The store was crowded as Lauren tried to hurry and get the things they needed. Christina never scrimped when it came to money for groceries. Lauren didn't spend half what Christina did on her own groceries for her and her mother. Guess if she had Christina's money she wouldn't scrimp either.
"Hey good looking," a deep sexy voice called out as Lauren came down the last isle. She looked and saw Leonard.
"Hi. How have you been?" she asked trying to avoid his sexy jet black eyes. She had been avoiding his calls lately. "How about going out this Friday for a pizza?" he asked enthusiastically.
"Well ah..."
"Come on Lauren you can't work all the time. I won't take no for an answer. You need to get out."
"But I also need to take care of my mom. She's not been doing to well lately."
"I know. I stopped by today and Lisa said she'd be more than glad to stay with your mom so you could go out this weekend. Come on, what do you say?" he asked turning up his smile a notch.
"Well maybe. Call me later, ok?" she asked. "I've got to get back to work now."
"Sure," he replied with a wink. He hadn't given up on her. Someday he hoped she would change her mind and marry him.
He'd loved her for a long time and he wasn't about to give up on her yet.
Lauren found herself singing in the car on her way back to Christina's. Leonard always made her feel good. But she didn't love him the same way he loved her. Still she had missed the good times they had together and looked forward to Friday. It had been months since she'd been out with kids her own age and she missed it. However, she would never let herself fall in love with him, never.
Lauren carried the groceries inside and began putting them away as she hummed along with the radio.
"You seem pretty happy today. Any special reason?" Christina asked jokingly as she entered the kitchen.
"No reason," Lauren blushed.
"You never talk much about yourself. Is there some special man in your life?" Christina asked eagerly.
"No."
Christina could tell that Lauren didn't want to discuss it any further so she dropped the conversation. She wished she could get closer to her. She seemed so lonely. She knew she spent most of her time taking care of her mother but she needed a social life too. She thought of her as the daughter she never had. She had often wished her and Tyler had a child together but as fate would have it they didn't.
"Well I'll be at the hospital most of the day so you can leave whenever you finish," Christina sighed as she slipped on her coat and headed towards the door.
"What time do you want supper ready?" Lauren asked nervously.
"Um. I'm not really sure what time I'll get back so just leave it in the refrigerator and I'll warm it up when I get in."
Lauren nodded her head and continued on with her work. Maybe she'd finish early and stop and pick up one of her mom's favorite movies for her to watch tonight.
"Anything I can do to help?" Maureen asked softly, her eyes narrowing.
"No thanks, everything’s under control," she said in a voice that seemed to come from a long way off. She didn't know why Maureen was being so polite to her. She must be up to something she thought as she eyed her suspiciously.
Just then Rusty entered the room and poured a cup of coffee.
"Morning ladies," he said sleepily. "I didn't mean to sleep so late but I was beat last night." He looked over at Maureen and winked. She could see the flicker of amusement in his eyes and smiled. She had to admit she enjoyed his company, far more than she ever imagined she would in the beginning. He had a ruggedness and vital power that attracted her.
She leaned her head back and gazed into his eyes for a brief moment as he sat down next to her. He raised himself up on one elbow and looked at her intently. Was he feeling it too she wondered as a spark of electricity sent a shiver up her spine. She flicked an imaginary speck of dirt from her pants nervously. This wasn't like her. She was always in control of her emotions...until now.
Rusty leaned back, sipping his coffee contentedly. His dark eyebrows arched mischievously. "How about going out to dinner with me tonight," he asked. The smile in his eyes contained a sensuous flame.
Nervously she moistened her dry lips before answering. "I'd like that."
He gave her a smile that sent her pulses racing as he rose from his seat in one fluid motion pushing his hands deep into his pockets. "Guess I'd better get a shower," heading towards the hall.
Her mouth curved into an unconscious smile as she drew her legs up, placing her feet on the chair seat. Her heart swelled with a feeling she had thought long since dead. Her vow not to become involved with him was slowly shattering. However, he was the first man she had ever confided in like she had the other night or felt so comfortable with. It seemed like hours she sat there dreaming but in reality only minutes. She heard Rusty coming down the stairs.
"More coffee," Rusty interrupted her thoughts momentarily as he returned all refreshed from the shower.
"Yes, thank you," she replied low and purposefully seductive.
The tantalizing smell of his after-shave captivated her.
He sat across from her, his fingers, tapered and strong, caressed the coffee mug anxiously. They sat quietly drinking their coffee. "I've really enjoyed these past few days," he replied breaking the silence.
"Me too," she whispered as she placed her hand on his forearm. "In fact. I'm really going to miss you when you and Andrew leave this time."
The lines of concentration deepened along his brows and eyes as he studied her long and hard. He had vowed not to get too deeply involved with her from the start but his heart was taking control now. True they started off on rocky ground but things were changing rapidly.
The ringing of the phone brought him back to reality. It was Christina calling to say the doctors would be releasing Andrew tomorrow morning.
"That's great," said Rusty a little disappointed. That would mean they would be heading back home soon. Just as things with Maureen and him were going so well.
"Well I have some things to do before tonight so I'll see you in little bit," Maureen said as she put her cup in the sink. He gave her a brief nod as she walked away. Rusty poured another cup of coffee and headed for the sunroom to relax. He wondered if he should tell Maureen how much he cared for her or did he even stand a chance with her on a permanent relationship. Leisurely he stretched his legs and wrinkled his forehead in deep thought.
"You look gorgeous," Rusty remarked as Maureen entered the living room. "Maybe we shouldn't go out tonight," he kidded her.
"Come on handsome, I'm starved," she smiled and put on her jacket. "Where are we going?" she asked curiously.
"You'll have to wait and see," he murmured teasingly as they walked towards the car.
She snuggled closer to him as they drove down the highway resting her head on his shoulder. She hadn't felt this contented with anyone in a long, long time and it sure felt good. Maybe she didn't need a man with money after all to make her happy. Soon they pulled into the parking lot of Gerald's Restaurant and stopped.
"This is great," she exclaimed as they went inside. The tables all had white linen cloths and candles. It was so romantic. The waiter seated them in a cozy corner, then returned with champagne.
"Rusty you shouldn't have," she whispered softly, her sparkling eyes glowed with delight. "This will set you back an arm and a leg."
"You’re worth it my dear," he replied enchantingly with a mock bow.
She looked at him, studying his face unhurriedly, feature by feature. His eyes were as dark and powerful as he was. She wondered how it would be to be married to him, perhaps have a child. But where would she have to live, in a mobile home or apartment. As much as she cared for him, she hated the thought of living in such cramped quarters.
"Are you ready to order now," the waiter asked politely.
"Yes, I'll have the prime rib cooked medium well, baked potato with sour cream and butter and a salad with ranch dressing plea
se."
"And you sir?"
"I'll have the prime rib also rare, baked potato with butter and a caesar salad."
Maureen's eyes drank in the sensuality of his physique from across the table. The band was playing a romantic love song as Rusty extended his hand to Maureen and said," may I have this dance?"
Maureen smiled as he pulled her to her feet and putting his arm around her waist, squeezed her affectionately. As they danced her body yielded against his. She could feel his uneven breathing on her neck as he held her close, his hands explored the hollows of her back. His touch firm and persuasive invited more. Her trembling limbs clung to him. The dance ended much to soon for her as they headed towards the table, her body still tingling from his closeness. The prolonged anticipation was almost unbearable. He radiated such a vitality that drew her like a magnet.
The waiter returned with their salads. Suddenly she wasn't hungry, for the food that is. "Would you like more champagne," he asked.
"Yes, thank you," she replied softly. There was a tingling in the pit of her stomach and it wasn't from the champagne.
Soon the waiter returned with the rest of the meal. The prime rib was huge. "This is absolutely the best prime rib I've ever had," she announced after taking the first bite. It seemed to melt in her mouth and was so tender she could cut it with a fork. "You certainly have excellent taste in restaurants."
"Why thank you ma'am. I was hoping you'd like it here. Its one of my favorites and I come here whenever I’m in this area."
She smiled and continued eating. He didn't know how much she was going to miss him. Maybe he would forget her once he left here she wondered sadly.
"What's wrong, you seem a million miles away," he asked genuinely concerned.
"Oh it's nothing. I was just thinking that's all."
He looked at her intently. "About what, if I may ask?"
"Just that I'm really going to miss you when you go. I've never felt quite like this before about anyone," she replied looking down at her plate. "I wish tonight would never end."
"We'll keep in touch, I promise. And I'll come and see you if you want."
They finished their meal then order some espresso.
"Would you like some dessert?" he asked.
"I'm stuffed," she replied. "I couldn't eat another bite."
"Me to. How about another dance?" he asked tenderly drinking in her beauty as they headed towards the dance floor. They ended up dancing until the last song was played. The moon was shining bright as they drove back to the house.
"Can I fix you another drink?" she asked as they took off their coats.
"Sure, thanks." Rusty put another log on the fire before settling down on the large sofa. Maureen returned and snuggled closer to him on the sofa. He was looking at her as if he were photographing her with his eyes. His gaze traveled over her face and searched her eyes. She tried to throttle the dizzying current racing through her. She longed for the protectiveness of his arms, not just for tonight, but for always.
She tilted her head towards his and felt his lips gently upon hers sending a shock wave throughout her entire body. Gently his hand unbuttoned her silk blouse, his fingers icy, but the palm fiery hot. His hand moved magically over her smooth breasts as she quivered under his touch. He undressed her slowly, worshipfully, his body imprisoning hers in a web of arousal. She gasped as he lowered his body over hers, flesh against flesh; she matched his urgency with her own lusty needs. She felt her breasts crush against the hardness of his chest. Their bodies were in exquisite harmony with one another. She was filled with an amazing sense of completeness, as they lay side by side, exhausted. She thought she almost heard him whisper I love you as she drifted off to sleep.
"You're up early," Maureen said as she put on a pot of coffee.
"Guess I'm getting anxious. I'm picking Andrew up at 10 this morning. He'll stay here a few days before they head back home. God, I'm sure going to hate to see him go."
"Yeah I know the feeling. I'm going to miss Rusty to."
Christina glanced over at her sister and smiled. Well, maybe things would finally work out for her after all. She wanted her to find the same happiness that she'd had with Andrew. "Did you have a good time last night?" she asked curiously.
"Oh it was fabulous. We had a fantastic dinner, and then danced until dawn. I never thought I could feel this way about anyone ever again."
She stopped for a moment pouring herself and Christina a cup of coffee. They sat at the table across from each other and Maureen continued. "But I don't know if he feels the same way about me. I mean, I might just be a passing fling or something. And I told him over and over that I didn't want to get serious so maybe he won't."
"Have you told him how you feel now?" Christina asked.
"Well kind of. I told him how much I'd miss him."
"Are you in love with him?" she asked with a twinkle of amusement in her eyes.
"I'm not sure but I think so," Maureen murmured excitedly. "I know we didn't hit it off so well in the beginning and he's not rich, but I get this feeling whenever we're together I can't explain. And now money doesn't seem all that important anymore. It must be love. I mean, can you believe it’s me saying that I don't care if he's rich or not but that's the way I feel. Of course I would love to have a fine mansion and maids and all the trimmings, but when I'm with Rusty everything else seems unimportant."
Christina just smiled. It seemed good to see such a change in her sister. "I'm so happy for you Maureen. There's nothing like being in love. I always thought Rusty and you would hit it off. Somehow he just seems to be right for you." Reaching her hand across the table Christina held Maureen's hand for a few minutes, thinking how much she loved her sister. Just then Rusty waltzed into the kitchen.
"Morning," he muttered sleepily.
Maureen handed him a cup of coffee. "Thanks beautiful," he said as he sat down. "What a beautiful sunrise," he exclaimed as he looked out the kitchen window.
"Well I've got to get ready. See you later,” Christina said.
"You sure are glowing this morning," Rusty said with a smile. Maureen felt the blood rush to her face like a schoolgirl.
"Well I never thought I'd see the day when you'd blush like that," he said teasing her, affectionately. Excitement added shine to her eyes and polish to her cheeks. His eyes roamed over her figure and he winked at her broadly.
She looked up at him with dreamy eyes and studied him intensely. "What would you like for breakfast?" she asked.
"Um, French toast would be nice." He noticed how her blue eyes shimmered with the light from the window. He enjoyed watching her as she fixed breakfast never dreaming she could be domesticated as well as beautiful.
His smile broadened in approval as she set his plate down in front of him. "A guy could get use to service like this," he remarked jubilantly. She felt a warm glow flow through her. He had awakened a new sense of life in her and for once in her life she felt truly good about herself without the use of drugs, even though she still craved it, she wondered how she'd ever find the strength to go cold turkey once and for all. There was hope for her yet she thought as she smiled contentedly.
She sat down and joined him. The golden sun had risen past the tall oak tree. She couldn't wait for spring to come.
"More coffee," she asked reaching for his cup.
"Thanks. This is a great breakfast. I bet there's a lot of things about you that I don't know yet, aren't there?" he asked teasingly.
She just looked at him with a mischievous grin on her face.
"I’ll tell you though, that French toast is about all I can cook. I never liked it when I was young, and I don’t like it now. Why do you think I wanted to find a rich man to take care of me? I didn’t want to have to cook. By the way, do you like to bowl?" she asked.
"I've only bowled a couple of times but it was okay."
"Good. Let's go bowling this afternoon."
"Fine by me," he answered as he leaned back in the chair folding his h
ands behind his head.
"Two o'clock ok with you," she asked.
"Sure two will be fine."
"Alright. Well I'm going to finish cleaning upstairs." As she walked past him Rusty reached out and pulled her down next to him and kissed her tenderly on the cheek, his smile was boyishly affectionate. A satisfied light came into his eyes as he released her. She glanced back over her shoulder as she headed towards the stairway.
She looked at all the material things Tyler’s money had collected in this beautiful mansion and wondered if she could really be happy without all the beauty that surrounded her here. But the beauty found in these objects couldn't hold her tight on a lonely night or comfort her when she was feeling sad. She made her bed then drew a nice hot bubble bath as she heard a car door shut, then voices downstairs. It must be Christina back with Andrew she thought leaning back in the sparkling bubbles and closed her eyes.
"Hey, did you fall asleep in there?" Christina asked outside the bathroom door.
"Almost," Maureen shouted through the door. "I'll be out in a few minutes." Maureen toweled dry then put on a pair of black jeans and white tee shirt.
"Sorry I took so long. How's Andrew? Did he come home with you?" she asked.
"He's doing fine. A little tired. The doctor said he would need to rest two or three more days before heading home."
"That's good," Maureen exclaimed. She was hoping they would have to stay longer but at least Rusty would be there for a couple more days. "I hope you don't mind but Rusty and I are going out for a while this afternoon."
"That's fine. Andrew needs to rest anyway. Where you two going?"
"To the bowling alley."
"Well have fun."
"Thanks sis, we will. Do you need anything while were out?" she asked.
"Can't think of a thing. Now go on and have fun. I'm going to fix a little tea then maybe take a nap. I haven't been feeling too well lately; guess it's that stomach trouble I keep getting. I wish it would go away and not keep coming back over and over again."
"I'm worried about that Christina. I think you should go in for a complete checkup. It's not normal for anyone to keep getting sick as much as you have since he died. Please say you'll go to a doctor."
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