Save Me (Saved Series, Book One)

by Laura L. Cline

  "Who's ready for some turkey?" I ask as I finish carving away one side of the breast.

  We eat dinner and talk, me about the mill and Carly about school and her job at the bar. She glazes over exactly what she does, calling herself a server. It's not dishonest, but I know her nerves are still frazzled and desperate to make a good impression. She doesn't have to worry about that, though. I can already see Mom envisioning grandkids with my dimples and Carly's eyes.

  The doorbell rings and interrupts just as Mom decides to regale us with the story about the time I accidentally peed on an electric fence at my uncle's farm.

  "Excuse me," Mom says, as she checks her hair and smoothes the imaginary wrinkles in her shirt.

  "Who is it?" I ask, but she leaves the table without answering me. Carly looks at me and I shrug my shoulders.

  We wait in silence until I hear a man's voice coming from the front hall. I turn in my chair to be able to see. Mom leads a man by the hand through the living room and into the dining room. He's about my height and a little heavier. His silver hair is the same color as Mom's.

  "Robert, Carly, this is James," she says smiling. James reaches out and extends his hand to me. I take it, unable to hide the expression on my face.

  "Nice to meet you, Robert," James says.

  "You, too," I say, never really taking my eyes off my mom who stands there smiling and smiling. "This is Carly," I say, stepping out of the way so she can rise and shake his hand.

  "Pleasure," James says, turning his big toothy smile on her.

  "Hello," Carly manages.

  "Mom, may I see you in the kitchen for a second?" I ask.

  "Sure," she says, throwing another big smile at Carly.

  I squeeze Carly's shoulder in apology at leaving her alone with this man, but we're just stepping out of earshot.

  "Mom," I say as soon as we round the corner. "Who is he?"

  She takes a deep breath and says, "He's my fiancé. We're getting married, Robert."

  I know I'm shocked and I know I don't hide it well. "Married?"

  "Yes," I didn't want to tell you like this, but you haven't been around in a while, so it was now or never." She runs her fingers along the pearls that hang around her neck.

  "Well, when did you meet him?" I ask.

  "About a year ago. We've only been dating for seven months, though."

  "Seven months? Mom, I've only been spending all my time with Carly for less than a month; I know you've had time to have mentioned him before now."

  "I wasn't sure where it was going," she says. "He asked me to marry him last week. I love him, Jack. Surely you can understand what that's like?" Now she turns all those smiles on me.

  I run my hands through my hair and stare at my mother. "Yes, I do," I say, just as the sound of Carly's laughter carries in from the dining room. "Is he a good guy, Mom? I mean, is he good enough for you?"

  She and I both know I'm asking if he'll be more faithful than my father and more loving.

  "Yes, Robert. He's a wonderful man and I love him."

  "Well then, I'm happy for you," I say, grabbing her and pulling her into a big hug. She sniffles against my shirt. "Come on, Mom. Don't cry."

  She gently wipes a couple of stray tears from underneath her slightly wrinkled eyes. "I'm happy you're not upset with me."

  "Why would I be upset?" I ask.

  "Because of your dad," she mutters.

  "Mom, I know how dad was. I know we never talk about it, but you know I've always known. It's part of why I was the way I was before."

  "Listen, Robert," she says, putting a hand on my chest. "That girl in there, she's really special. And she loves you. I know it."

  Now it's my turn to smile at her. "Yeah, I think she does."

  "I know she does. It's a connection from one woman in love to another. The way she looks at you. She's in love with you. Now, you mind that for the rest of whatever you two chose to do. You mind that, Robert." She pats my chest and then touches my face. "And you're in love with her, too," she realizes, her eyes resting on mine and figuring me out like she's always done.

  "I am, Mom. And I've told her."

  "Good, that was my next question," she says with a grin. "God, I'm just so thankful this Thanksgiving. I have my son and his wonderful new love and an amazing love of my own."

  I smile at the woman who gave me life as she talks about the woman who makes me wanna live it. "I'm pretty thankful for all of it myself, Mom."

  §

  Carly hugs my mom with genuine affection when we finally decide to leave. James has turned out to be a pretty funny guy and my mom can't stop staring at him. I'm still pretty shocked, but I'm getting used to the idea of their upcoming marriage each time he makes her laugh.

  "It was lovely to meet you both," Carly says, holding my mom's hand. "I'm so glad you invited me."

  Mom pulls her in close and whispers something in Carly's ear and they both giggle like school girls. James looks at me and I know he doesn't get it either.

  "You take care of each other," Mom says sternly. "Have a good holiday."

  "We will," I say, leaning in and kissing her cheek. I shake James' hand and he gives me a nod.

  "Nice to meet you, Robert," he says.

  "Call me Jack," I say.

  "Alright then, Jack." He claps me on the back and turns his attentions to Carly.

  "And you, sweet girl," he says, taking his hand in hers, "have made Jack here a lucky man. It was such a pleasure to meet you." He kisses her hand like I did and I see why Mom thinks he's so swell. Carly turns to me and grins.

  "Thank you very much, James," she says. She turns from them and puts her hand in mine. We walk down the concrete path and toward the Escalade.

  "Oh my god, I can't believe she's getting married," Carly whispers. "Are you okay about it?"

  I open her door for her and shrug my shoulders. "It's not for me to be okay with it, but I am. I think he'll make her happy."

  I wave one last time to Mom and James as I climb in the vehicle. Carly waves again and then we leave them behind to get on the highway.

  §

  “Can’t you just sit there and relax? Let me surprise you.”

  “But I want to know! I’m horrible at suspense,” Carly sulks.

  “Trust me, you’ll be glad I didn’t tell you when we get there. The first impression is half the experience.”

  The road stretches on for miles and we enjoy the drive. Carly yawns loudly and covers her mouth with her hand.

  "Take a nap," I say. We've got about another two and a half hours of driving to go. And you're gonna need your rest," I tell her with a grin.

  Carly shakes her head. "No sir, I'm gonna play some music." She pulls out the iPod and I groan as she connects it via Bluetooth to the stereo.

  "It won't be that bad," she says in a huff. "I've got some stuff on here even an old fogey like yourself should enjoy." She runs her fingers up the touchscreen and chews at her lip.

  Mick Jagger comes on, informing us that he can’t get no satisfaction. I look across the vehicle at Carly and pity Mick.

  Carly continues to run her fingers up the screen then grins. "Here we go."

  Road to Nowhere by The Talking Heads starts to play.

  We're on a road to nowhere, come on inside. Taking that ride to nowhere, we’ll take that ride. Feeling okay this morning, and you know. We're on a road to paradise. Here we go, here we go.

  "We are not on a road to nowhere, Carly," I sigh. "I do like that song, though."

  She giggles and runs down the song list again. "No, no, no." She narrows her eyes and then says, "Ah-ha."

  The music starts in a slow pop beat and Carly turns to me, “You have to listen to the words. All the words.”

  I nod and give the song all my attention.

  It’s not your eyes. It’s not what you say. It’s not your laughter that gives you away. You’re just lonely, you’ve been lonely too long.

  All your acting, your thin disguise. All your pe
rfectly delivered lines. They don’t fool me. You’ve been lonely too long.

  Let me in the walls, you built around. We can light a match and burn them down. Let me hold your hand and dance ‘round and ‘round the flames. In front of us. Dust to dust.

  You’ve held your head up. You fought the fight. You bear the scars; you’ve done your time. Listen to me; you’ve been lonely too long.

  Let me in the walls, you built around. We can light a match and burn them down. Let me hold me your hand and dance ‘round and ‘round the flames. In front of us. Dust to dust.

  You’re like a mirror, reflecting me. Takes one to know one, so take it from me. You’ve been lonely. You’ve been lonely too long.

  We’ve been lonely, we’ve been lonely too long.

  The duet is our story. It’s Carly and me in song form. The story of us. Carly looks at me and waits for me to say something.

  “I like that,” I say. “Who is it?”

  “The Civil Wars,” she says. “Their music may not be what you like, but they’re amazing. That song is amazing.”

  “That can be our song,” I say, pulling her hand to my lips and kissing it.

  “That can be our used to be song. I think we’ve already burned down a few walls,” she says. I kiss her knuckles and she smiles.

  "Now it's my turn," I say. I dig around the console for the album I want. I open it and insert the CD into the player.

  "Just one song, then you can play whatever else you want, okay?"

  She nods and tucks the iPod back in her purse.

  Good old Van Morrison comes through, singing the words I'd sing to her if I could carry a tune.

  I've been searching a long time, for someone exactly like you. I've been travelling all around the world waiting for you to come through. Someone like you makes it all worthwhile. Someone like you keeps me satisfied. Someone exactly like you.

  I've been travellin' a hard road lookin' for someone exactly like you. I've been carryin' my heavy load waiting for the light to come shining through. Someone like you makes it all worthwhile. Someone like you keeps me satisfied. Someone exactly like you.

  Carly leans across the console and plants a sweet kiss on my scruffy cheek. "I love you, you know that?"

  "I do. And I love you, my sexy little pistol."

  Carly finally falls asleep as we make a series of turns, each one taking us deeper into the woods of The Great Smoky Mountains. I'm glad she's sleeping and won't see where we are until we get there. I steal glances to watch her chest rise and fall and for the first time in so long, I'm completely happy with this silence.

  I turn off the highway just as the sun starts to set.

  “Are we there?” Carly mumbles, rising from the seat to look out the window.

  The large white house comes into view, surrounded by white crisscross fencing. A huge red barn sits next to the house, tress nestled behind it like a movie backdrop.

  “This is Mason Farm. This is where we’re staying. Well, not in this exact house, but we’re gonna be here until Sunday.” I look at her and search her face for approval.

  “It’s beautiful,” she says, beaming at me. We pull up the long gravel driveway and park in front of the house.

  I smile satisfactorily and open my door. Carly continues to stare up at the pristine house. The land stretches on and then disappears into the mountains. She surveys the landscape with her mouth hanging open in a tiny little ‘O’.

  Carly climbs out of the vehicle and I walk around to take her hand. We walk up the cobblestone pathway to the main house.

  I've always loved the main house here. Tall timbers rise from floor to ceiling, broken up by rustic chandeliers between every pillar. The walls are painted in earth tones, just like pretty much everything at the farm.

  "We have a reservation," I say once we reach the counter. "Robert Webster."

  “Welcome, Mr. Webster,” an older blonde woman behind the counter greets us.

  “Thank you,” I say, getting my wallet out from my back pocket. I hand the woman my driver's license and she starts punching keys on her keyboard.

  “We have your cottage all ready as per your request. What would you like brought from your vehicle?”

  I turn to Carly, but she's busy looking around the vast main house. I catch her attention and smiles appreciatively.

  “Just the two bags in back,” I answer. I drop my hand from the counter and Carly takes it, giving it an excited squeeze.

  “Certainly, Mr. Webster,” she punches a few more keys on her keyboard. “And your request for tomorrow morning has been taken care of.”

  “That’s great. Thank you again.”

  “Kevin will take you to your cottage now,” she gestures toward a young man I hadn't noticed before now, “if you wish. You may want to visit the lounge area for a drink after your drive?” I glance at Carly again and she discreetly shakes her head.

  “Thank you for the suggestion, but we’d really just like to get settled in.”

  “Absolutely, Mr. Webster.”

  Kevin steps forward as if summoned psychically. He opens the door for us and we walk out onto the wide porch. The Escalade is parked right where we left it, so we climb in the backseat together to let Kevin drive us to our cottage.

  “This is the first time we’ve been in the backseat together,” Carly says quietly, nuzzling at my neck. She goes straight for this area all the time.

  "The drive is too short for that," I say, kissing her lips. "We've got plenty of time; we've got the whole weekend, doll."

  “I can’t believe you did this. I really can’t. It’s beautiful, Jack.”

  “You’re beautiful,” I whisper. Her lips are soft and delicious and she puts another kiss on my mouth.

  “When did you make the reservation for this?” she asks.

  "Tuesday. We're lucky there was a cottage left," I say. Carly looks out the window at the passing trees, their leaves barely hanging on.

  "I just can't believe you did this," she says again. She wraps her fingers in mine and pulls my hand onto her leg.

  The small gray cabin comes up on the right and Kevin parks in front of it. He opens the hatch to grab our bags and Carly climbs out behind me. Kevin nods politely and Carly offers him a polite smile. He’s young and it looks as though he thinks Carly is as sexy as she is. I nod at him and he drops his eyes.

  We follow him up the wood steps that turn first right and then left, and onto the porch as he carries our bags. The porch is big and wraps around the side of the cabin. There's a stone fireplace in the center and a small dining table.

  "Ooh," Carly says in a hush as Kevin opens the door. The room is a warm vanilla color and the wall that encases the fireplace rises up into a dramatic, angular peak. Dark wood accent furniture ties the room together; the best mahogany.

  I pull a bill from my pocket, slide it into Kevin’s hand and give it a shake. “Thank you, Kevin.” I nod and he disappears out the door.

  “So, what do you think?” I open my hands wide and gesture to the room.

  “I don’t think I have the vocabulary to express it,” she mutters, still taking in the beauty of it. The kitchen is to the right of the living room and a big oak island sits in the center and Cary walks to it.

  "How come he took the car?" she asks.

  "The cabins were designed to be private. They wanted each one to seem like it's here by itself while you're staying. All the vehicles are parked behind the main house and out of sight. Why? Are you planning on ditching me here in my own ride?" I joke.

  "Of course not. I have plans for you and that cock of yours. Why would I leave?"

  Carly grins at me and I already want to strip her naked. I pull her to me and kiss her hard.

  “What do you have planned for tomorrow?” she asks.

  “Yet another surprise you’ll just have to wait for," I say. I run my hands down her torso and cup them underneath her ass. "Right now, I'm more concerned about what you've got planned for my dick."

 
"Give me fifteen minutes and you'll find out," she whispers against my lips. She kisses the corner of my mouth and then ducks out of my arms. She grabs her suitcase and winks at me before she heads down the hallway toward the bedroom.

  I stand at the kitchen, my balls already aching and my cock pushing uncomfortably at the zipper in my pants. I've always been a very sexually driven guy, but being with Carly almost makes me feel like I felt my freshman year at college. There was no end to my sexual appetite. That's what did in my marriage, even though I was old enough to control it by then. It's not that Rachel was unsatisfying; she just wasn't interested in anything I wanted to do and I wanted to do a lot. I wonder idly if Carly is naked yet.

  "Jaaaack," she calls out in a sing song voice. "You can come now."

  I chuckle and start out at an excited trot down the hallway. I open the bedroom door and stop. White candles are burning on the dresser and chest and the room is very dim.

  Carly's lying on the bed in a red lace panty and bra set, her legs spread a little. She's holding a handful of white satin ribbon.

  "Wha-" I say, all my words failing to come out.

  "I want you to tie me up again, Jack," she says, holding the ribbon out to me. "Tie me up and fuck me until I beg you to stop. Then fuck me just a bit more."

  I kick off my shoes and pull my shirt over my head.

  "Wait," she says. She reaches onto the nightstand and holds out a small leather riding crop. "And you get to spank me with this, if you want."

  "Where the fuck did all this come from?" I ask, tossing my jeans in the corner.

  "I bought it at the sex shop," she grins. "Don't you want to play?" Her hair lies over her breasts, but I can see her nipples poking at the red lace.

  "You have no idea what you're in for," I say, taking the ribbon from her hand. I move to the foot of the black cast iron bed and tie first one foot, then the other tightly to the tall post that runs almost to the ceiling.