Chapter 51: CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
SHONDRA:
Six years ago…
The universe was created in seven days. My world was destroyed on the eighth.
While in, Axel and I established a pattern. After he returned, showered and shaved from his early morning workouts in his gym room, we laid in his big four-poster bed until nine, discussing everything that was going on in the world—including our plans for the future.
Some of Axel's talk, like transferring his law studies to Chicago Law instead of going to Harvard, made me pause. True, it would be the optimal solution for us as I had my business firmly entrenched in the Windy City, and there was Vee and Mom to consider. Axel didn't say much about his dad, but from what I gathered he saw him for a few weeks in the summer and at Christmas, so I didn't worry about taking him further away from that connection.
Nevertheless, I tried to talk him out of it, saying we could see each other every other month instead of him giving up his plans. UCLS was an influential school, no doubt, but Harvard opened doors based on the name alone.
Silently, while he spoke of the pros and cons of moving, I thought of how to come up with the money for flights to New York every other month. Axel offered to pay for them, even going as far as sending a jet. He quickly recanted when he saw the appalled look on my face. If he put a ring on it, I'd happily accept what gifts gave me, but until then, I wasn't anyone's gold-digger.
Besides, the longer Axel talked with no concrete action, I eventually forgot my initial unease and accepted his plans as wistful thinking. We could dream, couldn't we?
After our morning talk, we'd go to brunch, or I'd cook. He refused to help, preferring to watch me from a stool at the granite island, his gaze focused and intense on every move I made. While he did the dishes and puttered around, I'd carve out a few hours for work. My company didn't run itself, and I had neglected it more than I should have in coming here. Axel understood and gave me space when I needed it. Not too much, though. Usually after an hour, he sought me out, bringing me a cup of tea or a can of soda. His deliveries always came with a touch or caress, and his soft expression and wide smile let me know he was proud of me.
Most afternoons, we alternated between going to a park or driving to see a film (anything but action). Then it was home for a nap filled with a lot of laughing, teasing and sweating. Later, if we stirred ourselves from bed, Axel would make us a sandwich or an omelet and we would watch a Netflix or Amazon Prime movie from his flat screen pop up TV.
Truth was, we never finished a single movie. But hey, I didn't complain. Axel usually made the first move by gathering me close, touching his lips to mine... and while the screen flashed with light and noise, we made our own productions.
***
The days flew by, and I had seen none of the sights. I couldn't leave without seeing the Smithsonian—especially the African American Museum. I still didn't know if I'd come back to D.C.
The weather made it possible two days before I had to head back to Chicago. The sun had disappeared behind the dark clouds rolling on the horizon. My remaining days had rain in the forecast (via a smiling weather reporter on the news).
It was a sign of things to come.
Axel had a morning appointment with the congressional representative to discuss his duties for his internship. I'd go to the African American Museum, look around, and he would text me when he was at the entrance.
In bed, my legs tangled in the sheets from where he had left me, I watched him get dressed. There was nothing more erotic than watching my man pull on his pants and slip a starched shirt over his broad shoulders, his six-pack flexing when the material touched his abs. When he ran a hand down his stomach, dipped it in his tanks and adjusted himself, I stifled a groan.
Remembering just how good he'd given it to me that morning, all rough and demanding with harsh commands and my hair wrapped around his fist, my hand fell between my thighs, searching. To stop myself until he left, I crossed my legs.
Axel strutted to the bed, smirking as he noted my movement. He knew exactly what I had planned.
"I have a few minutes, you know."
At my nod, he carefully lifted the shirt over his head and placed it on the wing-backed chair by the bed. He lowered his pants, and I flipped back the covers, uncrossing my legs and laying myself bare… without shame.