my purse.

I was failing miserably at remaining calm. I took a few deep, shuddering breaths and backed out of my driveway. As I started down the street on my way to the grocery store, I thought to myself that I should call my sister. 

"Shit! George has my phone!" I cursed, pausing at a stop sign. "Well, that just sounds ridiculous," I muttered. 

It occurred to me that it was probably best that I didn't speak with my sister at that exact moment anyway. I needed to concentrate on my driving, and I needed to make sure that I even had anything to worry about before I turned into a sputtering moron.

But I knew, as I parked my car and climbed out, realizing I probably looked like a homeless person, that I had something to worry about. Someone to worry about. I slammed my car door, then wrenched it open when I saw my wallet in the center console, cursing at myself to stop being such a wreck and focus on the task at hand. 

I started towards the store and could see my reflection in the glass. My hair was falling out of its ponytail, I had crazy-lady eyes, and my shirt was a bit too big so I could see my left bra strap sticking out. I knew without looking down that my comfy pants had a couple of holes. I realized it had gotten pretty cold and hoped that wouldn't show through the cups of my bra. I laughed out loud at myself, and felt a little less on edge. I spoke quietly to myself. "You're going to go in there, get a test, and we'll see what's what. There's no sense in freaking out if you don't even know for sure. Then when you know for sure, you can call your sister and everything will be fine."

***

I sat on the lid of the toilet seat, my right knee bouncing nervously while I stared at the clock on my phone. I wouldn't let myself stare at the test; I wasn't going to look until time was up. My mind raced, thinking of the night things had gotten hot and heavy and we realized in the midst of things that we had run out of condoms. I had told David that I was on the pill, and it was fine with me if it was fine with him that we forego the latex protection.

Sure, there were times throughout the years that I forgot a day or two, and took the pills when I remembered. It had never been an issue when I was with my ex. It might have happened in the past few weeks, now that I thought about it. Perhaps this time, the timing had been just right.

I glared at my phone as the minute changed: 8:03. It was time. I was scared.

As I turned my head to where the white stick rested on the edge of the sink, my eyes involuntarily closed. Forcing them open, I read the word on the idiot-proof test: Pregnant.

Okay. Breathe.

I texted my sister. "Can you meet me at the IHOP? Need to talk." I thought being in public would force me to keep my shit together.

"Joe is home so I can come out. Be there in 20."

In my shocked state, I calmly found my coat, took George out for a few minutes, then drove to the diner. I arrived a few minutes before Lizzie, so I ordered us tea and was looking through the menu when she slid into the booth.

When I had spied the pictures of food on the menu, my stomach had started growling and I suddenly felt ravenous. I ordered one of those breakfasts that you order when you can't choose, that comes with eggs, hashbrowns, pancakes, and every kind of breakfast meat. Lizzie ordered a piece of pie, and when the waitress stepped away, she leveled her gaze on me.

I felt her staring, and pretended to be busy with sugar packets.

"Woman, what gives?"

My mouth seemed to be stuck shut, so I put a few drops of milk in my tea and stirred it, gazing into its steamy depths. I was good at reaching out to people when I needed help. Not so good at opening up once I had grabbed their attention.

"Okay, so we're playing this game. Look at me, sis." I obeyed. "This involves David." I nodded. "Did he not call you?"

"I saw him today." I smiled, recalling the way he kissed me after he had closed the door. "He said everything was okay, and we kissed. Then there was a knock, and his ex just let herself into his house because the door was unlocked. His bitch of a mother had given her his new address so she could 'stop by and surprise him.'" I recanted that last bit with a snide tone. I continued my tale. "I told him I'd go because I didn't much feel like hanging around for that reunion. And with all that's happened, I thought it best if I acted like an adult and gave him some space."

"Sounds reasonable and un-Emma-like."

I stuck my tongue out at her.

"So what's the big issue, then?"

Deep breath, here we go. "I found out tonight that I'm..." I couldn't say it. I found myself looking for courage in my teacup again. I wished it was a tumbler of vodka.

"No," she gasped.

"Don't ask me how, we all know how these things happen," I snapped. "The point is: a, we've only known each other since the summer, and b, how do I know he doesn't want his ex back? All I can think is, what if she's got this all out of her system and she's come back to tell him she wants to have a family?" I paused, my mouth working. "What would that mean for my family?" I asked quietly, my voice cracking with emotion, the fiery energy of a moment before gone from my words.

The warm liquid before me held no answers. I felt Lizzie's hand cover my own, and looked up at my older sister.

"There is only one question right now. Do you want this baby?"

"Of course I want this baby," I whispered.

"Then everything is going to be fine. David will stay with you, or he won't. But he's a good man, and either way, he will raise this child with you. So as much as it hurts to think of being without him, the important thing is that you've made something so special, and you'll always have that. This baby will be more important than any other thing in your life, and when you become a mother, you realize that nothing else matters. Everything will be fine as long as you have your baby."




Puppy Love Ch. 05



I pulled my hand away from hers to wipe a few tears from my face as the waitress arrived with our orders.

"Thank you, Liz," I smiled. As the smell of the breakfast platter wafted past my nose, I felt a hint of nausea in the pit of my stomach. "I think I'm going to need a container for this," I grimaced.

***

I was lying in bed, listening to the dog snoring softly at my feet, when my phone chirped. I sat straight up when I saw it was David.

"You still up? Just got home from my parents' house. Mom had me and Maggie over for dinner."

My stomach lurched. That scheming old hag!

"I'm up."

Agonizing seconds ticked by as I waited for him to volunteer more information.

"Thought you might be thinking the worst. M took 2 wks off to visit family. Went to see my mother because they were close. Mom's idea to see me."

"Well that was really nice of her."

"I know, right? I'm sorry. Anyway she's on her way to see her parents as we speak. Seeing her didn't change a thing for me. She just surprised me."

I smiled, feeling relief wash over me in a cleansing flood. Yet again, I rushed out of the house in my ratty pajamas. This time, I remembered my jacket, and I brought the dog. I drove over to David's house, every muscle trembling with anticipation as I forced myself to adhere to the speed limits on all the backstreets. Twenty-five mph is a snail's pace when you want to share exciting news. I felt like I sat at twelve hundred stop signs and traffic lights.

Finally, I stood at David's door, George shivering at my feet. David had texted me ten minutes ago while I was driving, asking where I'd disappeared to. My cold fingers worked over the keypad. "Let me in."

A few minutes later, he pulled open the door, and I threw myself at him, wrapping my arms around his naked torso. George ran past, disappearing in search of his pal.

"Jesus, you're cold!" he exclaimed, stepping back to catch his balance. I pushed the door with my foot, then stepped backwards to close it by pressing my back into it.

"Gets so cold at night now, I came over so you could keep me warm," I told him in between kisses. "I hope that no one interrupts us this time."

He reached down and turned both locks. "Not a chance." He smiled, and took a step back. "What on earth have you got on?"

I pouted. "You don't like it?" I shrugged my arms out of my unzipped jacket, and pulled my shirt over my head while I pushed my sneakers off, toe to heel. He watched as I pulled off my sweatpants. Finally, I shed my sports bra and panties. I crossed my arms over my breasts, staring pointedly at his pajama bottoms. "This is hardly fair."

I giggled as he grabbed me and held me close, pressing his lips to mine. I felt his erection through the cotton.

"Dr. Harper," I purred, rubbing myself against him. I reached down to the elastic of his waistband, and he pulled away from me, taking my hand. He led me to the bedroom.

We made love. We held each other close, our bodies connected in a gentle rhythm. He made me feel so special, so treasured. As we lay there on our sides, facing each other, my senses were full of him: the sound of his breathing; the smell of his soap and his sweat; the taste of his skin and his mouth; the muscles of his back and shoulders beneath my hands as I clutched at his damp skin; the feeling of him filling me completely, physically and emotionally; his gaze burning into mine until my eyes fluttered closed and my neck arched, exposing my throat to his hot mouth as I gasped his name while he brought me over the brink.

Minutes later, he pressed his face into my neck, groaning a string of incomprehensible words, thrusting into me and pushing me onto my back. Most of his weight was on me for a few moments until he stopped twitching inside of me, and I didn't mind the feeling. He shifted, leaning to one side so I could breathe easier but our bodies were still touching.

Smiling, he said, "I feel like that was long overdue."

I played with the curls of hair that were stuck to his forehead, pushing them back. "It was only one week that you were mad at me."

He wrinkled his brow. "I wasn't mad for a week. I was mad for like... a day."

"Okay," I laughed. Then I remembered what I had to tell him. I had felt genuine excitement about sharing my news with him after I spoke with my sister. She always knew just what to say to make you feel better about a tough situation. 

Suddenly, part of me was worried about his reaction. Even though it felt like we had known each other forever, we had only been dating for a few months. We both wanted children, but it was too soon to know if we wanted to have them with each other. I was terrified that he might think I had done this on purpose. His mother certainly would.

My face betrayed me. He asked me what was wrong, concern crossing his handsome features. I thought that I may as well just get it off my chest.

"Well, I have something that I need to tell you. I'm kind of a nimrod sometimes, and I messed something up."

"Again?" he teased.

"I love you," I smiled, letting my nerves get the better of me. How was I supposed to just say this?

"I love you too, Em. What did you mess up?"

"My umm..." My voice faded to a whisper. "My pills."

His expression didn't change for a few heart-stopping seconds, and he stared at me with his mouth hanging slightly open. Then a grin spread across his face and I knew everything was going to be alright.

"You're pregnant?" When I nodded, he slid his arms under me and rolled onto his back, taking me with him. He squeezed me so tightly it was harder to breathe than when he'd been lying on top of me.

"I guess you aren't mad," I breathed when he relaxed his hold.

"Why would I be mad? This is amazing! You're amazing! Aren't you excited?" He gently shook me back and forth with each syllable of his last question, making it clear that he was pretty damned excited himself. 

He allowed me to sit up, and he turned to face me, his fingers trailing over my tummy. "We're a family now."

Smiling back at him, I placed my hand over his and leaned towards his face. "I am so thankful," I began as our lips moved closer, "that your dog was itchy."

He laughed quietly as I closed my mouth over his in a quick kiss. "God bless parasites."



Puppy Love Ch. 06



Never say never, but I think that this is the final chapter, and I hope that you like it!

honey28

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tissue paper crinkled under my bare ass as I sat down on the end of the exam table with a paper drape over my lap. David's back was to me as he studied one of the fetal development posters on the wall.

Grinning, he turned to me, pointing at a teeny curled up fetus on the corner of the chart. "That's what ours looks like!" he laughed.

We had already spoken with the doctor in his office, and he went through some do's and don'ts with us and answered questions since it was our first time expecting. He said that since I had been on the pill they couldn't judge my due date by my last period, so they were going to do a vaginal ultrasound to see how far along I was. The nurse had brought us to an exam room and we were waiting - anxiously - for the doctor to come in.

My legs were swinging idly, and I kept shifting my weight, wondering when my doctor would reappear. David came over to me and leaned against the table, a hand on either side of my thighs.

"Would you stop fidgeting?" he teased, his nose a couple of inches from mine.

"I want to hear the heartbeat. I've been waiting a week for this damn appointment, and I can't stand to wait another 5 minutes!" 

David kissed me on my lips, then looked down towards my breasts meaningfully. "You know, it's killing me that these things are getting bigger and I can't even play with them." My breasts, especially my nipples, had been very sensitive recently, and not in a good way.

I laughed. "I know. Me, too! I love when you play with my tits, " I said in a stage whisper, planting another kiss on his warm mouth. "Hopefully they'll feel more normal soon."

I heard a crinkle and felt David's hand on my thigh.

"Knock it off! The doctor will be walking in at any minute!"

He nuzzled my neck and I felt the back of his hand caress my pubic hair. "I'm a doctor. I'm getting a head start on your exam."

"I don't have eyes down there, Dave."

"Oh, gross!" he laughed, removing his hand from my lap just as the doctor knocked and entered the room.

Five minutes later, I was laying on my back with a probe up my crotch while the doctor tried to find our baby. David gripped my hand tightly as a flicker appeared on the screen.

"There's your baby," the doctor smiled. He pushed a couple of buttons and we were in awe as we heard a rapid heartbeat. The feeling was indescribable.

I glanced at David's face, his eyes transfixed on the screen. Seeming to feel my gaze, he looked at me. As I watched him hurriedly wipe the moisture from his eyes, I felt a rush of love for him. It had been so exciting to know there was a baby growing inside of me, once I was certain that David was excited, too. But seeing that tiny flicker of life, and hearing his or her little heart, made it so much more real.

As we left in my car, David asked when I wanted to tell our parents, now that we had seen the doctor. He knew that I had told my sister, but I had sworn her to secrecy. I wasn't all that concerned about how my parents would react, because they were always supportive, and would certainly be welcoming of a new addition to our family.

It was his parents that I was worried about. Actually, just his mother. I could imagine well the hateful things that might spew out of her mouth as she reacted to the news.

I mulled over a tactful way to answer his question, and became concerned about the fact that we were going to see his parents next week on Thanksgiving. Normally, I spend the holiday with my parents, siblings, and a good portion of our extended family at my aunt's house. I was reluctant to trade their company for that of his mother, but then David told me that, for the first time in quite a few years, his brother was going to come to Thanksgiving dinner. His mother had told him that James was sober and seemed to finally be getting his life in order. 

When David had told me this news, I could see the hope clearly on his face. I knew how much he wanted a better relationship with his brother, and I felt hopeful as well, wishing that they could make amends.

The mean person inside of me thought, if this man is finally sober, why would he want to put himself through a visit with his mother? She could drive anyone to substance abuse. I've mused that Henry must be on something in order to tolerate her every day.

"I don't know, hon. I'm feeling paranoid about letting people know too soon." When we started to have this conversation earlier in the week, I told him about a friend from work who had told everyone about her pregnancy when she was only about 6 weeks along, like me. Sadly, she lost the baby. I could only imagine how terrible the loss of a child would be, and how awful to have to tell others the tragic news.

"I know, but I'm not talking about telling a bunch of people. Just our immediate family. It's making me feel all crazy inside having to keep this secret. You told your sister, it's not fair that you have someone to talk to."

I squeezed his hand. "You aren't... worried? About their reaction?"

He was quiet for a moment. "Are you afraid of what my mom will say?"

Pausing at a stop sign, I shot him a meaningful glance.

"I'm not going to lie, I'm nervous, too. I know that she will be happy about the news... I just don't know if she'll be happy about it when she first finds out."

I pulled my car into his driveway. "I think I want to wait until she at least starts acting like she likes me. If that's even possible."

He squeezed my hand, and I turned to look at him. "I'm sorry that I have to keep apologizing for her. It isn't fair that she's acted this way, but it is what it is. Does it make you feel better to know that I like you?" he asked, his serious tone of voice making me laugh.

"Knowing that didn't help me feel any love for her when she was trying so obviously to hook you back up with your ex."

"Eventually, she'll come around. It will all work out. We don't have to tell them on Thanksgiving if it will make you more uncomfortable that day. No worries, okay? I'm afraid that having my brother there will probably cause enough tension."

"How are you feeling about seeing him?" It was my turn to squeeze his hand reassuringly.

"Excited. Apprehensive. I think it will help having you there."

"By giving your mom someone else to judge?" I bit my lip, regretting what I had just blurted, worried my joke might have gone a little too far.

"Well now that you mention it..." he teased. "I just meant, having you there for some moral support."

"Don't sweat it." I reached over to brush hair off of his forehead and caressed the side of his face. "Everything will be fine. You're both older and wiser. The fact that he's coming to dinner says a lot. It's time for a fresh start."

***

I pulled on my black hose and stood up to remove my dress from the hanger. I caught sight of myself in the mirror, and my hands involuntarily moved to my stomach as I wondered when I would start to show. I hadn't yet gained pregnancy weight, and I figured that already having a few extra pounds would probably mean I would hide my baby belly a little longer. 

My breasts swelled slightly at the top of the cups of my bra, so I knew that David was right about them starting to grow already. Of course, he would notice that. I idly stroked my tummy for a few moments, musing that I would probably not feel truly convinced there was someone growing in there until I could feel those first kicks.

I finished getting dressed, and went into the bathroom to fix my hair and apply a little make-up. I had on a deep red knee-length sweater dress with a cowl neck. I took George out to the car with me and we went to David's house.

Soon, we were in his car on our way to Thanksgiving dinner. I felt no less anxious than I had the first time I met his parents. I was trying to convince myself not to be bothered by what his mother might say, but when I started feeling a little better, I then became apprehensive for David, wondering if things would be terribly awkward with his brother.

As we pulled up to the house, there was a man sitting on the front steps, smoking a cigarette. I assumed this was James. I watched him while David parked. He put the cigarette out in an ashtray that was on the steps near him, and he stood up, his eyes fixed on the Charger. David took my hand and we approached his brother. 

I smiled at him, and his warm smile was familiar. His face was narrower, but bore a strong resemblance to David's, especially when he was smiling. His hair was a little darker, and he was about my height, with a slimmer build than his brother.

He greeted me first, holding out his hand. "Emma, right?" I nodded. "James," he introduced himself, then his attention turned to David. "I get the impression that Mom doesn't like her much, so I like her already," he joked. We laughed, and David seemed to relax. James became more serious. "Good to see you, brother."

"You, too. I'm glad you could make it this year. When did you get in?"

"Couple hours ago."

"Is she driving you crazy yet?"

"Well, she's already got a bottle of wine in her, so she's more tolerable. I'm still here," he held out his arms triumphantly, "and I haven't had to call my sponsor, so that's saying something." I guessed he was in NA. We followed him inside.

David and I went to the kitchen to say hello to his parents, and a few minutes later the door bell rang. His aunt and uncle had arrived with his grandmother, and I was glad that there was some extended family invited, hoping it would keep the drama to a minimum. His mother seemed like the kind of person who would want to keep up appearances.

After David introduced me to the family, we went into the living room where his brother had gone. The conversation went smoothly. David asked where James was living and working, James asked us how we had met, things along those lines. Dinner was comfortable as well, and I am sure it had to do with the fact that Henry's mother was there. May was very well behaved.

It all seemed very nice and normal until I was helping David and James clean up after dessert. Their aunt, uncle, and grandmother had said goodbye and David's parents had followed them to the door to bid them farewell. Not long after, the door bell rang again, and David shrugged when I looked at him with my eyebrows arched. He looked at James questioningly.

"Don't ask me."

I froze when I heard his mother exclaim, "Maggie! I'm so glad you could come by before you leave!"

"Are you fucking kidding me?" I hissed. James and David both looked at me.

"Maggie? Your Maggie?" James asked.

David dried his hands and angrily threw the dish towel onto the counter. "Not anymore," he growled. "I can't believe she's doing this again," he muttered.

I wasn't sure if the "she" he was referring to was his mother or his ex-wife. 

"Again?" James prompted. While David told him what had happened a couple of weeks ago, I heard May's voice in the hallway. 

"Why don't you come have a cup of coffee. There's pie if you'd like."

The voices drew nearer. "Oh, no thank you. I need to get going in a few minutes. I chose a flight tonight, figuring most of the holiday travellers would be leaving tomorrow and over the weekend." I watched through the doorway as May appeared in the dining room.

"How are your parents doing? They must be sad to see you go."

"They're doing well, they asked me to tell you Happy Thanksgiving. It was hard to say goodbye, but we talk on the phone a lot. Since I left, I talk to them more than I did while I lived here." Her eyes locked on David as we entered the dining room. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

What. The. Fuck. 

I linked my arm in David's after following him in, feeling possessive. James stepped in behind me.

"James! Wow, it's been years! You look great!" Maggie went around the table to give him an enthusiastic hug, which I thought may be an effort to make David jealous. "I hate to leave so soon, but I've got a flight to catch. David, do you think I could talk to you for a minute?"

"I don't think there's anything we need to talk about that can't be said right here."

"David! Don't be rude!" May exclaimed. Maggie stared at him, her mouth open as though she couldn't figure out what to say.

I felt David tense. I had only seen him angry once before, and I had an idea of what was coming.

"Rude? I'm being rude? I know what you're trying to do, and it isn't going to work." He turned to Maggie. "Who are you to intrude on our family dinner and ask to speak with me alone when I'm here with my girlfriend? You aren't part of this family anymore, and we said all that we needed to say a long time ago. And you?" He glared at his mother. "You've been rude to Emma from day one, but this is just mean," he snarled.

Henry diplomatically tried to keep things from escalating, but his words fell on deaf ears. May's hands were curled into indignant fists at her sides. "You have a history, David. You were with her for 7 years, and you can't give her 2 minutes of your time?"

My hand slipped out of the crook of David's arm as he stepped closer to the table, leaning forward, bracing himself with his hands resting on the back of a chair. His knuckles were white as he gripped the wood. "There is nothing that we need to tell each other that can't be said in front of anyone else. You don't know anything about the problems that Maggie and I had. And you don't know Emma at all, because you refuse to give her a chance. I know that you love Maggie, but you need to accept that sometimes things don't work out. And it's not your business."

"Why won't you just hear what she has to say? After all you went through together. You're going to ignore all that for... for..." she gestured towards me, and it seemed like she was going to call me something, then thought better of it.

"For what?" he snapped. "For Emma? Yes, I choose to hurt Maggie's feelings to avoid hurting Emma. I love her. She's going to be the mother of my child. Something Maggie wouldn't even consider."

The silence was deafening.

"I'm going to go," Maggie said quietly before making her way back around the table. May started to protest, but Maggie put a hand on her wrist as she walked past. "He's right, there's nothing to talk about."

His mother disagreed. "Pregnant? You got her pregnant?" she spat shrilly, acting like I wasn't even there. I heard the door close as Maggie went outside.

"I didn't want to tell you like this -" David began.

"What were you going to do?" she yelled over him. "Tell us at Christmas so you could ruin that holiday, too?" Maybe it was the hormones, but her words cut through my anger like a knife. I felt like I might burst into tears, and I hurriedly left the room to the sounds of Henry trying in vain to stop the fighting.

I went out into the chill evening air, but before I could close the door, James joined me.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I choked, gasping back a sob. I felt him put an arm around my shoulder.

"It's nice to not be the source of the drama, for once."

I laughed. We could hear the muted sounds of the argument. Henry was not doing well in there.

"I think they're gonna be a while. Why don't I get our coats and we'll go for a little walk? I need a fucking cigarette." I nodded and he returned a minute later with our coats.

"Congratulations," he said, lighting a cigarette before we headed down the driveway. He paused. "Will this bother you?" he pointed at the cigarette.

I shook my head, not bothered by the smoke since we were outside. 

"Sorry about my mom." He took a drag. "She probably thinks you got pregnant on purpose."

"I know," I sighed. 

"Fuck her."

I laughed. It was strange how comfortable I felt with him. His honesty and blunt sense of humor reminded me of my sister. 

"I don't know what I expected, but you're not how I thought you would be."

"Thanks, I think. Were you expecting a crude, strung-out junkie?"

"No, that's not what I meant, I -"

He chuckled. "Relax, I'm kidding. It took me a long time to stop blaming other people for my problems and get my shit together."

"I'm glad that you did. I know that David really wants you in his life. He was really excited about seeing you tonight."

"I was glad to see him, too." He put the cigarette to his lips again, inhaling, then dropped it and snuffed it under his shoe. "Did you see the way his ex mashed her boobs into me, trying to get a rise out of Dave?"

I laughed, glad I wasn't the only one who got that impression. "Maybe she was trying to get a rise out of you," I teased.

"I never liked her, for all the reasons that my mom loved her. Plus, I'm gay."

"Oh," I said, my surprise evident.

"Yeah, it took me a long time to come to terms with that, too."

"David never mentioned it."

"That's because I haven't told them yet. I was going to talk to them tonight, but then Dave went and dropped that bomb," he laughed. "I've been seeing someone for a while now, but I didn't want to bring him over until I talked to them about it first. It's not that I'm afraid they won't accept it, just - well, you've seen how my mom can be. I wanted her to get used to the idea before I introduced her to my boyfriend."

"You two will have to come out with us one night, so we can all get acquainted. It would be nice to see you on more than just holidays."

"That would be cool." We were almost back to the house, and David's car was running. 

"I think it's time for me to go. Would you tell your parents I said good night?"

"Sure. It was nice to meet you, Emma."

"Don't be a stranger."

"I won't," he said, following me to the car. As I got in, David stepped out to say goodbye to his brother. They spoke for a couple of minutes, and it looked like they exchanged cell numbers. I smiled when they embraced in a quick hug. At least one good thing came out of tonight.

I watched James in the side view mirror as we pulled away. I saw a flash as he lit a cigarette, then he waved.

"I like your brother."

"I wish we could have had more time to enjoy the evening."

"Well, I told him we should go out one night. Hopefully he calls you. I think he will."

"I'm really sorry things got so out of control. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"I hate that I let myself get like that. She just kept pushing and pushing -"

"It's okay, try not to think about it," I said, rubbing his thigh. "Don't let her ruin the rest of the night." I let my hand wander up his thigh and sneak between his legs, caressing him through his pants.

"What is this?" he chuckled.

"It's been a few days." I studied the smile that spread across his face, thinking that I could stare at him for hours without becoming bored. He stopped at a light, and I pulled on my seatbelt to give myself the freedom to lean in close and kiss slowly up his jaw, my lips grazing the skin just in front of his ear, before whispering to let him know how much I wanted him. My hand swept across his lap again, pleased to feel him becoming aroused.

We both jumped as another driver tapped their horn. The light had changed and David hadn't noticed.

"Sorry I distracted you."

"You're good at it. We're almost home, behave for 2 minutes."

I realized that he said "home" instead of "my place," and that made me feel very happy, even if he hadn' t meant anything by it. I turned a little in my seat so that I could reach inside of his unbuttoned coat to run my hand across his chest and stomach. As my fingers danced over his crotch, he scolded me again, saying that I was going to get us into an accident. I resigned myself to wait until we got to his house.

While he let the dogs out back, I went into the dining room to pour us some wine, to help him relax. I lifted the glasses, then had a thought, and put them back on the table. I pulled my dress off over my head, careful not to mess up my hair or get caught on my earrings. I leaned forward, adjusting my boobs in my bra, and pulled my stockings up since they had started to slip a little on my thighs. I thought it would have been hot had I been wearing a garter belt, but my black bra, matching thong, black thigh-highs and red suede mary jane pumps would have to do.




Puppy Love Ch. 06



I lifted the glasses as David called my name. "I'm coming," I called, conscious of the way I moved my hips as I walked into the kitchen, my voice drawing his eye to me. The corner of his mouth turned up in a sly smile and he met me halfway across the room. His hands moved around my waist, one on the small of my back and the other on my ass, pulling me into him so that I had to raise my arms to keep the wine from spilling onto his chest.

"I thought a drink might help you relax."

He kissed my forehead. "I was feeling ready to collapse into bed. A screaming match can really tire you out." His voice was sounding a little raspy from all the yelling. His lips swept across the side of my face and down my neck, making me shiver. "But then you walk out in this..." His fingers brushed over the cups of my bra, then traced tingly lines down my soft stomach to my panties. "You're gorgeous."

I handed over his wine glass. "If you're tired, I can do all the work," I offered, sipping from my own. "I'm not going to say I enjoyed seeing you so angry, but I love that you stood up for me, David." I caressed his face, looking into his clear blue eyes. "Thank you for putting me first."

In my past romantic relationships, I was often left feeling like I cared more for the other person than they cared for me. This was a refreshing change. And a huge turn-on.

We kissed. "I love you," he said. His eyes swept down my body. "But right now, your lingerie and those heels aren't saying 'love me.' They're saying 'fuck me.'" A throaty laugh passed my lips as I watched him swallow the rest of his wine while he stepped forward, urging me back towards the island. He took my glass and set them both down, then turned me around, kissing the back of my neck while his hands roamed across my breasts and stomach, then his right hand dipped into the front of my panties.

I lay my head back against his shoulder, my breathing rapid as his skilled fingers found my clit. I whimpered when he pulled his hand away. I lifted myself away from him when I felt him reach for his belt and heard him unzip his pants. While I waited, my own hand moved to my impatient pussy, picking up where he left off. His right hand at my hip pulled me back, pressing me into his erection, and his left pressed on my shoulder, urging me to lean forward over the counter. 

My heels put me at just the right height for him to enter me in this position. I felt his fingers push my thong out of the way and moaned as he slowly filled me. Soon, he was pounding into me, and I was crying out with every thrust as he pressed against my g-spot. I had to steady myself with both hands on the granite.

When I felt him reach for my clit again, I knew I was close. I felt the pressure building, and urged him on. I screamed a string of profanities as an intense orgasm made me shudder from head to toe. His fingers left my sensitized nub and both hands clutched at my hips. His fingers dug into my soft flesh but I didn't care as a smaller orgasm overtook me a couple of minutes later. As my muscles contracted around him, I felt him swell and fill me. Exhausted, I leaned forward to lay on the counter top. The cool granite felt wonderful on the side of my face as I lay there, enjoying the feeling of David's softening cock twitching inside of me. I listened to him panting while I tried to catch my breath.

I felt disappointed when he pulled away from me. I heard him kick off his shoes and pushed myself up as he stepped out of his pants, pulling his boxers back on. Laughing, I adjusted my thong, then leaned over to remove my pumps. I rolled off my stockings while he let the dogs in.

We left our clothes and shoes in the kitchen and went to his room, both groaning with pleasure as we crawled under the covers and stretched out on the bed.

"Does this mean we're old?" I asked. "I'm so beat, and you did all the fucking work!" I giggled. "Fucking work. Literally."

"The wine is making you stupid." He threw an arm and leg over me, and kissed my cheek. "I want you to stay."

"That was the plan." I closed my eyes.

"I don't mean tonight."

"Oh, for the weekend? I have to go home and get some clothes tomorrow," I murmured, feeling myself start to drift.

"I want you to move in with me, Emma."

My eyes popped open and I turned my head so we were face to face. "Isn't it kind of soon?"

He stared at me for a moment. "You're growing our baby as we speak. That's kind of soon, but you can't plan everything. You're here all the time anyway. Why wait?"

I smiled. "Okay."

***

On Saturday morning, we were on the couch with the dogs watching a movie when the doorbell rang. We exchanged a startled look, both thinking the same thing.

"I'm getting really tired of uninvited guests," I muttered, getting up to answer the door. A young man was standing there with a vase of orchids and lavender roses. I accepted the delivery and carried the vase into the living room, setting it on the coffee table.

"Is there a card?" David asked, sitting up.

I plucked a card from among the flowers and opened it, reading aloud. "Dear David and Emma, I am not good with apologies but one is in order. I have not been fair, and I am sorry. Life is full of surprises, and a child is always a blessing. Emma, I look forward to getting to know you better. Welcome to the family. Love, May." I grinned at David. "It's a beautiful arrangement, isn't it?"

He smiled and I took my seat on the couch next to him. What a difference six months could bring. If you had told me last spring that I would be in this position, I never would have believed it. This was a new beginning for me, for us. The beginning of a life that was growing inside of me. 

As though reading my mind, David's hand came to rest on my tummy, and he kissed the top of my head. I felt ready for the next chapter to begin.

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