Bountiful Harvest Page 10

  Heading back out to the kitchen, she got a bottle of water then headed back into the bedroom. Now comfortable in her bed with her kindle and her phone, she looked and saw she had missed a text from Frank.

  Frank: Dorrie-girl, wanted to see if you could talk tonight? Girls decided to go out with some of the local teens, so I thought I could talk to my woman for a while.

  Dorrie: Hey, just now seeing this, was on phone with my mom and then the girls for a while. But, if you’re still up, yes, we can talk! If not, we can on Thursday. The girls and I are, um, going shopping tomorrow.

  Frank: K. Call you in a few. Waiting on the phone to ring, she wondered just how much she was ready to share with him. Surprisingly, she felt lighter than she had before, and wasn’t sure if it was the conversation with the girls or the self-induced orgasm she gave herself a short time ago. Figuring it was likely a combination of both, she was about to take a sip of water with her meds when the phone rang.

  “Hello?” “Hey beautiful. How has your night gone? Was wondering what kind of movies you wanted to watch Thursday?” “Hey Frank. First, thank you for my surprise! How you know what to say is beyond me sometimes, but you somehow know what is going on in my head.”

  “God has been leading me where you’re concerned. So, how are the boys? Are your parents surviving?” Laughing, she said “You’re not going to believe it, but they now have two kitties that will live at mom’s house! And they’ve gone to the aquarium and there was a local fair, and dad has built a koi pond, a wishing well and is working on plans for a pergola! Oh, and I have you to thank as well, because mom said that the boys are pretty much ready for back-to-school, other than the specific supplies the teachers will want, and we’ll shop for those after open house.”

  “Sweetheart, just another way to take care of you. I love you and those boys and anything I can do to make life easier, I’m going to try to do, okay?”

  “Um, yeah, I guess so. Mom basically said the same thing, that if they wanted to use their money to take care of the kids or even me, they were going to do so while they were alive!”

  “I like their thinking. So, you sound a bit tipsy, you okay?” “Well, a mostly full bottle of wine is now waiting for repurposing. I had a rather interesting conversation with the girls and they are rather insistent that you know at least the bare bones of it. They said it’s important for our relationship. But I gotta tell you, I’m rather nervous and not sure how it’s going to be received.”

  “My sweet girl, there’s nothing you can tell me that is going to change how I feel about you, unless you tell me you were a man at some point in your life, and that I highly doubt!”

  Giggling at what he just said, she decided to go for broke. “Well, we discussed, in some detail, my sex life with my ex.” Realizing that this was where some of her hang-ups came, he said a silent prayer and felt in his Spirit patience and softly said “And…?”

  “Well, putting it out there feels kind of odd, but I don’t want that part of my life to impact what we are building. In short, I was a virgin with him and all we ever did was missionary and I’ve never orgasmed during sex and have no clue how to do anything,” she said almost without taking a breath.

  Inhaling deeply, realizing that they were at a somewhat critical point in their relationship, he said “Sweet girl, I’m sorry that what you had before was less than, but I’m here to tell you, that will not be how we are at all. You are a beautiful woman, inside and out, and I cannot wait to show you, physically, how much you mean to me. And sweetheart? I’m okay with missionary, but there are a lot of things I plan to do to and with you besides missionary. And I guarantee, you will feel pleasure and orgasm.”

  Not hearing anything but her soft breathing over the phone line, he said “Dorrie-girl? Are you there?” “Yes Frank, I’m here. Kind of feeling overwhelmed. Definitely nervous. Very excited. So, the girls and I are going shopping tomorrow.”

  Wondering at this change of subject, he said “Really? How did that come about?” “Well, with all my reading I do, I had suggested a vibrator and he said that would make me a slut and that only he was allowed to touch me. Which is weird because after DJ, he never did again. Anyhow, they know of a shop uptown and that’s where we are going tomorrow. I’m sure I’ll be mortified beyond belief, but they’re my ride or die girls, so what can I do?”

  Chuckling inside, he said “Hmm. You know that someday, I’m going to want to see you use that on yourself and at some point, I’ll likely want to use it on you. It sounds like he tried to make you feel dirty about that area of your life. For that, I’m sorry. There’s nothing wrong about having a good sex life. And when both people want it, there’s nothing wrong with anything they do. At.All. Sometimes it’ll be fast, sometimes slow, sometimes it’ll be for one or the other of us, depending on the situation. I honestly cannot wait to show you and it thrills me that we are going to do this together. You have no idea whatsoever sweetheart what is in store and I am privileged that I get to be the one. I’ll be thanking God, once again, for bringing us together.”

  “Frank? Lots to think about here. I’m not going to try and and say I’m not nervous as hell, but I trust you. I know you will never do anything to hurt me.”

  “While I have you on the phone, I know you’ve mentioned a few times you have some health issues. Can you elaborate with me?”

  “Well, I developed depressive disorder as a result of all I endured. That caused some chronic health issues, including respiratory disease and kidney disease, which happened after I went into renal failure from a blood clot. The steroids I took for the lung issues caused adrenal insufficiency. All of my issues are now maintained, but I have to take meds to keep things that way.”

  “Sweetheart, I have no words. Truly. Other than my sister, who was isolated from us for the most part, I have never known a man who would treat someone they claimed to love so heinously. I’m so sorry you had to put up with all of that.”

  “Frank, it’s not your fault by a longshot. One of the girls said I had to go through shit to get to good. I agree. While I could live without some of the after-effects, and I have made an appointment with my therapist to go through a few things with her, I consider myself blessed and fortunate. God brought you into my life. And everything I thought about myself has pretty much gone out the window since then. At least the bad things I’ve thought!”

  Thinking that he needed to do this with everything in him, he softly said “Dorrie-girl? Gonna pray over us, yeah?” “Yeah, I’d like that, Frank. He’s an integral part of our lives and He’s going to be part of this too, so have at it, my sweet man.”

  “Father God, thank You. Thank You for this woman. Thank You for the honesty and the truthfulness that is defining our relationship. Building us on a rock is something we are both committed to, and I am asking that You lead, guide, direct and protect us in all areas of the life we are building. Be with Dorrie in her day-to-day dealings, and Lord, keep her and those boys healthy. Thank You for bringing me here and for that still, small voice that resonates within, guiding me in this relationship. I pray we are always open with one another, even if it isn’t comfortable, because truth sets us free. In Your name, Amen.”

  “Amen. Frank, that was beautiful.” “Now my sweet girl, you need to wind down and read before you go to sleep. Keep in mind though, any ideas you get from your ‘books’ I wanna know about them, yeah?”

  Laughing, she said “They’re fiction! There’s no way that some of that stuff happens. Piercings? Up against walls? In showers?”

  “Ah, my sweet innocent girl. Just you wait. Now with that, I’m saying goodnight. I love you and will talk to you tomorrow, okay?”

  “Good night Frank. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Hanging up, he thought over their conversation. Part of him was angry. Angry at a man who was supposed to love his wife and show her what that aspect of life was about, but was too selfish to think of anyone but himself. The other part of him was overjoyed that in a sense, he would be her first
in so many ways. Saying another prayer that he would not push her too far too fast, he shut things down and went to sleep.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The next morning, Dorrie woke up with a slight headache, after effects of the wine she had indulged in the day before. Somehow, she couldn’t make herself feel bad about it; that stuff had to come out and while some might think alcohol courage was wrong, in this instance, with what she was sharing, she didn’t think she could have done it otherwise. Getting up, she grabbed some ibuprofen and then hopped in the shower to get ready for her day. The seniors were coming and those women were live wires sometimes! She hoped Frank’s girls were ready.

  At the shop, she got the music over to an oldies station and was writing down the things she and Renee had discussed that the girls could do when she heard the door chime and saw Frank walking in with a bag and a jumbo cup of her caffeine.

  Smiling, she walked toward him, only to have him put everything down and pull her close to him. “Hey beautiful. How did you sleep?”

  Looking up at his gorgeous brown eyes and seeing them smiling down at her, she said “Wonderfully. Slight headache this morning courtesy of Arbor Mist, but hey, some ibuprofen and caffeine will kill it soon.”

  Cupping her face in his hands, he leaned in and whispered “Gonna kiss you good morning, sweetheart.”

  “O-kay.” As his head leaned even closer, she closed her eyes. One hand caressing her face, the other now cradling her head, he kissed her. Not one of his normal sweet kisses, which got her blood boiling, oh no, this one was at least a gazillion on the scorcher scale. Nipping at her lower lip, swiping his tongue across, he persisted until, with a soft sigh, her arms wrapped around his shoulders and her mouth opened. Gaining entrance, he groaned. She tasted like mint and something that was uniquely her. He had decided right before falling asleep that he was stepping up his game, so to speak, so that she would know just how desirable he found her.

  She found she was swooning in his arms. No one had ever kissed her like this – passionately, with a purpose. She found that his taste was irresistible and she clung to him as he continued to show her through his kisses just how much he loved and desired her. He was lighting up her life in so many ways, and how her body was feeling? Dang, if he could do that with a kiss, she would likely implode when they got to the “good stuff”. Wanting him to feel what she was feeling, she nipped his lower lip then laved it with her tongue, which he immediately captured with his and then proceeded to show her just what he was going to do to her. The way she was feeling, that could happen today if need be! Softening his kiss, he feathered her lips with more kisses before finally kissing her forehead and then leaning his head against her. “Love you, Dorrie-girl. Want you more than words can say. Hoping you realize that now.”

  Still breathing hard, she looked at him and with a small smirk, said “Um, yeah, I totally got that impression! For the record, the feeling is mutual.”

  Hearing the door chime, they turned with her still in his arms and saw the girls and Renee heading into the salon. “Alright you two, break it up! We’re going to have to turn the air down to cool it off in here,” Renee said, with a sly smile and chuckle.

  Now blushing, Dorrie ducked her head before saying “Good morning, girls! Glad you came in a bit early, we wanted to go over what you’ll be doing and all that jazz, if that’s okay?”

  Josie, looking at her dad and grinning, said “So, is this an ‘office meeting’? If so, dad, you need to leave.”

  Shaking his head and looking at his girls, he grinned back and said “Yes ma’am! Just bringing my girl some sustenance and her daily intake of caffeine.” Turning to the woman still in his arms, he said “Dorrie-girl, come with me for a second, okay? Got something for you.”

  “Okay. Be right back you guys!” They headed out the door and with her hand in his, Frank headed across the street and into the Market. He actually had a few things to give her, along with another kiss if he could manage it, maybe not as intense, but he was definitely kissing her again. As they got to the office and went inside, he released her hand and reached into the top desk drawer.

  “Frank, what are those for?” “You remember what you and Renee and Nancy suggested? We took it before the club and they loved the idea so here are the keys to the building so you ladies can get a consignment store up and running.”

  “Oh my gosh, really? Oh, they’re going to be so excited! I’m sure the other old ladies will want in on it too. Wait, what’s that?”

  “Well, you’re my old lady now and that means I take care of you. I know you’re independent in many ways, but there’s my man card to keep in mind here so you cannot say no. This is your account. Do with it what you want. I’m not going to check it, just put money into it every month. Buy stuff for yourself, the salon, the boys, the pets, I don’t care. This is me, taking care of you, so please don’t say no.”

  Looking at the checkbook and debit card he had handed her, she started to shake. Seeing her reaction, he came back around the desk and took her over to the couch to sit down. “Dorrie? What’s the matter, sweetheart?”

  “Frank, no one besides my parents has ever done anything like this before. Ever. Even when DJ was sick, I worked several jobs while trying to build up clientele at the salon just to make ends meet. My grams gave me her house in the will and I’ve been slowly renovating it over the years as I could, although my dad has mainly taken care of that for me. The life insurance I got went into college funds for the boys and I paid a chunk down on the building the salon is in, but I still want to build the upstairs out into an apartment or maybe two to offer to someone in need if possible. This right here? Is more than I ever expected.” Finished with her explanation, she broke down and cried while he held her, rubbing her back and uttering nonsense words to soothe her. “Sweetheart, this is one of those things you’ll have to get used to with me. I take care of mine. Always. I know we haven’t talked about our finances or anything like that, but I retired a rather wealthy man. And the MC has legitimate business dealings that I get a cut from, plus they’ve made the decision that since I’m managing the Market, I’m getting a check for that as well. Money will never be an issue for you again. It will never be an issue for the girls, the boys or any children we decide to have.”

  “You…you want more children?” “Sweetheart, I would love to see you swollen with our baby or babies. Whatever God’s will is for us. I always dreamed of a household of kids.”

  “Frank I would love to be a mother to your kids. Well, our kids. ALL of our kids. Even though the girls are old enough they probably don’t need one, I will warn you that I’ll probably mother them too.”

  Laughing, he pulled her face back and wiped away the remnants of her tears and said “Sweetheart, they are not too old to be mothered. I want that for them. I want a strong, godly woman who loves life and goes for her dreams as a role model for them. I want you.”

  “Um, you kind of made that obvious a little while ago.” “Well, prepare yourself. Going to do it again. How long before they’ll miss you?”

  She looked at her watch, figured it would be at least an hour before the seniors arrived and they only needed about fifteen minutes with the girls to go over things, so she said “Maybe thirty minutes. Tops.”

  “I can work with that if you can.” And with that, he proceeded to show her the joys of making out on a couch for the next thirty minutes.

  Once back at the salon, with lips swollen from the countless kisses he had given her, and a bit of whisker burn on her chin, she grabbed the list she had written out and facing the other three women, said “Okay, so, we’ve got about thirty minutes before our seniors come in. Girls, you’ll love them but a few are a bit saucy so be prepared. We have a washer and dryer back here so you’ll be responsible for making sure that the towels are washed and dried and put up at the shampoo bowl, okay? We occasionally have to wash the capes if we do chemical services and when we do that, one of us will show you what we do differently. The to
wels all get bleach added. Any haircuts we do, once the customer has left, you’ll need to sweep around the station so that no one slips. As far as shampoos go, there’s not much to it – you’ve both had your hair done at a salon before so you know the basics, we put a cape on them, then make sure the water is not too hot or cold, although if it’s a color job we may need you to use cool water and we’ll make sure to tell you, then once the head is wet, put a few pumps of shampoo in and apply. The important thing is to make sure all build-up is gone and that the scalp is clean. Ask them about the pressure, some like it harder and some are ‘tender-headed’. We want it washed twice and then put conditioner on it. Once done, squeeze out as much as you can and then drape their head in a towel. We put a tip jar out at the shampoo station for you two and will be sure to spread the word with our clients that the shampoo girls work for tips too, but we will pay you twelve dollars an hour for the hours you work. I’m pretty sure there will be other things, like running out for lunch on the crazy days or making a bank deposit, but that’s what I have right now. Renee, do you have anything to add?”