For You

by Hope Ford

  After dinner we watch a movie and Katie falls asleep lying partially on me and partially on Bart. He helps me by carrying Katie to her bed.

  We stand in her doorway, staring into the darkness before I finally have the courage to shut the bedroom door. Bart’s holding my hand, which he’s done all night long, it seems. It’s given me more comfort than I want to reflect on.

  As we walk down the hallway, Bart says he’ll leave.

  I stop in front of my bedroom door and turn to him.

  I know I should let him go. I know Katie’s not the only one that is getting attached. But I need him tonight.

  I look into his blue eyes and tell him honestly, “I wish you would stay.”

  His hands go to my shoulders. “I’ll stay then. Anything you want, Chrissy. I’ll do my best to make it happen.”

  I pull him to the bedroom. A part of me wonders if I’m using him, knowing I won’t be able to sleep tonight, I need a distraction. And he’s definitely a distraction. But I can tell myself that all I want. I know how I feel about Bart. I’ve felt it for a long time, and I know that especially now that’s not going to change.

  “I need you,” I tell him, my hands sliding up his chest.

  His arms go around my waist, and he tugs me against him. “You have me.”

  I raise up on my tiptoes and press my lips to his chin. I try to ignore the way his words affect me. I want him. But I want him for keeps, and I know that’s not possible. No, tonight will have to do.

  Bart

  I know she’s vulnerable, but I also can’t turn her away. I want her to see how good we can be together, but right now my goal is to get her mind off of everything with her ex.

  I drop to my knees in front of her, peeling her pants down her legs on the way. I have her completely bare in front of me, and I push her thighs apart so she can give me access. I take one deep breath, inhaling her sweet scent, and then I bury my head between her thighs.

  Her hand goes to my hair and grips me there, but I’m not moving. I finally have a taste of her, and fuck if it’s not the best thing I’ve ever eaten in my life.

  “Come for me, baby.”

  She moans and arches into me, her hips moving, riding my face.

  “Yes!” she says loudly into the room. I know right when she’s about to come, and I urge her toward it. I want her release. I want to taste it on my tongue.

  Her whole body trembles as the force of her climax slams through her body. I don’t stop, though. I push her further and further until she’s given it all to me, and her legs buckle from beneath her.

  I lift her up and lay her back on the bed. She’s bare from the waist down, and I should feel bad that I didn’t even take the time to undress her properly, but I can’t worry about that now. I pull my jeans down past my knees, pull her to the edge of the bed, and slide into her. She’s hot and wet, and her pussy clenches down hard on my cock as her body ripples with aftershocks.

  I pound into her. Relentlessly. With the taste of her on my tongue, I drive into her. I’m so close to an orgasm, I can feel my balls draw up, and as I slide in and out of her, her moaning beneath me, I come, filling her with my cum.

  Breathless, it hits me. This is not going to be enough. This will never be enough. I need more than sex with Chrissy. I need her every day in every way.

  Fuck, now I just have to convince her of it.

  15

  Bart

  Katie is a sweet, special little girl who still has her childlike innocence. Chrissy had a hard time dropping her off at preschool this morning, knowing that David would be the one picking her up.

  I decide that I’ll keep an eye on David with Katie. There is no way I’m going to let him scare or scar Chrissy’s little girl.

  After David checks out Katie from the preschool and is walking with her toward his car, I can see him stumbling as he’s walking. What kind of daycare is this? Even from across the street I can tell he’s high.

  I make my move and walk across the street. When I get closer, I can see Katie trying to pull her arm from David. “You’re hurting me. It hurts!” she whimpers.

  I stop on the sidewalk in front of them. “How you doing, Katie?”

  Katie is so happy to see me and instantly, David starts acting erratically. “What the hell are you doing here?”

  “David, it’s obvious you’re high. I don’t want to have to arrest you in front of your daughter.” I hold my hands up as if I’m putting all my cards on the table. The fact is that I would give anything to arrest him right now. But first, I need to get Katie to safety.

  David starts getting louder, which is scaring her.

  “Katie, do you want to go with your dad or do you want me to take you to your momma?”

  She’s rubbing her eyes with her free hand now, and I know she’s about to start bawling. She’s pulling on her arm that is still in David’s grip. “I want to go with you.”

  David tries to walk around me, and I move to block him. “I’ll let you walk away from me without arresting you if you let Katie come to me.”

  David’s eyes are big and bloodshot. I can see he’s weighing what to do. He lets go of Katie’s hand, and she runs to me. I catch her midair.

  David jumps in his car and tears away.

  With one arm around Katie, I get my phone out of my pocket with the other hand. I call the sheriff and tell him everything. “I want you to pick up David and test him for narcotics.”

  I hit end on the phone and then both arms go around Katie, who’s holding on to me for dear life. “I’ve got you, Katie. You’re safe.”

  Chrissy

  I’m over the moon when Bart brings Katie to me and tells me how he kept David from taking her while he was high. He writes out a police statement for me to have for court.

  I’ve been on the phone all afternoon with Carrie, Lacy, my mom, and my attorney. Bart has stayed right by Katie’s side because she hasn’t wanted to let him go. After my attorney assures me that she’s got my case moved up and the custody hearing will be in only a few days, I feel a little relief knowing that David is in jail. At least for now. With David getting arrested and Bart’s statement, I have enough for my attorney to halt visitation until the judge hears the case.

  I hang up and walk into the living room to see Bart standing in the doorway on his phone.

  “Yes, sir. The warrant came in today. I’ve got a few things to take care of here, and then I’m going over to search David’s unit.”

  He turns around as he says it, and when he spots me, his face turns red, and he instantly says goodbye and ends the phone call.

  “Was that your boss?”

  He nods his head.

  “That’s why you’re here, isn’t it? That’s why you’re in Forest Grove. You are here investigating David.”

  “It isn’t relevant.”

  I put my hand on my hip. “How do I know you’re with me because of me and not just to get the inside scoop on David?”

  “That’s stupid. I’m not.”

  “Then why not be upfront with it?”

  When he doesn’t come up with an answer right away, I know I’ve been had. “Maybe it would be better if you left. I think Katie and I have had enough drama today.”

  “Chrissy…” he starts, but I don’t let him continue. I’m weak when it comes to Bart. I know I am. I need time. “No, I need a few days to think about this.”

  I know he wants to say more, but he doesn’t. He goes down the hall, and I’m assuming he’s saying bye to Katie. He walks toward me, and I freeze as he gets closer. If he touches me, it’s over. I won’t be able to resist him.

  He stops and stares at me until I meet his eyes. “This isn’t over, Chrissy. This is far from over.”

  I blink, and then he’s gone, and I’m watching as he walks away. I can’t help but wonder if I just made a huge mistake.

  16

  Chrissy

  I’m physically shaking.

  The judge has heard both sides, and while my lawy
er had a lot to work with to make a good case that I should have full custody, David’s attorney worked hard to make David appear to be the wronged party, and a loving father.

  I feel so alone and wish that Bart were here with me as I return with my lawyer when we come back from recess. The judge has made her decision.

  I hear the door open and glance back to see that Bart has joined us.

  He’s here!

  Just knowing he’s there makes me feel stronger. How could I have questioned his sincerity?

  The judge says that she was having a hard time making her decision until an officer delivered the latest charges that are pending against David, including money laundering, counterfeiting, and several charges of theft along with the documentation of supporting evidence. She grants me full custody of Katie.

  Oh my God! I look around the room at my friends. Carrie, Lacy, Rose, and Olivia are all here. Scott is here too. I have so many people on my side, and they’re all here today, waiting to congratulate me. I’m so glad that Katie didn’t have to come and I was able to leave her home with my mother. Because I can’t resist, I walk over to Bart. “It was you wasn’t it?” I know he’s the one that has been working the case. I know he’s played a big part in me getting custody of Katie.

  He shrugs his shoulders and leans in to kiss my forehead. “Congratulations, honey.”

  The endearment rolls off his tongue easily, and I smile up at him. Because my friends can’t hold back any longer, they surround me now, and they all take turns hugging me and congratulating me. And the further away Bart goes.

  When it’s all over, I look around the courtroom. The next proceeding is about to begin, and Bart is nowhere to be found.

  A week later

  Chrissy

  David’s in prison, and Katie is safe. That’s all that should matter. Unfortunately, I’m still missing Bart. He left right after congratulating me on winning full custody.

  I haven’t heard anything from him for over a week.

  He’s gone. Face it.

  I’ve gone through phases of being mad, then being sad and then mad again. He’s gone, and I don’t know when I’ll see him again. I have stopped myself at least five times this week from driving over to Knox to see him.

  Tonight, I’m missing him even more.

  Katie’s at girl scout overnight camp with her grandma, who is her den mother. I let Logan off early for the night so he could take his car with the new interior out for a ride with his girlfriend.

  The night is a slow one at the gym. I look up when the door dings announcing a customer, and my heart drops down into my belly.

  It’s Bart.

  I start trying to talk, say hello, but can’t find my voice. He strides toward me and picks me up, kissing me fiercely, passionately.

  He breaks our kiss, but he’s still holding me in his arms. “I know I should have been more upfront, so now I’m going to be so that you’ll know you can always trust me.”

  I lean my head down and nuzzle into his neck, savoring his warmth. God, being in his arms again is perfect. “I know I can trust you. After everything you did for Katie and me, I never should have doubted you.”

  He puts me on my feet and has both hands on the side of my face. He’s tilting my head, and I’m gazing up at him. I don’t even try to hide how I feel from him. This week without him has shown me how much I want him in my life. I need him.

  “I’ve transferred to work here with the local police department. I’ll be living in Forest Grove permanently.”

  I am shocked. “Why? Why would you leave a bigtime city job for a little town detective position? You’ve worked so hard…”

  “Because I don’t want to raise Katie and our other kids in Knox. I know what I want. You’re the love of my life. I want to be where you are; here with you is where I belong. If you need more time—”

  “I just need you.”

  He smiles at that before dipping his head and capturing my lips in a kiss.

  Epilogue

  Chrissy

  “Are you going to live with us now?” Katie asks Bart.

  I gasp. Because even though I’ve thought it over and over, I haven’t even considered forming the question.

  It’s only been a few weeks that David has been in jail. Katie is completely back to her normal self, and everyone is falling into a routine.

  “Katie!” I admonish.

  “No, I mean, it’s a good question,” Bart says. “You sure are smart, pretty girl.”

  Katie preens under Bart’s comment. She truly already loves him.

  “I guess that’s something your mom and I need to talk about.”

  She looks down at the toy in her hand and then back up at him again. Usually full of confidence, she asks him shyly, “Do you want to live with us?”

  He reaches for her and pulls her onto the couch between us. We were already sitting close, but now with Katie between us, we’re snugged together tightly. “Would you like for me to live here with you and your mom?”

  She nods her head emphatically. “Yes.”

  “I dunno,” Bart starts. “I was thinking we could buy a new house.”

  I gasp. We haven’t talked about any of this, but even knowing that, I know I don’t want to stay in the same house that David once lived in.

  “A new house?”

  “Do you know what, Katie? If I could have anything in this world, do you know what that would be?”

  Her eyes are as big as saucers as she shakes her head.

  “If I could have anything, I would be married to your mom, and have you as my stepdaughter. That would make me the happiest man in the world.”

  Katie turns to look at me. “Oh, Momma, can we, can we please?”

  I can’t help but laugh. It seems that Bart and Katie are quite a pair and have turned to ganging up on me.

  “I don’t know. Why don’t you go play in your room and let me and Bart talk about it, okay?”

  She hugs the two of us and bounds out of the room. I sit there, watching the doorway when Bart breaks the silence. “Are you mad at me?”

  I finally turn to look at him. “I don’t know. Was that a marriage proposal?”

  He looks sheepish for a minute. “I thought I should get Katie on my side before I did this.”

  He slides from the couch and gets down on one knee in front of me. “I’ve been carrying around this ring since I got back to Forest Grove. I love you, Chrissy, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you and Katie. Will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  I reach for him and pull back. “Are you sure, Bart? Don’t ask me if you’re not sure.”

  He laughs then and pulls me in. “I’m sure, woman. Now tell me yes so that we can get to kissing.”

  “Yes, yes, yes!” I say, but the last two are smothered by his kiss.

  Epilogue 2

  Olivia

  A Few Weeks Later

  “So how is he?” Rose asks me.

  We are all here at Patty Cakes for a weekly luncheon. Man, I’ve learned to depend on these times with these ladies. It’s definitely been a blessing the last few weeks.

  “Jason is fine. Well, as fine as can be, I guess. Derrick said that he’s been a little grumpy, but he’s excited about getting out of the rehab center and coming home. Derrick’s there to get him now.”

  “He’s going to be fine,” Lacy says. “He promised he’ll be up and ready to dance in time for the wedding.”

  Man, I hope so. When Derrick got the call that Jason was hurt in a practice mission, it about killed him. I’ve never seen him so upset. Trent and Lacy came over to the ranch as soon as they found out, and both the Keller brothers stayed up all night drinking coffee, waiting on more news. At the first phone call, we weren’t even told where he was.

  The minute that we found out what hospital Jason was flown to, both brothers went straight to his side. None of us breathed easy until we knew for sure that Jason was going to be okay. And then Derrick worked hard on ge
tting him moved close to home to finish out his rehab. We are so thankful every day that he’s going to be okay.

  My phone rings, and normally I wouldn’t pick it up, but it’s Derrick. “Sorry, I need to take this.”

  I hold up the phone so they see it’s Derrick, and then I walk away from the table and out front. “How’s he doing?”

  “We’re on our way home, but I have a favor to ask.”

  “Anything.”

  “Do you care to move out of the cabin and into the big house?”

  “Oh! Uh, well, my house’s renovations are done. I can just move back home.”

  “No way, honey. I like having you close, and we need to talk about a way of making us together in one house permanent anyway.”

  I smile at that. I mean, I know where this is going. We’re always together and haven’t slept apart since we finally found our way to each other. “Okay, well, we can talk about that later. But why do I need to move out of the cabin?”

  I can almost hear Derrick’s smile over the phone. It’s like he knows he won a battle. What he doesn’t realize is I don’t want to leave him as much as he doesn’t want to leave me. He’s stuck with me. “I could say more on the subject of how you need to be sleeping, but my little brother is waiting for me in the truck. So it seems when I sprung my brother from the rehab, he wasn’t coming without a certain nurse to come and help him.”

  “You hired a nurse?”

  “Yep, he said he needed her. And not just anyone. He was pretty adamant about her.”

  Wow. This doesn’t seem like Jason at all. He’s more of a “I can take care of myself” kind of guy. “Sure, I’ll get everything ready. I can’t wait to meet her.”

  “Thanks, honey. I love you. See you soon.”