Anna
My mother was particularly harsh tonight. Well, harsh in her own way; evil with a dollop of charm every time. She drops a bomb on me about marrying their friend's son and then she's nice as pie to Sid the very next minute. Of course the grilling was particularly horrible. Sid had to go back and forth between my mother and father answering questions. I thought I was going to explode when my father suggested that he and Sid talk alone. I was never so glad to see them both smiling when they came back into the living area.
Of course I wasn't smiling when my mother told me to sit down and started telling me about the lawyer. I was baffled that she would talk about another man with my boyfriend in the next room. It's a new low even for her. It took me a few minutes to stop being stunned silent. When I did, she simply ran over me like she always does and wouldn't let me speak. I had to listen while she told me about how a spring wedding would be wonderful but if I want to have a White House wedding then she would allow it.
I felt so defeated and emotionally void when we left and I prayed that Sid wouldn't want to come over to my place. He has a game tomorrow after all; but, he insisted on staying over at my place so here I am. Sid is kneeling in front of me, holding my hands, and looking very worried. I know that I need to break up with him. I need to save him from the world of pain that's coming if he wants to be with me. I have the words formed in my head and they just need to come out of my mouth.
"Sidney" I begin. He looks up at me with his dark green eyes. "Sid, I love you."
"I love you" he tells me.
That's when I remember what Sid said when we argued last: I didn't fight for him, I didn't fight for us, when you love someone you fight for them. This is what he's talking about, this time and this decision, to trust and love. I need to trust and love him.
"Sid" I begin. "Sidney, you once said that people who love each other fight for their relationship, fight for each other, because they love and trust each other. What did you mean?"
He looks confused but answers me.
"It's really that simple Anna. My parents, no matter what was going on, could always count on each other because they trusted each other. Without any doubt, they knew that the other would be there for them no matter what happened. There were a lot of money issues when I was young. Hockey equipment, trainers, coaches and teams came with a lot of fees, and we never had a lot of money, so it was difficult for them. I can remember arguments, although I never knew exactly what they were about, but they didn't last. It never changed the love and trust between them."
Can it really be as simple as that? If you love and trust each other than you can do anything, together? I have no idea the answer to those questions but I do know that it's time I trusted Sid with secrets.
"Sid, my mother has decided that I should marry the son of a family friend. She's agreed that I can stay until the end of my internship, stay with you until the end of my internship, and then I'll move back home. She told me this about ten minutes before you walked in the door and then, when you were talking to my father, she talked about when we might have the wedding. It could even be my decision to wait if I want a White House wedding."
I watch Sid's eyes widen the entire time I'm speaking until he's sitting back and shaking his head. I slide down from the bed until I'm sitting crossed leg on the floor in front of him. I don't know what to do or say next. This is unchartered territory for me, for us, this honesty.
"Sid, please say something" I ask. "Did I do the right thing telling you? I thought about what you said and people who love each other should be honest with each other, right?"
"What?" he says with confusion in his voice. "Oh, right. Yes, of course you should tell me everything. It was totally the right thing to tell me about what your mom said."
I can feel myself relax slightly. At least I did the right thing by telling him what happened. I have no idea what comes next but I did the right thing this time.
"I don't know what to say" he tells me. "Did she really say all of that with me only a room away?"
"Yes. That wouldn't stop her Sid" I reply. "She doesn't see our relationship as anything more than a temporary thing like my job. It doesn't even enter her mind that this matters."
"I don't understand how she can treat you that way. It feels like you're a commodity that she can treat how she wants and do with whatever she wants. I don't understand how a mother can behave that way. You're her daughter."
"It's politics Sid."
"That may be but it doesn't make it right Anna." He takes my hand in his and tugs until I'm on his lap and he holds me close. "This isn't fair to you Anna. It just isn't."
"Sid, this is the way it's been my entire life. Politics and family have always been interwoven my entire life. Nothing is done to one without considering the other, ever, and it is only going to get worse when my father announces that he's running for President."
"It's not fair" he says and kisses my temple.
"Fair isn't a goal that I can ever hope for" I reply. "Survival has been the best I could ever do."
"Until now."
I look up at him, his eyes just inches from mine, and seek understanding in them. What does he mean?
"Anna, I love you. I think we can shoot for our life being more than 'fair,' don't you?"
Our life? He's talking about a life together? This is overwhelming and after everything that's happened today I just can't handle anything else right now. Even if it's good news.
"Sid, I wanted to be honest with you about what happened today. I think I finally understand what you mean about trusting each other, and fighting for what we have, and we're going to have to figure out what to do about my parents and this arranged marriage." I pause and kiss his lips softly. "Right now though, I'm emotionally exhausted. I would like to have a shower and then, um, would you make love to me, please?"
"You never have to ask" he replies.
Sid stands with me in his arms. Seriously, how does he do that? The benefits of a pro-athlete boyfriend.
He walks us to the bathroom and sits me on the counter. I stay there and watch as he turns on the shower and adjust the temperature until he's satisfied with it. He turns back to me and takes off his clothes. I'm mesmerized by the slow, deliberate movements as each piece of clothing falls to the floor.
Naked, Sid says "your turn."
Before I can move, he sinks his hands into my hair and loosens all of the pins. I shake my head so the pins and my hair fall around me.
"I love your hair" Sid says and runs his fingers through it.
One of his hands massages my scalp and I mew, literally mew, with the pleasure. Instinctively, I grasp his biceps and feel another ripple go through me when my fingers slide over his smooth skin and hard muscles. God, this man feels like he's been chiselled by Michelangelo. It's inhuman to be this hard and hot.
Sid moves his fingers to the front of my blouse next and begins with the top button. Each one opens under this clever fingers and I shiver each time those warm fingers brush against my skin. I can feel his fingers skim across my nipples even through my blouse and bra. Sid pulls the blouse off of my shoulders when it is completely open then he pulls it from my skirt and tosses it on the floor.
"I'm glad that I didn't know this was underneath your blouse" he whispers and his fingers trace the edge of my lacy bra. "I would never have been able to concentrate on anything but getting you naked."
He grins at me like a boy at Christmas getting ready to unwrap his present. I know that I'm answering his grin with one of my own. I've seen what Sid can do with those nimble fingers. With two of those fingers, he lifts the bra straps off of my shoulders and lets them fall to my elbows. The lace catches on my nipples and stop there. Sid leans down and begins kissing the swells of my breasts, first one and then the other. The shiver that skips across my skin is as predictable as it is pleasurable.
He nudges the lace down with his nose and his lips have free access to take one nipple into his mouth. My fingers sink into his hair as he works first one and then the other between his lips and teeth. God he's good at this. He knows my body so well that even small things can bring great pleasure. I can feel that pleasure build and pool deep inside of me and my hips shift in response.
"You like that don't you baby" he whispers against my skin and kisses his way up my chest, neck and then captures my lips.
I pull him close and hold him tight to me. His hard body and warm skin feel so good under my hands and against my body. My bra is in the way so I reach around my back, unclasp it and throw it to the floor after his clothes.
I'm surprised when Sid pulls away from me but just far enough so that he can reach under my skirt. With both hands, he slides my skirt up my thighs until the top of my stockings are exposed. He slips fingers into the elastic holding up each one and slowly, so very slowly, rolls them down. The fingers trailing over my bare skin are barely touching me but I feel them throughout my whole body. It seems everything he does has me reacting to him in a deep and meaningful way.
Sid kneels as he pulls the stockings completely off and then pulls me so that I'm standing in front of him. I place my hands on his shoulders, wow his muscles are hard everywhere, and he slips my skirt down so that it pools at my feet. Usually when I stand naked, or nearly naked, in front of him I'm embarrassed or try to cover myself in some way. I don't know why but, standing here in just my panties and his eyes looking at every inch of my bare skin, I don't feel embarrassed or self-conscious. I feel loved, cherished even, and that leaves no room for anything else.
I watch Sid leave soft, wet kisses across my stomach and feel none of the usual regret that it's not flatter. His hands slide around and cup my ass and I feel no lament that it's not smaller or firmer. Instead I revel in the feeling of his skin slide over mine, massage, linger and pull me closer to him.
I gasp when he takes the band of my panties in his teeth and pulls down. His fingers do the same behind me until they slip down my legs and onto the floor. Sid nuzzles the junction between my legs with his nose and my nails sink into his shoulders. He groans then his tongue slips out and between my folds. I hold onto his shoulders tight while he teases me over and over with that clever tongue. His hands pull my legs wider so that he has better access and then he really begins to use his tongue on and over me. It's when it slides inside that I cry out.
"Easy babe" he whispers and I almost cum when I feel his hot, moist breath on me.
I close my eyes and give in to the sensations. It is the most extraordinary feeling and one I've only ever experienced with Sidney. The love I feel has only ever come from Sidney too. This wonderful man loves me.
I moan again as he kisses up my stomach, over first one breast and then the other, up my neck until his lips find mine. Everywhere his skin touches mine heats as our lips and tongues explore each other. We are both breathing heavily when Sid pulls away and leans his forehead against mine.
"Wow" he says.
"Yeah" is all I can respond.
My eyes catch his and we both chuckle.
"Why don't we clean up so that we can get dirty again" Sid says.
"Sounds good" I reply and the cool air hitting my skin causes me to shiver.
"Let's get you warmed up too" Sid takes my hand, leads us to shower and helps me inside.
I go directly under the spray and appreciate the hot water as it flows over my cool skin. I feel even better when Sid follows me in and wraps his arms around me. We both are wet now under the hot water. Sid nuzzles my neck and I lean back against his hard, wet body enjoying myself but I can't prevent the yawn that overtakes me.
"We need to get you to bed too" he says and kisses my ear.
"I'm sorry" I tell him and turn so that my arms are wrapped around his shoulders. "It's just been a long day."
"I know" he replies and steps back.
I watch as he pours some shampoo into his hands and then washes my hair. I've never had anyone outside of a salon wash my hair and I'm surprised how sensual it feels.
"Lean your head back" he tells me and I do.
Sid washes the soap out and adds conditioner. Then he lathers his hands with body wash and starts on my body: shoulders, arms, breasts – where he lingers – then waist, each leg and, oh God, between my legs.
He stands up again and takes the shower massager off of the holder. Starting with my hair, Sid slowly rinses me off until I'm finished.
"Let me finish up in here while you dry off" he tells me.
I'm surprised but agree because drying my hair will take some time so I leave him in the shower. Drying off only takes a few minutes and then I towel dry my hair. The shower stops so I hand Sid a towel as he opens the curtain. I can't be bothered to dry my hair so I put it into a bun on top of my head. We each take turns brushing our teeth and then Sid leads me to the bedroom.
Once in bed, I crawl over to Sid's side and meet him there. He pulls me into his arms and I slide over his body until I'm straddling him.
"You're tired" his whispers against my lips.
"Not that tired" I reply and taste his neck with my lips and tongue.
"Are you sure?" he asks.
I slide back so that I'm straddling his hips and can feel him at my entrance, hard, ready for me.
"Does that answer your question?" I ask.
"God, you're so wet Anna."
He's right. I get so wet, and so quickly wet, for him, only ever for him.
To answer, I reach for the condom on the side table, put it on him and guide him inside of me. What we did before and during the shower has me so close already. Oh, he feels good as I simply sit here and enjoy the sensations.
"Fuck" Sid says and his hands grasp my hips.
Unable to stay still any longer, I slowly rock my hips, setting an easy cadence that Sid matches. I look down at Sid and stare into his eyes. They are so dark I can't distinguish between his iris and pupil but I know that look. This is what it looks like to be desired, loved, and cherished. I've only ever seen that look from Sid. No other man, although there haven't been many, have ever looked at me like that while we had sex. Maybe that's because I've only ever had sex until I met Sidney and learned what it was like to make love.
Sid thrusts up, hard, and I have to balance myself by leaning back and holding his thighs. This allows me to arch and take him in even deeper. We both increase the pace and I feel that familiar pleasure tightening deep inside of me. It only takes a few more thrusts and I'm lost, only vaguely conscious that Sid sits up and holds me close while we ride our pleasure together.
When I can finally open my eyes, I pull back slightly so that I can look at Sid's face. His hair is wet and curls around his face in that way I love. His face is damp and flush with a very large smile. I kiss him softly wanting to extend the intense love and connection I feel.
"I love you so much Anna. I hope you realize just how much" he whispers against my lips.
"I do" I tell him. "It's taken me a while but I finally do."
"Good" he says. "I really don't want to move but we both need some sleep."
"Yeah we do" I agree.
Neither of us move. I can feel him, soft but still inside of me we are still so close. My body betrays me and I yawn,
"Ok, that's a sign. Let's get under the covers" Sid tells me and pulls me with him to the bed.
I snuggle under the covers and into my pillow while Sid slides in behind me after removing the condom. I've never liked to sleep with anyone over night until Sid. It seems like Sid has changed my life in immeasurable and numerous ways and all for the better.
"Goodnight Annabelle" Sid says and kisses my cheek.
"Don't call me that please" I beg him. "My mother wanted a southern name and my father disagreed so they compromised on Annabelle. I hate it."
"Ok" he kisses my neck this time. "No matter what you were born with, you'll always be my Anna.
His Anna. I slip off to sleep with a smile.
Sidney
I'm still reeling from the Stanton's visit and it's been a week since they were here. I feel like it's taking a while to process everything that happened before, during and after. A couple of guys heard that the Governor was in town and asked how 'meet the parents' went. I was vague with most. I'm having lunch right now with Duper and I know it's because he wants to talk about it. We rarely go out just the two of us. Usually one or more of the kids are with us or he has to get home to the family.
"Are you going to tell me about it?" Duper asks.
I don't have to ask what he's talking about.
"It was surreal Dupe" I tell him. I know that I can't tell him everything, to respect Anna's wishes for privacy, but I need to talk about some of it and I know I can trust Duper. "It was like they were strangers. There was no warmth or joking around. I mean, I know that they aren't 'joking around' kind of people, but if you walked into that room then you wouldn't know that they are a family."
"A grilling by dad?" Duper asks.
"By mom and dad actually. None of it offended me. Anna prepared me for what it would be like and I was prepared for even worse than it was; but, I still can't reconcile the warm and loving girl that I know with the parents where she came from. Her mother is a piece of work. She's all about the exterior and what people see and might think. I understand that it's an important part of being in politics but with your daughter? It's just crazy."
I desperately want to tell him about Anna's mother trying to marry her off but I don't know if that's crossing the line. Anna might not appreciate me telling someone that much detail about her private life. That said, I could really use a friend and I can trust Duper with anything.
"Tell me kid" he says correctly reading the situation.
"Her mother is arranging a marriage for Anna" I tell him.
"You just meet them and they want you to marry her?"
"No" I answer. "Not to me. She wants to marry Anna off to some lawyer in New York whose family they love or whatever."
"Even though Anna is seeing you?"
"While I was there for dinner" I tell him and watch his mouth fall open. "She told Anna before I got there and then continued talking about it while I was in another room talking with her father."
"So what do they think you are?"
"Like this job, her mother says that I'm only temporary and our relationship will end when the season ends."
"You're serious?" he asks.
"Yeah. I'm completely serious. It was as if I didn't exist."
Duper shakes his head and takes a drink of water. I actually feel better seeing Duper's reaction. I knew that it was crazy but it helps to have a friend agree with you just how truly crazy.
"That's really fucked up Sid."
'Yeah, that's what Anna's had to deal with her whole life. If it didn't reflect so well on them, I don't think she would have been allowed to have this internship. Holy shit, how crazy is it that a twenty three year old woman could be stopped from taking a job by her parents?"
"It's really crazy. I know her world is far from normal, shit ours is hardly normal, but this is just nuts."
"The good news is that Anna talked to me about it" I tell him. Duper is aware that we've had trouble communicating. "I don't think she was going to, initially, but we've realty turned a corner with this visit. I feel like we're a team now, you know?"
"That's the way the best relationships are kid" he tells me. I always find it funny that Duper calls me 'kid' when he's passing out advice. "There's no way that I could have played hockey without Carole-Lyn. The AHL is brutal and then getting called up and sent back over and over then getting traded and doing it all over again. It was only possible because of Carole-Lyn."
I watch his face closely as he speaks. It would be clear to a blind man how much Duper loves and admires his wife. I've always envied their relationship and is something that I've sought for myself. He's right about it being a partnership and I think that Anna could be a true partner for me. Wow, I need to pull the reigns back a bit. We haven't been together that long and definitely not in a stable and open relationship. There is lots of time to think about the rest of our lives. Of course we'll have to talk about it before the end of the season, or at least about what comes next. Her parents have the rest of her life planned out and I need to help her have her own life. Hopefully that life is with me.
"Sid, you still with me?"
I draw my attention back to Duper. I guess I've been thinking and ignore him for a little while.
"Sorry Dupe."
"No problem" he replies.
We pay our bill and leave the restaurant to walk back to Consol. The air is cool and you can feel that winter is almost upon us. I love it.
"What are you going to do about the parents?" he asks me.
"I'm going to let Anna take the lead and make sure that I'm there for her. We'll have to talk about the summer and next season before too long but it can wait a few months. It gives us some time to simply be together now that everyone knows and it's out in the open."
"That's a good thing" he replies. "You can have some semblance of normalcy. At least as much as possible."
We talk more on our walk back although mostly about Kody, Duper's son. I love that kid. He's so much fun to be around and has so much energy.
Duper and I part at our cars and I text Anna before I leave.
'When will you be done today?' I ask.
It takes only a few moments for her reply.
'6pm'
'Dinner?'
'In bed?'
I love when she flirts. It's like she has a direct line to my dick.
'Whose?' I text back.
'Mine?'
'Sounds good, I'll bring dinner' I text.
'Ok, I'll see you at my place, 6:30pm'
'Great'
'x'
I smile at the 'kiss' she sent me last. I love when she does that and it always puts a smile on my face.
As I drive home, my mother calls me.
"Hi mom" I answer the phone.
"Hi sweetheart. How are you?"
"I'm good. Short practice this morning so I just had lunch with Duper. How are you guys?"
"We're good. We changed the flight so we arrive in Pittsburgh on Tuesday instead of Wednesday."
Right, they're coming for a visit. I can't remember if I told Anna that the date changed. The four of us are going to have dinner together when my parents are here. I want them to get to know Anna. So far, they've only been on the conference call together when the shit hit the fan with Meagan. This is only the second time I've introduced a girl to my parents. A few times they've met because of a fluke but I've only been serious enough to introduce a girl to them one other time.
"I'm looking forward to it mom."
"So are we dear. It will be lovely to spend some time with Anna."
"We'll have dinner together when you get here for sure."
"That's not a lot of time for me to cook dinner" mom says.
Of course she assumes that she's cooking dinner.
"No mom, you aren't cooking" I tell her.
"You aren't!"
I laugh at her surprised statement.
"No" I reply. "I don't want everyone to end up in the hospital. Anna wants to cook dinner."
"She doesn't have to do that Sidney."
"I know, and she knows too, but she wants to do it. Ok?"
"Ok. That's very sweet of her."
We talk more about the details of their arrangements and then say goodbye.
When I get home, I call Anna's favourite Italian restaurant and order dinner for us. I'll pick it up on the way to her house. On days like this, I regret that I don't cook or actually that I don't cook well. I make basic things or follow simple recipes but it's usually easier to order and pick up. No fear of food poisoning this way.
I settle into my office and go through a contract that my dad sent me. He's highlighted a couple of clauses that he wants to change. One of them involves work during the playoffs which he knows that I'll never do. I may do appearances, commercials and interviews sparingly during the regular season but never during the playoffs unless it's directly required by the Pens. Once again I'm thankful to have my dad involved in my career. I can always depend on him to look out for my best interest and protect my ability to focus on and play the game. After replying to dad, I go through a few other emails and requests for interviews from both the Pens and my agent.
Anna
I'm stressed. It's the first time I've done the 'meet the parents' thing and I'm very stressed about it. They'll be here in a few minutes and my anxiety keeps growing. To keep busy, I go through my mental checklist: table is set, food will be ready when we are, wine is open, and I'm dressed. I went through half of my closet before settling on this outfit. Everything I originally had on felt too formal for this dinner. Sid said that it's going to be a casual family dinner; like that would clear up everything for me. Casual dinners with my parents meant no photographers and we still 'dressed' for dinner. I take a quick look in the mirror and rethink the soft purple sweater with dark jeans. Maybe jeans are too casual. The doorbell rings and I have no more time to question anything.
I go to the door, take a deep breath and smile. When I open the door, I see the three Crosbys. Mrs. Crosby is shorter than I thought she would be and Mr. Crosby is the same height as Sid. All three of them are smiling the same smile at me so I smile back and move so they can enter.
"Hi, please come in" I say.
Instead of moving by me, Mrs. Crosby gives me a quick hug, followed by Mr. Crosby and then Sid who gives me a quick kiss too.
"You look gorgeous" he whispers and then continues in.
"Can I take your coats, Mrs. Crosby? Mr. Crosby?" I ask.
"Oh, please call us Trina and Troy dear" Trina tells me as she hands me her coat.
I instantly feel the warmth radiating from Trina. Troy is more reserved, you can see it right away, but no less welcoming. Sid is a mix of both of his parents; warm and friendly like Trina while being a little more reserved about it if he doesn't know you. Standing together, they look like a unit. I envy them.
"Of course Trina" I answer her. "It's wonderful to meet you, please come in."
We walk into the living room and Trina looks around as she takes a seat beside her husband on the sofa.
"You home is lovely Anna. The colours are terrific" she tells me with a smile.
"Thank you. May I get you something to drink? I have a wonderful red open" I ask.
I go into the kitchen and Sid follows me. While I pull down glasses and fill them with wine, Sid slides behind me, wraps his arms around my waist and kisses my neck.
"You smell even better that the delicious meal I noticed when we came in."
"Sid, seriously, your parents are here."
"Oh, I have a feeling that they know we kiss" he chuckles. "They know we have sex too."
"Oh my God. You told them?!"
"Anna, I'm a grown man dating a beautiful woman. I think my parents know that I'm sleeping with you babe."
"Oh" is all I can answer. I guess he's right. "Can you take these two glasses?"
"Sure."
Sid takes two glasses of wine and I take the other two.
"Thank you dear" Trina says when I hand her the glass and then pats the seat next to her. "Sit here beside me. Tell me all about your job. How are you enjoying it?"
It takes me a moment to catch up. Trina is asking me about my job. I had to beg permission from my own mother to take the internship but Trina is genuinely interested in how it's going and what I think about it.
I tell her and Troy about my internship and the work with Geno. They laugh at some of my anecdotes since they know him so well.
"Wait until you meet his father" Troy says. "He is just like Geno only more."
I can actually see Troy warming up as we chat. He smiles more and becomes more engaged the longer we chat. The conversation inevitably turns to how the team is doing this year under the new coaching staff. A look at my watch tells me how much time has passed and dinner must be ready so I excuse myself.
As I check on the roast, I notice that Trina has followed me into the kitchen.
"What can I do to help?" she asks.
I instinctively decline. I was taught that guests never help with the chores.
"Really, let me help Anna. I'm not used to begin waited on" Trina says.
"Why don't I fill up our glasses" Troy says as he walks through the kitchen, picks up the wine and takes it into the dining room.
This must be what it's like in Sid's family. Everyone helps with dinner.
"Thank you Troy" I say. "Trina, would you take the salad out of the fridge please? The dressing is in the bowl beside it."
Just like that, the Crosby family is helping me make dinner. Trina even tells Sid and Troy what to do too. With the help, we are quickly sitting down to eat.
"This is delicious" Troy tells me.
I'm glad I went with my instinct and made a beef roast with potatoes, green beans and salad.
Trina makes a comment about Sid as a boy which gives me an opening to ask her.
"What was he like as a boy?" I ask.
"He loved hockey, of course" she says and chuckles. "He actually loved all kinds of sports and played soccer and baseball too. It was always hard to get him to sit still. Sidney only really stopped when he slept."
"It must have been hard when he moved away for school" I say.
"It was" Trina says and looks at Sid. "He was only fifteen when he went to Shattucks and then he went to Quebec to play the next year. We helped pick out the billet family of course but it's hard to trust your child to someone else even if he's as smart and sound minded as Sidney."
I watch Sid give his mother an indulging smile and I know that this can't be the first time that he's heard this from her.
Trina asks about my family and I can feel body stiffen slightly so I force myself to relax. I tell her the abridged and public story of my family and get the distinct feeling that Trina wants to ask me more but doesn't. I'm grateful.
When I stand to clear the table, Trina, Troy and Sid do as well. I guess we have a family clean up too. It doesn't take much time with everyone pitching in and we're soon back at the table with coffee and dessert. I got a few pastries to go with the fruit salad. Sid won't eat sweets but I thought that his parents might. I also have whip cream and chocolate sauce should anyone want some. Then I make the mistake of looking at Sid who glances at the sauce and cream and then back at me with an arched eyebrow. I know that I'm turning red as I think back to the last time I had chocolate sauce and whipped cream with Sid. It had had nothing to do with dinner.
We continue to talk until I lose track of time. It's only when Troy yawns and I look at my watch do I realize how much time has gone by.
"We should probably get going" Sid says. "I think dad may fall asleep right here at the table if we don't."
I walk them to the door and both Trina and Troy give me a warm hug.
"It was lovely to meet you dear" Trina tells me. "We must see each other again while we're visiting."
"I'd like that" I reply and find myself truly meaning it.
I want to see her again. I want to spend more time with Sid and his parents.
Trina and Troy tell Sid that they'll get the car and meet him at the front door. It's sweet of them to let us say goodnight in private. As soon as the door is closed, Sid pulls me into his arms.
"I love your parents" I tell him.
"Good because they love you too."
I lay my cheek against his chest and listen to his strong heartbeat finding it soothing and comforting. Of course the hard muscles do the exact opposite to me.
"Ok, I really need to get out of here now or else I'm going to make my parents wait a very long time" he says.
I pull away and Sid captures my lips. The kiss quickly heats and I'm lost in the smell, feel and taste of Sid again. Oh what this man does to me.
He pulls away "really, I need to go. I'm sorry that I can't stay but you know."
"Of course Sid. There is no way you're staying here while your parents are in town. Do you want me to ever be able to face them again?"
"You are so damn cute" he tells me and kisses my nose. "Ok, I have to go. Dinner was wonderful. Thank you so much babe."
"I love you" I whisper.
"I love you too."
After one last kiss, he slips out the door.
I flop down on the sofa and reflect on the last couple of hours. I can't believe I was so nervous before the Crosbys came over tonight because it became very relaxed, very quickly. It's kind of hard not to love Trina Crosby. She is incredibly warm and talking with her is like being enveloped in a hug the whole time. There was no awkwardness that I would have expected when you 'meet the parents'.
Even though it was a wonderful evening, it was also a long day and I can't help the yawn that escapes me. I really need to get some sleep. Thankfully, there is very little to clean up from the visit since the Crosbys helped clean up. I'm quickly finished and ready for bed.
I snuggle into my pillow and covers and take a look at my schedule for tomorrow. I don't have anything too pressing first thing so I may actually sleep in an hour. I'll still get to work before everyone else but it will be great to get a little more sleep.
My phone buzzes and it's Sid. When I answer it, his beautiful face fills the screen.
"You're in bed" he says.
"I am. What about you?"
He shifts the phone so that I can see his bedroom.
"Yep" he tells me. "My mom talked about you all the way home by the way."
"Good I hope."
"Good?" he rolls his eyes. "She could not stop talking about how wonderful you are."
I know that I'm grinning like an idiot. I've never met the mom of a boyfriend before, at least not like this, and I'm so thrilled that she likes me.
"What?" Sid asks.
"What do you mean 'what'?"
"You're smiling so widely that I can't even see it in the whole screen."
I chuckle.
"I just love that she likes me" I tell him.
"Likes you?" he says and shakes his head. "She loves you babe. She's already talking about Christmas."
I know that my smile falters a little so I try to quickly recover. Not quick enough for Sid.
"What?" he asks.
"I'll need to go home for Christmas Sid. With my father getting ready to announce his candidacy for president, they'll want pictures of a family Christmas with both my sister and I in attendance."
"Photo op Christmas huh?"
"Yeah. Sorry."
"I understand. It won't always be like this you know."
"It always has been."
"That was BS."
"I know that its bull shit Sid but it's my family."
"No, I don't mean bull shit" he tells me with a smile. "I mean BS, Before Sid. This is what happened before me."
"You're so clever" I tell him and wink. "Cute too."
"Oh really. How cute?"
"Very cute."
"That's not very descriptive" he pouts.
He's hot when he pouts.
"You need to stop that" I tell him.
"Stop what?"
"The pouting. It's really hot."
He tries to exaggerate the pout but ends up laughing instead. As he laughs, the phone slips so that I'm looking at his naked chest. This is even hotter than his pout.
"Oops, sorry" he tells me and rights the phone.
"No problem" I reply. "In fact, I like looking at your chest."
"Oh, I'm talking to flirty Anna tonight."
"Flirty Anna?"
"Yes, flirty Anna. I'm getting to see her more and more these days."
"Oh" I say and shift in my bed so I'm lying on my side. "You like flirty Anna."
"Oh I love flirty Anna. Actually, I love all of my Annas but flirty is a fun one."
"I wish you were here in bed with me" I tell him and then am instantly surprised by my comment.
Sid's smile disappears and he says "so do I."
I watch as he props himself up against the headboard with some pillows. I can see his bare neck and shoulders now. My fingers tingle at the thought of touching his warm skin and hard muscles. My lips ache to kiss just below his ear and listen to him groan when I do.
"Tell me what you want" he says then notices my confused expression. "If I were there with you, what would you want to do?"
Oh. I feel so embarrassed watching Sid wait for me to speak. He licks his lips.
"I want to kiss you" I whisper.
"Where?"
"Your lips."
"Where else?"
"Your neck, just below your ear."
"And how do I taste?" he asks.
"Good" I answer and turn red.
"I want to kiss every inch of you" he tells me. "I would start with your lips but quickly travel across you jaw to your ear. You love that don't you?"
I shiver, he knows I love that.
"Yes" I whisper.
I shift in bed. I can feel his words deep inside of core.
"Then down your neck" he continues. "But that won't be enough, will it?"
"No."
"Touch yourself Anna."
"What?"
"I want you to touch yourself."
"Now?"
He chuckles and says "yes now."
I'm confused. What does he want me to do? Touch myself how?"
"Slide one hand under your shirt and slide your fingers over one of your nipples. Tease them like I do" he directs me.
Oh. He wants me to touch myself. I've never done this before.
"Come on baby."
Those three words give me confidence so I slip my hand under my tank top and find my nipple.
"Now, between your thumb and finger, I want you to squeeze and twist. Lightly now" he tells me.
I do and watch Sid as he watches me. Between my fingers and the look in Sid's eyes as he watches me, I feel a current of pleasure run through my body.
"Now the other one" he says in a low, deep voice.
His voice excites me, even more than my fingers, and I follow his directions to my other breast. The nipple is already hard but I play with it just as Sid said. I watch him shift and then look down, away from the phone.
"Is it hard?" he asks me.
My nipples are both hard pebbles.
"Yes" comes out more like a whispers.
"So am I" he tells me.
I'm confused for a moment but then I understand. He must be touching himself. I feel a shutter run through me at the thought of Sid excited, watching me, talking to me. Doing that.
"Slide your hand down Anna" he tells me. "Over your stomach and between your legs. Feel how soft your skin is beneath your hand." I do as he directs. "Now inside of your shorts and between your legs."
I purse my lips. Am I really doing this?
"Come on Anna, do it like I do. You know how I love to touch you. With your middle finger, slide between that soft skin. Are you wet?"
I immediately feel dampness.
"Yes" I tell him.
"Now with your middle and index fingers, find your clit and press down" he tells me.
Embarrassed, I close my eyes but do what he says. I slide my fingers over my clit and push down. The instant pleasure is surprising.
"You love when I do that, don't you?" Sid asks me.
'Yes, oh god Sid."
I moan.
"Now around and around babe. Circle with your fingers around, smear some of that wetness all around. Fuck, I wish I could taste you right now."
I moan again and bite down on my lip.
"Hold the phone up babe."
I open my eyes and see that I did drop the phone so I pick it up. Sid's face is flush and I can see his shoulder moving as he strokes himself. Oh god. It's so hot watching him, knowing that he's excited because of me.
"Faster" he tells me and I return back to my task.
My fingers easily slide over my clit, I'm so wet right now, and getting wetter as I watch Sid.
"Faster" he tells me and I do.
I can feel pleasure pool in my stomach and spread. My nipples tingle and my hips begin to push down onto my fingers.
"Faster" Sid tells me. "Faster."
I hear Sid groan and grunt and those sounds send me over the edge. I feel my whole hand get wet and then I can't distinguish from the myriad of feelings in my orgasm.
I don't know how long it is until Sid says "babe? Are you there?"
I open my eyes and see the phone is face down on the bed. I pick it up and see Sid's grinning face.
"I'm here" I tell him.
Suddenly I'm shy with him. I've never done anything like this before never mind with my boyfriend. I just masturbated over Facetime.
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah" I tell him.
"Just ok?"
"Well, no" I tell him. "More than just ok."
He chuckles and rubs his hand over his face.
"I'm glad you were willing to play" he tells me. "I couldn't wait another day and I didn't want to do it alone."
I look away from the phone. I want to tell him but I can't look at him while I do.
"This is my first time" I tell him.
"Yeah, I kinda thought so" he responds.
"That bad?" I ask.
"Look at me Anna." I do and he continues. "It was great, better than great, but you've told me about your inexperience so I thought you might not have had phone sex."
"Oh."
"Seriously, you really need to believe me when I tell you how hot you are. I've been hard ever since I left your place. Desperately needed this" he tells me with a wink.
I smile and reply "guess I did too."
"Now you need sleep baby."
"I need that too."
"I'll talk to you tomorrow. We can figure out what else we want to do with my parents here. I think mom wants to cook dinner for you."
"Ok, sounds good."
"I love you" he tells me.
"I love you."
We both grin and I say goodbye. I don't even remember turning Facetime off before I fall into a deep sleep.