Beneath, You're Beautiful Read online

  Once he was completely seated deep within me, our eyes locked on one another, and he whispered, “I have never felt anything more right than this moment, and I don’t want it to end.”

  He pulled back slightly and rocked back into me before resting his body down on me. My legs wrapped around his hips immediately so that he could pump further into me. Slowly he picked up momentum, slamming into me a little more forcefully, causing me to gasp in pleasure. “Yes, just like that,” I encouraged him. “Again.”

  My muscles began tightening and squeezing his shaft with every thrust. The struggle to hold on was evident in his eyes, but I couldn’t help it, he was hitting all of the right spots, and my body was reacting to everything he gave me. Blake began to slow down his thrusts, trying to gain some control over the orgasms that were imminent for both of us. We were both on the cusp and slowing down only made me want it more.

  “I want more. I need more. Please . . .” I arched my back trying to get him to hit that spot again but wasn’t successful. “Blake . . .” I begged.

  “Look at me.”

  My eyes snapped back to his immediately.

  “Look at me, and don’t close your eyes. Promise?”

  “Promise,” I replied with my eyes glued to his. He increased his thrusts again and moved his hand so that his thumb was applying pressure to my clit. I gripped his arms tightly as my body began to buzz. “Oh god! Yes!” I cried out as my orgasm hit me like a tidal wave. My legs began to tremble, and as much as I wanted to close my eyes and ride it out, I didn’t. I stayed focused on Blake’s face as he rushed toward his release.

  He stilled after a few more thrusts, and I felt his release pulse inside me. “Victoria!” he shouted, never breaking eye contact with me. It was one of the most intense sexual encounters I had ever experienced. Blake watched me in my most intimate and vulnerable moment, and he had let me do the same. The connection it made was indescribable and authentic; we were bare to one another in every sense of the word.

  “That was one of the most beautiful moments of my life,” I confessed. “I have never experienced an emotional connection like that. Wow . . . just wow.”

  “You summed it up perfectly. It was nothing less than extraordinary.” Blake kissed me and rolled out of bed to go to the bathroom. When he returned, he had a warm washcloth in hand and gently cleaned me up before climbing back in next to me.

  I cuddled into his side and let out a yawn. “You’ve worn me out.”

  “I think we are both a little worn out. Let’s call it a night, and get a good night’s sleep.”

  “I agree. Good night, Blake. Thank you for inviting me to your home. I think it’s going to be a very memorable weekend.”

  “Thank you for agreeing to come with me.” His hand cupped my check and tilted my face up to him so he could give me a good-night kiss. “Sweet dreams, love.”

  “They definitely will be with Dr. McHottie to cuddle with all night.”

  Chapter Eight

  I AM GENUINE

  Sunday morning brought a visit from Mrs. Hayes, just as Blake had speculated. She brought us homemade gooey caramel rolls fresh out of the oven and a few other baked goods to enjoy. I could tell she was protective of Blake and didn’t hide the fact that she was fishing for information about me. It was endearing to see her “mother hen” tendencies; she truly cared about him and his happiness. Thankfully, I passed her inspection as she gave me a hug before leaving and whispered in my ear to “take good care of Blake—he deserves a good woman.” He was a good man, no doubt about it.

  We spent most of the day going on little adventures. He took me hiking, for a snowmobile ride, and ice skating on the lake where his neighbor had swept it clean. I was surprised that he had everything planned out and even had skates for me to borrow, which I later found out belonged to another neighbor. The man was resourceful, and I was impressed—to say the least.

  “Would you be okay with pizza tonight?” he asked as we walked up the hill to his home.

  “Sounds perfect to me. Are there places that deliver out here?”

  He laughed. “Yes, there are. However, we are going to make it together . . . from scratch.”

  “Oh. This should be entertaining.”

  “Do you doubt my culinary skills?”

  “Never, considering our first date was in your kitchen. But you have yet to see my cooking skills.” I winked as I stepped into the mudroom to take off my wet boots and outerwear.

  “Well then, you can just sit and look pretty while I make it.”

  “Deal. . . . Wow, I’m exhausted. I don’t think I’ve done that much physical activity in six months.” I collapsed on a stool, completely drained.

  “After dinner, we’ll go soak in the hot tub on the patio. It will feel good on your muscles. I love relaxing in it during the winter months.” He massaged my shoulders. “But first, we need to eat, and you agreed to keep me company in the kitchen.”

  Blake opened a bottle of wine, and I sat on a stool sipping it while he tossed the pizza dough in the air like a champ. The conversation was effortless, and we talked about everything from childhood memories to our most embarrassing moments as an adult.

  He asked questions about Jen, Bobbie Jo, and Dana, and he told me a little bit about his closet buddies, Parker, Mitch, and David. Guess we both liked to travel in packs of four. We decided it would be fun to introduce them all; however, Parker was married and would be bringing a “plus one.” I laughed because I knew that wouldn’t deter Bobbie Jo from flirting with him.

  “I’m worried about Bobbie Jo and Jillian. She’s supposed to call the doctor tomorrow and said she’d text me after to let me know what’s going on. What if it’s cancer?”

  “Then she will follow the same protocol you did, and you’ll be there for her to help her along the way. One in eight woman are diagnosed, so the chance of you knowing another woman with the disease is higher than you think. Granted, you didn’t expect it to hit so close to home and right after you were finishing up your treatment, but, as you know, shit happens.”

  “Yes, shit does happen, but enough already!”

  “Agreed.” He put the veggie pizza in the oven.

  “You make that look so easy. I’m lucky if I can crack an egg without getting a piece of the shell in it.” I joked.

  He sat on the stool next to me. “It’s therapeutic for me. I enjoy it, but if I did it for a living, I would probably hate it.”

  “Probably. I miss design, but I’m not sure if that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life. This whole life-changing experience has altered my priorities, and I know there is something else out there for me. Something more meaningful than armoires, lighting, and valences.”

  “You’ll figure it out. Right now you need to focus on staying relaxed and letting your body get strong again. I may have pushed you a little too much today . . . I’m sorry.”

  “Honestly, I didn’t feel tired until we came in. You made it a magnificent day—just what I needed to clear my head. I’ll be fine after a good night’s sleep. Between the wine, pizza, and a soak in the hot tub, I’m sure I’ll sleep like a baby again.”

  “That is the plan.” He grabbed my hand, raised it to his lips, and gave it a tender kiss. “You made my day exceptional.”

  After an amazing dinner and a relaxing soak in the hot tub, I was spent. As much as I wanted to thank Blake in a physical way, exhaustion was calling the shots, and there was nothing I could do about it. He climbed into bed next to me and curled his body around mine, holding me in his arms as I fell asleep.

  *

  Monday arrived, and I was anxious to hear from Bobbie Jo. Blake tried to keep me busy, but he could tell my mind was elsewhere. I kept checking my phone for the time, text messages, or calls; it was ridiculous and a little too OCD for me.

  It was late afternoon, and Blake suggested running into town to walk around. He won me over when he mentioned stopping at the Chocolate Ox, which is a small candy store that has old-fashion
ed candy, custom chocolates, fudge, and ice cream. In other words, it’s a chocoholic’s nirvana!

  The nice thing about it being off season is the stores weren’t cramped, and I had time to study all of the sweet options available. Blake headed straight for the ice cream area and appeared a few minutes later with a waffle cone filled with peanut butter and chocolate ice cream, his favorite. He even had a spot of chocolate on the tip of his nose, which I didn’t hesitate to rub off. “You’re messy.”

  “I don’t care. Have you tasted this? It is meant to be devoured without care.” The bell on the front door jingled, and a family with three little kids entered. They all took off squealing in different directions.

  “How easily I could drag that comment into the gutter, but I will refrain since there are little ears in the vicinity.” I smirked before turning to the woman behind the counter. “I’d like a half dozen of the dark chocolate and sea salt covered caramels, please.”

  “Sure thing. Would you like anything else?” she asked while boxing up my caramels.

  Blake spoke up between licks. “Why don’t you give me three of the large peanut butter cups and two cashew turtles.”

  “Really?” I asked with a look of humor and disbelief.

  “What? I’m on vacation. I’m allowed to have a few treats . . . and since when did you become the chocolate police?”

  “Since I’ll be the one dealing with the sugar rushes followed by the crashes.” I shook my head. “Box up what he asked for and consider him cut off.”

  “Sure thing.” She nodded and began boxing everything up.

  My phone started ringing with Bobbie Jo’s ring tone as soon as we stepped to the cash register. I looked up at Blake, and he knew. “Go ahead and take the call. I’ve got this.”

  “Thank you.” I stepped outside to accept the call. It was chilly out, but I didn’t care; I needed to know what was going on.

  I answered the phone with a shaky voice. “What’s going on? I’ve been waiting for your call all day.”

  “Sorry, we just got things figured out. Jillian got in with her primary, and she’s scheduled for the full work-up at the breast center tomorrow morning. It’s been a long-ass day.”

  “What time tomorrow? Are you going with her? How is she doing?”

  “Slow down. What the hell’s gotten into you? Where’s the calm woman I spoke to on Saturday morning?”

  “Sorry, Jillian has been on my mind, and I’ve been pretty good until today. I was expecting a call this morning and the wait has me a little on edge. I of all people should know it takes time to get this all arranged.”

  “Yes, you should. I’m going with her tomorrow. We are supposed to check in at eight-thirty, and she’s scheduled for a mammogram and ultrasound, just like you were. Actually, It’s the exact same drill, I believe.”

  “That’s good. I’m glad they could get her in first thing tomorrow. Is there anything I can do from here?”

  “Actually, would you mind giving her a call? I know she could use your encouragement and someone who understands how she’s feeling right now.”

  Blake walked up behind me and placed his free hand on my waist. “Sure, I’m happy to give her a call. Blake and I just ran to town for a little bit—I’ll give her a call when we get back to the house.”

  “That would be great. I really appreciate it, and I know she will too. Thank McHottie for giving up shag time for you to call her.”

  “Did you really just say that?”

  “Sure did. Humor helps—at least that’s what you’ve told me anyway.” I heard the sound of a car horn followed by Bobbie Jo stringing together every cuss word she could think of. “I gotta go—some asshole just took my parking spot.”

  “Good luck, and don’t wind up in jail.”

  “Whatever, Sizzle Tits. Later.”

  I put the phone back in my coat pocket. “So Jillian has an appointment at the breast center tomorrow morning, and Bobbie Jo asked me to give her a call tonight to check in.”

  “I think that’s a great idea. I’m sure it will mean a lot to her to know you’re thinking about her.”

  “I’m sure your right. I haven’t seen her in over a year, but Bobbie Jo keeps me updated on what she’s doing. She’s a buyer for Target and is constantly traveling around the world, scoping out home goods and furniture. Thankfully, she’s home for a bit.”

  “Thankfully, she has a sister like Bobbie Jo to keep her on her toes and a friend like you for support. Want to head over to the coffee shop to warm up?” He offered his arm to me.

  “Sure, hot tea sounds great.”

  “I’ve converted you!” he shouted in victory. It was fun seeing the playful side of him this weekend.

  “During the afternoon and evening, yes, you have. I still need my coffee in the morning, or you won’t like what you see.” I grabbed his arm as we crossed the street.

  “As long as your head doesn’t spin like the little girl in The Exorcist, I’m pretty sure I can handle it.”

  “I might just skip coffee tomorrow to test that theory,” I kidded as we stepped into the coffee shop. “I need to use the ladies’ room—I’ll take anything tropical.”

  “Tropical tea it is.” He stepped up to the counter.

  After making one more stop, we headed back to the house. The sun was starting to set, and the sky was turning a burnt orange color as we pulled into the drive. A package was waiting by the door as we walked up, and Blake grabbed it and tucked it under his arm as he unlocked the door. “After you.”

  “Thank you. I’m going to go give Jillian a call now, if that’s okay.”

  “Sure thing. I’m just going to pull together a few appetizers for dinner, and we’ll plan on a casual night.”

  “Sounds great. Thanks for putting up with my anxiousness earlier and for your understanding. It means the world to me.” I leaned up to kiss his cheek, but he moved his head and instead I connected with soft, warm lips. Not that I would ever complain.

  *

  “Hello?” I heard Jillian answer in a weary voice.

  “Hey, Sweets. It’s Victoria.” I tried to sound cheery but failed. “How ya doing?”

  “I’ve been better. Did Bobbie Jo tell you everything? Because I don’t think I can repeat it again.”

  “She told me, so you don’t need to repeat anything.”

  “I’m so tired of having to explain everything to everyone. I feel like a broken record, and they don’t understand how it feels to have to tell the story over and over again. I know they’re only concerned, but it’s too much.”

  “I just wanted to make sure you’re hanging in there. I know this was a major shock, but it sounds like you have all the right appointments and tests scheduled.”

  “Thanks to you, Bobbie Jo knew what to do and got everything lined up. The two of you have been my sanity in my world of chaos.” She sounded a little more relaxed.

  “I get it. It wasn’t long ago that I went through what you are right now, and it was maddening. You need to nominate a friend or two to play interference for you tomorrow. Someone to be your ears because all you’ll hear is ‘wha wha, wha, wha wha’ like Charlie Brown’s schoolteacher.”

  Jillian let out a soft laugh. “You always have a way of lightening the mood but not to the extreme of my sister, thank goodness. We still think Mom had a fling with the milk man.”

  “Yeah, Bobbie Jo is one of a kind for sure.”

  “I wouldn’t change a thing about her. Growing up, she was an annoying little sister, but we have become amazing friends now that we are older. I’m pretty damn lucky.”

  “We all are. She has been my rock through all of this, and I know she’s super worried about you. She called me Saturday morning right after you called her. She loves you more than you know.”

  “I know she does, and I love her just the same. She agreed to go with me tomorrow to listen to what the nurses have to say and to keep me company. They told me there could be a long wait between tests, and Bobbie Jo rememb
ers you saying how hard it was to sit there not knowing. That’s one of her biggest regrets, not being there for you before the shit hit the fan.”

  I was surprised by what Jillian had just told me. “She never mentioned anything to me about that. She really feels that bad?”

  “Yeah, she does. You’ve been there for her so much that she feels like she let you down.”

  “Nonsense! We will be having a little discussion about this, because that is ridiculous. I didn’t want anyone there with me because I didn’t think I needed them. Hindsight, I was wrong, but regardless, she shouldn’t feel bad about it.”

  “The secret is out . . . Bobbie Jo is a closet softy.” Jillian laughed. “I’m so glad you called—it feels good to laugh and talk about something other than what’s going on with my boobs. Thank you.”

  “You bet—anytime, Jilly. I should probably get going. Blake is getting dinner ready, and I don’t want to keep him waiting. I’m glad I could cheer you up a bit. Bobbie Jo is going to text me tomorrow and let me know how things went, but you know I’m only a phone call away . . . day or night.”

  “Thank you, Victoria, that means a lot to me, and thanks for taking time away from the hot doctor to call. I need to meet that man, according to my sister.”

  “Ha! You will—I promise. Night, Sweets.”

  “Night, Toots.”

  I put my phone on the bedside table and decided to change into a sweatshirt and leggings before heading out to the kitchen. I could smell something yummy filling the air, and I couldn’t wait to see what it was.

  Blake was still in a pair of jeans, but he’d taken off his sweater and was now wearing just a white V-neck shirt while he pulled a baking stone out of the oven. Damn. What a sight that was. I cleared my throat quietly, so as not to startle him like I did when it was popcorn night.

  “Hey.” He turned, setting down a baking stone filled with all kinds of appetizers on the counter. “How did the call go?”

  “It was good. I think I helped her relax a bit just by having a normal conversation. I know she’s freaking out inside but hiding it. I’m pretty sure all women do it. Thanks for letting me sneak away for a few minutes to call her.” I looked over the breaded green beans, wantons, and other assorted appetizers.