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CIANNE enjoyed several weeks without incident. The “thing with her mother” had become a memory that they never discussed again. Life had never felt so normal and Cianne loved it.
She sat quietly, staring at Tristan from the passenger seat of his truck as he drove up his long driveway. He was quiet and had been the entire ride from school. It took some time but Cianne learned to decipher the subtle changes in his demeanor, to determine his moods, because it was almost impossible to tell from his facial expressions.
Except when he was angry. When Tristan was upset, his eyes darkened. It was the only warning because his perfect lips would still stretch into an easy smile. It was a mask that hid something dark.
Cianne had to admit that she wasn’t at all interested in seeing his “full out angry” mode.
Today, to her surprise, he actually looked somewhat anxious. His smooth handsome jaw was unusually tight, his eyes searched her out more than usual, and when she looked back at him, he would look away.
Something was going on.
“What’s on your mind?” she finally asked him.
“Nothing,” Tristan offered an uneasy smile. He pulled his truck in front of the garage and turned the engine off then opened his door. He slammed the door shut, which was unusual, then walked around to open the door for her.
He never slammed a door the entire time she knew him. Whatever it was that was bothering him, she could tell he wasn’t interested in talking about it.
“Are your parents home?” Cianne really wanted to know if his parents were inside.
She watched him struggle with the doorknob then followed him inside. She walked behind Tristan, toward the kitchen, not knowing if she should try to comfort him. He’d never been in this kind of mood since they began dating so this was new territory for the both of them. So, when he didn’t answer her question right away, she dismissed it.
“No. They’re out of town for a few days.” He turned and gave her a smile she couldn’t decipher. “So, you can relax.”
Cianne didn’t realize he knew how uncomfortable his parents made her. Of course, he knew. Why wouldn’t he? Whenever they were around his parents, she didn’t leave his side.
Tristan’s mother was nice enough but Mr. Bertram hadn’t warmed to her. Maybe he thought she and Tristan wouldn’t work out. Or maybe he saw deeper than his wife and son. Maybe Mr. Bertram saw how flawed she really was.
Cianne pushed the thought away as Tristan led her into the dark kitchen. She felt it odd that it was the middle of the afternoon and the kitchen was dark. “Where are Martha and Celia?” she asked, as Tristan flicked on the light.
“Surprise!” an assortment of voices shouted.
Cianne jerked back, startled by the outburst. The room erupted with laughter.
“Happy Birthday Cianne,” Tranae sang. She walked over to the entryway where Cianne stood with a frown on her face.
Cianne hugged her best friend. She hoped Tranae felt how fast her heart was beating. It would serve them right if she had a heart attack.
“Happy birthday Cianne,” Brian said. “I’ve never seen someone that surprised in my life. We really got you.”
“It’s my birthday?” Cianne felt blood rush to her cheeks with the scare and she knew her face was getting even redder. She pulled her phone out of her pocket. February 23rd was stretched across the banner. Cianne searched for Tristan.
He had moved into the kitchen to give everyone space to greet her but was now moving toward her. She didn’t know what he was thinking but she saw that his smile was gone and he was looking at her with his penetrating eyes.
“You really didn’t remember your birthday?” Tranae asked her. She grabbed Cianne’s hand.
“Do you need to sit sweetie?” Martha asked Cianne. Tristan and Tranae walked her over to a chair at the table without waiting for her answer.
“Maybe I should get her something to drink,” Benjamin offered. He walked over to the table and poured some water into a glass. Tranae sat down next to her while Benjamin handed her the glass.
“Are you alright?” Tristan asked. He sat on the other side of her.
Cianne knew that Tristan was more concerned than he was letting on. “Yes, I’m fine. I just have a lot on my mind I guess.” Cianne smiled. She looked around the kitchen at the beautiful decorations. There were balloon bouquets, table cloths, and brightly colored dishes. Streamers and banners were hung from the ceiling with her name spelled out.
“The decorations are beautiful you guys, thanks so much.”
“Everyone helped out,” Tranae boasted, “Now open my present first.” Tranae handed her a box.
Cianne gently undid the paper and opened the box. “Just what I wanted.” She beamed as she held up the shirt. Cianne had considered buying it for herself a couple of days ago when they were at the mall but hadn’t.
“Mine next,” Brian handed her an envelope.
Cianne read the card first then showed everyone the gift card that was secured to it. “Thank you, Brian.”
“This is a gift from the three of us.” Martha handed her a box as she motioned to Benjamin and Celia.
“We hope you like it,” Benjamin added.
Cianne placed her card on the table then opened the little black box that was handed to her. “They’re lovely. Thank you so much.” She put the earrings up to her ear, modeling them for her friends.
“They’re white gold,” Celia commented.
“We didn’t know if you liked gold or silver more so we compromised,” Ben told her.
Cianne smiled. “They’re very nice, I love them.”
An uncomfortable feeling had come over her when she noticed the gifts from the doorway. It was hard for her to accept gifts from others. The whole process of accepting presents was one she could do without. She never knew how to act when someone gave her something. Giving was much better.
As she graciously thanked everyone again, she noticed that Tristan had gotten up. When she placed her earrings on the table, he was standing behind her, leaning close.
“Close your eyes,” Tristan whispered.
Cianne shivered when his lips brushed across her ear. It had been the closest his mouth had been to a part of her body other than her lips, since that day in her room weeks ago. She froze momentarily, doing her best to hide the spark that danced inside her belly.
“Please,” he added and took her hand.
Cianne stood and closed her eyes. She allowed Tristan to lead the way.
“I had my gift pre-assembled but I couldn’t bring it in the house.” He slowly walked her out of the kitchen.
She didn’t know his house well enough to know where she was being led but she knew the others followed close behind. They all were full of hushed comments and excitement.
Several possibilities swirled around Cianne’s head as she carefully put one foot in front of the other. She had no idea what Tristan could possibly have for her that needed to be pre-assembled. They had discussed buying bicycles and finding a nice bike trail to ride them on. She figured he forgot about it when he didn’t mention it again.
The more they walked the more excited Cianne became. She heard a door open and had to fight to keep her eyes closed.
“Three steps down,” he told her.
She held his arm a little tighter. His grip around her waist was sure and firm so she lowered herself down the three steps and found her footing on the floor. She was sure Tristan would catch her if she slipped. He led her a few more feet then made sure she was stable. Cianne felt his hand slide around her waist as he moved behind her.
“Alright you can open your eyes now,” he said, close to her ear.
Cianne slowly opened her eyes. She saw the concrete floor first, then the shelving, and realized quite quickly that she was in his garage. It took only a moment to pinpoint her gift. All four of the garage doors were raised to let in the natural mid-day light to illuminate the white car with the largest red bow she ever saw on top of it.
“Oh, my god, you bought her a Mercedes!” Tranae cried from the doorway, “Oh My God.”
He didn’t!
“Do you like it?” Tristan asked her. “This is only what I picture you in but you can choose the make and model you want and my dealer will trade it out for you.”
Thank goodness, he was standing behind her or he would have seen the look on her face. As he continued to tell her that she could take her time choosing another make and model, Tranae had the car door open and was already seated in the passenger seat. Brian was busy inspecting the outside of the vehicle.
“Tristan this is too much,” Cianne said as she looked over her shoulder at him. “I can’t accept this.” She shook her head as she spoke. “Your parents couldn’t have approved this.”
“This is my gift to you Cianne,” Tristan said softly. He leaned over her shoulder and wrapped his arms around her waist then rested his head on hers. “Do you like it?” When she didn’t answer, Tristan turned her around to face him. His eyes conveyed his question.
Her answer was the uncomfortable silence that filled the garage.
Martha, noticing the awkward moment, was the first to break the silence. “I think it’s time for cake,” she said as she moved toward the door to go back inside the house. She waved for everyone other than Cianne and Tristan to follow.
Tranae gave Cianne a squeeze as she passed and whispered, “Keep it or I’ll strangle you.”
◉
Tristan knocked before entering his bedroom. Cianne glanced over her shoulder at him before turning back around. She sat on the sofa with her back to him as she spoke on the phone to her father.
She doesn’t look too happy.
He sat down on the sofa making sure to avoid the middle cushion where Cianne had her gifts spread out. He said goodbye to their friends and helped Celia clean the kitchen, now he just wanted to be next to his girl.
“It was very nice daddy. Yeah, I was totally surprised.” Cianne spoke into her cell phone as she gave him a partial smile. Tristan winked in response. “Alright,” she paused, looking down. “I understand, but I don’t think that’s—” Cianne leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. Her long hair tumbled forward, effectively covering her face. “Yes, but daddy—” She sighed.
Tristan stood, sensing that she needed some privacy. “Alright,” he heard her say as he left the room.
“Everything alright?” he asked. He gave her a few minutes. Tristan strolled over to the sofa and took a seat beside her. Cianne had moved the gifts from the sofa and placed them neatly on the coffee table, so he sat closer this time.
When she turned to face him, she smiled but he could see the wet glare in her eyes. “You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.” He pulled her close.
Cianne folded into his chest and put her feet up on the sofa so that she lay snuggled against him. “You already know what’s wrong.” Her voice was rough and held an accusatory tone.
“I know something you don’t,” he said in jest, “that’s hard to believe.”
She frowned and Tristan immediately regretted being playful when she was obviously upset. He hesitated but attempted to give her comfort by kissing her forehead anyway.
“My father missed my birthday. I almost missed my birthday.” She sniffed. Tristan rubbed her shoulder as she spoke. “My dad usually does all this for me, the gifts and the cake. He’s never missed my birthday before, until today. And he calls from who knows where to wish me a happy birthday.” She looked up at him and his stomach lurched at the sight of unshed tears that she was too stubborn to let fall. “But you knew he wasn’t going to be here for my birthday and I didn’t, because apparently, neither of you thought it was important to tell me.”
“I’m sorry. I guess I just figured he spoke with you about his plans.” Tristan wrapped a long string of her silky hair around his finger.
“He said you asked him about the car?”
“I didn’t want to get you a car just for your father to tell me that you couldn’t keep it. So, I asked his permission first. That’s all. Your father and I aren’t a part of a conspiracy to keep things from you, Cianne.”
◉
Cianne laid her head back on Tristan’s chest. She tried to convince herself that her father not being with her on her birthday was alright but failed.
He traveled more and she supposed he was a bit occupied with his business but she still felt a little salty. Though, it wasn’t as if he forgot like she had. Somehow it seemed much worse to forget your own birthday. However, Cianne refused to dwell on it. Besides, all she was able to think about was the beautiful car that sat in Tristan’s garage.
It was actually hers.
“Tristan,” she said. Her face, which rested on his chest, slowly rose and fell with every breath he took. “I really do love the car, but it’s too much.”
“There is nothing you need to do other than sign a paper or two saying that you accept the car as a gift and it is yours unconditionally, no strings attached.”
She was aware of his touch. That he twisted her hair around his fingers only to let the strands fall to her back then recapture them.
“Are you in a position to be buying something like that?” Cianne wasn’t certain how to say that she didn’t want him using the money his parents meant for him, on her. Yet, when he laughed she felt foolish.
Maybe gifting cars was how rich people did things, but still. “I’m serious. It’s a beautiful car Tristan, but it is not a girlfriend kind of gift. Especially not the kind of gift you give after only six and a half months.” He smiled and the effect on her was immediate but Cianne quickly dismissed the feelings he stirred in her and managed an unyielding stare that demanded an answer to her question.
“Ok,” Tristan said, laughing. He raised his right hand as if taking an oath, “I, Tristan Bertram, am in a position to buy something like ‘that’ for a girlfriend of only six and a half months.”
His effort to convey seriousness was halfhearted, and a bit childish to her. “I’m so glad that I amuse you.”
“You do.” He grinned.
Cianne still felt uneasy about the expensive gift and he must have sensed it.
“Look, you haven’t had a vision in a while. There’s little chance of you zoning out while driving so I thought it was time you had your own car. I didn’t want for this to be such a big deal.”
It sometimes scared her how well he knew her. Cianne had never confided in anyone that she feared driving because of the visions. Not even her father. She told everyone that she just liked walking, that doing so kept her healthy.
“Tristan, it’s a car. No, it’s a Mercedes. My visions have nothing to do with this.” She shook her head. “How exactly did you think this would play out?”
“Well, I thought you’d thank me and accept the gift I gave you graciously.” He brushed her hair from her face so he could see her eyes clearly. “Just answer me this. Do you like the car?”
“Of course, I like the car. I love the car but that’s—”
“Then it’s settled,” he spoke over her. “A car is something that I wanted to get you so...I did. It’s yours so it would make me very happy if you keep it. But if you decide not to, for whatever reason, I can accept that too. It is yours to do what you want.” Tristan shifted under her.
Cianne figured he was uncomfortable so she rose from his chest.
Tristan reached for something on the high table behind the sofa. When he brought his hand back, he held a silver heart shaped box. “This though,” he said as he looked at the box, “I really want you to keep.”
Cianne pushed herself all the way up until she was in a seated position. She looked at the heart shaped box then looked at him. His blue eyes melted her heart as they urge her to take it. She extended her hand and lifted the box from his. On the top of the box was the number 8 but the symbol was positioned sideways.
She traced the raised symbol with her fingers. “Forever,” she whispered.
“Open it,” he said to her.
Cianne opened the box as butterflies danced in her belly. “It’s beautiful,” she said, looking at him.
“It’s one of a kind, just like you.” Tristan took the white gold necklace with a diamond key pendant from the box.
Lifting her hair, Cianne moved forward so that Tristan could put the necklace around her neck. She dropped her hair and looked down at the key. Brushing it with her fingers, she took a deep breath. It was a shimmering example of the finest craftsmanship she ever saw. Cianne loved it and she loved him.
The realization that she had loved him for such a long time, sank in. She took Tristan’s face in her hands and looked deep into his eyes. “I don’t think I will ever be able to express to you how much I love you.”
She pressed her lips to his and when he opened up for her, she moaned with delight. She kissed him slow and deeply. When their lips separated, Cianne placed her hand on his chest and kissed a path from his lips to his ear. When she felt his body tense under her palm, she smiled.
“I will love you forever,” she whispered breathlessly. Cianne kissed him passionately on the mouth again, stopping only to shower his lips with a collection of gentle kisses.
“Ci, please,” Tristan begged her between kisses. “Honestly woman, you’re torturing me.” Another set of butterfly kisses caused him to whine in desperation.
Cianne slowly got to her feet. Her eyes were fixed on his as she unbuttoned her shirt. The cool key fell to the bare skin between her breasts, causing her to suck in a breath of air. Her long dark hair fell freely over her shoulders and down her back and arms as she lowered her shirt to the floor. Nervous and a little shy, Cianne covered her bra with her arms but when she saw the way Tristan watched her, when she saw the fire in his eyes, she smiled and dropped her arms to her sides.
◉
Tristan watched as Cianne’s beautiful hands slipped each button through the small openings of her shirt. He wasn’t sure what shocked him more: the fact that she started taking off her shirt or that he did nothing to stop her.
God help me. I don’t want to stop her.
What he wanted was to feel her bare skin on his. When she revealed her violet lace bra that her perfect breast fit snuggly inside, then smiled at him, he stood.
Tristan lifted her easily in his arms. He stared into her eyes and she wrapped her arms around his neck and placed her forehead to his as he carried her to his bed. Her body was warm and soft. Tristan shivered as her soft fingers caressed his shoulder and back.
He took his time removing her underwear. Not just because he wanted to savor the moment, but because he wanted to give her a chance to change her mind. “Are you sure?”
Cianne was bare to him. He gazed down at her, knowing that his imagination hadn’t even scratched the surface of her full beauty. But even now, with his need boiling and the pressure on his restraint edging on unbearable, he would stop if she wanted to.
“Beyond a shadow of a doubt,” she panted.
Tristan watched her face as he removed his clothing. Her stunning eyes kept him grounded and calm. He noticed when her composure faltered and was replaced with a hint of concern when he slid his briefs down his thighs.
With other women he’d been with, he was flattered by their apprehension regarding his size with swollen pride, but now he just wanted to assure Cianne that they were made for each other. He climbed on the bed next to her and pulled her close. Tristan reveled in the warmth of her entire body against his. He kissed her shoulder and neck before looking into her eyes again.
“Don’t worry,” he told her with his usual confidence, “I was created just for you.”
Cianne gazed up at him lovingly. She placed her hand on his cheek and kissed his lips tenderly, showing him her trust.
Feeling like his dreams were finally coming true he slid his thigh between hers. Her heated center all but scorched his thigh, causing an animalistic hunger to suddenly surge through him. A hunger Tristan had never felt before this night.
Could he be gentle? Gentle had never been a concern for him. Sex had always been a driving need. As Tristan again searched her eyes for any doubt and saw none, he resolved to be gentle.
He could be anything for Cianne. He wanted to be everything to her.
