“Of course, you can.”
“I love you,” she says sweetly.
My grin twists into an idiotic smile. “That’s not a secret.”
“I guess not, but I wanted to tell you anyway.”
“You can tell me anytime, anywhere, any way,” I let her know happily.
“I’ll remember that.”
“That's all I can ask.” I nuzzle my nose in her hair and inhale.
“CJ?”
“Mmm?”
“I have cum dripping down my thigh.”
I push off Tara. “Is that your subtle way of telling me to get the hell off you?”
“Yes.” She laughs hysterically and the joyous sound vibrates straight through my chest, lighting me up like the Fourth of July.
“I'll get the bags out of the car.” I kiss her quickly and pull her up. We’re a bit of a hot mess; our hair is tangled and out of control, and our faces flushed.
“Sounds like a plan.” Tara heads over to the shower and turns the faucet on. “I'll be waiting.” She steps under the spray, waving her hand to send me along.
I cock an eyebrow at her.Dismissing me?She’s lucky she’s cute.
I grab my clothes off the living room floor and pull them on before I head outside. Parked on the curb is my brand new baby, a cherry red BMW M6. Five hundred and sixty horsepower under one ultra-sleek hood. Since I’m now a permanent New York City resident, I needed a reliable mode of transportation. At least that's how I sell myself. A successful entrepreneur has to look the part.Wink.
I grab our bags out of the trunk, running my finger along the shiny bumper before I jet back inside. We came prepared with soap and towels, knowing full well what our intentions were. I hop in the shower with Tara and help her wash her back. How chivalrous of me. We both know it’s a race against the clock now as we’re scheduled to catch a plane. To Hawaii, to see Ellie and Kayne,withher parents. Do you see how many problems there are for me in that sentence? Although we are fully out and fully a couple, there are still some people who aren’t happy about it. Mainly, Alec, Tara’s father. I’m pretty sure he hates me and is plotting my death. I’m not looking forward to thirteen hours in an enclosed space with him twenty thousand feet in the air. I will be steering clear of all exits during the trip.
Tara and I dress quickly and then head out. We’ll be living out of the same suitcases for the next week and a half before we have to get back to the city for Tara’s first rehearsals. The last six months have been a series of ups and downs for her, but through it all, it has brought her a lot of clarity. Around the time she decided to get her tattoo, she also informed me a friend from NYU was putting together his first, very small, off off-Broadway play and asked her to audition. She said no atfirst, but after a little convincing, she decided to go for it. I’m a firm believer of following your dreams, and I wasn’t going to let Tara slide on this one. Especially after everything she went through. She landed the part that day and has been preparing ever since. She’s very dedicated and very serious about doing the character justice. Her work ethic is just one more attribute to add to the pile of things that impress me. I don’t know how I got so lucky, but I’m sure as hell not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
About an hour later, we pull up on the tarmac where the jet is waiting. Alec and Monica are already comfortably seated when we board. Tara gets a huge hug from both of them, and I get the stink eye from Alec. Luckily, Monica likes me, so I receive a warm reception from her.
The four of us settle in for the long ride; Alec and Monica strapped in across from Tara and me. I feel Alec’s glare as Tara snuggles up next to me and falls asleep. It will be six am when we land and seven by the time we get to Ellie and Kayne’s. I’m hoping a well-rested Alec will tolerate me better in the morning.
Alec is as blue collared as they come, he’s a hard-working, hands dirty, don’t fuck with me kind of guy. You can’t help but have respect for him.
It doesn't sit well with me that he doesn't approve of our relationship. I see how well he gets along with Kayne and can only be optimistic that with time, he’ll come around. But his disapproval isn't going to stop me from being with his daughter. I know I’m the best thing for her. No one will love her, take care of her, or support her better than me. So I’m not going to rest until I prove myself.
Both Tara and Monica keep assuring me that he’ll warm up, but it’s been close to six months and the ice hasn’t thawed yet.
I glance over at Alec just before the cabin lights dim for the night. Tara is already fast asleep and so is Monica. He’s staring at me, and only me, his green eyes sharp under the fluorescents.
This trip is going to be so fun.
IT FEELS STRANGE BEING BACK.
I gave up my apartment a month ago, moving all my stuff into storage until we closed on the brownstone. It will be shipped to New York in two weeks, and then Tara and I will start working on the place to make it feel like home. She already has all kinds of decorating ideas and a honey-do list for me a mile long. This new dynamic in my life is very strange, yet I’m adjusting to it surprisingly well. I guess I never realized, with the right person, how easy being domestic could be.
“Miss it?” Tara asks as we walk off the plane and into the warm tropical climate.
I inhale the fresh island scent and take her hand. “Not as much as I thought I was going to,” I reply honestly.
“Do I have anything to do with that?” She bumps my hip flirtatiously.
