Marry Me Bitsy: Loving Bitsy Series, #2

By Virginia Dare

Bitsy Russo and Simon Levine are finally free to share their love. Bitsy's ex is in jail, and Simon's ex has gone off to greener pastures with Simon's best friend. All should be well now. Neither counted on the surprises that awaited them. Simon's mother, Edna, and Bitsy's mother Maeve soon appear. Will they be supportive of the couple? Or will the women throw a monkey wrench into the couple's happiness? Book Two of the "Loving Bitsy" series is a tale of humor, romance, passion, and enough craziness to keep the reader turning pages.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dragonfly Books
• Release date: Feb 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224800094

Virginia Dare

After spending most of my life in Queens, New York, where I locate most of my stories, I  retired from a career in Healthcare and moved to a small house in upstate New York.  I live with a multitude of pets including but not limited to a couple of cats, three dogs and a goat.  When I'm not busy writing, I enjoy reading, crocheting, gardening, cooking and baking.  The Loving Bitsy series addresses many of the issues I dealt with as a healthcare professional.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Bitsy stretched and smiled. She loved waking up in Simon’s arms. He moved closer and nuzzled her neck.  He groaned, What time is it?

Nine fifteen, you can sleep in.  She kissed him.

No, I’ll get up with you, he mumbled as he fell back to sleep.

Bitsy lay there, watching him sleep, his hair was tousled, and he looked so sweet.  Even in his sleep, he reached for her, pulling her closer to him. he smiled.  Bitsy was so thankful that she was here with him.  It wasn’t so long ago that she was living a dismal, painful life with no hope for the future, and now she woke up every morning to a man who loved and cherished her.  A man who would do anything and everything to protect her.  And she would do the same for him.  This was where she was meant to be all along. 

Careful not to wake him, Bitsy slid out of bed and pulled on one of Simon’s tee shirts.  She loved wearing his shirt on Saturday mornings, the scent of him filling her head.   Walking barefoot to the kitchen, she stopped to take in the changes they had made to the living room.  They painted the walls a soft green and hung prints of her favorite Van Gogh paintings.  The sofa and chair had colorful throw pillows, blankets with shades of greens and blues and the coffee table was covered with art books and travel magazines.  Even messy,  the sun-filled room looked cozy.  They had to buy several bookcases when Bitsy moved in to accommodate all of their books.  There were at least three full shelves of law books alone.  She loved that they had an entire wall of bookshelves.  Her ex-husband never read a book and hated having hers around.

Bitsy continued into the kitchen and popped a k-cup into the Keurig; a few minutes later, she took her coffee out to the terrace.  It was late September, and the mornings were a little cooler, but she loved being out there.  She sat on the chaise and pulled the throw blanket over her legs.

Not long ago, she lived in an apartment on the fourth floor, and the terrace was one of her hiding spots.  She would go out there to avoid her abusive husband, who seemed to be on the verge of fury every time he looked at her.  Bitsy sipped her coffee, grateful to be free of the fear and loneliness that had plagued her since she married Paul when she was just eighteen.  She had been pregnant, and her mother, a staunch Catholic, had done everything she could to force them to marry.  Then when Bitsy tried to go home because of the abuse, her mother had turned her away and sent her back to him.  His abuse had cost her the pregnancy that forced them together, but there was no way out by then until Simon came into her life.

Bitsy shook off the memories.  That was all in the past. The divorce was final.  She’d gotten Paul to sign the papers by promising not to testify against him after his arrest on drug trafficking charges, although she was never on any witness list. She also promised not to write the book I Was Married To A Male Prostitute.  That part was particularly amusing to her.  He would be in prison for at least ten years, but he was worried about his reputation.

Now, safe and loved by the most amazing man in the world,  she had resumed her career and gone back to work at Elder and Associates. This time she was a paralegal and not just the receptionist, thanks to her employer's generosity.  Mr. Elder had arranged for her to take the classes while at work when she was still with her abusive ex-husband, and now Mr. Elder promised to help her with law school once she finished undergrad. 

Only a few weeks ago she started working toward her degree.  She was excited as she had always loved school and it was good to be back.  Her work schedule was flexible and included the ability to work from home when she needed to.  The firm was more than willing to work around her class schedule. 

As she finished her coffee Simon came shuffling out from the bedroom, sleepy-eyed and rumpled in his pajamas. She smiled; he looked adorable.

Wordlessly he joined her on the chaise, snuggling under the blanket. His hand found her breast, and he caressed it, his leg over hers; she could feel his hardness pressing against her hip.  She moved against him, and he grinned, eyes wide open now.  You wanna? he asked huskily. 

You betcha! she answered, and they headed back to the bedroom.  "God, but I love Saturdays." Bitsy thought as they climbed back into bed.  Simon wasted no time, pulling her shirt over her head, he kissed her deeply.  It amazed her that her responses were so different with Simon.  Her only sexual experience had been with her ex-husband, and she never felt anything like this with him.  Paul had convinced her that she was frigid, but in reality, she loved sex as long as it was with Simon.

His mouth left a fiery trail down her body, spending time teasing each nipple before moving lower to her core and driving her to orgasm within minutes, and then over and over until she almost screamed.  When he lay on top of her she could feel how aroused he was, but she decided turnabout was fair play, so she pushed him off her and took him in her mouth.  He groaned as she drove him to the edge, but he was determined to hold on until she was satisfied.

Oh God, Bitsy, stop, I can’t take it anymore.  She climbed on top of him, her long hair falling over her face as she looked down on him and began slowly moving.  His hands were on her breasts, playing with her nipples, and then as he exploded inside her, she clenched in orgasm and fell on him.  He whispered in her ear.  I love you, you wicked woman. 

She shivered with pleasure.  Nobody ever called her wicked before, and she found the word excited her.  She kissed him, insinuating her tongue into his mouth, and felt him growing hard again. 

Simon still couldn’t believe that they were together, he’d loved her from the moment he saw her.  She was everything to him.  He put his arms around her and pulled her to him as he rolled her under him.  He kissed her mouth as he entered her again, this time moving slowly, savoring every second of their lovemaking, making it last as long as possible.

After lunch later that afternoon  Simon was busy at the table with the work he had brought home from the office when Bitsy came out of the bedroom with the laundry basket.

Guess where I’m going? she asked playfully.

Oh crap, it's my turn, isn’t it? he started to get up.

You stay right there and get that work done; I have plans for us this evening! she grinned. Besides, I’m bored and I like doing laundry.

Simon shook his head, I’ll get it next time. He returned to his papers. 

Bitsy walked to him and kissed the top of his head. He backed his chair away from the table and pulled her onto his lap. Let’s just forget about this laundry and work stuff.  I can think of better things to do.

Bitsy laughed and got up. Me too, but we can’t do that all the time.

He frowned, I don’t see why not. 

Because we are responsible adults, and we have things we need to do.

He grinned at her, Well, that sucks!

Bitsy laughed and headed to the door with the laundry.  I’ll see you in a little while.

Chapter 2

While Bitsy was loading the washers, she remembered the day she and Simon talked for the first time right here in this laundry room.  She was so nervous, and he was so gorgeous.  She heard the elevator doors open and wondered if he’d followed her down. Maybe he remembered that day too.  It wasn’t Simon. It was Mrs. Cooper, the elderly neighbor who lived on the first floor. 

Hello dear, she said as she wheeled her little shopping cart into the room. 

How are you, Mrs. Cooper? Bitsy asked, noting the woman was a little more stooped than usual.

I’m fine, dear.  I just took a spill yesterday, so I’m feeling a little sore. Mrs. Cooper began to fill one of the washers.

Bitsy could see she was struggling. Here, why don’t you sit down and let me do that for you?

Mrs. Cooper looked at Bitsy, ready to decline the kind offer but something in the girl’s expression changed her mind.  Thank you, dear.  I appreciate it.

Bitsy took her arm and helped her to the bench.  Mrs. Cooper grimaced as she sat down.

Mrs. Cooper, I know you live alone, and I’ve meant to knock on your door.  I want to give you our phone numbers. If you ever need anything, I want you to call us.  My name is Bitsy. I live in apartment 6F with my boyfriend, Simon Levine.

Oh, he’s that handsome lawyer, isn’t he?  He always stops to speak to me whenever he sees me. He’s helped me with my packages too.  Mrs. Cooper smiled, her hazel eyes twinkling.  Her hair was short and curled. Bitsy could tell she’d been to the beauty parlor recently.  Her face was so wrinkled, and Bitsy wondered how old she was.

Once Bitsy had the washer filled and started, she sat next to the older woman.  If you’re okay with it, I can help you back to your apartment, and I don’t mind finishing your laundry for you.  I can drop it off when it’s done.

Mrs. Cooper reached for Bitsy’s hand and held it.  Well, that would be so kind of you, Bitsy.  Please call me Annie. I’d love for you to have a cup of tea with me when you bring the laundry. I made some cookies this morning.

That would be lovely, Mrs...Annie.  Bitsy helped her up from the bench, noting that her fingers appeared swollen and gnarled with arthritis.  They walked slowly to the elevator, Mrs. Cooper wincing with every step.

As they rode the elevator to the first floor, Annie patted Bitsy’s hand.  Bring that handsome man of yours with you.  I may be old, but I still like looking at handsome young men.  She chuckled and winked at her.

I will, Bitsy promised.  She could never have done this when she was with Paul.  She wasn’t allowed to speak to anyone, and he would have been furious if she had offered someone help with anything.  She was so thankful for her new life, yet the old feeling of dread still niggled at the edges of her mind.

Returning to her apartment, she found Simon, dozing in his recliner, an open book in his lap.  He roused when the door closed behind her.  Bitsy smiled nervously.

I saw Mrs. Cooper in the laundry room.  She’s had a fall, and she’s struggling to get around right now, so I offered to do her laundry for her.  In her heart, she knew Simon would never be angry about something like this, but still, the fear that this would be greeted with some kind of verbal assault persisted.  She hoped he didn’t know, she tried to keep it to herself, but she could see in his eyes that he was aware.

He reached for her hand and kissed the palm.  She’s a sweet woman, and so are you.  He hoped she was reassured.  He understood that it would take her a long time to recover from the damage done by her ex-husband.  

She invited us to have tea and homemade cookies this afternoon when I bring her laundry to her. She told me to bring that handsome man of mine with me.

Simon grinned. Well, I can’t resist homemade cookies!

Bitsy sat on the couch and picked up her book, but she couldn’t concentrate, her hands trembling.  She hated that she was still so fearful.  There was no reason to feel this way but memories of Paul’s angry face, the times he punched and kicked her were always there. 

Simon had gone back to reading his book, hoping Bitsy would relax, knowing she couldn’t help but relive the brutality she’d suffered.  He didn’t know how to help her. All he could do was reassure her and love her.  He glanced over at her, and his heart broke.  She looked so vulnerable and so sad at that moment.

Softly he asked, Are you okay, baby?

She started. Yes, I’m fine.  She smiled, but it was forced, and she avoided making eye contact.  I guess I better go put the laundry in the dryer. 

Want me to come with you? he asked gently.

No, I’ve got it.  She started to the door, then she stopped and went to him, I love you, Simon. She kissed him and rushed out the door.

Simon closed his eyes. Once again cursed the son of a bitch who’d done this to the woman he loved.  He hated that she was still haunted by the horrors she’d been forced to endure. If he had the opportunity he’d like to give Paul a dose of his own medicine. Maybe some big guy in jail would take care of that.

Bitsy ran down the stairs to the laundry room and got everything into the dryers.  She sat on the bench for a couple of minutes.  Looking at her hands she was ashamed to see that they were still trembling.  She knew Simon would never be angry that she helped that woman, just as she knew he would never raise a hand to her, and yet she still reacted like this every time she did anything that would have set Paul off.  It occurred to her yet again that she needed help. 

When she got back upstairs, she looked sad and Simon had to resist the urge to jump up and hold her. He knew he needed to give her space and she’d talk to him when she was ready.  Bitsy sat on the couch and cleared her throat. 

Simon sat up, Are you okay, Bitsy? he asked softly.

She nodded.  Yes, mostly.  Simon, I think I need to talk to someone.  A therapist or maybe just someone who’s been where I’ve been.

I think that’s a good idea Bitsy. I can give you some names if you like.  I refer people all the time, but if you need to do this on your own, I understand.

Bitsy shook her head, I need you; I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’ll call whoever you think is best first thing Monday.

Simon exhaled slowly and moved to the couch, taking her in his arms.  It’s going to be okay, Bitsy.  It’s just going to take a little time.  I’ll be right here for you whatever you need.  I’ll give you space if that’s what you need but I’ll always support you.  He kissed her gently, and she relaxed against him, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from her.

When Bitsy first moved in with him, she had terrible nightmares and would wake up to find Simon holding her in his arms while tears streamed down her face.  After a few weeks, they decreased in intensity and frequency, but they weren’t gone.  Sometimes Simon would enter a room behind her, and she’d jump when she saw him. Her heart would race and she could feel herself tremble.  She knew he worked hard to avoid those moments but they still happened. 

She and Simon had talked about counseling, but she didn’t know if she was ready to talk about her experiences with a stranger. It was humiliating and horrible.  There were things she hadn’t even told Simon, things she was sure she could never tell anyone.  She had come to realize that she needed professional help. A support group wasn’t the answer and there was no way she could handle this on her own. 

Simon, I want to go to a therapist, one who has experience with what I’ve been through. I don’t want to talk about it, but I know I have to.  I hoped I could just forget but I can’t.

I know someone I think you’ll be comfortable with. I’ll text you her contact information. You call her when you’re ready.  He held her close, stroking her hair and she snuggled against him. 

When it was time to go back to get the laundry Bitsy was calmer, and Simon went with her.  They folded the clothes together, he took care of theirs, and Bitsy handled Mrs. Cooper’s. 

Simon chuckled.  Well I was right, you know. He looked at her, his eyes twinkling.

Bitsy raised an eyebrow, Oh? What were you right about?

He turned and leaned against the table.  That day when I finally got up the nerve to talk to you I told you it’s more fun doing laundry with you, and it is.

Giggling, Bitsy leaned in for a quick kiss, and Simon smiled against her mouth.

What now? she asked

Nothing, I just love you, and I’m so happy sometimes I just can’t hold it in.

Putting the last of the laundry into the cart, Bitsy grinned.  "Come on handsome, let’s go