Ophelia by Jude Ouvrard Page A

body hovered over me. All I wanted was to pull him to me. He seemed too far away, and I felt terribly self-conscious having him staring at me.
    “You are so beautiful, so perfect.”
    “Stop, you’re going to make me blush.”
    A grin traced his lips. “Oh baby, it’s too late, your face matches your hair.” His voice caressed me, sensual and soft. “You better get used to it. My eyes are addicted to you.”
    I chuckled shyly before pulling him back to me.  His weight on me intensified my need, but I knew it was part of his plan, to tease me.
    We weren’t just making out anymore, his body was taking its position. Teo was both soft and intense. I could tell how much he wanted it, but he was keeping it romantic to please me.
    Feeling him, us, connected together, our movements in synch, my heart was happy and my mind was finally at peace. As my hands felt the muscles of his back, he groaned into my ear.
    “I love this, Ophelia.”
    I said it back, lost in the moment. This was a great night, one that I would remember. After all the emotions I’d had earlier, he was making sure that I felt loved, sated and desired before we both fell asleep.
    ... O ...
    Leaving behind Australia had to be difficult. I’d enjoyed my time here more than anywhere else. I loved Sydney. The Australian accent was like a sweet melody to my ears and my overall experience here met all my expectations. Teaching, sharing my love for the musichad made me unbelievably happy.
    We were standing, holding hands and waiting for our luggage at the airport. Being back in San Diego felt right. I couldn’t wait to see Beverly and Clara, who were on their way to pick us up.
    “Finally! Here they are.” Tired, Teo grabbed both of my bags and his small one. 
    “Thanks, baby,” I said, helping him load them onto the luggage rack.
    “Let me get this, it’s heavy.” He took it out of my hand and placed it effortlessly. I wasn’t alone anymore, I had my man. I couldn’t keep my grin suppressed, it reached my eyes. I was finally home with the man I loved.
    “Come here, Hulk Hogan. I need a bear hug.” I laughed.
    He looked at me, happy, and gave me the hug I asked for. He then kissed my forehead. “We’re home now. To be honest, it makes me nervous.”
    I searched for his eyes but he was avoiding me. “Look at me. Why does it make you nervous?”
    He took a moment before he even looked at me and when he did, his eyes were cold and scared. I hated it. “Because... Usually, as soon as you’re home, you start to think about leaving, to plan out your next destination, and I really don’t want you to leave me again.”
    “I’m not going anywhere, I don’t have any plans. Listen to me, Teo. I’ll play at your restaurant. I’ll try to find a decent job. I want to settle here, like we said we would. I want to work on us now.”
    “Us... You really want it?” he asked, his voice less panicky.
    “Calm down, baby, it’s us. Just like when we were in Australia. We’re in this together, okay?”
    He nodded and kissed my lips, needing to erase the fear he felt. “Come on now, I bet Clara is dying to see you.”
    I wanted to run and push the people out of my way. I wanted to get to my friend and my little princess. I saw her from afar. Bev was holding her daughter in her arms. I squealed like a little girl when I finally reached her. We hugged and I cried. I was overwhelmed with emotions. Clara was holding a single red roses in her hand.
    “Welcome home, Lia.”
    “I missed you so much. I’m certain you’ve grown an inch or two. Look at you, you are so pretty.” I took her from Bev’s arms and held her for a couple of minutes. She was the cutest kid ever. Her little curls, her joyful smile, she was a breath of fresh air. Pure love.
    The drive home had me anxious. It felt like I was moving into a new house. I had never felt like this before. Maybe the fact that we were now serious and official had changed things for me. I was looking forward to