“Delicia. Get that for me,” Archer called from the bedroom.
“Okay.” She went to the door and opened it. She spotted Archer’s father first. “Hey, Mr Bennett, Archer is in the back.”
“I’ve told you to call me Todd, Lis.”
She chuckled at the familiar words.
“Why are you acting so familiar with the maid, Todd?” An imperious voice demanded.
Delicia turned her attention to the woman who came up the stairs behind Archer’s dad. She looked as haughty as she sounded. Within a second, Delicia knew who she was looking at.
“Get Archer and be quick about it. Tell him his mother and his wife are here.”
Delicia stiffened, glancing at the woman who joined Archer’s parents. From Archer’s brief mention of her, she had expected someone who looked malicious or uncaring. This woman was not only innocent looking but devastatingly gorgeous. She was a Nordic blonde with cornflower blue eyes. The woman raised one slender hand and pushed her hair out of her face. A small, warm grin curled her lips.
“Delicia, who is it?” Archer’s voice came towards them.
She turned to face him as he came into view. “Your mother and wife.”
Chapter Six
Archer glanced at her sharply, sure he hadn’t heard her right. Then he looked at the people framed in the doorway. His dad looked amused. The two women with him were opposites. Although he hadn’t seen her in a long time, he knew the woman with the haughty look had to be his mother. She had his eyes and a similar facial structure. The blonde on the other hand was a stranger. The woman smiled tremulously then pushed her hair over one ear and ran her hand down the tresses, worrying the edges. At the movement, realisation dawned.
No, that cannot be Lacy.
“No greeting for your mother and wife?” Victoria’s voice was patently false.
“Ex,” he snapped.
“Ex.” A voice he remembered so well said simultaneously with his.
Son of a bitch, it is her. Archer studied the woman who looked nothing like the Lacy Donavon he had married or seen all those years ago when his son had died. The wild child he had married—the drunk—was gone. Or at least it looked like that externally. The soft curls of her ice blonde hair framed a face that seemed more ethereal. The cornflower blue eyes were guileless and open.
“Our bags are in the car,” Victoria said.
Archer looked at her. “And they’ll be there when you go to the hotel.”
“I’m not staying in a hotel. Have the maid take our bags to our room,” Victoria said.
Archer looked at her in disbelief, then at Delicia. “Did she just call you the maid?”
“She did. Twice already. Once more and I won’t be responsible for what I do.” Delicia smiled fiercely.
“Archer, why are you letting this woman speak about me this way? She’s just a maid.” Victoria’s voice dripped with insolence.
“And that’s it,” Delicia said.
Archer shifted in front of Delicia, saying, “I’ve got this.” He faced his mother.
“Vicky, stop showing your ass. This is Archer’s girlfriend Delicia. Now say sorry to the nice young woman and act your age.” His father’s voice was steely.
“Victoria,” she snapped, smoothing down the front of her blouse then said to him, “Archer, this cannot possibly be your girlfriend. I’ve brought Lacy with me.”
He moved beside Delicia and put his hand around her waist. “This is my girlfriend Delicia Wright.”
“Wright!” Her venom was even more pronounced.
“Yes. Now you can take yourself off to a hotel,” he said gleefully.
“Now, Archer, I was just taken by surprise. Nice to meet you, Delicia,” she gushed.
Her falseness sickened him. Archer turned his back on her, leading Delicia into the hall. Delicia was stiff.
“I’m sorry, Delicia. Let me deal with her and we can go to the Caves.”
“Maybe you need some time to deal with that—” She stopped.
“Witch.” He helped out. “No. Just go back to the bedroom and I’ll get rid of them. Please.”
Delicia stared at him then nodded. “Okay. If you need me call. I’ll kick her in the shin for you.”
“I might take you up on it later.” Archer chuckled.
Delicia raised her face. They kissed gently.
“If she calls me the maid again I’m going to kick her somewhere else and make it hurt,” Delicia whispered against his lips.
“And you have every right to,” Archer said.
Delicia harrumphed then strode away down the hall. Archer returned to the door.
“I’m sorry that I insulted your lady.”
“If only I could believe that, Victoria. I have plans, so go to a hotel or, better yet, leave McKingley,” Archer said.
“Archer.” His dad’s tone was reprimanding.
Archer refused to back down. Victoria looked unsure then gave a small smile.
“Can I stay with you, Toddy-kins?” Victoria hooked her arms with his father.
Todd looked even more amused. “Sure.”
Archer didn’t like hearing that. “Won’t your boyfriend have a problem with that?”
“Oh, Rudolph and I are through. It’s just Lacy and I. Let’s go to our home, Toddy-kins.” Victoria was gripping his dad’s arm.
Lacy was silent not watching any of them. Archer clenched his fist—he didn’t want his mother staying under the same roof as his father.
“You can stay here,” he gritted.
“That’s wonderful. Show me to my room.” Victoria looked pleased.
“I have plans. Pa will show you.” He addressed his dad. ”Pa, give them the rooms at the other side of the house.” Archer turned to walk away.
“But, Archer, I wanted us to catch up. And for you and Lacy to talk,” Victoria protested.
He ignored her and went back the bedroom. Opening the door, he spotted Delicia.
“Let’s go.”
Delicia followed him out. She didn’t comment about his dad bringing in the bags. They got into her Jeep and drove to their destination. At the Caves they got in line and waited to be let in. Archer’s thoughts returned to the mess back at his house. The thought of being under the same roof as his supposed mother and ex pissed him off.
They arrived at the entrance and were given a map of the Turquafel Caves. The caves were made up of turquoise, quartz and feldspar. Its name derived from the minerals. They were large and high. The walls created a visual delight. People went into the many cave passageways, which led to the centre where wild outcropping formations made of the local minerals and rock resided. He’d been to the cave a lot of times and usually enjoyed it, but today it lacked the joy. He trailed Delicia as she explored.
“That’s it,” Delicia said, pulling him into a little corner. “Where are you?”
“What do you mean? I’m here with you.”
“Physically, but mentally you’re back at your house. Why didn’t you just stay there instead of coming here? We could have done this another time,” Delicia said.
Archer rubbed his hand over the back of his neck. “Christ. Sorry. I don’t want to be back at my house. Hell, I don’t even want to sleep at my house with them there.”
“Why’d you let them stay?”
“Victoria was going to stay with my dad otherwise.” Archer shrugged.
“Your dad can take care of himself,” Delicia pointed out.
“Maybe, but I don’t want to take the chance. So it was my house.”
“You can stay with me if you want,” Delicia offered.
Archer stared, surprised, then shook his head. “You don’t have to do that. I’ll—”
She put her hand over his mouth, pressing against him. “Just shut up and nod your head. You’re staying with me.” This time it was a demand.
Her eyes were fierce. Archer nodded. Delicia removed her hand and kissed him. He tugged her firmly against his frame, but she withdrew.
; “I’ll drop you off later to get some of your things. Forget about them for a while. Now let’s have some fun. Explore a little.”
Archer let her pull him with her. “I’d rather explore you. Wanna do the deed?” He wiggled his eyebrows.
Delicia laughed. “Later. I want to explore the cave and go for our bike ride.”
“And I want to ride you.”
“Behave and I’ll let you later. Now come on.” She pulled him along.
Archer laughed and went with her. They had fun in the cave. In the centre they took pictures of each other then asked someone else visiting the cave to take their picture together. Once they left the cave, they headed to Lendro Peak for biking. After they got there, Archer took down the bikes.
“Jackson. How are you?”
“Lis, little sis, how’s things,” someone with a deep voice said.
Archer watched as Delicia embraced the tall, broad-shouldered man.
“Been meaning to come see you.” The man smiled widely, making his craggy face light up.
“No prob. I’m sure you’ve been busy getting settled in to McKingley and the new job. I didn’t know you biked?”
“It’s a new pastime. I’m loving it.” He leaned closer. “Also a good way to get a certain stubborn man out of the house.”
“I heard that,” someone else said.
Tarak Brady walked up to join them. He was like a brother to Delicia and her siblings.
“Tarak, you’ve been hiding out in your house. Shame on you not coming to see me.” Delicia hugged him.
Tarak squeezed her. “I knew you were busy with work and training for the triathlon.”
“Humph. That’s an excuse,” Delicia said.
“If you say so.” He tweaked her nose. Tarak glanced at Archer then put out his hand. “Archer. How have you been?”
Archer shook it. “Good. Harmon mentioned he hadn’t seen you come by the shop. He has a piece he wanted you to check out.”
Tarak looked intrigued. “I’ll have to make a trip to see him.”
Tarak glanced at Delicia talking to Jackson, then at him. “Heard you and Delicia are dating. Hurt her and you’ll answer to me.” He smiled widely then joined Delicia.
She glanced at him then said, “Sorry, Archer. Jackson, this is Archer. Jackson is a friend of the family. He moved from Chicago with Arissa and is working at the hospital.”
“Nice to meet you, Jackson.”
“And you.” Bright blue eyes studied him then the man put out his hand and they shook.
“We’ll have to catch up, Lis. I’ve got to get home so I can get ready for work,” Jackson said.
He hugged her then kissed her cheek. Tarak did the same before they departed.
“Tarak is looking much better.”
“Yeah, he is,” Archer agreed.
“We’ll, let’s get started,” Delicia said.
They got on their bikes, putting on their helmets. Delicia took the lead as they rode up one of the more difficult trails. Delicia had asked previously if he wanted an easier trail, but he had said no. He followed her as they traversed the sometimes tight and twisty single track along rocky then smooth ripping paths. Delicia pulled off and he stopped, stifling a moan. He was fit, but the trail had been difficult.
“Do you want us to turn back?” Delicia looked on towards the trail.
“I do, but you can go on if you want,” Archer said.
“Umm…”
“Go on.” He urged.
“Are you sure?” Delicia said.
“Go ahead. I’ll head back and wait for you in the Jeep,” Archer said.
Delicia gave him the keys then kissed him briefly. “Okay. Meet you in a bit.”
Archer watched as she biked away. He was amazed at her stamina. He’d known she was training for the triathlon, but today showed him how fit she was. Archer turned back and went back to the Jeep to wait for her.
* * * *
“Thanks for being so understanding,” Delicia said for the fourth time since arriving back to his place.
“Stop saying that, Delicia. It was nothing. You are really good at biking. I’m proud of you. How much longer until the triathlon?”
“A little under two months. I’m getting nervous.”
“No need to be. From what I’ve seen—at least biking—you are fast. I had barely made it back to the Jeep when you came behind me. I couldn’t believe you had ridden to the end of the trail we were on and gotten back so fast.”
Delicia smiled. “Still need to pick up my time.”
“You will. I’ll meet you at your house in a bit.” Archer kissed her and got out of the Jeep.
Delicia beeped her horn then left. Archer stood at the end of his drive and watched her taillights disappear before he went to the front door. Opening it, he frowned at the sound of the TV playing. He bypassed the living room and went to his room, packing a few things before heading back to the front door.
“Archer,” Victoria said behind him.
“What?” Archer gritted his teeth.
“I was waiting for you to return so we can talk. Do you think it is a good idea to be dating her? Really, Lacy is much better suited for you. Sh—”
“Not another word. I suggest you shut up or I’ll put you out.”
“I’ll go stay with Todd.” Victoria sounded smug.
It was what he wanted to avoid. “I’ll be staying with Delicia until you get out of my house. I’ll be back tomorrow for some more things.”
“But, Ar—”
He slammed the door shut behind him, cutting off what she was saying. Archer strode to his truck then got in. Glancing at the house, he noticed movement on the porch. Lacy waved from the swing on the porch. Archer ignored her and headed for Delicia’s. As he drove away, the tension drained from him and instead, eagerness to see Delicia filled him. In less than ten minutes, he’d parked in front of her house. Grabbing his bag, he went to the door before ringing the bell.
Delicia opened it. She was in one of those flirty housedresses he had come to obsess about getting off her. This one was blue. Archer stepped in, closing the door with his foot. Delicia backed up. He stalked towards her, unbuckling his pants and pulling down the zipper. He took out a condom and smoothed it over his cock. Delicia moaned, her breath coming fast. She swerved and her back hit the kitchen’s doorjamb. Archer closed the distance between them. He lifted her up and Delicia raised her housedress—she had no panties on. She wrapped her legs around him and Archer groaned as her hot slit pressed against his aching shaft.
He shifted his hips and slid into her wet, heated slit. Delicia whimpered. He thrust urgently, gripping her butt. Delicia’s nails bit into his shoulder. Closing his lips over hers, Archer swallowed the sound she made. He pounded into her, moving towards their release. Delicia countered his movements, grabbing then releasing his shoulders. The hitch of her breath signalled she was getting ready to come. Archer increased the speed of his thrusts. The base of his stomach tightened. He dug his fingers into her ass.
Delicia wrenched her lips from his and screamed. “Archer… Yes…please.”
Her pussy clenched around him, rippling as she came. Archer shook as he joined her in pleasure. Panting, Archer held her as she shivered. Delicia rested her sweat-soaked forehead on his shoulder.
“What the hell was that?” Delicia asked breathlessly.
“Pent up need from waiting to do the deed.” Archer chuckled.
“Let’s wait more often,” Delicia said.
“No,” he stated firmly.
He slid his hand under her ass, holding her more firmly against him then strode down the hall.
“I need a shower,” Delicia whispered.
“We both do. Then we can do the deed some more,” Archer replied.
“You enjoy saying those words a little too much,” Delicia groaned.
“And you love it.”
“True. So come on, man. Let’s wash then get to doing the deed.” Delicia smacked him on the ass.
/> Archer sped up, taking her to the bedroom.
* * * *
Archer parked his car in his driveway. He sat there for a moment praying for some patience. For the last three weeks, whenever he’d gone to his house for clothing to stay with Delicia, Victoria had taken it as an opportunity to give her unwanted opinion about Delicia. She was trying hard to have him ‘come to his senses’ that they were not right for each other and that Lacy was his supposed soul mate. The only reason he hadn’t pitched her and Lacy out on their ears by now was because of Delicia.
Surprisingly, she had calmed him on more than one occasion about Victoria. He didn’t want any secrets between them and shared all his mother had said—usually he’d raved about it and threatened to throw his mother out and never speak to her again. Delicia was the voice of reason who talked him down. Delicia was sure of their relationship—she said nothing Victoria said could change what they had, unless he let it. Delicia’s surety and calmness was what kept him from ejecting them. The one thing Delicia stated was that she was not going to be around either woman. She couldn’t promise what she would do to his mother if she said the things she did to Archer in front of her. Archer was in complete agreement. Delicia hadn’t been by his house or around both his mother and Lacy since that first day.
Archer glanced at the clock in the dash. He had to get his bag and get back to Delicia’s. They had made plans over a week ago to go to Morrow—a supper club—for dinner and dancing. He needed to clean up at her house before they could go. He got out of his vehicle—the sooner he got his things the sooner he could get back to Delicia. He’d come straight from the garage, as he usually did. He’d even added more grease and grime to his person. It was the one thing he noticed that would keep Victoria at a distance as she spewed her crap—she didn’t want to get her perfection dirty. He strode into the house ready for another round. The silence startled him. The TV was always on in the living room. Suspicious, Archer went to peek in. There was no one there.
Breathing a sigh of relief, he went and quickly packed. He returned to the kitchen to get his mail. Turning to leave, he stopped. Lacy stood just in the doorway of the kitchen. She looked uncertain.
Risky Pleasures Page 7