Don't Make Plans

by Ava Armstrong

  “Goodnight, Kent, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Goodnight, Paige, I’ll see you tonight in my dreams.”

  He ended the call but couldn’t stop the thoughts flowing through his mind. He felt like a dog on the end of his chain – straining to break it and run to her. As much as he wanted to do that, he knew Paige appreciated gentlemanly behavior. So, he turned over under the covers and kept his ill-mannered fantasy to himself. If he didn’t have to be a gentleman, he’d run to her right now – push her bedroom door open and take her into his arms. She’d be naked and her arms would open and every pore of her beautiful female form would be his to savor. He’d start by kissing her – and move down to her neck. He already knew she loved that. Then her pert little breasts and then…oh yes…then the best part, the lace underwear. They’d be wadded up on the floor in a hurry.

  * * *

  The next day, Paige caught herself humming as she prepared the perfect macaroni and cheese. She couldn’t remember the last time she hummed. Five different cheeses were carefully layered into a large baking dish with macaroni, then she slipped it into the oven after dusting the top with buttered cracker crumbs.

  Justin was tossing the salad.

  Gramps and Kent appeared at her screen door early.

  “Come in.” Her eyes met Kent’s and she noticed he smiled with his whole face; he never looked so healthy and cheerful.

  Justin squealed. “I wanna sit next to Kent so he can tell me about his secret mission.”

  Paige felt Kent touch her shoulder. She sensed he wanted to kiss her. When he hugged her from behind, his lips brushed against her neck, just below her ear.

  “I’ll be good, but it won’t be easy.” He whispered.

  Then he sat at the table next to Justin and minded his manners. Justin kept asking him about his lengthy absence.

  “I can’t say anything about the mission because it was top secret. But, I can tell you about something else.”

  “What? Tell me!” Justin was hanging on his every word.

  Paige was focused on Kent’s face as he explained the new business venture to them. His enthusiasm was contagious.

  “That sounds amazing!” Paige couldn’t hide her excitement. She knew Kent had skills and began to imagine what he could do with Gramps’ place.

  Justin was all questions.

  “What’s K&P stand for? Can I help you with setting it up? I want to learn how to fix things. Can you teach me, Kent?”

  Paige served dinner and listened to Kent’s measured voice.

  “Sure, you can help me. In fact, I was looking for an assistant. Gramps will do some of the work, too.”

  Paige’s eyes connected with Kent’s. “I’d like to help. I have some time off this summer.”

  She could tell he wanted her to get involved. He hadn’t taken his eyes off her since he’d entered the kitchen.

  “Great! I need a keen artist’s eye.” Kent winked.

  “You think I’m an artist? Oh, I have no training…”

  “You have lots of talent, Paige. Look at what you did for the VFW. That was a huge project. You’re great at decorating. You even picked out clothing for me. And, you just have an eye for beautiful things. I need that sort of help and advice.”

  “I’d love to help.” She smiled.

  Once everyone finished dinner, Kent helped her clean the kitchen as Gramps and Justin headed for the backyard with Thor.

  “Dessert on the back porch.” Paige peered through the screen door and watched them playing with the dog. Justin was happy. Gramps was laughing. Thor was chasing the ball and dropping it at their feet again and again.

  She turned around and bumped into Kent, and his arms automatically drew her closer.

  “It’s great to be home… and to be with you. You have no idea how much I’ve missed you, Paige.”

  “I missed you, too.”

  Paige felt his mouth on hers. It started as a gentle kiss, but he pulled her close with his strong arms and it intensified.

  “Oh, babe, I’ve missed you so much…I’ve got to get you alone.”

  “Help me serve pie?” she whispered.

  Gramps had gotten comfortable in the rocker. Justin continued tossing the ball for Thor. As Kent helped Paige serve homemade lemon meringue pie, Paige noticed the three men in her life had come alive with optimism and it was contagious. The conversation was all about yard art and making things. She hadn’t seen Gramps that talkative since…well, she couldn’t remember. She felt herself getting caught up in the feeling of anticipation. She suddenly realized she hadn’t felt this way in years.

  She loved the name K&P Salvage. She imagined the “P” stood for Paul, because that was Gramps’ first name. Kent and Paul. It had a nice ring to it. She felt Kent’s eyes on her.

  “Paige, come sit with me. Help us make plans.” Kent smiled.

  “I’m coming.”

  Paige sat next to Kent. He smelled like sawdust, motor oil, and soap. Paige fought the urge to embrace him and inhale every fiber of his being. She never felt such a strong attraction to any man. Her face felt hot, she was blushing like a school girl as wild thoughts ran through her mind like a romantic movie. She hoped her son and Gramps did not notice.

  As the sun started to get lower on the horizon, Gramps got up and said he had a surprise.

  “Kent’s gonna take Paige for a spin tonight. I’m gonna stay here with Justin and Thor for a while. Go ahead you two.”

  “The Chevy?” She couldn’t stop studying Kent. It was as if she’d dreamt this and now it was happening. She didn’t want the moment to end.

  “Yes – we’ll ride down to the beach – enjoy the sunset. Hey, there’s a full moon tonight.”

  “That sounds great.”

  Paige felt Kent’s hand take hers and, like school kids, they walked hand in hand to the car waiting in Gramps’ driveway.

  “This is beautiful!” Paige gushed.

  “Yes – almost as beautiful as you.” Kent opened the door and she slid in.

  “Hey, it’s a bench seat.”

  “Yes, there’s a lap belt in the middle, you can sit close to me.”

  As Paige listened to the engine hum, she clicked the belt, then relaxed into the curve of Kent’s arm.

  “I’m taking three weeks off. Summer vacation, you know. I’ve been saving it all year.” She laid her head on his shoulder.

  “That’s great! I want to spend time with you, Paige, day and night. By the way, K&P stands for Kent and Paige.”

  She felt his lips graze her forehead. As Kent backed out of the driveway, Paige realized the power-glide auto-shift was right between her legs. Kent’s arm had to drape across her lap to drive, but she could tell he liked the sensation because he couldn’t stop smiling.

  He pulled into a parking lot that was now nearly empty. The sun was hanging low on the horizon.

  “There now.” Kent shut off the engine. “We have a front row seat to the sunset right here with a beautiful ocean view. How do you like it?”

  “This car is amazing.”

  Kent went through every feature, describing in detail, like an excited little boy who just got the best gift in the world.

  “You’re happy.” Paige whispered.

  “Yes, I am. But, I’m sorry about one thing. I wasn’t there to protect you when Jeremy kicked your door down. I was out of my mind with worry.”

  Paige touched his hand.

  “It’s okay… really it is. I think I had to confront Jeremy and defeat him myself. I was like a scared little rabbit, but now I don’t feel like that any longer.”

  “Felt good to shoot at him, didn’t it?”

  “I didn’t shoot at him – but, I knew when I put that shot into the cabinet next to him – he’d stop. I made him fear me. He saw a side of me he never knew existed.”

  “I know what you mean. You had to stand up for yourself, especially when protecting your child. It was pure instinct in you, Paige. You did the right thing, even though it was
tough.”

  “I don’t fear him anymore. Even if he gets out again – I’m ready. But, I don’t think he will be getting out anytime soon.”

  “And, you have me as back-up.”

  “Heck, I have the whole darned VFW!”

  “Yeah, I figured Gramps would be involved. He told me he was handling things.”

  “Funny thing is, Gramps might’ve saved Jeremy’s life.”

  “How do you figure that?”

  “The police said they had a phone call come in before my 911 call. If the officer hadn’t gotten there when he did, Jeremy had a knife in his hand – he was about to lunge toward me. If he had, I would’ve shot him center mass. I had the revolver pointed right at him, ready to pull the trigger again. I came very close to doing it.”

  She felt Kent’s arm pull her closer.

  “Damn – I’m sorry you had to go through all of that, Paige. I’m even more concerned Justin had to witness it.”

  “He’s doing better. He had a nightmare the first night, but I told him that’s normal. I’ve kept him busy. We’ve had some long talks, too. It’s painful for him because Jeremy is his father.”

  “I know. It’s not a normal feeling to dislike your own father.”

  “But, he said something to me the other day – he told me Gramps is like the grandfather he always wanted – and you’re like the father he always dreamed about.” Paige felt a teardrop slide down her cheek. She didn’t want to ruin the sunset by bawling like an idiot. Here she was finally in Kent’s arms and she was killing the romantic moment.

  She felt Kent’s finger beneath her chin as he tilted her head up slightly. His mouth touched hers, gently at first. He kissed her cheek where the tear was and gazed into her watery eyes.

  “I love you, Paige. I need you…”

  His mouth covered hers and for a while she could think of nothing other than Kent’s passionate kiss. His hand beneath her T-shirt seemed to be searching for something. When his fingers touched her bra, he expertly unhooked it. She didn’t stop him, even though a few stragglers walked by on the beach. She unbuttoned his shirt and ran her fingers over his chest as she whispered in his ear.

  “I want you, but not here like this.”

  “Paige – I can’t wait much longer…please baby.”

  * * *

  For a while they held hands and talked and Kent felt like he was a teenager on his first date. After the sun disappeared, the moon rose and Kent kissed her again. He’d never felt so alive as when his lips touched Paige’s. The feeling was much more than sexual desire. Respecting her wishes, he didn’t go any further than touching and kissing her. He knew she needed to be home with Justin. He revved the engine and had her back in no time.

  Gramps was sitting on the sofa with Justin watching cartoons. Thor was asleep at their feet.

  “Thanks, Gramps.” Kent nodded. Gramps took a moment to stand and stretch. Kent figured he’d been snoozing.

  Paige held Kent’s hand until the moment he left. He loved the way that felt, like she was connected to him and she never wanted to be apart again. She looked gorgeous tonight. She needed no embellishment. Paige was a natural beauty. Worn jeans and a T-shirt suited her just fine. She was exactly what Kent needed.

  At the door when Paige said goodbye, she whispered, “Thank you. The ride in the car was fantastic and the sunset was beautiful.”

  “I’ll just bet it was…” Gramps winked as he walked behind Kent.

  Kent caught up to Gramps as he trudged down the driveway toward home.

  “How’d you know we needed that time together?”

  “I had a feeling…”

  “Do you know what Paige said to me? She’s sorry about the misunderstanding concerning Sasha. She knows I’m telling the truth. She also said she’s sorry she didn’t understand right away about the drug thing. I was speechless.”

  “She’s a smart girl, Kent. I knew she’d come around. I’m glad you had a talk. Now you can focus on your lives ahead of you.” Gramps yawned. “Getting tired, squirt. I’m heading to bed.”

  The screen door shut and Kent stood on the porch for a moment looking toward Paige’s house. She was standing there on her porch, too.

  CHAPTER 21

  Paige watched the outline of Kent’s figure against the sky as he walked with Gramps toward the farmhouse. He was always so positive, filled with energy. Just being in his presence made her happy. Knowing she had three weeks to be with him gave her a feeling of euphoria.

  Paige went into Justin’s room and kissed him goodnight. As she plugged her phone in and set it on her nightstand the screen lit up with a text from Kent.

  I never would’ve made it through the last month without you. I am so happy we will be working together on a project for the next few weeks. I’m in love with you, Paige. Give me a chance. I won’t let you down.

  Her response to his text was a happy face and a heart.

  She turned the light off and pulled the blanket up to her chin. Paige listened to the sounds of birds outside her open bedroom window. They were calling to their mates; soon new life would be all around her. Even though she closed her eyes, she could not sleep. Kent’s passion for the future brought a new hunger for his touch. It had been so long since she’d felt this way about any man. She could not remember a longing like this. The feelings stirring inside her seemed like a thirst that couldn’t be quenched. As she rolled over she whispered his name several times and wished he was in bed with her.

  * * *

  At the crack of dawn, Kent thought he heard the sound of the basketball slapping off the pavement. He caught a glimpse of Justin shooting hoops as he moved in and out of the barn carrying loads of stuff. His phone buzzed with a text from Paige.

  Breakfast is ready, come on over and bring Gramps.

  Kent smiled as his finger tapped a response: Thanks, I’m starving. Will be right there.

  It was nice of Paige to cook breakfast for them. Kent got Gramps moving and they walked down to Paige’s kitchen.

  Kent sat next to Paige and his hand brushed against hers several times.

  “You’re beautiful and you know how to fry eggs just the way I love them!”

  “Oh, it’s nothing – really…”

  He loved the way she looked down and blushed when he gave her a compliment. She liked it though – he could tell. He couldn’t wait to spend the day with her in the barn with all its nooks and crannies. He was planning and scheming to sneak a kiss or two.

  “Let’s get to work in the barn and make a day of it.” Kent rose and helped Paige wash the dishes.

  Gramps, Justin and Paige walked with Kent back to the barn and helped him begin the process of emptying the contents into the yard for sorting. After a few minutes, the atmosphere became lighthearted. Justin unearthed old toys that belonged to Kent.

  “Hey, look at this – what is it?”

  “That’s Inspector Gadget.”

  “Who’s Inspector Gadget?”

  Paige laughed. Kent chuckled. Gramps was laughing so hard he could hardly explain. “That is one of the Kent’s favorite games – it seems so old now.”

  Justin pulled out video games. “Hey, this one’s called Counter-Strike – and what’s this one? It’s called Doom – wow, these are different.”

  “Oh heck. I didn’t even know this stuff was still here. These are the first video games I played. I was probably about your age.” Kent touched the boxes that held the components. “I don’t even know if they work any longer, but we can try them later.”

  Items from Gramps’ past that were buried in the back of the barn were dragged out into the sunlight. Personal gear from World War II and some old photographs held Kent’s attention.

  “Gotta keep these.” Kent whispered to his grandfather as he picked through the pile.

  After a while, Gramps sat on the sidelines and directed them. Kent noticed he was having a hard time breathing and seemed more tired than usual. Maybe it was just because the temperature was rising. K
ent dashed inside and brought out a pitcher of iced water for everyone. After four hours, they had created a stack for donation and a pile for the dump.

  Paige opted to ride to the dump with Kent while Justin sat with Gramps on the porch. They were deciding which take-out to order.

  “A friend at the VFW let Gramps use this truck, thank goodness.” Kent smiled.

  “They’re always helping one another. I love that about them.”

  Paige hopped into the front seat of the Dodge Ram pick-up.

  “Yes. It’s a readymade family, except, you’re not born into this one – you choose it.”

  As they drove across town, Kent dreaded talking about his real family. Right now, Gramps, Paige and Justin were his family and the guys at the VFW.

  “What about your family, Kent? Where do they live?”

  “In Newport. I see them from time to time. My twin sisters are ten years older than me and live busy lives. My mom passed away giving birth to me. My father owns a real estate brokerage and my step-mother helps run it. I’m not close to them like I am with Gramps.”

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t know. But I feel like I belong here – with you.”

  His hand covered hers on the seat. He noticed the smile on her face as she rolled down the window of the truck to allow the breeze to move through her hair.

  “You like having me touch you, Paige.”

  “Yes.”

  “I missed you so much…I wanted to get you alone to talk.”

  “You did?”

  “Yes. I can’t stand being without you.”

  He stopped and emptied the bed of the truck and paid the dump fee. When he got back inside the cab, Paige was smiling. He pulled the truck to the side of the rode and put his arm around her. She slid silently into the crook of his arm and leaned her face against him. Everything was quiet for a moment.

  “I need you.” Kent whispered. “Marry me, Paige.”

  “You hardly know me.”

  “I know you feel the same way about me. Paige, listen to me.”

  His hand lifted her chin and Kent’s eyes met hers. He noticed a tear slip down her cheek.