Smokescreen
“Really, Max? The girl can’t be more than twenty. Do you have this effect on women of all ages?” Stella whispers.
“There’s only one woman I care about.” I raise her chin up and look into her eyes, hoping she understands. A grin spreads across her face and I bend down for a quick peck on her lips.
“Tell me again why we’re at Neiman Marcus?”
“I need to replace a full kitchen worth of dishes and glassware. Even though everything wasn’t destroyed, I can’t stand the thought of having mismatched things.”
“But Neiman’s?” she says softly. “It’s really expensive here. What about Pottery Barn?”
“Would you prefer Pottery Barn?” I question. It never crossed my mind to go anywhere else.
“It’s not for me, it’s for you. I think they have cool stuff.”
“Well then let’s go.” I start to tell the associate to cancel my appointment when Stella yanks my arm.
“No, we can’t. We’re already here. It would be rude.”
“Jean is my personal shopper; she’ll still get my business next time I’m here. I want you to have a say in what I pick out and if you’re more comfortable with somewhere else, that’s where we’ll go.”
Her eyes grow wide and a twinkle appears. “You want me to have a say in what you fill your house with?”
“Absolutely, babe. As soon as I get Erica out, we’ll spend time there together. I want you to be relaxed.”
“Wow, you take this dating thing seriously, huh?”
The look on her face is priceless and causes me to laugh out loud. I have to remember, she still thinks I’m going slow. Little does she know, this morning changed everything. Watching her look around my place with a new sense of understanding of the way I live, was the catapult. Seeing her concern over my seclusion and loneliness tugged at something inside my chest.
I’ll give her a few more days to think this is just ‘dating,’ but it’ll be unlike any other dating she’s used to.
“Mr. McCoy?” Jean walks up and holds out her hand. She’s been my personal shopper for over a year, but still uses formalities.
“Jean, this is my girlfriend, Stella Sullivan. We’re here for some kitchenware. Dishes, stemware, glasses.”
“Anything formal?”
“Oh no! We only need every day items. Nothing too formal,” Stella chirps in. “He recently lost all his and we need to replace it.”
“No problem. Will there be anything else?”
Stella looks at me with a questioning glance. I nod slightly and whisper, “Whatever you want.”
“Jean, we need to look at all housewares as well. Something to help make his living spaces more warm and inviting. Nothing too elaborate, but I’d like to see your selection of decorative mirrors, picture frames, and maybe a few paintings.”
“Absolutely, follow me. We’ll start with the kitchen.” She turns to leave and I hold Stella back against me.
“You have no budget.” Her eyes grow wide and I shake my head. “I want you to make my house a home.” A single tear falls down her cheek and I catch it with my lips.
No words are needed. She nods and we follow after Jean.
“Babe, I’m going to start dinner, you and Laci relax.” Max kisses me gently and goes to my kitchen. I watch his ass in the jeans and lick my lips.
“Jesus, wipe the drool. I’m sitting here,” Laci spews with a scowl.
“Sorry, I can’t help it. I spent hours on his bike and watching his ass makes me remember what it felt like to be plastered against him.”
“Oh my God, please tell me. I’ve always wanted to be on the back of a motorcycle. The thought alone makes me wet.”
I look over my shoulder to make sure Max can’t hear and move closer to her. “It was fucking incredible. He wrapped my arms around his waist and told me to hold on tight. When he turned the ignition and the thing vibrated between my legs, I thought I was a goner. If I would have been a bit closer to rub my hips against him, there is no doubt, I could have a vehicular orgasm.”