Page 16 of Scarred Trust

Taking the night shift had seemed like a good idea when I came back to work a year ago. It had been a way to hide from the world while I tried to find my way back to living, but now it felt limiting in the time I could see Cate. It’s been stolen moments in the early mornings when my shift ended, and she was prepping the restaurant. While I’ve enjoyed the sunrises with her, I’ve treasured the calmness that possesses me when she’s in my arms, even in our most passionate moments when I couldn’t keep my hands off her.

With the Fourth of July finally past, I felt like I could breathe a little easier, not looking over my shoulder for another mammoth firework to explode. The South Loop community celebrated as only they could. While ABS was a sponsor, they weren’t the type to be part of the crowd, allowing Cate and I, to forget it all for the day.

There had been great music, and the streets were lined with tents of arts, crafts, and food. Duffy’s tent had bustled with samples of their best dishes while selling freshly cooked burgers and sausage rolls. I alternated between the Firehouse99 trucks and grilling for Duffy’s, proudly wearing the t-shirt Cate chose for me, ‘Duffy’s does it in the dark’. Even my mama got recruited to manage the Duffy’s merchandise, including the latest t-shirt, ‘Duffy’s lights up the nights’.

The heat was unrelenting, but Firehouse99 got permission to put sprinklers on the hydrants to help keep everyone cool. The image of Cate dancing in the streams of water in her short shorts with a red and white checkered halter top was burned in my mind. Weeks later, it still made me groan with how strong my need for her presses against my pants, but it didn’t compare to her latest taunting.

I’d been invited to Sunday Dinner to officially meet the family. I went through the backdoor, waving at people I recognized from the past few weeks, and then went to the door that led up to Cate’s room. It was unlocked, only because she knew I was on my way. I headed up, locking it behind me, and opened the second door that opened directly to her little studio apartment.

I was stunned at the breathtaking sight of her kneeling on her bed, propped up on her elbows, papers and her laptop spread across the surface. All she was wearing was one of my T-shirts from Firehouse 99, which had ridden up to her waist. From my angle, I see a triangle of pink lace between miles of tantalizing, creamy flesh.

“Are you just going to stand there?” The rasp in Cate’s voice rubbed across my skin like a match coming to life. It took me a moment to remember that not only am I allowed to touch, but I’m highly encouraged to do so. Crossing the room in one quick stride, my hands smoothed over the soft skin of her ass. She looked over her shoulder at me, her glasses low on her nose.

“Is there something I can help you with, Lieutenant?” she asked, sitting on the edge of the bed with her hands on my waist. Using my title might sound like I’m in charge, but I knew I was at the mercy of her every whim. She could arouse me by reading a Terms of Service agreement aloud. It wasn’t just about her looks. Her mind and wit fascinated me. I wanted to earn a spot in her warm heart and stay there forever, learning everything about her.

“You make legalese so much more interesting, but I’m here to do something for you, my naughty little lawyer.” I dropped to my knees, salivating at the thought of tasting her. The pull at my t-shirt made me look up abruptly.

“Please, Wes?” she pleaded, scrunching the fabric up my abs. I hadn’t removed my shirt around anyone except medical practitioners since my accident. The fear of pity and rejection had been accompanied by the curses of my ex. I don’t know when I stopped hearing her voice, but looking at Cate’s caring face, I realized that I wasn’t concerned.

Pulling my shirt over my head, I watched a hungry smile transform her expression. Her hands slid up my chest, following the contours of my neck. “Can I?” she whispered, reminding me how abrasive I had been about her touching my scars in the past. Holding my breath, I nodded, preparing for her revulsion.

“Does this hurt?” I barely heard the question, but shook my head, still waiting for the inevitable.

“What about this?” Her nails dragged down my back, across the smooth and ridged areas alike, sending a jolt to my groin.

“Nope,” is all I could manage, trying to hold myself back while I let her explore.

“It’s pretty badass, you know.” She looked over my shoulder, admiring the work of the fire. “It almost looks like a phoenix. It could be a cool tattoo. Some breast cancer survivors find it emotionally healing and a way to take back control of their bodies.”

“That’s a fascinating idea to think about another time.” With the warmth of her acceptance, my self-control snapped. I was going to show her how much I appreciated her. As soon as I got her shirt over her head, our lips collided. Our hands wandered like we hadn’t mapped each other a few hours ago. When I landed on the string of fabric at her hip, I slipped it down and tossed it aside.

My fingers and mouth eagerly took its place. She gasped at the first flick of my tongue and spread her legs wider for me to bury my face between her legs. The stroke of her hand over my short hair made me wish I had grown it out to give her something to clutch when I hit the right spot. Slipping my tongue deep inside her, I lapped and thrusted until she was writhing.

“Wes. Please.” I would give her anything and more with enough time. I sped up to match her frantic movements. She screamed out as her orgasm detonated through her. The feel of her nails digging into my back gave me a thrill.

“Ready to go downstairs?” I asked, wiping my mouth and licking her sweetness off my fingers. She looked so relaxed and satisfied laying against the pillows. I reveled in the trust she gave me to be able to let go so completely.

“I have to catch my breath. Wait. What about you?” She asked, staring at my very obvious erection, tenting my pants. Her chest was heaving, making me want to skip anything that required us leaving this room.

“As much as I love seeing those perfect lips stretched around me, you’re going to need a few minutes to cool off before you see anyone.”

“You were certainly thorough.” She laughed, noticing her flush and mussed-up hair in the mirror. “Thankfully, none of the marks will be visible this time.” She winked at me on her way to the bathroom.

While I had met her parents and her grandmother multiple times, being invited to their Sunday dinner felt huge. I was nervous. What if I messed up? What if I had a panic attack?

Cate and I walked into the dining area of the restaurant, her arm looped through mine. There were a couple of straggling customers at tables off to the sides of the space, but in the middle of the large room, tables were lined up, set with cutlery and dinnerware.

“Hey everyone, you remember my b.... my... Wes, from the fourth of July, and well, he’s here all the time, I guess.” Cate stumbled through the introduction to all the Duffy employees and their family members already seated. We hadn’t talked about titles, but just to be referred to as hers, to be claimed by her, gave me a joy that I hadn’t expected. I wanted to be hers. I want to earn that and every day figure out how to do better than I had the day before.

A chorus of warm welcomes greeted us. Cate’s parents put down the large platters they were holding to hug me and kiss me on the cheek. Her mom gave her a little wink. I couldn’t help but wonder if they knew what we’ve been up to.

“Go ahead and sit. I’m going to help in the kitchen, then I’ll be back.” Cate gives me a quick kiss before disappearing through the swinging doors.

I hesitate to sit down. I’m not one of the employees, but I’m not exactly family. I don’t know where I fit. To me, the right thing to do is to be with Cate. It seems that’s always the right thing and always the right choice. I made that mistake once. I won’t make it again. So I thanked everybody at the table, and I asked them if I could get anyone anything to drink.

They laughed at me when I grabbed a napkin and a pen off the bar as they rattled off their requests. Some of them asked for alcohol, and I didn’t know what the rules were. I went into the kitchen and asked Cate and her family what they wanted to drink as an excuse to also ask them if I was allowed to pour alcohol for some of the other people. Cate’s dad, Brendan, laughed and said, “This is a pub. Of course, alcohol is allowed.” He walked me over to the bar and showed me the bottles that they use for these dinners and where the corkscrew and glasses were.

After serving all the drinks and almost getting the orders right, I put the extra bottles of wine on the table for everyone to reach and refill their own. Any guests from the lunch shift were gone, and the closed sign was turned on the door. I headed back into the kitchen and offered to help carry more things out to the table. The Duffys had prepared so much food that the table was already full. I didn’t even know where they planned to put the rest of the dishes.