Since being back from our weekend getaway, things with Abel have been better than I knew possible. That’s not even the right word to describe how well the relationship is going. I guess I could say miraculous, marvelous, I don’t know. Now I’m getting all corny and ahead of myself, but damn it feels good to be in an open and trusting relationship.

After work we are all going to meet at a local bar and have a few drinks for Jamie’s birthday. Abel’s bringing a few guys from the station and Jamie is demanding that we all dress-up as she’s made it a costume party. Regardless of what I’m wearing, it will be good to have a few drinks and unwind.

“What are you wearing tonight?” Jamie asks as we finish up our paperwork before debriefing the night crew.

“Uhh, I thought you brought me something. I just have a pair of jeans and some heels that I’ll change into with my cami and leather coat.”

“You’re so lucky I thought about you. It’s nothing big, but I brought the accessories for either an angel or a cat.”

Well, if she has a cat costume then I will definitely be wearing that. “I’ll take the cat one.”

“Cool. We can change here before we go. I can drive us if you want?”

“Yeah, that would be good.” I figure I’ll be going home with Abel, so I don’t need my car; he and I can pick it up tomorrow. After we debrief the night crew, I think about how exciting it will be to be dressed up as his kitten.

Knowing Abel, he will get a hard on from just looking at me. Jamie and I head into the restroom and I slip out of my scrubs and into my black skinny jeans. I’m wearing black heels and a black cami to match. When Jamie comes flying out of the stall in her full on angel gear, I can’t help but laugh. Especially because I’m struggling with the cat tail, so decide to clip it to my belt loop. The costume is black as well and I love the look; the ears look cute as I adjust them on top of my head of blonde hair. One last touch of eyeliner and lip gloss and I am on my way.

“Is Abel bringing any of his cute firefighter friends tonight?”

“Yeah, a few. I think he’s bringing the single ones.”

“Lord, please let one of them put out the fire between my legs.”

“Girl, you’re crazy.”

“There is nothing crazy about a good lay; especially when it’s a one-night stand with a hot firefighter.”

Getting in her car and pulling away, I think how little I miss those days; a fulfilling relationship is so much better. I couldn’t image being on the prowl tonight. The bar is close to the hospital and doesn’t seem too busy yet. We park and head inside. I check my phone and there’s a text from Abel.

I can’t wait to see you tonight. I plan to get you so drunk that you go home with me. Lol

As long as you don’t mind taking home a stray cat, I’m game. Although Puss might be pissed.

WTF???

Jamie made me dress up as a cat.

Oh fuck yes. I can’t wait to see this. I hope you plan on wearing those ears while you’re naked.

Maybe I’ll have you wear them while you’re naked…

Not a chance. See you soon, babe.

“Do you want to snag a pool table?” Jamie asks.

“Yeah, that’s cool,” I say as we walk into the bar. We grab a table and I take my coat off, wishing I had more than my cami on tonight. I rack the balls and Jamie hands me a pool cue.

“I’m so glad that we came out tonight.”

“It’s your birthday, girl. I wouldn’t miss it. It’s going to be fun for all of us to hang out together. I can’t wait for you to really get to know Abel.”

“I know, I’m excited too,” she says, taking a shot at the balls. “How did last weekend go?”

I know what she is insinuating and I’m not really in the mood to answer. I planned on telling Abel that I was in love with him last weekend. I’ve tried a few times since our trip, and every time, I either chicken out or it doesn’t feel right. I don’t know why this is so hard for me, when it should be easy. I love him, plain and simple, so why can’t I say the words? Maybe it’s the fear of rejection or that he won’t feel the same. There’s always that chance he could respond with the dreaded “Thank you.” Although in the back of my mind that seems unlikely and not like Abel at all, I’m still scared. Besides, every time in the past when I’ve opened up to a guy, he has left me. And I don’t want that to happen with him. He has become everything to me.

“Earth to Cara?” Jamie yells.

“Sorry. What were you saying?”

“I asked you how last weekend went.”

Before I can answer the question, Abel’s familiar scent intoxicates me and his warm arms shroud me from behind. “Hey, kitten,” he says, kissing behind my ear and moving one of his hands under the thin fabric of my top to rest on my hip.

Turning into his hold, I’m ecstatic that he’s here. Damn, he looks delicious in his fire gear. “You dressed up,” I say surprised.

“I heard there was a kitten that needed rescuing, so I had to wear the proper gear to be sure I was prepared for any and all situations, ma’am.”

“Now aren’t you just a charmer?”

“Only for you, baby.”

“Thank you,” I say and kiss him.

I pull away and take a moment to make sure everyone has been properly introduced. Jamie is smitten by one of the guys that Abel brought. He’s new to the station and a rookie, but Abel says he’s a hard worker. He’s definitely into Jamie and I can’t help but laugh when she takes his cowboy hat off and places it on top of her head.

“Do you want a beer, babe?” Abel asks.

“Sure. Do you want to play a game of pool for who gets to wear the ears later?”

“I told you, I’m not wearing those damn ears. Maybe I’ll play you for a game of who wears the bow tie, but that’s it.”

“Fine, go grab me a beer while I rack the balls.”

“Damn, I love it when you use the word rack and balls in the same sentence.”

I slap his arm and he laughs walking towards the bar. I check my phone noticing a new message from Bridgette. Before I can text her back, I’m being pulled backwards by my tail.

Dropping my phone on the table, I reach behind me and then turn around. It’s not Abel. Standing before me is Jon, a sleazebag I met over the summer. He blew me off before we ever went on a date. He’s clearly drunk, and I take a step back, but he doesn’t give me space, stepping towards me.

“Get the fuck away from me, Jon.”

“Damn, I’ve missed your mouth,” he slurs. I can’t believe I was ever interested in someone like him. “I’m so glad you’re here. I lost your number and have been dying to talk to you,” he says.

This time, more annoyed than ever, I push him backwards and he stumbles a few feet. “I told you to get the fuck away from me.” I look towards the bar and Abel is nowhere in sight. I go to walk in that direction, away from Jon, and he grabs me by my hips.

Although he’s drunk, he’s strong as hell. Trying to fight free, I’m stuck. Then a fist comes flying across Jon’s mouth and he’s gone, replaced by Abel’s bright red face. He moves hovering over Jon and starts hitting him again and again. All I can think about is Abel’s safety and his reputation. Plus, at this point Jon is defenseless. Two guys pull Abel off of him and push him back towards me. He goes to lunge at them and I grab him around the waist. The moment I touch him he stops.

“Baby, he’s out. Come on, let’s go!”

There is a ring of panic to my voice. I’m terrified of what could happen if Abel were to get caught. Glancing at the two guys who pulled him off of Jon, I’m not sure who they are, but they both have a look in their eyes that says “Get the fuck out of here.” My stomach knots up and I know we need to leave. Not only could he get in trouble with the law, but his career could be in jeopardy.

I turn him towards me and grab his face. “Baby, we need to GO!”

As the crowd around Jon builds, he starts to move and moan. I grab my coat and purse, along with Abel’s hand and we go. On the way out, we run into Jamie. “Hey, where are you going?” she asks.

“Some asshole came onto me and things got physical with him and Abel, so we’re leaving. I’m sorry, honey.”

“Don’t be sorry! Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

“You guys go. And don’t worry, I know nothing.”

The drive to his place is quiet. Neither of us talks, we just focus on the road ahead of us. Once we are safely in his building and riding the elevator up, I lean against the wall taking in a deep breath.

“I’m sorry, Cara.”

“For what? Saving me from a drunken asshole? You shouldn’t be.”

“I should’ve reacted differently. I should never lose my temper like that. But since I’ve been with you, it drives me insane the way guys stare at you. I’ve been dealing with it for months and tonight I finally snapped. Seeing his hands on you pushed me over the edge.”

Once we are in the safety of his loft, I couldn’t be happier. However, I know I need to tell him that Jon isn’t just some stranger. Even though, I don’t want to bring this up to him, I have to. Trust is one of the most important parts of our relationship. I know better than anyone else how it feels to be lied to. I won’t do that to Abel or put us in that situation, no matter how hard or awkward it makes things.

“Babe, stop beating yourself up. You absolutely should not have reacted differently. You should know that I met Jon over the summer. Nothing happened between us, but that’s why he approached me tonight. He was drunk and said he lost my number. Obviously he didn’t hear me when I told him to get the fuck away from me. But that’s why I have you, isn’t it? You have no idea how good it feels to be in this relationship where I know that you’re here to stand up for me and with me no matter what.”

I want to tell him that I love him, but I decide against it. I don’t want to correlate those words with a conversation around Jon. Once I finally gather up enough nerve to speak them, I want the time to be right. In the pit of my stomach I know tonight is not the night.

Snaking his hands underneath my leather jacket, he pushes it off of my shoulders. With nothing but hunger scorching in his eyes, he lifts my shirt as well. I’m standing before him in just my jeans and my shoes. He goes straight for my breasts with his mouth, while unbuttoning my jeans.

Now that he can see my sex he clutches a handful of each ass cheek squeezing hard. He then removes his pants and tears his shirt over his head. Without speaking any words, I know what he wants and I’m ready to give it to him. I’ve waited long enough. Swiftly and effortlessly, he lifts me in his arms, still never taking his eyes off of mine.

Entering the bedroom he slowly lowers me to the bed. I lift my behind and remove my jeans. After they are off, I decide to bend over to show him what I want. Kneeling before him, expressing my wants, a low growl escapes him. He takes his soft hand and caresses my backside, slowly paying attention to the place no one has ever been. Taking his thumb, Abel licks it and gently accesses me. I moan in response to pleasure he’s causing my body. I love the feeling and am eager for what this undertaking will hold.

He walks away from me and opens his nightstand drawer pulling out the bottle of lube I bought him for his birthday. Walking back over, he keeps his eyes on me and coats his cock with a thick layer, while I kneel in anticipation. Then he gently rubs his slicked fingers around my tight hole making sure I’m nice and slick too. Before he does anything else, he hovers over me and whispers into the skin of my neck, “Are you sure you want to do this, baby?”

“Yes.”

His mouth touches my shoulder and I can feel the smile on his face. Turning towards him, he begins to kiss me. His cock is hot and throbbing against my ass.

I can’t wait for this.

Moving down my body with his lips he takes his time giving uniform attention to all of the right places. Then he presses himself against me, wanting in. I panic that he won’t fit, but he thrusts his hips gaining access. Stopping immediately, he asks, “Are you okay?” I nod my head and he takes his time with each inch as I adjust to the feeling. He fits, which was my main worry all along, and it doesn’t hurt. It feels euphoric, as chills move over my body and pleasure spreads through every one of my limbs and my fingers and toes tingle.

A small whine of pleasure seeps out of me and it cues him to move. Abel begins, keeping things slow and steady. I can tell that he is on cloud nine and appreciating every bit of this.

“Jesus, baby,” he moans.

Twisting his hand down to my pussy, he gives it extra attention. Then staying good on his promise, he slips two fingers inside of me, moving them to find my G-spot. The moment his fingers find my extra sensitive spot, I’m lost, a complete mess of passion. The combination of both places is too much for me to handle and I succumb to this place of ecstasy he has taken me, thrashing my head back and forth while screaming into the bed.

I wait for him to come as well, but he doesn’t. Gradually he stops and asks me, “Will you lie all the way down?”

I comply, while his body weight follows, pressing me into the bed. My back is to his chest, and he grabs my hands. Interlinking our fingers and pulling them far above my head, his feet are locked with mine. I’m at his mercy, stretched out, lying here for him and his pleasure. His movements are slow and loving. Every thrust he makes is with purpose and meaning -- the purpose his pleasure and the meaning our love. It doesn’t matter to me that we haven’t said the words. I love him and I can feel with every ounce of my soul that he loves me.