Lori slid down off of the examination table as if saying the discussion was over and that was final. Andrew didn’t allow it as he took Lori’s hand.
“Not so fast, kid. I’m concerned. This could get worse, Lori. Do you think you’re too young to have a heart attack, a mental breakdown, or something? Because I’ll tell you, you’re not too young. You have had various stressful events in your life. Do you know that when a police officer or someone in law enforcement shoots someone, they’re taken off of active duty and given a desk job for a while as they receive counseling?”
She shook her head.
“Don’t. Don’t talk to me about that and about remembering. I don’t want to.” She tried to walk away but he stopped her.
“Lori, please, hear me out. I’m going to tell you what I think. You need to get your feelings out. You’re holding too much inside. The emotions, the guilt, the pressure of succeeding in college, the fear of getting close to someone and becoming accessible and susceptible to getting hurt. These events and circumstances are what life is all about. By just simply acknowledging that they exist, admitting that you’re afraid, welcoming these events as a challenge, a fact of life, then you’ll survive. Some things you’ll ease on through and others you’ll go ‘bumpety, bump,’ the whole way through. But, by holding them inside, by always trying to stay in control of everything in your life, you are going to flat out lose it. Do you understand what I’m saying? I’m not just your physician, I’m your friend and your neighbor, and I care about you.”
“How could you get all that from a bad dream and a loss of breath?” Lori asked, trying to lighten things up.
“Honey, it’s more than that. You are more than that. Do you realize how many lives you have already touched in this town alone? You’re a sweet, kind, gentle, and strong person. You give constantly of yourself to others. You know just the right thing to say and it’s all natural. Now this is what I suggest you do. Take some alone time. Just organize your thoughts and feelings. Prioritize everything that is going on in your life and eliminate the stress. There’s always counseling, Lori.”
“I don’t think so. Listen, Doc, I know and understand what you’re saying and I’ll try, I want to try, I don’t want to be afraid.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that. There’s nothing wrong with being afraid. If you keep everything inside and you keep this pace up, eventually you’re going to burn out.”
“Do you really think what happened to me this morning is serious?”
“It could be if you don’t slow things down. There are multiple culprits here.”
“I know that, I really do. I appreciate you meeting me here on your day off. I really didn’t want to go to the emergency room. I guess I scared everyone, huh?”
“You sure did, but I’m glad you’re feeling better, and as far as I can tell, you’re physically fine. If you feel stressed and you’re having trouble breathing, just try to relax and stay calm. Sit down or get a brown paper bag to breathe into.”
“Doc, it only happens when I’m sleeping. I’ve been able to wake up before on my own.”
“So this has happened before?”
Lori looked away and clasped her fingers together.
“Lori?” Andrew said as he covered her hands with his to get her to acknowledge him.
“Only one other time. I’m fine, Doc, really and I promise to take the alone time. As a matter of fact I’m going to start right now.”
“Where are you going to go?”
“By the stream. It’s peaceful there and relaxing.”
“Okay, that sounds good. Be sure to tell your family where you are going. Just in case.”
“I’ll be fine. Thanks.”
Lori shook Andrew’s hand and he gave her a hug in return. He was a caring and empathetic physician and she was glad she met him at his office today. She was feeling a bit nervous about what happened and his advice gave her peace of mind as she headed outside to begin her day of relaxation.
* * * *
“What have you found out so far?” Connor asked the stranger over the phone.
“Charlie Henley is no one to mess around with. He’s Special Forces, has a degree in engineering, and worked for a firm a year and a half out of the military. Made a lot of money, great reputation, enjoyed playing hardball and one day just threw it all away. He’s an amazing architect and engineer, so are his two brothers. Together the Henleys and Cantrell will make big money.”
“Not if I have something to say about that. We need to get to Henley, hit him where it hurts, get close to him and make him end his partnership with Cantrell.”
The stranger was filled with fury. He had his eye on Lori. She would be his prize, his reward and souvenir after the job well done. Now she would play victim earlier. Connor would want him to harass Lori to get to Henley. Just maybe he would go a little further to appease his personal desires.
“There’s a woman he’s involved with. I know how to get to her.”
“Tell me more,” Connor said. The stranger told Connor one plan, but the stranger had plans of his own.
* * * *
“What happened?” Dante asked Jasper all concerned.
“Maggie said Lori couldn’t breathe, she wouldn’t wake up. Lou and Diana were about to call for an ambulance,” Jasper told Charlie, Dante, and Trevor as they stood outside his cousins’ house.
“Where is she now? Is she all right?” Trevor asked.
“She went to see Andrew and get checked out. Maggie said she just got home about twenty minutes ago and was headed to the stream for some alone time. Andrew thinks she had an anxiety attack. She’s been through a lot, Charlie, and her work schedule is insane. Maggie’s real worried about her.”
“So are we. I’m gonna go find her and make sure she’s all right. She shouldn’t be alone or far from help. What if she has another attack?” Dante asked.
Charlie was concerned. “Let’s grab some things first. Wait for Trevor and I.” Charlie ran inside the house to retrieve some drinks and a few snacks in case Lori needed them. Jasper headed back to the Shays’ house to spend the day with Maggie and Ben.
* * * *
Lori walked through the fields by the stream. She drew in a breath as she closed her eyes. She envisioned the patches of multicolored wildflowers scattered around the area and she inhaled their fragrances.
This place was so peaceful, so calm, and the fact that she didn’t have to work today gave her enormous relief.
She strolled back toward the secluded area where she had spread a large blanket out earlier as she glanced toward the bouquet of wild flowers. She was startled to see Charlie, Trevor, and Dante sitting there waiting for her.
“I hope you don’t mind that we came. We heard you might be here,” Charlie told her as he rose from the blanket and greeted her. He was about to embrace her when Lori turned away and sat down on the blanket.
* * * *
Charlie was shocked by her reaction. A glance at his brothers and they seemed to be, too. She was shutting them out. That was obvious. For some reason she didn’t want to face them right now.
He never backed down from a challenge. He was a soldier.
Charlie moved in front of her and blocked the sunlight.
“What else did you hear?” Lori asked as she looked straight at him, following his eyes as he knelt down on the blanket in front of her.
“I’m not the enemy, baby. We’re worried about you. Should you really be out here all alone?”
“Jesus! I don’t need a Goddamn babysitter.”
“Watch your tongue,” Trevor stated from the side of her.
She exhaled in annoyance, closed her eyes, and started taking slow, easy breaths. He was freaking out with concern. Could she be so upset about her life and so stressed that she had a panic attack? She could have been hospitalized.
“Baby, we just wanted to make sure you’re all right,” Dante stated.
“I’m fine, Dante, even Andrew said so. It’s happe
ned before, I’ll get control of it,” she told him with great confidence as she leaned back, letting her arms stretch to support her upper body as she closed her eyes and absorbed the sun.
“Now could the three of you please let me be alone? I just want to be alone.”
Charlie knew she was trying to act tough but he knew better. She needed them and he would make her see that no matter what.
“I thought we were getting together today?”
* * * *
Lori held her eyes shut, afraid to speak, to answer him because her throat was full. She wanted to cry. She needed to just cry and the thought of doing so right at this very moment didn’t frighten her. It actually made her giggle a little. She had read about this feeling before, had even heard other women speak of it. “I need a good cry” is what they would say.
She knew the three men watched her and waited patiently. They weren’t patient men. Not by a long shot.
Lori opened her eyes then turned onto her side, lying on the blanket and propped up on her elbow.
“I’m sorry. I thought I needed to be alone but that’s not true. It’s the complete opposite of what I need.”
Charlie fell into the same position beside her, propped up on his elbow, staring at one another, face-to-face.
“Tell me what I can do, baby. Just tell me how I can make you feel better.” He was so sincere, so loving and empathetic. Dante moved in behind her and Trevor sat down above her head. They brought her instant peace and comfort. This was exactly why she thought of them this morning after the panic attack. She could easily learn to lean on them and need them. She already was.
Still she fought against speaking, her voice felt shaky.
Stay silent. Just stay silent.
Lori reached over and touched the gray cotton T-shirt that lay loose against Charlie’s chest. She wrapped the material around her fingers and moved her body closer against his. Instinctively he embraced her. Behind her she felt Dante move his hand over her waist, and above her Trevor touched her hair.
There was no stopping the tears as she held on tightly, sobbing, as all the events that had occurred over the past five years finally weighed their toll on her.
* * * *
Dante felt his heart ache. It actually ached from hearing his woman sob. She was strong, she was beautiful, but she had done more than her share and kept everything inside. He knew from experience that bad memories alone can do some serious damage. Charlie and Trevor knew that as well.
Dante moved her hair from her wet cheeks as she remained holding Charlie. Trevor caressed her hair and now Dante kissed her bare shoulder. The tank top she wore had very thin straps, and he kissed along the strap then to her neck. Eventually, Lori rolled to her back as she wiped her eyes.
* * * *
Lori didn’t feel embarrassed. She felt relieved. All three of them remained with her as she cried. They touched her, comforted her and whispered to her. She glanced at Charlie who kept a hand over her belly on her right side. Then she looked at Dante, who kept a hand on her belly toward the left side and then she tilted her head back toward Trevor who continued to caress her hair. She chuckled at the sight.
“What’s so funny?” Trevor asked. She smiled.
“Three extra-large, sexy, good-looking men, squished around a small blanket. You all look very uncomfortable.”
Dante moved his hand up and cupped her breasts. She squealed as she reached for his hand but he was too quick. He pressed a thigh between her thighs and held her face between his hands.
“I’m comfortable now,” he said, lying over her. Then he kissed her softly.
Very quickly that kiss turned hotter. She felt his hand ease from her cheek, over her shoulder, then back to her breast. He massaged the mound as his tongue explored her mouth. She gripped his shirt, pulling him snugger against her.
He maneuvered his hand down lower and reached under her tank top.
She shifted her position to give him better access to her body. He had her all fired up. As Dante released her lips, he pressed the palm of his hand over the cup of her bra and to her breast. Holding his gaze, she saw the hunger in his eyes and she wished they were somewhere more private. Dante continued to spread kisses along her neck and collarbone then to her breast as he pushed the material of her tank top upward.
She grabbed ahold of his head as he licked the nipple then pulled it between his teeth.
Lori moaned then opened her thighs wider, thrusting her pussy against his ribs.
“We want you, Lori. We want to make love to you,” Charlie whispered, brushing his thumb ever so slightly against her cheek.
Dante nipped her breast and she jerked.
“Oh, Dante, what are you doing to me?” She could hear her erratic breathing.
She felt his mouth release her breast. Then he placed the bra back into position along with her top.
“Getting a little sample. But I want more.”
“So do I. Let’s go. We need privacy,” Trevor stated as he rose and began to pack up the stuff.
Dante got up and offered a hand to Lori. She stared at it a moment. She knew that if she accepted his hand and their proclamation of wanting her, then she was going to make love to them.
Charlie gave her a wink.
“Come on, baby. Trust us to take care of you.”
She took a leap of faith and placed her hand in Dante’s. As he pulled her up and against his body, he held her tight.
His palms moved down her back to her rear, using her—what she believed to be—big ass as leverage to press her body snugger against his.
“You’re going to be ours forever. We’re going to take care of you, the way you deserve to be cared for.”
* * * *
Such a large burden was lifted from her chest. She didn’t realize how much of a difference it made letting her feelings out and literally crying on Charlie’s shoulder.
Lori acknowledged these feelings of need running through her system. She needed Charlie, Trevor, and Dante in so many ways. In such a short period of time they had become important beyond anything she could ever imagine. She needed their presence in her life. She felt it in her heart as well as deep within her soul. But ultimately, right now, as they walked flanking her like guards of her body, she needed them physically. She’d saved herself out of fear, inopportunity, and hope that one day she could get that happily ever after she heard existed.
As they entered the front door to the men’s custom-built, two-level ranch, Lori absorbed her surroundings. She was surprised at how modern the design of the house was and how open the layout. There were two living rooms and one was decorated more elaborately than the other. She assumed that they considered that one the formal living room despite their use of a cowhide print rug under a glass-top, wrought iron table.
The dining room wasn’t as formal with rather large, bulky red maple furniture. The china closet spread across one entire wall and was more like three times the size of a traditional china closet. It seemed that they had very few items in it from what she could see and she wondered why they had chosen such a large piece.
As if reading her mind, Charlie explained about finding the piece at an old estate sale. He admired the detailed artistry of the etched woodwork that decorated the frame above the china closet. He purchased the matching hutch as well. Although it was very large, Lori could tell the detailed decoration was unique as she walked out of the dining area and into the kitchen.
It was gorgeous with its dark cherrywood cabinetry and fancy trim moldings. Some cabinets contained etched glass revealing crystal service ware and wine glasses.
The dark black-and-brown-speckled marble countertop was rich and sleek looking. She had never seen anything like it as she slid her hand over the top of the island.
“Do you like it? We installed it ourselves, as well as the cabinets,” Dante stated.
“You mean this is all custom made? The cabinets and everything?”
“It was a lot of work but we enjoyed d
oing it and I’m pleased with the end result,” Charlie told her. She was amazed at their creative ability and woodworking skills.
“You three should be more than pleased, Charlie. This is the most beautiful kitchen I’ve ever been in. It makes me want to cook. Create a culinary masterpiece,” she told them as she twirled around the island.
Trevor laughed, grabbed her hand, and pulled her against him.
“You’ll do no such thing. I want you to relax while we prepare a little lunch, and promise me that you’ll stay for dinner. We had planned on inviting you and now we can spend the entire day together. How does that sound?” he asked.
“Perfect!” Lori told him as she laid her head against his chest.
Trevor held Lori close as he placed his hand behind her neck then through her hair to the base of her head where he began to massage. His fingers were strong, thick, and capable as he aroused her body and relaxed her at the same time.
Lori closed her eyes a moment, absorbing his touch and looked up toward Trevor, then to Charlie and Dante. Trevor took her face in his hands as he bent his head down to kiss her. Lori wrapped her arms around his neck and their kissing became more intense. Their tongues met softly at first. Then the battle began for control of the other’s territory began.
Their breathing became rapid as Lori’s hands moved under Trevor’s shirt. She wanted to feel his skin against her hands as she slowly ran her nails up and down his back. Trevor was kissing her neck, sending goose bumps all through her body.
“I don’t think I can stop this time, baby.” He pulled her leg up against him rubbing his hands against her skin from ankle to hip.
Lori didn’t want him to stop. She didn’t want the sensations he gave her entire body to ever end.
“Don’t stop, Trevor. I’m ready! I want to!” she told him and he paused a moment as he took her face into his hands.
The American Soldier Collection 4: Their Blue-Collar Girl (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 18