Blossoms of Love Page 9

  Lamont lead her into the huge bedroom to a king size bed. He began undressing her. He ran his hands along her body, “Damn you’ve got a lovely body.” She said, “I’m glad you like me.” He said in a soft voice, “Like you?” He pushed her naked body against him, “I love you. God how I love you.”

  It had been such a long time since he’d made love to her but she hadn’t forgotten. He quickly undressed. She could see he was close to a climax. On the bed, his kisses and touches made her beg for him. Their lovemaking was so beautiful—so sweet—so fulfilling that they forgot anyone else existed. Their climax was a sweet ecstasy, a rapturous delight. Lamont held her in his arms, “Baby I’ve never been loved so completely.” He rose up on one elbow, “If you get much better, I’ll never be able to stand it.” She asked, “When can we get married?” He answered, “Just as soon as you get back from Europe, that is if I can do without you that long.” She said, “Six or seven months is a long time.” He brushed her hair from her face, “We’ll both be busy, maybe it will pass off quickly. I hope Dave has himself together.” She rose up on one elbow letting her breast touch his chest, “I still can’t believe you love me.” He said in his quiet, romantic voice, “It’s true kitten. I thought when a guy fell in love it hit him like a ton of bricks. That’s not true. I guess I’ve loved you for a long time. You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved, except for my Mother.” He hugged her to him, “I know we can make a marriage work. We’ve got to because after loving you tonight, no other woman could ever satisfy me.” She kissed him on the cheek, “Sure we’ll make it. How can we go wrong? We love each other.” Lamont sighed, “What do we do now? Do we go home or stay here the rest of the night?” She snuggled closer to his nude body, “Let’s stay here.”

  They were silent for a few minutes. Natalie tried to go to sleep but couldn’t. She broke the silence, “Darling.” He sleepily answered, “Hmm?” She giggled, “I’ve never slept nude before.” He yawned, “You’d better get used to it.” She asked, “Have you always slept naked?” He said, “Since I was a young boy.” He grinned, “One summer night I woke up, it was so hot we were all wet with sweat. We didn’t have an air conditioner. There wasn’t a breeze anywhere and all of us boys slept upstairs. I decided to take off my underwear and I did. The next morning Leon, who was ten years old, told Dad about me sleeping naked. Dad gave me a hard whipping for that.” Natalie asked, “Why did he do that? All of you were boys.” Lamont explained, “Well, Dad is a very religious man. I was fourteen and developing fast into manhood. Dad didn’t think it was right for the younger ones to see the change in me. That day Mom assigned us into rooms and we couldn’t sleep anywhere else. Since Johnny was the oldest, he and I had the same bedroom. That’s when I started sleeping nude all of the time. I even got Johnny sleeping the same way.” He kissed her on the cheek, “I see no reason putting clothes on to go to bed.” She giggled, “Come to think of it, it is silly isn’t it?” They were silent for a few minutes then Natalie said, “Monty I’m looking forward to our future. Do you want any children?” Lamont didn’t answer. She looked at him and he was sound asleep. The moonlight beaming through the window shined on his face. She whispered, “Oh Monty you’re so beautiful, so wonderful, and I love you so much. Maybe it’s wrong to love you so much but I just can’t help it.” She snuggled closer to him and finally went to sleep.

  Lamont woke early. He looked over at Natalie. The outline of her nude body under the sheet made him purr with delight knowing he was the only man who’d ever had her. It was five thirty. The wind seemed to be blowing hard. He heard a clap of thunder. He sat up on the side of the bed, lit a cigarette, thinking of his and Natalie’s future. There was another clap of thunder. This time it was louder. Natalie opened her eyes. She looked over at Lamont who was still nude. She yawned, “Why are you awake so early?” He answered, “I always wake early. I got used to that in the Navy.” She sat up, slipped her arms around his waist, and kissed him on the back. She whispered, “Come back to bed.” He put his cigarette out and turned around facing her, “What’s wrong baby? Are you hot again?” He began laughing, “You’re blushing.” She pulled the sheet up to her neck, “Monty you shock me sometimes.” He reached over and pulled the sheet off her body, “You need loving, right?” She nodded. He kissed her, “Okay. I’m the guy with the tools to help you.” She looked at him, “Oh Monty, don’t make a joke of our love.” He gathered her to him, “I’m not joking about our love. It’s no joke. It’s real. I just wanted to tease you a little. You’re too serious honey.” She said, “I don’t mean to be.” He traced a finger around the nipple of her breast and said, “I’ll teach you how to live my sweet.” She pulled his face down to hers and said, “You do that darling.”

  It was storming outside but Natalie and Lamont couldn’t care less. They didn’t hear a key unlock the door. They didn’t know anyone was around until the bedroom door opened. Lamont jumped off Natalie. Natalie looked face to face with Dora standing in the door shocked with her mouth wide open. Natalie grabbed the sheet and jerked it over her body and Lamont’s. Dora was so surprised, she just stood in the door staring at them. Natalie yelled, “Get out of here Dora.” Without a word, Dora slammed the door behind her. Lamont immediately got up and started putting on his clothes. Natalie began to cry, “Oh god.” Lamont was angry, he hadn’t reached a climax and was having a hard time. He growled, “What the hell’s she doing here?” Natalie cried, “I don’t know.”

  Lamont disappeared into the bathroom. Natalie, still in bed, noticed how hard it was raining outside. She felt so ashamed. Her sister of all people. She got out of bed and began dressing. She felt so dirty. She was dressed when Lamont came out of the bathroom. He was still angry. He finished dressing by putting his shirt on. She looked at him, “Monty I feel so dirty, so ugly.” He looked at her and asked, “Why?” She was so surprised he had ask why. He said, “Look Natalie, what we have isn’t dirty or ugly.” She cried, “It wasn’t until now.” He went over to her, grabbed her by the shoulders and said, “It isn’t now either.” She said, “Oh Monty, if we’d been married I would still feel like I do.” He said frankly, “Then you don’t love me.” He let her go and began putting on his socks. She explained, “I do love you. I just feel ashamed.” He looked up at her, “Ashamed of what?” She answered, “You know. The way she saw us. We were making love.” Lamont said, “No, I don’t know Natalie. I’m not ashamed of a damn thing.” She said, “But it’s different with a woman” He tied his shoes, “I don’t buy that.” She asked, “Don’t you hate to even look at Dora now?” He grumbled, “No, the only thing I hate—I had to finish the job off in the bathroom.” She said, “Maybe I don’t really know you.” He sighed, “I guess you don’t.” He rose up from tying his shoes, “Forget it Natalie.” She said, “I can’t.” He looked at her, “I feel sorry for you. It’s been nice baby. We had paradise together.” He started toward the door. She ran after him, “Where are you going?” He answered, “To Montana.” She clung to him, “Are you saying we’re through?” He answered, “That’s right.” She replied, “No Monty. I love you. You love me. You can’t just turn off love like some kind of switch.” Her eyes met his and he didn’t look as angry, “I can. I am. Maybe it’s a good thing this happened. It showed our true colors. I could never feel ashamed or dirty when it’s you I made love to. I wish Dora hadn’t walked in on us but nevertheless, she did. Like I said, I don’t feel ashamed because it was you I was making love to, a love I deeply cherish. Nat I can’t make love to you again. I can’t ever. Not when you feel this ugliness and being so ashamed.” She said, “But Monty I’m not ashamed of you.” He replied, “You have to be, I’m part of it.” She begged, “Monty please don’t do this to me. I can’t take it. You’re my life, my world.” He said softly, “You’re too serious. I’m not saying you’re wrong and I’m right. I’m just saying it won’t work for us. A few hours ago I was sure it would. Not now.” With tears in her eyes she said, “This is the story of our lives isn’t it? Eve
r since we met it’s been this way. The only difference, you were very convincing this time. You’d never said you loved me before.” This time he was very serious when he said, “I do love you Natalie. I’ll always love you, but there’s more to marriage than making love. We just don’t have it.” With tears streaming down her cheeks she cried, “Monty, oh Monty, I don’t want to live without you.” Lamont asked, “Are you ready to go?” She didn’t bother to make the bed. It had stopped storming but was still raining.

  When they got to the Agar house, Natalie didn’t want to go in but she knew she had to. Dora’s car wasn’t there, she was glad of that. Everything seemed normal. Della and Porter were in the kitchen. Mr. and Mrs. Agar were out on the patio at the swimming pool. No one seemed to be alarmed that Natalie and Lamont were out all night. Upstairs they met David coming out of his room. David asked, “Where in the hell have you two been?” Natalie said, “Out at Dad’s cabin on the beach.” Then she went into her room. Lamont got David’s arm “Come in my room for a minute. I want to talk to you.” David followed him into the room. Lamont got a small bag out of the closet. Lamont asked, “How long will it be until you get that cast off?” David answered, “In about two weeks.” Lamont began packing his clothes. He said, “I’m going back tonight. You can fly out later and I’ll meet you.” David was puzzled, “Hey buddy, we were going to Montana together, when I get this cast off remember?” Lamont kept packing, “Well something’s come up. I’ve got to leave tonight.” David could see that Lamont was upset and a little angry. David asked, “You and Natalie had a fuss.” Lamont answered, “No, just a disagreement.” David said, “Look Monty things will patch up for you and Nat. They always do.” Lamont started to shave. David said, “You’ve helped me plenty of times, maybe I can help you if you’ll tell me what it’s all about.” Lamont said, “Maybe you can help Natalie. I think you know we’ve been to bed together.” David said, “Yes, I was almost sure. Knowing you and knowing how much she loves you I figured you had. It’s none of my business. Nat’s a grown woman. She’s twenty-four.” Lamont said, “We were in bed going strong when Dora walked in.” David asked, “What in the hell was she doing there?” Lamont replied, “Hell I don’t know.” Lamont picked up his razor, “Natalie is ashamed, disgraced, and sex is nothing but ugly. I think it’s time for me to get out. It can never work for us now.” David said, “Sure it will. Nat will get over this.” Lamont said, “Not completely she won't. I just can’t live with her knowing she feels sex is dirty. Hell Dave, sex is half my life.” David gave a long sigh, “I think you’re wrong about Nat. Maybe it’s best for you two to be separated for a while. You know the old saying, absence makes the heart grow fonder.” David looked down at the floor, “That’s why I don’t know how I’m gonna make it without Sharon. I can’t go get her and bring her back.” David waited until Lamont got out of the shower then asked, “Monty do you really love Nat?” Lamont stopped dressing, “Yes Dave, she’s the only woman I’ve ever wanted to live with and be the mother of my children.” David begged, “Then don’t let this thing come between you. Life is too short Monty. I know. It breaks my heart when I think I could have had two more years with Sharon if I’d given in and married her. You think about that. Now I’ve got to see Dora before her big mouth starts talking.” David got to the door, looked back, and asked, “What time are you leaving?” Lamont answered, “I don’t know. I haven’t called the airport yet.” David said, “You think about what I said.”

  David had just gotten down the stairs when Dora and Ralph came in the front door. David grabbed Dora’s hand, “Come in the den. I want to talk to you.” Ralph followed. David shut the door. Dora looked at her brother, “You know?” David answered, “Yes I know. Monty told me.” Dora said, “It’s disgusting. Our own sister. Dave she’s nothing better than a whore.” David said, “Dora don’t talk like that.” Dora said, “Do you mean to tell me that you don’t think she did wrong?” David said, “She did wrong, but don’t we all do things we’re sorry of. A lot of us just don’t get caught.” Dora asked, “Are you saying I did those things? Well I tell you little brother, I was a virgin when Ralph and I got married.” David said, “I want you to promise me you won’t tell anyone about this. I know Ralph won’t.” Dora said “I think Mother and Dad should know. They think Monty is such a good, nice person and that Natalie is perfect.” David said, “You really are jealous of Nat. I’ve thought it for a long time. For once in your life Dora be a decent person and not hurt Mother and Dad.” Dora scorned, “Oh I was so embarrassed. Dad gave me and Ralph a key. We’d planned to spend a few days on the beach. It was raining hard and I didn’t see Natalie’s car parked at the back. I unlocked the front door and while Ralph was brining in the bags I thought I’d open some windows to air the place out. I opened the bedroom door and there they were. I was so shocked I couldn’t move until Nat yelled for me to get out. I ran out of the house and told Ralph to go. I told him as he drove away.” David said, “You and Ralph go on out there now. Mother and Dad don’t know you’re here. Dora argued, “They should know Dave.” David got angry, “Dora will you please do this one thing for me?” He kept looking at his sister, “Monty’s my best friend. He’s like a brother to me. Nat is our sister. That should be enough reason to keep quiet about this.” Ralph spoke, “I agree with Dave.” Dora asked, “Who asked you?” Ralph said, “That is enough Dora. Come on let’s go to the beach and forget the whole thing.” She looked at her brother then her husband, “I think you’re both wrong but I’ll go along with you.” Ralph got her arm, “Come on let’s get out before anyone sees us.” David sighed with relief when Ralph and Dora drove away.

  He went out to the swimming pool. His Mother and Father were laughing about something. Mr. Agar told her a joke.

  Lamont called the airport. A plane would leave in three hours for Montana. He sat down in the hall on a bench. David came back into the house. He saw Lamont’s bag beside him, “So you’re really leaving?” Lamont said, “I have to go Dave. I’ve got to get away so I can think this thing out.” David said, “I understand. I’ll see you in about two weeks. I’ll take you to the airport. I’ll go change clothes.”

  When David was upstairs, he tapped on Natalie’s door. When she didn’t answer, he opened the door. She was sitting by the window staring out into space. David said, “Want to go with me to take Monty to the airport?” She answered, “He wouldn’t want me to.” David went over to her, “Look sis, give Monty time. This has hit him pretty hard.” Natalie looked at her brother, “What has? Dave I really don’t know what’s hurt Monty so much. He knows I love him. That should be enough. It is for me.” David said, “His ego Nat. Let me tell you something, a man takes great pride in his sex life. With a woman he loves, he wants to give her the sweetness he feels. He wants her to share the fulfillment of paradise on earth the same as he does. Monty found this with you but when you told him you were ashamed and dirty and that sex was ugly, that hit him below the belt.” Natalie said, “But Dave I tried to explain. I wasn’t ashamed of Monty or feel dirty because he made love to me. I felt this because Dora saw us.” David said, “Monty thinks you’ll always feel this way.” She sighed, “Oh Dave that’s silly.” David suggested, “Then go downstairs and talk to him. Tell him exactly how you feel. Natalie, don’t let this man walk out of your life. He’s a wonderful guy and he’s still in love with you.” Natalie said, “Monty is so stubborn.” David agreed, “I know he is. He’s also in love.” She combed through her hair, “Okay. I’ll give it another try.” David said, “Buy the way, Dora and Ralph were here. Don’t worry, their not gonna say a word. It will be forgotten.” Natalie breathed, “Thank goodness. I was afraid she would tell Mother and Dad.” David said, “I gave her a good talking to. She knows I know a few things I could tell on her that she don;t want known.” Natalie hugged her brother’s neck, “Thank you. You’re the greatest brother a girl could have.”

  Natalie saw Lamont sitting on the bench from the top of the stairs. She took a deep breat
h and slowly came down the steps. He looked up when he heard her. He looked so disturbed, so unhappy, and so sad. Natalie said, “Dave said you were leaving.” Lamont answered, “Yes, in a little over two hours.” Natalie asked, “Can we talk? I mean really talk to each other?” Lamont said, “Sure.” She said, “Please let me say what I’ve got to say without stopping me.” He just looked at her. She began, “First of all I want you to know, if I’ve hurt you I’m very sorry. You’re the last person I’d want to hurt. You misunderstood what I said. When I said I was ashamed, it wasn’t of you or our lovemaking. It was because Dora saw us. When I said I felt dirty, it wasn’t because you’d touched me or you’d given yourself to me. It was because of the way Dora looked at me. Darling sex with you could never be ugly. Oh Monty, when you love me, your kisses, your touches, and yourself, it’s beautiful. I’ve never felt such ecstasy, such sweetness. I need all of this from you to finish my life happily. I’m begging your forgiveness Monty—I’m begging for you to not stop loving me. Don’t you see darling, I’m not alive until you touch me or hold me. I belong to you. I’ll always belong to you and no one else. I love you Monty. Oh God how I love you.”