by M. Leighton
My curiosity is officially piqued.
The silence stretches on and, just when I’m about to mouth off again, Trick’s cell phone rings.
He smiles and says, “She is?” Pause. “That’s great news! And thanks for calling me with the results.”
When I hear that, I cover my gaping mouth with my hand and fight back the tears stinging my eyes. “Ohmigod,” I mumble.
Before I can say anything else, Trick finally speaks. “That was the vet’s office. They just got back the blood work results from the lab.”
I drop my hands. “The vet? What?” Obviously I was about to jump to a very erroneous conclusion.
“Yeah. I used some of the winnings from Rags’ last race to breed Patty with a stallion who’s won the Kentucky Derby twice and the Preakness once.” Trick looks down at Cami and grins before bringing his attention back to us. “Her blood work confirms that she’s pregnant. Male or female, we’re naming the foal Justy, after you two. The godparents.”
“Do what now? I’m confused.”
I look at Rusty and he appears to be just as confused as I am. We both turn back to Trick.
“Man, you’re gonna have to spell things out. We just christened some woods near here and our brains aren’t fully functional yet,” Rusty blurts honestly. I smack his arm for his confession, but when he winks at me, I can’t help but grin.
“We’ll talk about the rules and regulations for, ahem, acceptable uses of my property later,” Trick teases sternly. “Right now, we’re basically asking you two to be the godparents of our children.”
“Ohhh,” Rusty and I say simultaneously. “Of course we’ll be godparents to your children. Why would you ever think otherwise?” I ask.
“Well, we kinda figured you would,” Cami says. Her smile says there’s more. When she doesn’t say anything right away, I gasp and throw my hands over my mouth again. “Ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod!”
Cami’s smile gets wider and Trick’s grin stretches from ear to ear.
“Am I missing something?” Rusty asks.
Cami turns glistening eyes to him as Trick bends from behind to wind his arms around her neck and hug her to him.
“I’m pregnant, Rusty. Trick and I are gonna have a baby.”
Tears are spilling down my cheeks and over my fingers when Rusty gets up and takes Cami’s glass of champagne and downs it in one swallow. “I guess you won’t be needing that then.”
We all laugh.
This just keeps getting better and better.
EPILOGUE- Rusty
Jenna’s skin is still damp from the thorough plundering I just gave her. My fingers slide smoothly across her flat stomach. I rub circles over it, around her bellybutton and up between her ribs. It’s times like this that I’m even more glad I healed so well. I’d hate to miss touching Jenna like this.
“What are you thinking about when you do that?” she asks.
“Do what?”
“Touch my belly like that.”
“Do I do this a lot or something?”
“You have been the last few days. Am I getting fat or something?”
I roll my eyes and she grins. She’s not getting fat and she knows it. Jenna’s got a body ninety nine percent of the female population of the world would kill for. I’d kill for it, too. Just in a different way.
I go back to exploring the subtle landscape of her stomach.
“Well?
“Well what?”
“Are you gonna tell me what that’s all about or not?”
I shrug, trying to be nonchalant. “I’ve just been wondering what it would look like a little rounder, what you’d look like pregnant.”
There’s a long pause.
“Does that worry you?”
“Worry me? Hell no. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to touch you like this, knowing that my baby, our baby, was growing inside you.”
I hear a soft gasp and I look up into the dark pools of her eyes. “What’s wrong?”
She shakes her head, but says nothing.
“What? Does that bother you?”
She shakes her head again. I can see that she’s fighting back tears. Her eyes shine in a different way when she’s trying not to cry.
“Then what?”
It takes her at least a full minute to answer me, and even then, her voice sounds a little thick.
“I just didn’t know you ever thought of things like that.”
“Do you? Ever think of things like that, I mean.”
“Sometimes.”
“And?”
“And what?”
“Does it make you happy? Thinking about having my baby? Having our baby?”
I can tell she’s getting choked up again. She just nods.
“I could spend the rest of my life touching you like this, watching our babies grow inside you, raising them together, chasing our dreams down and making them our bitches.”
She laughs, which is just what I wanted. One of the dreams I have yet to tell Jenna about is watching her walk down a beautifully decorated church aisle toward me, toward our future and our life together. I’ll tell her all about that one someday soon. When I give her the ring that’s hiding in the top drawer of the dresser, under some old hunting socks I have. When I ask her to spend the rest of her life as Mrs. Jeffrey Catron. But right now, I’m happy just to hold her. And tell her I love her. And call her mine.
It’s about time.
THE END
READ ON
For the first chapter of my next book
ALL THE PRETTY LIES
November 12, 2013
A FINAL WORD
A few times in life, I’ve found myself in a position of such love and gratitude that saying THANK YOU seems trite, like it’s just not enough. That is the position that I find myself in now when it comes to you, my readers. You are the sole reason that my dream of being a writer has come true. I knew that it would be gratifying and wonderful to finally have a job that I loved so much, but I had no idea that it would be outweighed and outshined by the unimaginable pleasure that I get from hearing that you love my work, that it’s touched you in some way or that your life seems a little bit better for having read it. So it is from the depths of my soul, from the very bottom of my heart that I say I simply cannot THANK YOU enough. I’ve added this note to all my stories with the link to a blog post that I really hope you’ll take a minute to read. It is a true and sincere expression of my humble appreciation. I love each and every one of you and you’ll never know what your many encouraging posts, comments and e-mails have meant to me.
http://mleightonbooks.blogspot.com/2011/06/when-thanks-is-not-enough.html
I’d also like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who has taken the time to leave a short, honest review of this book, or any other for that matter. Reviews are more important to authors than you could imagine and I’m forever grateful to all of you who have shared your thoughts. This seemingly small mechanism is second only to word-of-mouth in ways that you can profoundly impact an author and a book. So thank you. So, so much.
Again.
Always
All the Pretty Lies
Her…
Sloane Locke has led a sheltered life. However, with a history like hers, she can understand why her brothers and her father want so much to protect her. She has gone along with it for twenty long years, but those days are over. For the girl who never makes promises, Sloane has made a pact with herself that things will change on her twenty-first birthday. So when the clock strikes midnight, Sloane strikes out to spread her wings and break a few rules.
Him…
In addition to inking skin, Hemi Spencer possesses many talents. Controlling himself has never been one of them. It’s never had to be. He’s lived a life of indulgence for as long as he can remember. Right up until tragedy struck. Now, he’s nothing but controlled. He’s a man on a mission, one who will let nothing and no one stand in his way.
Them…
&n
bsp; Nothing in their lives could’ve prepared Sloane and Hemi for what they’d find in each other—distraction and obsession, love and possession. But the one thing they can’t find is a future. Neither one has been totally honest. And they’ll soon learn that the devil is in the details. In the details and in the lies.
How far will two people go to live in the now when the now is all they’ve got?
CHAPTER ONE- Sloane
“Ohmigod, I can’t believe you’re going through with this,” my best friend Sarah says as I pull open the glass door to the tattoo parlor.
Although I would never admit it to her, I actually get a little chill when I step over the threshold. I’ve never been into a tattoo shop before, so I don’t know what the others are like, but this one is pretty intimidating. The music is loud, the counter is black and every fixture in sight is chrome. I swallow my sudden burst of nerves and push myself forward.
It’s reassuring that this place, The Ink Stain, comes very highly recommended. And it’s easy to see why when I let my eye run over the amazing art work that covers the walls.
Somebody’s got some talent!
“Are you sure you want to do this, Sloane? I mean, your dad will kick your ass if he finds out,” Sarah continues. When I stop suddenly to look back at her, she nearly runs into me. “Shit!” she exclaims, pulling up before we bump chests. She was busy examining the walls, too.
“Number one, Dad can’t kick my ass. As of …” I glance around the neon-lighted interior of the shop, looking for a clock. When I find one that’s in the shape of a skull with cross bones for hands, I squint to read what it says. “Seven minutes ago, I’m officially beyond the control of the thick-headed Locke men. And this is my first act of independence.”
“More like rebellion,” Sarah snorts.
“Semantics,” I say with a dismissive wave of my hand. “Either way, I’m getting this damn tattoo and nobody’s gonna stop me.”
“Are you sure it’s…safe? I mean…”
I see the concern in her eyes and I love her for it.
I give her my softest smile. “It’s fine, Sarah. Seriously.”
With one final, reassuring nod to her, I move forward to approach the shiny black counter. I ring the bell for assistance.
While we wait for someone to come to the front, I walk along the borders of the room, admiring the sketches on display. As someone with the heart of an artist, I can even better appreciate the skillful hand and eye behind the charcoal renderings.
A deep voice interrupts my study. “Can I help you?”
I turn toward it, ready to explain what it is that I want, but the words die on my tongue. Of all the works of art on the walls, none compares to the one I’m staring at now.
I see his features in separate bursts, like strobes of light striking the backs of my eyes. Angular, masculine features seem to be carved in stone—slashing brows; luminous eyes; high cheekbones; chiseled mouth. And it’s that mouth that I’m looking at when his lips curl up at the corners. I’m staring. I know it and he knows it. “See anything you like?”
My eyes fly to his. They’re dark and teasing, and I blush accordingly. “No,” I say automatically. When I see one pierced brow shoot up, I realize how my answer must’ve sounded. “I mean, I already know what I want.”
His other eyebrow rises to meet the first and I feel my cheeks burn. I have no doubt they’re the color of ripe apples by now.
“I love a woman who knows what she wants.”
My mouth drops open. No one has ever flirted with me. All the guys I’ve ever known have been terrified of my family, so I have no clue how to react to banter like this. Other than to blush, much to my dismay.
Frick!
Obviously amused by my discombobulation, he chuckles. The sound is like black silk, sliding over my skin in one cool, smooth swipe.
More heat rushes to my face. I’m honestly afraid of what I must look like at the moment. I don’t know what to do other than look away, so that’s what I do. I glance down, breaking contact with his disconcerting eyes as I reach into my purse for my sketch. I take a deep breath, using the search as an excuse to regain some modicum of composure. When I locate the piece of paper I’m after, I walk wordlessly toward him and hand him the folded square.
He takes it from me, his eyes touching mine for a fraction of a second before he turns his attention to the paper. I watch as he unfolds it then studies it for a heartbeat before he notices that it’s upside down. After he rights it, he pulls it in for closer examination.
The overhead light shines down on his face, hiding much of his expression. His long, thick lashes cast a shadow over his eyes and his brow is puckered in concentration. I wait patiently for him to finish.
With a single nod of his head, he glances back up, his eyes clicking to a stop on mine. From across the room, I couldn’t see what color they were, only that they were dark and compelling. But now I can see them clearly. They are the deepest blue I’ve ever seen. They pierce me like steel and leave me as breathless as midnight.
“This is good. Who drew it?”
My heart swells and flutters around inside my rib cage. “I did.”
For an instant, I see appreciation flit over his face, but it disappears quickly as he fires off more questions. “Is this to scale? And are these the colors you’d like used?” he asks as he turns to walk back toward the shiny countertop. “I’m Hemi by the way.”
Hemi.
What an odd name. “Hemi? Isn’t that something on an engine?” I blurt.
When he glances back at me, I get the impression that he’s amused again. “Something like that.”
Hemi. Like a big engine. I can see that. He seems fast. And powerful.
“I’m Sloane. And yes, the sketch is to scale and in the colors I’d like used.”
Hemi nods again as he steps behind the counter, reaching beneath it for some papers. “And where did you want it?”
I don’t know why I feel like blushing again, but I do. “Ummm, I’d like to have the half-open oyster shell on my right hip, toward the back and have the butterflies coming out of it and flying up my side. Sort of around toward the front.”
He’s still nodding, but now frowning as well. “Hmmm,” he murmurs. “Let’s get these forms filled out and then I’ll take you back and have a look. I’m not working on anybody else right now.”
“O-okay.”
Hemi explains to me what I’m signing—waiver, release and consent to tattoo. It’s their way of saying, Hey, if we screw up, you’re screwed! You’re eighteen or over and have given us permission to permanently mark your body. If you don’t like it, tough shit. Thanks and have a nice day. But still, I don’t hesitate to sign them. I know what I’m doing. I experienced a little chill when I first walked in, but now, after meeting Hemi, I feel like I’m in good hands. Warm, capable hands.
Or maybe I’m just bedazzled.
Either way, I sign them quickly. I’m anxious to get to the next part.
I slide the papers back across the counter to Hemi and lay down the pen. He takes them, shuffles them into a neat pile and then sets them aside before he looks back up at me.
“Ready?” he asks. He might not know it, but that question holds so much more meaning than simply whether I’m ready to get a tattoo.
And so does my answer. With a single, emphatic nod, I reply, “Yes.”
He tips his head toward the doorway through which he came. “Then let’s do this thing.”
He starts toward the next room and I turn to grab Sarah’s hand. I meet with resistance.
“Oh, no, no, no! You’re not dragging me into this. I’ll pass out, sure as shit.”
“What? I’m the one getting poked with a needle a zillion times. Why would you pass out?”
“Sympathy. That’s why.”
I tilt my head to the side. “Sarah, don’t be ridiculous. I want you to come back with me while I do it.”
She twists her hand free of my grip. “I love you, Sloane, bu
t this floor is probably the perfect place to get Hepatitis. You’ll be in the chair. I won’t. If I go down, it’ll be face first in someone else’s blood. So thanks, but no thanks.”
“Sarah, there’s no blood on the floor. It’s not like that.”
“How do you know? This is the first tattoo parlor you’ve ever been to.”
“So? Look at this place. It’s spotless. It even smells clean, and you know that can’t be easy with all the drunk, smelly people that no doubt come through here.”
“You’re just making my point for me. Nope. No way. I’ll be waiting for you right…” she says, backing away from me toward one of the chrome-and-leather chairs that line one small section of the wall. “Over…here.”
“Fine. Miss this significant life moment. It’s all right. I’ll still love you.”
With a heavy, loud-as-I-can-make-it sigh, I turn toward the door. Hemi has already disappeared into the next room, so I make my way slowly forward.
I hear a frustrated growl from behind me. “Fine.” The word is followed by the clomp clomp clomp of platform-shod feet stomping toward me. “So help me, if I pass out and get some sort of face fungus, you’re paying for all my doctor bills and any necessary plastic surgery.”
I smile broadly and loop my arm through hers when she stops at my side. “I won’t let your face touch the floor. I promise.”
“You don’t promise. You never promise,” she observes, eyeing me skeptically as we enter the next room.
“No, I just don’t make promises I can’t keep. This one, I can keep.”
We stop and look around the room. There are two other people getting tattoos. They both look up at us. They don’t look like they’re being tortured. In fact, one of them looks kind of sleepy. Or drunk. Either way, it makes me feel a little more at ease about the pain I just signed up for.
I tug Sarah forward and we make our way through the room. The overhead lights are still bright, but they are strategically placed over the three reclining tattoo chairs. It makes the rest of the space look intimately dim.