By
The day after Christmas Julie woke early and couldn't get back to sleep. Deciding to use the stillness and quiet of the home to her advantage, she climbed out of bed and put on her bathrobe and slippers. Going into the bathroom she took care of business and then headed into the kitchen.
Moments later she was seated at the kitchen table with a mug of coffee and some school reading material in front of her. That's exactly how Roy found her when he arrived home from work at eight forty-five.
“Morning.”
“Oh, hi, Roy. Merry belated Christmas.”
When Roy smiled Julie noticed it didn't reach his eyes. A sadness radiated from him and it worried her. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I'll be fine. Just need some sleep.”
She didn't comment but had noticed he said he'd be fine, not that he was fine. “Would you like some coffee?”
“Na, just gonna head off to bed. Did ya have a nice Christmas?”
“Yes, thank-you.” Something instinctively told her not to ask Roy how his Christmas had gone.
~~51~~
A few hours later Joanne made her entrance into the world of the living. She found Julie looking peaceful and relaxed sitting in the living room reading with the Christmas tree lights plugged in
“Hey there.” Joanne greeted her.
“Hi.”
“Coffee already made?”
“Yep.”
Joanne retreated into the kitchen and soon returned with a mug of piping hot coffee in her hand.
They sat for a while in silence, finally Julie asked, “Jo, is Roy okay? He seemed kind of…well distant when he came in.”
Joanne sighed, “He'll be fine. Had a rough shift. It happens every once in a while. I guess with yesterday being Christmas and all, it got to him.”
“Oh. Was he injured?”
“Not physically. Mentally he's struggling just now, but like I said, he'll be fine. This isn't the first time he's come home in a funk and it won't be the last. Once he has some sleep and spends some time with the kids, he'll be back to his old self.”
“Did he tell you about it?”
“Yeah.”
Again, silence hung in the air.
“I guess maybe I should tell you. Or maybe Johnny would want to tell you himself. No, no, he probably wouldn't say a thing to you knowing Johnny.”
“What happened? Did Johnny get hurt?” Julie asked the panic obvious in her voice.
“No, again not physically, but both he and Roy will be dealing with demons for the next couple of days. I may as well tell you. In Roy's own words, yesterday started out bad when a young family lost their home and all of their possessions to a house fire, and it got worse when it seemed all the calls would end with people only losing their possessions. But one call was worse than all the others put together, they got called to a house in the hills.”
~~51~~
Squad 51…injured child…384 Rosewood Cresent…cross street Legget…384 Rosewood…time-out 18:40.
From the moment Sam's voice had said child, both paramedics became tense, with the tension was still lingering when Roy pulled the squad along side of the curb in front of the house. While pulling their equipment out of the squad, a frantic young man came scrambling up to them. He was out of the breath and was talking much too fast. Both of the firemen hadn't really understood the first part of his sentence, but the end was said with such force, neither needed to ask him to repeat himself.
“Oh my god, please hurry! She's not breathing! ”
With a firm grip on their boxes and paraphernalia the pair sprinted toward the front door. Following the panicked man into the house and down a long hallway, they finally found themselves in a small family room. A young woman sat crying in the middle of the floor cradling a small child of about four. Johnny reached the woman first and immediately but gently took the little girl from her mother's hands and placed her on the floor lifting her head slightly at the neck to allow easier airflow. Checking first for an obstruction in the small child's airway, he found none. He then checked to see if she was breathing and once again found a negative response. Finally placing two fingers on the fragile neck looking for a carotid pulse. He wasn't surprised when he didn't get one.
“Is she on any medication?” Johnny asked immediately.
“No.” the father shook his head.
“Allergies?” Johnny questioned.
“No.”
“Do you know what happened?” Johnny asked the couple while taking a quick visual sweep of the area around the girl.
“She was sitting on the floor playing with her Barbie.” The father responded.
Seeing a plastic cup and matching plate sitting on the floor Roy asked, “Was she eating?”
“Yes. Milk and crackers.” The mother answered through her tears.
Johnny scanned the floor around the little girl once again. “Are you sure she doesn't have any allergies?”
“Not that we know of.”
Frustration was quickly mounting inside as he bent down to do his initial assessment of the little girl while his partner picked up the plate with nothing but crumbs remaining.
“Roy, she's in an anaphylactic shock.”
DeSoto understood his partner's unspoken words and immediately got on the bio-phone, “LA, we're in need of assistance at our location.”
“”51, helps on the way.” Sam responded almost immediately.
Replacing the phone, Roy scrambled to assist Johnny. He grabbed an ambu bag and oxygen, placing it over the small child's nose and mouth and started to force air into her lungs, while Johnny started chest compressions. Roy continued to work his end and started a line on the child, which he knew Rampart would order once they contacted them. Johnny feverishly continued his chest compressions, seemingly not noticing what his partner was doing. Roy however knew that his partner, while concentrating on his efforts to start the little girl's heart, was absolutely fine-tuned to what was going on around him.
Such as the young couple standing over them in complete shock. While the father didn't make a sound, not even anymore panicked shouts, his wife stood in his embrace sobbing. The paramedics had long ago learned to tune out the shock and sometimes heart wrenching reactions of loved ones, but when a child this young was involved, it was often difficult. He took a quick look at his partner and noticed Johnny's bangs were now damp and clinging to his forehead. The determined look on his face let Roy know he was doing his best to ignore the woman's quiet weeping. But the firm set of his jaw gave away Johnny's internal fight for emotional control. Roy was sure Johnny was as thankful as he was when he could hear the wail of a fire engine siren in the distance but getting closer and closer.
Soon enough the doorbell rang and the father left to answer it. He quickly returned with a few members of station 51's crew behind him.
Seeing Chet enter the room first, Roy motioned for him to take over chest compressions for his exhausted partner. Kelly did as was commanded with Johnny falling back on his heels, taking a moment to catch his breath. But it wasn't long before he started work on the little girl once again. This time hooking her up to a monitor and then relieving Roy on the ambu-bag.
DeSoto opened a transmission to Rampart. “Rampart…this is Squad 51…how do you read?” He noticed Captain Stanley speaking gently with the young parents.
While waiting for a response he asked, “How old is your daughter, sir?”
“Five.”
“Her weight?”
“I don't know…thirty-four pounds.”
“Go ahead, 51.” Nurse Carol's voice broke through the room.
“Rampart, we have a small female…five years old…not breathing…anaphylactic shock…we have her bagged and we're administering chest compressions.”
“Please hold, 51.”
A few minutes later, Bracketts voice replaced the nurses. “Squad 51, how much does the victim weigh?”
“Approximately thirty-four pounds.”
“Roy…Roy…she's breathing.” The senior paramedic could here the relief in his partner's voice.
“Rampart, the victim is breathing on her own. She had been eating just prior to the episode”
“51, what are her vitals.”
“Hold on, Rampart. Johnny's checking now.”
“Respiration's 21, PB 110 over 70, and pulse is 70.” Johnny answered.
Roy repeated for Brackett.
“51…administer sodium bicarb and atropine…transport as soon as possible…and 51, find out what she was eating.”
“Ten four, Rampart,” Roy replied before repeating the doctor's instructions.
Looking over at this partner, Roy realized Johnny had heard and didn't need instructions.
Moment's later outside, Roy was explaining to the young couple that one of them could ride in the front of the ambulance with their daughter and she was being to Rampart General Hospital. The ambulance attendant opened the passenger side door for the young mother and returned to the back of the ambulance to help his partner and Johnny loaded the small child into the back. Once the three were safely inside, Roy banged on the back doors and the vehicle sped away.
He returned to the squad and quickly followed while the crew returned to quarters.
At Rampart, Brackett was shocked when the ambulance doors opened and he saw Gage on the gurney straddling the small body rendering one handed chest compressions. Small beads of sweat had gathered on the paramedic's forehead. Indicating he'd been performing the task for some time.
“Johnny?” Brackett questioned.
“She stopped breathing about two minutes ago, doc.” Johnny panted his response, while the ambulance driver, the attendant and Brackett were lowering the gurney to the ground with Johnny continuing to try and save the young girls life. At this moment, Roy arrived on the scene and couldn't hide the shock as he witnessed the gurney now being wheeled into Rampart. He was quickly brought into reality when the child's mother started to panic.
He turned to her, gently persuading her into the building and deciding to remain outside the treatment room with the woman until her husband arrived. As the man walked up to them in the hallway, Johnny and Brackett simultaneously walked out of the treatment room. Brackett headed straight for them as Johnny avoided eye contact and continued down the hallway and out of the building to the waiting squad.
Looking into the doctor's face, Roy knew he'd lost the battle to save the young girls life. He quietly excused himself and found his partner sitting in the squad his head resting against the seat's back looking lost. He opened the door, slid in, placed the key in the ignition but didn't start the engine.
“You okay?” he asked feeling like a heel. Of course Johnny wasn't okay. Roy felt terrible and he hadn't been the one in the emergency vehicle with the child. For the rest of their lives, that couple would think of Christmas Day as the day they lost their precious daughter. He looked over at Johnny and sighed. He was pretty sure he didn't have to explain to Johnny what the implications of losing a child could do to a couple. The loss would either bring the couple closer together which would deepen their commitment to one another, or it would rip their marriage apart. Johnny knew the statistics just as much as he did.
Johnny closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. “I don't know what happened!” He said while slowly opening his eyes. “One minute she was fine the next she started having difficulties. She even opened her eyes for a few minutes. I talked to her and told her she'd be okay.” He lifted his head off the seat and turned to look out the window.
Roy remained silent as he looked at his partner. He knew nothing he could say would make Johnny feel any better so decided to keep quiet. Turning the key in the ignition he slowly pulled the squad out of its place at Ramparts Emergency doors and headed back to the station.
~~51~~
Julie starred at her sister in shocked disbelief. “You mean, the little girl died!”
Joanne nodded her head. “I can always tell when they've lost a victim, but a child...” Joanne's voice trailed off.
“Oh my god! And Johnny's at home alone.” Julie started to get out of her seat.
“Julie. Why don't you give Johnny some space right now.”
“But…”
“He probably needs some time to sleep or maybe even cry. I have no idea. I do know however, that Roy asked him if he'd like to come over this morning and Johnny told him no. That he wanted to be left alone for a while.”
“But…but he must be hurting, Jo.”
“I imagine he is. But you have to remember he's been alone for a long time and he's probably gotten used to dealing with these moments on his own and in his own way. I think he'd appreciate the solidarity his house provides him for at least part of the day.”
Julie's eyes watered. “Joanne, I can't imagine how he's feeling. To lose a child like that, they saved her. What went wrong?”
Joanne shook her head, “I don't know. Johnny probably doesn't even know, but for now, he wants to be left alone and I think all of us, including you, should respect that wish.”
“Hi, mom.” Jennifer bounded into the room. “Aunt Julie.”
“Mornin', are you hungry?” Joanne asked.
“No. Aunt Julie, what's wrong?” Jennifer asked when she noticed a single tear running down her Aunt's face.
Julie looked to Joanne for a split second and Joanne shook her head no. “Nothing. I was just thinking about how happy I am to be with my entire family this year.” Wiping the stray tear away.
“Oh. Me too. It's nice to have Grandma and Grandpa here, too. Grandpa's in the bathroom, mom.”
“Okay.” Joanne replied getting up to make a fresh pot of coffee and start on a breakfast for her company.
“Good morning, sweetheart.” Larry bent down to kiss his younger daughter.
“Morning, dad. You sleep well?”
“Yes. How ‘bout you?”
“Very well.”
“Julie, what's wrong? You look like you've been crying.”
“I'm fine. Nothin's wrong.”
“She's just happy to be with family.” Jennifer explained to her grandfather.
“Oh. It is rather nice to have us all together, isn't it?” he smiled at his granddaughter.
“Yep. I wish dad didn't have to work yesterday though.”
“I understand. But he's home now and in a few hours he'll be up.” Larry grinned.
Joanne re-entered the room carry a mug of coffee for her father and handed it to him.
“Thanks, Sweet pea.”
Joanne smiled at the long forgotten nickname. It had been a long time since she'd been referred to by it. She turned to go back into the kitchen when Chris and her mother walked into the room. She wished them a good morning and continued on her trek.
She was startled when she heard a cupboard door open and close and turned to see her mother had followed her into the room. “I would have gotten you a cup.”
“That's okay. I'm still perfectly capable of making my way around a kitchen. Plus, I thought it might be fun to help you with breakfast this morning.”
“Sure. That would be nice.”
“I heard muffled voices in the room next to us this morning. I take it Roy's home from work.”
“Yeah. He'll probably sleep until at least noon. He had a rough shift yesterday.”
“I imagine Christmas Day is always a hard day when you make a living in his line of work?”
“Yeah, but it also makes him appreciate his family.”
“Joanne, I hope Roy doesn't hold it against me that I voiced my concern that you would be marrying a fireman.”
“I don't think he does. But it was difficult in the beginning. I think he realizes now it wasn't personal, but based on fear.”
“I hope so. He's always struck me as an intelligent man, so I imagine he's figured it out.”
Joanne didn't respond but continued working on breakfast. So she was a little surprised when her mother brought up Johnny.
“I imagine it helps you sleep at night knowing Roy has an obvious friend in his partner.”
Turning to look at her mother who was chopping some onions for the scrambled eggs, Joanne replied, “Yes, as a matter of fact it does. Johnny has come to mean a great deal to all of us.”
“Including your sister?”
Joanne's eyes became as round as saucers. Composing herself she said, “You noticed.”
“It was hard not to.”
“How do you feel about it?” Joanne asked cautiously.
Her mother took in a deep breath and let it out. “I don't know. I guess it concerns me a bit. How old is he?”
“Thirty-one.”
“Eleven years.” Mary said referring to the age difference between her daughter and Johnny.
Joanne just smiled. She could understand what her mother was thinking. She'd had the same thoughts and feelings upon discovering Johnny and her kid sister were dating. But as always, Roy had been the voice of reason. Joanne wondered at that moment if her father had been the voice of reason when she and Roy had started dating.
“Mom, I think you should give Julie the space she's going to need. She and Johnny like one another and enjoy each other's company. I can understand your concerns, especially the fact that Julie is in school and hopefully she's not letting her school work suffer, but to be honest, I can't see Johnny letting that happen. He's a good man, mom.”
“I saw that last night. He showed respect when he didn't flaunt their relationship. He took his lead from Julie and that impressed me. I seem to recall the man I met a few years ago as being a lot more cocky.”
Joanne smiled, “Oh, he still has some of that. But he's grown and matured over the years.”
“I can see. I'm just wondering why she hasn't told us?”
“She's scared I guess. She didn't tell me either. I found out by accident. But she told Roy. So I think she was afraid of what our reaction would be. She's an adult mom and we should let her make her choices. I know it's going to be difficult, but I think it's fair.”
“You're right, she is an adult. But she hasn't dated much. I just hope she hasn't gotten herself into something she can't handle.”
“I think Johnny suspects her lack of experience and he's using it as a barometer to gauge the speed of the relationship. Like I said, he's a good man.”
“Who's a good man?” Chris asked as he entered the kitchen.
“You're Uncle Johnny.” Joanne explained.
“He's the best, grandma!”
“Yes, I can see how a woman could become smitten with him.” Mary replied.
“Smitten? I'm not smitten with him!” Chris admonished.
Mary chuckled, “I said a young woman, Christopher, not a young man.”
“Oh right. Jennifer's always had a crush on him.” Chris retorted as he took his newly poured glass of orange juice and headed back out of the room. With his grandmother and mother giggling at his retreating back.
~~51~~
“Mom, Johnny's here?” Jennifer asked.
“Yes, he's in the garage with your father and grandfather.”
“He hasn't come in to say hi?”
“No.”
“Is he staying for supper?”
“He's been invited.”
“Good.”
“Jen, why don't you work on that new puzzle your grandparents bought you.”
“But…”
“Jenny, please find something to do. I'm busy with dinner and if Johnny wanted to come in and make his presence known, he would have done so.” Joanne replied quickly losing patience with her youngest child.
Once Jennifer left the room, Joanne turned to Julie. “Are you okay?”
“I had no idea he was here.”
“I saw him pull up about an hour ago. He must have seen Roy in the garage and headed straight there. Don't take it personally, Jul. He just needs time to pull himself together before facing a happy family.” Joanne felt like hugging her kid sister, the hurt look on her face was painful to watch.
“It's just. I want him to be able to turn to me.”
“He will in time. He probably doesn't want to bring down your Christmas.”
“But, isn't his down now?”
“Knowing Johnny, a bit, but they've learned to bounce back quickly. They'll talk it through amongst themselves, they'll be a bit quieter than normal, but in a few days, they'll be back to their old arguing selves.” Joanne smiled hoping to get her sister to respond in kind.
“You know, Julie. If you give a man the space and time he needs when dealing with problems, eventually they turn to you for support. But you have to give him that space. Let him set the pace with his thoughts and feelings. Whatever's bothering him is obviously something he needs to deal with before seeing you or the rest of us.”
Julie turned to look at her mother as if she was a stranger sitting beside her. She hadn't realized her mother had come into the room. “You know?”
“I suspected something was going on between you two last night with those longing looks you kept throwing each other.”
“And you didn't say anything?”
“What was I suppose to say?”
“I don't know.” Julie admitted. “Has dad ever withdrawn from you?”
“Sometimes. When he was trying to figure out a problem we were struggling with on the farm. It never lasted though. So I'm sure whatever's bothering Johnny won't last.”
“Johnny and Roy lost a victim yesterday.” Joanne explained.
“Lost? As in the patient died?” Mary asked.
Joanne nodded her head in the affirmative.
Mary shook her head in response. “On Christmas. That's dreadful.”
“And it was five year old little girl.” Joanne further explained.
“Oh my! How terrible, what was wrong with her?”
“At the time, they didn't know. She wasn't breathing when they arrived on scene, but they managed to bring her back. During the ride to the hospital she stopped breathing again and Johnny started chest compressions again while the ambulance attendant helped with her ambu bag, but Johnny's efforts failed. The head doctor at the hospital couldn't bring her back either. The doctor called the guys' later last night and explained she'd had an allergic reaction to peanut butter. The parents had no idea she was allergic. She'd eaten peanut butter many times with no obvious reactions.”
Mary continued shaking her head. “Dreadful. How do they deal with something like that?”
“They lean on one another, rehash the scene, try and figure out what they could have done differently. Eventually they come to the conclusion that they'd performed their jobs to the best of their abilities and more than likely couldn't have changed the outcome. But it takes them anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days to reach that conclusion.”
“That's sad.” Mary continued with renewed respect for her son-in-law.
“Yes. But the number of people they save far outweighs the ones they lose.”
The three women continued in silence while working on the evening dinner. They had no idea whether or not Johnny had accepted Roy's invitation so just went about their plans with the assumption that Johnny would be joining them.
Once the dinning room table had been set and the lasagna, garlic bread and Caesar salad sat waiting, Joanne walked into the garage to find three of her favorite men tinkering with the engine of Roy's Porsche.
“Anyone ready for a little food?”
“Absolutely.” Roy turned and smiled at his wife.
“I could use a bite.” Her father responded.
Johnny remained silent. Joanne looked at him with a small smile. “Johnny Gage, you can't tell me you're not hungry.” She teased.
A small grin reached his mouth. “Maybe just a bit.”
“I thought so.”
As Roy passed his wife he took her in her arms as his father-in-law and partner passed by. “I love you.” He placed a kiss on her forehead.
Enjoying the small exchange. Joanne wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kiss with one on the lips. “I love you, too. You feeling better?”
“A bit.”
“Good. Johnny looks tired.”
“He didn't sleep well last night and I suspect he didn't do much sleeping once he got home this morning. He'll be okay.”
“He always is.” The two turned and walked to the house arm in arm. Once they reached the kitchen they found Johnny standing at the sink washing his hands.
Knowing she probably wouldn't find her husband and Johnny alone again, Joanne piped up, “By the way, I told Julie what happened. She's very concerned about you, Johnny, please try to remember this is new to her and she doesn't really know what to expect from you. Let alone what you expect or want from her.”
Wiping his hands on a towel, Johnny looked at her and nodded his head. “I'll try.” His small smile revealed his pain. As she passed, Joanne gave him a quick hug and was surprised when he turned it into a longer embrace than she had planned.
With dinner over and done with and the kids watching TV, the adults had gathered in the now clean dinning room for coffee and conversation. Having drank his cup; Johnny finally announced his desire to leave.
“Johnny, why don't you stay?” Joanne asked.
“I'd rather not. I'd like to get out. Do something.”
“Sure, partner.” Roy jumped in. He knew Johnny needed some space and didn't want his partner feeling obligated to stay.
Rising from the table Johnny said his good-byes to the Pierces' and then went into the living room to say good bye to Chris and Jennifer. When he walked into the kitchen where is shoes had been left, he found Roy waiting for him. “You sure you're gonna be okay?”
“Yeah, yeah, I'll be fine. I just can't stand sitting around with a bunch of company. To be honest, I'd rather have the company of one.”
“I understand. You don't need to explain it to me.” Roy nodded his head towards his packed house. “Sometimes I envy you your privacy.”
Johnny let a small chuckle escape his lips. “Yeah, well sometimes I envy you your packed house. But tonight's not one of them. Could you ask Julie to come say goodbye.”
“No need partner. She's already outside waiting for you.”
Looking into his partner's face, Johnny knew this was Roy's doing. Only Roy could understand how he was feeling and how badly he needed to just hold Julie in his arms for a moment. Help reaffirm his need for human comfort and companionship.
“Thanks.”
“Any time. Have a good night.”
“You too. Night.”
“Night.”
~~51~~
Stepping outside, into the darkened night, Johnny found Julie leaning against the railing of the deck, looking up at the stars. He walked up directly behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“What ya looking at?”
“The Little Dipper.” She snuggled deeper into his chest.
“Hmm.”
“You okay?” she asked apprehensively.
“Not really. But it's normal, nothing to worry about. I just can't believe she stopped breathing on me. Scared me to death. It was so unexpected.” Johnny hadn't meant to say those words but once he'd opened his mouth the words just poured out.
“I can't imagine how that would feel.”
“Shocking. I'm not saying our victims don't ever take a turn on us when we're transporting them, but it just took me by surprise. I can't help but think we missed something. But I asked. I asked if she had any allergies and they said no, it was confusing, I knew she was having an allergic reaction.”
Julie turned in his arms and looked into his face. He looked older. She wondered if he would continue to look that way or if it was a temporary look due to his current state of mind. “I'm sure you did your best, Johnny.” She tried to re-assure him.
Once again, a small smile appeared on his face, realizing Julie was doing her best to help him through his torment. “Yeah, I did. But it doesn't take away the pain.” He admitted.
Her response had been a sharp intake of breath. She was surprised to hear his admission. Most of he guys she knew at school would never admit to feeling pain, and most certainly wouldn't have allowed her to see any sign of vulnerability. At that moment she felt like crying for him. “Oh, Johnny. I wish I could change what happened.”
“I know you do. But if doc Brackett couldn't change it than I can't imagine who could have. But I appreciate knowing how much you care.”
She buried her face into his chest and tightened her hold on him. She felt him relax a bit as his hold on her loosened. He lowered his head, resting his chin on top of her head. “Let's go for a walk.”
“Kay.”
He took her hand in his and led her down the deck stairs. He slowed his pace to the pace of her shorter legs and raised her hand, brushing a feather light kiss to its back. Julie shivered at the sensation it created with in her.
“I thought we were going for a walk?” she asked surprised when he stopped and opened the passenger side door of his Rover, motioning for her to climb inside.
“We are. At my place, hope you don't mind?”
“No, of course not.”
“You think the stars are nice here, wait'll you look up at them out there. Brilliant.” He closed the door behind her and walked around to the driver's side climbing in.
Chapter Twenty – One
The two walked along the edge of Johnny's property with the moonlight shimmering through a few clouds hanging in the night sky. Julie had marveled at the clarity of the stars from the country property. Brilliant had been a perfect word to describe the beauty of it all. She hadn't seen a night sky so explosive since she'd left home. She hadn't realized how much she'd come to love the cosmic night's back home until she no longer had it.
“You cold?” Johnny asked as he squeezed her hand gently.
“A bit.”
“Let's head back then.”
Having spent some much-needed solitude earlier that day, Johnny soon came to realize he needed to talk about the failed rescue attempt over with Roy. He hopped in the Rover and headed to his partner's home, uninvited. Although Roy acted surprised to see him, Johnny knew he hadn't been.
Johnny however was surprised to find Roy and Larry out in the garage working on the Porsche. Although Roy often claimed his father-in-law had always welcomed him into the family quite easily. It had been Mary who fretted over her daughter's decision to marry a man about to enter into the fire department training program.
Roy easily steered the conversation towards what he knew Johnny needed to discuss. As the two went through the rescue, step by step, Larry kept quiet but listened intently. As was usually the case, the two paramedics discovered they wouldn't change a thing they had done at the child's house. Neither would Johnny change anything he'd done in the back of the ambulance. He'd told Roy later in the evening what had happened, but decided to rehash in the garage, just to make sure he hadn't missed something. Roy confirmed he wouldn't have done anything differently than Johnny had. Oddly enough, the only words Larry spoke came at the end of the discussion when he clucked, “I guess it was in the stars.”
~~51~~
Looking up at the Milky Way, Johnny decided that yes, it must have been in the stars. But he still had a hard time trying to comprehend why a five-year-old little girl was taken from her parents so cruelly? It just didn't seem right. He still felt guilty not having been able to look at her parents as he left the treatment room. How could he though? Surely they must be asking themselves what the paramedic in the ambulance had done wrong? He knew he'd been a coward, but he also knew if he'd looked at the tear stained face of that young mother one more time, he would have lost it. Right there in the hallways of Rampart he would have broken down and cried like a baby. Instead, he chose to do his crying at home, alone.
Entering the house, he turned on the lights and threw his keys into a chipped porcelain ashtray. He strode into the kitchen with Julie close on his heels. Rubbing his hands together and blowing on them, he asked, “You want a tea, hot chocolate, or somethin'?”
Julie just shrugged her shoulders; “Whatever's easiest.”
“Well to be honest, a class of milk or a beer is easiest, but I figured you'd appreciate something warm.”
“You're warm aren't you?” By the look on her face Johnny could tell her words shocked even herself.
Johnny grinned at her startled look. “Oh yeah, I'm warm. We can sit and watch some TV and I can warm you up. So, what to drink?” he asked as he took a beer for himself. Julie just eyed the bottle in his hand and shook her head.
“Nothing.”
“Sure?”
“Yep.”
“Kay.” Johnny opened a drawer taking out a bottle opener. He cracked open the bottle and left the kitchen, turning off the light as he went.
Julie plopped herself down on the couch while Johnny grabbed a blanket off the back of an armchair and settled down beside her. The two snuggled under the blanket while he used his remote to find something on the tube to watch. Stopping to watch the last ten minutes of Switch, he lifted his legs, dropping them on the coffee table crossing them at the angles. Feeling Julie snuggling in closer and lifting her own legs up and under the blanket, Johnny's arm tightened around her.
“You'd think a con man would recognize another one.” Johnny stated. Pointing his beer at the television screen as the characters of Pete Ryan and Frank McBride rehashed the con they'd just pulled.
“I don't think that would work for the show.” Julie smiled up at him. Her head resting in the crook of his shoulder and arm while her right hand lay on his chest just under her cheek.
Looking down, Johnny agreed with her. “You're probably right. You just have to wonder. You any warmer?”
“Yep. Anything good on next?”
“I think Marcus Welby's on tonight. I'm not sure if I'm up for a medical show though.” Johnny frowned, remembering the events of the day before.
Reaching for the TV Guide, Julie searched for that night's programming. “There's a Red Skelton Special on.”
“I'd rather watch Marcus.”
“Me too.”
While the ending credits to Switch played, Johnny turned the TV to channel 12 to wait for Marcus Welby, M.D. to come on. He took a swig of his beer before laying his head against the back of the couch and closing his eyes. He didn't think he'd ever been more comfortable with a woman sitting next to him. Julie was soft and warm. Soft and warm he repeated to himself. Nothing cold about her , he thought back to her being near tears earlier because he was suffering. Then he remembered Karen Grady's reaction the night their lovemaking had been interrupted when Julie had called worried about Chris' breathing.
What in the world happened to me? How could I have ended up with someone like that? You lost track of people, Johnny, including yourself. Keep this woman close by and that'll never happen again. He opened his eyes to find Julie looking up at him once again.
“You tired?” she asked.
“No. Just thinking.”
“Good thoughts I hope.”
“Very.” He smiled. She gave a small shy smile and turned to look back at the television. Johnny reached down, placing his hand under her chin and turned her face back to look at him. Her eyes were as wide as saucers. He smiled down at her.
“You're cute when you're being shy.” Just before placing his lips on hers, he caught the discoloration of her cheeks. His probing tongue was rewarded when her lips parted slightly allowing him entrance. He explored until he met up with her tongue and they soon began a slow sensual dance with one another. He felt her subtle shift to sink deeper into his chest.
Her arm, which had been resting on his chest, was now relaxed on his shoulder while her hand caressed the back of his neck. The sensation resulted in a groan escaping from his busy mouth. Slowly breaking away from her mouth he gently placed his forehead on hers. Looking into her eyes he saw her desire, as well as feeling it in the heavy raise and fall of her bosom. He knew his own desires matched hers, but didn't want to take advantage of the situation.
He cleared his throat and took a quick pull on his beer. His eyes watched as Julie followed his movements. He felt his pants grow tighter when she slowly licked her lips. He closed his eyes and took in a deep sigh. When he opened his eyes he found her still looking up at him. Oh, man. What have I started? Don't do this to yourself, Johnny.
Before he could react, Julie was leaning into him once again, her lips on his. Clumsily, he placed his beer bottle on the table beside his couch and wrapped his arms around her. The feel of her breasts pressed up against his chest nearly took his breath away. But it didn't stop him from pulling her even closer. Reaching up he ran a hand threw her hair and slowly wrapped the end of a few strands around his finger and then let it fall between his palm. His other hand slowly worked its way between the two of them.
Finding its destination, he slowly started to knead her right breast in his hand. He felt, as well as heard, the release from within her. The low sound drove his need further as his thumb ran across her protruding nipple. He couldn't imagine how it would feel to touch her bare breast. But he'd wanted to do so since the morning she'd worn that ridiculously thin nightgown.
“Julie…”
“Hmm?”
“I…we…I…” he pulled his mouth away, slipped his wandering hand back to her back and once again rolled his forehead onto hers, closing his eyes.
The two stayed that way for some time. Both trying to draw breath into their deprived lungs. Julie's arms had remained around his neck and she once again started to message the back of his neck, before playing with the little amount of hair the fire department would allow. Johnny emitted a low groan.
“Julie, we can't do this. I want you. This is too hard, I don't think I can control myself much longer.”
The room remained silent for what seemed like an eternity for Johnny until the woman still wrapped in his arms replied. “Then have me.”
Lifting his head, he looked into her face. Such a sweet face he thought. Shaking his head he answered. “No. We can't.”
“Why?”
“Because I don't want to pressure you. I care too much about you to do that.”
“You're not pressuring me. I want you too, Johnny.” She answered. The look in her eyes told him she wasn't lying.
“Are you sure?”
She nodded her head up and down. “More so than ever.”
“Only if you're absolutely sure?” He didn't trust his ability to think straight.
“Yes! I'm positive.”
Why was he feeling so nervous? Like he'd never taken a woman to bed before? “Okay. But we can stop at any time. You just have to say the word.”
“Johnny…”
“I mean it. If you change your mind, you let me know.”
“Kay.”
Kicking the blanket off of them both, Johnny took Julie by the hand and led her into his bedroom. He had no idea how to make her feel comfortable though, since he assumed she was still nervous despite her pretense of being self-assured about the situation. Should he keep the light out or turn it on? He'd prefer it on, but he wasn't sure about her. And he definitely wanted her to be relaxed and feeling secure about this moment. As he turned to look down at her when they reached his room he was wishing he'd prepared for this moment. He wanted it to be romantic for her. But without preparing how could he achieve romance?
“You nervous?” Great, Gage. Nice way to put her at ease!
“A little.” She admitted shyly.
He reached past her and turned on his light. “You wanna freshen up or anything?” he nodded towards the bathroom attached to his bedroom.
Julie only nodded her yes.
Once she had disappeared into the other room. He raced back down to the lower level of his house. Reaching the kitchen he started searching the drawers for a candle. Surely I have a candle? Right, the pantry, for emergencies.
Rummaging through the pantry shelves, he found his box full of emergency supplies. Sure enough he found two pillar candles and a book of matches hiding amongst the supplies. Running back to the bedroom he found Julie sitting on the end of his bed. Holding the candles up he smiled, “Thought we might like some ambiance.”
His hormones raged when she returned his smile. He hurriedly placed one of the candles on his highboy; lighting it before crossing the room to his night side table he placed the other on what would be her side of the bed and lit it as well. Then returned to his door and turned out the light, resulting in a soft glow embracing the room. Turning, he saw Julie adjust herself on the bed and figured it was a sign of nervousness. Reaching the bed he sat down to her right. Looking down at his feet he realized that the only way to broach this situation was to act as though they'd been together many times before. That would help him ignore his own increasing anxiety.
“I think we'd both be more comfortable if we actually got into the bed.” Once again he took her by the hand, this time moving towards the head of the mattress. When they reached their destination. Johnny closed the distance between them and kissed her lightly on the lips, running his hand down the length of her arm and back up again. He felt her tremble but had no idea whether it was a reaction to the situation or to his touch. He decided to ignore it.
When she placed a palm on his chest he dreaded the disappointment that was about to come, but was pleasantly surprised when she didn't shove him away, but instead just rested it there. Slightly caressing his chest. The gesture encouraged him to move a little faster. Leaning into her, he used his body weight to gently push her back against the bed. With her now lying on her back he rested his weight on his left elbow.
He looked into her face. “You're beautiful.” His right hand rested on her belly.
“Thank-you. You're not too shabby yourself.” She gave him another one of her shy smiles.
He returned the smile wanting to take her right there and then. He hadn't realized how much her coyness would turn him on. He supposed it was the result of his recent years of unemotional sex. Running his hand up her carriage he felt her shudder once more. Knowing she wasn't used to it, he broke their eye contact and allowed his eyes to follow his hand. Reaching the underside of her breast, he noticed the evidence of her desire. Turning to her he lowered his head once again and kissed her as though his life depended on it.
Feeling her arms wrap around him and the obvious movement on her part to get closer to him he ran his free hand back down her belly and pulled her shirt out of her corduroy pants. Slipping his hand underneath the material of her blouse he slowly caressed her skin while making his way back up her bodice. Feeling the soft satin like texture of her bra against the underside of her breast brought an audible moan from his lips. Cupping the weight of her breast in his hand he once again began to knead it. Loving the feel of her suppleness brought another moan of desire from the firefighter. When he heard Julie's gasp as he took her nipple between his thumb and forefinger he stopped for a brief moment. He wasn't sure if he'd hurt her, had taken her by surprise, or had given her pleasure. But his question was quickly answered when she arched her back into his hand.
While continuing to roll her tip in his fingers, he started to trail feather light kisses along her jaw line to her neck where he stopped and began giving her tender love bites, as his arm slowly lowered his body into a lying position. His body weight was half on her and half on the mattress. Knowing sounds of pleasure when he heard them he withdrew his hand from her breast, brought it out of her shirt and began undoing her blouse buttons. When he had it completely undone, he raised himself back up on his elbow and peeled away the shirt from her body. Seeing her heaving bosom in her silken beige bra took his breath away.
“God, Julie. You're so beautiful.”
Her only response was a small sweet smile. If he hadn't known better, he could have mistaken it for the seductive welcome of an experienced vixen. Running a hand through her hair, which lay splayed out on either side of her head, he lowered his face to hers, looking directly into her crystal blue eyes. “Are you sure, Julie?”
“Yes.” She replied, wrapping her arms around him with more force than he expected. She started to run her hands along his back. He'd noticed earlier that her bra had a frontal closure, he quickly undid it, releasing her mounds from their prison, he took one into his grasp and let his thumb circle her peak. Quickly bringing it to erection. Once again he placed a trail of love bites down her jaw, down her neck and continued on. Reaching her chest, he started placing small light kisses on the opposite breast he was currently fondling. Julie's moan tightened the pressure in his jeans. While his thumb continued circling her nipple, Johnny's tongue now matched the motion. Slowly circling her nub, which also stood at attention, awaiting its inspection. Julie's quiet love sounds and writhing body spurred Johnny on. He took the nipple into his mouth and began gently suckling. Julie softly cried out. He continued to work her other breast with his fingers, pulling and tweaking. Finally allowing it to mimic the moves of his tongue. Julie continued to enjoy his expertise. He slowly proceeded to give Julie's breast gentle kisses, while making his way across to its waiting twin. He then took its center into his mouth and gave it the attention it desired.
Julie's one hand slowly lowered to her lover's jeans covered buttocks and squeezed a cheek. Johnny was taken by surprise and squelched his yelp, allowing a soft moan to escape from within instead. The woman in his bed was slowly becoming a tad bolder and he liked it.
“Jul, god I want you.”
“Oh, Johnny,” Was all Julie could manage to say.
Raising to her face, Johnny once again lowered his mouth to hers where their tongues once again began their duel. Johnny took her blouse by its collar and began to lower it down her arm. She helped the procedure by lifting herself slightly up off the bed. Once half the blouse was shed, she leaned on her elbow for support and let Johnny lower the other half completely off her. She then lowered herself back onto the bed and was surprised when Johnny didn't continue down with her. He could see her confusion give way to understanding when he began to unbutton his own shirt, throwing it onto the floor when he'd achieved his goal. He then undid the button on his jeans and lowered his zipper, giving himself more room in his ever more painful lower region.
He watched as Julie's eyes lowered to watch his actions and smiled at her shock to see his hardened desire. He found it hard to believe she hadn't noticed his excitement when he'd lain down almost on top of her. But then, he figured she'd been a little preoccupied at the time. “I need some room.” He explained.
“I see.” She gulped.
So much for that boldness, he chuckled to himself.
“You need somethin' to drink?” He asked. Thinking she may be thirsty, her swallow an obvious sign of a dry mouth.
Once again she could only nod her head yes. Not taking her eyes off of his manliness.
“Be right back.” He jumped off the bed and ran out of the room. Julie could hear his movements and was confused when it sounded as though he stopped in the living room and had not proceeded into the kitchen. He returned a few seconds later with his beer bottle.
“May as well finish this.” He was surprised to find she'd gotten under the covers.
He sat down on the bed beside her, watching as she lifted herself up, holding his comforter against her chest. He found her modesty somewhat refreshing, although a little amusing considering he'd just had his way with those very breasts. He passed her his almost full bottle of beer and got up to go into the bathroom.
Julie took a huge swig of the beverage as she listened to him hunting threw his bathroom drawers. Although it was slightly warm now, the beer was just what she needed for her parched throat. Seeing Johnny in a state of half undress and obvious excitement brought her nervousness back full force. But she trusted Johnny. She could do this.
Johnny returned to the bedroom flipping a thin square object on the night table beside him before sitting down. Noticing the bottle was a little emptier, he asked, “Feel better?”
“Yeah.” She glanced at the object, realizing it was a condom. She took another long swig before passing it to Johnny.
Taking the bottle he took a swill. Making a face he asked, “How can you drink this? It's warm!”
“I'm dry.”
He passed it back to her. “Help yourself.”
She gladly accepted it and drank more as Johnny managed to get himself under the covers as well. He leaned against his headboard and enjoyed the sight of Julie's naked back. He reached out and caressed it while she continued to help herself to his beer. He knew as he'd grabbed it, he should probably get her a glass of water since she was still underage, but it was easier than going into the kitchen so he just grabbed it instead. He wasn't naïve enough to believe she'd never drunk alcohol before anyway. She'd just never done it in front of him. Plus, now that she sat drinking it, he figured it might help her take the edge off.
Her hair hung just past her shoulders and he began to play with the ends. It was soft to the touch and if there was one thing he'd always fallen for was the softness of a woman, didn't matter what part of her anatomy it was. A few moments later, she handed him the empty bottle and as he placed it on the table beside his bed, she snuggled up close to him. The feel of her naked back up against his naked chest almost undid him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and enjoyed the feeling of holding her in his arms.
“How ya feeling?”
“Good.” She sounded much more relaxed.
A part of Johnny felt guilty as he realized he'd been right about the affects the alcohol would have on her. “You still okay about this?”
“Hmm Hmm.” She snuggled closer.
“Good. Me too.” Johnny grinned as his hands raised and cupped both her breasts. Julie's head rolled against his chest as she let out a faint sigh.
Johnny's grin grew wider. “You like that, huh?”
“Oh, yeah.”
“Me too.”
Her response was a giggle, “You?”
“Sure. You have no idea how good this feels to a man. To bring the woman in his arms pleasure is the best aphrodisiac.”
“Well, you're good at it.” She purred.
“I aim to please.”
Julie's head rolled away from him. Johnny leaned forward and placed soft kisses on her exposed neck while continuing to pay close attention to her taunt young breasts. Deciding to move along, he let one hand lower to the top of her cords. Working the snap, he quickly had her pants unzipped and folded against her abdomen. He placed his hand on her belly and felt her panties lying low on her hips.
He closed his eyes as his mouth let out a husky groan. “Jul, honey. Lets get you out of these pants.”
“Kay.” She got to her knees, her back still to him. He reached up and slowly lowered her pants over her small but curvaceous hips. Once they were lowered to her knees, Julie quickly worked herself out of the pants while somehow managing to get into her original position of “standing” on her knees. Johnny raised himself up to the same position when he realized she was about to sit back down. Feeling his presence behind her kept Julie rooted in her spot.
Johnny quickly disposed of his own jeans and then leaned into Julie. Running his hands up and down her hips. Bringing his left arm up he wrapped it around her waist. “You're incredible.” He murmured into her ear. Which promptly brought her closer to him. He brought his hand up and once again cupping her ample breast while his other hand traveled lower, over her belly and continued on to caress the outside of her right thigh. He felt the goose bumps break out all over her body.
“You're so soft, Jul. I love the way you feel.” His hand roamed freely to the inside of her thigh and he swore he heard her whimper. But the sound had been so low he couldn't be sure. His hand continued up her thigh until it reached the bottom of her underwear and continued its travels to her core. Finding her panties already wet fired his desires. The moment he touched her, Johnny found he was supporting Julie's entire body weight against him. Bringing both his hands to her waist, he motioned for her to turn and face him. She easily complied.
Placing his lips on hers, he kissed her gently before adding, “Why don't we lie back down,” while pushing her down.
Lying on their sides, Johnny gazed into her eyes. “Are we going too fast?”
Julie managed a quick nod of her head to inform him everything was okay.
“You need another beer?” he smirked.
She broke into a smile, “No.”
“Kay. Just making sure.”
The two embraced and before she knew what hit her, Johnny's hands were once again exploring her being. Finally after a little teasing, Johnny slipped his hand down Julie's hip riding panties. As was the case before, he found her moist and this time warm. Running a finger up and down her folds, Julie started to squirm, but remained soundless. Looking up into her face, Johnny found her eyes closed. And what looked like pain etched on her face.
“Julie, does that hurt?”
She shook her head from side to side indicating she felt no pain. Relief filled Johnny. He opened her folds and continued his ministrations. Julie continued to squirm. Remaining quiet. He lowered his head and took one of her nipples into his mouth. As he started pulling on it she raised her back off the bed. But still no sound.
Giving her breast's center some light kisses, Johnny continued those kisses up her chest, along her neck and up her jaw until he reached her ear. He softly blew into it and then began to murmur, “Jul, honey. It's okay to let loose. You don't have to hold anything back. Whatever you feel like doin' is fine. No one is here but us. No one but me will hear.” He noticed she was holding her breath.
Just as he ended his words, he took Julie's clitoris between his thumb and forefinger and delicately pulled. He was rewarded by Julie's unadulterated cry of pleasure. “That's it baby. Let it out. Remember it's an aphrodisiac.” He kissed her forehead. Now rolling her between his fingers.
Continuing the caresses of her most intimate body part brought with it the moans, groans, and the cries of pleasure Johnny had been asking for, finally followed by what turned out to be a slow building but forceful orgasm. When her body stopped its spasms, Johnny kissed her on the nose while slowly running his hand up her body. Watching her enjoy his ministrations had heightened his own desires. He continued to watch her face as her breathing slowly returned to normal and finally she opened her eyes.
“Hi.” He smiled down at her as he was propped up on an elbow once again.
“Hey.” She returned.
“Welcome back.”
His words brought a pink hue to her cheeks, which Johnny found adorable.
“You okay?”
“Oh, yeah.” She smiled bashfully. “That was incredible. You're incredible.”
Shaking his head in disagreement, Johnny replied, “No. You are.” Seeing goose bumps once again breaking out on her body he asked, “You cold?”
“I think so.”
He pulled the comforter up around her as she reached out and placed a small hand on his chest. Playing with what little chest hair he had. “Can I do that for you?” she asked quietly.
“As a matter of fact, you can. But I don't want you to.” He saw the hurt on her face as soon as he said it. “No, I want you to, but I'd rather you didn't right now. I'd rather we continue by giving us both pleasure.”
“But…”
“Julie. I can't take much more of this. I'm gonna explode.”
Julie hated to admit she didn't really know what he was talking about. Seeing confusion on her face, Johnny asked her, “What's wrong?”
“I wanna please you, Johnny.” She bit her bottom lip.
“You can. We can, together.”
“But, I want to please you just like you did me.”
“If you do, it'll be a while before we can have intercourse and I'd rather we did that now.”
“What do you mean?”
Johnny was struck by the question. He wasn't sure he knew what she was asking. He thought he'd made himself quite clear. He wanted her and he wanted her now. He wanted his release inside her not out. “I'm confused, Julie. Why are you so insistent on this?”
Once again seeing the hurt in her eyes, he wrapped her in his arms. The last thing he wanted was for this to turn out to be like any other night she'd ever experienced with someone who obviously hadn't treated her right.
“It's just that. Well, you made me feel so good, Johnny. Nobody's ever done that for me before. I want to make sure I do the same for you.”
To Johnny's ears she sounded so young. But understanding was finally dawning on him. “Are you saying you've never had an orgasm before?”
She didn't answer him verbally, but Johnny could feel her head turning from side to side against his chest. Now he was especially happy he'd encouraged her to let go and truly experience the moment. He also realized that although she may not be a virgin, she may as well have been, for all that she knew or had experienced in the past. He was also surprised by the anger that swelled inside him. How dare someone take a woman to bed and not please her. Squeezing her harder against him, he then took her by the shoulder and pushed her slightly away.
Looking her in the eye he explained. “Jul, honey. I can't have an orgasm and then perform again right away. No man can. It's physically impossible. It takes some time for our bodies to build up again. Nature usually allows younger men to regain their prowess faster but still, everyone is different, as far as how long it takes.”
Julie's eyes told Johnny she'd known this, but hadn't truly experienced for herself the lapsed time.
“I'd rather we had intercourse than have to wait ‘til later. I want you.”
“But it's not fair…”
“Jul, nothing in life is fair, and if anyone should be complaining, it should be me.” He smiled.
Seeing the humor in the statement, Julie chuckled. “It's just, I want to please you, too.”
“Oh, hon. Trust me, it'll please me if we have intercourse, and it'll also please you, hopefully.” Johnny added for good measure. Remembering her statement from earlier. “And if not, well, I have ways.” He smiled and waggled his eyebrows up and down at her.
“Are you sure?”
“I'm positive. I have many ways of…”
“I didn't mean that! I meant about your pleasure.”
“Yes. I'm sure.”
“Kay.” She smiled, apprehensively he noticed.
“Next time you can explore and experiment.” He was happy to see a sparkle shine in her eyes at that statement and felt a twinge in his groin. The thought alone of her exploring his body gave him gratification. He bent down and placed a kiss on her lips.
She wrapped her arms around him in response and he lowered them back onto the mattress. “Johnny?”
“Yeah?” he asked between kisses.
“I need to go to the bathroom.”
He rolled off her and lay on his back. Watching as she got out of the bed and scurried into his master bath. A smile crossed his face as he realized she'd felt self-conscious about her body. While she did her business, Johnny pulled off his briefs and pulled the blanket up to his waist. He figured why waste any time.
Julie re-entered the bedroom and quickly ran back to the bed. Lying down and briskly pulling the blanket up over her body. Catching a small glimpse of her now naked body. Johnny's arousal heightened once again. He rolled onto his side, reaching over and pulling her closer against him. Loving the look of surprise that crossed her face when she felt his nakedness against hers.
He contemplated asking her if she wanted another beer but wisely thought better of it. He laid his arm across her and snuggled in close, loving the feel and smell of her. Placing a hand on her breast he started to help get her ready for their imminent intimacy. He loved the way she openly responded to his touch. She reached out and kissed him, being the one to probe with her tongue this time. Johnny groaned allowing her entrance. The thought that she wanted so badly to pleasure him added to his want. He needed Julie unlike he'd ever needed anyone in his life. Something about her brought out all of the good qualities he'd always been proud he possessed. He knew once he had her he wasn't going to want to ever let her go. She was the person he'd been searching for, he was sure of it.
Feeling they were both ready, Johnny lay on his back and reached for the condom he'd placed on the bedside table long before hand. Raising to his knees he leaned his buttocks back onto his heels and ripped the package open. He rolled the condom on while Julie still lay behind him watching his shoulder muscles ripple from his actions.
When he turned, he saw her gaze fall to below his waist. He watched her eyes explore him while he placed the empty foil on the table and lay down with half of his body on half of hers. “You're sure.”
“Yeah.” She whispered.
They exchanged a sensual kiss while Johnny lifted himself up and hovered above her waiting form. With his right knee, he spread her legs further open. Gazing into her eyes, he slowly lowered himself to her. Feeling his head resting against her moist nether region brought forth a groan. He pushed forward a bit and when was met with no resistance continued. When he was fully engulfed in her, he slowly removed himself back out to his tip and then continued back in. Slowly, his pace picked up and waves of pleasure rippled through his body. While enjoying the sensations, he tried to concentrate on Julie as well. He was determined that she enjoy this moment as much as he did. She wasn't responding much, which concerned him. Yet he couldn't stop his actions. Continuing to thrust himself in and out he finally heard small sounds of enjoyment escaping from her as her hips raised to meet his.
“That's it baby. We'll get there.” He encouraged her. He'd never really been one to talk while having sex but figured it seemed to have helped her the last time. He could hear his own breathing was labored and was concerned he was going to peak before her, but he couldn't control himself. He could only hope she joined him when his time came.
Hearing her continued moans of delight, Johnny continued, “Come on, Jul, you got some catching up to do. I'm almost there.” He finally reigned in his control and slowed his pace somewhat.
Julie's breathing came harder and faster. Johnny loved the sound more than he thought he ever could. He continued to pump in and out, lifting his head enough so he could see her face. He recognized the look of anguish and knew she was close. Come on baby, I'm going over the edge and. I want you with me.
As the ripples continued to assault his body, Johnny quickened his pace. As he did, he could feel the folds of Julie's vagina squeezing around him. He recognized the signs of a woman about to have an orgasm and felt much of his self induced pressures subside. Julie's body quickly went into convulsions as she screamed his name. That was all it took. Johnny exploded in pleasure. His seed shot into the condom as he continued pumping. Julie's insides continued to message him until he felt himself softening. He slowed his pace with each pump until finally coming to a stop.
Keeping his full weight on both his elbows beside Julie's shoulders, he lowered his head down beside hers. “That was incredible.” He panted.
When Julie didn't respond he raised his head asking, “You okay?”
Looking down at her, he saw her eyes were closed. She nodded her head up and down and then opened her eyes. “I'm speechless.”
He smiled down at her. “Is that a good thing?”
“Oh yeah!” she smiled.
He lowered his head once again and kissed her. “Good. You had me worried.”
“Worried? Why?”
“That you wouldn't have one.”
“An orgasm?”
“Yeah.” Johnny took in a deep breath still trying to return his breathing to normal.
“Oh. Well, no worries.” She smiled.
“Yeah. It's easy to smile about now.”
She laughed at his worried look.
“Okay, you ready?” he asked.
“For what?” she asked confused.
“I'm gonna get out.”
“Yeah, I guess so.”
Johnny pulled himself out and rolled onto his back to Julie's right. His left arm stretched out just above her head. His right hand lay on his chest.
Julie turned and looked at his hand and it gave her a small ripple of pleasure. She'd dreamed about those hands and what they would feel like on her body. Never, in her wildest imagination, could she have guessed at how wonderful they'd feel.
When she lifted herself up and placed her head on his chest, Johnny's arm embraced her. “You meant it didn't you? About being worried.” She asked.
“Yeah. I'd have felt like a heel if you hadn't had one.”
“That's what Joanne said.”
“What?” Johnny asked confused how Joanne had entered into their conversation.
“She said you'd blame yourself if I didn't have an orgasm.”
“She did, did she?”
“Yeah.”
“And exactly why were you discussing your orgasm or lack there of with your sister?” Johnny teased. Somehow knowing it didn't really have anything to do with him, but a typical sisterly discussion about sex in general. At least that's what he hoped it was. The thought of his partner's wife discussing his sex life unnerved him more than he realized it would.
“I was telling her I was afraid to have sex. She finally got it out of me that I was afraid of disappointing you.”
“Dissa…Julie, you could never disappoint me.”
“I just, well, I felt if I didn't have an orgasm I'd disappoint you.”
“No. No. I'd be upset with myself, not you.” He turned to look at her.
“That's what she said.”
“Good. Where you going?” he asked when she lifted herself off of him and started getting out of the bed.
“I need to go to the little girls room again.”
“Yeah, me too.” Johnny grinned.
When she returned, Johnny lifted himself off the bed and disappeared into the bathroom.
Julie watched his retreating backside and found herself sighing. She couldn't believe she'd been afraid of this experience. Was she crazy?
She heard the water running and then turning off in the bathroom and assumed Johnny was cleaning himself up. The thought of what they had just shared warmed her inside out. It had been remarkable. It had been positively the most beautiful experience of her life. So that's what everyone is talking about!
Johnny opened the door to the bathroom and returned to the bedroom. She watched his naked form cross the room to his highboy to blow out the candle sitting on it. He then started across the room back to the bed. She was surprised to see his member still somewhat hard and bobbing as he walked towards her. He lay back down on his back with one his far arm crossed over his forehead
“Can you blow that one out?” he asked her looking towards the other candle.
“Yeah.” She did as he asked, with the bedroom falling into darkness and returned to the comfort of his one armed embrace, her head resting on his chest.
“I'm beat.” Johnny yawned.
“Me too.” Julie lied.
Within moments, Johnny was sound a sleep. Julie just lay there, listening to the soft sound of his heartbeat beneath her ear. She couldn't believe how fast he'd fallen a sleep. But her thoughts quickly returned to what she could only have imagined was an emotional Christmas shift. Roy had made a comment to Joanne that he thought Johnny probably hadn't slept much that day when he'd come home from work, plus he hadn't slept much at the station the night before.
Realizing sleep wasn't going to come as easily for her, she softly removed herself from his chest and the arm he had wrapped around her. She got out of the bed and went to the bathroom, turning on the light for guidance. She pulled on her underwear and crossed the bedroom and opened his dresser. Finding only shorts, she shut the drawer and opened the one above it. She looked down at the T-shirts she'd been hoping to find and put one on. She exited the room and went to the living room to watch a bit of TV. After an hour or so, she realized she was tired and turned off the TV and retreated back to Johnny's bed. She rolled up beside him and fell fast a sleep.
Light shimmering through the window woke her the next morning. Looking at the clock beside Johnny, it read 10:14. It shocked her to find she had slept that late. Johnny still lay beside her, sound a sleep. She watched the rise and fall of his exposed chest. She longed to be in his arms again.
Her thoughts turned to the previous night's activities and she could feel her face burning. She'd never known such an extraordinary experience was obtainable. Her previous experiences had left her with the thoughts that she didn't enjoy sex. Boy was she wrong. She had enjoyed it. Immensely! Okay, she still felt a little self-conscious, but she'd never allowed herself to be placed in such a vulnerable situation before. She felt herself plush just at the thought of Johnny's hands touching her in places no one had before.
Remembering the sound of his soft husky voice telling her to let go sent ripples through her stomach. Had he really been cheering her on? Had he been doing that for her or for him? Possibly both, but she got the distinct feeling Johnny liked a vocal partner in bed. He told her a few times it was an aphrodisiac for him. That was something she'd have to work on. She felt self-conscious about it and it worried her that she'd sound like a whore if she really let herself go.
Continuing to watch her lover sleeping, she thought about the things he'd done to her. His hands on her breasts, the feel of them messaging her, tweaking her nipples. She'd had no idea what pleasure could be involved in such a thing. She had to admit, if nothing else, those tweaks and pulls alone could probably make her scream like a banshee. She'd been surprised to find his fondling of her breasts could result in twinges of pleasure further down! And the feel of his lips on those very nipples, God! Why hadn't anyone told her about that? But of course, there were also the tweaks and pulls of her lower region.
She'd nearly jumped out of her skin when Johnny had done those things to her. Why hadn't Peter or Brian done that to her, for her? Because they were selfish boys, that's why. They weren't grown experienced men like Johnny. She explained to herself. It angered her when she realized she'd let those two experiences cloud her vision of what sex could and should be.
“Are you sleeping with your eyes open or are you day dreaming?” Johnny's voice came through the fog in her brain.
“Day dreaming,” she readily admitted.
“How ya feeling?”
“A little sore,” she suddenly realized.
“I figured you might be. Why don't you take a nice hot bath while I make breakfast.”
“Hmm…sounds good, you wouldn't happen to have any bubble bath?” She yawned.
Johnny furrowed his brows in concentration, trying to recall if any of his recent girlfriends had possibly left such a thing behind. Shaking his head, he finally replied, “I don't think so.”
“Kay, it was a stab in the dark anyway.”
Johnny rolled out of bed, retreating into his bathroom. Julie realized how much she enjoyed watching a naked Johnny's retreating backside and a smile splayed across her face while she hugged herself before getting out of the bed and doing a quick job of putting it back together.
Johnny came out of the other room and noticed for the first time that Julie was wearing one of his shirts as a nightgown. “You get cold last night?” he asked as he crossed to his dresser, making short order of dressing his bottom half with socks, briefs, and a pair of track pants.
“Not really. I couldn't sleep so got up and watched some TV.”
“You could have woken me up ya know.” His eyes wandered up her shapely legs until they reached the bottom of his shirt, about halfway up her thighs.
“That's okay, I think you needed the sleep.”
“That's for sure. I'm feeling refreshed. By the way, there's a brand new toothbrush in the medicine cabinet if you wanna use it.”
“Kay.”
Johnny left the room, guessing how Julie would feel about getting undressed in front of him. That was something he'd have to work on. He wanted to freely gaze at her when she was completely nude, without her being uncomfortable with it. He'd never in all his years been able to figure out why most women felt self-conscious about their bodies. As far as he was concerned they were perfectly built beings.
With the sound of running water from upstairs drifting down to him, he set about making a pot of coffee. He contemplated calling over to Roy's house to let the DeSoto family know that Julie was safe and sound with him, but then he decided his partner was smart enough to figure that one out himself. He had no idea how her parents would feel about it, but also decided he wasn't going to hide from them either.
With the coffee dripping, he decided to wait until Julie was finished from her soak in the tub before starting breakfast, realizing he had no idea how long she'd be. Going back into his bedroom he pulled on a sweatshirt. He walked over to the bathroom door and was happy to find Julie hadn't locked it. Walking to the tub, he sat on its side and looked down at her.
“I'm gonna go out and tend to the horses.”
“Kay,” she struggled to keep her cheeks from turning red, but failed miserably.
Johnny didn't want to make her feel anymore ill at ease so quickly left the room. The minute he'd opened the door, Julie had crossed her arms across her breasts, which left the rest of her exposed with no bubbles in the bath. He'd had a hard time keeping eye contact with her but the sight of her quickly left him wanting her again.
Stopping in the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee he swiftly exited the house, bracing himself against the cool December air, while walking to his barn. His thoughts quickly turning to his new love, he had to admit he had no idea what Julie's level of commitment was to their relationship. He could only assume that she didn't want the previous evening to be a one-night stand. He knew he didn't. Was this something they should discuss or should he leave it open? That's when he remembered the promise he'd given Joanne. He'd told her that when the time came, he'd talk to Julie about the dangers of being a firefighter.
Was last night's action justification for that talk? Why am I so confused? You've been in this position over and over, Johnny. Yeah, and what's the usual result? Nothing, that's what. Women listen to me, but they never really hear me, and end up bolting the minute I'm injured, nearly injured, or caught in a fire. Running a hand threw his hair; Johnny let out a sigh and went about his chores.
Returning to the house, he saw Julie sitting on the couch with cup of coffee in her hand. She looked up when she heard him come in. “Hey.”
“Hey yourself.” He smiled. “You hungry?”
“Famished.”
“Let's eat then. Come help.”
After making breakfast, eating, and cleaning up. Johnny suggested they go back to Roy's. Julie didn't really want to, she was enjoying her time alone with Johnny, but realized she was an adult now and she was going to have to act like one. And that would include going about her usual business. Her parent's would be leaving the following day and so she realized Johnny was right. She should be spending time with them.
She followed Johnny into his bedroom to retrieve her socks. Johnny removed his fire department tracksuit with the purpose of taking a quick shower. She watched his movements in awe. She couldn't understand how easily he could remove his clothing in front of her. When he turned to find her starring at him, he stopped in mid stride. Her thoughts were as open as a book. He wondered if his were. When he noticed her gulping, he knew they were.
Reaching out to her, he pulled her into an embrace. “We don't have to leave right away.”
When she didn't respond he lifted her chin and gave her a kiss. When she responded in kind, he knew she agreed with him. Soon he had maneuvered them onto the bed, with both of them only clad in their underwear. When Johnny reached into the valley of her breasts to undo her bra he noticed Julie's reluctance right away.
“Come on, honey. Let me take it off.”
When she hesitantly gave him his wish and he unclasped the claws he suddenly felt like the big bad wolf. “Julie, what's wrong? You have nothing to be ashamed of. You're beautiful.”
“You've probably said that to everyone you've taken to bed.”
Physically retreating, Johnny sighed. “Okay, if you need to have this conversation, then lets have it.”
“I didn't mean it as…I didn't mean it the way you took it.” She felt like crying. She didn't want Johnny to be angry with her.
“Then what exactly are you trying to say? Cause I'm confused. I don't know if this hesitation on your part is some sort of jealousy, or you're uncomfortable because there are no lights to turn out during the day?” He didn't mean to sound curt but knew he did.
“I…well…I've only ever had sex in the dark. I guess I'm embarrassed.”
Feeling like more of a heel, Johnny embraced her. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about, Julie. You're beautiful, every inch of you. Yeah, I've said that to my share of women, and I'm not going to lie to you. I've meant it every time I've said.” He confessed. “Women, especially in the throes of passion, are beautiful.”
“And just so you know. Last night wasn't just sex. Sex is something kids do. We shared ourselves last night. Both physically and emotionally, last night we made love, Julie.” He brushed aside a strand of her hair before kissing her forehead.
“And I want to continue making love to you. But I want you to join me. Otherwise we'll be doing nothing more than having sex. Not that that's a bad thing really, but I prefer something deeper and I think you do too. Otherwise, you wouldn't have so willing allowed yourself as much vulnerability as you did last night. I know what a big step that was for you, Jul.”
She gave him a weak smile. “I'm glad I did.”
“Same here. Lets take the next step and allow me the joy of seeing you. What's the big deal? What do you think is going to happen if I see you?”
“Nothing. It's just…”
“Trust me, you have no reason to hide. I saw that the morning after Chris was emitted into the hospital.”
Julie allowed a groan to escape. “I was hoping you hadn't noticed.”
Johnny laughed. “I would've had to have been blind not to.”
“I was mortified.”
“I know. I was turned on.”
“Really?” she giggled.
“God, yeah. I wanted nothing more than to reach out and touch you.”
“Get out!”
“I'm serious. I had to keep trying to tell myself you were off limits. But I was fooling myself.”
“Really, you were attracted to me way back then?” she asked surprised.
“No.”
“Oh.”
“I think I wanted you the very first time I laid eyes on you. You were helping Joanne paint the kitchen. You were wearing shorts and a T-shirt, your hair was pulled back in a ponytail and you had paint in your hair and on your cheek.”
Julie was floored that he would remember such detail. “Gosh, I had no idea.”
“Neither did I. I didn't admit it to myself until the night of the Stanley's barbecue.”
“I was so disappointed you didn't kiss me goodnight.” She admitted.
“I thought about it, but then Tanya came out of your room and the moment had passed.”
“I'll have to remember to scold her.”
“Wasn't the wait worth it?” he feigned hurt feelings.
“Yes.” She couldn't hide her smile.
Johnny once again became serious. “You trusted me last night, didn't you?”
She nodded her head yes.
“You can still trust me.”
She looked into his eyes and knew he was speaking the truth. He'd never push her to do anything she wasn't ready for. Last night she hadn't been entirely sure that she'd been ready for their lovemaking, but she had been.
Johnny could see the wheels in her head turning. She was contemplating his words and trying to relate them to their given situation. God he was hoping she'd allow him the pleasure of making love to her in the daylight. He'd always preferred being able to see his partner. He'd always secretly disliked totally darkened lovemaking. He would readily admit to anyone who asked that he was a visual person. Even while training to become and firefighter and then a paramedic he'd never fully grasped an idea or procedure until he could see it or perform it for himself.
“You won't laugh?”
“Julie, why would I laugh?”
“I don't know. Just promise me you won't.”
“Okay, okay, I promise.” He felt like rolling his eyes but knew that was the quickest way for his shower to turn from hot to cold. He was reward in his silence when she allowed him to lower her bra down her arms and onto the bed. Fully revealing her ample breasts. He also noticed her cheeks immediately became crimson.
“Okay, that's it. Come here.” He pulled her off the bed and led her into the bathroom. Closing the door behind them. He turned her around to face his full-length mirror hanging on the back of the door.
“Look at yourself, Julie. What do you see.”
She starred at her nearly naked form but didn't say anything.
“I'll tell you what I see. A young woman who has never taken the time to look at herself or understand her own body. Look at your eyes. They're incredible. Joanne must hate that she didn't get them. Somehow Roy did?” Johnny chuckled at his own joke.
He continued. “You have the cutest nose. A button nose. A nice smile that reaches your beautiful eyes. Soft silky hair, I could get tangled up and lost in there and die a happy man. Placing his hands on her shoulders he kept going. “Soft subtle skin, all over. Do you know how hard it is for me not to reach out and touch you at the most inappropriate times? Trust me when I say it's difficult.”
“Your stomach is of course soft, and flat, and hard. A lot of women would die for that stomach. You have the body of an athlete. You have killer thighs, not skinny but not too muscular either; your body is toned. Some men don't like that; they prefer someone skinnier you know the Twiggy look. Some men prefer a little more woman to grab on too. When I look at you Julie, I see the perfect woman for John Gage to love.
Taking her eyes off the legs Johnny had been describing she looked up into his reflection. He returned her gaze. “Did you say love?” she gulped.
“Yes. I did. Julie, what isn't there to love about you? I'm not berating you. I love your shyness, too. It turns me on, but I don't want you doubting how beautiful you are. At least to me.”
She turned to look at up at him. “You make me feel beautiful.”
“It's an easy job.” He smiled.
Reaching down and placing his hands on her behind he added, “Now look at this. If that's not the most sexy ass you've ever seen may a bolt of lightening strike us down right now.”
“You better duck, Mr. Gage.”
“Julie…” he quickly stopped when she continued talking over his words.
“Because this…” she grabbed his bare bottom, “is the sexiest ass I've ever seen.”
Growling his pleasure in her sudden boldness he slowly walked them to the door, opened it and threw them onto his bed, making sure he landed on the bottom, with both of them giggling at the spontaneity of the situation
As Johnny took each of her breasts into his hands Julie closed her eyes, loving the sensation he could so easily ignite in her. Johnny smoothly reversed their positions. When her back hit the mattress, Julie's eyes opened and looking into his eyes asked. “Did you not promise I could explore this time?”
“I did, didn't I.”
“Hmm, hmm.”
Once again their positions were reversed and Johnny found himself lying on his back looking up at her. He hair cascaded over her shoulder creating a look of softness he wished he could capture for all time. Biting her bottom lip, she straddled his waist and started running her hand across his chest. No longer worried about her self-exposure, she concentrated on Johnny, his body fascinated her; he'd always looked so skinny, which he was. But his muscles were well developed and defined.
Running her hands from his shoulders down the length of his arms, she lifted his hands into hers and caressed them. She knew that for the rest of her life, she'd love the look of his long fingers. Who'd have ever thought I'd be a hand girl? When she started to kiss his fingers she was happy to hear him groan. She was starting to understand why he enjoyed hearing her pleasure sounds; his husky groan made her womanhood feel warmer all of a sudden. When she took one of his fingers into her mouth, she watched as Johnny closed his eyes, his Adams apple bobbing up and down.
Her sudden sense of control overwhelmed her and she quickly pulled his digit out of her mouth. Which resulted in Johnny's eyes flying open. “What's wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing.” She unexpectedly felt foolish. It made her realize that Johnny, too, was placing himself in a vulnerable position. And he was putting his trust her, just as she had in him the previous evening. She remembered her thoughts earlier in the year of wanting to experience more adult encounters. She had had no idea at the time just how much growth these moments were going to bring. It scared her, but as was the case the night before, she trusted Johnny.
So she continued her exploration. She lowered herself to his mouth and pressed her lips against his. His eyes closed once again and his hands raised to her back. Running his hands up and down her back tickled. But it was pleasurable. One of his hands traveled down to her sexy ass and started caressing. She couldn't believe how such a simple gesture on his part could make her feel like a desirable woman, but it did. Her lips left his as she made her way down his jaw and down his neck. She'd remembered how pleasing the feeling had been and wanted to extend it to her lover.
Johnny subtly stretched his neck, giving her better access. It was then that she realized she loved the feel of him beneath her as she continued to straddle him at the waist, but had lowered her upper half so it was now lying on top of his chest. Her breasts pressed up against his chest heaved at the warm sensations running through her body.
It was as if Johnny suddenly realized she was lying on him because his hands where now between them and messaging her breasts. Once again bestowing on her the most pleasant feeling. She gently bit his neck and was surprised when he cried out. At first she thought she'd hurt him and was about to apologize until she realized he was groaning and almost thrusting upwards towards her. Realizing she'd found an erogenous zone thrilled her. She gave him another love bite and was rewarded by what she could only describe as a grunt.
“God, Julie. I want you.”
“Me too, Johnny.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” he asked impatiently.
“You gave me a promise.” She reminded him.
“Right.”
She slid off of him and allowed her fingers to trace small circles along his chest. She could feel Johnny playing with her hair. Running his hand through it and then lifting it up and letting it fall back in place, and then repeating the whole procedure. She realized at that point that the man she was being intimate with was a touchy feely kind of guy and it brought a smile to her lips. With those thoughts in her head, she decided to let her lips continue on with her exploration. She decided she'd try doing everything to him that he'd done to her the previous evening.
Taking one of his nipples into her mouth, her tongue played with it. Johnny's eyes once again closed. His hand continued to play with her hair. His soft moans let her know he was enjoying her ministrations. He continued to express his pleasure when she switched to a gentle suckle. She'd been surprised to find out how sensitive her nipples had been, she didn't know why she'd never thought of a man getting the same pleasures from his own.
Releasing his nub she climbed onto his chest and began to lick his other nipple. She felt Johnny's hand slide down her back, sliding into her underwear and fondle her cheek once again. She could feel her juices flowing, making her feel warm. She let out a small moan of her own.
“Jul, I need you.”
“Patience.”
“I've never been known for my patience.” He said as he slowly lifted himself up and lowered her back against the mattress.
“I was having fun!” she protested, lifting herself onto an elbow. Her hand slid down his trim body until it stopped on his waist for a brief moment. Slowly lowering it, she found what she was looking for and ran her thumb across the tip of his penis. Finding a wet sticky substance.
Johnny's body tensed at her touch. “Oh, god, Julie.”
Once again she ran her thumb across his tip. She was surprised at how smooth and silky it felt. Slowly her hand lowered until his shaft was in her grip. Then, she began running her hand up and down, feeling his swollen penis growing even harder in her hand. Her hand came back up to the tip and ran along the pre cum sitting at its tip. This action promptly sent Johnny back onto the bed, flat on his back. Letting the liquid rub off on her hand, she lowered her hand back down to his shaft, using the substance as a natural lubricant. She continued her ministration for some time when she suddenly felt Johnny's hand grabbing hers bringing its motion to a stop.
“Did I hurt you?” she asked, startled.
“No.” he panted, “God, it feels great. But you're gonna get me off.”
“Is that a problem?”
“Yes. Julie, I've never been selfish when it comes to sex. I'd rather cum inside you, than in your hand.”
“I don't mind.”
“I do. Please, Julie. Let me have this.”
“Kay.”
Johnny left the room for the bathroom and returned with a condom already in place. Getting back onto the bed, he lowered Julie back down and reached down to remove her panties. Once that was accomplished, his hand touched her most intimate spot. He slowly started to rub his finger up and down along its lips. Julie's breath became heavier, “Johnny?”
“Just want to make sure you're ready.” He lowered his upper half to her side and kissed her. Her eyes were closed. He took the opportunity to devour her body with his eyes. Her bosom had taken on the flush signs of lust. He took in the shape of her breasts, noticing the pink color of her areolas. Her figure was all women but her skin belied her age. He loved the combination and it made his desire for her grow. Scanning down to her waist, he noticed its trimness. Scanning lower, his eyes swept across her pubic hair ‘til he reached his own hand. Opening her folds, he took her clitoris into his fingers and began to work his magic. Lowering his head back down to her, he started murmuring to her.
“Come on baby. Let me know what you like.” He nipped her ear. “Do you like this?”
“Yes,” she panted. “JOHNNY!” she cried when he stuck a finger inside her and began a slow wiggling action.
“I'm right here.”
Her body quickly went into spasms and her head tossed from side to side as her womanhood contracted around his finger. He slowly pulled it out and waited for her to gather her wits about her. When her head turned to him and her eyes opened, he smiled at her. “You do that so well.”
“What?”
“Enjoy this.”
“Oh,” she blushed.
~~51~~
Roy came out of his master bath with a towel wrapped around his waist. Glancing into their walk in closet, he noticed Joanne pulling on a pair of panty hose. The site always excited him. “You need any help?”
“No.” she threw her husband a look wondering why he'd ask such a question, until she looked into his eyes. They were glazed over, his eyelids half closed. Knowing that look from a thousand paces away, it gave Joanne butterflies, but she scolded him anyway, “Roy, my parents are here.”
“This is our house.”
“So.”
“So, a man should be able to do whatever he wants in his own home.”
“Only if his wife agrees,” she teased.
Switching gears, knowing his wife was only half teasing he asked, “You finally get your mother squared away?”
“It took some doing, but I think so.”
The fireman rolled his eyes.
“Roy, she has a right to worry. She doesn't know Johnny like you and I do. Having her daughter leave at nine o'clock in the evening and not come home can be unsettling.”
“I know. It just seems kinda silly, given Julie's age. And the fact that she was with a responsible adult when she left.”
“Would you be saying the same thing if it was Jennifer?”
“Jens not an adult.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Okay, okay, you win.” He chuckled knowing from the start of the conversation that he had had no hope of winning in the first place. “Still, she left with Johnny.”
“A man who would like nothing more than to take her to bed.”
“Joanne.”
“It's true. Just try to deny that Mr. DeSoto.”
“Okay, you win on this score, too, but you told me yourself he showed restraint the last time she stayed at his place.”
“It doesn't matter to me what the two of them are doing together, it's just, well, my mother has a right to worry.”
“What about your dad?”
“Him too, but to be honest, I have no idea what he's thinking. You probably know better than I do.”
“I don't have a clue. But if memory serves me correctly, he'll show restraint and treat Johnny no differently. After all, we both know that quite possibly, nothing happened.”
~~51~~
Julie and Johnny walked into the family room of the DeSoto home a few hours later joining Julie's parents and Christopher and Jennifer.
Roy and Joanne were in the kitchen preparing lunch together, but had an unobstructed view of their guests in the next room. Joanne leaned into her husband, “So much for nothing happening.”
Roy turned to her with a confused look, “What?”
“Julie and Johnny,” Joanne nodded her head into the other room, “they had sex.”
Roy gave his wife a disbelieving look, “Like you can tell.”
“Roy, all women can tell when another woman has had sex.”
“Right!” Roy answered with a chuckle.
“I'm serious.”
“Okay, I'll humor you, how?”
“I don't need your humor, it's true. Women have a glow about them afterwards.”
Roy turned to look at his sister-in-law, not noticing any sort of radiant light what so ever. “Right.”
“I'm telling you, Roy. They had sex, and more than likely, they had it very recently, if you get my drift.”
Turning once again to look at Julie, Roy squinted, trying in vain to see what his wife claimed too. “Okay, what about Johnny?”
“What about him?”
“Can you tell, is he glowing?” Roy questioned.
“Of course not. Don't be silly, men never look any differently”
“So women glow and men are cads.”
“Roy!”
“Well, explain this to me. There's nothing in Johnny's outward appearance to shout to the world that he just got lucky, but Julie's a beacon.”
“Exactly.”
“So according to your theory, your mother can tell her daughter just got laid?”
“Must you be so crude?”
“I could have been cruder.”
“Roy!” Joanne answered, “And to answer your question, yes my mother can probably tell. And I'm sure she's looking for signs.”
“So your telling me if the Stoker's walked through our door right now, you could tell if they'd been engaging in any hanky panky before coming here?”
“Yes.”
“Have I ever mentioned that sometimes speaking to you is like working a shift with Johnny?”
“Are your protests more about disbelieving me, or more about being jealous of your partner because he just got laid and you didn't?” with that, Joanne walked out of the kitchen to join her guests. Leaving her husband with his jaw practically hitting the floor. And she told me not to be so crude! Plus, Johnny didn't have his in-laws sleeping in the room next to his.
To be continued….
As always there's a few people to thank. Becca, for sharing her medical knowledge with one as ignorant as myself. Jane, for the beta read. Jen, for her constant encouragement and her terrific talent as a sounding board, thanks Jen. Jill for housing the stories and finally to everyone who has been reading the series and sending encouraging feedback. Thank you all. ~~Sharon