"I am not picky. My parents made us try everything. We may not like it afterward, but the goal was to broaden our palates. I remember trying Rocky Mountain oysters. My sister gagged. My brother thought they were great until my dad told him what they were." Matt laughed out loud and walked into the kitchen.
"And you? What did you do?" Andy asked as she mixed the salad in a big bowl.
"I tried not to chew!" Matt's cheeks blushed as he chuckled and Andy laughed too. He knew she was picturing his family at the dinner table and the children being told what body part they were eating.
"I have never had them and I don't believe I will." Andy mock shivered in disgust. He chuckled some more as he set the plates and utensils on the table.
"Ah, I wouldn't want my kids to be picky eaters either. Although I'm not sure I would force bull nuts on them!" He made a face and Andy smiled at his wit. Oh she's gorgeous! The last few days an ever deepening desire to make her his own had infused his blood and it was getting harder to refrain from doing so. The constant interruptions were starting to wear on his already thin reins. Matt's stomach growled in response to the aroma of the casserole.
"I made cheesy enchiladas. They are one of my favorites and not too bad reheated if there are leftovers." Andy scooped a large helping onto his plate and handed him the salad bowl.
The rich, cheesy goodness along with the spicy taco meat made him salivate. He had three helpings before he was completely full. She was cooking dinner at least four times a week and at this rate, he was going to be ten pounds heavier by the end of the month. He couldn't complain. He looked forward to dinner every night with Andy and Harper. He pushed his plate away and noticed Andy was watching him, her green eyes careful.
"You want to know what happened today with Monica." Matt's voice was low, thoughtful. He kept his eyes on hers and noticed the emotional step back. He wondered at it, but didn't mention it.
"Will they help?" Her voice was a bit raspy with an edge of disbelief. He couldn't blame her. He wasn't sure the authorities would do anything to help either. In a way, he had been pleasantly surprised. Matt nodded and Andy relaxed some.
"They took copies of the texts. I gave them what information I could. My lawyer handled the rest of it. They are going to see if there is enough for a protection order." Matt took a drink of his tea and set the glass back down on the counter. Andy followed him closely. He felt the stirrings of hope. She was interested. Good.
"Your lawyer thinks that they can keep her from messing with us?" Andy looked across the room towards Harper on the blanket. He didn't like to see Andy questioning Harper's safety. He would never risk that. She was the most important thing in this whole sphere.
"Yes. He called it stalking. He told me that states, especially South Dakota are taking this more seriously now. Monica's texts and phone calls are all harassment. I told them about the run in on our date and the mysterious phone call you got at work. They will probably call you to verify the information." Matt watched the information sink in and watched Andy relax her posture.
"Well I guess that's all we can do then. It sounds like they have it well in hand." She got up from the table and busied herself by gathering up the dishes. Matt had already picked up on this cue. When she was nervous, she couldn't sit still. He smiled. She turned the faucet on to fill the sink for dishes. Matt stood to help. They didn't argue over who would do dishes anymore. He automatically helped her dry them once they were washed.
"Will they contact her about this?" Andy's voice was tentative as he sidled up next to her at the sink. She glanced at him and Matt couldn't stand not touching her anymore. Pulling her hips into his body, he made her look up into his face. He tried to pass on as much confidence and control as he could to her. She needed to know he was handling it, just as he would handle anything else that she needed him to. This was just the start to opening up the door to the dangers and treasures he knew were inside her past and present.
"My lawyer said it was a certainty they would contact her today and explain the situation. From there she would be involved and warned to stay away and refrain from contacting us." Matt watched as Andy's chest continued to rise and fall in a fast measure now. The green in her eyes had turned stormy. He nearly crowed with delight. Her tendency for flight was giving way to a deeper desire for him. It was a balm. He had been worried about how she would receive the information. He had been worried she would step back and put more barriers up between them. Instead she was in his arms where she wanted to be.
Matt lowered his lips to hers and kissed her gently, nipping her full lower lip. A crashing warmth filled his veins as he watched in the siren in his arms. He could feel the quickening pulse under his fingertips as they rested on her neck. His other palm slid between them to find the sweet swell of her breast. His thumb flicked the raised nipple he could feel through her tank top. She sucked in a breath between deep, molten kisses. His tongue mimicked what he wanted to do to her. He felt like a man thirsting to death in the desert and she was his only oasis. It was beyond a need. It was beyond urgent.
Matt felt Andy's hands press against his stomach with a moment's hesitation and then felt a sharp tug at his waist. He wasn't sure whether to grin like a devil or faint from unparalleled relief as she undid his belt and started on his jeans. He felt the pressure mount and he growled as she continued with blind need. Breaking from her lips, he worked open mouth kisses down her neck and to her collar bone. Fine, silky soft skin under his lips. Sweet Jesus! This isn't going to end well if there's another interruption!
Andy's fingers shifted his cotton t-shirt from his jeans where it was tucked. She was a woman on a mission. He heard more than felt his zipper come down and his heart beat faster, if that were possible. Hastily she raised his shirt to his chest and pressed white hot kisses to his stomach. He groaned. She licked and nibbled. She scratched and soothed. It was starting to become overwhelming and if she didn't pull back soon, he wasn't going to be responsible for what happened.
"Andy, baby, you have to slow down." He growled again as she nipped his stomach. "Baby, it's my turn."
She paused just a moment long enough for him to pull her up against him and press her tight against his aching erection. A wildness consumed him and he lifted her up in his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist. He kissed her fiercely, matching her need with his own. He backed her up to the kitchen island, leaning her backside against the counter top. He tried to pull back on the near run-away emotions. They weren't the only ones in the apartment.
"Are you sure? What about Harper?" His voice was low in her ear, but she turned her head to glance at her daughter. Asleep. An instant relief set free the worry about stopping this time.
"Oh, I'm sure. Bedroom, Cowboy." She purred in his ear. The sound of her voice reignited the need to immerse himself in her. Holding her tightly against him, Matt carried Andy to her bedroom, where a queen sized bed was made up. It was almost dark outside so the room was nearly just a shadow. He liked it except that he couldn't see what his fingers told him was a very beautiful girl.
He shucked off his jeans, lost his shirt and then helped Andy do the same. His hands reached for her in the dark, soft velvety skin that smelled like honey and grapefruit. His mind gaped. Naked. Merciful lord! There were no barriers anymore. Nothing to stop them from taking the pleasure they both craved with a blazing madness. He kissed his way up her stomach until he took first one nipple and then the other into his mouth. Andy squirmed against him, brushing her hips against his stomach. Her breath short and needy. Her fingers anchored themselves in his hair.
He grinned against her skin. He liked driving her wild. Her reaction to him was instantaneous, without thought and with carefree abandon. He felt enormously proud to drive all worry from her mind for at least a while. His hands roamed her naked body, mapping every curve and hollow. His primitive self-roared with satisfaction as he found her wet core begging for him. She nearly came off the bed when he slipped first one finger inside and then another; se
tting a rhythm not too fast and not too slow. Matt kissed from her breasts down her stomach and hips to the soft mound below.
"Matt! Oh God!" Andy's words came more as a prayer as his tongue flicked out to tease and conquer. She shuddered. She moaned, arching her back and pressing into his fingers still working their magic. He felt the surge. His body reacting to hers. She fragmented and broke apart in his arms. Grinning in the darkness, Matt slipped off the bed to retrieve a condom from his wallet. Quickly opening the package and sliding it on, he positioned himself between Andy's thighs as she came back to him.
"You are amazing, Andy." He pressed into her, feeling her slick heat stroking him. His eyes rolled back. He was certain nothing had ever felt so good. Andy pulled him down to kiss his mouth, her tongue dueling with his own. Matt locked their hands, raising her arms above her head. She met him thrust for thrust, frenzy renewed in their joining. This maddening rush boiling to an even greater height than before.
"Matt. Yes, please..." Her need was all consuming and he quickened the already mind numbing pace. He could feel the fine dew on her skin as he picked up the rhythm that would send them both flying into space. His mouth absorbed her breathy scream and he emptied himself. Exhaustion fell on him and he leaned heavily on Andy's body. She held him, her breath warm against his ear. Their heartbeats slowed and gently he rolled off of her, fitting their bodies together so that he could hold her.
"That was beyond words, baby." I love you. It almost slipped out, but he bit back the words just in time. It was too soon for that. Hell he wasn't even sure if it was truly how he felt or if he was talking with another part of his body. That he knew loved her!
"That's only the second time." Her voice was so quiet, he wasn't sure if he had heard her right. She held his arms tightly around her body. He closed his eyes. One secret down. He pressed his lips to her neck and smiled against her skin.
"It won't be the last." Matt made it a promise. He kept quiet, wondering if she was going to share anything more, but she didn't. Sometime later Harper woke up crying in the living room and they got out of bed. The time for confidences had passed. Reality snuck back in.
Chapter Ten
Matt rubbed his eyes and slid his sunglasses back into place. The setting sun was just above the horizon and so blinding. He cranked the already chilly air conditioner higher and yawned. It had been a long couple of days. He had been volunteered by Garrett to drive to Sioux Falls, which might as well have been on the other side of the moon from Rapid City. He met with a group of businessmen interested in building a golf course and housing subdivision outside of Rapid City.
He had arrived late in the afternoon yesterday, dropped off the blueprints for review, and spent a good portion of today with the investors convincing them Johnson Brothers Building was both competent and cost friendly. Needless to say after some tough negotiating, the blueprints were approved and he was finally on his way home. He couldn't wait to see Andy and Harper.
He had called last night, but it had been a short conversation. Andy seemed a bit weird and who could blame her. They had slept together the night before last and she shared a rather large secret with him. Then he was on the road to Sioux Falls the very next day. Any woman would be a bit skittish, but he knew she was bound to be more so. He was trying to get her to trust him and to understand that he would take care of whatever demons existed in her life. He stretched his neck. Clearly it would take more time.
Ring, Ring! Ring, Ring! Matt's cell phone sang from its hands-free holder on his dash. His heart jumped hoping it was Andy. It wasn't. He clicked on his Bluetooth.
"Yes? Hello, Garrett." He couldn't hide the annoyance in his voice. Garrett had been worrying over this deal with the golf course and housing development bid. Work was starting to slow down and neither one of them wanted to lay any of the guys off going into the fall and winter. It was time to dig more jobs up, even if they weren't large ones.
"Hey, I got your voicemail. I'm glad we got the job. Did they like the blueprints? Did you tell them we could change whatever they didn't like? We need to get those city permits as soon as you get back into the office tomorrow. I want the ball rolling like yesterday!" Garrett droned on. Matt rolled his eyes.
"They aren't going to start for another month, Garrett. It is all handled. They liked the scheme and the layout. I will get everything to Margaret tomorrow and then put together a plan." Matt signaled into the passing lane to get around three caravanning semi-trailers. He could hear Garrett talking to their foreman, Robert. He waited with little patience. Garrett huffed.
"Fine. We don't need to screw this up. This is a big job and it should last us most of the winter." Singing to the choir, big brother! Matt blew out a breath and nodded to the phone.
"I know. I will talk to you tonight. I should be back into Rapid City in a half hour or less. Quick shower and then I am going to Andy's for a while." He could almost see Garrett shaking his head. His older brother still wasn't convinced this new relationship had any merit, but it was Matt's life.
"All right. Talk to you later. Bye." Garrett hung up and Matt clicked off his phone. He drove another fifteen miles and his phone lit up again. Dead spots! It was a veritable wonderland of cell phone coverage across the state. One minute you had full signal and the next there was nothing. Missed phone call. Voicemail. Matt clicked the button, hoping it wasn't Garrett again. His brother was obsessed with this new project. He would just have to wait until tomorrow.
"Uh, hey Matt, I am not sure if you are back yet." Andy. There was a pause. Something was wrong and instantly his heart slowed its beating. "Uh I, well, this is stupid. I don't want to bother you. I just didn't know who else to talk to. Sara let me go this morning. Um, I'm ok, I just...well, shoot, Harper's crying so I gotta go." Andy hung up the phone.
Shit. His brow furrowed as he stared at the road. Is she ever going to catch a break?! He voice commanded his phone to call Andy, but after a couple of rings it went to voicemail. Damn it! So it looked like he was going to Andy's apartment before he got a shower. She needed him and that's where he was going to be. Signaling at the next exit, Matt got off Interstate 90 and headed to Andy's. The whole time he was wondering just what he was going to find, but whatever it was, he was going to meet it head on.
***
She took a deep breath and tried to calm her pounding heart. She had managed not to cry when Rachel had asked why she was picking Harper up so early. Andy told her that she would talk to her later. It wasn't that she was ashamed of losing her job at Happy Trails Inn, but it had blind-sided her. She was also solely responsible for Harper and without a job, it was going to be doubly tough to make ends meet. She had called Matt as soon as she got back to her apartment, but it had gone directly to voicemail. She didn't even know what to say to him, just that she needed to hear his voice.
Her bottom lip trembled as she rocked Harper in the chair. Her daughter sucked slowly on the bottle and was nearly asleep. Andy had tried to sing, which was soothing to them both, but every time she started, her voice would crack. Humming was the alternative. Her eyes watered as the melody of Danny Boy vibrated in her throat. It had been her grandmother's favorite tune, but now it only served to deepen the longing for someone who loved her.
What am I doing? What am I going to do? Why the hell when I needed someone, did everyone walk away? Her heart ached. It wasn't completely true. Her grandmother had offered her a home and companionship when everything had gone south. Andy rested her head against the chair and closed her eyes. Harper snuffled in her sleep. The ache in Andy's throat only tightened and she blinked back the flood that threatened. A knock at the front door made her jump. She waited for a second and after hearing the second one, she got up to lay Harper in her bed.
She didn't really want to answer the door, but the persistent knocking made it impossible to just sit quietly. A louder knock came before she got there and she focused an annoyed glare at the wood door.
"What do you want?" The words spewed forth with
some bite before she opened the door to find Matt standing there with his fist ready to knock again. His eyes widened at her question.
"Well if you really want to know I want you, but I'm here earlier because of a not so good voicemail." He stepped into the apartment and closed the door behind him. Andy felt the frayed ends of her emotions come completely loose and she covered her eyes on a sob. Matt's hard chest connected with her body and she melted into him. She couldn't help it anymore. Something had changed in her heart for him and it couldn't keep him on the outside any longer.
"Shh, it's fine. We will figure it out, babe." He held her tightly, her ear pressed against his chest. She could hear his heart beat and she willed her own to settle into his rhythm. The tears refused to stop, but the sobs had eased. Matt's fingers caressed her scalp in small circles and it soothed the inner turmoil. She leaned heavily against him, suddenly too tired to stand.
"Come over here. Can you tell me what happened?" Matt guided her over to the couch and they sat together. He pulled Andy snugly against his side and waited patiently. How does he do it?! Andy wondered how Matt could just wait until she was ready to talk. She knew that if she didn't want to share, he wouldn't force her to.
"I got to work this morning and there didn't seem to be anything wrong. I was there a couple of hours and Sara said she needed to talk to me." Andy took a breath, sliding her fingers into his own and holding on. "Someone complained loudly, I guess. Coupled with the fact that I haven't been the most reliable since Harper came, Sara said they had to let me go." Her voice broke and her hand trembled. Matt squeezed it hard. She swallowed and tried to right the spinning top she was riding.
"Did she say who complained?" Andy shook her head. "I'd be surprised if she did, but it sounds fishy to me." Matt brushed a piece of her hair away from her still moist cheek.
"Me too. Matt, you don't think that she would do something like this?" Since she had found out about the complaint, Andy wondered about Monica. Her stomach knotted. Was it right to seek blame on someone she had only met once? But she knew where Andy worked or so they thought.
Black Hills Angel (Black Hills Series) Page 9
