Page 10 of Hunt for the Roses
“I love that, that’s such a pretty name,” Lauren says.
I put a hand over my heart showing I’m flattered by the compliment, and then I look over to Dane. “Thank you for bringing Lauren into our lives tonight.”
Lauren laughs, and Dane looks at her while shaking his head. “Don’t mind her, she doesn’t get out much.”
“It’s true,” Kyle adds.
I make a face at Kyle before we start a game of cornhole, and we start out with a lead on Dane and Lauren, but then Dane sinks three bags into the hole consecutively. I point at Dane, but speak to Kyle as I shout, “You better be watching where he steps! Make sure he’s not going out of bounds!”
Dane holds a hand up as if to say “time out.” “Hey, don’t try to downplay my amazing cornhole abilities.”
“Don’t tempt me to take out the measuring tape,” I say with narrowed eyes.
Kyle turns to Dane. “If you think she’s kidding, she’s not.”
Lauren looks at Dane and acts fearful. “Maybe you should let me take control. She means business.”
“If control is what you want, I’m happy to give you the reins, girl,” Dane says with a suggestive smirk.
Kyle and I give each other deadpan looks over the cornhole boards, but start to chuckle at how much fun we’re all having. When the game is over, Dane and Lauren win by two points, and we all start to walk off. With one arm draped over Lauren, Dane tells us they’re leaving, and Trent says the same with him and Julie while Kate tags along.
“Alright, we’re going to get out of here too,” Ronnie says as he walks up to me to give me a hug.
“So glad you could make it,” I say as I revel in his hug. When I pull back, I ask, “So we’re coming over to Mom and Dad’s for dinner tomorrow right?”
“That’s the plan. Just come on time, otherwise Mom is going to ask me ten times in a row if I know where you are,” Ronnie says.
“Yep. I got you.” I sigh, knowing how neurotic our mom can get at the smallest things.
When he releases me, Ronnie and Kyle exchange goodbyes, and then Kyle and I say goodbye to Cheryl. Kyle throws one camping chair over his shoulder and picks up the cooler, while I throw the other camping chair over my shoulder, and then we walk back home.
* * *
As Kyle and I walk into our bedroom, we immediately start changing into our pajamas and wash up for bed. I am the last one out of the bathroom since I have a strict skincare regime, which takes some time, especially in the summer when I’m sweating a lot. When I exit the bathroom, Kyle is sitting on the bed with one knee bent up, and one leg stretched out in front of him, looking like sex-on-a-stick in only his black boxer-briefs. His tan, rippled stomach is out on display, as well as the bulge behind the black fabric. I give him a smile in appreciation as I lean against the doorframe of the bathroom, and Kyle just gestures a “come hither” motion with his finger.
When I reach the bed, Kyle grabs me by the waist to straddle his hips, and cups the sides of my face so that our foreheads touch. “I love you so much, Aria,” he breathes against my lips.
“I love you too. You’re my one and only,” I whisper back as I entangle my fingers through his hair at the back of his head. Our lips lock eagerly as Kyle slides the straps of my camisole tank top down my shoulders, and his lips start placing a trail of gentle kisses from my chin, down my neck, and to the top of my breasts. I feel the flick of his tongue every so often, causing my skin to break out in goosebumps from the velvety touch, and setting off sparks of electricity in random areas underneath my skin.
After a few moments, I pick his head up so that his eyes are peering up at me. “I can’t wait. Make love to me,” I whisper. My wish is his command as Kyle flips us over so I’m lying on my back and he’s parked between my legs, and eventually, we make slow and passionate love to one another.
Little did I know, this was the last time we ever would.
Monday, June 21, 2021
It’s now Monday, and back to the grind it is. I’m always up before Kyle, and I’m throwing on a black fitted tank top dress before my fingers tousle with my long dark waves in the mirror. Kyle is still sleeping soundly, but as I always do, I make sure to kiss him goodbye before I head out. I rub his arm that’s resting above his head to wake him, and I whisper over him, “Hey, babe, I’m leaving. I love you.”
I kiss Kyle’s lips, and he lets out a groggy, “Love you too, babe.”
With that, I walk out of our bedroom, and close the door behind me.
* * *
I’m sitting at the desk of my classroom shoveling the last bit of my turkey and Swiss sandwich in my mouth, when I see a text pop up from Kyle.
Kyle: After work, I’m going to run to the store so I can replace some of our high hats in the house. I should be home around 6:30 the latest.
Me: Okay, babe, dinner will be done by then. Chicken cutlets and asparagus sound good?
