by Jen Talty
She placed a six-pack of beer on the top step. She took one out, then cracked it open and held it out to him. “I know it’s no consolation, but I did want to congratulate you on your offer being accepted for buying the hotel,” she said. “I guess it’s my attempted to look for the silver lining.”
“Thanks.” He made his way to the top of the stairs. He looked deep into her eyes. “I’m sorry you had to find out about my past the way you did. I’m heading to visit Nana in a week or so, and I want you to come.”
“I don’t know.” She leaned against the doorjamb of her bedroom, her nightgown slightly see-through, which distracted him from everything, and maybe, just maybe, that was a good thing. “I don’t think I’m ready to meet any of your family.”
“I understand,” he said, “though I’m going to have to tell Nana about the baby, and it would be nice to have you there with me.”
“I think I’ll let you do that on your own.”
“I really do want to make this work.”
“I believe that you do,” she said. “It’s not that I don’t, just that I’m scared.”
He drained his beer then cracked open a second one, realizing they had more to fear than all the changes in their lives. “I don’t think the fire was an accident.” He took her by the hand, leading her into the bedroom. He sat on the foot the bed, and she joined him. “I don’t have a handle on what’s really going on or why, but I’m worried, and I need to keep you and the baby safe. I’m going to see if I can rent the main house, and I want you to move in there with me.”
She shook her head. “That house is too big. I’d be scared alone. Besides, there are more people here to watch out for me.” She glided her fingers across his cheek. “I’m more worried about you, especially since the fire wasn’t an accident.”
“Then I’ll stay here with you,” he said softly. “I’m happy we’re having a baby. I want him or her with everything I am.” He pressed his lips to hers. She didn’t pull away, but didn’t exactly participate.
She pressed her hand against his chest, finishing the kiss. “Just for tonight. I won’t move into that house right now.”
“I don’t want you to be alone.”
“You’re never alone on Harmon Hill,” she said. “I can’t live with you right now. It’s too soon. Like you said before, we start over.”
“All right.” He cupped her face, looking her in square in the eye, and saw her confusion, sadness, and pain. All of which he alone had caused. “We both want this baby. We will be good parents together.”
A single tear rolled down her cheek, and as he kissed it away, she wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his neck, and began to sob. “I was so scared you’d been hurt in that fire.”
Patty had spent a good hour pacing in Lacy’s family room when the call finally came through that Reese was fine. Part of her was pissed as hell he hadn’t called, texted, or whatever. The other part was just so damned grateful the father of her child was fine. Frank had given her the evil eye for telling him Reese would be staying with her for the night, but had wanted to congratulate him on his purchase. It was a step in the right direction for them.
Mostly, she had to see him. Touch him. Feel him. She needed to know he was okay. Now, she found herself pressed against his hard body, drying her tears in his shirt. She grasped at his back, desperate to hold him tighter, unable to get rid of the thought that he could have been in that trailer when it went up in flames.
To his credit, he held her tenderly and whispered sweet, kind words as he stroked the back of her head and neck. He didn’t tell her to stop, or that it would all be okay. He just held her and told her he was there, for whatever she needed. She had no idea what she needed. She knew in the bottom of her heart that he would be completely capable of putting his child first. She believed beyond any reasonable doubt that he would love and adore his child. It didn’t matter that the child hadn’t been planned. She saw that so deeply, it made her want to forget about anything and everything in the past. Even the things she didn’t know. Life was a risk. Love a bigger risk. It was time to take the leap of faith and stop fighting what she couldn’t change if she tried.
She loved Reese.
“I don’t want to do this alone,” she whispered. “I was so worried something bad had happened to you.”
“You don’t have to be alone in this, ever.” He lifted her head off his shoulder, studying her intently.
“I don’t think—”
He pressed his fingers against her lips. “Don’t think. Just feel.”
Oh, how she felt every single inch of him. And she had to admit, if only to herself, it wasn’t just physical. It was love. His lips were hot on her neck, kissing every inch as they made their way to her lips, which she gave without any battle or trepidation. He pressed her back to the bed, gripped her hips, his knee gently parting her legs, and his chest heaved into hers with the force of passion.
She devoured what he offered. It wasn’t about him or her anymore, but about the deep connection they shared, and one that needed to be strengthened. That connection might not have created the baby, but it was going to have to raise that baby, and if in a moment of compassion they needed entangled bodies, who was she to fight it?
They fumbled at each other’s clothing. Thoughts of the future came crashing down, but instead of facing them, she straddled Reese and quickly slipped her nightshirt over her head, losing herself in the sensation of his hand caressing one breast and his tongue dancing across the other. She kissed her way down his chest, across his stomach, her fingers grappling with his belt.
“Slow down,” he murmured.
“No.”
Their lovemaking had never been slow, but wild and relentless. He flipped her onto her back, spreading her legs, easing his fingers inside her while his tongue and lips caressed her, bringing her to perfect climax. Her body quivered beneath his touch, and before it was over, he was fully inside her, their hips locked tightly.
“Don’t stop.” She coaxed him, slowly but firmly, needing more release. “I need you,” she whispered.
He matched her motions, and she felt his own buildup rise, making it all the sweeter. He took his time, something he’d always done, but this was different. In the past, he’d simply made it last, a game of teasing that often brought her to multiple orgasms. But this time he was tender. Gentle.
He raised his body above hers, still grinding his hips, bringing her right to the edge, but never over the top. He kissed her nose, and she opened her eyes and gasped as she stared into his eyes, filled with something more than mere sexual excitement. She wrapped her legs around him, pulling him in quickly, and then ground her hips . His eyes rolled back as he let his own climax spill out into her. Watching him forced her release to hit the surface seconds later.
She embraced his full weight as he collapsed, his breath labored. They remained entangled in each other for a long time before he rolled off, still holding her close. Her last thought before she fell into a deep sleep was what it was going to be like to have this whenever she wanted or needed.
9
Normally, the smell of bacon in the morning would excite Patty, but now it only made her rush to the bathroom with a wave a nausea and a few dry heaves. She knew Reese was trying to be nice by making her breakfast, and she did appreciate it, but she couldn’t handle the smell.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Morning sickness. I think.”
“Oh, sorry,” he said. “Can I get you something else?”
“Just crackers, please, and maybe some coffee. Oh, and crack open a window. I don’t think I like bacon anymore.”
“That’s going to suck for a while.” He pointed to a mug on the table. “Just a little cream.”
“Thanks.” Other than feeling sick, she wanted every morning to be like this. The two of them sharing breakfast and light conversation before they headed out the door for work. She paused, lifting the mug to her lips and blew, contemplating the job
situation.
So much of her life was changing, and she believed it to be for the good. Only one tiny little complication. She hated harping on his marriage, but it was a fact. She knew he was trying to find his wife and divorce her, but so much of what happening had been a direct result of an unplanned, but wanted, baby. It was hard not to wonder what would have happened between them, or not happened, if she hadn’t gotten pregnant.
He put a roll of crackers and a glass of water on the table. She sat, sipping the perfectly-brewed coffee while reading a few texts on her phone.
“What’s got your attention?”
“Frank.”
“What does he want?”
“He’s just worried.”
“About what?”
“Me. Us. The situation. Holland. Lots of things.”
“I am, too,” he said, and even without looking, she sensed him watching her. “Are you avoiding me?”
A loaded question, but right on the money. “Last night was... Well, it was… I was so scared that you really could have been hurt.”
“You said that last night,” Reese said. “What’s really on your mind?”
“I can’t get over the fact that you’re still married. I’m worried you’re still keeping things from me, and it makes me want to forget about last night.”
“I’m not keeping secrets. If something concerns you, just ask.”
“Okay. What’s going on with finding your wife?”
“My PI guy says she went dark about a year ago, but he’s checking her last known address and place of employment,” Reese said.
“See, I didn’t know that. So I wonder what else you don’t tell me.”
“I’m not keeping anything else from you. The big things are on the table. Anything else you want to know, all you have to do is ask. I’m going to prove to you—”
“You don’t have to prove anything,” she said. “I guess I feel out of the loop.”
“I didn’t think you’d want me reporting back every detail about finding my soon-to-be ex-wife,” he said. “I need to get to work. See you tonight?”
She nodded.
He kissed her gently on the lips, letting the kiss linger.
He let out a long sigh, resting his forehead against hers. “I’m not going anywhere and we’ll get through this. Call me if you need me.” She watched him go down the flight of stairs, where he was greeted by a very unhappy Frank, who glanced between the two of them.
“I’m not sure it’s a good idea for you to be staying here,” Frank said
“Not your business,” Patty yelled from the top of the stairs.
Reese held out his hand. “I’m here to stay.”
Frank took it and the two men shook. “You rip her heart out, I’ll do more than hit you.”
“I’m sure you won’t be the only one in line for that.” Reese turned and looked up at Patty one more time. His eyes filled so many emotions, except one. Fear. “Lock the doors.”
She nodded, waved, then pulled her robe tighter. This was really happening.
Patty had no desire to leave the house, but sucked it up and made herself presentable. She had to return some things to Conrad’s office, since she was no longer employed, and pick up the severance package.
The spring air had finally starting to stick. There was more brown grass than snow. The sun shown brightly in the sky, and while it was still only about fifty that was spring in Lake George.
The drive down Route 9 was filled with pleasant thoughts, until she pulled into the parking lot of the law offices of Conrad Winston. The first thing she noted was the fancy schmancy car. The second thing she noticed was Jared across the street at the coffee shop. He was leaning against a patrol car, sipping coffee, looking quite menacing. The man did look like a legend in the making.
Then Frank stepped out of the coffee shop. He and Jared made eye contact, but did nothing to acknowledge each other’s presence. Why where they there?
She grabbed the box of stuff that belonged to Conrad’s law office then opened the front door, using her back to push it open.
“File whatever injunction you need to. File them all. Bury him in paperwork. Do whatever you can think of to stop that sale.”
Patty didn’t need to turn around to know that silky-sweet voice with the bitter edge belonged to Keith Holland.
“Oh, hi, Patty,” Conrad said. “Thanks for returning all the files promptly.”
“Not a problem.”
“I haven’t given up on buying the Heritage Inn.” Keith glided into her personal space. He was smooth and charming and intimating, all at the same time. And those eyes. It had to be how deep and blue they were. She tried to avoid them, but it was impossible. “I want it for my family. I think you, of all people, can understand that.”
“Excuse me?”
“Harmon Hill,” Keith said. “It’s beautiful, and all owned by your family. I want that for my family. You know, I have five grandchildren now. Five.” He shook his head. “I want to make sure my family—the ones that have stuck by me—are well taken care of.”
“I’m sure you’ll find the perfect place,” she said. “Conrad, may I have the paperwork on my severance package?”
“I had Angela put it in the mail,” Conrad said. “I am sorry things didn’t work out. I will give you a glowing reference if you need it.”
“Thanks,” she said, but she noticed Holland’s expression of glaring distain. “I appreciate it.” Without waiting for any fanfare, she walked out the door. For the last year, she’d given this job her best. Her termination felt like a manipulation of billing hours, but she could do nothing about it.
She got into her car, noting that Frank and Jared were still across the street. Still leaning against the car. Still sipping coffee. Whatever they were doing, they certainly weren’t trying to be secretive.
That scared her. She texted Reese, asking what the heck was up with that. He responded that he’d talk to her tonight about it, and asked if she wouldn’t mind setting up his things in the main house since was renting until he closed on the property. He also told her that a patrol car would be going by the Heritage Inn and Harmon Hill, just to be safe.
The idea he was taking such precautions, made her jittery. She called Lacy, hoping they’d be able to help move Reese into the main house together. She did not want to be alone.
10
The morning had been overwhelming for Reese. They’d hit brick wall after brick wall when it came to figuring out who was responsible for the fire, as well as connecting the dots to Terry, Conrad, and Holland. Stacey had hit a dead end with the law firm. Mary wouldn’t give her a thing, and without a warrant, she didn’t have to.
It was three in the afternoon, and the sun was still high in the sky, warming the chilly waters. A pounding headache had been looming all day. Reese had been hoping for a couple more nights with Patty. He’d begged her to come stay with him. She met him with a resounding no. He continued to flip through the paperwork on the fire that had destroyed the trailer and his Mustang, while managing a few more begging texts.
“You look deep in thought,” Jared said, standing over him with a deep scowl, like a father with his son. He and Frank had just come in from patrol, but had yet to brief him on anything.
“I’m contemplating.”
“About what?” Jared asked, sitting down.
“First, who really has motive to burn up my trailer and car? Because saying it was Holland makes sense on the surface. You and Frank saw him at Conrad’s, where Patty mentioned some weird shit about him still wanting the place for his family.” He looked at his boss, who still had that fatherly look that drove Reese nuts. The man wasn’t that much older. “Why do you always look at me like I’m twelve, or something?”
Jared shrugged. According to his wife, he did it to everyone, even people much older. “So, what do you think?”
“Even if Holland wanted me gone that badly, a Mustang and a trailer aren’t going to scare me off the sale, unles
s he somehow hinted it was him. That it would get worse if I didn’t back off. He’s done no such thing, and so far, while all sorts of rumors about him being ‘connected’ run rampant, we can’t find anything that says this guy would even think about doing that, much less hire someone.”
“All right,” Jared said. “Who is out and about, and who has the biggest grudge against you?”
“It’s not a very long list. Hell, Frank has more enemies than me.”
“Well, make the list, right down to a kid you punched on the playground in the second grade.”
“Already on it.”
The front door pushed open, and Stacey breezed in. “Let’s hit the road!” She didn’t bother take off her standard-issue coat.
It was the first time Reese had seen her show up in full uniform. “I guess fifty-two degrees means no more Eskimo parka?”
“You’re a funny guy,” she said. “So, we ready to roll?”
“Good Lord, girl. Relax,” Jared said. “You’re just going to be sitting in a car for hours.”
“Yes, sir,” Stacey said.
“And don’t call me sir.” Jared shook his head. “You know I hate that.”
Reese laughed. He’d gotten used to this group of people, and he suddenly felt a sense of belonging that he hadn’t felt in a very long time.
“Anything to report before we head out?” Reese asked.
“Holland’s still at the Edgar Resort, last we checked. Conrad is still at court, according to our sources. Nothing much going on, so basically, normal patrol.”
“Well, that’s no fun,” Stacey said.
“You can get another job, if you like.” Jared lowered his head and gave Stacey the evil eye.
“You know,” Stacey said, “I’ve brought in a lot of intel. I think you need to cop to the diaper thing.”
“You haven’t connected it all,” Jared said. “Do that, and we’ve got a diaper deal.”
“Do we always have to talk about Stacey’s diaper and bony ass?” Reese asked.