Home Ch. 05

Nate was leisurely watching TV; his mind seemed to be far away. It made Peyton nervous when he was this quiet. However, she couldn't but enjoy how sexy he looked when he was brooding. His eyes were darker, his jaw set. His whole body seemed hard, except for the one part she really wanted hard. She fiddled with her fingers and gnawed at her bottom lip, thinking of how to go about surprising Nate. She wanted very much to strip down and ride him on the couch, but she couldn't make her feet move. Don't be a coward, Peyton. Just do it.

She checked her reflection in the decorative mirror on the wall. Short-shorts and a tank top didn't seem sexy to her, but the way they were hugging her body did. With one last deep breath, she was off.

She walked over to Nate and sat next to him on the couch. He looked over at her and smiled slightly before returning his eyes to the TV. Peyton thought for a moment, then laid her head on his lap. Nate shifted so she'd be comfortable and rested his hand on her hip. His heated palm touched her skin and Peyton suppressed the urge to shudder. The simple contact sent bolts up her spine and she had to close her eyes. As comfortable and safe as she felt in Nate's lap, she knew she had to do something, so she started shifting. She squirmed around until she felt his manhood against her cheek.

"You ok?" she heard him voice.

"Mhm. I'm just feeling a bit restless, is all."

Nate looked down at her with concern. "Anything I can do to help?"

Fuck me senseless. "No."

Nate let his eyes linger on Peyton. Her chocolate skin looked warm from the sunlight shining in through the windows. He licked his lips as his eyes trailed down her exposed legs. Her head kept moving in his lap and he'd become semi-hard just from knowing that her plump, juicy lips were so close to his hardening member. She suddenly turned her head up and smiled at him, a friendly smile that put his heart at ease but did nothing to dismiss his awakening erection. He smiled back, hoping she wouldn't notice. He then felt her shift again and her hands started undoing his belt. His smile fell quickly. He felt every muscle in his body tense up.

"Peyton, w-what are you-"

"Shh. What does it look like I'm doing?" Peyton said without looking at him. She pushed his jeans down lower on his hips and lifted his shirt up. She couldn't help but love how well defined his abs were. She slide her fingertips over his taunt abs. Nate felt like she was scorching a trail down his body. He held his breath, just watching as she explored him. He gasped when he felt her on him, softly kissing his happy trail. He cock was swelling and she'd barely even touched him.

"Take off your shirt, honey."

Nate obeyed, curiously watching his girlfriend. Once his pants were unzipped, Peyton pushed her hand inside and smiled up him. His breath caught and the threat of cumming in his pants seemed eminent.

"Mmm. What have we here?"

Nate swallowed hard, his eyes almost completely glazed over with lust. She gripped his cock through his boxers and gave it a good squeeze. Nate felt like every drop of blood in his upper body had raced south and accumulated in one spot. Peyton tugged at his pants and he lifted his hips to help slide them off, along with his boxers. He was completely hard now, his turgid cock standing hard and angry. Peyton licked her lips and swiped her tongue over the head, causing Nate to hiss above her. She sheepishly watched as the dark purple head leaked, did it again, and again, and again. Nate was writhing under her touch, trying impossibly hard to contain himself.

"O-Oh, fuck. Yes, baby." He almost lost it when he felt her lips wrap around the tip of his dick. He immensely enjoyed watching her ebony mouth engulf more and more of his thick ivory cock. His short shallow breaths quickened. Peyton pulled her mouth off and flattened her tongue against the side of his cock. She slowly, excruciating slowly, glided it down to the base, crinkling her nose as she felt his coarse pubic hair. Nate was lightheaded, he felt so good. He looked down at her arched back, seeing her buxom bottom sticking up in the air. He could see her bra strap through the thin shirt and went about unhooking her bra through it. He felt Peyton stop for a moment and look up at him, his large cock still impaling her mouth. The wanton position clashed with the innocence in her wide eyes, which made him harder, if that was even possible at the moment. Nate leaned over slightly, happy that he had such long arms, and gave her ample behind a good swat, causing Peyton to jump a bit. She wrapped her hand around the base of his cock and gave it a good squeeze in response. He smacked her ass again, and she started stroking him up and down while sucking on the head harder. She bobbed her head up and down, stroking him along with her mouth. Nate kept his hips still, resisting the urge to grab her head and viscously slam his cock into her throat. His pulsating dick throbbed more and he felt a familiar tightening in his groin.

"Mmm, baby," Nate groaned through clenched teeth. "I'm gonna cum." He felt Peyton's mouth come off his dick, but her small hand keep stroking it.

"That's the point, silly," she said, sounding too cute for the situation.

Nate bit his bottom lip hard and pushed her hand away him. Peyton pouted dramatically.

"Clothes. Off. Now." Nate growled. Peyton quickly stripped, revealing her curvaceous body to him. The scent of her arousal was intoxicating. But instead of waiting for his next order, Peyton bent down to his discarded jeans (giving Nate a perfect view of her swollen, dripping cunt), fumbled with his pocket, and pulled out a condom.

"Now, how did I know that would be in there?" she asked, eyeing him.

Nate shrugged and smiled guiltlessly.

Peyton got on her knees between his legs. She opened the condom packet and put the latex covering into her mouth, it resting on her lips in an O shape. She pressed her mouth on the tip of his cock and, using her tongue, rolled the condom onto his stiff shaft. Nate groaned loudly, hot and very impressed.

"Where'd you learn that?" he breathed out after she was done.

"A lot of reading."

Nate suppressed a chuckle. It came as no surprise that his shy girlfriend learned her sexual technique from text. "And what book have you been reading that teaches you such lewd behavior?"

Peyton shook her head. "Not a book. A website. I'll show you it later."

Peyton climbed onto his lap and silenced him with a forceful kiss. She surged her tongue into his mouth, symbolically claiming him as her own. Nate gripped her hips tight and lifted her, aiming his cock to her soaking core. Slowly, Peyton slid herself down, still impressed by how he stretched her tight pussy. Nate groaned as her hot, soaking snatch held his thick, dick like an ill-fitting glove. They stayed still, holding one another for a second. Peyton pushed her knees against the side of the couch and started moving her body up and down. Nate buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her sweet scent and enjoying the feel of her luscious breasts pressed against him. He lifted his hips up to meet her movements, thrusting his cock in and out of her faster. Soon, the two lovers were humping with wild abandon. Peyton bounced her body faster, and Nate slammed into her with increasing intensity. Nate grabbed her hips and held her at his base. Peyton ground her pussy onto him, her clit pressing hard into his pelvis. She rode him hard and fast, throwing her head back and crying out in pure pleasure. Nate kept his eyes hooded, watching her tits bounce along with her body. Her mocha skin glistened with sweat. Nate felt his orgasm building up, but he wanted her to cum first, so he pushed his hand between them and rubbed her clit.

"Oh my fucking God, Nate," Peyton was practically screaming. "Yes!" Nate rubbed faster. He felt her tight pussy get even tighter, milking his cock.

"That's it, beautiful. Cum for me. Give me that sweet honey."

Peyton needed no more coaxing. Before she knew it, her orgasm rocked through her body, setting it aflame. She screamed and gripped Nate's shoulders for support. Nate pounded into her without regard. His own release came just as hard, making him roar her name in ecstasy. He shot his thick seed into the condom, holding Peyton close. She slumped against his hot body, still trembling.

"Goddamn," he breathed out.

"Agreed," she sighed with a smile.

Nate kept his arms around her as he stood up. Peyton instinctively wrapped her legs around her waist as he carried her up the stairs to make love to her for the rest of the afternoon.

•••••••••••

Nate avoided the morning sun as he sat at the edge of the bed, lost in thought. He glanced back at a sleeping Peyton, breathing softly. Even after everything with Victoria, Peyton seemed fine. But Nate wasn't. A storm brewed in his mind and he couldn't focus on any one thing; except Peyton. But he hadn't told her about it. If she sensed his distance, she didn't show it. And he didn't want to ruin her good mood with his foul one. He moved over to her and gazed at her peaceful, sleeping face. He lightly moved her bangs and gently pressed his lips on her forehead. He crept out of bed and into the shower as quietly as he could. The hot stream and searing water calmed him, but not completely. When he returned to his room, Peyton was sitting up in bed, wearing a smile and his t-shirt.

"Hey," she said softly.

Nate nodded at her dismissively and went to his closet.

Peyton frowned. "You ok?"

Nate grunted, still searching for clothes. Peyton got out bed walked over to him. She admired the taunt muscles of his back and the soft sun-kissed color of his skin. He looked delicious. She wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his back. Nate closed his eyes and sighed. Guilt stung his heart. He placed his hand on Peyton's, savoring her comfort.

"Penny for your thoughts," she whispered against his warm skin.

"Today's the anniversary of my dad's death."

Peyton gasped. That explains the behavior. "Oh, Nate."

"I thought I could handle it alone. I didn't want to bother you with this, I just-"

"Stop." Peyton interrupted and turned him around. Looking into his eyes, she said, "Nate, you never have to deal with anything alone, because you're not alone. You've got to remember that. I love you and I'm here for you."

Nate leaned down and kissed the top of her head. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and held her tight.

"And so is your mom."

Nate's eyebrows furrowed and he tried to pull away, but Peyton kept her grip around him.

"Nate, she loves you. She's your family. It's just the two of you left. You shouldn't push her away like you have."

Nate was quiet, so Peyton kept talking. "When I met her, she asked me not to hurt you. She cares about you. And I think she's still hurting from the loss of your father. She mentioned him when we talked. She loved him and she loves you. So does Pastor Donavan. You have people who care about you, Nate. You don't have to carry this sadness with you." She felt him squeeze her tight. His body felt tense and hard, and she could hear his heart thumping in his chest.

"I'm going to the cemetery at St. Michael's. I'm going to call my mom to join me."

Peyton smiled. "I know she will like that."

"Will you come too?"

"Of course."

•••••••••••

Peyton fiddled with her fingers nervously in her seat. Nate was driving them to St. Michael's, where they were to meet Adele Tennison to pay their respects. Nate was uncommonly quiet, and Peyton decided to let him stay that way. By the tight look on his face, he didn't feel like talking. It hurt her heart seeing him this way, lacking the warmth she'd come to know and love.

As they pulled up to the church, they spotted Adele, hands full of bright yellow daisies that completely clashed with her all-back attire. Standing next to her was Pastor Donavan, bible in hand, looking solemn. Nate gave the pastor a firm handshake before turning to his mother. Peyton greeted them both warmly.

"You're glowing, my dear," Pastor Donavan beamed.

Peyton hugged him tight. "I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me." She felt the pastor smile next to her cheek.

She looked over and saw Nate and his mother in a close embrace. Peyton smiled at how small Adele looked compared to her son's impressive height. The older woman had tears in her eyes already. The four walked past the church to the graveyard. Adele led the way to where her husband was buried. Peyton saw Nate stop. His hands were shaking and his eyes gleamed with the threat of tears.

"Peyton," he choked out. Peyton quickly grabbed his hand and squeezed it.

"I'm right here, Nate. You can do this."

He looked at her and nodded before taking short steps forward. They caught up with Adele, who had stopped at a well carved gravestone. It read "Here Lies James Philip Tennison; Beloved Husband, Father, and Friend". Adele quietly sobbed as she laid the flowers on the grave.

"His favorite," she whispered. Pastor Donavan held her hand.

After a moment, Nate stepped forward and knelt down. "Hey, Pop. Been a while. I'd like to introduce someone." Nate motioned for Peyton to kneel as well and when she did, he smiled sadly and said, "This is Peyton. I think you'd have liked her. I sure do."

"Nice to meet you, sir."

Nate and Peyton both placed their hands on the cold stone. Peyton's eyes began to sting and soon tears were flowing down her cheeks.

They both stood up and all four mourners held hands, all crying.

Nate broke the sad silence. "Peyton."

"Yes?"

"You say there's a song for every moment. What's a song for this one?"

"I know one." Adele chimed in. Peyton, Nate, and Pastor Donovan looked at her as she began to sing.

"Hush now don't you cry

Wipe away the teardrop from your eye

You're lying safe in bed

It was all a bad dream

Spinning in your head

Your mind tricked you to feel the pain

Of someone close to you leaving the game

Of life

So here it is, another chance

Wide awake, you face the day

Your dream is over...

Or has it just begun?

There's a place I like to hide

A doorway that I run through in the night."

Adele squeezed Nate's hand as she continued, looking at him then.

"Relax child, you were there

But only didn't realize

And you were scared

It's a place where you will learn

To face your fears, retrace the years

And ride the whims of your mind

Commanding in another world

Suddenly, you'll hear and see

This magic new dimension."

Adele fell apart into weeping, not able to finish the rest of the song. Nate pulled her to him and she cried deeply.

"I know that song," Peyton said quietly. "Queensryche's 'Silent Lucidity'. Wanna know my favorite part?" It was Peyton's turn to have all eyes on her.

She sang:

"I

Will be watching over you

I am gonna help you see it through

I

Will protect you in the night

I am smiling next to you.

In silent lucidity."

She smiled up as a tear slid down her cheek. Adele reached out her hand and pulled her into a group hug. Peyton pulled in Pastor Donovan and they all held each other for what seemed like hours. The pastor was the first to pull away, and he said a quiet prayer. They prayed with him. Adele kissed her fingertips and pressed them against the gravestone.

"I miss you," she whispered.

Nate held his mother's and Peyton's hands and they finally headed back to the church. Once inside, Peyton spotted Jane.

"I'm going to go say 'hi' to my friend. You think you'll be ok?" Peyton asked.

"Yeah," Nate nodded. "I need to talk to my mom anyway."

Peyton gave his hand a reassuring squeeze before going over to Jane.

Nate hugged Pastor Donovan. "Thank you, Padré Don," he said quietly.

The elder Pastor just smiled sweetly. Nate led his mother to the pews and sat with her.

"Ma," he began, looking down at her hand in his. "I would like to apologize."

"For what, son?"

"For not considering how you took dad's death," he sighed. "I knew you were hurting but I was so focused on my own pain that I didn't think about you. I pushed you away and let myself be swallowed up with sadness. When Addison-" Nate stopped and swallowed. "When she took away my son, I just stopped trying."

"Oh, baby. I understand why. I'm not mad."

"But I am. You're my mother, my family. And I don't want to appreciate you when you're gone."

Adele's eyes released fresh tears. "Well, I'm here now, baby. And I love you."

Nate hugged her for what felt like the one-hundredth time that day, but it never got old. "I love you too, Ma."

Mother and son embraced for a bit before pulling away and wiping their eyes.

"Son, if you don't mind me asking, what brought this on?"

Nate smiled softly and looked at Peyton. She was being smothered by Jane, but caught his eyes and smiled back at him. Adele followed his gaze and nodded, understanding. She pulled off a ring from her left hand.

"Well, then," she held open Nate's hand, and placed her engagement ring into his palm. "You must give her this."

Nate sat up, surprised. "No, Ma. Dad gave that to you-"

"And your grandmother gave it to him. He would want you give it to the woman you loved. Besides, I've still got my wedding band. This, this is yours now."

Nate closed his hand over it. "Thank you."

He pushed his hand into his pocket and the pair walked back over to where Peyton, Jane, and Pastor Donavan were standing. Nate kept one hand in his pocket, still fingering the ring, and held Peyton's hand with the other.

"You guys ok?" she whispered to him. She was almost taken aback by the loving way he was looking at her.

"Yes. I think everything will be alright now." he said, still gazing at her.

"So!" Jane piped up, "Who wants lunch?"

•••••••••••

Nate couldn't help but slide his fingertips along the sides of the ring. He felt as if it burned a hole in his jean pocket. He could hear Peyton humming inside the house. Should I ask today? Is it too soon? Will she say no? Will she say yes!?

His mind was racing and his heart had somehow migrated into his throat. His palms felt clammy and he could feel the beads of sweat forming on his brow.

Calm, man. Calm! He sat down on his porch lounge chair and tried to focus. His leg bounced rapidly and it was getting hard to breathe.

"Nate?"

Nate turned around to see Peyton in the doorway, looking at him with worry.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah. I-I'm great." Nate stuttered nervously.

He could tell Peyton wasn't buying it. She walked over, her impressive hips swishing in her long skirt, and planted herself in his lap.

"Nate," she said seriously. "I thought we talked about this. The other day, before we went to pay respects with your mom."

Nate laughed nervously. "I remember Peyton. I was there."

"And do you remember me telling you that you can tell me anything?"

Nate nodded.

"Then tell me what's bothering you now."

Nate shifted his gaze. Peyton frowned.

"Nate. Come on, man."

Nate swallowed hard and reached into his pocket. Now or never.

"Peyton, do you love me?"

"More than anything else in the world," she admitted.

Nate bit his lip. "And you know I love you, right?"

Peyton smiled and nodded. Before he could say anything else, Peyton kissed him, a soft luxuriating kiss. Nate felt his rapid heartbeat slow. He fell dizzily into the kisses, nibbling and licking sensually. The two, so lost in their embrace, didn't hear the red mini cooper pull up. They did hear the door slam and when they parted lips; both almost fell from the seat. Peyton felt all the color drain from her face, again.

"Well, ain't this a surprise," Addison said as she stomped towards the pair. She strode like an aimed bullet; her bull's eye set on Peyton.