Making It Work Ch. 08

I smelled his cologne before my body was pressed into his own. My entire body begins to shake when his large hand claims the small of my back. My head is against his defined chin as we slowly dance. I was not ready for this.

David: "I'm glad to see that you came home."

Ananda: "Yeah. You know, I got you a souvenir. I'll get it to you before you leave."

I attempt to pull away from him, trying to downplay our reunion, but David wouldn't allow me to.

David: "We need to talk."

Ananda: "I—"

He doesn't give me the option of refusing him. He clasps my hand and pulls me out of the reception hall into the corridor to speak. I noticed his girlfriend watching us. There's a hurt expression on her face that I can't shake and I'm instantly burdened with guilt. What am I going to do?

Ananda: "David, I don't think that now is a very good time."

David: "Tell me when and we can reschedule it."

He's waiting expectantly for an answer; I can only stare at him with a gaping mouth. This David standing before me is different. He's more aggressive and more honest with himself and his emotions. It would be a turn on if my throat didn't feel as if I'd swallowed a wad of cotton.

Ananda: "I don't know."

David: "I don't think that I can accept that. I was surprised that you even came back home. The last I heard you were contemplating an extension of your stay. So, stop running from me and let's talk about us."

Ananda: "About what?"

David: "Our last conversation."

Ananda: [breathlessly] "Oh."

David: "I'm not upset with you for hanging up on me. I just need you to tell me what I did wrong to push you away. How did I confuse you, Ana? Why did you call?"

Ananda: "Wow, you're not wasting any time, are you? Fine, you want to be brutally honest, let's be honest."

David: "Okay."

Ananda: "That night when I called you I had decided that, if you were willing and would allow me to come and see you that I would because I missed you." My throat tightens up on me and I can barely get the words out, but it's too late to go back now. "But then I came back to my senses when your girlfriend answered and realized what a huge mistake I was making."

David: "What? What are you talking about?"

Ananda: "Please, don't act like you have no idea—"

David: "Baby—"

Ananda: "Don't call me baby. I'm not your baby!"

David: [grabs her hand when she tries to leave] "Yes, you are because Leleti and I are and never were dating. She's just a friend."

Ananda: "Huh?"

David: "Yes, she has feelings for you, but I told her from the very start that I can't have feelings for her because I still love you. I'm never going to stop, Ana."

Ananda: "No..."

David: "Ana, baby, I love you. I miss you and I need you."

Ananda: "Where is all of this coming from, David?"

David: "My heart."

Ananda: "Oh dear."

I need to sit down. My legs feel weak. This is what I've been dying to hear since forever and now that I have what I want, I'm stunned. I never expected David to be so forthcoming with his feelings. My mind is telling me this could possibly be a trick. My heart is telling me to be on guard, but when I look into his slanted, light brown eyes I recognize the truth. He's vulnerable and waiting on me to either accept or reject his confession.

David: "I kept my distance because I was stupid and I thought that it was what we needed. I forced myself to believe that it was what I needed. But what I really need is to have you in my life. Ana, I haven't stopped thinking about you or dreaming about you since the day I left. I swear that I can feel you touch me when I'm alone at night and I can smell you. You were everywhere just driving me insane. But when I saw that you were dating Murphy I told myself that it was for the best, but I hated his guts, Ana and I'm sorry. I wanted you to move on, but I didn't want you to be with him. I knew that I didn't have the right to be selfish so I left you alone. But I've never dated one woman or even looked at anyone in a romantic manner because all I could do was compare them to you, and they never passed the test."

I stepped forward to him and David steps back shaking his head.

Ananda: "Was that so difficult for you to admit? You dragged this on for how many years now?"

David: "It is difficult. Ana, you know how I am. I don't like being open especially with about my feelings, but you just see right through me. You always have. I don't want us to extend this fiasco. You're home right now and you belong in my arms, not Murphy's. Do you love him?"

Ananda: [shakes head] "Murphy and I broke up because he realized that I never stopped loving you, David. But do you expect me to just run into your arms and tell you that I've missed you and that we'll just pick back up from where we left off? You think that I'll let you kiss me and pretend that you didn't just run across the country to get away from me? That shit hurt, David."

David: "I know. I hurt you and because of my stupidity I also hurt myself. I'm sorry. Even though I want to kiss you right now because you look so damn beautiful especially with your new haircut, I won't touch you unless you give me permission. I don't expect you to run into my arms like some damsel in distress, we can start over or do whatever you want. I'm not going to pressure you about anything. From the very beginning you've been following my lead and now it's time for me to follow yours. When you're ready, I know that you'll let me know."

I didn't think that he would say that to me. I feel torn. Here is the man I love opening his heart to me and all I want to do is exactly what I said I wouldn't. I want to jump into his arms and plant kisses all over him. I shamelessly want to make love to him to satisfy the aching in my core that hasn't receded since his departure. But my brain is telling me to make him wait. Truth is, I've already forgiven him. My vacation in Europe saw to that. I successfully got rid of any residual anger and hurt inside of me. Now, I just want my man back.

We can't pretend as if nothing has happened, however we can at least learn from the past and move on from there. Even still, we're faced with another issue: the long distance. What are we supposed to do about that?

David: "Ana?"

Ananda: "Let's go back inside of the reception before everyone starts to wonder where we went off to."

David: "Okay."

I watched him stuff his big hands into his pockets after pushing his hair out of his face. Damn he looks so sexy. I couldn't help myself. I lean in, my greedy right hand cupping the back of his head as I lift on tiptoes to kiss him. His lips feel so damn soft. I can't stop myself from seeking another and another as my fingers lace into his thick, silky locks. I can feel the tears running down my cheeks as relief washes over me. My world is going to be all right again. We'll definitely need to work towards not making the same mistakes as we did in the beginning, but everything is all right.

David: "Thank you, Ana, for forgiving me."

Ananda: "I did a long time ago. You know that I could never stay upset with you."

I can tell that he wants to kiss me again from the way his eyes keep fleeting down to my mouth and I kiss him softly. He holds me tightly in his strong, muscular arms and I feel whole again.

Ananda: "I never did tell you how much I like your new look, but you have to put some weight back on. You do look like a skeleton. A well-toned, chiseled skeleton."

*********

Her soft hand touches my hard cheek and I sigh. I'm complete again now that Ana is back in my life. How could I have ever tried denying how much I love this woman? I'm an idiot. I never expected her to forgive me so quickly. Although we just kissed, I know not to anticipate too much from her at the moment. She still hasn't made the boundaries of our relationship known. I told her that I wouldn't pressure her and I won't. I'll take what I can get until she's ready for more.

I'm still reeling from the fact that she's back. Just when I was about to be disheartened, I watched her strut into the room in that gorgeous red dress and my heart stopped. I felt relieve, joy, nervousness, and a great sense of peace in spite of my inner turmoil. I knew that she was trying to avoid me. At first I gave her her space, but I figured that she could go all night. I decided to nip it in the butt and be proactive. I'm happy that I was.

Laying my feelings out on the table has been an amazing experience and I'm kicking myself for not doing so sooner. I'll be more honest and forward with everything from now on. I want this woman in my life until the end of our days.

Ananda: "Your hair has gotten so long. It's really sexy. It makes you look edgy."

David: "Really? I was toying with the idea of cutting it."

Ananda: "I think you should leave it. I like the way it feels between my fingers."

David: [blushes] "Your cut makes you look like a vixen. You're so beautiful." I take her hand and we walk back into the party straight for the dance floor. I held her warm body close and swayed with her every so often I kiss her temple and we continued that way until Jason and the others interrupted our quiet time. We all talked about her trip and watch as she scurries out of the room then returns with presents that she happily hands out to each of us. I'm shocked that she even had one for Leti.

Their official introduction was awkward. Both women stared at each other, but Cleo and Michelle dissipated the tension. Cleo, well, she took superbly to Barrett and kept him on his toes. I caught them kissing a few times when they thought no one was looking. I'm happy for Barrett. Tommy took Jason's advice and talked to Cleo about her sister. He's supposed to be accompanying her to Philadelphia to meet Nefertiti. He's uncertain, but we gave him a pep talk to boost his confidence. Every once in a while we catch him looking off in Leleti's direction.

His expression wasn't one of longing, but of sympathy. From time to time I felt her eyes on me, nevertheless I was a great host. I kept her and Cleo entertained as I should while giving them time on their own to make a few friends and have a little freedom. The party ends well and we stay behind to clean up then head for a Waffle House to have a late night meal. Afterwards we all either section off or go home. Mike left with a cheerleader he used to woo back in college, Harry goes home to his mystery woman, Michelle and Jason quickly leave for a late night romp, Barrett and Cleo take off on their own, Tommy ushers Leti off and promises to get her back to my apartment safely, and I take Ana to Finley Park to sit by the small waterfall and gaze at the stars.

Ananda: "So, when are you returning to Washington?"

David: "In two weeks."

Ananda: "Oh. Will you take me home, please?"

David: "All right."

I don't question the reason she wants to leave, I assume that it's due to her previous inquiry. I take her home and walk her to her door watching as she opens the apartment and looks back at me.

David: "Good night."

Ananda: "No."

She grabs me by the tie and gently pulls me towards her. I try to give her a chaste kiss and leave, but she tugs harder until I'm inside of her apartment. I watch her with hungry eyes as she pushes the door shut then locks it. She steps out of her heels and slowly disrobes before me. I sharply inhale as her full breasts are bared to me. The slinky dress hugs her hips. I lick my lips as she pulls it down and let it fall in a puddle around her feet.

David: "Ana, we don't have to do anything tonight. I don't want you to think that I just want sex from you."

Ananda: Well, I do want sex from you. What's a gal to do?"

I can feel a smile forming on my lips as her naked body presses into me. I groan with longing when she thrusts her hips into me. I gently place my hand on her waist and look into her big brown eyes.

David: "Are you sure about this?"

Ananda: "You don't want me?"

David: "Hell yea, I want you, but we don't have to do this tonight. There's no rush." [groans]

She squeezes my cock and I forget my own name. It's been so long since I've been with a woman. So long since I've touched Ana and felt her body so close to mine. She kisses me and that's all the confirmation I need as I grab her, unintentionally rough, and carry her off into her bedroom. I place her softly on the bed and start to undress as my eyes roam over her body. She's restlessly touching her body in anticipation. I'll blow prematurely if she doesn't stop.

Finally naked, I cover her body with my own, the heat of our flesh meeting makes my erection drip with pre-cum. I want to make love to her, but I know I won't last too long. I set out to pleasure her, tracing my lips over every single inch of her body, pausing when the anticipation becomes too much for me. I turn Ana over on her stomach and gently bite her shoulder. Her whimpers sound beautiful. Using my hand, I lay it flat against her smooth stomach and lift her hips before tasting her sweet pussy.

I forgot how addictive Ana could be. I hold her hips in place as she frantically bucks against my face. I stop briefly to lap up her streaming juices flowing down the inside of her thighs then I take up where I left off. I hear her scream my name and feel her body shake as her orgasm washes over her. She collapses on her mattress, barely able to breathe and I continue my assault, rolling her over onto her back and spreading her legs as I lock my arms around her waist and dive back in while inserting two thick fingers inside of her.

Ananda: "Fuck, David, why?"

I nearly laugh when she sounds so genuinely confused. What does she mean by why? I 'come hither' inside of her with my fingers until she's exploding once more. I suck off my fingers and climb back up her body to kiss her. Her arms encircle my neck as she holds me tightly against her.

David: "Baby, it's okay. I'm not going anywhere."

I gently push inside of her and her clenching walls hug me like a tightly balled fist. Her sex is so hot, so tight, so wet...I'm not going to last too long. I give her several long, steady strokes before the urge for release tingles in my balls. I turn her back over onto her stomach and squeeze my hand between her supple body and the mattress to massage her clitoris as I assault her from behind.

Ananda: "David, I'm coming."

David: "Come on, baby, come for me."

She screams my name again and burst into tears as I pull out and release my load on her back. I ignore the mess of our bodily fluids and hold her close as we slip into slumber. I sleep angelically for the first time since my move to Washington. Having the real Ananda beside me is much better than conjuring her up in a dream. The next morning I awaken peacefully. I peel our bodies apart and go to the bathroom to retrieve a warm soapy rag to clean us both up.

I pull her into my arms kissing along her neck and slowly stirring her awake to make love. This time I last much longer than last night. I smile when she runs her fingers through my hair. She wasn't lying when she told me how much she liked it. She tugged on it incessantly, and although it hurt, I enjoyed it. I think I'll keep it long just for her.

*********

Ananda: "Good morning."

David: "Now you tell me good morning?"

Ananda: [smiles then kisses him] "It's your fault. So, do you want to have breakfast with me?"

David: [looks at alarm clock] "Sorry, I should be heading back to Leleti and Cleo. I don't want to be a bad host."

Ananda: "Okay."

I'm going to admit that I'm disappointed. Somewhere along the way I completely forget about Leleti's existence. I'm still high off of the incredible sex David and I just shared the prior night and this morning. Now I feel slightly guilty as I recall the look of longing in Leleti's eyes as she watched David and I walk off together. I shake it off and exit the bed in order to take a shower. David grabs my hand and pulls me back to him.

David: "Don't be upset. You know that I would stay with you if I could."

Ananda: "I know. I'm not blaming you. Let's take a shower before you go."




We take a nice shower together and I wave goodbye, hiding my disappointment. I allow myself to finally recuperate from my long flight and last night's dinner. I reawaken around five in the evening to a message from David: "You. Me. Dinner. Tonight." My smile is unending as I reply with a simple "all right." Since he leaves in two weeks, I'm not going to waste a single minute that I could be spending with David. We'll take it slow, but definitely not too slow.