by Mary Calmes
"No," I soothed him, kissing his eyes, his cheeks, his brows, and the bridge of his nose.
"I'm all twisted up," he grumbled under his breath "I fuckin' hate this."
"It's okay," I told him, smiling slowly. "I'll take care of you."
He eased back and looked down into my eyes. "You can't even take care of yourself."
I felt like I could fly. "But I could make your life so nice."
"The hell you can," he almost shouted at me, rough as he rolled me onto my stomach, his hand in my hair, knee between my legs to spread them.
I arched my back like a cat, up into him, and his mouth grazed my skin. The strangled sound that came out of him made me smile.
"Jory."
I slid out of his grip and rolled over on my back, lifting my knees, holding out my arms for him. "You're fighting so hard,"
I sighed. "Just stop, just breathe."
He took a shuddering breath before he gathered me close, holding me tight, pressing me along the length of him. His hands slid down my body and when his mouth followed, I begged him. The change in him in one day was staggering, the understanding of what I wanted and his confidence in what he could do... I didn't need to offer any more instruction. The mechanics no longer a mystery, his hands, his mouth, moved expertly over my skin as he chanted my name.
* * * *
The rain woke me with its steady drum on the window. I smiled as warm hands moved down my rib cage then over my stomach, kneading, caressing, gentle and arousing at the same time.
"Don't you hafta go to work?" I teased him, surprised at myself for all the sleeping I was doing. Sex had never worn me out before.
"I can't leave you alone." His voice was husky, slicing right through me, causing the shiver.
Stretching languidly, I rolled over onto the sculpted chest, my head on his heart.
"Fuck."
I lifted my head to look up into his eyes.
"What?" he asked gruffly.
"I dunno," I stared into his eyes. "You're the one swearing,"
He put his hand in my hair and massaged my scalp, easing my head back down on his chest.
"Tell me what's wrong."
"Nothin's wrong. That's the goddamn problem."
And that made no sense but I let it go, enjoying his hands on me too much to question him.
"Shit."
I slid my leg between his and he lifted my chin with a gentle hand. His mouth was on mine and I was rolled onto my back and kissed tenderly, slowly, taking his time, this time, to taste me. He worked his way down my throat to my chest, my nipples suckled each in turn before the hot, wet mouth slid over my flat stomach to my cock. He took me in slowly, drawing out and then back, his tongue swirling over my skin before he took me in deeper, licking me with long strokes of his tongue, sucking hard, his hands digging into my thighs and calves. I hoped he would leave bruises because I craved his mark on me. When I felt the clenching inside, the tingling, I told him to stop. I felt like my heart was going to burst. His eyes never left mine and I cried his name as I shuddered in his hands and he swallowed all I had. Afterward he rose and pinned me to the bed under him.
"I love the noises you make when you're happy."
I only grunted because my brain wasn't working yet, my body boneless and liquid under his... ready to melt into him.
"Your eyes get so dark and when you say my name... I have never wanted anyone like I want you, Jory. I don't even think people are supposed to feel like this. I think—"
"Shhh," I said pushing against him so I could roll him over on his back.
"No," he said, his voice cracking, filled with emotion, arms wrapping around me, stilling my movement. "I don't want you to, I don't need ... just lie here with me."
I was quiet, reveling in the difference between the boys I had slept with and the man who now held me in his arms. All my other lovers expected a quick return for any gift given, but Sam's desire ran to pleasuring me simply because it made him happy to do so.
"Sam, I—"
"Listen, I don't want you seeing the doctor and you're sure as hell not going out of town with him."
"How'd you know I—"
"I listened to your messages."
"Oh." I shifted onto my side and he immediately spooned around me, his thighs against my ass. I didn't want him to see me smile. "He bought me a plane ticket."
"I don't care if he bought you a fuckin' pony," he assured me, the annoyance clear in his voice. "You go nowhere with him."
"Yes sir, Detective."
"I already went and packed up all your clothes so—"
"What?" I tried to move, to turn so I could see his face, but he wasn't having it. He was so much stronger than me that if he wanted me down, I was down. If he wanted me immobile in his arms, that's what I would be doing. "You packed what?"
"You heard me," he said gruffly, almost growling. "I got every stitch of clothing you own. It's all in my guest bedroom.
I put your laptop in the living room and I grabbed your iPod and some of your books. You don't have much stuff."
"No."
"I got your comforter too 'cause I figured you liked it."
"I do like it but—"
"You can't stay in your apartment... I mean, I went there without a key and got your stuff. Think about it."
"Yeah but—"
"I want you to be safe," he said as his mouth closed on my shoulder. The man could not keep his hands or his mouth off me.
"I'm not five, Sam."
"No, but... you need looking after."
"But what are you going to—"
"For now you're here 'cause I gotta watch you. That's all anybody needs to know."
"Okay." I was thinking. "So as soon as the case is over I'll pack my stuff and..."
"Listen to me," he said slowly, kissing the back of my neck. "Let's just worry about things as they come."
"Easy for you to say... I've got rent to pay and—"
"No," he cut me off. "I talked to your landlord, and until he replaces the door and puts decent dead bolts in that place he gets nothing. I told him he was lucky that you never asked him to do shit around that place."
"Great," I muttered. "Now he's gonna hate me."
"I'm surprised no one else ever said anything about your locks."
"Well, Nick did say that—"
He bit my shoulder before he sucked it hard. "I don't wanna hear about the doctor."
I chuckled. "Okay."
"And your dancing days are over."
I smiled wide but he couldn't see it.
"Do I hafta mention the doctor again?"
I cleared my throat. "It's not fair if you date and I—"
"I won't."
"Uh-huh." I nodded. "So where were you last night, Detective, when you were supposed to be picking me up for dinner?"
Deep sigh as he clutched me tight, stroking my hip, nuzzling his face into my hair. "On a double date."
"I knew it."
"It was planned weeks ago. No way to get out of it but when I'm with you my brain short-circuits so I completely forgot until my buddy reminded me."
"Okay, so that's what I'm saying. You're single and straight, so all your friends are gonna...."
"I'll take care of it." He rubbed a stubbled cheek against the bare skin of my shoulder. It sent a shiver right through me.
"If you screw some girl while I'm—"
"Then fair's fair," he said, his voice husky, so sexy. "You can sleep with a girl too, baby."
"I love women," I assured him. "I just don't love women, ya know?"
He chuckled before rising over me, propping himself up on his elbow to look down into my face. "Do people tell you all the time how beautiful you are?"
"No."
"You're lying." He smiled evilly, his eyes sparkling. "Look at you, you're gorgeous."
He thought I was beautiful, it was all I heard. I felt the heat race across my skin as he ran his thumb over my bottom lip, leaning into me.
I
moaned, almost whimpering, and his mouth touched mine. I felt his hand slide down over my hip as his tongue slid between my barely parted lips. It was too much for me. I closed my eyes for just a minute.
"Jory Keyes," he said softly, his fingertips smoothing over my eyebrows. "What if I missed you?"
My body was back to being heavy and I felt myself sinking down into the bed, the warm mass of muscle and bone engulfing me.
"Go to sleep, baby," he soothed me, his lips on my eyelids.
"I'm here."
It was the last thing I heard.
Chapter Ten
Sam had left me an hour later with orders to stay inside his apartment and not to leave for any reason. I wasn't even awake enough to argue. I was back asleep in seconds with him rubbing circles on my back. When my phone rang I was surprised because I thought I was calling Dane, not the other way around.
"You're in trouble," he said flatly. "I talked to Detective Kage and he said you're in protective custody. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Tell me what's going on with you right now."
So even though I wasn't sure what I was supposed to say, I spilled it all. "I don't wanna put any of you guys in danger by coming in."
"We have a security guard in our building that checks everyone in and out, Jory. I'll expect you back here Monday morning."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I'm sure. When have you ever known me to say something I didn't mean?"
Never.
"Okay then. I'll see ya Monday."
"Actually, I'm having dinner at Adagio's tonight at six-thirty," he said crisply. "Come by briefly so I can look at you, all right?"
"What's with the early dinner?"
"Theater tickets, if you must know," he said curtly.
"Oh."
"I'll expect you."
He just wanted to see me with his own eyes and make sure I was in one piece.
"Okay. Thanks, boss."
He hung up and I rolled over and went back to sleep.
I was woken up from my second nap of the day with a call from Caleb Reid. He told me that he was the one that had called the police, after watching me get stuffed into the car the night before. He'd gone in and filed a report at the police station and then been visited by Detective Kage an hour ago.
"You know, I've never talked to a detective before, but it was kinda intense."
I chuckled. "I have no doubt."
"Are you okay?"
And I was, so I told him so before thanking him for calling the police.. He asked me what I was mixed up in but I returned the subject to Dane. Immediately he wanted to know if I was well enough to talk to him. I told him I would try when I saw my boss later. When he hung up I got out of bed and made coffee before looking for something to have for breakfast. There was only a box of kids' cereal, and I wondered how a grown man had Lucky Charms in his cabinet.
When I heard the keys rattling in the lock I was expecting Sam, but found a stunning, red-haired older woman instead.
When she looked up from her grocery bags I was speechless, as I recognized her instantly.
"Ohmygod you're Regina Rappaport," I breathed out, standing there, staring, openmouthed.
Her smile was breathtaking. "Yes, I am. And you watch way too many old movies."
"Holy shit." I smiled wide. "You're even more beautiful in person."
"So charming," she chuckled, putting down the grocery bags and holding out her arms. "Come here."
I dashed over to give her a hug and she patted my back and stroked my hair. She smelled faintly like vanilla with a trace of rain. I was surprised at how tight she held me.
When she pushed out to arm's length, she smiled warmly.
"Who are you?"
"Jory Keyes. Sam's watching me for a little while. I'm his witness."
"Mmmm-hmmm." She eyed me, looking me over as I stood there in a T-shirt, sweats, and a pair of Sam's fuzzy white sweat socks. "Well, my darling, every week I bring groceries for my two unmarried sons to make sure they don't starve. My son Michael, the architect, eats a little better than my son Samuel, the policeman, but not by much. For instance, the last time I was here there was only a fossilized stick of butter, a box of Lucky Charms, and very old milk. I will not be surprised if he's eaten everything I brought and only those three items again remain."
I smiled and nodded.
"Help me with these."
So I grabbed four bags of groceries and helped her carry them to the kitchen. She didn't want any help unpacking so I sat on one of the barstools and watched her.
"Jory, sweetheart, are you hungry?" she asked absently, still putting things away.
"Yes, ma'am."
She turned and looked at me and her eyes sparkled.
"Really?"
I nodded and she patted my hand before she pulled down a frying pan from those hanging above her head on hooks.
She was dying to take care of me and I was more than willing to let her.
"How about an omelet?"
"That'd be great."
She stayed for three hours and in that time she told me all about Hollywood in the seventies, how being beautiful wasn't as much help as having talent, and how she'd met and fallen in love with a fireman from Chicago. He'd swept her off her feet to motherhood and suburbia and there she'd discovered what she loved more than being in front of a camera. Being a mother. I listened and ate and told her how I'd been raised by my grandmother and how I'd come to Chicago and where I worked. She'd heard of Dane Harcourt, was very impressed, and I told her all about Brian Minor and my friend Anna and how I had met her son.
"You know Jory, you are just beautiful."
"Thank you."
"I bet people tell you all the time that you're simply luminous."
I knew I wasn't ugly but luminous was an exaggeration.
Still, it was nice to hear.
"Why don't you change and I'll take you to Delvecchio's for some pie?"
I nodded, smiling, and she caught her breath.
"You really are stunning, Mr. Keyes."
"Right backatcha."
Her laughter was deep and throaty as she told me to hurry up.
When I emerged in my tight jeans, crisp white shirt under my v-neck cashmere pullover, she smiled wide. I was glad Sam had brought everything from my bathroom as well as all my clothes. I smelled like me again and I would have died without all my hair products.
"People are going to think I'm a cougar with my boy toy."
I froze where I was and she burst into laughter.
"What?"
"I just didn't think you'd know what a cougar was!"
"Because I've been what, living under a rock all these years? Hello, honey, I have daughters."
I smiled at her and she took my arm and led me out of the apartment. As the door closed she passed me her key for Sam's apartment.
"You keep this set, doll, I have another at home."
I pocketed them and followed her down the stairs and out to her car, which was parked in front of the eight-floor apartment building. I liked her silver Lexus infinitely more than Sam's SUV and told her so.
"I know," she agreed. "It's a tank, not a car."
The bakery was small and intimate, warm inside with little red-and-white-checkered curtains and the same type of window valances. There was a bell on the front door when you walked in and the whole place smelled like freshly baked cookies. I loved it and made a mental note to pick up baklava for Dane the next time I came. It was his favorite.
She had a slice of lemon meringue and I had pumpkin custard. We talked about her family, about her daughters, her son Michael, and about how much trouble she was having finding a girl for Sam. Once I recovered from almost choking to death on my milk, I told her not to worry about him. When the right person came along, he'd know. She prayed I was right.
When she dropped me off back at his apartment after two hours of food shopping, she told me to be sure I came for Sunday dinner. She'd expe
ct me at six with Sam. She invited him every week but he never went—always too busy. She was counting on me to get him there. I promised her I wouldn't let her down. Her hand stayed on my cheek for several minutes before I got out of the car with all my bags and she drove away. It had been a very nice day.
* * * *
Every Friday night my boss had dinner out. He always took at least eight people with him as well as his current date. This week, as he'd told me, it was Adagio's, a very good Italian restaurant, and the flavor of the week was a cardiologist named Kensie Beckman. When I was shown to his table, she did not seem pleased to see me. At least she was still polite.
The others—his friends the doctors and the lawyers—did not seem annoyed at all to find me there among them.
"Hi-hi," I greeted everyone, letting out a deep sigh as I turned to look at my boss. "Could I talk to you for one minute please?"
"Did you eat?"
"No, not yet," I stammered. "But listen, could I please just—"
"Sit down and eat," he ordered me. "You look pasty."
There was a pause as he looked at me like he had thought of something. "Should you even be out of the hospital?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"So Monday morning you'll be back at work?"
"I said I would."
He shot me a look.
"Sorry. I'll be in."
"Good. Nothing gets done when you're not there. That girl... what's her name?"
"Who?"
"The receptionist."
"You know her name." I scowled at him.
"Do I?"
"It's Piper."
He snapped his fingers. "Piper. That's right."
"Quit?"
He smiled evilly. "Anyway, she puts everyone through to me. It's a nightmare."
"I will be there on Monday."
"Thank God."
I smiled at him.
"Sit down and eat," he ordered me, standing up to motion for the waiter.
"No, I just need to—"
"He's not going to let it go, Jory," Jude Coughlin said to me, a huge smile on his face as he took the chair the waiter brought for me and put it down on the other side of Dane.
"Just sit."
I sat down and Dane turned to look at me, concerned, his dark gray eyes so warm. I hated putting him in a bad mood when he was in a good one.