Chapter 11

Quin

Neither of us moved practically the whole night. Whitney is still stone cold asleep when I wake up. My lifestyle doesn’t lend itself well to sleeping long hours. I’m so used to grabbing a few winks and that’s it, sometimes in little naps here and there, so sometimes you’ll find me curled up on the couch at three o’clock in the afternoon. The sun isn’t even risen when I awake, and I decide to leave Whitney so she can sleep soundly, without me tossing and turning.

I hop in the shower, and pick up our clothes off the floor, that were subsequently just thrown in the heat of passion last night. I’m careful to hang her dress up nicely over my bedroom door on a hanger, and I brush my teeth, since I forgot to last night. After showering, I throw my robe on, and head downstairs to make breakfast. I know that she wants to have breakfast at home, but selfishly, I want as much time with her all to myself as I can. I make pancakes with fresh fruit, and I even squeeze fresh orange juice for the occasion. It isn’t every day that my lady love spends the night with me, so I want to make everything special.

I don’t even hear her sneak up behind me, but I feel her arms snake around my waist. “Good morning.” I say, flipping a pancake.

“Good morning. You get up so early.”

“Why didn’t you sleep longer?”

“Because it smells delightful in here. I thought maybe my mama had snuck in.”

I chuckle.

“I see you left me a robe in the guest washroom. Was this from your last conquest?”

Turning around, I smile. She’s wearing the white fluffy hotel robe I won once during a conference. Never had a use for it, so I figured I’d hang it in the washroom for her. It’s clean. “Oh yeah, darlin’. Women are just lined up outside waiting to bed me.” I snuffle at my joke. “I won it during a medical conference a couple of years ago. If you like it, you can have it.”

“It’s nice. But maybe I’ll keep it here.”

“Whatever suits you, darlin’.” I pull the plate that I had sitting on the counter over, and pile pancakes on it. “You hungry?”

“I’m starving. I figured that’s what you were doing down here when I woke up and thought I was in a five-star hotel.”

“I know you wanted to go home for breakfast, but it’s still early.”

“Yes, it is. Gosh, it’s not even eight o’clock yet.”

“I sleep in spurts, darlin’. Part of being a doctor.” I pause to grab the butter and syrup. “You could have slept longer.”

“My rumbling stomach woke me.”

“Well, then sit, eat, enjoy.” I say, joining her at the table. We both eat our breakfast, and I notice that her hair is damp. “Gosh, you were so quiet. I didn’t even hear you in the shower.”

“Well, when I woke up with raccoon eyes from not washing my face last night, I figured I better shower, or I’ll scare you away.”

“You were wearing makeup? Hell, I didn’t even notice. You’re naturally beautiful.”

She bends up to kiss me. Her kiss is sweet, both from her and from the syrup on her lips. “And flattery will get you everywhere.”

I grin, enjoying her kiss.

“So, what do you want to do today?” she asks me. “I got a text message from my mama saying that they’re taking Trinity to the park with a bunch of the girls that slept over. I’m all yours.”

“Well, in that case, we should head over to the ranch and see how everyone’s holding up after last night.” I suggest.

Her voice is flirty. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m just peachy, darlin’. How are you?”

“Couldn’t be better, baby.” She says, leaning in for another kiss.

“That’s music to my ears.” I grin, kissing her more. I can’t get enough of her lips. So soft and full, and the way that she looks at me when she kisses me, the smile is infectious. We finish eating breakfast, and clean up afterwards, and we decide to relax for a while on the couch, watching some television together. As we snuggle on the couch, Whitney is on my chest as I lay on my back, I drift off for a while, and I think she does, too.

When I awake, I stretch, and she lifts her head. “I don’t believe I’ve ever had a nap in the morning before. Not unless I was sick or something.”

“Well, I do it all the time, sugar. My sleep comes in spurts. That was lovely. I feel like a new man.”

“I need to pee.” She giggles, hopping off me. I smile at her. God, could she be any cuter?

When she’s finished, she comes out, admiring the natural lighting in the house. “I love this place. Never thought I’d like so much sunshine poking through, but I do. It’s lovely.”

“It keeps the place warm during the winter, too. And it’s nice having all this light and less bulbs on.” I sit up. “It’s a nice change from all the lighting when I’m at work. Especially the artificial light in the operating theater. It’s like you’re being interrogated at a police station when you’re in there.”

She’s looking at me with a quirky smile. “What’s on your mind, darlin’?” Her cleavage is poking out just a bit from the top of the robe. I’m thinking un-Christian thoughts with her standing there, wondering if she’s naked underneath.

“I was just wondering…something.” She says, stepping towards me.

“What were you wondering, gorgeous?” I ask as she stands right in front of me. I put my hands on her waist, looking up at her. Her fingers find the tie at my waist, and she pulls my robe open, revealing, well, exactly what I’m guessing that she was wondering.

“So, you are naked under there.”

“I’m afraid so.” I say, and I let my eyes wander to the tie on her robe. “And I was…kind of wondering the same thing.” Loosening her robe slowly, I open it to see her beautiful, full-fleshed body under it. Wrapped like a Christmas present. “Mmmm….” I grunt softly, looking her over. “God, you’re so perfect.”

“You took the words right out of my mouth, tiger.” She comments, eying me up and down. “And you promised that if I slept well, that you’d wake me up nicely.”

“Well, you’ve got me there, sugar.” I pull her into my lap, so she’s straddling me. Our skin makes contact, and it’s electrifying. Her hands are all in my hair, as we stare at each other, knowing that for the next few moments, there’s going to be fireworks. We barely make a connection by face, just sliding our skin up and down, feeling the heat from the other, until finally I can’t stand it any longer, and I plant a soft kiss on her lips.

She reciprocates with an open-mouthed kiss, followed by her sliding her tongue inside, making me wake up in all the right places. My hands cup her breasts, gently pinching her nipples between my fingers, and she moans softly, enjoying my touch. Lips to her skin, I kiss her neck, up and down, while still pleasing her nipples and breasts, and I feel her lift slightly, impaling herself with me, making me turn to a rock in a half second.

As we move in unison, reveling in the friction that only two lovers can revel in, our mouths make love as deeply as the rest of our bodies make love. My pelvis rises in time with hers, as we ride the waves of pleasure on the couch, interrupted by nothing and by nobody. It’s just Whitney and I here and now. Our lips disconnect only so I can take her breasts in my mouth, while she moans and rears her head back, holding the back of the couch for support, feeling all of me inside her, as I stretch her, filling her completely.

Her insides tighten quickly, and I start to think that it may take a while before the edge comes off for this girl. It’s probably been ten years since she’s been with a man, and it’s going to take some time before her body calms, and she’s able to make love slower, deeper, and in a more fulfilling way, the way that she deserves. It takes almost nothing for her to reach her first release, and I keep moving, filling her, pushing myself in to the hilt, knowing that there’s another one in there.

We kiss breathlessly, moving faster, as I feel her clench again, bringing her with me down the rabbit hole of ecstasy. Our lips meet as we both release together, kissing hungrily while we shudder and mewl, feeling the delightful sensation of making love passionately again. When we both come down off the aftershocks, I embrace her tenderly, pulling her to my chest, and she rests her head on my shoulder, as we catch our breath.

“I never knew it could be like this.” She says between breaths, swallowing.

“You’ve got a lot of passion in you, darlin’. No complaints here.” I say as I rub her back.

“I didn’t know I could…like that.” she says, allowing me to fill in the blanks.

“When you’ve gone without for so long, baby, it’s like a floodgate.”

“I think it’s you.” She says, bringing her nose to mine. “I think you bring this out of me.”

“Maybe so.” I frown. “I couldn’t…bare to watch you writhe around like that last night. Your body was telling us both that you needed it badly.”

“And you gave it to me, baby.”

I smile. “I’ll give it to you all you want, darlin’. But we should start thinking about birth control. I am a doctor. I should know better.”

“Hadn’t thought about that in a long time to be honest.”

“Same here.” I pat her bottom. “We can pick something up while we’re out. Let’s say we go get dressed and show our faces some, huh?”

“Sure.” She bites her lip, and then she kisses me. “What do you think your mama’s going to say when she finds out about us?”

“Probably the same thing your mama’s going to say.”

“Think Trinity will be happy for us, too?”

“I think everyone will be happy, darlin’. It’s been a long time coming.”

“I hope you’re right.”

 

***

 

Whitney and I both find mama outside, untangling the lights off the side of the pasture, where the dance area was last night. She sees us walking hand-in-hand and smiles. “Well? Did you two have fun last night?”

“I had a blast.” Whitney says.

“And was I wrong about Quin’s guest room?” she asks as I kiss her cheek hello.

“No, gosh, that is a gorgeous room.”

I look around, knowing that my brothers, except Chad, are still here. “Well, where’s the rest of the clan? Still sleeping?”

Chuck’s head peeks out the front door. I shout out, smiling. “You lazy so-and-so! Making your mama do all the work!”

He walks out, holding his head. “No shouting…please.”

“You got your hangover sunglasses on, partner.” I pat him on the back. “You tie one over good last night?”

“There’s puke over at the side of the guest house if y’all need proof.” Mama states.

“I’m not the only one.” Chuck says, yawning. “Hell, Hawk took some girl up to the hand’s quarters, both of them were drunk as skunks. Her car’s still here, so I’m gathering that they had a good time, too. And Devon and Cal are still in bed in the house. We all got stupid drunk last night.”

“What girl?” Whitney asks, curious.

“Damned if I know. She was beautiful though. Long legs and dark hair. I think she was a friend of Lisa’s.”

“The photographer’s assistant?” Mama guesses.

“Yeah, I think so, actually. He seemed real smitten on her. Once she was done taking all the photos and video, he was all over her.”

“Hawk’s the one who lives out in El Paso, right?” I clarify.

“Yes. He’s Rachel’s older brother. He runs the ranch out there.” Chuck says, nodding.

“Well, good luck to him. Hopefully it’s just a fling. If she lives here and he lives way out there, they don’t have much chance.” I add.

“That’s not true.” Mama argues. “Look at Chad and Rachel. They turned out fine.”

“Yeah, because Rachel lives out here now.” I argue, good-naturedly. “There’s a snowball’s chance in hell that Hawk would move out here and give up the ranch for her.”

“Well, what if she moves out there?” Whitney interjects.

“I don’t know why we’re getting all bent out of shape here.” Chuck says. “For all we know, he just wanted to…you know, last night, and now it’s over.”

“That sounds awfully cheap. You think Hawk’s like that?” Mama says. “You’d think him coming from Rachel’s side, that he’d be sweeter than that.”

“Mama, don’t be so naïve.” Chuck says. “How do y’all know she wasn’t just in it for the night, too?”

“Nice girls aren’t like that.” Mama tuts, giving Whitney a look. Whitney’s face turns pink.

Chuck sees the expression and divides his glance between me and her, and I’m about to let go of her hand so he doesn’t see it, but it’s too late. “Well, I’ll be damned. Are you two…?” he trails off, pointing at us both.

Mama, like a true meddler, answers for us. “Yes, they are, and you hush about it, now.”

Chuck scoffs, impressed. “Well, it’s about goddamn time, for heaven’s sake!” he high fives me. “What changed…” he’s pointing at the two of us, then recognition comes to his face. “Ah, see, I thought I saw you two snuggling up on the dance floor. And then…oh…that’s right. You were supposed to stay in the guest house last night.” he says to Whitney. Then he gives her a knowing look. “But y’all didn’t stay in there last night, now, did you.”

“Wanna learn what it’s like to slop horses with a hangover?” Mama warns Chuck. “Leave them alone. They’re happy, and that’s what matters.”

“Thanks, mama.” I say, and then I kiss Whitney’s head.

“Y’all should take this guy for a vacation.” Chuck states. “He’s not been on one since…well, I don’t know when. Kidnap him and take him to some tropical island. Maybe that’ll take the pole out of his butt.” He chuckles teasingly.

“Well, maybe we will, but it’ll have to wait a little bit.” I say, looking at Whitney.

“You need anyone to watch little Trinity, I’m absolutely willing to do that.” Mama offers.

“Thanks, mama.” I say. “But it’s not that.”

Mama’s hackles are up. I have her complete attention. “Something wrong, Quin?”

“No, nothing’s wrong, mama.” I look at Whitney. “We’re just…we’re going to have a lot going on in the next little while.”

Whitney’s face is solemn. It’s almost like she’s saying a prayer in her head right now.

“Mama, I’m a…I’m donating one of my kidneys to Trinity.”

Her hand goes to her mouth. “Oh, my boy!” a pause. “You can do that? Why, I had no idea.”

“As long as I’m a match, I can.” I nod. “And I just found out that I am.”

“Oh, dear Lord, Quin.” She gasps, and I see her eyes welling up. “I’m so proud of you.” She takes a step towards me and hugs me. Then she kisses my cheek. “Oh, honey, you must be so happy.” She says to Whitney, giving her a hug, too. “What I wouldn’t do for that little girl, and now my boy’s giving her a kidney.”

“I couldn’t believe it when he told me at first.” Whitney says, getting a little misty-eyed.

“Oh, your mama’s going to be on cloud nine!” Mama gushes. “Why, we need to celebrate!”

“Mama, I think we did enough celebrating last night.” Chuck says, giving me a high five. “Good going, big brother. You’re a gem.”

“He’s more than a gem.” Whitney says, looking at me like I’m some kind of precious stone. “He’s me and my baby’s hero.” She kisses me on the lips, and I kiss her back.

Mama’s fisting her hands under her chin, so happy.

“Alright, now, you two are going to make mama burst. Enough of all this merriment, I’ve got a pounding headache.” Chuck states, taking the lights away from mama, so he can take over.

And just as he says this, two bodies appear out of the hand’s quarters; Hawk and his lady friend’s. They’re holding hands, and before they see us, they kiss each other. Hawk is holding her bag in his other hand. They walk towards us, still holding hands, and Chuck smiles knowingly. “Morning, guys. Sleep well?”

I elbow him. Whitney tries to stifle a laugh but fails miserably.

“Let’s be grownups, now.” Mama says. “Was it comfortable in there, Hawk?” Mama asks.

“Comfortable enough, sure.” He says, and then he pats Chuck on the shoulder. “You look like hell, brother. I see you puked outside my room, you shithead.”

“I puked in other places, too, I just didn’t want you to feel left out.” Chuck says flatly. “But it looks like you weren’t too worried about that, now, were you.”

The young girl seems very bashful. Her cheeks are pink. She looks to be at least ten years Hawk’s junior, but I could be guessing wrong. Without makeup, she’s probably younger-looking than usual. “Naw…can’t say I was.” Hawk states, unscathed. “Well, I should walk you to the truck.”

“I’ve got to run over to Lisa’s house.” Luellen says.

“I bet y’all do, honey.” Chuck says, and the way that he says it, it’s as if he’d had her last night, not Hawk.

“Easy, killer.” Hawk says, patting him on the shoulder. All us Texan boys are big, but Hawk, he’s a mountain. If I didn’t know him any better, I’d think he was a former military boy, but he’s lived on a ranch all his life, and still runs it. I give Chuck a warning look, hoping that he’ll lay off. Hawk could stomp my little brother out with his pinkie finger.

“It was nice meeting you all.” Luellen says.

“Likewise, doll. Come around anytime.” Mama says, like a true country woman.

We try to be nonchalant, like we’re not watching them, but we are. He kisses her sweetly from the window of her car, and watches her drive off. When he walks back towards us, we act casual, and invent a subject to chat about. “So, you’re donating a kidney, huh.” Chuck says, and Whitney once again, tries to stifle a laugh but fails.

“What’s this?” Hawk asks, overhearing. “Who’s donating a kidney?”

“I am.” I raise my hand.

“No kidding.” Hawk says, shaking his head. Then he changes the subject. ‘I gotta go shower and call out for the troops. It’s a long drive back to El Paso.”

“Sure is.” I state. “Hey, thanks for coming.”

“I wouldn’t have missed my little sister’s wedding for anything.” Hawk says.

“You…uh…you coming back to see Luellen again?” Chuck asks boldly.

“I don’t know.” He shrugs. “Maybe.”

“She’s a little young for you, don’t you think?” Chuck ventures.

“And she’s a little old for you, son.” Hawk retorts. “What are you, like, twenty?”

“Twenty-three. I’m in dental school.”

“Good for you, son.” Hawk slaps him on the shoulder, and walks away, never revealing how old she is.

“Sorry, Chuck.” Whitney frowns, stroking his upper arm consolingly.

“Oh, come on, now.” Mama tuts. “One wedding at a time, okay? Chuck, go get some breakfast. You’ll feel better.”

“Fine, mama.” Chuck murmurs, unimpressed.

When he leaves, mama turns to us. “I think we should have your family over for dinner tonight. Make the official announcement.”

“What, that we’re together, or that I’m donating a kidney?” I chuckle.

“Both, actually.”

“Maybe Whitney doesn’t want to put Trinity on the spot like that, mama.” I suggest carefully, looking at Whitney.

Recognition comes to mama’s face. “Oh, you’re so right, Quin. Yes. Trinity should hear it from you two and that’s it. This is private.”

“I agree, mama.” I nod.

“Yes. I appreciate the sentiment, Mary, really. But I think that this is going to be a lot for Trinity to take.”

“No, you’re absolutely right, darlin’.” Mama touches her hand. “We’ll have you all over when it’s all out in the open.”

“That sounds great, mama.”

“So, when are you going to spread the news?” Mama rubs her palms together, excited.

“Well, that’s up to Whitney.” I say honestly, looking at my girl.

“The sooner the better.” Whitney says.