"Starting Over"

As many of you know, I always have more than one work in progress. This newest one, "Starting Over", is one that I started when I was visiting my mother. "Starting Over" is the story of Ellen Burke, a 28 year old woman trapped in a loveless marriage with an abusive spouse, Rodney. Fortunately, her neighbors help her get away from her husband. She finds surprising love and support in Jerry, the 18 year old son of her best friend, Violet. She had no idea that Jerry was anything but a friend until he tells her how he feels about her. Rodney gets out of jail, so Jerry's family takes her into their apartment for the night.

“Let's get to bed,” Jerry said. Then he laughed, realizing how that sounded. “Should I rephrase that?”

“No. I understood what you meant.”

“Too bad. A misunderstanding could be more than a little interesting.” He raised an eyebrow, smirking at her. His full lips twitched and his green eyes sparkled.

“Maybe sometime when my soon to be ex isn't out of jail and stalking me.”

Jerry nodded. “When he's a little more ex, we'll make plans.” He nodded toward the bedrooms. “You'll be in my room and I'm gonna stay on the couch.”

“I can sleep on the couch....”

“Look, if he does happen to come by—maybe he'll figure out you're down here. If he got past the guys, then I'm in the living room. Love to see that drunken son-of-a-bitch get past me.”

He flexed and Ellen saw he had a very impressive physique under that baggy clothing. She had the sudden urge to see him without his shirt, figuring that the view would be pretty damn tasty. He laughed and Ellen realized she'd been staring at him. Not just him, at the button on his jeans and lower. Was there more of him than there had been a few moments ago? There was. She allowed herself a secretive smile as she enjoyed a moment of ultimate power. His interest was indeed genuine and that pleased her.

“Oh, babe, don't look at me like that. Please? Makes me wanna forget I'm a gentleman.”

“Sorry, it's been a long day. I'm pretty tired.” And you're the best looking thing to walk this floor.

“Yeah, that's it.” He moved toward her, taking her hand to his lips. “Why's it so hard for you to admit you find me attractive?”

“I'm old enough to be your mom!”

“Even if that were true, that doesn't answer my question.” He kissed her fingers, then turned her hand over and kissed her palm.

Ellen gasped as a thrill ran down her spine. Jerry smiled, nibbling at the base of her thumb. She shivered uncontrollably, liking the sensations that coursed through her.

“I'm a married—woman!” She gasped breathlessly.

“That's still not an answer.” He continued to kiss and nibble.

“Oh, dammit, do you know what that does to me?” She whispered. “Do you know?”

“Oh, yes....” His voice dropped into a low, seductive range that made her shiver.

“Stop!”

“Do you really want me to?” He continued, amping it up a little by sucking on her fingers, his tongue tickling the tips.

“Oh, God!” A little moan escaped her.

He smiled and laughed, nipping the tip of her thumb before giving her back her hand. Ellen didn't know what to think or do. She was ridiculously attracted to a man almost half her age. Not only was he younger, but she was married. What good did it do to admit her attraction if she couldn't act on it?

But why can't you act on it? It's not like Rodney's always been faithful. You know he's had one affair after another. Why honor your vows when he hasn't honored his? She argued with herself. Because, if I don't hold to my marriage vows, how am I any better than he is?

“I cleaned up today, figuring that you might be here.”

“How could you even anticipate that?”

“Wishful thinking?” He winked and opened the door.

It was a typical young man's room. A queen sized bed dominated the space. A computer desk stood in one corner, a dresser in the other. Band posters on the walls showed that he liked a lot of the same bands she did; Metallica, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Queen and Pink Floyd were represented. A high-end speaker system graced the headboard of the bed. There was a skateboard leaning on the wall next to the closet door.

“Not fancy, but there's clean sheets on the bed. If you need a shower, there's clean towels.”

“I already bathed.” And thought of you.... “Thanks.”

“No problem. Happy to help out.”

He leaned toward her and she knew he wanted to kiss her. She knew that was what she wanted too. Their lips met and a spark jumped between them. Ellen went weak in the knees, losing her balance. She fell toward Jerry and he caught her in a very strong embrace. His arms felt good around her, his lips delicious. Ellen couldn't get enough of his kisses.

If he does this that well, what else can he do? She tried to dislodge that thought, but it wouldn't leave. All she wanted was for him to continue and carry on to the logical, intimate, sweaty, heart racing conclusion. I shouldn't be having these thoughts. He's a kid!—He feels like a man to me!

Jerry kissed her a long time, but eventually, they separated. “I need to let you get to bed.”

“Thanks, Jerry. For everything....”

“You know what I'm gonna go do now, right?”

She frowned, not sure what he meant.

“Gonna go take a long, hot shower, lather it up—and think about you til I cum,” he whispered huskily.

He licked her ear from lobe to top. Straightening suddenly, he moved down the hall to the bathroom, and Ellen knew he was telling her the truth. Part of her was flattered. Part of her didn't know what to think.

Ellen got into bed and turned off the lamp by the bed. She stared at the ceiling and grinned. Someone had taken glow in the dark paint and created constellations all over it. Closing her eyes, she could still imagine the stars watching over her as she slept.