Numerous messages were left on her answering machine pleading with her to hear him out and give him a chance to explain things. Of course those things being a hidden wife would not be an easy explanation. Most women came into the relationship knowing he was a married man. This was the first time he had ever passed himself off as single. And now that charade has come back to bite him in the ass.
It galled Gene to admit the fact he was coming across with some desperation. That was a first too. Many women in his life have walked away and he never really cared. It was just too easy to obtain a new one.
Okay, so Ellen found out he was married. So, what was the big deal anyway? Gene was forced to be honest with himself. He lied to her by omission. He wanted Ellen to believe there could be a future for them. Why did he do that? The answer hit him right between the eyes. This classy lady had to know there would be love and a future in order to agree to sex. It was a ploy and it almost worked.
He had heard Ellen's recorded message so many times he could recite it in his sleep. Her cell phone wasn't any better. The bottom line was obvious as the wart on his hind end. Ellen Anderson was through with him.
Guess it was time to take the bull by the horns and hope for the best. Gene grabbed his car keys and left the office, slamming the door behind him. "Gone for the day." He threw the words at the deputy behind the switchboard as he headed out the door.
Ellen felt restless as she looked out her picture window to the distant mountains arrayed in their fall colors. Sleep had been allusive as she tossed and turned feeling a painful loss on top of everything else.
She hated to admit how much she missed Gene's company. Damn him for sucking her in like that. Every time his voice came on the answering machine, Ellen felt fury all over again. She had to get a grip and let the machine run. There was just nothing to say to him. Gene's deceitfulness was galling. The man pretended to be something he wasn't and got her attached to him. Then he managed to snake his way into her life, becoming a friend and companion. Now she craved that companionship. Ellen had no doubt Gene would find some way to see her. When that happened she would have to be prepared to call it quits. Seeing him again was not an option. Ellen really liked Martha. She refused to be the reason Gene was spending time away from his wife.
With a sigh, Ellen picked up the car keys. She didn't want to be trapped in the house. Perhaps a stroll in the forest would lift her spirits. At least the colorful falling leaves would give her something pretty to look at. Ellen might as well learn right now to be alone and not depend on a companion to hike with.
She wasn't really surprised to see Gene's squad car tailing her as she wound her way up the mountain. He had to have been watching the house when she drove out.
CHAPTER NINE
With a sigh, Ellen pulled her car off the road into a clearing and waited as she drummed her nails on the steering wheel. "Might as well get this over with right now," she murmured. Gene walked to the car and bent down with his arms on the windowsill. Her finger moved to the button as the clear barrier lowered between them.
"Okay, Gene, I know you just have to explain, so let's hear it." Her voice was chilly and matter of fact. He shrugged and looked up toward the treetops. "I think I need one of these dang birds to accommodate me right now and just shit right in my face."
Ellen closed her eyes and lowered her head. She tried to keep a straight serious face but it was no use. Laughter was bubbling up from inside her just itching to be released. He presented an amazing visual. "Gene, I would dearly love to see that right now, in fact it would make my day."
"I'm sorry, Ellen. It was wrong of me not to tell you."
"Ya think?"
"Will you take a walk with me? You're still my friend as always and I'm hoping you still consider me a friend."
"Friends don't lie to each other. No I don't consider you a friend and I have no desire to go anywhere with you."
"I didn't really lie." Ellen glared at him. "Okay, okay, so I lied by omission, I'll admit that. Come on, let's walk and talk about this." He opened her car door and waited.
Ellen started her car. "Shut the door, Gene. You and I are through. If you want to cheat on your wife that's your business but it will definitely not be with me."
"Look Ellen, you are the only one I can really talk to. I can tell you things I've never told anybody else. I won't ask you for more, I promise. If I were a free man..."
"Shut the door, Gene, or give me citation."
"Ellen please..."
"Damn you. Leave me alone, and don't you dare follow me." She reached over and slammed the car door shut. Gunning the engine, Ellen took off with a spew of gravel. She drove deeper into the forest watching in her rear view window. She needed to turn around and head back to the highway but Gene had to be gone first.
After driving a couple of miles into the National Park, Ellen pulled over and left the car. The pungent aroma of woodlands in the fall was invigorating. She looked down the road waiting to see if Gene would follow. When he didn't, Ellen locked the car and started hiking up the well marked trail.
Being alone hurt worse than ever now. Damn him for making her crave his companionship. It was worse than grieving and that was bad enough. Okay Ellen, she told herself, just suck it up and get on with your life. She was forced to be strong for the early part of her life. She could do this too.
Several days went by with no calls to the answering machine. Maybe Gene finally got the message. Ellen forced herself through the days by getting out of bed in the morning. No more lying around sleeping all day.
She read books and thought about redecorating the chalet. That project would keep her occupied for awhile. Slowly, positive thoughts were replacing sad ones. Ellen hoped she was finally beginning to heal.
For the first time since Mark's death Ellen thought about the service project she and Mark wanted to do together. Nothing was stopping her from making plans on her own. As a child of an abusive household, Ellen had lived through the horrors of witnessing and receiving violence from an out of control, inebriated father. At the tender age of seven, Ellen watched her mother beaten bloody and unconscious. She lived in constant fear her mother would die or her dad would kill them both.
For years Ellen dreamed of a haven where women and children could go, be safe, obtain an education and somehow better their existence. She and Mark made plans to build such a place but that was before the crash. Now it was up to her. Could she make a success building a place large enough to house several families along with a childcare center and educational facilities? Money was no problem but her self confidence was.
That night Ellen went to bed filled with enthusiasm. Plans for their pet project seemed to give her a new lease on life. How many moms and children could she save from the hell she had lived? For the first time, Ellen felt she had a mission in life.
Ellen sat up in bed, eyes wide with terror. Her heart pounded and her skin was covered with chill bumps. It was still pitch dark outside. What was it that had her so spooked? If it was a nightmare, she didn't remember it. Glancing at the clock radio Ellen noted the time was two am.
Everything in and around the house was quiet. With a sigh Ellen turned off the light, pulled the comforter around her, and closed her eyes.
After a few minutes she sat bolt upright feeling the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. A sound could be heard outside her window like someone was scratching on the screen. Her eyes flew to the window but she saw only black night. It could be an animal in the tree next to the window. She started to turn on the light but hesitated. If there was a person out there, better no light. Ellen sat very still and listened but heard nothing. Okay, she thought to herself. Calm down. Your imagination is working overtime. The house creaked, but that was a familiar sound.
Ellen took a deep, shaky breath. She felt so alone. Over four long months had inched by. Perhaps she was healing but in the middle of the night it didn't feel like it. Was she ever going to get used to this solitary confinement?
She peered at the window. It was probably just the wind pushing a branch against the screen. Note to self, have tree trimmed. Now, go back to sleep.
That was when Ellen saw it through closed eye lids. A flash of light at the window had her sitting up and staring wild eyed. Lightning? No, it was definitely a flashlight. The scratching was louder now. There was also another terrifying sound. Somebody was tampering with the window lock. This was no wildlife, but a very human kind of animal trying to get in through her bedroom window.
Whoever it was had to be on a ladder or up in the tree to get to this window. Oh Jesus. Her hair stood up on end and her skin prickled with sickening terror. Ellen scrambled out of bed, flattening herself on the floor by the bed. Somebody was trying to break into her bedroom. Maybe they thought an upstairs window would be unlocked.
She reached up and threw open the bedside drawer, trying to find Gene's business card. Stay calm, she told herself. Where was that damn card? Oh my God. She lived so far away.
The tampering was heard again. This time the light shone directly into her window moving from place to place as if the intruder was searching. Ellen tried to hide as close to the bed as she could. She would've crawled under the bed but there wasn't room.
Ellen pulled the drawer onto the floor with a thump. The phone followed with a clatter as it hit the rug. Finally she felt the card in her hand but she couldn't read the number in the dark. "Damn", she whispered. Then Ellen remembered the tiny penlight Mark had on his key ring. He always kept it in this drawer. With jerky movements, she fumbled and felt until her fingers closed around something hard and cylindrical.
The prowler's light was still scanning the room. Sweat broke out on her forehead and under her armpits. With a trembling hand she tried to shine the tiny light on the card. With the other hand Ellen threw the receiver on the rug and punched in the numbers. Then grabbing up the receiver, she huddled on the floor next to her bed and waited.
Sheriff’s department, Gene Stone speaking. How can I help you?” His deep resonate voice sounded like music.
"Gene," she whispered. Then the terrifying sobs took over and she couldn't utter another word but she had to try. Her body was covered with goose bumps and she knew she was hyperventilating.
"Somebody...is outside...my window trying to break in...please hurry...Gene."
“Ellen, listen to me. Stay calm and quiet as possible. Don't turn on any lights. I'm leaving now. Lock yourself in the bathroom. I'll get there as soon as I can.”
"O..Okay...she whispered breathlessly. Ellen hung up the phone and crawled to the top of the staircase. Jumping up she ran downstairs to the kitchen on bare feet. She opened a drawer and pulled out two lethal looking butcher knives. Ellen ran to the downstairs bathroom slammed the door and locked it. She then went to the far corner and crouched down in the floor holding the blades in front of her with shaking hands. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Never in her life had Ellen been this terrified.
It seemed she waited for hours before the reflection of blue strobe lights flashed through her bathroom window. “Ellen? Ellen? It’s me, Gene.” He continued banging on the door until she got up and ran to open it.
"Whoa, wait a minute." He held up his hands. The butcher knives were pointing right at him. "Hand over your weapons." Gene took the knives as she launched herself into his arms. “It’s okay now. You're safe." He held her, waiting until she could stop shaking. "Are you okay if I take a look around?
I notified the police. They know I’m responding. Sit on the couch and I’ll be right back.”
"I think he was up in the tree by my bedroom window. He was shining a flashlight into the room. God, Gene, it was awful." She shuddered.
Gene put a protective arm around her shoulders. I'm sure it was, Princess, but I'm here now and there's nothing more to worry about, okay?"
"Okay." Ellen pulled the silk robe tightly around her and waited for Gene to return. Soon he was back stomping the dewy grass from his feet.
“Well, I didn’t see anybody out there but I didn’t expect they’d hang around after the squad car got here." Gene went to the liquor cabinet and poured them both a drink. “Not much going on around the department and I'm off duty now, so if it’s okay with you, I’ll just hang around and see if he comes back.”
It was definitely okay with her. No way was she going to stay alone in this house tonight. Gene handed her the highball and turned on the TV.
The drink tasted good. Gene was an excellent bartender. They talked for awhile then got interested in the late, late show.
Ellen did not remember falling asleep, but she remembered the dream. Mark was holding her, loving her, his hands on her body, sensuous and arousing. She snuggled deeper in her husband's warm embrace. His body felt so wonderful, safe and secure.
“Oh Mark” she whispered. “I love you so much.” It was her own voice that woke her. Warm, loving arms were around her but they were not Mark’s. Groggy and confused, Ellen stared into icy blue eyes filled with passion.
CHAPTER TEN
She was pinned between Gene's hard body and the couch. Their legs were entwined, her nightgown bunched up to her waist. His fingers stroked her moist womanhood as his mouth suckled her breasts. Ellen felt trapped and struggled like a mad woman to free herself.
"Gene, let me up, now."
He moved to kiss her lips but she avoided him.“Ellen you know I have always loved you. You want me, I know you do."
With his hardness pushing to replace his fingers, and his urgent words, Ellen's heart thudded in her chest. She struck out with knees and fists, fighting with everything she had. Was he going to rape her? Sheer panic made her fight with intense frenzy. Gene was getting a pummeling.
When he finally moved away, Ellen bounded off the couch. She pulled the robe around her with trembling hands. Her aroused body stilled tingled with sensuous pleasure from his touch. She was sexually turned on like crazy but she thought he was Mark. Disgusted with herself, Ellen accepted all the blame. Tears were threatening to spill over.
Her words came out in anxious spurts. “I'm sorry, Gene. I don't want to appear ungrateful. I called and you came to help me." She was pacing the floor. "I feel like this is my fault. I shouldn't have been drinking and falling asleep with you on this couch in the middle of the night. I thought you were Mark and I was responding to you.”
“It’s okay.” His voice was hoarse as he winced where her knee had caught him in the groin. "No, it's not okay." She noticed his expression. "Did I hurt you?"
Gene gave her a pained expression. "I think I'll live. May not ever have any more children but don't want any anyway."
"I'm sorry. I got scared. You came out here to protect me. I owe you, but I can't do this. I feel miserable about it."
"Don't, you needn't blame yourself. I need to say something and you may not want to hear it."
Ellen turned to look at him. "When I said I love you, I meant it. I want you in my life whatever that takes."
"I don't understand 'whatever that takes.' You are married. I don't know why you are even telling me that, because you know how I feel. You are going to have to deal with your own feelings because what you want is not going to happen."
"I don't know how to make it stop."
Ellen walked to the window. The sky was already showing a purple pink glow. She put her face in her hands, wanting to cry her heart out. Has loneliness made all her decency and common sense disappear? Is all this her fault?
Gene came up behind her. He lightly laid his hands on her shoulders but when she flinched, he moved away. "I'll make out a report and have one of my deputies patrol this area for the next few nights. Good night, Ellen."
"Good night, Gene." She didn't turn around as the door closed softl
y behind him.
When Gene finally got home and slipped into bed next to a sleeping Martha, he laid awake for a long time. Somehow Ellen has invaded every cell in his body and it was making him crazy. No woman ever got under his skin quite like this. It was downright scary.
Gene could still feel her wet silkiness under his fingers. The more he thought about it, the harder he got. His rigid arousal was beginning to ache. He looked over at Martha but knew this yearning could not be quenched by taking his wife. So Gene punched his pillow and turned over hoping to get at least a couple of hours of shut eye before he had to go back to work. But his mind refused to be shut off. What happened last night did not exactly go down as planned. The frustration of that had Gene laying awake until it was time for work.
Idiot, he berated himself. The woman just lost her husband whom she was obviously quite attached to. What did he really expect? Yeah, he was hopeful. He wanted her and he wanted her bad. He wanted to feel himself buried inside her but he had to remember that with Ellen he wanted so much more than to just slake his lust. He wanted to share her life, to be a part of her world and he knew with patience he was going to have it all. But this lady was not going to be rushed and he'd better keep that in mind.
Stop thinking with your little head, Boy. He could almost hear his daddy's voice coming to him from the grave. Don't let lust and impatience ruin it for you, Son. All good things come to those who wait. If he wasn’t careful, his horniness was going to blow the whole deal.
Sitting at his desk, Gene was hoping for a quiet, peaceful day at work since he had gotten no sleep. His balls ached, more from need than Ellen's knee. He had wanted her so bad and had come so close.
Gene shook his head with an audible sigh. With idle hands he began to sort the papers cluttering his desk. Might as well try to settle down and get some work done before lunch. Gene had been tempted to pick up the telephone all morning but he held himself back. Better give her some time to settle down or she won't ever let him back into her house again, much less her heart.
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