“Well it would nice to save some money.” I found myself agreeing. “Not to mention how much I love your apartment.”
“So you’re saying yes.” Allison asked carefully.
“Yes.” I answered as I leaned into her body. “Now kiss me.” The kiss was sweet and gentle and quickly deepened into more as we invited one another to explore further. I was breathless as our lips parted. I began to fumble under the blanket and remove her clothing. “Don’t you ever get enough?” She teased me as her hands began to roam my body. “Never.” I replied breathlessly. “I could never get enough of you.”
“Good.” Allison moaned from my touch. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” I answered as I stopped my exploration and looked deeply into those baby blue eyes.
The following morning we moved my few belongings upstairs most of which took up residence in my office on the second floor. With savings in rent perhaps I would be able to buy my own car. It was the twenty-third and classes were finally over. My only plans for the rest of the day were to make love to Allison. I wanted to make it last all night and commit her body to my memory. At times our lovemaking was rushed driven solely by a lust that neither of us could control. Other times we took everything very slowly wanting each moment to last forever. That night was a night to take things slowly. With each touch and every lingering kiss we were lost in each other. I remember thinking that I could spend an eternity just caressing her breasts.
The next morning I awoke blissfully as Allison lay sleeping beside me. I played with her tussled hair while she slept peacefully. I nuzzled my nose into her neck and inhaled her scent. I knew that Allison would not be awaking any time soon so reluctantly I climbed out of bed and threw on a pair of sweats and a T-shirt that belong to Allison. I loved wearing her clothes it was like carrying a part of her around with me. I made my way into the kitchen and brewed a pot of coffee. I ground a few vanilla beans in it as Allison did to bring out the flavor. While the coffee was brewing I dug out some of the papers that Gaia had given me and settled down onto the sofa with and began to read. Once the coffee was ready I retrieved a cup and returned to the bedroom. Allison was still fast asleep. I decided to read from Eleanor’s diary. From her words I sensed that life did not always run as smoothly as Haley had viewed it.
July 1863
I find it hard to rally the men after the loss we have endured over the past few days. My thoughts turn to my beloved Haley. I thank the good Lord that my injury was not serious. I will return to her. I also thank the Lord that my secret has remained just that … a secret. The men are restless perhaps a trip to Mrs. Moorehouse’s will lift their spirits. It will be a long trek from Pennsylvania but the men deserves some entertainment. We have faced the Yankees and have been driven back each morn. Russell my second in command and my dearest friend and I fought bitterly today. I told him of my plans for our trip.
I revealed to him the true reason I wished to visit with Mrs. Moorehouse. I planned to take Haley as my wife. ‘But lad you can not.’ He scolded me. ‘She’s a whore.’ His words had angered me so that I drew my sword without hesitation. ‘I will thank you not to call her that!’ I informed him. ‘I am fond of the lady.’ I will never know if it was the sincerity of my words or the tip of my blade pressed against his neck that made him apologize.
It hurt me to argue with him. I admire Russell in many ways. He is very much my elder. If it were not for my station in life it would be him leading this unit. I rely heavily upon his advice. We both fight for the south because this is our home. Neither of us supported slavery. Although our reasons differ greatly. I like our great leader General Lee feel that slavery is abhorrent. Russell like many others does not share my opinion. Russell’s reasons are more practical. For a man of his station finding honest work is difficult in the south. Why pay a man to work when you can simply buy a slave who is forced to work for you. Russell came to this glorious land in hopes of finding a better life. The life he found was cold and unwelcoming. America although built entirely by foreigners did not welcome outsiders. Will this country ever grow to be what our forefathers fought for it to be?
Russell’s harsh words had cut through me. I cannot help but believe that this conflict has made whores of all of us. I fight for a cause that I do not embrace in my heart. As the road to the end nears I am all too aware that the South will fall. As proud Southerns will we ever survive the defeat?
My feelings for Haley trouble me. I love her dearly as I have loved no other before her. The fact that there have been so many before her. Haley was angered when I told her of the number of women from my youth. The Boston Marriages are a simple tradition for my station. Most of my companions went on to marry appropriate suitors. I knew in my heart that this was not a road I would travel willingly. I followed my heart and it led me to Haley.
I accept our lives together but she often becomes jealous and angry over the fact that I have kept company with so many. I find that odd, since she has made her wages by entertaining men. If I see her again I will offer her my hand. Perhaps that will quiet her fears. It will quiet my own. For I know in my heart that there shall never be another for me.
It is her smile that keeps me going during these bloody days. At night I try to rest but faded echoes of the canons haunt my dreams. I pray that I will find peace in my beloved Haley’s arms. For now I try to sleep. At dawn we bury the dead.
Eleanor’s words seemed so troubled. I personally could see why Haley was troubled by Eleanor’s past. In so many ways her suspicions mirrored my own. Allison had known so many women. Would she find someone new when she travels to California? Could I measure up to the passion she must have known in her life? Face it Chris alone must have been quite an education. Allison stirred slightly as I wondered if this beauty that laid beside me would eventually break my heart.
“Good Morning.” She whispered as she looked up at me. “What are you doing?”
“I was just … working.” I smiled at her loving expression. “No you won’t hurt me I can see it in your eyes.” I placed my coffee cup on the nightstand and placed Eleanor’s diary on the floor. I rolled on top of Allison and kissed her gently. “Now I’m going to say good morning.” I kissed my way down her neck. Encouraged by her moan I continued my journey tasting her skin. I found myself teasing her nipple with my tongue. I teased her further and the more I teased the tighter she held me. My fingers traced their way down her body. I could feel her opening herself. It was an invitation I could not refuse as I slid my fingers inside of her. Her wetness greeted my touch. Nothing excited me more than her passion. Just knowing that she wanted me could send me over the edge. I could feel her excitement growing and my fingers began thrusting harder. She screamed my name as her fingers dug into my back as she tried to hold on.
“I like the way you say Good Morning.” She croaked breathlessly. “I still find it hard to believe that you are new at this.”
“You inspire me.” I answered with a smile as I snuggled up against her listening to the beating of her heart. “Would you like some breakfast?” I asked once she caught her breath. She didn’t say a word as she smiled knowingly in response and lifted my face to hers and kissed me deeply. Within moments I was screaming her name as she feasted upon my wetness.
Later we finally managed to drag ourselves out of bed and into the shower. Meaning only to bath ourselves we soon found it impossible and made love once again. We finally finished our shower when the water turned icy cold. We dressed and packed the car with our bags and presents for the family. Then we took a casual stroll into town and had a real breakfast at the Java House. Upon returning home we went upstairs to rest before facing the holiday traffic.