"So what did you do today?" Nick asked casually over the phone. Miley was surprised when he had called, but realized that it was silly to have been. Of course he would call. She was hesitant to answer for the briefest of moments. "Nothing," she lied, thinking of her meeting with her parents. "How's Luke?" "He's good."
There was an awkward silence. At least when they were together, they could both pretend like they didn't mind the silence. Over the phone, though, there was no point of staying on the line if the time wasn't filled with conversation. "How's your trip?" Miley asked after what felt like at least five minutes. "Good." "Everything's good then," she joked lightly. "Seems that way," another pause, "Tell me more about your day. What did you do?"
He said it almost like he knew she was keeping something from him. "There's nothing to tell," she said almost forcefully, "Why do you keep asking that?" "Just curious," his voice was pained, and Miley was instantly contrite for snapping at him. "I'm going to go now, I need to put Luke down for the night," She made an excuse to get off the phone. "Oh, okay then. I'll see you soon." "Yep, Bye." She hung up the phone.
Miley sat heavily down on the bed, feeling like she was digging herself deeper and deeper into a hole. Why was she alienating him? Why couldn't she just tell him about her parents? She had been alone for so long, just her and Luke against the world; it was hard accepting someone new into that life, but she had to try, at least. She had to let herself trust him.
"Daddy!" Lukas screamed as his father walked in the front door. "Hey my boy," Nick lifted his son and swung him gently around in the air. "Welcome home," Miley said warmly, going to Nick and giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. He looked surprised for only a moment, but then quickly snatched his arm around her and bent his head to kiss her on the mouth.
Luke started hitting his father's face, upset that his attention had been taken away. Nick laughed and turned his head toward the boy in his arms, but didn't take his arm from around Miley. "Where's my present?" Luke demanded, and Nick chuckled again, as though he had so much laughter stored up inside himself, he just couldn't stop some from escaping. "Here you go," He said leaning over his bag which he had tossed carelessly by the door. He knelt down and handed the boy a paper bag that had been folded over whatever was inside it and taped shut.
"Yay!" Luke shouted before he even knew what was inside the package. He tore it open to reveal a tiny t-shirt just his size with Chicago written across the front with the skyline pictured behind it. Wrapped inside the t-shirt was a clunky robot toy, the kind Luke loved. He hopped up and down excitedly, pulling the t-shirt haphazardly over his head, not even noticing what he already had on underneath. He grabbed his new toy and started to run up to his room.
"Hey, what do you say?" Miley reminded him. "Thank you," Lukas shouted over his shoulder. He was no doubt in a hurry to take his new toy up to his collection and introduce them to each other. "I got you something too," Nick was looking at her. Miley smiled shyly at him, "Where is it?"
Nick once again reached into the bag where he had pulled Luke's present from, and presented her with a similarly wrapped package, although hers was a bit smaller. Instead of tearing the thing to shreds as Luke had done, Miley easily pulled off the single piece of tape opened the bag. Inside was a mug-a proper souvenir with Chicago written across it. Miley didn't know why such a simple gift should make her go all mushy inside, but it did. "Thank you," she said and held the ceramic thing against her heart, "I love it."
Nick laughed, "It's no big deal," he said off-handedly. "No," Miley protested, "I love it." And she gave him a thank you hug. "If I had known you were this easy to please, I would have gotten you airport gift shop merchandise a long time ago." For Miley, it felt nice to just be in his arms. When she had promised him she would miss him, she had no idea just how true it was. "How was your trip?" She asked pulled away from him slightly.
"Just meetings and such, didn't have time for anything else." "Are you hungry? I'll start dinner," Miley said, walking toward the kitchen before he answered. "Yeah," he called, "I'm just going to go take a shower," he said, carrying his suitcase up the stairs.
That night, Nick was already in bed by the time Miley got out of the shower. Her hair was still wet, and she was wearing her old night shirt. He peered curiously at her as she stood uncertainly by the bathroom door, not getting into bed. "What's wrong?" he asked, then opened his arms invitingly. Miley only smiled and hopped over to the bed, jumping into his waiting arms. "Nothing," she said and gave him a hug, "I'm glad your back." Nick's face lit up—completely glowing. "I'm glad, too," he kissed the top of her head which was tucked against his bare chest.
She wasn't really quite sure what she was doing, or how far she wanted to take it, but without thinking, she leaned up and kissed his lips gently. Nick made a moaning noise deep in his chest as she kissed him, one you would make while deep in the throes of passion—a contrast to the light kiss she bestowed upon him. Despite this, he didn't move to deepen the kiss. Miley pulled away to look hesitantly up at his face. His eyes were closed, and She felt her heart warm at the look of utter pleasure on his face. When she pulled away, he slowly opened his eyes and gazed warmly at her.
"Maybe I should go away more often if this is what I get on my return," he joked warmly. "No," Miley denied, wrapping her arms around his neck and straddled his lap, "Don't go away. I'll give you a kiss everyday if you stay." Nick looked surprised for only a moment. "Miley," he groaned her name out as if she were killing him with pleasure. She kissed him again, a light and tender kiss on his full lips. When she pulled away, she stroked his hair and looked lovingly down at his handsome face, kissing his nose.
He wrapped his arms around her back, feeling its contours beneath the thin cotton t-shirt she wore. "What are you trying to do, Miley?" he asked, still unsure of her. She was arousing him, and probably had no idea just how much. She probably didn't know how hard it was for her to sleep with him every night and for him not to take her. Just her sweet scent had him reciting the pledge of allegiance to himself while picturing his grandmother until he fell asleep. She could have no idea that just her chaste kisses threatened to send him over the edge.
Miley smiled. "I'm trying to seduce you," she said, only half joking. The words were enough. In one quick motion she was on her back, still in his arms, with his body pressed tightly against hers. Barely half a second later, his mouth was fused with hers. She was gasping for breath by the time he pulled away slightly to look down at her, "It's working," he told her devilishly. Only then did he see her flushed cheeks and wide eyes, and he became aware of her racing heart beneath his chest, almost equaling his own. Suddenly afraid that he had frightened her, he pulled abruptly away from her and laid on his back beside her.
"I'm sorry, Miley. Was I going too fast?" His voice was so worried. She laughed and rolled on top of him. She shook her head even as she gave him another kiss, this one just as passionate and demanding as the one he had given her. Nick once again wrapped his arms around her. He used his deft fingers to hike up her oversized shirt, the fabric scrunching in his fist against her back. Her panty clad butt was no longer protected by the extra cloth, and reached to grasp a cheek in his hand.
Miley gasped against his mouth and squirmed beneath him. He found the top of her panties, and started working on maneuvering them down her legs. He managed to get them mid thigh, before his reach prevented their downward journey. Abandoning the effort, he decided to pursue the more pleasurable task of exploring the newly uncovered territory. He now grasped her bare bum in his hand, sliding his finger to her crack and down to reach her pussy from behind. Miley, for her part, was losing sense of reality. Nick's incredible mouth was making love to hers so intensely that she didn't even really notice her panties were pulled down until Nick was rubbing her bare bottom.
When his nimble fingers found her pussy, she vaguely wondered how he could even reach her there. He no doubt could feel the sopping wetness he'd created in her, but Miley found no embarrassment at this. She was enchanted at his intimate touches and only wanted them to continue. She was disappointed when he pulled away, but only for a moment. He in no time had her flipped over and was pulling her shirt over her head. "So beautiful," Nick murmured to himself as though the thought were so powerful he couldn't quite keep it inside his head.
He kissed her cheeks and face in a tender moment, reassuring her and laying claim at the same time. Miley wrapped her arms around his lean waist, and much like he had done earlier, struggled to push his boxers down and off him. She let out a frustrated growl when she couldn't quite manage to get them far, and Nick chuckled and finished the job for her, quickly discarding her panties as well. His member was hard and eager as he settled poised between her legs.
"Mommy?" Luke's voice was unnervingly close. Nick instinctively vaulted himself off of Miley and to the other side of the bed, at the same time wresting with the sheets to cover them both. Nick groaned loudly in frustration and flung his arm over his head. "What is it sweetie?" Her voice sounded hoarse as she sat up and held the sheet over her bare chest. "I had a bad dream," the boy said pathetically. "Oh honey," Miley crooned, wanting to pull him into her arms, but was painfully aware of her state of undress beneath the sheet. Luke didn't seem to notice or care and he climbed up on the bed and sat in his mother's lap. "I called, but you didn't come," he glared accusingly at his father as the cause for his mother's preoccupation.
She would have laughed at the situation if she wasn't filled with the bitter disappointment of her unfulfilled desire. "Can I stay with you tonight?" he asked, wrapping his little arms around her neck. Miley looked helplessly at Nick, who took pity on her and took the boy out of her arms. "Hey Luky, why don't you tell me about this nightmare?" he asked, his arm wrapped around the little boy. "Telling someone about my nightmares always helps me when I'm scared."
Luke looked skeptical. "I always tell mommy about my nightmares," the boy denied, in his fright losing some of his proclivity toward adapting to his new home and father, and instead clinging to the familiarity of his mother's comfort. Miley had since managed to pull her nightshirt back over her head and maneuver back down to where it ended around her knees. She pulled Luke back into her arms, and he buried his face against her neck. "I'm here, sweetheart," she comforted her son, "What happened?" "There was something under my bed—a monster. It was trying to eat me." Miley smiled against the boy's hair. At the apartment, there had always been a monster lurking in his closet. She guessed here it decided to start stalking the underside of his mattress.
"Do you remember what we talked about, how dreams are only scary when we are asleep, and when we wake up they can't hurt us?" Luke nodded, but didn't look convinced. She sighed. "Do you want me to go check for monsters?" she asked. "No!" he shouted in panic and held her more tightly around the neck, as if to prevent her from getting up and walking to his room. "What if it eats you?" Miley smiled at her son's attempt to protect her. "Can I stay with you tonight?" She was about to open her mouth and relent when Nick spoke up.
"I'll go take a look Luke," Nick said standing up, Miley hadn't seen him put on his boxers. Lukas silently shook his head and held onto his mother's neck. "Come on now," Nick urged, "I promise nothing's going to happen." He gently ushered Miley, as she still held Luke in her arms, out of their room and the short distance to Luke's. Flicking on the light, he stepped inside. He made a big show of getting on his knees and peering under the bed, reaching his hand under to flick aside discarded toys and socks.
"Yep, nothing under there, my boy," he gestured Luke toward him. Miley set him to his feet, and he walked cautiously toward his father. Upon seeing that what his father said was true, he let himself be picked up and placed back under the covers of his bed. "There, everything okay now?" Nick asked the boy. he nodded. Nick stroked his hair with a large hand, and kissed him on the forehead. "Do you want me to leave the light on?" Lukas nodded his assent, and Nick slipped out the room. Miley lingered in the doorway, unsure if he would be able to get back to sleep, and wanting to wait to make sure he did.
"He'll be fine," Nick said close to her ear, and before she could answer, he was picking her up and carrying her back to their room. "Hasn't the mood kind of been ruined?" Miley asked, though not really minding that he wanted to pick up where they left off. "No," Nick said stubbornly, pulling her night shirt off her body and kicking his own boxers down to his feet. They were once again as naked as they had been before Luke had interrupted him. Miley, though, no longer on the brink of an orgasm was aware of her nakedness as she had not been before, and felt a blush come to her cheeks.
Nick grinned at her. "You're so pretty when you blush," he said, stroking her reddened cheek before kissing her lips. He lifted her up into his arms, her body pressed against his naked chest, and laid her down on the bed. He lost his hard on during their inopportune interruption, but he was quickly getting it back just staring at her naked body. Miley, for her part, was feeling the wetness increase between her legs due to his exploring eyes.
He grasped her breasts in his hands, kneading the tender flesh. He let his hands roam down her stomach and to her thighs, rubbing and squeezing them. He let his hand stroke down her knee, and back up the inside of her thigh. He could feel her legs quivering beneath him, and he grinned in pleasure. When he reached her pussy, it was wet and inviting. She jumped slightly when he pinched her clit between his fingers, sending waves of pleasure through her. He climbed on top of her, spreading her legs with his thighs. "Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked her. As much as he wanted nothing more than to take her then and there, not losing her trust again was more important. He would only do it if she was sure she was ready.
"Yes," Miley was breathless, "Please. I want you so bad." Nick kissed her again as he entered her—one swift motion, burying himself to the hilt. He pulled half way out, then buried himself in her again. "Nick," she moaned out as he thrust in and out of her, taking what she was freely giving. "Mmm," he moaned, "You feel so good," he increased his speed. I love you, Miley wanted to say, but she wanted him to say it first. She didn't want to reveal her emotions without being positive that he felt the same way. It felt like love though. Everything was completely wonderful. Then she stopped thinking, as his cock drove all thoughts from her mind except the wonderful sensations between her legs, flowing through her entire body. He spilt his seed inside of her. Breathing hard in her ear, he kissed it. "That was wonderfully, baby," Nick told her gently. Rolling onto his side, he drug her with him, keeping her pressed closely to his body.
"Wonderful," she breathed, nuzzling her face in his neck. He kissed her head and together they let themselves fall asleep.
"I've got another present for you," Nick said, coming up behind Miley and wrapping his arms around her waist. She was pouring her morning coffee into the mug he had given her yesterday. "From Chicago?" She asked curiously, turning in the circle of his arms, and taking a sip from the mug she held. Nick shook his head. "No, I got this before I left. I just haven't had a chance to give it to you yet." "Well," Miley prompted, "Where is it?" she nudged him gently. "It's not here. I'll have to take you to it." She was gripping the non-handle side of the mug, and he cupped his hand over hers, guiding it to his mouth to take a sip of her drink.
"I have to go get Luke ready for school," Miley said, reluctantly pushing out of his arms. "This morning then, after Luke has left, I'll take you," he promised, sitting down at the kitchen table and opening the newspaper.
"Come on, what is it?" Miley needled Nick as he was driving her to the secret location of her gift. "It's a surprise. We'll be there in like five minutes, be patient." Nick chided gently. "But what could it be?" She wondered out loud to herself. They had driven by the diner where she used to work, and would have asked to stop and say hi to Fran if she hadn't been so curious about what her present was going to be. He stopped the car a couple blocks before reaching her old apartment building.
"What is it?" Miley asked, staring at the little complex of shops before her. There was a little tea room, an old movie rental place, a art supply store, and a bookstore—family owned business, places she had frequently visited when she used to live only a couple blocks away. "Are you taking me out to breakfast?" she eyed the tea room. Nick laughed. "No, right over there," he pointed to a little building. It had been built right next to the complex, but not attached. It used to be a Laundromat when Miley first moved there, but had long since been vacant, falling into some disrepair.
"What?" She was still confused, shaking her head. The building looked to have been fixed up some, the paint was new, and the windows weren't broken. "It's for you," Nick said, looking at her like she was outrageously slow on the uptake. "For your antique store." Miley stared at him in complete shock, not quite registering right away what he had said.
Nick looked at her a little nervously. "I figured you wouldn't want to do a bookstore, considering there's one about thirty feet away—but if you want to, that's fine with me." And when Miley still didn't say anything, "I just figured you would want something to occupy your time a little. You worked so hard to get your degree, might as well put it to some use, right? It might take some work getting started, but after that you can put as..." his voice was suddenly cut off for Miley had sprung on him and was kissing him.
"I guess that means you like it?" he laughed when she pulled away. "I love it, it's perfect." There was a trace of a tear in Miley's eye. "How did you know?" Nick chuckled softly. "I'm glad you like it." She kissed him again. "Thank you." And another kiss. "I'm going to go look inside," she said, crawling back to her side of the car and hopping out the door.
Nick followed her to the door, handing her the key at the entrance. Miley opened it up. It was a blank space, but her mind was whirling with the possibilities of what she could do. She could envision her own little place taking shape in this building. Miley laughed in delight and turned to him, thanking him again. She kissed him, and Nick pulled her into his arms, deepening the kiss. "I hope you aren't getting any ideas, mister," she pulled away and said with mock sternness when he had started to more frisky—sliding his hand under her shirt.
"Who me?" Nick asked, "Never." He shook his head slowly, his face so close to hers their noses brushed together, Eskimo kisses. Despite his words, Nick was sliding his hand down the back of her pants, grasping her bum and tugging her closer. Miley felt weak in the knees as he continued to kiss. Nick gently guided her to the floor and made love to her right there. Afterwards, he said he had to get to work, so the two of them adjusted their clothes and made their way out of Miley's new store.
"Miley!" she turned at the sound of her name to see Ben waving and running toward her from the book store. "Ben," she greeted him with genuine pleasure. He gave her a quick hug, prompting Nick to come stand possessively close beside her, wrapping his arms around her waist. Ben eyed him with open hostility, but didn't say anything. "What brings you out here?" he asked curiously, seeing that they weren't coming from the direction of any of the shops. "I'm going to start my own business," Miley told her friend excitedly, gesturing to the old building. "That's great," Ben's voice was enthusiastic. "Antiques?" he guessed, squinting his eyes.
"Looks like it, but nothing's really been decided yet. What are you up to?" "Oh, the usual, just shopping around," Ben shrugged. Nick squeezed Miley's waist and looked down at her meaningfully, saying in no uncertain terms that he wanted to leave. "We have to go," Miley said apologetically, it looked like these two would never get over their initial bad meeting. "It was nice seeing you." "You too," Ben agreed. "Tell Luke I said 'hi.' You'll have to bring him around some time, I miss the little bugger." "Okay," Miley agreed, "He misses you too." She turned to open up the car door. "Oh, and you'll have to remember to stop by and pick up that painting," Ben laughed, "You conveniently forgot it at my place last time." "You can keep it," Milex said in an overly generous voice. "Oh no you don't," Ben held up his hands and shook them, "You won't saddle me with that thing so easily. See ya." He waved and started to jog back to his car.
"What was that all about?" Nick asked with a scowl. Miley wondered why he was so upset. He shouldn't hold a permanent grudge against Ben just because of their first meeting. "Oh, nothing. Some lady just gave me a painting I didn't really want the other day, and I left it at Ben's house. It's kind of a joke," Miley shrugged. Nick nodded once and pulled out of the parking lot. "When was this?" he asked abruptly. "Hmm?" Miley questioned. "When did all this joking happen?" He asked carefully. His face was so meticulously controlled that she became a little suspicious.
"Um, Monday, I think," she said cautiously, and watched Nick's face suddenly harden. His eyebrows drew together and his jaw set. His eyes looked stormy. "What wrong?" Miley asked worriedly. He refused to answer her, and he dropped her off at home with out so much as a word. Miley went and sat dazedly on the couch. How had such a happy day turned sour so quickly? He couldn't hate Ben that much, could he?