Love Hurts

Ten

Camilla,

        I am currently in the luggage department at the airport, eagerly awaiting the arrival of my best friend. It has been quite some time since I last saw her, and I am filled with excitement to give her a warm hug. As soon as I spot Kim, I start running towards her. However, she is completely engrossed in her phone and doesn't notice me until I surprise her with a jump. This unexpected gesture causes both of us to fall to the ground in fits of laughter. With a smile on my face, I express how much I have missed her. Kim responds with a grin, indicating that she feels the same way.
       "Unfortunately, Hoss couldn't join us, but that means I get to have you all to myself," I suggest. "Let's grab lunch and catch up on some gossip." Kim laughs and agrees, saying, "Yes, let's do that." She helps me up from the floor and mentions that she needs to grab her bags before we can leave. She also expresses her curiosity about Hoss and the nursing job.
        As we collect her bags and make our way to the truck, Kim starts asking me about Hoss and his family. I can't contain my excitement about introducing her to Hoss and his family, who are completely different from Alan and his family. Hoss makes me feel young again in all the right ways, and I even enjoy sex now that it feels natural. Kim then asks if Hoss has a brother, to which I laugh and reply, "Yes, but he's married with three kids. However, I'm sure there are plenty of other single, well-educated men in the police force who would be interested in meeting you."
      "Well, lead the way, sister," Kim says, a smile spreading across her face. Memories of my dear best friend flooded my mind, and I couldn't help but burst into laughter. Oh, how I've missed her silly antics.
      "So, Kim tell me about your catering business. How's it going?" I asked, genuinely interested.
      "It's going well," she replied with a hint of excitement. "And if I decide I enjoy it here with you, I might just open a little store here."
     "That would be absolutely wonderful," I exclaimed, imagining the possibilities. "Once you experience this world, you won't want to leave. The people here are incredibly kind."
      "I can't wait to see it," she said eagerly. "The charming cottage you bought on twenty acres sounds amazing. And the fact that it's already equipped with fences for horses and cattle is even better. Have you already gotten some horses and cows?"
     "Yes, I have," I replied with a proud smile. "I couldn't resist. It's been such a fulfilling experience."
     We continued our conversation, filled with excitement and anticipation for the future.
     "Wow, what happened to my friend? She never does anything without a reason and never acts on impulse."
     "She passed away when Camilla Taylor did. I've learned that life is too short to live in fear of falling. I've experienced this firsthand, and I will never go back to being that person again," I explain to Kim.
    As I glance at Kim, I notice that she is in tears.
    "Oh, honey, what's wrong?" I ask, concerned.
    "I'm just so proud of you, Camilla. You've made so much progress in the past eight months," she says.
    "I understand. He no longer has control over me, as I've realized. I still have nightmares and moments of uncertainty, but other than that, he means nothing to me anymore," I say, smiling.
   "You have no idea how much it means to me to hear you say that," Kim responds.
   Kim and I continue talking on our way home. We missed out on so much of each other's lives in the past couple of years because I could only interact with people who were associated with Alan.
   "So, have you been able to reconnect with your parents since all of this?" Kim asks.
   "I had a conversation with them two days ago, and it was difficult to end the call. I realized that I had been manipulated by him for a long time, which was tough to accept. The most challenging part, Kim, is that I am an intelligent and well-educated woman, yet I believed every word he said. At one point, I even blamed myself, thinking that my poor housekeeping and cooking skills made him angry. I thought that if I improved in those areas, he would change."
    "Oh, dear, you are a smart and well-educated woman who unfortunately fell in love with a terrible person and got caught in his web of lies."
    "I know, I replied, feeling unsure. But I can't help but question myself."
    "There's nothing wrong with that, but don't be too hard on yourself. If you do, you're no better than that awful person. Remember, you were married to Camilla."
    "So, whenever you start doubting yourself, remember how strong, smart, and beautiful you are, my friend."
    "Okay, enough of the heavy stuff. Let's go to my house and get you settled in. Then we can go out tonight and celebrate your arrival in Florida. You can also meet Hoss and some friends I've made at work."
    "That sounds fantastic," Kim says.
    After about ninety minutes, we are all dressed up and ready to go out. I hope Kim gets along with everyone and that everyone likes my best friend. "So, where are you taking me tonight?" Kim asks. "We're going to a bar and grill called Cowboys. We'll have dinner at the restaurant and then head over to the bar to have some fun," I tell her. "Sounds good. Let's go," Kim says. "Hoss and a few friends are going to meet us there. I think you'll really like Olivia. I just hope you get along with the guys," I tell Kim. When we arrive at the bar, Hoss and an unfamiliar guy are waiting outside. "Hello," Hoss greets us as we approach. "Hey," I reply. I lean in and whisper to Hoss, asking who the guy is. "This is a good friend of mine and Berry's. Camilla Jeremiah, Jeremiah, this is my girlfriend Camilla," Hoss introduces us. "Hello," I say, shaking Jeremiah's hand. "Hoss, Jeremiah, this is my friend Kim," I tell them, pointing to Kim. "Best friend," Kim declares as she shakes both guys' hands. "Where are Berry and Olivia?" I ask.
    "Inside the bar," Hoss says then puts his arm around my waist and leads me to a table. I feel a flutter in my stomach when he touches me. Once we're all seated, everyone orders their food. Olivia turns to Kim and asks, 'So, Kim, how long have you known our girl?' Kim replies, 'Oh, gosh, since kindergarten.' Hoss interjects mischievously, 'Oh, really!' I playfully respond, 'She knows nothing about me.' Kim winks at Hoss and says, 'Oh, but I know so much about her. What would you like to know?' I quickly interject, "Anything she says is a lie."
     "Hmm, what are the things you don't want us to know?" Olivia asks, smiling at me. I playfully stick my tongue out at her. Kim smirks and suggests, "Maybe all the times we sneaked out as teenagers to party down at the river, or the time we went skinny dipping?" I respond, "Oh, okay, I think they understand." Hoss chuckles and teases, "Such a bad girl. I might need to arrest you for all of that." Jeremiah adds, winking at Hoss, "No, he just wants to handcuff you." He quickly ducks before getting a hand to the back of his head. "Okay, let's move on," I say, changing the subject. "So, how was work today?" I ask Hoss, trying to steer the conversation in a different direction. Hoss laughs and replies, "It was good."
      The server arrives at our table just in time with our food, and everyone stops talking to start eating. After we finish, we move to the bar and find a table. The guys order a pitcher of beer while Kim, Olivia, and I keep an eye on them.
     "Damn girl, these Florida men look so good," Kim whispers.
     Olivia and I burst into laughter, almost falling out of our chairs. "Which one are you talking about?" I ask her.
    "Shit, all three of them. You made a good choice, but that friend of Hoss's, whoa," Kim says, making us laugh again.
   "So why are you giving him a hard time then?" I ask her.
   "Playing hard to get is the best approach. Just saying, girl," Kim says, winking at us.
   "True!" Olivia replies.
    I ask Olivia, "Have you been spending time with the college kids again?" Olivia giggles and says yes. She explains that her sister came home for the weekend with her boyfriend, who always says "fact or truth." I tell Kim that Olivia will start using college slang for a month now. Olivia then jokes, "But who's the one that acts all giddy after a night with a certain cop boyfriend?" I deny knowing what she's talking about and claim to be professional all the time. Kim laughs and suggests that we go dance.
                                   ♾️
     The next morning, Kim asks me how my head is. I have my hands on my head and explain that I haven't been drinking much since college. I ask her to stop shouting because I'm present. She laughs and assures me that she's not yelling. She hands me a cup of coffee. I thank her and ask if she had fun on her first night here. She confirms that she did.
     "Do you remember any of it?" Kim asks.
    "Honestly, the only thing I remember is going out on the dance floor and dancing with you and Olivia. The guys joined us, and we all stopped for some drinks. We girls went back out on the dance floor for a little longer. Then we came back to the table and started playing a game. After that, it's all fuzzy," I tell her.
    "Well, let me fill you in," Kim says, placing a bowl of oatmeal in front of me.
    "Eat," she demands.
    "Yes, ma'am. So, fill me in," I say.
    "Alright," Kim says, "here it goes. After we finished the game, us girls went back out on the dance floor while the guys stayed at the table to watch. We were dancing our asses off when some creep came up behind you and started grinding against you. The guys saw it, and the guy quickly left."
    "Oh gosh, did Hoss and the guys get in any trouble?" I ask.
    "Nope!" Kim says, giving me her "are you for real" look.
    "Of course not," I replied, realizing how foolish my question was. They are police officers after all.
    "Why didn't Hoss come back to the house with us?" I asked Kim.
    "Well, you really gave him a hard time for beating the guy up and told him to go back to his own house and reflect on his actions," Kim explained.
    Putting my head in my hands, I groaned to myself. "I didn't?" I muttered.
   "Yes, you did, sister," Kim confirmed.
   Feeling remorseful, I called Hoss after breakfast and apologized for my drunken confusion.
   Laughing, Hoss reassured me that everything was fine and that I looked adorable when I was giving him a hard time while drunk.
   "Don't laugh at me, jerk face," I playfully scolded him.
   "I'm not laughing at you, babe. I'm laughing with you," Hoss says. As Hoss and I share jokes and laughter, I reminisce about the time Alan and I almost had a normal moment of laughter. We were having dinner, and Alan was telling me a joke with great enthusiasm. I found it hilarious, but unfortunately, it seemed to anger him. He ended up chasing me around the kitchen table, and I received a severe beating. It was the first of many instances of abuse.
     I wonder if Hoss will eventually become violent towards me if I laugh at him. However, I genuinely believe that Hoss will never resort to physical violence, and I sincerely hope that we can always maintain a playful and humorous relationship.
    "Camilla baby, where did you go?" Hoss asks.
    "Sorry, I guess I was lost in thought," I reply.
   "Hmm, about what?" Hoss inquires.
   "Wouldn't you like to find out?" I playfully tease.
   "Hoss says, 'Oh, I can find many ways to extract it from you and have so much enjoyment in the process," Hoss says. My heart started racing. Did he mean he was going to harm me? I take a deep breath. Damn it Camilla, he isn't Alan. His mind doesn't function that way. He was joking, and I'm sure he meant something sexual, and I can't wait, to be honest. After ending the call with Hoss, I entered the house with a smile and sat down next to my best friend. We watched a few movies and had a conversation. The feeling of missing her was overwhelming. I fell asleep during the last movie, so I don't remember any of it. "Well, how was the movie?" I asked Kim. "Good, I suppose. I was talking to Jeremiah." "Oh, really?" I raised my eyebrows. "Yes, I was. Are you okay with me going on a date with him tomorrow night?" Kim asks me as if I'm her mother. "Well, my dear, the last time I checked, you were over 21, single, and free to do as you please," I tell her. "Okay," she surrendered, throwing her hands up. "I came here to spend time with you, not to meet guys, so I don't want you thinking otherwise."
     "Well, you don't have to worry about that, because if I'm being honest, I was hoping this would happen, and you would love it here and move here with me," I tell her. Kim kisses my forehead. "Well, my friend, I'm seriously considering it."
     "Yay!"
    "I suggest cooking dinner," so Kim and I prepare a delicious meal consisting of fried pork chops, corn on the cob, mac & cheese, and fried potatoes. As I place the food on the counter, I remark to Kim, "This is country living at its finest." She compliments the aroma and jokingly claims to be the chef. I laugh and reply, "I learned from the best."
    Later that night, after taking a shower and changing into my pajamas, I pour myself and Kim a glass of wine. We both settle on the front porch, enjoying the peacefulness of the surroundings and the melodic chirping of birds. "It's so serene out here," I comment. Kim agrees, saying she could stay outside all night. "It's definitely better than the city," she adds. I sigh in agreement, "Absolutely."
    The following day, Kim goes on a date with Jeremiah, so I tidy up the house and prepare a bowl of soup for myself. Just as I'm about to start eating, my phone buzzes and I can't help but smile when I see Hoss' name on the screen.
    "Hey there, long time no talk," I greet him.
    "Hey beautiful," he replies. "So, I know Kim and Jeremiah are out on their date tonight, and I was wondering if you'd like to come over and let me cook you dinner?"
    "That sounds lovely, but I actually already made some homemade soup. How about you come over here and we can eat together?" I suggest.
     "I guess I can do that too. I'll be there in about 20 minutes," Hoss agrees.
     "Okay, see you then," I say before hanging up. As we sit down to eat, I can't help but ask, "So, how do you think Kim and Jeremiah's date is going?"
     "Do we really have to talk about them?" Hoss asks, leaning in to kiss my neck.
     "Mmm, not if you keep doing that," I reply, enjoying the sensation.
     "Is that so?" Hoss chuckles against my neck.
    "Mm-hmm," I murmur, feeling a rush of excitement at the thought of what Hoss has in mind.
    Hoss continues to whisper dirty things in my ear, working his way up to my earlobe. "Do you want me to make you come, baby?" he asks, nipping my ear.
    I nod eagerly in response.
    Hoss insists, "I want to hear you say it. Tell me that you want it. Tell me that you want me to pleasure you."
   "I want you to pleasure me, Hoss," I gasp.
   "Do you want me to lick your intimate area, baby?" he asks in a deep, husky voice.
   "Oh God, yes, please Hoss, make me climax with your mouth," I moan.
   He kneels in front of me, removing my pants and panties, and I step out of them with his assistance. Looking up at me, he grins and runs his tongue along my sensitive area, causing my legs to tremble. He lifts my left leg and places it over his shoulder, ensuring I don't lose my balance. I grip his neck to steady myself, pulling his head closer to me, and I moan as I press his face against my intimate area. I lose control with him, thrusting and screaming his name, shamelessly riding his face and experiencing a powerful orgasm.
    When he gazes up at me, my legs are shaking and I'm smiling, and his chin is glistening with my release.
    "You taste heavenly," he remarks.
    "I need you inside me right now," I express.
    Taking hold of his hand, I guide him to the couch, pushing him down as I kneel in front of him and unzip his pants, pulling them down his legs.
    I take his impressive length into my mouth, sucking hard and then releasing him with a pop. He moans and tries to pull me up, but I stay just out of reach and playfully wag my finger at him. "No, not yet. It's my turn to pleasure you," I tease. He sits back and I take him into my mouth again, moving my head up and down and stroking him faster. He moans in pleasure.
    As he starts to tense up, he tells me that he would rather not ejaculate in my mouth and expresses his desire to be inside me. I get up and straddle his lap, and he lifts me up and lowers me onto his hard cock. We both moan as we find our rhythm, starting slow and then picking up speed. Hoss grabs my waist and thrusts me up and down on his cock, both of us panting and on the verge of climax. I scream out in pleasure as he tenses and releases deep inside me.
     A couple of hours later, Hoss and I are cuddling on the couch, watching a movie. Kim and Jeremiah return to the house, and Kim enters with a smile on her face. "Is Jeremiah not coming in?" I ask.
     "No, he had to go home and prepare for work tomorrow," Kim says. "Well, I should do the same," Hoss says. "Besides, I'm sure you girls want some alone time for your girl talk," he adds, getting up from the couch and leaning down to give me a kiss. "You know us women so well," Kim says, kissing Hoss on the cheek as he walks by. "I'll see you two tomorrow," Hoss says, blowing me a kiss at the doorway. I blow him a kiss back. "See you tomorrow night, handsome," I reply. Once Hoss leaves, I give my best friend a stern look. "Okay, spill it, sister," I tell her. Kim plops down on the couch beside me with a huge smile on her face. "Oh my god, Camilla, he is the best kisser. We kissed for such a long time. We spent hours just talking and making out. I felt like a kid again," Kim tells me. "Hoss makes me feel the same way every time he touches me. I feel all warm inside. I never felt like this with Allen, even in the beginning," I say sadly.
      Kim asks me, "Why did you ever go out with him, let alone marry him, babe?" I respond, "Well, he was the only guy in school who paid any attention to me. You know how I was in school, always reading and being a bit of a dork. I never really noticed other guys until Allen came along." Kim disagrees, saying, "That's not true. He just made you believe that. He manipulated you from the beginning." I admit, "You might be right. I started dating Alan when I was only 14, so I never really thought about other guys looking at me. I was so focused on him, and when I wasn't with him, I was buried in a book. Anything could have happened." Kim reassures me, saying, "It's okay. You're free from him now, and you'll never have to go through that again." But I express my fear, saying, "I'm still scared that he'll find me and drag me back into that hell."

              Authors Note, How are you guys enjoying the book so far. Remember you can leave a comment at the bottom to tel me know how you are liking the book. And if your loving it you can hit the star and vote for the book. Much Love.

@Crystal Steadman