Unwelcomed Greeting: A Riverton Crossing Novel

by Savannah Maris

  27

  As soon as they got in the car, Kayla started, “I’m sorry, Mitch. It wasn’t as bad as the short version sounded.”

  “Mak, stop. I love you with every fiber of my being, but right now isn’t the best time for this conversation with me operating on so little sleep. Can we go home, take a nap, and have this chat when I’m better able to make rational decisions?”

  “What kind of rational decisions do you need to make?”

  “I don’t want to say something in anger I’ll regret later.”

  “Can I just ask why you’re angry?”

  “Are you fucking kidding me, Mak?” He glanced at her as if she’d really lost her mind. “Fine. I’ll show you when we get home. In our room.”

  If he wasn’t so angry, he’d have fallen asleep at the wheel. This woman was going to be the death of him yet. He couldn’t believe she didn’t understand why he was pissed. She flirted with some asshole who was trying to get a cheap look. Who was undressing her in his mind. Who thought he could please her. Who wanted to fucking try to please her. She was his to please, not anyone else’s. She’d understand that before this day was over. By the time they pulled into the driveway, she was as close to the passenger’s door as she could get. He didn’t pull into the garage, and she didn’t wait for him to open her door. He didn’t know why she was mad. He was the one who had the right to be. She was walking like a woman possessed, and he was right behind her. He slammed the door as they entered and saw Evan and Ginger. Evan was preparing to say something, but thought better of it.

  When Mitchell entered their room, she was already there. She was facing the door with her arms crossed over her chest, one hip stuck out, and her chest rising at a pretty alarming rate. She was ready for a fight. Bring it, baby, ‘cause he was, too.

  They both started at the same time. Their voices rose so they couldn’t hear what the other was saying. Mitchell stopped, pinched the bridge of his nose, and closed his eyes for a moment. He took a few extra seconds to enjoy that feeling and repeated we’re both tired over and over in his head. When he opened his eyes, he leveled a stare at her and rested his hands on his hips. “I’m sorry. Will you start again?”

  She flailed her arms as she spoke. “I don’t see why you’re so angry! It was before we decided to give us a chance. I didn’t touch him, he didn’t touch me. What is the big deal about using a little southern charm? My God, my mother raised me with the saying ‘you can always get more with honey than with salt.’ That was what I was doing, using a little honey!”

  “You don’t get it! Makayla Gregory, you have been mine since you were twelve years old. I know it, you know it, and everyone in this town knows it! You walk down the street and every man you pass almost breaks his neck to keep watching you. I don’t worry about someone trying to take you away from me because I know that’s not going to happen, but I do not want another man seeing what’s mine!” He walked closer and rubbed his hands on her hips. “I don’t even want them having a clue to fantasize about you with. You’re my best friend, lover, fantasy, wet dream, soul mate. I don’t want to share any of that with anyone,” he said through gritted teeth at the end. “Baby, please don’t make me take you to see Ms. Morris and have prairie clothes made for you. That’ll be really hot in July,” he said, finally calming down.

  She had tears in her eyes. Maybe he was too harsh. He brought his hands up to cradle her jaw and kissed each eye, her nose, and lips. When he pulled back, her eyes opened. “Was that my proposal?”

  He smiled at her. “Did you hear the words ‘marry me’ somewhere in there?”

  “No, I was just checking ‘cause I’ve been thinking.”

  He interrupted her. “Can we grab a quick shower and you tell me what you’ve been thinking while we lie in bed? I don’t know how much longer before I won’t have a choice about being horizontal.” She agreed.

  She didn’t take time to dry her hair before they crawled into bed in just their birthday suits. When they got comfortable, he said, “Okay. Tell me what you’ve been thinking.”

  “You know how you’ve told me you’re going to propose?”

  “Yes, baby. Can’t happen soon enough.”

  “So, I’ll have an outward symbol that I’m taken.”

  “Yes.”

  “But you won’t until we’re actually married.”

  “So? Everyone knows I’m taken. I’ve always been taken. Sally was the only one who thought she could change that, and we know how wrong she was.”

  “Yeah, about Sally or any other woman who comes to town. I want you to have a permanent marking, too.”

  “What, you want to buy me an engagement ring? A pre-wedding band? Mak, that’s not necessary.”

  “No.” She put her hand on his heart. “I want a tattoo right here,” she said as she stroked her finger in an arc over his heart. “I want ‘Mak’s.’ That way, it’s ‘Mak’s heart’ because we know the heart is more important than these,” she finished as she cupped his cock and balls.

  “And what? I’m going to walk around without my shirt on to show it off?”

  “No, I don’t want anyone to see it, but I’ll know it’s there just in case. If any woman happens to see it or tries to get too close, they’ll read it, too. There won’t be a need for anyone to say anything. It’ll just be there as a constant reminder.”

  “Baby, my constant reminder is the ache in my heart when I’m not with you. The peace only your touch gives me. I only want you. I love you, Mak. Please don’t ever forget that.”

  “I love you, too, Mitch.”

  “Let’s get some sleep, then we’ll finish that other conversation. I may get hard just dreaming about those cuffs,” he said as sleep took them over.

  28

  A few hours later, Kayla woke with Mitchell kissing her neck. “Hmmm.” What a way to be woken up. He rocked his hard cock into her, and she squirmed. “That must’ve been some dream.”

  “When can we go get them?”

  “I really need some of my clothes. I didn’t bring that much with me.”

  “Can’t you just buy some while you’re here? Then when all this shit is over, we’ll bring some of your things here. I’ll take some things to leave there. I’m sure we can find a toy store close by to get a few items, don’t you?”

  “I’m sure we can,” she purred.

  “If you haven’t been with anyone in five years, how could you use handcuffs?”

  “I haven’t, but I’ve wanted to try them for a while…with you.”

  Mitchell’s eyes looked as if they were about to pop out of his head. If he wasn’t fully awake before, he was now. “Are you serious?”

  “Yes. I thought they’d be fun, but I also knew that I’d have to trust the person I tried them with. You’re the only person I trust that much.”

  “Oh, baby. I won’t break your trust. I’m sure we can find something else to simulate the cuffs until we can get a set. You game?” Mitchell said.

  She nodded as he got out of bed, threw on a pair of pants, and disappeared out of the door. While he was gone, she took the opportunity to use the restroom and brush her teeth. She was waiting in the bed when he returned with his hands full of stuff. What the hell? He set the items on the chest of draws beside the door – a bowl, a can of Reddi-Wip, some strawberries, and a banana. Before she could say anything, he walked into his closet. He came out with old neckties. Her eyes watched with curiosity because he had more than one. When she started to speak, he held his finger over his mouth. He walked to his side of the bed and reached into the drawer of his bedside table. They hadn’t been using condoms, so she was surprised when he came out with an eye mask like the ones they give you in first class on airplanes. Maybe he’d been thinking about this a lot more than she thought.

  When he was in front of her he asked, “Baby, are you sure?”

  “Well, you seem to be. Been thinking about this much?”

  “Yes. I told you if we tried anything new, it’d be together. Eve
r since you mentioned your toy collection, I’ve been thinking about this.”

  “Okay. Tell me what you want me to do.”

  She threw one of the pillows off the bed while he did the same with the covers. “Get in the center with the pillow under your head. Stretch your arms to the corners of the bed.”

  She watched Mitchell as he tied one end of a necktie to the post of the bed and the other to her wrist. “Is that too tight?”

  “No.”

  He started around to the other side to repeat the action. He got the tie secured to the bedpost when there was a knock on the door. “Mitchell,” Evan called.

  He dropped their hands to the bed where he’d started to wrap the tie around her wrist. “Fuck,” he whispered. “What do you want?”

  “I hate to disturb y’all with all the groceries you took from the kitchen and all, but there’s an unmarked car coming down the driveway.”

  “I swear, any other time Curtis would drag his feet and not send anyone until tomorrow.” He bowed his forehead to hers. “You look beautiful. Please tell me we can pick this up later.”

  “Yes.”

  “We’re on our way,” Mitchell called.

  She moved to untie her wrist while Mitchell slipped on a pair of jeans commando then adjusted himself. That was distracting. She slipped on a little dress that was flowy enough that she didn’t need to put on anything underneath either, but that was short-lived.

  “Mak, do you not remember our conversation from earlier?”

  “Yes.”

  “Bra and panties.”

  “I thought you’d like to think of me without mine since I’ll be thinking of you without yours.”

  He growled and narrowed his eyes. “It’s going to look a little odd when I have a raging hard on while talking to the detective. At least put on a bra. I’m leaving because if I know what’s not on I won’t be able to concentrate on what I need to.”

  “Okay. I’ll take the food back to the kitchen when I come out.”

  He walked out of the room and closed the door with more force than he intended before she was undressed. He walked straight to the front door because Evan and Ginger were nowhere to be seen when the doorbell rang.

  “Good afternoon, may I help you?” he asked even though he knew exactly who the man was.

  “Hi, I’m Detective Harold Williams. Chief Curtis Taylor sent me to speak with you and, and,” he flipped through his notebook, “a Ms. Makayla Gregory.”

  “Come in and have a seat. Ms. Gregory will be out in a moment.” Mitchell looked up and saw her. She didn’t put on any make-up and her hair looked as if she’d had a good tumble in the sack, which he had been trying to do before this jackass interrupted him. She had all the food in her hands as she came into better view.

  When she walked by, she asked if they wanted a drink before she joined them.

  Mitchell looked at the detective as he swallowed hard. “Water, please.” He narrowed his eyes at the detective because he knew the thoughts running through the man’s head since he saw the same image Mitchell did.

  Kayla brought three waters. She handed the first to the detective with a sweet smile then adjusted her bra strap for Mitchell’s benefit. She handed him the next one as he said, “Mak, this is Detective Williams.”

  She stuck out her hand. “Nice to meet you.” Mitchell could have sworn the man was drooling when she snuggled in close to him. He put his arm around her on the back of the sofa and turned his attention to the detective.

  “The chief said you believe there was more to the fire last night than a bunch of kids,” the detective started.

  “Yes, sir. Have you been to the site?”

  “No, ma’am. I wanted to speak with you and Mr. Riverton first. I understand your mother went to the hospital last night so I didn’t want to disturb them until I needed to. How is she by the way?”

  “She’s good. Thank you for asking. You need to go to the site. I’ll make sure my father meets you there when you leave here. Mitch got a closer look at the point of impact than I did.”

  “Impact? So y’all don’t think it was just a match or cigarette?”

  “No, Detective, it was a Molotov cocktail. There are nice-sized pieces of glass that are big enough for fingerprints, not to mention the burn markings,” Mitchell said.

  “Burn markings? Please explain, Mr. Riverton.”

  “Detective Williams, did you ever play with firecrackers or cap guns when you were a kid?”

  “Of course. Who didn’t?”

  “My brother and I went through a ton of that shit growing up. You remember when you lit a firecracker on cement and let it explode? You’d end up with a center and black marks fanning out where the explosive residue landed on the white cement. Same with a cap gun when the hammer is released. That’s what’s on the ground at the Gregory’s place. You can see where the cocktail hit and the glass broke or exploded. The burn residue fans out around it. Not to mention, there must’ve been a breeze because the charred ground is to one side. I’m not an expert here, but it sure seems like someone needs to look at this as a crime scene not a prank.”

  “As you know, Mr. Riverton, we’re not big enough for a crime scene investigation team. I can go out, take some pictures, and pick up the glass, but then I’ll have to send it to the state lab,” Detective Williams said.

  “I suggest you get out there before the fire department goes back or all of your evidence will be gone, Detective,” Mitchell continued.

  “The chief also said there’s a possible eyewitness. Would you tell me who it is so I can interview them?”

  “I’m sorry, Detective. This eyewitness is getting an attorney before coming forward. They’re not very trusting. I hope you understand,” Kayla sweetly said.

  “Well, please ask them not to wait too long. If you could call your father, I’ll go over and speak with him now.”

  When Kayla left the room, Mitchell asked, “Do you know if the town or county is handling the flipped car in the ditch up the road here?”

  “I don’t know, but the chief has been on the phone with someone an awful lot about it.”

  “I bet he has.”

  As she walked back into the room, Kayla was saying, “Detective, my dad will be waiting for you at their front gate. Thank you for dropping by.”

  “Thank you for your time. Please let the eyewitness know I’d really like to speak with them.” The detective walked out of the front door as the last words left his mouth.

  As soon as the click of the door sounded, Mitchell had Kayla pinned against it. He kissed her as if his life depended on it. His hands went straight to the sides of her face, and his fingers plowed into her hair. When they came up for air, he whispered in her ear, “Let’s go finish what we started. I’ll get the stuff back out of the kitchen, you go strip.”

  “Hey man. What did the detective have to say?” Evan asked.

  Mitchell closed his eyes and counted to ten as Kayla softly laughed. When he stepped back, he narrowed his eyes. He kissed her again, and quietly said, “Your place in the mountains is looking better and better.” She smiled before he faced his brother, only to find Ginger, too, so he couldn’t tell Evan what a cock blocker he was. Mitchell took a deep breath, “Riverton Crossing is too small for a crime scene investigation team, he hasn’t been to the scene, but is going there now. He says that he’ll take pictures, collect the glass and any other evidence, and send it to the state lab. He wants to speak with the eyewitness. Until Nathan can testify, Thomas doesn’t want to come forward. When are your guys going to make their move?” Mitchell’s impatience was evident with his quick monotone account.

  “While y’all were gone today, Nathan called. I was gonna tell ya when y’all came home, but there seemed to be a little tension.”

  Mitchell looked at him in a way that said for him to mind his own fucking business. “Well?”

  “Apparently, Geno hasn’t been pleased with the way things have been going since the whole Harley incide
nt. Now, with Carlos in a wreck and local police sniffing around, he’s sending Tony out. He’s supposed to be here Sunday, with the buy happening Tuesday.”

  “Where?”

  “I don’t know. Nathan wasn’t sure, but ATF and DEA are ready. It’s a joint buy with guns and drugs. They’re planning a simultaneous bust in Nebraska so no one can warn them. It’ll be over in just a few more days, bro. A few more days.”

  Kayla wrapped her arms around Mitchell from behind and kissed his shoulder. Even though that should’ve helped him relax, it only reminded him of what kept getting interrupted. He directed his statement to Evan, “Can we finish this later? Why don’t y’all start dinner? I need a few minutes with Mak to finish a conversation we started earlier. If we don’t have a happy conclusion soon, I’m going to kill someone. And Evan, you’re in the crosshairs.”

  Evan laughed loudly. “By all means, brother. Please go finish that conversation.”

  Mitchell pulled Kayla down the hall. Every step he took, he took with purpose. When he ushered her into their room, he didn’t let go of her hand and kicked the door closed. He eased up behind her and kissed her neck. She moaned and that was it for him. “Apparently, all that’s on the menu today is a quickie.” He walked them to the bed and moved one of his hands to her back urging her to bend over. Her torso lay on the bed as his other hand flipped up her dress then slid down the curve of her ass. She really didn’t wear panties. He opened his jeans with one hand and ran the middle finger of his other from her little puckered hole to her clit. She shivered and a whimper escaped as he moved his finger back to her opening. She was soaked. Not needing any more stimulation, he eased his cock in. He moaned as the sensation traveled through his body. She was perfect. She tried to squirm, but he swatted her ass cheek. “Be still. This is already going to be too fast. When you walked out with hair looking like you’d been fucked for hours, I just about lost it in my jeans.”