"Are you getting used to living in this mansion?" Matthew nervously laughed.
"I've been here lots of times. Money doesn't impress me and neither do material things."
"Do you have a boyfriend? You're so beautiful and kind, it's hard to imagine you being single."
"I was in a relationship for a bit, but I was just a trophy to him … someone to show off to his friends. I had to dress to the nines where ever we went, plaster makeup on, have my hair and nails always perfect. He even tried to tell me what to wear. He loved it when I turned the heads of other men. I'm not like that. The only guy I want to impress is the one I'm with. He bought me things all the time, and I'd always give them back. I didn't want things. I wanted kindness, compassion, laughter … I wanted someone who felt my heart was good enough."
Matthew watched her eyes begin to water. Without even hesitating, he pulled her into his arms. Chloe stiffened, but relaxed when she realized he just wanted to hold her. She'd never been held like this, and all she wanted to do was live right where she was, and the last thing she wanted to do was cry. She stepped back a bit and smiled up at him.
"I'm okay. He's gone, and I'm very happy about that. What about you? Do you have a girlfriend?"
"Not anymore. I was with someone for four years, then one day she tells me we can't be together anymore because I'll never be able to buy her a house, car … the list went on. She walked out, and I haven't spoken to her since."
"Wow, she should have hooked up with my ex. They could be shallow together." They shared some laughter, but Chloe could tell he'd been hurt pretty badly. "She didn't deserve you, Matthew." His sadness she saw in his eyes wasn't leaving. Without thinking, Chloe walked closer to him and gently kissed his lips.
"Chloe … "
"God, Matthew. I'm so sorry!" She was glad it was dark out, and he couldn't see how red her cheeks glowed. "I can't believe I just did that. I'm such an idiot for ruining a really nice evening." Chloe swam over to the side of the pool and hoisted herself up.
He stood there staring at her and saying nothing.
"Thank you for coming over, Matthew. I had a nice time talking with you until I blew it. I can walk you to the gates if you'd like."
"I should probably get home. I have to be up early." Matthew was still stunned. He knew if he stayed he wouldn't be able to control himself. That kiss was stirring him up inside.
Chloe nodded and then walked toward the pool house to change. Her sadness was overwhelming him. He knew once she got inside she'd cry. Without any further hesitation, Matthew jumped out of the pool and ran to her. He took her hand and pulled her to face him, but Chloe kept her head down. Placing his hands on her face, he slowly brought her up to look at him. He bent down and kissed her. He kissed her softly and slowly with his whole mouth. When he heard her sigh in relief, he let go of her face and wrapped her body up in his arms. He lifted her up and carried her back in the pool, walking down the small steps without his eyes leaving hers. Matthew guided her against the side of the pool and gently pressed his body and mouth against hers.
Chloe pulled her face away from his and looked into his eyes. She felt him reach behind her neck and slowly pull the ties. The top fell away and exposed her breasts to this man she didn't even know. She watched as his fingers gently fondled them, fitting perfectly in his hands. His callouses were rough, but a passion was sailing through her. She knew then, that there was hope for her.
He looked back up and stared in her eyes. What he saw changed him. She wasn't greedy, mean, demanding … all she wanted was someone to love her. Was it possible? Matthew let his hands slide down her back, and slowly, one side at a time, undid the ties at her hips. He let his hands rest on her soft bottom and then gently lifted her.
Chloe kept her eyes on his. When she felt her bathing suit float away, she had no fear, no reservations, no second guesses. She wrapped her legs around his waist. He watched her face carefully for any sign that she wanted to stop, and all she could do was smile a little.
Matthew lifted her up on the edge of the pool and kissed her smooth legs. He rubbed and slowly kneaded her thighs. "Lay back for me," he whispered.
Chloe leaned back and let her eyes focus on the stars, as this strong man gently moved her legs around his shoulders and slowly licked her center. He found her small peak and moaned when he felt her body move and her back bow some. As sensitive as she was, he knew she'd never been touched there. Again and again, Chloe's hips rose with passion. She quietly called out in the soft breeze, sounds of freedom, desire, and Matthew's name, like he'd never heard it spoken before.
Matthew lifted her back in the water and kissed her mouth with such hunger. He delivered his moans just for her to catch. Catch me. He felt her legs wrap back around his waist, and he gently slid inside of her. He heard Chloe slightly gasp, but she took all of him in. He froze in that moment and just stared at her face. I never want to forget this. She ran her hands through the back of his hair and pulled his mouth to her. He began to slowly move inside of her warmth, as the water helped to rock this beautiful woman. Matthew pulled his mouth back when he felt her beginning to tense. He watched her as he let his heat splash inside her. He filled the darkness with her name, filled them both full of hope.
"Chloe … " Matthew whispered before taking her mouth back to his.
They held each other in silence, each feeling their own wounds heal. They stayed embraced like lifelines. Chloe lifted her head off his shoulder and looked at his face. She could tell how tired he was. She held his hand and walked him to a hammock, and then grabbed a blanket from the pool house. They spooned, while Matthew held her with such tenderness. They didn't even say goodnight. It still was.
When Matthew was sure Chloe was sound asleep, he quietly got up and put his clothes on and walked down the driveway. The security guard waved to him while he opened the gates. Matthew reached his truck, and luckily it started the first time without even a back fire. Looking up at the neighbor's roof, he knew he'd be a zombie at work. Matthew rolled his window down, while he smiled at what the new day might bring. Something inside of him had come back to life, and all the despair went right out the window … along with the sour memories of Josie.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Lois arrived at seven to make breakfast and was quick to notice the men's swim trunks lying by the pool. "Since when does Edmund swim?"
Chloe opened her eyes when she heard the patio doors open. "Well, Edmund is … Edmund," was all that she could say. She hated not being upfront with Lois but for now, she wanted to enjoy these feelings without them being tainted. Wrapping the blanket around her naked body, Chloe could feel Lois staring at her as she walked away. The hammering was strong, and she had to hurry and go to another room. Her smile would have given her away immediately. All she wanted to do was live in her memories. Slowly she made her way to her room and crawled into bed, wishing Matthew was still wrapped around her.
Chapter 4
Becky arrived in the morning at nine, giving her friend evil grins while she watched her brush her hair. She could tell there was something different about Chloe but was determined to avoid drawing conclusions.
"Let's walk down to the beater car, Beck." Hopefully no one had it towed.
"Where are we going?"
"Shopping. Lots of shopping."
"Oh, I love to shop!"
Chloe called Sherry to make sure the apartment was available to move in today. She was excited to have her and said the apartment had been cleaned, repainted, and had new carpet installed. Chloe couldn't thank her enough.
She put on her sneakers and talked rapidly to Becky. "We'll have to go to the thrift shop, because they'll have everything I need for the apartment."
"A. Thrift. Shop."
"Come on, Beck. It'll be fun. We'll have to call a company and get movers or something. I don't know how this works, but it has to get done today."
"Wait a minute. Did you sleep with him?"
"Let's just say, the pool will never be the same … "
Chloe was halfway down the stairs when the Coach label on her purse caught her eye. Running back upstairs, she dug around until she found a passable bag and then headed through the gates with Becky. When she informed the guards they were going for a run, the men were quick to notice Becky's heels but didn't say a word. Who knew what young women did these days?
Chloe and Becky were relieved to see the car still sitting where they'd left it. They had to drive past the guesthouse next door, but luckily the work crew was on the opposite side of the roof. It was necessary that Matthew didn't see them in the new car. He was still unaware Chloe had purchased it.
"What are you going to tell Lois when she realizes you no longer live at the house?"
"I'm going to be staying at your place for a few months. We've done it in the past, but for shorter durations. Besides, Lois would never rat me out."
"I hope your parents don't end up calling me for information."
"When was the last time my parents spoke with you in person or otherwise?"
"Your engagement party, and before that … .uh … "