POOLSIDE
Kara listened to the steady sound of the water drumming against the shower tiles. She grinned knowing any moment she would hear Farron's loud 'Ahhhh' as he stepped into the hot stream. As if on cue, she heard his almost sexual moan and began to giggle girlishly as she dressed into a casual pair of white shorts, a salmon tank top with thin, lacey straps, and a pair of sandals. Farron loved to sing in the shower; something he apologized for profusely. It was a habit he could not seem to break and, to be perfectly honest, she would not want him to. She wondered if their neighbors ever heard him; if they did, none had ever complained. He was loud and sometimes off key, but always zesty and full of life. She found it endearing. It was also a telltale giveaway to his emotions. If he stepped into the shower and did not sing, she knew immediately something was eating at him and she would do her best to find out what was bothering him. She stuffed two large towels along with their swimsuits into a tote bag before heading to the kitchen; a goofy grin was fixed on her face while she listened to him serenade the world. She needed to finish throwing together a couple vegetable and fruit trays to take to the Donovan's.
* * *
For the first time in he didn't know how many months, Loralei was out of bed before Donovan. He had a rare day off, and for some strange reason, he felt the absolute need to sleep in. He groaned a little and nearly covered his head with the pillow. His wife had felt the need to open the shades in the bedroom. Normally, it was his game, but today, she had claimed it and called it her own. Don't you think you deserve it, bub, Loralei's voice suddenly asked inside his head. Maybe he did. Why was she up so early any damn way? Oh yeah, he thought suddenly. They had invited Kara and Farron over for a relaxing get together by the pool. It was strange, but they had had little use for the pool when they first moved in. Of course, as spring began to give way to summer, Loralei immediately insisted on getting the pool into shape. Summers around their neck of the woods were often harsh. Then again, there were other things the pool might become useful for. Yet more areas to utilize for further marital experimentation. Goddamn, I have a dirty mind.
Of course, there were other reasons for her early rising as well. She had just entered her eighth month of pregnancy and couldn't manage to lie in bed for very long periods of time. It was completely uncomfortable for her. She could only lie on her side, and her back seemed to ache constantly. In effect, his second job had become her personal masseuse. He didn't mind, not at all. From Loralei's viewpoint, this last critical stage of pregnancy was the most awkward phase for her. Endlessly, mercilessly, she went on and on about looking like a 'beached whale' or a 'big cow.' Nothing about her appearance pleased her. She loved Rachel, already loved the new kid, but she declared time and time again that she would skip the latter phases of pregnancy if she could get away with it. Despite the misgivings she had regarding her appearance, he saw nothing ugly or disgusting about her. He never had, never would. Sometimes at night while Loralei was asleep, he would lay awake and do nothing more than watch her, totally and completely blown away by the depth of his love for her. At those times, he often thought back to when he first met her. When he first laid eyes on her, had he known they would be together like this? Had he had an inkling of an idea they would fall so deeply in love, marry, and have two children? Had it ever entered his mind? He once told her that he had known he would love her forever the first night they spent together, and he had meant it. He had meant every word.
Loralei slipped back into the bedroom and noticed that her husband was lying on his side, hugging his pillow against his head. His face appeared to be partially buried in it. What a switch, she thought. Wasn't it usually her hiding from intrusions in bed? "Are you still in bed," Loralei asked. "What's this? Have you decided to turn over a new 'sleeping late' leaf?"
Donovan shifted position and leaned up on his elbow. She had donned a fuchsia colored silk dressing gown. She had attempted to cover it with a multi-colored matching silk robe, but it fell open and flowed about her body. She looked absolutely gorgeous, and he felt a sappy smile spreading across his face. "Hell, baby, you kept me up half the night helping you get this pool thing going."
She stuck her lip out playfully. "Oh, I didn't mean to wear you out." She purposely avoided approaching the bed. If she got back down there, she might not get up for the rest of the day. "You really should get your ass moving, Frank, your brother and his lady love will be here shortly."
He moved close to the edge of the bed where she was standing. He tugged on the robe as if he were a little boy fighting for her attention. She reached back and slapped his hand. Admonished, he grinned up at her playfully. "Do you think they'll be here on time? Do you really think that, my love?"
She turned toward him and crossed her arms across her chest. "Well, perhaps not. After all, you are twins, and if he's anything like you…"
Donovan reached for her again, but she backed away. "Come here," he said.
"No way," she said with a smile. "I still have a thing or three to do before they get here. Why is it that you wait until I get as big as a house before you get all horny and shit?"
He laughed. "Well, I think I must have been horny before, or you wouldn't be in this condition, now would you?" He leaned up a bit further and reached for her again. "Come here."
Loralei backed away yet again. "Uh uh. You will not distract me. Sorry, bub, but I have to get dressed. If I can find anything that still fits."
He waited until she had gotten a bit closer to the bed before he moved toward her again. This time, he had slid to the end of the bed and took hold of her arm. "Loralei, for God's sake. Come here."
She backed up toward the bed and sighed with mock aggravation. She sat down, feeling even more awkward and huge than ever before. He snaked his body around hers from the back and turned her face toward his. He kissed her deeply as his free hand fell on her shoulder before progressing down her back.
She pulled away after a long moment. "Frank," she whispered, "I feel so gawky and weird."
"I know you do," he said, "I love you, and to me, you are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life."
"Do you want me to cry all over you," she asked with a smile.
"Nope, not unless you intend to kiss away every tear that falls on me."
* * *
Loralei and Kara relaxed in lounge chairs beside the patio table. A radio played in the background and both women were shaded from the sun under the large umbrella that covered the table. They watched as Donovan and Farron slipped into the shallow end of the pool. Donovan was holding Rachel, who looked positively adorable in her little baby water wings. Even without the floating devices, Rachel was well protected from harm by her father and uncle. Loralei couldn't help but smile watching the three of them playing. Frank was holding Rachel at arms length, releasing her, and calling for her to swim to Daddy. Rachel would giggle like a fool and kick and flail her arms until she reached him, which were basically two or three kicks. He'd then swoop her up into his arms and kiss her all over her little face. Farron laughed right along with them. He adored his little niece and nothing was more heartwarming than hearing her laughter.
Donovan suddenly turned Rachel toward Farron. "Go see Uncle Farron, sweetie!"
It was Farron's turn to grab up the little tyke. When her little arms went around his neck, he hugged her gently.
Loralei barely heard the tiny sigh that escaped Kara. She turned her gaze toward Kara and found her watching Farron and Rachel very intently. Damn, the girl's got it bad. Loralei's curious nature grabbed hold. Kara and Farron never really discussed their relationship and for some reason, that made her even more curious. "You really love him, don't you?"
Kara jumped slightly, startled from her thoughts. The twin brothers and the baby, what an adorable sight. A happy one, too, she thought. Farron was working his way back into his place in the Donovan family. Kara was extremely happy for him and hoped one day to meet the rest of his family. At the moment of Loralei's question, the sight of Farron holding Rachel held her captivated. He was so tender with her, so loving. The weeks she had babysat for Rachel, Farron would stop by and spend time with them. She wouldn't lie to anyone if they had asked, if Rachel was down for a nap, the two of them made out like teenagers. Farron would wisecrack that they needed to be careful and hurry in case the kid's parents came home early. Most of the time, he would get down on the floor with her and Rachel and the three of them would play. Farron was damn good at patty cake. Kara locked eyes with Loralei. "I really do, Loralei." She turned back to the three Donovan's "swimming" in the shallow end of the pool. Rachel was happily making the journey between her daddy and uncle. At the end of her path she would receive hugs and kisses. Who would not mind that trip?
Loralei smiled and nodded. "I'm glad, really I am. I just never figured you would hook up with Farron when I first met you. You come from different worlds..."
Kara smiled wryly. "You aren't the only one surprised by it. I think both Farron and I still are. My friends...well...they don't understand. And Farron...he plays it off, but I know it hurts him." She sighed, brought her knees up, and wrapped her arms around her legs. She rested her chin on her knees and tilted her head to look at Loralei. "He's told me everything, Loralei. He's made some really bad choices in his life and hurt those who loved him."
"Told you everything?" Loralei wasn't altogether surprised. Farron was normally forthcoming and never pretended or hid his faults. Somehow, though, she found it hard to believe Kara knew the terrible things that happened between the brothers.
"Yes," her voice a whisper. "Frank nearly dying when they were younger. That was the beginning." Kara saw Loralei nod as she spoke. "I know about the girlfriends and lovers he took from Frank. He's even told me what he did to you." Kara sighed heavily and returned her focus to Farron as he frolicked with his brother and Rachel. His smile was wide and genuine. It reached his eyes and was dazzling against the dark tone of his skin. Just then, he picked up the baby and held her at arms length above his head. He laughed freely as she giggled and kicked her little feet, so trusting in the arms of her uncle. She wished for him that same trust when he was holding his own child. Suddenly, she felt very empty.
"Like you said, he made some bad decisions, but it is wonderful to see the brothers together again. Maybe that is, in part, due to you?" Loralei wondered out loud.
"No. I love and support him, but this is something Farron wants. He misses what they had as children. He misses his family." Kara moved her legs over the side of the chair and planted her feet on the ground. "He needs family, Loralei. More than anything."
"And it's all coming back to him, Kara," she agreed. She felt the baby move and gasped loudly. What a wonderful feeling it was and she reveled in it each time it happened.
"Are you okay," Kara asked worriedly, laying a gentle hand to Loralei's arm.
She smiled and nodded. "The baby's moving." Something entered Kara's eyes and Loralei knew instinctively that Kara's love for Farron had far surpassed where they professed to be. She wanted more than to be his girlfriend. She wanted to be the mother of his children. "Here...give me your hand." She placed Kara's hand on her abdomen where the baby was most actively kicking. Both women smiled and laughed, both thinking that the tiny miracle growing inside Loralei was the most precious thing that can happen between couples.
Donovan and Farron heard the ladies' laughter and turned their attention to them. Donovan smiled warmly as he plunked Rachel onto his shoulder. He and Farron left the pool and made their way back to Loralei and Kara. "The baby's kicking," he told Farron along the way. When they reached the ladies, each took a spot at the end of their ladies' lounge chair. "How ya doin', Little Mama," Donovan asked as he lifted Rachel from his shoulder and sat her on his lap.
"Doing good," Loralei replied and leaned forward to receive his kiss.
Farron watched as Kara reached for the fruit tray and picked up a small clump of grapes. She gingerly plucked one off and popped it into her mouth. She caught him watching her and gave him a goofy wink. He couldn't help but tease her. "Hey...I'd like one of those."
Kara lifted a brow playfully. "Oh? Really? Hmmm." She popped another one into her mouth. "Come and get it then."
He leaned closer as she brought another grape to her lips. He covered her mouth with his, stealing the grape from her. He ground the small fruit between his teeth, sharing its juices with her as he deepened the kiss. He felt her fingers tangle into his wet hair, just as his gripped the French braid at the back of her head. He pulled away reluctantly at the urging of a loud "Ahem" by his brother and gazed into her sparkling blue eyes. "Come into the pool, baby...swim with me."
Kara giggled as he pulled her to her feet. Farron winked at Donovan and Loralei before he took a few steps and jumped into the deep end of the pool. Laughing at his goofy behavior, Kara removed her cover-up, revealing her modest one-piece suit.
She turned toward the pool just as Farron yelled, "Come on in, Shel! I'm lonely in here all by myself!"
Oh, now, how could she possibly resist? She excused herself and went to the edge of the pool. Farron was treading water in the middle of the pool when she dove in. He waited a moment for her to surface, but when she didn't he was just a bit worried that she was up to something. He could see her swimming under the surface. Kara wasn't normally one for childish pranks, but he wouldn't put anything past her. He dove under the water and found her. She was treading in one spot, smiling at him through the water. He swam to her and as they wrapped their arms around each other, his lips covered hers in a searing kiss, one that continued even after they reached the surface. He held her with one arm while he treaded water with the other, both kicking their legs beneath the surface to keep them afloat. Farron had to fight his urges; the feel of her wet, slick body against his was turning his thoughts in directions he dare not act upon at the moment. He pulled away from Kara slightly to look at her face. Apparently she was having similar thoughts. The darkening of her blue eyes was his first clue. Her hand slipping down his back to grab his ass was his second. His third was her whispered, "I'm going to wear you out tonight, Mister."
He grinned as he responded, "I look forward to it, love." His lips captured hers again as they disappeared beneath the surface.
Loralei sat back and watched Farron and Kara in the pool. She wasn't aware of it, but her husband was watching as well. Of course, Donovan had known his brother all his life, but she saw a tremendous change in Farron even no longer than she had known him. It seemed obvious to her that Kara was thinking of marriage and children. Although she hadn't really spoken to Farron at length, just from the way he held and kissed Kara so very tenderly, she was more than certain the ideas were floating around in Farron's head as well. Their love for each other was obvious and radiating from them in waves. Gawd. Are these baby hormones with the new kid making me mushy all of a sudden? Loralei glanced at Donovan and noticed that his eyes were fixed on the couple as well. She couldn't read his mind, of course, but she saw the dazed little expression on his face, and figured that his thinking was exactly in line with hers.
"Psst," she said as she prodded his body with her foot. When he glanced back at her, she smiled. "What do you think?"
He kissed the top of Rachel's damp little head before a smile broke out on his own face. "I think it's pretty serious," he said. "I've never seen Farron like this before. I was just now working it over in my head. Think about how far they've progressed since the first time they were together. It staggers me, sometimes. I never thought he would get so far with her, but he has. I'm proud of him, very, very proud. Honestly, I could see him wanting to marry her."
She nodded, sighing contentedly. "Yes," she said, "I can see it, too. They're a great couple." Another swift kick issued forth. "Ugh."
"You okay," he asked.
"Yeah, just another kick. This kid is anxious to get out."
"Hopefully not as anxious as this one was," he said before tickling Rachel's ribs. She broke into hysterical giggles, squealing 'bad daddy…no!' Of course, to the untrained ears of non-parents, her words sounded more like: 'baaaa dahdee…no!'
* * *
Much later, dusk had begun to settle and Rachel began to yawn. She had had a big day, with lots of loving attention from her uncle and Kara. Donovan excused himself as he carried the toddler inside. She was well overdue for some much needed rest. Loralei watched Farron and Kara closely. She wasn't a complete idiot, she could see that they wanted to leave, but both were being so very polite. Of course, Loralei wasn't one to hinder the course of true love. Purposely, she stretched and yawned, hoping she hadn't exaggerated too much.
"I have just suddenly gotten so tired," she said, acting her role to the hilt. "I think Rachel's tiredness is contagious."
Farron and Kara exchanged a brief glance. "I think we should go," Kara said immediately. "You do need your rest," she said, her concern for Loralei clearly showing in her pretty, serene face.
"Oh no, no," Loralei said. I should win an Oscar for this performance. "Don't rush away on my account."
Farron stood and brought Kara up with him. "No, sister in-law, Kara is right. You do appear to be exhausted."
Although neither of them would admit it, they were anxious to get going. Both felt their need and desire barely scratching at the surface, waiting to burst forth. They each approached Loralei and gave her a hug and a kiss before leaving.
As she watched them making their way toward the front of the house, Loralei giggled. "They're so easy." She reached over and grabbed her juice, slurping the glass dry.
"Rachel completely passed out," Donovan said as he approached his wife. He noticed her secret grin. "Where are Farron and Kara?"
She looked up at him with a mischievous smile. "I sorta kinda sent them home."
He sat down at the end of her lounger and gazed at her curiously. "You sent them home? I don't understand?"
"Come on, Frank, you don't? They wanted to leave, it was a bit obvious. I think they were in a hurry to…well…you know. So, me being who I am, I sent them on their way. I feigned tiredness and they vamoosed." She put her arms behind her head and leaned back. "I so need an academy award for that performance."
He laughed a little. "You never stop, do you?"
"Nope. They're in love, Frank; I know how it is to want to make love to your man so badly that you're shaking. God, the heat coming off them could have boiled all the water in the pool!"
Donovan ran his hand along her bare leg and moved it up to her thigh. "You know that, do you?"
His eyes were dark and smoky. Dear God. He wanted her. "Uh huh," she said with a slight grin. "I sure do."
He leaned toward her and kissed her. She wanted to break away after a couple of seconds, but he wouldn't have that. He pressed forward and slipped his tongue into her mouth, teasing hers, exploring, tasting, and driving her completely batshit.
"If you don't back off, we're going to break this chair," she said after he finally gave her a chance to speak. "It can't take it, Frank, I really mean it. I can hear it creaking."
"Is that so," he asked against her lips, smiling gently. "Let's go inside. The bed is much sturdier." He drew away and stood, presenting his hand to her.
She took it into hers and looked up at him solemnly. "Frank? I'm not sure about this lovemaking thing, not as big as I am."
He pulled her up to her feet and drew her to him. "Baby, would you stop? Leave everything to me, okay?" He ran his hand through her hair. "You know, I'm glad they left, too. I've wanted you all day."
"God, Frank, how," she said with a sigh.
"Very, very easily."
Without much reluctance, she allowed him to lead her toward the house, upstairs, and to the bedroom. She gave way before him as she had done dozens of times since she had been with him and completely left matters in her husband's capable and loving hands.
* * *
Farron opened the car door for Kara, closing it after she was settled. He had barely made it behind the wheel before she turned to him and placed her hand on his arm.
"Farron...I..." she began but pulled away, chewing on her lip as though she had something she had to tell him, but just quite couldn't find the words.
"What is it, Shel?" He began to worry that she was upset about something.
"God, I can't believe I'm about to say this..." Her hand fell onto his thigh and she gave it a firm squeeze. "Jesus, Farron...I'm so damned horny. I can't wait until we drive back home. I need you...now!" She felt like a damned fool.
Farron chuckled, at once relieved that there was nothing wrong. Hell, he felt the same way. He'd wanted to take her earlier while they were in the pool, and if they had been alone, he most certainly would have. The feeling hadn't left him the remainder of the day. He couldn't get home to the apartment fast enough. Of course, her house was right next-door. Unfortunately, Kara's brother had taken up temporary residence. Kara couldn't stand for the house to be abandoned, so John had moved in to keep the place up. "I haven't done it in the backseat of a car in ages, baby," he teased as he lifted her hand from his thigh and kissed her palm.
"Damn, damn, damn!" She cursed when he let go of her hand to start the car's engine. "I have an idea. No...turn off the car...come on..." She threw open the car door and headed toward the back of the Donovan's house.
Farron caught up to her easily. "Uh-uh, darlin'," he protested when she reached the edge of the yard and ducked into the wooded area between Frank's property and hers. "I love you and I want you so badly right now I can taste it...but there's poison oak in those woods."
Kara ducked back out and grabbed his hand, pulling him along. "I'm not that into nature right now, Farron. The pool house is back here. It's my studio remember?"
They reached the edge of her property and the pool house was in sight. They hurried to the door and Kara fumbled with the lock in her haste. "Goddamn it!" She finally worked the lock, opened the door, and dragged Farron inside, her lips locked firmly onto his. He kicked the door shut and heard the keys drop to the floor as she jumped into his arms and wrapped her legs around his hips. He supported her easily with one hand planted securely under her bottom; the other held firmly at her back. In his urgency, he knocked his shin against something solid, causing him to stumble a bit and cry out in pain. He supported Kara until she was on her feet.
"Are you okay?" She saw him nod as he rubbed his injured shin. She could barely see him from the light penetrating the cracks of the window shades. She kept them drawn unless she was working. Not entirely to keep prying eyes from seeing her work, but mostly to keep the sun from fading her treasures. "Let me get the lights."
When the lights came up, Farron's attention was pulled from his aching shin to the decor of the room. White sheets were strewn over easels in several places throughout the room. There was a couch in the far corner of the room, but other than a backless barstool in front of one of the easels, no other furniture graced the studio. "You've never shown me this place," he said absently as he reached for the sheet that covered the canvas and easel closest to him. He eyed Kara carefully as he eased the cloth away. If she had told him to stop, he would, but he was damn curious to see her work.
"I...I know. No one has ever seen my paintings..." she admitted hesitantly.
Farron finished pulling the sheet away and stared into familiar eyes. "Kara..."
"Do you hate it? I have to wait to finish it..."
He shook his head thoughtfully. "Hate it? Hell no, it's beautiful." His arm slid around her waist when she came to him and he held her close. She was painting a portrait of his brother's family. Donovan stood with Rachel in his arms. He was positioned just slightly behind Loralei, who was seated. He pointed to Loralei's likeness. "You're waiting for the baby to be born to finish?"
Kara nodded. "I hope they'll like it."
"They'll love it," he assured her. She pulled away from him and placed the sheet back over the canvas. He watched her curiously as she pulled the barstool toward him. "So, where were we?"
"About ...right here," she answered as she slipped into his arms and crushed her lips to his. "No more interruptions, darling." They made short work of their clothing and Farron began walking her toward the couch. Kara protested and insisted he sit on the barstool.
At first he was perplexed by her request, but did as she requested. Once he was where she wanted him, she stood facing him and used the lower wrung on each side of the stool to climb onto his lap, straddling him. He groaned erotically as his hands gripped her backside and guided her to his throbbing manhood.
"Fuck," he murmured at the absolute sinfully blissful feel of her sliding down his erection until he was fully sheathed inside her.
His hands roamed her back, pulling her closer until he captured a hardened nipple between his lips. His tongue danced over the taut nub, to the obvious delight of his Shel who moaned with pleasure. Her fingertips dug into his shoulders and with her feet on the second wrung of the stool supporting her movements, she moved her body up and down on him slowly, at first, literally driving him senseless. This was new for him, for her as well. She had never taken command in their lovemaking. He was so beyond turned on, he could only hope he could hold out for her. Her hips moved as if they had a mind of their own. While Farron suckled her breasts, giving each one the attention they screamed for, she slid up, down, and around on him until she was ready to burst. Farron grasped her bottom, guiding her to their release. He was ready, so ready, and when she let go, she crushed her mouth to his as she rode him over the edge. They swallowed each other's cries as they met their release together and he held her fiercely when she collapsed against him.
"I love you, baby," he whispered softly into her ear as she rested against him.
He felt and heard Kara sobbing and nearly joined her. If he asked her why she was crying, she would tell him it was because she loved him so much. It floored him every time. Each time they made love, he felt as if he loved her more than the moment before. He'd given up trying to understand why, all he needed to know was that it was real and he didn't want to lose it. He didn't want to lose her.