She spun around in time to see Keith enter the room. His face was pale, his eyes hollow. “Why didn't you answer the goddamned phone?"
"I'm sorry. I didn't know it was you."
"Who else would it be? You scared me half to death.” He took a step forward and spotting her luggage, he grabbed her arm. “Where are you going?"
"I can't stay,” she said, her voice catching in her throat.
"Why not?” he asked, his concern evident by his tone.
"Dwayne. He called me, threatened me, and then threatened you. I can't have him hurting you."
Keith chuckled. “Sweetheart, he's a bully, he won't come near me."
"You don't think so?"
"Hell, no."
Unwilling to allow him to dismiss her concerns she pulled her arm free. “I think I know him better. He's mean, Keith, and he hates you. Why I-I bet he's responsible for what happened to Elvis."
"No.” He shook his head. “Elvis has a barbed wire cut. Nothing as sinister as Dwayne slicing him up."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Is he going to be all right?"
"Don't know yet.” Keith exhaled loudly.
Libby turned back to her packing. “I hope he'll be fine. Pris is upset. You may want to give her some extra TLC for a few days. And if Elvis doesn't make it back, it'll take longer than that."
Keith came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. “Don't go."
Closing her eyes, she fought back her tears. She longed to stay but what if Dwayne kept his promise to hurt them? If it were just her, she would risk it—she'd done that every day for three years—but not Keith. He meant too much to put in harm's way.
"I need you to stay,” he whispered.
"No, you don't."
He wrapped his arms around her waist and set his mouth to her ear. “Yes, I do."
His warm breath and warmer words raised a delightful chill on her clammy skin. She turned to face him, her eyes locked on his.
"Don't run away from this, Libby. We'll both regret it for the rest of our lives."
"I'm scared."
"I know you are.” He ran his forefinger along her jaw line. “I am too. I'm scared you're going to leave and I'll have to go back to the way it was."
"I don't know. I couldn't live with myself if something were to happen to you. I..."
"Nothing is going to happen to me if you stay. If you leave, you will hurt me. I'm falling for you, Libby."
The earnestness of his words, plus the tenderness in his eyes, and she was lost. “Oh, Keith. What am I supposed to say to that?"
His expression changed, his brows joining in confusion. “I don't have any expectations of what you're supposed to say.” He lowered himself on the couch, and placed his elbows on his knees. “I want to know where I stand with you. You're so damned ready to pack your bags and go. Why is that?"
Her heart ached with love for him. Standing before him, she dropped to her knees and stroked his forearms. “I'm damaged goods, Keith.” Her voice cracked and tears spilled from her eyes. “It's difficult for me to trust anyone."
"I know we've known one another a short time. But something pulled me to you since your first teardrop.” He smoothed away the liquid from her eyes. “I want to be someone you run to, not from."
"Oh,” she sobbed. “If I were to tell you I love you, you wouldn't think I'm crazy?"
A grin tugged at his lips. “No. I'd have to honest, though.” He took her face in his hands. “If you were to tell me you love me, I'd have to admit that I love you, too."
When he kissed her this time, the passion was present but so was feeling, true and pure. The beauty of what they shared something she knew she would always treasure. He stood. Pulling her to her feet, he held her close, his hands traveling over her back, her face buried in his chest.
"Will you stay?"
She nodded her response and he lifted her into his arms, carrying her to his bedroom. Setting her on the bed, he stared down at her before moving to the picture of his wedding day. He looked at it a moment before taking it down.
"You don't have to do that."
"It's time."
"Keep it out somewhere. I don't expect to take her place."
"No one can. But for the first time, I realize that I have room for someone else too.” Carrying the picture, he disappeared down the hall and returned a few moments later. “Susan wouldn't want me to be alone and I think you two might have been friends."
"What sort of person was she?” Libby asked as Keith lowered himself on the bed next to her.
"Sweet, loving, and generous."
Libby smiled and stroked his arm. “How long were you married?"
"Almost a year but we were high school sweethearts. We were a couple for over five."
She set a hand on his thigh. “When you're ready to tell me what happened, I want to know."
"Of course you do.” He kissed her cheek and flung himself back on the bed. “I'm tired now, sweetheart. It's been a long day. Mind if we turn in?"
* * * *
Libby showered and crawled into bed beside Keith. He stirred a little when she pulled the covers up over her shoulder. His breathing resumed a deep steady pace and she closed her eyes and listened to him. It felt good to be next to him, and rolling over, she pressed her body against his. His eyes fluttered open and he smiled.
"Hi."
"Is it all right that I'm here?"
He pressed his lips to hers, his hands exploring her body. Taking her hand, he placed it on his erect prick. “What do you think?"
She giggled. “I think you're a light sleeper."
"I am."
She kissed him now, needing to show him how much he meant to her. Straddling his waist, she pulled her cotton nightie over her head. His hands at her breasts, groping them, he gently pinched the nipples until they ached for his mouth. She leaned forward, and he sucked and licked at her before again seizing her lips.
"Oh, baby, I want you so bad,” he mumbled.
She pushed his shorts over his knees and lowered her dripping pussy over his dick. He slid with ease inside her and she bit her lip at the intensity in which she felt him.
She trembled as she began to slide up and down on his shaft. He gripped her hips, his fingers digging into her flesh as he led her body in their seductive dance. Each time she would lower herself he bucked, slamming further into her. His thick prick filled her, her intense orgasm stealing her breath away. Her moans filled the air and when he pushed her back on the bed and mounted her, the moans turned to screams. “Oh, I love how you feel,” she cried out.
She felt wanted, his need urgent.
"Tell me you love me, Libby.” He groaned. “Tell me."
"I love you,” she whispered.
At her words, he moved faster, the friction a slow burn. He began to shake and when he came, he shuddered and collapsed on top of her and chuckled. “I guess now is the wrong time to ask you about birth control."
"You idiot,” she teased.
He slid off her, his leg over her hips, his head on the pillow next to hers. “You know, I want kids."
"I do, too. But not tonight."
He smiled, his eyes flashing in the pale light that filtered in from the hallway. “No worries then?"
"IUD.” She grinned. “No worries."
Chapter 9
Libby pushed the broom up and down the aisles of the grocery store, humming to herself.
"You sure are happy today,” she heard Jimmy say from behind her.
"I am.” She smiled as she pushed the dirt into a dustpan. “What next, boss?"
"I'll need you to mop the floor but first, I want you to come in the back with me. I have something to show you."
She turned to look at him, his bristly face pale. “What's the matter, Jimmy?"
"Nothing. I just got off the phone with Keith."
Her heart leaped at the mention of his name. “He want to talk to me?"
"I'm sure he di
d but he asked me to do him a favor and that's what I aim to do."
Libby followed him through the double metal doors and into the little office. “Come in here.” He pulled open the top desk drawer. “I understand you have ex-boyfriend problems."
"Yes but..."
"Well, Keith, not Officer Davidson, is worrying over you.” He lifted a pistol from the drawer. “This thing is always loaded."
Libby backed away. “I don't want anything to do with that."
"Well, Keith thinks you need to know where it is in case that Dwayne fellow comes in here and tries something."
"I'm supposed to shoot him with that thing? I don't think so."
Jimmy stared at her from beneath his bushy brows. “The safety is on. Come over here and let me show you how to take it off."
She shook her head. “I don't care. I don't want to know."
"You're being foolish, woman. If Susan knew how to handle one of these things maybe..."
"What?” Libby asked. “Why won't anyone tell me what happened to her?"
Jimmy plopped down in his chair. “She got killed during a robbery."
Libby set her hand on her chest. “How terrible. Here in White Springs?"
"No, Nashville."
"That's sad."
"Yeah. Keith blames himself. She was working in that convenience store to help put him through school. He was planning on being a lawyer."
"Did they catch who did it?"
"Yeah, but that's little comfort for those left behind.” Jimmy set the gun on the desktop and pointed to it. “Keith can't lose you and he's worried. Let me show you how this damn thing works to ease his mind."
"All right, but I can't use it. I'm not capable."
Jimmy chuckled. “You'd be surprised what you're capable of under the right circumstances."
* * * *
Sitting on the front porch, Libby sipped her sweet tea and watched as Keith worked under the hood of her GTO. He wiped his hand across his chest, smearing his shirt with grease. His pec flexed and a grin touched her lips; he was her man and he loved her. A gentle breeze swept across her cheek and for the first time in her life, she knew contentment.
"Hey, baby, come over here and start her up for me, would you?"
With a quick step, she made her way to the car and planted a kiss on his grimy cheek before sliding behind the wheel. “Tell me when."
He signaled her with a point of his finger and the car started up on the first crank.
"Wow!” she shouted over the roar of the motor. “I didn't know she could do that.” Her words still hung in the air when the engine sputtered off and black smoke billowed out from under the hood.
Keith stepped back coughing and waving the smoke away from his face with his hand. “I don't know how you got this far in this car. It needs a lot of work. The carburetor is fucked up, everything is coated in filth, your air filter is the dirtiest I've ever seen, and that's just with my limited knowledge.” He walked around the back of the car and pointed to the rear window. “The stupid ass used Bondo to hold the glass in place."
Libby nodded and watched Keith's tirade. It was comical how his arms flew in the air with his exasperation and how he shook his head like a bobblehead doll. She giggled at the mental picture.
"What's so funny?” he asked, his hands on his hips.
"You."
"How so?” He cocked a questioning brow.
She walked around the car, imitating his movements in a mock tirade of her own.
He laughed and grabbed at her, smearing her face with his dirty hand.
"Stop.” She giggled and pushed him away. “You're disgusting."
The smirk slipped from his face. “Any man who treated this car the way Dwayne Parsons has should be knocked over the head with a club."
She looked at the GTO and then to Keith, waiting for him to come to her defense. He was grinning again.
"You tease.” She smacked at him and he pulled her back into his embrace.
"In all seriousness, if he lays so much as a finger on you again, I'll see him in the ground.” His eyes were cold with the vow and his tone bore the deadly promise.
* * * *
Libby rolled over and reached for the ringing phone. Her eyes took a moment to adjust to the darkness that shrouded the bedroom. She couldn't feel Keith's presence and when she touched his side of the bed, the sheets were cold. Finding the receiver, she answered. “Hello?"
"Libby. It's Dwayne."
"Don't call here anymore."
"Please don't hang up."
She heard in his voice that he had been drinking. He'd probably had about five beers because after six he got nasty, before that he loved the world.
"Sober up and go back to Arkansas."
"But I miss you, honey. You know how much I love you."
"I don't want to hear that.” She gripped the cotton sheet in her fist. “And I'm sure telephone harassment is a violation of your restraining order."
"You're a cold-hearted bitch!” He yelled so loud that she had to hold the phone away from her ear. “I want to slice you up just like I did that fluffy little dog."
"It was you who hurt him. How could you?"
"I wanted to see you. He bit me so I cut him."
"You're an animal,” she said through gritted teeth.
"You never complained when I fucked you like one. You would call my name out. ‘Oh, Dwayne, you feel gooooood'."
She slammed the receiver down and bit back her tears. He would not ruin this for her. He would not make her cry.
Scrambling from the bed, she searched the house for Keith, calling his name with more and more urgency.
"Where are you?"
The digital clock on the microwave read five fifteen a.m. She rushed out the front door, her horror ebbing when she saw Keith jogging toward the house, the collar of his gray shirt dark with sweat.
He raised his hand to wave. Stopping in the driveway, he began to stretch. She ran to his side, nervous perspiration clinging to her skin.
"He called again."
"I'll talk to Leon about getting the calls traced.” He rubbed her arm. “Don't let him scare you."
"He admitted to me that he hurt Elvis.” Anger and distrust twisted in her gut. “You lied to me."
Keith looked down at his feet. “I shouldn't have told you it was barbed wire but you were determined to leave..."
"That makes it okay to lie?” She turned her back to him and started for the house.
"No, it doesn't. Don't walk away from me. Let's have this out."
She shook her head and kept walking.
"Woman, you run away from everything. Stand your ground and fight for what you believe.” His voice wasn't angry, more like a father chiding a child. His condescension further fueled her rage and she spun around on her heel.
"Don't talk down to me. I'm not a baby."
"No, you're not. But you behave like one sometimes."
She crossed her arms over her chest. “I act like a baby. You lie to me and then insult me. Fuck you."
His face registered surprise followed by a smirk. Rushing him, she pushed at his chest.
"Don't mock me. That's not right. You lied and now you're trying to make me feel foolish."
He grabbed her by the wrists. “No, I'm not, but it's good to see you have some fight left in you."
She twisted free. “Let me alone. When you can apologize for lying to me, we'll talk, until then piss off.” Storming back into the house, she noticed he followed close behind.
"When I get out of the shower are you going to be packing your bag?” he asked.
She stopped and looked up at him, tears filling her eyes. “Should I be?"
"Damn it, Libby,” he said through gritted teeth. “No you shouldn't. You love me?"
"Yes."
"You have every right to be pissed. But you need to get this, I love you. Stay. Fight with me, be angry, and be scared, be whatever you are, but stay with me. I want you beside me but I can't keep w
orrying that you're going to leave me when things aren't perfect.” He grabbed her hand. “This will work between us if we let it.” Kissing her fingers, he smiled. “I'm afraid something bad will happen too, but being with you is worth the worry."
She offered a weak smile. “Don't lie to me anymore."
"I'm sorry. I won't. I promise."
Chapter 10
Keith pulled the squad car to a stop in front of the grocery. Libby felt his stare as she dug through her purse for a stick of gum. He stilled her hand with his touch and she looked at him expectantly.
"You stay with Jimmy today, you hear?"
"I'll be here all day.” She sported a false grin, dreading the eight hours of boredom.
"Even at lunch. Don't go gallivanting all over town. The way Dwayne is after you I'm going to see what I can do about getting a warrant for his arrest."
"How will you do that?” she asked. “We don't have proof he called."
"I bagged Elvis's collar, sweetheart. If his prints are on the name tag; even a partial on the buckle, I reckon we have grounds.” He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I'll swing by here to pick you up this evening. And I'll call you when I know something."
"Okay.” She rubbed his arm with affection. “When will we be able to pick Elvis up?"
"Tomorrow. Doc says he has an infection and if it clears up we should be able to bring him home.” Keith blew out his breath. “I've got a couple weeks vacation due me. I'm going to take it starting tomorrow. I don't like leaving you vulnerable."
"I'll be fine,” she remarked, attempting to sound unconcerned, despite the knot in her throat. “Like you said, Dwayne's a bully."
"Yeah, he is. He won't mess with me or Jimmy but you are his favorite target."
* * * *
"Payday,” Madge grinned. “What you going to with all that money?"
Libby looked at the check. “I don't know, two hundred dollars, wow."
"You get ten percent off your grocery purchases too, plus we do offer insurance after three months."
She realized that seven dollars an hour was above minimum wage but it wasn't going to be enough money to pay her way.
"Thanks, Madge.” She tucked the check in the pocket of her smock. “I'll go to the bank after work."
"You think you'll be here in three months?"
Speed Trap Page 6
