A Healing Story (Stories Book 3) Page 15

  “Perfectly. I am trying.”

  “Good.”

  Neil gets up when I do, “I’ll walk you out.”

  He steps out onto the porch with me. “You’re sure about him?”

  “I am. I know it’s crazy. Trust me, I hated myself for catching feelings for him. But...he really is trying, Rhys. He’s so haunted by what happened to him. And I think he really cares about me too. Even if he doesn’t know what to do with those feelings.”

  “Good. If you’re sure then I’ll take it. Your siblings know about him?”

  “Yeah. Bas likes him.”

  Bas is a good judge of character. If they don’t like you, you’ll know.

  “I have to go. Noah has an appointment, so River and I are taking Oscar to the park. Let them burn off some energy.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Bright and early. You still able to be on location with me?”

  “Shouldn’t be an issue. I’ll double-check when I get there in the morning.”

  When I get in my car and start heading home I don’t feel so worried about what’s to come. It still scares me because I don’t want Jamie or Alex to have any setbacks, but I’ll be there for them. Hopefully this goes a long way into healing everyone.

  Neil.

  Matthias pulls at the collar of his shirt. I think it’s cute that he wanted to dress up for my siblings, but it’s unnecessary. We’re not big on formality, but still, knowing he wants to make a good impression makes me fall for him that much more.

  “Stop fidgeting, they’ll love you. Bas already does.”

  “I’ve never had a real Thanksgiving before. Marta always put on a show. Fancy dinner cooked by an expensive chef, stiff clothes, stilted dinner. I don’t want to do something wrong.”

  I roll my eyes. “It’s dinner with my insane siblings. Nothing special.”

  “That’s why it’s special. Because these are the people who love you. You’re giving me a gift I never thought I would have.”

  “Oh yeah? What’s that?”

  “A chance to see how a real family acts.”

  My throat tightens and I’m ridiculously glad I’m driving right now so I don’t do something stupid like burst into tears, or throw myself into his arms, or both.

  “Didn’t y’all grow up with Alex? I can’t imagine the Brenemans not taking you in, especially on a holiday.”

  “Sure, Jamie had that opportunity. I never did. You have to remember, I’m five years older than him. The closest Breneman sibling to me is Lydia, and she hated my guts. She’s very protective over her younger siblings, and that’s what she considered Jamie.

  “I didn’t have friends like Alex in my corner. I didn’t have many friends, period. So while Jamie got to escape, I never did.” He takes a breath, “it built up a lot of resentment on my part. I’m coming to terms with that now. With the fact that it wasn’t Jamie’s fault. It’s not him I resent, but the situation. I wanted to have that same kind of escape. It took years to realize the difference. I hope it’s not too late to make amends for that.”

  “Baby,” I sigh, “I want nothing more than to slap the ever-loving fuck out of your parents.”

  He lets out a choked laugh. “I wouldn’t mind if you did.”

  “Don’t tempt me,” I growl.

  Luckily we’re finally at Bas’s. “Let’s forget all the bad stuff, okay? Let’s eat a nicely cooked duck, because no one here likes turkey, and more pie than we should, and just enjoy being together. Okay?”

  “I can do that.” He leans over and kisses me. “I still can’t believe none of you like turkey.”

  I shrug, “we’re odd ones.”

  He snorts, “not going to argue with that.”

  Matthias helps me with grabbing the pots from where they’re secure on the floor of my car. Normally I come over early and make the side dishes, but Matthias spent the night with me, so Bas understood where my priorities lied.

  Since we’ve made things official, there are more nights where he stays with me at my house than his place. I think now that he’s had a taste of what being with someone is like, he doesn’t want to feel lonely again.

  He confessed to me that even when he had girlfriends he hardly ever spent the night with them, even when they were having sex. We haven’t done anything more than kiss since the first time we met. There’s been no need to.

  The low burning desire I have for my boyfriend always simmers in the back of my mind, but I know we’re not ready for more. Our connection is more than the physical stuff. If we do nothing but kiss for the rest of our lives I’ll be content.

  Well, maybe after I buy another dildo to use in the shower. Then I’ll be content with no sex.

  I kick at the bottom of the door since our hands are full. Maribelle opens the door in her Wonder Woman pjs.

  “You know, casual still means real clothes, sis.”

  “Bite me,” she shoots back.

  I roll my eyes, “there’s another platter in the car, go get it.” She grumbles but does it after letting us in.

  Bas is in the kitchen, hands deep in biscuit dough. “About time you showed up. Set those somewhere.”

  “Anything we can do?”

  “Nope, duck should be finished in about half an hour, then I’ll pop these in, we’ll warm your stuff if we need to and everything will be good to go.”

  “Okay.”

  We unload our burdens and I grab a beer from the fridge for Matthias and pour a glass of sangria for myself.

  Maribelle sets the last platter down on the counter before joining us in the living room.

  “So, Matthias, what do you do?”

  I wince, this is a touchy subject for him. “You don’t have to answer anything you don’t want to.”

  “I don’t mind. You can’t blame her for wanting to get to know me. I’m an associate at Easton & Black Investments. Basically I help rich people get richer.” He grimaces and takes a long drink.

  “Interesting. How’d y’all meet?”

  I take this one, “you know that guy from the bar a few months ago?”

  Her eyes widen, “this is the one? The closet case? Are you fucking kidding me right now!”

  Matthias flinches and I wrap an arm around him, shooting my sister a glare.

  “I thought you learned your lesson years ago. What the fuck, Neil? Are you trying to get your heart broken?”

  “Maribelle, you can’t just say that shit.”

  “It’s okay.” Matthias sets a hand on my thigh.

  “No, it’s not! Yes, I had reservations when it came to getting involved with you, but that was then. This is now. She can’t just say shit like that. It’s so fucking judgmental and rude.”

  “She’s not entirely wrong though.”

  “Bullshit. You’re not hiding in a closet and you sure as fuck aren’t hiding me in one. We’re here on a major holiday, I think that says a lot, don’t you?”

  Maribelle takes a big gulp of sangria. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m worried and I tend to make rash judgments. I apologize if I offended you, Matthias.”

  “You’re okay. I think I would be the same way, roles reversed.”

  “Okay. Bar meetup, apparently you suck cock like a god. You work with money. You’re pretty. Anything else I need to know?”

  “My brother is Jamie Harthorn.”

  “No fucking way!” Maribelle’s eyes go wide, if they get any wider they’ll fall out. “Did you know this before or after he had your dick down his throat?”

  “After.” I clear my throat, “it was a surprise.”

  “I’ll say. I didn’t even know Jamie had a brother. He and Rhys are pretty picky about who knows their history.”

  “I knew,” Bas shouts from the kitchen.

  “I knew as well. Though in my defense,” I say when Maribelle narrows her eyes, “I work with him. He and Rhys aren’t as quiet as they think when they talk about things.”

  “Hmmm, last one to know as always. Whatever.” Sh
e throws back the rest of her drink. “I need a refill.”

  When she’s out of sight Matthias leans into me. “How am I doing?”

  “Well, she hasn’t threatened to wear your balls as jewelry, so I say it’s going well.” He gives me a bewildered look and I wave him off, “long story.”

  “I like her.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, she’s blunt. Protective. It’s obvious she only has your best interests at heart.”

  “She has a hell of a way of showing it,” I grumble.

  “Could be worse.”

  I sigh because I know he’s right. I’m extremely lucky. I know that. I just wish that my siblings could act normal-ish, just for one day.

  “Food’s on!” Bas calls out.

  We stand and make our way to the dining room, where Maribelle is setting the last of the sides on the table. “We could have helped,” I tell her.

  She shrugs, “figured y’all would appreciate a moment to be alone. I know that I can be a little...brash.”

  “All right, take a seat and admire my masterpiece,” Bas says as they sashay into the room, long red skirt swaying back and forth. They’re carrying the duck and the smell of it causes my mouth to water.

  Matthias and I sit side by side while Maribelle sits across from me and Bas sits across from Matthias. I have a feeling Bas orchestrated that, because I know my sister well enough to know she would want to be across from Matthias, if only to interrogate him.

  “Time for thanks,” Bas smiles. “This year I’m thankful for my siblings, the internet for amazing duck recipes, and the fact that I’m smart enough to not only have enough money put away but the knowledge that will allow me to start my own company because I quit my job Tuesday.”

  Maribelle and I both gasp.

  “What? What do you mean you quit? Why?”

  Bas shoots Maribelle a look, “don’t be stupid. Why do you think? I was tired of the bigoted comments. Sure, the bosses were great. But that was because I’ve been there a long time and have an impressive client list. They want the money I bring in, not me. If they truly cared they would have fired that piece of shit a long time ago.

  “I’m not the only one who’s quit in the past few months.”

  “Why didn’t you tell us it was that bad?” I prod.

  They shrug, “I knew you were dealing with your own stuff. I had it under control. I didn’t want to say anything before I knew for sure what was going on. I quit, and yeah it’s scary as all hell, but it’s liberating at the same time. I have enough clients to start my own business. I won’t be much at first, but it’ll be something.”

  “If this is what’s best for you, then I’ll support you in any way I can,” I finally say.

  “You’re nuts,” Maribelle spits. “Absolutely fucking crazy. Worse than Neil bringing home a closet case. But I know you’ve already made up your mind, so if you need anything I’m here for you.”

  “Geeze, sis, thanks for that ringing endorsement.”

  Maribelle shrugs, “my turn I guess. I’m thankful for apple pie. It’s always there for me. Also, investors who see something of worth in my little gallery.”

  Bas and I cheer.

  When it’s my turn I have to take a few seconds to organize my thoughts. “I’m thankful for siblings who are understanding. Even when I want things they don’t understand. And bar bathrooms. Without them, I wouldn’t be so ridiculously happy right now.”

  Matthias gasps and I turn to him with a small smile. “You really mean it,” he whispers.

  “Yeah, baby, I do.”

  He leans over and gives me a soft kiss. My heart melts. He didn’t even have to think about it. If I wasn’t already in love with him I would fall stupidly head over heels right now.

  Matthias straightens up but keeps his focus on me. “I’m thankful for you. For being kind and patient. For caring for me, even when you shouldn’t. For being everything I never knew I needed.”

  Tears swarm my vision and I throw myself at him. He catches me in a hug and I never want to leave the warm safety of his arms.

  “Get a room,” Bas teases.

  I flip them off, but soon enough Matthias and I disengage and everyone digs into the food.

  “So, you three met in foster care?” Matthias asks.

  Bas nods, “our foster mother was a good woman who tried her best with those placed in her care. Sometimes she was able to help and keep the kids with her, but not always. The three of us ended up in her house within a two year period. I was the first and about six months later Maribelle came. Then Neil.”

  “I was ten,” I tell him. “I had been through about eight homes previously.” Matthias’s eyes widen. “Sadly that’s normal. It’s not a kind system. Sometimes it works, but not always.

  “Anyway, I wasn’t particularly happy to be placed somewhere else, again. But Bas quickly took a liking to me. Even though they were fifteen and should have been going through their angsty teenage stage.”

  Bas snorts, “oh I had plenty of angst. Just not normal teenager stuff. This was before there were readily available resources for people like me. It was hard to figure myself out. Taking care of Maribelle and Neil was easier.”

  Maribelle rolls her eyes, “I’m only a year younger than you.”

  “You guys act like what I assume most siblings are like. Jamie and I never had that type of connection.”

  Bas shrugs, “we might not be blood-related, but when we met, we were able to understand one another. I only lived there for three years, but in that time we built enough of a connection that we never lost touch.”

  He nods. “How did your foster mother take you coming out?” He looks between me and Bas.

  I sigh and shake my head, “not good. As amazing of a mother she was...she was also very conservative. She never threw us out or anything, but she made her feelings quite clear.”

  “I’m the only one who still has contact with her,” Maribelle says. “She doesn’t know that I’m not straight either, but I let her think what she wants for now. I don’t see it becoming an issue any time soon, no matter what she thinks. Sometimes being both ace and aro is helpful, even if it’s difficult for those I want to get close with.”

  At Matthias’s perplexed look I step in, “ace stands for asexual. Usually, a person has little to no desire for sex. It’s a wide umbrella to cast though. Aro is aromantic. It’s a little harder to explain, but it’s easiest to say that while Maribelle here loves both of us as siblings, she can’t quite grasp the idea of romantic love. Even familial or friendly love can be hard for those who are aro.

  “Love is a foreign concept for anyone. For some of them, Maribelle included, the idea that bigfoot being real is more plausible than falling in love with someone.”

  He nods, I don’t know if he fully understands, but he’ll ask if he has questions.

  Dinner passes quickly as we switch to safer topics of conversations. It’s nice, having Matthias by my side. I didn’t know I was missing it until now. I hope he’s here for a long time to come. If only I could find the courage to tell him that.

  ***

  After a long, yet fulfilling day with my family, we make it back to my house in one piece.

  “I’m so tired.” I moan as I head into the bedroom to change clothes. “I love them, I really do, but god they’re so exhausting.”

  “They’re not that bad.”

  I shoot him a look. “You just think that because you were deprived of a normal family. I was disillusioned too, at first, trust me, it goes away quickly.”

  We get ready for bed and it’s nice. I never had anyone to do the whole domestic thing with and if I wasn’t so fucking scared of how he’d react I’d say something about it.

  Is it fast? A little. But you can’t control who you fall for. It doesn’t matter that we’ve only been officially together for a month or so. When I’m with him, nothing else matters.

  Matthias let me in on some deeply personal things that no one else is privy to.
Even if his feelings aren’t on the same level as mine, I know that means something.

  We’re barely in bed before his lips are on mine. Aside from a few quick pecks here and there we haven’t had the chance to really connect like this all day.

  I could kiss this man all day and it’s nice to see that he feels the same way. Kissing was never a thing for me in the past. I liked it well enough, but there’s always other things to do. Not that I’ll ever push for more than he wants to give.

  It’s nice not having to worry about sex and all that comes with it. I wouldn’t turn it down if I thought it was the right time for us. Otherwise? Kissing is everything.

  Matthias winds one hand in my curls and I moan when he tugs. He moves so he’s laying on me and the feel of him is amazing.

  My hands roam over his back, fingers slip beneath the hem of his shirt. He shivers in my arms, his lips get harder, his kisses filled with more meaning.

  Lips trailing down my neck, I gasp as he manages to find every spot that has a direct line to my dick.

  “Neil,” he whispers against my skin.

  “Hmm?” I do not want to form any more words than I have to. Especially when his hand slides under my shirt to stroke my skin.

  “I want you to fuck me.”

  My heart stops and I forget to breathe for a second.

  “What?”

  Matthias pulls back and looks down at me. “I want you to fuck me. Please. I...I want this.”

  “Are you sure? I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to. Trust me,” I lift my hips a bit to show off the tent in my pants, “I am ready and willing to do whatever you want. But sex is a big thing. Especially when you’ve never had sex with a man. And,” I bite my lip. “I mostly top.”

  Matthias leans back down, this time managing to line up his erection with mine. “I’m sure. I want this. I want you.”

  “Take off your shirt,” I whisper.

  He sits up and whips the shirt off before reaching for mine. I let him remove it. Sitting up, I grab the back of his neck and kiss him. Skin to skin and I feel like I’ve been electrocuted.

  Hands glide all over my body. Matthias is not shy in his exploration and holy fuck this man is going to kill me. Hot lips and hands touch every place they can reach and I just have to let him take it because I want to make sure everything that happens is what he wants.