Page 20 of Conflicted (Change 3)

that’s it. Suck me, sweetheart.” She does until I’ve ridden out the last wave of my orgasm, and then she climbs up me, licking her lips.

“You taste fucking amazing as well.” She slams her mouth to mine, and I taste myself on her. It is definitely a turn-on. I flip her onto her back and pin her arms above her head, breaking the kiss.

“That was fucking incredible. Everything about this last hour and a half has been incredible. What do you say to getting dressed and going to eat that dinner I made for you? We can always come back for dessert.” She giggles, and I kiss her lips. “I take that as a yes?”

“Yes.”

We both get dressed and make our way out to the kitchen. I made spaghetti, chicken parm, and garlic bread. Thankfully, I had it warming so nothing got burnt. I go to the fridge and pull out the bottle of red wine I got. I had already set out two glasses, so I fill them both and hand one to Mel. “Here’s to the beginning of something wonderful.”

“I’ll drink to that.” We both take a sip, and she moans. I look at her with a raised eyebrow. She laughs. “It tastes good.” I kiss her lips and smile at her.

“Good. Well, how about you go sit down, and I’ll bring in your food.” She doesn’t argue with me, and I like that. I make our plates and bring it into the small dining room. We begin eating, and she looks at me with wide eyes. “What? No good?” I thought it tasted great.

“No, it’s delicious. I am just blown away that you know how to cook this good.” I smile and take a sip of wine.

“Well, when you have a piece of shit father and a mother who is forced to work so her children can survive, you learn early on how to cook. I’ve just gotten better over the years.” She looks down at her food.

“Keith, I’m so sorry for everything you and Connie and Karen have been through. I can’t imagine.” I reach over and lift her chin.

“Hey, don’t feel sorry for me. I am who I am today because of everything that happened in my life. Of course, I would change it all in a heartbeat to keep my mom and the girls safe, but I can now. So please don’t give me any pity, I don’t want or need it.” She smiles and shakes her head.

“I’ve never met anyone in my life like you before. I am humbled by you and what you’ve been through to come out with such a positive attitude.”

We spend the next half hour eating before we clean it all up and take our wine into the living room. We sit down on the couch and face each other. “What time do you have work tomorrow?” Just as I ask, my cell phone rings. I pull it out of my pocket and see it is Campbell. Shit, it would be rude to answer it, so I ignore it and look back at Mel. “Sorry. What time—” It starts ringing again, and this time it’s Kenz. “I’m so sorry. I just need to grab this.” She smiles and sips her wine.

“It’s fine.” I answer it and don’t even get to say hello. All I can hear is crying. I jump up and start pacing.

“Kenz? Is everything alright? Why are you crying?” My heart starts racing and my stomach is turning.

“Dick? Oh, my God. I’m so sorry to scare you. I just wanted you to be a part of this. Campbell just asked me to marry him.” My mood flips from nervous to happy as hell. I can’t get the smile off my face.

“Congratulations, Kenz. You deserve all the happiness in the world, and I know Campbell is the man to give that to you.” She laughs through her tears.

“You’re right, he is. We miss you so much. I wish you were here for this.” I frown because I want to be there more than anything in the world, but then I look over at this beautiful girl I feel this unexplainable connection with, and I’m happy to be here. It’s so confusing.

“Me too, Kenz. When I get back, we will all celebrate, alright?” She is quiet for a minute, and I think I’ve lost her.

“Alright, Dick. Will it be much longer?” I will be here until the final seconds of my leave to help my family and be with Mel, but I won’t tell her that.

“Probably. Listen, go enjoy your fiancé, and tell him to call me tomorrow. Congratulations again, love you guys.” I hear her sniffle back tears.

“Love you too.” We hang up, and I look at Mel.

“I’m sorry. That was Kenz.” She smiles.

“I figured as much. And I take it that Campbell asked her to marry him.” I laugh and sit back down.

“Yes, he did. I’m so happy for them. They had such a rough beginning to their relationship.” She pulls her legs under herself and smiles.

“Tell me.” For the next hour, I tell her all about Campbell and Kenz. I wipe her eyes when I tell her about the attack, we laugh about truth or dare stunts, and she smiles while she listens to everything else.

“I’m sorry. I’ve just talked for over an hour about my friends.” She squeezes my leg, still smiling.

“Don’t be sorry. That is a remarkable love story. I don’t know them, but even I’m happy for them on their engagement.” I kiss her lips and run my thumb down her cheek. “Tell me about Young and Maddie.” I smile and kiss her again.

“I think that’s enough about my friends for tonight. I’ll tell you about Young and Maddie another night.” She gives me a pouty lip, and I suck it into my mouth. I pull her to me and kiss her. She moans, runs her hands up my chest, and grabs a hold of my shirt. We both break away, trying to catch our breaths. “Mel, how about we go have some dessert?” I stand up and hold my hand out to her.

“Yes, please.”

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