by Morris, T M
He took her cup from her and held her tight. He kissed the top of her head. His voice was ragged, “I can’t just hold you without going crazy.”
Lucy looked into his eyes. She saw a fire fueled with desire burning in them the intensity of which she had never seen before. And if the look in his eyes wasn’t enough to befuddle her brain, the hardness of his thighs and the evidence of his desire pressed against her were her complete undoing. She whispered, “I’m already crazy.”
Devon lifted her onto the countertop and kissed her with more passion than he ever had before. He unbuttoned her blouse and cupped her breasts, his rough hands snagging the silky material. She groaned with pleasure as she kissed him. He lifted his head and gazed into her bright green eyes. He lifted Lucy into his arms and carried her into his bedroom.
As he laid her down on the bed he asked, “You won’t run from me again will you? I couldn’t take it if you did. I want you so much.” His voice trailed off as he kissed her belly at the waistband of her jeans.
Lucy grabbed him by the shoulders and whispered, “I-I won’t leave. I’ll never leave. You will have to throw me out if you ever want me to go now. ”
Devon responded by dropping his jeans to reveal the full extent of his desire and helping her out of hers. As she lay there, in her nakedness she felt no shame, even as he studied every inch of her with obvious appreciation. “I see you took my advice and put on a couple of pounds. Your hip bones don’t stick out anymore.”
Lucy froze as he lowered himself to kiss her belly and her breasts. Should she tell him? No, now was not the time for him to find out he was going to be a father. She drew him up to kiss her lips.
Chapter Twenty One
Devon smiled to himself while he stroked the waves of Lucy’s hair away from her sleeping face. For the second morning in a row, he woke up to find her still in his bed. As promised, she had not run out of the room crying yesterday morning. To his surprise and great relief she kissed him and reassured him she would never leave, not until he told her to go. As if he could ever tell her to go. Now all he had to do was find the perfect time to ask her to marry him. “I love you so much,” he whispered in her hair.
He kissed her until her eyes fluttered open. She lifted her face to him and smiled, “Morning.”
“Morning,” He kissed her again.
“Is it time to get up already?” She stretched, arching her naked body against his.
“Honey, if you keep doing what you’re doing, we’ll never get out of bed.” He pulled her to him and kissed her.
“It’s Saturday.” She kissed his shoulder and moved up his neck for a nibble.
“It is Saturday.” He smiled, pulling her on top of him. “We can stay right here all day if we want.”
“Except we have to go to Christmas dinner at your father’s this evening. So we will have to get up sometime.”
Devon groaned.
“Are you about ready to go, darlin’?” Devon asked from the other side of the bathroom door.
“It wouldn’t take me near as long to get ready if I could do it—without interruption.” Lucy laughed as faced the mirror and began to apply her makeup. "Devon. Please."
“How much longer do I have to wait?” He rested his head against the door.
“Ten minutes.”
“I’ll be waiting in the kitchen.” With a sigh he turned and wandered down the hall.
As promised, Lucy appeared in the kitchen ten minutes later. “Well? How do I look?’
She was wearing a snug fitting black sequined sweater that bared the tops of her soft shoulders over a simple pair of black silk pants and black pumps with pointed toes. She wore her hair up in a simple twist similar to the way she wore it the day they met. On her neck she wore a black silk ribbon with a large white on black cameo hanging from it and on her ears were matching earrings. After several moments she began to grow uncomfortable with the way he was staring at her without saying a word. She shifted from one foot to the other. She had to break the silence, “Do I look bad?”
“No...uh no.” Devon shook his head as if to clear his head as he stammered, “You-you look, you look stunning. Beautiful. You glow with the spirit of Christmas cheer.”
For a moment Lucy’s stomach flip-flopped causing her some distress. She hoped everyone else would think the same. She needed to figure out how and when to tell Devon he was going to be a father. She needed to tell him soon. Was now a good time? She hoped and prayed he would except it and not accuse her of trying to trap him. She wouldn’t dream of catching a man by entrapment. She nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Devon? I..." She paused as she lost her courage. Instead she asked, “Shouldn’t we leave now? I mean we don’t want to be late.”
“Yes, I suppose we should,” Devon agreed as he took her in his arms and stole a kiss, “We should leave before I ruin your makeup.”
She laughed as she stepped out of his arms. She had never felt so happy. If only it could last. She knew he would send her packing as soon as he learned she was pregnant. Then she would be heartbroken and alone. Again. Nonetheless he would find out—she couldn't hide her pregnancy forever. “Let me get my coat.”
Devon and Lucy settled themselves into the truck. He turned the key in the ignition revving the behemoth to life. Before putting the machine in gear he paused to look once more at Lucy. “I hope we don’t have to stay too long after dinner.”
“Why would you want to leave your family right after we eat? It’s rude to eat and run.”
“As if you have no idea.” He smiled, wriggling his eyebrows.
She sighed. “One day you and Jack will have to stop circling each other and work it out before someone gets hurt.”
“That’s not what I meant and you know it.”
“What did you mean?” She smiled.
“Never mind.” He shook his head as he pulled out of the drive and onto the street.
They drove across town to Jonathan and Sylvia James’s home amidst small talk and silences. As soon as Devon turned onto the James’ street, however, the mood became more formal. “Now we have to act as if we’re just friends,” He groused, “At least until you move back into your house. We don’t want anyone to think anything improper is going on now do we?”
“Are you mocking me?” Her voice rose along with her quick temper leaving a bitter bile-like taste in her throat.
“Easy, killer. I just think it’s stupid for us to hide how we are more involved with one another than we let on; that we’re more than coworkers. I want everyone to know we are together. Why is it such a problem for you?”
“I don’t know.” Lucy shook her head trying to clear the confusion. “I guess I’m not ready to let anyone know about us. I was raised old fashioned. I wasn’t raised to behave this way, as if I couldn’t wait. I know I’m a prude.”
“They are bound to find out sooner or later. We cannot hide our relationship forever.”
“I know. It’s just, right now, later seems better. We need to talk about a bunch of things first. You know, work out important details, like where our relationship is headed. Clear the air.”
“Humph…whatever you say, darlin’. Even though I think sooner is better myself.” Devon grumbled.
“Did Claire bring Eli back?” Lucy asked in an attempt to change the subject.
“I don’t know and I’m not sure I care right now. I suppose we’ll find out in a minute.” He grumbled.
“Are we going to sit here all night?” Lucy asked as she touched his hand. Devon flinched and she jerked her fingers away. “I’m getting cold.”
“No.” He muttered as he bounded from the truck.
“Hey! What’s the matter?” Lucy asked as she clambered down out of the truck after him.
“Nothing. Let’s go in and act like we barely know each other and everything is wonderful and platonic, okay? Why don’t we be as hypocritical as possible and act like we hate each other?” Devon snapped.
“I don’t think that’s
necessary.” What had happened to him in the past two or three minutes? She shook her head in amazement and she thought she was having mood swings.
Sylvia met them at the door. She greeted them tersely. “Oh good, you’re here. I was beginning to wonder. Devon, I need to talk to you. Lucy, dear-heart, go on into the den and have Thad fix you a drink. We’ll join you all in a few minutes. There’s a good girl.” Without another word Sylvia ushered a bewildered looking Devon into Jonathan’s study and closed the door.
Muttering under her breath about not being as good a girl as she ought to be, Lucy did as she was told and wandered into the den to be greeted by Carmella, Thad, and Jonathan. Jonathan greeted her with a hug. “Lucy, it’s so good to see you again. You look absolutely stunning.”
“Beautiful. Just beautiful.” Thad agreed as he hugged her, “Can I get you a drink?”
“Iced tea or water will be fine, thank you. And thank you both for feeding my ego.” She laughed.
“Honey, you do look wonderful.” Carmella smiled and hugged her as well. She whispered into Lucy’s ear, “How are you feeling?”
“Thank you and I’m fine, at the moment.” Lucy whispered back.
“Lucy, I am so glad to be able to help you and Devon send Jordan Lancaster up the river. The bastard has done gone and lost his ever-loving mind. I’m still having a terrible time believing he went against the restraining order and hired a juvenile to terrorize you to boot.” Jonathan said as he rested his hand on her shoulder, so much like his son.
“Mr. James, I can’t thank you enough for all your help with this mess. I don’t know how I could ever repay you?” Lucy gushed, her emerald green eyes beginning to glisten.
Jonathan blustered, “Lucy, honey, there is no need to call me Mr. James. I’ve told you before call me John. As for repaying me—well, don’t worry about it.” He smiled.
Lucy blinked several more times trying to keep from crying. She couldn’t seem to keep her emotions on an even keel. She felt overwhelmed by this family’s love and acceptance. She dabbed at her overflowing eyes. She sniffed, “Thank you. I can’t believe how warm and generous this family has been toward me.”
Jonathan smiled, “Well, honey, it’s as if you are family to us—almost.”
Lucy searched for a way to change the subject. She asked, “Where are Claire and Jack?”
“I believe they will be here in a few minutes. They went over to Green Hills to do some shopping. And Jack, well, he should be here already.” Jonathan said checking his watch.
“I’m sure he will be here already lit.” Thad said handing Lucy a glass of iced tea. “Let’s hope he behaves himself this time even if he’s two and a half sheets to the wind.”
“Oh, I do hope so.” Carmella agreed, “He had way too much to drink at Thanksgiving. So Thad, honey, you had better pay strict attention and do not allow him to get drunk again.”
“I don’t recall giving him a single drink. I think he was taking care of himself.” Thad argued.
“It doesn’t matter.” Jonathan cut in, “Let’s just all keep him half way sober, shall we?”
“If he weren’t so unhappy—maybe he wouldn’t drink so much.” Lucy offered.
Jonathan raised an eyebrow, “What makes you think he is unhappy.”
“He hates his work—he would rather be doing structural engineering not environmental—at least that’s what I’ve heard. I know it’s none of my business, I'm sorry.” Lucy felt as if she had stepped on a land mine and was paralyzed, unable to move lest she detonate the bomb. She’d said too much.
“Don’t worry dear. Everyone knows except Jack and Sylvia.” Jonathan said patting her arm with affection.
“What do Jack and I not know?” Sylvia asked. She and Devon both looked as if they could fuel their own thunderstorms.
“You might as well know, honey. Jack isn’t happy working in environmental engineering. I hear he is much more interested in structural engineering.” Jonathan drawled. Everyone eyed Sylvia awaiting her reaction.
“You actually believe I don’t know my poor Jack is miserable?” Sylvia fumed. “I am his mother, for goodness sake. Of course, I know. Why else would he drink so much?”
“Sylvia and I were talking about it in your study, Dad.” Devon explained, “We think the best thing we can do for Jack, is to do one of those intervention things. All of us, when Jack gets here, we need to confront him about his drinking. We need to make him see how he needs to leave James Dalton Environmental and go into a structural company, maybe he’ll even start his own company in a year or two.”
“Do you think this is a good idea? I mean confronting Jack tonight?” Lucy asked.
“Sylvia’s right, we have no other choice.” Jonathan nodded, “Jack has to stop drinking before he kills himself or someone else. We all know how bad he is about drinking and driving. This family doesn't need another alcohol related tragedy.”
“So we are going to confront him on empty stomachs or on full ones?” Thad drawled in his usual pragmatic way.
“We will do it after dinner, Thad.” Sylvia favored him with a wan smile. “But first, let’s lock away all the liquor—it’s going to be a dry night for all of us.”
“Good thinking.” Carmella agreed and went to help put away all the bottles in the liquor cabinet.
Lucy studied everyone’s faces. Jonathan had his lawyer’s mask on—revealing nothing. Thad appeared as amicable as always. Carmella fluttered around belying her anxiety. Sylvia’s tension showed through her pacing around the room. And then there was Devon. Devon appeared sullen and worried, his brow furrowed between his azure eyes. His body language made Lucy nervous. She had never seen Devon worried before. When he caught her eye, however, his smile was weak and didn’t reach his eyes. He walked across the room to where she stood by the window and murmured into her ear, “Don’t look like a scared rabbit, sweetheart. It doesn’t match the outfit. You should feel like a green-eyed panther, ready to pounce.”
“I’m not sure I should be here for your family intervention with Jack, Devon.” She whispered. "I'm not family, after all."
Devon whispered back, “You belong here. You are part of the James Dalton family. Besides, Eli will be here too and he's not family either, even if this is his second holiday dinner in a row. We’ll have to see how this one washes out. ”
Thad joined them, “What are you two over here conspiring about? Y’all look mighty suspicious over here with your heads together.”
“Lucy doesn’t think she should be here, Uncle Thad,” Devon answered, without bothering to tear his eyes away from Lucy’s.
“Nonsense.” Thad said, “From what I understand she should be here.”
“What do you mean?” Lucy asked. She glared at Devon.
“I’ve told my Uncle Thad, you and I are going to start seeing each other when you move back into your condo.”
“You did, did you?” Lucy frowned, “You are so certain of your powers of persuasion?”
He laughed. “You’ve got that right darlin’. You have no hope of escaping me.” He added a suggestive eyebrow wriggle.
Lucy’s mood buoyed as she teased in return. “We’ll have to see won’t we?”
Thad chuckled, “Yeah—I’m pretty sure you’ll soon be in the family. Neither one of you have any hope of 'escaping'.”
From the front window Carmella announced, “Claire’s just pulled up with Eli and I think Jack is right behind them. Oh…” Her voice faltered, “And Sydney’s pulled up behind him. I’d forgotten she was coming tonight.”
“Okay, everyone—happy holiday faces.” Sylvia ordered.
Within minutes of Claire’s boisterous entrance the quiet mood of the room had lifted and the joy of the occasion was almost deafening. Lucy marveled at the love filling the room. She even overheard Claire telling Eli, “The reason we have our family Christmas dinner so early is because Dad and Sylvia take off the last three weeks of the year and go off somewhere. Last year they went to Aspen and this year t
hey will be going to St. Thomas or St. Croix—I forget which one; it’s one of those islands down there in the Gulf. They always alternate between a cold climate and a warm one.”
Lucy walked over to the fireplace sipping her tea thinking to herself. Well, now it all makes sense. She looked around the room for Carmella. Just as she spotted her, Jack appeared beside her. Lucy cringed. Sydney was right beside him as usual.
“What are you thinking about? What makes your beautiful mouth frown so, Lucy?” Jack asked. He paused for a nanosecond before he added, “I can make you smile again.”
“I’ll be fine without your help, thanks. I have a question for Carmella. Now if you’ll excuse me.” Lucy tried to evade his question. She wanted to avoid him altogether.
“You can’t leave before you kiss me.” Jack held her by the arm and lifted a sprig of green over her head.
Sydney chuckled with malice as she added her two bits worth. “You gotta kiss him—it’s mistletoe. Who knows, you might even like it, slut. Why are you here anyway? I didn’t know the help was invited too.”
Ignoring Sydney’s comments, Lucy eyed the greenery with suspicion. “You must be joking. That’s not even mistletoe, it’s broccoli.” Lucy sounded incredulous. “You are both idiots if you think I’m going to kiss you, Jack, much less like it.”
Jack’s eyes darkened as he asked, “Who would you kiss, Lucy?”
“Jack, leave her alone.” Devon’s voice was icy as he made a sudden appearance on the other side of Lucy.
Sydney grabbed his arm possessively and with a coy smile she asked, “Are you having a merry Christmas, Darlin’? You know, I could make it so. Just say the word and I’ll be ready for you.” She touched her upper lip with the tip of her tongue as she rubbed her body against his muscular frame. Devon rolled his eyes and shook his head as he pulled his arm free of her vise-like grip.
“You can’t blame a guy or girl for trying, Big Brother.” Jack said as he bit into the broccoli stalk, bringing Devon’s attention back to him. Then he turned to Lucy and asked, “What does he have that I don’t?”