A Love for all Ages (Crockett County Trilogy Book 1)

by Phillips, Brenda

  Once Stephanie is seated in her car she gazes up at Chase. He bends down kissing her; he pulls her bottom lips in his mouth and gives a little nibble. Breaking the kiss Chase straightens telling her to follow him as he walks back to his car.

  Stephanie sits waiting for Chase to motion he is ready, thinking of the kiss she licks her lips tasting Chase. His kisses are always sweet, soft, caressing, however this one had been more playful. Was she ready for them to advance to the next phase? He had told her he was going to court her. Was she ready to be courted? Was she ready for a relationship? Didn’t she have enough to deal with right now, with the accident, with Archibald and Della, with the move and the change of adjusting? Did she really need a relationship right now? Her mind is saying no but her heart is screaming yes.

  Stephanie notices Chase is ready to leave; she puts her car in drive then pulls out behind Chase. Not wanting to think, she turns on the radio locating a county music station. Growing up, this type of music was Mitch’s favorite even as adults they had both continued listening. The rhythm of the music soothes her nerves. Singing along with the radio Stephanie follows Chase to her house.

  Parking besides Chase’s car she reaches for her purse, as she removes the keys she pops the trunk at the same time Chase opens her door assisting her with exiting the vehicle. They walk to the back of her car and begin removing the bags; he gives her two of the lighter ones than gathers the rest for him to carry. At the door Stephanie sits the bags on the porch to unlock the front door, pushing it open she turns to reach for the bags again. Chase stands out of her way to allow her to precede him in the foyer. They both stop just inside the entrance staring at Archibald; he is waiting for them and speaking too fast. Unable to understand him Chase tells Archibald to hold on.

  Archibald huffs out a breath, or he would if he had breath, as he follows them to the kitchen. Seeing them putting groceries away he stands at the kitchen door watching, waiting for them to finish. As soon as the last item is put in the cabinet he blurts out, “Someone broke in the house.” He points to the broken glass by the back door.

  Chase curses as he walks to the door to inspect it, sure enough it was broke from the outside then the lock was turned allowing someone to enter. “Why didn’t you say something sooner?” He looks over at Archibald with a frown on his brow.

  Stephanie strolls over to Chase, defensibly she states, “In all fairness Archie was trying to tell us when we came in, it was you who told him to wait.” Lifting her chin she dares him to deny her words. She looks around the kitchen spotting her laptop and the journal laying as she had left them.

  Chase now in his Sheriff mode, “Can you describe the person? Do you know if he took anything? Did you see a car?” As he rapidly asks his questions he removes his cell phone from his pocket then begins taking pictures of the broken glass and door.

  “Sheriff, Let me start at the beginning.” At Archibald’s words Stephanie and Chase sit down at the table, Chase takes a small notebook and pen from his back pocket than posed to write he waits.

  “A couple of months before Della passed way a man; the same man that came today was in the house. We came back from the pond and discovered he was in the house. He ran out when we came in the kitchen.” Chase starts to speak, but Archibald raises his hand signaling for him to wait, Chase snaps his month closed, leans back on the chair crossing his arms over his chest. Stephanie looks from one to the other, good grief; the male testosterone in this room is high. Putting her chin on her palm she leans on the table. She wants the same answers as Chase but realizes Archie needs to tell his story.

  Continuing to float by the door, Archibald explains what happened while they were gone today. He tells just the facts; he explains about the ledger, the only item the burglar had taken. When he finishes speaking Archibald crosses his arms the same as Chase had, remaining quiet he waits.

  Stephanie is the first to speak, “Why would someone wait over three years and then just take a house ledger?” Looking from Chase to Archie she tries to comprehend the mind of a burglar.

  Archibald shrugs his shoulders as Chase rises from the chair to begin to pacing. Turning to look at Archibald he states, “You said Della called the police, Sheriff White came out?” When Archibald nods, he continues, “So a report was made, I need to see that report.” Walking to the phone he picks up the receiver ready to push the numbers to his office; holding it in his hand he turns back to the table inquiring, “Sheriff White said it was probably a kid?”

  Nodding his head again, Archibald once more relates that part of the incident, “Yes, Della was upset because the Sheriff acted as if it was not a priority; he dismissed it as a prank, just someone trying to see me.” Shaking his head, “I told Della she should get a good security system or at least a big dog. But my Della was stubborn she said she grew up here; she was not scared and would not start acting like an old woman.” Smiling at these memories, he stops speaking.

  “Well I don’t like this at all.” Chase places the phone back on the base. “And I agree with Stephanie, why would someone wait that long to come back? Why the break? Was he is jail? Was he gone on a job?” Lost in thought he didn’t see Stephanie move until she was standing right in front on him. Looking down in her eyes he sees she is worried. He figures she had put the facts together and came up with the same conclusion; this man has to be the same man that caused her accident. Pulling her close he rubs his hands up and down her back. Resting his chin on the top of her head he looks at Archibald.

  Chase is relieve Stephanie hadn’t been here. But what if she had been; knowing her he would bet she would have tried fighting the man. This man has to be the same one that had run her off the road; the same man that had left the scene, not caring if she was alive. headquarters. been planned. investigation. But most of all he has to keep Stephanie safe.

  Clearing his throat to get their attention Archibald waits until both Chase and Stephanie are looking at him before he states what he feels is obvious, “Chase you need to move in here until this man is caught.” Crossing his arms over his chest he mimicked the stern look Chase used on him.

  With a nervous laugh, Stephanie responds, “Archie, I really don’t think that is necessary. I am sure Chase will agree.” Looking over at Chase she tries to read his expression.

  Relieved the suggestion came from Archibald, Chase agrees that is the only solution at this time. “I personally think he has a valid point. I have to work but the man will see me come and go during the days and I will be here at night. I can have Deputy Johnny come do well checks when he is doing patrol.” Looking over at Archibald he tells him, “You are brilliant.” With a look of relief on his face he turns to Stephanie.

  Standing by the counter Stephanie is holding the kitten while she gawks at the men as if they had grown horns. “You have got He had to call his friend at the state police This was no longer a road rage accident. This had He knew he would need help with the

  He has to figure out the importance of the ledger. to be joking. I am a grown woman. I don’t need a babysitter. I most certainly don’t need a well check. I have lived alone most of my adult life. I may be a woman but I can take care of myself.” Ending on a huff she stomps over to the table then plops down on the chair she had vacated just minutes before.

  Shrugging his shoulders Archibald vanishes leaving Chase to deal with Stephanie. Walking to the refrigerator Chase chooses for Stephanie a diet soda and for him a bottle of water. Sitting across from her at the table he slides her drink to her. Seeing the peace offering she smiles, “Thank you.”

  Stephanie picks up the can taking a sip then sits it back down; she traces her finger around the top. As she watches her finger move around the lid in a circle as if it is the most fascinating thing in the world she tries to hide her anxiety. “I know you are trying to help. I just don’t want to be told what I have to do. This is my house and my life.

  quite a few years now.”

  I have been making my own decision for Lifting her eyes
she stares at Chase.

  Reaching for her hand, Chase entwines their fingers, “You know I want to protect you. I am the Sheriff but it goes beyond that. I do know you’re a grown woman and most of the time can handle situations. But think about this; right now you have a broken wrist, cracked ribs and you recently had a head trauma. Why can’t you accept help for now while you recover?” Chase kept his voice calm. But on the inside his nerves are tight; he needs her to agree to this.

  Sensing Stephanie is almost ready Chase gives her a reason why she can’t refuse, “You know Archibald feels bad he was unable to help Della when the burglar broke in. He is worried the man will come back and you will be in danger, for him it would be like Della all over again. Do you really want to put him through this?” He almost smiles when he realizes he got to her. Chase feels a little guilty for using Archibald but the end results are what matter right now.

  The sense of feeling trapped grips her stomach. She knows she can’t have Archie worried about her. She also knows this will be better for Chase’s peace of mind. She just hopes this is going to be better for her. Nodding her head she asked “So when are you wanting to move in? I can get the spare room ready for you.”

  Deciding to not press his luck; not wanting to give her time to change her mind, “I figure I can go to town, pack a few things and be back here in an hour.” Reaching in his pocket Chase pulls out his cell phone; he makes a call to dispatch then one to Deputy Johnny. While on the phone with his third call he slides his hand into his other pocket extracting her cell phone.

  With Chase busy speaking to someone named Rivers; Stephanie checks her phone, discovering it’s completely dead. Searching her computer case she finds the charger after she plugs the phone in, within seconds the voice mail tone goes off, glancing at the phone she sees forty seven voice mails listed. Shaking her head she leaves the phone charging. Walking back to the table she opens her computer then pushes the on button, deciding she needs to do at least some work done today. She has played hooky long enough.

  Finished with his phone calls, Chase moves to the table picking up his bottle of water. Leaning down he gives Stephanie a kiss. “I shouldn’t be gone long. I will lock up on my way out. While in town I am going to pick up the supplies to repair the window panel. Don’t worry about the spare bedroom I’m a grown man, I can take care of it myself. If you need anything call my cell phone.” Finished speaking Chase walks away, leaving Stephanie sitting at the table staring after him.

  Not sure how long she has been sitting at her computer working on the cover of the new horror book Stephanie just knows her muscles are sore and she needs a shower. Before starting on the latest assignment she had glance through her emails, deleting the ones she didn’t need then put the ones she needed to keep in a folder.

  Feeling it was time for a break she pushes away from the table standing up she begins to stretch. But wishes she hadn’t done that when her ribs scream in protest. Deciding it is time for the hot shower she powers down the computer then check to make sure the kitten still has food and water; as an afterthought, she checks the litter box.

  All good for the kitten; Stephanie goes upstairs. Stopping on the landing to the second floor she looks up at the door leading to the attic. Shaking her head she decides to wait for Chase; they can check out the mess together. Turning she walks down the hall to her room.

  Chase has a feeling of deja’vu; it seems he is always searching for Stephanie. He has looked through every room down stairs, standing back in the foyer he decides to try the second floor; he takes the stairs two at a time. Reaching the landing Chase stands quietly trying to hear if she is in the attic. Silence, no humming or no movement detected.

  Walking down the hall Chase hears the floor creak in Stephanie’s room; he stops at her door. Shrugging his shoulders Chase raises his hand, giving a soft tap with his knuckles. Listening in the hallway he thinks he hears a door being opened then closed. Laying his hand on the door knob Chase looks behind him; grinning when he sees the hallway is empty. Twisting the knob he opens the door his eyes are drawn to Stephanie standing in front of the closet mirror. like a sarong. cascading down her back.

  Looking up Chase sees Stephanie watching him in the mirror; their eyes meet. Holding her stare Chase walks slowly in the room; stopping when he reaches the foot of her bed. Breaking eye contact Stephanie turns away from the mirror as she takes a step toward Chase she shifts her eyes back his. Chase takes the last step bringing her within his reach. He cups her face with his hands, he then leans over to kiss her, it starts soft and gentle, feeling her respond he deepen the kiss, pushing his tongue inside her mouth. He hears her moan deep in her throat as he moves his hands to the back of her head; he begins twisting her hair in his fingers. He gently pulls her head back giving him access to her neckline. Chase ends the kiss just to begin nibbling his way down She is wearing a towel wrapped around her body Stephanie’s hair is still damp from her shower her cheek to her neck. Stephanie grabs his shoulders holding on tight.

  Straightening Chase looks at Stephanie seeing her eyes filled with passion he moves back a few inches. With her hands now gripping his upper arms she feels his muscles tighten. Not wanting any misunderstandings his hands move to the knot of her towel. He stops as he continues to make eye contact giving her time to say no.

  Smiling a tiny sexy smile Stephanie nods her head yes. Her smile widens when she hears Chase release the breath he was holding.

  With a flick of his wrist the towel falls around Stephanie’s feet. He sucks in a breath at the beauty standing before him. Cupping her face with his hands he kisses her as he guides her backwards. Feeling her legs touch the back of the bed Stephanie wraps her arms around Chase’s neck as she falls back on the bed. He releases her face to catch his weight with his hands on either side of her head. Neither ends the kiss. Moving her hands from his neck to the buttons of his shirt she begins undoing one after another until his shirt is complete open. Stephanie places her hands on Chase’s chest, slowly she begins to rub her hands over his smooth skin then downwards to his rock hard stomach and back up again.

  Breaking their kiss Chase looks down at Stephanie’s breasts, her soft flawless mounds. He leans forward lightly licking one nipple. Moaning she grabs his head holding tightly. Loving her reaction, he leans over again this time he sucks the nipple deep inside his mouth. He feels her thrust her hips against his groin and at the same time he also feels an area of his jeans get tighter. Chase moves to her other breast sucking the nipple as he had the first one. Taking it deep in his mouth he rolls the bud with his tongue. Sucking harder he pulls her nipple further in, as he does he cups his hand around the swell of her breast squeezing as he suckles.

  “Oh my, Chase!” Stephanie moans as she grabs Chase’s hair in her fists. Chase is making her whole body tremble. She knows her body temperature has increased to flaming hot; he has her burning from the inside out.

  Releasing her breast he raises his head, shifting a little he looks into her eyes; her pupils are dilated and bright with desire. His own desire is growing filling him with need. Closing the distance between them Chase kisses Stephanie on her mouth; a quick hard kiss.

  Smiling he moves to kneel on the floor between her legs. Taking his shirt off, he throws it across the room. Placing his hands on her hips he pulls her closer. With her buttocks at the edge of the mattress he places her legs over his shoulders. He begins caressing her thighs rubbing his hands along the insides; he watches as his hands come close to the center of her junction. The short dark curls beckoned Chase, using his fingers he pushes through the curls to the wet center underneath. His fingers become wet with Stephanie’s juices; slowly he slides two fingers deeper inside her. Chase strokes her faster as her hips thrust upwards. Moaning Stephanie grabs the comforter on the bed. Grinning Chase increases the pace, softly he tells her, “Come on baby; you can do it. Let me do this for you.”

  As Stephanie hips thrust harder she tightens around his fingers, raising her head from the be
d she looks at him and in a voice filled with need, “Chase, I need you inside me, please, I need you now.” As if speaking had taken more strength then she had she flops back on the bed.

  Almost screaming when Chase replaces his fingers with his tongue; Stephanie clinches her knees on his head. Stroking her with his tongue Chase tastes her juices; slowly he sucks the essence of her womanhood into his mouth. He slides two fingers inside her vortex stroking fast. Chase continues making Stephanie writher under his love making. With his techniques it doesn’t take long before Chase feels Stephanie’s release; as she tightens around his fingers the spasms rock her body.

  When he knows she is done he raises his head to gaze upon her. Chase could do this over and over and never get tired. Stephanie is lying back on the bed breathing deeply. After a few minutes she raises up on her elbows, “Wow.” Grinning she lays back down on the bed. Rising up again she asks, “Why didn’t you make love to me? Don’t get me wrong this was awesome, I just don’t understand, why we didn’t do the do.” Laughing at her wording she stares at Chase waiting for him to answer.

  Chase places a kiss on the soft curls covering her womanhood. He moves to leans over Stephanie, he gives her lips a quick lick then a quick kiss. Chase smiles as he tells her, “This was defiantly awesome but I was not planning on this happening. So I was ….let’s just say I was not prepared for this time.” Grinning when he sees she understands blushing. “Besides, for me there are many ways of making love.” Believing her to be the most wonderful woman in the world Chase stares at her lying naked on the bed and is amazed after all they had just done, she blushes because he didn’t have protection. It is also at that moment he realizes he is in love with her.