by Ford, Mia
“That’s when I called the apartment.”
“Did you really lose something?” I asked as she shook her head.
“I just had a nagging feeling to call. You knew?” I nodded.
“I knew, and I was livid. Angry that you could have been there with Lindsay and Rosie and been hurt or killed. Like anything else, there’s no proof that it was Keith but we both know it was. The complex was just going to fix it and rent it out again once the locks were changed. I didn’t tell them about your history since it was such a brief time there.” I explained as she pressed her forehead against me. “There’s more, Sol.”
“What?” She sighed as if she wasn’t surprised by my words. She probably thought I lied constantly to her.
“I saw him outside of our building. Keith.” She lifted her eyes to look at me. “He is being cut off by his dad unless he fulfills something in the trust fund. If he has a kid, he gets the money.” She looked horrified and I nodded. “I know, baby. He’s desperate, even beyond that.”
“Why would his father do that if he knows how crazy Keith is?” Her voice was shaky, and I kissed her hair.
“Parents think weird shit sometimes. We both know that it’s a bad idea and somewhere deep down, he does as well.”
“He tried to kill me with the car. Breaking into the apartment? He wants me dead and to just take her away?” Tears slid down her cheeks as she started to cry.
“It’s not going to happen. I told him to leave Seattle and I haven’t heard anything further. If it takes my buying him off to disappear, I’m willing.” I held her gaze with mine. “I would do anything to keep you both safe. She’s mine now, just like you. I could take it further than that.”
“A selfish part of me wants that.” Her voice was soft, and I nodded.
“The part I hate about paying him off is that he’ll hurt someone else. He has a history of this.” Her tears slid faster, and she pressed against me. “Eventually he’ll get caught but I don’t want to see someone else hurt or worse, dead. He’s grasping at straws now.”
Soledad cried for a few minutes and then kissed me. I felt the heat of her mouth as she pulled me over her, stunned by her sudden passion. “I need you, Alex.” I kissed her back and our bodies intertwined together easily, knowing the other well. Clothes came off and I knew that she needed me to fuck this out of her tonight. I could do that.
I took her on her back tonight. Her nipples pressed hard against my chest as I started that way until I made her come hard. After that. I brought her feet up my body and drove into her until I was coming as well. Sex with her was so much more than just the act. It was making love and intimate. It was working through things and moving on.
Once I was sated, I dropped beside her and closed my eyes. “Feel better? I know I’ve done that to you a few times.” I said softly as she looked at me.
“I do. I’m not happy that you hid that from me but in the whole scheme of things, I get it. I am already stretched thin and worried about Lindsay.” She pressed her mouth against my shoulder as she turned to her side. “I trust you, Alex. I love you too much to walk away from this. Seeing you with her that way today made me melt inside. Probably every other woman in the office as well.”
“It was interesting, to say the least.” I said as she laughed softly. “They all know that you’re mine.”
“So, what’s the plan?” Soledad asked as I pulled her to my body.
“I am having the PI look into it more. I’ll pay if it comes down to it but he’s being sloppy. I have you being guarded every time you leave this apartment.” She looked at me. “I have to. I was upset that Rosie went out tonight on her own.”
“She called Daniel first. I haven’t told her a lot and I assume you haven’t?” I nodded. “She knows so much. I think Rosie has been through a lot.”
“I’m glad he’s accommodating you both. I pay him well.” I assured her as she sighed.
“All of this isn’t too much for you?” She asked as I shook my head.
“You’ll be back at work before you know it. I just need to know that everything is okay.” I assured her as she stroked my back.
“What’s the difference between my going to work with you in the car versus staying here?” Soledad was a stubborn one.
“You were almost hit by a car going to lunch, Sol. If you come back, I’ll order in every fucking day to keep you safe.” I sighed after I finished the negotiation, thinking that I’d never done that with a woman either.
“There’s always leftovers.” She sounded victorious and I kissed her hair.
“You know that you don’t have to work, right?” I hated saying it since I knew she had a lot of pride.
“I do. You’ve made that clear, but I’ve always worked for what I have. I’m not the kind of woman to let someone take care of me.” Her tone was set, and I nodded.
“Maybe after this we can come up with some different terms for your job.” I hinted as she lifted her face to mine.
“We’ll see. I’ll take the rest of the week off with Lindsay and do some work from home. We’ll see from there. She loves having me here.” Her voice was weak, and I chuckled.
“I know. I can tell.” I agreed as she closed her eyes. “She’ll be in school before you know it. Enjoy this and we can set something else up. You’ll still work because you’re one of the best, but you can do both.”
“Let’s go to sleep. We’ll figure all of this out later.” Soledad mumbled, and I kissed her. “I love you.”
“I love you, baby.” I tucked her into my chest the way she liked and let my eyes close. I was so tired and felt like I needed to sleep for a week.
I got up the next morning after spending some quality time with Soledad, putting smiles on both of our faces. She stayed in bed and agreed to work from home for part of the day since the team was getting into their project. That worked for me and I locked the door behind me, leaving Rosie in the kitchen making some coffee.
It was weird having a girlfriend, kid, and someone cooking in my house with me. I never considered a personal chef before since there was so much take out available when I didn’t feel like cooking. That was often. Now, I preferred her meals when I got home early every night. I preferred hearing about Lindsay’s day and making love to Soledad before we fell asleep together.
Chapter Fifteen
Soledad
I worked part time with the team from home and slowly fell in love with being home with Lindsay. I felt guilty for that since I’d always depended on myself. I just thought back to the times when I had no choice and reminded myself that Alex was offering me one. I could help him out from home as well and go in when he was busy. I had so many options but when I felt safe, I wanted to take her everywhere. We’d keep Rosie and had already agreed on that. She was a part of the family and did so much for us. Alex paid her well for that.
She helped when I was in my room working with the team and Alex. I needed quiet since Lindsay talked a lot and it was refreshing to have alone time. I never did when it was just us and as much as I loved my daughter, I needed a break.
Alex kept chasing after Keith, but thing quieted down. I think we both slowly started to relax. It was a couple of weeks later when Mom called me and told me that her neighbor’s house burned down. I panicked immediately, asking if everyone was okay and if her house was damaged at all.
“The house is fine, but Stan’s truck was broken into a week ago. It’s the strangest thing. Nothing ever happens here.” Mom went on as ice filled my veins. “The neighbors weren’t home so nobody got hurt. They just have to start over. It was such a beautiful house.”
“Has anything else weird happened, Mom?” I asked as she paused at the other end of the line.
“I’ve had some strange hang up calls.”
“Oh my God.” I sat up and gasped. My number was changed after a while and I hadn’t been at work in a while. Was he tormenting my mom now? “I need to come there, or you need to come here.”
“Why?�
�� She asked as I told her about everything that happened here. Mom was scared and angry as she told me that Stan was going to take time off work and come here. I ended the call and dialed Alex at work, telling him about the call.
“I am reserving them tickets at the airport for tomorrow morning. We can make arrangements that way. Tell them that they’ll be at the airport and I’ll reserve a hotel as well. Damn it.” Alex cursed as I blinked. “Paying him off isn’t enough anymore.”
I let Mom know that they had tickets at the airport. It was a short flight but much better than the drive. She told me to thank him until she arrived and went to talk to Stan about it. I sat down with Lindsay after lunch and told her that Grandma and Grandpa were going to try and visit us with a bright smile on my face. It wasn’t all happy news, but I wouldn’t let her know that.
Alex came home, and we discussed the visit over dinner. He was taking the week off work using his built-up vacation. He had a man looking for Keith in other parts of Washington now. Things were going to happen, but I couldn’t relax until Mom and Stan were here. I needed to see them. I faked it well for my daughter but as soon as I saw them at the airport and was hugging Mom, I started to cry. I told Lindsay that it was because I missed them so much as Stan and Alex led the way to the car, carrying the luggage.
“He’s handsome,” Mom told me as she watched them. I rolled my eyes.
“I know. I struggle with that every day,” I tried to joke but I was strung out right now. We were holding Lindsay’s hands, so I tried to keep it down, but Mom shot me a look. Once my daughter was in the car, she turned to me and gazed into my eyes.
“Don’t do that to yourself. Alex loves you and I could see that from the moment we saw you guys waiting for us. He loves Lindsay and you can’t let Keith get in your head that much, Soledad. He is an awful man. He hurt you so badly, but Alex is good, and he wants to put you back together.” Her eyes filled with tears and I watched her wipe at her cheeks.
“Want to sit in the front, Linda?” Stan asked as he came around to look at us.
“I’ll take the back with my girls.,” she replied as he walked over to her. “I miss them so much.”
“I know, baby.” Stan kissed her, and I watched in silence. Mom was unhappy before Stan and now she glowed. I slipped into the car beside Lindsay and Mom moved in next to her. Alex pointed out a few things along the way, asking them if there was anything they wanted to do while they were in town.
I wished this was a normal visit.
He brought them to the loft, explaining that he didn’t have a guest room available, but they were at a five-star hotel around the corner. Mom hugged him and then Rosie as she came into the room, thanking both for all they did for me. We sat down on the couch and kept the conversation light when Lindsay was awake. Rosie cooked enchiladas for dinner and I had some wine with Mom, making it fun until we were alone.
Alex sat with Stan, telling him everything. Mom listened and cried when she heard about the car trying to hit me. I cried again when we talked about the fire. Mom lived in the country and the houses weren’t side-by-side. It could be easy to get mixed up if you didn’t know the area, and Keith didn’t. Not like the rest of us.
Stan assured us that he had neighbors keeping a close eye on things, ready to call the police if they saw anything suspicious. The cause of the original fire was not yet known but if it was arson, Keith would be a suspect. Alex told them about the plan to pay him off, but everyone agreed that it was too late for that now.
Alex took them to their hotel late that night as I waited on the couch. It felt like the loft had too many windows now and I shifted on the cushions as I played back the conversation.
It sounded like a movie.
He came home, and we went to bed, clutching each other in the dark. He told me that they planned to do some sightseeing the following day for Lindsay’s sake, followed closely by Daniel. Alex had a concealed weapon permit as well and would have a gun with him. That scared me more than I cared to admit but he was keeping us safe. I just never wanted Lindsay to see violence like I had.
We slept in a bit and got ready before leaving to pick up my parents. Lindsay was so excited to go out with them for the day and we feigned the same enthusiasm. From what we knew, Keith was working alone, and they could handle him.
We took them first to Pike Place Market. I hadn’t even been here yet and Lindsay loved it as we walked through the crowds. She laughed at the fish flying between the men and wore the flower crown that Mom bought her with a serious look in her eyes, as if she’d never lose it. We had lunch at a little chowder place and shopped idly around the area.
Seattle was beautiful, but I found myself looking at so much more than the scenery. I looked at every single person around us and lost moments with Lindsay. Mom kept her occupied and watched me carefully all day. I used the excuse that Lindsay was tired to go home and took a nap with her in her room. I think I wanted it more than she did.
Rosie cooked something simple for dinner and we just stayed in. We watched a movie with Lindsay and she sat between my parents with a giant smile on her face. Alex held me close to him and I rested my head against him as exhaustion slowly took me over again.
I woke up later that night in bed with Alex. It was dark and so late, and I wondered what happened. Wasn’t I watching a movie? I got up and checked to see that Lindsay was in her room sleeping and Rosie’s door was closed. I guess they all got her to bed and Alex probably carried me himself. I walked to the windows and looked out, seeing their hotel just a block away. I wished that I could call her, and I could, but we’d see them tomorrow. I sighed and pressed my hands against the thick, cold glass and longed for peace.
I went back to bed and snuggled against Alex to fall back asleep. He was tired as well and I heard his heavy breathing in the dark. Lindsay woke up first, coming in to crawl in bed with us as I cuddled with her. I asked what happened the night before and she told me that I fell asleep watching the movie and Alex took me to bed. We got up and had some coffee and juice with Rosie, waiting for Alex to join us.
He took my breath away when he walked into the kitchen. He was wearing lounge pants and a t-shirt, but I knew what was underneath that. He had some coffee and asked how I felt after brushing his lips against my hair.
“Sorry I crashed out. Busy day.” I smiled towards Lindsay and he stared at me for a long moment.
“It’s fine. She’s having a great time and it’s a good break for you,” he assured me as I gazed into his blue eyes. “I like them, Sol.”
“My parents?” I asked and watched him nod. “They’re amazing.” I made some toast for breakfast and we sat around the table, waiting for my parents. They were taking a cab over and I wasn’t surprised to know that Stan knew how to defend himself. He’d been in the Navy before meeting my mom and was highly prepared for most anything. I was impressed that he was a SEAL for a while since I never knew that.
There was a knock at the door and Alex went to get it. My mom walked in wearing black slacks and a gorgeous purple blouse, coming to hug me immediately. I was in my sleep pants and a robe, feeling like a slob. “Did you sleep well?” She asked me as I smiled at her.
“It would seem so.” I offered her coffee and she followed me into the kitchen. She got a cup for herself and Stan and we joined them on the couch. Mom wanted to go to the Chihuly Garden and I agreed, knowing that I wouldn’t be fully there again.
What a fucking waste.
I went along, sitting in the back of the car again once I was ready. I wore skinny jeans and a burgundy Henley with chucks, my hair braided over my shoulder. It was beautiful there and I smiled at the glass as Lindsay dragged me around, following Mom. Alex got a call and stepped away as I stared at him, frozen in place. Stan noticed and walked over to join him as I heard someone saying my name.
“Soledad?” Mom asked as I blinked at her. She nodded at Lindsay and I glance down at my daughter. She was showing me a flower and I smiled at her, telling them how bea
utiful it was.
The men returned, and Alex took my hand, leading me to a corner. “The PI found him. He’s on his way back here. Their house wasn’t damaged.” I nodded as he kissed me. “We’re going to get him when he arrives, Soledad. This will be over.”
I looked at Mom and she was hugging Stan. We all seemed to lighten up knowing that he wasn’t here and ended up taking Lindsay somewhere fun for lunch. I even let her stay the night with my parents at their hotel while Rosie went to a friends for a couple of nights. We made good use of the empty loft, christening several areas of the house. Alex was looking forward to getting a hold of Keith, ready to do most anything to get rid of him. Stan was backing him up and their overprotective nature made me laugh. I always knew that my stepfather had it in him but not about his past. Now I knew that he kept my mom safer than I could ever guess.
We woke up in the morning and made love again. Alex brought me coffee and we lounged in bed together, enjoying the peace. I felt like we could have a future and laughed at something he said before my phone rang. “It’s Mom.” I grabbed it and answered lazily. She told me that Lindsay just woke up and they were going to grab breakfast in the lobby. I told her to come over when they were done and rolled into Alex with another kiss. “I wish they’d move here. I know they’re not that far but it’s such a long drive. If they were closer, we could do this more.”
“Maybe we could convince them.” He suggested before kissing me harder. I made sure that we were showered within the hour as well as dressed. Alex made us some breakfast and we were on our second cup of coffee when they arrived. I was flying high from the alone time with him and the feelings that coursed through me. I told him how much I loved him as I came, loving that he told me the same.
Mom walked in first, holding Lindsay’s hand. Stan followed, and I greeted them with hugs before picking Lindsay up. “I missed you.” I told her as she hugged me. Alex kissed her next and took her from me to spin her around.
