21. Wade

twenty-one

wade

It's been two weeks since Lemon told me she needed some time to take everything in. I didn't give it to her. Maybe that was mean of me, but I didn't care. I let her walk away that morning but followed her to her apartment and caught her before she could escape to Leslie's. I was ready to fight for everything. I wasn't giving up and I wasn't going to let Lemon push me away. Not again.

However, in those two weeks, we haven't seen each other. My nerves are frayed because after spending the night with her and going from finally having her back into my life, to not being able to see her, has me on edge. We have talked on the phone and texted occasionally. But I haven't laid my eyes on her at all. It's not because we don't want to, it's because of time. Honestly, I'm tempted to go break the sprinkler line at the school again just so I can see her.

Angry Lemon is sexy.

With Ana living here now, I've had time to catch up on work and some of my bigger projects. Goldie is still living with me full-time, so Ana comes and goes from my house. It's easier this way and we both agreed she will stay at my parents until she finds a place, and not in my guest bedroom. I don't want to give Lemon any excuse to feel like I'm doing something behind her back.

Tonight is the school carnival. I'm not sure how this is going to go. My heart races with anticipation of seeing Lemon. I'll be in her environment, where she has to be on her A game. She can't flounder or show any weaknesses in front of school board members, and she doesn't need me complicating the night for her.

This will be the first time since Ana arrived that we'll be out as a family. It's a waste of gas for us not to go as a family. It's not like I'm going to stand on the other side of the room and then yell switch when it's my turn with Goldie. We've never done that before. Even when Ana was with Franco. We've always been a united front.

Tonight's carnival is a fundraiser for the school. There's a silent auction which I donated to. Much like I have in years past. At first, I donated a free mowing job, but then Ana filled out the form and the next thing I know, I've been volunteered to dig another garden. My luck, someone will want something massive, and it won't be just tilling the land. I'll probably have to plant everything too.

We arrive together, in Ana's rental. Next week, Jed and I, along with Landon and a few other guys are taking Ana to Jacksonville. It's a community effort. I have a U-Haul reserved near her house there, and she'll go through and point out everything she's taking. Franco assures me he won't be there, but you never know. I started reading a book on how to help Ana with what she's going through. Offering her unconditional support is paramount in her heading process. Plus knowing we have her back, no matter what, helps. I think Franco knows to stay away from the house while we're there.

After parking, I get out and help Ana and Goldie out of the car. We each take one of her hands and make our way into the school, along with other families. By the time we reach the gym, there's a line to get in.

"Daddy, we have to buy tickets," Goldie says as she tugs on my hand.

"For what?"

"For all the games," she says. "There's bobbing for apples. And I think we can throw pies at our gym teacher. And a dunk tank."

I look at Ana. "This sounds like the carnival from the movie, Grease. Do you remember it?"

Ana laughs. "I assure you the elementary school is not full of hormonal debauchery."

"The high is," I mumble as we step forward. There is a list of packages we can buy. Of course, I get the biggest one, even though I'm sure Goldie won't need all these extra tickets.

We take our pile of tickets and the printed map we were given into a toilet papered gymnasium. I look around at all the streamers, balloons, and all the booths. Kids run around screaming, while some parents gather. Teachers are dressed up in what I'm assuming are their Halloween costumes even though we are weeks away.

"Wow," I say as we stand there with Goldie tugging on our hands. "The staff really outdid themselves."

"Thanks, I'll pat myself on the back."

I look at Ana. "You did this?"

She beams and nods. "Goldie brought home a note saying they needed volunteers and I figured since I'm here, I might as well make myself useful. So, while she was in class, I started helping with the planning."

"I'm happy to see you're trying to fit in, Ana."

"Me, too. Now come on before our daughter rips our arms off."

We let go of Goldie's hands and follow her around. Ana takes a lot of photos of Goldie and me, and I take pictures of her and Goldie. A few people offer to take one of the three of us, but we decline. It's not that we don't want one, this isn't the place to do them.

While we wait in line, I scan the area for Lemon, looking over heads, around people and everywhere else I can, but don't see her. I figured she'd be here, but maybe this is something she skips. Not that I can blame her. It's loud and the kids are a bit wild.

Goldie is intent on throwing a pie at her gym teacher. Thankfully, the teacher is sitting rather close to the table with the whip cream pies, so the little kids have a chance. Goldie counts out the tickets needed and picks her pie. Ana has her phone out and is videoing as our daughter hurls a pie at her teacher. I don't know what this teacher did to my daughter, but Goldie throws a perfect shot right to his face.

Smack!

Goldie cheers, fist pumping and giving me a high-five.

"Mommy, did you get it?"

"I did, pumpkin. Nice job!"

"So, what did you do to my daughter for her to want to throw a pie at you?" I ask the gym teacher I oddly have no idea who he is.

He wipes whipped cream from his face and sighs. "I made the mistake of calling her Goldilocks. She didn't like that."

"You do know Goldilocks is blonde?" Ana asks him.

He nods. "Believe me, I learned really fast."

Ana and I laugh and turn toward the next booth, only to stop when Lemon comes near us, looking absolutely amazing in her Magnolia Grove tracksuit. Hell, she looks amazing in everything she wears, and even more when she isn't wearing anything.

Lemon smiles at us and looks from me to Ana and back to me. Suddenly, I feel securitized. Should I have stayed home? Does she think I can't commit to her because of Ana?

"Ana, the decorations came out better than we envisioned."

Ana looks around while I look stumped.

"They did. Great call on the wall of balloons instead of the arch. People are taking photos in front of it. It's perfect."

"Wade, thank you for donating again this year."

I groan. I have a bad feeling about this auction. "Of course."

"He didn't want to," Ana says.

"But I made him," Goldie adds.

"Well, whoever gets landscaping services from Jenkins Landscaping will be very lucky. Have fun. I'll see you later."

Lemon is gone before I can say anything. My heart sinks to the ground. I fear that whatever we have is over.

Ana keeps Goldie overnight, which makes sulking even easier for me. I drop them off at my parents and then walk back to my house. Ana could've driven me home, but I need the time to clear my head. I need to accept that things are over between Lemon and me. I don't blame her. She had trouble with Goldie to start and now Ana, I'd avoid me too.

When I get home, I realize it's too lonely and getting a dog makes sense. Then I wouldn't be by myself, and I'd have someone to comfort me right now. I keep the lights off and head into the kitchen, grab a beer from the fridge, and head to the back porch.

I sit back in the chair, rest my feet on the railing and drink my sorrows away. I was a fool to think Lemon and I could exist in this world together, the way I live. It's not fair to her and I should probably tell her to move on. Her moving on though means she'll probably move away, which might be best for us. I'm not sure I can live in a town where I see her every day, and I wouldn't expect her to stay here and see me every day. Especially now.

After emptying the first bottle, I head back into the kitchen and grab my second, pop the top, and take a long swig from the bottle. A knock on the door catches me off guard. I flip the porch light on and open the door to find Lemon standing there.

"Hey," I say on the other side of the screen door.

"Can I come in?"

I push the screen door open with my finger, thankful it wasn't latched and step aside. Once she crosses the threshold, I close the front door, encasing us in the darkness.

"Want something to drink?" I ask, standing behind her.

"Sure."

I head into the kitchen and open the refrigerator. She follows once the light tells her where to go. I twist the top off one and hand it to her, and then finish mine and grab another one. I'm going to need to be drunk when she tells me we're on a break again. "I'll turn some lights on."

"No need."

"Yeah, it'll be easier to just end things with the lights off. This way we can't see each other's faces."

"Wade . . ."

"No, I get it, Lemon. Honestly, I'd be the same way. I'm not sure I could stomach knowing you had a child with someone else. I'm sorry I fucked up. I'm sorry I didn't fucking wait before sleeping with someone else. I should've known."

"How would you know?"

I scoff. "You're right. How would I know because we were perfect. Everything we had was perfect and we had these plans, and then you want this break . . ." I turn away and cover my eyes as best I can while holding the bottle of beer.

"Wade," she says my name softly while tugging at my hands. "I'm not here to end things."

"What? But earlier?—"

"Earlier, I was at work, and despite living here, I like to keep my personal life personal. No one needs to know we're trying to work through things. What they need to see is we're cordial. That Ana and I are friendly. Appearances matter."

"What are you saying?"

Lemon takes the bottle from my hand and sets it on the nearest shelf. She takes my hand in hers and walks toward my stairs. "I'm going to climb these stairs and I'm hoping by the time I get to the top you're going to tell me which way to go."

"Go left," I tell her. "Down the hall."

She does, pulling me behind her. As fuzzy as my mind is, this is crystal clear. Lemon gets to the door and pauses. I reach around and twist the knob.

"Do you want me to turn the light on?" I press my chest to her back and feel her shake her head.

"No, I don't think they're necessary. But do you have a shirt I can wear?"

"Of course." I sidestep and head to my dresser and pull out one of my white T-shirts. I turn and find Lemon standing in the center of my room, with the moonlight shining on her. She's naked and waiting for me.

I drop the shirt and strip out of my clothes, faster than a horny teenager, and go to her. Lemon steps forward, meeting me in stride. Our bodies collide. Mouths and hands, fighting for control. I pick her up and carry her to my bed, and then leave her so I can close the blinds. None of my neighbors need to see what's about to happen in my room.

"Lemon, do you want this life with me?"

She cups my face, her thumb rubbing under my eye. "I'm right where I want to be, Wade. I know it's taken us years to get here, but there isn't a question in my mind or heart as to where I belong. And I know you belong to me."

"I do. Only you."

"That's good to hear," she says, leaning up to kiss me. The kiss is simple, soft, until her tongue enters my mouth. We both moan in pleasure. Lemon moves closer, her leg slides up mine, and I go hard. How can a kiss be such a turn on?

My hand glides into her hair, allowing me to angle her mouth perfectly against mine. Softly, my hand trails down her bare back and then my fingers trail up her side, causing her to shiver. She smiles against my mouth and moves her hand down my torso, painstakingly slow until she reaches my hardon. Her fingers trace the fine lines of my shaft. I twitch, which makes her laugh.

"Happy I'm entertaining you."

"I could stop."

"The only way I want you to stop is if I'm inside of you."

"Don't tease me, Wade."

"I never tease."

As much as I don't want her to let go of my dick, I roll her over. I trail kisses down her neck until I'm at her breast. I cup her breasts, my thumbing rubbing over her sensitive nipples. Lemon arches, pushing them into my hands. Leaning down, I take one in my mouth, never taking my eyes off her. She watches, her mouth dropping open as I suck her nipple into my mouth as my finger slips into her.

Lemon hums in pleasure and her hips rock slightly when I add another finger. My attention goes to her other breast, making sure to give it the same amount of attention while my fingers continue to fuck her.

"Wade . . ."

"Yeah?"

"I think . . . maybe . . . fuck," she says when my thumb rubs her button. "Fuucck," she drags out the word as she continues to ride my fingers.

I know her signs and when she's close. There are things you don't forget about the person you love. I pull my hand out and reach to the drawer on my nightstand for a condom. It's on in a flash and I'm between her legs, kissing her like it's the last thing I'm ever going to do in my life.

At her core, I push in and pause, giving her body a second to adjust before sheathing myself fully in her. Being with her like this feels like everything is right in the world.

Slowly, my hips start to pump. She meets me, thrust for thrust. Our bodies tangle as the scent of sex fills my room. Lemon trails her fingers up and down by back, resting when they get to my ass and digging into my flesh.

"Harder," she demands. I oblige and flip her over, pulling her hips until she's on her knees. This time I don't wait and slam into her. Lemon cries out and begs for more. I give her everything I can until she collapses onto my bed.

I pump slowly into her, kissing her back while she recovers. She urges me to move and flips onto her back, pulling me on top of her. I slide back into her, setting an easy pace.

"I love you," she says in between thrusts.

"You're my world, Lemon. I hope you know this."

"I do," she says as she hitches her legs over my hips. The angle is electrifying and a different sensation. I hold on until I can get her to come again, and then get my own release.

We lay there, side by side, panting and out of breath. I stare at the ceiling, grateful Ana decided to keep Goldie for the night.

I turn and look at Lemon. "Why didn't you call me before you came over? What I mean is, Goldie lives here."

"Yeah, it was my idea for Ana to take Goldie tonight."

"Really?" I turn and rest on my elbow.

Lemon nods. "Ana and I are friendly, Wade. I really like her, and regret not giving you the benefit of the doubt all those years ago."

I kiss her, hoping she knows everything has happened for a reason.

"No more though," she tells me. "I'm right where I want to be. Where I should've been from day one."

Lemon has no idea what those words do to me.

But I'm about to show her.