Chapter 51

Five weeks later.......

Leaning my head back I felt my body melt against the bronze railing that surrounded the balcony out looking the swarmed streets of Rome that I most say reminds me a lot like Manhattan. Rather than taxis and people in suits running around in a rush there was too many scooters and tourists taking their time as they gawked at every thing they pasted. The difference between rushed and laid back had the corners of my mouth curving upwards, two different traits yet so similar.

Resting my elbow on the metal rail I shook my head, still amazed that I was actually here in Rome. It's never been a place I've thought of visiting mainly because my list of places to visit was never that long to begin with but after spending time here I can see myself missing the noisy city. It was no skyline but it sure had a breathtaking view when dusk falls and the soft lights twinkle against the violet sky.

"Daydreaming again?"

Glancing over my shoulder I felt my mouth stretch into a wider smile "Maybe."

Sliding one bronze arm around my waist,Wes released a long breath as he stood beside me. Like so many times before I found myself leaning my head against his shoulder as we shared a silent moment watching the city of Rome. Since my arrival we have been doing this at least twice a day,usually at the beginning of the day and the end. It was like clockwork, I would find myself strolling out here and soon after Wes would join me and we would just stand silently and watch the city life. To some it may seem like a bore fest but these moments are one of the best I've had. It's not about the beautiful view or even anything romantic, it was special because neither of us felt the need to fill the silence. It wasn't awkward or boring, it was a mutual silence that was the point in the day I anticipated.

"I love this part of the day." I mumbled softly meaning it for only my ears

Wes grazed the tips of his fingers down the length of my bare arm "Hmmm....."

Turning his head to the side he buried his nose in my hair, inhaling a long breath of my hair. Luckily I took a shower earlier otherwise he would be smelling the sauce I assisted Anna and her aunt made for the family get together tonight. All of Wes's family and friends were coming over for an official welcome back party that was delayed due to his father's burial. To say I was sorry I missed the funeral would be a lie. It broke my heart picturing Wes's broken expression as his loved ones gave their condolences, seeing him in New York was heart wrenching as it was. Tonight wasn't about grieving, tonight was about remembering the loved ones still around you and no one needed this more than Wes.

Kissing the crown of my head he wrapped his free arm around me causing my mouth to stretch into a goofy smile.

"And I love when you do that." I sighed and nuzzled my head further into his chest

"If you keep throwing that word around I might think you actually love me." he chuckled half heartily

I know I was meant laugh at the joke or nudge him for teasing but I couldn't do either. How could I really? The barely audible crack in his tone when he spoke was the only indicator that he wasn't really laughing on the inside and that's what bothered me most. Unintentionally I was hurting him and that was the last thing I wanted.

During my duration in Rome he hasn't brought up the L situation at all. He hasn't even spoke about what exactly I want since that day he met me by the Trevi fountain. I can't deny that I feel relieved that he hasn't asked but I can't escape this feeling of guilt and a twinge of something I can't quite place my finger on. Sighing I shrugged his arm off and slid down the railing, leaving a spacious distance between us.

"Khloe."

Sighing heavily, I angled my body away from his as a familiar ache in my chest hummed like a bad knee during a rain storm. It's a strange feeling that I have had since landing in Rome and I'm not sure what causes it or what exactly it is. What I do know is when I'm with Wes I feel the ache throb.

"We've discussed this already." he whispered softly, sounding tired of having to see me do this every night

"I know it's just I want to-"

Pausing mid sentence I realized how stupid the statement would sound. I want to love you. It's stupid but true. With all my heart I want to say those words to him and see his eyes light up when I finally do. To watch him grin as I give him a sliver of happiness. It's all I've wanted since coming here but life does work on a wish list and for that I feel terrible.

"I want to make you happy." I admitted sadly

"You still don't get it, do you?" he chuckled softly, placing a warm hand on my shoulder he gently twisted me around so I faced him

Swallowing the lump in my throat I tilted my chin up so I met his gaze. The softness and love poured out in the hopes that I'd get what he was saying. What Tess has been trying to convince me and everyone else in this house.

"I love you. Whether you do or not so don't think I have to hear the words back for me to continue loving you." he explained with a half smile

Cupping the side of my jaw with his large hand he shook his head "This summer isn't suppose to be hard kitty kat, no thinking about a label or feelings, just us. Nothing but us, now."

Biting my lip, it never seizes to amaze me how Wes can forget tomorrow and just live for today and now. His positive outlook on life gives me a spark of hope that maybe someday I can escape the strict way I was raised by my mother. No plans, or cares for what people might say, to make decisions for me. How I longed to be that person, and in a way I have by running away to Rome. Smiling to myself, I felt a surge of pride blossom in my chest. That was a decision I made because I wanted to to. Because I wanted to see Wes, because I wanted to escape my family who doesn't show me a ounce of affection whilst this man drowns me in it.

Staring up into those soft orbs I felt my heart pitter patter as the wild mix of grey and pale blue collided to form the eyes I've found consume my thoughts through out the day. "Why don't we get off the balcony?"

Sensing the sultry tone my voice unintentionally took he weaved his fingers through mine "That's my kitty kat." he grinned happily

Leading him back into the cool bedroom I shut the balcony doors and whirled around to face him, hands still clasped.

"It's a little warm in here don't you think?" I asked coyly

Smoldering grey eyes roamed across my body as I pulled my hand free from his. A faint blush doused my cheeks as I gripped the hem of my halter top and pulled it above my head revealing the silky bra beneath. Carelessly tossing my top aside I gave my hair a quick shake causing the long blonde locks to bounce and fall across my back like a waterfall of gold.

"Its sweltering." he muttered under his breath

Taking a few steps forward he never pulled his gaze off my semi naked form. With his arms stretched and ready to reach for me it was clear to see he wanted this as well. A wicked thought passed my mind just as his strong fingers brushed my ribcages causing me to shiver in delight.

"Hold on." Stepping back I shook my head "You're over dressed." I pointed out

I nearly burst into a fit of laughter when he yanked the shirt he wore off and threw it behind him "Better?" he asked in a low voice

Moistening my parched lips I shook my head, he knows what that deep voice does to me. Ignoring the tightening in my lower belly I placed my hands on my hips "Lose the pants." I ordered

Arching a curious brow in silent questioning he seemed surprised by my sudden playfulness. New to this as well and surprised by my own behavior I decide to keep going. Drumming my fingers against my hip bone I raised my brow challengingly. To my shock he shrugged his cargo pants off and kicked them aside. Lowering my gaze to his nude bottom half I couldn't keep from gawking at his very stiff erection.

"Commando again." I mumbled to myself

Lazily he strolled forward, eyes trained on my flushed face "Your turn."

"To do? "

A devilish grin formed on those pink lips of his. Like a predator he stalked forward, bronze skin glistening as a sliver of the late afternoon sun poured through the window bathing the room in a warm orange shade. Heart galloping like a wild stallion I watched as he gripped my hips, slipping his thumbs into my shorts. Yanking me against his toned form he rolled his hips across the front of my jeans.

"Get these shorts off." he answered my previous question

Before I could process his words he slid his fingers across my hip bone and unclasped the front button of my jeans. Liquid heat poured into my lower belly as he grazed my belly button with his fingers. Any wicked plan about foreplay dissolved into nothing as the thought of having his sweaty skin against mine played in my mind. Giving in to my body's desire I wiggled out of the short shorts and kicked them off. His heated gaze swept across my bare flesh, the raw desire plain as day in those molten eyes. Licking my lips I collected my hair over one shoulder and carefully unclasped my bra and carelessly tossed it behind me, never tearing my gaze from his.

Pure liquid heat oozed into my belly as I hooked my thumbs into my panties and very slowly wiggled out of them until they dropped at my ankles. Stepping out of the soft fabric I walked forward, feeling courageous side of me that always emerged when I'm around Wes. Hands at my side, heart hammering against my ribcages, excitement surging through my veins, desire filling my lower belly I cocked my head to the side. The silence in the room charged with sexual energy that needed no words to explain, it was pure heat flowing between us.

"You have no idea how sexy you look right now." he finally said in a deep growl that had my skin erupting in goosebumps

The deep guttural tone his voice took had me clenching my thighs in an attempt to lessen the ache between them. It still makes me how his voice can get me to the point where I'm ready to pounce on him like an animal in heat. No matter how many times I have him I still want more. It's not like any other time I've had sex, it's deeper, more meaningful and has this crippling effect on my heart that lingers long after we reach our euphoria. Slipping my tongue out, I moisten my lips well aware of his gaze following me as I do so.

Driven by the ache in my lower regions I took a few steps backwards never breaking eye contact. "Why don't you show me?" I said as the back of my knees hit the edge of the queen sized bed his aunt bought upon hearing I was staying with Wes.

Mouth stretching into a smirk he leapt forward like a lion attacking his prey, playfully tackling me onto the bed. With his arm snaked around my waist he turned so I landed on him but upon reaching the soft bed he rolled so I was beneath him. Giggling at his animal like reaction I soon found my laughter dying on my lips when he dropped his head and kissed down the column of my neck. Sliding my hands up his back I arched up to meet his warm mouth, more than welcoming the moist kisses he peppered down my chest. With every wet kiss he slipped his tongue across the heated skin, leaving a trail of heat the lower he went. Eyes fluttering closed I felt his member nudge the inside of my thigh, the hard tip gaining moisture as I squirmed beneath him.

I moaned his name, silently communicating to him to douse the flames he set within me. Large calloused hands slid down the sides of my body, caressing the heated skin as they rested on my hips and gripped my hips.

"We can never get this foreplay thing down right." he teased as he lifted his head to reach for protection

Slowly reopening my eyes I watched him tear the foil off with his teeth. Not wanting him to remove his hands from my hips I grabbed the condom and with skilled precision slid it over his throbbing erection, entranced by the large bulging vein beneath his moist head. Gripping his stiff rod I slid my hand down to his base, our gazes clashed in pure desire, each reflecting the passion burning beneath the surface. Guiding him to my moist entrance, licking my bottom lip in anticipation I raised my hips well aware of his fingers digging into my hipbone.

"It's a good thing we have time to practice ." I said in a sultry tone

Raising his head he nodded "Yes, we do."

Mouth tilting into a crooked smirk he pulled my hips down as he arched his own hips up to meet me half way. A deep moan tumbled from my lips, savoring the feel of his large size stretching my inner walls. The throbbing of his arousal as he attempted to not move inside me, allowing me the time I needed to adjust to the sudden invasion. Rolling my hips in a circular motion I braced my hands on his smooth chest, staring into his glazed eyes I rocked my hips forward.

"Mí cara." he whispered as he placed a hand on my hip, eyes speaking the words I knew already in my heart

Swallowing past the lump lodged in my throat I lifted my hips and with as much force as I could I slammed down hearing the slap of our skin. Groaning loudly, he dug his fingers deep into my hip, muscles rippling as I splayed my hands across his chest stilling him.

"I want to show you how I feel." I explained as I started to rock my hips from side to side watching his brow crease

"I know how you-"

Leaning forward I pushed my hips down taking him whole, the pulsing erection buried within my wet folds grew double its size. My inner walls hugged his hard member, molding to its size like a specially made glove. Cupping the side of his face I brushed my lips across his, sucking his lower lip into my mouth and savoring his taste. The unique mix of sweet coffee and the buttery pastries we had earlier this afternoon, but no matter what we ate he had this sweetness that I could never quite put my finger on. A taste that could only be described as him and I couldn't get enough of it.

Pressing my forehead to his I locked my lips tasting him on them "Wes-" I breathed out softly, his name sounding more like a plea

"Don't kitty kat." he murmured tenderly, lifting his hips up to meet the rough pace I started he retracted one hand from my hip and placed it on my cheek. With the pad of his thumb he stroked my bottom lip "I don't need to hear it baby."

Sinking my teeth into my bottom lip I nodded, knowing he would never push me into that because Wes wouldn't ever hurt me. Physically, or emotionally or anyway. If these past few weeks have taught me anything it's that Wes is the person in my life that will never turn his back on me no matter what happens between us. He's special, different and all around an amazing guy who for some crazy reason pours his heart out to me every single day. It's about time I pour everything out too.

Raising the last piece of the wall I've barricaded myself behind I started to move again, this time I left nothing a mystery. With an open heart I pumped on top of him, allowing the emotions to move my body and express the emotions I still didn't understand. Tossing my head back I threw everything into each thrust. The emotions I've bottled up for years, the frustrations I've recently felt. The sense of confusion, anger, sadness and everything I've felt since I first laid eyes on Wes. Tears prickled my vision but I didn't care. Nothing mattered but right now.

The feel of him sliding in and out of me. The way my muscles -despite being sore- clenched and unclenched around him. I concentrated on the deep, uneven pants that passed from our lips. The muscles rippling beneath my palm as I slid myself along his body like a serpent, slithering up and down with ease. Sweat glistening over our joint bodies. Low rhythmic beating of our hearts thumping at a similar beat, a rhythm only he and I knew.

"Wes....." I whimpered softly, allowing his name to roll off my tongue

The liquid heat pouring into my lower regions was the first sign indicating the bliss that was soon to come. Biting my nails into his skin I felt my inner walls growing tighter around his shaft, begging for the one thrust that would send me off of the cliff. I could sense it so close and I knew Wes did too. Squeezing my sides he lifted his hips up and pushed deeper than he has before.

Once.

Twice.

With that last thrust I felt the world split, and shatter into a million pieces as my orgasm hit me hard. Stilling over him I whimpered as his body jerked forward indicating his own release. Squeezing my eyes shut I threw my head back as his seed spilled into the plastic barrier that separated our bodies and oozed out the sides, coating my wet core. Welcoming the euphoria spreading through my veins like a wildfire I clamped my thighs shut and rotated my hips in hopes of making the pleasure last. This wasn't like the other times we've had sex, this was more. My body felt the change too, the way our bodies melted together and the intensity of the heaviness in my chest.

With one last jerk of his hips he groaned my name and shifted his body so we were on our sides. Savoring the fire slowly dying down I released a soft sigh, loving the feel of him inside me. A large hand fell across my hip, caressing the soft skin as my body came down from its euphoria at last.

"Why is it you have so much power over my body?" I sighed, a soft smile playing on my lips

His body shook with the laugh that sent an excited shiver down my spine. A sound I've learned has the ability to make my heart gallop in my chest and my thighs clench tightly. It's like a magical sound that makes me wet instantly and the sexy as sin man knew it.

"Some say I have the ability to make woman scream 'O'." he teased

Burying my face in the crook of his neck I couldn't believe he brought that ridiculous article up again "I thought you said you don't read that trash?" I mumbled

Running his long fingers through my messy hair he kissed the crown of my head "I don't but after hearing the buzz on the Internet that Khloe Sparks admitted to having an orgasm with one man I couldn't help myself."

Cursing myself again for my outburst at Stacy's wedding I couldn't help but smile recalling his expression when he asked me if that was true. When I admitted to it he continuity apologized about the way he reacted after each sexual encounter we've had, apologized for not realizing sooner.

His long fingers massaged my scalp "If I would have known kitty kat I would have made the first time special, not on my couch with your mom in the hallway shouting."

Raising my head I turned in his direction and the somber expression I saw didn't please me at all. Pressing a hand to his jaw I leaned forward, placing an array of butterfly kisses that went from his forehead and down to those sinful lips. The kiss was soft and tender, not at all what we are use to sharing and that's exactly what I wanted at the moment.

"Every moment with you has been perfect and I wouldn't change a thing." I confessed as I leaned my forehead against his

The extra shimmer in his eyes had me leaning in for another kiss that wasn't fueled with soothing his worries about how he's gone about our relationship. As our lips met a loud knocking sounded on our door, a warning by the oh so kind Noah who thinks Wes and I are having a sleepover. The first week I was here he cried about how his uncle Wes could have a sleepover but he couldn't. Much to my embarrassment Noah brought the topic up everyday.

"Mama says get ready and for uncle Wes to let me into his sleepover."

"Nice try." Wes said and laughed as Noah stomped on, mumbling about how unfair grown ups are

Rolling off of Wes's body I winced as his member slid out, it never was easy to separate from him but we couldn't stay in bed all day. Grabbing the bath robe thrown from this mornings tumble in the sheets, I wrapped myself in the cool satin loving the feeling against my warm skin.

"Tonight I will have you all to myself, no interruptions." he said as he walked over to my side of the bed

Tilting my head up I nipped at his bottom, sucking it into my mouth after the playful love bite I said, "I'm all yours."

Reluctantly we had to break apart knowing all to well that we'd end up back in the bed and Anna would be banging on the door yelling for Wes to get his horny butt out of the room. Unfortunately we have tested her patience and it results in a very embarrassing moment for he and I. Anna seems to not have a problem with banging on a door early in the morning while screaming at her brother. With that memory from last week fresh in my mind I pushed Wes into the bathroom to get ready, after a short tug of war that ended with a make-out in the shower.

"You are going to get us in trouble." I scolded as I finished putting lotion on my body

"Relax, Anna is swarmed with family right now to realize we're missing."

Shaking my head in disapproval, I walked across the room to where I left the dress I picked out for this dinner. Well aware of the heated gaze following me as I walked I didn't bother covering my half nude body as I retrieved the sleeveless ivory low neck summer dress I bought last week. Unzipping the back I stepped into the dress with sneaky smirk as I glanced over my shoulder, catching Wes's desire filled orbs watching my every movement. I couldn't deny just how excited it made me feel to know he hasn't lost interest considering we've been at it at least four times a day and to see him still drooling is doing wonders for my confidence.

"Mind giving me a hand?" I asked in a sultry tone that would get us both in more trouble

Stumbling forward with his dress shirt half way buttoned he was behind me in record time. Biting my bottom lip I couldn't ignore the butterflies fluttering in the pit of my belly and concentrating on the way his fingers grazed my heated skin, the warm breath fanning my skin, the way he rested his hands on my hips as he grazed his lips across my neck.

My eyes fluttered shut as he kissed the base of my throat "Are you teasing me, you naughty girl?" he whispered in a hushed, deep tone that was more heightened now that I had my eyes shut

Licking my lips out of habit, I opened my eyes well aware of how warm it's gotten suddenly. I had every intention of continuing with this coy flirting that we've somehow fell into lately, mainly because it would take last than two minutes for us to be rolling in the bed wrestling each other's clothes off like starved animals. Sadly we have somewhere to be. Reluctantly I took a step forward allowing a decent space between us.

"Everyone is waiting for us." I reminded him, hands splaying across his forearms I wrapped them around my waist

"Hmm.... I'm sure they are all to busy to notice we're missing." he pointed out "Besides I know you want this just as much."

His words rang true and both he and I knew it. Biting my lip I twisted in his arms, facing him I placed a hand on his jaw pondering on whether we actually had more time to ourselves. Not just now but past these next couple of weeks, when summer finally ends. I'm not delusional I know summer will end but will this happiness end with it? In Italy I've been a different person, one I like better but what happens when we return to our lives? When I faces my family, the press? Will this strong woman remain or will she slip back into her shell? Will Wes still see me the same as now?

"What's wrong?"

For a moment I debated on voicing my fears and just as quick as the thought crossed my mind I shoved it away. There has been no secrets between us and that has provided for a comfortable and open environment.

"I'm thinking of how life will be back in New York."

His eyes softened, realizing my concerns "I'll be with you when you face it all, kitty kat. I promise."

Stroking his strong jaw with my thumb I knew he'd say that. Wes has become the source of my courage, everything I do is because he is pushing me to forget everyone and just do what's best for me.

"I know you will but I'm worried..." Collecting my thoughts I pondered on how I'd word my fears, finding no softer way to phrase it I opted for bluntness. "I won't be like this anymore."

Shaking his head, he turned his cheek and placed a chaste kiss on my palm "I don't think that's going to happen, in fact I think the new Khloe is here to stay."

Retreating my hand I arched a brow "You know this because?"

"Because the old Khloe would have answered her mom by now and apologized a dozen times, the old Khloe would have been at that press conference spewing out a cover story, the old Khloe wouldn't have come to Italy for me and she definitely wouldn't be standing here trying to seduce me while we are suppose to be downstairs."

Tucking his fingers under my chin he tilted my face upwards, those stormy blue orbs glimmering with joy "This is the new Khloe, who I love just as much as the old one, maybe more."

It was my turn to shake my head, lips quirking at the corners. Just as it has been these past few weeks Wes makes all my fears vanish with his easy going attitude and that smile that still had my knees knocking together. Deep down I knew he will be there with me as I readjust to my new attitude towards life and he'll be there cheering me on even when I'm ready to cave back into submission mode. Wes will be there too give me strength. That is why I love Wes-

Like a bucket of ice water my whole body tensed as the unfinished thought swirled in my mind like a verse of a song. Repeating over and over, like I didn't fully comprehend my own thought.

"Khloe?" His deep voice did nothing to penetrate my thoughts.

Did I really mean it? Do I love Wes?

Yes, a small voice whispered softly. You love him.

I didn't second guess the thought I knew it wasn't a fleeting emotion, a month ago maybe I would have doubted the fluttering in my chest but after this summer how could I? To most it may have seemed like any old summer vacation but to me it was more than that. It was a summer I never had. Wes has been a friend who I was able to speak to about the fears plaguing me. There to comfort me when I listen to the messages my father leaves, yelling for me to fix the damage I created. Kisses away my tears when I find my heart aching when I witness a family moment I always thrived for as a child. Held me at my weakest times when I thought of crawling back to my family and convinced me to stay strong. Soothed the flames that doused my body every time I had the craving for him. He worships my body, respects me and doesn't care about my background. He didn't care about how I had my first orgasm with him. He still treats me like a cherished treasure with all my imperfections and for that I love him.

Everything seemed so much clearer now, like finally seeing properly for the first time. Why I came to Italy wasn't because I was pushed into it by Tess and Aaron but because I wanted to spend my summer with him. I took the chance for him. For this fluttery feeling in my chest that I could never understand. For Wes.

His firm grip on my shoulders pulls me from the overdue epiphany and I can't help but grin like the cat that caught the canary.

"You spaced out for a moment." he said with a frown, the sudden concern shining down on me only makes my heart swell as I finally understand what that emotion is

Grabbing his jaw firmly between mine I shook my head and stood on the tips of my toes, mouth gaped ready to explain when I realized no words were necessary. Pulling his face down I smashed my lips against his for no reason other than that I wanted to. Licking his bottom lip I couldn't help but giggle at the ironic turn of events of this morning. It's like the world is pointing at me and laughing at my blindness to my own feelings.

Pulling away I rested my forehead against his chest, hand resting across his fast beating heart and smiled.

"I love you Wes." I sighed needing to finally speak the words out loud

If weren't for the way he froze beneath me I would have thought he didn't hear me. Nuzzling my face into his chest I felt like an asylum patient on the loose, my head swam with the sudden high I felt pushing through my veins, a sort of euphoria you could say.

"W-what did you say?"

Grinning like the Cheshire Cat I peered up through my lashes stunned to see his gaze glossy with what I think are tears. With a shaky hand he touched the side of my face and tilted it back so he could see me more clearly.

"Are you..." I paused mid sentence

The muscle in his jaw twitched "I told you before I don't need to hear it, I don't need to hear you say it for me to love you."

"But I mean it Wes, I love you." I clarified with a smile

His thumb stroked my cheek bone, his eyes searching mine before realization dawned on him and his eyes widened. The extra spark in his eyes had my fingers bunching his shirt as I pulled him toward me. Pressed together chest to chest, with the confession he's been waiting for for months hanging in the air I couldn't resist the urge to push his unbuttoned shirt aside. Slipping my cool fingers under the fabric I traced his tattoo, he shivered as my fingers traced the words I've had imprinted in my mind.

"Khloe." he breathed sounding in pain

Peering up at his expression I felt my heart gallop like a wild stallion in my chest, the tender look in his gaze had my lungs forgetting how to function. The whole world seemed to tilt, the atmosphere in the room seemed to have changed as well, rising a few degrees higher; not to the point of lust but something more. Something intense and deep. Grabbing his free hand I placed it across my chest, over my pounding heart.

"I think I've loved you for a while." I admitted as I pressed his long fingers further against my heart as if to prove a point

"Do you really?" he asked

Nodding, I opened my mouth to speak when his mouth descended over mine swallowing my words in a hot, open mouthed kiss that ignited the flames and burned within me. Gripping his shirt with one hand and burying the other in his hair I moaned into his mouth. Tears pricked behind my closed lids, spilling over our joined lips. The intensity and hardness behind that kiss was like nothing we've ever shared. The confession of my love for him burned in that kiss, each pouring their feelings into it. The molten lava of our emotions burned bright, feeding off the others and spreading past my lips, traveling through my veins.

A loud pounding on the door startled us apart, pulling away with labored breaths we exchanged a puzzled look.

"Damn it Wes! Get out of bed before my wife gets up here and drags you down butt naked!" Dominic thundered, the anger obvious from having to come up here yet again

"We'll be down in a minute." Wes replied

"You better." he barked, annoyed to have been sent up to retrieve us

Pressing my forehead against his shoulder I giggled, it shouldn't be embarrassing at this point since this happens nearly everyday yet I still manage to blush with every time. Wiping the tears still fresh in my cheeks I felt the heat of embarrassment flood my face.

"Great now we have to face them knowing they think we....." I trailed off with another awkward giggle

"I don't care if I have to go down there and announce it myself nothing could ruin this for me."

Lifting my head in momentarily puzzlement I smiled understanding what he meant. His eyes trained on my lips, his long fingers brushed my jaw as he cupped the side of my face with a long sigh. Brushing my lips across the tips of his fingers I met his tender gaze "I mean it with all my heart. I do love you." I confessed

In response he smiled, the small furrow that marked his brow dissolved. Releasing another long sigh he rested his forehead against mine "Nothing can ruin this moment for me, not even having to tell everyone that my sexy girlfriend and I were having sex in bed or the shower and maybe the floor had Dominic not interrupted."

Heat blossomed in my cheeks yet I still laughed, knowing the damn man would do just that "You better not." I warned sternly, although my laughter contradicted my request

Flashing me that wicked smile he pecked my lips and stepped away "Why not, you know my aunt Carmen loves to hear what takes us so long to join the others."

"You are terrible." I scolded, knowing that the prude woman hates hearing Wes explain how warm the bed is when there is another body on top of you

With a playful wink he swiftly buttoned his shirt leaving a slither of sun kissed skin showing, the brief glimpse of his chest and grabbed his watch off the nightstand. Detesting how simple it was for him I collected my hair into a high ponytail and held it in place with a pearl encrusted clip, spending a few extra minutes to place the loose locks of my hair in the right places to give that relaxed look. Men had it easy.

Spritzing on some perfume I grabbed Wes's hand, the tender look he gave me had my insides melting into mush but I didn't speak as we entered the large den filled with family I've spent time with earlier this summer. Later we would get our time together for now we were to entertain our guests. Butterflies filled my belly as we greeted his cousins, uncles, aunts and a few friends I assume were Anna's since they kept eyeing Wes with hungry eyes without caring that I was on his arm glaring at their obviousness. Narrowing my eyes in silent warning I grabbed his hand and placed it on my hip, a sign that told any female in the room to keep a good distance away.

"Oh Wes my beautiful boy." A short pudgy woman gushed as she approached us

Her round cheeks rose nearly swallowing her tiny eyes as her gaze fixed on me. Wes bent down and kissed her rosy cheek, his smile sad and holding a small gleam of happiness "I've missed you." the woman said as she peppered kisses on both cheeks

"It has been a while." Wes said as he squirmed out of her grip

Turning to me the woman held her shotgun arms out and before I could ask who she was the strange woman had me in a death grip that robbed all oxygen from my lungs. Small yet strong the woman's grip didn't lessen as I patted her shoulder, silently hoping to get her off of me before I die of lack of air.

"She's so pretty Wes, you did good. I know my sister would have agreed." she said as she slowly, but no less pulled back

Sister? Confused, I looked up at Wes in questioning when I saw all the shimmer of life and excitement gone from his eyes. A dull light replaced it and than it hit me. During his father's funeral there was one woman missing, Wes didn't mention who she was but kept asking Dominic if Selena came when he thought I wasn't around. Curiously got the best of me and so I asked Anna who Selena was, at the moment out of jealousy but once I knew who she was I no longer felt threatened by the woman. It was his mother's sister, the one he hasn't seen since his mother's funeral. Seeing her now must have brought back those memories, a bitter reminder of the reason behind his mother's unexpected departure.

Entwining our fingers, I gave a small squeeze showing I was here with him. Although he didn't acknowledge me he gave a weak squeeze back. My heart ached for Wes, all I wanted to do was pull him into my arms and tell him it's okay. It will be okay, everything will be okay one day. He's made progress with his parents death but one day he'll accept it and move on. I will be awaiting that day. Turning to the older woman standing before us I narrowed my eyes in examination, to my surprise she laughed loudly and slapped my forearm.

"Oh honey, don't you look cute when you're trying to look tough." she chuckled, her eyes the same dark blue hue as Wes's sparkled with mirth as she turned to Wes. His head remained bowed, his eyes trained on the marble floor with a distant look in his glossy eyes. It was no mystery what occupied his thoughts and it irked me to know seeing his aunt had him slipping down that slippery path again.

"Wesley." his aunt spoke in a soft voice, her short fingers touching his chin and tilting his face up. "Don't dwell on the past my boy, live for now sweetheart she would have wanted you to." she said in a a soft tone

Stepping closer to his side I nodded in agreement with the stranger I've just met. Wes attempted a smile, to my dismay it trembled from the corners but I knew it was a step forward. He wasn't fine, that we both knew but with time and support he will overcome this. We will overcome it together.

Standing on the tips of my toes I kissed his cheek, placing my free hand across his heart I whispered, in a voice meant only for him the words that have my heart swelling with their weight "I love you."

Three simple words that held the power to add a small light in his dull eyes. Lowering myself back on my feet I felt a sense of pride knowing I was able to help bring a small comfort to him. His smile didn't reach his ears but he was returning to the present, slowly the dullness faded from his eyes.

"So cute." Selena cooed and clapped her hands together

Her gaze swiped between us, a smile reflecting in her small eyes "A love like yours must have an interesting start. Tell me how did you meet?"

Wes turned to me, his lips parted and a look of brief panic flashed in his eyes. We haven't really discussed our story of how we actually came to be mainly because we have been dealing with a funeral these past few weeks. His family and old friends have been in and out asking about Wes and our life in New York. In the time I've been here no one has asked about our meeting. No one knew of our original meeting or how we actually became a couple, other than Dominic -who swore to keep his lips sealed until we come out to his family. Which I'm hoping to postpone for as long as possible, with no arguments from Wes who was just as concerned about his family's reaction to our deal.

Cocking his head, Wes sent me a look of questioning. Obviously we couldn't tell his aunt the truth, no matter how kind she may seem she wouldn't understand. My lips curled upwards as an idea entered my mind, one I'm sure Wes will be pleased with. Turning to Selena I couldn't believe I was going to say this but this is what the new Khloe would do.

"Well I was out drinking one night when I bumped into this very sexy bartender..." I began the story Wes told my parent's at the first event we attended together

Glancing in Wes's shimmering grayish blue eyes I could see he was fighting not to burst into a fit of laughter. The silent joke hung only between us as I retold the story in full detail with Wes grinning wickedly as he added unnecessary details of his own. I didn't mind because one day -maybe to our own children- we'll actually tell the real story of how Wes entered my life and stole my heart.

For now we'll settle with the scandalous and adult rated version.

~ THE END ~

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Thank you all for following me on this wonderful journey. This story may just seem like an ordinary story but I found that I have grown during the duration that I have written it, both as a writer and a person. I have also found -thanks to all of your comments and support- that I will publish my stories, not all at once but be on the look out for me in the future ;) I feel like I can't express just how much I love you all and how much I appreciate your support so this story is for all of you!

Thank you for giving me enough courage to take this step in my life when I'm at such a hectic area of my life and don't worry I'm not leaving wattpad ;) be on the look out for my other stories because I've got a head full of ideas and a determination to grow greater as a writer.

Kisses to you all and a great big thanks to you all!!!! I hope to share another experience with you guys with my other story Sinful and future stories.

Until next time my lovely readers.... ;D