I wake up blissfully content for the first time in I can't remember when. A needy moan escapes my mouth when I feel her rubbing her bottom against my morning wood. As if they had a mind of their own, my hips move and rub against her bare backside, generating the delicious friction we both seem to be craving. I pull one of her legs over my hip, opening her up. Spurred on by the beautiful noises that are spilling from her mouth, I stroke her already wet lady parts, thumbing her engorged clit before slipping a finger deep inside of her. I lean forward nuzzling that spot behind her ear that I found last night. My eyes never leave her face as I stroke her to completion. I never want to forget the look that I put there as she wafts back to earth.
Wanting more, I gently position her on her tummy. Using my hand, I bend her knee, pushing it up to make room for my body in the cradle formed by her legs. She turns her head when the weight of my body nudges her firmly into the mattress. I capture her lush lips in a searing kiss at the same time I sink deep inside of her. After reaching up to lace our fingers together, I move in a slow yet spine-tingling rhythm. Words can't express how good it feels to be inside of her. Letting go of one hand, I twist my fingers into her hair, gently fingering her scalp as I press sloppy kisses to her shoulders and neck. Closing my eyes, I lose myself inside of her as I continue to push in and pull out lazily, wanting to savor every moment.
I focus on the sound of her breathing and how her back molds to my front, smiling in wonder when it dawns on me that we're one. I can't tell where she begins and I end. Before long, I feel the pressure building deep in my gut. With each of my strokes, her moans and whimpers are magic to my ears as I continue to move inside of her. My thrusts are becoming less even and more chaotic as I chase my release. Feeling the fire in my belly as it ignites into a raging inferno, I push even harder. When I feel her inner walls gripping me tightly, the waves of her climax releasing my own. Coming with a sound of her name on my lips, I collapse onto her, my body quavering against hers.
Once I can feel my limbs again, I roll off of her. When she rolls onto her side, she leans up on one arm before leaning in lift a sweet kiss from my lips. "That was..." I feel a shiver because her voice is so husky sounding in the aftermath.
Reaching up to brush a strand of hair behind her ear, I whisper reverently, "I have no words either."
With a wink, I pull her onto my chest, wrapping my arms around her. Although perfectly content to stay this way all day, I just happen to notice what time it is. Lifting my head, I capture her lips in one more sizzling kiss before gently rolling her off of me so I can sit up at the bedside.
"How about I fix you some breakfast?"
"That sounds nice. I'm going to take a shower."
"Mmm, why don't we conserve water and take that shower together? I'll make breakfast when we're done." I propose, raising my eyebrows at her teasingly.
"I like that idea." Completely naked, she shimmies her hips while walking into the bathroom, turning her back to look at me when she reaches the threshold.
When she pulls her lower lip between her teeth, I'm a goner. I get up and follow her. It's as if she's pulling me on a leash. After losing ourselves in each other once more in the shower, we get out and get dressed for the day. Telling her to relax, I go into the kitchen to start making breakfast for us.
"Did you talk to your dad?" She turns her head to look at me as we walk hand in hand down the sidewalk.
"Yeah. With everything you told me last night, I didn't bring it up but I promised him that I'd fly back for his auction in a couple of weeks. Once he has his affairs settled, he's going to move in with me. What I was wondering is... would you consider going with me?"
"Damon, I would like that but I have to work. I'm not wealthy like you."
"I never thought of that. But perhaps you could fly in for the weekend?" Hoping she'll agree, I hold my breath a moment.
"I'm anxious for you to meet my dad."
"He's a good guy?"
"Yeah, he's a really good guy. I've had some problems of my own, Elena. That's why I was sentenced to do community service at Happy Dale. I was arrested for drinking and driving. I was very careless and very stupid and I thank God everyday that I didn't hurt anyone. He dropped everything to come to me," I explain, giving her hand a squeeze.
"You're lucky. It was never like that with my mom and dad. The hired help pretty much raised me and Jeremy," she utters, looking down at the sidewalk as we continue our walk.
"I am indeed. He's my best friend." I hadn't realized it till now that he's always been more than my dad. When I see her reach up with her free hand to wipe her nose, I give her other hand a squeeze.
"Speaking of Jeremy, I assume he's your brother?"
"You would assume correctly," she says, smiling tightly.
"Do you know where he is? You told me that you wanted to reconnect with him."
"I don't know if he's still in Virginia or not? I don't have a clue as to where to begin to look for him."
"I have a friend whose dad is a private detective. Maybe he could find him for us, I mean you? Um... have you tried searching for his name with your computer?"
"No, I haven't done that. I suppose I should try that first. I'm sure I wouldn't be able to afford a private detective," she says with an uncomfortable laugh.
"They are pretty expensive..., but if Mikael could find him for you," I add, the wheels churning in my head that maybe I can find him for her.
"It would be wonderful but I can't afford a detective till I get a little nest egg stashed away," she states firmly, while looking away from me.
"You're right Elena. I'm sorry if I've overstepped my bounds. I can't imagine being in your shoes right now. But you will tell me if I can be of any help won't you?"
"You don't need to apologize and I know your heart is in the right place but we're form different worlds, Damon," she utters, her eyes downcast. Using my hand, I gently palm her chin, tilting it up so I can stare into her soulful brown eyes.
"My money means little to me if I can't help people with it. I don't care if we're from 'different worlds' as you say. I like you Elena, a lot and I want to see where this...," I motion between the two of us with my other hand, "takes us," I stress to her, my voice echoing all the sincerity that I can muster.
Smiling tightly, she nods ever so subtly.
"Okay then. You will tell me if I can help find your brother won't you?"
"Yes, but what if he wants nothing to do with me either? I don't know that my parents haven't indoctrinated him to thinking that I'm trash." Reaching up, she pinches the bridge of her nose.
"Don't ever talk about yourself that way again. Please Elena, don't." My tone is such that she pauses a moment.
"I mean it. I won't have you speaking about yourself that way."
Nodding, she assures me she won't. I'm lost in her eyes as she stares into my eyes and then my mouth only stopping long enough to cradle my face between her palms and kissing me soundly.
"Come, I'll push you on the swings." I waggle my brows at her suggestively hoping to make her swoon just a bit. We walk over to the swings and when she sits down, I walk behind her. Giving her a gentle push, she starts pumping with her legs till she's soaring with the breeze. I step back, grab my phone out of my pocket and take her picture, smiling widely when I catch her big ear to ear smile on film.
After spending a wonderful weekend with Elena, I find myself daydreaming about her when I step into Happy Dale Monday morning for my regularly scheduled time allotment. Finding my way to the office, I give the door a slight knock, entering only when I hear April's voice saying to come in.
"Good morning, Damon. It's been awhile," she remarks, eyeing me curiously.
"I was out of town helping my dad with some things. I did okay my leave with both the court and Carol."
"I see. Mrs. Lockwood didn't mention it. Well, we're glad you're back. Anna has been relentless, asking about you all the time. It's getting old so I'm glad you're back," she says, rolling her eyes which lights my fuse. When I finish my last day here, I intend to give her a piece of my mind.
"She is just a little girl," I point out, raising an eyebrow at her.
"Oh I know that but...her whining is incessant and irritating," she adds, her voice trailing off.
Knowing I need to change the topic before I lose my temper, I ask her what my assignment is for the day.
"It looks like they want you to fill in for our gardener again today. Here's the key for the garage. That's where the riding mower is kept and the other things are stored." She walks into another room for a moment, coming back shortly with keys in hand.
"I remember. I'm going to get started." I take the keys from her and walk out of the office and towards the atrium. I want to see if Anna is around before I head outside. When I see her sitting by herself watching cartoons, I smile widely and walk over to her.
"Hi Anna. I've missed you."
"Damon," she squeaks then jumps on my lap to give me a hug.
"Where you go?"
"I went to see my daddy because he needed my help with some things."
"Daddy?"
"Yes, my daddy. I'm back now though. I missed you, Anna," I add, giving her a hug. She doesn't say anything, she just stares at me for a few seconds before sitting up on her knees while still on my lap. When she drops a sloppy kiss to my cheek, I give her a another big hug. After releasing her, I sit her back down on the couch.
"I have to go to work now, Anna. I'm going to ask Mrs. Lockwood if I can take you out again sometime. Would you like that?" She bobs her head up and down animatedly before turning her attention back to the cartoons. I stoop over and press a kiss to her head before saying goodbye and walking out to the gardens through the atrium door.
Having spent the entire afternoon mowing and cutting weeds, I'm exhausted, sweaty, hot and miserable by the time I finish up for the day. Deciding to walk the long way around rather than go through the atrium, I stroll along the sidewalk, pulling up any stray weeds that I missed. When I hear yelling, I step back behind the corner of the building. Cautiously I peak around it, my mouth dropping slightly when I see April and Dr. Nik going at it again. I can't really hear what they're saying but judging by their body language, It looks like they're both quite angry.
My eyes widen a minute when I see Nik poking a finger at her. In turn, she reels back and slaps him across the face. Without so much as a gasp, he gets in her face yelling something, steps back, throws his arms in the air then stalks off. I watch as April shakes her head, looks all around before walking off herself when she believes the coast is clear. Blowing out a breath, I think to myself that I wish I knew what was cooking in this place. Something is going on, I can feel in my gut. I just wish I knew what to look for. Knowing there's nothing I can do right now, I start to walk back to the office again so I can check out for the day.
When I step inside, all hot and bothered, smelly and stinky from working in the sun all day, I notice Carol looking at me curiously.
"Um, did you need something Carol?" I ask, picking up a pen so I can sign out for the day.
"No, no. You just look exhausted."
"I am. It's hard work and it's hot out. I'm going to go home now. I'll see you tomorrow." I give her a nod before stepping outside of the office. After pausing a moment, I take a breath and head outside to amble down to the bus station. When I hear the grinding of its brakes, I step onto the bus, staying on through the stops till he pulls over at the one closest to my house. Stefan would have the office closed by now.
After paying him, I hop out and walk the rest of the distance to my house. Completely exhausted as soon as I get into the house, I plop down on the couch, lay my head and close my eyes for a little while. Hearing my cellphone ringtone, I open my eyes and sit upright. I must've fallen asleep. My thoughts immediately jump to Elena. My girl, I think with a smile. She's been through hell and yet she seems or least she pretends that she's okay. Losing her baby like that after carrying him for nine months. It sounds like she didn't even have the opportunity to hold him in her arms a bit. The devastation she must have felt. Dropping my face into my hands, her story tugs at every heartstring inside of me. After taking a couple of deep breaths, I glance at my watch, it's only been about a half hour since I got home. Sighing heavily with fatigue, I pick it up my phone and answer.
"Hello?"
"Damon, it's Elena. I just wanted to check in with you. How was your day?"
"Hey sweetie. I'm completely worn out. I had to fill in for the groundskeeper again today. It is hard work but I like to stay busy and I did get to spend a few moments with Anna."
"How is she?"
"She seems okay. I tell you what though, Elena. When I'm done at Happy Dale, I'm going to give that April a piece of my mind. I don't like the way she talks about Anna as if she was less than human. She just seems to have such disdain for that little girl."
"In April's worldview, Anna is imperfect. I know she has special needs but that doesn't make her any less valuable you know?"
"I know. Maybe I can talk to Carol and we can take her for a picnic this weekend? Would you like that?"
"I'd like that a lot."
"Are you doing anything tonight?"
"Not really. But you're not coming over tonight. You said yourself that you're exhausted. You need to get a good night's sleep."
"You're no fun," I tease, although I know she's right.
"I'm lots of fun but you need to take care of yourself too."
"Alright you win. What about tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow is good."
"I'll stop by in the morning so we can go to the office together. Is that okay with you?"
"Perfect. I'll even make you breakfast so come early."
"I will do that. I'll see you tomorrow Elena. I'm going to grab a bite to eat, hop in the shower and get in bed. I need to give my dad a call too. Bye now," I whisper, pressing a kiss to the receiver.
"Bye yourself," she replies then ends our call. Letting out a breath, I relax back into the sofa, a smile on my face when DC jumps on my lap. Resting contentedly on the couch, I stroke his silky soft fur till he purring while he finds a comfortable position and closes his eyes, snuggled tight against my belly.
After having breakfast of French toast with strawberries, Elena drove the two of us to work. With Mel's last days upon us, Elena needs to learn a few things yet. But Mel assures me that Elena is quite competent and will do an excellent job. I talked to Caroline about planning a going away party for her. Mel and I were in technical school together. We never dated but we were partners on a couple of computer projects. We got to be really good friends as a result. Her fiancé is a friend too but since he had to relocate for his new job, I haven't seen him for awhile.
After doing payroll, I decide I needed to get out of the building a little bit. I stop in Stefan's office to tell him that I'm going to go over to Ric's under the guise about asking him about my community service. I also make a point of telling Elena I'll be back a little later after which, I walk outside towards the law firm that Ric and Elijah work for.
"Come in Damon," Ric says when I peak through his office door.
"What do I owe the pleasure?"
"I was wondering if you've heard anything from Mikael at all?"
"Personally no, I haven't but perhaps Elijah has. I'll see if he has a moment to step in and talk to us."
I nod when he stands up, walking out to go to check on Eli. Moments later the two of them walk back in, Elijah taking a chair beside mine.
"Hi Elijah." I extend my hand to shake his.
"Damon, it's good to see you."
"You too. I was just wondering if you'd heard anything from your dad?"
"I'm glad you stopped by. I actually did talk to him last night. He's in Oklahoma City to talk to Miss Starr. Apparently she was on her honeymoon and then she was sent away on assignment. He finally has a meeting with her tomorrow."
"I'm really anxious to know what she has to say." Deep in thought, I tent my fingers as I stare at him.
"Me as well. I think we should get together once he gets back to town. He's working a couple of other cases too so he won't be back until next week or the week after."
"Could we do a conference call via phone or perhaps skype with him?"
"It's a possibility. I told him that I'd give him a call this evening. I'll mention it to him." Glancing at his watch, he stands up.
"I need to go, I have to see a client in a few minutes. It's good to see you, Damon. We'll talk soon." Just as he reaches the door, I tell him to hold up a minute.
"Hey, there's a Dr. Nik Mikaelson at Happy Dale, any relation to your family?"
"He's my cousin. But his name is verboten, that's German for forbidden by the way. He and his father, dad's brother, had a really bad falling out. He was disowned for all intents and purposes."
"I'm sorry for bringing him up."
"No worries. I honestly don't have a problem with him. As a matter of fact, I'd very much like to reacquaint myself with him. Give him my best the next time you see him. But I really need to go now. Later Ric," he says, stepping out of the door, pulling it closed behind him.
"I suppose I should get back to the office too."
"How are you doing buddy?" he asks, tilting his head slightly.
"I'm doing okay, Ric. Thanks for asking. I met a girl and I really, really like her."
"That's great. When can Jenna and I meet her?"
"Maybe the four of us can go out after everything is settled with dad. I'm flying back there for his sale the weekend after next. Most of the things he wants to keep have already been delivered by the moving company he hired. I'm going to drive back here with him once everything is final."
"Do you need any help carrying furniture or anything? I'd be glad to help."
"That would be great. His boxes are all piled up in the formal dining room."
"Let me know when you need me and give my best to Owen." His voice trails off when his secretary rings that his next appointment has arrived.
"Well, I guess that's my cue to leave. Have a good day, Ric." I stand up and walk to the door, turning my head back to him for a moment before walking out, excusing myself when his client walks in just as I walk out.
"Push," Anna squeals as I help her pretend to the ride the bouncy horse in the park. She's dressed in a pair of denim short overalls and with a little white tee shirt underneath and a pair of chucks on her feet. Elena put her hair in pigtails and she looks absolutely adorable.
"Off," she demands when she tires of the pony. I chuckle and lift her up and onto my shoulders to give her a piggyback ride. I trot around the sidewalk with her, smiling at the happy laughter that's escaping from her mouth. There's a kid's carnival in another park so we decide to check it out figuring that Anna has probably never been on one of the rides. After purchasing tickets, the three of us walk down the midway, Elena holding one hand, me holding her other. Jumping up and down, Anna points to the Ferris wheel. We get in line and wait our turn although a certain little miss is quite impatient. Cupping my face with her little hands, she squeezes my cheeks together forming a fish face. I pull her face close and use my 'fish' lips to kiss her cheeks.
She laughs so hard that I think she wet her panties. Realizing it, tears start to fill her eyes. The sight of her tears flips my heart inside my chest.
"Elena, I'll keep our place in line. Why don't you take her to change her panties?"
"Of course." Taking Anna from my arms, she carries her into a nearby bathroom, the baby bag hanging from her shoulder. Just as I reach the front of the line, Elena and Anna walk back over to me. After I hand the carnie our tickets, we step into our carriage, Anna seated between Elena and me. When the ride starts to move, her eyes widen to the size of saucers and a great big smile forms on her face. She looks all around.
"Up," she yelps excitedly.
"Yes Anna, we're going up." I drape one arm around her, protectively pulling her close to me. Using my eyes, I gesture for Elena to look at Anna. Her mouth is hanging open as she looks at the horizon and how high up we are. Elena breaks out in a big smile. When she mouths thank you, I form a kiss with my lips and blow it to her. She palms the side of her face, mouthing 'caught it'.
I can't help the great big teethy grin that fills my face.
After getting off the Ferris wheel, we take Anna on the merry go round and some of the other kiddie rides and get some supper before calling it a day. I got permission from Carol Lockwood to keep Anna out for an overnight. By the time we get back to my place. Carefully I lift her out of the car seat and carry her into the house. Having given Elena the house key, she holds the door open for me so I can carry her directly upstairs and into the room that is across the hall from mine. Elena follows to get her ready for bed.
I get out the baby monitor I purchased leaving one piece in here and setting the other piece in my room so we can hear her during the night should she wake up. I put my pictures away because I'm not ready to go into that with Elena just yet. It's so personal and it's so painful. As much as I care about Elena, I'm just not ready to share that part of me just yet. Once Anna is tucked in, the two of us go back downstairs, plopping into the couch, as a big yawn escapes my mouth.
"Thanks for coming along Elena. I had a really good time." Lacing our fingers together, I pull her hand to my lips.
"Thank you for inviting me. Anna will be talking about today for ages I think. She'll drive April mad." A delicious smirk forms on both of our faces at that thought. Reaching over, I tug her onto my lap and lift a smoldering kiss from her lips.
"She will indeed." I capture her lower lip between my teeth, scraping it with my teeth as I lay her down. Laying on top of her, I attack her mouth, nuzzle her neck and trail kisses down to the valley of her breasts. Deciding that I'd rather not have Anna catch us in the act, I pull away, stand up and offer her my hand. Taking one hand in each of mine, I walk backwards towards the staircase, taking one at a time till we reach my room. When we step inside, I yank her gently across the threshold before wrapping my arms around her, slamming my lips to hers in a torrid kiss. When I step back breathlessly, I pull her into the room far enough so I can close the door, isolating us from the outside world.
To answer the anonymous reviewer and I do thank you for taking the time to do so. But Mason has no connection whatsoever to 'Happy Dale' or the Lockwood's in this story. This story is written and I'd have to go through the chapters but I don't believe that Mason is ever mentioned again.
Thank you so much, Eva. Love you lots.
Thanks all of you so much, those of you who still follow along. I appreciate you all so much.
Chapter title: 'Show and Tell' by Al Wilson
I did just update 'Angels Fall' and 'Rainy Days and Mondays'. Please have a look.
Don't forget to review. We have a good amount of chapters and mystery left to ensue.
As always, have a safe and wonderful weekend. We'll see you next week for updates on all 3 of my stories. Thank you all again.