For over a month, Wheels and I have texted and talked every day. I learned about his time in a wheelchair, his battle with painkillers, and his exciting work with the men designing Paralympic prosthetics.
Mentally, I cross off another day. In two weeks, Wheels has some vacation time and I promised to visit him in DC.
Busy snipping split ends, I don’t look up at the shadow in the doorway. “Be with you in a second.”
Hopefully, someone will explain we’re booked solid until closing. “I think I need a haircut. Can you fit me in?”
At the sound of Wheels’ voice, I turn, joy filling my heart to the brim. “I thought you had to work this weekend?”
“I found a sub.” In front of everyone, he strides across the room, folds me into his arms, and plants a kiss on my lips.
While a few blue-haired ladies giggle and some dab their eyes, my mom says, “Take the afternoon off.”
With a wide grin, Mia grabs my shears. “Buh-bye.”
“Thanks.” Snatching my coat off a hook, I check my makeup in the mirror, then bounce to my man.
After a fierce hug, I push off his chest, and stare at his handsome face. “You hungry?”
“I am but first, I want to discuss something with you.” Maybe he’s going to break up with me, but we’ve been so happy, I don’t think so.
He must notice my worry because he kisses me again, then cups my cheek. “It’s nothing bad. I’ve been offered a job. The Midwest guys want me to partner with them. I’ll still work with Patten but eventually, I’ll phase out. To begin with, they’ll be some travel and I need to know you’re okay with it.”
“Oh my God, of course I am. That’s such great news.” As my chest swells with pride, he grabs my hand, and increases his pace.
“There’s more. I want you to see something. Come with me.”
A few blocks later, out of breath, I follow him up three brownstone steps. Taking a key, he opens the door next to the ‘For Rent’ sign in the window, then leads me under the stairs where he unlocks another.
“Wow.” In this neighborhood, cement countertops and stainless appliances are considered a luxury.
“Do you like it?” Eyes on mine, he raises his brows.
It seems like a lot of space for just him but he’s so enthused, I wouldn’t dream of putting a damper on it. “What’s not to love?”
My hand in his, he pulls me past the stove and down a hallway. “One bath, two bedrooms.”
He opens the door, revealing a king-sized bed, the only furniture in the place. “I know it’s too soon to ask you to marry me, but Rose, baby, say you’ll move in and give us a try.”
For a moment, I’m too shocked to think. Then, grinning so wide my face hurts, I grab a pillow off the mattress and read the DO NOT REMOVE THIS TAG.
Folding the soft cushion in half, I create a creased mouth. “What do you think, Doctor Poly Foam?”
Wheels chuckles, grabs my phony shrink, and squeezing the mouth open and shut, speaks in falsetto. “I think you strip naked and fuck his brains out.”
“Well, if you insist…” I lower the two shades and when I turn, he’s naked, and removing his prosthetic.
When he’s done, I run, jump, and tackle. Rolling me onto my back, he hovers above me on his elbows, and destroys me with his kisses. Coming up for air, I toss my shirt over my head, a bit embarrassed by my I-haven’t-done-laundry-this-week bra.
Chuckling, he unclasps the one remaining hook, slips off the stretched-out material, and as he stares at the escaping underwires, holds it over my face.
“It’s had a rough life. Be kind.” At my giggles, he pulls off my jeans and moans when he finds no undies.
“Commando, sweetheart?” He nibbles past my belly button and as he proceeds lower, I writhe, barely able to hold a coherent thought.
“Wash day… Oh God, too fast. I’m going to come.” As I gasp and pant, his tongue slides over my most sensitive area.
“We’ll do slow later.” Snatching my wrists, he holds them captive in one of his large hands.
