Off the Record (Off #3)(50)
Linc is cautious when he says, “Your mom is just a very forgiving person, Ever. That’s her way. It doesn’t have to be yours, but it doesn’t mean that she’s wrong either.”
My gut instinct is to shout at him for taking her side, but when it boils down to it, he’s right. I have no right to judge my mom for her actions. But she has no right to judge mine. It’s my right to withhold forgiveness.
“Linc...my father...what he did to us...it’s why I’m so distrustful. It really has nothing to do with what Marc did to me. I mean, that didn’t help, but it really comes down to my father. I mean, if a man can leave his wife while she’s sick, how can I trust that you won’t hurt me?”
“Oh, baby,” Linc says with such softness. “Not all men are the same. You have to know that, right?”
“That’s the problem,” I tell him with candor. “I don’t know that.”
Ever and I have been back from North Carolina for two days and we’ve settled into a routine. I think the truth of the matter is, Ever could write her article on me at this point, and I know she’d do a damn fine job of it. But neither of us mentions it.
I don’t mention it because that would mean that her time living with me would be over, and I’m not ready for that to happen yet. I’m not sure why Ever doesn’t say something, but I’m not opening that door and giving her a chance to leave.
We got up this morning and did our five mile run. Then she joined me at the gym, while I pounded at the weights. I know I wanted her to spend every minute with me, merely as a means to punish her originally. The thought of her having her eyes on me while I did something as boring as lifting a barbell repetitively had once filled me with glee. Now, I just like having her eyes on me because it’s a different look.
Now when she watches me work out, there is heat in her eyes. I have to concentrate so I don’t get a boner in the middle of the gym. Sometimes she even comes over to me, handing me some water to drink and she’ll smooth a hand over my shoulder. It’s f*cking weird, but I’m starting to live for those moments.
Something had changed during our trip to North Carolina. Whereas our relationship started out as pure, combustible sex, now there is contentment in just hanging out together. Just yesterday, we spent all afternoon on the balcony of my condo doing crossword puzzles together. A pastime I would have considered lame just a mere few weeks ago.
And at night? Well...there is still that pure, combustible sex. It’s amazing and it’s only getting better. I swear, every time Ever propels me to an orgasm, it feels like the best and most powerful one I’ve ever had. Sometimes, she can just give me a look, or make a sound, and I can’t think of anything but pushing my way inside of her.
Of possessing her completely.
I need to turn those thoughts off as we are on our way now to meet Nix and Emily for dinner and drinks. As we approach, I spot Nix and Emily sitting at an outdoor table. Rather than walking through the interior of the restaurant to meet them, I hop the three foot metal railing that sections the outdoor seating area off from the Manhattan sidewalk. I immediately turn around and scoop Ever up and haul her over. She squeals at the unexpected lift I give her and I kiss her neck before I set her down.
When I turn around, both Nix and Emily have their eyebrows raised at our uncharacteristic display of affection.
“Well, you two are getting along quite well,” Emily says.
I hold out Ever’s chair for her and after she sits, I bend to kiss her on the neck again. “You have no idea how much,” I respond, and Ever blushes cherry red.
A waitress comes by and we order beers. I worked out extra hard today at the gym and Ever and I burned more calories on the dining room table just before we got ready to come out tonight. I don’t know if I’ll be able to eat at that table again without thinking about her splayed out as my own personal Ever-buffet.
“So, how was your trip to Wyoming?” Nix asks.
Ever launches into a full regalia of our time out there, and I smile inside over how much she came to love Wyoming in the short period of time we were there. As she talks, I take note of the way she moves her hands. I get sidetracked by the way her hair lays over her breasts. I wonder if she watches me the way I watch her.
“Excuse me, Mr. Caldwell...can I get an autograph?”
I’m jolted out of my thoughts by a voice to my left. A group of people are standing at the other side of the metal railing, looking at me.
“Sure,” I say, and stand up from the table. I know a lot of celebrities and athletes don’t like to be bothered for autographs, but it’s one of the duties I take seriously. Especially to the people of a city that has so graciously supported my career here.
I step up to the railing and start signing. Ever continues her discussion about Wyoming and I can’t help but be more interested in what she is saying than chatting with my fans.
The next woman up hands me a piece of paper and a pen.
“Who do you want me to make this out to?”
“Kara,” she says breathlessly and I recognize that tone. I look at her and she’s undressing me with unbridled lust in her eyes. “That’s K-A-R-A.”
“Sure thing.” I start scribbling Thanks for the support, Kara - Linc Caldwell, #22.
I hand her the scrap of paper and look to the next person, but she surprises me by handing me a piece of paper in return. “Here’s my number. Call me anytime...day or night. You won’t be disappointed.”