by Tea DeLuca
He discarded the dress and kissed her through the lace of her panties. He couldn’t breathe, and he couldn’t lie. She was his other half; he could never be satisfied, happy, or complete without her in his life. No one else was Mags. He pressed her core, and she tugged him into a scorching kiss. Her tongue found his, mating and dancing as her thighs parted for him. She fumbled impatiently with his belt, and he smiled. He kissed her already swollen lips, her eyes lit with desire then he pushed off the bed. He took off the rest of his clothes, and her eager arms reached for him. Finally, both naked, he kissed and explored every inch of her with renewed interest. The sensitive spots at the base of her throat, on the inside of her elbow, and the top of her thighs. She wiggled beneath him, their legs tangled, and she stretched her hands down his back. They were in complete sync as they had always been. Tangled emotions, tangled bodies, and tangled hearts.
“Mark,” she cried as the fire burned out of control, pushing her through the blazing heat. He continued to stroke the nerves, throbbing between her legs as he aligned his body at her entrance. His erection, hard and insistent, he wanted to slow down and savor this moment he had wanted for so long, but the flames within him, burned with a fierce intensity. He pushed into her, filling her completely in one thrust. She sighed and wrapped her legs tightly around his hips. He loved her; she loved him. Every planet in the universe fell into place, the stars glowed a little brighter, his heart so full it might burst. He moved slowly within her, letting her adjust, letting her set the pace. She smiled lovingly as he cupped her head, his fingers tangling in the dark strands. She arched drawing him deeper, closer till they both exploded, holding tightly.
He rolled back, drawing her closer and kissing her forehead. For a long time, they didn’t speak. Then he slipped out of bed and let the whiny dog in. She went right to his spot on the bed, and he nudged her off. “Sorry, girl. I had this side first.” The dog seemed content to stretch out on the floor beside the bed. He pulled Mags closer, already feeling her heat and his response. The magnetic pull so strong and so like them. They were just beginning.
She stroked his cheek. “Our arguments always ended this way. No more secrets, right?”
“No more,” he nodded, but he couldn’t look in her eyes. There was so much he hadn’t told her. “Mags, I need to tell you…”
“Later,” she whispered. “You need to show me right now.”
Show her he loved her. That he could do.
Chapter 33
This had disaster written all over it. What had he been thinking? He had made love to her, and time had taken several giant steps backwards. He tapped his fingers impatiently on the defense table, waiting for the judge. The kid looked nervous as he should be, but he had worked out a deal with the prosecutor that would get him probation if he agreed to a guilty plea and community service. A few minutes with the judge, and Mark would have earned his fee and could leave. What was keeping the damn judge? He sipped his cold vending machine coffee and rolled his eyes.
Mags, warm and tempting, those big blue eyes that gutted him, that body that wrapped around him till he wanted, needed to be buried within her, so close, and a part of her. The connection had always been there from the moment they met, and even then, he knew he couldn’t live without her. She was his other half, the missing piece that prevented him from taking another woman into his heart, not Stacy, not Melissa, not any of them. But where did they go from here?
He checked his phone, though he knew she was busy then quickly shoved it in his pocket when the judge finally took the bench. Fifteen minutes later he was walking back to his office and checking his phone again.
I want to see you tonight, he typed. He smiled at his arrogance, but after last night he was hopeful. He wanted a second chance at building a life with her, but what did she want? Though so much seemed familiar, they weren’t the same people. Could they work things out? He couldn’t do this again; couldn’t lose her again.
Late? Nine? I have something to take care of after work.
That’s fine. I’ll bring take-out.
Do people ever get second chances? There hadn’t been much time to talk between wolfing down bagels and showering together this morning. What man would want to talk anyway with a desirable soapy woman in his shower? But before too long, they’d have to define their relationship, and that meant addressing the obvious problems.
Would Mags understand why he hadn’t told her about Liddy? Could he even explain how much he loved his little girl and the lengths he would go to protect her? Maybe after this weekend, he’d bring them together, though his heart warned him to be cautious. It was one thing to risk his heart again, but he couldn’t risk Liddy’s.
Maybe they should just enjoy what they have for a little while and really get to know one another again. Spend time together. Rebuild something as a couple with Rufus before building a family. He hadn’t even noticed his pace and direction had changed. His law office was behind him as he leisurely walked down Main Street. He switched hands as he rolled back his shirt sleeves already too warm in the morning heat. He really wanted a decent cup of coffee and maybe a look at Mags. The line was long in the coffee shop which was why he noticed Craig and Mags at the door of her shop. He held her hand and kissed her cheek before heading to his car. What about the cowboy? What was she thinking?
He called and waited impatiently. Had she gone back to her office?
“Mark? Everything all right for tonight?”
His heart beat faster. He felt foolish like a love-sick puppy. “I’m at the coffee shop. Can I bring you a cup?”
“You’re a life saver. We’ve been too busy to sneak away. Bring their cookies?”
“You got them. Be there shortly.”
The anticipation, the joy, the… He laughed as he managed the two cups and the door. This was why she read those damn novels. Why John grandstanded to win his Lisa. She met him at the door, took her cup, and led him back to her office. Her skirt swished lightly against those tanned legs as her feminine sway sent his imagination into overdrive. But all he needed to remember was his hands on her ass, his fingers digging deeper into the flesh, and her hips as she adjusted for him. He broke out in a cold sweat.
“Are you all right?” she asked, closing the door. “You look a little flushed.”
He set both cups on her desk and pulled her to him. That hadn’t changed. He couldn’t keep his hands or his mouth off her. He kissed her with an urgency that defied the many times he had taken her between last night and this morning. “It’s warm in here.”
She squeezed his shoulders, her hands gliding down his arms. “Definitely warm.” She ran her hands down his sides, over his hips, to the bulge in his right pocket. “My cookies?”
He shook his head as he released her to pull out the small bag. “Mostly. Mags, I just happened to see Craig leaving your store a few minutes ago.”
She set the cookie down thoughtfully and sipped her coffee. “I haven’t seen him for a few days, not since that night I asked you to help out with Rufus. He just stopped in to say hello between picking up some car parts and grabbing some lunch.”
He didn’t know how to ask her. Their relationship too new again, but maybe she read his expression or his thoughts as she always did.
“He wants more than I do, but I don’t think he’s over his wife. I promised Ryan, his son, I would catch a few innings of his ballgame tonight.”
“That’s what you’re doing after work?”
“Yes, Craig’s shop is open late twice a week, and he can’t be there. I guess I’m his cheerleader.”
At least she wouldn’t be with Craig. “You didn’t have to tell me that.”
She reached for his hand and met his eyes. “Promise me something. We screwed things up by not talking. This…” She wasn’t sure what to call it. “relationship…Can we just be honest and talk? Just so no one gets hurt.”
He nodded, the lump making it difficult to swallow. He needed to tell her, but this wasn’t the time or the place. “You’re
both beautiful and smart,” he said lightly. “Of course, but five years have gone by. Things have changed for both of us. You’ve dealt with cancer, and I’ve dealt with other things. It’ll take time…”
“Of course, it will,” she smiled. “And maybe we can enjoy each other for a while.”
“Enjoy is good.” He kissed her again, and she pushed him toward the door. “Go get some work done. I’ll see you later.”
He paused at the door. “Can I ask you something? Did John ever make it with Lisa?”
“Fall in love, get married, and have babies? Of course, that’s the definition of a romance novel. There has to be a happily ever after.”
Has to be, he thought as he headed back to work.
Chapter 3 4
Ryan wasn’t bad as a catcher, but he was a phenomenal hitter. As Mags adjusted her sunglasses, he hit an inside pitch to left field over the outfielder’s head. He rounded second easily and continued to third without so much as a second thought. Sliding into the base under the tag, he dusted off his uniform in an arrogant swagger. He’d turn the girls’ heads next year in college.
Mags didn’t know any of the parents that cheered wildly for their children. Would she ever be a mom? PTA meetings, scouts, baseball, she wanted it all, but the cards were stacked against her as she grew older, and Dr. Stratton was being deliberately evasive when it came to fertility issues. Ryan waved as the game came to an end, and she waited till he caught up to her. “Thanks for coming.”
“It was fun. You’re amazing.”
“I want to play college ball; maybe a scout will notice me.” One of the girls caught his eye, and he left her wondering about the woman that created him with Craig. Beneath it all, they were great kids. They got good grades, participated in activities, and were respectful most of the time. How could Craig be over the woman that had given him so much?
Driving back to town, the dark skies looked threatening, and she barely made it home before it started to rain. She changed into comfortable jeans and set the table. She was betting Chinese, one of Mark’s favorite take-out menus. There must have been a line, because he was twenty minutes late and that wasn’t like him. He was never late. She checked her phone, but he hadn’t called. When twenty minutes became forty, she was worried and sent him a text.
Everything all right?
Sorry, be there in ten minutes.
Maybe something at work had slowed him down, or maybe he forgot the time. When he walked in without knocking, shaking off the drenching rain, she was relieved. The peppered steak and almond chicken smelled wonderful.
“What’s all that stuff?”
“Just brought a change of clothes for tomorrow so I wouldn’t have to rush in the morning. Come here. You forgot something.” She forgot everything as his body pressed against her, and his mouth delved into the warmth of her taste.
“Sit, eat.” She was as dizzy with lust as he, but if they didn’t eat, they might never get back to the table.
“Rain’s letting up. We can still take Rufus for a short walk.” He remembered how much she liked a walk after a soaking rain.
She glanced at her phone and drank a sip of water. “My mom. She never calls this late. Mom? Slow down. Where are you? Is he all right? All right, I understand. Calm down. I’ll be there as quick as I can.”
“What’s wrong?”
“My dad fell on the patio. Mom called an ambulance, and they’re in the ER.” She ducked into the bedroom, looking for her purse, while he threw out the paper plates and refrigerated the leftovers. “I don’t know how serious it is, but I have to go.”
He caught her arms and eyes. “I’m going with you. Do you have everything you need?”
“You don’t have to do that. I could be there a while.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m taking you.” He pulled her towards his car in front and opened the door.
“I can handle this, Mark.”
“No one said you couldn’t, but I like your dad, and I want to be there. All right?”
She nodded quickly. They were wasting time. “What could he have been doing on the patio this time of night?”
“Your dad, Mr. Fix-it, could have been doing anything. Just relax. We’re almost there.” He patted her thigh, and she caught his hand. The connection, the strength always there between them.
In the emergency room, Mags quickly scanned the waiting area for her mother. Not seeing her, she approached the reception area. “Peter Blossom, my father, he was brought in by ambulance.”
“Yes, I see it here,” the petite brunette replied. “The doctor is in with him now. Please take a seat in the waiting area.”
“Is my mother with him? A thin dark-haired woman?”
“I believe so.”
“Thank you.” She sent a text to her mother and sat beside Mark.
“Hey,” he said softly, circling her shoulders. “He’s a tough guy. He’s going to be all right.”
Her mother burst through the double metal doors, looking tired and stressed, but she hugged Mags quickly and nodded to Mark. “He’s been taken to x-ray, and he’ll need stitches. They’ll call me when he gets back.”
“What was he doing outside, Mom?”
She shrugged sadly. “He doesn’t sleep well. Usually I hear him, but I guess I didn’t this time. Then he forgets what time it is and decides to work in his garden. He tripped on the patio steps and landed on his face. There was so much blood from the gash on his forehead, but the EMT said head wounds bleed profusely, and it wasn’t as bad as it looked.”
“Mrs. Blossom, there’s a coffee machine down the hall. Can I get you a cup?”
“Thank you, Mark. I’d appreciate that.”
“Mags, honey?”
“No, thanks. I’m good.”
“So,” Mrs. Blossom said when Mark disappeared down the hall, “were you with Mark when I called?”
“He insisted on coming with me. He loves Dad, too.” She avoided her mother’s inquisitive stare.
“Are you seeing him?”
“A little.”
“And what about Craig?” she demanded.
“I haven’t made a commitment to either man, Mom. Mark and I have tried to iron out the past. It’s like we’re both stuck somewhere between the past and the present.”
“I’ve always said you never got over him. He hurt you, Maggie.”
“I was just as much to blame as he was, now that I understand things better. We can at least be friends.”
“Friends.” Her mother sounded doubtful. “He’ll break your heart again, and this time you will have lost Craig, too. Mark isn’t the right man for you, sweetheart. Life has a way of clarifying things.”
Mark interrupted with the coffee. He returned to the seat besides Mags and immediately took her hand. After several sips of his coffee, he handed it to her. Though she didn’t think she wanted anything, the warm brew calmed her and gratefully her hand tightened around his.
When the doctor came out, he too looked frazzled. “Head x-rays were fine. Stitched him up, ten stitches. This will explain how to treat the wound till the stitches are removed. He’s quite disoriented and angry. Asking for his wife and wants to go home. With insurance companies the way they are, I have to release him, but I gave him something light to calm him down. You can give him more when he gets home but keep an eye on him. He shouldn’t be wandering around the house alone. Also, read this. If he exhibits any of these symptoms in the next 24 to 48 hours, bring him back here or to his own doctor immediately. I don’t expect any problems, but with a head wound in someone in his advanced years, I have to warn you.”
“Doctor, why did my father fall?”
The doctor sighed. “He may have stumbled in the dark or lost his footing. Balance is often a problem for older individuals, but I know you’re concerned with the dementia. It’s hard to know if this is the results of the disease, though repeated falls, balance issues, are common with Alzheimer patients.”
“I want to see my husband.”
“Try to calm him. Rest is what he really needs right now.”
“I’ll come with you, Mom.”
“Let me help, too, honey. Your dad likes me and might be more receptive to a guy. One he shares certain passions with.”
Her mother shrugged, too tired to argue.
Mark watched as both Mags and her mother tried to soothe her father. Even when they agreed with him, he seemed to want a fight, to blame them or the hospital for his discomfort. “Pete?” Mark tried.
“Mark, Mark,” Her father’s eyes brightened. “How good to see you, son. Where have you been? We haven’t seen much of you lately.”
He met Mags’ glance. “I’m a lawyer now. Been busy with law school and my new practice, but I’ve been wanting to come by and see you.”
“A lawyer. That’s wonderful. Our girl snagged a good man in you.”
Mark rested a hand on her shoulder. “Your daughter’s pretty special, too, Pete.”
“Happiest day of my life when you two tied the knot. I knew she’d always have someone who loved her and would take care of her.”
“Dad.”
“Best day of my life, too,” Mark interrupted. “So, when do you have a free day to go fishing with me, Pete?”
“You name the day, big time lawyer. I’ll be ready.”
“I’m busy this weekend, and you’ll need to recoup a little from your spill, but I’m due a day off. How about Wednesday? I’ll drive us up the coast, and we’ll throw the lines in.”
“You got yourself a date, son, and I bet I’ll catch more than you.”
Mags squeezed Mark’s arm. She hadn’t seen her father this happy in a long while. While her mother signed the discharge papers, the nurse helped her father into a wheel chair amid more complaining, but occasionally he winked conspiratorially at Mark.
He brought the car around, gathered the man in his arms and into the back seat, and drove to their house. He hadn’t been there in a long time, and a rush of memories hit him quickly. With a little support he helped him upstairs and left her mother to get him situated in bed.