Kara
Reid and I are on the road, travelling to Halfpenny Green. It’s not too far a journey, according to his Sat-Nav. Music plays in the background, yet we drive in a comfortable silence. No words are needed, and it’s good to be in someone’s company without the incessant chatter.
I’m relaxed in Reid’s company, and it feels good. I haven’t felt like this in…well, I guess I’ve never felt this happy. The losers I’ve dated in the past definitely can’t compare, and Sawyer, whilst a lovely guy, didn’t make me feel this way. Reid elicits butterflies in my stomach, and he doesn’t even have to do anything. All it takes is one look. One smile. And when he kisses me, that’s a whole different story. Some romantic movies depict a ‘foot-popping kiss.’ But until recently, I didn’t think that ever happened in real life. Yet now I know it’s not a myth, it’s not something made for movies or romance novels. Now I’ve experienced this kind of kiss with Reid, I never want to go back to anything else. I’m still not sure how this will work between us—if it’s not his and Molly’s baby, it’s Zoey being my best friend and Reid’s ex-fiancé—but I’m damn well going to give it my all. Reid Marks owns my heart, he just doesn’t know it yet.
We pull up in the car park of a beautiful Queen Anne style house. I Googled it on the way here and found some lovely photos of the house, the grounds, and the bedrooms. I don’t know which room we’re booked into, but I’m sure it’ll be beautiful. It couldn’t be anything but, in a place like this.
Reid gets out of the car, motioning for me to stay where I am. He comes round and opens my door like a true gentleman. Holding out his hand, he looks down at me and gives me a grin. I take his hand and allow him to help me from the car. He grabs the bags from the boot of the car and won’t let me carry my own bag. If he were anyone else, I’d assume he was doing things to impress me. But this is just Reid’s way. His parents sure brought him up to become a remarkable man. His parents. Oh sweet lord, how are they going to take this? If this is really the start of us dating, then at some point he’ll want to tell his parents. What will they make of his ex-fiancé’s best friend being his new girlfriend? Girlfriend? The word brings me out in goose-bumps, and I pull my sleeves down in the hopes Reid won’t notice. All I’ve wanted for so long is to be Reid’s girlfriend and now that it seems within reach, I’m driving myself bat-shit crazy with these inane questions buzzing around my mind.
Taking a few deep breaths, I clear my mind of anything except being in the here and now. I just want to enjoy this experience with Reid, and as he said earlier, make happy memories.
***
We’re staying in the Ebony and Ivory room. As we enter the room, I see the double bed first; with beautiful feature wallpaper behind it and a gorgeous black flower design on the headboard and base of the bed. It takes my breath away. The bed is made up with a white duvet and a gorgeous black fleece throw blanket. I look up and see a stunning black chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Everything about this room is glorious. I toe my shoes off and feel the thick, plush carpet beneath my feet. It feels so good. Reid drops our bags at the foot of the bed as I make my way to the bathroom. The en suite is modern, with a large bathtub that has a shower over it. I love to take a nice long soak sometimes, and tonight might just call for a luxurious bath with a glass of wine and some candles. The room is mostly white tiles, interspersed with small beige tiles. There’s a large mirror with a row of lights across the top and bottom and it makes the whole room look larger. The light wooden flooring is perfectly fitting for a room like this and I can see that whoever designed it put a lot of thought into the details. There is a pile of towels on the side, and I run my fingers across the top of one, the plush feeling makes me think of cotton wool; light, soft, and delicate.
Walking back out into the bedroom, I notice a gorgeous dresser that I failed to see on the way in; I think I was far too focussed on the bed. The ornate ebony dresser has a chair that matches the beautiful flower pattern on the base of the bed. On top of the dresser is a television that I doubt will get used at any point tonight. Seeing a kettle and mugs as well as the things to make tea and coffee, I decide to fill the kettle and make us a drink. It might only be instant coffee—not as good as my Tassimo machine at home—but it’s still caffeine.
Reid catches hold of my arm as I pass by, pulling me against his chest. I love the way I’m a tad shorter than him, enough so that my head fits perfectly into the crook of his neck. I inhale the manly scent of his cologne, mixed with something I can’t identify, but I always associate with him.
“How do you like the room?” he asks, and I feel the words vibrate through his chest.
“It’s beautiful, Reid. I’m seriously thinking of redecorating my bedroom at home to look similar to this.”
“It’s beautiful in its simplicity. I guess you’d call it modern and minimalistic.”
“I was thinking of taking a soak in the tub. Have you seen the size of it?”
“I haven’t actually ventured into the en suite yet. Is there room for two in the tub?”
There’s a sensual undertone in his voice as he asks.
“Well, we can always have fun trying.”
Reid steps back from our embrace and immediately I miss him. The feel of him holding me in his arms is something I will never bore of.
He walks to the en suite and takes a look around.
“I’m glad Lee suggested this place,” he says as he walks back into the room and sits on the bed.
“Same here.”
“Come sit with me a while,” Reid says as he moves up the bed.
He kicks off his shoes and sits in the middle of the bed, his back against the headboard. I climb over to be beside him and I snuggle tightly into his chest as he wraps an arm around me.
***
I wake in Reid’s arms, and it takes a moment to fully realise where I am. We’re laid in the middle of the bed, and as I look up to Reid, I see his features relaxed in sleep. He looks so handsome. Reaching out, I trace a finger along his strong jawline. Running my hand down the centre of his chest, I lay my palm over his heart and feel its strong beat thudding against his chest. He doesn’t stir in his slumber as I trace my hand along the bottom edge of his shirt. I long to feel his flesh against mine again. My hand seems to have a mind of its own as it slips underneath the material and runs over his firm abs. The definition and hardness of his chest takes my breath away and I feel a warmth start to pool in my abdomen. My breathing hitches as my hand roams the planes of his body. His job in construction plus his workouts at the gym have really done a lot for his physique. His body has always been in good shape, but until now, it hasn’t been mine to explore.
A hand grips mine and holds it in place. I don’t know how long he’s been awake, but I glance up to see Reid looking at me through hooded eyes. A knock at the door startles us both and I quickly get up to answer it.
“Good afternoon, Miss. I have a bottle of wine here for you,” a young man in a Blakelands uniform says.
“Oh!”
I take the bottle and two glasses he proffers my way.
“It’s with compliments of a man by the name of Liam. He asked me to pass on a message too,” he says as he hands me a folded piece of paper.
“Thank you.”
“Have a good day, Miss,” he replies as he turns to walk away.
“Thank you,” I repeat, unsure what else I can say.
I close the door and turn to Reid.
“What does the message say?”
I look down at the piece of paper and open it to read the contents.
“I forgot to ask them to have a bottle ready for your arrival. I hope this makes up for my mistake. It’s a good vintage, or so I’m told. Have fun, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Well, let’s open it and find out,” he exclaims as he gets off the bed and walks my way.
Taking the bottle from my hand, Reid pulls the cork out that seems to have been loosened by the staff. I hold the glasses out and he pours us half a glass each.
Putting the rest of the bottle down on the table, Reid holds his glass out and clinks it against mine.
“To us,” he says.
“To us.”
I take a sip of the wine and am pleasantly surprised by the taste. I’m not normally a white wine kind of girl, but this is very nice. My mind returns to the place it was before we were interrupted, and I place my glass down on the table before grabbing a few things from my overnight bag. I slip into the en suite and close the door behind me.
Looking at myself in the mirror, I take a few deep breaths. I want tonight to be special. I want it to be all Reid could desire. With this in mind, I had packed a matching lingerie set I had purchased from La Senza. It’s a beautiful turquoise colour, trimmed in lace and rhinestone straps as opposed to plain ones. I change quickly, then give myself another once over in the mirror. Running my hand through my hair, I am satisfied with how I look. Quickly touching up my lipstick, I wonder why I bother when it will all be smudged off in a few moments’ time. I put the plug in the hole in the bathtub and turn on the water. Smiling to myself, I open the door and enter the bedroom to see Reid laid on the bed, his shirt has been discarded and he’s lying on his side, waiting for me.
His eyes drink in my attire and I see his lust for me in them. He offers me a rather salacious grin as I sashay towards the bed. Standing with my hands on my hips for a moment, I pretend to rethink my actions. Reid moves so fast I don’t know what he’s doing until his hands are on my hips and his lips meet mine in a spine-tingling kiss. The hairs on the nape of my neck stand on end, and I feel goose-bumps rise across my arms. His tongue licks at the seam of my lips before he nips my bottom lip between his teeth. I wrap my arms around his neck and allow him to pull me flush to his chest. His hands roam my curves and down to my ass. His touch sends desire to every nerve ending in my entire body. I deepen our kiss as he grabs my ass and pulls me onto the bed with him.
Straddling his lap, I rub my core over the bulge in his jeans. With the heat of his hands on me, I feel more confident in myself and I reach down to unbuckle his belt. The noise he makes as I do so has me needing to get him naked faster, but I want to draw this out a little longer.
I withdraw from him and stand from the bed. His eyes lock onto mine and the confusion in them is momentary as I hold my hand out to him, imploring him with my gaze to follow me. He stands from the bed and places his hand in mine. I reach for my glass of wine and take a sip before leading Reid into the bathroom.
The bath is three-quarters full when I turn off the tap. I test the temperature of the water then reach my hands out to unbutton Reid’s jeans. They fall to the floor and he kicks them to one side. Standing before me in just his boxer shorts, he looks every inch the delectable Adonis that he is. The ever-present V shape is prominent, and I reach out to draw my fingers across it. I want to kiss and lick my way over that particular part of his body, but there will be time for that later. Instead, I wrap my arms around his neck and draw him to me. Kissing along his jawline, I feel the day old stubble there. I am consumed with a desire so raw and primal, yet I want to take my time with him right now. I place a chaste kiss against his lips before licking at the seam of them, seeking permission to deepen the connection between us. As Reid allows me to claim his mouth, his tongue dances with mine as I feel him reach around and undo my bra. He drops it onto the floor and runs his hands up to my breasts, pulling each nipple taut as he goes. His hands explore my curves, and I feel him cup a hand over my core as he deepens our kiss. I wonder if he can feel how wet I am already. But I barely have time to ponder that thought before he slips a finger under the material of my panties and teases it through my wet folds. He lets out an almost guttural growl as he slips a finger inside me. I’m panting as he teases my clit with his thumb.
Suddenly, his hand is gone and I cry out at the loss of his touch. Reid pulls at the material over my hips and then I find my panties pooled on the floor. Also gone are his boxers, and I can see the pre-cum glistening on the head of his throbbing cock.
Before either of us have time to think, I am down on my knees, my hand grasping the base of his cock, and my tongue removing those traces of pre-cum. He tastes so good and I want more. Taking it slow is out of the window now. I need more than this.
I lick from the tip to the base and back up before opening my mouth over the head of his cock. Reid grasps my hair in his hand as an audible sigh leaves him. I take him deeper into my mouth and feel his body shudder. With my free hand, I reach out to cup his balls. A loud groan is the only encouragement I need to keep going. I move faster, my left hand jerking him in time with the movement of my mouth. The hand in my hair tightens its grip, almost to the point of pain, but at this moment I don’t care. I lick, suck, and caress the length of Reid and the heat between my legs has me aching for his touch.
“Kara, baby, much more and I’m going to come,” his gruff voice chokes out between heavy pants.
“Mm-hmm,” I hum instead of stopping to answer.
I feel a tightening in his balls and realise he liked that feeling. I take him as deep as my throat will allow, and that tips him over the edge. Hot streams of come spurt down my throat and I swallow every drop. I lick the head of him clean before sitting back on my knees and smiling up at him.
Reid reaches down to help me to my feet, and then sweeps me off them. He places me into the water, which is a little cooler now. I scoot forward so he can get in behind me. As he settles in place, I lie back against his chest and lift one leg to rest on the side of the tub as I take one of his hands in mine. Using his finger, I rub over my clit and drop my head back into the crook of his neck. His deft fingers tease me as he dips in and out of me. I’m panting hard, desperate for release. I ride his hand as he sinks his fingers in further. My whole body tingles and my spine arches. I know I’m on the brink…a few more seconds and I feel like I’m falling into the abyss.
***
As we lie cuddled up under the duvet, I feel sleep about to claim me. Reid traces lazy patterns on my arm as I snuggle in closer to him. The sound of a phone ringing pulls me from the edge of my slumber. Reid moves from our embrace and stretches out to retrieve his phone from the bedside table.
“Hello,” he answers sleepily.
I don’t hear the other side of the conversation, but Reid’s body language tells me something is wrong. He sits up in bed and has a hurried conversation with Molly. I understand it’s her from the little bits of information I can glean.
Reid stands and begins to dress hurriedly. I shuffle off the bed and begin to dress. Reid’s posture stiffens, and I realise that whatever Molly has said must be serious. He ends the call and slips the phone into his pocket.
“I have to go,” he says as he packs up his belongings.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” I ask as I gather my things from the en suite, making sure we leave nothing behind.
“Something is wrong with Molly. Well, with the baby. She says she hasn’t felt it kick all day and is worried. She said she’s been to the hospital and they’ve assured her that everything is fine. They found the heartbeat, but she’s still concerned. She asked if I could go round and be with her for a while.”
“Then we’ll go, now. I’m coming with you and I won’t take no for an answer.”
His face looks hesitant but he grabs his bag and we let ourselves out of the room. We walk to the front desk and check-out, settling the bill quickly. It’s a shame we didn’t get to use the room to our full advantage, but Molly is the priority right now.
We’re on the road back home, neither of us speaking and the radio silent. I want to talk, to say that it will all be okay, but Reid is lost in his own thoughts. He said that Molly had been to the hospital and they’d found the heartbeat, but I guess that’s only a small comfort. Molly must be worried if she phoned Reid. They haven’t spoken for a while now, and I’d half thought she was going to cut him off as far as the baby is concerned. I’m insistent on going with him, much as he may or may not want me to—he hasn’t actually said either way—because I know he’ll want to be strong for Molly but who will be strong for him?
Pulling up outside Molly’s house, I see all the lights are out except for the lounge. We get out of the car and go to knock on the door. The look of shock on her face says she wasn’t expecting me to come along. Still, she doesn’t say anything, doesn’t tell me she doesn’t want me here. She steps aside and allows us into the house. It’s homely and quaint, a nice little place to bring up the baby. Molly ushers us into the lounge and goes to sit in the armchair across from the sofa where we take a seat.
“Can I get you something, Molly?” I ask as I twist and wring my hands nervously in front of me.
“Tea?” It comes out more of a question than an answer.
“Sure, I can make a cup of tea. Reid?”
He looks up at me and nods.
I make my way into Molly’s kitchen. I switch the kettle on and set about finding the mugs. Once the kettle has boiled, I make us all a cup of tea.
Walking back into the lounge, I see Molly with her feet tucked up on the armchair. She thanks me as I put a mug of tea on the coffee table for her. I sit back next to Reid and the silence is deafening.
“Molly, what happened?” Reid asks finally.
“I hadn’t felt the baby move for a few hours, which was unusual, because it’s normally really active. I didn’t know what to think, my head was in a spin, all these crazy thoughts vying for space in my head. I haven’t really got any family around here, or many true friends when it comes to it. But I phoned one friend, who took me to the hospital. They were brilliant. Saw me really quickly.” She pauses to take a sip of her tea before continuing. “They did an ultrasound. They showed me the screen and I saw the heart beating. The doctor said sometimes babies have periods of inactivity and it isn’t always something to worry about, but it’s best to get it checked.”
“So everything is okay? Like really okay?” Reid asks, trepidation clear in his voice.
“I guess so, yeah,” Molly agrees, sounding deflated.
I can see the worry weighing her down and I just wish there was something we could do.
“I don’t mean to sound so down. I mean I should be more excited and stuff, it’s just…well…it’s just the shock of it, I suppose.”
“That’s understandable,” I say as I reach a hand across to cover hers, “It must have been an awful day. But now you can relax. Everything will be just fine, you’ll see.”
“The main thing is that you take good care of yourself and the baby,” Reid adds.
“I am. I have been for months. Unlike you. Where have you been?”
Molly sounds angry and affronted, as though what Reid just said was somehow meant in a harsh way.
“You haven’t been in contact with me for weeks, Molly,” Reid’s voice raises in volume, “You don’t answer the phone. You don’t answer texts. You don’t call me back. How can I be there for you when you ignore me?”
“Hey, hey, let’s just calm this down,” I try to placate them both.
“I was calm, but he told me I need to take care of myself. Like it was somehow my fault that his son wasn’t kicking about as usual today.”
“My son?”
“Yes, your son. We’re having a boy. I found out today.”
“You didn’t say,” Reid’s tone softens. “I’m sorry if you thought I was having a go at you, Molly. I just meant that now that everything is okay, all you have to do is concentrate on taking good care of yourself and the baby now. What I said somehow came out wrong and I’m really sorry.”
“I’m the one who’s sorry, Reid. I shouldn’t have bitten your head off. I’m just…tired, cranky, and hormonal.”
“Do you have somebody to stay with you tonight?”
“No. My friend who came to the hospital, she had to go to work.”
“Would you like one or both of us to stay?”
“You don’t have to put yourselves out. Like you say, the main thing is that our son is okay and I’m good.”
“We’re staying. Even if we have to sleep in the armchair and the couch. We’ll just stay tonight, make sure you’re really okay.”
They argued back and forth a little longer before Molly finally gave in and told us we could sleep in the spare room.
I snuggle up to Reid in bed. He’s here in body, but his mind is elsewhere. I know there’s nothing I can say or do, and that the best thing to do is just be here if he wants to talk. I’ll be here every step of the way to support him. Anything he needs, I’ll be there.