“And what happens to me after you leave, Noah? I’m tired of being the butt of Tyler’s jokes. Tired of him spreading lies about me to the men in this town. Tired of no one wanting a serious relationship with me.”
“Baby, we can start dating for real. I want to get to know you and see where this leads. Not leave you.” He kissed her forehead, worked down her temple, across her cheek, and found her lips.
Goosebumps spread up her arms. This incredible guy—holding her, kissing her—wanted to date her. Her head spun at the thought and her heart pounded in her chest. No way could she keep him happy. She stepped back from his tempting lips to clear her mind. “What about when you get bored with me?”
He grabbed her hand and pulled her close again. A light chuckle tickled her neck. “Bored? There’s never a dull moment with you.”
“You have a point.” The poor guy had put up with more than his share of drama. “But…I can’t keep a guy like you happy…satisfied. And, I’m not sure I’m ready to try.”
“Keep me happy? Oh Val, you have no clue how ready I am for a woman like you. For once in your life, give a good guy a chance.”
Was Noah the good guy she’d been looking for? She prayed he was. Prayed he wouldn’t break her heart like the others. “Okay, we’ll tell ‘em, together.”
He sighed. “Since that’s settled, I hope you’ll help settle something else for me.” Cupping her butt, he lifted her with ease.
As she wrapped her legs around his waist, they fastened over his hips as if they belonged there. Pressed close to his body, his unsettled dilemma pushed against her own. “God Noah, take me to bed and make love to me.” The words slipped out of her mouth before she could stop them. Just a few minutes ago, they’d agreed to start dating and she’d already used the word love. She had to stop pushing so hard, but she wanted him. Needed him in her life.
“That’s exactly what I’m going to do, sweetheart. This little black number works better than any pill.”
He kissed her gently, and she yielded to him, gave of herself freely, holding nothing back. No more reminding herself he would leave in a few days and their fling would be over. She could hold him and let her feelings grow.
Cool satin sheets caressed her back as he laid her down on the bed. His lips molded to hers. Kiss after kiss, he gently stroked her cheek with his fingertips. “You’re so beautiful.”
“Noah—”
“Shh. Val,” he whispered, “I’m falling for you so fast. I don’t know what to do. One minute I’m pushing you away to protect my heart and the next minute I’ll do anything to get near you.”
His eyes blazed with desire as he untied the ribbons on the bodice of her nightie and exposed her breasts. Her puckered nipples burned, waiting for his touch as he stared at them. “Please, touch me. I need you to touch them.”
He tugged on one nipple and a moan escaped from her throat. His touch elicited pain deep within her core, needing him to fill her. “Such sweet torture. I want you inside me. I need to feel the length of you inside me. Please.”
“You don’t have to beg me. I need to be inside you.” He stripped his clothes and rolled on a condom.
“Tell me how to please you.”
“Baby, stop second guessing yourself and just make love to me. Don’t fuck me. I don’t want that.” He kissed her, ran his tongue over her top lip. “I want to feel your heart beat beneath mine. I want to know it means more than a good time for you.”
Without another word, he slipped his length inside. They both cried out in ecstasy as their bodies became one. Lovingly, he moved inside of her, giving more than he took. His fingers twined with hers over her head as his lips continued to sweep across hers. Tears clouded her eyes.
Slow, tender, stroke after stroke, they moved in silent rhythm until their bodies exploded together in sweet rapture. He kissed her temple and whispered in her ear, “I can’t believe you’re mine.”
* * * *
Val sat on the couch in the cool night air, hands trembling; she picked up the phone and dialed. On the third ring, a familiar voice gave a throaty hello.
“Daddy, it’s me. Val.”
She heard clanging and a few groans. Most likely him turning things over as he searched for his glasses.
“It’s two in the morning. Is everything all right, pumpkin?”
“Yes, Daddy. It’s just that…well, I needed to talk to you about Sam and everything.”
“Hold on. Let me change phones.”
Noah lay in her bed sound asleep. Their love-making had been sweet and sensual. Each gave to the other, instead of taking. Her heart warmed at the thought of his kindness. If it was a dream, then she didn’t want to be awakened.
“You there, darling?”
“Yeah, I’m here.”
“I didn’t want to wake your mother up. What’s weighing heavy on your mind?”
Familiar comfort washed over her like it had when she’d been a child with a booboo. And later as a teenager when she needed someone to talk to. Her father had always been there to lend support. “Everything that’s happened lately. I need to talk to you about Sam, the engagement, the drag issue…I don’t know where to start.”
“After everything Tyler put you through, it’s natural to have doubts. Sam appears to be a great guy. Just take your time and don’t rush things. I know your mother pushes you, but I’m proud of the way you’ve stood your ground with her.”
Guilt began to gnaw at that same spot that had afflicted her since she’d made up Sam. Noah was right; she had to tell them the truth. “There’s nothing to be proud of, Daddy.”
“Of course there is. You’re living your life the way you want to. Mom can be very persuasive, but you’re waiting to start a family until the time is right for you. Sweetheart, I have faith in you. And you’ll know when the time is right to settle down.”
A lump lodged in her throat. How could she let her father down when he’d just told her he was proud of her? Words failed to form in her mind.
“Get some sleep, baby-girl. Things will look better in the morning.”
She waited until she heard the phone click. No way would things look better in the morning when she had to face Noah. A man she wanted to get to know and figure out what was between them. Yet, she’d only known him for three days. On the other hand was her father, the man she looked up to. The man who had and would always be there for her, no matter what happened between her and any guy. How could she tell him she’d lied about everything?
Come morning, she would have to decide which man to disappoint.
Chapter 12
Noah turned the wrench and tried to concentrate on his work. After last night, he needed some time to think and getting out of Val’s house without waking her seemed the only way. Manual labor helped to clear his head.
Yes, he wanted her.
Yes, everything he’d said was the truth.
But what was he going to do about Bambi? He needed the money to get her out of his house, yet he couldn’t expect Val to pay him now. The money he’d get for this job, plus what he had in the bank, would cover her debt. However, it would wipe him out, and his bills would have to run a little late this month.
“Noah Precious Kittler! Where have you been and what’s going on?”
He jumped at the familiar voice of his older sister and hit his head on the hood. “Ouch. Damn it, Sadie pain-in-my-ass Ledbetter. You scared the hell out of me.” He laid the wrench down and peered around the car.
“Uncle Noah!” His three-year-old niece, Emily, ran smack into his legs and wrapped her tiny arms around him.
“Hey, princess.” He reached down and lifted her in his arms as he looked at his sister. “Sorry about the language. I didn’t know she was with you.”
“Don’t change the subject. You’ve had me worried to death.” Even though she barely stood five-foot-three with sparkly blue eyes and brown curls, she could make him squirm with one certain look.
He tickled Emily’s side until he
r blue eyes lit up. She giggled and wiggled. If only Sadie would be this easy to manipulate. “When I called, I told you it was just an episode and things were fine.”
“Noah.” She placed her hands on her hips and gave him the mother stare. That certain look. “Did you think I wouldn’t come over here to check on you?”
“You didn’t?”
“Yes, I did. You can imagine my surprise when you weren’t home and I saw her in the house.”
He turned his attention back to Emily. “Hey sweetie, I got some candy in the office. Why don’t you go get a piece?” She slid from his arms to the floor and ran off. Her brown curls bounced as her tiny legs moved as fast as they could, which were about four steps to his one. If only he could chase her and escape the third degree coming his way.
“What are you doing?”
And here it comes! He turned back to face her wrath.
“You just got free from her and you let her move back in!” Sadie thumped his chest. “Didn’t you meet anyone with half a brain on Friday?”
Oh yeah. And two gorgeous legs, full breasts and a tight ass. A smile tugged on the corners of his mouth.
“You did!” Her sky blue eyes lit up. “Tell me about her.”
“Her name’s Valerie, she’s a few years younger than me…”
“Than I.”
“Whatever.” He rolled his eyes, picked up the wrench and went back to work.
Sadie followed him. “Keep going. What does she look like, what does she do, when are you seeing her again and when are you kicking that B-I-T-C-H out? Do you need me to do it?”
“Good Lord, slow down, woman.” He chuckled. “Bambi’s not staying long. Just few days, I swear. I don’t know when I’ll see Val again, but I’m sure it’ll be soon. The two of you will get along great.”
His “big” sister placed her hand on his arm. “Noah, you are over her, aren’t you?” She thumbed toward the house.
He stopped working and stood up straight. “I am completely over her.”
“Good, because when I came over Saturday…”
What was Bambi up to now? “Yeah?”
“I’m pretty sure she was high.”
“Fuck!” Unsure what to do with the information, he looked out the window to clear his mind. A black caddie pulled into the driveway. He didn’t have a Cadillac scheduled to work on today, nor did he know the three burley guys dressed in black who climbed out. Well, two were burly. The third one was a little shit. He might not be able to judge a woman’s character very easily, but when it came to men, he could spot trouble a mile away. “Sadie, lock yourself and Emily in the office. Don’t come out until I tell you to, and keep Emily quiet. Now!”
The car doors slammed. Sadie jumped. “What—”
“Don’t ask questions. Just do it!” He pushed her toward the office and she scampered off as the front door opened. Hopefully, Emily would stay quiet and they’d go unnoticed.
A few seconds later the guys entered his garage. “Good morning, gentlemen. What can I do for you?”
“Noah Kittler?” The small one spoke.
“Depends on who’s asking. You’re not from the IRS are you?”
No one laughed at his joke.
“You could say that. And Uncle Sam sent his nephews to collect his money.”
He looked over the two goons, waiting for the word to beat the shit out of him. They both stood about six-foot four and had clearly abused steroids.
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.” He closed the hood to the Cougar.
“Cut the crap, Kittler. Our boss knows that tramp ran back here. Now hand over the fucking bitch, or me and Butch are gonna have some fun,” one of the Moondogs roared.
“Leroy, settle down.” The leader of the three turned back to him. “We don’t want any problems. All you have to do is give us the money or the girl, and everything will be settled.”
“I don’t have your money.”
“Well then, give us the slut.”
It was gonna hurt like hell, but he couldn’t turn her over to these guys. Let’s get ready to rumble. “So that’s how it is. I turn over my bitch or you turn loose your bitches.”
“That’s it, dickhead!” Butch said.
He clenched his fists as the ogre advanced. His only chance was to throw the first punch and make it count. He connected a right hook to the side of Butch’s chin. The ox staggered a step back, but stayed on his feet.
Damn.
With the sole of his work boot, Noah mashed the man’s knee, dropping him to the ground. Leroy stepped up and delivered a crushing blow to his jaw. He felt his brain jar and tasted blood on his lip. The two of them traded punches, jab after jab, until Butch came to his feet again.
The two slabs of meat wrapped him up and held him while their lead man stepped up.
“It didn’t have to come to this.” He landed a blow to the gut. “She really isn’t worth it, you know.” Another jab, this time in the ribs. “The bitch screwed around on you every chance she got, and you welcomed her back.”
A few more throws to the ribs and he felt a crack. He couldn’t move or even protect himself with Leroy and Butch holding him. The little fucker couldn’t have beaten him any other way. Blood poured from his cut lip and busted cheek as the pompous ass worked on his face.
“That’s good, boys. I think Mr. Kittler has learned his lesson.”
Leroy let go, but Butch held on, mashed his head into the side of the Cougar. “Asshole, that’s for my knee.”
“Butch, enough. Leave Mr. Kittler to think about the solution to his problem.” Butch let go.
Noah slumped to the floor.
“You have one week. Get me the money, or the girl is mine.”
His head throbbed, his jaw ached, and at least one rib was cracked, if not broken. The asshole had been right about one thing, Bambi wasn’t worth it. He tried to move, but pain shot through his side.
After a few minutes he heard the door slam. His eyes had swollen, making it hard to see. The smell of gasoline assaulted his nose.
“Noah! Oh God, Noah, I’ll be back.” Sadie’s voice drifted off.
Sadie. Emily. He had to get up and find them. Smoke drifted into the small slits still open in his eyes. Fire! The place was on fire.
“Noah.” Sadie’s voice came back. “Noah, you have to get up. I can’t move you by myself. Noah!” Panic laced her words. “I won’t leave you here. The place is on fire and it’ll blow with all the gas in here. You have to get up.”
She tugged on his shirt. He pulled his knees beneath him. If he didn’t get out, Sadie would stay and die with him, and he couldn’t let Emily grow up without a mother. It was too hard for a child. But he could see a damn thing with the smoke and his eyes swelling.
“Help me!” Sadie screamed.
I’m trying. His head throbbed and he felt close to passing out. He’d taken a hard blow to the temple and his head spun. Each breath was filled with pain and smoke.
His arms were lifted and placed over two sets of shoulders. Bambi?
“Pull!”
The two tugged, trying to pull him to his feet. With his last bit of strength, he rose to his feet. Pain shot through his side. “Agh.”
“That’s it. Stay with us, Noah,” Sadie coaxed. “Lean on me.”
He shuffled his feet, blindly following the direction of Sadie’s pull.
Fresh air hit his face. He coughed and stumbled.
“Not yet. We need to keep going.”
Step after painful step, he followed Sadie’s lead until she eased him down on the sofa. His head rested on the couch arm. He felt sleep coming on.
“Noah! You can’t…sleep. Hit…head.” Sadie’s words drifted in and out.
* * * *
Light blazed in Noah’s right eye. Then his left eye. He blinked.
“He’s coming around,” an unfamiliar male voice said.
His head pounded and his side hurt. He tried to sit up, but pain shot through his temple.
“Don’t try to move, Mr. Kittler. You’ve taken a bad blow to the head.”
Opening his eyes, he saw a man, in his thirties, wearing a paramedic’s uniform. The fire! “Sadie? Emily?” This time he had to get up.
“Lay still. We’re fine, just worried about you.” Sadie took his hand.
“Mr. Kittler, can you tell me how many fingers I’m holding up?”
He focused on the man’s hand. It was a bit blurry, but he could make them out. “Three.”
“Good. You passed out from the shock. You have a cracked rib and your head will hurt for quite a while. The guys have the fire out and an ambulance is ready to take you to the hospital. I recommend you go and let them look over your injuries.”
“No.” Once this week had been enough. “I’m fine. Besides…” He winced. Pain stabbed his side with each breath. “They’ll just give me a brace to wear…which I already have…and tell me…I need to be awakened…every couple of hours.”
“Noah.”
“I hate to say it, but he’s probably right, ma’am. And if he’s had cracked ribs before, then he knows there’s not much that can be done about them. I didn’t feel any broken or poking his lungs.”
“My garage?”
The paramedic packed up his medical bag. “The blaze is out, but the garage burnt to the ground.”
“Burned,” Sadie said.
“What?”
“Nothing…you’ll have to excuse her. English teacher.” He rolled his eyes.
“Oh. Well, I hope you feel better soon. I’m sure the police ‘ill stop by for a statement. Ma’am.” The man nodded and left.
“I think it’s time for you to leave, too.” Sadie wasted no time before she tore into Bambi.
“Leave? I’m gonna take care of Noah.” She sat down on the edge of the couch. “Ain’t that right, baby?”
“It’s isn’t. And no you’re not. He got the hell beat out of him because of you.”
“Where’s Emily?” Maybe if they remembered little ears were listening, the two of them would stop arguing.
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