by Sam Crescent
What need was there?
Had everything just gone?
Was her story a complete waste of time?
Nothing made sense to her.
“I thought I’d find you up here,” Rusty said, startling her.
She opened her eyes, and sure enough, there he was.
“How?”
“Well, I was told you ran out of the diner looking like a crazy woman, scared and terrified. From where people said you were, this is the only place I could think of where you could hide.” Rusty took a seat on the bench. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” she said, the lie falling easily from her. “Why is this place abandoned?”
Rusty laughed. “Because, everyone knew it was where the next generation of kids being made, so parents made it a tourist attraction. You can watch wild deer from here, and birds. Kids don’t want to come anywhere where there is a risk of parents catching them, do they?”
“Clever,” she said.
“You ever come here when you were younger?” he asked.
“No. Not even once. I never had anyone to make out with. Kind of sad to just turn up with no one to share it with.”
Rusty took her hand. “You’ve got me.”
“Did you ever come here?”
“No.”
“Why? You dated a lot in high school.”
“I don’t need for people to see me making out with a girl. What I have with someone is always and will always be private.”
“And you’re willing to make out with me now?”
“Why not? No one else is here. We’re alone. I know you’re going through some stuff, and it scares you, and it’s okay to be scared.”
“No, it’s not.”
“Yes, it is. I don’t expect you to tell me everything, but you don’t need to lie to me, baby. I’m not dumb.”
“I never thought you were dumb. I just don’t want you to worry.”
“When it comes to you, I think it’s a safe bet to say I’m going to worry.”
“It’s nothing.”
“Why did you run out of the diner?” he asked.
“I don’t know.”
“You do. It’s fine. If you can’t tell me, I can wait. This is your life as well, and I don’t want you to be hurt.”
He sat back, holding her hand, and she hated herself for being mean. What was wrong with telling him exactly how she felt?
“I don’t want you to worry because it’s really not that big of a deal.”
“If it’s a big deal to you, it’s a big deal to me. Talk to me.”
“My parents and everyone in the diner, I felt like they were all looking at me, expecting me to make a decision, and I can’t do that. I don’t want to do that.”
“A decision about what?”
“The future. Us. I … I don’t know where this is leading, and it scares me.”
“Do you want to know where I think this is leading?”
“No!” She nearly screamed the word.
He chuckled.
“Now I sound like the biggest bitch in the world.”
“No, you’re not. You couldn’t possibly be a bitch.”
“I can, and I am. Don’t try to make me out to be some kind of saint. I’m not, really.”
He chuckled. “You need to learn to stop worrying.”
“I can’t help it.”
“Look, I get it, okay. This town, being back here after a long break, it takes a lot to get used to. I’m not going to push you, Casey. You and me, we’re not in any kind of rush here.” He reached out, stroking her cheek. “We’re having some fun. How about we tell people that? Apart from your father; I think he would kill me if I said I was only having fun with his daughter.”
She chuckled. “You’d do that for me? Everyone knows you’re a nice guy.”
“Why don’t we tell your father you’re the one having fun with me?”
“My dad wouldn’t hurt you.”
“No, he wouldn’t, but that doesn’t mean he might not hunt me down and try to kill me.”
“Don’t make me laugh, please.”
“We can make this work, and it’s no one else’s business but ours. About what we do and how we do it.” He stroked her cheek. “You’ve got nothing to worry about.” She leaned back, resting her head against his shoulder.
“You know, I’m lucky to have you, right?”
“Of course you are. I’m a stud.”
She thought about the time they’d spent together. He liked to fuck, but he was also a perfect gentleman.
“Thank you, Rusty. You make me so happy.” And he really did. Spending time with him, she didn’t feel afraid as she had moments ago back at the diner. He grounded her in ways no one else ever had, but he also made her feel like she could do anything, be anything, and there were no rules or boundaries.
Could that be love?
She didn’t have the first clue, but at least, for now, she didn’t have to worry.
****
Since Casey’s little panic attack back at the diner, Rusty had been sure to keep his distance when it came to the relationship stuff. He hated that she felt so panicked and insecure, but he wasn’t going to add to her fears of their relationship by pushing her when he really didn’t want to.
Leaning into the latest car that needed service, he checked the fluids, cleaned up the necessary pipes, and made sure there were not any parts that would need changing soon because of them being old or worn.
Someone cleared his throat as he looked around the car to see Rome waiting.
“Hey,” Rome said. “I thought I’d catch you here. I haven’t seen your parents around for a few weeks.”
“They went on that month-long cruise. They’ve got another week before they even think about returning.”
“That’s right,” Rome said, clicking his fingers. “They were so excited about it. You bought them that, didn’t you?”
“Yes. I’ve been saving for a trip for them since I was a boy. I knew how much they wanted to go, and I put something aside every single week until I could afford it.” His parents hadn’t wanted to go on the trip as they felt guilty for abandoning him.
He’d been working the garage his entire life, and well, his parents were amazing and throughout their life, they had always put their son and business first. It was the least he could do to give back to the people who loved him.
“What brings you around here?” he asked, wanting to know why Rome Jones was really here.
“I think you and I both know why I’m here.”
“Yep, I do. Casey.”
“Yes, Casey. You see, I’ve been hearing a rumor around town. You and her, it’s just a bit of fun.”
Rusty had known this could be a problem. After all, Casey was this man’s daughter, so of course he wouldn’t want anyone to play around with her.
Rubbing the back of his neck, he felt uncomfortable. “Sir, I just want to say … it’s not what it sounds like.”
“I like you, Rusty. I do. A man’s got to do a lot to protect his daughter. I thought rather highly of you. You’re a good man. Your reputation is impeccable. I can’t find a single fault with you, but anyone who is just having fun with my daughter, I’ve got a problem with.”
“I’m not having fun with her.”
“Why don’t I believe you?” Rome was already rolling up his sleeves.
Rusty wasn’t scared. He didn’t know if Rome could fight or not, but it was beside the point. He wasn’t going to fight Casey’s dad.
“I’m in love with her.” There. He had finally said the words that he had kept locked up so tight, and never let anyone else know.
He had a feeling Buster already knew, but his friend hadn’t said anything about it recently.
“You’re in love with Casey?”
“Yes. I have been for a long time now. I’m not just having fun with her.”
“Then tell me why there is a rumor that you are,” Rome asked, folding his arms.
“She’s not ready t
o know.”
“You think my Casey is stupid?”
“No. I think our Casey is scared, and she … she’ll run the first moment she can because she’s afraid. This is why I have to be careful with her. I don’t want her to run from me. She’s not ready to know I’m in love with her. That I want to spend the rest of my life making a family and being with her every single moment that I can.” He took a step toward Rome. “Don’t tell her, please.”
“You really think she’ll run?”
“She ran out of the diner because people were looking at her. She’s not ready for any of this. It scares her.”
“I love my daughter and will do anything for her.”
“And I love her as well. It’s why I’m taking my time. It’s why I’m not trying to rush her. I love her more than anything else in the world, and I will be there for her, always. Please, don’t doubt that.”
“You want a life with her?”
“I want everything with her.” He wished more than anything he could wave a magic wand and get what he wanted, but life didn’t work like that. Nothing ever came to him easily, and he didn’t mind that. Hard work never bothered him. “I’ve got to take my time, and I guess I need you guys to just see us as having fun. Nothing too serious.”
Rome stared at him for the longest time. “I don’t like this.”
“I know.”
“You’re sure you’re not just trying to have your way with her?”
He smiled. “I’m not. Many years ago, I watched Casey drive away to the big city, and I didn’t chase after her. That has been one of my biggest regrets all these years. I never told her how I feel. I’m not going to make that mistake again, but I do need to make sure that she can trust me.”
“You think lying about where this is going will help with that?”
“I don’t know what will help to be honest, Rome. I just know I want to make this work with her.” He was desperate to make this work.
Rome stood there for several minutes then nodded.
“Then, I will help.”
“You’ll help?”
“Yes. I won’t cause a problem. I won’t try to convince her to move back. I will leave all of this in your capable hands. I know you’ll do right by my girl, and I trust you.” Rome held his hand out, and Rusty shook it. “I’d be proud to have you as a son-in-law,” Rome said.
“Dad, what are you doing here?” Casey asked, coming into the garage.
She wore a pair of shorts and a vest top once again. He rarely saw her in anything but. The weather was hot though, so wearing anything more would just be uncomfortable.
“I’m saying hi to our new friend.”
She chuckled. “Hi? Dad, you’ve known Rusty for a long time.”
“Yeah, well, I wanted him to know that no one has fun with my girl.”
“Dad, don’t please. Don’t do this.”
“I’ve warned him, and he knows not to use you.” Rome moved up to Casey and hugged her. “He can come for Sunday lunch.”
“Dad, he really doesn’t have to.”
“I know you don’t eat meat, but your mother’s really excited about it, and I want him to come so I can make sure he’s not going to hurt you.”
“This is going to suck,” she said.
“No, it’s not.”
Rome didn’t linger, and within minutes Rusty was alone with his scared woman.
“So, I leave you for two minutes to go and grab lunch and my dad is here.”
He shrugged. “You know, he was here to beat me up?”
“What? Why?”
“You. Of course. Why wouldn’t it be you?”
“I don’t know. Why would Dad want to beat you up? You’re an amazing guy.”
“I know I am, but that doesn’t mean he likes the nasty rumors that are circulating about you and me.”
She groaned. “Seriously, already? I don’t know how anyone can keep up with anything in this town. It’s all about the gossip.”
“Would you want it to be any different? Everyone is happy here. Think about it, you don’t see many unhappy people.”
“That is true. You’re right. Everyone is happy here.”
He watched her as she thought about it. What he truly wanted to do was show Casey this town wasn’t to be feared. Living here, being with him, it wasn’t to be thought of as something scary.
“Besides, your father just wants the best for you. I can’t fault him for that, can you?”
“I can quite easily fault him. It’s really easy to do.” She winked at him. “You’re right. I shouldn’t be angry about this. He didn’t hit you, did he?”
“Depends. If I say yes, what do I get?”
“I will take care of you.”
“Then yes, he totally hit me right here,” he said, pointing to his face.
“I don’t see any bruise.”
“I don’t bruise easily.”
She pressed her lips to the spot.
“And here.” He touched his neck.
Her lips followed.
Finally, he put his finger to his mouth, and she kissed him.
Sinking his fingers into her hair, he held her close and ravished her lips. She tasted so fucking good, and he couldn’t get enough of her.
He didn’t know what Rome had in store for either of them. He wasn’t looking forward to finding out, but so long as he got to keep Casey, he was willing to try anything.
Chapter Eight
Casey checked on the muffins she had baking. This was supposed to be a date with her and Rusty, but he got a call out to go and pick up a car that had gone into a ditch. It was a young mother and her baby, and there was no stopping Rusty, not that she’d actually tell him not to go and take care of anyone.
She had found out his father and mother were away for the first time in years, and because of that, Rusty was holding down the fort. He’d even told her how he had saved most of his life already just to send his parents on a vacation of their dreams.
How could someone not love a guy who would do that for his parents?
He’d not saved money for himself or some dream, once-in-a-lifetime trip. He’d done this for his parents.
Rusty was so selfless.
Grabbing a piece of pepper, she took a bite.
The meal she had prepared sat waiting for him, apart from the steak. That was marinating in the fridge. She hadn’t cooked meat in a long time, so she hoped it wasn’t going to be gross.
Finishing off the pepper, the timer buzzed, and she went to the oven and removed the muffins. She let them sit in the tin for a couple of minutes before removing them.
With nothing else to do, she took a seat in his living room, leaned back, and turned on the television.
For the next hour, she pressed the up and down button, changing the channel randomly, and going down again.
There was nothing on.
Just as she was about to give up and go to bed, the door opened.
“I am so sorry that took so long. So, the single mother turned out to be a drunk driver. When I got there, she kept trying to attack me,” Rusty said.
Casey got off the sofa and rushed toward him. There was a scratch on his face.
“Oh my, she did that to you?”
“Yep, and the cops had to be called. A statement made.”
“You’re pressing charges, right?”
“It was just old woman Lou. It’s fine.”
Casey remembered old woman Lou. There was a rumor she spoke to the dead, but the truth was, she drank her life away at the bottom of a bottle, and made the excuse she saw dead people in order to keep on drinking. Her husband had left her many years ago, even before Casey was born.
“But she hurt you.”
“She was drunk.”
“She is always drunk,” she said.
“Casey, this isn’t the city. I’m not going to press charges on an old woman just because she got angry because I had to report her car in a ditch. I can’t even believe that old thing worked. I
’ve not seen her drive ever.”
“You have to press charges. I don’t care if this isn’t the city.”
“Casey, no.”
She put her hands on her hips. Her heart was racing. “What if she had a gun?”
He laughed. “She probably did.”
“You could have died tonight.”
“But I didn’t.” He grabbed her hips, easing her close to him. “What is really bothering you right now?”
“This. You. I don’t like the thought of anything bad happening to you. I care about you, Rusty.”
He smiled. “You care about me?”
“Don’t.”
“What? I thought we were just having some fun.”
“We are having fun.” She placed a hand on his stomach. “And we can always have fun.” Slowly, she slid her hand down, going toward his dick.
She wanted him, or at least for him to stop trying to get her to talk about her feelings. The slight fear was still there. What if something happened to him? She couldn’t handle that. It scared her to think of anyone hurting him.
“Casey, you don’t have to worry,” he said, taking hold of her hands. “I’m right here, for you, always. Lou wouldn’t hurt me. Besides, she was that drunk she couldn’t even see straight. I surrounded her, or my evil spirits were.”
“This isn’t funny. Don’t underestimate anyone you’re with. I know you think I’m being stupid because I live in the city, so what do I know.”
“I don’t think that.”
“But, people dying, that’s real.”
He pushes some hair off her face. “I will be more careful, I promise.” He leaned in close, brushing his lips against hers. “I promise I will take better care.”
“Please, do so. I don’t think I could stand for anything bad happening to you.” She rested her head against his chest, hearing his heart race.
He stroked his fingers through her hair, and she closed her eyes, simply enjoying being close to him.
“You know, you don’t have to worry. I will always come back to you.”
She wrapped her arms around him a little tighter, and she didn’t want to let him go. “Good.”
Casey wanted to tell him the same thing, but instead, she had to break the tension that had built between them. She had caused this, and now, she really needed to break it, so he didn’t start to ask any more questions.