Anything For Love

by Janelle Taylor

  Within minutes, they were kissing and caressing each other. It did not take long for desires to mount.

  Quentin pulled her onto his lap at the end of the center bench, her legs dangling over his. He lifted her T-shirt and unfastened the front catch of her bra so he could feast on her breasts. Rachel bent her head backward to allow him plenty of room for his stirring action; as she did so, her fingers danced merrily through his ebony locks. Her nipples thrilled to the flicks from his tongue and the pressure of his hot mouth. “I want you here and now, Quentin,” she whispered in yearning.

  “I want you, too, Rachel, and I need you.” He stood, placing her feet on the floor for a minute, and lowered his trousers as she removed her shorts and panties in a hurry. He guided them to the wall, lifted her against a beam between two sections of latticework, and thrust himself within her. He was delighted that she was so aroused and eager she was moist and ready for him. His large hands gripped her buttocks and his strong arms held her in place for slow and shallow strokes, then swift and deep ones. At times, he just held her and rotated his hips.

  Rachel’s back was protected from scratches by her shirt and the finished surface of the wood. But even if she were being pricked by splinters, she wouldn’t have cared. His lips drove her wild as they journeyed from one breast to the other, gently teething, licking, and sucking their taut points. Rachel kissed the top of his head and lavished attention on his earlobe, causing him to moan with rising need. When the core of her being burst into roaring flames and tingled, she murmured, “Now, Quentin, my love, now. Take me. Take me.”

  Quentin rode her with delight as her hands clutched his shoulders and she writhed upon his turgid manhood. He dashed aside his control and followed her lead with haste. When his ecstasy was spent, he lowered her feet to the floor but continued to hold her in his tender and possessive embrace, covering her face and lips with many kisses. He cupped her chin and gazed into her eyes. “I love you, Rachel Gaines, and I need you to be a permanent part of my life.”

  Her fingers trailed over his damp features as she replied, “I love you, too, Quentin, and I can’t imagine being without you. Just give yourself time to get your life straightened out, then ask me to marry you. By then, it won’t seem to everyone as if we’re moving too fast and impulsively. It’s not that I want to fool others, I just don’t want gossip to interfere with our relationship.”

  “I know you care what people think and say about you, about us. I understand and agree. Lord knows I’ve been plagued more than enough by bad press and hateful talk to want to avoid it.”

  She hugged him and thanked him for his reaction. “Let’s go take a shower, then enjoy a decadent dessert while we talk or watch TV.”

  Her words sounded to him like a family evening at home; he wanted countless more in the future. With all his heart and mind and soul, he knew she was the right woman for him, and Rachel had to realize by now they were meant for each other. He would not stop trying to win her until she was his wife. Whatever it took, he was willing and determined to make certain nothing and no one came between them.

  Before their arts council meeting, Rachel had lunch with Becky and Jennifer. Amidst their shocked expressions and words, she revealed Janet’s visit and call to her on Monday, and subsequent call to Dorothy Gaines.

  “This is absolutely incredible, Rach. It’s too much, even for Janet. What on earth possessed her to spy on you and to phone Mrs. Gaines?”

  “The woman dislikes me and wants to hurt me, pure and simple. I bet she’s already spreading vicious and nasty rumors about me.”

  “She hasn’t said anything to me or asked me any questions. What about you, Jen?”

  “Me, neither, and she better not.”

  “She will, just wait and see. She wants to cause me trouble over that supposed slight against her brother and for refusing to chair that committee. She must be miserable and she wants to make others miserable. Well, she had better not fool with me on this matter; I won’t take it.”

  “That’s the spirit, Rach, and I’ll help you defeat her on this one.”

  “You can count on me, too, Rachel,” Jen echoed. “Friends stick together.”

  “Thanks, I may need your support if she’s out for my blood. Maybe I should have answered the door, but I just wasn’t in the mood to banter with her. And, yes, Quentin was there, and I had to explain my behavior to him. Of course, he’d already had a foul taste of her at the restaurant last week. At least he has met her kind before; he understood and agreed with what I did.”

  “How are things going with Quentin?” Becky asked, grinning.

  Rachel warmed all over as she sighed and said, “Wonderful.”

  “That’s it?” Becky teased as she fluffed her short blond hair.

  “I could use every descriptive word in the dictionary but I doubt they would explain how I feel and how marvelous he is.”

  “You love him, don’t you?”

  Rachel gave Becky a radiant smile. “Totally, helplessly, endlessly.”

  “Wow, I got three words out of you that time,” Becky jested. “Do I hear wedding bells ringing in the near future?”

  “Probably, if we can work everything out between us.”

  “Has he asked?” Jen questioned, delighted for her friend.

  “Yes, but I’m not to give an answer until later. He doesn’t want to pressure me for a commitment this soon. And please, both of you, don’t tell anyone until we’re ready to announce it.”

  Becky made a playful X across her heart. “You can trust us to keep mum, even to Scott and Adam; we promise. Just tell us as soon as you’ve accepted, no matter what time of day or night it is.”

  “You’ll know right after Quentin does.”

  “How do you think the Gaineses will take the news?” Becky asked.

  “From what Dorothy said on the phone, she sounds happy about getting rid of me. She never accepted me as Daniel’s wife. She thought he should have married one of her friends’ daughters, a local. She was most displeased when I inherited part of the family’s holdings. She’d like nothing better than to retrieve them.”

  “They belong to your children and grandchildren, so don’t give in to her demands,” Jen said adamantly. “It’s no secret Dorothy Gaines can be cold and manipulative. I remember when she kept several newcomers to the area out of the women’s club because she considered them outsiders and social climbers. She said they didn’t know or understand southern ways and traditions, but that was only a crock to exclude them. Unfortunately, she had enough power and influence to get her way with the other members. She can be a real snob. I caught hints of strainbetween you two over the years, but I didn’t want to mention it and hurt you.”

  “I tried my best to get along with her, but she held me at arm’s length. Frankly, I’m glad they moved to Charleston so I don’t have to be around them much. Let’s change the subject before we lose our appetites.”

  “Suits us, right, Jen?”

  “Right. What do you think about this new artist we’re helping?”

  The conversation drifted to their imminent meeting, talk about their children, the church bake sale for the homeless shelter next weekend, and their dinner plans for Saturday night.

  After returning home, Rachel wrote long letters to her daughters and included special notes for her grandchildren. She revealed she was seeing Quentin Rawls, told when and where they had met both times, and related a little personal information about him. She was eager to speak with the girls to get their reactions and would do so as they were scheduled to phone soon. Even if the air-mail letters reached them afterward, they would realize she had not waited too long to reveal the news to them. She was sure they would be happy for her, and hoped they would like Quentin. Perhaps she should not marry him before they both returned next spring and had a chance to meet him. Her marriage to Daniel before meeting his family had caused trouble for her, and she didn’t want to cause any resentment toward her new husband, the girls’ stepfather. But ti
me passed so fast at her age and she wanted to spend every minute possible with him. Too, until they were married, they would be risking a scandal with an affair that was certain to be noticed, perhaps by the wrong person.

  Quentin picked her up and they drove to his hotel suite to drop off papers from his meeting with the real estate agent about suggested land locations and estimates. While there, they made deliciously slow and passionate love, then they showered, dressed, and went out to dinner.

  As they did so, neither caught sight of Todd Hardy as he spied on them; this time, taking sly precautions to remain hidden from view as he made copious notes and snapped picture after picture.

  Eleven

  On Friday morning, Rachel exercised and ran errands, one of them to the grocery store to purchase items for a cookout that night with Quentin. Another was to the post office to send letters to her family, paying extra for express mail so they would get them faster.

  She had told Quentin to bring along his trunks, and after their food settled, they decided to take a swim.

  They sat on a long, submerged bench in the shallow end of the water, sitting close and touching while they chatted about his recent appointments, football and the impending season, his family and friends, her children and grandchildren, and her many charitable activities.

  Rachel decided it was time to relate her problems with her inlaws, and did so, but kept the reason for her hasty marriage to Daniel private. Quentin listened sympathetically and was relieved she had no strong ties to the Gaineses so they couldn’t make trouble between them.

  “I promise you won’t be treated that way by my family,” he assured her. “They’ll love you and welcome you as a member. I’m biased, but they’re good and kind people.”

  “They would have to be to raise a son like you.”

  “Thanks, and they’d appreciate that compliment. They’ll be pleased with you, Rachel, because you bring out the best in me. They’ll be happy I’ve found the right woman and they’ll see how well we’re suited. I want you to meet them as soon as our schedules allow, but I’ve already told them a lot about you. They think you’re perfect for me.”

  “I hope I live up to their expectations.”

  “You will, have no doubts. Mom said my brother Frank is doing great in Dothan; he’s even seeing a nice young woman. That’s what he needs, somebody to love him and to help keep him straight.”

  “I hope things work out for him.”

  “They will, if the media will leave him be. I don’t know why they keep tormenting him over his past mistakes and comparing him to me. Most articles about me mention him; that’s downright cruel, keeps his wounds from healing. Once I’m out of the limelight, they shouldn’t trouble him again.” Or us.

  “I know that’s one aspect about your career you won’t miss.”

  “Nope, not in the least. What I hate is having to leave you behind next Wednesday. Lordy, I’m gonna miss you.” He cuddled her close to him.

  Rachel curled toward him, and nestled her head against his chest. “I’m going to miss you, too. Six months sounds like forever.”

  “We’re not going to go that long without seeing each other, are we?”

  “We’ll work something out,” she said, lifting her head to look at him. Light from a full moon revealed his features and expression. She gazed into his eyes and traced his lips with her forefinger.

  Quentin’s mouth enclosed it and his tongue played with it. He shifted her body to rest across his lap so they could kiss and caress each other freely. Warm water lapped at their bodies as movements created swirls. He undid the strap around her neck and lowered the top of her swimsuit. His hands fondled her breasts, and his cheek nuzzled them in serene delight.

  Soon, their suits were discarded in rapturous abandon so they could tantalize bare flesh with eager fingers and seeking lips. Sounds from neighbors’ homes did not dissuade them from taking a carefree swim in the nude or from uniting their bodies on the bench afterward. They knew they couldn’t be seen inside the enclosed yard. The daring episode was romantic and erotic as their desires heightened and ultimately sated.

  Relaxing in his arms ultimately Rachel said, “I love you so much, Quentin, and I love being with you.”

  He kissed her shoulder and neck as he held her in his lap, totally content. “I love you and love being with you. We’ll have a good marriage and a wonderful life together. I just wish we could tie the knot sooner.”

  Rachel lifted her head and locked their gazes. “We don’t want to rush things too much, but waiting will surely be hard.”

  “How can I concentrate on football when I’ll be thinking about you?”

  “You’ll manage,” she teased, “because you have to do a great job.”

  “If I’m given the chance.”

  “Will it bother you that much if you don’t make it?” She watched him take a deep breath and saw the expression of longing in his eyes.

  “I want this last season badly; it’s a special one, and I don’t want to go out on the bottom, but I’ll accept what fate deals me. I won’t have any choice, will I?”

  It was clear that resentment chewed at him, yet, he seemed man enough to accept the inevitable. “I hope and pray you succeed, and I’ll be waiting for you if you don’t.”

  “That will make a defeat easier to take. Lordy, you’re good for me.”

  She moved wet hair from his forehead and smiled. “And you’re good for me, perfect for me. I love you.”

  “I’ve loved you since we met on the ship.”

  Rachel smiled again. “That’s when you stole my heart, too.”

  “Promise you won’t forget me while I’m gone.”

  “How can I when your memory stayed fresh for twelve years?”

  “I know what you mean; the same is true for me. I wonder how it would have been for us if that detective hadn’t lost his license and he’d found you for me years ago.”

  “I think it’s best we were reunited when we were. We’re stronger now, and closer than we might have been then. Our lives are almost settled, and our responsibilities are different. Marriage to somebody who’s gone half the time would be difficult.”

  “Football is a demanding mistress.”

  “That’s a colorful and amusing way of putting it, but accurate.”

  “I think that may be why so many marriages in my career fail, too many separations and for too long. Maybe it is good that we won’t be taking that risk. Of course, retirement means I’ll be underfoot more.”

  “Oh, I think I can take having you around most of the time.”

  “Can you now?” he jested and nibbled on her neck.

  Rachel laughed and squirmed, then wiggled free to take a swim, coaxing him to follow her.

  They enjoyed each other’s company until eleven, when Quentin dressed, kissed her good night several times, and departed with noticeable reluctance.

  As she locked the door and set the alarm system, Rachel smiled and murmured, “I wish you didn’t have to leave. I think I could make love to you all night. But somebody might see you leave in the morning or realize you didn’t leave tonight. If only I didn’t care what people said and thought, but I do, and I should.” They had spent twelve days together and made love for the last five in a row. She could hardly wait to see him Saturday afternoon.

  Rachel was overjoyed when her youngest daughter phoned her early the next morning. She sat up in the bed and almost squealed in delight, “Evelyn! It’s so good to hear your voice. I miss you terribly. It must be an awful hour to be up and on the phone.”

  The girl laughed. “It is, but I had to hear your voice, Mom, and I miss you something fierce. How are you? What’s happening over there?”

  “I’m doing fine, and things are going great, except for you and Karen and your family being so far away. How are Alex and Ashley doing, and Eddie and Barbara?”

  “Everybody’s fine and having fun. Eddie’s working hard but he’s enjoying himself and learning a lot. Barbara’s been f
antastic help; I’m glad she came with us; we’re even picking up some Japanese. They all said to tell you hello; they’ve been in bed for hours. I was reading while I was waiting to call; I didn’t want to get you up too early.”

  “Call any time, I don’t mind, and collect is fine with me. I worry about phoning at ungodly hours and disturbing everyone’s sleep or waking the children. Are you still planning on returning home in April?”

  “Nothing’s changed in our schedule so far. You are coming over at Christmas, aren’t you? Do you have your passport ready?”

  “I received it a few weeks ago and checked on everything I needed to do before I come. Karen’s phoning next week during her break.”

  “How are my sister and her sweetheart doing?”

  Rachel related the most current news from Karen and they talked about things Evelyn was doing in Japan. “I just mailed you a long letter yesterday. Express so it would reach you fast.”

  “Eddie said to thank you for the newspaper and Parade articles on the automotive industry. Things are looking up for both sides right now.”

  “For me, too. I met a man and we’re seeing each other regularly.”

  “That’s wonderful, Mom! Who is he? Do I know him or his family?”

  Rachel revealed information about Quentin Rawls and their romance, then added, “He’s younger than I am.”

  “That doesn’t matter these days, but how much younger?”

  “He’s thirty-eight, nine years my junior.”

  “That’s nothing to worry about, and you look thirty. Is it serious?”

  “Yes, for both of us. He’s wonderful, Evelyn. I hope you and Karen and the others like him.”

  “If you do, I’m sure we will. Is he handsome and sexy?”

  Rachel laughed, and warmed as his image filled her mind’s eye. “Yes to both. You don’t think I’m being silly or impulsive, do you?”