“Yes, I do, and we’re equals. I don’t care if you have no money, because I’ll take care of you. The point is that no one should be ruler over the other and I really want your past to go away.”
“But I was raised—”
“—wrong. I’m not in charge, and we’re equals. I’ve always been taught that, and it’s only fair.”
What a novel concept. She’d never thought it was possible, that the man and woman would be equals. Her father ruled the household, no matter what, even before her mother died.
Fred brought them each a turkey sandwich, applesauce and a glass of milk. He shot John a dirty glance, then looked at Melody. “If you’d like dessert, there’s some cherry pie.” He looked over at John. “None for you.”
John started to laugh, but bit his lips. “Yes, I understand. I’m in trouble and I’m paying the price.”
“Yes, you are. If you don’t win tomorrow because you’re sick, it’s not my fault.” Fred turned on his heel and left the room. John started to chuckle, picked up the sandwich and began to eat.
“Are you sick over lunch?” she asked.
He swallowed and took a drink. “No, are you?”
“Not at all. I don’t want to be the reason you might lose.”
“You’ll be the reason I win. I’m going to win this one. We’ve studied Aleksey’s game for a long time, in case I was in this position. He’s good, but I’m ready for him.”
“I hope so.”
“Hurry up,” he said. “I want to play some games.” They finished their meals while chatting about different things, then walked into the living room and sat on the floor on each side of the coffee table. John set up the checkers game and they began to play.
“If we were to get married, what would you want to do?” he asked. “I don’t want you to be unhappy.”
“There’s that marriage word again. I have no idea what the future’s gonna bring, but I know I need a job. I can’t freeload off anyone. I wouldn’t feel right.” She jumped a few of his pieces and smiled. “I love this game.”
“You took my pieces! That’s not fair!”
“Tough. Those are the rules of the game.”
He shook his head and made another move. “I’d never consider you a freeloader. You’re my friend and as long as you’re in New York, I’d like you to stay with me, free. You don’t have to work at all.”
“I have to pay rent.”
“Why?” He jumped over some of her pieces and got to the other side. “King me.”
“King you?” She studied the board. “Did you cheat? I never lose this game!”
He started to laugh. “You’re up against a master at games. Sorry, babe. That’s the way it is. Now king me.”
She did as requested, then started back on the conversation. “I can’t live here without payin’ my way. I have to. It’s the way I was raised.”
“I understand, but you don’t need money. You’ll be my friend and that’s payment enough for me.” He lifted his eyes to hers. “I love you, and I’ll never let you get in the same situation you were in before. It was bad. I don’t want you to tell me anything that still hurts, but I do want you to tell me what you can. You have to let it all out, someday, and I really want you to do that so you can enjoy your life. That’s my goal for you…for both of us.”
Getting up to her knees, she studied his face and leaned forward. She touched her lips to his, then met his gaze with determination. “I’m fine. You’re a worrier and have protected for too long in the city.”
“We’ll see. Is there anything you want to tell me about your past?”
“Oh, there were some good times. I used to go to Elise’s house a lot. Her daddy used to treat us…” She sat back. “Now I know why. He treated us like sisters, because we were sisters. I spent a lot of time there, and my father never got upset when I’d visit them. So, it wasn’t all bad. And when Daddy wasn’t drinkin’, it wasn’t bad, either.”
He studied her face, and it seemed as if he was seeing right through her. “How often was that?”
“He drank a lot, especially right after Momma died. Jimmy went to live with my aunt, and I stayed with my father.”
He watched her for a long time. “It was bad, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah, but it’s over now. I’m safe and he’s in jail. He’ll get what he deserves, and he didn’t kill me, thanks to you.”
They began to play again, and she won.
“Not fair,” he said. “I think it’s time I taught you the game of chess.”
“Afraid you’ll lose again?” she asked.
“Yep. Want to play chess?”
“Sure.” He pulled out the game and told her the rules. He showed her how to use different strategies and after playing a practice game, they started to play for real. After his first move, he started a different conversation as they kept playing. “If you went to college, what would you study?”
“I don’t know. I never had that chance, so it’s not a possibility.”
“Yes, it is, like I told you. Would you study art?”
“There aren’t any jobs in art, so what’s the point?” She moved and took his bishop.
He studied the board. “How did you do that?”
“Did I move the castle wrong?” she asked, looking at the pieces.
“No, but you shouldn’t beat me on your first real game. That’s not fair.”
She almost laughed at him. “You’re a poor loser, aren’t you?’
“I have to be. I play tennis and I play to win.”
She grinned. “I see that.”
They continued to play and he kept talking. “Does it matter that there aren’t many jobs in art?”
She nodded. “Sure it does. Why go to college if you don’t use it?”
“I didn’t use my law degree. Does that mean I’m worthless?”
She sat back for a moment and studied his adorable face. She hadn’t intended to hurt him. “No, because you had somethin’ else goin’ on.”
“So will you. Get your degree in art, and enjoy every minute of it. I have a great idea about that, but it’s too early to tell you.”
Dawn had been out of the room and returned in a hurry. “Sir, there are reporters outside, and I’m the only guard here. I can’t keep them away for long.”
“What are they here for?” John asked.
Dawn pointed. “Her!”
~~~~~
Chapter 13
John got to his feet, and Melody followed him out to the foyer. He grabbed her arm and ran up the stairs with her. The rain had gotten harder and lightning lit the sky. As soon as they got to the top of the steps, a huge burst of lightning struck and all the lights went out. People started pounding on the front door, and John took Melody into his bedroom and closed the door.
“What about Dawn?” she asked.
“We’re not here,” he whispered, taking out his cell phone. “She’ll be fine. Ted should be here any minute. We’re just going to hide out until he gets here with reinforcements.” He dialed the phone and put it to his ear. “Ted, it’s John. We have reporters outside and we just lost power.” He glanced over at Melody. “Yes, I never should’ve had you bring her car. I’ll make it up to you. Are you getting help?”
“What happened?” she asked.
“Flat tire in New Jersey,” he whispered to Melody.
“Oh no!” she exclaimed. “I can go help him. I can change a tire.”
He shook his head and continued with the phone call. “I’ll call for the night shift. Thank you for all your help, by the way. I really appreciate it.” He smiled. “Yes, you can have time off. That’s not a problem.” He said goodbye, ended the call and dialed again. “Isaac, It’s John. I’m in trouble. There are reporters here and we’re out of power.”
“Who’s Isaac?” she asked.
“Night shift,” John whispered. “Good guy.” He turned back to the phone. “Thanks a million. Dawn’s here alone and Fred’s gone home.” He listened for a minute. “Right. Thanks.
” He ended the call and went into the hallway. Dawn was right outside the door. “Isaac will be here in about two minutes with the cops. Think you can hide out until then?”
“I’m watching the door. They’re getting louder. I wonder how many are out there and how they know you’re both here?”
Melody ran to the window and glanced out, hoping they wouldn’t notice. “At least thirty,” she said. “Someone has their car lights on!”
“There she is!” a voice yelled from outside.
“No!” John ran to the window and pulled Melody away. “If one of them is a stalker, you’re in big trouble. You need to stay with me.”
The sound of sirens filled the air and Dawn closed the door. John walked Melody to the bed in the dark and lay down with her. He ran his hand through her hair in the darkness with one hand, his other hand stroking her arm.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Sure. They’re not inside. I don’t know what the big deal’s about.”
The window in John’s room crashed in, as something loud hit the floor. He covered her with his body, then glanced down at the floor. “That’s what the big deal is about.”
Dawn opened the door and John rolled off Melody. “What happened?”
He looked down at the floor. “Someone threw a rock through the window.”
Dawn walked over to the rock and picked it up, shaking off the broken glass. “There’s no note attached. How nasty is that? Stay in here and I’ll shut the door. If you hear them come in, lock it. I’ll be fine.” She took a gun out of her pocket and held it in her hand, then shut the door behind her.
“She’s armed?” Melody whispered.
He lay back down beside her. “Yes. I had them do that after you left. I was afraid you’d been kidnapped.”
“And Ted didn’t tell you? Even Dawn knew I was leavin’.”
“They did tell me you’d gone back home, but it was still scary. Please don’t do that again.”
“But you knew about my past, and I didn’t want you pityin’ me. I hate pity.”
“I don’t pity you, but I don’t want your past haunting you, either. If I know about it, at least I can help you.” He looked down past his feet toward the window, the curtain blowing in the breeze and the rain coming inside. “I think I’m going to sell this house and move somewhere else. This is ridiculous.”
“Where would you move?”
“Anywhere. Is there any place you’d like to go?”
“I’ve never really been anywhere.”
“I like the west coast, but you probably already figured that out.” He was smiling and she could feel it, even though it was rather dark in the room.
“What’s it like there?” she asked.
“Pretty laid back. Everyone can do what they want, especially in the northern part.” He was silent for a moment. “On second thought, I think I want to stay away from the coastal states, because everyone would expect me to be there.”
“So, where would you go?”
“Somewhere desolate, but I’d let you choose. Any preference?”
She thought for a moment, then grinned. “I’ve heard stories about Colorado. I think that would be fun.”
“True, and there are big cities there for shopping and things. I like Colorado, but the elevation for most of the state makes it tough to play tennis.”
“What about Kansas?”
“Kansas City’s fun, but I think I’d have the same problem I have here. I have to think about it. On one hand, I like the city, but on the other, I want my privacy.” He looked at the curtain on the broken window, blowing in the breeze. “Now I have to have someone fix that window. That’s awful, when you think about it.” He turned back to her and she could see the outline of his face in the darkness. “You’re so beautiful. Have I told you that today?”
“Should you?”
“Every day. You need to hear it, and how much I love you.” His lips met hers, and he moved to lie almost on top of her. She could feel his heart beating, and moved her arms around his waist, pulling him even closer. He nibbled on her lips, then moved his kisses down her neck. It felt so good to feel his hot breath on her skin, his lips moving downward. She had the sudden urge to undress for him, and let him have his way. The thought frightened her and she tensed up.
“Is something wrong?” he asked, moving his kisses back to her chin.
“No…uh, yes.” She moved him off her and sat up. “I’ve never felt this way before.”
“What happened?”
She wrung her hands, not knowing what to do with them. “I want to make love to you. Now.”
He sat up in the darkness and faced her. “I don’t think that’s a good idea right now, but I’m glad you feel that way. I’ve felt that way for a long time, and it’s tough not to act on it. How long has this been going on?”
She sighed. “Just now and I’ve never felt that way with anyone before.” She buried her head in her hands. “You probably think I’m a tramp or somethin’, don’t you?”
He started to laugh and pulled her to his chest. “No way. Not even close. You’re just innocent. I’m just glad to see you haven’t completely buried yourself behind a brick wall. That’s my biggest fear for you, that I’ll never be able to get through and you’ll never love me the way I love you.”
“But I do love you and you already know that. John, I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, and as nice as it is, it’s kind of scary…yet comfortable. I’m so confused.”
“Just let it happen. You’ll be fine. I’ll never let you get hurt, and I promise.”
The sirens got closer and finally stopped in front of John’s house. Red and blue lights lit the room, and they heard many voices stopping whatever was going on outside.
The front door opened, and they heard footsteps, then the door to the room opened as well. A flashlight lit the bed, and Melody hid her eyes in John’s chest.
“Can you shine that somewhere else?” John asked, shielding his eyes.
“Just making sure you’re being honest in here,” Dawn said. “Isaac and his crew are here with the police.” She looked at the curtain blowing in the breeze. “I’ll have someone come out here and fix that right away.”
“Thanks. We’re fine and we’re being honest,” John answered.
“I see that. Good.” She turned, chuckled and left, but the door remained opened.
“What are you doing tomorrow night?” he whispered into Melody’s ear. “I want to talk to you about this.”
“What?”
“What we just talked about. I want to see what you’ll tolerate.”
“Tolerate?”
He started to laugh. “Wrong choice of words. I want to know how far you’ll let me go.”
“What if I stop you? Will you rape me?”
“No way. I’m not a rapist or a serial killer.” He chuckled. “That still cracks me up. Anyway, you’re in control, remember?”
“It’s not right,” she whispered. “We’re not married.”
“We’ll see about that. Now, it’s about time to go to bed, considering we have no electricity. Do you mind if I sleep in bed with you, because it’s raining in here. The other rooms are going to be taken with extra security, I’m sure.”
“No problem, as long as it’s just sleep. I don’t want to get you in trouble.”
“Just sleep. I promise. I’m going to sleep in these clothes, if you don’t mind, because I can’t see to find anything else. As soon as I find my toothbrush, we’ll go to your room.”
“My room. That sounds weird in this house, doesn’t it?”
“Not really, however, I’d rather my room be your room, too.” He chuckled and got off the bed. She saw his dark form walking toward the bathroom, wondering to herself what it would be like to have him make love to her, his burning fingers exploring her flesh.
What was the matter with her? She never thought about sex, and always had something else to occupy her mind. But this was more than she’d ev
er hoped for. She was sure she’d be alone all her life, and here she was, living in a man’s house, sleeping with him at night and wishing it would be more. And even stranger, she didn’t feel guilty about it—well, not that guilty. He was so comfortable to her; it just felt right.
John walked back to the bed, took her hand and helped her to the other room. They both brushed their teeth in the dark, then he helped her back to the bed so she wouldn’t trip on anything. They each slipped under the covers and snuggled in the middle.
“What are you thinking about?” he whispered.
“Oh, you know, maybe how hot it is in here?’
“You can take the covers off,” he said.
“That won’t help.” She started to chuckle.
He leaned over and kissed her gently. “Does that help?”
“No, but you can keep on goin’,” she whispered. He started to kiss with more passion, breathing heavily as his lips met hers, his tongue making its way into her mouth.
“Better?” he whispered, backing away.
“Sure. But I have an even better idea.” She rolled on top of him and started kissing him down his chest, putting her hands up his t-shirt from the bottom. When she moved back up to kiss his lips, she studied his face in the darkness. “Are you cooled off now?” she asked him.
“I wasn’t the hot one, but yeah, I would say it feels great, thanks to you. Want to go farther?”
“You feel so comfortable to me, I understand now what you meant before about wantin’ to do more. I think I’m ready to grow up now. But not tonight. I don’t want to get in trouble. ”
“I understand. Rob and Art wouldn’t be happy if anything happened tonight.”
She laid her head on his chest. “I mean to get pregnant. I could right now, you know.”
“Yeah? Want to try?”
She lifted her head to him. “Try to get pregnant? What are you askin’ me?” she whispered.
“Do you want to have a baby? I’m game if you’re game.”
“Not unless I was married. My parents did that and look where it got them. They had Jimmy, and Daddy probably blamed Jimmy for that.”
“So he’d blame Jimmy for them getting married and you for your mother having an affair? But he doesn’t blame himself for not being a good father or husband?”
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