Bad Bad Girl

He lifted my chin so I was looking into his eyes again. “You aren’t alone anymore. I promise you that from now on things are going to improve…for both of us. No more heartache, no more bastard ex-husband. You have a new job, a new home and a new start on life. I needed this just as much as you. Lately, I’ve felt like I’ve been missing something, like my past was disappearing. Having you return brings that all back. I need you here, too.”

I turned into Caine’s chest and took in his scent. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer. I didn’t want to pull away. I wanted to stay this way, in his arms, forever. Tears were beginning to burn the back of my eyes, and I was doing everything I could to hold them back. He stroked his hand down my hair gently. The simple gesture of affection caused the tears to finally flow. I just needed to release all the pain and anger I had built over the past few years. He just held me and continued to stroke my hair. Caine didn’t say anything. He didn’t try to find the right words. He just let me cry and let me be with my emotions. He held me like he did during the days after my mother died, giving me the silent comfort I so desperately needed. Even after I stopped crying, he continued to hold me. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had hope. Caine slowly pulled away and smiled so big, laugh lines formed around his eyes.

“I don’t like it when you cry,” Caine stated as he wiped away the tears from my eyes.

“I know. I’m sorry,” I sniffed.

He placed his calloused hands on each side of my face and slowly kissed my forehead. His lips were like fire on my skin and electricity shot through me. I wasn’t sure if I should press my body closer, begging for more, or run to the other side of the room before I embarrassed myself. Before I could really grasp everything that was going through me, Caine gave me another big “brotherly” bear hug and spun me around in a circle. With one quick move, Caine was able to reestablish our comfortable and platonic relationship. I couldn’t help but feel disappointed that the closeness had come to an end.

“I want you to be happy here. I’m glad you’re back, and this is gonna be a blast. Just like old times. Now start unpacking, and meet me on the back porch with drink in hand! We got a barbeque to get ready!”

3

“Neely where are you? Neely?”

I knew right away my best friend had just walked in the door. Before I could even turn to find her, Coley came charging out onto the back porch and wrapped her arms around me. Her curly hair was haphazardly pulled up, reminding me of her casual bohemian style. The long skirt she wore seemed so feminine and yet so chic. I envied her relaxed style that always seemed so free.

“I’ve missed you so much! I can’t believe you’re back for good,” Coley squealed without letting loose of me in the slightest.

I laughed and barely could squeeze out, “Me? What about you, little miss world traveler?”

Coley pulled back and shook her head. “Nope, I’m staying. I can write anywhere, and now that I have my most favorite two people under one roof, I have no desire to leave. Maybe I should move in, too.” She turned and winked at Caine.

Caine paused flipping the steaks and walked over to give his sister a hug and kiss on the cheek. “Not on your life, sis. I would have to kick your ass every night and tie you to your bed to keep you out of trouble. You’d send me to an early grave. I remember those days of living together, and my old ticker can’t take it.”

Coley laughed and pushed Caine in the shoulder. “You always were an old fuddy duddy. I can’t help that I live life.” She then looked back at me. “You better be careful, Neely. He likes to play boss all caveman style. You don’t know what you got yourself into.”

He grunted and banged his chest with his fists. “Me Man, you Woman, go get my beer!”

Everyone was laughing as Sara came out on the porch. She looked quickly at Coley and then went to Caine who was back flipping the steaks. She began to rub her hands on his back and placed little kisses on his neck. He turned to her and gave her a quick kiss on her lips then went back to cooking. She wasn’t satisfied with a simple kiss, so she began to lower her hands inch by inch down his pants. Her tiny hands raised his shirt slightly and pushed down the top of his boxers. Revealed was the small patch of hair leading down to his groin. I could see the bottom ripple of his six pack abs. I waited anxiously for her to lower his pants even further. Caine quickly grabbed her hands and gave her a warning look. Sara pouted and began to caress his back again.