Saving Easton

by Kaci Rose

  I take a deep breath and pet her. No need to upset her over this.

  Finally, my phone goes off, and I almost drop it, when I realize it's Paisley finally answering me back.

  Paisley: Was with my brother. Why didn't you tell him about us?

  Because I'm an idiot, apparently. Because I'm scared, and then I saw the text about Barbie attacking her, and I wasn't sure I could keep my temper together.

  Me: Because it was nice to have him back, and I didn't want to ruin it.

  And because after I snapped at him for what his girlfriend did to Paisley, it just didn't seem like the right time.

  She doesn’t answer, so after fifteen minutes, I text again. I’m worried I said the wrong thing yet again.

  Me: Paisley?

  Paisley: Well, at least I know where I stand.

  Fuck.

  That's not what this is about at all. My gut was right. She isn't coming today, because she's mad at me. Before I can think twice, I call her, and thankfully, she picks up.

  "What do you want?"

  "It's not like that at all," I say.

  "It sure feels like that. My parents put me on the back burner to deal with Leeland's issues when he was in college, and it was, 'Thank God we don't have to worry about Paisley, because she's such a good girl'. Then, Leeland puts me on the back burner, so he can get his dick wet by some girl that treats me like shit. Now, I get put on the back burner yet again, so you can build up a relationship with someone you haven't seen in six years, like what we built in the last few months means nothing. That's exactly what it's like."

  "Paisley..." I whisper, because I know at this moment, there’s nothing I can say to make this right, and nothing I say will fix this.

  "I have to go. I'm going to go hang out with Lexi. I’ll be in tomorrow after lunch, but I have an appointment with Jake first." She says, hanging up.

  I sit there stunned, but then I smile. A full on smile. She's mad at me. Everyone has been tiptoeing around me for months afraid to upset me, and as much as I hate her being mad at me, it feels damn good. It feels normal.

  Fuck, it's nice to feel human again. To start to feel like my old self. Paisley gave me such a gift, and as much as I hate that she’s mad at me right now, I know we’ll pull through this.

  I have lunch with Leeland next week, and I can tell him then and let the cards fall where they may because if it comes to Leeland or Paisley, I choose Paisley.

  I’ll always choose her. I have to show her though, because I know words mean nothing. My momma taught me that.

  Actions speak louder than words.

  Chapter 26

  I'm having breakfast with Lexi today at her house, before I go to see Easton. I want to talk to her about Easton's lunch with my brother, and everything going on lately. Lexi and I became fast friends when I started coming to Oakside, and since she knows the whole story, I figure she'd be the best person to talk to.

  So, after having breakfast and telling her everything, Lexi just looks at me.

  "I get why you’re upset, but I think maybe give Easton a bit of slack. It was the first time he saw your brother. I would just be direct with him, tell him how you feel, ask for a set time frame, and then hold him to it. If he then doesn't tell your brother, then say something."

  "That makes sense, but I still can't help how I feel.”

  "That's the hardest part. Balancing how we feel with how we know we should behave. Just remember it's okay to feel how you're feeling. What matters is how you act on it." She gets up and sits down next to me, pulling me into a hug.

  "Does it get any easier?" I ask, fearing I already know the answer.

  "No, the problems just change.”

  "That's what I'm afraid of. Well, I should go. I have a new dog to go look at, and then some training with Jake. He's taking Atticus full-time today. Then, I promised Easton I'd be over after lunch."

  "So, your training with Atticus is almost done, then?"

  "Normally yes, but Jake is a friend, so I'm going to do some training with them at his place. I'm hoping to find a new dog or two, as Molly hasn't been the only dog in the house for years, and I don't want her to get any ideas," I say.

  "Well, if I hear about any possible dogs, I’ll let you know."

  I head to the home of Mrs. Astor. She fosters dogs and always keeps an eye out for ones that she thinks might be a good fit for me. She has found me three good ones so far, including Allie.

  Mrs. Astor's home is an old Victorian that looks like it hasn't aged a bit on the outside. On the inside, it's completely catered to the dogs she fosters. She's had up to ten at a time, but this time, there are only five that greet me.

  "Paisley, dear." She hugs me, as if I might break if she squeezes too hard. "Come in. I want you to meet Reba."

  I sit down on the couch, and Mrs. Astor calls over a golden retriever, whose fur has reddish highlights in it.

  "Did you name her?" I ask, petting the dog.

  "No, that's the name she came with, but it fits, I think. She’s house broken, follows the basic commands you told me to look for, and when the mail comes through the slot, she brings it to me."

  "Well, sounds like she has the makings for a good service dog. Mind if I take her out back and run her through some tests?"

  "Of course not, dear. You know the way. Can Molly stay here? I'd love for her to try the new dog cookies I baked."

  "She'd love that."

  Once I get Molly mixed in with Mrs. Astor's other dogs, Reba and I head out back.

  Mrs. Astor was right, she knows all the basic commands any house-trained dog would, plus a few extra. She pays attention and isn't easily distracted.

  "Would you like to come home with me and get some training to help your new owner?" I ask, as if she can understand me.

  She cocks her head to the side and wags her tail. I give her a good rubdown, and then we go inside.

  "I think she’s perfect," I say.

  "Oh, I knew she would be. Such a good girl, Reba." She gives her a cookie.

  I pull out my wallet to pay Mrs. Astor.

  "No, no, dear. I'm just happy she’s going to a good home."

  "I know, but we talked about this. Consider it a donation, so you can rescue a few more dogs. I can't have you shutting down. Where would I get the best dogs to train from?"

  "Well, when you put it that way." She says hesitantly, taking the money from me.

  When we get home, I take Reba out back and get her sitting pretty on the porch and take a photo for the website. I also decide to send it to Easton.

  Me: Added a new member to the family today. This is Reba, and she starts training this weekend.

  I attach the photo with the text.

  Easton: I can't wait to meet her.

  Me: I'm getting her settled, so I’ll be a little late, but I’m coming.

  Easton: Okay. I can't wait to hear all about Reba.

  I get Reba set up with food, a water bowl, and her own bed. One of my bedrooms is set up just for the dogs, and there are no people beds just dog beds. I put her in there and close the door since I'm not sure how she’ll take me being gone and being alone. This will be her first big test.

  I then load up Molly and Atticus and head to Jake’s house. When I get there, he's sitting on the front porch, and even though he tries to hide it, I can tell he’s nervous. Atticus can too and heads right to him.

  "Hey there, boy." He says, looking up and giving me a shy smile. "Let's go inside."

  "Sorry I was late. I got a lead on another dog and went to check it out. She's perfect, so I was getting her settled, before I came over."

  We chat for a minute about Reba, and I show him the photo. We’re sitting in the living room, and Atticus is in Jake’s lap. He's quiet for a minute.

  "What wrong?" I ask.

  "What if I mess him up? What if he hates living with me full-time? I wasn't allowed to have pets growing up. What if I forget to feed him?" He rapid fires questions at me.

  "Oh, Jake
. You’re going to be fine. I’ll still be coming by. Atticus loves you, and if you forget to feed him, he’ll tell you. He will literally pick up the bowl and bring it to you. That boy isn't going to miss a meal, so don't you worry. And I'm always a phone call away night or day, okay?"

  "Okay." He says rather unconvincingly.

  "Plus, you’ll be at Oakside what, three days a week? You’ll see me there. You’ll see so much of me you’ll be sick of me."

  "Promise?" He asks with a smile.

  "Promise. Now, let's go through some daily routines with him."

  We go through the motions and get his food, water, and bed set up.

  "Now remember, if you let him in bed with you once, it's a lifetime thing, and he’ll crawl in bed with you every night. When he's home, he doesn't need the vest, but when you leave the house, it's best to always have it on. It will keep people away, which for you, is a double benefit."

  Jake doesn't like people crowding him, so if we can get people to give him space while he's out, then all the better.

  "I have his paperwork in my wallet, and you on speed dial," he says.

  "You’re going to be great. I’ll check in, when I leave Oakside, and if you want, I can stop by, okay?"

  "Go see your guy. I look forward to meeting him next week."

  Molly and I head to Oakside, though today feels different. I'm trying to push the hurt behind me and give him the benefit of the doubt. I’ll talk to him like Lexi said.

  I guess it’s bothering me more than I thought because Molly is pawing at my leg to get attention. So, I sit down in the lobby and pet her, taking a few deep breaths to relax.

  "Okay, let's go see him." I stand and head towards Easton's room.

  When I get there, I find him sitting on the couch, and Allie sitting on the floor in front of him between his legs. He's leaning forward, petting her and talking to her, though I can't quite hear what he’s saying.

  Molly pauses for a minute, and then gives us away with a welcome bark, before going to Easton for some attention, too. Smiling at Molly, I sit on the chair next to the couch, feeling a little out of place.

  Easton looks over at me, and then sits back and asks, "This how it's going to be now?"

  It's then I see the dark circles under his eyes, like he hasn't been sleeping.

  "Are the nightmares back?"

  He pauses for just a minute.

  "No. I didn't sleep, because I don't like you being mad at me."

  I figure this is my opening to talk to him and decide to take it.

  "When are you going to tell my brother about us?"

  He sighs, leaning forward, and resting his elbows on his knees.

  "We have lunch next week, and I’ll tell him then. I promise, Paisley, I didn't purposely keep it from him. We just got to talking, then the thing with his girlfriend happened, and I snapped at him. It didn't seem the right time to tell him."

  He rubs his hands over his face.

  "I know it sounds like an excuse, but I mean it, Paisley. I’ll tell him next week because you mean more to me, and I pick you." His beautiful, gray eyes plead with me to believe him.

  You can't stay mad at the man, who a few months ago, was barely talking, and now sits in front of you, pouring his heart out.

  I get up and walk over to him. Cupping his face in my hands, he looks up at me. Then, he gently places his hands on my waist, and our eyes meet.

  "Okay, next week," I say, running my hands through his hair. He closes his eyes and lets my hands explore for a while before he leans forward and rests his forehead against my belly.

  "I’ll always pick you, Paisley. I’ll prove it, but I want you to know, I’ll always pick you. No matter what.”

  Something about the sincerity and the intensity in his voice, and his hands on me, has lit my body on fire. I want this man with every fiber of my being.

  Neither of us moves, soaking in each other warmth.

  Finally, he pulls back to look at me, and the vulnerably in his eyes breaks me. I lean forward and kiss him. Our tongues tangle, and he leans back, taking me with him. Never breaking the kiss, I go forward and straddle his lap.

  When he leisurely moves his hands up my thighs, until they get to the edge of my shorts, he then runs his thumbs along the hem, as I ignite.

  "Tell Allie to close the door," I mumble against his lips, and then trail my lips down his neck.

  "Allie, close the door." He says, and a moment later, the snick of the door closing fills the room.

  Our lips meet again, and this time his fingers edge under my shorts and against my panties, soaking me and making me gasp.

  "If you want me to stop, now is the time to tell me, sunshine." He mumbles against my lips.

  "Don't stop," I whisper right before going back to kiss him again.

  Then, his fingers are slipping under my shorts and rubbing me with only my panties between us, and I shiver. Then, he starts kissing down my neck, pushing my bra up, and taking my nipple into his mouth. The sensations of his lips on my skin, and his fingers moving my panties away to stroke my clit, has me almost there.

  His fingers are so thick they stretch me, and I open my legs in a silent plea for more.

  "You’re my fantasy come to life, sunshine." He whispers into my ear, as he adds a second finger and slides into me again.

  I'm so wet that he’s able to thrust in and out easily. His thumb plays with my clit at the same time his teeth graze my ear.

  The overwhelming sensations pull me over the edge, and he kisses me, swallowing my moans, as I come. He slowly keeps stroking me, prolonging my orgasm, until I collapse against him. Only then, does he pull his fingers from me and lick them clean with a groan.

  "I wanted to do that so many times when you were walking around in those bikinis."

  "Mmm, maybe we can make another one of your teenage fantasies come true," I smirk and slide to my knees on the ground in front of him, and then reach for the buttons of his pants.

  He puts a hand over mine to stop me. I look up at him, his chest heaving, and desire all over his face.

  "You don't have to do this." He says, pulling me onto his lap. "Cuddle with me. I just need to hold you."

  I snuggle into him. "You make me feel so safe in your arms," I say without thinking.

  "I’ll always be your safe place, Paisley. Always."

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 27

  Easton

  I turn and pace the hallway in front of my therapist’s office door yet again. Allie gave up following me several turns ago, and now just sits at one end watching me. I can't blame her, because she has no idea what’s going on, or what my emotions are, because I don't even know.

  All I know is today is the day. I'm going to tell Dr. Tate everything.

  The night after my fight with Paisley, I couldn't sleep. I laid in bed just praying, that if she were to give me another chance, I'd do right by her. That means opening up about what happened to me to Dr. Tate and to her, so that's what I’m doing today. Later next week, I’ll be talking to her brother, too.

  "Okay, Allie. You ready?" I ask her, and she stands up, walking over to the door.

  I open it, going inside and taking my seat. My heart is racing, and Allie climbs into my lap, licking my face, as if saying I'm here for you, and we got this.

  "Good, girl," I pet her, as she calms down.

  "Hello, Easton." Dr. Tate says.

  I nod.

  "How are things, since the last time we talked?" He asks, like he always does.

  "That's not what I want to talk about today," I say, before I lose my nerve.

  "Okay, what do you want to talk about?"

  "My time as a POW.”

  Shock crosses his face that he masks quickly with a smile.

  He sits back in his chair with his clipboard.

  "Okay, I'm listening."

  "Can we ask Noah to join us? He deserves to hear this too, and I'd rather only say this twice today."

  "Twice?"

/>   "I’ll be telling Paisley later today as well.”

  He nods and calls in Noah.

  I start at the beginning, and then tell them everything. From the beginning of the deployment, to the moment I was rescued, until I ended up here at Oakside. My appointment is normally an hour long, but he had Lexi cancel his next two appointments and lets me keep talking until I'm done.

  The moment I'm finished, it feels like a weight has been lifted off me. My chest wasn't as constricted, and I could breathe easier, better. Taking a deep breath, I look over at Noah, not sure what I'm going to see on his face, but I don't expect the pride on his face.

  "How do you feel?" He asks.

  "Better," I say, not sure how to describe exactly how I feel.

  "Well, I think this is a good point to stop at. I heard your lady is waiting on you. Why don't the three of us meet at the same time day after tomorrow?" Dr. Tate says.

  I nod and head back to my room, stopping to let Allie out. She seems to know Paisley is waiting for us because I can't remember seeing her ever pee so fast. She doesn't even sniff around, she just goes right to her favorite spot, squats, and then runs right back to me.

  When I walk into my room, Paisley is sitting on the couch looking worried, and Molly keeps trying to get her attention. The moment she sees me, she jumps up and rushes over to me.

  "Is everything okay? Lexi said you were still in your therapy appointment, but your appointment was three hours ago."

  The moment she's in arm’s reach, I pull her into me.

  "Everything is fine. I just opened up to Dr. Tate and Noah about my POW time, and I'd like to tell you now, if you'd listen.”

  "Oh, Easton. Of course, I'll listen.”

  Closing the door behind me, I follow her to the couch. Molly climbs up on one side of Paisley, and Allie climbs up between me and Paisley. Then, I turn to face her on the couch and begin.