A Little Bit of Trouble (12 page)

     “I’ve got to go do the usual school run.”
I explain and roll her onto her back. She grunts and wraps her arms around my neck, trying to stop me in her feeble state, it’s cute. “I’ve seriously got to leave. I’ll call you ok?”

     Her eyes narrow a little in distrust, “Ok then. You’ll call me?” I wouldn’t be able to stay away even if I tried. I nod and kiss her lips. She slowly climbs out of bed, “I’ll lock up after you.”

     “Okay.” She follows me to the main door so I turn and pull her to me, giving her a deep kiss that will hopefully stay with her until I can see her next. “See you later.” With a little kiss on the end of her nose I leave, and I look back, at least ten times. The smile on my face is ridiculous. I’m a fucking embarrassment but hell I feel like I’m floating.

Lucas
: Don’t leave your apartment.

Loryn
: Yes almighty Lucas.

Lucas
: I prefer the name God but that will do… for now. ;)

Loryn
: Ugh…

     I laugh and throw my phone on the console. This is going to be a good week.

     “Helen,” I call and rush over to her as she stands with a large crowd of other waiting parents. “Hey.”

     “Oh, hi Lucas, how are you?”

     “I’m great,” I grin, I can’t help it. I’m still fucking smiling. “How are you?”

     “Really good thank you. That wine is divine. Wesley
told me to ask you where you got it.”

     I shrug, “I’ll ask my brother. I know nothing of those sort of things. I think it’s from his wife’s, father’s collection.”

     “Oh, well then I’m honored to have had a drink.”

    
The bell rings, students pile out and the parents scatter, Amelia runs over to me with a little pink note in her hand, “Guess what?”

     “What?” I ask and wave goodbye to Helen as we pass.
She hands me the pink slip. According to this I’m invited to her assembly next week, she’s going to receive a certificate for paying attention in class and for good reading. “That’s awesome Amelia!” I swing her into my arms and kiss her cheeks. “I’m so proud of you.”

     “Can we get pizza?”

     “No, I have something so much better that a friend of mine made for us,” thoughts of the hotpot swim through my mind, I almost drool. “You’ll like it.”

     And like it she does. As soon as dinner is finished I give Amelia a bath and afterwards we read through her books together. Then I tuck her into bed and check my emails whilst relaxing on the sofa. My phone alerts me to a text. I smile when Loryn’s name flashes on the screen. And then frown when I read her message.

Loryn
: I just want you to know that I don’t expect anything from you now we’ve slept together. No hard feelings.

     Crazy bitch. I press the call button, she doesn’t answer. So I call her again, this time she disconnects the call. I call her again, still nothing. What the fuck is wrong with her now?

Lucas
: What’s up babe? I was just about to call you x

     She doesn’t respond… fuck!

Lucas
: I swear down, if you don’t answer me right now I will come over there!

     She still doesn’t answer, although it is the middle of the night. One could say I’m being a little obsessive. Shit. Stupid ass women, what the hell goes through their minds? They seem to convince themselves of stupid shit that isn’t even there!

Lucas
: Has Loryn texted you?

Marie
: No, why?

Maya
: It’s the middle of the night Lucas! Remind me to slap you when I see you!

Summer
: Sleeping… no messages… go away.

Lucas
: She’s pissing me off!

Marie
: Want me to call her?

Lucas
: No! Just leave her, if she wants to be a bitch then let her.

Marie
: Want me to come watch the kid whilst you check on her?

Lucas
: No!

Marie
: I’m on my way! Get some snacks ready!

     I rush around hastily pulling on clothes and grabbing food from the cupboards. Marie comes twenty minutes later, I answer the door, kiss her on the cheek and rush toward the elevator where I frantically press the button over and over again.

     “Thought you didn’t want to check on her,” she laughs. I flip her off which makes her cackle, I then dive into the elevator, exit the elevator when it hits ground and speed all the way to Loryn’s.

     I bang on the door, I shout her name,
and I call her cell over and over. Still no response. So I shout louder, throw pebbles at the upstairs window and call her again. The light finally turns on upstairs. I bounce on the spot, waiting for her to open the door.

     The door opens, “What the hell Lucas?” I push past her, lock the door grab the female and slam her into the wall, gently of course. “What are you doing?”

     “What the hell Loryn? You don’t want this?” I ask and press my body to hers. “Tell me you don’t, tell me right now. But do not, send me a stupid ass text and then ignore me.”

     “Who’s got the kids?” she asks. I release her and run my hands through my hair.

     “Marie.”

     Her eyes narrow in suspicion, “What’s Marie doing at yours at this time?”

     “I’m fucking her…” I bite back with an eye roll. “What do you think? I asked, she came so I could check on you!”

     “I never asked you to!” she snaps back and shoves at my chest. I grab her wrists and hold them above her head with one hand. “What are you doing?”

     I smirk
, “Reminding myself why I put up with your inner fucking bitch.” Her mouth drops open in insult. I use this moment to plunge my tongue into her mouth. She clamps her teeth down and bites, it’s not hard but it fucking hurts. “Fuck. Crazy bitch.”

     “Lucas,” she shrieks when I release the knot on her sweats and they fall to her feet. “Are you crazy?”

     I quirk an eyebrow and smirk, “Have you not figured that out yet?” I quickly unbutton my pants and push them down, her eyes go wide at the sight of my erection. “Wrap your arms around my neck.”

   
She tugs her wrists free and bends down to pick up her trousers. “Go away!”

    
“You’re right babe,” I chuckle and flip her around as she’s bent over. She squeals and presses her hands against the wall, I use this moment to suit my member up with a rubber. “This position is much better.” I sink into her, all reason lost when I feel how fucking wet she is. Any reservations or concerns I just had, now gone completely. She cries out at the same time as I groan.

     We’re laid in bed together, Loryn draped over my chest breathing softly. I feel her jaw move as she chews on her lip, her skin quivers as I tickle her back. “Your heart is beating really fast.” She announces into the silence.

     “I’m pretty sure I just fucked you in the store, on the stairs and in bed. I’ve pretty much done the sexual version of a fucking marathon. If it wasn’t beating fast I’d be concerned.”

     “I’m sorry about before. I just thought… it was late… you hadn’t called… I wanted to make it easier on you. You’ve been so nice, you don’t owe me anything.”

     I roll us over so she’s on her back, I gently move her hair from her face, “Loryn. Stop being such a fucking girl. If I wasn’t going to call you I wouldn’t have made such a big deal over the text and I wouldn’t be here now.”

     Indecision st
ill remains in her eyes, I lean down and kiss her lips. She returns it and holds me tight. I roll us back over onto my back and pull the covers up to her shoulders. I’ve already spent too much time here, but I’m worried that if I leave, she’ll think I’m just using her for a quick fuck.

Isn’t that what you are doing?

     Right now, I have no fucking idea what I’m doing. All I know is that right now, I don’t want to let her go. Not yet. So like the coward I am, I wait until she’s asleep and leave a note by her head, telling her I have to go home and I will call her. Then on the way home I text her, just in case.

Lucas
: I’ll pick you up tomorrow on my lunch break be ready at 12:15pm.

Marie the Fucking Genius

     When I get home Marie is still awake, sat on the
sofa, watching a movie with junk food spread out all around her. She looks up as I walk in and pats the clear spot next to her. I flop onto the sofa and sigh deeply.

     “Get it sorted?” she asks and turns the TV down.

     I nod.

     She smiles, it’s devious and wide, “You fucked her.”

     “Do you have to be so crass? I didn’t fuck her.”

     “So why’s your shirt on inside out?” I look down, shit… wait, no it’s not. “See only someone who has recently had sex has that panicked look on their face when asked that question!”

      I quirk a brow at her and flick a piece of popcorn at her face, “Or someone who’s worried they’ve been walking around all day with their shirt inside out.”

      She throws her head back and laughs, “Yeah. That too.
I’m crashing here by the way, no point me going home now.”

     “Makes sense.” Pause. “Thanks for coming Marie.”

     She pats my thigh once, “No problem. So, you haven’t told her about Crystal and Annie yet have you?” How does she know that? “We went out with her last night remember. She thinks you’re separated.”

     My eyes bug out of my head, “What did you tell her?”

     “Maya saved your ass and knocked over a drink, Summer then changed the subject.” Marie shrugs but her eyes narrow in suspicion. “Why haven’t you told her?”

     “Because.”

     “Because what?”

     “I don’t want her to know yet,” I frown.

     She smiles and pats my thigh again, “Okay then.”

     “Wait… that’s it? That’s all you’re saying?” Why don’t I believe that? Oh yeah because this is Marie and Marie doesn’t just leave things.

     “Yeah, I get it. It’s early days.” Exactly. “Why should she know yet?”

     I breathe a sigh of relief and rub my eyes with my fists, “Thanks Marie, you can take my bed. I’ll have the
sofa.”

     “Nah, I’m going to be up another hour watching this. Fetch me a blanket will you stud?”

     I roll my eyes with a laugh and do as I’m told.

     When I enter the room with my arms full of blankets and pillow
s Marie hops up and helps me spread them out. “Right I’m going to bed.” I announce and stretch my arms above my head. “Goodnight.”

     And just when I reach my door I hear, “But Lucas.” I stop with my hand on my bedroom door handle. “When she does find out, she’ll wonder why you didn’t tell her. And most likely think you were just wanting to fuck her.”

     “Why would she think that after all we’ve helped her with recently?”

     “Because she’s a woman and she’s insecure and she will think the worst. I could be wrong, but… I’m pretty sure I’m right.” Shit.

     Bouncing, who’s bouncing? “Amelia, stop bouncing,” I grumble and bury my head under the covers. Suddenly the covers are ripped back. I peek an eye open and see Marie on her knees beside me, her arms flailing whilst she bounces up and down. Each bounce putting at least two inches of air between her and the mattress. “What are you doing?”

     “I’m a genius, I’m a fucking genius,” Marie squeals and dives on me. I cry out when we roll straight off the bed and onto the floor. Ouch. “You wanna know why I’m a god damn genius?” Right now? How is she not fazed
by the fall, she’s sat right on my stomach, her hands on my chest, a huge grin on her face. Crazy bitch. “I need your girlfriend now! NOW! Seriously, I’m a fucking genius!”

     “What are you talking about?” I grunt and try to sit up but she pins me back down
with firm hands on my shoulders.

     “Get up, let’s get Amelia to school! Come on!” What time is it? “She’s ready, I got her ready, and she’s had breakfast! Come on Lucas!”

     I shove her off me and slap her hard on the ass which makes her giggle and roll around like a crazy person. “My, my, Maya was right. Look at all those muscles.”

     I toss the blanket over her which only makes her laugh harder. Time to get ready.

     I step into the shower and shut the frosted glass door behind me, I’m in here for all of five minutes when the bathroom door opens. “Hurry up! Using a toothbrush!”

     “Marie!” I chastise and cover myself, even though I know she can’t see anything. “Ever heard of privacy?”

     “Have you ever heard of Marie the fucking genius?” Can’t say I have. “Hurry up big boy…. And I don’t say that term loosely.”

     “You’re a pervert.”

     “Nom,” she says and begins brushing her teeth.

     Not too long later, in the car, “Are you going to tell me this master plan of yours?”

     “Marie
is a genius,” Amelia responds and Marie nods frantically. I sigh and continue driving.

     “You really want to know why I’m a genius don’t
you.” Marie teases for the millionth time since leaving Amelia at school. “You really wanna know why I need your girlfriend.”

     “She’s not my girlfriend.”

     “Whatever, come on.”

     “You do realize I’m supposed to be at work,” I sigh and check my watch, it’s nine fifteen. “
Shit.” I’m late.

      She waves me off, “I called Maya whilst you were sorting out Amelia. She’s fine with it.”

     “She’s not my boss, James is.”

     She raises a brow and gives me a look that says, ‘are you stupid?’ “Let’s pretend you didn’t just say that.”
Gray. “Are we nearly there yet?”

     Groan.

    
“LORYN!” Marie shouts and insistently bangs on the door and shutters. Christ.

    I call Loryn again and look up to the top window. I see the curtains twitch, I wave at the tired looking female who smiles at me as if I’m the greatest thing in the world, I expect that look to be wiped away when she realizes Marie is here. She holds up her finger as if to say ‘one minute’.

     Marie bursts through the door, her hands gripping a scared looking Loryn by the shoulders. “I’m a fucking genius!”

     Loryn looks at me before looking back at the bouncing female, “And why’s that?”

     “See all this space?” Marie motions to the large empty store with her arms spread wide, she turns a few times. “I have a plan, a brilliant plan!”

     “Go on,” Loryn laughs suddenly sharing the bouncing
female’s excitement.

     I sit on the window ledge whilst Marie starts drawing on the white wall in pencil.

     “I want to turn this half of the store into a studio,
add a wall here, a small room here for dressing rooms. Take out the kitchen and extend this half into a hair and beauty salon. We could do family shoots, couple shoots, sexy shoots, they can get their hair and makeup done and then come straight through to me. Or it can work as one or the other!” That is actually a really good idea.

     “And how will we get the money for such a venture?” Loryn doesn’t look convinced. “I’m only getting
seven and a half grand from my insurance company.” Shit.

     “Already figured that part out,” Marie grins and winks at me. “Maya, her company makes makeup and shit. We could ask her for a loan to do up the store and ask her for her products. This could really work.” Considering Marie has never asked Maya for anything I can really see how serious she is about this. She hates asking for money, in fact, I don’t think she ever has asked for money. Maya would easily go for this. “I’ve already got really decent camera equipment, all we’d need is to add some furniture, props, a bed and shit, to the studio area. It would rock. This area can be a full hair and beauty salon. You could turn the apartment upstairs into private rooms for waxing. The possibilities are endless.”

     I shut off for the rest, I fetch breakfast whilst the girls squeal and go over ideas and such. Loryn seems to be all for it, if it’s making her happy, I’m all for it too. They are in the middle of their scheming when suddenly Loryn’s hands fly to her mouth.

     “I can’t, not until…” she shakes her head and says one word. “Dana.”

     “We can, we’ll install some CCTV,
inside and outside, keep it safe,” Marie says and throws her arms around Loryn’s shoulders. “We’ll track Dana down and get this sorted. It’ll take ages to get the building up to scratch, you’ll need sinks, shelves, the wall putting in, special lighting, air con, the list is ridiculously long. By the time anything even begins we could have this shit with Dana sorted.”

     Loryn looks at me, “What do you think Lucas?”

     I tug on her braid, “I think it’s a great idea. Marie is right. This Dana shit will be sorted by then.” I’ll make sure of it.

     She looks between us both, “You really think this would work? Why would anybody come to this part of town though?”

     That’s when I chip in with my sarcasm, “It’s a shame we don’t know any good looking movie stars to get the ball rolling when renovations are done.”

     Marie screams and jumps and pulls out her phone, “JACOB STONE!” Poor man.

     “I’m going to work guys,” I say to them both. “You can handle it from here right?”

     Marie nods and steps outside, she’s still on the phone to Jacob. I walk over to Loryn and cup her face in my hands, she smiles when I suck her lower into my mouth.

     “Don’t go,” she whispers and bites on my top lip. I wrap my arms around her waist and bury my face in her neck. “Still coming back for lunch?”

     “Babe, it’s almost eleven. I’m late. I w
on’t get a lunch,” I inhale the sweet scent of cherries as I bury my face in her warm neck and cup her ass with my hands. She sighs and moves her arms to around my neck. “Unless you want to go upstairs. I have ten minutes.”

      “I think we’ve proven you need a lot longer than ten minutes.”

     “I could make an exception, this once,” I press my lips to hers again and smile wickedly.

     She glances at the door, “Marie is right there.”

      I press my hips into hers, my cock instantly hardens, she groans at the same time as me. “I really don’t give a damn.”

      Suddenly I’m yanked back by my collar and being pushed towards the door, “Girls need girl time. You go do man shit.” And the door is slammed on my face. I flip Marie the bird through the window and climb into my car. Women.

     James is waiting for me in his office, he smiles briefly with a nod when I walk in and continues with his phone call. Once he hangs up, he looks at me. I’m currently sitting on the large sofa facing the huge floor to ceiling window.

     “You’re late and Maya’s vanished with Marie and this Loryn character. I’m wondering if this is linked seeing as my dear wife didn’t say anything other than, ‘Marie is a fucking genius.’” He loosens his tie. “What’s going on?”

     I shrug, “Honestly… it’s a long ass story. What’s on the agenda for us today?”

     “I happen to have been in contact with an old professor of mine, who is now retired, he has agreed to teach you.” Teach me what? “The business side of things. I don’t have time and this man is a genius. You start classes in two months or so. Until then, I’m unsure where to put you.”

     “I’m happy being errand boy. Besides, I have a feeling I have a new project about to come my way.”

     “Go on.”

     So I tell him about Marie’s ‘fucking’ genius plan, and how I’ll probably get roped into overseeing the renovation side of things. Not that I mind.

     “And you say Maya is putting money into this?”

     I shrug, “I assume so.”

     “Oh thank god, that means she’ll be gone more,” say what? I watch him run his hands through his hair. “She’s driving me fucking crazy.”

     “What’s she done now?”

     “That’s the problem, she’s being sweet, kind, attentive and giving me those looks again.
You know?” Not really. “The ones where there’s that twinkle of mischief in her eyes that says, ‘I’m going to hurt you.’” He hits his head on the desk. “Why did I fucking retaliate with barbecue sauce in her shampoo bottle?”

      I burst out laughing, “That must have been fun to watch.”

      He cringes, “She used the shampoo on our daughter first. Evelyn still stinks of barbecue sauce and it’s been a week.”

     “What did Maya do?”
Poor Evelyn, I can’t help but laugh though. That’s funny shit.

     He shrugs, “Nothing, she just laughed it off, patted me on the cheek and said, ‘nice try.’”

     “Yeah, she’s going to get you good dude.” And I can’t wait to see it.