Dating Delaney (9 page)

“I’d never take advantage of you on our first date,” he
whispers. Why? He’s seriously thrown me for a loop. I groan as he stands me in
front of him and smoothes down my dress. He stands too and pulls me into the
most comforting yet frustrating hug I’ve ever encountered. “I like you, Laney,”
he mumbles into the top of my head. “I want to do this right.” And with that
any sense of composure I have flees the scene.

“You have got to be shitting me!” I quip. “I finally find a
guy who turns me on so much my underpants want to explode and he’s a bona fide
gentleman!” I crow into his chest.

“I make your underpants explode?” He laughs and I pull my
head back to look up at him.

“
Want
to explode. If you actually made them explode I
think the fun would be over.”

“Laney, I want you. I want to kiss every inch of your body.
I want to torture you with my touch for hours, but I don't want to rush
things,” he explains gently.

“I know,” I sigh with irritation. “I know you’re right. It’s
just so...frustrating!”

“Been a while?” His response makes me burst out laughing
like a maniac.

“Awhile is an understatement.”

His face gets soft as he thinks over what I’ve said. Then he
gets a mischievous sparkle in his eye. He backs up a step away from me,
considering something before grabbing me.

Jake

I grab Laney and lay her down on the bench seat. “I think I
can help with the frustrated part,” I croak.

“What?” she gasps as I push her dress up around her hips. I
hook the waistband of her panties with my thumbs and pull them down over her
hips and legs, dropping them somewhere beside me. I lean my head down and kiss
her belly. Her skin is so smooth and warm and she smells delicious.

“Jake?” she barely speaks.

“No talking, Laney.”

Her eyelids slam shut when I lick her clit once. She gasps
again and starts to open her eyes but this time I suck hard and her head falls
back to the bench. I work my fingers in and out of her at the same time I start
licking. Every now and then I slow down to suck on her clit and roll the pad of
my thumb over it. “You taste so fucking good, Laney,” I groan.

I know she’s close when she starts to try and slide herself
away but I grab her thighs and force her to stay put until her legs are
trembling. Her hands clutch at the cushion of the bench as I move my arms over
her thighs and under her hips, pulling her to me. I suck so hard on her clit
that she begins to grind her hips against my face. Her body’s bucking and she
is so fucking wet. She cries out as her orgasm crashes over her and her body
shakes involuntarily. She’s so unbelievably responsive to me, it’s sexy as
hell. As her body begins to calm, I lick her more gently and when she finally
stops moving, I kiss the insides of each of her thighs before crawling up her
body and claiming her mouth. She stares at me through hooded brown eyes and
long black lashes as I hold myself over her, looking completely spent. I pat
myself on the back mentally for a job well done as I kiss her again.

“Jake?” she moans.

“Mmmm?” I say into her mouth as I kiss her.

“What about you?”

I break the kiss and admire her for a moment. She’s
stunning. If I could freeze time right now, I would.

“Don't worry about me…tonight was for you,” I offer.

“That doesn't seem fair...” her voice trails off.

“I’ll get mine. I’ve got plans for you.”

“Oh.” Her eyes get wide and small grin takes over her
mouth.“Well, I can’t wait to return the favor
or
for your plans.” She
giggles and looks at me with sated, half-mast brown eyes. I get lost in her
eyes for a moment. I’d give her anything she wanted without worrying if I’m
getting anything in return. The breeze picks up and she shivers a little.

“Cold?”

“Just a little chilly,” she says while I rub my hands up and
down her arms.

“I have a sweatshirt here if you want to wear it back.”

She nods and I open the small cabin door to find it for her.
I watch for a moment as she shimmies back into her underpants before handing
her the sweatshirt. When she’s all bundled up in it--which she’s swimming in
but manages to make look hot still--I start the boat and we head back to the
house. She sits wedged between my legs the entire ride home. I haven't felt
this giddy over a girl in the last decade.

Delaney

It takes all my effort to make the walk from the boat to the
house. My legs feel like jelly from Jake’s seriously amazing, magic mouth. When
we’re finally inside, I excuse myself to the bathroom.

The woman in the mirror is almost unrecognizable to me. My
hair is windblown, my cheeks are flushed, and my skin has a glow about it. My
lips are still kiss-swollen. I run my fingers over my lips and smile. Did that
really just happen? The memory of the feel of his mouth on me makes me squeeze
my thighs together momentarily. I don't think I’ve ever had a more erotic
experience and I definitely haven't had an orgasm like that in, well, years.
Who am I kidding? I haven't had a non-self-induced orgasm in years. Not that I
hadn't tried.

The last few sexual encounters I had started out good enough
but all ended with me faking it. And my marriage…well, the last two years of
it, the sex was awful and I faked my orgasm every single time we ventured into
the bedroom together. What Jake gave me was the kind of earth-shattering climax
you read about, and that had only been given to me by one other person. I stop
myself from thinking of John because I’m not interested in comparing them. I
pee, wash my hands, and exit the bathroom in search of Magic Mouth Jake.
Ohhh…that’s good, maybe a new nickname is in order.

“Hey,” I say as he pulls me down onto the couch with him.

“Hey,” he parrots. “Do you have a little more time?” he
asks.

“I don't have a curfew if that’s what you’re getting at,” I
laugh.

“Good,” he mumbles into my mouth as he kisses me until I’m
breathless. The things this man does to me should be illegal. I can’t even
remember the last time I made out with someone. Seriously. High school?
College? No one makes out anymore. The art of kissing is lost on singles over
thirty. His kisses make my lower belly tingle and flutter and steal my breath
away. He tastes sweet and salty. His lips are soft and his kisses that perfect
balance between wet and sloppy. My breasts rise and fall against his hard
chest, making my nipples pebble. My body screams at me, wanting more. I want to
feel him. I want skin on skin. He takes it no further than the kisses, though
his erection tells me he too wants more. By the time he’s ready to take me home
I feel like the most beautiful woman on the planet.

* * * * *

I start a group text between Ellie, Becca, Ginny, and Molly.

Need a girls’ night

Def! How was your date?
Ellie replies instantly.

Amazing, Mr. Attractive’s been renamed.

Uh oh.
Becca’s message pops up just before Ginny’s
and Molly’s.

To what?

Details! Dirty girl!

Going forward Mr. Attractive will now be known as Magic
Mouth

OMG! You slut! :)

Def. need details- Saturday?

I’m game

I’m in too.

See you Saturday... my house?

Great!... Must sleep now.

My girls messages blow up my phone but bring a smile to my
face nonetheless.

G
‘Night

Later

Sweet dreams slut

XXX

* * * * *

Gavin’s message makes me smile. I relish our time together
when he’s around and it’s always nice to hear from him.:

What are you up to?

Bringing Claire to Trent in an hour

Want company?

Sure

Can we hit Freeport after?

Yes!

“Trent seems to have toned it down,” Gavin says as we exit
the Gap.

“Thank god. For a while there I was worried he’d never leave
me alone,” I confide. He chuckles at me, loops an arm through mine, and leads
us towards Banana Republic.

“When do you head home?” I ask.

“Wednesday afternoon.”

“Time to face the music, Gavvy,” I tease.

“I suppose,” he says nonchalantly.

“You know, you don't seem too broken up about all this.
What’s up?” I ask.

“Why didn't we ever hook up, Laney?” He evades the question.

“What?! Stop being melodramatic. We were never interested in
each other
like that.
Right?”

He tugs me to a stop and wraps his arms around me. His eyes
are burning holes into mine.

“We weren't?” he asks. The look he’s giving me is serious
but he’s a prankster so I know he’s kidding. Still, the moment seems too
intense and his face is dangerously close to mine.

“Very funny,” I say dryly and push out of his embrace. He
stands unmoving for a moment before turning his lips up into a smile.

“I am, aren't I?” he retorts, but suddenly I’m unsure of
Gavin. I’ve never been unsure with Gavin, not in twenty years. I brush off the
feeling and usher him into the store for some more shopping.

“How about this?” I ask and step out of the dressing room.
Gavin grabs my arms, twirls me around, and whistles at me.

“That’s hot. Get it,” he encourages.

“Yeah?” I ask and check myself out from all angles in the
mirror.

“Definitely. You can wear it Monday night,” he says.

“What’s Monday night?” I ask curiously.

“Dad’s throwing a BBQ for me before I leave.”

“Oh! Fun, I haven't seen your dad in forever.” I walk back
into the dressing room and shut the door.

“Good, so you’ll come?” he asks through the door as I strip
off the sapphire-colored sundress and place it back on its hanger.

“If Mom will watch Claire, I’ll be there.” I tug my jeans
and tank top back on and take the dress to the register. He’s right. It does
look good on me, plus it’s on sale. I pay the sales clerk for the dress and my
stomach gurgles loudly.

“Hungry, Princess?” he teases me.

“Starved!” I laugh.

“Lunch it is then,” he says and laces his fingers through
mine as we search out a good place to eat. For the second time ever, having
Gavin’s hand in mine feels…wrong. Thirteen years ago it happened when John and
I were together but I was in love with him. We were crazy about each other and
I had only craved his touch. Gavin had understood when I’d become slightly
distant from him, obviously, having set us up. But why the unease at his touch
now? I glance at him from the corner of my eye. He’s all smiles. I tamp down
the ridiculous feelings I’m having and slap a smile on my face. This is just
how we are, how we’ve always been.

Jake

“What do you want to do tonight?” Owen calls over his
shoulder from the fridge. I watch him look for a moment before pulling out two
beers before collapsing onto the couch next to me. I take the beer from him and
pop the top.

“I don't really feel like playing wingman tonight,” I tell
him honestly.

“What’s with you? You never want to go out with me anymore.
I think this Laney chick is twat blocking you.”

I choke on my beer mid-swallow.

“What? Twat what?” I stammer.

“Twat blocking you…you’re so wrapped up in her you don't
even look at anyone else.”

My stomach hurts from laughing so hard. Only Owen.

“Maybe I’m enjoying being twat blocked.” I tell him. He
snorts in disgust at me, ever the bachelor.

“Whatever, man. You used to be fun. One date with twat
blocker and you’re a lost cause,” he teases.

“I really like her, O. This could definitely go
somewhere...I’m not trying to mess that up.”

“Yeah?” Owen asks.

“Yeah.”

Since our date, I can’t get Laney off my mind. It’s sick,
actually. I act and feel like a randy teen again. Her lips are so kissable. I
want to kiss them all the time and her skin. Shit. Her skin is soft and smooth
and warm. I honestly have no idea how I managed to show any restraint,
especially when she whined about it and was so ready for me. I feel an
indefinable connection to her though and I’m not taking any chances so I’m
playing it slow and safe.

Delaney

Saturday

The waiter sets our drinks on the table and immediately the
hen party begins. “Sooo…spill it, Laney,” Ginny urges.

“I don't even know where to begin,” I say, lost in memories
of Jake’s amazing kisses.

“The beginning usually works well,” Ellie chimes in. My four
best friends are staring intently at me, waiting.

“He brought me flowers…not crap carnations either, beautiful
peonies. Then takes me to his
ah-maz-ing
house on the water and cooks me
dinner, which, by the way, was actually delicious, and then took me out on his
boat,” I abbreviate the evening for them.

The girls are all leaning in, listening carefully. “Um…and?”
Molly asks.

“Oh! And he danced with me in the kitchen. Totally,
completely, romantic,” I say dreamily but avoiding the boat ride details.

“You’re leaving out important facts,” Becca states.

“I am?”

“Yeah, none of that adds up to Magic Mouth status.”

I blush and stare into my martini for a minute.

“Um, we made out on the boat and it got pretty hot and heavy
but he stopped us from going any further. I kinda yelled at him about it
because I was so worked up,” I give up.

“And…you slut…you totally banged him on the first date!”
Ginny all but screams in excitement.

“Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, Ginny, no. He refused.” Four sets of eyes
go wide and wait. “He um, you know, said he could help without sleeping
together...and he did... with his mouth,” I manage.

“Holy shit! He totally went down on you on a boat?!” Ellie
squeals.

“Yeah. He did, and it was…” I stare off into space thinking
about it. “I don't even have words. I feel bad because, you know, he didn't get
off, but he said ‘tonight was about me, not him.’” I glance around the table to
see four smiles plastered on four faces.

“What?” I ask sheepishly. All four girls bust out laughing.

“Laney, I swear to god if you mess this up, I’ll personally
kill you,” Molly laughs. “He sounds too good to be true.”

“I hope not!” I squawk at her. “I hope he’s just good enough
to be true. You should have seen the way his face went all warm and soft when
he walked me to the door and kissed me last night. It was…my belly fluttered,”
I let out dreamily and four girls sigh at me.

Finally the chatter about my date dies down and we move on
to more comfortable topics, like planning the Fourth of July party, who hates
their job this week, and how we will find a sitter for, like, ten kids for the
rest of the evening.

* * * * *

Sunday, after picking up Claire, I tried to write but I
found that Jake had set up his place in my thoughts, moved in, and made my
thinking crowded. I slammed the lid of the laptop closed in irritation and
pushed out of my chair. I really needed to finish this book soon but my brain
wasn't cooperating with me lately. I switched on the radio and called to
Claire.

“Yeah?” she says.

“I’m bored. Let’s do something,” I tell her.

“Let’s swing!” she squeals at me. Her enthusiasm is
endearing and I can't help but grin at her. It sounds like a good enough option
to kill some time so I head out back to the big weeping tree that we’d hung
three swings on and started a how-high-can-you-go contest with Claire. Her
squeals of laughter peeling through the yard distracted me long enough to clear
my head of all things Jake and relax a bit.

The text from Trent pisses me off and yet makes me smile at the same time. He’s
so predictable in his interactions.:

Hey loser.

Always such a joy to hear from you

I want to take Claire for my week

When?

4th of July week.

what about my birthday week?

Can't -work.

SIGH. Fine

You know it’s queer to write out sigh right?

Whatever Trent. Don't you have someone to tase?

We don't carry Tasers asshole

Bye.

Bye

* * * * *

Monday

“
Okay, Claire, be good for Nanny tonight,” I tell her
and she nods her head furiously at me. I chuckle and look to my mom. “Please
put her to bed on time tonight...” I plead with my mom.

“Of course!” she says sarcastically.

“Seriously, Mom, on time,” I say flatly.

“Poo, you’re no fun…she’s no fun, is she Claire?”

I shake my head at both of them and head out to Gavin’s
waiting car.

The text between Jake and I feels tense. I can’t tell if
he’s really bothered by Gavin or if I’m just reading into things to much.:

Plans tonight?

BBQ for Gavin...why?

I was thinking of my plans for you...

In that case I'll be right over.

No No. I won't interrupt your evening.

Boo.
Alright. Gotta go- driving now.

Be safe

“Glad you’re here, Princess,” Gavin says as we fold out of
his car.

“I wouldn't miss it, you know that.”

“Damn, Laney, you’re smokin’ hot in that dress.” He waggles
his eyebrows at me as I smooth the skirt down.

“You’re such a charmer, Gav.” The sarcasm in my voice
blatant.

“Aww you love me.” He pulls me into his arms and holds me
tight to his chest.

“Unfortunately, you’re right,” I joke. He tilts my chin up
to his face, which has gone soft. “Laney, I don't know what I’d do without
you.”

I stare at him a moment too long, then shrug and laugh it
off.

“Yeah, who else would give you great girl advice or put up
with your shenanigans?” I tease. He takes a step back, eyeing me, but apparently
decides to let whatever he’s thinking go. He grabs my hand and we walk to the
backyard to join the party.

It’s nice to see his family again. I’d missed them. A few
cousins and old co-workers were in attendance too and so far the evening was
great. Throughout dinner we’d laughed and reminisced about all the ridiculous
adventures we’d had over the last twenty years together.

“Holy crap, Laney! I totally forgot about that.” Gavin’s
doubled over with laughter.

“Yeah, well, my foot didn't,” I chuckle. Our senior year of
high school we’d been decorating a friend’s truck with Christmas crap and when
Gavin had moved to get out of the cab he somehow managed to pop the e-brake.
The truck had started rolling down the hill it was parked on as well as rolling
over my foot. I had squealed so loud that instead of stopping the truck, Gavin
had ducked behind a bush and hidden. From what, we’ll never know, but he
insists he thought he heard gunfire.

The food was to die for. After loading my plate with a
little of everything possible and wolfing it all down in record time, I stood
to carry my paper plate to the trash. As I turned around from depositing my
plate into said trash can, I found myself face to face with the one person I’d
never thought I’d see again. John. Don't get me wrong, over the past thirteen
years I had imagined this scene a million times, of course: the one where he
reappears in my life and declares his undying love for me. I’d take one look at
him and my soul would magically mend. I’d
feel
his presence and his love
for me oozing from him. I run willingly into his arms and his kiss would sweep
me off my feet.

“Laney.” His tone is surprised. I stand shocked and
unmoving. I don't feel anything but heartache looking into eyes that I know so
well but at the same time don’t recognize at all.

“Uh. Hi,” I say. Thirteen years and that’s all I come up
with?

“It’s so good to see you. You look great.” He reaches out
and takes one of my hands in his. I wait to feel the shock from his touch, to
feel the spike in my heart rate that he used to cause, but it never comes. This
is totally confusing. Mind boggling.

“Thanks. You too, I guess,” I say. He glances at Gavin then
back to me and looks pained for a moment.

“I’m ah, I’m glad you and Gavin worked out,” he says
quietly. My lungs stop pumping air in and out of my body as I try and process
the words he’s just said. What the hell is he talking about?

“What?” I croak.

“You and Gavin.” He nods in Gavin’s direction.

“What about us?” I manage.

“I’m happy to see you’re finally together.”

Confusion rocks my body.

“We’re not, John...come on, you know better than anyone,
we’re just friends,” I muster.

“But…” He shakes his head at me and suddenly pain washes out
his features. He’s hiding something from me.

“But what?” I cut him off. He stares at the ground between
us.

“I stepped aside for him,” he whispers and shock engulfs me.

“I don't know what you mean. I don’t understand what you’re
telling me,” I rasp.

“He wanted to be with you, Laney, he asked me to step aside.
I thought…I thought with your history, you’d want to explore the option,” he
admits.

“You dumped me because of HIM?” I shout and point at Gavin.

“I loved you so much, Laney. I thought it was the right thing
to do, for you. I didn’t want you to have any what-ifs and...and Gavin made it
sound like you were on board with it,” he laments.

My whole world spins out of control at that moment as the
information I’ve just been given sinks in. I’ve spent thirteen years failing at
relationships because I thought John broke me. But it wasn't John, not really,
it was Gavin. The same Gavin who swooped in to pick up the pieces when I
shattered. The same one who openly hated every person I’d been with before and
since. John and I never stood a chance. If Gavin hadn't interfered, maybe the
relationship would have played out and ended differently and I’d not be scared
shitless to give one hundred percent of myself to another man afterwards. Maybe
I’d be a different person altogether. Hurt and betrayal and sorrow swirl
around, turning my stomach. I need to get out of here. I stare up
disbelievingly into John’s eyes. It felt like a knife had ripped through my
chest and all my insides were pooling out around me. I rip my hand out of
John’s and storm past Gavin on my way out front. I needed to leave. Tears are
already rolling down my cheeks and I don’t want anyone to see. I yank my phone
out of my purse to text…who? Any of the girls would cause a scene, and Amelia
would be relentless with the questions. I just need time to process.

I pull up Jake’s name, type my address, “911,” and hit send.
A nanosecond later it rings.

“Jake?” my voice is unsteady.

“Laney? What's wrong?” He sounds worried.

“Please can you just come get me? Now?” I beg, trying to
keep my voice steady.

“I’m on my way,” he clips and hangs up. I hang up and shove
it back into my purse. My hurt shifts to anger and it’s bubbling to the surface
now. Rage washes over me that Gavin did this to me…to John and me. How could this
have happened? I trusted Gav with all my secrets. I trusted him to keep me
safe.

“Princess!” Gavin calls out to me as he trots around the
front of the house. I whip around and stalk over to him.

“You,” I say and poke his chest hard. “Don't,” I poke again,
“get to,” another poke, “call me THAT!” I scream at him with a final push to
his chest.

“Let me explain, Laney, please,” he begs. His eyes are
wildly searching my face for that part of me that will give into him like
always, but he won't find it this time. How could he even think that part of me
exists anymore?

“How could you?” I cry. “FUCK YOU, GAVIN!” I’m belligerent
now. “You!? You told him you wanted me. You made him break up with me! You knew
how much I LOVED him and you purposely broke my heart! And for what?!” I rant
on. “You never professed your undying love for me! You never made a move to be
with me! You just…you didn't want someone else getting all of my affection! Ha!
That’s it, isn't it? You couldn't stand the fact that when I was with John
there was nothing left over for you?!” I suck in a deep breath and vaguely
notice the sound of tires screeching to a halt behind me but I’m so lost in the
moment I don't stop. “I can't fucking believe that I’ve trusted you for twenty
years. I can't believe you’d stand by, watch and let me struggle the way I have
for the last thirteen years! If you feel too much, do you start to panic? No?
Oh, right. That’s just my cross to carry. One you gave me--NOT John. You,
Gavin, are the biggest ass eater I have ever met!” I’m screeching.

“Laney, Please! Let me explain,” Gavin begs but I don't want
an explanation from the pathetic asshole standing in front of me. Never in my
life have I punched someone but right now it’s the only logical thing my brain
comes up with. I lunge forward, cocking my fist back, and pop him in the face.
His head snaps back and his hand comes to his jaw.

“Dammit, Delaney!” he shouts as blood trickles from his lip.

“Do you remember what I did to John after he left? DO YOU?!”
I scream. Gavin nods his head solemnly.

“You deleted him from your life,” his voice breaks.

“Yup and now you get to enjoy the same fate, fucker. I
FUCKING
HATE YOU
. YOU DON'T EXIST TO ME ANYMORE!” I cock my arm back to
take another swing but I find myself being hauled backwards by two strong arms
wrapped around my waist.

“Enough.” The word is spoken softly but sternly in my ear.

I’m suddenly exhausted. I turn in Jake’s arms just as a sob
rips through my body. I wrap my arms around his waist and fist his shirt while
I drench it with my tears. His arms shift and he bends down to pick me up. I
bury my face in the crook of his neck so I don't have to look at anyone as he
carries me to his truck. One last strangled cry rips across the sidewalk, but
this time it’s not me. “Laney, don’t do this!” Gavin cries.