by Riley Walker
“You’re right. I’ll start talking to you guys more, and y’all need to have a little more faith in me.”
I yawn and my eyelids begin to get heavy. Ridge picks me up and begins to carry me to Dad’s old room. He kicks the door closed behind him, placing me on the bed. I watch him take off his boots and proceed to lay down beside me. “You need to rest, and I just need to hold you.”
I burrow as close to him as I can and close my eyes, letting the beating of his heart lull me to sleep.
Thirty-Four
Finding Their Paths
Zoe and I arrive at the apartments at eight the next morning. Sally said she would have everyone there, but we decided to head down to help. Plus, I overslept and haven’t had my coffee yet. When we get there, I see one of the ladies getting the coffee cart set up. I can already smell the freshly brewed beans, so I decide to let Zoe go find Sally while I hobble along to follow my nose.
“Morning, Tina. Is the coffee ready yet?”
“Sure is, Alice. Let me pour you some.”
I take a deep drink. “Thanks, Tina. How’s KJ doing by the way?”
“He’s doing great! He’s bringing me home straight A’s, and was invited to try out for the school’s basketball team.”
“That’s amazing. Let me know his schedule once he makes it. I wouldn’t want to miss a game.” I wink at her and head off in search of Zoe and Sally.
I make a detour and talk to some of the other ladies who are setting out the chairs and tables along the wall. Someone has already moved the two couches out of the lobby, leaving us plenty of space for the Michaelson brothers to set up. Speaking of the brothers, I’m grabbed from behind and a set of wet lips find the side of my neck. “Hello, Cash,” I sigh happily.
“How’d you know it was me, Pretty Girl?”
“No one else smells of cinnamon the way you do.”
I try to wiggle myself around before Cash finally helps me out and turns me around to face him. I plant a quick kiss on his lips and look over his shoulder asking, “Where are your brothers?”
“They’re unloading Ridge’s truck. I told them I had to pee so I could get to you first.”
I slap him on the arm. “You’re awful, Cash. Come on, let’s go help them bring in everything.”
Before I can make it to the door, the remaining three brothers saunter in, each one with an armful of new tablets, still in their plastic wrap. I try to grab some from Oren first, but he shakes his head and points at my boot. Once all the tablets are laid out, I walk to them one by one, placing a kiss on each cheek. “So, what’s the plan, boys?” I ask after I sit down.
North grabs one of my hands. “We thought we’d start by letting them all take an aptitude test. Some of them may already know the direction they’d like to go in, but I’m willing to bet, most of them never once thought of their future. It seems like the logical place to begin.”
I agree with everything he said. I face the room and say, “Ladies! If you could all find a chair at one of the tables, North is going to explain exactly what you’ll be doing first this morning.”
I listen to North as he explains everything while Zoe, Oren, Ridge, and Cash pass out all of the tablets. In no time, we have them all up and running, the ladies eager to start. Cash is the first one to walk around helping anyone who needs it. I always knew he was the social butterfly of the four, but to see him interacting with them, being so patient and funny, it does something to me. Something that I can’t explain.
Ridge throws his arm over my shoulder. “You look happy, Hot Lips.”
“I am, Ridge. Today is a good day, and a great beginning.”
Ridge and I sit back and watch Cash, Oren, and North help everyone finish the testing. Some of the ladies look happy, some a little flustered, but every one of them has a smile on their face.
We take a break while the program computes all the results, finding the best vocational matches based on their answers. I hobble over to sit by Zoe, who is watching the printer spit out the results. “Did you find anything interesting in there?”
Zoe chuckles and glances at me as she says, “I did actually.” She pulls a paper from beside of her. “Diane scored really high on science. I was looking at it, wondering if she may be interested in working with me. I’m so busy right now, trying to come up with new product and improving the old, I barely have time to sleep. What do you think?”
Patting her on the back, I nod my head in agreement. “I definitely think you need help. If she’s interested, that would be a win-win for both of you.”
Zoe gets up to head over and talk to Diane and Oren takes her place. “Are you still thinking about hiring an assistant to help you with the Du-Kane, Inc. business?”
“I am. Do you have someone in mind?”
Oren slides me three sheets of paper with a smirk on his face. “What am I looking at?”
“Well,” Oren stretches out the word, “I think you’re looking at Bea, your new assistant. Then we have Laney, the manager for your new PNS location. And last but not least, Mary, your new baker for PNS2.”
I snatch the papers out of his hands. “Are you serious?”
“They all scored high in those particular spots. I think you and the three of them just struck gold together.”
I reach over, hugging his neck. “If they agree, this is amazing. Thank you, Oren.”
“Don’t thank me. This was all them. Most of them have strong talents and interests in one direct area. I think we can help all of them find exactly what they are looking for.”
By the time the day is done, Zoe has her a new botanist helper in training, I have a new assistant, PNS2 has a new manager and baker, we have five starting beauty school, several headed to the nearby casino schools, and even one lady who will be taking her entrance exam next week to apply for school to be a teacher. Right now my heart is so full, I almost can’t stand it.
I make a quick phone call and tomorrow I’ll be looking at some property near the apartments that would work for a new beauty shop. I told them all when they agreed to take a leap of faith on me, that I would do everything I could to help them secure their futures. If some of them want to be a beautician, then they’ll have the best salon to work at.
I try to help the guys clean up and put away the tables, but they all just point at my boot, ask me where I left my crutches this time, and force me to sit down. One day in and I’m already sick of this thing. After everything is loaded up, we agree to meet back at my house for dinner. I have plenty of food, thanks to the ladies bringing over all the casseroles yesterday, and there’s no way Zoe and I could eat all of that. Even with Dobey’s help I have more than enough to feed the four ever hungry Michaelson brothers.
As I expected, the Michaelson brothers are like vultures when it comes to homemade cooking. I started out with six casseroles. I ended with three small plastic containers of leftovers. They acted like they hadn’t eaten in months. Feeding these boys must cost a damn fortune. They don’t have anyone like Sofia to help them when it comes to cooking. Thinking of Sofia brings a wave of sadness over me. She’s called me a few times, saying she was going to stay longer with her family, but last week she officially quit. With everything that’s happened, I haven’t gotten a chance to tell Zoe. Sofia decided to retire, spending her time back in North Carolina with her daughter and grandkids. I’ll miss her, but I understand the need to be close to family.
I start yawning, my foot is protesting being stuck in this hard boot all day. “Pretty Girl, you look like you’re ready to nod off. How about I get rid of everyone and me and you spend a little time together?”
“I’d really like that, Cash. It’s been a long time since we’ve talked, just the two of us.”
He swoops down, kissing me lightly on the nose. “Boys! Alice said to get your asses out of her house. She’s tired and wants some Cashy time.”
“Cash! I did not say that.” I cover my face with my hands. Rough fingers pry them away and I look up to see a smiling Ridge. “It’s alrigh
t, Alice. We know you’re tired. It’s been a long day, and Cash is right. It’s been a while since any of us, besides North, has had any time with you alone. Get some rest, I’m claiming you tomorrow.”
I kiss Ridge, then lift my face up for Oren and North. “Goodnight boys. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“You know you will. Just try to get rid of us now,” North breaths against my lips.
Once the brothers leave, Cash lifts me up and carries me into the bathroom, setting me on the counter. “Brush your teeth and whatever woman things you need to do while I close up everything.”
I do as he says, then hobble back into the bedroom, stripping down to nothing but my pale pink boyshort undies. I’m opening my t-shirt drawer when Cash walks back in. “Dang, Pretty Girl.” I pull out a shirt, but he grabs it out of my hands. “Leave it off for now.” Cash picks me back up and carries me over to the bed, laying me down with reverence. I watch him running his eyes all over my body, stopping at my boot. “Can I take this off?”
I shake my head no. “They told me I couldn’t remove it for any reason. I’m sorry, Cash.”
“It’s okay. I don’t mind a challenge.” He winks at me before pulling off my boyshorts. “You’re so beautiful.”
I blush ten shades of red. “Why am I the only naked one? Tit for tat mister.”
Cash tosses his flip flops, then pulls off his shirt, twirling it around his head. He starts gyrating and swinging his hips in a mock striptease that sends me into a fit of giggles.
He fake gasps. “Are you laughing at my seduction techniques?”
I try to catch my breath when he removes his shorts and boxers in one motion. I stop laughing immediately and take in his erection. “That’s nothing to laugh at. Will it even fit?”
It’s his turn to laugh at me. He crawls up the bed, over my body, and takes my lips in a passionate kiss. I spread my legs to allow him to get closer to me. His lips pepper kisses across my jaw and down my neck, causing little moans to escape my lips. His kisses travel further down my body and he catches one of my nipples between his lips. He uses his hand to massage my other breast while nipping and biting on my pert bud. My body hums in pleasure and I want nothing more than to have his tongue in other places. I gently push his head down farther hoping he’ll get the hint.
Cash looks up at me with a sly grin. “Impatient are we?”
I just shrug and push his head down between my legs. “Cash.” I draw his name out. “I’m aching for you and we’ve waited long enough. Now please make me cum.”
“Your wish is my command,” he says and slips one long finger into my already wet folds. He lowers his head and begins to flick his tongue across my sensitive nub and inserts a second finger into my pussy. Cash pumps his fingers and flicks his tongue back and forth amazingly fast on my clit. He bites down and my whole world explodes. The orgasm comes crashing down hard as my body convulses. Cash removes his fingers and licks up my juices. He crawls up my body and gives me a slow sensual kiss. I like tasting myself on his lips, and I moan in pleasure. He positions his cock at my entrance and slowly enters me. Once he’s fully sheathed, he holds still giving my pussy a second to stretch and accommodate his girth. I thrust my hips up letting him know I’m ready for him. Cash wastes no time moving in and out of me.
“Pretty Girl. You feel fucking amazing. I’ve dreamt of having you like this. I’m not sure how long I’ll last.” His lips come crashing down on mine and his thrusts became more erratic. “Cum for me, Pretty Girl.”
That’s all the incentive I need and my second orgasm erupts throughout my body as my walls clench down on him. His orgasm follows right behind mine, as I milk him for all he’s worth. He rolls off me and grabs me around the waist pulling my back against his chest. Cash nuzzles my neck while pulling the covers over us and we both fall into a peaceful sleep.
Thirty-Five
Book Him Danno
I’m awakened the next morning by my phone ringing. Picking it up, I’m surprised to hear Detective Duff on the other end. He’s calling to inform me that they have all the information and proof needed to go pick up my uncle. He asks if I want to be there to witness his arrest at Du-Kane, Inc.
Hell yes! Of course I do.
I nudge Cash, attempting to wake him up. All I get back are grunts before he turns over and falls right back to sleep. He must not be much of a morning person, so I decide to let him sleep, crawling quietly out of the bed and heading to the bathroom. After I’m showered and dressed, I make my way to the kitchen. While I’m waiting on the coffee to finish, I make a call.
“‘Lo.”
“It’s me.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Detective Duff called and said they’re arresting my uncle at Du-Kane, Inc. this morning.”
“I’ll be there in twenty.”
I hear the rumble of his truck before I see it. He parks Cynthia and jumps out, walking toward me. Grabbing me by the waist, he hoists me up and I wrap one leg around him. The boot is too heavy to lift, so carrying me this way is awkward.
“Ridge, put me down! You can’t carry me like this.”
“I most certainly can.” He walks us over to his truck and places me inside.
“Thank you for coming with me.”
“Haven’t you figured it out yet, Alice? We’ll always be here for you. No matter what.” Ridge leans in, taking his time to kiss me feverishly. He taps me on my knee then runs around to hop in the driver’s side. “My brother still sleeping?”
I bark out a laugh. “You know he is! I left him a note and a muffin on the counter before I left. I’m sure he’ll call me sometime around noon.”
The cab of the truck goes quiet Ridge allows me to gather my thoughts before we get to Du-Kane, Inc. I’ve known for a while that my uncle was involved in embezzlement and other devious activities. Still, knowing that today he’ll be arrested, doesn’t make it any easier to accept.
“Come on, babe. It’s time to put all of this behind you.”
Ridge comes around to my side of the truck, but when he tries to pick me up, I wave him off. “Please, I need to walk in there on my own. I can’t let him see me as weak.”
Ridge gives me an understanding look, helping me get out of his truck. I use my crutches and stumble my way into the office building. We reach the elevator and ride up the four stories in silence. When we step off, the first thing I notice is the empty secretary desk. That’s odd. We walk further down the hall and I realise why her desk was empty. I find her in Mrs. Bell's office, both of them peeking out of the glass door, watching the scene in the conference room unfolding. Detective Duff, along with three officers, are surrounding my uncle, reading him his rights.
“What is the meaning of this? I’ll have your jobs by the end of the day!”
I watch one of the officers pull out a set of handcuffs while another one places my uncle’s hands behind his back. Uncle Richie is red from all the yelling he’s doing. I almost feel guilty about hoping he doesn’t have a heart attack before he’s sent to jail.
Almost.
Ridge grips my hand in his and we watch as the officer handcuffs Uncle Richie. I’m waiting for him to realize I’m here, watching all of this transpire. It doesn’t take him long.
“Alice! There you are. Tell these officers,” he spits the words out, “that I have done nothing wrong. I have no idea what’s going on, but to accuse me of embezzlement is ludicrous!”
I walk the few feet to my uncle, who is now outside the conference room door. Before either one of us realizes what has happened, I pull my hand back and slap him across the face. “You stole from me, my father, and Du-Kane, Inc. I hope they throw the book at you and you rot in jail for the rest of your miserable life.”
I step aside as the officers lead him out, all the while he’s continuing to yell his innocence and cursing me for being a fool.
“Alice, Ridge.” I take Detective Duff’s extended hand. “Detective, thank you for letting me know this was happening tod
ay. I needed to see him being taken down.”
“I figured you did. I’ll be in touch, Alice. I doubt once him and his fancy lawyer see all the evidence we have, he’ll want to go to trial. If they decide to plead not guilty, I’ll call you. We’ll need to see you and Oren there as witnesses.”
‘Yes, sir. I understand.”
Detective Duff nods at us and makes his way toward the elevator. “Detective!” I wait until he turns and acknowledges me. “Thank you again. For everything.”
He tips his hat and steps into the elevator. Ridge pulls me in, and I wrap both arms around him.
“It’s over, Hot Lips.”
I look up at this man. The one who dropped everything to come get me when he knew I needed his strength and protectiveness. “Take me home, Ridge.”
“Anything for you.”
Thirty-Six
Hot Tub
Due to the arrest of my uncle yesterday, I was unable to go look at properties for the new salon I want to open, and for PNS2. I can’t believe I’ve started calling my shop that. It still sounds like penis.
Since Ridge stayed last night, he decided to go with me this morning to look at properties. It only takes two stops before I know we’ve found it. It’s only three blocks from the apartments, which is perfect. It’s old and needs a lot of work, but I can see it. Chandeliers, glossy black chairs, antique salon items, oversized mirrors, it’ll be perfect. The best part? It’s so big, we can easily convert a third of it into the new Puff‘N Stuff 2. This building and location is exactly what I was looking for.
I call Ben and make arrangements for him to meet me here later in the week so we can discuss plans and ideas. “How long is beautician school?”
“I don’t know, Hot Lips. I haven’t looked into it recently.”
“Hush it, Ridge. Look it up on your phone.”
He pulls his phone out of his back pocket and begins to type away. “Why do you need to know this?”
