Bed Of Lies

by King, Dean

  “I was out of town for longer than I thought I would be. I would never keep you waiting, but I don’t even know your name. I know nothing about you.” Rafe caught her face in his hands, holding her while he nibbled on her lips. “God, I missed you,” he confessed.

  Nina gave a shaky laugh, blinking away the tears. “I don’t know your name either. It was the same for me. I had no way of knowing how to get in touch with you.” Her fingers buried in his soft curls, Nina held onto him as her heart thumped hard against her ribs.

  Rafe ran his hands up her long legs, then over her skirt, her arms, her neck, and then captured her sweet face. “God, I’ve missed you, baby. Tell me your name. Give me your phone number. Anything. Just don’t walk out of my life again!” His voice was ragged as desire swept through him.

  Nina paused, staring into his stormy gray eyes. “Is that what you think I did? You think I walked out on you?” It disturbed her greatly that he could think that she’d abandoned him.

  “No, it was my fault we lost touch. If I hadn’t gone out of town, this wouldn't have happened.” Rafe ran one hand over her unbound hair, his eyes roving over her. “What did you do to yourself? I barely recognized you.”

  “What do you think? I thought I was due for a change.”

  “You looked wonderful before but now you look sensational. So very beautiful...”

  “Why are you here?” she asked, suddenly curious. “How did you find me?”

  “I had an appointment on the second floor about a product we’re selling. Then I saw you walking, you can imagine my surprise. You look good enough to eat.” He nipped at her ear then tickled it with his tongue.

  Nina giggled. She’d convinced herself it didn't matter that he was gone from her life. But it had. Now standing in his arms, she came alive. “I missed you so much,” she sighed, leaning into his solid warmth, and all other thoughts left her mind.

  His hands ran slowly up and down her body, savoring every inch. Rafe didn't want to take her in the parking lot, but his body was about to burst. He needed to be inside of her, but he had to be patient. “You shouldn’t be out here so late.”

  Nina clasped him to her, one leg curled up around his. “I had to fini…” She didn't finish, her lips were captured in a deep kiss. Her hands were running over his chest and down around his back. She loved the feel of him, and couldn't keep her train of thought. Kissing him like a woman starved, she ran the tip of her tongue over his firm lips. “You can't possibly know how much I missed this,” she murmured, her breath coming in pants. One of her hands worked its way down to the bulge in front of his pants, and squeezed. Nina closed her eyes as tremors raced along her body. He was indeed, happy to see her.

  Rafe quickly caught her wrist tight in one hand. Her startled eyes flew to his face. “Don’t, Lily, not here. I don’t think I have the willpower to refuse you right now. You have to help me.” He tried to push her away, but she wouldn't have it.

  Nina pulled him closer. Slowly, she ran her tongue over his firm lips until he groaned deep in his throat. “I want you so bad,” she rasped against his throbbing neck. He brought pandemonium into her well-ordered world, and she found she couldn’t fight it.

  Rafe leaned her against the side of the car, kissing her opened-mouthed, suckling on her eager tongue. Wisdom long gone, he was powerless to resist her.

  Nina’s fingers wrapped in his shirt and she held him tight, uncontrolled desire raced through her veins, making her wild with need. She nipped at his lips, pushing against him with all the weeks of wanting him.

  A dog barked in the distance, bringing Rafe back to his senses. He lifted his head to look around. He breathed a sigh of relief, they were still alone. It was dark enough so no one could see them. God, I need her! It was all he could do not to lift her up and take her right where they stood.

  “Where are you going right now?” His searing breath scorched her neck.

  “I’m going home. I have to take care of my children.”

  Rafe stiffened, with those few words she brought him quickly back to reality. “Can you meet me at the club tonight?” he asked.

  “No, I can’t,” she shook her head. “I just called the kids and told them I was on my way.”

  “What’s your name?” Rafe touched her chin forcing her to look up at him.

  Nina laughed, lightly but she felt his withdrawal when she mentioned her children. Here she had been as deeply intimate with this man as any two people could get, and he was asking her name. Something was wrong with this picture. “Nina Manchester.”

  “Such a pretty name. Mine is not so pretty, it’s Rafael. But you can call me Rafe.” He lifted a hand and brushed her hair back from her face, his eyes caressing her every feature.

  “Well, Rafe the salesman, would you be so kind as to move back just a bit? I need to push my skirt down.” Color in her face blazed.

  He did as she asked, giving himself time to readjust his own clothes. He could feel her becoming distant. “Would you mind if I came home with you?” he asked quietly. He could've kicked himself, that sounded really bad. “I mean for dinner. Nothing else.”

  Nina didn't like the way her heart jumped at that thought. “No, I don’t think so.” As much as she wanted it, the timing wasn’t right. “I don’t really know you well enough for that.”

  “How about I fix that?” He squinted at her. “Are you wearing contacts?” She flushed, her smile sweetly bashful as she looked away from him, Rafe wanted to kiss her again.

  “Yes, I am,” she bit her lower lip. “What do you think?”

  “You have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen. Why didn’t you do it a long time ago?” He brushed at her hair lightly with the back of his hand, moving it from her face. Now that the burst of madness was over, he was ashamed of himself for his near loss of control.

  “There was no need. My glasses were fine, but they broke and I was ready to try something new,” she said quietly biting her lower lip. “Vanity is a sin, you know.”

  “You don't strike me as being vain.” Rafe held her close, one hand caressing her back as he spoke to her. “Nina what made you change?”

  “A friend said I have pretty eyes and they should be shown. So I took her suggestion,” she shrugged. Nina wanted to sink into the ground. He must think the worst of me. Worrying about how I look.

  “I’m glad you did. I love looking at your eyes.” Rafe grinned as her eyes swung quickly to him.

  “If I don’t get home soon, they’ll start to worry about me.” Nina bit her lower lip again, not wanting to leave him yet.

  “When can I pick you up?” Rafe insisted not letting go of her hand.

  “Pick me up for what?” Puzzled, Nina stared into his molten gray eyes.

  “To go out with me. You said you didn’t know me. I want to rectify that.” Rafe tugged at a stray curl that lay on her shoulder. “I’d like to get to know you, too.”

  “You would?” Surprise showing clearly in her eyes.

  “Yes, I would.” He caressed her smooth cheek, “These weeks without seeing you have been hard for me. Do you want me to tell you how long we’ve been apart?” Rafael twirled one of her auburn curls in his finger.

  Nina flushed with pleasure. “No, you don’t have to do that.”

  “It’s been one month, three weeks, five days and eighteen hours.” Rafe grinned, as the finger traced her jaw.

  Nina was deeply touched. “How did you remember that?” she breathe, awed.

  “I thought of the last time I saw your smile, and counted the hours until I could see it again.” He caught her closer, pulling her tight against him, gently he kissed her. Lingering, savoring every moment. Finally he broke the kiss, leaning his forehead against hers, he reveled in her sweetness. “How about I pick you up tomorrow around seven? We can do whatever you want, just name it.”

  Nina thought about it for a moment. “How about dinner and a movie?”

  “You got it,” Rafe grinned, delighted to finally be able to meet wi
th her like real people.

  “No wait, I have to be at work early the day after. I’m working on a report for the monthly expenses. Maybe we should wait until the weekend?”

  “No, I can’t wait. We've already wasted too much time. I promise not to keep you out too late. Please?” Rafe gave her his best little boy pout, he'd seen Frank do it many times. If it worked for Frank maybe it’ll work for him.

  “Okay, I’ll go.” After exchanging information, Rafe gave her a final lingering kiss and watched as she got into her car and drove away. He vowed, from here on out, she was hands off. He would get to know her, and treat her as she deserved. She was the marrying kind, and if he were going to marry her, she needed to know he wanted more from her then just her body. How he was going to pull that off was anyone’s guess.

  *****

  Finally, after hours of trying to decide what to wear, Nina was ready. Standing in front of the dresser mirror in her upstairs bedroom, she willed her heart to be still. It raced at an amazing speed. “I’m doing the right thing.” Shaking out her hands, she turned and headed for the hallway. “I won't do this,” she said. “I won't second guess myself. I love him, this is right. I’ll get to know him and find that he is a great guy.” Taking a deep calming breath, she stopped outside Beth's bedroom door and knocked.

  “Come in,” Beth’s stilted voice rang out.

  “What are you doing?” Nina asked as she stepped into the purple and green room.

  “Watching the debates.” Beth lay on her stomach on her bed. Her long thin feet were swinging back and forward in the air.

  “Who's winning?” She stepped closer to the bed and turned towards the small television sitting on a white dresser.

  “Judge Conroy is doing well. I don't really like Mayor Martin. Look at how he's sweating. The buzz is that he has some dark secret about her. He says she isn't everything she appears to be. But I like her, she got an okay smile for a politician.” Beth kept her eyes on the screen. “I think he's just trying to make her look bad.”

  “I think he's only making himself look bad.” Nina said quietly, her eyes on Beth's averted face. “They say he has a dark secret, also.”

  “I don't like his beady eyes,” her lips tight Beth refused to look in Nina's direction. “Judge Conroy is beautiful.”

  Nina cleared her throat, “How do I look?” she finally had to brake down and ask, smoothing her hand over the new dress.

  “You look wonderful,” Beth snapped. “Just like you did two weeks ago. Why do you want to change for some man? I think you looked just fine before, now all of a sudden you want to look different.”

  Nina heaved a frustrated sigh. “Beth, come out and meet him when he gets here. As soon as you get to know him, you’ll like him I’m sure.”

  “No,” her lips tight, Beth grabbed the remote.

  “Please, honey. He's really nice.” Nina frowned when Beth wouldn't look at her.

  “You go and have a good time.” She turned up the volume. “I’ll take care of the boys.”

  She could hear the anger in Beth’s voice but now wasn't the right time to deal with it. Her heart heavy she walked to Beth, placing a quick kiss on the girl’s cold cheek, she whispered. “We’ll talk when I get back.”

  Beth turned away, “I’ll be asleep when you get back, as usual.”

  Nodding, Nina left the room, and closed the door softly behind her. She walked slowly down the hall and went into the family room. Sam lay on his stomach on the floor watching television. Danny sat in a red beanbag, playing with his pet lizard. They were dressed in their pajamas, ready for bed.

  “Danny, make sure you put that thing back in its cage when you finish, okay?” She said.

  “Yes ma’am,” his golden eyes flashed to her. “Wow, you look different!”

  Nina flushed with pleasure. “Is that good or bad?”

  Sam’s head popped up. “Hey, where you going?”

  She turned around for them showing off abit. “I have a date.”

  Both boys fell silent as they exchanged looks.

  “Okay now, we've talked about this,” she said. “I have a friend and I want you two to meet him.” She didn't care for the look on their faces.

  Sam shook his blond head, “I don’t want to.”

  Danny turned back to his pet without a word, his lips tight.

  “It’s alright if you don’t want to meet him right now.” She tried to smile, but anxiety welled up inside her. “Can you two give me a kiss before I go?” Both boys jumped up and came to her.

  Sam turned sad dark eyes to her. “Will you be gone long?” Nina brushed his blond curls.

  “No, honey. I’ll try to be home early.” He nodded then kissed her cheek.

  Danny took her hand in his. “If he keeps you late, we’ll have to get him, you know?”

  She wanted to laugh, but his little face was so serious. “Yes, I know. I won’t be out long. I promise.” She kissed his still plump cheek and watched as they went back to what they’d been doing.

  Taking a steadying breath, she smoothed her damp palms over her dress and walked downstairs into the living room. Nina looked down at her watch. It was still early. He shouldn't arrive for at least thirty minutes. I wonder if he’ll bring some lilies. At the club every time they met he gave her lilies. She smiled. She missed that, it made her feel as if he really cared. Nervously patting her hair, and perched on the edge of the couch.

  NINE

  Standing at the door of the two-story house, Rafe frowned. How she could afford a house this size and raise her children alone? Is the father still in her life? The thought gave him pause. It was a beautiful home built in the old southern style, with white shutters contrasting against a red brick frame. Large windows could be seen on the second floor, while a wrap around porch dominated the first floor, concealing any lower windows.

  On his way up to the porch, Rafe noticed toy trucks in the yard, along with a broken bike. For the first time he wondered how old her children were. It worried him that she lived so far from town. The house was in a isolated area surrounded by large tress. If she ever needed any help, it would be a long wait.

  He shook his head, her having children still concerned him. To know that she had loved some man like that was driving him crazy. But the fact that she was now left alone to raise her children angered him. How could any man leave her? He shook his head, that guy was, and is, a fool.

  The doorbell rang, Nina looked at her watch. It was only six thirty. He was early! Hurriedly, she picked up her black handbag, she licked her suddenly dry lips, and then took slow even breaths to calm her ragged nerves. Swallowing hard, she walked to the door.

  Rafe sucked in his breath at the sight of her. His heart jumped. “Hello,” he handed her the boutique of lavender lilies, the wrapping paper crackling in his damp palms.

  Nina was instantly aware of his attire. A snug pewter crew neck shirt, hanging free but neat over a pair of stone washed blue jeans, gave him a relaxed look that immediately told her, she’d overdressed. Nervously, she tugged at the hem of her dress. “Hi,” after giving him the once over she sighed. “I guess I’d better change.”

  Rafe caught her free hand pulling her to him. “Why? You look wonderful.” He hadn't known what to expect. He chose a casual look that could be dressed up instantly. Looking at her standing there, in a form fitting short black dress and elegant black heels, he was floored. Nothing had led him to believe she would wear something like this. Her hair was loosely pinned up, soft wisps curling around her oval face. She wore contacts, the glow in her emerald eyes enchanting him even further.

  “But Rafael, I’m dressed…” He placed two fingers over her soft lips silencing her.

  “It’s Rafe, call me Rafe, and you are dressed beautifully. Let’s go have some fun.” He pulled away from her for moment an intense look on his face. “Now, let’s see, where can I take you...” He put one finger to his chin, then walked around her in silent assessment.

  Nina flushed, the
n nodded. “Rafe, please, just let me change. I didn’t mean to overdress.”

  He took her in his arms, kissing her soft lips until she relaxed. He lifted his head, “I’m just teasing. I’m the one who underdressed. How about we go to my place so I can change?” He wagged his black brows at her.

  But she was already shaking her head. “I can’t go to your place.”

  Surprise must have shown in his eyes. “Why not?”

  “Why do you think? We'd never make it out of there and you know it.” She cheerfully declared.

  Rafe laughed, “You’re right. I have a jacket in the car. How about I just slip it on? I know the perfect place to go for dinner.”

  Nina beamed, her smile radiant. “That sounds fine.” She walked out of the door, curious eyes resting on him when he didn't move to follow her.

  Rafe waited, his hands folded behind his back.

  “Are you ready?” Nina asked him quietly.

  He went to her, taking both of her hands in his, and said, “I'd like to meet your children. Is it okay with you?”

  Nina was so touched, her breath caught in her throat. Lifting one hand she caressed his strong jaw. “I would like nothing better. But I need to get to know you first. I hope you understand.”

  His eyes shuttered, he nodded. Rafe closed the door behind them and led her down the steps. He didn't want to look deeper into her words. She didn't know him, that’s all. There was no other reason for her not to want him to meet her children. He’d prepared himself for this meeting, had his thoughts under control, and was ready. Now it would have to wait.

  *****

  “Dinner was very nice,” Nina said, trying to draw him out of the passive mood he had fallen into. The warm ocean breeze lifted her hair from her shoulders as they walked along the sandy shore. She looked up at the milky moon high overhead. A small smile crept to her lips as she spotted the Big Dipper. She turned to look at Rafe, his silence disturbed her greatly. On their special nights, they hadn’t spoken much, just enjoying the delights of each other’s bodies. But now she wanted more from him. The problem was, she didn't know how to get it. Walking side-by-side outside the restaurant, she squeezed his hand and gave a small tug.