Traditional Terms (8 page)

She was packing the last of her boxes when she heard a knock at the door. She tried to smooth the tangle of curls that was messily pulled into a ponytail and wiped the dust off her jeans before rushing to answer the door. Cracking the door to see who was there, she swallowed the instant lump that formed in the back of her throat at the sight of Vance standing before her.

“Vance…”

“Can I come in?”

Coley opened the door and motioned for him to enter. “Of course. I was just… um… I’m just finishing up packing.”

Vance glanced at all the boxes piled in the living room. “Caine told me you were going to Ireland.”

“Yes. I have a lot of writing I need to get done, and…” She paused to fiddle with the amethyst stone around her neck that she had never removed. “And I just thought it would be a good thing for me right now. I’ve rented out my house since I’m not sure when, or if I’ll be returning. I plan on finishing my book there.”

“You do need to write. I’m sure you’re behind,” Vance agreed.

Coley continued to play with the necklace. The awkward feeling between them was almost too much to take. “Yes, I guess I am.”

Vance walked over to Coley and pulled her into an embrace. “I couldn’t let you leave without saying goodbye.”

Coley snuggled into his neck and allowed the tears to flow. She thought she had felt heartache the past two weeks, but nothing compared to the pain she was feeling now. The only thing she wanted was for Vance to never let her go. She wanted to hear him declare his love for her and make them one, once again. But instead, he was simply giving her a goodbye hug.

Vance pulled his face away and placed each palm of his hands on Coley’s cheeks. “Hey, why are you crying?”

“I’m sorry, Vance.”

“I’m sorry, too. I’m sorry I lost you.”

Coley closed her eyes blinking away the tears. “I made a huge mistake. I let my insecurities, my fear and my temper get in the way of us. I ruined what we had, and I’m so sorry.”

Vance simply stared. There was no emotion for Coley to read.

“I’m really sorry I ended us. I’m so sorry, and I wish I could fix it,” she added as the tears continued to flow down her cheeks.

“Coley, I love you. That has never changed.”

She paused to look into his adoring eyes. “You do? After what I did to you, you still can say you love me?” Coley was stunned that this wonderful man could still have love in his heart.

“I want you. I always have, and I always will.” Vance kissed her forehead. “But I can’t make you love me. I can’t make you want my way of life. I can
make
you do a lot of things, but you have to come to certain decisions on your own.”

Coley looked deep into his hazel eyes. “So… are you saying?”

“I’m saying I love you. I want you. It took all my might not to knock down your door and demand that you change your mind. But I can’t alpha my way into your heart, into your soul. You have to allow yourself to love me. I can’t force that.”

Coley placed her lips gently to his. “I do love you. I love you so much. Please take me back. Please love me like before. I love you so much.”

Saying the word
love
was foreign for Coley. Confessing her inner feelings was not something she ever was able to do before. But she almost lost the man of her dreams and she wasn’t going to allow her own personal demons to destroy the love they had.

Vance wrapped his arms tightly around Coley and pulled her tight against his chest. “Yes, I’ll love you! I have never stopped. Being away from you destroyed me. I’ve never felt such pain and loss in my life. The only thing that kept me going was the hope you’d come back to me. Then when I heard you were going to Ireland, I panicked.”

Coley looked around at all the packed boxes. “There’s a problem. I already rented out my place and bought a plane ticket. I’m not sure how to get out of this mess.” Coley worried that the happy reunion may be short lived. She had Vance back in her life. She didn’t want to walk away now.

Vance smiled. “I know. That’s why I took vacation from work, bought a ticket on the same flight as you to Ireland and plan on being with you from this day on.”

Coley stared in disbelief. “You did? How did you know—”

“I didn’t. I hoped,” Vance interrupted with his admission.

“Oh my, God! I love it! We’re going to Ireland together!” Coley clapped her hands in delight.

Vance smiled and kissed her lightly on her lips. “There’s one more thing. I was hoping to have the movers show up tomorrow and move all your belongings to my house. So that when we return from our trip, you can live with me.”

“What?” Coley asked in shock. She pulled away and furrowed her brow.

“I’ve given this a lot of thought. I have spent two weeks away from you, and I don’t plan on spending another day without you again,” Vance declared with conviction and love in his voice. “Will you move in with me?”

Coley would normally get frightened by the idea, scared at all the unknowns. Having Vance be so impulsive would cause her to run, afraid of getting hurt. But this time she wasn’t going to let her pessimistic mind win over her heart. She needed to let go of her fear and trust Vance with her heart wholly.

Coley nodded. “Yes! I would love to live with you. I can’t wait to never have to say goodbye again.” There was no hesitation or pause. Only a confident reply.

“There’s one more thing.” Vance lifted Coley’s chin so she was looking directly into his eyes. “If you ever pull a stunt like that again and try to leave me, I will give you a licking that you will be feeling for a week! Are we clear on that?”

Coley giggled. “Yes, very clear. I would deserve it. I do deserve it.” Coley seductively lowered her pants. “You can spank me now if you want,” she flirted.

“I should.” Vance unbuttoned his pants. “But I have something else in mind.”

Coley smiled. “I hope you’re thinking what I am.”

Vance swooped her up into his arms and carried her to the bedroom.

Before Coley could stop her giggle, Vance had entered the bedroom and placed her at the edge of the bed. All the sheets and bedding had been removed and packed away, leaving nothing but a bare mattress on top of a bed spring.

Vance sat down at the edge and pulled Coley so she was standing between his legs. He looked up into her eyes and with a wicked grin whispered, “I want to watch you undress. I want to see each inch of your body in the soft sunlight behind you.”

Coley glanced at the window with the beams of light shining in. Embarrassment and self consciousness were fleeting as her desire to please her man took over. His smile, his eyes and his confidence made her weak in the knees before his touch even could.

“Take off your blouse,” Vance softly commanded. “Slowly.”

Coley paused for a split second before gradually pulling the fabric, inch by inch above her head. Exposing her torso, with nothing but her bra, sent tingles along the surface of her skin.

Vance leaned forward and placed a delicate kiss on her stomach. “Lower your pants,” he continued. “Slowly.”

The deep purr of his voice sent the growing tingles to work their way between her legs. Moisture pooled as her desire built. Bit by bit, Coley eased her jeans down her body. Vance rewarded her efforts by placing a soft kiss on each hip and on the top of her thighs.

Vance seductively licked along the edge of her panties and murmured, “Remove your panties... slowly.”

As Coley hooked her fingers in her panties to lower them past her buttocks, she let out a gasp as Vance traced his tongue along the top of her mound. He continued to lick his way down as she lowered her panties ever so slowly.

“Spread your legs,” he commanded in the same seductive tone. “Slowly, very, very slowly.”

Coley opened her legs and almost lost her balance as Vance pushed his tongue past the folds of her newly exposed pussy. His hot breath and soft moans intensified the movement of his tongue. Her climax was building until she was certain she would explode before she was even fully disrobed. Just as she was about to go over the edge of bliss, Vance stopped.

“Remove your bra. Then sit on my lap,” he ordered as his hands tightened around the firmness of her ass. “Quickly... do this quickly.”

Coley’s breath caught as she hurriedly removed the last remainder of clothing. She straddled his lap as his mouth circled around her breast that she pressed against his face. She hungered for more. She wanted the slow seduction dance to end. She was ready for Vance to take her.

“Please, Vance. Get undressed. I want you,” Coley begged as she frantically removed his shirt.

Vance repositioned her long enough to remove his clothing, and then placed her back on top of his lap. She rubbed her wet warmth against his hardness as he kissed his way from her shoulder to the tip of her ear. Gasps and pants were now becoming moans.

“Lower yourself on top of me. Press me into you, baby. Put me inside of you,” Vance moaned.

Coley swiftly did as he asked as she lowered all her weight down the shaft of his cock. Arching her back, she lifted her body only to drive herself down once again.

“Yes, baby. Ride me. Ride me until you come.”

Coley continued lifting, then driving downward with more force as her orgasm drew near. Over and over she pressed and pulled until the building pleasure grew and exploded from her body. Her moans and gasps were captured by the force of Vance’s mouth as he kissed the climax to completion. He paused long enough for the last wave of ecstasy to leave her body.

“God, I missed you.” Vance placed a hand on each side of her ass.

“And I missed you.” Coley grabbed handfuls of his hair as she pressed her lips forcefully to his.

Vance firmly grabbed her ass and guided her body up and down the length of his shaft once again. Each movement being strong and forceful. Each thrust deeper than the last. Kissing, licking, and moaning were blurred by the heat and passion that coursed between their bodies. Erotic pleasure, bliss and orgasm, were over powered by the most intense feeling Coley had ever felt. Love. Love dominated her body, her soul. And for the first time in her life... Coley submitted to it.

“I’m so glad this isn’t a going away party after all,” Neely said as she hugged Coley tightly. “I’m so happy to hear that you and Vance worked it out. You guys are meant to be together.”

Coley and Vance had arrived at Caine’s and Neely’s house hand and hand. What was supposed to be a goodbye barbeque for Coley, was going to end up a bon voyage party for the two of them for their trip to Ireland.

“How long are you going to be away?” Caine asked as he walked up to the two most important women in his life.

“Two weeks. I would love to stay longer, but Vance needs to get back to work,” Coley explained. “And when we do return, he’s asked me to move in with him.”

“That’s wonderful! That’s beyond wonderful. You deserve to have finally found a man like Vance,” Neely exclaimed.

“Did I hear my name?” Vance asked as he approached with a drink for him and Coley in his hands.

Coley reached for the drink and placed a soft kiss to Vance’s lips. “I was just sharing our plans about moving in together.”

“Congratulations, man. You’re going to need it with my sister,” Caine offered.

“Don’t I know it,” Vance joked in agreement.

“Whatever.” Coley playfully rolled her eyes. “Excuse me why I go use the restroom.” Coley turned to leave.

After using the bathroom, Coley walked out and paused when she saw that Travis and Sara had walked into the party. Sara had a smug smile on her face that made Coley want to sprint across the room and knock it right off her. Sara spotted Coley and pranced her way on over.

“Well hello, Coley. Or I guess I should be saying goodbye. I’m so sorry to hear that things didn’t work out for you and Vance.”

Coley simply smiled. She enjoyed the fact that Sara was in the dark of what was really going on.

“You really can’t get mad at Vance. It’s so hard to get over someone that you loved with all your heart. The fact that I’m with Travis must really kill him.”

Coley crossed her arms against her chest, raised an eyebrow and never lost her smile.

“Well, you know what they say about there being more fish in the sea. Maybe you can find yourself a good Irish boy. They seem to like their women a little more hearty… thick, if you know what I mean.” Sara smiled softly. The way she could deliver a blow to someone without blinking an eye was really something to admire.

“Hmmm…” Coley took a breath to try to contain her raging temper. “Actually, Sara, Vance and I are going to Ireland as a couple and then moving in together when we return.” Coley took a moment to relish in the surprise that crossed Sara’s face. “I guess he managed to mend his heart from that one week fuck he had with you after all.”

Sara leaned in closer so only Coley would be able to hear her venom. “Just remember, that
my
pussy touched
his
lips when
you
kiss him.” Sara smiled and gave a wink. “Yummy.” She licked her lips to accentuate her point. “Enjoy.”

This was the final straw for Coley. She couldn’t hold back her anger any longer. Sara possessed the ability to bring out the worst in her. She could try to conduct herself with class, reserve and maturity. But at this moment, all she wanted was to beat the living shit out of the bitch before her. She knew she would cause a commotion. Vance would be pissed at her for sure, and Caine would be angry that she had started a fight in his home. But at this moment in time, Coley couldn’t care less. She would deal with their wrath later.

Coley reached for the back of Sara’s hair and grabbed an entire fist full. She yanked Sara’s head back as far back as it could go without snapping her neck. “Listen you fucked up, whack job.” Coley yanked her hair even harder. “You stay away from me, Vance and anyone else I care about. If I see you even glance my direction, I will beat you to a fucking pulp. Are we clear?” Coley yanked Sara’s head, causing Sara to release a scream of shock mixed with pain.

Sara’s scream caught everyone’s attention in the room. All eyes were now cast in their direction. Coley’s eyes met with Vance and she could see his look of shock. Coley released Sara’s hair and returned her glare back to her.

Sara reached for her head and tried to rub out the sting. “I can’t believe you just did that you cunt!”

Coley’s rage exploded. “What was that? What did you just call me?” She got right into Sara’s face, challenging her to say it again.

Coley quickly glanced in Vance’s direction. Caine stood right next to him and lunged forward to break up the fight. Vance surprised Coley when he reached out his hand and prevented Caine from interfering. Vance gave a small nod of approval to Coley, letting her know he was on her side and backing her decision.

Sara leaned in and spat, “I called you by what you are. Cunt. You Cunt!”

Coley pulled her arm back and with as much force as she could muster, she brought her closed fist to the side of Sara’s face. The punch caused Sara to stumble back against the wall behind her.

Coley ignored the shooting pain working its way through her hand. “When you start something with me, Sara, you better damn sure be prepared to finish it.”

Coley then grabbed Sara’s hair once again and rammed her head into the wall she was up against. “This is for Neely! I’ve wanted to get you back for that for awhile now.”

Sara crumpled to the floor and looked up at Coley in disbelief. “Fuck you!” she screamed.

Coley mimicked one of Sara’s classic prissy smiles. “Tisk, tisk. Such language from a lady.” Coley spun on her heels to find Vance.

The fight was over, and even though Coley had lost control, she felt great. She might not have appeared soft, submissive or feminine in the slightest. But it was about time Sara got taught a thing or two.

She walked up to Vance who quickly wrapped his arms around her. “Sweetheart, are you all right?” He pulled away and reached for her hand that had punched Sara. “Let me see your hand. Does it hurt?”

“Yes, but I don’t think it’s broken or anything.”

Vance examined her hand with a frown on his face.

“Am I in trouble?” Coley asked.

Vance smiled and kissed the tip of her nose. “Not at all. I’m proud of you. Sara had it coming, and she messed with the wrong woman when it came to you.”

Caine approached her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m not happy.”

Coley looked smugly at her brother. “Too bad. Vance said I’m not in trouble and since he’s Head of Household, there’s nothing you can do,” she teased. She liked that she could hold the DD lifestyle over his head for a change.

Caine frowned. “Yeah, well, you better put some ice on that hand of yours.” Caine kissed her forehead and made his way to the kitchen where Neely was no doubt already getting the ice pack ready.

“Do you still love me? Even when I don’t act soft and feminine?” Coley asked as she raised on her tip toes so she could place small kisses on Vance’s face.

“I love you even more. Coley, I have always loved your temper, your fire and that extra zest that makes you who you are. My challenge is making sure you always respect and—”

“Obey you,” Coley interrupted with a giggle.

Vance chuckled. “I guess so.” He kissed her tenderly before adding, “And my challenge is to make you always love me like you do right now.”

Coley wrapped her arms around his neck. “I do, Vance. I love you more than I even thought possible.”

They pressed their lips together in a loving kiss as Coley continued to murmur, “I love you, I love you, I love you.” She knew she would continue to say those words every day of her life. They felt right, they felt good. “I love you…”

The End