my mouth surrounded one and I sucked and flicked my tongue over one, while pinching and tweaking the other with my hand.
From the sounds of things, she was into it. Fingers delved into my hair as she became more aroused. She arched her back as I explored the rest of her body with my lips and tongue. Goosebumps broke out across her flesh with my ministrations. My mouth reached the apex of her thighs and her heady scent was intoxicating. Soft murmurs spurred me on as I spread her lips and tasted her. English was so responsive, it didn’t take much time for her to peak into another climax.
Being with English was comfortable in every way. There were no stilted conversations, uncomfortable silences, or awkward moments even in bed. I’d never imagined myself being like this with a woman before, especially a wife. I was even dreading getting on the plane and leaving her, something else I’d never imagined. I would miss her body next to mine in bed, but I’d also miss her wittiness and warm heart. What was happening to me? When this harebrained scheme of Stanton’s had flowered, I’d never seen this part of it coming, but I was smitten with her. No, not smitten. I was hooked. She was everything and more I wanted in a woman.
“You ready?” she asked.
“Yes, but I wish I didn’t have to go.”
“Tristian, this is your dream trip.”
“It was my dream trip, but not anymore. I’ll worry about you here alone.”
She put her arms around my waist. “Don’t spend a second doing that. I’ll be fine and if I get a little spooked or something, I’ll go to my parents. They have a guest apartment they built for me when I lived there.”
“Yeah?”
“Uh-huh. It was when I was pregnant, so they have plenty of room. I want you to enjoy this trip. You and Dad will have a great time.”
Easier said than done when the woman I… how exactly did I feel about her? She sparked emotions in me no one ever had. Was it love? No, it couldn’t be. It had only been a couple of months. Was it even possible to love someone this fast? I doubted it. Yeah, this trip was coming at the exact right time. It would tell me what I needed to know. If I missed her more than I should, then I’d have my answer.
“Such a pensive look. What’s up?”
“I was thinking about the long flight and if I’d be able to sleep.” Not a chance I’d disclose the truth.
“It’s brutal. When I went with Dad, we spent a few days’ layover in Oregon, which helped. But coming back we flew straight here and I thought I’d never get over the time change.”
“Thanks, starshine. You made me feel better.”
She made a face. “Sorry. That wasn’t very helpful. But I’ll say, once there, the travel is worth it.”
We piled my things into the car and rode over to her mom’s so I could say goodbye to Easton. It was fairly painless as her great-grandfather was picking her up soon to go puppy-hunting.
“Mom, remind him to find something smallish,” English said.
Sheridan chuckled. “I’ll do my best.”
On the way to the airport, I gave English a few instructions. “Stanton knows you have access to everything you want at the house. Landry is prepared for your visit with Easton and won’t leave you alone with the women.”
“Tristian, I am an adult and can take care of myself.”
“Right, but I’m just taking extra precautions. Oh, one other thing. I left a key to my apartment, along with all the entry codes. Can you run up there to check on things maybe once a week while I’m gone? I put a change of address in, but just in case, I have a mail slot in the door.”
“Sure, I can do that.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
We arrived at the international terminal to a line of cars. I finally made it to the curb and parked. I had enough bags for a dozen people so I called a skycap over for help. All the photography equipment was a pain to travel with, but I needed it so might as well not complain.
When the cart was loaded, I kissed my wife goodbye.
“Safe travels, and call or text when you arrive, please,” English said.
“I will, and be safe while I’m away.”
Dread filled me as I walked away, leaving her standing there on the sidewalk.
Chapter Forty-One
English
Tristian’s absence put a huge hole in my heart and home.