by Lee Wardlow
Jamie lifted her in his arms and Nova wrapped her legs around him. Skin to skin. Chest to chest, he carried her to the bed. Before he laid her gently on the mattress, she pressed her lips to his.
Nova’s hair spread out about her in a mass of blonde curls. Jamie laid beside her. He ran his fingers through her hair, twisting a curl around his finger while he kissed her. His tongue touched her lips and she opened her mouth for him.
His hands roamed over her. Her skin was soft beneath his fingertips. He loved just touching her. It had been so long. He was enjoying himself; tracing the contours of her body.
His fingers trailed down the middle of her body, over the curve of her belly and nestled between her legs. Nova whimpered against his lips. He chuckled.
“You like that?” He whispered in her ear. She nodded.
He buried his face in her hair and inhaled her scent. Her shampoo was citrus. Familiar and fresh. His tongue snaked out and caressed the shell of her ear. Nova shivered against him.
“You know what that does to me,” she groaned.
“I do,” he breathed into her ear.
She laughed, a breathy sound escaping her. Nova rolled to her side so they were nose to nose. “Jamie, I love you.”
He cupped her butt pulling her even closer to him. He wove his fingers through her hair and held her head in place. He just looked at her for a moment then he drew her to him and softly he caressed her lips with his.
Nova reached between them and put her hand over the hardness that was starting to becoming uncomfortable in Jamie’s jeans. She rubbed her palm up and down over the zipper until a sound rumbled in his chest that was long and drawn out. A hard, low growl of pleasure. She licked her tongue across his lips and he captured it between his teeth sucking gently on it.
When he released her she said to him, “Why don’t we get those jeans off you mister?”
“I think that would be a good idea,” he told her.
She unbuttoned his jeans. Her fingertips tickling the skin at his waist. He laid on his back letting her do what she wanted with him. Her eyes locked with his as she unzipped his pants letting her fingers trail over his hardness. He grinned at her.
Nova got on her knees and began working Jamie’s jeans down over his hips. He helped her a little. She tossed them on the floor and immediately ran her fingers over the bulge now freer without the confining jeans. He captured her hand.
“It’s been a while babe. I don’t think you should play too much or we’re going to be done before we get started.”
She rolled her eyes at Jamie and started removing his boxers down his long, hard body. He helped her with them. Nova crawled across him. Her hair fell over them as she leaned down to kiss Jamie. He pushed her hair back so he could see her face.
Jamie cupped her cheeks in his hands as he kissed her lips. She moved just a little until she could slide down his body. His hands went to her hips holding her gently as she moved over him.
He watched her body sway over his. His heart swelled in his chest with love for this woman. His fingers dug into her hips helping her rhythm along. Nova balanced her hands on his firm chest. She tipped her head back on her shoulders loving the feel of him filling her, body, her soul and her heart. Jamie was hers in every way possible.
His hands went from her hips to her breasts eliciting a sigh from Nova. A happy sound. She covered his hands with hers. She lifted his other hand to her lips and kissed one finger at a time; sucking the last one into her mouth. Nova never stopped moving. Jamie rolled her to her back without their bodies losing contact.
“I love you, woman,” he told her. “When are we getting married?”
“When do you want to?” She asked.
“Sooner rather than later,” he said moving inside her while he pressed kisses to her throat then her collar bone. Anywhere he could reach while his body stroked hers.
Nova’s legs went around him. Wrapping him tight. She couldn’t get close enough to him. She slid her arms around him and ran her hands down his spine. She pressed her fingertips into his ass urging him to go deeper and harder.
“Ah Jamie,” she moaned his name. “That feels so good.”
He was getting so close. Jamie rested his forehead to the right of her head breathing deep, trying to hold on for her. He wanted Nova to find pleasure too.
She knew him. Jamie was holding out for her. He always thought of her too. She ran her fingers over his chest, her nails flicking over his nipples. Nova felt his muscles coil with tightness. That was about all it took. She ran her tongue across his neck and nipped his jawline. He trembled in her arms. Then he came apart.
He was inhaling heavily. “Am I crushing you?” He was concerned about the baby and her.
“No,” she said breathlessly holding him to her. Jamie rolled to his back taking her with him. He brushed her hair back over her shoulder.
Nova laid her head on Jamie’s shoulder and stretched out across his body. He rubbed his hand on Nova’s back gently until she was sleeping in his arms. He smiled in the darkness enjoying the feel of her weight pressing into him. He kissed her head and held onto her; never wanting to let her go.
Chapter 21
The next morning Mark brought the kids home. Kaylee and Nova were in Kaylee’s room packing clothes for her to take with her. Some art supplies. Her portfolio. A few stuffed animals. Jorga and Kale were both excited that she was bringing her artwork with her.
Kaylee was excited to be able to share it with them. When she was packed her brothers came to her room and took her stuff to the truck. She sat on the bed and looked at Nova.
“You’re sure you and Jamie will be in Goose Creek in just a few weeks?” She asked.
Nova sat down beside her. “I promise. You’ll like my sister Lola and Walker is there close by too.”
“I know. It’s just that we’ve started to get close. I hate to leave you Nova.”
She wrapped her arm around Kaylee. “I agree. It’s just a couple of weeks. Your brothers will be there with you too.”
“I’ll miss you,” Kaylee told her.
“I will miss you too.”
Nova hugged her close. She held her until Kaylee pulled away. “I guess I better go.”
“I’ll walk you out to the truck.”
Bobby and Branch hugged her goodbye. Things were looking up for them. She was excited and happy about their future. Jamie hugged her last. “I’ll be back Tuesday night,” he told her.
“We’ll be fine.”
He held her for a moment then he kissed her cheek before finding her lips. “I love you. Start planning our wedding.”
“I will.”
“Are we getting married in Goose Creek or here on the reservation?”
“I don’t know?” She wrinkled up her brow thinking about it. “I’ll let you know.”
Mikey walked over to Nova. He put his arms around her shoulder while they waved to the others leaving. “Pizza tonight?” He asked.
“Do you ever eat anything else?” Nova asked him.
“I would prefer not to,” he admitted.
She laughed at him. They went inside to find something for lunch.
Jamie was never so happy when he pulled into Kale’s drive. He could tell Kaylee was apprehensive. His friend met him in the drive with one of his sons in his arms. Lola came out a few minutes later.
She immediately went to Kaylee. “Hi sweetheart. It’s good to see you again. It’s been a while.”
“Hi Lola.”
“Do you remember me?”
“I do.”
“Want to come inside? I left Dalton in his swing sleeping. I don’t want to leave him alone too long.”
“Sure.”
Lola put her arm around Kaylee and guided her inside. The two of them were nodding their head and talking. Kale watched them then he turned back to Jamie who was looking worried. “She’ll be fine.”
“Thank you,” Jamie told Kale.
Keeping Davey in one arm he clapped Jamie o
n the back. “It’s fine. We’ll have fun. We’ve always gone to all Beau’s football games so now we have even more reason. We’ll see these two guys playing plus we can now go to the basketball games to watch them.”
“Maybe not,” Branch replied.
“Oh Branch,” Kale disagreed. “Beau’s offense was hurting this year. He’s excited about you two. His first string wide receiver broke his ankle first game of the season. His first string tight end had a broken arm before school even started.
“They’ve been struggling. You, Bobby can play both Tight End and Wide Receiver. You, Branch can be a Wide Receiver. He’s losing some boys too with graduation. He’s on top of the world. He’s got uniforms for the boys already.”
The twins exchanged glances. “What’s wrong?” Jamie asked.
“Just want to be accepted. I don’t want Beau to make too much of a fuss.”
Kale laughed. “Don’t worry boys. He’s excited but he’ll kick your ass every night during practice. Harder than it’s ever been kicked and Seth? Well let’s just say that you won’t know what hit you during basketball practice.”
They both groaned.
“Go on inside. Lola will show you where you’re sleeping.”
“Thanks Kale.”
“Are you coming to their first basketball game?” Kale asked.
“We’ll try. The PODs showed up on Friday. We went to their game on Friday night. They had a party on Saturday night so we haven’t gotten much done as far as moving anything into them.”
“You have a ton of my cousins and brothers at the reservation who will be happy to help you Jamie. Don’t hesitate to ask.”
“I know.” He patted Kale’s shoulder.
“How’s Nova?”
“Morning sickness is gone. She’s still sleepy. Had a run in with my mother while I was here buying the technology firm and a house for us to live in.”
“How’d that go?” Kale started bouncing a fussy Davey in his arms.
Jamie propped his glasses up on his head. He chuckled at his friend. “Give him to me.”
“He’s my son. You don’t think I know what I’m doing with him?”
Jamie shook his head. Kale scowled at his friend but he handed over Davey anyway. Jamie snuggled the baby against his chest and pressed firmly against his back. Davey’s face was laying in the curve of Jamie’s neck. He could smell the milk on his breath as he patted his back gently. Davey stopped fussing.
Kale wiped his hand across his mouth. “How did you do that?” He was shocked. “He’s always fussy at this time of day.”
“It’s all in the touch man.” Jamie chuckled quietly so he didn’t disturb Davey. “I have a boatload of brothers younger than me. I’ve had lots of practice.”
Jamie told Kale about Nova’s run in with Cami. The sooner he could get his siblings off the reservation the better they would be.
The next morning, Jamie took the twins to Goose Creek High and registered them at school. He had to show his temporary guardianship papers. Kale’s address on an electric bill. The contract on his new house and Beau’s word that they were family and moving in two weeks when they closed to get them signed up for school.
He introduced the twins to Beau Daughtry. Nova’s cousin. Their new high school football coach who would introduce them to his best friend, Seth Bohanan their new basketball coach.
He led them on a tour then showed them to their first classes while Jamie took Kaylee to her middle school. He had less difficulty getting her registered than the twins.
She was nervous when he got ready to leave. Her beautiful green eyes glistened with tears. They all looked so similar so much like Cami Stone. It was strange that none of them really looked like Karl or the two younger ones like their dads.
“It will be okay Kaylee. I bet you’ll have a great day. You’ll ride the bus home to Kale’s house tonight and I’ll be there.”
She nodded.
“Hi,” a young girl spoke up behind them. Both Jamie and Kaylee turned to the girl.
“I’m Marissa. I’m supposed to shadow you today to help you find your way.” She stuck out her hand to Kaylee.
“Kaylee,” she replied shyly.
“Great to meet you,” she told her. “Are you Kaylee’s dad?” She asked Jamie. He almost choked. Did he look old enough to have a twelve, nearly thirteen-year-old daughter?
Kaylee chuckled at the expression on her brother’s face. “He’s my brother, Jamie Stone.”
“Sorry,” Marissa told him; her face flushed with embarrassment.
“No problem,” he replied good naturedly although he would have to tell Nova this one later. His ego had taken a beating with this girl.
Nova played with Wyatt while Bradley and Mikey were at school. She was supposed to be helping him pack up his room but they were doing more playing than anything else.
She heard a bump and a grunt. She stepped out into the hallway. Wyatt asked her what was wrong.
“Nothing. You stay here.” She reassured him everything was all right.
Nova walked to the top of the stairs. A man she didn’t know was in the house with three others. He had a menacing appearance that did nothing to put her at ease. Then she heard Cami Stone’s voice. Stumbling over every word through a drug induced haze. “That girl is here alone. Charlie saw Jamie leave with the twins and Kaylee yesterday. He hasn’t returned.”
Nova slipped quietly back to Wyatt’s room. She locked the door. Her heart was beating hard against her ribs.
“Wyatt, your mom is downstairs,” Nova whispered. “We have to be very quiet and get out of here. She has some bad men with her.”
His eyes glazed over with tears. Nova took his hands in hers. “Don’t be afraid I won’t let them hurt you.”
“Maybe I could talk to her,” he suggested.
“No, I don’t think so sweetheart.”
Nova went to the window and opened it, careful not to make a noise in the quiet house. She sat Wyatt on the slanted roof. “Don’t move,” she told him. Nova didn’t want Wyatt skidding off the roof to the ground below. Then she slipped out herself and put the window back down just as quietly.
“Now what?” Wyatt asked.
“I don’t know yet.”
She looked around her trying to figure out where to go or what to do. She walked to the edge of the roof and realized the only way down was a rickety trellis hanging off the garage. At least there was no windows there for anyone to see them climbing down to the ground.
Nova glanced up at the heavens and said a quick prayer. Then she went back to Wyatt.
“Come on buddy.”
She took his hand and guided him across the roof hanging onto the edge of the overhang so neither of them went tumbling down to the hard ground. Nova handed Wyatt down to the flat surface of the garage roof. Then she slid down herself.
“Get on my back baby.”
“What are you going to do?” Nova could hear the concern in his voice.
“Climb down the trellis and head into the woods. I have my phone I’ll call Mark and Mary.” He looked uncertain of her plan. She could see it in his face. “It’s all I got kid.”
She helped him climb on her back. He could barely get his legs wrapped around her belly because of her bump. “Hang on tight,” she told him.
Nova got on her hands and knees. Luckily she had on pants because even through the material she could feel the roughness of the garage cutting into her knees. She put one foot over the edge and felt for a rung on the trellis. She sighed with relief when she came into contact with wood. Nova scooted backwards and held on tight with her hands to the edge of the roof then she put her other foot on the trellis by her first foot. She could feel it sway with their weight.
“I’m scared Nova.”
“Don’t look down or just close your eyes. I won’t let anything happen to us.”
She hoped.
She reached down and took hold of the trellis with her hands and gripped a rung then she started the clim
b down carefully putting one foot down before the next one followed. Testing each rung’s ability to hold their weight.
Her heart was beating so loud in her ears it was a loud roar in her head. Her breathing was heavy. She was about four feet from the bottom. She couldn’t feel a rung to put her foot on. She glanced over her shoulder. She couldn’t see past Wyatt. She tried leaning out and felt the trellis sway. Wyatt gasped.
“Dammit.”
“What?” Wyatt’s voice was soft and scared. He clung tighter to Nova’s neck.
She put one hand on his hands and whispered, “Hang on buddy. I’m jumping to the ground. You might get a little jolt.”
“No Nova.”
Then she jumped. Pain shot through her right ankle and Nova almost went to her knees. Wyatt was still attached to her neck but his legs had come undone from her waist. “I can’t breathe baby,” she said.
He let her go and slid to the ground. Nova looked around to see if anyone had heard them. She didn’t see any of the people from inside the house and couldn’t hear them inside either. Nova grabbed Wyatt’s hand and ran into the woods staying directly in line with the garage to avoid the windows.
Her ankle felt like she had hot daggers shooting through it. She hoped no one saw them. She stopped Wyatt about ten feet inside the thick cover of the trees. She was seeing stars; her ankle throbbed painfully.
Nova dropped to the ground and pulled Wyatt into her lap. “Are you okay?” She asked.
He nodded.
Nova slid her phone out of her pocket and called Mary’s house. “Mary, I’m in the woods behind Jamie’s house. Cami showed up with some men. They were looking for me. They knew that Jamie was gone with the kids. Her boyfriend Charlie saw them leave.”
“What? Sweetheart, slow down. Where are you?”
She took a deep breath. Nova hadn’t even said hello when Mary answered. She repeated what had happened. “When I heard them I crawled down the trellis with Wyatt on my back and slipped into the woods. I think I sprained my ankle. I’m hiding in the woods behind the house.”
“Oh damn. Let me call Mark. I’ll get right back to you.”