Holt's Holding part two (The Holt's Series)

by a dagmara

“Yes Nana, I’m feeling better. Unfortunately, valium has a tendency to make me sleep for hours” I glared to Charlie as he went about fixing dinner.

  “Lilly, don’t be mad at the poor boy. He said you had a panic attack. I thought you were finally over having them.”

  “No Nana, they sometimes still surface. I rarely have them these days.”

  Wait… when had he given me a valium? Thinking back the shake…that had to be when. He preemptively drugged me.

  “Well, I missed you today. Charlie said he was staying with you this evening. I really like him. He’s certainly grown up into a fine man Lilly.”

  “Um Nana, Charlie will not be staying much longer.”

  “Oh, well I thought he was cooking you both dinner?”

  “Oh he’s cooking alright.” I pulled my lips tight. What nerve.

  “Lil, I think you shouldn’t be alone. We have severe weather headed our way and they are expecting flash floods in this part of the county. You know your road always floods out.”

  “Nana, I’m a grown woman. My house has backup generators and you have stocked my house with enough food and water to last me. I could feed an army. Since when have I needed a man to take care of me?”

  “I’m not saying that. I am just saying it makes me feel better knowing you’re not alone.”

  The thunder on queue echoed thru the sky as the clouds came in. The doors were all still open and the wind now blew thru the house.

  “Nana, I need to let you go and close the windows.”

  “Take care Lilly. I suggest Charlie stay since the storm in now inbound.”

  “Fine Nana, he’ll stay if he wants to.”

  “It makes me feel better. I love you Lil.”

  “I love you too Nana, oh what about church tomorrow?”

  “If you can’t get out don’t worry yourself. God will understand.”

  “Ok, call me if you need anything.”

  “I will, but I don’t think I’ll need anything. Have a safe night dear.”

  “Good night Nana.” I hung up the phone and turned to the open windows.

  The wind was whipping around angry like the clouds that now covered the sky.

  “Henry…status on generators”

  “Status. Auxiliary power for group A items ready. Auxiliary power for group B items ready. Auxiliary power for group c items ready. Initial protocol for group A items priority. System set.”

  “Wow, I have to say I’m very impressed with this house. That is one brilliant security feature.” Charlie offered.

  Maintaining my view to the storm coming in I was still stuck on the fact that he had pretty much drugged me.

  “Don’t ever drug me again Charlie.” My voice firm, I turned back to him.

  “I’m sorry that was beyond wrong. I thought the valium might allow for us to actually have a conversation without you trying to strike me again.”

  “I was drunk last night and not once did I have the need or want to hit you this morning. I think I have been more than pleasant. Not that you deserve anything more from me.

  “Your right Lillian, you don’t owe me any pleasantries. I haven’t earned them. However, please allow me to at least atone for my poor behavior.” Appraising him, the was no smug grin, no expression indicating any malice, if anything the look on his face man the man ridiculously charming. Fuck.

  Ok, I was curious as to what his angle was. Walking back into the kitchen, I pulled the bar stool out and sat down waiting for his version of atoning.

  “Well it seems you have me as a captive audience since there’s no way for you to leave now. The road looks as if it is taking on water from the falls. So that there is no confusion, there are four bedrooms upstairs. One is locked, you may take whichever room for the night. I’m pretty sure the bathrooms in each are stocked for whatever you may need.”

  “Thank you. May I ask why one room is locked?”

  “Yes, you can ask, but I don’t owe you an answer. That room is off limits.”

  “Fair enough. You can’t blame me for asking.” He looked at me and looked like he was genuinely smiling. Nothing-sinister hiding behind his expression.

  He handed me a plate. He had made lamb with red baby potatoes and asparagus. The sauce on the lamb looked and smelled amazing.

  “Where do you keep your wine?” he asked.

  Breaking my gaze at the plate of food, I was surprised that he could cook, let alone this.

  “There’s a wine closetr to the right of the kitchen. The reds are on the left. Pick whichever you prefer. I’m not a stickler on holding certain wines. I see no point. I buy them for their purpose.”

  “Very well. I’ll go take a look.” Again with the smile. He turned and walked from the kitchen. I could hear him gasp and talk to himself.

  I was sure he realized how extensive my taste for wine was. Most thought me to prefer my tequila, which I did. However, wine I loved.

  “You have an amazing collection.” He walked back in holding one of my favorite pinot niors. “Are you sure about any bottle? This one I know is very expensive.” He looked to me asking.

  “That’s one of my favorites. I still have a case of that one. I was in Italy when I bought it. I knew it would be a long time before I found myself able to go back, so I have a tendency to by cases of a wine I love. Brady thinks my casual attitude about wine, implies that I live in the moment.”

  I watched as he opened the bottle and emptied it into the decanter to air it.

  “You and Brady are really close?” he poured me a glass then pulled up next me with his own plate of food.

  Wow, so I guess we were going to actual talk.

  “Yes. We are very close. He is like my brother.” Eating my food while talking, I could tell he was actually interested.

  I laughed flashing back on some memories. “He was the first boy, well only one that I’ve ever slept in the same bed with.”

  “Wait really? And your parents found this ok?”

  “Yes they did. I was autistic Charlie. Physical contact was hard for me. Brady was probably the best thing for me. I stopped having nightmares with him. I started to open up because of him.” I shook head remember that the first time someone held me was Charlie. That day, when I fell.

  “What did you just remember?” He put his fork down and looked at me.

  “I remember the first time someone held me.”

  “How was that experience for you? Did you go into a panic?” his question was genuine. No sarcastic undertone.

  “No, oddly enough and a shock to my father I didn’t go into a panic. I think it was the way he held me, the look in his eyes.” I stared at my glass of wine not able to meet his expression. Whether or not he remembered I wasn’t sure. It was very possible he didn’t even realize I was talking about him. That fateful day when he became my hero. The hero of a very foolish girl.

  “How old were you? I ask out of curiosity”

  “I was young and a very naïve girl of fifteen.”

  I still didn’t raise my expression and chose to take another bite of food.

  He said nothing and pulled the glass of wine to his lips.

  “I had no idea,” he offered softly. “I’m truly sorry about the kiss, this stupid wager between me and Sebastian. We should have never played with this notion. Not with you.” His voice sounded sober and apologetic.

  “No harm no foul I suppose. We all make mistakes. I should know I’ve made some big ones. I’m finally realizing the price of what my choices could cost. I was serious when I said I didn’t want to play games with you two and I meant it. I was so consumed with the hate I had bottled up that I finally woke up understanding what it costs in the end. What it had or would cost.”

  I shook my head remembering my dream. The dream, I thought was so real.

  “Thank you for dinner Charlie. This was amazing.”

  “Don’t thank me yet. I cooked you clean” he laughed.

  “That’s fair.” I laughed in response. Pulling from the bar,
I took his now empty plate along with my own.

  The storm was in full bloom outside. The lights flickered a bit. I looked to Charlie as he sat and drank his wine.

  “So we won’t lose power?”

  “No, well not all of it. The generators provide power first and for most to things like the septic pump, well pump, Henry my house security. However, the lights will go to the backup lights. The fridge and freezer will also be maintained. Primarily the important things will keep power. However, things like the TV and such will lose it. No worries we won’t be in the dark. We’ll have some power.”

  I finished putting the dishes in the washer, the power went out. Within moments, the backlights came on. They were dim but provided just enough light.

  “Well, it looks like its back up power now.” I smiled pulling my wine glass and refilling it. “I use to love storms like this when I was younger. It was like watching nature showing her power, reminding us of our place on this planet.” I walked to the open doors and watched the wind batter the trees and the rain come down hard and thick.“It’s nature’s way of reminding us to show some respect.”

  “You are without a doubt an interesting creature Lillian.”

  “I’m not sure how I should take that comment.” I looked to him as he was now standing to the side of me.

  “It’s a compliment Lilly” He smiled and that look in his eyes was the same I remembered all those years ago.

  “Not to sound rude Charlie. However, why are you here? I mean really? Why did you come here let alone stay they entire day?” Looking to him, I really wanted an answer.

  “Well, if we are being honest. I was concerned last night. Sebastian had said that you were drinking heavily. I also knew that you had driven downtown. Let’s face it this is a drive from the city. When your phone went to voice mail, I guess it spiked my concern more so than I want to admit. Nevertheless, I was almost here. I had left the bar shortly after you.” Laughing in what appeared to be an inner thought he shook his head and looked to me, “You hit me pretty damn hard. I had no idea what I had done. I could only assume it was something Sebastian had told you to get you that angry.”

  “Without a doubt Sebastian definitely got under my skin last night.” I raised my shoulders and gave him an innocent expression. “What can I say, there you stood.” Biting my lip, I knew I should apologize.

  “I deserved it Lilly, I should have told you. When I spotted you coming out the restaurant, I knew I would owe you an explanation.” He shook his head and leaned into the door next to me.

  I had no idea what he was talking about. What did he think that Sebastian had told me? Waiting I could only hope he gave me a clue.

  “I’ve known Rebecca for about three years now. Marrying her is more a business merger than anything else is. She knows my reputation and knows I’ll never be truly hers. Our marriage just seems to make sense. It pleases my father. One more acquisition in his mind.” He shook his head staring out into the storm.

  Wholly shit he was getting married. My heart felt like it had just fallen to the pit of my stomach. Trying to compose myself, I didn’t know how to react.

  “Where does she think you are Charlie?” I couldn’t look at him. If I did, I knew the tears I held would fall. Damn it, I felt utterly defeated. How in the hell was I feeling this strongly about him?

  “She doesn’t know where I am. She flew back to New York this morning. Honestly, she doesn’t give a shit what I do.” Charlie shrugged and looked to me with a strange expression.

  “I would say that I feel sorry for you both, but as I see it you are adults and know what you’re getting into. I couldn’t imagine making that choice. Marriage is a very sacred institution in my opinion. It should never be a business merger or about money. No offense, but I think it’s sad that you hold no value in it.”

  “If you haven’t figured it out Lillian, I’m not a romantic and most marriages end in divorce. Tell me Lillian have you ever been in love?” he looked to me curious and smug.

  “I suppose had I not been so closed off, perhaps, I could have afforded that emotion.” Laughing, I finally realized that in many ways I did indeed afford myself love and for the wrong person. “I suppose I reserved that for the one person that would never be worthy of it.” I turned and walked back into the house. A refill was what I was after. I couldn’t understand where this ache in the center of my chest was coming from. There was no way I was in love with in. I barely knew him.

  “So, do I dare ask when you plan to marry?” Not turning back to him, I poured another glass of wine.

  “Next month, in New York.” He stepped behind me. He was mere inches and his breath on my neck. I felt like I was ready to break. He was getting married next month. Looking at the glass of wine, I realized I now had the taste for my go to liquor. I needed tequila and now.

  I slid away from him, leaving the wine behind. Pulling at the cabinet doors, there stood my faithful friend. Patron Tequila, I pulled it from the cabinet followed by a large rocks glass.

  “You really like tequila.” He noticed the multiple bottles.

  “Yes, I do. I can count on it to do its job without ever disappointing. I like knowing the outcome of things. It makes for fewer problems.” I offered.

  “Have I upset you Lilly?”

  “Now why would you think that Charlie?” I put the bottle and glass down on the bar. Fiddling around, I pulled the plastic of the cork and poured a glass. Turning, I reached for a lime and cut it squeezing the juice in.

  “You seem tense and now pouring yourself a very large glass of hard liquor. That would usually indicate that something is off.”

  “No need to worry about my emotions Charlie. I’m not in any way upset with you. It has just been an interesting few days for me and I have a lot on my mind. I’ve been distracted and will pay for those oversights come Monday.”

  “Anything that I might help with?”

  “No Charlie. It you haven’t figured it out I’m more than capable of running a business and I run several. However, you and your brother are still set to take over my father’s company and as mandated by the court, I am to keep the company running smoothly until then. So you can understand I’m a busy woman.”

  “I the thought the company was being run by the COO, Mr. Ruhl?” He slighted his head surprised and confused to my confession.

  “Nope sorry to disappoint, I’ve been running the company for the past 7 years. Not that it’s rocket science.” I laughed, “Did you know if it were rocket science than I would be the most qualified person to run it.” Oh shit I was buzzed. Looking to the glass, I took the rest down and refilled the glass.

  “Don’t tell me you hold a degree?” he smiled with a weird grin “I thought you just recently graduated with an MBA in Business?”

  “Yes, I also hold a few others .” Lifted my glass and took the bottle with me. I headed for the chaise lounge on the patio. I loved the sound of the storm that had now eased yet still poured heavily. The patio was covered so the rain wouldn’t keep me from sitting out there.

  Setting the bottle down along with my glass, I walked to the gas fire pit and turned it on. Turning around Charlie stood there looking to me in question.

  “So how many degrees do you hold?” he grinned

  “More than you, hell more than most.”

  “How?” he walked over stopping in front of me

  “It seems there is a lot you don’t know about me Charlie. I would have thought you and Sebastian to do your homework before engaging. I’m surprised more that your father hadn’t enlightened the two of you.”

  “The only thing our father has ever shared when it came to you was that we were to keep away from you. I swear that man would probably give his own life for you.” Charlie shook his head and sat down on the end of the chaise. Laughing he added, “We once thought maybe you were in fact his daughter. However, knowing him he would have made claim to you from go. Father likes his possessions. Moreover, I remember your mother, the way she l
ooked at your father. She was a woman who loved her husband. There was no question she would have never of strayed from him. In many ways, you remind me of her. There is something in your eyes just like hers. I can see that same type of loyalty to those commitments you make.”

  “My mother was a good woman Charlie. She was strong and patient. She was also a force to be had. My father use to tell me that you didn’t want to get on her bad side. Her temper and fury was like an unpredictable storm.” I laughed remembering her.

  “I’m sorry for your loss. You had a wonderful family.” He sat down into the chaise and pulled me into him. Cupping the side of my face, I didn’t know what he was going to do next. Looking down into my eyes; It felt like he was reaching into my soul. “I envy the man you give your heart to.” He whispered.

  My eyes like magnets fell to his lips. I wanted to feel them but the fear was too much. I was way over my head with him. Pulling slowly up to him my heart felt heavy and slowed. I kissed the side of his face and moved to his jaw. His hands slowly moved into my hair. My hands running down his sculpted chest, I ended at his waist pulling his shirt off. He raised his hands and helped me remove it, and then he removed mine. The movements were slow and calculated. I knew his instinct was to kiss me. He tempered every move reminding himself he couldn’t. Pulling down to the chaise, he wrapped us in the blanket. Wanting to keep the control, now straddled in his lap. His chest pulled to mine.

  Charlie’s hands lowered to my pants and slowly, asking permission, he began to pull them down. Taking his time, I felt the heat of his eyes taking in every inch of me. Feeling his hand, lightly fall down my body, skimming so slowly; a fire followed his wake. My skin was eletricfied and my arousal began to peak. Tracing around my breasts, Charlie lifted up and tenderly addressed my peaked nipples. His mouth and tongue working together, orchestrating a build with in me. My hands holding his broad shoulders, I felt the tension of his muscles.

  The moment he sucked my nipple my hands raced into his hair holding him to me. My body arched into his hold, as my hips pressed my aching core into his firm arousal. The building began to grow. The more I rubbed, circled into him, the simple act of breathing became too much.