She received the money from the sale of the apartment then paid off her mortgage. She sent a deposit to Tunney for the Victorian house, then went shopping. Her spree provided elegant area rugs for the living room, dining room and parlor as well as new lamps, sofas, chairs, plus colorful accent pillows in deep purples, elegant gold and basic black. The love lavished on the old house made it glow with warmth. The Victorian resembled a treasured antique, polished to a rich patina, walls and ceilings perfectly renovated by Kit and Tunney. She thought of the stately house, once again grand, as theirs together the way it once belonged to Mary and Dan.
* * * *
At 29 James Street
The December cold and snow didn’t deter Jim and Sarah from their weekend walks in the woods. They discovered abandoned bird nests in now-naked trees. The quiet of the snowy forest became the perfect place to talk about writing. She relied on his low-key, patient ways to keep her focused. Her writing improved as well. They talked about collaborating on a book, once Sarah finished her masterpiece.
Gradually Jim took his place in the lives of Sarah Morgan and her kids. After attending the children’s soccer games on Saturdays, he continued to cheer Scottie on at his basketball games and applaud Laura’s performance at her dance recitals.
Scottie’s enthusiasm for Jim was obvious from the start. Sarah watched her daughter, unsure about Laura’s willingness to accept Jim. At first, Laura appeared indifferent to his presence at a sporting event or dance recital. But when her daughter asked if he was coming to her second dance recital, Sarah became convinced she had accepted him. She spied Laura peeking out from the wings, her gaze searching the audience for him.
Sarah discussed her son’s progress, and bemoaned bad calls by the referees with Jim. She roped him into helping her with refreshments, too. After late afternoon games, they went out for pizza with other families. Some of Scottie’s teammates thought Jim was his father.
They went on dinner dates every weekend. He took her to La Cote D’Or or Bon Appetit; afterward they shared a stolen, private moment in his bed. If they didn’t return late in the evening, Scottie would spy Jim’s car pull into the driveway and rush out the door to greet them. Sarah’s devotion to her children came first, though she yearned for more time alone with Jim.
Energized by her growing self-confidence, her writing improved as she worked consistently on her stories, determined to reach success. She created a special book for Scottie for Christmas and made a copy for Jim. The book was called Old House, New House with a photo of their old house in Seattle on the first page with a photo of their new house in Willow Falls on the facing page. There was a page with his old school building and the new school building, then the old friends and new friends, old fire house and the new, and so on. Sarah hoped the book would help Scottie let go of his old life in Seattle, freeing him to embrace his new one in Willow Falls.
* * * *
In the first week of December, Callie offered to take Sarah’s children overnight on the weekend so her sister could have time alone with Jim. They scheduled dinner out then a movie at home. He took her to Bon Appetit. They rushed through dinner when they recalled an empty house and total privacy awaited them.
She served dessert, a homemade apple pie, and coffee.
“You’re a great cook. I’m going to gain weight hanging around you,” he said as he enjoyed a forkful of pie.
“I like to bake. Bob and the kids always loved….oh, I’m sorry,” she said, embarrassed.
“Your life before you met me is okay. I had one, too.”
“Who was she?”
“You’re kidding, right?” His fork stopped in mid-air as he turned to look at her.
“I am.” She laughed, falling into his arms for a hug.
“We could watch the movie, or you could come to my house, spend the night under my down comforter…the one I told you about?”
She saw the hunger in his eyes.
“I need to be near the phone, in case the kids…”
“Bring your cell phone,” he said, nuzzling her neck, drawing her closer to him.
She liked his house, especially when she didn’t have to sneak in, keeping the lights out, hoping Scottie wouldn’t awaken. His place had four bedrooms, three baths plus a small den. The attic had been renovated to be a big playroom with a ping pong table. The kitchen was bigger and better equipped than Sarah’s. He took her coat, hung it up, then led her into his room. She love the big, airy bedroom with light blue-green walls, natural wood chests, an overstuffed beige chair and a small dressing table that had belonged to Nancy. In the middle of the room stood a queen-sized bed topped with a puffy, white, down comforter. The sheets were blue, green and white striped. The curtains matched the wall color becoming almost invisible. This was a man’s room so there were no throw pillows.
“Did you do this room? It’s beautiful?”
“My niece, Lara, decorated for me after Nancy passed away.”
“I love it. Perfect for a man…especially a man who likes sex. Look at the size of your bed!” Her thoughts popped right out of her mouth unfiltered by her brain.
“All the better to make love to you, my dear,” he said, pulling her into his arms for a tender kiss. Then he deepened the kiss, cranking up the passion. Sarah, eager for his affection, responded. He trailed kisses down her neck as his hand came up to cup her breast. He looked into her eyes.
“I want you,” he breathed.
She unbuttoned his shirt. His lips continued their trail down her neck. He unzipped her dress then pushed the top down. His lips brushed the top of her breast while his thumb found her peak through the flimsy fabric of her pink bra. Sarah closed her eyes feeling the heat building inside her. He unzipped her dress all the way; it slipped to the floor, while she pulled his shirt free from his pants.
Sarah reached inside his waistband to pull up his undershirt, then ran her hands up his hard chest, thrilling to the feel of his muscles. His shirt slipped down his arms to the floor. He yanked the t-shirt over his head and tossed it on a chair then unbuckled his belt. His pants dropped. . She brushed her lips on his chest, feathering light kisses up to his neck then his jaw. Their eyes connected. He tangled his fingers in her hair, bringing her lips closer. His mouth took hers hard, possessively. He pinched her nipple between his fingers shooting desire through her body like an electrical charge. He pressed his hips against hers, his arousal evident.
Jim eased her back onto the bed, lowering himself on top of her. He stopped to look at her, passion flaming in his eyes. He reached underneath her, unhooked and removed her bra. She opened her eyes when she heard his intake of breath as he stared at her breasts.
“Beautiful…” he breathed, his hands caressing her.
She kissed him hungrily. Her gaze sought his chest, covered with soft light brown hair. She placed her small hand on him. Heat transferred from his chest through her hand to her core.
“Jim.”
His head lowered, his mouth claimed her breast.
“Take them off.” He breathed in her ear.
She shot him a quizzical look. His fingertip skimmed the edge of the waistband of her lacy panties then dipped inside.
“These. Take them off for me, baby.”
He was almost panting. She touched him, surprised to find him fully aroused. Sarah eased off the bed and slid her panties slowly, inch by inch down, down, down, stopping before revealing herself completely. She watched his eyes, like molten honey filled with lust, glued to the pink lace. She turned to wiggle her backside at him before bending over, giving him another view.
“God…you’re torturing me.”
She smiled a wicked smile, wiggled again then stood upright, dancing her way around until facing him. Sarah inched the panties lower, finally pushing them to the floor with one thrust then kicking them off. He opened his legs so she could get right up against him. Her breasts pillowed his face while his shaft begged to be admitted. His hands glided down to her bottom. He squeezed and pulled
her close, so close he was almost inside her. He slid his fingers underneath to stroke her hot, wet, slick center. Sarah thought she’d die of desire.
“I can’t…I can’t…Jim…”
“Come for me, baby.”
She lost her fingers in his hair, closing her eyes, surrendering to her need for him. Sarah felt his fingers continuing to stroke her slowly…her cell phone rang. Sarah blinked and stared in disbelief. This must be a nightmare. But the phone continued to ring. Finally, he retrieved the phone and read the display.
“It’s Callie,” he said, handing her the phone.
“I’d better answer…” she said, trying to catch her breath.
“I’m so sorry to bother you guys, but Scottie’s having a hard time. He needs to talk to you,” Callie said.
“Mom, can I come home?”
She sighed and mouthed “I’m sorry” to Jim.
“Of course you can come home, but why? Aren’t you having fun?”
“Yeah, but I miss you. Are you with Jim?”
“I am,” she said, looking over at him, hoping he wasn’t too mad.
“Why can’t I be there, too?”
“Sometimes adults do things together without children, Scott,” she said, casting a longing look at Jim, who smiled at her.
“Yeah? What things?”
“Just things. It’s late; shouldn’t you be in bed asleep?”
“Aunt Callie didn’t make us go to sleep, since its Saturday. I’m playing a game with Jason.”
“You don’t want to leave Jason in the middle of a game, do you?”
“No. But I miss you.”
“Only one night, Scottie. Just go to sleep. I’ll be there in the morning to pick you up.”
“What if you get killed in the car on your way over here?”
Sarah stopped. His question left her speechless. Tears pricked her eyes causing her to shudder.
“Mom? Mom?”
“That’s not going to happen to me,” she said, trying to keep her voice from shaking.
“It happened to Daddy.”
“I know but just because…doesn’t mean…”
Her sister interrupted on the extension.
“Scottie, how about if I drive you home in the morning?” she asked.
“Okay,” he said, “night, mom.”
Sarah took a deep breath.
“Thank you, Callie,” she whispered, tears streaming down her face.
“Sarah, I …”
“Can I speak to Laura?”
“Sure” Callie handed the phone to her niece.
“Could you keep an eye on Scottie? He’s nervous. Aunt Callie will drive you home in the morning.”
“Are you watching a movie with Jim?”
“I am,” she lied, looking over at him.
He reached into the tissue box, pulled one out to hand to her.
“Can’t I see it, too?”
“This is for adults, Laura. Sometimes we do things without children. Just every once in a while. But I’ll let you have a friend over for a sleepover next weekend.”
“Brenda?”
“Sure.”
“Cool. Night, Mom.”
“Good night, sweetheart.”
“Be ready tomorrow, we’ll probably be there by nine o’clock. You don’t want any embarrassing situations.”
“I don’t know what you mean,” she sniffed.
Callie laughed. “You do, too, Sarah Richards. You know exactly what I mean. Have a rockin’ night.”
Sarah laughed as she hung up the phone.
“Is everyone all right?” Jim asked her, putting his shirt back on.
“Everyone’s fine…now. I’m so sorry for the interruption. What are you doing?”
“Sounds like the kids are coming home, so…” His hands fiddled with the buttons.
“I talked them into staying. Take that off.” She reached over and pushed the garment off his shoulders.
“Aye, Aye.” He let it fall to the floor.
“Now where were we?” Sarah shot him a saucy smile.
* * * *
About three o’clock in the morning, a nightmare gripped Sarah. She tossed and turned in the big bed, muttering “help me, help me”, tears staining her face. Jim awoke. He shook her gently by the shoulder.
“What?” she muttered, still half asleep.
“You were having a nightmare.”
“Jim?”
“Yes, sweetheart.”
“Oh, thank God,” she said moving toward him, wiping her face with her hand.
He pulled her into his arms.
“I had the worst dream. I was trapped in a huge building, all the doors were locked. I could see people outside but they couldn’t see or hear me. I kept calling, pleading for help, but they didn’t respond. I couldn’t get out…”
Tears slid out of her eyes again, down her cheeks. He tightened his arms around her as she clung to him.
“You’re safe now. You’re with me. You’re okay.”
“I love you…love you, Jim.”
His soothing voice calmed her. He kissed the back of her neck and stroked her hair. She fell back to sleep with her head on his chest, and his arms around her.
* * * *
At six thirty am, sunlight blinked into the bedroom, waking Sarah. Although the room was chilly, cozy warmth surrounded her. She burrowed down under the quilt, nestled against Jim, his arm slung carelessly over her waist. Happiness washed over her, making her smile. She wanted to lie there forever. He rolled over on his back and pushed the quilt down to his waist while remaining asleep.
Sarah studied his body, her eyes examined every inch of his broad chest, flat stomach, handsome face, and powerful shoulders. The intensity of her gaze caused him to shift a little. She couldn’t resist touching him, snaking her hand out from under the covers, to rest on his pecs. She wanted him again.
Jim covered her hand with his, muttering her name with his eyes closed. She crept closer to kiss his shoulder, then his chest. Sarah moved her free hand down his body under the quilt. As soon as her hand made contact, his eyes flew open.
“Sarah!” he said, surprised, now fully awake, slightly aroused.
“I want you.”
“Good morning to you, too.” He turned to look at her.
“I want you.”
“I got that impression.”
Her hand continued to caress him.
“Now?”
She nodded, placing her lips on his neck.
He stroked first her shoulders, then worked his way down to her breasts, where he lingered, and finally moved on to her core, which was hot, slick and ready. He rolled her over flat on her back to attack her body with kisses before making passionate love to her. Afterward they lay content in each other’s arms.
“Beats the hell out of an alarm clock.”
She looked at the clock, eight o’clock already.
“I love your bed. Hate to leave, but it’s time to go. Laura and Scottie will be coming home soon.” She dragged herself to the edge of the bed and pushed to her feet. She wrapped her arms around her torso, missing the warmth of his body and the cozy bed.
“Did you mean it?” he asked.
“Mean what?” She asked while slipping her panties back on.
“What you said last night,” he said, sitting up in bed.
“I said lots of things last night. What in particular?”
“About loving me.”
She sat down next to him on the bed, putting down the bra in her hand to wind her arms around his neck.
“Every single word, professor,” she said, kissing him.
“For a minute I thought I was dreaming.”
Chapter Eighteen
In downtown Willow Falls
Kit strolled into Bon Appetit for dinner as she did a couple of times a week, claiming her seat at the bar.
“The usual?” Don asked.
She nodded. He placed a Cosmo in front of her.
“Nice to see you.”
“Any word from Tunney?” Kit tried to sound offhanded but didn’t succeed.
“Nope. You?”
“Nope.” She held the glass to her lips. The cool liquid flowed over her tongue.
A good looking man with sandy blond hair sat down in the seat next to Kit. He ordered a drink then glanced over at her. She had her notebook out.
“I like an organized woman,” he said, gazing at her with appreciation.
“Don’t bother with her,” Don said, “a married woman.”
She raised her eyes to Don; he shrugged.
“How come the good ones are always taken?” the man asked Don.
“I don’t know, but seems like they always are,” a familiar voice said.
She turned her head to see Tunney standing behind her chair.
“Sunny, table for two,” Don called.
Kit slid off her barstool in a flash and flew into his arms, closing her eyes as he held her. Then they walked to the front, claiming their favorite little table in the corner. Tunney pulled out her chair, while she stared at him.
“Where have you been?”
“I’ve been busy, traveling. First, I had a closing in New York City.”
“A closing?” Her head snapped up.
“I bought your apartment.”
“So you’re the sucker? Why?” She crossed her legs.
“So you could buy the house. Besides, it’s a good investment.”
“I suppose I should thank you.”
“Don’t thank me, I got a fine deal.”
“That’s what you think!” She drained the last of her Cosmo.
“The value of the apartment is going to go up.” He relaxed back against his chair.
“So you’re beating me out of a profit?”
“Ouch! Why are you mad at me?” Tunney handed her the menu.
Now and Forever 4, The Renovated Heart Page 16