Page 81 of Something that Could Last

Just as I’m about to scream in frustration, his head dips to my chest and he kisses his way to my navel. He glances up, a wolfish grin playing on his lips. I know what’s coming and I know it will be earth-shattering, so I brace myself. The anticipation of his lips on my sensitive flesh has me struggling to catch my breath. When his warm tongue meets my skin, I buck against him, my back arching off the mattress. A low chuckle rumbles deep in his chest as he presses his hand flat against my lower abdomen, anchoring me to the bed. He slides two fingers inside me and I come apart quickly. He knows just what buttons to push and how to push them.

“I love the way you squirm against me when you’re getting close,” he whispers as he thrusts into me long and slow, giving me exactly what I want.

Our night is filled with moments like these; him whispering the sexiest words in my ear, me coming apart in his hands and his mouth, me exploring his body with equal enthusiasm and vigor. We take and give pleasure throughout the night until our bodies can’t handle anymore, falling asleep in each other’s arms sometime in the early morning hours. I savor every moment like it’s our last, because for all I know, it very well could be.

Jacob

I CAN TELLAbby is trying not to cry, holding back her tears and trying to hide her distress from me, but I know her. I see it in the set of her jaw and rigid shoulders. My bags are packed and the car is loaded. All that’s left now is to say goodbye.

Much like our last night together, this morning was filled with desperate lovemaking, savoring each touch and taking advantage of the dwindling seconds of our time together as we try to memorize every inch of each other’s bodies. I’ve cataloged every bend and curve, her soft moans and euphoric sighs, every detail of her beautiful face. I couldn’t forget her now if I tried. Her existence is forever etched into my soul.

I’ve waited as long as I can to start the drive back to Arlington. Luke and I vacated the cabin hours ago, and we’ve been at Abby’s house since eleven a.m. Normally, she would be at work right now, but since the incident with Caleb, she’s been on paid leave from New River Adventures while the owners “consult their legal team,” which is code for “we fucked up and don’t want to get sued.” They’re panicking because they knew he was a problem but didn’t do shit about it because he’s family. Anybody else would probably take them for everything they’ve got, but Abby won’t do that. She’s just not that kind of person. She wouldn’t even talk to me about it. It takes everything I have not to contact a lawyer on her behalf, but I can’t undermine her wishes like that. She’d never forgive me.

One rogue tear finally breaks loose and slides down her cheek. I watch as it hangs off her chin, pooling fat and full until it becomes too heavy and falls, splashing onto her shirt. I feel just like that little drop of salt water right now, holding onto her until I can’t hold on any longer, my heart shattering into a million pieces at the hurt reflected in her eyes. If I had my way, I’d stay a little bit longer, long enough to solidify what we have. But I can’t. I have other obligations and commitments, things that can’t and won’t be ignored.

I brush my thumb across her cheek, sweeping away any remnants of moisture. I’ve kissed her until our lips are bruised and tender. I’ve assured her that we’ll talk every day and that I’ll come back the first chance I get. But nothing I say seems to allay her fears. She kisses me like it’s our last. I cling to her, unwilling to let go, but knowing if I don’t leave now, I won’t get home until after midnight. My mother is already suspicious, and I don’t want to add fuel to the fire. I know she’ll stay up, waiting for me to come home.

“I have to go,” I whisper into Abby’s ear and press my lips to her hair.

“I know.” She sniffles and inhales a shuddering breath, the kind you take when your body has been wracked by sobs. “Please be careful,” she pleads, her big green eyes wide with worry. “And let me know you’ve made it home safe. I don’t care how late it is.”

“I will, I promise.” My mouth finds hers and I place one final kiss on her lips. I squeeze my eyes shut, willing them to stay dry. I release her mouth and press my forehead to hers, my eyes still closed tight. “Goodbye, Abby.”

“Goodbye, Jacob.”

I let her go and turn away, emotion constricting my throat as I walk to my car. I don’t know why, but there’s a terrible feeling clawing through my chest like this is the last time I’ll see her. I pause for a moment beside my car, my face hidden from not only Abby but Luke as well. He’s sitting in the passenger seat feigning indifference, but I know better. I heave a deep breath, forcing air into my lungs before opening my door. It’s harder to breathe the further I get from her. How am I supposed to draw breath when I’m three hundred miles away? I’ll suffocate without her.

I pull it together and regain my composure before climbing in next to Luke. Through the windshield, I see Abby watching me, her arms crossed protectively over her middle as though she’s trying to hold herself together. I know the feeling. Reluctantly, I tear my eyes away from her so I can back out of the driveway.

When my tires hit the blacktop, a sick feeling knots my stomach. I don’t want to leave her and I don’t want to lose her, but I feel like both are happening right before my eyes. I chance one last glance in her direction before driving off. She’s crying in earnest now, tears streaming down her face. She turns her body into Tiff, who wraps her arms around Abby’s shoulders and rubs her back. I clench my jaw to keep the emotion from leaking out and punch my foot down on the gas pedal.

A sense of melancholy fills the vehicle on the ride home, and not just from me. Luke stares blankly out the window, slouched in his seat, barely speaking the whole way back to Arlington. He doesn’t even ask to stop and eat anywhere, which isn’t like him at all. I never dreamed he’d get this attached to Tiffany, but he seems almost as downtrodden as me.

We pull up to Luke’s house just after eleven that night, the brightly lit edifice betraying the cold, empty shell that awaits him. Luke’s jet-setting parents are always away, off to some exotic paradise or foreign metropolis. Paris, Tahiti, Dubai. He used to go everywhere with them and has been all over the world, but when he was seventeen, it all changed. He wouldn’t tell me why he stopped traveling with them, but I know something happened. His dad is a real prick, always has been, but he must have done something awful for Luke to give up his world travels.

“Later, man,” I offer as he steps out. He just grunts and nods. No bantering, no smartass comments, no name-calling, nothing like the Luke I’m used to. He must really have it bad for Tiff.

Just as I suspect, my mother is awake and waiting for me when I get home. “Jacob,” she croons when I enter the foyer. “You’re back.” She must have been pacing ever since she arrived from whatever charity event she attended because she hasn’t even changed out of her gown. She wraps her arms around me and kisses my cheek. “How was your trip?”

I smile, thinking about Abby. “It was good.”

She pulls me into the living room and down onto the love seat. “What is this?” she asks, stroking my cheek. “You’ve grown a beard.” She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. She doesn’t say anything, but I can tell she hates it. She’s always preferred the clean-shaven look.

I scrub my palm over my chin, remembering how much Abby liked when the stubble started coming in. “Yeah, I guess I did.” I do my best not to smile like a love-sick fool, but I’m positive I’m failing at it.

“Well,” she begins expectantly. “Tell me everything.” She smiles up at me, beaming, actually.

Selfishly, I want to keep Abby all to myself. I won’t tell my mom about her. Not yet, at least. “Luke and I had a lot of fun. We went whitewater rafting, rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, and zip lining.” My smile grows as I remember the first glimpse I had of Abby. She looked like an angel in her powder blue top and bright, white shorts.

“That’s wonderful!” Mom places her hand over her mouth, stifling a yawn. She’s tired. So am I.

“I’d better get to bed. It was a long drive home.” I haven’t been away from Abby a whole day and it already feels like an eternity.

“Of course. We’ll talk more tomorrow.” She pats my hand and stands up, the lower half of her dress swishing as she climbs the stairs to her room.

After a quick shower, I slip into bed, my mind reeling from the past two weeks. How can two people from such different worlds find each other and be so perfect together? I’ve never been a big believer in fate, but there’s no other way to explain it. Somehow, I found something I didn’t even know I was looking for in the hills of West Virginia. I lie awake for a long time that night, thinking about Abby and planning how to make my way back to her.

The next morning, I awake late. Both my parents are already gone, finalizing plans for the big party, I’m sure, so I pour myself a cup of coffee and sort through my mail. It’s mostly credit card offers and formal invitations to the usual summer events. One envelope catches my eye. It doesn’t look like the rest, and I immediately know what it is.

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