Page 44 of Constantine: Britain's Story: Part 2
“That’s cool,” she says. “Does it still run?”
“Yeah, it does. Just got a fresh paint job about a year ago, too.” I turn to look at her just staring at the covered body.
“What color is she now?”
I laugh lightly at her question. “Blue,” I say.
She turns to look at me and smiles. “I always thought she’d look great in blue.”
“I know.” I give her a smile back, then slide my hand into hers to guide her into the house. I flip on a few lights before I take her to the primary suite-side of the house, but she tugs on my hand to stop me.
“Matthias, this view is gorgeous.” She’s staring out at the valley floor that’s bathed in orange from the setting sun. My house is one of a small handful on the edge of town that sits on a bluff, providing a view of the river and the land for miles. It’s a great lot, but once we build at Broken Ridge, our view will be even better.
“It’s not as gorgeous as my view, though.” I move behind her, putting my body against her back, my hands falling naturally onto her hips. Fuck me, being here with her is like a fantasy. I don’t need anything else butthis. Her with me. “Let’s get you in the bath, sweetheart.” She nods her head against my chest, and I can hear how her breath has sped up in response. I don’t know if she’ll want to be intimate tonight, but when she is ready,Jesus. I don’t plan to let her out of my bed for a month.
I grab her hand again and pull her down the hall to the primary suite. Once we get to my room, I release her to go turn on my bedside lamp. I unbutton the rest of my shirt as I do, just a force of habit, and turn to see Britain with her eyes trained on my pants. I blush a little because I’m sure she can see how hard I still am for her. I just let the linen shirt fall and head towards the bathroom.
I wish I had some sort of fancy bubble bath for her.Need to add that to my shopping list, but at least I have epsom salts. Istart the water, checking to make sure it’s not too hot, then add the salts and grab a washcloth and towel from the linen closet, setting them and some body wash on the edge of the tub.
“It’s ready!” I call out, beckoning Britain from the bedroom. She stands in the doorway, slipping off her heels before padding barefoot across the tile.
“Do you think you could unclasp my dress, please?” She stands in front of me, pulling her hair off her back and over one shoulder exposing the clasp at her neck. I slip the hooks out of their hold, then run a knuckle down her bare spine. It’s taking everything in me not to rip her dress off and make love to her in the tub, right now. I just press a soft kiss to her bare shoulder and remind myself I have to move at her pace.
“Do you want something to change into, for after?”
“Do you mind?”
“Of course not. T-shirt? Sweats?” I ask.
“Big tee is perfect.” She steps forward letting the dress fall to the floor in a puddle, then steps forward into the tub. I have to take a large gulp to pick my jaw back up to its normal position.Her pace, Matt, her pace, I remind myself.
I walk to the closet, hoping to conceal my raging boner and find her a shirt. Kicking off my shoes and clothes, I opt for a pair of sweats instead and scoop up an old soccer league t-shirt for her. Doing my best to give her some privacy, I keep my eyes averted towards the sinks when I set down her shirt.
“It’s right here for you, babe. I’ll just be in my room if you need anything.” I head out, but her sweet, quiet voice makes me stop.
“Mats, thank you…for everything.” I just nod my head, staying turned away from her.No, babe, thank you.
Britain
Did I really just choose?I just told Mats I want to be with him. So yeah, I guess I decided then.I want to be with Matthias.I dunk the washcloth to soak up all the soapy water, then scrub at my face in an attempt to remove the tear and makeup stains, but I might have to finish this project in the mirror.
Leaning back against the tub, I close my eyes, peacefully, for just a minute. This feels…right. When I left Liam in the alley, for a second, it felt like I’d made a mistake. I had to fight not to turn back towards him, but by the time I found Matthias, I already knew. I want us to have our chance. I don’t want to be 17 years down the road again and wonder what could have been this time. I don’t have to live with fear of regret any longer.
I breathe in and out, deeply, happy for the small peace the decision has brought me. But it doesn’t last long before my mind drifts to Liam. But just as quickly as he arrives, I push the thought back away.No.He doesn’t get to just show back up, ruin any progress I’ve made with myself, or with Matthias. He doesn’t get to invade my every waking thought anymore.
Carla’s sentiments this past month echo back in my mind, “Take back the control, Britain.” And she’s right, just like she always is. It feels good to take control over this situation. I can’t forgive Liam, and once this lustfulness fades, we’ll just be a broken and brittle shell of a relationship.We’re irreparable.
Okay, enough of that.I want to get back into Matthias’ arms. Popping the drain open on his freestanding tub, the water runs off me in streams as I stand. I wrap up in the humongous bath sheet he laid out for me, and take the washcloth to the extra sink.It doesn’t look like it’s ever been used before. There’s not even a hand soap at it and it makes me wonder: Does he ever bring anyone here? I get a little jealous, then ashamed. He’s Matthias-fucking-Scala. I’m sure he’s bedded many women here before. There’s probably so many of them, they don’t stick around long enough to even wash their hands.
Stop it, Britain.I can’t help but always see us a certain way, though. Him as this gorgeous, intelligent, total catch, and me as the quiet, awkward girl he once fell in a lake with. I use the washcloth to mop up the last bits of mascara, then release the towel to dry off the tips of my hair. I could have really used a claw clip like 20 minutes ago, but oh well now. I throw on the tee he left out for me and examine myself in the mirror.Damp hair, wasted-away makeup, baggy t-shirt. Oof.
I hang up the towel on a hook by the rain shower and grab my dress, folding it, then dropping it beside my heels on the floor.
I find Matthias laying on his bed, reading. He’s wearing thick, black-framed glasses, a pair of gray sweats, and his chest is bare. He has never looked sexier.42 looks damn good on him.
He keeps on reading, but pats the space beside him, silently acknowledging me. I climb on to the king-sized bed, covered in charcoal gray linen, and scoot beside him. He opens his arm to embrace me at his side, and I cuddle right in, so naturally.
“How was your bath?” he asks, then drops a kiss on the top of my head. I bring a hand up, placing it on his bare chest and glide my hand over his pecs. I don’t remember him being this hairy. It makes me giggle.
