The big cop, a gleam of interest in his eyes, smiled at me. “Given that it appears that Cynthia was forced to participate, I’m sure we can get the judge to go easy on her, also.” He glanced up at the young cop. “Are the crime scene techs finished here?” “Yes, sir. They finished up a short while ago.” Morgan nodded. “Well then, it looks like I can release your library back to you, Ms. MacDonagh.” He took a small key and unlocked Cynthia’s handcuffs, as she rubbed lightly at the marks the cuffs left. Standing, Morgan stuck his hand out to Grant. “Professor Thomas, I’m holding you responsible to ensure Cynthia shows up at the police station before noon on Monday. Are we clear?” Grant stood and shook the detective’s hand. “Absolutely. I have an appointment with the Dean and the Snows at nine a.m. We’ll have her there right after that.”
Grant, still gripping Morgan’s hand, leaned close to the man and murmured something that I couldn’t hear. I noticed the detective’s eyes go wide at he glanced over at me. Releasing Grant’s hand, he stepped back and cleared his throat. “Well, now that that’s cleared up, I’ll be heading home. Cynthia, I will see you Monday morning at the station. Ms. MacDonagh, it was nice meeting you.” If he had a hat, he probably would have tipped it to me. I nearly giggled at that thought. Detective Morgan and the young uniformed cop quickly left. As Cynthia and I stood, I had a terrible thought. “Wait a minute. What about the broken window? We can’t leave it like that, someone might come in and do even more damage.” Bobby grinned. “We’ve already got it covered, Meri. Maintenance is boarding it up as we speak.”
“Wonderful. Thank you, Bobby. Now, we need to get busy cleaning the place up and assessing the damage.” Grant held up his hand. “Not tonight, babe. There’ll be plenty of time to start tomorrow. Poor Cynthia’s dead on her feet, so we need to get her home.” “But I want to help, Professor. I need to help.” I stood. “Grant’s right, Cynthia. You need to get some rest. We’ll come down tomorrow afternoon...oops...this afternoon and take a look at what needs to be done. Okay?” She gave us a shaky smile. “Okay. You’re the best, Ms. Mac.” She threw her arms around me in a hug. Releasing me, she hugged Grant briefly. “Thank you both so much, Professor Thomas.” “You’re welcome, Cynthia. Now, if you two ladies are ready, let’s go home.”
As we walked out through the mess in the front room of the library, I heard Cynthia gasp. “Oh my gosh, I...I didn’t realize how bad it was until just now. I’m...oh gosh...I’m so sorry.” I wrapped an arm around her and helped her step over the broken glass. “It’s repairable. I’m just glad you weren’t hurt by those terrible girls.” “Me, too,” she whispered softly. We reached Grant’s car but Cynthia stopped before climbing in the back seat. “Oh no, I forgot. All my clothes and my books and laptop are in my dorm room.” My heart melted at the look of dismay on her young face. “I have an idea.” Looking around, I saw Bobby supervising the workers who were boarding up the broken window. “Bobby!”
The young security guard came jogging over. “What’s up?” “What time do you come in to work tomorrow?” He grinned. “I’m off tomorrow so I thought I’d come help you clean up inside.” “That’s very sweet of you but...we have a big favor to ask of you.” He looked carefully at Grant as if asking permission. Grant sighed and nodded. What is it with men and their territorial attitudes? Bobby grinned. “Sure, whatever you need, Meri.” “Cynthia is staying with us for a few days until the college can move her into another dorm room. Would you mind escorting her to her dorm tomorrow afternoon...I guess I should say this afternoon...so she can pick up her things? It’s not safe for her to go alone.”
Bobby’s grin got even bigger as he met Cynthia’s eyes. He bowed gallantly. “It would be a pleasure to escort you, Cynthia.” “Thank you,” she murmured as her face turned bright pink. Oh, they would make such a cute couple. Grant slid his arm around my waist and murmured in my ear, “Matchmaking, babe?” I grinned up at him. “Maybe.” Bobby and Cynthia agreed on a time to go to her dorm before he headed back to the library to make sure it was secure. Climbing in the car, the three of us headed home.
Grant
Meri reached across the console of my car and held my hand all the way home. She tried to put on a brave front but I could tell that she was devastated at the vandalism in the library. Feeling as if I was at least partially to blame, I squeezed her hand and apologized. “I’m so sorry, babe.” She gave me a tired smile before replying, “There’s no need for you to apologize, Grant. You had no control over those girls.” “No, but maybe if I’d gone to the Dean or Brittany’s parents sooner, we could have prevented this from happening.” “I don’t know if Brit’s parents would have believed you, Professor Thomas,” Cynthia spoke up from the back seat. I met her eyes in the rearview mirror. “What do you mean?”
“She told me that this is the third college she’s attended since graduating high school last year. I got the idea, from things she’s said, that she’s had problems in the past with fixating on her professors and at least one teacher in high school. When her teachers went to her parents, she would be withdrawn from that school and enrolled in another. Maybe...” her voice tapered off. “What?” Meri turned and looked around the seat at her. “What were you going to say, Cynthia?” “Just that, maybe now they’ll see that her actions are some kind of cry for help and they’ll get her the help she needs.” Meri glanced at me and smiled. “That’s very astute thinking, Cynthia. I’m sure you’re right. Between your testimony and Grant’s talk with the Dean and her parents, let’s hope she gets all the help she needs.”
I grinned at the two women. “By the way, Cynthia, what exactly are you majoring in?” She offered us a wide grin. “I haven’t picked a major yet but I’m leaning seriously toward psychology. I’d like to be a therapist for abused children.” Meri’s smile lit up her face. Damn, woman, but I love your smile. Hell, I love everything about my sweet Meri. “Cynthia, that’s fantastic! I’m sure you’ll be a wonderful therapist.” My Meri is so sweet and caring. Cynthia is involved in trashing the library and she not only takes the girl home with us but she encourages her and gives her comfort. She’s going to make a wonderful mother someday. Wait a minute...Meri as a mother? I tried to hide the grin that crept over my face. The thought of Meri pregnant with my child made me squirm in my seat, trying to hide my growing erection.
I was so turned on, thinking about Meri having my baby, I nearly missed the turn into our parking lot. Turning at the last minute, I heard Meri giggle quietly. “And just what’s so funny, gorgeous?” “Just a bit preoccupied are you, baby?” Pulling into my parking space, I noticed her gaze is on my lap and my very obvious erection. I felt my face flush as she giggled again. As Cynthia got out of the car, I leaned close to Meri and murmured quietly, “The more you giggle, the harder it gets, babe.” “Oh…my.” After one last giggle, she quickly climbed out of the car and closed the door. I slowly counted to ten in an effort to keep from embarrassing myself before climbing out of the car and joining the two ladies on the sidewalk.
Getting off the elevator on our floor, I escorted Cynthia and Meri to my apartment. Stepping inside, I told Meri, “Let me pack a bag and grab my laptop. Why don’t you show Cynthia around?” She smiled sweetly and my heart skipped a beat. Taking Cynthia’s hand, Meri began showing her around the small apartment. I headed into the bedroom and, grabbing my duffle bag from the closet, tossed a couple of changes of clothing in it before heading into the bathroom. Grabbing my shaving kit, I tossed it into the duffle along with my other toiletries. Heading to my office to grab my laptop, I nearly ran down Meri and Cynthia coming down the hallway. “Grant! I was just going to get Cynthia settled in the bedroom. You almost ready to go, baby?” Baby. I love the way she says that.
“Oh no,” Cynthia looked concerned. “I just realized that I don’t have a change of clothes or even anything to sleep in.” Meri hugged her. “Don’t worry. I’ll bring you something of mine.” She stepped into my bedroom. “Grant, when’s the last time you changed your sheets?�
� I stepped out of the office with my bags. “Uh…last Saturday?” Meri rolled her eyes at me. “Men.” She walked to my bed and started stripping the bedding. “Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?” She looked at Cynthia and the two of them giggled before remaking the bed with clean sheets. When they were done, the two ladies joined me in the living room. “Cynthia, the fridge is stocked. Feel free to help yourself. Oh, and before I forget,” I reached in the drawer of the small stand next to the door and handed her my spare key.
“Here’s the key to the apartment.” “Are you sure you should trust me, Professor Thomas?” “Of course we trust you, silly.” Meri grinned and hugged the young girl. Cynthia looked at me in askance. “Meri is a very good judge of character. If she trusts you, I trust you.” I could see the kid was getting ready to tear up again so I ushered Meri out the door. “We’re in Apartment 4-C two doors down if you need anything. Don’t forget to lock up before you go to bed.” Meri stopped at the door. “I’ll be right back with something for you to sleep in.” “Thanks so much, Ms. Mac.” “Please, call me Meri.” Cynthia smiled. “Okay, Meri.” “I’ll be right back.”
I followed Meri down the hall to her apartment and, once inside, dropped my bags on the sofa while she headed down the hall toward her bedroom. Why am I so nervous? It’s not like we haven’t slept in each other’s apartments before. But…this time is different. This time, we both know what we want...what we need. Still, I don’t want to pressure my love into moving faster than she’s ready. I’ll take it as slow as she needs, even if it kills me. My musings were interrupted by Meri’s return to the living room, her arms full of clothing. “I’ll be right back. I’m just going to run these down to Cynthia.” “Give her our cell phone numbers in case she needs anything, ‘kay?” She grinned and my heart smiled.
Nervous, I waited for my sweet lady’s return. Killing time, I rushedinto her bathroom and quickly changed into a pair of shorts to sleep in. If I need them. I couldn’t help but grin at that thought. Ten minutes later and Meri was still not back. She’s such a kind heart, she’s probably sitting up with Cynthia until she goes to sleep. Thinking I might as well work on grading essays, I settled on the sofa with my laptop on my lap. I was engrossed in reading a student’s essay when Meri walked in a few minutes later. Looking up, my smile faded when I saw the tear tracks on her beautiful face.
Leaping up from the sofa, I nearly dumped my laptop. “Are you okay, sweetheart? Did something happen?” She gave me a small smile and wrapped her arms around my waist. “Nothing’s wrong, baby. Cynthia is so sweet. She’s so worried that she’s imposing by kicking you out of your apartment. We both got a little teary eyed is all.” I hugged her close and nuzzled her neck. “Did you tell her that I’m much happier here than in my apartment?” She drew back, her beautiful eyes wide. “Really?” I smiled down at her. “Yeah...really. Being with you makes me very happy, babe.” Her smile lit up her whole face. “You make me very happy, Grant.” Hugging her close, I pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
Looking at the clock on her wall, I suddenly realized how late...or early...it was. I tilted her chin up and met her eyes. “Right now, I think you need to get some sleep. Especially if we’re going to get your library put back together as quickly as possible.” She nodded, trying to cover a yawn. “Oh, excuse me. I didn’t realize what time it is. I am exhausted. What about you?” “I’m going to sack out here on the sofa.” She frowned at me. “Grant, I happen to know from personal experience just how uncomfortable that thing is. Come on.” She grabbed my hand and headed down the hall, turning out lights as we went. Stepping into her bedroom, my heart rate was through the roof and my mouth was so dry I could barely speak.
“Grant…” Meri sounded nervous and licked her lower lip. “It’s really late and…we’re both exhausted…” I pressed a finger to her luscious lips to stop her. “Sweetheart, nothing will happen unless you want it to. I’ve waited for you for a very long time. I can wait a bit longer.” She nibbled the corner of her mouth and I wanted to kiss her so badly. No. This has to be Meri’s decision. I’m in this for forever, not a one-night stand. “Aww…you’re so sweet, baby.” She gave me a sexy little grin. “Does this mean you don’t want to share the bed with me?” I grinned down at her. “Are you kidding me? That sofa’s damned uncomfortable.” She giggle, “Okay, if you’re sure. I’m going to go get ready for bed.”
She turned and walked to the bathroom but stopped and winked over her shoulder at me. “After all, it’s not like we’ve never shared a bed before.” Yeah, when we were kids on a family camping trip. “Oh…ah…babe.” She turned and looked at me. “Please don’t wear that little number you slept in Friday night. I don’t know if my heart could take it.” I could hear her laughter as she closed the bathroom door. Walking to the bed, I pulled back the covers and crawled in, hands behind my head. This is going to be one long, difficult night. This close to my sweet Meri and unable to take her…to make her mine. But I can do this. Just keep thinking of the big picture, Grant…a lifetime with my woman, a lifetime of love.
When Meri stepped out of the bathroom, I held my breath. Dressed in boxers and a baggy t-shirt, she looked as sexy as she would wearing the slinkiest evening gown. My heart swelled with love for my little spit-fire. Climbing in on the other side of the bed, she switched off the light and leaned over me. “Goodnight, baby.” She gave me a quick kiss before turning on her side, her back to me. I quickly rolled over and wrapped my arm around her waist, spooning her. “Good night, babe.” Meri in my arms, I slowly drifted off to a sleep filled with deliciously erotic dreams starring a curvy little redheaded sexpot.
Chapter Six
Grant
The next morning, I awoke from an absolutely wonderful dream where I was making beautiful love to my sweet Meri and reached for her only to find the other side of the bed empty. Sitting up, I looked around, bleary-eyed. “Meri? Babe?” Grabbing my glasses from the nightstand, I stumbled into the bathroom to take care of business and quickly brush my teeth before wandering down the hall in search of Meri. As I neared the kitchen, I could smell the delicious aroma of cooking bacon. Stepping in the kitchen, I spied my sweet little Meri at the stove, dancing along to the rock music playing on the radio. At the sight of her sweet, heart-shaped ass, I suddenly had a tent in my shorts as my erection took on a mind of its own.
Unable to resist watching that sweet little shimmy of hers, I leaned against the doorway and crossed my arms, grinning. As she shook and shimmied her way across the kitchen to grab something out of the fridge, she saw me out of the corner of her eye and jumped. “Grant!” she squealed. “Don’t let me stop you, babe. I’m kind of enjoying the show.” She made the sexy little pout I love so much before grinning. “I made breakfast. Are you hungry, baby?” I pushed off from the doorway and slowly stalked her across the kitchen as she backed into the front of the fridge. “Oh, I’m hungry, sweetheart. And I think you’ve got exactly what I need.”
Her gorgeous eyes grew wide as she watched me approach. “Grant?” Her back pressed up against the fridge. Placing my hands on the fridge on either side of her head, I brushed my body against hers and heard her whimper. Bending my head, I pressed a tiny kiss to the corner of her eye, then one to her cheek, continuing to the corner of her mouth where my tongue licked lightly at her bottom lip. I could feel Meri’s breathing change and her heart begin to race. My heart began to beat in time with hers. I pulled her plump lower lip into my mouth and bit it gently.
When Meri gasped, my tongue slipped inside her mouth to explore every dark, sensuous nook and cranny. Heaven! Gasping for air, we broke the kiss as I stared down at her. “Grant?” Her soft whispering of my name brought me to my senses. I wanted everything to be perfect the first time I made love to her and there I was, practically mauling her in the middle of her kitchen. I gently kissed her on the forehead and backed away. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I...um...I kind of got carried away.” I saw hurt in her eyes and my heart broke.
“I...un
derstand,” she whispered as she tried to step around me. Desperate to make her truly understand, I gently grasped her shoulders and stared down at her. “No, babe...I don’t think you understand. I...I want everything to be perfect for our first time. You’re worth so much more than a quick fuck in the kitchen.” She gasped at my language but I needed to make her understand that what we had meant so much more to me than just sex. “Honey...I want nothing more than to throw you on the floor and bury myself in your hot, wet sweetness but our first time together will be in a bed where I can show you just how much you mean to me, how perfect we are for one another.”
Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. “Oh.” I couldn’t help but grin. “Yeah...oh.” Glancing down, I could see her nipples were hard pebbles beneath her t-shirt. Oh, yeah. She wants it, too. I had a nearly uncontrollable urge to crush her in my arms and take her on the kitchen table but held back. “When the time is right, babe.” This waiting is going to kill me. I gently wrapped my arms around her and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Her arms wrapped around my waist and she pressed her face to my bare chest. We stood motionless like that for several exquisitely painful moments. Clearing my throat, I finally had control enough to ask, “So…you really made breakfast, babe?”
She giggled and pressed a tiny kiss to my chest, making me shiver. “Yes I did. But, it’s only scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. That’s just about the only thing I know how to make. You’d think, with my mother, I’d have learned to cook growing up.” I grinned down at her. “That’s okay. You cook in other ways.” She flushed a bright pink and I couldn’t help but chuckle. Stepping out of my embrace, she turned and opened the fridge. Pulling out a jug of orange juice, she pointed toward the stove. “The plates are in the oven, baby.” Grabbing hot mitts, I pulled the warm plates from the oven and carried them to the table where Meri was busy pouring the juice.
Best Friends Forever Page 6