by F. G. Adams
My top priority is the woman I love.
Has been since the first day I laid eyes on her.
Will be until I take my last breath.
14
Sage
All great changes are preceded by chaos. Chaos being the complete disorder or confusion secretly pulsing inside me. The jealousy Jolly Green displayed with Nicholas at first sent my blood pressure soaring. Lukas is playing a new game. Here, let me whip out my dick and we can measure to see who’s is bigger. When he followed Nick to the restroom, I got up, but a firm grip stopped me in place.
“Sit down, dear. You don’t want to cause a scene. Everything is as it should be,” Grandma patiently says.
My jaw drops as I look at her then to the hallway the men disappeared down and back.
“Someone should follow,” I say, addressing Paul.
He shrugs, scoots the chair back, and starts to place the napkin on the tabletop.
“Paul, how was your visit to Arkansas?” Matilda inquires, interrupting his pursuit.
He briefly hesitates and remains seated.
“Cold. It was snowing again when we left. I’m happy to be back in the sunny state of Florida.”
“And my great-granddaughter, how was she?”
“She was happy her parents were home but sad everyone was leaving.”
“Hmmm. I don’t like the idea of Harper being sad. Sage, help me remember to call Fallyn later. I need to remind her I want her and the family at the charity event this year. It’ll be the first time we’re all together under the same roof. We should plan a family dinner, possibly the evening before. I’m sure we can throw something together,” Matilda declares with strength and determination.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“I’ll leave it up to Fallyn. She can decide whether or not to come. This old woman’s heart desires her family together again soon. It’s been too long. Remember what I mentioned the other day, I’m not getting any younger, peanut.” Grandma chuckles.
“You’ll outlive all us, Grams. Quit worrying so much.”
The young waitress arrives with our lunch. Lukas and Nicholas haven’t returned. I’m beginning to worry at their continued absence.
“Eat your lunch, Sage. Your soup will be cold if you keep staring at it.”
I do as instructed and sip the delicious, warm soup. My focus drifts from the conversation between Paul and Grandma. I search the darkened hallway for any sign of them.
What in the world processed Lukas to go caveman on me? I smile picturing him beating his chest and chanting, ‘You, woman. Me, man.’ I do enjoy aggressive, dominant Lukas in the bedroom. The thrill of being under his command sends warmth spreading down my belly into my lower region. My face grows flush at the idea. I want to jump up from the table, find him, and tackle him to the ground. Shit. I’m sitting in a restaurant. Pull yourself together, Sage.
I seriously have no idea where Lukas’ problem with Nicholas stems from. Nicholas is a work associate. He’s not the jealous type. Territorial? Yes. Does this mean he’s claimed me as his own? That he’s protecting what already belongs to him—me?
My soup has long turned cold when Lukas and Nicholas return.
Lukas captures me with a glance. I’m upset with him, but a lady doesn’t allow her inner feelings to show. Suck it up, Sage.
“We’re so happy you found your way back.” I lift my chin and smile sweetly.
“We weren’t lost, doc. Just two guys getting acquainted. Man-to-man talk. That’s all. No biggie. Right, Nick-o-buddy?”
“Of course,” Nicholas murmurs, taking a bite of the cold meatloaf.
“I took the liberty of ordering for you, Lukas. I hope you like meatloaf. It’s the special today,” Matilda interjects. “Paul and Nicholas both decided to have it, and I wouldn’t want you to be left out.”
“Haven’t had meatloaf since the last time I ate dinner at Keagan’s. Looks delicious, Grandma Matilda. I’m starving for a good meal,” he quips, digging into the food.
“Yeah, plane food leaves a lot to be desired,” Paul jokes. “I’m pretty sure the poached eggs we were served could’ve bounced off the hanger wall and done bodily harm on contact.”
“Strange. The last time I was on a Trident plane, the meal was pleasant,” Matilda replies matter-of-factly.
“Actually, I’m pretty sure Carl had something to do with your meal. He takes really good care of you,” Lukas whistles in a tone of awe and respect.
“Yes, he does. God bless him.”
I’m baffled at the easy banter between my grandma and the guys. The normally reserved woman is acting as if Lukas and Paul are family. Dear Abby, I’ve fallen into the Twilight Zone and need rescuing. Please send help.
“Sage and I plan to meet a contractor at her house. There’re a few issues that require his attention. Isn’t that right, dear?”
I snap to attention, confused. Did I miss something?
“We are supposed to be there at one o’clock,” I furnish.
“Paul, Moose is outside. Why don’t you catch a ride with him back to the office, and I’ll escort these lovely southern belles to their appointment?” Lukas inquires with steel lacing his tone, daring me to alter his game plan. Don’t want to disappoint him, do I? Sheesh.
“Not necessary, Lukas. Carl is due anytime to pick us up,” I supply, grinning at my victory, until Grandma chimes in, “It would be our pleasure to have you join us, Lukas. Isn’t that true, Sage?”
Karma must be a female, ‘cause she’s a bitch. I’m stuck. Fuck me. It’s going to be a long afternoon.
“Sheer pleasure. God bless your little heart,” I reply, gritting my teeth.
The atmosphere thickens with the passing tension between the Hulkster and me. You could cut it with a butter knife. Lukas and Grandma are ganging up on me, and I’m not sure I want to know the reasons behind it.
“It’s settled. I’ll take the Hummer, then. I’m outta here,” Paul states, exiting. “Later.”
“I hate to eat and run, Sage, but I need to get back to the clinic. We can finish the plans for the gala later,” Nicholas says, standing to leave.
He bends down and places a quick kiss on Grandma’s cheek and turns to do the same with me. A menacing rumble echoes in the room, sounding like a rabid dog about to attack. I flip my gaze in the direction and am stunned speechless from the anger radiating off Lukas fixated on Nicholas.
Nicholas slowly steps away and waves good-bye to the table as he strolls to the front door. Lukas watches him until he’s out of sight. Then brushes the fabric napkin across his thinly lined lips and rises from the table.
“Shall we, ladies?” he questions, a satisfied gleam in his eyes.
I frantically wave my hand grasping a napkin in front of my face. The new and improved dominant outside the bedroom Lukas is hot as hell, and I want him badly. I want him to pick me up, throw me over his broad shoulders caveman style, and have his wicked way with my turned-on, over-heated body. Skin on skin. Connected as one, as I ride waves of pleasure. I’m pretty sure my underwear is drenched with need for more.
“Sage, dear, you look fevered. Are you feeling well? I sure hope you’re not coming down with the flu bug that’s going around.” Grandma’s concerned voice pulls me out of my fantasy of Lukas.
“I, um…It’s nothing like that. I’m just overdressed and it’s really warm in here all of a sudden. I guess I haven’t acclimated to Florida; my body’s still in wintry Arkansas,” I shakily reply.
“Is that so?” Lukas inquires as a smile broadens across his handsome face.
Instinctively, I stiffen, ready to bolt out of the establishment. Embarrassed I was caught daydreaming about Lukas. I don’t want Grandma to think I am being rude when I don’t reply. He knows me well, if the smug look on his face is any indication.
I’m gonna smack that damn smile off his face.
“Mmhmm,” I mumble. “Guess we need to get going if we are going to make it.”
A few
moments later, I’m seated next to Lukas, while Grandma is sitting in the passenger seat carrying on a conversation with Carl about planning the family get-together.
Lukas’ hand brushes mine briefly. I stare down at the differences: long masculine fingers interlock with my pale feminine ones. I immediately pull back. I don’t want Grandma to witness what’s happening with Lukas. I’m not ready for the questions. He doesn’t release me, and a tug-of-war results. A game of physical strength, and I have no chance to win against Jolly Green. The stubborn side of me shows up out of the blue. I’m so intent on winning this round, I don’t feel the slack as his hold lessens and my elbow smashes into the car door.
“Ouch.” I rub my stinging funny bone. “Would you please stop? Behave yourself.”
“Stop what? You started it, doc. I’m just sitting here minding my own business.”
“You infuriate me sometimes, so much I want to scream. I’m not ready,” I furiously whisper.
He leans close; the hint of spicy cologne holds me captive until he whispers, “I could say the same about you, princess. You make me want to scream, but for a completely different reason. And, by the way, I’ll be ready for both of us. No more waiting. Just know when I get you alone, I am going to make you scream. It won’t be because you’re mad either.” He kisses my cheek. “I’ll take care of matters soon. Promise. Until then, why don’t you simmer and spin on the thought of what my retaliation will be?” He wickedly grins.
I freeze, stunned by the simple declaration and its implications. Initially, a combination of excitement and apprehension travels through my system, summoning a loud banging in my head. The pounding of my racing heartbeat. Can he hear it? Can he tell? We’re lost, staring at each other. The unspoken words missing but understood.
What the hell has gotten into Lukas? Where did the sexy, predictable, brooding man go?
“Up and at ‘em. Time to go evaluate the damage inside and see what needs to be done to right the wrong,” Lukas says, breaking the staring contest. “You ready for this? Don’t worry. I’ll be at your side the entire time. I won’t leave you. You’ve got nothing to fear, babe. Got it?”
I slowly lift my chin up and down. Tag, you’re it. Another game? It’s a possibility. Gentle Lukas could take some getting used to, and if the warmth spreading across my chest is any indication, it won’t take long. My doubts and fears turn secondary and fade.
The car door opens. Carl is standing with Grandma, a surprised expression painted on their faces. I ignore the blush forming and slide out of the vehicle. I startle when Lukas places a hand on my right hip, pulling me into him. I bat his hand, but the steel band doesn’t budge an inch from its resting place.
Matilda snickers. “You’ve got your hands full with that one, son. I almost pity you, but the fun is just beginning, and I can’t wait to watch.”
“Watch what, Grams?” I ask, still resisting Lukas’ clasp.
“Fireworks,” she replies, clutching her stomach and laughing harder.
Carl grins and guides her to the front door.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“What does it look like? Claiming my woman.”
“I’m not your woman to claim,” I announce with a dose of sarcasm.
“I beg to differ, babe. You are my woman. Now, if you don’t want to cause a bigger scene, I suggest we follow Grandma Matilda and Carl. Do you understand?” Lukas growls.
I gape, mouth opened wide in disbelief.
“Pick your jaw back up, sweetheart, before a ladybug finds a new home,” he jokes, showing no sign of relenting his stance.
I open and close my mouth, gapping like an idiot. Words form and rapidly disappear. I’m turned on by his dominant nature.
He takes a step forward, pulling me along beside him; with each stride he takes, I manage two. I’m cocooned in Lukas’ strength and support. The fear at witnessing the mess in my home disappears, because of the man holding me so close.
We enter the breezeway between the foyer and living room. Bile lurches in my throat and my stomach debates losing lunch. The photos didn’t do the damage justice. The inside boundaries are wrecked with graffiti. My once homey, picturesque room destroyed. The ugly phrase I’ve come to despise is written over and over on the far wall. ‘Traitorous whore! Poisonous rose! By my thorn, you will perish.’ I recoil at the insanity and violence vibrating off the walls.
“This is worse than I imagined.”
“I had everything removed, and what was salvageable, I had packed up for you to go through.”
“I owe you one, Carl. Thanks.”
He nods and kindly reminds me, “It’s all good, Sage. Nobody was hurt. All these personal items can be replaced. People can’t. Besides, we’ll have it looking pretty before you blink an eye.”
The doorbell rings and Carl goes to answer it. I’m sure it’s the contractor. That’s good. The sooner. The better. The Victorian decor I chose before, I’ve outgrown. I want to update. Not the best way to go about it, but I’m looking for the pot-of-gold at the end of a rainbow.
“You’re a trooper, babe. I’m proud of you.”
“Why? Because I haven’t broken down sobbing in tears? Gone over the top in hysterics? Screamed? Jumped up and down pitching one helluva fit? It won’t happen.”
“Why not?”
“I won’t showcase a weakness, even if I’m dying on the inside. I can handle it, and Carl was right.” I wave my hand around the room. “Plain and simple. All of this is replaceable. It doesn’t have meaning without the people I love to share it with. I’m just happy Pharaoh was at Jocelyn’s while I was gone. The person responsible for this might have hurt my dog. Then I wouldn’t be just sad. I’d be fighting mad, and you don’t want to mess with a Blackwood when their pissed off. It’s ugly.”
Lukas starts to say something, but he’s cut off when Carl and the contractor walk into the room.
“Sage Blackwood. It’s been way too long,” Tom jokes, stepping to give me a hug. Lukas intercepts him and wraps his body around me. He flattens my back to his sculpted chest and reaches around me, extending a powerful hand.
“Lukas Rogers. Sage Blackwood’s man. Nice to meet you.”
Tom reluctantly shakes hands. I elbow Lukas in the gut, causing a loud groan. Good, he deserved it.
“Hey, Tom, how’re Kelli and the kids?” I ask, ignoring the baboon beating his chest behind me.
“Growing like weeds. Tom junior’ll be driving soon. Can’t believe it. Seems just like yesterday he was born.”
“Where does the time go?”
“It’s crazy when you stop and think about it. Ah, there’s that beautiful grandma of yours. How are you doing, Mrs. Blackwood?”
“Tom, I’ve told you to call me Grandma Matilda. I helped change your diapers when you were knee-high to a grasshopper.” She laughs, hugging Tom in the process. “I’m so glad you could help us clean up this mess. You can see it’s going to need a primer before adding the color, and there are a few places on the wall where the sheetrock needs repairing.”
“No problem. I’ll get a crew over here first thing tomorrow morning.” He turns to me. “Do you want the same color or something different?”
“Actually, I was considering a totally different look. How long until you’ll need the color choice?”
“A couple days at most. I have some color swatch books out in the truck if you want me to leave a few with you. You can just text me when you decide.”
“Perfect. Grandma, you are a pro at this kind of thing, so I’ll want your advice as well. I’m thinking a blank canvas will be fun.”
“You should include Fallyn. She’s talented with paint,” Grandma offers.
“It didn’t even cross my mind,” I reply.
“Why? Fallyn’s in Arkansas,” Lukas asks, confused.
“You didn’t know? I’m surprised Ollie didn’t mention it to you, Lukas. Then again, maybe you’re losing your edge,” I joke. “She’s a famous artist. Her paintings sel
l for mega-bucks. Grandma helped her cultivate her God-given talent while she was on the run all those years. I definitely need her help.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll go grab the swatches from the truck and give ‘em to Carl,” Tom says. “I’m gonna head out.”
“Would you mind helping me to the car, Tom?” Grandma asks.
“Yes, ma’am. Talk to you later in the week, Sage. Pleasure to meet you, Sage Blackwood’s man.” He chuckles.
“Likewise, Tom-o,” Lukas says, cracking up.
“I’ll be in the car, Sage. I need to make a call.”
“We’ll be out in a few, Grandma Matilda,” Lukas sweetly acknowledges, and I hear the front door shut.
I spin to face Lukas, curving into the lines of his body, a perfect fit. The dreamy man standing before me with his heart open wide almost causes my knees to buckle. He doesn’t say the L word, but it’s conveyed in the way he looks at me, the tender manner he gently holds me. The words aren’t needed, only him.
The tide has turned out to sea, and along with the receding waters, my resolve washes with it. There’re no longer single footprints in the salty, wet sand to be washed away by the waves, but two pairs, walking side-by-side.
The tender-hearted Jolly Green Giant loving and comforting me is my future.
He breathed new life into me and gave me a reason to live.
Game over. I win.
15
Lukas
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out? Be who you are and say what you feel. Because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”
A reassuring fact from the Suess-man because I’ve never been one to follow the norm. My looks and size alone separate me from the majority. And when I came home broken, half a man, the results induced more of a spotlight in my direction. Zeroing in on things I wanted to keep hidden. Such is life.
For the past few weeks after arriving back in Lakeview, my iron will grew weaker. Being side by side, each and every day with Sage, my instincts bellow out to seal the deal.
