Eleven Days: An Unexpected Love

by Lora Lindy

Within twenty minutes she was fully dressed. When she walked out of the dressing room Mike whistled. He thought she looked breathtaking. He knew with her on his arm, many men would be turning their heads. Looking at her waist, it couldn’t be over twenty-two inches, and that made her bust look even larger. He raised his eyebrows, whistled again. “I think you are a show stopper.”

  “Thanks honey.” She didn’t think she had ever been this happy even with the sadness of the memorial. Obviously, he was proud of the way she looked, and for the first time in a long time, it mattered what a man thought of her.

  *****

  They pulled up to the First Methodist church, and hundreds of cars were lined up along the road. Many of them were police cars. Mike had a spot reserved for him in the front of the church. Once he pulled in he took a deep breath.

  As they walked in the church everyone stared at them, trying to figure out who’s with Mike. Many of the mourners acknowledged Mike and looked at Lana bewildered. They knew Mike didn’t date anyone, so who was this woman? She enjoyed their uncertain looks, enjoyed being the mystery woman. “Where do you want me to sit?” Lana asked.

  “I want you to sit with me.”

  “Do you mind if I sit a few rows back? I think you need to sit with your guys.”

  “That’s fine honey, if it makes you feel more comfortable.”

  “It would make me feel better because your place is with your men.” He found her a seat three rows behind him.

  Mike sat down with some big men and he said something to them and they all turned around and looked at Lana. She smiled, but she was disconcerted by their stares, and she wondered what Mike said to them. She did recognize some of them from TV. She took a deep breath, no doubt now, his men knew about her. That thought made her heart happy that he told him men about her. This moment was a big milestone in their relationship.

  Lana noticed Mike turned around and checked on her several times during the ceremony. She couldn’t help thinking about attending James’ funeral would have been a lot easier if Mike stood at her side and held her hand.

  Out of nowhere Lana could hear a conversation between two women behind her. “Who is that good looking guy that keeps turning around looking our way?”

  The other lady tried to whisper. “His name is Mike Ramsey, and he’s Frank’s boss.”

  Then Lana could hear them whisper and she couldn’t understand what they were saying, but she knew they were talking about her.

  The memorial lasted about thirty minutes longer and she knew many of the people would leave, but some stayed and wanted to talk. She wanted Mike to stay as long as his men needed him. Some of the officer’s who were on duty left immediately to go back to work. Many people went up to Frank’s wife to give her their condolences. Lana sat on the pew for a few minutes to let the crowd thin out before she approached Mike. She was mesmerized by Mike, watching him talk with his men and other people, surprised by his cordiality. He certainly didn’t act cordial with her when they first talked on the phone. His actions surprised her, she expected him to be quiet, but he acted quite the contrary.

  The lady behind Lana tapped her on the shoulder. She looked behind her and of course she didn’t know this woman. But she wanted to be polite, so Lana made a friendly comment. “Don’t you think it was a nice memorial?” Lana didn’t know why the lady wanted to talk to her.

  She let her know right away she had no interest in the memorial. “How do you know Mike Ramsey, I think he’s cute. Plus he has a great body.”

  Lana didn’t know how to answer her. Should she tell her he’s her boyfriend? To tell her that seemed presumptuous since she’s only known him a few days. So she took the safe answer. “We’re good friends.”

  She was a pretty brunette, tall and thin. She had on bright red lipstick as though she wouldn’t stand out in the black low cut dress. Her mascara was thick, and her eyelashes were matted together, and Lana thought that’s because her eyelashes were not very long and she put on a lot of mascara trying to compensate. “So you’re not boyfriend and girlfriend?”

  “Why do you ask?” This woman was too cute. Lana decided she wouldn’t discuss Mike with her at all.

  “I have an interest in him, and I just want to make sure he’s not taken.”

  “Do you know him?” Lana asked.

  “No, or I should say I don’t know him intimately but I know who he is, I’ve had an interest in him for awhile. But I will know him better after today. If you’re not married to him, I’m going to tell you to move over honey, he’s going to be mine.”

  This hussy was so blatantly bold with their interest in Mike. There is a lot of insecurity with this hussy, and she hoped Mike saw through it. She would never ask any woman anything like this. She’s not sure how to answer this, so she just smiled and turned back around to face Mike. Deep down Lana was tore up about this whole ordeal. Then she thought to herself. You have to trust Mike. That one thought along with a deep breath made her feel better.

  The hussy didn’t waste time walking up to Mike and giving him a hug. Lana couldn’t hear their words, but she thought she was giving him her condolences. Mike just smiled and she could tell he could be thanking her. He made no quick movements to get away from her nor did he look over at Lana. She mind raced with jealousy. Lana calm down, you know you have no reason to be jealous, so give him a break.

  Within a few minutes Mike took the girl by the elbow and brought her over to Lana. At first when Mike walked with her, the hussy grinned from ear to ear, but that grin turned to grimace when they walked over to Lana.

  She just sat in her seat on the pew. Lana decided she wasn’t going to stand up for this heifer.

  “Honey, I want you to meet Elizabeth, this is Frank’s cousin,” he said while grinning.

  Lana reached up to shake her hand and she reluctantly reciprocated. “It’s nice to meet you, and I’m so sorry about your loss,” Lana said.

  Elizabeth wrapped her coat around her shoulders and said. “Thanks.” Without another word she ran out the door.

  Lana looked at Mike like shame on you, and he winked at her and walked back to the guys. She sat in the pew a little longer, and walked up to Mike when he had a moment alone. “Babe, I’m going to walk around the church for a little while, and maybe find the chapel. You take your time and I have my cell phone turned on so call me when you are ready to go.”

  “I don’t mind heading out if you’re ready to leave.” But he wanted to stay awhile longer. He knew she didn’t have much rest and he didn’t want to push the issue.

  “Your place is here right now. Call me when you’re ready to go.“He reached down and kissed her on the cheek. That was an opportunity to whisper in his ear. “We will discuss Elizabeth later.”

  He laughed and said. “Okay.”

  She walked off and she couldn’t help herself but to turn around to see if Mike happened to be watching her walk off, to her surprise all the men watched her walk away. Her face turned bright red and she walked faster without looking back again.

  *****

  Lana’s phone ran just as she finished a cup of coffee and visited with some people who also hung out in the cafeteria.

  Her heart fluttered knowing it was him on the phone. “Hey sweetie,” answered Lana.

  “Are you ready to go?”

  “Only if you are, and your call was perfect timing, I just finished a cup of coffee.”

  “Stay there and I’ll come get you.”

  “Okay.” She was thankful for that because her feet hurt. New shoes and a lot of walking do not go together.

  There were only a few people left in the cafeteria and Mike spoke to a couple of them and he introduced her. It was so nice to have his arm to hold on to, she felt protected and loved. He took her hand and they walked out the side door. He helped her in the passenger’s side. As he walked to the other side he waved and said something to some guys leaving the church.

  “Who were those guys?”

  “A bunch of the guys and t
heir families have decided to meet for pizza. They wanted to know if we wanted to meet them.” The truck sputtered and coughed while Mike tried to coax her to run.

  “Mike, we can go if you want to, I would love to meet your team.”

  “I don’t want to go. I want to spend my evening with you, alone.”

  She couldn’t help herself. “What about Elizabeth?”

  Mike rolled his head back with laughter. “Oh baby you don’t have to worry about Elizabeth.”

  “She likes you, she told me so.” Just the thought of that hussy upset her stomach.

  He laughed even harder. “Honey she has liked me since I met her at a BBQ a few years ago. She stayed with Frank’s wife Robin when she was pregnant with their second child. Robin had morning sickness so bad she needed help with their oldest child. Frank invited the team over for BBQ dinner on the fourth of July, Elizabeth was there and she has liked ever me since that day. But ���,” he look at her with his devilish grin. “��� It won’t be a problem anymore. I told her you were my fianc��.”

  “Are you serious?” She was so thrilled he told her that. Instantly she wasn’t mad at Elizabeth anymore. Now she felt sorry for her.

  “Yep.”

  When she looked into his eyes they danced with mischief and love. She also saw some question in them. She knew he wondered if he might be a little pretentious. To show him he wasn’t, she unbuckled her seat belt and moved to the seat right next to him. She buckled the middle seatbelt and held on to him as tight as she could.

  They both sat quiet as they took in their feelings for each other. This small move let him know she cared deeply for him.

  He finally broke the silence as ‘ole Bessie’ jug lugged down the road. “How about pizza for dinner, I’m hungry. When the guys mentioned it, I thought it sounded good. Besides I want you to try Franco’s.”

  “Yep,” she answered. They both laughed and he squeezed her knee and slowly ran his hand up and down her thigh and calf. She knew by the way he touched her, he anticipated the night, and she couldn’t wait for tonight either. Her insides got warm just dreaming about his touch.

  Chapter 18

  5:55 p.m.

  They stopped at Franco’s for the best pizza ever, or at least that’s what Mike swears. They ordered a meat lover for Mike and she got a pepperoni with onions and black olives. She liked cheese but not a ton on the top, so she ordered stuffed crust. Franco’s had something she had never seen before, but a unique idea, customers could order different crusts. Franco’s had sour dough, sweet dough, onion dough, herb dough, and regular. Since she loved sweet bread she got the sweet dough and Mike ordered the herb dough.

  As they got in the truck, Mike noticed how Lana legs shivered from the cold. “Baby I’m sorry I didn’t realize how cold you are with only a dress and those thin nylon hose to keep you warm.” He removed his overcoat and laid it across her lap, then abrasively rubbed her legs. The coat was so warm it only took a few minutes for her legs to stop shaking. “Is that better? Honey you have to let me know when you get cold. The winter in Boston can chill you to the bone. I can’t stand it when you’re cold.”

  “I will from now on, you have to remember it’s been years since I’ve had anyone care for me.”

  “You better get used to me. I’m going to be around for the rest of your life.”

  On the way home his strong arm felt good in her hands. She was tantalized by the lines of his muscles, and how they harden as he moved them with the steering wheel. She watched his face and noticed how intently he watched the snow covered road. Later she hoped that intensity would be in eyes when they made love.

  When they reached the house Mike opened his truck door and the cold air was rejuvenating, or at least for him. Mike scooted out and leaned over Lana to reach for the pizza. Temptation took over and he blew on a fart on her neck.

  He’s such a guy, she thought. She took a deep breath and wondered if he would do that the rest of their lives. She hoped so.

  As soon as they entered the house, she wanted to shed clothes. “Honey, I’m going to change clothes and put on your t-shirt. Would you unzip me please?” She turned around and pulled her hair to the front.

  “It will cost you ten kisses.”

  “When do I have to you?” She could feel his hot breath on the back of her neck and she knew he would blow farts. But he didn’t. His soft lips brushed her shoulder. The warmth of his breath and the softness of his lips made her legs week. She could only imagine this feeling for the rest of her life.

  “Tonight,” he whispered breathlessly.

  Knowing Mike had to start the fire, she left for the bedroom without looking back. If she turned around and looked into his eyes, she could never leave.

  Mike already inhaled two slices of pizza by the time she got to the kitchen. He mumbled with food in his mouth. “I was hungry.”

  “I see the pizza tastes good. Did you save me any?” She reached over and pinched off a piece of his dough to try out the herb flavor. It was delicious. Mike’s right, Franco’s had great pizza or at least the crust.

  He pointed to the box with a glass of coke poured and a plate sitting there. “I’ll fix your plate. I wanted to wait until you got here because I didn’t want your pizza to get cold.” He jumped up grab a plate for her.

  The minute he opened the box the aroma of sweet dough, onions and pepperoni filled the air. She took a quick bite before moving her plate to the bar. The dough tasted better than Mike’s pizza, at least she thought so. The onions were thinly sliced and that’s how she liked it. When the onions were cooked they burned on the edges. The dough tasted a sweet roll with a little garlic flavor on the crust.

  Mike excused himself to change his clothes.

  Lana thought the pizza tasted incredible. If she lived here she would get fat. Between the great pastries and great pizza, she would be doomed.

  Mike came back wearing only boxers and a t-shirt, a tight shirt. She almost choked on her pizza when she saw how good he looked. A sight such as that stirred every female emotion possible. She knew how Elizabeth was heartbroken, poor girl.

  They both grabbed their plates and headed for the living room. They sat in front of the warm fire as they ate. For some reason she seemed a little worried, maybe because they were alone out in the middle of nowhere or maybe it was because the wind’s howling was so loud. “Mike, what would you do if someone tried to breakin the house?”

  He finished chewing his pizza before he answered. “You know I can shoot a little bit, and I’ll just point my gun shut my eyes and hope I hit them.” He grinned at her innocence.

  “You fart, you know what I mean.” She laughed at how stupid that question was, especially after he nabbed the two men last night. “I guess that was a stupid question. I’m tired and I’m not thinking straight. If you don’t mind I think I’m going to bed.”

  He stood up and kissed her forehead and said. “Go ahead and I’ll be right behind you. I will double check the door and windows, and put away the pizza.”

  The more he walked around the more turned on she got. She realized she’s not quite as sleepy anymore. Her body ached for him.

  He brushed his teeth and walked over to her and sat on the edge of the bed, her side of the bed, grinning. She smiled back not knowing what he had planned.

  Emotions were aroused in her and she adjusted herself on the bed to get a better look of his manhood. He obliged by turning towards her and spreading his legs just a little, and he unknowingly gave her what she wanted most, a peek. She wanted to make love to him, but her shyness overwhelmed her and she decided to let him lead the way. She hasn’t been with a man since her husband and she wasn’t sure of his experience, but she was sure he had more than her. No way could he convince her he’s been practicing abstinence, not with his body.

  He had different thoughts. To her surprise he went to the closet and got out a guitar. He played romantic songs from several decades. Mike had an incredible voice, and she knew that from
him singing in the truck. Her favorite song was Feels So Right. He also played some songs famous by Sam Cooke You Send Me; Percy Sledge When a Man Loves a Woman.

  She could have listened to him all night, except for tonight. She had other plans for him. By now she was fully awake and anticipated the rest of the night.

  He laid his guitar against the wall and reached over and plugged her ipod in the radio. He tuned it in the blues section, some soft romantic blues. Lana enjoyed listening to the blues while cooking and drinking a glass of wine.

  “How did you know I had the blues on my ipod?”

  “I looked through it when you took a bath and I like the blues too. You have Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, Muddy Waters, and best of the soft blues. I haven’t heard these particular tracks but I thought it might be appropriate for tonight.” He turned off the light and focused solely on Lana.

  As the music played he slowly caressed her breasts and touched her nipples with a slight squeeze. As he slipped her t-shirt off he saw the perkiness of her breasts silhouetted by the dim light that peaked through the cracks of the drapes. He wished he had opened the drapes fully. The light would have been brighter, and he would have had a better view.

  She wiggled under his caress. Her lips parted and an uncontrollable moaning escaped her body. She led his hand between her legs and the wet warmth sent shivers through both their bodies.

  Their bodies moved with the rhythm of the songs and their hands eagerly searched for sacred parts of their bodies. Parts that were there for the taking, and they touched every inch. She put her arms around him and gave him an erotic kiss. He responded by wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close enough to feel his stiffness.

  He breathlessly moaned. “Baby I love you so much. Tonight is yours and I want you to enjoy every minute.”

  “Mike, shut up and make love to me,” she anxiously pled, wanting more, wanting every ounce of him.

  He reached down and kissed her so intimately and tenderly that it took her breath away. “Baby, I want you more than I have ever wanted anyone, ever.”