Rex Andrews
The hammock swayed in the breeze. The first time we tried it was funny. Laura was worried we would fall. My name was a delicate plea when I eased her into my arms. The hammock rocked wildly as she tried staying in it. Laura braced for a fall that didn’t happen, now, she wanted to relax in it whenever we were at the rental.
The sun was setting. It was my last night in the city. Issues at the new company would take months to deal with. The plan was to stay in Miami for six months and then return to the West Coast. I glanced at my pretty girlfriend. My two-week vacation turned into four months. Laura glanced up and the look on her face touched my heart. Laura was definitely worth it. We shared a deep kiss. I wanted to back off, but she placed sweet kisses on my face and neck.
I groaned, “We’ll be in bed if you keep this up.”
Laura sighed, “I should’ve cancelled, but I didn’t want to break my promise.”
“Don’t,” I tilted the hammock, stood, and quickly pulled her close. “You need this time with your Dad.”
Laura wanted to say something but was holding back.
“What’s on your mind?”
She sighed, “Nothing. I’m excited about our trip, but I’ll have to figure things out with my Dad at some point.”
“You should come back to visit in-between. You don’t have to stay the entire time. The first month will be tough, but I’ll fix my schedule to fly back with you sometimes.”
Laura stared at me. “I can’t believe you would do that after the way he treated you.”
I chuckled, “I’ve dealt with far worse than your Dad.”
“Are you talking about other women?”
“Beautiful, your old man is looking out for you.”
“You changed the subject.”
“Because your jealous temper is showing,”
“Say one situation” Laura tried her best innocent look.
I shook my head, “I’m not falling for it. There’s no one else.”
Laura cuddled against my chest. “Good because I’ll be mad, and you don’t want to experience that.”
“You’re wrong. I do. It’ll be the best thing for me.”
She playfully hit my chest, “Quit it.”
I rubbed the spot. “Can I have a kiss to make up for it?”
Laura stood on her tiptoes to give me the sweetest kiss. “Make sure you don’t forget about me.”
“I won’t. I’m yours, but I don’t want you to be late.”
We went inside. Laura finished packing but her mood was different. She zipped her overnight bag. “I want to stay here with you.”
I gently pulled her close, “What’s going on with you?”
“I’m upset,” she admitted. “My Dad put off meeting you time after time. I didn’t want to mention it, but we talked last night. Things got heated. We never disagreed like this before.” Laura double checked her bag and pulled her hair into a ponytail. “I’m sure tonight will be a disaster too.”
“You don’t have to keep worrying. Push your vacation time back a bit. I’ll visit you here even if it’s a few hours.”
“No. I’ll miss you too much,” her voice shook with emotion. “Rex, please don’t change our plans.”
I gave her a gentle kiss, “I won’t but spend time with your old man.”
Laura had a weird expression on her face again.
“Come on. I’ll walk you out,” I grabbed her bag.
Laura was silent until we reached her car. She didn’t talk about it much, but I got the impression her Dad was pressuring her to cancel our trip. I set her overnight bag on the seat and held the door.
“Thanks. What time do you leave?”
“I’ll be at the airfield by midnight.”
Laura glanced at me. “I didn’t know you were taking a jet. Won’t it be expensive?”
I was trying not to laugh, but the look on her face was damn cute. “Don’t worry. I can afford it.”
Laura didn’t look convinced. “I’ll be flying commercial.”
“You don’t have to, but I’ll purchase a first class seat for you and send the info tomorrow.”
“Rex, I can pay for my ticket.”
“I won’t let you. Go have dinner and then spend time with me,” I slapped her ass. “Get in the car.”
Laura made a cute sound and then glanced over her shoulder. “Oh, I’ll show you how much I like it later.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” I caged her in and captured her mouth in a deep kiss. Laura went weak from it. My mouth brushed hers a final time. “I’ll see you later.”
Laura tried cuddling against me.
I chuckled, “Angel, you have to leave.”
“The timing is awful. I should’ve cancelled it and dealt with my Dad being upset,” she rambled more.
I gave her a gentle kiss. “Go before I say to hell with it and carry you inside.”
Laura left without saying anything else. She was upset because I had to leave, but we would spend time together in a few hours. I went inside to pack for the trip home and was about to order food when my phone chimed. I didn’t recognize the number but answered, “Rex speaking.”
“Hello, this is Laura’s father.”
“What can I do for you Mr. Reynolds?” my question wasn’t an invitation. We never met face to face, but he wasn’t thrilled about my being with his daughter.
He cleared his throat. “I would like to invite you over for drinks if you’re up for it.”
“Send the time and location.”
“I’m sending the address now. See you soon.” Mr. Reynolds ended the call.
ns 172.70.178.142da2