One to Save

by Tia Louise

  When I meet Stuart at the bar across from our office, he has Marcus on the line discussing the details of the shootout and whether he needs to come in town to represent Nikki. It’s the same bar Patrick and I visited the night he decided to drive to Wilmington and take Elaine back, and I can’t help remembering that night with a smile. We’ve come a long way since those days.

  “I can’t believe she fucking shot him,” Stuart says, shaking his head.

  “Does it ever calm down around there?” I hear Marcus laugh over the speaker on Stuart’s phone. “I’m putting you assholes on a $250K retainer.”

  “I’m sure you are,” I say, noting his Armani style as I take a sip of the Glenfiddich the bartender places in front of me. “You’d be happy letting us keep you on the dole.”

  “Depending on the timeline, I could probably handle this when I’m in town for the wedding. If it comes to that.”

  “I’ll keep you in the loop. Slayde witnessed the whole thing, and I intend to press charges.”

  “We’re becoming the poster office for ‘defense of others,’” Stuart says, sipping his beer. “At least we’re not in Baltimore this time.”

  “He’s lucky she didn’t kill him,” I add. “She said she closed her eyes and pulled the trigger.”

  “Good god,” Marcus says. “My fee just went up.”

  Stuart stands, polishing off his beer. “It’s late. I’m headed home to Mariska.”

  “Yeah, I’ve got to get back and tell Melissa what happened.”

  Marcus is right there to give us hassle. “It’s a Thursday night, and you’re going home at ten? You fuckers are so whipped.”

  “Famous last words,” I say, finishing my scotch.

  “Famous true words.” I hear the grin in our attorney’s voice.

  “Just keep talking, friend,” Stuart pays our bill and slips on his blazer. I shake my head, remembering the days when my partner was just as cocky.

  “Don’t get me wrong,” Merritt continues. “I love pussy, but there is no way in hell I’m letting it order my life. I control my destiny.”

  Yeah, yeah. I’ve seen enough to know how this story ends. Taking the phone from Stuart, I turn it off speaker. “Hey, before you go, I wanted to thank you for helping me.”

  “Just doing my job,” he says. Then as if remembering, he’s back to teasing. “Thank me by paying your bill.”

  “Don’t worry.”

  The slightest pause, and a serious tone enters his voice. “I’m glad you weren’t hurt today. Melissa’s a special lady, and she loves you. You’re a lucky man.”

  “Thanks again.”

  “See you next month. Now I’m headed out for the night.”

  Disconnecting, I hand the phone back to Stuart. We decide to split a cab rather than driving. Sitting in the back, I look out the window at the passing lights.

  “I’m thinking of offering Slayde a job,” I say.

  Stuart shifts in his seat. “Doing what?”

  Shaking my head, I don’t know why I feel the need to reach out to these kids. “I’m on the market for a new PI.”

  “It’ll only work if Kenny will move here.”

  “We might make it work if he doesn’t mind commuting.” A few quiet moments, and I remember our other unfinished business.

  “I was also thinking of asking Nikki to stay on.” He looks out the window, and I keep going. “Since she saved my life and all. How would you feel about that?”

  “I don’t have a problem with Nikki,” he says through an exhale. “All that shit is water under the bridge in my mind. She handled things wrong, but maybe I did, too.”

  Silence again. I’m not sure what to say. “That’s pretty generous of you.”

  He glances at me, and a smile spreads across his face. I’m confused, but not for long. “I asked Mariska to marry me. She said yes.”

  “What?” Now I’m smiling. “Well, damn. Congratulations.”

  “Yeah.” He leans back and looks out the window again, still smiling. “None of that past shit matters anymore. It was stupid anyway.”

  We’re at the condo, and my partner slaps my back before heading up the stairs. I’m feeling good as I go to the elevator. Marcus and his playboy swagger cross my mind, and I remember how Stuart was before Mariska came along. I wonder what girl’s going to knock our hotshot attorney on his ass.

  Jason is filling in for Walt again. He hits the elevator button and smiles, a wistful look in his dark eyes as the elevator comes down. “That little guy of yours is one cute kid. I used to dream of having one of my own.”

  “What’s holding you back?” I glance at him as I wait.

  His dark head bows. “You have to woo the fairer sex, and I’m financially challenged.”

  I can’t help thinking his sallow complexion and oversized nose might also be challenges, although the right lady would overlook such things. “Money isn’t a necessary evil. Be creative.”

  Shaking his head, his melodrama continues. “I’m not creative either, sir. It’s my curse.”

  Clapping his shoulder as the elevator doors open, I’m ready to be upstairs wooing my own lady. “Only one person can change that situation, my friend.”

  “No truer words.” He waits as I get inside and hit the button for the top floor “Have a good night, sir.”

  The condo is dim when I arrive. Dex, I’m sure is sleeping, and as I step through the kitchen area, I see Melissa sitting on the black leather couch in front of the gas log. A glass of white wine is in her hand.

  I drop my keys on the oak table, and she looks over her shoulder. Our eyes meet, and hers are soft and full of love. “How are you feeling?” Her voice is a gentle wave in my direction.

  I don’t waste any time going to her. She’s wearing only one of my white dress shirts, and I’m feeling awake in every part of my body, most of which are located below my belt. Leaning forward, she puts her glass on the table, but I don’t want her to get up. I want to scoop her into my lap and hold her.

  “I’m not used to feeling weak,” I say, sitting beside her and loosening my tie. My eyes never leave hers, and her cheeks flush under my gaze. “I’m ready to be back to normal.”

  I lift my tie over my head, and she leans forward to unbutton my top button. “I know,” she says and kisses my throat. “At least you’re here with me.”

  Her movements give me a nice view down the front of the shirt loosely covering her body. She’s bare underneath, and my thoughts are moving away from this conversation to the bedroom.

  “We had some excitement at the office today.”

  “Is that so?” She shifts so she’s straddling my lap. “Tell me about it.”

  My hands slide up her smooth thighs to her ass, and I tease the edge of her panties with my fingertips. “I’ll give you the short version.”

  A little shiver, “Okay.”

  “Slayde came to see me. He apologized, but he also wanted to know if I could find his dad for him.”

  “I had a feeling he would want that.” Her elbow rests on my shoulder, and her beautiful cheek is against her slim hand.

  I can’t help thinking the best part of my day is holding this woman in my arms, talking. I understand now she needs this, and damn if I’ll give her any reason to put my shit on the doorstep again.

  “I was ready to tell him I could when the asshole walked in the door.”

  Her head lifts, and her expression changes. I was sure she would’ve heard this from Elaine who heard it from Kenny by now, but I guess not.

  “Derek!” she whispers. “Oh my god. What happened?”

  Pulling her to me, I kiss her soft lips. They melt to my pressure, accepting my comfort. “Nothing to me, as you can see. Slayde had the confrontation I think he’s always needed...”

  Her brow lines. “And?”

  “Bennett was pretty pissed I’d escaped a life sentence. He pulled out a gun.” She slides back onto the couch, both hands cover her mouth. “Nikki shot him.”

  Jumping u
p, she paces my living room shaking her hands. “Oh my god, Derek. I don’t think I can take any more of this.”

  Easing to my feet, I capture her in my arms and hold her close, smoothing her long dark hair as I kiss her temple. “He’s not a threat to us anymore.”

  She tenses and pulls back to find my eyes. “He’s... dead?”

  “No, but he’s under arrest. They’ve taken him to the hospital for treatment then I intend to press charges. Marcus said he’d help us ensure Bennett will never threaten us again.”

  Wiggling free of my embrace, she holds my arms, her eyes glistening with tears. “I’m not sorry.” Her voice drops to a whisper. “I hoped he was dead. Does that make me horrible?”

  I pull her to me again and she melts against my chest. “It makes you human. Bennett is a psychopath.”

  For a moment, her small body rests against mine. My hands slide down her waist to her hips, and I pull her closer.

  “I have an idea,” I say against her hair. “Let’s do something to take our minds off the bad stuff.” She exhales a little laugh and puts her arms around my neck.

  I want to carry her to the bed, but this fucking lung injury prevents me. Instead, I take her hand and lead her to our dim-lit room. Her lacy red bra, pink nightgown, and emerald silk robe are scattered around the room... these delicate items break the dark mahogany furniture, stainless accents, and white linen of my male space. I love the change.

  Stopping, I turn to face her, watching her beautiful eyes as I unbutton the shirt she’s wearing. Sapphire turns to navy as desire builds, and I cup her breast in my hand, teasing a beaded nipple between my finger and thumb.

  Leaning forward, I capture her mouth in a deep kiss. My tongue sweeps inside to hers, curling with it as my thumb circles the tip of her breast. I want to sweep her up, throw her on the bed, and climb after her, claiming her in whatever position we land.

  Again, I have to be more deliberate. I kiss her slower, pulling her full bottom lip between my teeth. She rises on her tiptoes with a little squeal, tangling her fingers in the sides of my hair as she kisses me again. Her tongue plunges in my mouth, and I can feel the heat rising in her body as it presses against my chest.

  Being more deliberate might not be as bad as I originally thought.

  Breaking away, she gasps as she quickly unfastens the last of my buttons. I take the opportunity to touch the side of her neck with my tongue then cover it with my mouth, pulling her flesh in a hard suck.

  “Oh, god, Derek,” she gasps, ripping the last of my buttons free and jerking at the bottom of my undershirt.

  A little chuckle rumbles from my throat as I remove them. Another little noise from her, and she spreads her palms flat over my chest, smoothing them up and curling her fingers so her nails scrape my skin. It’s teasing and erotic, and I’m quickly unfastening my belt as her breasts press against me.

  “You have to take it easy.” Her voice is low and sultry. “Let me do all the work.”

  I can’t help a grin. “Whatever you say, Miss Jones.”

  “Sit back against the headboard.”

  The remainder of my clothes are gone, and I comply, getting comfortable against the pillows. She stands at the foot of the bed a moment, letting her eyes travel over my body. Fire follows her gaze, and I’m ready to ditch the helpless act.

  “You’d better do something or I will,” I say with a rasp.

  Her eyes widen a flicker and she’s on her hands and knees, climbing up the length of my body. Along the way, she ducks her head to plant a kiss on my thigh. It’s like a charge of electricity straight to my cock. Once there, she stops again, blue eyes flashing to mine. My stomach tenses, and she dips her head forward, pulling my tip into the hot space of her mouth.

  “Melissa,” I groan as she begins to suck. Her tongue flickers around the edge, and my head presses back against the pillows as my orgasm roars to life. Her hand grips my base, pumping my shaft, and her head bobs to meet it. Tension builds, and my eyes squeeze shut. I’m panting, but fuck if this doesn’t feel like heaven.

  “I’m close...” But she doesn’t stop. I want to be inside her before this ends, so I sit up and catch her under the arms.

  She comes off me with a pop, and I fall back, taking her naked torso with me. “Ride me,” I groan as she reaches down, sliding my tip into her clenching, hot center. “Come on, baby.”

  I’m in. My whole shaft is engulfed in her. It’s hot and tight, and she’s on her knees facing me, rising and falling fast. “Oh, god,” she moans, bucking against me.

  I can barely take the sensations. “Melissa.” My voice is hoarse, and I can’t stop thrusting up into her. As hard as she’s getting off on me, I’m unable to stop meeting her fuck for fuck.

  “Oh, YES!” She cries as I grip her ass. I’ll probably leave a mark, but damn if I can help it. She’s flying over the edge, and I grab one of her bouncing tits in my mouth, giving it a hard pull followed by a little bite. She cries out again, and it’s all I need.

  My lung burns, and I don’t care. I feel like I’m dying the most fantastic death possible. I close my eyes and hold her, letting my orgasm fill her, pressing up into her as her nails bite into my shoulders. A cough pushes through my moans, and I take a ragged breath.

  “Fuck,” I gasp. “I think that was the best yet.”

  She collapses against me, and I rock my hips once more, allowing the receding waves of pleasure to ripple through my pelvis. Her arms hang on my shoulders, and I feel the smile on her lips.

  Then she starts to laugh. “You always say that.”

  Holding her waist, I roll her onto her back and prop on my elbow beside her. “I mean since I got home.”

  She arches her back and laughs more, and I catch a nipple in my mouth again, giving it a little pull. “Oh!” She squeals, curving the other way. “You’re insatiable.”

  Nodding, I bend down to kiss the hollow of her neck, making my way up to her jaw. “I will never get enough of you.”

  “Mmm.” Her hands cup my cheeks. “That goes double for me.”

  We hold each other a moment, looking into each other’s eyes. I think about the recent past, our future... “Everything straight in Baltimore?”

  “Yes,” she nods. “And I’ve been able to restore all our previous arrangements. The only problem was with the caterer.”

  “No food?”

  “It’s okay. I talked to the manager of a hotel near our venue, and I was able to reserve their ballroom. Catering included.”

  My brows rise. “Seems like that was a lucky break.”

  “It really was.” Her slim fingers thread into the side of my hair. “Now all you have to do is show up in your dress blues.”

  “Whites.”

  “Shit!” Her eyes blink close, and I laugh. “I always get it backwards.”

  “Doesn’t matter.” Leaning down, I kiss the side of her jaw. “I know what to do.”

  “Me too,” her voice is warm. “And I can’t wait to do it with you.”

  That makes me smile, and I capture her lips again. Our tongues touch, and love burns in my stomach, spreading upwards into my chest. We’ve endured so much, and in only a few short weeks, this woman will be mine forever.

  She turns her face and whispers at my ear. “What are you thinking?”

  The touch of her lips against my skin stirs other parts of my body. “I’m thinking of something else I’d like to do with you.”

  A little laugh, a little touch, and our bodies move together in a way I will never jeopardize again.

  Chapter 18: That Day

  Melissa

  Elaine stands behind me as I lift the delicate band over my hair. I opted for the flowing beige strapless chiffon dress. It’s plain with only the tiniest seed pearls scattered across the bodice. A wide, grosgrain ribbon forms an empire waist, and the skirt flutters in rippling waves just like the ocean.

  My dark hair is down, but I secured the sides at the back of my head in a barrette, and my best friend-mat
ron of honor stands behind me attaching the veil to it.

  “I love this veil so much,” she whispers once it’s in place.

  Sheer tulle hangs from the top, but right at my shoulders, a band of floral lace ripples down and along the edge, curving back up the other side.

  “I can’t believe this is happening.” Heat fills my eyes.

  “Hang on!” Lainey cries, dashing for the tissues. “If you start crying, I will, and we don’t want to look like raccoons on your wedding day.”

  That makes me laugh, and I look up at the ceiling, quickly doing some mental math problems to distract my overactive tear ducts. “Hand me a mimosa,” I order, taking the tissue from her and blotting under my eyes.

  “You’re beautiful!” She says, eyes brimming.

  “Now you’re doing it!” I laugh, touching the tissue under my lashes again.

  “One postponement, one cancellation, and we finally made it.”

  “Two months ago, I was pretty sure this was never going to happen.” Standing, I press a hand against my sternum to calm the pain that memory provokes.

  “Not me.” My best friend’s arm goes around my back. She leans her light-blonde head against my dark one. “I never gave up on you two. Derek is the perfect prince for your fairytale.”

  “He’s more than a prince.”

  “You’re right.” Elaine smooths her hands down the front of her thigh-length sequined dress. “Patrick’s my prince. Derek’s more like... the king in this story.”

  I almost snort mimosa through my nose. “Oh my god,” I laugh harder. “Don’t tell him that!”

  She breaks into laughter, and I look up to see Mariska and Kenny joining us looking fresh and pretty. We all spent the day having our hair and nails done. We got pedicures for my beach wedding, and I sprang for everyone to have massages. For the last few hours, we’ve been lounging and taking our time getting dressed. The wedding starts at six, and a quick glance to the clock says we’re in the final countdown.

  As matron of honor, Elaine wears a thigh-high, strapless sequined dress the color of sand. Kenny’s dress is a one-shoulder sea-foam green chiffon. Mariska’s is a strapless chiffon in ocean blue. We all have our hair down in loose, rolling waves, and the effect is stunning. Perfectly blended with our location.