Chapter 26

Valerie's POV

I was apprehensive about moving back to Trenton after I established my life in California. I was ready to stay in California and get a job. But Mom insisted that coming home was the best thing for me and the girls. I must admit, after reconnecting with Joe Morelli, who is not quite the arrogant player that he was in high school, is nice. He is still handsome and managed to keep himself in shape, more so than Steve ever did. While he does have the start of a tiny beer belly, it's nothing. He has abs.

Since he picked Mom and me up from the airport, we have spoken at least once a day. Thanksgiving was the first time we spent several hours together. He was great with Angie and Mary Alice, and they seemed to like him, which of course, is step one. After Mrs. Morelli and Grandma Bella left, we sat together in the living room with the television on, but we mostly talked. He is looking to settle down and have a family of his own. He recently inherited his Aunt Rose's house and feels that the time has come to be a father. I always wanted a large family, so I'm not opposed to having another two or three children, which I told him. I also don't want to work. I like being home for my girls and being involved in the PTA and church.

Once Mom went upstairs to bed, things heated up between us. He started to kiss me, and we spent a good half hour making out on the couch. God, that man knows how to kiss. He was turning me into a puddle of goo. Soon, I found myself on my knees, between his legs, giving him a blow job. I've never been one to enjoy giving a blow job, but with Joe, it was great. I enjoyed sucking him, and when he came, I swallowed it all. I was hoping he would reciprocate, but he didn't and instead went home, but not before asking me out on a date for Saturday. Maybe this is a step towards a marriage proposal.

I look at myself in the mirror, feeling like I've done the best I could do. I put on the navy blue dress, glad that I purchased it as it hugs my curves and allows me to look my best without looking like a whore. My make-up is understated, but highlights my blue eyes, while my hair is falling perfectly in the Meg Ryan-inspired haircut that I have. I spritz some perfume on and add my kitten heels, in navy, and proceed downstairs.

"Valerie, you look dashing. Joseph won't know what hit him." My mother tells me.

"Thanks, Mom. To tell you the truth, I'm a little nervous. I hope things go well tonight."

"Well, they should. Just be yourself and let Joseph know that you are a Burg housewife through and through and I'm sure everything will be fine."

The doorbell rings and I quickly smooth my dress one final time. I answer the door, finding Joe standing on the threshold holding a dozen red roses for me.

"Hello, Joe, they're beautiful," I say as he hands me the flowers.

"They are nowhere close to being as beautiful as you, Valerie."

I blush at his sentiment and turn to put the flowers in water when my mother appears. "Joseph, that bouquet is stunning. Valerie, dear, I'll take them and place them in water. You go and enjoy yourself."

I hand my mother the flowers and give her a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you, Mrs. Plum. You look fabulous today yourself. And from the aroma coming from the kitchen, part of me wishes that we were eating here because I'm sure the restaurant can't measure up to your cooking."

"Joseph, you are too kind. Have a good time. Don't worry about what time you come home. I'll be here with the girls."

With that final goodbye, Joe and I walk out the door. We walk to his car and I open the passenger door and get in, buckling myself in. Joe joins me in the car, and soon we are driving into Trenton. "Where are we going?"

"Marsiello's. I hope you don't mind."

"No, that's great. I've always wanted to go there."

"You'll be in for a treat. They have outstanding food." I smile at the thought of a tasty meal that I don't have to cook. "The food is almost as good as a home-cooked meal."

When we arrive, Joe pulls up to the valet station. We each get out of the car and soon walk into the restaurant. We get to the hostess station where there is a girl I recognize from school, but she was a year or two below me. I don't remember her name, but she has her large breasts practically spilling out of her top. I see Joe take a longer glance than appropriate but then takes my hand to have her lead us to our table. It's alright for a man to look as long as he doesn't touch. When she hands us our menus, she makes sure to give Joe a good look at her goods. Really, some women are such harlots.

We both get a soda, and order mozzarella sticks and fried calamari for appetizers, then I order chicken parmigiana, while Joe gets lasagna. We eat and talk about what we've been doing since high school, and it's a pleasant conversation. After dinner, we both have some gelato before we get ready to leave. I quickly use the powder room before leaving. When I approach Joe at the front of the restaurant, I could have sworn I saw him place a slip of paper in his pocket from the hostess, but it was probably the receipt. He wouldn't be collecting phone numbers while with me, would he?

"Hey, Val, do you want to come back to my place for a little while, where we can talk some more." He asks while we are waiting for his car. He has his arm around my waist and pulls me in for a gentle kiss.

"Yes, Joe, I'd like that." The valet arrives with his car and we quickly get in, with Joe driving back to his house.

"I'm still in the process of renovating it. My aunt didn't do much in way of modernizing it. I've updated the bathroom and the living room, and the kitchen is next of my list, but I figured I'd wait until the right woman came along so she'd be comfortable there."

How so wonderfully thoughtful. He's already concerned about his kitchen being what his wife desires. That must be the most thoughtful thing I've heard in a long time. When we enter the house, I see a comfortable living room with a large television, and a dining room with an old, dated, but functional table, and the swinging door to the kitchen.

"Have a seat on the couch, Valerie. Would you like something to drink? I have beer, soda, and water."

"Water will be fine, thank you."

I have a seat on the couch and practically sink into it. His home is not what I expected. It is much cleaner and neater than I anticipated. It's good to know that he is able to keep a tidy house and pick up after himself. That's more than Steve ever did! A minute later, he returns with my water. He sits next to me on the couch, and soon we are kissing. Joe starts to kiss down my neck, and then along the line of my dress. I feel his hands on my breasts, and soon, my dress is coming off, along with his shirt.

My eyes stare at his muscular chest. I can tell that he works out. He has a nice physique and the outline of a six-pack. My hands wander over his chest as my lips follow. Soon, I'm kneeling between his legs, with his member in my hand. I take him in my mouth, feeling him grow. His hand goes on my head, and soon he's pushing me and guiding me to what he wants. I comply, as is proper. Before he has a release, though, he roughly pulls me off and bends me over the couch and enters me from behind. It's been some time since I've been with a man and I forgot how good it feels. Too soon, though, Joe has his release and I'm left wanting more, which is something that I'm used to. Good wives and girlfriends always put the needs of their lovers above their own.

"Val, that was great," Joe says as he kisses my back and my neck. "The boys really needed that."

"I enjoyed it as well," I tell Joe. He glances at his watch.

"I better get you home." We both quickly get dressed again, and Joe drives me home. He walks me to the door where we kiss goodnight. "I'll call you tomorrow. Night, Baby."

"Goodnight, Joe."

I enter the house and remember to shut off this cursed alarm. I go up to my room to get changed. I then brush my teeth, suddenly realizing that Joe didn't use a condom. Shit. Oh, well, it is what it is. Hopefully, I'm not pregnant.