I Know What I'm Doing Ch. 04

Suddenly his eyes widened, "Is this the date..? The day..?"

"Yes. It's the day we met, unofficially. That's the day we kissed, the day my life changed."

We stayed out there until the blazing sun disappeared and the sky turned a deep indigo. I fed Ethan ripe strawberries while we talked. And when the sweet juice escaped his lips to trickle down his chin, I licked it up. He told me stories of carefree years, when he was young and his parents used to take him on trips. It was encouraging to hear him speak of happier times he'd had – especially with his mother.

I continued to nibble at him while he tried to pour champagne in two flutes. He scowled at me when I made him spill some on my shirt, but didn't seem to mind anymore when I pulled my shirt off. I lay on my back, telling him the significance of this beach, while he lapped imaginary champagne splashes off my skin.

My grandparents had gotten married on the beach, one week after Gramps had bought the property. There'd been no house then, just them and their loved ones celebrating in the salty breeze. My dad had proposed to my mom here because it'd been the only place he could catch a few minutes alone with her. And, nearly three decades later, Chris had done the same with Mike – with hopes of having the same luck with love as our parents and grandparents.

"It's become a Montgomery tradition of sorts," I concluded. "A lucky one – so you're stuck with me forever."

A thoughtful look momentarily flashed in his eyes, one I read as clearly as script on paper. I knew we'd probably have a few more moments like this, times when I'd need to explain my past, reassure him of our future... reaffirm what we have. I also knew I'd gladly declare my love to him daily, whether asked or not. I brushed his silky hair back and tilted his chin up with a finger.

When his eyes met mine I smiled gently, "I've never brought her here. To be honest, I tried, but she hates the sun... I never even really asked her to marry me. One day she just pointed out an expensive ring she'd had her eye on and I bought it. Then we announced the engagement at the next family braai. I went along with it 'cause it seemed like the next logical step for us. To be honest, I never gave much thought to love the entire time we were together. I guess that's why it took me so damn long to realise I'd never loved her at all."

"Are you done?"

"Uh huh."

"Good. Not another word about her."

An order I was happy to follow, "Yes, sir."

"Sir... I like that," he smiled, his fingers brushing the fine hairs on my arms. "And I'll call you my coffee-making, sunshine-addicted culinary king. Or my thoughtful, protective ocean-lover. Or my sweet, sexy Afrikaans-speaking surfer lord. Or-"

My laughter cut him off. The stars started appearing, one by one, each matching his eyes exactly. Ethan kissed the scar above my heart – and I knew it was a gesture in celebration of life and love.

*

~Ethan~

My eyes opened slowly. For a split-second I thought it had all been a wonderful dream and a sharp frisson of alarm cut through me. But I soon noticed my surroundings and knew my dream was far from over. I was lying in a giant bed, facing a landscape painting of what appeared to be the Karoo. I smiled. Then I saw the ring on my middle finger, three little black diamonds winking at me. And my smile grew.

Finally, I registered what had actually woken me. Aiden was trailing kisses down my spine, much in the way he had twice during the night when wanting to make love again. I was sore, but unable to restrain my reaction to his tempting kisses. Another minute of what he was doing and I'd pounce on him – and he didn't even know it... It was a pledge I made silently to my lengthening penis.

"Breakfast... sir," he told my left butt cheek. "Croissants courtesy of Tannie Em. She sent them over as a welcome home gift; told me tell me you they're stuffed with chocolate – 'cause you struck her as the sweet tooth type."

I shot up, "Chocolate?"

He laughed, depositing a tray of croissants and coffee on my lap. The rich aroma of the coffee was invigorating. After a quick sip, I bit into a warm croissant and practically melted. There is a heaven – I'd discovered it in Aiden's bed. Thick, soft chocolate oozed into my mouth, nearly wiping away my grasp of English. Nearly.

"I'd guess that we have about twenty minutes before the calls start coming in. I sent Chris a message about us; I picked him because he checks his email at the same time every day and I wanted us to have breakfast in peace before they bombarded us with their chaos. But once he tells Mike we're screwed."

"You sent Chris a message? What did it say?"

"Only the important bit: 'He said yes'."

The phone rang as I finished off the first croissant. Aiden put it on speaker, only to find out Mike had set up a three way call and everyone was shouting at once. Good shouting, though.

Gwen was crying again, I could just make that out above Mike's constant insistence on details. Greg applauded Aiden picking out a ring himself, then got cut off by Gwen demanding pictures when she heard her son had worn a shirt. She started crying again when she heard there were none – but her tears could just as easily have been for the joy she heard in my voice as I described the ring to them.

Out of nowhere, Chris started unfolding the plans he'd drawn up to revamp Aiden's office and library into one large double office for us both to work in. The people I was accustomed to give blenders as wedding gifts, not renovations, so I was staggered by the gesture. I loved the ideas he was sharing, though, but didn't get to tell him that; Aiden was still being drilled about our picnic on the beach. Half an hour later, Mike concluded the call by telling us our news made her happier than the time she'd punched Carolynn.

Once we'd ended the call, I turned to find Aiden shedding his trackpants and vest like it was no big deal. The sight of him naked still made my heart pound tremendously. I had the sudden suspicion I'd never get over how beautiful he was. And I'd never grow tired of the way he looked at me. I stood and undressed, watching the heat in his eyes intensify.

I led him to his oversized shower, immediately grateful for the extra room. Last night I'd teased him about the orgies he must have had in it, but this morning his huge frame made it look small enough to almost appear normal. We soaped each other, more dedicated to stroking each other than actually keeping track of how clean we were getting.

When Aiden pressed me against the warm tiles and took my dick in his mouth, I lost it. I pushed my hips at him and buried myself as far as I could go. The way he just submitted to whatever gave me pleasure in moments like these, was the tripping factor for me. Looking down at him; knowing he had the strength to do what he wished with me; and yet seeing his willingness to fulfill my demands drove me insane. I thrust at his mouth all through my orgasm, grateful for his support when my knees started buckling.

I switched positions with him so I could taste him too. I still took some adjusting to accommodate his length, but I was determined to take him into my throat. There was something about my man that I simply could not get enough of. I wanted him inside me nearly as much as I wanted to consume him. I wanted us to always be one.

The water had turned my skin rosy by the time we left the shower. I think it was me bending over to pull a t-shirt out of my still-packed bags that broke Aiden's flimsy willpower. The next thing I knew, we were on the bed again, kissing and tossing our towels to the floor.

Aiden towered over me, gently nudging my legs apart. I think I might've winced when he entered me, because he immediately slowed down. That made the torture so much worse. I felt every ridge and veined inch of him as he slid into me. The brilliant advantage, though, was that I also got to watch his every reaction to the sensations he felt inside me.

This time our lovemaking was far more tender than it had been all last night. Partly because I was a little sore, sure, but also because I could feel our mutual desire to connect. Seeing each other and simply opening up our hearts. Aiden reached down to stroke me when my breath started quickening, but he was too late. I was already coming. I was softly crying out his name and spurting on both our chests. When he came inside me, he told me he loved me. Again and again.

Tannie Emma called while we were preparing lunch. I knew because I couldn't understand a word Aiden said after 'hello'. He touched me every few minutes which, of course, meant our sandwiches would take twice as long to make. I tried to deter him by glowering but he ignored me, laughing with Tannie Em and pulling ingredients out of cupboards and the refrigerator.

"How do you speak Afrikaans so well?" I asked once he'd hung up. "Your family isn't Afrikaans."

"No, we aren't. And I'm the only one who speaks it fluently, thanks to Tannie Em. Give her a year or two and you'll be as clued up as I am. It's the only language she's ever spoken with me. And she made me read a lot of Afrikaans – poetry mostly because she and her husband love it so much. I soon found that I liked it too and started buying some of the works I enjoyed most."

"Like what? Which is your favourite?"

He thought for a moment, "There is a new writer I recently stumbled upon. I'm drawn to one particular poem of hers, especially the last verse."

"I'd love to hear it," I said sincerely.

In the breath before he began I was struck by the knowledge that something within him was shifting, some emotion, a realisation that he had a new understanding of every word he was about to share. I could see that he meant what he was about to say. It was an exhilarating awareness.

"Ek weet die belofte in jou oë

is 'n stilte waarin ek kan glo.

Byt my, soen my; ek benodig dit

as bewys van sugte, smag en begeertes.

Fluister my naam en ek sal ingee.

Vir ewig. Want ek ken jou. En ek ken liefde."

His green gaze had held mine the entire time.

"That was beautiful," I whispered.

"You didn't understand a word, did you?"

"Nope," I grinned and he laughed. "No, that's not true. I did grasp the very end: 'I know love'. The rest I understood through the emotion in your tone, that's what made it beautiful."

He wiped his hands before wrapping his arms around me, "I'll teach you the rest of it sometime, if you'd like."

"Promise?"

"Sure."

*

"I'm actually very excited about getting back to work."

It was about a week later and we were in the kitchen and Aiden was preparing way too much food. I was telling him about an offer I'd received three weeks ago, an offer I'd been in no frame of mind to consider at the time. A major movie production house had approached me about creating online production studios on my site, studios I could 'rent out' so that people on the same venture could complete many of their project requirements wherever they were. It's silly but, more than the money, I was thrilled by the news that my platforms would be credited on the movies as 'virtual studios'.

"So that's what you've been so secretive about these last few days," he said as he laid large prawns out on a giant platter of salad and vegetables.

"I haven't been secretive, just busy. Because I've also finally figured out what I want to do with my money – well, some of it. I'm gonna help schools. Jordan's a teacher – I'm assured that his classroom is the only place he speaks in full sentences," I quickly added when Aiden cocked a brow at me. "Anyway, he'd mentioned that the high school's computer lab was far from sufficient for the pupils' needs. I know computers. And I'll never forget how having that world to escape to, had helped me as a kid. So I want to build Jordan's school a decent computer lab. Other schools too... Why on earth are you making so much food?

"I love your ideas, babe," Aiden fed me a prawn, ignoring my question.

The doorbell rang before I could ask it again.

"You might wanna get that," he suggested.

My jaw nearly dropped when I opened the door, "Sam? Aren't you supposed to be in Cape Town? You're really sucking at acting like you live there. How did you get here?"

"Flew in with us, of course," Greg replied from behind Sam. "Now give me a hug before Gwen gets you all wet – something tells me she's going to be crying on you two for the rest of the day."

Gwen appeared at the mention of her name, hugging me at the same time as Greg and Sam – and crying on all of us. Mike, Chris and the kids handed me a lopsided chocolate cake, hugged me and snapped pictures – all at the same time. I craned my neck and yelled for Aiden to come field some of the hugs. He approached moments later and plucked Melanie off my neck.

Kyle, who warmed up to me a little more every time I saw him, was attached to my waist and asking if Aiden and I were truly set on getting married in tuxedos or suits, because he'd seen some awesome t-shirts at one of his favourite stores. I turned to Chris for help. Chris grinned, hugged me, and carried on walking. Just when I thought there could be no more surprises, Dan, Peter and Justin entered.

"I hope you're okay with surprises," Aiden murmured beside me once everyone was inside. "More specifically, a surprise engagement party."

I felt my eyes prickle and could only nod in response.

"Baby, what wrong?" he turned me to face him, noting the stupid tears threatening to fall.

I had to clear my throat so I could speak, "I think this is the first time I've ever known enough people to throw a party. It's a silly thing to get emotional about – but it's a big deal to me. I've never..."

He pulled me close, "It's not silly."

After a quick kiss we turned to find Gwen snapping pictures. My cheeks burned. Instead of having mercy on me, she squealed with joy – and took more pictures. I turned to shut the door and hid behind Aiden at the same time. Aiden laughed and protected me from the flashing camera until we heard something thud against the door seconds after I'd closed it.

"What was that?" Gwen finally lowered the camera.

"Ethan locked out our token straight guy," Dan answered from the dining area.

Aiden curiously opened the door again, to find Jordan carrying an enormous crate of wine, champagne and beer. Aiden laughed incredulously and I couldn't help but join in.

"A hand, please," Jordan pleaded from beyond the crate.

"Bloody hell, where did all that come from?" Karin called from her seat near the oversized windows.

"'Mackin' Jordan'," Jordan replied breathlessly once Aiden had relieved him of the crate. "When they started the last round-"

"-this shyster decides he wants to play along, claiming-"

"-it was just unfair that they got to win drinks at my expense, but I never got a chance. So-"

"-he demands a shot at 'Mackin' Jordan'. And-"

"-won! I actually won! But there was no way I was going to settle for a few beers on the guys. Instead-"

"-he demands the motherload. Expensive wines and champagne. The only reason we gave in was finding out he wanted bring them here," Justin grumbled at the end.

"What's a shyster?" Kyle asked.

"Nothing you need concern yourself with," Chris answered.

"But you're supposed to teach me and Melon stuff – it's your job, dad."

"And I will. Other stuff. So ask me other questions."

"Okey-dokey," Melanie piped up. "What's a 'token straight guy'?"

*

It took some time to finally get Aiden alone.

The first time I tried, his granddad was proposing a wedding on the beach and reception at the guesthouse. I liked his recommendations so much I forgot to snatch Aiden away. Next thing I knew, Kyle was feeding a prawn, pear and cake sandwich to him to prove to his sister that it was, in fact, gross.

The second time I tried, I found him in a quiet but serious conversation in the kitchen – with Sam. Something about their body language made me hesitate to interrupt. Just as I was wondering whether I should get someone to help me in case Aiden would need to be subdued, he suddenly smiled and stuck his hand out. Sam paused a beat, but shook it with a slightly bleak smile of his own. I couldn't help but wonder what that was about.

After lunch, I was alone in the kitchen, unsuccessful plotting a plan to kidnap Aiden. One that would probably have to involve a disguise, a helicopter and a highly trained squad of professional stuntmen. Catching him alone was so damn difficult.

That's how Sam found me, pacing in circles and wasting time.

"Ethan? What in heaven's name is the matter with you?"

I froze, "You called me by my name. You never call me by my name. I know 'cause I've been trying to get you to do it for years now. What happened? What's changed?"

He scratched at his neck, giving me a sheepish grin, "Aiden. He, uh, made it clear that petnames are officially a no-go area for me where you're concerned."

"Oh, for crying out loud," I blushed at my fiancé's possessive behaviour. "I'm so sorry about that, Sam. He has this stupid theory that you're in love with me and he needs to 'mark his territory'. I'll talk to him about it. Again."

I gave an exaggerated laugh, hoping Sam would join in and brush off Aiden's embarrassing claims, hoping Sam would help me alleviate any awkwardness Aiden might've initiated. Hoping Sam would, at least, meet my eyes.

"Sam?"

"You know, it was the same year Red tried to tell you he liked you that I knew you'd never figure it out," he finally looked straight at me and the heat in his eyes snatched my breath away. "You'd been through so much hardship that you didn't know how to recognise love anymore, even when it was right beside you, year after year."

"But... you're my friend. My best friend." How had I never seen this before? And how had Aiden spotted it so fast?

"I know, Ethan. That's all I've ever been. I realised it when I realised that you treated me the same way you treated Red, friendly but platonic. I knew you'd never shared my feelings – and never would. So I chose to cherish our friendship, instead of ruining everything with my... emotions and... desires. Shit, this is weird, isn't?"

I blinked a couple times, "A little. Especially with you cursing more... I don't know what to say."

"Just don't go on about how much you value me as a friend."

"But I do, Sam."

He grimaced, "I know you do, but right now that really sounds like the consolation prize that gets slapped on the loser to keep him from going home empty-handed. We'll always be friends, we've gone through too much together for this not to work. I'll just need some time to adjust, I guess. Aiden's perfect for you."

"He wasn't... He didn't, uh, threaten you or anything, did he?"

Sam gave a low chuckle, "In fact, he did. But not in the way you think. He just pulled me aside to tell he had my number and order me to stop any flirtation. He called it 'funny business'. Then he made me promise not to stay away just because he knew how I felt; threatened to hunt me down if I did. He doesn't want anything to mess up our ten-year friendship. You're lucky to have him, you know."

"I know."

"I hate to admit it, but it's true. He lights something up within you. I've never seen you this... whole in all the time I've known you. I told you someone as wonderful as you would end up with a knight in a Merc and a guesthouse on a hill."

I laughed at that, thankful for the ever-so-slight ease that I felt flowing back into our bond.

"There you are," Aiden appeared, carrying a few empty platters. He dumped them in the sink and tugged me towards the back door. He turned just before we exited, "Hey, Sam! Justin's been grumbling about doing horrendously in his chess match against my dad ever since his 'lucky charm' left the room."