Beautiful Dream (17 page)

“Don’t look so upset,” she laughs. “His parents have one for me to sign too. We each have our own. That’s just how it goes with families like ours.” She looks back at me, and I nod intently, listening.

“We both agreed neither of us is going to sign anything,” she explains. “I love him, and he loves me. We’re not going to start our marriage thinking about divorce.”

“Well,” I clear my throat. “Josh said his prenuptial agreement really came in handy during his divorce.”

“That’s completely different,” she moves her chair to face me. “You know his marriage to Holly was pretty much a business agreement between my Dad and hers?” She explains, and I nod. “They were friends and everything, and I’m sure there were feelings, don’t get me wrong, but it wasn’t your typical marriage.”

“I know, but-”

“It was always this unspoken agreement that they’d one day get married,” she sighs. “In the beginning, I think they both tried, but you know,” she laughs. “Things got ugly when Josh decided he wanted to be a teacher and all, and eventually, he saw her true colors,” she sighs again. “But also, because of this, my parents are really banking on my marriage. At least one of their kids won’t be a screw up.”

“Yeah,” I nod, listening.

“I love my brother, and if it wasn’t for him, I’d be a completely different person,” she confides. “He’s a really good guy who was raised in a really spoiled and selfish environment.”

“He is a good guy,” I agree.

“I know what he did to you wasn’t okay, but I truly don’t believe he meant to hurt you the way he did,” she smiles. “I think he’s really trying, and I’ve never seen him try like this with anyone before.”

“I know,” I smile. “It’s hard for me to get over things, but I am trying.”

“He didn’t ask me to talk to you or anything,” she adds. “So don’t be upset with him if I’m annoying you.”

“It’s fine,” I smile. “And I also don’t think you should sign anything you’re not comfortable with,” I pause. “Maybe you and Matt should just elope!”

“Yes!” Her eyes go wide. “Oh my God, yes!”

“Wait, what?” I laugh. “I was being sarcastic.”

“No,” she jumps. “Eloping is a great idea!”

The bell rings, and the hall outside her classroom booms with chatter and loudness.

“Um,” I clear my throat, standing to leave. “Maybe you should think about it some more before committing?”

Crap, I hope I didn’t overstep my bounds.

Chapter 10

-Josh-

I’m leaving my last meeting of the day when my phone vibrates in my pocket. I retrieve it; happy to see Luci’s name.

I sort of told your sister that maybe she should elope.

You did what?

I’m sorry! You weren’t here, and she wanted to talk, and we sort of ran into each other.

Oh God.

This is a whole new mess I’m going to have to fix between Deb and my parents now, like I’m still not hearing enough shit about what happened at her engagement party.

Sorry! I miss you?

I can’t help my laugh as I step into the elevator.

Is that questionable?

No!! I do! It seems like forever!

I shake my head as I slide the hotel key into the door. It clicks open, and I step inside, my fingers brushing against the keys of my phone.
Stop trying to butter me up!

A wild idea pops into my head, and I grab my computer, searching for the next flight out of here, before texting her again.
You’re going to owe me a movie for this.

A movie?

That’s the price you must pay!

When?
She asks, adding a smiley face.

Tomorrow?
I add a wink face.

What?

Just then my phone rings. “Yes?” I answer immediately.

“What do you mean tomorrow?” She demands.

“I’m changing my flight,” I tell her, just as I finish entering my credit card expiration date into the computer. “I seem to have an emergency and can’t stay for the rest of the conference.”

“Ugh, did I really fuck up so badly that you need to rush home?” I hear the nervousness in her voice. “I’m sorry.”

“I don’t think you’re understanding, dear Luci,” I coo in her ear. “You miss me? I’m not letting that happen.”

She breathes heavily, understanding what I’m saying. “You know there’s school tomorrow?” She laughs softly.

“You’ll call out and meet me at the mall, shall we say noon?”

“Will I get in trouble?” She hesitates. “Will you?”

“I already spoke, and you’re allowed to be sick,” I laugh at her reluctance.

“Okay,” she agrees all too easily. “I’ll call you right back.”

We hang up, and I’m already gathering my items from the bathroom and starting to pack.

Two seconds later, my phone is ringing.

“It’s done,” she says as soon as I answer.

“I know,” I laugh. “You report to your department head, who in turn reports these things to me. I already got the email.”

“You’re an ass, you know that?” She laughs.

I can’t help my smile, already looking forward to tomorrow.

I arrive at the movies early, watching as Luci walks in, not being able to stop the way I automatically move towards her.

“So we can see an action movie if you want?” I joke.

She lets out an audible laugh before turning to the screen that displays the times, and I look over as well. “
The Ring Two
is still playing,” I suggest. “My students talk about it all the time.”

“That’s a scary movie,” she smiles. “Besides, I didn’t see the first one.”

“Does that matter?” I slide behind her, whispering in her ear. “Do you think any movie will make a difference once we’re in a dark theater?” I feel her tense. “Especially when the one thing that’s been on my mind since yesterday is you in my office?”

“Maybe,” she swallows.

“And would it be unfriendly for me to hold your hand, should you get scared?” I ask, entwining my fingers through hers.

She doesn’t pull away, and I grin before moving us towards the ticket booth. I purchase two for
The Ring Two
, which started ten minutes ago, and as soon as the attendant hands me our stubs, she takes back my hand as we head to the theater.

The theater is already dark when we enter, the coming attractions just ending as the opening credits begin. There are less than a handful of people here, and I follow Luci as she picks seats in the very back, the last row on the left hand side.

“I’m going to grab some popcorn, do you want anything else?” I whisper, placing my coat on the seat. She shakes her head no, her eyes shining as they meet mine.

In no time, I return with the buttery food, as well as a soda for me, and I ended up getting water for her anyway. She smiles her sweet smile, and I can’t help but lean over and kiss her on her cheek as I sit down.

She reaches for the popcorn, purposefully pushing the bucket down on my crotch, and I let out a small laugh. I don’t watch the screen, as my own entertainment is happening right next to me. I can’t stop looking at her, seeing nothing but perfection. She’s flawless, and when her eyes meet mine she moves her hand towards the back of my neck, playing with the base of my hair. I sigh, moving the bucket so she can see exactly what she does to me.

Her eyes go wide and her hand immediately starts outlining me through my jeans. I bet she’s soaked, and the thought makes my dick pulse even harder.

I shift in my seat, letting my cock rub against the harsh fabric of my pants and her hand. She gives a firm squeeze, and the friction feels so good that my head falls back and my mouth drops open.

“Do you know what you’re doing?” I whisper.

She leans in closer, grabbing onto my shoulder, putting even more pressure on my dick.

“I just want to your load inside of me,” she smirks, so damn naughty.

I cough, my scorching eyes meeting her amused ones as I thrust into her palm. “You’re such a fucking tease,” I smile. “Watch the movie.”

“Okay,” She shrugs, and I catch the corner of her lip turn up as she sits back in her seat.

“Wait!” I grab her hand. “Don’t stop stroking it though.” I place my coat over my lap, pulling her body closer so it covers her as well.

She smiles, and my hand immediately finds her thigh. I just have to touch her.

I start to slowly rub her leg, occasionally grasping tightly. She shivers, and my dick won’t stop thudding with every squeeze she gives. I’m so hard that my pants feel about ten sizes too tight.

As my touch moves higher, her legs spread wider, and I’m thinking of a million ways I can taste her right here.

“Undo your pants,” I whisper; adjusting our jackets so we’re both well hidden, not that anyone is really around to see us anyway.

“Only if you undo yours,” she smiles, and I immediately comply.

As soon as my dick hits the air she leans over and wraps her mouth around it. I adjust our jackets again, leaning in to feel her wetness, my mouth falling open as her tongue circles my head. I’m trying so hard not to moan, because it feels so fucking good!

She has me so distracted that I loose my balance with my finger, and her underwear falls back over her. I fix the fabric, pulling it out of her wet, sticky folds while shoving her head down on my dick. I all put lift my ass off the seat pounding her mouth.

I want to take her right here, and my finger sinks into her again. She moans, and the vibration feels amazing around me. Her hips start thrusting, and I’m desperately trying hard not to blow just yet.

“That’s it, hump my hand,” I whisper and she lets out another vibrating moan.

“Uh! I want to taste you so badly,” I moan against her neck while I briefly remove my fingers to lick off her exhilarating juices.

“Good?” She picks up her head, smiling.

“Amazing,” I sigh before pushing my hand back into her pants, cupping her ass until her folds are wet against my wrist. She bounces lightly and I start stroking her engorged clit.

“Let me lick you?” I beg.

“After you come,” she smiles. I feel the pressure build in my cock at her words, and I know the next time her mouth is on me I’m not going to be able to hold back.

“Suck it then,” I beg, and she leans down, twirling her tongue around my head until she takes me deep. “Suck the come right out of me!” My mouth falls open, and I can’t help my grunt as she works my cock deeper down her throat, pumping me with her warm mouth.

“Fuck! That’s it, baby. Oh! That’s it!”

She bobs her head faster, her tongue licking the underside of my cock.

“I’m gonna blow!” I warn her, rocking my hips as my release takes over. “Swallow it!”

I can’t stop coming. The way her head bounces on my shaft, drinking me up, has me spilling so much.

“That’s it!” I pump my hips. “Swallow it all! Uh!”

She lifts her head, wiping her chin, and my cock plops out of her mouth like a suction cup.

“I’m so wet,” her eyes plead. “Lick me up.”

Yes!

I place my cock back in my pants, looking around us to ensure we’re still safely unnoticed.

I leave her underwear on, but slide her pants down to her ankles before kneeling. I move my head between her legs, my knees resting on the gross floor. She squeezes them around my neck as I move the front of her underwear down.

She squirms the moment my tongue hits her. My hands caress her thighs as I lick her engorged clit, careful to stay away from her favorite spot, enjoying her shudders.

I’m getting hard again, and I soon find myself thrusting against the metal base of the seat with each flick of my tongue.

“Harder,” she begs, aching to come. I smile, looking up, but all I can see is the shadow of her face, lit by the light on the screen. I can just make out her eyes though, and they’re rolling back, on fire.

Since she won’t let me kiss her, I start frenching these lips instead, teasing her. She moans, and her eyes widen. I start to hump the metal seat harder, until my cock is thudding, aching for another release.

“Please,” she implores, and I can’t deny her. I move my tongue and get her there immediately. She shakes and cries out so loudly that I quickly reach up and cover her mouth with my hand. I ejaculate with her, feeling as my liquid soaks through my boxers.

I slow down my tongue, watching as a blissful look falls upon her.

She sighs, and I remove her legs from around me, helping her get her pants back on. I take my jacket and toss it over my lap as I sit down. It’s so embarrassing to have come in my pants with her, but fuck, she just turns me on so much.

I grab her hand, entwining my fingers through hers, listening to her heavy breathing, and for the first time since we got here, we turn our attention towards the movie.

Chapter 11

-Luci-

I take a seat in Josh’s office chair, waiting for him to come in for lunch, watching as he physically falters upon seeing me. I know I’m not supposed to be here, especially since tomorrow is his date with Brittney St. James, but I can’t help it. I had to see him. My Dad’s doctor’s appointment is today and I’m unbelievably anxious.

“Should I not be here?” I half tease. “Now that you’re practically dating someone?”

“It’s going to be one date, if you can even call it that,” he takes a seat, and the way he says it, matching my banter but full of dread, leaves me with this wave of calmness.

“Are you sure I should do this?”

“Yes,” I mummer. “I don’t want to risk something coming out. What if the school goes back and talks to people? People suspected, you know!”

“I figured,” he laughs. “But that was years ago. I wasn’t nervous then, and I’m not nervous now.”

“You weren’t nervous then?” I make a face. “I distinctly remember otherwise.”

“Do you
want
me to admit how extremely careless we were?” He’s getting frustrated. “I don’t regret it, okay? Leave it.”

“Okay,” I pause. “So my dad has his doctor’s appointment today.”

“Oh, right!” His sits forward, taking his sandwich out, but I’m suddenly not hungry. “What time is the appointment?”

“Um,” I pull out my phone and look at the time. “Now, actually.”

“Scared?”

“Terrified,” I bite my lip.

“Do you want to talk about it or something else?”

“Something else.”

“What are you reading right now?” He’s on it, and I’m grateful.

“
Crime and Punishment
.”

“How… dry,” he laughs. “I’m trying to find something good to say about it, but you know, murder and all.”

His reaction makes me laugh, and it feels good.

“So what are your plans for this weekend?” He smirks. “Another movie, perhaps?”

I look down and smile. “Aren’t you supposed to be going on a date with someone,
and
trying to not be seen with me?”

“I’ve never been good about not being seen with you,” he laughs, and I can’t help but agree.

“There’s nothing wrong with being friends now, after all, that’s what we are, right?” He interjects, and I stare at him, confused, because quite frankly, yes, we’re friends, but we also sort of aren’t.

“Right,” I agree.

It’s the final period of the day, the middle of it actually, and Brittney asks me to go to the main office to make copies. Again. I feel like it’s all she has me do.

I grab the paper off her desk, and my cell phone off of mine, still anxiously waiting for my parents to call, before heading out of the room.

Halfway down the stairs, my phone starts to vibrate, and seriously, what amazing timing! I look down, relieved to see MOM flashing across the screen.

“So?” I answer immediately, my heart racing, thumping in my chest so rapidly that my ears tingle.

“It went well!” She sounds relieved and happy.

“What do you mean?” I pause on the landing.

“It’s indolent!” She exclaims. “They still have to run a few more tests, and we have to check up on it twice a year, but it’s extremely slow-growing.”

“Mom!” I shout. “That’s wonderful, right?!”

“It’s rare, because it’s found in such a non-common place, which is what makes it so inactive,” she explains, and I nearly drop the phone out of excitement before quickly placing it back on my ear. “The doctor said he’s more likely to die of something else,” she squeals. “So we’ll have your Dad around for a very long time!”

We both share our excitement before hanging up, and I make my way to the office, practically skipping.

I have one of the secretaries call Gracie out of class, so I can tell her the news, and I make the copies while I wait.

“Luci?” Gracie walks through the door, nervous and terrified.

“Everything’s okay,” I smile.

“What do you mean?” She perks up, and I tell her exactly what Mom told me.

“What’s indolent mean?” She’s ecstatic, but confused.

“It means, like… slow-growing, idle,” I explain.

“Oh god, that’s so good!” She screeches, jumping.

“I know!” We hug.

“So,” she pauses. “Any chance now that you’re sort of a teacher here I can not go back to class?”

“Get out of here,” I laugh, giving her a light shove as we leave the office. She heads back to class; I think, while I can’t wait to tell Josh the good news, so I take a small detour before returning upstairs.

I’m virtually floating on cloud nine as I gently knock on the door.

He opens it without asking who it is, and as soon as he does, I drop the copies on the nearest counter and leap into his arms, shrieking my elation.

“It’s an indolent type of cancer!” I wrap my arms around him and he automatically does the same to me.

“Luci!” His enthusiasm matches mine as he picks me up and spins me around. “That’s tremendous!”

I’m not sure what comes over me, other than my obvious pure joy, but as I move my head back, my arms remain tightly wrapped around his hard body, and just as he puts me down, I close my eyes. The next thing I know, I lean in and kiss him.

It’s a firm kiss, directly on his soft, powerful but plush lips. My eyes go wide, but I don’t pull away. Meanwhile, I physically
feel
the air as it leaves him. He lets out a loud moan, and pushes his body against mine with so much force that we fall back against the counter. His hands move to the back of my head, holding me tighter, closer, as his lips force mine open and his tongue grazes me lightly.

My cheerful, lighthearted moment of weakness quickly escalates into a full-blown make out. Even if I wanted to back away from it, I couldn’t. We’re pressed so tightly together, and I realize it’s not just his doing, but mine.

I’m
the one gripping onto him tightly as my hands wander, explore, and
remember
, because that’s what every kiss with him is -
memorable
. This is what every one of my kisses since him has been missing, because Josh’s kisses linger, never to be repeated or forgotten.

In this very moment, whatever happened between us in the past no longer matters - the deceit, the lies, all the time that’s passed - none of it means a thing. This very instant is transcending, and I let the weight of it crash upon me.

“Copies,” I mumble, eventually pulling back.

I rest my forehead against his as we catch our breath, looking up into his dazed expression, starting at me like I’m
everything
.

My breath hitches. I remember it now -
that look
, my feelings from before all the bad things happened. The how and why I fell in love with him. It’s a look that anyone would be lucky to see in his or her lifetime.

“I have to… get back,” I swallow. “I just wanted to… I was just… making copies.”

He nods, bewildered, as I grab the papers and leave the room.