Loving Lauren

by Jill Sanders

Lauren sat on the front porch swing, waiting for Alex to get home. She didn't like the way she'd handled things and wanted to talk to her sister and try to smooth everything out. She'd showered and changed out of her skirt and blouse and had put on her comfortable cotton Dallas Cowboys PJ bottoms and a t-shirt. She had grabbed her dad's cotton pullover as she walked out the front door to ward off the chill in the air.

  She could see the clouds building in the night sky and knew that by tomorrow evening they'd have heavy rain. The fields could use the break and so could she. Late summer rains were the best. Even though the temperature hardly ever dropped lower than seventy even after a storm, it was still a nice change from the pounding heat that came every day.

  Her mind sharpened when headlights turned into the driveway. She frowned a little when she saw it was Travis's truck. It stopped a few yards back from the house, and she could see her sister waving her hands around, then she got out of the passenger side of the truck and slammed the door. The truck spun out in the gravel and took off back down the drive at high speeds.

  “He hates it that you wait up for me, you know.”

  Lauren smiled a little as her sister stepped onto the porch. “I know.”

  Her sister leaned on the railing and crossed her arms, then tilted her head. “You're not my mother, you know.”

  “I've never claimed to be. I just want what's best for everyone.”

  “And you think Travis isn't what's best for me?” For the first time in months, she could see her sister thinking about things.

  Lauren took a deep breath and released it. “I think you're still young enough to find someone who fits you perfectly. Like what mom and dad had.”

  “I can barely remember them together.” Alex looked off towards the barn. Lauren stood up and walked over to her sister, putting her arms around her.

  “They used to dance in the kitchen. She'd be humming a tune and he'd sweep her off her feet with a kiss.”

  Alex chuckled. “I remember walking in once and seeing her slap dad's hands out of her cookie batter.” Lauren smiled.

  “They never fought. Dad never raised his voice to her. Lauren turned her sister until she looked directly in her eyes. “And Dad never cheated on mom.”

  Alex pulled back a little. “Travis has never cheated on me. The one time he did get with someone else, we'd broken up. But now that we're back together...”

  Lauren shook her head. “I'm not going to stand here and tell you what's right for you. I realize it's not my place. Just know that I love you, sister. You have to find the right man for you. The one that's going to make your knees weak and turn your insides to jelly.” They smiled at each other.

  “Mom always used to say that about dad.” Lauren nodded in agreement.

  “That's what she wanted for us. All of us.”

  Alex stood there for a moment, then hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.

  “Thanks. Good night.” Alex walked to the door and pulled the screen door open, then stopped and looked back at her. “Lauren?”

  “Yes?”

  “I see what Chase does to you. Don't be fooled. That man is crazy for you and I think...I know you feel the same way about him.” She smiled and pulled the front door closed behind her.

  Lauren leaned against the railing and wrapped her arms around herself, thinking of Chase.

  “Is she right?” came a deep voice behind her.

  Lauren squealed, and spun around. All the air in her lungs got knocked out of her. Dingo let out a happy bark and rushed to his side. The dog was always letting him sneak up on her.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked as he stepped into the light of the porch. Then she noticed the large bruise running down the left side of his jaw. “Oh!” She rushed over to him. “How did this happen?”

  He let her turn his head so she could get a better view of the bruise. “Are you trying to avoid answering my question?” He smiled down at her.

  “Don't be silly. Who did this to you?”

  “It doesn't matter. Answer the question, Lauren.” He pulled her closer, and she could feel his body vibrating. “Are you crazy about me?”

  She pulled back a little. “It depends. I suppose there are some moments that you do make me a little crazy.” She smiled.

  “I'm crazy about you.” He smiled a little and pulled her closer, running his hands in her hair. “I love the feel of your hair.” He leaned closer. “The smell of you. The feel of you next to me.” He brushed a kiss over her forehead, and she closed her eyes on a moan. “I couldn't shut down for the night, couldn't stop thinking about you.” Then he trailed his mouth down to hers. Her mind shut off, her body turned on, and she was vibrating in his arms. He'd always done this to her, from that first kiss so many years ago on their wedding day.

  He backed her up until her knees hit the railing, then he pulled her up so she sat on the wide rail. Her feet dangled on either side of his legs as he stepped in between them. On their own, her legs wrapped around his hips, pulling him closer to her as his hands roamed over her shoulders and hair.

  “You taste so good,” he moaned as he rained kisses down her neck. “I can't seem to get enough.” She tilted her head back, exposing more skin for him to explore.

  Her mind had spun so many fairy tales over the years, but nothing compared to how Chase made her feel when he whispered in her ear about much he enjoyed her. How much he wanted her.

  “Come with me.” He pulled back all of a sudden. He held out his hand and looked at her.

  “Where?” She put her hands behind her back and he smiled even more.

  “Don't you trust me?”

  She shook her head and he laughed. “Fair enough.” He picked up the rubber boots that sat by the door and set them in front of her. “I want to walk with you for a while.”

  “Walk?” She frowned a little. She was enjoying making out with him too much to think about going for a walk right now.

  He leaned closer and whispered a little. “Lauren, your sisters are probably watching from those dark windows. Let's take a walk so we can have a little more privacy.”

  Her mind cleared. She realized that he was probably right. She looked at the large dark living room window and could just imagine her sisters sitting on the back of the couch, watching their every move.

  Quickly putting on the boots, she took his offered hand and started walking into the dark night. The clouds had made their way over the moon, so the walking was slow going. When they had made it half way to the barn, Lauren turned him in the opposite direction.

  “Trust me,” she said and pulled him towards the backyard. When she stopped in front of the storm shelters doors, he chuckled and leaned down to open the large door.

  Lauren easily made it to the bottom of the stairs and waited until she heard him shut the door before she reached over and flipped on the dim light.

  He looked around the small room and smiled. It had been remodeled a few years back. Alex had gotten it in her mind that she was going to live here instead of in the main house. She'd spent a few days moving things around and pulling an old bed out here, and she had even filled it with scented candles.

  Chase walked over and pulled a few candles off a shelf and lit them. Then he switched off the dim light as lavender scent and soft candlelight filled the small space.

  “I like it.” He smiled then walked back over to where she stood, nervously twisting her fingers in the hem of her shirt.