by C. M. Steele
"So you're going home today? Where is home?"
"No. We're not going anywhere unless it's out to dinner or something. I hope you don't have any more classes for the week or I'm going to have you skip them."
"But you told her…” I press my finger to her lips.
"That's because I don't want her ass in my home. I sure as fuck don’t want her to interrupt our time alone either.” In all honesty, I don’t want her to meet Lena because she’s only going to find a way to try and separate us. My mother loves to do things to upset others, and I sure as hell won’t let anyone come between us.
"How is this going to work out? I go to school in Chicago."
"That's perfect, actually, because our other home is there too. I have the penthouse suite in my office building downtown. So enough of that separating nonsense. How can I get you to skip school tomorrow?"
"You could always lock me up."
"Sounds very interesting. Come sit on my lap and tell me more." She does just that, straddling me. "How does this plan work?"
"I don't know. Maybe you could trap me with your big strong body." With a growl, I flip her onto the bed and cage her in.
"Like this?"
"It's a start."
"We have the afternoon."
Chapter Ten
Lena
Everett left me on the bed to sleep after another slow round of lovemaking. I need to shower, then find something to eat. I’m starving. I jump in the shower and wash up, wrapping myself in one of his big fluffy towels. These are amazing. I wish I had these. I step out of the bathroom and look for something to wear. All I have is my dirty clothes from yesterday. My bag is somewhere in this house. Shit. I see the dress shirt he wore last night and slip my arms through it, buttoning all but the top three. It hangs over me, longer than the dress I wore yesterday. I breathe it in and love that it smells like him.
My rumbling stomach reminds me that I’m freaking hungry, so I rush out of the room and down the main staircase. Now I’m going to have to go on the hunt for the kitchen. Everett’s around here somewhere, but he’s also not the only one here. I run into an older woman, and I wonder if she’s the mother that he didn’t want around.
"Um...hello," I mutter, wearing only Everett's long-sleeved dress shirt and suddenly feeling foolish.
"Oh, hello, dear. I'm Mrs. Ingles. I'm Mr. Williams’s housekeeper. I came over as he requested with some things for you. You must be the lovely Ms. Lena."
He had her bring me new clothes? I’m insanely embarrassed. "I am. Sorry. This is not like me." I pointed to my outfit.
"I know, sweetie. It's written in your eyes. Besides, after working for the past five years for him, I've never seen him this happy and never seen someone running around in his clothes."
"Do you know where Everett is?"
"He's in his office on the phone with his grandfather." Seeing my confusion as I look around completely lost, she adds, "It's down the hall and to the left. I'll be making some lunch for you both before I head out."
“Oh. Thank you. I could really use some food.” The woman reminds me of my mother. I haven’t talked to her since I got out of the hospital. She’s in the middle of a missionary project in South America with my father. Of course they wanted to fly out and come to see me, but I didn’t want them to hover. They love what they do, but I’ve never been the one to want to live in dangerous parts of the world surrounded by the sick. I tried when I was a teen, and I cried my heart out watching these people die in front of me.
“Why don’t you come in the kitchen and grab a snack before you change?”
“Thanks. I could use something.” I follow her inside the kitchen, which of course is spectacular. Like seriously the most amazing kitchen I’ve ever seen. I can’t even imagine that Everett wants to share this with me.
“There’s plenty of snacks. I don’t know where Everett puts it all, but he loves chocolate.”
“Nice.” I pull out a package of Hostess Cupcakes and take one. I peel off the frosting in one giant piece, saving it for last as I eat the cupcake. I’m glad Everett helped me burn a bunch of calories last night and this morning. I’ve earned this sweet treat.
"Speaking of treats…will there be trick or treaters later?" I ask, eating the frosting.
"Oh yes. The candy is already set up at the front door."
"Thank you."
I scurry off with the bag from the local dress shop called Vivian's. I sneak back up to the bedroom because I don’t want to be caught by any kids looking for candy.
I pull out the clothes and gasp at the perfect green dress that matches my eyes. It reminds me of a modern version of a nineteen fifties dress. And this one covers my ass!
I don't have any makeup with me, so I'm going to have to go as is. Inside the bag is also some feminine things including a brush and hair ties. I don't know whose idea it was, but I love them for it. I braid my long auburn hair to hide the scar like I did yesterday, and I feel so special.
Now to go find my man.
Chapter Eleven
Everett
“Ah, there you are. Fuck. Mrs. Ingles needs a raise.” The view in front of me is undeniably sexy. She’s wholesome and wicked all in one.
“You like it?” She grabs the hem with a shy look in her eyes. Her long dark red hair is braided, hiding her scar again. I’ve already been working on that matter since I’ve been in my office. I want to do more, but the police are pretty busy today. Holidays tend to be hell for most police forces around the country, especially the CPD. I left a message because I’m going to offer my resources to help find out who did this to my woman.
I smile at her because it’s all I can do with my dick stealing all my brain power. “Like is an understatement. Come here.” I can’t move from behind my desk. “Uncle, tell Grandpa I’ll call him back,” I mutter into the phone, ending the call without waiting for a reply.
“You didn’t have to hang up because of me.”
“Yes. I. Did. I don’t want to waste a minute of our time together.” Once Monday comes, both of us will be busy with work and school.
“I just wanted to tell you the food is ready. Mrs. Ingles really knows how to cook.”
“Great. I could eat a cow right now.” I could eat her up as well, but I’ll save her sweet pussy for dessert. “I see you met the housekeeper.” I follow her out and take her hand in mine as we make our way to the kitchen.
“Yes, she’s a sweet woman.”
“Thanks. She only comes to tidy up the place, check the mail, or when I come to stay for a while, she prepares some meals.”
As we enter the kitchen, Mrs. Ingles is setting out some plates. “Why, Everett, you look so handsome today. I wonder where that smile has been hiding.”
I look at Lena and my heart does flips. “I’ve been waiting for Lena to bring it out of me.”
“Well, here’s your food. Sautéed chicken breasts with veggies.”
“Perfect. Thank you again, Mrs. Ingles.”
She leaves us as we sit down and eat. “So tell me about your parents, Lena.”
“My parents are a different breed. I love them both, but they are older and dedicated to their profession.”
“What do they do?”
“My father’s a doctor and my mother’s a nurse. Right now they are in South America. I’m not sure exactly where at the moment, but they are super humanitarians.”
“That’s wonderful, but from your tone, I’m guessing that wasn’t wonderful for you.”
“I was a surprise late in their marriage, and really, they had no time for a child. I was left with family, a nanny at one point, and many others. They have time to save people, but not enough to raise one of their own.”
“I’m sorry. Shit. I think that’s worse than mine. At least I know my parents only loved themselves, not everyone else.”
“I feel like they’re selfish.”
I reach across the table and hold her hand. “That’s without a doubt. Do you want babies? I k
now I should have asked that before last night.”
“Yes, I want babies. Lots of them, actually. I want to be a good mom.”
“I’m sure you will be.”
“How can you know? We barely know each other.”
“Because I already know you’re patient from when I left you in the office—”
She cuts me off. “Locked me in the office.”
“I unlocked it thirty seconds later,” I argue.
“Yeah, but I didn’t know that.”
“And yet you didn’t kick and scream the door down. So as I was saying, you’re generous. You gave your innocence to me without hesitation, unaware we were on the same playing field. You’re kind because you went with a friend and were willing to stop what we had because you thought your friend liked me. And you’re strong for being willing to battle your fear after nearly dying by facing a night out at a bar.”
“Thank you, Everett.”
The doorbell rings. “I’ll get that. You sit here. It’s probably the first round of trick or treaters.”
“What time is it?”
“It’s already three.”
“Wow, our day disappeared.”
“We got a world of them.”
I walk to the door and peek through the sidelights. Damn it. They couldn’t wait. I open the door for my grandparents. “See, I told you he wouldn’t be in bed again.”
“Grandma,” I scold her. “Come in. I told you two I’d bring her around tomorrow. You shouldn’t be up and about yet.”
I take his arm. “I can walk, boy.”
“I know, but we had to get away from your mother and your uncle.” They roll their eyes.
“Do I even want to know?”
“No. That woman is something else. Now, where’s your special someone?”
“In the kitchen. We were eating lunch.”
“Oh, we’re sorry.”
“Not that sorry,” I grumble, leading them into the kitchen. “Babe, we have some guests,” I inform her as I enter the kitchen with the two lagging behind me. I take her hand in mine and introduce them. “This is my lovely grandmother, Marie, and my grandfather, Owen. Grandpa, Grandma, this is my beautiful Lena.”
“Oh my. You’re exquisite.” My grandma invades her space, pulling her into a hug.
“Thank you. You’re too kind.”
“We’re going to head into the front room. Do you want to join us?”
“Sure. I’ll bring out some drinks,” I tell them, kissing Lena’s left temple.
She leads them out of the kitchen and before they get down the hall, I can hear them laughing. When I bring in the water with lemons, I ask, “Are you telling stories about me?”
“I was. I said you locked me in the office.”
“Yeah, and I’d do it again.” We talk for another two hours when my grandfather shows some fatigue. “Do you want to go lay down?”
“Yes, please. I hate this getting old bullshit.”
“It’s better than not getting old at all,” I say, almost letting her attack slip out. “I can’t wait to get old with my own family.” I bring Lena’s hand to my lips, kissing it lightly.
“Thank you, Everett.” She turns to my grandparents, saying, “He’s so sweet.”
“Only with those he cares about.”
“The feeling’s mutual.” I know she’s not in love with me, but I’m pretty sure that’s where my heart has been since we first met.
“Get some rest. We’ll be down here watching a movie and waiting for the kiddos.”
“So what are we watching?”
“It’s Halloween, so how about Halloween?”
“Sounds good to me.” I search through the device and find all the movies available. We rent the first one and sit back. I love it. By the time the movie’s half over, she’s clinging to me to protect her. Always.
Chapter Twelve
Lena
It’s time to head back to Chicago and our regular lives. We’re in his amazingly expensive Mercedes and it’s the epitome of luxury, but dread strikes me dead in my chest. Our magical long weekend is over and perhaps he’ll forget all about me in a day or two.
“This weekend has been amazing. Your grandparents are hilarious, and I can see where you get your kindness from,” I sigh, thinking about how amazing it’s been, but the reality has arrived. Between school and his work in the middle of a large city our relationship might not handle the stress.
“You make it sound like you’re trying to end this,” he grumbles.
“I’m not. I just have class in the morning, and it’s best if you drop me off at my dorm.”
He gasps as if I smacked him. “Drop you off?”
“I mean, it’s not like you don’t have work in the morning either.”
“I don’t care about that. I want to know why you’re eager to part ways. Don’t make me turn this car around and lock you up in the house.”
“Don’t be silly. I want to see you tomorrow when you’re not busy.” I love that he’s serious about wanting to see me. I hope that he means it because like many things, life gets in the way.
“Fine. When do you finish your last class?”
“Three fifty.”
“Okay. I’ll be at the office all day, but I can pick you up if you want me to so I can show you the condo.”
“No, that’s fine. I think we need a day to breathe.” I can tell that I’ve said the wrong thing, but I want the next twenty-four hours apart to know this is more than just a magical weekend.
He huffs, clamps his lips shut for a minute as he chooses his words. “Understood. I’ll give you a day.” That’s the last thing he says to me until we pull up to my dorm.
He walks me to the entrance. “Have a good night, sweetheart. Call me anytime you want. I’ll always pick up for you.”
“Everett…” I want to tell him that I’ve changed my mind, but I can’t squeak the words out.
“Yes?”
“I’m going to miss you.”
“You better. Take care. I’ll be worried, but I’m going to give you space.”
He pulls me into his arms, sliding one hand into my hair while dragging my hips to his with the other. His mouth closes over mine with his tongue parting my lips and pushing in. The kiss weakens my knees. I moan, clutching onto his sweater—that he looks incredibly sexy in.
“I have to go before I drag your ass with me.” He stops himself, letting go. “Go inside. I’m not going until I see you get in that elevator.”
“Be careful driving home.”
“I will. Goodnight, love.” He walks over to his car, but his eyes keep track of my movements. As soon as I’m in the building, he winks at me and I blow him a kiss. Why did I have to insist we separate?
I get on the elevator, dipping my head out to steal one last look at him before the door closes. He laughs, turning me into mush. The ride is quick, as if it’s intentionally pulling me farther and farther away from Everett. Once I get inside my room, I feel the loneliness hit. Briana’s not home yet. She sent me a text saying she had a date with her man. I change into my pajamas and climb into my small twin bed. For three hours I lay in bed, thinking about Everett.
Unable to handle it, I send a text. I hope you made it home safe.
Yep, didn’t want to wake you. I’ll be dreaming of you, Lena. Get some sleep.
I’ll be dreaming of you too.
Fatigue gets me and I fall asleep after the last text. My dreams are full of Everett, but they go from sweet and romantic to horror. He leaves me, saying this is what I wanted. I wake up to tears in my eyes. What am I going to do? I have to let him know that I love him, but I can’t wake him up. I’ll send him a text again. That way he can read it in the morning. A day is too much. Can you pick me up after class tomorrow?
With pleasure. Now get some sleep.
And I can. For the next three hours, I sleep like a baby until my alarm goes off.
Chapter Thirteen
Everett
“You ha
ve got to be fucking kidding me.” I received information on Lena’s case from my assistant first thing Monday morning. I’m holding the sketch of the suspect, and my hand is shaking so much that I can’t focus on it. My rage consumes me to the point of pain. I’m going to kill that son of a bitch as soon as possible.
I look through the information and find the number for the detective’s office. It takes me less than a second to decide to call. I can’t believe of all the people in the world. “Hello, may I speak with Detective Michael Morris?”
“May I ask who’s calling?”
“This is Mr. Williams. I may have some information on the attack on Ms. Lena Denton.”
“Give me one moment.” I hear some rustling of papers and then he continues, “Hello, I’m Detective Morris. Can you tell me what you have that can help?”
“It’s hard to explain because this is a fucking twisted connection. I met Ms. Denton and we are now a couple. I don’t want to go into details about it, but she told me what happened. I asked my assistant to get the information for me this morning, and I’m calling you because of it.”
“Okay. So is there something you learned?”
“I think I know the bastard who did it.”
“A name?”
“His name is Bob Rhodes. He’s my mother’s latest husband.”
“Oh hell. That’s quite a dilemma. Can you come into my office today?”
“Yes.”
“And bring Ms. Denton with you, please.”
“Ah hell.”
“If you don’t want her to come with you, I’ll have to contact her myself.” We exchange pertinent information, and I promise to be there after I pick up Lena. Damn, I’m so fucked.
***
I pick her up after class and I see some boy trying to talk to her, but she gives him the cold shoulder and comes running to me. I open my arms and catch her as she wraps her legs around my waist. “Missed you so damn much,” I growl, kissing her wildly, thrusting my fingers into her hair and my tongue into her mouth.
She breaks our connection first, but only to say, “I missed you too, Everett.” She kisses my face over and over again, making me laugh. Setting Lena down on her feet, I see the same guy that was talking to her standing there with another guy. I ask, “Who’s that guy?”