Just Love Me

Chapter 14: Sex, Love & Marriage

Chapter 14

"What's love but a sweet old fashioned notion?" Tina Turner - What's Love Got To Do With It

         I rolled over to my stomach and pushed Joe's face away from mine. "Stop," I whined, pulling the cover up over my shoulders. "Leave me alone." I knew it was early morning- too early for his games.

"Babe I'm leaving for work," he shook my shoulder. "Are you listening?"

"No."

"Elle," he said using his no nonsense voice. Groaning, I reluctantly rolled over to sit up while struggling to keep my eyes open. "I'm about to leave and after work I'm taking JJ to get his hair cut then probably out someplace." I nodded sleepily. Joe chuckled as he pulled my drowsy body to him. "Call me if you need anything."

"Alright." He leaned down, kissing me softly. His kisses always made me smile. "Do you want me to make you breakfast," I asked once he pulled away.

"Nah, I made a protein shake."

"They're working."

"Elle don't start." I rolled my eyes, lying back down on the bed. Seconds later I heard the door close, signaling his exit.

            Joe had a discussion about 'boundaries' with me. He felt that it would be best if we didn't have sex- not even oral. Told me I had to sleep with at least shorts and a t-shirt; my t-shirt and panties ensemble was no longer allowed. He had a list of excuses why we couldn't get physical.

"I would feel like I'm taking advantage of you."

"You're still confused."

"Sex will complicate our friendship."

        The only things Joe agreed to were cuddles and kisses. And I pushed that boundary as far as I could. I kissed him every chance I got.I creatively found loopholes. I really didn't give a damn about his 'boundaries.' I wanted to be pleasured.

        But I was receiving mixed messages. One moment he was calling me baby and waking me up with kisses and the next he's telling me he doesn't want to rush things.

I asked him if we could 'pretend', I guess that's what he was doing.

*            *            *

        Work was back-to-back meetings all day. So boring. With Joe at the hospital, I couldn't sneak off to his office for creative kisses. The end of the day didn't come fast enough for me.

        I parked my car in the parking lot of Panera's next to Taylors. We were meeting up for dinner. Sparkle couldn't join us because Force took her on a romantic getaway or something corny like that. I straightened my toffee colored fit and flare dress as I stepped out my car. Seeing my reflection, I smoothed down a few flyaway strands of hair.

        For a change, I decided to take my weave out. I haven't worn my natural hair since my senior year in high school. My real hair was a lighter color than the jet-black extensions I usually have installed. My hair also stopped at the top of my shoulder blades while I usually wore at least 20 inches of Remy.

        Taylor was sitting towards the back of the small bakery-café, typing vigorously on her phone. As I got closer to the table I saw her roughly shove her phone in her handbag.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, sitting down across from her. Tay was such a good friend; she already had my favorite chicken noodle soup waiting on the table for me.

She sighed, blowing on her own soup filled spoon. "It's nothing Love. How was your day?"

"Boring. And don't tell me it's nothing. What's up? You're never like this."