Discovering Truths, page 5
Melinda gave me a hug when she left, but I couldn’t tell if it was full of sympathy or anger. She looked as if she felt sorry for me, but she was upset about the way I was going about the whole ordeal. It was my life, not hers. She wasn’t the one dealing with the feelings and she wasn’t the one being played.
I cleaned up the kitchen, took a shower, and climbed into bed. I was exhausted, but it was the best day I’d had in a while. I turned on the TV for some noise and then grabbed my phone to do my usual scrolling before I fell asleep. It was time to unwind. When I opened Facebook, I noticed a red dot in my messages, and I switched over to the Messenger app to see a request.
1 New Message from Gage Atwood.
A smile pulled across my face immediately. I didn’t know his last name, but I knew it was him. He was the only Gage I’d ever met. I clicked ‘accept’ and opened the message.
Gage: Hello, gorgeous.
I noticed the message was sent about an hour ago, and I hated that it took me so long to see it. Hopefully he’d be back on soon.
Me: Well hello there, handsome. How’d you find me?
The dots began to jump immediately, and a green dot appeared beside his name indicating that he was online.
Gage: I searched Abby West. Your picture was the first one to pop up.
Me: How’d you know my last name?
Gage: It’s in your e-mail address, silly.
Me: OMG. I am so dumb lol.
Gage: You’re not dumb, it’s okay, I forgive you. Hahaha. How was the rest of your day?
Me: Pretty good. My friend Melinda came over for dinner, which was good at first, but then our conversation went south, so…
Gage: Uh-oh. Should I even ask?
Me: It’s not important.
Gage: Fair enough.
Me: What about you? How was your day?
Gage: It was good. Thought about you most of it.
Me: I’ve been thinking about you all day too. I kind of can’t get that kiss out of my head.
Gage: Me either. It was…perfect.
Me: I can’t wait to see you again. When do you think we can work something out?
Gage: I’ll check my work schedule. Daytime is usually best. I can’t wait to see you again either, though, so I’ll have to make time somewhere.
Me: I can do whatever. Just let me know.
Gage: Will do, sweetie. I’m going to bed. Talk tomorrow?
Me: Of course. Goodnight.
Gage: Sweet Dreams.
I exited the chat, put my phone on the charger, and shut the TV off. Who even cared about scrolling anymore? I’d talked to Gage and that was all I needed to sleep peacefully.
Chapter Ten
Marcus texted this morning to tell me he wouldn’t be home until Friday. Something about a conference being extended and his boss demanded he be there. He was a lawyer, what kind of conference could he be attending anyway? I wouldn’t know considering his job was always kept hush hush, but at that point, who cared? I was just fine on my own. His text didn’t ask how I was doing, or if I needed anything, and he definitely didn’t say I love you.
A ding on my cell phone brightened my mood.
Gage: Good morning, beautiful.
Me: Hey babe!
Gage: Sleep well?
Me: I did…how about you? Any good dreams?
Gage: I was out. I don’t really remember any dreams, but I went to bed thinking of you, if that’s what you’re getting at.
Me: Yeah…it sort of was. And same here. Can’t get you out of my mind.
Gage: The feeling is mutual, babe.
Me: He texted this morning…not coming home until Friday now.
Gage: Maybe I can see you tomorrow then?
Me: If you’re able. Don’t change plans or worry about it if you’re busy at work.
Gage: I might be able to work it out. I definitely want to.
Me: Me too.
Gage: I’m going to get to work. I’ll check in when I can.
A kissy face emoji was attached to the end of the line. We had gotten to the point of calling each other ‘babe’ and sending flirty emojis. I didn’t know why that made me so happy.
Me: Have a good day.
I attached the red heart emoji to my message.
Later that day, I was sitting outside under the covered porch reading an article on my iPad when my phone started ringing and Melinda’s name flashed across the screen.
“Hello?”
“Abby…thank God you answered. Can you come pick me up? Jon is too far away and I don’t want to wait that long. Some guy rear-ended me and they’re towing my car to the shop.”
“Oh my gosh! Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I’m fine. It was a hard hit. I don’t know if there’s any hope for my car, but I’m fine.”
“Where do you want me to pick you up?”
“I’m going to ride with this guy that’s towing my car. Can you just get me from the shop?”
“Sure. Are you sure that’s okay? He’s not weird, is he?”
She laughed and lowered her voice. “No, he’s like a hundred years old and really nice. I’m getting the sweet grandpa vibe. No worries.”
“Okay. See you shortly.”
She texted me the directions to the shop and I locked up the house before I climbed in the car and took off. I looked like a mess with my black cotton shorts, white t-shirt, and black flip-flops. My long hair was piled into a messy bun on the top of my head. I hadn’t intended on leaving the house today. So, hello world, this is what you get!
I pulled into the shop and parked then headed for the front door. I could see Melinda sitting in the lobby typing away on her phone.
I opened the door and she turned my way when she saw me.
“Thank you so much for coming.” She said, walking towards me in a rush.
“Well, yeah, why wouldn’t I?” I asked.
“I thought you were mad at me.”
“Why would I be mad?”
“Last night… I just thought things ended on a bad note.”
“It’s fine, Mel. I know we don’t agree, but as long as you don’t disown me, I’m not going to be upset with you for expressing your opinion.”
“I couldn’t disown you. You’re my best friend, Abby.”
She pulled me in for a hug and at that moment, I truly believed in our friendship. She expressed her opinion because she loved me, I understood that.
“You ready to get the heck out of here?” I asked.
“Yeah. Let’s just go up to the front desk and see what this guy says about my car.”
We walked to the front desk and waited a few minutes before a familiar voice caught my attention. When Gage walked up to the desk, I thought I might die right there. What are the chances?
When his eyes met mine, I felt that initial explosion all over again.
“Abby,” he said, smiling. “What are you doing here?”
“Just came to pick up my friend,” I said, motioning to Melinda.
I thought I was nervous when I first met him, but nothing compared to this moment. Melinda was standing there, a look of confusion on her face. How would I ever cover this one up?
“It’s good to see you.” He said, sporting that cute smirk on his face. He looked just as he did yesterday in his work clothes, and I wanted to jump across the counter and devour him. Every inch of the man was glory.
“You too,” I smiled.
He turned his attention to Melinda. “Mrs. Johnson, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s looking like the car is probably totaled. Of course, an insurance adjustor will be out here shortly to make that determination.”
She slumped down on the counter and groaned. “This is my luck.”
“I’m sorry.”
“What do I do with the car? Can you do something with it?” she asked.
“We can haul it off…there’s usually a fee…but since you’re Abby’s friend, we’ll take care of it at no charge.”
“Oh my. Are you sure? You don’t have to do that. I’ll pay whatever I have to pay. I just don’t want to have to deal with it.”
“We’ll take care of it…after the insurance adjustor has been here of course.”
“Well, thank you. I appreciate.”
“Sure thing.”
“Alright, I guess I’ll be in touch.” She grabbed a business card from the holder on the counter and headed for the door.
“Bye.” I said softly.
“Bye, gorgeous.” He whispered with a wink.
I turned around and walked quickly to catch up with Melinda. When we got in my car, she wasted no time in her interrogation.
“Who was that?”
“Just a guy I know…” I trailed off. I was at a loss. What was I supposed to say?
“How do you know him?”
“What is this? Twenty questions?”
It was like a light bulb went off in her head and her eyes grew wide.
“That’s him, isn’t it?”
I was quiet.
“That’s the guy. You guys were flirty with each other and I could just tell there was something different about the whole exchange.”
“Flirty? We said like two words.”
“Abby…”
What was the point in trying to hide it? She knew. I let out a deep breath. “Yeah…that was him.”
I continued driving, not wanting to say anything else about it considering I knew her opinion on the whole situation.
It wasn’t long before she spoke again. “Well…he’s hot…I’ll give you that.”
“Yeah. He is, isn’t he?”
I was prepared for another lecture, but it never came. I dropped Melinda off at her house, and we continued on just like we always did.
***
Gage: So glad I got to see you today…even if only for a few minutes.
I had just gotten out of the shower and curled up in my bed, warm and content.
Me: Small world isn’t it? I almost had a mini heart attack…and I looked absolutely disgusting today, so sorry you had to see that.
Gage: You’re out of your mind. You’re beautiful. But why did you almost have a mini heart attack?
Me: Well just because things between us are…secret…and seeing you there, and having my friend with me…it was all a little nerve wracking.
Gage: Understand. Does she know?
Me: She figured it out.
Gage: Uh-oh. Umm…
Me: Don’t worry. It’s all good. She doesn’t approve, but it’s all good. Trust me.
Gage: Okay. Whatever you say. So, listen…I want to see you tomorrow, but I don’t have much time. Are you opposed to meeting early? Like seven?
Me: That’s fine with me. I’ll do anything to see you. Not like I have much of a life anyway.
Gage: You’re such a sweetheart.
I replied with a long line of flirty emojis.
Gage: Coffee date?
Me: That works. I’ll come to you because I know you need to get to work. Send me the details in the morning.
Gage: Will do. Sweet dreams, babe.
Me: Night, handsome.
The more we talked, the more I began to feel for this man. What do you do when you know something is wrong, but you can’t stop the urge of wanting more? My brain knew this was a bad idea, but my heart gravitated toward this thing with Gage. Even though it was twisted, I couldn’t stop the flow. In my mind, things could only go up from here.
Chapter Eleven
Excitement and nervousness consumed me entirely as I was up early the next morning to prepare for my visit with Gage. I barely got a wink of sleep. Maybe five was a little early, but I wanted to make sure I was fresh and looking my best, even if I only got to see him briefly.
He texted me the details of the meeting place and asked what I’d like to drink. He offered to get the coffee and suggested that we sit in his truck and talk, offering more privacy. I thought that would be more comfortable anyway, so I was totally down with the plan. I was now driving across the city as the sun rose before me. I felt more alive now than I had in a while and it was refreshing. It was nice to feel like there was some good in my life after having reached rock bottom—it was a place I couldn’t revisit. I didn’t know if I’d make it out alive if I ever fell into its trap again.
I pulled into the coffee shop and spotted his truck parked in the back corner of the lot. The parking lot was mostly empty, but the drive-thru held a long line of cars. I pulled up beside him and could barely make out his face through his tinted windows, but it was him. I couldn’t stop the smile that formed and the butterflies that jumped anxiously in my stomach. I threw my purse in the backseat and tossed a jacket over it, opened my car door slightly, locked my car, then slid out. I opened his passenger side door, grabbed the handle on the edge, and pulled myself into his tall truck.
“Good morning.” He said. He was gorgeous as always, even this early in the morning. I hoped I didn’t come across like a weirdo as I drank him in with my eyes.
“Morning,” I said softly.
“Sleep well?” he asked. He handed me a drink and I brought it to my lips, savoring the warmth and sweet taste. He got the order correct.
“To be honest, I didn’t sleep much at all. I was too excited. How about you?”
“Same for me…” he said.
We sat there for a moment, looking at each other and sipping our coffee. To any normal person this whole instance would be weird, but for us, it was like we were studying each other. Our faces were filled with curiosity and temptation. He sat his coffee in the cup-holder and I followed. I slipped off my flip-flops and pulled a leg under me, attempting a more comfortable position.
“I can’t take it anymore.” Gage whispered, barely audible as he lifted the center console of his truck and stretched across the seat. He pulled me into him and his lips crashed into mine. The kiss was full of need and he pulled me in closer, as if he couldn’t get enough. His hands were around my face, and in that moment, I felt like I was his. No matter how wrong we were together, it felt completely right.
He pulled away long enough to say, “You good?”
I nodded, unable to form words.
After a few minutes of our mouths colliding, I decided to take control. Boldness was never a strong quality of mine, but he made the first move and now I felt like it was my turn to show him my feelings too.
I slightly pushed him back and slung my leg over his side, straddling him.
“Abby,” he whispered, his voice full of need and desire. I wrapped my arms around his neck and dove in for another kiss, running my fingers through his hair and down his back as I moved my hips slightly across his lap.
He groaned and pulled back, letting out a deep breath. “Damn, girl.”
He didn’t have to say a word, I knew I was driving him wild, and I loved every second of it.
My arms were still wrapped around his neck and I fell against his chest, placing small kisses along his jawline. His hands were on my hips and he slid one to the front, teasing the entrance of my jeans.
“Is this okay?” he whispered against my ear.
“Yes.”
He slowly slid his hand down and began to rub against the silky material, kissing my lips softly as he moved. A small moan escaped me as my eyes rolled into the back of my head. Soon, the motion of his hand became faster and his kisses were rougher as he worked to bring me to my climax. I could no longer focus on his kisses as I pulled his face close to mine, breathing heavily against his ear.
“Gage, oh my gosh…”
My head fell back against the seat and it was like an eruption as I breathed through the most intense high I’d ever felt. He pulled his hand from my shorts and kissed me hard. I slowly rubbed my hand across his lap, feeling his excitement. I tugged at his jeans, anxious to get them off and return the favor.
He placed his hand over mine. “Not today,” he said. “This was all for you.”
“But I want to,” I insisted, and that was the truth. I wanted to make him feel as good as he’d just made me.
“Not this time, sweetheart.”
I pulled away, unsure of whether to be sad, or self-conscious.
“I see the wheels spinning,” he said. “Trust me, there’s nothing I want more than to feel your hand or mouth wrapped around me, but not today. This was all for you, baby.”
“Well…what are you going to do about…that?” I asked, directing my eyes toward the bulge in his jeans.
“I can take care of that later.”
“Oh. Okay then…”
He pulled me back to him. “I’ve got to get to work,” he said, pressing one firm kiss to my lips. “I’m so glad I got to see you.”
“I am too. I hope you have a good day.”
“Oh, I will now.”
He kissed me again as I slipped on my flip-flops. I grabbed my keys and slid out of the truck, opening my car door and sliding right into the seat.
I sat there for a moment as I watched him back up and take off down the busy road. This was it. There was no going back. Now that I’d experienced this, with the perfect person, I was all in and ready to take on whatever this was we had going. This man had me completely wrapped around his finger.
***
It was any other day for me, the only difference being that I was now sated…fulfilled…happy. It was a foreign feeling that I hadn’t felt in a long, long time. I often wondered where things went wrong between Marcus and me, but as of late, those thoughts hadn’t crossed my mind.
Gage: This morning was…amazing.
I knew he was busy at work, but I couldn’t wait to hear from him. I’d spent the majority of my day thinking about what happened this morning.
Me: Yes…for me it was. I tried to make it amazing for you, but you wouldn’t let me!
Gage: It was amazing for me, trust me. Listening to your sweet moans and ragged breath and watching you come apart…that was amazing.
