Apple in the tree (part 11 of 31)
I woke up with the light streaming through the window.
I rolled over and Tom was still fast asleep…I looked at the clock. 11am.
I sighed
I heard my Cousin’s carley’s voice downstairs….which meant everyone but Tom and I were up.
I shook Tom’s shoulder…
He groaned
“Tom…” I said
“what?” he sighed, keeping his eyes closed
“time to get up”
“my head is killing me….never let me drink another shot..” he said opening his eyes
“I’ll get you some aspirin” I got out of bed and went over my desk..
“what exactly did I do last night?”
“well….you announced to everyone at the bar…what you love to do to me…and also what my blushing exactly does to you. Than you asked me to fuck you in the car….” I said handing over the aspirin
“wow…yeah…I’m done for awhile” he laughed swallowing the pills
“ok…so you aren’t exactly supposed to be in my room…so you slept on the floor…for the record.”
“got it…”
“I am going to jump in the shower….the rest of my fam is here…”
“Aimee?”
“yeah” I said grabbing a change of clothes
“I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable last night…..that I wasn’t exactly gentlemanly”
“it’s okay…it was quite funny actually….until we almost got caught by my aunt Marissa….having sex in the car…”
He laughed
I leaned down to him and pressed my lips to his
He smiled against my lips…
“I love you” he said pulling away
“I love you” I leaned down and kissed him again
He sighed into my mouth…
He pulled me down over him.
“Tom…” I said pulling away
“Yeah….probably better not considering your family is here…” he laughed running a hand through my hair…
“I’m going to take a shower…I’ll be right out” I went into the bathroom.
After Tom was showered and changed….we made our way downstairs
“hey…sleepy heads” Alex laughed
“morning…” I said
“hardly…it’s noon” George laughed carrying Emily in his arms…
I cringed
“where is dad…?”
“at the store with Jenny…Uncle Mike and Marissa went with them…and I believe Eric and Jessica are still asleep…and Carley and aunt Katie are downstairs playing video games with Elliot…” George said
“was dad mad?”
“no…he was just a little peeved that he was drunk” Alex said pointing to Tom
George took Emily upstairs…
“so Did you tell dad yet?” I said
Alex sighed
“Not yet tomorrow….maybe…or tonight after dinner”
“just do it when you’re ready….no rush”
“I know I feel like I am continually lying to him now…maybe I should give dating girls a shot again” Alex said
“Do what you think is right….you know I’m behind you on this..”
“I know…I just don’t know how dad and everyone else will take this..”
Tom had his hand on my waist
“I think that Dad may be fine…”
“Especially after we tell him we’re engaged” Tom interjected
I stared up at him…
“Tom…..we discussed this…”
“I know…but if it helps Alex break the ice….can’t we just lie a little bit…it’s not like we aren’t getting engaged eventually..”
I nodded
“That might work..” Alex said the light going off in his head
“Dad will be so caught up in your announcement…his little girl getting married…when I talk to him later….he might take it well”
“see and they say I’m all looks” Tom smiled
I rolled my eyes
“I am gonna go downstairs and visit…”
“Tom…how about we spend some male bonding time together” Alex said clapping Tom on the shoulder
Tom stared at me
“Don’t worry…I won’t turn him gay” Alex smiled…pulling Tom out the door
I laughed at the panicked look on Tom’s face.
I padded downstairs.
Carley and Elliot were in Kombat….mortal Kombat.
“Aimee!” my aunt Katie practically scream…Katie was my mom’s sister. She looked almost like my mom.
I smiled hugging her
“How are you?” she said pulling me down to the couch to sit next to her
“great! How are you?”
“I’m alright….the Doctor said my health is looking better every day” she smiled
She was diagnosed with Breast cancer right after my mom died….they took out the cells…and she underwent Chemo…but she still had monthly check ups just to make sure she was in tip top health..
“that’s good to hear. How’s grandma doing?”
“she’s good I just went and saw her last week…I mean…you know…she’s not all there…it’s getting worse…but she’s still happy…and healthy.” she smiled
I nodded….
“so what’s this I hear about a boyfriend?” She laughed
“Oh yeah…well I met him two years ago…I was his assistant up until two weeks ago…and we’ve been dating about 7 months or so.” I smiled
“wow….he is here right?”
“Yeah…Alex took him out for some male bonding” I said rolling my eyes
Carley yelled triumphantly breaking our conversation apart.
Carley was a little younger than me…still in college.
“I am so sorry Elliot….” she smiled
“it’s okay…..I’ve never been beaten by a girl before”
“is it my turn yet?” Katie smiled
“yes… I suppose….I wanted to go get changed for dinner anyhow” carley smiled standing up
“Aimee…come with me” she said
“we can have girl time” she added linking up our arms.
“alright” I laughed
We went upstairs to my room…she grabbed a duffel bag from the hallway
“Your dad says I am rooming with you….he knows that Tom slept in here…so I am suppose to keep an eye on you” she laughed
I sat on the bed
“Figures…oh well….we’re leaving tomorrow anyhow”
“So…..what’s this Tom like?” she smiled sitting down next to me
“Sweet…charming, very much the gentleman….most of the time” I laughed
“ridiculously gorgeous….” I smiled
“wow….you are gaga over him” she smiled poking me
“oh yeah..” I laughed
“I wish I could have that…..” she sighed
“what happened with Chris?” I said…thinking back to her last boyfriend….I knew she had
“he dumped me…and transferred” she sighed
“aw…I’m sorry…”
“It’s fine…I probably would have been fine with it …if he hadn’t gone and started dating my ex best friend…two weeks later” she rolled her eyes
I heard the front door open
“Aimee….your boyfriend…is so dead” I heard Alex yell upstairs
I suddenly saw Tom open the closet
I nearly screamed
Tom ran over and shut the bedroom door
“Shit” Tom sighed
“what are you doing in my closet?”
“hiding from your evil brother…..”
“Why?”
“well….We went to go play some football…with Eric….it turned into a snowball fight….and let’s just say…we don’t fight fair…I kind of stuffed a few snowballs down his shirt..not before I was pelted in the back of the head” he said rubbing his neck
“why is he so pissed than…?”
“uh….I also pantsed him after he hit me with the snowballs…in front of a bunch of…guys”
I laughed
“oh! Tom..this is my cousin Carley…carley this is Tom”
“nice to meet you” Tom smiled
“so wait….if you were in the closet…did you hear everything I said”
“no?” he said flushing bright red
“it’s fine…I was just curious…”
“Do you really think I am ridiculously gorgeous” he smiled sitting behind me, resting his hands on my shoulders.
“hey now…hands to your self” Carley said
Tom put up his hands up in a defensive manner.
“I wasn’t doing anything”
“let’s keep it that way…I don’t want another cousin just yet” Carley laughed
“Aimee!!” Alex yelled
“yes?” I yelled back
Tom put a finger to his lips and snuck into the closet
Alex opened the bedroom door
“Aimee…I am sorry but I am killing Tom..”
I laughed
“seen him?”
“I Think you are taking this out of hand”
“so he was here!” Alex said coming in and wrenching open the closet first
“aha!”
“now alex…play nice” I warned him
“I think I should get to pants him in a public place”
Suddenly Alex tackled Tom to the floor…they started to wrestle
“What is it with the men in this house and wrestling” Carley said
“I have no clue…it’s annoying though”
“Alright you guys knock it off before dad gets in here..”
Alex pulled away and stood up…Tom lay on the floor panting…his cheeks flushed….
I shuddered….I felt desire building up…
“Apologize Tom..” I said
“Sorry Alex…”
“it’s alright no hard feelings”
“Well….I am gonna go play some more Mortal Kombat…” Carley
“Oooh! I want to be subzero!” Alex said following her out of the bedroom
I stared at Tom as he came and sat next to me
I leaned over and kissed him…my mouth hot on his
He groaned into my mouth.
I pulled away
“What was that for?” he laughed
“you looked very kissable in that moment” I smiled
Downstairs the festivities were in full swing.
We were all crowded around the table. I sat in between Tom and Carley…and the rest of the family stretched outward beyond that.
The conversations were kept flowing throughout the evening….until Tom leaned over to me…during the little break between the meal and the dessert.
“I am gonna propose to you….act surprised” he whispered in my ear. I heard the smile in his voice.
I shuddered as his breath washed over my neck….
I shook my head gripping onto his hand.
“please….don’t make me beg…we can get married in 5 years if it makes you happy. Just to know I have this claim on you would make me the happiest man.” he whispered…I heard the emotion crack his voice.
I felt my face grow hot as the tears pooled in my eyes.
I realized that this wasn’t about saving Alex’s behind, but also about us.
He had been planning this for awhile…for a long time.
I knew I wanted to wait awhile….but hearing him say those things and hearing the emotion behind it all made me change my mind.
I looked him in the eyes and nodded.
He sighed and grinned, squeezing my hand.
My family was still in deep conversation…except for Alex who was staring at us.
I saw Tom nod out of the corner of my eye. Alex visibly sighed in relief.
Tom stood up clearing his throat…
Everyone stopped….I hated being the center of attention.
I memorized him in this moment….
He was wearing a pair of jeans…a black t-shirt and a black blazer over that.
He looked like he was letting his scruff grow out…
I think he knows that I secretly like it…
His hair was slightly messy…but he still looked incredibly handsome…with the smile that graced his lips. Like a man in love.
“Well…..I just wanted to say how thankful I am to be welcomed into your home and into your lives…I hope this isn’t the last time I will see you all…
I kind of wanted to make an announcement….and ask Aimee a question” he sighed running a hand nervously through his hair.
I could see that my aunt Katie was already crying…as well as Marissa..they knew what was coming…
Tom dropped to one knee
I did gasp for breath….I didn’t realize he’d actually do it like this.
I already felt the tears streaming down my face.
“Aimee…” he sighed taking my hand in his
“yes?” I said my voice cracking
He reached into the pocket of his blazer, the blush evident on his cheeks.
I felt how warm his hand was over mine.
He let out a shuddery breath as he held a black velvet box in his other hand…he set it on his knee and opened it, revealing a gorgeous antique engagement ring. I mentally blanched at how much he must have spent on it.. I hated it when he bought me expensive things for me….he was enough. I didn’t need to have expensive gifts to make me love him more.
“Aimee….I know that this may be an awkward situation.” he chuckled
I nodded laughing wiping my face
“but would you please, marry me?”
“I know that we haven’t been together that long. But I can’t help the way I feel about you when you simply walk into the room. The way your smile makes my heart jump. I would go through the two years all over again….just to know you are what’s at the end. I want to spend the rest of our lives making up for lost time. I want to spend it making you happy. I love you - those three words have my life in them.” he smiled
I recognized the quote he used at the end. It wasn’t exactly famous but it was still well loved by me.
I sighed….
“Yes…” I nodded smiling, the tears still coming.
He slipped the ring on my finger. He pulled me up from my seat into his arms.
He kissed me quickly. I buried my face in his neck.
I forgot that everyone was there.
I laughed pulling away
“I think this calls for some wine” My dad smiled
“Let me help” I said
“No…no sit” he smiled going into the kitchen
My aunt Katie and Marissa came over and hugged me
“Congratulations” Marissa said hugging me tight
“Aimee! You have to let me help you plan!” Katie laughed hugging me
“of course!”
“I can help too?” carley smiled tugging me down to sit next to her.
“of course….I will need all the help…but I’m not sure when the wedding will be….” I said looking at Tom who was coming out of the kitchen…carrying several wine glasses.
The rest of the night went smoothly…talking. Drinking wine. Eating dessert.
“goodbye sweety” Katie hugged me for the 8th time that night
“I am sure we’ll see you at Christmas”
“be sure to bring this one with you…” she said patting Tom’s face.
He laughed
“I am sure I will be here Katie” Tom said hugging her
I smiled
I was glad he was accepted by my family.
Eric and Jessica had left earlier to catch a flight back to Chicago.
Uncle Mike and Marissa we’re headed back in the morning
And Carley and Aunt Katie were headed to the airport tonight.
“give my love to your Dad…and Alex…I don’t know where they went” Katie smiled going over to say goodbye to George and Jenny
“Is he talking to him?” I said staring up at Tom
“Yeah…I gave him a pep talk before he went in.” he nodded
Carley came running down the stairs
“Well cuz…I am sure I will see you at Christmas…”
“yes….I expect you to give me a good report on how you are doing in school” I winked at her
“I will….” she laughed rolling her eyes
She hugged me
“take care of Katie…” I said
“I always do…”
Carley lives with Katie while she is in school.
Even though Katie was gonna pull through…..I still worried
“And Tom….it was good to meet you” she smiled
He hugged her
“and you…..” he smiled patting her head
She glared playfully
“was the head pat necessary?”
“yes…you’re short”
“so is Aimee…”
“I know….I do it to her too” he smiled patting my head but his finger strayed running through the strands
“alright…well looks like Katie is ready….I am sure the Christmas list will be sent around…so I am sure you will hear from us soon” she smiled following Kaite out.
I walked outside with Tom and waved them off.
I felt a snow ball hit me in the back of the head.
I had jeans and hoodie on….so I shivered as the wet and cold dripped down my neck.
I turned around to see george armed with a snow ball
I chucked one back at him
“Come on Tom help..”
“no way…I was almost killed by one of your brothers already”
I rolled my eyes
“go harass someone else george” I said sighing
“alright….I have to tuck the kids in…..this isn’t the end of this” he pointed walking into the house
I sighed and Tom came up behind me. I leaned into his embrace
“I can’t believe you did that…..in front of my family”
He chuckled pressing his lips to my hair.
“I’m sorry…..your dad actually suggested it…I talked to him before dinner and asked his permission”
“well that was good…..my dad likes old fashioned things” I smiled
He laughed
“I kind of figured that when I came into your house…”
“what is that supposed to mean?”
“you have a lot of antiques…”
“they were my mothers….she loved them….”
“oh…..I’m sorry…-”
I cut him off
“don’t be sorry…I don’t mind talking about her..”
“I wasn’t sure…..”
“It still hurts to talk about her sometimes…..especially after seeing Katie…they look so much alike…”
“and when Katie got sick….I thought another mother figure was going to be taken away.”
Tom squeezed me to him
“I know how much you love your mom…”
I nodded
“I hope my dad is taking it easy on Alex…” I said changing the subject
“I hope so….” Tom sighed
We both stared up at the sky.
“I love you” he whispered in my ear
“I know…”
Tom laughed
“well that was very Han Solo of you”
“I know” I grinned sticking out my tongue
Tom tipped my head back towards his and kissed me. I let out a shuddering sigh against his lips.
He spun me around to face him….he dipped his head lower as I leaned up to meet his mouth.
He wrapped his arms around me.
I slipped my hands around his neck
I felt his tongue on mine, my knees buckled beneath me. He smiled against my lips and held me up.
He pulled away from the kiss long enough to back me up against my car.
His mouth was on mine again. I melted against his body. I felt all the hard contours of his muscles beneath my fingers.
“I need you” he whispered pulling away.
“I know….we can wait tonight can’t we?” I smiled running my hand into his hair.
“Yes….as soon as I can get you home into that purple nightie” he winked
He leaned and kissed my neck. I felt his scruff rub against my skin. I shuddered
“Cold?” he said pulling away
“no”
“oh…..”
“your scruff…just scratched me some” I smiled
“oh…” he smiled realization coming to him
He leaned in again purposely brushing his cheek against mine as his learned to talk into my ear
“do you find it sexy that I haven’t shaved in a day?”
I laughed
“oh yeah….so sexy…I love all the hair you have on you…I am very attracted to hair”
“oh….really?” he said now pulling away surprised.
“yeah…your hair…” I said running my hands through his hair…
“…the scruff” I said rubbing my hand against his cheek
“the chest hair…” I ran my hand over the hair that was peaking out of his collar
“the arm hair…” I said running my hands down his visible forearms.
“even the little happy trail” I said slipping my hand beneath his t-shirt.
I felt him shiver
“you…and me…in the car right now” he said his eyes growing dark. He couldn’t keep his hands off of me.
I bit my lip
I leaned up to him kissing him again.
He moaned into my mouth
“Soon…” I said pulling away.
He pouted
“that’s not fair” I said laughing
“I know…that’s why I am using it” he said still pouting
I pressed my hips into him…his arousal evident.
“Maybe….I could help you out…” I smiled
I saw conflict in his eyes…
My hand ran down the front of his jeans.
The conflict in his eyes was still there…he finally sighed
He grabbed my hands and brought them up to his mouth kissing each palm.
“I will wait till I can give you the same pleasure you give me” he smiled
I smiled wrapping my arms around him
“Aimee?!” Alex yelled from inside the house
“oh crap”
“yeah…better go see what happened” Tom said grabbing my hand…and going into the house.
Previous Chapter - Next Chapter
