Running Out of Rain

by Lori Leger

  He grinned, found himself wondering if she would have been this impatient had they been a couple three decades or so ago.

  And then he complied.

  Cyn curled her fingers in his chest hair, hitched her knee a little higher on his thigh, willing her heartbeat to return to normal. “Is it just me, or was that extraordinarily great?”

  “No,” he gasped. “It was pretty damn great.” He lifted his head and eyed her. “You think there’s a chance it was mediocre and we were both too hard-up to realize it?”

  “Maybe.” She rested her chin on his chest and gazed into his eyes. “I suppose we’ll have to do it again—you know, for comparison’s sake.”

  His chest rumbled with laughter. “I’ll need a little while to build up the old reserves.” He dropped his head back on the bed. “What I’d really like right now is a hot shower to work the kinks out from the drive. If memory serves, I caught a glimpse of a pretty nice set-up in the bathroom, just before you attacked me.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the spot above her knuckles. “Would you care to join me?”

  “Hm. How about you go and I’ll think about it?”

  He rolled out of bed. “Sounds like a plan.”

  She watched him walk away from her, bare-ass naked and not a bit self-conscious. Of course, he had no reason to be, did he? Even at their age, the man was sexy as hell and easy on the eyes, thanks to good genes and plenty of physical exertion. The shower spewed and sputtered before it blasted to full pressure.

  Cynthia rose from the rumpled bed and stood in front of the mirror at the desk. She passed her hands up her sides, and let them rest on her belly. Her fingers found the stretch marks as though magically drawn to the slight discolorations of skin. If only he could have seen her in her prime. Before she could feel too sorry for herself, she remembered his words.

  You have nothing to be ashamed of.

  Those words had sounded as sweet as any declaration of love.

  Love.

  Did what she feel for John Michael compare to what she’d felt for her husband? The sound of him humming in the shower had her smiling. She took two steps toward the door to meet him then stopped suddenly, her mind flooded with memories. The morning of Gene’s very last day on this earth, he’d joined her in the shower after her morning workout. They’d made love, giggling like a couple of school kids. Her mind made a feeble attempt to cloud with guilt, but then came to a screeching halt.

  No guilt. This thing with John Michael wasn’t about any need for revenge. This was between two people who were free to love whomever they wanted, and she damn sure wanted him.

  She smiled at her reflection in the mirror, however imperfect it may be, finally able to accept the flaws of a body that had passed the half-century mark by nearly four years.

  She approached the shower stall, the steam only blocking part of the view from her hungry eyes. She opened the clear glass door and stepped inside. “Is there room in here for one more?”

  John Michael turned, a wide smile plastered across his face. “We could fit a couch in this thing and still have room to move around. Come over here.” His soapy arm slipped around her waist, pulling her close to cover her mouth in a toe curling kiss.

  She pulled back, already aching with need for him again. “It is rather roomy, isn’t it?”

  He stuck his head under the spray of hot water to get the last bit of shampoo out of his hair then wiped his face with his hands. “I’m approving of this built-in shower seat. I may have to invest in one of these.”

  He seated himself and crooked his finger at her until she stood before him. “Just because I need a little rest, doesn’t mean you do.” He lifted one of her legs, resting her foot beside him on the seat. Using his right hand to keep her balanced, he slid his left hand upward along her silky thigh to her core.

  She sighed, closed her eyes at his gentle manipulation; let her head fall back as the sweet warmth, as well as a promise of more to come seeped through her. She sucked in her breath when he found it and pressed upward, applying a slight pressure in a steady rhythm. Within a few short minutes, he brought her—gasping, grasping at him, clutching at his shoulders and neck, and calling out his name—to her second orgasm of the day. He stayed with it, letting her ride out the wave until the quaking and shudders deep within her had finally rolled to a stop.

  Too weak to stand, she allowed him to pull her onto his lap. He held her there, speaking softly, soothing her until she regained her strength, as well as her faculties.

  They exited the bathroom several minutes later, both of them clean, dry, and too relaxed to do anything other than collapse onto the bed. All cozy and wrapped in John Michael’s arms, Cynthia’s last thought before succumbing to sleep was to wonder if anything in her previous life had ever been this good.

  Cynthia stood in the doorway of the small club, clutching at John Michael’s hand. Within seconds, Tyler called out to her, rushed over to meet them.

  “Mom!” He hugged her tightly. “I’ve been trying to call you. We were starting to worry you got lost or had car trouble or something.”

  “I’m sorry, Tyler. My ringer must be set to silent. We made it in earlier and took a nap. You know how us old people need our rest.” She somehow managed to stifle the giggle threatening to bubble forth at any second.

  “God, you look fantastic, Mom. You look … happy.”

  She beamed at her youngest son. “I am, Ty. And let me introduce you to one of many reasons for my happiness. This is John Michael Ferguson, an old friend of mine.”

  Tyler extended his hand, his smile genuine. “And a little more than a friend, if the vibes I’m catching between you are any indication. Welcome, Mr. Ferguson. I’m Tyler Ellender, but please call me Ty.”

  John Michael’s chest seemed to broaden before Cynthia’s eyes as he shook her son’s hand. “Thank you. Ty. Please call me John.” He slipped his left hand lightly around Cynthia’s waist and pulled her close before giving her a brilliant smile. “I’m thinking you’re reading the vibes correctly.”

  Tyler’s gaze flipped between the two of them. “Well, my mother has never looked more beautiful, and I trust her judgment completely. So, whatever this is, I approve wholeheartedly, not that it’s a requirement.”

  Cynthia gazed up at John, waiting for his reaction to this first sign of acceptance.

  “Required or not, it certainly is appreciated. Thank you, Ty.”

  His reply warmed Cynthia clear down to her freshly pedicured toenails.

  Tyler introduced them both to his new girlfriend. Cynthia got a good feeling about Jessie, an exotically beautiful girl with an olive complexion, long dark hair, and chocolate-brown eyes that sparkled with joy when she looked at Tyler.

  Jeremy’s girl, Lena, the party planner, approached the foursome, breathless with excitement. “I’m so glad you could all make this. I apologize again for having to change the date.”

  Cynthia hugged her tightly and introduced Lena to John Michael.

  Lena gave her a gentle nudge before whispering in her ear. “Your plus one’s a hottie, Ms. Cyndi.”

  Cynthia blushed at the heated gaze John sent her direction. “I have to agree.” Three down, three to go, and so far, so good. She wasn’t worried about Jeremy or Mick’s reaction to John. Trini’s, however, was another matter. She looked around for her middle child. “Ty, is your sister here, yet?”

  He checked his watch. “They should be here any minute. She sent a text a few minutes ago saying they were right around the corner.” He looked up as the door opened. “There they are now.” He gave John a sympathetic look. “I should probably apologize now for whatever selfish, thoughtless thing my sister does or says to upset you. Trini has been in a perpetual state of bitchiness for two decades.”

  Jessie slapped at his arm. “Ty, stop!”

  “Well, it’s true. She won’t approve of John. She doesn’t approve of anyone, not even you and Lena, and you two are perfect.”

  Jessie faced Lena and
returned her grin. “What do you think, Lena? Should I keep him?”

  Lena nodded. “Definitely.”

  Cynthia smiled at the young women who’d obviously already formed a close bond. She prayed they would be her daughters-in-law one day. She turned to Tyler, deciding it wasn’t too early to throw in her two cents worth. “You and Jeremy need to hang on to these two ladies.”

  Tyler gave Jessie a quick kiss. “I can’t account for what goes on in my brother’s head, but I’m hanging on to this one for as long as she’ll have me.” He straightened and cleared his throat as he gazed at his approaching sister and her family. “Batten down the hatches everyone. Here comes Hurricane Trini.”

  Cynthia turned and walked to meet her daughter halfway. “Hello, Trini.”

  “Hello, Mother.” Her eyes narrowed at a spot behind Cynthia. “Who’s that?”

  “He’s my friend from home I told you about, and I want you to remember what I said about treating him with the respect he deserves.” She turned to her son-in-law. “Mick. Long time, no see.”

  He gave her a big hug. “Hey, Mom. You look great. So, this is him, huh? He must be treating you right to put that glow on your face.”

  She elbowed him. “Oh stop, Mick. And let me have my granddaughter. Hello, sweetie pie. It’s amazing, but I think you’ve grown since Monday.”

  “Just think, you could see her more often if you hadn’t sold our home and moved two states away.”

  Trini’s snarled reply had Cynthia’s shoulders stiffening. “I’ve explained this, Trin. Your father got to spend his entire lifetime near both his parents. I hadn’t seen my dad for six months when he died. I’m spending what’s left of my mother’s life near her. I’m sorry if you can’t understand that.”

  “Or maybe it’s someone else you wanted to be near. I can’t believe you brought him.”

  Mick stepped in front of his wife, lowered his voice to a dangerously low level. “Okay, Trini. You need to stop this before you ruin what should be a great family get-together.”

  “And you need to mind your own business. This is a family matter.”

  “Excuse me, but I thought I was family.”

  “My family.”

  Cynthia couldn’t take the hurt look on her son-in-law’s face one more second. “For God’s sake, Trin. This man is part of our family, too. He’s your husband.”

  “Then he needs to act like one and take my side, not yours. Not to mention he needs to stop whatever he’s doing when he’s not with his daughter and wife.”

  Mick’s face darkened with anger. “So, you want me to quit my job and be a stay at home bum who doesn’t support his family? Work Trini, that’s all I do when I’m not with you.” He threw his hands in the air and headed toward Tyler and the others.

  John Michael watched the exchange along with the others. He didn’t need to hear their conversation to recognize the hostility shooting off of Trini like fireworks on the fourth of July.

  Tyler groaned as Mick approached their group, his face a study in tightly reined fury. “Here come’s brother-in-law. Poor guy’s obviously incurred the Gorgon’s wrath early on.” He handed him his newly opened beer. “Here Mick, you look like you need this more than me.”

  Cynthia’s son-in-law took the beer and chugged from it. He wiped his mouth and pointed to Ty. “Your sister, Man. I don’t know what the hell to do about her.”

  “Jeremy and I tried to warn you. We said you were too nice for her, but you wouldn’t listen.” Tyler faced John Michael. “His wife is the biggest brat you ever saw, and it’s all Dad’s fault. He spoiled her rotten, then died on us, and left poor Mick holding the bag.”

  John Michael figured he had a good grip on the situation. It was one thing to hear it from Cynthia. The siblings and son-in-law being in full agreement only confirmed her opinion. “Hi Mick. I’m John Ferguson.”

  Tyler nudged Mick’s side. “He’s Mom’s boyfriend. How do you think my big sis is going to take the news?”

  Mick shook John’s hand and gave him a sympathetic smile. “It’s real nice to meet you, John. I feel for you, man. Just remember one thing. I have to go home with her. You get to leave.”

  “You could leave, too, if she’s not careful,” Tyler threw in. “Maybe it’s time you remind my sister. I don’t know how the hell you put up with her.”

  “I married Trini before God, for better or worse. I figure this is part of the worst. We’ll work through it.”

  John Michael’s admiration of Cynthia’s son-in-law grew by leaps and bounds at the man’s answer. He nodded. “I’ve heard wonderful things about you from Cyn, and now I understand why. Speaking of which, your motherin-law looks like she could use a buffer right about now.” He took two steps in Cyn and Trini’s direction before Tyler’s movie trailer narration had John pausing to wipe a grin from his face.

  “And John’s going into the depths of hell for the woman he loves, aka my mom. Cue the love theme from Act of Valor.”

  Lena and Jessie dissolved into laughter as Mick gasped. “Dude, you must be in love.”

  John could only nod in agreement.

  “Good luck, Mr. John,” Jessie offered.

  “It was nice knowing you,” Lena volunteered.

  He turned to give the group a thumbs-up and a grin.

  He approached the two women, his poor Cyn looking like she wanted to throttle the daughter doling out a steady diatribe of viciousness. The tail end of Trini’s nasty accusation reached his ears as he joined them.

  “—dishonor my father’s memory by bringing your boyfriend here? I bet you were even in contact with him before Daddy passed away.”

  “Excuse me, Trini, but I wanted to introduce myself.” He bowed slightly at the waist, knowing damn good and well she wouldn’t touch his hand, much less shake it. “I’m John Ferguson. Your mom and I have known each other forever, of course, but up until a couple of months ago, I hadn’t seen or spoken to her since our high school graduation. It’s wonderful to finally meet you, though. You are every bit as beautiful as I’ve heard.” He turned to the toddler in Cynthia’s arms. “And who is this lovely young lady? You’re as gorgeous as your mom and grandma, aren’t you?”

  The golden haired child gave him a gap-toothed grin, exposing two adorable dimples as she rested her head on Cynthia’s chest. “My Gwammy.”

  John sent “Gwammy” a look of encouragement and a wink as lagniappe. “Yes, she is. So, what’s your name, gorgeous?”

  She put a chubby finger to her chest and grinned. “Zo-ee.”

  “Zoe, huh? That’s a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. I’m John. Can you say John?”

  She gave him an enthusiastic nod. “John!”

  “Very good, Zoe. I’ve got two grandbabies at home, you know. Two month old twins named Caleb and Cassandra. And I bet Cassie grows up to be as pretty as you.”

  Zoe cocked her head to the side. “Two babies?”

  He chuckled. “Yes ma’am. Two of them.”

  Trini snorted from behind him. “I don’t know how anyone can care for two babies properly. Zoe takes up every spare minute I have.”

  “Well, my daughter-in-law nearly lost her life bringing those two little miracles into the world. But that doesn’t stop her from being the best mother she can be to her children. She adores them and my son, and he feels the same way about her. That’s all any of us want, right Cyn? To know our kids are happy and loved?”

  “And where’s your wife, John? Did you leave her at home to go traipsing off with my mother?”

  “Trini!” Cynthia gasped, her face livid.

  He turned to face the young woman. As prepared as he was, the hateful accusation still shocked the hell out of him. For Cyn’s sake, he swallowed the Perhaps you’ve mistaken me for your father? line he longed to throw in her face. “No, I’ve been alone since my wife died almost fifteen years ago, so it’s been a real blessing to have your mother come into my life when she did.”

  “Mother did mention that, but I wasn’
t sure if it was just a line.”

  “No lines. My wife really died.” He’d obviously peaked Trini’s curiosity. It won the battle over her desire to ignore him.

  “Was it cancer? Everyone from that place dies from either cancer or diabetes.”

  John’s light touch to Cyn’s arm stopped her from chastising her daughter for the scathing, insensitive comment. “No, she died during an emergency appendectomy surgery. She had an adverse reaction to the anesthesia.”

  “Oh, I assumed—”

  “But my mother did have cancer at one time, if that makes you feel any more superior than you already do. Unlike your grandfather, Mr. Ham, she beat it. But she’ll be gone soon enough. As it turns out, Alzheimer’s is no picnic in the park, either.”

  Trini stared at the floor, apparently having the good sense to feel at least some amount of remorse for her tactless, rude behavior. She turned and left them without another word.

  “Oh, John, I’m so sor—”

  He smothered Cyn’s apology with a kiss. “It’s not your responsibility to apologize for your daughter. She’ll come around.”

  She patted his chest with one hand, probably more for her own comfort than his. “If it’s any consolation, you handled her beautifully.”

  “It comes from owning and operating a business for over three decades. Some customers can be extremely ornery and difficult. I can handle her.” His second kiss to comfort her had Zoe giggling.

  “Kiss Gwammy.”

  He laughed. “I sure did. You want to see it again?” Zoe gave him an enthusiastic nod, so he pecked Cyn a third time, causing another round of little girl giggles. In an unexpected move, she reached out for him. He took the toddler from Cyn and rested her on one hip. “Oh yeah, I can’t wait for the twins to be this age.”

  Cyn crossed her arms, wearing a satisfied expression. “It’s obvious you have a way with women. You’ve already won Zoe over, as well as my son’s girlfriends.” She nudged him into lifting his gaze to the two women watching from several feet over. “Look at that. They’re practically melting at the sight of you holding this child.”

  He grinned and waved to them, then leaned over to give Cynthia another kiss. “There you go, three members of the fairer sex down, and one to go. Don’t worry, Cyn. I got this.”