Him Her Them Boxed Set (29 page)

As I turn the corner with warm coffee in my hand I curse my luck by spilling a bit on my new cream coat. Well, it's not actually new, I can't afford new clothes for a while, but new as in Jos donated it to me since she can't fit into it anymore.

Realizing I have nothing on me to clean up the spot on the coat I am thankful I am just a half a block away from the studio. There are enough takeaway napkins in that place to start a restaurant. I wonder if Geo has ever cooked a day in his life the way he always eats out.

My sticky hand grabs the doorknob of the building and I am surprised to find it unlocked. Geo told me he is flying back to Italy today to be with his family for Christmas and that I should take the day off, but I want to come in and do some last minute paperwork so it's not crazy for him when we get back from our holiday break.

Perhaps Geo forgot to lock up last night when he left. I better check on everything in the studio to make sure nothing is stolen. Some of those cameras cost as much as my car.

Once inside I turn to open the studio door before heading upstairs to clean my mess. When I cross through into the studio I notice all the spotlights and studio lighting is lit up.

Jesus, did he forget to turn off everything last night? The electric bill is going to be outrageous. But as I walk closer I notice movement on the couch that is in front of the white backdrop and that's when I hear the moans. A female moan.

"Oh god Geo. Yeah, just like that. Your tongue is magic."

There are blankets draped over the couch so I can't see anyone until one slips a little and I notice Shari's head pop out. It's arched back so she can't see me.

That's when I see one of the first things I noticed about Geo when he walked in the office about a month ago, the soles of his shoes. He is on his knees while Shari is laying back on the couch and I think you can imagine what his magic tongue is doing, I know I can.

I clear my throat, too shocked to do anything else. Shari's head pops up and her mouth forms an O in surprise. Geo shrugs the blankets off him and turns to look at me, luckily he has clothes on, looking at Shari's shoulders peeping out of the blanket I suspect the same is not true for her.

Geo is sweating and his mouth is...um...rather wet. God, I think I am going to hurl. This is so not what I expected to come across when I walked in here today.

Immediately I turn and leave, racing up the stairs. I run over to the cabinets and sink in the little kitchenette and realize I am still holding my coffee. Setting it down I grab a napkin, run it under the water and dap at my stain a little too franticly.

"Please don't stain! This is brand new"

"The coat looks lovely on you."

Geo's warm voice comes up directly behind me. I jump not realizing anyone is there. I am really bad at knowing when people are in the room. Perhaps I should see someone about that.

"You scared me. Um...thanks, I guess."

He looks down at his shoes and puts his hands in his pants pockets, most likely hiding the tent they are making.

"I am sorry Luna you had to walk in on that. Please believe me when I say it just happened."

"Okay, as far as going down on someone, can just happen. What did you slip and just happen to fall on her vagina or does she have a gun hidden somewhere making you do that to her?"

I smirk at him and he only chuckles as if this situation is so natural, so laughable.

"No of course not. But, why does it upset you so? We are not dating."

I stare at him for a moment. Is he serious?

"I just caught you having oral sex in our place of business and you act like it's no big deal."

He shakes his head and smiles, bringing his finger up to my chin. The same finger that I am quite sure five minutes ago was inside another woman. Gross. I jerk my head away and sneer at him.

"Such a little prude. You Americans need to learn to relax, it's just sex. Harmless fun. You can join us if you choose. I would have to talk to Shari, but I think she would be up for it."

Now my mouth is wide open as I stare at him in utter shock. After a few moments I salvage my wits and respond.

"Look, Geo, you can do whatever you want in your place of business. This is your studio after all. But you just crossed a line by propositioned me to join, not to mention breaking a few laws. I take my job very seriously, so please understand when I say I am not one to mix business with pleasure."

Now it is his turn to have his mouth open. After some time he starts to bite his lip and look around the room nervously.

"Luna, please forgive me. I am unfamiliar with the laws of your country. I meant no harm."

I snort remembering all too well what Tim warned me about. Apparently, this isn't the first time this has happened to Mr. Torlo. Unfortunately, the other women chose to join the fun and got their heart broken in the process, needing only then to seek legal advice on the matter. No wonder he is so familiar with how his lawyer addresses him.

I reach up and mess with his perfectly sexed up hair and give it a good pat.

"Don't worry your pretty little head about it Geo, I won't sue. But I will say goodbye."

I push past him and get to the head of the stairs before turning around to add just a bit more.

"Oh, and I better have one hell of a severance package. I know it's only been a month, but I think you understand why I need to leave and not come back. That should be reflected in my final paycheck."

I turn and walk down the stairs and out the front door. I may be a prude as he put it, but I am no dummy. Whatever he gives me I'll be happy with, I just want him to sweat a bit. I can't believe he pulled the 'not from this country' card on me. He really thought I am one of those naïve fools he takes to bed. I laugh as I shake my head but am distracted by the buzzing in my purse. I grab my phone and see it's Corbin trying to call me. I have had enough men drama over the past twenty four hours I think I will just send it to voicemail. Take a break today. Walk around the city and go have lunch, treat myself. I need a "me" day after what just happened.

"Shit, she's not answering her phone."

I yell angrily to myself. Fuck, what am I going to do? I'll call Pierce. I pull up his contact and hit the phone button. More ringing and then voicemail. God damn it! This is not the time to ignore me people! Fuck, oh fuck what do I do?

Jos notices my internal freak out like a psychic and starts to gently rub circles on my back. Oh yeah, that feels good. Wait, I should be doing that to her. Do I prop her feet up? I just don't know what to do.

"Corbin, calm down. It will be okay. Sometimes this happens. I will probably be put on bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy, that's all. The baby isn't due for another month. Now if you could take me to the hospit...."

She is flinching in pain and making a small O with her mouth, panting. Her fingers are digging into my back causing me to arch in pain. She has a death-hold on my shirt, pulling down on it, making it ride up to my neck, choking me. I grab at it so I can breathe when her grip loosens.

Now we are both panting. I jump up off the couch and start to head to their bedroom. She will need an overnight bag in case, but I stop when I get to the hall entrance and turn back around. She needs me to get her coat, she will freeze outside so I head to the entrance closet, but stop at the half bath and look inside to see a toiletry bag. I should grab that too. I walk in and grab the bag, and then head back out. Wait, where was I going?

"Corbin!"

I look over to the couch as she struggles to get herself up. Oh no, she needs my help. I race over to her to help her up. Damn, she weighs a ton. I use all my strength to get her up when the pain hits her again, but this time her hand is on my shoulder as she bears down. It brings me to my knees as we both cry out in pain.

I should not be here! This is the punishment I get for trying to come and talk to Luna. Show her how I care. My reward: Jos's premature labor and her surprisingly strong grip.

"Corbin, you need to get me my coat. Help me put it on and drive me to the hospital." She is breathy from the surge of pain. I pry her fingers from my skin, praying she didn't break the skin and race to the front closet to grab her coat. I manage to get it on her and grab her purse before we head out the door.

It takes us a good twenty minutes to make it to my car in the parking garage as several waves of pain grip her and force us to remain put for a minute. Jos gets into my Honda after I adjust the seat for her. Once we are strapped in I race us to Johns Hopkins hospital, normally a 15 minute drive, I make in five minutes.

When I pull up I scream for a wheelchair and a nurse races out with one. They wheel Jos off and I go to the front desk to give them what information I can. Then I pull out my phone before I sit down in the waiting room and decide to call the one person I know can help me.

"Hello? Corbin?"

I hear her breathy voice on the other end. This is probably a bad time for her, but I need her help.

"Hey Shari. Look I am sorry to bother you but I know you are a nurse here at Hopkins and, well, they just rushed Jos into the emergency room. Would you mind, and I know this is asking a lot, would you mind finding out for me if she and the baby will be okay?"

There is silence on the phone and I swear I hear a different voice in the background, deeper, more manly. She finally responds.

"Yes of course Corbin. I like Jos, she was always nice to me. I will come there and see what I can find out. Give me about 15 minutes."

"Thank you so much, Shari. I just didn't know who to contact. I can't get ahold of Pierce or Luna. I'm kind of panicking."

"Oh, you can't get ahold of Luna? Oh, uh, yeah...."

There is more whispering on the other end before she gets back on.

"I'll be there shortly. Corbin, I am sure it's nothing, they will probably put her on bed rest."

"Yeah, that's what Jos said. See you soon."

I hang up and fiddle with the phone. Then it hits me, I need to call Jennifer. I call her and luckily she answers. Explaining everything, she tells me she is on her way and that she will keep trying Pierce.

I send Luna a few texts that Jos has been rushed to the hospital, but still nothing. After a while Shari shows up and tells me she is going to find out what's going on. A few minutes after that, Pierce's mom shows and tells me she got in touch with Pierce. He is having a special holiday luncheon with the mayor, so that's why he didn't answer his phone. She told me he will be here shortly.

About five minutes later Pierce shows up, red rings lining his eyes and white as a ghost. I see tear marks staining his cheeks. Jennifer and I do our best to calm him but he decides the best course of action is to yell at the nurses at the information desk until they do something. Finally, the doctor comes out, pulls Pierce aside and whispers in his ear. This causes more tears to stream down his face as he walks off with the doctor.

Oh god, I know it is bad. I just know it. Jennifer and I sit in silence, holding each other's hand. After what feels like hours, probably only thirty minutes, Shari emerges with a grim look on her face. I try my best to blink back the tears before one escapes. I race over to her, putting my hands on her shoulders. She looks down at the floor then moves in for a hug.

"Please just tell me. Is she okay? Is...is the baby okay?"

"She gave birth to a four pound eight ounce baby boy. He...he is having trouble breathing. In fact they had to restart his heart a few times. The doctors want to see how he does over the next twenty four hours. He is being transferred to the NICU."

No. No. Fuck, no.

My hug gets tighter as I need someone to hold me right now. After a few moments I pull back thanking her for her help. She motions that she is going back to find out more. When I turn to head back to the waiting room I see Luna staring at me, her face contorted in utter confusion. She walks up to me and yells at me.

"You lying asshole. I am so sick of all the sleazy men in my life. So, selfish!"

I walk right past Corbin and follow Shari before she disappears into a room. That bitch has some explaining to do. Two men in one day? Come on!

I peek in the window of the door she entered and see Jos in the bed with Pierce standing next to her, both have tears in their eyes. Shari is busy talking to, what I assume is the doctor, but the look on Jos propels me to push open the door.

When I got the text from Corbin that Jos had to go to the hospital I prayed she is alright, that her baby is alright. Now, as I walk to the foot of her bed I am worried. No one seems to be happy or content or even tired, they just seem scared and upset.

"Luna!" Jos yells as she opens her arms up to me. But there is a hand on my arm stopping me from moving forward. I turn to see Shari.

"Only the father may be here, Luna. Everyone else has to wait in the waiting room."

"She can be here Shari. I am letting her."

I snag my arm away from her grip and glare at her.

"Yeah Shari, it's Jos's room and she is letting me stay. Hmm, I smell Italian. Was that your lunch Shari?"

My gaze unwavering as Shari nervously giggles before backing away and leaving the room. Goodbye, bitch!

I run into Jos's arms and give her a big hug, making sure not to hurt the baby. Jos falls apart in my arms. She is sobbing when I pull back a bit to grab a tissue for her. She blows her nose before talking.

"I gave birth Luna. He is four pounds eight ounces."

Her lips waver and I look up to Pierce whose gaze is fixated on his wife with adoration while tears run down his face.

"Congratulations Jos, I am so happy for your both! When do I get to see him?"

"I never got to hold him Luna? I never got to hold him?"

What? Wait, what? I..I don't understand. Oh god, what's happening?

"I don't understand Jos?"

"He has some issues with breathing and his heart. They have to monitor him to make sure he doesn't have any issues. He is in the NICU."

My heart hits the floor and I feel like my world is spinning out of control. Tears are now rolling down my face. My hand shakes as it wipes away at them. Jos starts to whisper again but I realize she is not really talking to anyone.

"I never got to hold him. What if he doesn't make it? I need to hold him. I need to hold him."

I look up at Pierce and his head is now in his hands as he quietly stifles a sob.

It's my turn to be the brave one. Everyone was so caring to me and my family when my dad got sick and passed, but now they are the aggrieved. Jos and Pierce are living in hell right now and it's up to me to help them through it. I straighten up and watch as Jos just looks out the window of her room to the city below and shakes her head, tears falling like a broken faucet. Pierce isn't much better.

"I'm going to get you both some food and water. I'll keep trying to find out what's going on. I think Shari owes me one, so I might be able to get some more information from her. I will be back. If you two need anything you let me know?"

They shake their head, still lost in their own nightmare. I walk quietly out of the room and down the hall. Luckily I run into Shari who doesn't seem happy to see me. Now there is a surprise!

"What do you know? Honestly, what are you not telling them?"

It's my turn to grab her arm.

"They know everything. The doctors really won't know until tomorrow when some of the tests come back and to observe him overnight. I really wish I could help, but that's all I know. If anything changes I will let you and Corbin know first thing."

"You don't talk to Corbin, you got that! He is my man and you are giving him hugs when less than a few hours ago you decided to play Italian bingo."

She giggles at that and I have to admit I chuckle myself.

"Look, Luna, I am not interested in Corbin. He is a sweet man but he is still very much attached to you. I think he always has been. That's why I ended it. I knew he wouldn't. He didn't want to hurt me, so I let him go. Besides, as you so aptly pointed out, I like Italian games."

I shake my head, confused at what I witnessed earlier.

"But you two were hugging, here, in this very hallway?"

"Yes, I had just updated him on Jos's status. It wasn't easy to hear. I think he needed someone to comfort him. That's all."

Oh no, I yelled at him. Ugh. Then I sneered at Shari and kept making bad Italian jokes. I feel like the biggest ass alive.

"I'm sorry Shari, I thought you were putting the moves on him."

She laughs and shakes her head.

"Two men in one day, wow, you must have thought I was quite the player. Well, I have to get back. I promise to update you when I hear anything."

I nod and turn back to head into the waiting room. Corbin and Jennifer glance over and both hop up expecting some news.

"Anything new, Luna?" Jennifer's shaky voice is the first to assault me.

I shake my head.

"I suspect Corbin has updated you, I have nothing new to report. Jos and Pierce look like they have had the life sucked out of them. I think it's best if we put on a brave face. Get them food, though they probably won't feel like eating. Keep trying to get them to eat and distract them the best we can. I know Jos loves the psychology magazines, so I am going to head to the gift shop, hopefully they will have something."

Jennifer nods.

"Jennifer, you wait here, in case someone comes out. I'll go with Luna and grab them some food."

Jennifer sits as we head down the hall in silence. I finally sit next to Corbin when we get back, hold his hand and whisper sorry to him. He just gives me a warm smile and wraps his arm around me. The rest of the day is spent mostly in silence, just trying to survive the shock of the day. The only comfort is Corbin's shoulder as I rest my head and nod off here and there throughout the night.

Time passes so slowly. I remember when I was with my dad I thought there just wasn't enough time, but now it can't move fast enough.

*****

It's been almost 24 hours. As I gnaw on this granola bar in my hand, my lunch, I keep thinking back to the nice lunch I had yesterday at this time. Some crab soup and a salad. I even had a glass of white wine to wash it down, now all I have is a half empty bottle of water. I'm not really that hungry but I need to keep my energy up. These waiting room chairs are not comfortable to sleep in. Corbin, Jennifer and I refused to leave last night. Pierce was allowed to sleep on a roll away cot in Jos's room, while we suffered the ER chairs.

Shari is back on her shift, the only one of us who got a decent night's sleep. I feel her hand on my back giving me a tap. I look up and there is a small smile on her face. As I look over I see Corbin and Jennifer getting some shut eye as the room's gone quiet. Not many ER patients on Christmas I guess. Shari waves me over to the hall.

"I got some news Luna. Little Ethan is going to be fine. He has a breathing tube, but is mostly breathing on his own. Other than that he is in perfect health. In fact Jos and Pierce are over at the NICU now visiting him. Unfortunately you will not be able to see him until he can be transferred to a regular nursery."

There is a huge smile on my face as tears begin to fall for what feels like the fiftieth time in the last 24 hours. I give her a big hug and thank her over and over again. She nods and tells me she has to get back. I walk back into the waiting room where Corbin and Jennifer are staring at me as I enter. They look grim and I realize they can only see the tears flowing down my face.

"He's okay! Just a small breathing tube, but mostly breathing on his own. Jos and Pierce are visiting him right now in the NICU. He's going to make it."

Jennifer's head falls into her hands as she begins to sob and Corbin runs up to me giving me a big hug. He keeps kissing me all over my face until he finally lands on my lips. I don't know if it's the lack of sleep or sheer exhaustion from the past day but this kiss is deeper than anything he has ever given me. He is handing over his soul to me and I am unable to move. All I can do is take it. After a few minutes of us making out in the middle of the ER, he pulls away, but our heads lean on each other for support as our heavy breathing regulates.

"Luna, I love you. My god you have to know how much I love you. You were the first person I called when Jos went into labor because I just don't know what to do without you. Please understand that when I first asked you to marry me I meant every word. I had wanted to ask you for weeks but with your father getting sick, I just never thought it was the right time. What these past 24 hours have shown me is there is never a right time. Life happens whether you want it to or not. So please understand that when I say I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I mean it with every ounce of my being. You have my heart, you have my soul, will you do me the honor and have me as your husband?"

My heart is beating so fast I can hear it in my ears. Corbin drops to one knee, but keeps my gaze and grabbing my shaky hands bringing them to his lips. It's as if the waiting room has melted away and I can only see Corbin. His strong face, softened with a nervous smile. He looks so sweet, so endearing and I realize I could never let him go, not even if I wanted to. I tried for a year and a half and failed. I tried to tolerate him with another woman and could barely contain myself. I even yelled at her less than a day ago to keep her hands off him even if I wasn't sure where we stood as a couple.

"Yes."

I hear clapping and look up to see Jennifer there and surprisingly Pierce too. He looks haggard, but content. It fills my heart with joy to see them happy for us and happy for the new life in their lives.

Corbin lifts me up in his arms and I slowly slide down as we kiss some more.

"Hey you two, get a room." I can hear Pierce's raspy voice and we turn to look at him.

We all congratulate each other. Pierce tells me that Jos is taking a nap now and orders all of us to go home to do the same. Jennifer is the most reluctant to leave, but she finally follows her son's orders.

Corbin and I head to his place, a two bedroom apartment in Mt. Vernon, a neighborhood just above downtown.

Before I know it, we are in his bedroom and naked. We giggle like kids before I pull away. I fold my arms in front of my body.

"Well, Mr. Medina, if I am to be your wife there are a few rules we need to get straight."

He chuckles, shaking his head.

"What rules?"

"I think we need to go over the color scheme for the wedding. I was thinking green and light grey, but that might not work if it's an autumn wedding..."

He cuts me off, taking me in his arms and kissing my mouth to shut me up. But I pull away again while he moves down my neck.

"Okay maybe not a color scheme yet, but I think we really need to go over how best to service my husband."

Corbin stills, looking up from my neck that he had been nibbling on.

"Go on." He requests. I pull away from him and get on my knees, placing my hands on his inner thighs, stroking. I get close to his cock, but never quite touch. He is starting to moan as he runs his fingers through my hair, sending chills down my back.

"Like right here Corbin. Does my husband prefer to have me flick my tongue over the tip?" I show him what I mean.

"Or does he want me to lick at his cock like a popsicle?"

I bring my tongue from the tip to the base, lapping up the salty taste as I slide my tongue over the tender but stiff skin. I suck little kisses all over before returning to licking him up again.

"Oh god Luna, all of it. I want everything you have to give."

I sit back on my heels and look up at him, his eyes darkened with need.

"But do you want me to suck it Corbin? Take it all in?"

I smirk knowing what his answer will be. He loves it when I play this game. I think he just likes me talking about his cock and what I am going to do to it.

"Yes Luna, take all of it. Suck all of me."

His words, the way he looks at me, drunk with lust causing a thick heat to pool down at my core. I place my hand over him and I realize that this man, who waited so long for me still wants me despite all that has passed. Because of his patience, longing and love, I am willing to give myself over to him. All of me.

My hand becomes slippery as it firmly strokes him, so I can take my time sucking and kissing his base. Finally I am up at the tip as it beads salty love for me to suck on. I hear him moan before a whispered curse escapes his lips. My lips mold to his tip as my tongue swirls around and I decide to move lower, and lower, until most of his length is in my mouth.

Corbin is quite big and I don't know if I could take him fully. His fingers tighten in my hair as I start to push him slowly out, sucking and moaning as I go. My tongue swivels, following the deep lines of his cock and pushing neatly into his tip when I reach the top.

"Oh damn Luna. I forgot how fucking good you were at this."

His hips start to gyrate and I realize it's time for me to pick up the pace. My humming and sucking turn into a rhythm as my fingers curl around his base, gripping firmly. His hands move to the side of my head and he surprises me by pushing me away.