Page 84 of Put a Rink on It

Since Nero couldn’t book the movers until Thursday, we have extra time to spend in Vermont. I show him where I grew up, treat him to coffee at my favorite places—using his credit card—and slowly pack up the house I’ve called home for the past six years.

He gawked when he saw my nail polish collection, then proceeded to throw away any bottles that were “too old,” advising me to buy new ones when we’re home. Home being synonymous with Nero is something I never considered, but my body infuses with warmth at the idea.

We also discovered the college hoodies and jerseys of his he gave me during the four years he was there. He took it upon himself to pack them in their own box and labeled it “future husband’s gifts.” Ridiculous, yet something I’ll miss when this ends.

The only items being moved are the bedroom furniture and my desk, which seems silly to pay movers for things we could easily transport ourselves, but Nero insisted. Mostly for the convenience and to know it will arrive undamaged. I wasn’t about to argue with him. The rest of the furniture has been donated to charity.

I didn’t think I’d be so nostalgic for a house that wasn’t ever supposed to be permanent. When I moved in, I needed to prove I could support myself, but I had hoped it would be a temporary residence until I found a place to plant roots. As years passed and it was evident that wasn’t happening, it became easier to stay put. I enjoyed having a place all to myself and not having to adhere to anyone else’s routine.

Now, I’m giving up a piece of my independence to live with Nero for an undetermined amount of time, but one with an expiration date. Then what will I do? Move back home to Vermont? Find another rental? Move in with my parents?

As much as an uncertain future remains, I want to live with Nero. Heck, maybe I’ll end up staying in Connecticut when our relationship ends. We’ll part on friendly terms, but I’ll still want to be close to him. It might be the best of both worlds.

After spending the day with my parents and siblings, he pulls into my driveway, and any ties I have toward the house flee.

Because if I’m honest with myself, living alone gets lonely as fuck sometimes. Even when Nero’s traveling, it’s temporary. He’ll always come back.

“Let’s give this house the sendoff it deserves.” I hope he reads into my insinuation, but if not, I wiggle my brows. “Do you know how to build a fire?”

“It happens to be on my list of talents.”

“Super. You get the fire going, I’ll take care of the rest. There’s even a bottle of red wine leftover, though we’ll have to drink from the bottle.”

“Sounds like a perfect toast to a final night.”

Giving it more thought, he’s right.

Spending the last night here with him is an ideal way to bid farewell to this house.

Nero’s quick with the fire, and I lay out blankets and pillows on the bare living room floor. It won’t be the most comfortable experience, but I’m going for the vibes. Sex in front of a fireplace wasn’t on my bucket list until about thirty minutes ago, but I’m rolling with it. Especially with Nero. Even if it’s not the most pleasant, it’ll be worth it. He’ll make sure of it.

He carries the bottle of wine, setting it within arm’s reach on the floor next to the nest of blankets, assessing it with narrowed eyes. “None of these were packed?”

“They were, but I figured it’s easy enough to put them in a bag tomorrow morning or throw them in the car as is.”

He nods his agreement. “Come here.” I push up from where I am and leave about a foot of space between us, something that earns me a scowl. “Closer.” He doesn’t allow me to follow his directions, instead looping his arms around my waist and tugging me to him, somehow shielding me from crashing into him. He tips my chin up, my gaze locking on his, gold striations I could get lost in on full display. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Driving home with me tomorrow, but more importantly, for moving to Connecticut. For giving up your life here, the proximity to your entire family, to live with me. For making sacrifices to accommodate my wants and crazy schedule. For giving me you, Marina. Unrestrained and bold, the pieces that make you unique. For saying yes. Not only when I talked you into this, but again when I proposed, and every day since. For being the very best friend I never knew my life was missing until you came into it.” Nero pours his heart into his statements, and this raw, unedited version is nearly as good as his proposal.

“I can’t say no to you, Nero. Call me crazy, and I’m sure people are, but there isn’t anywhere else in the world I’d want to be right now than with you. As your fake fiancée, bestie with benefits, and any other role you want to grace me with. You’re kinda what I was missing in my life all these years, and to think, you were here all along.”

His head dips, and his mouth collides with mine, the faint taste of wine lingering. In one swoop, he lifts me into the air, my legs wrapping around his waist. He kisses with zeal, a goodbye to an ending, and a promise of a new beginning.

He doesn’t allow me to stay that way for long, lowering me until my back’s against the blankets, never severing our mouths, anchoring his body above mine. I’m too absorbed in the kiss to fully appreciate where he is in space. As long as some parts of us are still connected, I’m good.

His mouth releases mine so he can murmur in my ear, “Are you wet for me, Ships?”

“Yep,” I reply, no guilt in my voice. When am I not walking around with damp panties when he’s present? It’s a problem I hope sorts itself out soon. Unless it’s something I’ll have to get used to for the foreseeable future.

A sinister smile graces his lips. “Excellent.” He positions his thighs on the side of mine, his hands raising my hips so I can shimmy out of my leggings and panties, which get discarded to the side. I bend my legs at the knees, giving him space to work his magic. I’m still dressed on top, but since it’s not impeding the spot I ache most for him, I don’t undress further. Except when he challenges it with a dip of his brow, I cave. It might seem like I’m still not able to say no to him, but our act will be more pleasurable completely naked, so it’s for my benefit.

Nero joins me in my state of nakedness, his erect cock jutting out. Long and thick, his cock is the biggest of all my encounters, but it’s never impeded my ability to feel good and get off. The man knows how to use it for both our pleasures.

He stacks three pillows and persuades me to prop against them. I find the most comfortable way, leaving my legs splayed open. And then he goes and ruins it by tugging my ankles so I’m how he wants me.

Before I can argue, he nods and says, “Better. Don’t worry. I got you. From how your pussy glistens, it won’t take long for your first orgasm. Give me a few minutes for that to happen, and I’ll situate you better.”