“Probably, but I’d prefer to have you naked on top of me whispering sweet nothings in my ear.”
With a wide-eyed grin, he rolls me back toward his body, pinning me underneath him. “Finally,” he whispers.
And finally, just like he wants, he makes love to me on my bed.
It’s exactly what I need, what we both need. I feel free, and my body is finally letting go. My mind wants to follow, but the sight of a raven sitting on my window ledge startles me. It’s odd, and I haven’t even seen one near my house. At least, not that type of bird. It doesn’t leave, continuing to stand on the ledge.
Why won’t it leave?
Then it dawns on me, remembering what my mom had once told me. The raven is known as a messenger bird, but what the hell does that mean? Was it coming here to warn me or guide me?
It doesn’t matter. It’s here to communicate with me, and there’s only one person trying to do that, and only one person I’m not able to hear.
Elijah.
We stay locked in the bedroom for two hours.
To say I’m sore would be an understatement. Every attempt to move a limb will have me laughing in hysterics, and even that task is painful. Between my legs are red raw, and I mean I can’t even wipe myself with toilet paper without wincing. Julian’s well aware of my physical state, but do you think that stops him? No. Apparently, my ass needs a workout, a very any-hole-is-a-goal situation.
“Why aren’t you sore? Do you have an invincible penis? Should we get it a cape and mask?”
His chest rises and falls as he twists a lock of my hair between his fingers. “Adriana, that last move almost broke me. But fuck, what a nice sight of your ass.”
“We could end up on Sex Injuries in the ER or whatever that show is called.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we do. You’re quite bendy and flexible, and my super-penis is not.”
Embarrassed, I blush at his comment. “I’m sorry.”
“Considering I almost blew when you did that thing with your leg over the side, it’s a talent. No need to be sorry.”
“You won’t be saying that when you’re on national TV.”
I try to move my body so I can kiss him, but I’ve lost the will to move and fall onto my back. Julian laughs at me and reminds me to get to the gym if I want to keep up.
Who would’ve thought two hours could do so much damage to one’s body? I remind him it’s almost time to pick Andy up from Hazel. He’s just as anxious to see him, and even suggests that we take Andy out afterward. It’s a great idea and makes me very happy to spend time with my two favorite people. The only thing bugging me is the sight of that raven. G
oogle. It holds the answers, but with Julian constantly by my side, it’s best that I research this in private.
After the big showdown at the party, no doubt Lex will avoid me at all costs, he’s stubborn and extremely hot-headed. According to Eric, he’s also blacklisted since he knew what was going on. The only person who isn’t is Charlie. No surprises there, the moron thinks only with his dick.
Our relationship coming out is a huge deal. One would think it means we have the freedom to see each whenever and wherever we please. Quite the opposite—we barely have time to see each other. Julian has endless meetings with his editor this week, being offered another book deal plus the New York Times wants to offer him a permanent column. Life for him has really taken off, and no one is as deserving as he is. It does, however, mean he has decisions to make with what direction he wants to take his career in.
When he mentioned the New York Times, my heart sunk thinking he will need to move back to Manhattan, but he’s quick to tell me they are happy for him to stay in LA and fly over once a month. It seems like the perfect opportunity, yet he’s unsure if he wants to go back to working for a newspaper having enjoyed his time writing his book.
I, on the other hand, have become so busy trying to launch a new line. After the red carpet, my designs made it to Vogue and caught the eye of a few major labels in Paris. All of which want to schedule meetings with me, and given the difference in time zones, I find myself up at all hours trying to fit in work whenever Andy sleeps or is at daycare.
Between the madness, Julian and I will text or call, but we just aren’t in sync.
And the sex… well, that’s on hiatus.
We’re both busy and just can’t get anywhere within a reasonable time. Physically, I miss him. It’s like going cold turkey. He fucks me into oblivion and then nada. Okay, not nada, I did manage to blow him quickly one day on my lunch break, and the only reason it didn’t end in a happy ending for me is because an important buyer arrived early. Talk about leaving me high and dry, or more appropriately, lower and wetter.
Everyone has found out through the grapevine about our relationship. My mom is quick to call, and over the phone we had a lengthy discussion. She admitted that it all makes sense and understands why I was reluctant to come out in the open. After speaking to my dad, they both agreed that they want to meet Julian and thought it was a good idea to have a family dinner. I told her Lex wouldn’t come, but she was quick to reassure me that he already agreed.
What the fuck? What game is he playing?
Friday night, seven on the dot, Julian is standing with me on the porch. Andy is shuffling between us, busily telling Julian about Gramps and Grammy. I take a deep breath, but my airway feels tight. It could also be this dress which no longer fits loosely. So, I’ve gained a few, it’s what happens when you’re in love. Wait, did you just say that out loud or in your brain? OMG, look at him… his face hasn’t changed. Phew, okay, close call.