Mei Valentine

The week seemed to go slower than I wanted it to. At the end of the week Ted packed his belongings and left quietly without any formal farewell to us. Word of his removal had been distributed by way of a notice posted on the bulletin board announcing the posting of a new supervisor to our office. The mood and morale immediately soared afterward, with smiles all around. There wasn't a single word spoken about having a party to see Ted off with best wishes.

Apparently, no one was aware of the allegations that I had something to do with his departure and that was fine with me. I couldn't wait to see Ruf. I would call him as soon as I got home from work. Gloria and I walked to our cars talking about Ted and his departure openly. I could tell something else was on her mind as she stopped and looked at me.

"Val, I have to tell you something. I talked with Ruf and told him a little more about your situation after you found out about the private investigator. I know Ruf wouldn't want to reveal my involvement unless he asked me first, so I'm telling you now. I hope you'll forgive me for not telling you sooner. But, I had my reasons. Foremost is the fact I didn't want you to have to lie to Ted if he asked you about what happened. You should know Ruf was very determined to protect not only you, but the rest of us from Ted's abuses after we talked. His working for the Agricultural Department meant he knew the rules well enough to know how to intervene without raising too many hackles. I think we can all be thankful for that."

I drove home afterward troubled and elated at the same time. How could Ted had been allowed to abuse so many of us over the years and not be stopped before it involved me? It seemed incredible that it had taken someone from outside of our own department to remedy the situation. At the same time, it was Ruf, my friend and protector who had done it without putting me in harm's way—how could I not be impressed with his goodness.

I got home, called Ruf, and we talked for a few minutes before he suggested we go to dinner together before we went to the library. Our time at the restaurant was better than ever before as now the threats of the past had vanished. I thanked him for all he had done for me and my colleagues. He was quiet afterward, saying only he had done what needed to be done. I didn't push further as I knew what kind of man he was—he was a good, honest man, a man I trusted. A man who helped a damsel in distress without expecting a reward other than knowing he had done the right thing.

Ruf and I had our book dates each Friday night for the next month, our time together had remained purely platonic and comfortable, though my feelings for him had started to change. Then, just before the fourth of July I noticed he seemed sullen. I had never seen him so down, so dispirited and melancholy. When we sat down to our milk and cookies I finally decided to ask what was wrong.

"Ruf, I don't mean to pry, but you're been really quiet the past two weeks, especially tonight. Is there anything I can do to help you feel better?"

"Val, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ruin our evening together," he replied apologetically.

"You haven't ruined anything, even a poor evening with you is better than most dates I've ever had. I just want to make you feel better if I can."

"Thanks, I appreciate that."

I looked at him with a smile, hoping to lighten the mood a little, "I can help you with anything other than kinky, secret sex," as I placed my hand on his arm and rubbed it and felt a tingle of excitement.

"Shoot! That's exactly what I was hoping for," as a grin crossed his face. Then he sat silent, finally he looked at me, "Val, my girlfriend sent me a letter saying she's engaged to be married."

"Ruf, I'm so sorry. Dawn told me months ago you were waiting to see if she would change her mind," I replied trying to sound sympathetic, knowing I really wasn't. I had already replaced the batteries in my vibrator three times after our book dates were over, so I could get restful sleep. Now, perhaps there was a chance I wouldn't need to use it solo much longer. My libido had slowly returned after Ted was removed from the office. My temperament and outlook on life had improved as well—a sign the stress he had caused had affected me in multiple ways.

I could see the pain on his face as he spoke, "Don't' be Val, I knew this was coming as when I suggested a few weeks ago I could visit she told me it wasn't a good time. I just didn't want to accept it was over and now, well..."

"Now you know it is and can move on. You know we all have to do that. Look how long it's taken me to shake off Craig. But I did it, and you can do it too. It just takes some time, but it will happen."

That night I went to bed after Ruf left and wondered if it would change things between us. Now he would be free to meet other women and I knew that wouldn't be hard for him to do. I had been a placeholder, someone safe for him to be with and not be lonely—just as he had been for me. That night I woke, my dream so vivid it felt real—I had felt his warmth beside me, his wonderful soft eyes looking into mine as we lay naked after Ruf had done wonderful things to me. It had been a dream, a wonderful dream.

The next day, Ruf called me after I got home from work and told me his parents were coming to visit Larry and Dawn over the Fourth of July. He wanted to know if I wanted to join him for the day—it didn't take about four milliseconds for me to say yes. I hung up my phone feeling as if his invitation had signaled a change. Then, I realized perhaps I was being a little too eager in thinking a girl like me would be good enough for a good looking man like him. Book dates were one thing, a real date was another thing altogether. But would this be considered a real date? After all, I knew Larry and Dawn as friends and he was family—we were just going together.

Two days later Ruf picked me up and we went to Larry and Dawn's farm. I hadn't visited in about six months. The last time was when I dropped some stuff off for Dawn for a mutual friend. I had never met Larry's parents as strange as that seems, even though they lived but five miles away from my parents' house. After Larry graduated high school his parents had moved to another farm fifteen miles away that had been left to his mother by her relatives. That left Larry to run the family farm after he and Dawn married a few months later.

Ruf picked me up at ten o'clock on a sunny, crisp morning, the blue sky peppered with fluffy white clouds. When Ruf and I walked into the backyard I was surprised to learn Ruf's parents were attending the celebration as well. Then I remembered, Ruf had said they might elect to come if their plans changed with his brother's family out of state.

We were greeted warmly with waves as we walked into the backyard to the large picnic table. Once there, Ruf walked to a stocky dark-haired woman and hugged her, then shook hands with a taller, lanky, slightly balding man. He turned to them with a smile as he took my arm gently, "I would like you to meet Mei Valentine, but she goes by Val."

His mother's expression was puzzled as she extended her hand to mine with a smile, "Pleased to meet you, I've always liked the name Valerie."

"No, Mom, it's not Valerie, its Val, just a nickname," Ruf explained.

"Then why did you call her your valentine? Why call her Val when it's just as easy to call her Valerie?"

"No, Mom, she's not my valentine, she's Mei Valentine, and Val is her nickname to avoid confusion. I can't call her Valerie because that's not her name."

"Rufus, you're not making any sense at all," his mother persisted.

I was amused and decided not to offer my standard explanation right away. I wanted to see how Ruf handled this as it was the first time he had ever introduced me to someone.

"Mom, it's simple, she's Mei Valentine and we call her Val."

"Rufus, I'm beginning to think you've been standing out in the hot sun far too long. It's not anywhere close to Valentine's Day, so it doesn't make any sense to say she's your valentine."

I was ready to jump in, but then saw the amused expressions on Larry's and Dawn's faces and the others standing nearby. I decided to give him one more chance to explain. I watched as Ruf took a deep breath.

"Okay, one last time, Val is Mei Valentine, her name is not Valerie. We call her Val to avoid confusion with her given name."

I could see Mrs. Goodfellow was still confused and I understood why, his father stood with a smile on his face not saying a word. There was no way for me to know if Mr. Goodfellow understood Ruf, or not. I watched as Mrs. Goodfellow touched her son's arm gently.

"Now Rufus, I understand why you would like Valerie to be your Valentine, she's a very pretty girl. But it would be less confusing if you didn't call her Val."

I watched as Ruf rolled his eyes with exasperation. It was time for me to step in as put my arm into Ruf's arm with a smile.

"Mrs. Goodfellow, my parent's named me Mei, spelled M-E-I, pronounced 'my'. So, my given name is Mei Valentine, so to avoid confusion everyone calls me Val."

"Thank you, Val, now that makes perfect sense."

Then she looked at Ruf with a frown, "Rufus, all you had to do was explain it in plain words. Isn't that right Dad?" As she turned to her husband.

"Yep, makes perfect sense to me," he smiled and added, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Val."

I looked at Ruf with a broad smile as we walked arm in arm towards another table to get ourselves a drink. I couldn't help but tease him a little, "You know if you introduce me that way a few more times they're going to think you're a complete doofus."

"Sorry, Val, I guess I didn't handle that too well. I have admit I've a much better appreciation for what you go through now than I did before, at least when it comes to making introductions."

"So, am I still worth having around?" I asked, giving him my sexy eyes.

He laughed, "Val, why do you do this to me? You know I get all wrapped up when you look at me that way."

"Because, I like to see how you react."

"Maybe I'll react in a way you don't expect and it'll embarrass you if someone saw it."

I looked at him with an expression that almost dared him, "You wouldn't do something like that in front of your parents and friends. I know you well enough to know your limits."

I smiled sweetly as I turned away with a smug expression on my face knowing I had read him correctly. I had taken one step when I felt him pinch my ass! I turned to him in startled surprise, "Rufus!"

"Yes," he replied as if he had done nothing at all out of the ordinary, a huge grin showing on his face.

"Why did you do that to me?" I tried not to laugh, but failed.

"Because, I wanted to see how you would react."

I looked at him not believing what he had just said, then realized he had simply turned the tables on me. I couldn't help myself, I had to laugh again. "Don't you dare do that again, Rufus Goodfellow!"

He took my hand and we walked to a table to sit down with Larry and Dawn. This was the first indication our relationship had taken a turn away from pure friendship towards something different and I couldn't help but feel good about it. That night after dark as the fireworks were lit we sat together on a blanket on the lawn next to one another shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand at times. It was simple affection and I was surprised at how hungry I was for it. My body registered its warm approval as if humming a happy tune.

The Thanksgiving holiday arrived and I invited Rufus to our family gathering, introducing him for the first time to my parents and my older brother and sister and their families. Things had progressed slowly between the two of us, I was still a little leery of another strong relationship and I was convinced Ruf was too. What became evident at the dinner that day was how well he fit into my family with his good manners and friendly disposition, especially with my young nieces and nephews. It left no doubt in my mind he liked children and on the way home I asked him again about his thoughts on marriage and children. His response was no different than when we had discussed the topics before—I wasn't sure why I needed to hear it again...but well...I did.

Christmas and New Year's came and went, this time we shared Christmas with both our families on different days, and New Year's Eve with Larry and Dawn. It was on New Year's Eve we shared our first passionate kiss under the mistletoe left over from Christmas. It was only the two of us in the room at the time and Ruf had maneuvered me into place under the sprig. I had pretended not to notice—I was surprised he couldn't hear how hard my heart was beating in expectation of a quick kiss.

I had given Ruf numerous kisses on the cheek over the last few months as thanks for small gifts, or simply to show him affection. But this time, it was different as I stood looking into his eyes with a thin smile. His eyes were softer and had this aura to them I hadn't seen before—in the blink of an eye I knew I wanted, needed, his lips planted firmly onto mine.

I closed my eyes as I tilted my head towards his, then felt his arms come to hold me close, his aftershave filling my nostrils with his manly odor as we closed the distance. The contact as our lips met sent a rush of warmth as my heart sped up, I pushed my lips firmly onto his as the seconds passed, as his moist lips left mine I was overwhelmed with emotion—the release and joy I felt was beyond belief as I opened my eyes and saw his smile. His arms were still around me as I lay my head onto his shoulder and placed my hands on his waist as I heard Dawn's voice.

"You know, maybe it's time both of you head for home as it looks like the two of you could use some alone time together."

I looked at Ruf as I stepped back seeing a grin as he replied to her, "I don't have any mistletoe at my apartment. That's why I brought Val here."

Larry walked in and stood next to Dawn, putting his arm around her waist. "I can take the mistletoe down and you can take it with you," he laughed, "I don't need it for Dawn, she's already hot to trot."

I watched in amusement as Dawn swatted him on the arm as she pulled back from him with a laugh, "Larry!"

That was my cue to speak as I placed my arm into Ruf's, "That's okay, I don't need it, I'll get Ruf in the mood when he gets me home. I think we need to practice anyway, I'm a little rusty on the kissing stuff."

Ruf looked at me, "Do we have to wait until then?"

It was almost two in the morning when we walked into my apartment and sat down. We were both very tired, but that didn't stop us from engaging in a bout of very active, passionate kissing and caressing for about half an hour. I was so tired, I just lay in his arms at the end, enjoying being held close. I suggested he should stay, but he smiled and replied neither one of us would get as much sleep as we needed if he did. I knew he was right and before he left I told him I would call him as soon as I got up. We shared a final kiss and I watched through tired eyes as his car pulled away. I took off my clothes and fell fast asleep almost as soon as I slipped under the sheets. I was so happy.

The next morning, I was up at a quarter after eight, took a shower, dressed quickly, and reached for my cell phone. It was then I noticed a text message that made my heart soar, it read simply—I miss you already. It was sent at twelve minutes after two. I called his number and heard his voice as he picked up.

"Hi, sorry I pooped out on you last night, but you know I'm not a night owl."

"Ruf, I was dead tired, you know I'm not used to being up that late either. I guess we're both duds when it comes to staying up until the wee hours of the morning."

"Val, I can be over in about ten minutes. Let's go out for breakfast and then decide what we want to do for the rest of the day. I want to spend all of it with you."

We went to breakfast, then went back to his apartment where we sat down and started to kiss. Then...well...it kind of evolved into laying down together to kiss, hug, and talk quietly, then kiss some more. After about an hour we went out to do some routine shopping together for groceries and a few household items. I know it doesn't sound exactly romantic, but it was. Making decisions together and enjoying our newfound freedom to give affection to each other as a couple made it wonderful.

That afternoon we started kissing and after a while our passion led us to the bedroom where we slowly undressed one another down to our underwear amid passionate kisses, our roving hands exploring one another for the first time. His hands and lips found my neck, chest, and breasts, this tongue caressing my nipples sending pleasure deep inside me where my desire grew even more intense.

It had taken us a long time to reach this point. Each of us starting to let go of our past and looking to the promise of a future together. No, it wasn't the kind of overwhelming passion of my romance stories. It was measured, but it was genuine and everything I had dreamed of. Most of all it was with a man I knew loved me.

We both returned to work feeling the year would be better for both of us. It was during the second day after we returned to work that I felt my libido assert itself with a vengeance. I had been thinking of Ruf all day while at work. I was still very much worked up after I got home. I considered my vibrator, but couldn't convince myself it was the best solution. I was placing it back into the drawer of my nightstand when I heard my cellphone ring. I reached around to get it from my back pocket thinking Gloria was probably calling to remind me of something. When I saw it was Ruf, the image that popped into my mind produced a tremendous hot tingling response that defied me to ignore it.

"Hi, Ruf. I was just thinking of you."

"I've been thinking of you too. Val, how would you feel if...I...I...well..."

"I'll be right over," I wasn't going to miss a possible opportunity at this point.

"Val, you didn't let me finish. I've more than simply missed you today, I'm horny as hell. So, I was wondering if you..."

"Ruf, I am too. I'll be right over. I have my IUD in, so we don't need a condom. We can get something to eat afterward."

I hardly remembered the drive over. I remembered walking up to the door and have it open in front of me. Then, the door closed behind me as Ruf took my hand as I looked into his eyes. That was it, the first passionate kiss produced such an intense hot ache—it seemed to grip my vagina tightly and not let go.

Ruf, I'm ready, no foreplay. Honey, I'm so damned hot.

I was already removing my blouse as we headed for his bedroom. By the time I entered my bra was off. I flung it onto the dresser and started to pull down my pants after I kicked off my loafers. I looked at Ruf and saw he was already down to his briefs; the bulge couldn't be missed. I quickly pulled my panties down, letting them fall to the floor. I looked to Ruf, his stiff cock angled out from his patch of dark brown hair—his face taut, expectant. I glanced at the bed and saw the covers pulled back and a large towel spread out in the middle—it told me all I needed to know as I climbed onto the bed, lay on my back, and position my pelvis over it.

"Ruf, I'm ready," my smile inviting him to join me.

I could hardly stand it as I watched him climb onto the bed and position himself between my legs and over me. We shared a firm kiss as I reached down to grasp his cock with one hand while spreading my labia with the other—it seemed such a natural thing for us to do together.

One, two three, four, thrusts and he was all the way in and I felt each and every move—thinking it felt as good as I had ever known. I took his shoulders and pulled him down to lay upon me. I wanted to feel his weight on me as I shifted a little to adjust my pelvis. Damn, it felt good and we had hardly started!