Reasons Why - 15

Chapter 15

As he stood in front of her, nudging his hips between her denim clad thighs, Chloe was glad of the high stool lifting her to eye level with him. The warmth emanated from his brown eyes as he devoured her hungrily, the appreciative smile highlighting the cute dimples that dented his cheeks. Wow, Chloe thought, Chris Petrakis is one handsome man, if there was ever any doubt.

               

Watching her intently, a question seemed to dance on his lips for a second, but it disappeared as his mouth flew desperately to hers. The kiss was breathtaking, heart racing, her arms snaked around him pulling him further into her embrace, and Chris was more than happy to settle there, his hard muscular body pressed up against hers.

                “What are you doing here?” he asked finally pulling away, cupping her face in his hands, staring down into her eyes, “I thought you were out with your brother.”

She nipped his bottom lip between her teeth not wanting that kiss to end, “they were all a little loved up after dinner. I needed to escape. But you’re the only person I know here...and you weren’t home. So I came for a beer.”

He grinned, “I’m glad that you found me. I missed having dinner with you...I missed you!”

Laughing, Chloe walked her fingers up his chest in a provocative gesture, “you did huh?”

                “I think Kaleb is about to disown me. He was annoyed at being kept up all night; he seems to think that I’ve got mad for you. Can’t think what gave him that idea. Don’t think he’ll forgive me if I leave his lads night for you!”

She craned across the room, the five men were still laughing and joking, no one seemed to be any the wiser. When she told him that, his eyes lit up in a wicked way, and within moments they were bolting out of the side door and running along the darkened streets, not stopping until they were well clear of the bar, his friends and any other distraction.

Slowing down, Chris led her by the hand as their racing hearts started to calm, to a very quiet wine bar, secreted away in a quiet location, somewhere she’d never been before.

                “This is the road just heading out of town. It’s quiet. Isn’t that what we want?”

She nodded, “it is. Can I get you a drink Mr Petrakis?”

He shrugged, “I’m away tomorrow...I can have one more beer, that’s it!”

In a rare role reversal, he sat and watched her laugh with the barman as he served her a couple of beers, and then eyeballed her hungrily as she crossed the room to him. Sitting opposite she handed him a bottle.

                “Are you Christopher or Christian?”

Chuckling he took a mouthful of beer, “neither! I am actually Christos. But NO one ever calls me that!”

With wide eyes she stared at him, “you REALLY suit Christos. I think I might call you that from now on!”

Any protest at that was lost in the sexy way that she verbalised his name, suddenly he loved the full version of his name.

                “It’s a traditional Greek name, and I am the first born son of a proud Greek man! Doesn’t mean I let people call me Christos, BUT, I do like the way you say that. In fact I think it’s a compulsory name for the bedroom...maybe not in a bar!”

As she laughed he could hear her purr that name at him in the throes of passion, and he was glad there was a table between the, to hide his rather strong reaction to that.

Chloe was contemplative, watching the emotions cross his face with hidden amusement. “So are you expected to win your game tomorrow?”

He shrugged, “I hope so, we’re having a nothing season really. Middle of the league, not really doing much. Which is a shame, cos this town really loves its Lax!”

                “I don’t know anything about it, but it looked fast...exciting!”

Nodding, he sipped his beer, “I don’t know quite how I got into it really, school, High School. Though I loved all sports, I just gelled with lacrosse, then when I discovered the box version, and I was hooked.” He leaned back stretching his arms along the back of the chair, “and it’s been a good friend.”

                “But you move around a lot. Do you like that?” She thought of herself, whilst she loved holidays she’d never been one for moving. She’d stayed at the same job, lived in the same borough, even the same flat for the last few years. Here was he moving on a whim.

               

                “It doesn’t offer stability for anyone else, but I’m pretty sensible despite what people think. I’ve got a few apartments in various places. Invested money, you know?”

She nodded, “but you still move every few months?”

Sighing he leaned forward again, “I don’t sell myself well, do I? Ha ha. Seriously there are a dozen or so teams that are suitable for my level in the winter, mainly East coast but not essentially, then I play mid or West coast Canada in the summer. It’s not easy...”

                “No wonder your family are keen to come out here. They must miss you.”

He groaned, “They’re planning on coming next weekend. Hell as far as I’m concerned. But what do I matter in it all? What about you though? What do you do when you finish here?”

Suddenly this quest for more knowledge had flipped and she was being questioned. How could she tell him anything when she really didn’t know herself what would happen?

                “Well officially I’m here another two weeks. I’m due out of Seattle in four weeks time, then I stop off in New York for a few days. After that I don’t know. Now that I’m here I’m tempted to stay until my flight in Victoria. I’m liking being with Phil and Didi, and the kids...” he coughed deliberately and she smiled, “you were a definite bonus Mr Petrakis. I intended to head to Vancouver, maybe up to Banff or Lake Louise then overland back to Sea-Tac, but now I just want to stay.”

                “And London?”

She laughed, “No job, no home, no life! Whilst it’s not a tempting situation to return to, I have to. There’s no option otherwise.”

                “Why don’t you travel a little longer, change your flight home? The new life you’re seeking can start in a few months, can’t it?” It was a brave suggestion and Chris wanted to hold his breath, hoping that she didn’t bolt. “Not that I’m being selfish, as much as I like being with you...but there’s a lot between New York and here.” With a nervous smile he offered, “If you’re still here in a month I have the task of driving back to the East coast. That’s the down side of bringing my car here...I’d love a navigator for the drive.”

Chloe was unable to respond. She had to be home in ten weeks. Ready for the trial. Her heart sank at the thought. Staying in North America wasn’t practical and it wasn’t possible. Then there was Chris, the more time she spent with him the harder it was going to be to leave him. The thought of being heartbroken and then having to testify at the case...her fragile psyche was only just managing to cope with everything. She couldn’t go back to those dark places again.

Smiling at him she reached out to take his hand, “I’ve got a lot going on Chris, I can’t commit to anything more than I have at the moment.” His face dropped and she slid her other hand to cup his jaw. “I’m not rejecting you. Don’t think that...I just...I’ve been in a bad place; this is the best I’ve felt in SO long. Can we just see how things go, play it by ear?”

He grinned, trying desperately to hide his disappointment, “I hate the thought of you leaving!”

Rubbing her thumb along his bottom lip, she smiled, “like I said I don’t know when I’m leaving...and we have to just make the most of every day. Ok?”

Chris wanted to think that this was it, that it’d all be ok, but serious doubts were creeping in to his life and he didn’t know how to change that.

Chloe went to the beach with Didi and the kids on Saturday Phil was playing golf. She was tired after her night with Chris, they’d barely slept, the honesty, the depth of their talk the previous evening seemed to bring a different level to their night. He’d been so desperate to please her, and she’d clung to him as though he was life itself. Their parting that morning had been more traumatic than she’d ever imagined, and she was glad of the boys to drag her from her reverie.

Didi knew better than to question her, though she could tell that something had changed in Chloe. She only hoped it wasn’t the step back they’d all been dreading.

That night they shared an Indian takeaway, Phil watched Chris’ game on local TV with a few beers. Chloe read her book, though her eyes spent more time deviating towards the screen she was so obviously trying to ignore.

Sunday she took the opportunity of a lie in, then visited the local swimming pool. She enjoyed swimming more than running and the effort of the strong strokes took her mind away from the trauma of her very delicate love-life.

Chris had emailed her several times, and on Sunday evening when Phil presented her with an old phone, she was glad of the chance to text him. They’d won; he was shattered, but euphoric. Whilst half of her screamed to distance herself from him, the other half loved his sweet messages, his endearing conversations, and the way he made her feel cherished. So she was waiting for him when he drove there, straight from the bus drop off, climbing into the car to spend yet another night in his arms. The unresolved issues weighing on both their minds.

For the rest of the week things meandered along at the same pace. She spent time away from her family with Chris when she could, but on Friday evening, as they lay in his bed, curled up in each other’s arms, he finally breached the topic that had hung silently between them.

                “Have you thought any more...about what I said?” his arms tightened around her as he felt her body tense. “I know you want to run, bury your head in the sand, but I can’t do that Chloe. My folks arrive in the morning, it’ll put pressure on us, I know that much, so we have to talk about this now. I’m sorry if I spoke out of turn in inviting you to travel with me, for wanting to spend more time with you. But I don’t want that to ruin what there is between us, so if it’s ‘no Chris, stop pushing me’ then I get it. I don’t love it, but I have another week or two with you. That’s the important thing.”

He looked SO nervous, and so fraught that pain shot through her heart, “I don’t want to leave...but I HAVE to at some point. But I did speak to Phil. I’m staying until my flight in three weeks. At the moment I’m going to fly when I’m due. I can’t promise more. OK?”

Grinning, he cupped her cheek, his body slowly rolling over hers, “the thought of double our time left is more than I deserve.”

He was already hard and impressive against her, and Chloe couldn’t believe that this man was so insatiable...but then she felt exactly the same way.

And in the aftermath she was happy, content, she’d give as much as she could, as much as she could allow, and he’d have to accept that.

Phil and Didi had taken the boys to her parents the following day, so Chloe was happy, relaxed and unconcerned that Chris’ parents were arriving, and Chris was glad that he could escape to Phil’s to stay with Chloe at night. Neither wanted a repeat of the disruption that their antics had caused to Kaleb.  They were due into the airport at two pm, so Chris left Chloe at the house. She’d promised to make up the spare bedrooms for him after seeing him trying to change a duvet cover, then planned to head home.

After that, then loading the dishwasher and folding his laundry...(when did she become his housekeeper?) she was happy with her work, but hot and bothered, so she stripped down to her bikini and did a few laps of the pool. The sun was beating down, and after her relaxing swim, she folded her elbows on the poolside, and laid her head on them, her body floating behind her.

She must have fallen asleep, because she was woken by a shout of exclamation, “TheE moo.”

Shaking her head, Chloe tried to peel her eyes open and then gasped. Stood in front of her was a vision she’d never imagined in her wildest dreams...or nightmares. An older, very tanned man with rather a lot of very dark body hair in the most ridiculously tiny Speedo trunks was stood over her, a beer in one hand, and his other hand at his mouth in shock.

And with a heavily accented voice he called out, “Christos! What is going on here?” 

Reasons Why - 14

Chapter 14

That evening Chloe went to the cinema with Didi, it was nice to have some female company, and she liked Didi, a lot. Any film with Christian Bale in was a winner for Chloe, and after they got coffee and a doughnut in Chloe’s new favourite discovery.

Sitting outside the small shop at the mall, they enjoyed the late evening, despite being dark, it wasn’t cold in fact there was a warm breeze that made it perfect.

                “So how are you finding Victoria?” Didi asked adding milk to her coffee.

Chloe sipped her coffee appreciatively before responding, “You know about me breaking down on Phil? I guess he told you.” Despite feeling so much better since sharing all her fears, she was embarrassed that she’d brought all this into their family. Didi gave a quiet nod, Chloe slumped back in her chair and sighed, “It’s great here, I love the boys, I love spending time with you and Phil. I just hate that I bring so much baggage...I wish I didn’t.”

Didi stirred the coffee silent in contemplation before looking up, “we all have bad times, and it’s how we get through them and what we learn about ourselves and others through those times that is the point. You’ve changed in the ten days you’ve been here. Maybe you needed the change of scenery, the time without the memories and the pressures. But hopefully when you go back to your life then you’ll have some better clarity. If you go back!”

Chloe laughed, “as if I could stay here! Nope, I will be going home, and hopefully by then I will have worked out how I’m going to get my life back into shape.”

Didi grinned, “Will that include seeing Chris again?”

She shrugged, “that’s not going to work, is it? I have to go back and pick the meat off the bones of my career, sort my life out. Not that there’s much left there. And he’s over here, a large pond of water between us. No, I can’t rely on anyone any more Di; I’ve got to take control.”

Didi covered Chloe’s hand with hers, “it’s normal to ask for help. I rely on Phil all the time, and he relies on me...Owen...well it hit Phil hard, then when you weren’t at the funeral and he didn’t see you, he had the guilt of not being able to stay and help you. He needed me to tell him that he was doing all he could. It was my suggestion we invite you out here, and you being here has helped him. Unbelievably so. But that’s what happens in life, family, friends, we help each other out.”

Chloe smiled, “so me being a wreck is at a benefit to someone!”

They both laughed, Didi glad that Chloe had understood the nature of her pep talk. She had really enjoyed having the younger woman in the house, and hopefully by the time she left the family would be more unified.

                “So are you seeing Chris tomorrow? Only Phil was talking about treating us all to dinner in the evening.”

Chloe nodded, “we were supposed to be seeing each other tomorrow as he travels to the mainland for a game on Saturday, they’re not back until Sunday afternoon.”

                “So we can do something when he’s away then. I’ve got a light practice in the evening anyway so we would have to eat early anyway.”

                “No,” Chloe smiled as they gathered their things, “if Chris is serious about spending time with me, then he needs to appreciate that I am spending time with my family...he can join us, can’t he?”

Didi nodded, “I think Phil would love that!”

Phil was watching a football match on TV when they get home and he smiled at them both as they came in. “Good night?”

Chloe nodded, sitting opposite him, they chatted for a while, watching the game until the two workers decided they needed to turn in as they had early starts. Once they’d left her alone, she took the opportunity to call Chris. He sounded sleepy, but answered in a few rings.

               

                “How was Bale?”

She giggled liking the sleepy quality to his voice that was instantly sexy, “hot and sexy, but that’s a given! How’s you?”

He sighed, “devastated that a fake super hero usurps me!”

                “Big words for a sleepy boy!”

It was his turn to laugh, “I woke up the second I heard your voice...very awake!”

                “That’s a good thing...I mean I have access to a car...I think I remember where you are!”

It was a spontaneous decision, hearing the longing, the desire, the sexy tone to his voice. Suddenly she wanted to be with him.

                “You’ll come over? Now?”

                “I’m walking out the door as I speak!”

Chloe left a note in the kitchen, knowing that Didi wouldn’t mind her borrowing her car; she’d be back in time for work.

Chris’ house was in darkness as she pulled into the driveway, amazed that she’d managed to retrace the taxi journey from the previous morning. But when she closed the car and made for the house, the front door opened, and Chris, still looking half asleep with the cutest bedhair, stood there, dressed in only a pair of sweats hung low on his lean hips, she savoured the expanse of naturally tanned flesh, the smattering of hair, the muscular body...and that SO cute sleepy face.

                “Am I still asleep? Is this a dream?” he murmured as she wound her arms around his neck and the words were lost as her lips found his. A hot, promising and earth shattering kiss.

When they pulled apart, he placed a finger over her lips, “Ssh. Kaleb’s here.”

Nodding she tiptoed after him along the corridor, but when the bedroom door closed behind them, Chris reached for her, suddenly wanting to shed her of her clothes, needing to feel her warm soft skin under his fingers.  As he started to tug at her t-shirt, Chloe kicked off her shoes, one bounced against the closed door with a crash. Fighting giggles, they devoured each other’s mouths, Chloe only pulling away to toss her t-shirt, jeans and then bra across the room.

With a push, Chris forced her back onto the bed and as she landed with a thump, a loud laugh escaped her lips. Chris pounced on her with a ‘shush’ before once again he claimed her lips.

                “What the fuck you doing in there?”  A voice shouted from across the hall, and they both stifled giggles.

                “How can I scream now knowing he’s listening?” she whispered against his cheek.

Chris’ hand slid down her body both savouring her readiness, and loving the gasp that escaped her lips as he explored her. “I’m hoping that the screams will all be moans!” He offered as his lips traced a pattern down to join his inquisitive hands.

Suddenly screams/moans...she didn’t care what noise she made, or if four hundred people were sat outside the room, and she exploded around his investigative tongue and fingers, all she wanted was him inside her.  Reaching down she grabbed his shoulders and started pulling him towards her. He hovered over with a grin, then she felt his erection nudging at her, she swung her legs around his waist and drew him into her. A long low sigh escaped her lips as he filled her...full.

For Chris this was everything, rolling around on his bed, imbedded in this woman, he could barely control his lust, and within very little time, and with only a little encouragement she was climaxing loudly and it just dragged him over that precipice with her.

Poor Kaleb, was her first thought as she opened her eyes the next morning, spooned against Chris, his chest to her back, his already growing erection nestled against her buttocks, arms wrapped tightly around her. He was as insatiable as she was. Glancing across the room she spotted the box of condoms that was now empty, she blushed at the memories of the amount and the ways that they’d made love that night. She’d never known anything could be like this.

Chloe knew she had to go, her brother and Didi would be going to work in an hour, but she wasn’t going to run out on him today, she hadn’t quite finished with Chris Petrakis. Turning in his arms, she slid down his body to take him in her mouth, ensuring that Chris had a wake-up call that he wouldn’t forget in a hurry.

Chloe grinned when she spotted Kaleb asleep on the sofa downstairs. If she ever needed evidence that her and Chris had been a little over-energetic the previous night, that was it, but she wasn’t about to apologise.

That evening she went out for dinner with Phil, Didi and the kids. Chris had intended to join them, but he called mid afternoon to say he was stuck an hour out of town at a training camp. Chloe wasn’t sure what she was doing later. She felt a bit obligated to spend the evening with the family, so she sadly suggested she saw him when he returned Sunday.

During the dinner at a lovely waterfront restaurant, Carter wanted to sit virtually on Chloe’s lap, since she’d been caring for them the last two weeks; he had become her shadow, following her around. And she loved it. He was such a cool little boy.

                “What you having to eat?” She asked him. Didi was worried that he was becoming fussy with his food, so Chloe wanted to use her popularity to encourage him.

As Carter looked up at his ‘Aunty Clo’ with hero worshipping eyes, Didi looked up with a smile, “hamburger...and fries!”

Chloe nodded knowingly, but when she didn’t answer, he asked, “what you eating?”

Chloe waved a hand to dismiss him, “all too healthy for you I’m afraid.” He was still waiting so she added, “well chicken, cos that’s what Batman ate in the film we saw yesterday...then carrots because they help you see in the dark...and then potatoes. But I’m sure you’re better off with your burger and fries.”

As Chloe turned to talk to Phil, Carter turned to Didi, “Can I have chicken and carrots with my fries?”

Didi grinned, that was a definite compromise, “of course darling!”

Before dessert Didi had a message signal from her phone, and checking it she groaned. “There’s been a power issue at the rink; the ice isn’t hard enough for us to skate... so no training!”

Phil groaned, “What a nightmare...you’ll just have to enjoy dessert now as compensation!” Didi had chosen to avoid any more food as she feared it would implicate heavily on her playing later, but now she could grin and reach for the dessert menu.

Back at home, Chloe put the boys to bed, leaving Phil and Didi to relax in front of the TV. They loved the Gruffalo, and particularly Chloe’s version. She guessed it was probably her accent that made it so different but whatever it was, they were both asleep before she’d got to the end, Carter on her lap, Mikey in his cot.

Carrying Carter into his room, she tucked him in, kissed his head then turned out the lights.

Phil and Didi were curled up on the sofa together, what her mother would call canoodling in. For the first time since she’d been in their house, she felt a little awkward. These two deserved their time alone too.

                “Do you guys mind if I head out for a few hours?”

Phil smiled, “young love hey Dee?”

Didi nudged him, “leave her alone! Of course we don’t mind. Where are you going? Do you need a ride?”

Where was she going? She had no idea! She wanted to see Chris, of course she did, but the last she’d heard, he was stuck out of town. She called his house but there was no answer. The chances were he was out, in town. It was the night before the game, there wasn’t the strict curfew that they had in other sports, but she knew he didn’t drink much when he had these pressures. There was a strong chance that he wasn’t downtown in one of the bars she now knew he frequented. But then she could come home and have an early night.

It was ten pm on by the time she got to Government Street, and the close group of busy bars and restaurants. It was a warm night and people filled the small terraces outside the buildings, bleeding onto the street in a mass of colour and noise. Suddenly her plan to seek out Chris Petrakis was looking a little dubious, but it was a week since he rescued her, and her instinct said he’d be out there...somewhere. But as she walked into the busy bar, she almost instinctively knew he wasn’t inside.

Stepping back into the street, she suddenly remembered the bar he’d taken her to the previous Sunday. It wasn’t far. At almost a jog, she rushed down the street, taking a few lefts, then a right. And there she saw the neon light outside the back street bar. With a sigh of relief she burst in through the door.

The place was heaving, people pressed up against each other, swaying to the music in a hot heady atmosphere. Slicing and weaving through the crowds, Chloe climbed on to a bar stool and ordered a beer. With the bottle safely in her hand, she turned to peruse the crowd.

The crowd was varied, from groups of giggling girls, to well dressed men, staking out the room. So many people, but none of them Chris. Then as she was about to give up, she saw a shock of white blond hair the opposite side of the room. Could that be Kaleb? Standing onto the footrest of her stool she was elevated a foot higher. Yep, from that height she could see it was Chris’ best mate.  Straining her eyes and craning her neck, she managed to work out that there were five of them all together, and she recognised the other four from the game the previous weekend.

No Chris. She sighed, draining her bottle, she’d head home, Phil and Didi might be in bed then she could email her friends in peace and quiet, maybe even IM them, you never knew who’d be up early on a Saturday what with the time difference.

As she gathered her things, the front door opened and Chris walked in, he was greeted by a raucous cheer. Grinning he accepted the beer that was wafted in his direction.

The six men stood out in the bar, in a way that famous or gifted people did, there was a space of respect around them, but a hell of a lot of women were sidling up and bumping into them in that deliberate and obvious ‘accidental’ way.

Was she jealous? As much as Chloe tried to deny it to herself, she knew that she hated seeing women like this, draped over him. As she contemplated that thought, a raven haired woman, curvaceous and immaculately made-up draped her arms around his neck. Chloe could admit easily that he was by far the best looking of the group, tall, dark and handsome, and he was obviously a known name and face in this town, that notoriety and success only enhancing his attraction.

Suddenly the last thing she wanted was for him to think she was following him, or stalking him in some way, now she was regretting coming here. This was a fledgling and temporary relationship, it didn’t need this hassle.

Standing she was about to exit via the side door Chris had secreted her through the last time they’d come here, when she gave one last glance across. As she did a searching pair of eyes flicked onto hers as they surveyed the room. In almost comedic fashion his lazy gaze moved past her, then with increased urgency he turned his head to reconnect with her.

Chloe sighed, this was what she’d wanted, the look of extreme pleasure that lit up that beautiful face. Without even bothering to excuse himself, he started to stride towards her, uncaring of who he hit out of his way.  She watched the almost slow motion movement with a content smile on her face.

Reasons Why - 13

Chapter 13

Chloe was having an out of body experience. With her head on Chris’ shoulder and a leg tossed over his, she was wrapped up in his arms, his chin on her forehead, the beat of his heart at her ear. She could barely tell where she ended and he began. She had no inclination to be dragged back to the here and now, more than happy to bask in the haze of pleasure, the aftermath of what had felt like so much more than great sex. It had been explosive, desperate, but also so divine.

She closed her eyes, it was too much and far too soon to analyse all that had happened. A grumble of hunger from Chris’ belly, magnified by the fact her ear was so close to it made her laugh. Lifting her head she looked down at him, his eyes were still closed, but a smile spread across his lips.

                “Hungry are we?”

He opened an eye, “for SO many things!”

She laughed, “well I did hear mention of steaks...”

                “Well, it it’s meat you want?” He suggested lewdly and was rewarded with a slap to the midriff.

Rolling slightly he brought himself over her, and dropped his lips onto hers, it was meant to be a little apology, but instantly the passion was reignited. After a few moments he lifted his lips, “if I don’t stop now we’ll never get dinner!”

She stretched provocatively, “I like mine medium rare!”

He grinned at her demand, “coming up!”

Chloe rolled onto her side and watched him climb out of bed. In the nearby chest, he opened a door and pulled out a pair of training shorts and slid them on. Chloe groaned at his perfect bum disappeared under the sweats.

Snapping around he grinned, “Are you perving on me Chloe Bridges?”

Giving an angelic look she replied innocently, “who me?”

Laughing he made for the door, “I’ll get started. Help yourself to my wardrobe!”

It was so tempting to fall asleep, to drift off into the dream world where this handsome man was worshipping her, devouring her. But the smell of cooking steak soon wafted through her nostrils, and like a Bisto child, she was trapped.

Finding a t-shirt, she slipped it on, loving that it smelled of him. The house was empty bar them and the t-shirt hung to mid thigh so she felt brave enough to head downstairs with nothing else.

Chris was at home in the kitchen, a huge bowl of salad sat on the bench that spilt the kitchen from the dining area, along with a very cold bottle of wine and two goldfish bowl glasses. Seeing him at the stove with an apron on made her giggle.

Glancing up he smiled, “I don’t want to burn my stomach! I don’t think naked cooking is going to take off as a trend!”

Chloe hitched herself onto a stool and watched him as he threw the two huge steaks onto the grill. When they sizzled loudly he grinned again, “Help yourself to wine.”

Reaching for the bottle she half filled two of the glasses with the straw coloured liquid then took a sip, murmuring in appreciation.

                “I’m aware it should be red with meat, but to be honest, there’s nothing nicer than ice cold white wine on a hot day like this.”

She nodded her appreciation as he came across the kitchen to take the glass she offered, sweeping down for a kiss first, his hand running over her naked thigh in a really primitive gesture, and an equally primitive moan left his throat as he encountered her bare buttocks.

                “You’ll be the death of me!” He exclaimed pulling back, “you are making breathing a hard job here!” As if to prove his point he leaned in and she was rewarded with the sensation of his hard desperate excitement against her inner thigh.

Reluctantly he pulled back and turned to flip the steaks, then retrieved two baked potatoes from the oven.

               

                “Do you want to eat in here or outside?”

                “Here’s fine,” she offered sipping her wine, watching as he pulled butter, sauces and sour cream from the fridge to set in front of her, then plates and cutlery. Everything was ready when he lifted the thick steaks off the grill.

Chloe was in culinary heaven, the steak was delicious and she took the opportunity to tell him repeatedly through the meal.  Chris basked in her praise, it was a simple meal, but he was pleased to be appreciated.  And it was great to see Chloe with such a healthy appetite.

                “That was amazing!” Chloe folded her hands across her stomach. “You get the job as my chef! I can have that meal every day!”

He laughed, “I’m glad that you enjoyed!”

Taking the plates, she made to start cleaning up when Chris pointed to a door further along the kitchen, “I’m a single man! That’s a dishwasher!”

Nodding knowingly, she loaded the plates, bowls and cutlery in to it, then turned back to Chris. He was watching her with an amused look on his face.  As she raised an eyebrow questioningly, he reached out and ensnared her, pulling her into his arms. He liked her presence here in the house, in his life, but didn’t know how to vocalise that. So instead he showed her how he felt instead.

Chloe opened an eye, for a moment the modern, airy and well lit bedroom was unfamiliar. Then she remembered where she was. Chris’ house.

Glancing to her left, she smiled, he was fast asleep, his beautiful face relaxed, his breathing even, his thigh tossed over hers and an arm possessively held her close. For a moment memories of the previous night flashed into her mind. No stone had been left unturned, and she couldn’t remember ever feeling so worshipped. She stretched, that was what she had been, desired, devoured and thoroughly consumed. Her body ached, in a wonderful way.

Glancing at the clock she realised it was almost six; she really needed to get back to Phil’s. Chris would drive her, she knew that, but he looked so content she didn’t want to disturb him. As she slipped from his embrace she denied to herself that this was running away, that she was putting a little distance between her and him.

She gathered her clothes, then dressed in the bathroom. When she emerged he was still asleep, so she left him. In the kitchen was a whet message board, and she scribbled a message to him on that.

                “You looked too comfortable to wake. You’re a great chef! Call me later, x”

Chloe deliberated over the kiss, but decided it wasn’t giving the wrong vibe and left it. Out on the street, in her yesterday’s clothes, the walk of shame started.  It was only as she started to walk away from the house that she realised how far away from Phil she was. She’d have to phone him, get him to pick her up. That was not a great thought. But then like a mirage in the desert, a taxi complete with a yellow for hire light, emerged from a road in front of her. Jumping into the road she waved it down then reeled off Phil’s address.

As the car whizzed along the coast, she thought of Chris waking without her. He’d find her note though and know why she’d left. Wouldn’t he? Her thoughts rolled back to the previous night, it had been amazing, the final part of the picture had fallen in to place, and now as the distance from his house increased, she wished she was back there with him ready for an encore.

It took less than five minutes to reach Phil’s home, but as she let herself in she heard a dramatic cough. Kicking off her shoes, she turned to see Phil, arms folded like an angry Dad, but he was trying, and failing to hide his laughter.

“Ok, ok, ok! I know! But I’m a big girl!” She responded.

Didi emerged from the lounge still in her pyjamas and play punched Phil’s shoulder. “Leave her alone, we were young once!”

“Thanks Didi! But I should’ve called last night maybe. But...”

The older woman smiled, “as I say love, we were young once too! Believe it or not!”

Phil and Didi had barely left for work when the phone rang.

                “I can’t believe you ran away!”

Chloe smiled to herself, she knew that Chris had his pride dented, “you looked so comfortable, I didn’t want to disturb you!”

                “Hell Chloe! You ran out on me like you’re embarrassed of something. Have you any idea how awful I felt waking up?”

Chloe really didn’t think about how he would feel. Her only thought had been to get out and regroup, work out what she was feeling in the aftermath of such a wonderful night. Now he was on the phone upset, hurt.

                “I’m sorry Chris.”

He sighed, “Yeah I know. Why do I feel that we take one step forward and three steps back? Jeez you drive me insane woman.”

She didn’t want to push him away, not anymore, the journey home had given her that clarity, maybe her early morning flit had backfired, “Chris, I’m sorry. I’m just...this is screwed up me ok? I don’t do the right things...”

                “Is that supposed to make it easier on me?”

                “Come for breakfast. I’ll cook for you...I don’t want us to argue Chris. I really enjoyed last night, I like being with you.”

He was stunned into silence for a moment, but he eventually managed, “I’ve got training at ten, but I’ll come for an hour first. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.” With that he hung up to deal with his own emotions.

Chloe sung as she showered, her World had seemed to re-tilt this morning; suddenly things were a little clearer. She’d met a wonderful man who wanted to spoil her, she worried about the future, whether her heart would cope when she left him, but she now knew she wanted to spend time with him, here, while she could.

She had finger combed her wet hair and pulled on her favourite denim shorts and a strappy top by the time the door bell rang. Both children were still asleep, so it would be just the two of them.

He was on the doorstep in training shorts and a t-shirt, shades covering his eyes so that she couldn’t read his mood. Rather than waiting for him to initiate a conversation, she leaned on to her tiptoes and placed her lips on his.

All protests and confusion were lost for Chris as he melted into the kiss, he was angry and hurt that much was true, but with Chloe wrapped around him kissing him so passionately, and a wonderful smell of breakfast wafting from the kitchen, he couldn’t be angry for long.

Reasons Why - 12

Chapter 12

They drank several beers in virtual silence before either of them tried to break the atmosphere. Chloe was quiet, self contained, but Phil could sense calmness and hoped that this delve into the past hadn't caused a return of the fragility that saw her miss Owen's funeral. He'd promised her parents he'd try to help her, bring her through this, the thought of sending her back in a worse place was when she'd arrived.

After sinking her second pint she turned to him, "you were right bro. It does feel a little easier now I've told you."

Phil nodded, not wanting to blow this, "a problem shared is a problem halved, or so goes the saying. I've always agreed with that."

He signalled to the barman and ordered them a repeat of their drinks, then turned to her, "you gonna throw up if you keep at this pace?"

Chloe nodded, "hope so!" When his eyes narrowed, she added with a grin, "If Owen was here now, that is EXACTLY what he would do. From now on I'll think about his reaction to things. I might start living more!"

Two hours later they'd talked out their issues, their memories and compared thoughts on Owen, and were sat debating the merits of UK comedy. Phil seemed to rue not knowing about his father until he was gone twenty, and had this kind of lust over a British legacy, eighties comedy, punk music and even soap operas. So she was trying to understand why he couldn't appreciate the dozens of TV channels he had in his home that all constantly played TV shows that her friends at home would kill each other to watch. Instead he preferred DVD's of Only Fools and Horses and The Vicar of Dibley. 

                "Shall we go? It's late...I'm working tomorrow, you've got two kids to run you up the wall..."

                "One for the road?" She laughed as she waved to the barman.

The next morning she'd regretted her exuberance but she'd slept better than she had in a long time. Since being in Canada her nightmares had stopped, Owen's bruised, damaged face didn't appear in the middle of the night, and she didn't see the bloodied street outside her home.  And since talking to Phil, confessing her role in Owen's end, well she'd slept like a log. And knew she would have without the several pints she'd consumed.

She hadn't heard from Chris other than a phone call the previous day, so as she was giving the boys breakfast, she was pleased when the phone rang.

                "Hey!" he breathed and in that moment she realised how much she'd missed him.

                "How are you? Did you win much last night?"

He groaned, "I was hustling until the last hand, then threw it all in...Peter cleaned up. I was pissed! How was your night?"

She sat back on a stool watching the kids tuck into cereal as she relaxed, "yeah, went to a few bars with Phil. Had a long chat. It was good."

He laughed, "Kaleb's girlfriend spotted you with 'an older man, hugging', think she was trying to turn me off you...I didn't see that in her until you pointed it out."

                "Women are evil manipulators Chris; it'd do you good to take note of that."

                "Stored in my grey matter!" He laughed, "You still ok for later? I can pick you up at seven?"

                "Can't wait!" She announced, and realised that she meant it. She really wanted to see him.

Seven couldn't come quick enough. When the children had a nap she painted her toenails, shaved her legs, and washed her hair. When Didi and Phil came home she had dinner ready for the whole family then disappeared for a nervous run. That meant all her preparation was in vain and needed repeating, but pounding the boardwalks and letting that adrenaline pump seemed to calm her down.

Why was she so nervous? She wondered as she took the second hot shower of the day. The aggressive jets pounded her body as rhythmically as she'd hit the pavement earlier, and second time around she had rediscovered the serenity that she'd had that morning.

She wore a dress she'd found in a charity shop that morning. Mid thigh length, halter neck, fitted but hopefully not too slutty. Chloe was desperate to make the right impression.

Phil paused from bathing the boys to give her a wolf whistle. "You look amazing! He's a lucky man!"

She smiled, "ya think?"

Didi was similarly enthusiastic as she sat beside Chloe watching her apply makeup. "You look great Chloe! If he wasn't already hooked you'd snare him tonight!"

Chloe turned and hugged her sister in law in an impromptu show of emotion, but she'd been feeling emotional all day. The out pouring the previous day obviously triggering a lot more than she imagined.

                "What's that for?" Didi asked with a smile.

She shrugged, "I guess I'm just really grateful for all you've done, you and Phil. I mean it must've been hell thinking that your husband's off-the-wall sister was coming to invade your house. But you've been so cool with me, and I don't think I've deserved it."

Didi laughed, "The boys love you and you're saving us a fortune! This is a mutual love hug, ok?"

They were disturbed by a knock at the door, "just go. I'll see you later!"

Pulling open the door, Chloe met Chris' eyes and smiled at the look of wonder that washed over his face.

                "You look great!" Taking her hand he tugged her down the steps and into his arms. He wasn't looking too rough himself, he had a body that suited any clothes and the fitted shirt and jeans were perfect.

Smiling she let him pull her into an embrace, then returned his kiss with enthusiasm. Finally pulling back he looked at her suspiciously for a moment, surprised at her behaviour. She'd been so resistant until now.

                "Shall we go?" he breathed. When she nodded, he led her to his car.

The trip to his house was a small jaunt along the coast, the early evening sun and breeze made the open topped journey pleasant. The suburb he drove into was leafy and home to large detached houses, none of which were small. When he swung into a driveway between two large pillars she gasped. The house was a stunning. From the car she could see an asymmetrical flat roof, and large floor to ceiling windows. It was a modern building that would look out of place in so many towns, but here, overlooking the North aspect of the harbour it was perfect.

                "Guided tour?" Chris asked joining her beside the car, amused at her stunned reaction to the home he rented. "It's not mine by the way...I just have a deal through my contract."

She nodded, "I love it though!"

Taking her hand again he led her through the side gate and into the back yard...and what a back yard. The view to their right was of the open ocean, in front and to the left - the harbour and the City. To her left was an elevated deck with a shelter from the weather perched separate from the house looking down at the bright blue pool that was spread out in front of them. Glancing over her shoulder she looked back up at the house. It was as amazing as the front view.

                "This place is amazing!"

He grinned, "I was offered some modern apartment downtown, but it isn't my scene. I wanted a bit of space, you know?"

She nodded, oh yes she knew. "SO what are we having for dinner?"

Chris laughed her eyes were looking longingly at the pool while she spoke, "I've got a couple of steaks, we can have them whenever. Do you want a swim first?"

Chloe loved swimming, and looking at the pool so cool an inviting, she was more than keen. But she'd spent ages getting ready, "maybe a little later...this hair might look casual...but it took a while to get it right!"

Laughing out loud he led her in to the house. The inside guided tour was equally as impressive, four bedrooms, sun decks, games rooms. It was like bachelor heaven.

                "So Kaleb lives here too?"

Chris groaned, "He’s a good friend, we played together in college, but he had a bad winter. His father died, he went off the road a bit. He was living in one of these play boy condos, but Greg our coach was worried about him. So I moved him in to one of the rooms. He's better for it." Smiling at her he cupped her cheek gently, "but I didn't see how bad an influence his girlfriend Marie is until you mentioned it. Her and Shayla his sister are here most of the time, and he's not good when they're around...I don't want to see him throw away this career, you know?"

She nodded, "you've got a thing for broken people!"

Stopping he looked down at her, "you're not broken!"

Chloe sighed, "I was..."

Linking his fingers through hers he squeezed her hand looking at the floor for a moment, "we all have low times. I've been there too." He finally looked at her, "I had a good friend when I needed it, I try to be that for Kale."

                "And me?" She asked suggestively.

Chris pulled her into his arms, "my intentions with you are purely selfish I'm afraid!"

And as quickly as that the mood had changed. Chris lowered his head to her, but she was already wise to it, her lips lifted to find his as her hands flew to his hair. His kiss took on so many personalities, desperate, passionate, gentle, suggestive, but tonight’s seemed to combine all those things and she was lost within moments, trying to meet every nuance of it. His tongue delved into her mouth, her own lips no resistance to the invasion and her racing heart seemed to block out anything else. They were almost violent in their need to be inside each other, bites, tugs and duels as they both fought for supremacy.

Chris hadn't experienced this type of Chloe, receptive, enthusiastic...and suddenly he realised that this was everything he'd strived for, Chloe sans regrets. Straying from her mouth, he trailed his lips over her cheek, jaw and to the soft contours of her neck. Chloe's head rolled to the side offering more of her flesh to him, her hands making for the buttons at the centre of his dark shirt.

                "Chloe!" he gasped as her fingers raked across the skin she'd managed to expose, and he lifted his head to look down at her.

                "I want this Chris..." She gyrated her pelvis in to his, her thighs nudged either side of one of his, and she could feel how much he wanted this too.

He shook his head in wonder, "are you sure?"

She nodded, "I haven't been able to stop thinking about you, about this since you rescued me."

Resting his forehead against hers he groaned, "me neither. I can't concentrate."

Wrapped her arms around him she rested her lips on his, "well then maybe we should 'deal' with this first, can't see me enjoying food at the moment."

Chris groaned again, she knew he was as highly strung, as desperate for this as she was. But he seemed to be debating this, so she did the only thing she could, stepped away from him a seductive smile on her face as she reached for the halter tie that held her dress together. As the bow released, she turned, heading for the house, her dress falling, leaving her completely naked to the waist.

Chloe had reached the door into the lounge before a large pair of hands met around her waist and warm lips planted on her shoulder. She grinned as those lips kissed up her neck and she turned her head in that awkward embrace to meet his lips. As Chris sighed against her lips, his hands slid up over her ribs to cup her breasts.  She pushed into his hands and at the same time she pressed her buttocks into his groin, rewarded with the feel of him hardening against her.

                "Shit Chloe!" his teeth were grazing her cheek, "you are..." Words failed him; he was overwhelmed with the visions and the sensations of just being with this woman.

Her head fell back and she absorbed the sensation of his fingers teasing her hard nipples, his knee trying to nudge between hers.  She was swooning, her whole body heavy against him.

                "Bed," he growled, pushing her towards the stairs. He wanted nothing to spoil this, he planned to savour every single second of it, of her.

Giggling she started to climb the stairs, but every time she turned to snatch at his clothes, or try to kiss him, he was greeted by those bare breasts level with his eyes.  He repeatedly tried to ensnare one with his mouth, but each time she squealed then ran up a few more steps. By the time he'd backed her towards his bedroom door, he was on the verge of exploding.

                "Chloe!" He snatched at her wrist as he kicked open the bedroom door, and catapulted her into his body. With an almost territorial and possessive growl, he devoured her lips with his own. Chloe was tired of teasing him now, she wanted this as much as he did, and his desperation only excited her more. The dull throb of anticipation that had fired around her pelvis had become a hot pulse and it was driving her wild.

As Chris kissed her, she tore at his shirt, glad that it came free easily, his hands that were clasping her face in such a tender fashion dropped to allow her to drag the shirt off. And it was Chloe that pulled her lips from his so that she could look down at the beautiful muscular chest that she'd only started to get to grips with a few evenings earlier.

                                                                                                                 

With a chuckle, she stooped her head and captured one of his hard flat nipples between her teeth and then sucked it in exactly the way she knew he'd been desperate to do to her. Chloe loved this control, the way he was putty in her hands, and taking advantage of his confusion she nudged him backwards so that he hit the mattress with the back of his knees and fell, sprawled out on to the bed.

With a deliberate lick of her lips she started to crawl over him, but Chris was wise to her, snatching at her he rolled her over and trapped her with his body.

                "My turn!" he mock snarled at her, securing her wrists with one of his hands. Then ignoring her groans he used his free hand and his mouth to explore her...fully! The exquisite sensations of his mouth hungry at her breast was superseded by delicate nips over her stomach, hips as he shed her remaining clothing. Then, releasing her hand, he knelt between her legs, exposing her first to his eyes, before his mouth descended. As he touched her, she came apart, so many emotions and heady sensations accumulating that it was almost more than she could manage.

Sitting back on his heels he watched her regain control and knew that all playing was over. The look that passed between them spoke volumes, and in a frenzy of activity they tore at each other's remaining clothes. All plans for pleasuring the other or leisurely exploring skin were long forgotten as Chris, kicking off his jeans retrieved a condom from his wallet, and Chloe grabbed it, tearing the packet with her teeth, and then rolled it on him.

Chris almost cried out as he finally slid into her. Chloe let her head fall back as she held onto him desperately.

               

                “Look at me,” he breathed, “stay with me!”

So with eyes locked, bodies entwined, they both found that elusive peak of pleasure together. As Chris collapsed over her, panting, for the first time he started to worry about how he’d let her go in a few weeks time.