My Saving Grace

Later that evening, after we'd eaten lunch and gone for a walk, Antonio drove back home to LA, and I cleaned up around the apartment with a permanent smile plastered on my face. He was literally the most perfect human being, and he was all mine, at last.

It was when I was snuggled up in my bed, with Antonio's scent lingering in the sheets, that I decided to give, Alexa, a call. Boy, did I have a lot to catch her up on.

"Soph?", she answered on the very first ring, her voice throaty.

"Lex, hey! Are you ok? Your voice sounds off."

"Give me a moment," she said in a distracted tone.

I heard the sound of things shuffling around followed by the sound of a masculine voice in the background, and a smile spread across my face as I speculated at what was currently happening.

"Were you in the middle of having sex?", I asked mischievously.

"Yes. No. Maybe..."

"Alexa..."

"We finished just as you called," she admitted with a giggle.

"Girl, I am so sorry for interrupting. I'll call later—"

"No, it's ok. I told David you're my best friend. He's very understanding," she said cheerfully.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. He'll pass out in like five minutes."

"I see. So, David, huh? Tell me more about this guy."

For the next ten minutes, Alexa brought me up to date on her latest catch—David Porter, a finance director at Nike. He worked over at their headquarters in Oregon, and the two of them recently met at a conference there, where they ended up spending the night at his condo.

Since then, they'd been communicating via texts and calls, and according to Alexa, their feelings were mutual hence he'd flown in to New York last night to spend time with her.

"I never thought I'd be the type to do long distance, but well, here I am," she said wryly.

"Yeah, when I heard he lived across the country from you, I was kinda hesitant, too. But hey, you two might be in it for the long haul. If you feel strongly enough for each other, then distance shouldn't be a problem."

"As some wise person once quoted, 'distance makes the heart grow fonder.'"

I smiled to myself.

"Exactly. I'm happy you've got David, Lex. You deserve a good guy, and he sounds like one."

"He's great. You'll have to meet him soon. So, I'm kind of nervous to bring this up, but I'll do it anyway. Did that dick ever try to contact you?" Her tone had an edge to it, and I couldn't help myself. I burst out laughing.

"Why are you laughing?"

"Let's just say...that 'dick' has made a lot of contact with me the past twelve hours...could've been in me, too, if it weren't for my freaking period," I said with a half-groan half-sigh.

"What?!", Alexa shrieked, and I had to pull the phone away from my ear for a brief second to prevent going deaf. "You're letting that lowlife use you as a sex slave now?"

"Sex slave?" My eyes popped out of their sockets.

"You heard me. Sophia, I thought you wanted more from that jerk than just sex." She sounded so concerned. She always had been when it came to my well-being.

"First of all, his name isn't "dick," "lowlife," or "jerk." It's Antonio. And we're very much together now," I clarified, stifling a laugh.

"Together? As in boyfriend and girlfriend? Or sex slave and master?"

"The former, Alexa!", I burst out, and by then I was rolling on the bed chortling like an idiot.

"Oh, thank the lord. Girl, you need to spill now."

I caught her up on everything that had transcended between Antonio and me the past twenty-four hours, and by the end of it, my throat was parched. As my best friend, I wasn't surprised at her initial alarm with me being with a guy who'd pushed his former fiancée down the stairs.

But I assured her that it was just a freak accident, a one time thing. Sure, we'd only had a few encounters in the past, but he didn't seem at all like the type of guy who'd ever lay a hand on me. I always based my judgement of people on first impressions, and Antonio's had revealed no signs of aggression.

A smile formed on my lips as I remembered how he'd surrendered his mac and cheese to me and maneuvered my Jeep out of its parking spot.

"He's just...full of surprises," I voiced my thoughts out loud.

"What woman doesn't want that. But I'm serious girl, if the dick does anything to hurt you, I will take an overnight flight to California myself and eliminate his physical ability to ever father a kid," she said determinedly.

"For the last time, Lex, his name is Antonio. He's not a dick."

"I'll be the judge of that when I come over for Christmas."

"You're visiting?", I exclaimed happily.

"Heck yeah. I'll bring David, too, if we're still together by then."

I clapped by hands together excitedly.

"Yes, that sounds perfect! And I know it's getting late over there, but there's one more thing I have to tell you."

"You're pregnant?"

"Not even close. Get this. Chase Lincoln, the homeless guy I befriended freshman year, is a Hollywood actor now."

"Wait what?! How?"

"I have no idea. All I know is that he left the hospital that one day, but where he ended up going remains a mystery."

Alexa was silent on the other end of the line, but in the background, I could hear the sound of her fingers typing away on a keyboard. I almost began to nod off when her excited squeal recaptured my attention.

"I found him on Google!"

"What does it say?", I asked anxiously.

"Not much, actually," she replied dejectedly.

"Seriously?"

"Yeah. It just says his birthdate and hometown, which was Edina, Minnesota. Also, he's only been in the movie industry a little over two years. He was the supporting male actor in "Live or Die," she read.

"Edina is a super rich suburb from what I've heard from my uncle. It makes sense because both Chase's dad and stepdad made a generous living. Antonio and I watched "Live or Die" earlier today, actually."

"How was it?"

"It was quite entertaining. Very action packed. Chase definitely put on an Oscar-worthy performance. He's crazy talented, Lex."

"That's awesome. I'm looking at a picture of him right now. The guy ain't ugly, Soph. If I didn't already have David, I'd hunt him down."

I threw my head back and laughed.

After exchanging a few more final words, Alexa and I ended our phone call, and I buried myself under the covers, replaying my reunion with Antonio in my head. Just when my eyes began to close, my phone lit up, and reaching for it, I smiled to myself as I read the incoming text.

Antonio: Not sure if you're still awake but I just wanted to say good night. Also, now is a good time to let me know if you want out because I intend to keep you for a very, very long time.

My heart fluttered in my chest at his words, and the reply I typed came as naturally as my feelings for him.

Me: That sure sounds promising. Where are you planning on keeping me?

His reply came two minutes later.

Antonio: Very funny, Sophia.

Me: Is it crazy to say that I miss you already?

Antonio: Not at all cause I'm feeling the exact same way right now. I'll see you again sometime this week?

I bit my lip to prevent myself from giggling like some lovesick teenager. After all, Antonio was the first serious boyfriend I'd had since high school.

Me: I'd like that.

Antonio: Me too. I'll text you when I figure out a date.

Me: Ok.

Antonio: Sweet dreams, mia bella.

Me: Good night, Antonio.

Setting my phone down on the nightstand, I pulled the blanket to my chin then eventually drifted off to sleep, where Antonio starred in my every one of my dreams. And they were very sweet, indeed.

***

It was on Wednesday after my brief lunch period when my manager, Darren, approached me in my cubicle. Hopefully, what he had to say was quick because the amount of work I had yet to resume down in the lab was endless.

"Sophia, could I speak to you in my office for a moment?", he asked.

"Of course."

I shut my computer down and stood up, following him to his office a couple of cubicles down. He gestured to the seat across from his desk, and I sat down, feeling rather apprehensive as my palms began to grow sweaty. Darren probably sensed my nerves, letting a slow smile spread across his face.

"Relax, Sophia, you're not in any trouble," he said with a slight chuckle.

"That's good to hear." I mentally sighed in relief.

"You're here because I'd like you to consider the opportunity of transferring to our Research and Development area."

"Where my title would be..."

"An R&D engineer," he completed my sentence. "You wouldn't just be temporarily assisting our R&D team; this would be your new position at our company."

"I see."

Uncertainty was written all over my face about how I'd gotten this offer, so Darren elaborated.

"Most of our engineers who don't already start with an R&D title eventually get there if they so choose after working for 4-5 years. You've been with us for two years, but your past experiences indicate a strong background in research. Your sophomore year, you worked in a research lab, and your internship at Cargill was in R&D."

For a moment, I sat there, contemplating his incredible offer. I'd always dreamt of working in R&D but thought it would take a while to get there because I didn't have a graduate degree in my major. Thankfully, my undergraduate research experiences made up for that.

At the same time, I loved the job I had now and getting to collaborate with Ella and Peter. But I'd worked hard to one day receive this exact opportunity, and besides, the three of us would still have lunch together along with our Friday half-apps dates.

"When would you like my decision?", I asked Darren.

"Preferably by Monday."

"Could I tell you now?"

"That's even better." He grinned.

"My decision is yes. I'd love to work in R&D," I stated with a bright smile.

"Excellent. The guys over there will be very happy to have you join their team. I'll send you the details later, but I expect you'll start your new position by the end of next week."

"Great. Thank you for giving me this opportunity, Darren."

We shook hands as he said, "Don't thank me. Thank your friends, Ella and Peter. They heard we needed someone up in R&D to replace Brandon, who retired last month, and told me you'd be the perfect candidate. I myself, couldn't agree more."

At this additional piece of information, I felt my heart swell with love for my friends and after parting with Darren, I headed straight down to the lab with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

That night, after Ella, Peter, and I went out for drinks to celebrate my promotion, I was getting ready for bed when my phone rang with a call from Antonio.

"Hey, sexy," I greeted in the most seductive voice I could muster.

He laughed before saying, "Hey, mia bella."

"What's up?"

"Going for a run on the streets."

"At eight pm?"

"You got a problem with that?"

"No. I love running at night."

"You better not. It's not safe for beautiful women like you."

"Says who?"

"Says your boyfriend."

There was that fluttery feeling in my stomach again...

At that moment, an idea popped into my head.

"Antonio, how would you like to join my friends and I for half-apps on Friday night?"

"They'd be ok with it?"

"Of course. They're dying to meet the emotionally complicated USC professor I screwed."

"Jesus, friends sure tell each other everything, don't they," he said with a dry laugh.

"You betcha."

"Sure, I'll join you guys Friday night. I can pick you up, and we'll meet them there. And Sophia?"

"Yes?", I said sweetly.

"Pack an overnight bag. You'll be spending your entire weekend with me. We need to make up for lost time."

"So demanding, Rossi."

"Clothing is optional," he added in a husky tone.

And just like that, he'd managed to get my panties wet. Before I could come up with a witty reply, he'd already hung up the phone. The bastard.

***

Ella and Peter were already seated at a booth by the time Antonio and I arrived at Applebee's, and I waved to both of them as we approached their table.

Standing up, Peter offered his hand to Antonio.

"Peter Lancaster. It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Antonio," he said cheerfully.

"Likewise, Peter."

They shook hands then Antonio directed his attention to Ella, who was smiling radiantly.

"I'm Ella Edwards. It's great to finally meet you in person."

"Nice to meet you, too, Ella. Sophia has told me wonderful things about the both of you," Antonio said with a warm smile, shaking her hand.

He's hot, Ella mouthed to me, which earned a laugh from both Peter and Antonio.

After getting situated in our booth, a waiter came by to take our order then Ella launched into conversation, directing her gaze towards me and Antonio.

"So, you two have known each other for like, two years now, right?"

I turned to look at Antonio.

"Can you believe it's been that long since we met at Ralph's?"

"Nope." He grinned.

"Well, it's about time you made our Sophia your girlfriend," Ella blurted.

"Remember, they'd only met up a couple of times in the past," Peter amended.

"I'm aware of that, you dummy. I'm just messing with Antonio." She gave Antonio a wink, and he chuckled, a smile touching the corner of his lips.

"So, Sophia, have you told Antonio about your promotion yet?", Peter asked.

"Promotion?" Antonio turned to look at me with an inquisitive gaze.

"I wanted to wait until tonight with all of us here. But yes, I got promoted to R&D Engineer."

"Is that what you want to do?"

"Absolutely."

"Then I'm happy for you. Congrats, mia bella."

Antonio smiled at me like I was the only person in the room, his brown eyes twinkling with pride as he draped an arm over my shoulder, pulling me in close so he could place an affectionate kiss on my forehead before releasing me.

"To Sophia and Antonio, my official new favorite couple," Ella toasted with a dreamy expression on her face.

"Oh, Ella," Peter teased.

I was blushing furiously as we all clinked glasses, and next to me, Antonio had an amused, delighted look on his face.

Our chips and artichoke dip was the first appetizer to come out minutes later, and we all dug in heartily. As I ate, I surreptitiously studied Antonio's profile. He was completely relaxed and getting along great with my friends, which made my heart burst with joy. Each time he caught me looking at him, a dazzling smile lit up his entire face.

"So, Antonio, has a student ever tried making a move on you before?", Ella asked after her second margarita.

I laughed, nearly choking on my drink. Antonio shot me an amused look before turning his warm eyes to Ella.

"My first year teaching, I had three female students ask me out," he replied.

"How old were you?"

"I was twenty-six."

"Damn, that's young."

Antonio smiled.

"My third year was interesting. One of my brightest students came in after my office hours had ended to ask for help with a homework problem. After explaining it to her, she tried to seduce me," he said with a straight face.

"Thank god, you didn't go to USC, right, Soph?", Peter joked.

We all burst out laughing, and that was how the rest of the night proceeded.
It was almost eleven by the time we got back to Antonio's apartment, and I was thoroughly spent from a long day at work. But not too spent to do wild things with my boyfriend.

"I had no idea your friends were so entertaining. Ella should've been a comedian," he remarked as we headed to his bedroom for the night.

"I know, right?" I smiled.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted something black on top of his dresser, and when I got closer, I realized that they were female undergarments.

"Whose are those?", I asked, pointing at them accusatorially.

"They're yours...from the last time you were here," he said quietly, with a hint of sadness clouding his eyes.

I picked them up, and a detailed inspection confirmed that they were indeed mine.

"You kept my bra and panties on your dresser for two months?"

"It was all I had of you."

"Oh, Antonio," I whispered, dropping the undergarments as my hands went to his face.

Holding me tight against him, his lips descended on mine, and my pulse quickened. His mouth was urgent, coaxing a response from me, and when he captured my tongue with his, I moaned. With this kiss, which was forceful, gentle, and everything in between that shook me to the very core, Antonio Rossi branded my soul.

I was his, and he was mine.

He began trailing kisses down my neck as his hands wandered to my aching breasts, cupping them, and I threw my head back, quivering with pleasure. In a swift heartbeat, he was on his knees in front of me, and I watched as he lifted my dress up to my waist.

"I need to taste you," he said with a groan, pulling my thong to the side.

I gasped loudly when I felt his hot mouth on my sex. Clutching his head in my hands, my eyes clenched shut as he licked up my slit before taking my bud between his teeth and biting gently.

"Fuck!", I exclaimed, my hips jerking.

Antonio's hands were flat on my ass, pressing me even closer to his hungry mouth.

"That's it, baby. Ride my face," he coaxed.

He threw my right leg over his shoulder as his tongue plunged deep into my bundle of nerves, and my hips bucked wildly. Within moments, I felt my orgasm building, but just as I was about to reach the peak, his mouth left me.

"Antonio," I practically begged as he leapt to his feet, his lips glistening with my arousal.

"Shh, mia bella, I'll take care of you," he crooned.

He captured my lips in a wild kiss as we made our way to the bed, where he pulled my dress over my head. Underneath, I was wearing my sexy red lingerie set, and his lustful eyes roamed over my body in appreciation.

"Please don't tell me you wore this for some bastard in the lab."

"I wore it for you," I breathed, my chest rising and falling rapidly.

"God, you're going to be the death of me," he growled.

With deft hands, he unclasped my bra, tossing it over his shoulder then worked to slide my thong down my legs. He brought it to his nose, inhaling, and the erotic sight nearly made me come. Throwing it to the floor, he swiftly removed his shirt, pants, and boxers. I barely had time to admire his godlike body when he climbed on top of me, his huge erection pressing into my thigh.

"I need you inside of me. Now," I panted.

"As you wish," he said with a sly grin, teasing my folds before plunging deep inside of me as a groan tore through his chest.

I dug my nails into his muscular back, and he swallowed my cries with his mouth as my muscles clenched around him, adjusting to his size. He filled every inch of me perfectly, and when he began thrusting his hips, I was sent to pure euphoria.

How I managed to survive two months without this, I had no idea. Being in Antonio's strong arms while he fucked me senseless was a feeling like no other. Gazing up into his blazing eyes, I saw raw emotions that couldn't yet be put into words, and when his lips curled into an achingly sweetest smile, I swallowed back tears.

A sheen of sweat glazed our bodies, and he gritted his teeth as we both climbed higher and higher until finally reaching the summit. With one final thrust, my muscles tightly grasped his length like a sheath, and he cried out my name, pouring every last drop of himself into me.

"You're amazing," he whispered after we'd caught our breaths, kissing me gently on the lips.

"Not as amazing as you." I combed my fingers through the damp hair at his nape.

With a sated sigh, he rolled off of me to lie at my side then gathered me close into his arms, covering our naked bodies with the comforter.

"Sleep tight, mia bella."

"You'll be here in the morning?", I murmured against his chest.

"Yes. God, yes I'll be here." He squeezed me tight.

"Good..."

Within moments, I was asleep in the arms of the man who held my heart, and it was the closest I'd been to heaven in a long time.

Notes