DarkHeart of Hampton House

by Joy Redmond

  Lance picked her up and threw her body on the bed. They quickly undressed each other and no foreplay was needed as he entered her. Lacy didn’t make loud sounds, but her body responded in such a way that Lance found himself ready to blow quickly. Which he did.

  His body went limp on top of Lacy. “Sorry. That hasn’t happened since I was sixteen.”

  Lacy stroked his hair. “That’s what ya call a quickie. I like them from time to time. I’m not one who has to have foreplay for hours. And I can wait until later to get my jollies. Joey is waiting for us and I’m getting a little hungry.”

  Lance hugged her tightly. “You’re a peach. Most women would be mad, but I’m learning more each day that you aren’t like any woman I’ve ever known.” He kissed her forehead.

  Soon they were cleaned up and ready to head to Joey’s. “We’ll unpack later, sugar dumpling. I’ll go grab the Jack, then we’ll have some grub. Joey’s a good cook.”

  “Am I dressed okay?”

  “You’re fine. We’re not all fancy-shmancy. C’mon,” he said, taking her hand and leading her into the kitchen. He opened a cabinet and took out a bottle of Jack Daniel’s. “Ready?”

  “Ready,” she answered.

  “After you,” he said, as he opened the door. Get ready for a lot of things. You’ve entered a brand new world. You have no idea.

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Lance opened the side door that led into the garage. He held Lacy’s hand as they walked around Joey’s car. Lance didn’t bother to knock on the door that led into the kitchen, he just opened it and yelled, “We’re here.”

  “C’mon in. Fix us a drink while I get the table set. It’s about done.”

  Lance fixed the three of them a drink. For the first time he mixed the Jack Daniel’s with Seven-Up for himself. He handed a mixed drink to Lacy. “Don’t insult the host. He expects us to have a drink with him. He did fix us dinner,” Lance whispered.

  Lacy took the drink and barely sipped. By the time dinner was ready to be served, she had managed to finish it. “Shall I fix you another?” Lance asked.

  “No, thank you. One is all I need and I really didn’t want it, I just didn’t want to be rude.”

  Lance was drinking slowly for him, but he thought it was best. After dinner, he had to go pick up his bike. The shop stayed opened until 8’oclock. He was eager to get back on the hog.

  They headed into the kitchen area and before Lacy took a seat, she filled her empty glass with tap water.

  Joey fixed a plate for Lacy and set it in front of her. As he turned to fix another plate for Lance, Lacy leaned in on Lance and whispered, “What is this stuff?”

  “It’s Chinese. Very good, so eat it and don’t say a word.” He gave her one of his cold stares.

  Lacy waited for Joey to have a seat at the table. Then she put the first bite into her mouth. She continued eating as if it was the best food she had ever eaten. With her mouth half-full, she said, “Man, this is good, Joey. You need to teach me how to make it.” She cleaned her plate, then looked at Lance, wondering if it would be proper to ask for more.

  Lance smiled, refilled her plate and refilled his too. “Joey, ole boy, I do believe I could get used to your cooking, fast.”

  “I cook every day. You two are welcome to have dinner with me every night. It’s not much fun eating alone. Lance, ole pal, you bring the booze and I’ll supply the food. Deal?”

  “Deal,” Lance answered, looking at Lacy.

  “Sounds good to me. I’ll clean up the kitchen and we’ll all have our duties and enjoy our evenings. I always did want to have family dinners. The food just seems to taste better. You two are the only family I have now.”

  “Family doesn’t have to be blood,” Joey said. “Here’s to our little family!”

  The three of them touched glasses. “Cheers!” Lacy said.

  Lance saw a look in Lacy’s eyes he hadn’t seen before. She was radiant. He patted her leg, then gave her a peck on the cheek. This could be the beginning of a new life for me too. Who would have ever thought it?

  “Joey, while Lacy cleans up the kitchen do you mind givin’ me a ride to the shop? I really wanna pick up my bike. I’ve missed that baby.”

  “Sure thing,” Joey answered. “We’ll be back soon, Lacy.”

  “When you get the kitchen cleaned, you need to go back to our house and get unpacked,” Lance said. He and Joey headed for the garage.

  Lance heard Lacy mumble, “Our house?”

  By the time Lance and Joey returned, Lacy was back at Lance’s house, sitting on the couch when Lance came through the front door. “I see you’ve made yourself at home. Good.”

  “I took the liberty of hanging my clothes in your closet and I put my other stuff in the dresser drawers since you’re using the chest of drawers. I wasn’t snooping. I just opened a drawer, then decided I needed to use the dresser—”

  Lance cut her off. “You did fine. Do you wanna take a spin on the bike?”

  “Do I! It’s been awhile since I’ve been on one. Let me put on some jeans and my tennies.”

  Lance watched her scurry off like a child hurrying to get to the tree on Christmas morning. Warmth spread throughout his body.

  Outside, Lance cranked the bike. Lacy straddled the seat behind Lance and yelled, “Let ’er rip. Woohoo!”

  Lance took off and yelled over the roar of the bike. “There’s nothing like the wind in your hair, bugs in your teeth and a set of boobs on your back!”

  They rode for over an hour and Lance was surprised at how Lacy knew exactly how to lean her body as he took sharp curves. She does seem to have been born to ride. What fun we’re gonna have. I’ve never ridden with a person behind me, but damn if I don’t like it. I like the feel of her arms around me. She sure enough trusts me with her life. That’s makes me feel important.

  When they got back home, Lance parked the Harley in the garage. Lacy climbed off. “That was fun. I hope we get to ride every day. Those saddle bags are nice. Did you have them special ordered?”

  “Nah, I bought ’em that way. I like to travel light, but they sure hold a lot. Come Monday morning, I guess my traveling will be over for a spell. I’ll be working all week, but we can ride on weekends. We just won’t be packing to spend nights.”

  “Are you sure you won’t let me ride it? When you’re at work, I won’t have any way of getting around. I really want to push my songs. I’ve got demos.”

  “Fine. Ride it. When you get worn out from chasing a pipe dream, maybe you’ll—never mind.”

  Lacy threw her arms around his neck and hugged with all her strength. “Thank you so much. I may be chasing a pipe dream, but I gotta try. It could happen. I can’t tell you how happy you’ve made me. I think I’m the happiest girl in the whole USA.”

  “Well, I’m glad to hear that, Donna Fargo.”

  “You know that song? That’s one of my favorites. Damn, we’ve got more in common than the love of riding bikes and making love. You’re just full of surprises.”

  You have no idea! “Speaking of making love, how about we go in and give it another try. This time I owe you one.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Lacy said, followed by a little girl giggle.

  Laughing, Lance took her hand and led her inside.

  They hurried to the bedroom, Lacy saying, “The last one naked is a fart knocker!”

  They were undressed and jumping into bed at the same time. Lacy was flat on her back and Lance loomed over her. His eyes traveled up and down the length of her body. “You always look delicious."

  Lance pulled her close and held her firmly against his body.

  Lacy struggled playfully, then melted into his arms. Their lips met in a warm delicious taste of spice. His hands caressed her lovely bottom. Lacy moaned a sound of pleasure as Lance touched her in her sensitive places that made her react with squirming hips. He bent his head down to kiss her small, firm breasts.

  Lacy gasped as she felt him enter her, and she responded
by working her hips against him, meeting him thrust to thrust.

  Their need to climax built until neither could hold back.

  When they were spent, they lay in each other’s arms, Lacy resting her head on Lance’s chest. He stroked her hair and whispered, “That’s what you call making love.”

  “That’s what I call it,” Lacy whispered and kissed his bare chest.

  They held each other for a few minutes. Lance enjoyed the feeling of their hearts beating together as one.

  What is it about this childlike woman? She isn’t wild, kinky, a screamer or a clawer. She merely moans with pleasure. Her body language makes me feel like a man. A real man. I’ve never felt this way before.

  In the dark of the night, Lacy lay sleeping, facing Lance. He was on his back, propped against the pillows, his mind spinning. Silver moonlight streamed around the dark blue curtains in the bedroom, giving everything a bluish tint, like fairy light in the forest. Lance opened his eyes and looked at her lying there. He smiled and kissed her neck, then shifted against the pillows and fell into a deep sleep.

  Chapter Forty

  The next morning, Lance woke up, eased out of bed, trying not to wake Lacy, and headed for the shower. As he stood under the soothing spray of water, he though about the nights he’d slept with Lacy. After they had made love, he’d fallen asleep without drinking half of a fifth or taking a couple ludes. No nightmares. No voices screaming. No faces dancing before his closed eyes.

  Was Lacy’s sweet love his new fix that would chase the demons and ghosts of the past out of his head? Was she turning him into a human with feelings? He wasn’t sure what he felt for her, but whatever it was, he was thankful for it. Was it love? Was it just somebody new? Would it last?

  He stepped out of the shower and toweled off, wrapped the towel around his waist and went to the kitchen and made a pot of coffee. When it was ready, he poured a cup, then sat down at the table and looked out the kitchen window. There was a bluebird on the fence and the wind chimes on the patio tolled like silver bells. The golden sunlight streamed through the trees. I’ve never noticed the beauty of a day.

  He heard sounds coming from the bedroom, and he knew it was Lacy, shifting in their bed. He carried his coffee into the room and gazed at her lying on her back beneath the sheet that draped around her like a white gown on a fairy tale princess.

  He sat the coffee cup on the end table by the bed, undid the towel and let it fall to the floor. He slipped back into bed, careful not to jar Lacy awake. Propping on one arm, he looked at her beautiful face. As he watched the quiet sunlight move over her, he couldn't resist kissing her cheek.

  She slowly opened her eyes and smiled. “You smell good.”

  “Like coffee?”

  Lacy gave a little shake of her head. “No. Better than coffee,” she said as the little smile flitted.

  Lance leaned down and kissed her cheek again, and she turned her head so their lips would touch in the first kiss of the day.

  Lance’s fingers touched her face, then her neck and then her shoulder. Lacy parted her lips, and Lance gently sucked her lower lip, loving it with his tongue. They made love, warm and wet and delicious.

  They lay in each other’s arms until their rapid heartbeats were back to normal rhythm.

  “So, what are we gonna do today?” Lacy asked.

  “I need to go turn in the rental. I guess I’ll let you drive the bike and follow me. I’ll see how good you can maneuver in traffic. This is traffic like you’ve never driven in. If you pass the test, then I guess I’ll trust you to ride it when I’m at work.”

  Lacy jumped out of bed. “I’ll be ready in no time. Holy shit! I can’t wait to take that baby for a spin. You’ll see how good I can drive.”

  Lance enjoyed another cup of coffee while he waited. He couldn’t believe how good he felt. No need for a black beauty or a benny. He couldn’t remember starting a day without either. “Lacy is my jumpstart.” He shook his head, still trying to understand the affect she had on him.

  When they were ready to go, Lance said, “Follow close behind me. If you get lost, I’ll never find ya. The key is in the ignition.”

  Just as Lance opened the garage door, Joey was walking crossing the driveway. “Hey, I’ve got breakfast going. I was hoping you two were up. Come on over.”

  “Lacy, do you want to eat breakfast? It sounds good this morning.”

  “I’m starving,” Lacy said.

  “Then I guess you’ve got us to feed, Joey. You’re gonna fatten us up.”

  They sat around the kitchen table and enjoyed a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs, hash browns, biscuits and milk gravy.”

  “Damn, Uncle Herschel has nothing on you, Joey. This is the best breakfast I’ve ever eaten,” Lacy said, as she got up and headed for the coffee pot. “I think it tastes so good because I’m eating with family.”

  Lance watched a glow spread over Joey’s face. He’s in human heaven. So much like Jimmy. We all seem to be good for each other. Amazing.

  After breakfast, Lacy helped Joey clean up the kitchen, then turned toward Lance. I’m ready to get on the bike if you’re ready to take the car back.”

  Joey cast Lance a shocked look. “You’re gonna let her drive your precious baby? What’s the world coming to?”

  “What’s it coming to, indeed?” Lance replied, shaking his head.

  “After ya’ll turn in the car, come on by my office. I wanna show Lacy around,” Joey said.

  “We’ll be there, Joey. See ya later,” Lance took Lacy’s hand and led her through the kitchen and out the side door. “He’s one hellofa guy, huh?”

  “I think he’s wonderful, and I think we’re good for him. His eyes are so sad. Maybe we can bring back his sparkle.”

  “You do seem to have that effect on people, sugar dumpling.”

  Lance backed the car out of the garage, and watched Lacy through his windshield. She cranked the bike, backed out of the garage like a pro, then waved for him to head off. “You’d better keep up, Lacy. This town is crazy. At least it’s Sunday, and the traffic won’t be as bad as it will be in the morning.”

  Twenty minutes later, Lance pulled into the parking lot of Rent-A-Car. Lacy pulled up beside him. “So, how did I do?”

  Lance stepped out of the car. “Amazing! I didn’t think a tiny thing like you would be able to handle that big mother like you did.” He kissed her on top of her head. “You passed the test. Now hang on while I go inside and pay the bill. When I come out, scoot your sexy butt on the back. I’m driving us to Joey’s office. I think I can remember how to get there. I’ve only been there once. ”

  A few minutes later, they were headed across town.

  Lance smiled as Joey got more excited by the minute as he showed Lacy around. He had four large rooms, one being his examining room and occasional operating room. Four walls were lined with cabinets. Joey opened the doors and displayed his pharmacy. “We vets have to have all kind of medications. I’ve got as much as a hospital for humans.”

  “Shit, man. How do you remember what is what and what to give what?” Lacy asked.

  Joey laughed. “It took years of schooling in What Classes. Seven years to be exact. The only difference in treating humans and animals is the dosage.”

  “I’m impressed, Joey. You worked hard to get to where you are. All I wanna do is write my songs and sing. I don’t need schooling for that. I’ve got the talent. I was born with it. The only thing my worthless parents gave me. Well, that and a life of hell.”

  Joey hugged Lacy. “I know all about hell, I’ve been there a few times. You’ve got a new life, now. That’s what matters. Who knows, maybe you’ll make it in the music world.” He pushed his body away and held both of Lacy’s hands. “In the meantime, how would you like to help me out? My assistant, Maxi, is on maternity leave. Well, right now, she’s on bed rest until the baby gets here, then she’ll need six weeks to re-coop.”

  “I know nothing about animals or how to treat them. I think
I’d be more in your way than being any help.”

  Joey smiled. “All you have to do is watch and learn. You can learn more by observing than you can by reading a text. Hands-on is always the best teacher. I’m good at what I do. What do ya say?”

  “I say, hell yes!” Lacy said as she looked at Lance.

  “It looks like you’ve got yourself a helper, Joey. Maybe it’ll get her mind off of her crazy idea of being discovered. And it’ll keep her busy and out of trouble while I’m at work.”

  “Thanks for the faith in me, Lance. Someday, you’ll be able to say I knew her when, once I’m on stage singing for the world.”

  I’ll be saying I knew you when I picked you up from a park bench. You’ll do well to remember it, too. Don’t get too big for your britches. I know how to take you down a notch or two. Please don’t make me.

  Chapter Forty-One

  After the tour of Joey’s office, Lance pulled Joey aside. “Whatever you do, don’t let Lacy know about your coke stash. She’s not too keen on street drugs. And don’t mention that you keep me supplied. I need a bag, too. I haven’t had any since I took off to Arkansas. I’ll get her attention and you get me some. I’ll give you the money when we get back home.”

  “Do you think I’m stupid? Nobody knows about my stash. It’s under lock and key and well hid. Take Lacy out front and let her get familiar with the front office. She needs to know where everything is. Tell her to go through all the drawers in the desk. That’ll give me time to get what you need.”

  Lance slapped Joey on the back. “Thanks, man. I’m needing the snow really bad.

  “Lacy, come out front. Let’s see what Joey is hiding in his desk,” Lance said, laughing.

  Lacy rummaged through the desk drawers, found some typing paper and put a piece in the typewriter. Lance watched her pound the keys like a pro.

  “I see you don’t use two fingers and do the hunt and peck.”

  “I learned to type in high school. I made straight A’s. I’ve got a song in my head and I wanna get it down before it leaves me. Be quiet a minute.”