by Joan Davis
“It looks good. I don’t see or feel any leaks,” Honor said and smiled at Ellie as she clean up the area and stood up with the plastic bin in her hands. She poured the excess water into the sink.
“Thanks again. I can’t believe you did that with no tools. You made it look so easy,” Ellie said, shaking her head.
Honor shrugged. “Most home repairs are easy. You just need to learn the steps to do the job right. In this case, it just depended on what type of pipes we were dealing with and their age. Anyway, I’m glad I could help. Actually, you helped me out. I was just about to commit suicide by boredom,” Honor said, only half joking. She washed her hands in the sink and took the paper towel Ellie offered to dry them off.
“Are you thirsty? I have soda, tea or water. What would you like?” Ellie asked and brought out two tall glasses from the cabinet and filled them with ice from the icemaker in the door of her refrigerator.
“Tea would be great,” Honor said, eyeing the refrigerator. “What I’d really like is to take that refrigerator home with me. I haven’t been able to remodel my kitchen yet, so I have this old refrigerator, freezer that has no icemaker so I have to use ice trays. It was a real hassle when I couldn’t use my arm. Gabriel had to keep cracking ice trays for me and saving the cubes in a big bowl, so I could get to them easier,” Honor said with a crooked grin.
As Ellie led the way back out to the living room and they sat down on a comfortable sofa, Ellie said with a giggle, “I love that stupid refrigerator. I splurged on it a year or so ago. The one I had before was ancient and wasn’t even frost-free. Every month I had to chip my way into the freezer to get anything out. I finally had enough and bought my girl over there. I can’t even reach back all the way on the top shelf, but at least I don’t have to defrost it every five minutes.”
“You’re a girl after my own heart,” Honor said.
“Hey, having Gabriel Ryan crack an ice tray for you isn’t the worst thing I could imagine,” Ellie said with a raised brow.
Honor looked down and gave a grimace. “I’m afraid I don’t do the damsel in distress very well. I’m surprised he’s still speaking to me. I’m sort of obnoxious when I don’t feel well.”
“Uh, I don’t know about that, but from what Lela tells me, her uncle is pretty much willing to do whatever you want,” Ellie said with a grin. “Uncle Gabriel picked up Honor and carried her all the way to her bedroom. Honor and Uncle Gabriel were kissing in the kitchen. Uncle Gabriel gets all weird and smiley when we go see Honor,” Ellie said imitating Lela.
Honor blushed and closed her eyes. “Oh please tell me she did not say any of that in front of large groups of people.”
“Nope, she just said them to me,” Ellie laughed.
Honor shook her head in shock. “I didn’t even think she noticed that anything was going on between Gabriel and me. I just figured she thought he was my friend, like she is. Do I say something to her or what? What am I going to say? I don’t even know what is going on between Gabriel and me half the time. You’re a teacher. Tell me what to do,” Honor demanded with frantic humor.
Laughing, Ellie held her hands up and said, “I can’t even get a date in this town and you want my advice? You are asking the wrong person, sister. I would say that you and Gabriel need to figure out a game plan though. Kids don’t miss much. They see and hear everything,” Ellie said.
“Yeah I guess you’re right. Now that I think about it. Lela is always telling me about seeing Sam and Risa kissing or Conner bringing one of his dates around,” Honor said, and then stopped when she saw Ellie frown. “What?”
Shaking her head, Ellie said, “Nothing, I just don’t get along with Conner Matthews.”
“Really? I didn’t know there was a woman on earth that man couldn’t charm,” Honor said.
“That’s just the point. He thinks he is God’s gift to women and doesn’t mind spreading himself around to prove it,” Ellie said in disgust. “He might as well sell tickets.”
Honor eyed Ellie with surprise. “Wow! That’s some reaction. Remind me never to sit you next to him at a dinner party. This is if I ever get a table in my dining room or have a party.”
Ellie flicked her hand at Honor. “You wouldn’t say that if you had to endure his brand of harassment every time you see him. It’s like he can’t help himself. He has to come over and give me some lame line filled with sexual innuendos, and what am I supposed to do, fall into his arms? No thanks, he’d have to visit a doctor and get a written note before I’d even go near him, much less touch him,” Ellie said and shivered dramatically.
Honor burst out laughing at Ellie’s extreme reaction. She doth protest too much, Honor thought. “Well, I’m sorry he rubs you the wrong way. That happens sometimes. Conner’s always been pretty decent to me. As a matter of fact, all of Gabriel’s friends have become people I like. I got to know a few of them at a lake party Risa and Sam threw a few weeks back. I had a great time,” Honor said.
“Yeah, Risa invited me to that party and I was going to go, but I changed my mind after yet another run-in with that man. I just didn’t feel up to dealing with him the whole day. Risa has become a good friend, and so has her husband, Sam. I don’t really know Gabriel that well except through Lela, but he’s always been kind and an involved parent. It’s just Conner I have a problem with,” Ellie said frowning.
“Well, the next time Risa throws one of her parties I will run interference for you, if you need it,” Honor said grinning.
Ellie laughed and said, “Thanks, I just might take you up on that. I felt so stupid for missing that party, all because I didn’t want to deal with one man.”
“No problem, we ladies have to stick together. I’m glad I got to know you today. I guess I have to thank Lela for that,” Honor said.
Ellie bit her lip and then said, “Well, that isn’t the only way I knew who you were. Your reputation sort of preceded you.”
Honor frowned and stiffened at Ellie’s words. Here it comes. Why does it always come down to this? Honor thought angrily.
Seeing Honor’s reaction Ellie quickly said, “Oh, it’s not bad. I’m talking about what happened at Maybell’s diner. You are the talk of the town. Maybell has been telling that story to everyone who walks through the door.”
“What are you talking about?” Honor said, confused.
Ellie laughed in dismay. “Maybell has been telling everyone that you scared Luanne Franklin so badly that she has all but stopped coming into Maybell’s unless she calls and Maybell assures her you aren’t there.”
“What? I mean, I remember having a run in with her at Maybell’s. She was harassing Risa and I decided to see if she could take some of her own medicine. It only lasted like a minute or so, and after that she and another lady left the diner. That’s the last time I’ve even seen or heard anything about her,” Honor said in surprise.
Ellie raised her brows in wonder. “Well, the way Maybell tells it, you saw her being mean to Risa and threatened to kick her ass if you ever saw her near Risa or talking bad about anyone you know. She crowed about the fact that LuAnne hasn’t harassed or gossiped about anyone in weeks. I think Maybell is lobbying you for sainthood,” Ellie said giggling.
Honor was speechless and then a little embarrassed by her immediate assumption that Ellie had heard something negative about her. “When you said you heard about my reputation I thought you meant something else,” Honor said.
Ellie’s expression softened. “I sort of figured that out from the expression on your face. Look, LuAnne and people like her stir people up in this town, but it seems like you’ve taken care of her, at least,” Ellie said, grinning. “As for what people think or don’t think, to hell with them. They need to get a life before they judge someone else’s.”
Honor grinned at Ellie. “You sound so fierce, just like Risa. It must be that whole being short thing,” she teased.
“Well, I would give anything to look like an Amazon once in a while,” Ellie said, giving it right back
to Honor.
Honor looked down and saw the time on her watch. “Wow, I better head home. Gabriel and Lela are coming by for dinner. Thank goodness Gabriel is bringing the food. All I have in the house are chips and Slim Jims.”
“Well, thanks again for helping and teaching me something new today. Both are appreciated,” Ellie said.
Honor nodded and after a quick wave she headed down the sidewalk and towards her house.
*****
Honor raced home and found Gabriel sitting on the porch steps with grocery bag, waiting on her. Smiling, Honor raced up the steps and grabbed a couple of bags and headed inside. “Where’s Lela?” Honor asked looking around.
“She is spending the weekend with her grandparents. They miss her and since it’s a teacher’s holiday on Monday and the kids are off, I figured this would be a good time for them to come down and get her,” Gabriel said, following behind Honor with the rest of the groceries.
After setting everything down on one of the counters, Honor turned to tell Gabriel about meeting Lela’s teacher today, but instead found herself in his arms and being kissed. Moaning, Honor wrapped her arms around Gabriel like a starving woman and sank into the kiss. What was I thinking trying to stay away from this man? Stupid girl. Stupid, stupid girl, Honor groaned to herself.
Gabriel broke the kiss to ask hoarsely, “Honor what is your favorite color?”
“Huh?”
“What is your favorite color?” Gabriel insisted, his lips so close they were sharing breath.
“Uh, I like the colors of sunset,” Honor said and moaned in delight when that answer earned her another deep and satisfying kiss. Gabriel lifted her shirt over her head and then ripped his own off.
“Why don’t you like to eat broccoli?” Gabriel asked as he ran his lips down Honor’s neck and pulled the straps of her bra down until her breasts sprang free with a little bounce. Groaning, Gabriel popped the clip on the bra and it fell to the floor as his lips closed over one nipple and he sucked it between his lips.
“Oh yes . . . Gabriel.” Honor arched her back as heated pleasure pooled between her legs.
Gabriel looked up at Honor and stopped what he was doing and waited.
Honor realized he was waiting for her answer and she tried hard to remember the question. “Broccoli . . . I don’t like it because it tastes like dirt,” she panted and then cried out as Gabriel bit down lightly and then lashed her nipple. He used his finger and thumb to roll and pinch the other taut peak. Little shudders of pleasure raced up and down her spine.
Gabriel popped the snap on Honor’s jeans and pulled the zipper down. He used both hands to pull them down over her hips along with her underwear. “Which side of the bed, Honor?” Gabriel rasped as he knelt down began kissing her abdomen and then he went lower. He slipped off her sandals and then made her step out of her jeans and underwear. “Tell me Honor, which side?” Gabriel demanded before he went any further.
“Neither . . .” Honor panted. “I like sleeping diagonally on the bed. Oh Gabriel! Yes!” Honor screamed when Gabriel lifted one of her legs over his shoulder, put his lips over her clitoris and lashed it with his tongue over and over without pause, his goal clear. “Don’t stop, more Gabriel, Ah yes!” Honor cried out. She felt her body spasm at the intense stimulation. Gabriel held her hips steady and didn’t allow her to move away from his touch. Her mind and body were in immediate overload, the sensations hammering at her were overwhelming and intense. Honor couldn’t stop the involuntary screams as she climaxed and her body convulsed with intense pleasure.
Before Honor could catch her breath, Gabriel lifted her up and set her on one of the empty counters and then tore his pants off. He slanted his mouth over hers and grabbed Honor’s legs and wrapped them around his waist. He grabbed her hips and slid inside her depths until their hips met. “Yes,” Gabriel growled in satisfaction and he pulled out and looked right into Honor’s eyes as he slowly pushed in again. “Tell me what you want Honor, what you need,” Gabriel demanded, placing his forehead against hers and trying to maintain control.
“I need everything Gabriel, everything, like before,” Honor sobbed with her need.
Still inside Honor, Gabriel said, “Wrap your legs around me and hold on to me.” Gabriel picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. He stretched them out on Honor’s bed, keeping his full weight off of her by supporting himself with his powerful arms. He locked eyes with Honor and started to move inside her slow and easy.
Honor kept her legs wrapped around Gabriel’s hips and thrashed her head in frustration. “Give me more Gabriel, everything,” she demanded.
Gabriel kept up this torture of slow methodical thrusts with a wicked smile that played around his mouth. He wanted this to last. He leaned down and nibbled on one of her taut peaks before seeking its twin for a repeat performance.
Long minutes later, Honor couldn’t stand it any longer and brought her arms up under his and scraped her nails down his back. “More, Gabriel!” Honor cried and dropped her feet to the bed and began thrusting upwards, her hips grinding into Gabriel’s with each thrust.
Gabriel gave a groan of satisfaction and began matching Honor’s rhythm. He thrust forward and met her rhythm. He watched as Honor’s pleasure built with each movement. She was arching her back and panting his name as she drew closer to her climax. Gabriel gritted his teeth, trying to maintain his control. He felt Honor’s inner muscles clench tightly around him and lost control. They both cried out as they reached orgasms. Gabriel kept moving until Honor collapsed below him and then he rolled them over until Honor lay over him in a languorous drape. Their harsh breathing was the only sound in the room.
Gabriel’s breath rasped out hoarsely and he ran his fingers lazily through Honor's hair. “I’m sorry about that, but I came this close to taking you right there on the porch. And I forgot about the condom again,” Gabriel said, a little embarrassed, and heard Honor giggle between gasping breaths. “So how do you think this ‘getting to know you’ thing is going?” Gabriel asked with a tired grin.
“Good, I think it’s good,” Honor sighed happily. “But I didn’t learn anything about you except that you suck at safe sex,” Honor squealed when Gabriel’s hand came down on her rear in retaliation.
“Smart ass.” Looking directly into her eyes, he said, “I love the color of bright amber. I can only eat okra if it’s fried, too slimy otherwise, and I pretty much sleep dead-center in the bed,” Gabriel said, continuing to run his hand up and down Honor’s body.
Honor gave him a look of mock horror. “We’re doomed. How are a diagonal-sleeper and a center-sleeper supposed to make it in the big bad world?” she said.
“Less sleeping more loving, I guess,” Gabriel growled and brought her head down for a deep kiss.
Honor broke the kiss and sighed with sated pleasure. “Yes, I think getting to know each other was definitely the way go,” she said and dropped her head back down on Gabriel’s warm muscular chest.
*****
“I didn’t have a chance to tell you earlier, but I met Lela’s teacher today, or is it yesterday now?” Honor said and stabbed another fork full of cherry cheesecake as it sat on Gabriel’s taught stomach and stuffed it in her mouth. His T-shirt her only attire, she sat propped up against Gabriel’s side in her bed.
“Ellie Lassiter? How did that happen?” Gabriel asked, licking cherry sauce and cheese cake off his finger. Sitting with his back against the headboard and a sheet thrown over his middle, he looked like every woman’s fantasy.
“I couldn’t stand being cooped up in here again all day by myself so I headed out for a walk. Ellie was standing on her front porch trying to talk to a plumber as I was walking by her house. She had dropped a ring down her kitchen sink and was trying to get advice on how to retrieve it. I offered to help, played plumber and got her ring out for her,” Honor said with a self-satisfied smile.
“Well that was nice of you,” Gabriel said. “She’s been really good to Lela.”
&
nbsp; Honor raised an eyebrow at Gabriel. “There is something you need to know that I found out about during my little visit with Ellie.”
“Oh yeah, what’s that?” Gabriel said and picked up a warmed up chicken nugget and stuffed the whole thing in his mouth.
“Lela knows we’re an item and she is sharing details with her teacher.”
Gabriel started choking on the chicken nugget, and Honor began pounding on his back until he had it under control. “What?” Gabriel coughed and cleared his throat. “What has she been saying?”
“Well as far as I can remember, Lela told her that you get all weird and smiley when it’s time to come and see me. She told her she saw us kissing in my kitchen and that you carried me all the way into my bedroom,” Honor said, repeating what Ellie had told her.
“Lela said all that, did she?” Gabriel winced. “I guess I better have a talk with her.”
“What are you going to say?” Honor asked.
“Well, the first thing I going to do is teach her what is appropriate information to share and what’s not. Oh man, this sucks. I don’t know how to do this. It’s times like this when I miss my sister most,” Gabriel said, at a loss.
“That’s what I told Ellie,” Honor said in commiseration. “She said that regardless, we still need to have some sort of plan ready to deal with it. Apparently, kids pick up on things more than we think, and hear and see everything.”
Nodding, Gabriel said, “Maybe I’ll talk to her therapist about it. She may have some guidelines about what to say and what not to say.”
“Gabriel, I just don’t want Lela to be upset or hurt in any way,” Honor said in concern.
Gabriel hugged Honor and said, “We’ll figure it out in time.”
As it turned out, Lela had a time frame of her own, and as Gabriel was taking her to school on Tuesday, she turned to him and asked, “Are you going to marry Honor, Uncle Gabriel?”
It took everything in Gabriel not to slam on the brakes. Instead he gently pulled over to the side of the road and stopped. He turned to face Lela. “What made you ask that, Lela?” Gabriel asked.