What A Woman: Book Five (The Woman I Love Series 5)

by G S Binkley

  Mark talked to security while Julie took Shanti back to her room. Nathan stayed behind. Since neither Shanti nor Nathan brought much in the way of valuables, they found nothing missing. The whole experience cut short their mini-vacation. Nathan and Shanti flew back home to St. Troy without exploring the sights of Los Angeles further. . Ryan left for New York while Mark and Julie returned to his home near the beach.

  *********

  Tony Kussler was on edge. He thought he recognized Blade at the party the night before. He heard about the break-in at the hotel. It didn’t mean much to him until he discovered that suite had been booked for Lacy Levine. Tony looked in the mirror located in his office. He scrutinized himself. The man in the mirror seemed to taunt him. Over the years, Tony Kussler matured in his work. He rose to the top of his profession through hard work and letting go of old animosities. If he confessed to his part in the plot that Blade now pursued, Tony recognized he had a lot to lose. Yet, somehow deep inside the man he had become, left him with only one choice. He now knew what he had to do.

  **********

  When Nathan and Shanti returned home, they informed Lacy and Gage about what happened. “It was an experience that was exciting and I enjoyed the company…” Nathan smiled at Shanti. “…but not sure I want to go back.”

  Lacy hugged her brother than Shanti. “Glad to see you both are alright.”

  “I talked with Mark… security couldn’t find anything.” Gage informed them. “The hotel hired extra help but… nothing of interest.” The blonde excused herself. Walking to her office, Gage couldn’t help but think about the three threatening letters Lacy received.

  Chapter Twelve

  Over the next few months things were relatively quiet in the Ballant household. The kids were doing very well in school. Everyone was healthy at the moment and the whole family was enjoying spring.

  Dani continued to rehearse for the upcoming play. Not only was she starring in the play but worked on the set as did Lane Grayson and several of their friends. Dani’s only source of agitation was Sammy insisting on helping her rehearse at home. The young man provided valuable direction for her in the role she won so she allowed his help.

  It was late one evening after dinner that the subject of Dani’s future came up.

  “Honey, have you decided on which college you want to attend?” Lacy sat down next to her daughter.

  Before Dani, several acceptance letters lay on the kitchen table. She shifted them around for a long moment. “I don’t know.”

  “I know two of them were high on your list.” Lacy pushed the two aside.

  Dani cocked her fist under her chin. “Problem is that none of them is anywhere near the colleges Lane has been accepted to.”

  Lacy leaned back in her chair. “I know you two have gotten pretty serious this year. Want to talk about it?”

  “Oh, mom.” Dani smiled. “Yes, we have gotten closer but not ‘that’ close.” Her daughter smiled again.

  “That’s not what I meant…but good to know.” Lacy reached over, placing a hand on her daughter’s hand.

  “It’s just that things have been so good between us and after this summer…” A faraway look crossed her blue eyes. “…I don’t want to lose that.”

  “I understand…a long distance relationship.”

  “And all the other people he will meet at college.” Dani pursed her lips.

  “You mean, girls.”

  Dani rolled her eyes.

  “What do you think is going through Lane’s mind?” Lacy cocked her head to get her daughter’s attention. “He probably is worrying about you meeting boys in college.”

  “I guess.”

  “Honey, why don’t you concentrate on enjoying the rest of this year and summer. I’m sure everything will work out.” Lacy’s mind strolled down memory lane for a moment. “If you are meant to be together then it will happen.”

  Her mother’s words didn’t quell the uneasy thoughts and feelings Dani was having. Yet, her mother was right. “I will.” She looked her mother. “If you could get your son to stop pestering me about my acting.”

  Lacy laughed. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  *********

  The big night arrived. Lacy, Gage and brood were on hand for Dani’s play. Most of the Ryan family were in attendance. There was only one small hitch during the play when a light went out. It was quickly rectified by a quick thinking lighting technician. Before the cast and crew party, Dani met her family in the lobby. Everyone congratulated her for the success of the play.

  Derek chimed in. “Yeah, yeah the play was good.” He turned to his grandparents. “You will be able to make it to the dedication, right?”

  “Yes, of course.” Dan assured his young grandson. He was well aware that some work was being done on the island as Hank and Jason was rehabilitating it. They were, however, unaware of the surprise their grandson had in mind.

  After Lynn and Dan Ryan said their goodbyes, Stella offered to take the rest of the family to the car.

  “Thank you, Stella.” Lacy hugged her mother-in-law.

  “Mom, wait here a minute.” Dani ran over to catch Lane once he came out of the theatre. “Come on.” She pulled him behind her, back to where her mom and Gage waited.

  “Hello.” The young man had changed since Lacy and Gage last saw him.

  “You guys did a great job.” Gage offered her praise.

  “I agree.” Lacy hugged the young man.

  “So, where’s this party at?” Gage never was too keen on Dani going out late. “Seems to me all you guys have done this year is to have one party after another.”

  “Oh, Gage. I do love you.” Dani hugged the surprised blonde.

  “I’ll take care of her…” Lane fumbled with what to call the blonde.

  “It’s Gage.” She winked.

  “I see my parents… I’ll be right back.”

  Both Lacy and Dani eyed Gage. “What are you two looking at?”

  The two cocked their heads.

  Before Gage could respond to their insinuation that she be on her best behavior, Lane arrived with his parents, Alexis and Dash Grayson.

  They exchanged pleasantries, having met several times before and spending some time in New York together.

  A moment of silence hung in the air.

  “Lacy, don’t you think our kids make a beautiful couple.” Alexis asked.

  Both Dani and Lane rolled their eyes.

  “I do. And your son has a lot of talent. He’s very good.” Lacy added.

  Unlike last year, Lane starred in the play alongside Dani for this production. “Thank you.”

  “Only a few short weeks left before summer.” Alexis smiled.

  “Then off to college.” Dash Grayson added.

  The rest of the group stood silent at the mention of college. It was a subject both Dani and Lane avoided, knowing they had both chosen schools that were several states away from each other.

  “Yes, well, love can overcome everything…even distance.” Alexis tried to ease the tension.

  Lane finally spoke up. “I’ve been looking at a college closer to home as a matter of fact.”

  It surprised Dani to her delight but Lane’s father was not so impressed with his son’s news.

  “Lane…” The tone of his father’s voice drew his immediate attention. “…you do know that the family business will be yours someday and a business education better suits that purpose.”

  “I do.”

  Alexis put her hand on her husband’s arm. “There’s time for that later.” Lane’s mother took both Dani and Lane by their elbows. “I believe our two children have a party to attend.” She practically shoved them off. “Enjoy yourselves. Lane you take good care of Dani.”

  Dani and Lane were relieved. Dani waved to her mother. “Bye mom.”

  The four adults were left standing alone.

  Finally, Gage spoke. “I sure loved the second act. Didn’t you?”

  Dash nodded. Alexis an
d Lacy agreed before they said their goodbyes.

  *********

  “I, for one, think it’s a wonderful idea.” Stella patted her daughter on the shoulder.

  Gage rolled her eyes. “You would.”

  “Getting out on the town. You two hardly do anything that doesn’t involve the family.” Stella slipped the grilled cheese in front of Gage.

  “Thanks.”

  “What are you doing?” Lacy admonished her partner.

  “About to eat.”

  “They are going to have food there.” Lacy pulled the plate away from the blonde.

  Gage whined. “You know, it will be some chicken you can’t chew and I won’t even touch the fish.”

  “Stella, talk to your daughter.” Lacy sought some help.

  “Actually, Lacy, I thought if she had something to eat here, she wouldn’t want to leave early and spoil your date night.”

  Gage agreed. “She’s right.”

  Lacy acquiesced. “Our first date night in ages and… oh well, here.” Lacy pushed the plate back to her partner.

  The blonde took a big bite not knowing if it would be snatched away again. “Would do you mean we haven’t had a date night in ages?”

  “Gage, sweetheart, I love you but it’s been so long I can’t even remember the last time it was just you and me…”

  The blonde swallowed her food. “It was just last weekend.”

  Lacy cocked her hand on her hip. “Your idea of a date night is you and me in bed watching TV.”

  “Hey, that’s not all we…” Gage glanced up at her mother. “Never mind.”

  Both Lacy and Stella laughed.

  **********

  The benefit for Habitat for Humanity was well underway when Lacy and Gage made their appearance. Hank moved his chair over a bit, making room for them at their table. Jen was there along with Lisa and Jason. The night was semi-fancy but the girls were decked out since Jen and Lisa said they never get to go anywhere as nice as the beautiful Regent’s ballroom where they were holding the event.

  The ballroom was lit by huge chandeliers and bright tiny spotlights that sparkled like the stars in the heavens. It was magical with soft music heard above the din of small talk and laughter.

  “How’s the baby?” Lacy asked.

  Jason was quick to answer. “Still keeping us up all night.”

  Lisa poked her husband. “Us?”

  “Yes, us…” Jason reached around her and pulled her closer. “…I can’t sleep when you’re up…”

  “Feeding your son.” Lisa smiled then turned to the rest gathered there. “He does help mostly…”

  Hank shook his head. “He’s like that when we work together… I have all the hard work while he sits around…”

  “Ha.” His business partner acted offended.

  Jen nudged her husband. “So, honey, are you saying that you’d be up in the middle of the night feeding the baby…without complaints?”

  “Yeah.” When it seemed that no one believed him, he ventured ahead. “…just saying if I was lucky enough to have a child, I would get up in the middle of the night and feed him…or her.”

  Jen smiled, took his hand and announced. “Well, hello…lucky.”

  Stunned, Hank swallowed.

  Jason laughed.

  Hank looked off in space for a long moment.

  Jason slapped him on the back. “What’d you got to say now, buddy?”

  Regaining his posture, Hank stared in his wife’s eyes. “A baby?”

  Jen nodded. After years of trying to have a family, it finally happened.

  Hank kissed his wife. “We have to celebrate.”

  And they did.

  As the night wore on, in the blissfulness of the evening, Gage’s mind wandered as often the writer in her did. This time the focal point of her musings was the beauty sitting only two feet away from her. Gage sucked in a deep satisfying breath. The stars shined bright but were nothing compared to the delicious delight of seducing blue that her lover’s eyes wore. So wrapped up in her own spellbound fantasy the blonde’s thoughts turned to more lascivious delights. Gage’s mind ran over her lover’s body like a glove. The curves. Soft skin. Sweet tinglings. In her rapt, the blonde imagined her hand play sweetly over smooth, silky skin. The soft roundness of her lover as she could feel her fingers barely scraped the curve of Lacy’s backside then down along her long legs. So smooth. Gage’s eyes closed in pleasure. Touching every inch of soft beauty up the length of her lover’s back is what the blonde envisioned. Over the curve of her lover’s shoulder along the nape of Lacy’s neck. God, what a beauty. Sweet, so sexy…I can feel her round breasts holding them, squeezing ever so lightly. I want to kiss her lips. I want more. My eyes are running down her smooth stomach, fine and firm …so much exploring…my lips to her skin. God…I want to touch her long dark hair and run my hands through it… feel it across my skin. I can see right through her dress… I wonder if they know why I smile… I can feel my hands travel to places only I can go… to a secret that only I know… to heaven where my woman and I lay… Oh boy! I’m running fast here. Gage swallowed hard. Closer to the edge. Sweetness that only I touch, only I taste. Oh my God, I wanna run my hand all over her and taste every inch of her delicious, soft and supple skin. The blonde sat up straight, closed her slightly parted legs. Her eyes still zeroed in on the apex of her love’s beauty. A shiver ran through the blonde’s body and when Lacy touched her knee. Gage jumped.

  “You alright?” Lacy asked.

  Gage grabbed her partner’s hand. “Come with me.” The blonde glanced to the rest of the group. “I gotta…We gotta…” Her frazzled words trailed off.

  As Lacy was pulled along by her overzealous lover, she knew it was just a matter of time before Gage would make an excuse to leave. She saw her lover’s eyes practically make love to her while sitting at the table. And, Lacy did whatever she could to entice her lover. Tonight was made for love but Lacy had a surprise for her lover. This time, sweetheart, I will ravish you.

  **********

  The early morning brought an array of sunlight falling gently on the spent lovers. Lacy’s legs were tangled with her lover. A soft white sheet wrapped around and in between them, bodies exposed in rays of light coming through the window.

  Lacy ran a lone finger along her lover’s neck up over the jawline landing on the blonde’s lips. “Gage, sweetheart…”

  Gage laughed.

  “Why are you laughing?”

  Green met blue. “After all these years, it’s still ‘Gage, sweetheart’, … like it’s my full name or something, and all along I wanted my middle name to be ‘saint’, …then found out it was Stella…but now I believe it is officially ‘sweetheart’.” Gage gazed at her lover. “That’s what the ‘S’ stood for…thank you, Lacy.”

  “Come here.” The brazen blue eyes of her lover held promises of things to come.

  **********

  Dani’s prom was magical. She was beautiful in her dress. Lane was handsome in his tuxedo. They danced most of the night, staring into each other’s eyes. The one subject they avoided like the plague involved colleges. Dani intended to enjoy every minute of her last year in high school. On the eve of adulthood, Dani was jubilant and sad at the same time. She was excited to go to college and enjoy that adventure but, at the same, time blue at the prospect of missing Lane. She pushed that thought away and focused on the dance. The only other thing left that had anything to do with high school was the annual bonfire. All her friends were looking forward to it.

  *********

  The day finally came in mid-May. Derek led the way, tugging on his grandfather’s hand. “This way.”

  All three cars were parked in the nearby newly formed parking lot. Lynn commented on how nice it was. “Wait til you see this.” Derek was excited. He had surveyed the site a week earlier with his uncle and Jason.

  A short walk over a bridge that gapped the shore to the island awaited a beautiful three acres park. There was a short dock and
long railing for those who wished to fish off of it. The place was sprinkled with several picnic tables and fire pits. On the south side was a small sandy area for small children to play.

  “Follow me.” Derek yelled to his grandfather. When they arrived at his favorite spot, the young boy turned to his grandfather. “This is where you would take me…” He looked at his siblings. “…all of us.”

  Lynn walked alongside Stella. “This is beautiful.”

  Stella agreed.

  Hayley and Sammy ran up next to their grandfather. Gage and Lacy stood back a few feet from them.

  Hank walked over and stood directly in front of his dad. “This is the spot we all fished from at one time or another.”

  Dan smiled.

  “And, dad, Derek asked Jason and I to fix this place up for all of us and others to enjoy.” He waved his arm. “You remember when it was overgrown and prickly bushes were all over this place. I’ve got the scars to prove it.” Hank laughed.

  “I told you to wear long pants.” Dan winked.

  “Derek? I think you’re up.”

  The young boy walked over to the covered marker. “Grandpa… grandma…” He motioned for his grandmother to come closer. “…I learned so much from you both…we all did. I wanted to… we wanted something to say thank you.” Derek unveiled the bronze marker that read ‘Lewis Island’. There was a short dedication on the bronze stone to Lynn and Dan Ryan.

  Lynn wept and Dan held back a feisty tear ready to fall.

  Lacy and Stella went back to the car and retrieved several picnic baskets. It was a beautiful day for a picnic. The river flowed steadily along as the sun brightened the day. The park would be a very special place for all of them to enjoy as years passed by.

  *********

  As Dani was getting ready for the bonfire, the rest of the family talked about what they wanted to do this summer. Last year they put off their big trip out west due to Lynn’s health issue.

  Derek and Sammy wanted to register for some local races this summer like they did last year. Hayley was just excited to have the whole summer doing whatever she wanted. When Dani mentioned the cave near the cabin on the lake, Hayley squealed with delight. “I wanna go.”