by Sam Crescent
“Yeah, Kevin’s got the hots for you, and it’s real for him. He’s working up the courage to ask you out on a date.”
“See, how is that going to work? I’m old enough to be his mother.” Marla threw her hands up in the air and let out a frustrated sigh. “I can’t do this. For a small town it acts all crazy.”
“Kevin would have a fit if he heard you say that. He’s a good man as well. Law Castle is a wonderful town.” Vicki smiled even though her thoughts returned to leaving. Her father phoned her earlier at Stefan’s home to arrange being picked up. She wasn’t sure she wanted to leave. What if Tristan was being honest with her? She couldn’t give up her one shot of being happy.
“Who was the man with Tristan?” Vicki asked, changing the subject.
“Cameron Jones. I don’t know who he is, but Tristan didn’t seem happy when he saw the man.”
She’d seen the anger on Tristan’s face from the brief moment she saw him. Holding their lunch in the brown paper bag, she tapped her foot and waited for her man to appear. Several minutes later Cameron walked out of the office. He closed the door behind him.
“Ladies,” he said, looking at each of them.
Vicki stood with Marla until he was out of the door. Stefan walked through. His gaze wandered over Cameron as he passed.
“Do I want to know who that guy is?” Stefan asked.
Both women shook their head.
“Okay.” Stefan’s gaze went to Marla as Tristan moved out of his office. His hand moved to her back. Vicki liked Stefan’s move. The guy was slick, and from the smile on his face, he knew it as well.
“Are you two going out to lunch?” Tristan asked.
“If the lovely Marla would have me?”
Marla smiled and turned to her boss.
“I’ve got the station. Go and have lunch.”
Vicki waited, pensively.
“Let’s go somewhere else to eat,” he said. Tristan took her hand, locked the station and turned on the cell phone connected to the station. They walked hand in hand behind the back of the station. A park was several feet away with a picnic area. The park was only one of two. This park was for mothers and their children while the bigger park hosted the fairs and festivals Law Castle held.
“Did you see what I ordered for lunch?” he asked.
“No. I thought it would be a surprise. You like feeding me.”
His arm banded around her waist. “Of course I like feeding you. You’re way too thin.”
He fell silent. Every time he referred to her weight Vicki couldn’t help but remember the reason why she was slender. Eating after losing her child felt wrong.
“It’s in the past, Tristan,” she said. Part of her knew he was hurting from their loss of a baby.
“It will never be in the past for me. At times I wish I could go back and change everything.”
She turned to him, wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close.
“I’m here now.”
“I know.” He pressed his face against her neck, breathing in her scent. “I should have divorced Kate a long time ago.”
Vicki didn’t say anything else while they sat down on the dry grass. Tristan took the bag from her and handed her some noodles. She accepted the food with a smile. He smiled back, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“You’re sad,” she said.
“Yeah, I am.” Denying his feelings would have been a waste of time. She understood him better than he realised.
They sat down and ate their food.
“Kate’s making it difficult for me to divorce her.”
“Why?”
“The guy who came in to see me, he’s the guy I was telling you about.”
“Which one?” Vicki asked.
“The one who gave Kate what she needed.”
Vicki listened and was shocked by everything he said. His wife didn’t sound like a nice person at all.
“So, you’re rich?” she asked, laughing.
“Yeah. I’ve got a trust fund my dad set up before he died. There are shares and stuff, and over the years it amounted up. I don’t have to worry about money ever again.” He chuckled. “I don’t even have to have this job. I’ve never been the kind of guy to be waited on.”
“I never thought you were,” Vicki said. “Why are you sharing all this with me?” She turned toward him curious of the answer.
He reached out, caressing her cheek. Before she gave herself time to doubt her actions she pressed her lips to his. Tristan moaned, and his hand moved to her neck. He tilted her head back to deepen the kiss.
Her nipples tightened, and her pussy clenched. Her arousal drenched her panties. She’d been so long without any touch, and she yearned for more of him. They’d been together a matter of days, and already she wanted to touch and to taste him.
Tristan stopped the kiss. “Not here and not now.”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“I’ve got to get Kate to agree to the divorce proceedings before I’m with you again,” Tristan said. His head rested against hers.
“What?”
“I’m not risking Kate dragging your name through the mud because I can’t keep my dick in my pants.” Tristan went to his knees before her.
“I’m going to be leaving Law Castle, and I’m taking Kate out of here.” Tristan kissed her lips again. “I promise I’ll come back, and when I do we can be together.”
“What? You’re leaving?” she asked.
“I’ve got to leave. She’s going to keep fighting, and I don’t want to bring this here. Kate is not going to let it go. I know this now,” he said.
“Is this because of what Cameron said?”
“Partly, and because I know the kind of woman I’m dealing with. Talking about it with you has made me clear on what I want and what I need to do to get it.” He kissed her again and groaned. “God, I hate leaving you. I promise, I’ll sort everything out, and then I’m coming back for you.”
They finished their food, and Tristan walked her back to Stefan’s house before he returned home. She stared out of the window of Stefan’s home wishing she knew what the future held. In the space of a lunchtime her life had changed.
What if Tristan didn’t return?
Vicki couldn’t bring herself to let the negative thoughts conquer her mind. She pushed them aside and got through her work. It was the only way for her to handle everything.
Chapter Ten
Tristan waited until Vicki had left Stefan’s house for the night before going to see the other man. He wasn’t stupid, and everything Cameron said about Kate was the truth. His wife wasn’t going to let him go without a fight. Touching Vicki and being near her before he got a divorce would only ruin their time together. He’d already hurt her because of his marriage to Kate.
There was no way he’d ever put her through that again. He loved her way too much to put her through it again. Cameron was meeting him in the morning, and together they were riding out to the city to handle his marriage.
There were only two things he needed to do, and both of them involved Stefan.
Chloe, Stefan’s younger sister, opened the door. “Sheriff, what are you doing here?” she asked.
“I’ve come to see your brother.”
“Stefan’s in the kitchen.” Chloe moved out of the way letting him enter. Tristan followed behind her. He passed several of the Bad Boys and nodded in their direction.
“Stefan, the Sheriff is here to see you,” Chloe said.
“Tell him to fuck off. I’m not interested to hear anything more from him.” Stefan was flipping eggs at the stove as he spoke.
“Tell him yourself.” Chloe turned and walked away.
The man turned to him. “Sheriff, how lovely to see you,” Stefan said.
Tristan laughed. “Cut the crap. I know you’re faking it.”
“What brings you inside my house?” Stefan placed eggs on several plates followed by some sausage and tomatoes. He waited as Stefan shouted to
whoever he cooked dinner for.
“They missed Vicki’s cooking. She makes a pretty decent meal, but she never makes enough for leftovers.”
Stefan wiped his hand on the towel as he walked over to where Tristan stood. “I take it this is not a social call?”
“No. I need a couple of favours.”
“You’re here for more than one favour.”
“You’re the only person I know to fit the bill.”
Stefan took a seat. “I’m all ears.”
Tristan sat down, accepted the cup of coffee and pulled a picture of Kate out of his pocket. He’d removed her photo from his wallet.
“I’m heading out of town for some time. It could be a couple of weeks, maybe longer before I return. I’m getting divorced and settling my affairs while I’m in the city. Law Castle is my future, and I’m going to make sure of that while I’m gone.”
“Does Vicki know about this?” Stefan asked, glancing at the photo.
“Yes. Vicki and I have a lot of history. She knows a lot more, and if you’ve got any questions go to her. Kate is making it hard to divorce her. I need to be present throughout the whole of these proceedings to make sure she doesn’t ruin me.”
“The little blonde has a chance of ruining you?”
He let out a sigh. Tristan didn’t have time for Stefan’s joke. “I’ve been made aware of her needs. She wants my money, and the reason she doesn’t want a divorce is because she’ll no longer be entitled to my money.”
Stefan sat back staring at him. The assessment from the other man didn’t go unnoticed by him.
“I’ve promised Vicki I wouldn’t touch her again until I can give her more than a quick fuck.” Tristan tore the photograph of Kate up. “If I could change what I’ve done to Vicki then I would. I can’t change what I’ve already done, but I can change everything else.”
“Okay, why do you need me?” Stefan asked.
“You’re not going to question me anymore?”
“You’ve got feelings for Vicki. Any idiot can see it. I want to know why you need me to bring about your little plan. We’re not exactly best friends.”
“The town trusts you. I may not like you, but I trust you to keep the people safe. You love the town as much as I do. I want you to step in as Sheriff while I’m gone.”
Stefan laughed.
“That’s not all. While I’m gone I want you to make sure Vicki eats and takes care of herself. This is important to me.”
The laughter stopped. “You’re being serious. You mean every word you say.”
“I’ve never been known for anything other the truth.” Tristan glanced down at the torn up photo.
“How do I know you’re not looking for a chance to leave Vicki?” he asked.
Tristan leaned forward. “Because I’m going to give you this. When I come back I want that back.” He handed Stefan a diamond encrusted wedding band. “I intend to claim Vicki as my own. She’s not going to be hurt because the woman I married thirsts for my money. The town accept you, and I’ve already prepared a news bulletin to go up.”
Stefan shook his head. “I can’t believe I’m considering this.”
“Marla is at the station every day apart from Sunday. If you want a chance with her now is your time.”
“Fuck. Fine, I’ll do it. Consider me covering your ass while you’re gone.” Stefan made to pass the ring back.
“No. I don’t want the ring back. I want you to keep it as a sign of my good faith. I’m coming back to Law Castle, and when I do a wedding is being planned.”
Tristan stood, shook Stefan’s hand, and let himself out.
Marla wouldn’t like the thought of the other man being in the station, but she’d soon grow accustomed to Stefan.
Instead of going to Vicki’s house, Tristan went home. He spent most of the evening packing. His home was paid for. He wished he didn’t have to leave Law Castle. The small town was the place he’d called home, but Vicki was his future. He needed to stop running away out of fear of what his ex-wife would do or say.
After a restful night’s sleep, Tristan made his way to the station to alert Marla to the changes in staff. He didn’t think Stefan walking into the station to take his place would have gone down all that well.
Cameron waited for him in the car. “Are you ready for this?”
“I want Kate out of my life. I’ve got a woman I owe my future to.” Buckling up his seatbelt Tristan took one last glance of the town before driving away. When he got back to Law Castle, Vicki Burke was going to be his wife.
****
One month later
Vicki stared out of Stefan’s window. She still worked for him inside his home, but her heart was no longer in it. Her thoughts were always steered toward the one man she’d given her heart and body to. The same man she hadn’t seen in over a month. The fair, which brought her parents to town, was a success. Several businesses felt the boom from the event. She spent the weekend convincing her father she didn’t need to leave Law Castle. Stefan took over the conversation convincing her parents she should stay in town.
Tristan wasn’t a stranger to her. He didn’t leave town and disappear. Instead, he kept in touch via phone. She loved his calls. Hearing his voice gave her a buzz that no alcohol could replace. They could spend hours on the phone talking and laughing. He’d even paid for them both to watch a movie together over the phone.
They never discussed his divorce. There were times he sounded more stressed than others. She was afraid to ask him questions in case he told her something she didn’t wish to hear. What she did know was when he went back to the city he hadn’t filed for divorce straight away. Stefan informed her that Tristan was looking in more detail to try to get Kate off his back. The information was taking a lot longer to dig up than he liked.
Vicki wished it was easier for Tristan. She’s heard several divorces could happen within days and weeks providing both parties wanted the divorce. Tristan was treading carefully because of her reputation. He clearly didn’t want to drag her into his battle with his ex.
Zoe and Stefan were like her rocks. They talked to her all the time about what could be happening and how much Tristan really cared about her.
No matter what happened, Vicki still panicked. Kate might really love him, and then she’d be screwed.
Her constant obsessing had her friends worried. Stefan, to cure her of her worry, organised another event in Law Castle and put her in charge. It was the annual Law Castle Bad Boys’ picnic. The event was legendary in the small town. Cheryl, Chloe, and Zoe helped her organise the event. Connor was baking, and she arranged for everyone to make a dish of their choice to bring to the event.
Vicki was sat down painting her nails when her telephone rang. Her parents were always trying to convince her to move to the city. She stayed firm with them. She wasn’t leaving Law Castle until she saw Tristan again.
“Hello,” she said.
“It’s so good to hear your voice,” Tristan said.
She smiled. His voice was smoking hot. “We talked a couple of days ago.” His calls had stopped happening every day.
“I know. I wanted to hear your voice. I miss you. I wish I was there with you. I’m not only handling my divorce, baby, I’m handling everything. When I get back home I’ll be a free man. The business my father still has decisions in will be finished. I want out of it all. I’ve got more than enough money for several generations of Carmichaels.”
“We’re going to have babies?” Vicki asked.
“Lots of them. The thought of having a family with you is the only thing keeping me sane at the moment. Spending time with Cameron is fucking irritating. The guy doesn’t know when to shut up.”
A glow spread throughout her body at his words. Tristan wanted to be here with her instead of her going to him. This was their home.
“You’ll be home soon,” she said. When she saw him next Vicki wasn’t taking no for an answer. She needed him. Her body was on fire for the feel of him agai
nst her.
“I will, and all this will be behind us.”
Vicki silently prayed for his divorce to be behind them. She didn’t like the thought of touching him without him being free of that woman.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“I’m painting my nails. I need to do something to get my mind off this horrid picnic event. If I hear one more word about this blasted event I’m going to crack,” Vicki said.
“What are you wearing?”
“Why, Tristan, are you trying to flirt with me?”
“Maybe. I miss you. I can’t wait to get you in my arms and feel you against me. This has been a nightmare. So, what are you wearing?”
“I’m wearing a robe. My hair is tied in a messy bun.”
“Anything else?”
“Not a stitch of clothing.”
Silence met her answer. She heard his breathing down the line and nibbled on her lip.
“Open the robe for me.”
Putting the glass pot of nail varnish on the counter, Vicki opened her robe.
“Is it open?”
“Yes.”
“Describe yourself to me, Vicki. Don’t leave anything out.” She heard him move around. The unmistakable sound of a zipper could be heard down the line.
She lay back on the sofa, resting her head on the pillow. “I’m naked. My body has filled out since the last time I saw you.”
“Good. I gave Stefan strict instructions to make sure you ate properly.”
“My legs are smooth, and I’ve trimmed my pussy. My clit is swollen, and my lips are puffy and glistening,” she said.
Tristan groaned down the phone. Vicki liked the power she had over him.
“Tristan,” she said.
“Yeah, baby.”
“I’m touching my breasts. My nipples are rock hard and begging for your lips.”
He growled. The sound went straight to her core. She cried out pressing her legs together.
“I wish you were here, Tristan. I want you so damn much.”
“Tell me how you want me, baby.”
“I want you inside me. I want to suck your cock and watch as you fuck my pussy,” she said. Her nights were filled with reading erotic romance novels. None of them did the job the way Tristan could. She needed him inside her. His absence was just another excuse for her to hate Kate.