Love is in the Air

by Devon Vaughn Archer

Holly couldn’t wait to seduce him tonight and explore every inch of his body. But it was his mind that captured her imagination even more. Anderson seemed to embody virtually all of the qualities she wanted in a strong man, both in bed and out. The only thing missing was whether they would ever become man and wife like Lester and Odette. Had their relationship rubbed off on him the right way? Or did he see the institution of marriage as something that cramped his style?

  Holly had her doubts about marrying Anderson. She definitely loved him enough to be his wife. But she wanted to feel in her heart that they were totally on the same wavelength. She wasn’t interested in going the divorce route like Blythe. Or never even getting that far, like what had happened to Madison.

  Holly felt the gentle squeeze of Anderson’s firm hand on her knee. She offered him a warm smile to let him know that she was his before turning her attention to the stage as the singer crooned another jazz standard.

  * * *

  Holly lay on top of Anderson’s hard body, kissing him deeply while he impaled her with his erection, exciting every inch of her body. She loved the feel of him inside her; squeezing his manhood and giving Anderson that much more pleasure. His breaths quickened as she lifted up, then lowered herself all the way, again and again, sending waves of electricity throughout her body in the process. She ached from the pleasure and passion, feverishly kissing and sucking his lips while breathing in his masculine scent and woodsy cologne.

  Her climax came in guttural waves, and Holly found herself unable to hold back as her body gyrated and quavered astride Anderson, who was drenched in sweat. She pushed her breasts into his face, so that he could lick her nipples as the waves of orgasm continued, taking her to a new level of sexual satisfaction. Finally, she fell atop Anderson, deliriously spent. He was still wedged tightly inside her, having reached his own powerful climax simultaneously.

  When the mutual joy was over, Holly rolled off him and placed her head on his chest with one leg draped across his as she breathed in the gratifying scent of their sex. Neither of them uttered a word, content in their union for this night. Holly wanted only to sleep now, as she looked forward to tomorrow and yet more passion that promised to come their way.

  * * *

  The next day, Anderson went with Holly to help with the toy drive. He admired how poised she was and how happy she was to engage people who showed up with toys, even allowing photographs to be taken with her or signing autographs—all for a great cause.

  “You really know how to work a gathering,” he told her.

  “Practice makes perfect,” she said, smiling as a car drove up and toys were handed to her. “This is my third year participating, and I love it. It fits right in with my involvement with child literacy.”

  Anderson took the toys from her and placed them in a large box. “I couldn’t agree more—you are a natural at this.”

  “So are you,” Holly said sincerely. “People feel just as comfortable having you lend your time to do this.”

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said.

  “Neither would I,” Holly said and kissed him softly on the lips to show her appreciation. Still vivid in her mind was their zealous lovemaking last night, when neither of them had seemed able to get enough of the other. She simply couldn’t help herself when it came to wanting him day and night. The fact that it was clear he wanted her every bit as much made it all the more powerful to Holly.

  Whether this became a permanent arrangement still remained to be seen. But she would not allow things that were beyond her control to detract from what their love was now.

  * * *

  On Wednesday afternoon, Anderson worked the phones, conferring with his clients. He had become quite comfortable advising other attorneys on how to run their businesses smoothly and efficiently while maximizing their profits. He didn’t miss one bit the high stress and long hours of corporate law. Indeed, it was his hope that in a few years he could cut back even more and live off some smart investments, which would give him more time to enjoy his private life. He hoped Holly would always be an important part of his life.

  So far, he saw no indication that she didn’t want the same things he did. He understood that Holly’s work was important to her, and he would never seek to undermine that. If they were to get married and children were to come along, he would happily be a stay-at-home husband and father, doting over his kids the way his mother had doted over him. Whatever way Holly wanted to go, Anderson was ready to jump right in.

  I love her like no other and I’ll do whatever it takes to prove that to her, he thought. Making Holly my wife would be a giant and positive step for both of us.

  Anderson would proudly walk down the aisle this time around and he hoped to get that opportunity with Holly. He was snapped from his reverie when his assistant buzzed him. John Lacey, the private investigator, had arrived for their scheduled appointment.

  “Send him in,” Anderson told her and got to his feet, buttoning his blazer. He was a tad nervous to see John, who apparently had made a breakthrough in his search for Anderson’s father.

  “Good to see you again,” John said, briefcase in hand.

  Anderson shook his hand. “You too.”

  “As I told you over the phone, I have information that I wanted to present to you in person.”

  “All right.” Anderson could not read the man’s face enough to get a clue as to what direction this was headed. “Have a seat.”

  They both sat at the table, and Anderson felt his pulse racing. Was his father alive or dead? If he was alive, was he approachable?

  John sighed and looked directly at Anderson. “I’ve located your father, Chester Gunn,” he said calmly. “He’s alive and well, living just outside of Dallas.”

  “Really?” Anderson took a moment to let that settle in.

  “Yes. He was hard to track down, since he has apparently lived in several states over the years before settling in the Dallas area.”

  “Well, is he married? Does he have a family? What does he do for a living? Or is he retired?” Anderson had so many questions; he could barely contain his curiosity. Or his indignation that the man had been so close but had chosen to stay out of his life for all these years.

  “Yes, he’s married,” John said. “As far as I know, he has no kids...other than you. He’s a retired salesman.”

  Anderson sucked in a deep breath as his piqued interest turned into skepticism. “How do you know this is the right person? I mean, do I need to take a DNA test or something?”

  “That’s something you may want to do at some point, if it’ll give you peace of mind, but I’m fairly certain we have the right person.” He opened up his briefcase and removed papers. “This Chester Gunn was living in Houston during the time you were born and is in the right age range. Twenty years ago he was arrested for a DUI. Take a look at his mug shot—”

  Anderson took the picture from him, studying it.

  “When I first saw it,” John said, “all I could see was your face.”

  Anderson had to agree—it was the spitting image of him. It had to be his father. So what now? Did he follow through and go to see him?

  He had little doubt that Holly would want him to finish what he started. And why shouldn’t he? He had to do it, if only for his mother’s memory and the man she must have loved at some point.

  John seemed to read his mind. “Now that you have information on what in all likelihood is your old man, I suggest you pay him a visit. Maybe he’ll be able to fill in some of the blanks in your life or otherwise give you some closure.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure that’s what I’ll do,” Anderson said.

  John took a folder out of the briefcase and put it on the table. “All the information you need is in here.”

  Anderson nodded. “How much do I owe you?”

 
“You’ve covered that.” John stood and grabbed the briefcase. “Hope it all works out for you.”

  “Thanks.” Anderson stood. “I appreciate that you found him, for better or worse.”

  “That’s my job. If you ever need my services again, don’t hesitate to get in touch.”

  “I won’t.” Anderson shook his hand and showed him to the door. Then he asked his assistant to make arrangements for him and Holly to fly to Dallas. He hoped Holly would want to come with him, since he needed her presence to strengthen him as he embarked on this journey to meet his father for the first time.

  Chapter 18

  Holly went jogging after spending a couple of hours at the station. She took measured breaths, pacing herself as she began the final sprint toward her house. Anderson had promised to start running with her, and she was scheduled to accompany him to the gym next week. Either way, it seemed as though there were plenty of ways for them to get good workouts together, apart from having sex, though she could think of no way more pleasurable.

  When she neared the house, Holly spotted the familiar silver Mercedes in the driveway. A smile spread across her face. She had spoken to Anderson a couple of hours ago, and he had never indicated he was dropping by. Not that he needed an excuse, as she loved seeing him whenever she could.

  “Hey,” she said at the driver’s-side window.

  “Hey.” Anderson smiled and held her shoulder while kissing her lips.

  Holly enjoyed the kiss, but pulled back. “Nice, but I’m all sweaty.”

  “I’m getting used to it and it turns me on,” he admitted.

  “If you say so.” She felt the same way about him when he was hot and sweaty after a long session of lovemaking.

  Anderson checked his desire to take her the moment they stepped inside.

  “What are you doing here?” Holly asked, sensing something was up.

  Anderson waited till they were inside the house before telling her, “I found my father...”

  Holly had been hoping for the best but fearing the worst, knowing how challenging it would be to find someone after more than thirty years. She poured him a glass of wine and listened as he talked about the private investigator and where his probing had led.

  “I’m so happy for you,” she said.

  Anderson smiled. “Thanks for giving me a kick in the butt to track him down.”

  “That’s what girlfriends are for.”

  “In that case, I’m damned lucky I have you as my girlfriend.”

  “Ditto.” She took his glass and tasted the wine. “So are you going to see him?”

  “Tomorrow.” Anderson gazed at her. “And I’d like you to come with me to Dallas.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. I have no idea how it might turn out and I could use a strong support system.” He sipped the wine. “I know it’s short notice and I’ll understand if—”

  “I’d love to go with you. I’m honored that you want me there when you see your father for the first time,” she told him.

  Anderson grinned. “Thank you.”

  “Whatever happens, we’ll deal with it together.”

  “I like that,” he said. In more ways than one, he believed that they had what it took to go the distance in life. He saw that with more and more clarity every time he was with her.

  “Good.” Holly kissed him lightly. “I’m going to hop into the shower. We can talk more afterward.”

  Anderson grabbed her hand before she could get away. “Care for some company?”

  “Hmm...” She could see where this was leading and could think of no reason why they shouldn’t go there. “What do you think?”

  He flashed a sexy smile, happy to take his mind off the uncertain meeting tomorrow for more immediate gratification.

  “I think that’s a yes,” he told Holly, looking forward to soaping her body, and much more.

  * * *

  As the plane began its descent into the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Holly couldn’t help but think how far they had come since she and Anderson had first laid eyes on one another in Portland. She could never have imagined that the exchange would lead to them becoming an item and spending many of their nights and days together. Now they were taking on a new chapter in going to meet his father. Holly had no illusions that it would be the warm, cuddly bond from the start that she had with her father. She was hopeful, though, that Anderson would give him a chance and vice versa.

  Anderson was thinking about life, love, marriage and family. He believed these were equally important and wanted to do right by Holly. He wished his mother was still around to see that he had managed well over the years and had found someone who seemed to be every bit as much in his corner as she had been.

  “My mother would have adored you,” he told Holly.

  “I could say the same about my mother and you,” she said, holding his hand.

  He met her eyes. “Yeah?”

  “She was a good judge of character, and she also believed that I would meet a man one day who would sweep me off my feet.”

  A broad grin crossed Anderson’s face. “I think I would’ve loved your mother for being so insightful.”

  “I have a feeling that our mothers are looking down on us, satisfied that we found each other,” Holly said. She suspected that their mothers would want to see them married and settled down, something that she also wanted. But not until Anderson was fully prepared to take that important step in their relationship.

  “I’m sure you’re right,” Anderson said. He knew her father was in his corner, too. But what about his father? Would he come away from this meeting with a new family member who would want to remain in their lives?

  * * *

  They rented a car and drove through the culturally diverse city, passing by the Thanksgiving Square, Dealey Plaza and Dallas Arboretum—all of which Holly had visited in the past—till they arrived at a two-story redbrick home.

  “This is it,” Anderson said, pulling alongside the curb. Though he had a phone number, he opted not to use it, figuring this was something that needed to be done face-to-face.

  “Looks like someone’s home,” Holly said, noting there were two cars in the driveway.

  “Guess there’s no turning back now,” Anderson said.

  “Do you know what you’re going to say to him?”

  “Whatever comes to mind in that moment,” he said uneasily. “Let’s go meet my dad.”

  They walked up to the house and Anderson hesitated as the jitters hit him. Had he really come to Dallas to visit the man who had fathered him but had never cared enough to even acknowledge his existence?

  He sucked in a deep breath, steeling himself to go for it.

  He rang the doorbell.

  The door opened and Anderson recognized the man standing there as the same one he had seen in the mug shot.

  Chester Gunn was in his sixties, bald and of medium build but close to Anderson’s height. He could well imagine that he was looking at an older future version of himself.

  “Are you Chester Gunn?” Anderson asked.

  “Yes, I’m Chester Gunn.” He eyed Anderson. “How can I help you?”

  Anderson felt his heart skip a beat in that moment, where everything could change forever.

  “Do you remember Diane Lockhart?” Anderson asked him.

  Chester paused. “Yes, we dated a long time ago. Why?”

  “She was my mother.” Anderson regarded him squarely. “My name is Anderson Gunn. I believe you’re my father—”

  Chester studied him for a long moment, his face crinkled with shock. “You’re telling me you’re my son?”

  “I have good reason to think I am,” Anderson said.

  Chester ran a hand across his mouth and then tur
ned to Holly. “Who are you?”

  “Holly Kendall,” she said. “I’m Anderson’s girlfriend.”

  Chester faced him again. “Come in.”

  Anderson looked at Holly, who gave him a supportive smile, before taking the man up on his offer.

  They stood in the living room, which was small, with leather furnishings and a carpeted floor.

  “Sit down,” Chester told them.

  Anderson and Holly sat on the sofa and watched as Chester sat in a chair across from them.

  “Where’s your mother?” Chester asked.

  Anderson frowned. “She’s been dead for many years.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” Chester said. “You’ve got my eyes and nose.”

  And your genes, Anderson thought. He was still unsure how he felt at this point but wondered what his old man had to say for himself about abandoning him and his mother.

  “Guess I took after you more than my mother,” he said.

  “How did you find me?” Chester asked.

  “I hired a good private detective.”

  “Why, after all these years?” he asked.

  Anderson turned toward Holly and thought about her close-knit relationship with her father before facing him again. “It seemed like a good idea to try to find out if you were still alive.”

  “I see.” Chester sat back. “I never thought I’d lay eyes on you again.”

  “Why didn’t you ever look for me?” Anderson asked curtly. “Why did you leave my mother pregnant and alone?”

  Holly squeezed his hand, knowing how hard this was for Anderson. She only hoped the answers were something he could live with.

  “Your mother and I had a falling out back then,” Chester said, gripping the armrest. “Neither of us was exclusive in the relationship. When I learned she was pregnant, I offered to marry her, believing the child to be mine. But she told me it was another man’s kid.”

  “Why would she do that?” Anderson asked skeptically.

  “It was her way of getting back at me for seeing other women. Never mind the fact that she saw just as many other men.”