Sweetest Obsessions - Anthology

by Anthony, Jane

  “Maybe.”

  “We can talk about it…after sex.” Cassidy laughed.

  “Definitely after.”

  Jess started preparing a lasagna while Cassidy talked to Grady. She wished that she’d find a man who was kind and loving like Grady.

  “Where were we?”

  “We were watching while I cooked.” Jess smirked.

  “Why is it so hard for me to cook?”

  “Some people can, and some can’t and you my dear friend fall into the can’t category.”

  “Maybe I can bake some cookies.”

  “From scratch?”

  “Let’s not get crazy here. I use the kind that comes in a tub that you scoop.” Cassidy laughed.

  “I could totally eat it straight from the tub.”

  Cassidy smiled. “I know. That’s why I bought two. One for eating and one for baking.”

  Jess smiled and grabbed a spoon.

  The plane landed, Grady unbuckled his seatbelt and sprung up. “Let’s go.”

  “The door isn’t even open yet.”

  “West, I don’t know how I’m going to make the flight to the Olympics.”

  “I know it’s a long flight but maybe Cassidy can come with you or you could take some pills.”

  “She suggested medication.”

  “Maybe it’s time to listen to her.”

  “You may be right. I thought that I needed to keep my head clear in case we went down but I can’t go through what I did today…ever again. West, I really felt like I was going to die.”

  Weston patted Grady on his shoulder. “I know you did, Buddy. I wish I could have done something to help you.”

  “You did. You called Cassidy.” Grady smiled.

  “CASSIDY, BABY, I’M HOME!” Grady expected Cassidy to come running but instead Jess came bouncing down the steps.

  “Hi, Grady, bye, Grady!”

  “You don’t have to leave because I’m home.”

  “Oh…yes, I do!” Jess winked.

  “Ok, bye, Jess.” Grady smiled.

  “You go have your cake and eat it too. I’m going to the bar.”

  “I dropped Weston off at Buck’s.”

  “Oh really.” Jess smiled.

  “Yes, really.”

  Jess leaned up and kissed Grady on his cheek. “Thank you.”

  Cassidy had a romantic candlelight dinner set up complete with champagne. All she had to do was plate the lasagna while the garlic bread warmed.

  “Wow! You did this all for me.”

  Cassidy stepped out from behind the chair and Grady’s mouth dropped open. Cassidy had on her skimpy red lace bra and thong under a short sheer robe. “Welcome home!”

  Grady dropped his bags, ran to Cassidy, grabbed her, and kissed her. “You’re everything I could ever want.”

  Cassidy ran her hand down Grady’s cheek. “You’re my everything, Grady.” Cassidy kissed Grady.

  Grady picked up Cassidy, carried her to the couch and had them both naked in seconds. “I hope you’re not too hungry.”

  Cassidy shook her head. “Food is overrated.”

  “Good because I’d much rather eat you.” Grady started to nibble at Cassidy’s neck.

  Cassidy grabbed his cock and started stroking it. “Make love to me.”

  Jess walked into the bar and spotted Weston right away. He was sitting in a booth alone. She decided to take her chances and say hello. She stopped at the bar on her way and grabbed two beers.

  Weston took a swig of his beer and looked up to see Jess standing at his table. “Hey.”

  Jess extended the beer to Weston. “I brought you a peace offering.”

  Weston stared at Jess for a moment before taking it. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” Jess stepped back. “Well, I need to get going.”

  “Where?”

  “Where? Uh…”

  “Sit down.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Ask me tomorrow when I’m sober.” Weston laughed.

  Jess sat down and Weston moved closer. “How’s Dan?”

  “Gone.”

  “Is there anyone else?”

  “No.”

  Jess barely got the word out and Weston already had his tongue down her throat.

  Grady had Cassidy saddled up on him and they were going at it…until the fire alarm started blaring. Cassidy jumped up. “THE GARLIC BREAD!”

  Grady got up and ran into the kitchen. Flames were coming out of the stove top from the oven below and black smoke started to billow throughout the house. “Get dressed. That was probably the alarm company calling which means the fire department will be here any minute.”

  It wasn’t but two minutes later that the fire truck pulled up outside. Grady opened the door and the firefighters rushed inside.

  Cassidy walked over to Grady and held his hand while the firefighters inspected the kitchen and set up some high-powered fans to clear the smoke. “Oh, Grady, I’m so sorry.”

  “I’m going to spank you for this later.” Grady winked.

  Grady had fallen asleep after exhausting himself with sex. Cassidy snuck out of the bed to get some water. She stopped along the way to check her phone to see if Jess had texted, but she hadn’t. She grabbed a bottle of water, walked into the living room, and sat down. It was then that she noticed an envelope on the coffee table. She picked it up assuming it was a greeting card from Grady and opened it. Inside was a plain white card with the words Oh, how I’ve missed you. I can’t wait to hold you in my arms. Cassidy smiled and placed the card down before standing up and going back to bed.

  26

  Grady stumbled into the kitchen. “Mmm…I smell coffee.”

  Cassidy smiled. “I managed to make coffee without setting the kitchen on fire.”

  Grady leaned down and kissed her. “You know I can afford a cook.”

  “But I want to cook for you.”

  “Ok, then maybe we could have someone come in and give you a few lessons?”

  “I’ll think about it.” Cassidy cracked a few eggs into a bowl and began whisking them.

  Grady couldn’t help but smile. Cassidy looked so adorable in his shirt attempting to cook for him. He was a very happy man.

  Jess managed to get out of the bed without waking up Weston. She followed the trail of clothes that led to the living room and then began to dress. As she leaned down to pull on her boot, she heard the floor creek.

  “You weren’t even going to say goodbye?”

  Jess put down her boot and turned around. “Look, I know you had a lot to drink last night and I guess I just assumed that you’d…”

  “Regret what happened?”

  Jess nodded. “Yeah.”

  Weston took a few steps closer and reached for Jess’ hand. “Do you regret what happened?”

  Jess looked down. “No.”

  Weston smiled and then placed his finger under Jess’ chin to lift her head. “Good because I don’t either.”

  “You…you don’t?”

  Weston shook his head. “I know that we don’t know each other very well and you’re probably going to run out the door when I say this, but I haven’t been able to think about anyone but you since I had you that first time.”

  “Oh, God. Really?”

  Weston let go of Jess’ hand. “You think that’s creepy, right?”

  A smile spread across Jess’ face. “No, I think it’s sweet.”

  “I’m sweet but you don’t feel the same.” Weston took a step back. “It’s ok.”

  “So that’s it?”

  “I guess, I mean what else is there to say?”

  “West, you’re a jerk!”

  “Wow! That’s harsh.”

  “Listen to me!” Jess closed the distance between her and Weston. “I said it was sweet because it was. West, I haven’t been able to get you off my mind since that night either.”

  “I am a jerk.”

  Jess kissed him. “But you’re the sexiest jerk I’ve ever met
.”

  “You think I’m sexy?” Weston smiled.

  Jess nodded and then kissed him again. “Mmm hmm.”

  “Then maybe we should work on getting you out of these clothes?”

  “That’s the smartest thing you’ve said so far.” Jess giggled.

  Grady finished swimming his laps and was headed to the shower when he spotted Cassidy in the living room. “You look good sitting here in our living room.”

  Cassidy looked up from her book. “Our living room, it’s hardly mine, Grady.”

  “When I asked you to move in all of this became yours.”

  Cassidy smiled. “I love you.”

  “Do you love me enough to come shower with me?” Grady winked.

  “Ok. Can you hand me your card so I can use it as a bookmark?”

  Grady leaned down and picked up the card from the table and handed it to Cassidy. “Why is this my card?”

  “Ok, it’s mine now but you gave it to me, Silly.”

  “No, I didn’t.”

  Grady hadn’t even finished speaking and Cassidy’s world began to spin. She felt sick to her stomach. The card dropped out of her shaking hand. “He was here. Oh, God, I’m going to be sick.” Cassidy jumped up and ran to the bathroom.

  Grady was pacing and panicking in front of the bathroom door. Finally, he decided that if Cassidy didn’t open the door, he was going to kick it in. “Cassidy, please open the door. I’m worried about you.”

  Cassidy unlocked the door, but she didn’t open it. She couldn’t breathe. Rick not only found her, but he was in their house.

  Grady opened the door, dropped to his knees, and pulled Cassidy into a hug. Cassidy just sat there like a rag doll while Grady held her. “I know you’re scared but I’m going to take care of you, I promise.”

  Cassidy shook her head and pulled away from Grady. “You don’t understand.” Cassidy wiped her eyes. “Rick was here inside the house without us even knowing!”

  Grady was horrified when he heard that. “He was here?”

  “The card was on the coffee table. I found it last night and just assumed it was from you.”

  “I’m going to take care of this.”

  Cassidy sprung up. “NO!”

  “Cassidy, don’t push me away.”

  “I have to, or he will KILL YOU!” Cassidy slipped past Grady, went into the closet, and grabbed her suitcase.

  Grady pulled on a pair of sweats, grabbed the phone, and called Jess.

  After the fourth call Weston looked over at Jess' phone. When he saw that it was Grady who was interrupting their sex, he picked it up to tell him that Jess was busy and to stop calling.

  “What’s up you cock blocker?”

  “I need to speak to Jess.”

  “Grady, what's wrong.”

  Jess froze and looked at Weston. “Is it Cassidy? Is she ok?”

  “I need Jess’ help.”

  Weston extended the phone to Jess.

  Jess grabbed the phone. “Is Cassidy ok?”

  “Rick was here and now she's freaking out and I’m afraid she's going to leave.”

  Jess climbed off Weston and started getting dressed. “Where is Rick now?”

  “I don't know but you have to help me. She's packing.”

  Grady, you listen to me. I don't care if you have to lock her in a room or sit on her. DO NOT LET HER LEAVE! I’ll be right there and I’m calling the police on my way. Tell her that.”

  Jess hung up and turned toward Weston. “Cassidy needs me.”

  “I'll drive you. Let's go.”

  Jess grabbed Weston's arm and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

  Cassidy came running into the living room, grabbed her purse and headed down the stairs to leave before Grady caught her. As she reached the bottom step Grady stepped in front of her. He had been standing guard at the front door.

  “Jess is on her way over and she said to tell you that she was calling the police.”

  “Grady, you have to let me go.”

  Grady stood with his back against the door. “I can't.”

  “Grady, if you love me then please let me go.”

  “If you love me then stay.”

  “That’s not fair. You know I love you and that's why I have to leave.”

  “No. You can hate me all you want right now but I’m not letting you go. I love you and I’m going to take care of you no matter what you do or say.”

  “Rick will kill you.”

  “I’m not afraid of him.”

  “You should be he’s crazy.”

  “Cassidy, please, Baby, come back upstairs and let me take care of you.” Grady leaned forward and rested his forehead against hers. “I’ve waited my whole life for you and I’m not about to lose you now.”

  Cassidy dropped her bags and hugged Grady. “I’m just so afraid, Grady. I don't want to lose you.”

  “I promise you won't lose me.”

  Jess beat the police to Grady’s house. She pounded on the door until Grady answered it. “Thanks for coming.”

  “Where is she?”

  “Living room.”

  Jess darted up the stairs.

  Grady was about to close the door when he saw Weston running up the walk. “Hey, Buddy!”

  “She literally sprang from the car when I turned into the driveway.”

  “She’s a good friend.”

  Weston patted Grady on the shoulder. “So are you.”

  “West, I’m really rattled.”

  “Yeah, look, Jess said she couldn’t really tell me what was going on and that’s fine. I don’t need to know but if there is anything that I can do for you or Cassidy all you have to do is ask.”

  “Thanks, West.”

  “Cass!” Jess grabbed Cassidy and hugged her.

  “He was here…in this room.”

  “I called Detective Donovan and he is on his way.”

  “Jess, I’m so afraid that he’s going to hurt Grady.”

  “Grady’s a big boy and he can take care of himself.”

  “What if he comes for me?” Cassidy burst into tears. “I can’t let him get to Grady. Jess, please help me leave.”

  Jess pulled away. “Cass, don’t do this! You can’t let that scumbag ruin what you have with Grady. I won’t let you!”

  “But…”

  “NO! NO BUTS!” Jess grabbed Cassidy’s hands. “You will not be his victim again! We are all here to keep you safe.”

  “I’m so afraid.”

  Jess hugged Cassidy. “I know you are, Honey.”

  Detectives Donovan and Sawyer entered the living room. “Can we speak to Dr. Scott privately?”

  Jess nodded and stood up. “Come on, boys, let’s get a cup of coffee.”

  Weston followed behind Jess. Grady turned to leave.

  “I’d like for Grady to stay if that’s alright?”

  “As you wish.” The detectives sat on the couch across from Cassidy.

  Grady took Jess’ place beside Cassidy and held her hand.

  “Jess explained that your ex, Rick, had been in the house.”

  Cassidy nodded. “Yes.”

  “Did he make physical contact?”

  “No.”

  “That’s good. Did he threaten you?”

  “Not exactly.”

  Detective Donovan put down his note pad and looked up at Cassidy. “What exactly did happen then?”

  Grady picked up the card and handed it to the detective. “Cassidy found this on the coffee table last night.”

  “Wait a minute.” Detective Sawyer stood up. “So, did you actually see him?”

  Cassidy jumped up. “He was here, I know he was.”

  “Look, Detectives, we had a bit of a fire in the kitchen last night and the house was overrun with firefighters. I’m thinking that’s when he snuck in and left the note.”

  “Alright, I can run the card for prints to see if they are his, but I can’t do much more than that.”

  Grady stepped in front of Detective
Sawyer. “You need to find him and lock him up!”

  Detective Donovan stood up and placed a hand on Grady’s shoulder. “Calm down!”

  Grady shrugged off the detective’s hand. “How can I be calm when the woman I love is terrified that this psycho Rick guy is going to kill her!”

  Detective Donovan looked down at Cassidy who was crying. “I will have a car patrol the area and if these turn out to be his prints then I will make a few calls and try to get you a restraining order based on your past history.”

  Grady extended his hand. “Thank you, Detective Donovan.”

  “Take care of her. I’ll call you as soon as I have something.”

  Jess waited until she heard the door close and then she and Weston went back to the living room. “So how did it go?”

  “They are running the card for prints and…” Cassidy broke down. Jess grabbed her and hugged her.

  Grady exhaled and rubbed his hand across his face. “I can’t handle seeing her cry.”

  Weston patted Grady on the back. “Everything is going to be ok.”

  “West, I want to hunt this guy down and…”

  “Grady, let the police do their job. Cassidy doesn’t need you in jail.”

  “Yeah.” Grady walked over to Cassidy and knelt. “Why don’t we order in some pizza, and all hang out?”

  Cassidy wiped her eyes. “I’m not hungry.”

  Jess poked her. “Cass, you have to eat.”

  “Fine. I’ll try.”

  Grady stood up. “I’ll order the pizza.”

  “Do you have any fruit?”

  “We should.”

  Jess got up. “I’m going to make us some sangria.” Jess followed Grady out of the room.

  Weston sat down. “Can I do anything for you?”

  “No.”

  Weston nodded. “Ok.”

  Cassidy looked over at Weston and knew that he deserved some sort of explanation for what was going on. “Rick is a guy that I dated in college. He went to prison after he attempted to kill me and my boyfriend because he was jealous. He’s insane and I’m afraid he will come after Grady.”