by Geri Foster
He eased back and nibbled his way across her cheek to her ear and on to that sensitive spot right behind her lobe. Her knees nearly buckled as she moaned and moved closer, placing her arms around his neck. He moved back to her lips and brushed them again, all too soon breaking the kiss, holding her out in front of him.
Kendall licked her swollen lips and tasted pizza and beer while Marcus held her arms. “That was amazing,” she said breathlessly. “Had I known what was in store for me, I might’ve been less reluctant.” She giggled nervously, then put her hand to her mouth. “Oh my God, I can’t believe I said that. Or giggled like that. I sound like a schoolgirl.”
Marcus stared at her with his dark, mysterious eyes. “I liked it.”
She gave him a girlish smile. “You would.”
He didn’t reply. Instead, he lowered his head and captured her lips again, sending her into another state of pleasure. Shocked to have never felt like this before, Kendall could only press closer, hoping to absorb him and his exotic kisses.
Who would’ve thought Marcus had so much passion? He’d always been so mild mannered, so steady and so pleasant. She couldn’t help but wonder what he’d be like between the sheets.
Mentally scolding herself, Kendall placed her hands on his solid chest and stepped back. “I’d better get home.”
He tilted his head. “Offer still stands.”
“I’m not ready for that, but I think I will be…soon.” She leaned forward and kissed him gently. “Wait for me?”
“Always.”
He walked her to the door and kissed her again. Each time Kendall nearly lost her breath.
“Want to go to my parents’ house for dinner after church tomorrow?”
Kendall loved his parents and nodded eagerly. “I’d like that very much.”
“I’ll pick you up at one.”
“Good,” she waved and made it to her car before turning back for a final farewell. “See you tomorrow. Thanks for the pizza and beer.”
“You’re welcome. Anytime.”
* * *
After returning home from church and changing clothes, Marcus picked Kendall up for lunch with his parents. When he called them last night they sounded excited to learn he’d invited Kendall to join them. He didn’t know if they’d guessed his feelings for her or not, but they had always liked her and her family.
She answered the door wearing a lovely summer dress decorated with strawberries and sunflowers. The narrow straps of the garment exposed her smooth arms and back. She had her gorgeous, golden hair loose, hanging about her shoulders. Top to toe, she looked beautiful. More beautiful than any woman he’d ever met. He opened the car door for her and she slipped inside. Walking around the hood, he got in and they headed for his parents’ home. Getting together on Sunday afternoons had been a tradition his family had followed all his life.
“You look beautiful today. Obviously, you slept better than I did.”
“Not really. After I got home, I spent most of the night watching TV,” she said. “I didn’t even make it to church this morning. I called my parents and bailed. I didn’t tell them about Bobby Joe’s visit. It would only upset them.”
The mention of Bobby Joe instantly put him in a bad mood. He hoped the man was enjoying his time behind bars. “Would it bother you if they knew?”
“No, everyone in this town finds out everything sooner or later. It just didn’t feel like the right time.”
“I understand. I didn’t say anything to mine, either.”
“I hope they throw the book at him. He deserves it. That and a swift kick in the rear.”
“I agree with you completely. Bobby Joe seems to be escalating.” He looked at her. “I worry about what he might do to you. He’s a bully who’s as mean as hell.”
“I know. And every time I think I know what he’s capable of, he steps up his game. I think he’s close to losing complete control. If you hadn’t been there Friday night, I’m not so sure he wouldn’t have killed me. That’s why the judge must put him away. I’m not safe as long as he’s loose.”
“The exact reason I mentioned moving next door. Perhaps him just knowing I’m there will be a deterrent. But, then, you know Bobby Joe, he always likes to rise to the occasion and nothing excites him like a new threat.”
“You’re right. I just don’t know what to do anymore. I’ve even thought of moving away, but I know it would break my parents’ hearts. Then I ask myself why should I allow him to control my life like that? He doesn’t own me.”
“Lucas and I have talked at length about this and we’re hoping the judge puts his foot down and sends Bobby Joe away for a few years. Otherwise, I don’t think he’s going to change.”
She looked at him. “Don’t you know the judge?”
“I do, but that doesn’t mean he would rule in your favor. That’s not how they do things. He’ll listen to the facts, take the allegations into consideration, then pass judgment. There isn’t much else we can do.”
They arrived at his parents’ home and he helped her out of the car. Kendall had to know his mama and father were very fond of her. Since they knew her parents, they were almost like family. The minute Kendall walked into the kitchen his mama, Anna, hugged her tightly. “We haven’t seen you in a very long time, young lady,” she scolded. “If it weren’t for me getting my hair done once a month, I swear I’d never see you.”
His dad, Robert, came in from firing up the grill and hugged her. “How’s your dad? Been busy lately?”
“Pretty much like always.” She smiled. “He takes off fishing as often as he can.”
Marcus’s father chuckled. “Good for him. Best therapy in the world is sitting on the riverbank with a line in the water.”
“My father would agree completely. There’s nowhere else on earth he’d rather be. Of course, like so many of us, he’s waiting for Jim Snyder to get out of prison even if it’s only so they can get back to their weekend fishing trips.”
Marcus’s father frowned. “I’ll be glad when Jim’s home, too. I miss him so much. And since Lucas proved Jim’s innocence, I feel horrible such a mistake in justice has been made.” He put his arm around his wife’s shoulders. “Anna and I plan to do everything we can to help them get settled.”
“Yes,” Anna replied. “I’ve talked to Shirley on several occasions and we’re planning a little housewarming party to welcome Jim back. I know how anxious she is.”
“She and Rachel both,” Kendall said. “Finally, their lives will be back to normal again, no thanks to all the trouble the bank put them through. And when I think of Spears, I’m tempted to pick up a gun and shoot him.”
Marcus stepped closer. “He was in the thick of it all. Caused a lot of trouble around here. I hope and pray everything works out for Jim and Shirley. And I’m going to be very happy to attend Lucas and Rachel’s wedding.” He grinned. “He’s asked me to be his best man.”
Kendall put her hand to her mouth. “Oh, my goodness. I’m Rachel’s Maid of Honor.”
Anna smiled at her husband and winked. “This is going to be wonderful. I wouldn’t miss their wedding for the world.”
Marcus’s dad headed back outside. “Steaks will be ready in a few minutes.” He glanced back over his shoulder at Kendall. “You still like yours medium, right?”
“Yes, sir.”
Before long, Marcus took her by the arm and led her into the dining room as his father forked the meat onto each plate. Marcus sat across from her and smiled. The thought of having her in his life every day and sitting at Sunday dinner warmed his heart. He hadn’t given a lot of thought to a solid future, since he’d carried around a fruitless crush on Kendall forever but, now, it started to feel like it could become a reality.
She’d been committed to Bobby Joe for so long, but not anymore. She could easily make another choice, and he hoped it would be him. As his mama passed around the foil covered baked potatoes, he decided to let his parents in on Bobby Joe’s latest escapade. Better to hear it
from them than someone else.
“Kendall and I went on a date Friday night,” he looked her way and, with a small nod of encouragement, continued, “and when we returned to her apartment, Bobby Joe had broken in and trashed the place. We called Lucas and he was taken to jail. He’s still there.”
Anna’s eyes widened. “Did he hurt you?”
Kendall put her hand to her throat. “Not too badly, but he scared me to death. The look in his eyes…I’m no longer sure of what he’s capable of.”
Marcus smiled at her sympathetically as he accepted the plate of potatoes. “We’re going before the judge tomorrow morning. If he doesn’t send Bobby Joe away I’m moving into the apartment next to Kendall. She needs to be protected.”
Anna squeezed Kendall’s hand. “Dear, you know you’re always welcome here. And I can assure you he won’t get past the front door.”
“I don’t want to put anybody out. Really, this is my problem. I don’t even want Marcus involved. It isn’t beyond Bobby Joe to hurt him as well.”
“I can take care myself, and Bobby Joe knows it. He doesn’t want to tangle with me again.”
Marcus’s father cleared his throat. “I think it’s a good idea, son. Your presence there might well convince Bobby Joe to leave her alone.”
Marcus didn’t believe that for one minute. Could Bobby Joe be that reasonable or sensible? He’d pick a good fight over anything, even the woman he once loved. “I think it’ll work out fine. I talked to Lucas and he agrees. He’s worried about Kendall as much as I am.”
“I still hate to put you out,” she said with a frown. “I know you have other things to do besides babysit me.”
“There is absolutely nothing I’d rather do. If he comes to your apartment, as thin as the walls are, I’ll be able to hear him immediately and take action.”
Anna picked up her glass of wine. “Let’s just hope the judge is intelligent enough to put him away for years. That will give him time to cool off and come to his senses.”
Marcus hoped his mama’s word would be the case, but he didn’t dare count on it. In a small town like Rainwater, assault didn’t seem a big priority, and some judges didn’t take it seriously. Rufus Kato happened to be one of those judges.
“Why does Bobby Joe keep harassing you?” Marcus’s dad asked. “What does the man want?”
“This time he claims I have a thumb drive that belongs to him. He says he needs it to save his life.”
Anna leaned back, her face a mask of disbelief. “What? What is he talking about?”
Kendall shook her head. “I have absolutely no idea. When we separated I didn’t see anything that looked like it belonged in a computer in my stuff. I didn’t even have my laptop at that time. I’m not sure what to believe. All I know is he was desperate enough to kill me to get it.”
Marcus’ father had his elbows on the table and propped his chin on his fist. “How in the world can a thumb drive save his life?”
Marcus looked at Kendall. “No one knows what Bobby Joe is into. It could involve some criminal activity that he stumbled into. He could be blackmailing someone, or it’s all a lie and he just wants to hurt Kendall.”
His father glared at Marcus. “My vote is for the last one.”
“Mine too,” Marcus said.
Chapter 8
Kendall felt good sitting in the car next to Marcus, especially on a beautiful, sunshiny day with no hint of rain. They had the windows down and the cool breeze coming in the car felt refreshing. Dinner with his family had been wonderful.
They were on the way to her apartment when Lucas pulled up behind them and flipped on the siren. Marcus smiled at her. “Think he’s going to give us a ticket?”
“What for? We weren’t even speeding.”
Marcus pulled over, shut off the car, and was still chuckling a little when Lucas walked up and put his hand on the side. “Where are you off to?”
Kendall leaned forward, twisting to look at him. “We’re headed to my apartment. Do you want to come?”
“No, I was just going in to check on Bobby Joe. David’s on duty and I want to give him a chance to get some lunch and out of the office for a few hours.”
Marcus cocked an eye and looked up at him. “What do you think the judge will say tomorrow at Bobby Joe’s hearing?”
Lucas stroked his chin. “That’s closer to your line of work than mine, Marcus. You’re the lawyer. You know how these judges think. I try not to go there. I’ve been wrong too many times.”
“I thought about that at dinner today. The judge is known to be pretty soft on assault. Bobby Joe may get nothing more than a slap on the wrist.”
“I know,” Lucas said. “And it makes me mad, but there’s nothing I can do. Until judges start taking women’s safety seriously and putting them first, we’re fighting a losing battle.”
Kendall leaned back and rested her head on the headrest. “I just hope he leaves me alone.”
“I hate to say it, but you know as well as I do that’s not going to happen.” Lucas leaned down and looked at her, his face soft. “As soon as he’s out of jail he’s going to come looking for that thumb drive. You and I both know Bobby Joe isn’t going to give up until he finds it. He’s convinced you have what he wants.”
“And like I’ve said a hundred times, I don’t have it. Seriously, if it was so important why didn’t he take it when he left? He got first dibs. If you remember, I left with very little. We could have avoided this whole mess if he’d just taken what was his in the first place.”
Lucas nodded. “I really am sorry, Kendall, but this situation just proves how important it is for you to do everything you can to keep him away from you—“
She opened her mouth to protest but he cut her off.
“And, that means taking help from your friends when it’s offered. Lord knows you like to put in your two cents when it’s someone else’s business.” He gave her a pointed look and she scrunched her face. “Well,” he tapped the roof twice, “I need to get on over to the jail. You two be careful and I’ll see you tomorrow morning at the courthouse.”
Marcus pulled away from the curb and drove the next three blocks to her apartment. They got out and he reached for her hand. Kendall briefly considered pulling away, but decided not to. That move was for someone with her guard up, and she didn’t want to be that woman anymore. Why shouldn’t she enjoy herself and relish Marcus holding her hand? Since when had she become such a prude?
Besides, if she were being honest, she craved a little fun. Wasn’t she allowed to relax and enjoy the company of a man? At this rate she’d end up an old maid. She liked Marcus, and his kiss last night, well, it felt like she had finally awoken from a long sleep and was reminded of what life held in store. Even when she was with Bobby Joe, she’d always found Marcus to be a great catch. She just had never thought there’d come the day when he thought the same thing about her.
He walked her to the door like a gentleman, something that Bobby Joe rarely portrayed himself as, then waited for her to unlock, then shut it, once they were inside. Even with Bobby Joe in jail, he went in first to make sure nothing would jump out at them. They both knew it wasn’t beyond Bobby Joe to have somebody else do his dirty work.
Marcus smiled. “It looks good. I think you’re safe for the night.”
She put her purse down and motioned for him to sit on the couch. “Can I at least get you a beer for the wonderful dinner and memorable afternoon?”
He nodded and sat, his shoulders relaxed. “I’m glad you came.”
She smiled and went into the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, and took out two bottles of beer. Popping the caps, she returned to the couch and handed him one. He took the drink and glanced up at her. “Court time is eight forty-five tomorrow. Don’t be late. Judges don’t like that, especially this one.”
She sat across from him in a colorful chair, her ankles crossed. “I plan to be there in plenty of time. I don’t want to do anything that would make the judge think
this isn’t important to me. I want him to see how dangerous Bobby Joe is and how desperately he should be locked up.”
Marcus propped his foot on his thigh. “You’ll do fine. Tell the truth and answer all the questions. The issue is Bobby Joe disobeyed the restraining order, broke into your home and assaulted you. It’s up to the judge to decide how serious the matter is.”
“You do know I’ve brought him to court three times before on these exact same charges, and not once has he spent a night behind bars before this weekend. I’m beginning to think I need to go to a higher court.”
“You have to be turned down completely by this court’s ruling, then file another injunction. If that court decides to take your case, then you can proceed there. The one thing you have to remember is higher courts can say no also and uphold the lower court’s ruling.”
Kendall let out a deep breath and shook her head. “The law is so complicated. It’s beyond me why someone can’t see that Bobby Joe is disobeying the restraining order and he needs to go to jail. By not punishing him, the court is telling him it’s perfectly all right to disregard the law. And no one seems too concerned about me.”
“I know exactly what you mean. It isn’t fair. And I think Bobby Joe belongs in the county jail for a year or two just to get his attention.”
“Then why doesn’t it happen?”
“It’s hard for the courts to dole out punishment. They want to make sure it’s just and no one is being unduly prosecuted for something they didn’t do.”
“But,” Kendall said, “he did break into my house and he did attack me. Both of those are against the law. I thought the well-being of innocent citizens was what the courts were concerned with, not worrying about someone as bad as Bobby Joe spending an extra week in jail.”
“That’s not exactly the way they look at it, but you’re right. They should do a better job of protecting you and controlling Bobby Joe.”
He finished his beer and walked into the kitchen, putting the empty bottle in the trash. “I better leave. It’s getting late and we both have an early morning tomorrow. I have court later in the day as well.”