by Leaona Luxx
Once again, our mouths smash together and send us into overdrive. With a final meeting of our bodies, we find our release and each other. As we catch our breaths, I roll to the side, bringing her with me.
“I-I feel like we’ve done this before.” I murmur into her hair. She lifts her head from my chest, placing a gentle kiss on my lips.
“I feel the same way, Creed.” Her eyes swim with emotion, as she searches mine for meaning.
I’m speechless, so I show her what my heart wants to say. I flip her onto her back, taking her once again. Making love to Scarlet feels easy and effortless, she gives as much as she takes.
She never leaves me wanting or needing more from her. Scarlet fills me up and gives me hope for the future. One that may or may not include who I once was but takes me as I am.
Night turns into dawn, as Scarlet sleeps in my arms. We’ve dozed on and off, making love as if we’re teenagers and insatiable. I have to admit, watching her now, I know I’ll never get my fill of her.
Her lashes flutter against her cheeks before she opens them slowly. When our gaze locks, a smile spreads across her face, and I’m lost to her all over again.
“Mornin’.”
“Good morning, beautiful.” I press my lips to hers. She fists my hair, taking everything I can give. “I hate to bring us down, but we forgot an important part of last night.”
She taps her chin, quirking her brow. “Well, maybe it’s me, but I thought it went pretty damn good.”
“Ha! Yes, it was excellent.” I hesitate, feeling irresponsible and like a fool. “A condom.”
“Oh, I see. I’m protected, so as long as amnesia isn’t contagious, and you don’t have the herply erplies, we’re okay.”
I smash my mouth into a thin line, trying to be serious. “It is not, and I do not.”
“Well, I guess I gotta trust ya, but if my lady parts turn green, you’re in trouble.” Her eyes widen before she crosses them, making a funny face.
“It’s a good thing you’re hot, and I like kissing you.”
She bites her lip. “Is that all you like to do with me, kiss?”
“What else do you have in mind?”
She leans away, licking her lips. “Shower?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
“I was playing hard to get,” she slips from my grasp, “so how do you feel about round two?”
I sit up as she slides from the bed, dropping the sheet as she sashays through the bathroom door. Her round ass, swings like a pendulum, entrancing me. My cock bobs with anticipation when she turns to me, crooking her finger.
I ease from the bed, standing posed and ready. “I’ll go every round with you Scar, just say when.”
“When…” her lip quirks, and I bum rush her through the door.
After a long hot shower or two, we have breakfast with Emmie. She’s the perfect child when she’s not practicing her aim through projectile vomiting. Scarlet’s not acting like herself, though, and I’m concerned.
“Regrets?” I ask as we clear the table. She averts her eyes, and my stomach sinks, along with my hopes. “That’s a yes.”
“I never said that.” She shakes her head, turning toward the kitchen, and I’m fast behind her.
We place the dishes in the sink together, bumping shoulders as we do. “But you didn’t disagree.”
“It’s just that we discussed taking it slow and now, there’s no going back. Sex changes things between people, especially friends.” She has a point, and I don’t like it. I side-eye her and her determination.
“Crawford and Kathryn are both, and from my understanding, they’ve always been that way.”
She gawks at me. “You cannot be trying to compare us with your parents, tell me you’re not!”
“I’m only pointing out that it’s possible, and if we work hard enough… together, we can do this.” I tilt my head, dazzling her with my winning smile, and boyish good looks.
“Stop.” She narrows her eyes. “I mean it, Creed. I think I have valid points here, and that look in your eye worries me you’re not taking this as seriously as I am.”
“So you think, I’m jumping into this without considering any ramifications? All I’ve done for the last two years of my life is contemplate the what if’s.”
She crosses her arms, and I ready for a fight. She’s not getting away from me, whether she’s pushing or running. “I’m not trying to jerk you around, and I’m definitely not saying no. I think I’ve proven that over the last few hours.”
“Yes you have, and I have never been more appreciative.” She bites her lip as my eyes slowly trail her body
She pushes me away. “I meant trusting you with Emmie, the other was total lust.”
“I can accept that answer.”
“Such a mess.” She giggles, nudging my shoulder. I grasp her wrist, pulling her into my arms.
“I need to check on Doc. I also want to talk with Crawford and Kathryn about my decision to check into my past.”
She scowls. “So, you’re leaving me already.”
“Oh, please! I’m the one begging you to let me stay.” I lean in, readying for a kiss.
“Are you bringing her back with you?” Scarlet’s brows knit.
“Is this your way of asking me if I’m coming back?”
She lowers her head, pushing her face into my chest. “Maybe. Kinda. Yeah.”
“Scar,” I lift her chin with my finger, gazing into her eyes. “I’m going to see my parents and pick up Doc. I’ll be back in a few hours.”
“Okay, we’ll be here.” She rises on her tiptoes, placing her lips to mine. Her touch exhilarates me, giving me a supercharge of happiness.
Scarlet’s been hurt, it’s obvious, but before I can help her to heal her old wounds, I need to open mine and let them breathe. Her feeling of uncertainty isn’t unfamiliar to me, another reason we’re meant for each other.
My cell buzzes as I pull into the driveway, parking, I take a quick glance at it and smile. I jump out, taking the steps two at a time and rap on the door before entering.
“Hey,” I step inside, scanning the area. “where is everyone?”
“In here! I just tried calling you.” Kathryn yells from the direction of the kitchen.
I close the door, and head in the direction of her voice. As I round the corner, I’m greeted by my girl, and she’s thrilled to see me. Doc nearly knocks me down, jumping on me with excitement.
“Hey, Doc. I’ve missed you girl.” I kiss her snout, patting her back to calm her down before looking to my parents. “Good morning!”
Kathryn cuts her eyes at Crawford, prompting me to chuckle. “How are you? I was worried after your last call.”
“Emmie is alive, and I still have all of my hair. I think that should cover the basics.”
Crawford nods toward the chair across from him. “Have a seat, I think I’d like to hear more of this tall tale of survival and fear.”
“Honestly,” I pull the chair out, falling into it. “I’ve never been more frightened in my life! Why don’t they teach parenting 101 in high school? I mean, she shot peas outta her nose!”
“Creed Randal! Stop being so graphic at the table.” Kathryn shakes her head, wincing.
Crawford’s jaw sets. “Sounds like you have seen some action, son. Glad you made it out alive.”
“I did, but my clothes did not. My shirt was stuck to my back for hours.” Kathryn’s face turns sour as we all laugh.
“I’d like to know what kind of mother leaves you in charge, to begin with?” Crawford smirks. I’m sure they’ve heard of Scarlet and know she’s fantastic so that zingers for me.
I hold my hands up. “Obviously, she has no judge of character.”
“I was rather intrigued by your message; Boone couldn’t stop laughing.” Kathryn’s face is glowing as if she has a secret.
I shift in my seat, feeling seen. “Yeah, I was totally panicked.”
“Well, as long as she’s alive and you’
ve showered, I suppose everything’s okay.”
“Not exactly, but I’m hoping you can help.” His shoulders square as if he’s readying for battle. Maybe he is, and I’m the one that has no idea what I’m about to ask or what ramifications it may hold.
“What is it you need, Creed?” Kathryn places her hands in her lap, bracing herself for the worst.
I run my hands down my pants, drying them. My eyes flit around the room as I try to find the words I need so much. Finally, my gut rolls, and before I lose my nerve, I blurt it out.
“I need help getting my files so I can look into my past. It’s time I either face who I am and what happened or put it behind me for good. Will you help me?” I swallow hard after my word vomit, hoping like hell he’ll do it.
He leans forward, clasping his hands as he lays them on top of the table. “I can give you what I have here, and then I’ll make some calls this afternoon.”
“I’m planning on asking Jackson for everything they have too.”
“Do you have a place to set up and work through what you find?” Crawford stands, walking over to the counter and grabbing his cell.
I grimace, realizing I have a lot of work to do. “No, I didn’t think I’d get this far.”
“I’ll call our event coordinator and have some tables set up in the garage. Will that work?” Kathryn reaches for a pen and notepad, making notes as we talk.
I’m speechless as my head bounces from one to the other. “I-I mean, yes. Thank you.”
“What are you hoping to find?” Crawford’s brows knit.
My heart hammers against my chest as I realize I only have one answer. “Why.”
“Call Jackson, let him know I’m calling General Rodriguez and ask him to back me on this.” Crawford begins to dial energetically. Again, for the second time in as many days, I’m filled with hope. Today, I’m also grateful.
“Thank you, both. I’m grateful.”
We spend the morning working by phone to arrange the pick up or drop off of every file my name is linked too. Surprisingly enough, people are happy to help. My only hope is that I can find something which will lead me to the answers I need, whether I regain my memory or not.
My phone vibrates across the table, making me scramble to catch it before it falls from the top. I quickly juggle it, as the screen lights up again. With the swipe of my finger, I answer.
“Hey, Jackson.”
“Hatch, how are you? Hold on a second, please tell me you haven’t lost her child.” I can only imagine Jackson sniggering as he asks.
I cut my eyes at my parents, just within earshot of my responses. “No, I have not. We’re kinda… seeing each other.”
“Excuse me? I couldn’t hear you.”
I fidget, twisting away from prying eyes and listening ears. “We might be dating.”
“What does that mean, son? Either you are, or you’re not. Do you know the difference? Maybe we should call Mark or better yet, Quinn to come give you some pointers.” Jackson chuckles.
“This shit from a man called Muff. I hit’em and eat’em, no one will ever say I am one.”
Jackson falls silent, and I’ll admit, I’m scared. “That’s one, you little shit. The next one will come out of your ass.”
“Alright, truce! I don’t need to go to war with you, I have Mark and Quinn to grapple with, and that’s enough.”
He laughs with me. “What’s going on, Hatch?”
“I’m wondering if you’d let me see the documents you have on me?”
“Are you looking for something in particular?” His voice is low, and I can already hear his wheels turning.
“Right now? No. I am hoping to discover something or at least unearth some kind of clue that will help me.” I scratch my head in frustration.
There’s typing in the background. “I’ve asked Lee to have them sent down, let me know if I can help fill in any blanks or you have questions.”
“I appreciate this, Cole. It would be nice to get my dreams out into the open and learn something about them.”
“As long as you understand, you might hit a dead end. We couldn’t connect anything or anyone directly, there’s no end or beginning.”
My gut knots as his words sink in. “I know, but it’s time I try.”
“I’ll be in the office next week if there’s anything else I can do, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help, much like the people in the room with you now.” Jackson is an old soul and smart as hell. It must be nice being Jackson Cole.
“Will do, thanks again.” I end the call, excited, and ready to dig into the mission that changed my life and those around me.
A heaviness rests in the pit of my stomach, uncertainty washing over me as I think of the gravity of the situation. Maybe I’m feeling anxious about what I may discover, I’m not sure.
“Are we good to go?” Crawford looks up from his phone to ask.
“Yeah, he’s sending what he has over.”
“Is there something wrong?” He watches me closely.
I nod, trying to shake this off. “Feeling a little uneasy, it’s a lot to take in.”
“Agreed, but I’m proud of you for taking this step. I hope it pays off for you.”
“So do I.”
Now that I have made the daunting choice to look into the failed mission, I’m worried what I may dredge up. I have to be honest with myself since I can’t seem to be with anyone else.
We work diligently throughout the day, setting things up as they come in. All that’s left to do is get the files and start digging through them. Even the slightest clue could possibly help, so I’ll need to be prepared for anything.
“Last one, and we’re good to go.” Kathryn smiles when the computer she was setting up begins to hum with life.
The tension I’ve had building in my body all day is begging to be released, and I know the person that can help. My nerves are frayed, and I’m ready to relax with my ruby haired ladies.
I stand, stretching out my muscles and thinking of Scarlet. “Thank you.”
“So, who put a smile like that on your face?” Crawford scuttles over to Kathryn’s side, both grinning ridiculously.
“Y’all aren’t right,” I kiss Kathryn on top of the head and pop Crawford on the arm. “I’ll be here bright and early to get started on what we have.”
“Craw leave the boy alone. I love seeing his smile.”
“Just wondering if it’s anyone we know, or need to get to know.” Crawford waggles his brows behind her back.
I shake my head. “He’s ruthless.”
“Nothing to be ashamed of, son. Two red-blooded kids, having some good clean fun and a little sex.” Crawford holds his stomach, trying to not make a sound.
“So what, now you’re hip or just an old hippie?”
“I happen to enjoy beautiful women. Are you afraid she’d prefer the original?” He winks, bobbing his head.
I flex, kissing my biceps. “Why would she pick flabs over abs?”
“Boys! What’s gotten into y’all?” Kathryn blushes, reminding me of Scarlet.
“Apparently, women, wine, and fine sex!” Crawford belts out in laughter.
“I’m leaving on that note! Doc, let’s get outta here.” I throw my hand in the air. “See ya, Mom. Later, Dad.”
When Kathryn whimpers, I realize what I said. “Thank you.”
I continue out the door with Doc in tow, knowing full well if I turn around, she may never let me go. They’ve been fantastic, giving me the time I need to come to this decision. I’m not sure if I could’ve withstood what they have.
I help Doc in and then climb into my SUV, but before I can pull out on the road, my phone chimes. Tugging it free from my pocket, I hit answer the minute I recognize the number.
“Man, do I have so much to tell you!”
Drew guffaws. “So, the rumors are true! You know what that means, get your ass in here.”
“Will do, I need a day or two more.”
“Tuesday
, and not a day later.” Drew’s determined to stay on top of my anxiety. This is his ‘daddy knows best’ attitude.
I crank my SUV. “You’ve got it.”
“I want to hear everything about her. I’ve been told, you were in a covert mission the other day.” He cracks himself up, even though I’m not laughing.
“What the fuck ever, needle dick. I’ll give you details if you can produce the pretend girlfriend you have, and she can’t be a blow-up either!”
“Fuck you, you jerk-off!”
“Not anymore, but you keep dreaming of me all you want.”
Drew can’t help but laugh, he loves me. “Whatever, asshole. Tuesday.”
“I’ll be there.” I end the call, tossing my cell in the passenger seat. I glance in the mirror before I back out, and I’m stunned at what I see. My reflection is different because of the smile on my face.
Chapter Twenty
Scarlet
“I love Sunday’s, don’t you?” Reese lays back in the hammock, enjoying the breeze.
“I do, it’s our family day.” I watch as our three little ones run through a sprinkler, laughing wildly. “Baby giggles are the best.”
Reese peeks at them through her lashes. “The sound is amazing, but damn if they’re not like the cutest kiddos in the history of cute kids.”
“Sometimes, I question if you’re really an attorney.”
She frowns. “Same, wench. But you ain’t gotta rub my face in it.”
“Who you callin’ a wench, ya redheaded stepchild?”
“How is that even a comeback, we both have red hair!” She gaggles, almost tipping out of her seat.
I nod, grinning. “See, you’re gonna bust your ass.”
“Only because I’m jealous you got yours tapped last night, and don’t say you didn’t. You’re still glowing from the aftermath, so spill!” She sips her wine, twirling her hair as she waits on the details.
“I don’t have a clue what happened, it’s like I didn’t have any control over myself.”
She raises up, gaping. “Are you tellin’ me, you fell on a dick and couldn’t get up?”
“Shut up!” I throw a ball at her head.
“Scar… are you happy?”
