Thursday (Timeless Series #4) (23 page)

“Is he seeing anyone?”

I shrugged. “Casually.” He and I had a long conversation about my feelings for Marie but I wasn’t going to tell her that.

“That’s what Francesca assumed…”

“Let’s keep it to ourselves.”

“I couldn’t tell her anyway. It would break the one rule she made.”

“True.”

Her hands moved to my shoulders and she rubbed the muscle gently. “How about I make sweet love to you and then we take a nap?”

My cock hardened at the question. “I’d love that.”

“I’ll be on top.” She grabbed my hand and guided me into her bedroom.

I loved it when she rode my cock. She was so good at it. “No argument here.”

She looked at me over her shoulder and gave me a playful look. “I thought not.”

***

My arm was wrapped around her shoulders as we sat together on the couch. It was ten in the evening and Francesca still hadn’t come home. A basketball game was on the TV but neither one of us were watching it.

“Should we call?” she asked.

“She’s fine,” I said. “The later she’s out the better.” My eyes kept drifting to her lips. They were plump and full. Sometimes I wanted to rub my dick across them. And other times, like now, I wanted to rub my own mouth against them.

“But what if—”

I moved my mouth to hers and kissed her slowly. We already made love just a few hours ago, but now I ached for her kiss. Making out on the couch was something I used to do in eighth grade, but now I was doing it again and enjoying it. My hand fisted her hair and I slowly made love to her mouth. When her tongue touched mine it sent an explosion through my body. I never felt more alive and close to death at the same time.

Thirty minutes passed and we kept kissing, our tongues dancing together. She was the best kisser my mouth had ever tasted and I could do this forever. Whether she liked it or not, I was sleeping here or she was staying at my place. It was one or the other.

The sound of a truck parking outside disrupted our make out session.

“I think she’s home.” Marie pulled away, her lips puckered and swollen. Her hair was a mess from the way I fisted it so much.

I wanted to keep kissing her. “So?”

“Let’s see how it went.” She left my side and placed her ear against the front door.

I didn’t care how my sister’s date went. All I wanted was to finish that kiss—if it would ever be finished. I came to her side and listened for a conversation.

“I had a great time tonight,” Francesca said.

“Me too,” Cameron said. “I’m glad you opened up a bit.”

Francesca chuckled in a nervous way. “Yeah…it took me a while.”

“Well…I guess this is good night.”

Marie pressed her hands against the door. “Kiss her…”

I cringed.

There was a long break of silence, and that could only mean one thing.

Marie smiled the entire time, knowing exactly what was happening.

I still didn’t care.

When they broke apart Francesca spoke up. “Well, good night.”

“Good night, Frankie.” His voice trailed away.

Marie grabbed my arm and yanked me into the kitchen. She quickly fixed her hair and tried to act like everything was normal. “So, I was thinking we could try that new sushi place tomorrow. Everyone has been talking about it.”

I’d never seen Marie eat sushi. “Yeah…maybe.”

Francesca rounded the corner, a slight smile on her lips.

“Oh, you’re home?” Marie pretended to be surprised but she was terrible at it. “How was your date?”

“Pretty good,” Francesca said. “I calmed down a lot.”

“Great,” Marie said. “Does that mean you’re going to see him again?”

“I think so.”

Marie almost squealed. “That’s so great. I’m glad you like him.”

“Yeah, he’s a nice guy,” she answered. “We’ll see where it goes.” She pulled out her phone from her clutch then headed to the hallway. “Good night, you guys.”

“Good night,” Marie called. When Francesca was out of sight she did a little dance. “Yes. I’m so glad she likes him.”

“Me too.” It was nice to see her out and about, dating like she should be doing.

“Well, I should get to bed,” she said. “Long day tomorrow.”

If that was her polite way of asking me to leave, she had another thing coming. “I’m sleeping here.”

“You remember what happened last time that happened?”

“I don’t give a damn.” If my sister was grossed out with me sleeping over then she could move on. “I either stay here or you come home with me. The ball is in your court, baby.”

“Fine. I don’t feel like arguing.”

“Perfect. Me neither.”

She walked down the hall and into her bedroom.

I walked behind her but stopped when I reached Francesca’s door. “I’ll be there in a second.”

Marie disappeared.

I knocked on my sister’s bedroom door. “Can I come in?”

“Yeah, sure.”

I walked inside and saw her sitting on the bed in her pajamas. Her make up was already gone and her hair was in a bun. “What’s up?”

I slowly approached the bed and took a seat beside her. I wasn’t very good at these serious talks. After all this time I assumed I would improve but I never did. It was difficult being the older brother. Sometimes I wished we could switch—just for a day. “You really like this guy?”

“Yeah. He’s sweet.” She scrolled through her phone before she placed it on her nightstand. “Is there something you need, Axel?”

“I just…I want you to know I’m proud of you.”

“For going on a date?”

“No. For moving on.” I stared at her bedroom floor. “I know things haven’t been easy but you’re on the right path now. Seeing you get better makes me happy. I just want you to know that…”

“Axel…”

“I tease you a lot but we both know how I really feel.” I stood up and returned my hands to my pockets. “Keep up the good work.”

“Thanks, Axel.”

I nodded before I left her bedroom and shut the door behind me. Before I walked into Marie’s room I knew she would be eavesdropping against the door. I walked inside and saw her stagger back and try to pretend she wasn’t doing the exact thing I knew she was doing.

She crossed her arms over her chest and acted nonchalant.

“I know you were listening.”

“Oh…” The guilt came over her face. “Well…I thought that was sweet.”

I shrugged and got ready for bed.

“You’re a good man, Axel.”

“I don’t know about that,” I said. “But I think I’m pretty decent.”

Family Night

Marie

I hated it when Mom texted me. Not because she was bothering me or invading my space. It was because she had no idea how to work the keyboard.

Honey, we matter you.

I eyed the text and couldn’t decipher it.
What?

Let’s have thinner.

I cocked my head to the side.
Mom, just call me.

The phone rang a second later.

“Mom, just call.”

“I know everyone texts now. It’s just easier that way.”

“Not for you. Now, what were you trying to say?”

“We miss you,” she said. “Every time I write a word it gets changed.”

“Autocorrect.”

“What?” she asked. “You got new auto insurance?”

I rolled my eyes. “Nevermind. I miss you too.”

“Can we get together and have dinner?”

“Of course.” Like I’d say no to my parents.

“How about dinner at that Italian place you love?” she said. “Your sister won’t be coming but would you like to bring someone along…?” Her tone specified exactly whom she wanted to come along.

“Just me.”

“Oh…there’s really no one else?”

Axel already met my parents but I wasn’t sure if he was ready for dinner. “Yep.”

“Not even Axel? That nice man from the hospital?”

“Sorry. Just me.”

“Really? Nothing happened between you two?”

How did she know? Somehow, she always knew.
“Well…yes.”

“I knew it.” Her tone completely changed, becoming victorious. “Please bring him along. He’s such good company.”

I hated it when my mom spoke properly. She was a nurse, not an etiquette instructor. “I don’t know…”

“Please. Your father and I really liked him.”

When she pressured me like this I didn’t have a choice. “Fine.”

“Great. See you tomorrow.”

***

Axel remained on top of me and kissed me slowly. The clock on the nightstand said it was 3 A.M. and the time was still ticking. He had work in the morning and I had school, but neither one of us seemed to care.

He already finished but he didn’t slow down. He kissed me because he liked it, and I liked it too. When our lips were chapped and raw he finally pulled away. “I love kissing you. I wish I could take those lips everywhere.”

“I wish you could take my other lips too.”

He immediately grinned. “My girl is dirty.”

“No. I just know what I want.”

He rubbed his nose against mine, an action he’d never done before, and then gave me a final peck. “Ambitious. I like it.” He lay down in bed beside me and wrapped his arms around my body. We took the position we already did before we went to sleep.

“Axel?” I’d been dreading this conversation but now we needed to have it.

“Hmm?”

“Do you have plans tomorrow night?”

“Hopefully plans with you.”

“Well…my parents want to have dinner and they really want you to come along.”

“Me? Why?”

“I told them you were my boyfriend.”

“Oh…”

“They really like you, Axel.”

“That’s a good thing.”

“So, you’ll come?”

His hesitance was obvious even in his silence. He was tenser than he was before. I could feel it in his arms.

“I know this isn’t exactly fun but my mom pestered the shit out of me. She wasn’t going to take no for an answer.”

He sighed.

“Is it really that big of a deal?” Now I felt hurt. He’d already met my parents before so why didn’t he want to see them again? I knew we weren’t getting married tomorrow but this relationship was going somewhere.

Axel sensed my unease because he held me tighter. “Of course not. You just dropped that on me.”

“You’ve already met them so why is it weird?”

“It’s not weird. It’s just…I don’t know.”

“What?” I pressed.

“Serious,” he answered. “I already met them but that was as your friend. As your boyfriend it’s totally different.”

“They already like you.”

“I know…but it’s different.”

Now I was growing more insecure. “If you don’t want to come you don’t have to. I’m not going to force you into anything.” I pulled the blanket tighter over my shoulder and focused on the clock. How could he make love to me for hours and not want to have dinner with my parents?

Axel knew he screwed up. “Baby, I want to come.”

“No, you don’t.”

“Well, who the hell looks forward to spending time with their girlfriend’s parents? It’s terrifying for anyone. But I’ll go. Of course I’ll go.”

I refused to look at him.

“Baby, come on. Don’t be mad at me.”

“I just assumed you would want to go…I feel stupid.”

“Hey.” He twisted my body until I faced him. He grabbed my chin and forced me to look at him. “I’ll be there. Now stop being mad at me. I don’t like it.”

“You want to come?” It was never like me to be insecure, but I was in that moment.

“Yes.” He held my gaze as he said it. “Absolutely.”

Seeing his sincerity chased away my fears. “Okay. Tomorrow at seven.”

“I’ll pick you up at six thirty.”

***

Axel arrived at my door wearing dark jeans and a collared shirt. His usual watch was on his wrist and his hair was done with precision. Despite his nice appearance he seemed unnerved.

“Axel, you’ve already met them.”

“I know. But now they’ll look at me differently. I’ve never done the girlfriend’s parents thing. I’m totally clueless about it.”

“Just treat them like normal people.”

“Well, you know how I treat normal people. I start with a sexist joke and then I mention how big my dick is.”

I rolled my eyes and walked out. “Just chill.”

“You chill.  How would you feel if you had to meet my parents?”

I turned around. “I already did, idiot.”

“But it wasn’t the same. You weren’t my girlfriend.”

“Whatever. They already like you. All the hard work has been done.”

Francesca opened the door and stood on the stoop. “What are you guys arguing about?”

Axel turned to her and pointed at me. “I have to meet her parents tonight. Ugh.”

Francesca crossed her arms over her chest. “Didn’t you already meet them?”

“Thank you!” I stomped my foot.

“But not as her boyfriend,” Axel argued. “Totally different.”

“Axel, just be yourself,” Francesca said. “They already like you so now you can just hang out.”

“But you know me,” he said. “I’ll say something stupid.”

“Just don’t say anything stupid.” Francesca said it like it was the easiest thing in the world to do.

“Easier said than done…” He turned around and marched to the truck. “I want the best blowjob in the world for this.”

Francesca cringed then walked back inside.

“I’ll do something nice for you when we get home—but not if you bitch the whole time.”

He got behind the wheel and sighed. “Fine.”

I buckled my safety belt. “Good.”

He pulled onto the road. “Let’s get this shit over with.”

***

My parents were enamored by Axel. My mom paid more attention to him than she did to me, and she constantly complimented his blue eyes and his gentle nature.

Dad loved him too. He asked about Axel’s internship for the investment company and his years in college in Florida. None of the questions felt like an interrogation. In fact, he seemed genuinely interested in Axel on a personal level.

My parents had never met a boyfriend before, and I always pictured it going much differently than this. I figured my family would rip into the first guy I brought around and scare him off as much as possible.

Axel was tense in the beginning, unsure how to act or what to say. But once he realized my parents were smitten he relaxed. “People think I just crunch numbers all day and sit in an office chair but it’s more complicated than that. People invest their life savings with us. Our goal is to make a return on their investment. And if we don’t, we don’t make anything either. So, it’s a win-win situation.”

“Very cool,” Dad said. “Do you guys invest in real estate companies?”

“Actually, we do,” Axel said. “That’s a hot market right now. Everywhere you look they seem to be building houses like factories. Everyone wants to own a home because of the tax benefits.”

“When does your internship end?” Mom asked. Her eyes were glued to Axel and she barely looked at me.

“It’s only a one year commitment and I’m almost finished with my time. I only have a few months left.” Axel sipped his wine then returned it to the table. “Excellent choice, sir.”

“Thank you,” Dad said. “I know my wine.”

“Where will you go once it’s over?” Mom pressed.

“I’m not sure yet,” Axel said. “I’m applying to a few places in Manhattan. That place is the gold rush for investors. A lot of wealthy people live there.”

“Marie was thinking of moving there as well.” Mom said it like it was a new discovery and wonderful coincidence.

“I know,” Axel said. “She should do it. I think she could find something good there.”

A fairytale was happening behind Mom’s eyes. She pictured me wearing a white dress and having all of his babies.

Thank god Axel couldn’t tell.

Dad turned to me, addressing me for the first time that night. “How’s school, honey?”

“It’s good,” I said. “Just trying to finish up.”

Now that Axel wasn’t in the spotlight he had the opportunity to eat some of his dinner. With perfect manners that I never saw, he cut into his food and ate quietly.

“How’s your shoulder?” Mom asked.

“It’s good,” I answered. “Sometimes I forget it ever popped out of the socket.”

“Same thing happened to me when I was young,” Mom said. “I was playing softball when it happened.”

“You played softball?” Axel asked. “Cool. I played baseball in high school.”

“An athlete, huh?” Dad said with a proud smile. “I could tell.”

Like I didn’t exist again, their focus returned to him.

***

After dinner we walked out to the parking lot together. Dad walked beside Axel and talked to him about sports, something they had in common.

Mom walked beside me, lingering a few feet behind the guys. “Your father and I love him, Marie. He’s smart, successful, sweet, and so good-looking.”

“Yeah, I know.”
Why else would I be with him?

“He’s so thoughtful and caring…he better stick around.”

“That’s a little out of my control.” I hoped he would stick around. Our relationship seemed to grow more beautiful with every passing day. The superficial aspect of our relationship disappeared a long time ago, and now the spiritual parts remained behind.

“You love him, huh?” Mom smiled like she already knew the answer.

“Mom.” I rolled my eyes.

“Awe. It’s written all over your face.”

“No, it’s not.”

“It’s okay, sweetheart. I can tell he loves you too.”

He does
? “Just don’t say that to him.”

“It’s so obvious in everything he does, Marie. That man is obsessed.”

Just the idea made me giddy. “Mom, play it cool and don’t embarrass me.”

“I never would.”

We reached my parents car then said goodbye.

“Thank you for dinner,” Axel said politely. “It was nice to see you again.”

“Of course.” Mom hugged him tightly. “We loved spending the evening with you.”

Axel hugged her back awkwardly, unsure what was happening.

When she pulled away Dad moved in next. He hugged him and gave him a hard pat on the back. “See you later, Axel. Let’s get together again soon.”

“Sounds like a great idea.” Axel stepped back, still taken aback by their affection.

Then my parents got into their Subaru.

“Uh…I guess I don’t get a hug.” As soon as a guy was in the picture it was like I didn’t exist.

Axel chuckled. “Maybe you smell.”

I smacked him on the arm. “Maybe you’re a jerk.”

***

“How’d it go?” Francesca asked the moment we walked inside.

“Awesome.” Axel grabbed a beer from the fridge and sat down. “Dude, her parents love me. I’m like the son they never had.”

“Really?” Francesca couldn’t hide her surprise.

“Yep.” Axel took a seat at the table across from her. “Right, baby?”

Since I loved it when he called me that my frustration melted away. “Yes, they loved you.”