"When I asked her about the article she said, "The Mantha girl was practice," and something about covering it all up," I say, watching Emma's eyes grow the size of quarters.
"What? Holy balls! Do you think?" She asks. I can see her mind going a mile a minute.
"I don't know. I don't know what any of it means. What was she practice for? If she was practice, did it have something to do with her being pregnant? Does it have something to do with how my mother died?"
"Who? Why?" Emma squirms. "I mean, why would someone practice on a pregnant woman? What were they practicing?" She shudders and I can tell she is imagining horrible things.
"Why can't anyone give me a straight answer? Also, if she was related to Maria, do you think that is why your father left?" I say before thinking. The horror on Emma's face makes me back track instantly. "I mean, not that he did anything just that he knew about it. Maybe he didn't want to bring up old painful wounds." I mumble on, but I already put the thought in Emma's head.
"Shit, this is a bunch of bullshit. What am I supposed to do now? Obviously I have to ask Maria, but how the hell am I going to ask this?" Emma is fidgeting in her seat.
"Maybe we can do it together? If we sit down with her and tell her everything we know, you know together, see if she opens up then." I tell Emma, thinking that a gentle approach might work better than Emma demanding that she tells her what she knows.
"Yeah, maybe you're right. If you come over we can start out with some tea and ease into it."
Chapter 25
We decided to wait a couple of days to talk to Maria. Mrs. Williams was busy packing and needed her help. I was very surprised the next morning when someone buzzed the gate, it was Emma's mom.
"Mrs. Williams, what a pleasant surprise," I say not really sure how to react. I wasn't sure if she was mad at me because her husband left town from me digging into my past then having to sell the house. It was the last thing she wanted to do to Emma, but in order to have the money to buy a new house to start fresh somewhere else they needed the equity.
"Lilly, I'm so sorry to drop by unannounced. I wanted to come sometime when Emma wouldn't be here." She explains as I invite her in to have a seat in the formal sitting area in the front of the house.
"Can I get you something to drink?" I ask politely having no idea how long she plans to stay.
"No, dear, I will make this short. I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate what you have done for Emma, buying the house and all." She's acting nervous, wringing her hands as she talks. She is in her sixties, but since the last time I saw her a few months back it seems as though she has aged ten years.
"It's my pleasure. It's the least I could do. Emma has been such a good friend to me over the years." I tell her placing my hand on top of hers. This seems to relax her a bit.
"I am really here to ask you a favor." She stops to stare at my eyes for my reaction.
"Of course, whatever you need."
"Where to begin?" She hesitates, standing for a moment before sitting back down. "I want to tell you that I have no idea what Elliott is hiding. I really don't." She reiterates glancing at me to which I nod. "I don't think he did anything, per se. I think he knew about something though. I know that whatever it is, it has plagued him with guilt for years." She stops talking, avoiding my eyes as she looks around the room. "This is such a lovely home," she says off topic.
"So what is the favor?" I bring her back to the topic on hand.
"That whatever you and Emma find out, because if I know my daughter she will not quit until she knows everything," she's sitting on the very edge of the couch, "that if whatever you find out is some way harmful to Elliott..."
"It's okay, Mrs. Williams, I will never do anything to hurt Elliott, you, or Emma." I reassure her, knowing what she is trying to get at. This simple statement puts her noticeably at ease.
"It's as if he wants you to know, but something is keeping him from telling you. I wish I could help, but I really don't know what happened. It was so many years ago. Elliott has been struggling for years." A single tear flows down her cheek. The emotions she has gone through with her husband are playing a toll on this poor woman.
"Don't worry yourself about it. Go be with Elliott, Emma will be fine. I will let nothing harm you or your family's reputation. That is my promise to you." I tell her staring into her very tired eyes.
She asks me one last favor. "Please don't tell Emma I was here. I want this to stay between us."
"Just between us." I reassure her before she leaves. It was easy for me to make these promises, because truly deep down I think the worst thing Elliott might have done is cover up someone else's mistake. Even if I find out something else, I would never do anything to hurt Emma.
The next few days were uneventful. Luke decided to get on the tractor to start mowing the grounds. More than three-fourths of the plantation hadn't been touched. With twenty years of growth it was impossible to see what all was out there. He had Jimmy and Jacob, and hired a couple of guys plus a professional exterminator to handle the bee problem in the cemetery.
Watching Luke work had always been, and probably always would be, one of my favorite things. Sitting out on the patio one afternoon watching Luke jump off the tractor to pull a chain around a large rock that needed moved, let's just say, it wasn't the heat of the Louisiana summer day that was making me fan myself. It was like being a girl again watching him during the summer ' s helping his dad, wanting to go to him, wanting to tell him to take me away. As I was daydreaming I realized that I wasn't that girl. I could go to him, could do what I always used to dream about.
I walk toward Luke in my little green sun dress that is low cut with spaghetti straps and comes to mid - thigh. He doesn't notice me at first. He is shirtless wearing ripped Levi's. When he bends over to pick up the large metal chain, he has a rip in the jeans below his ass that makes me stop and gasp.
I've had this man in every way possible and still the sight of him makes my heart palpitate. My belly trembles and I feel warm all over. He stands up straight using the back of his hand to wipe sweat from his forehead. Turning around in my direction he notices me. He also notices the look in my eyes, because I get his sexy as hell half grin. The one that tells me he knows what I am thinking.
"Flower, don't you look fresh and beautiful. Ripe for the picking I'd say." He winks at me. I am so close to him now that he has to look down to see me.
"You know, I was just sitting over there watching you." I run my finger down his hard sweaty chest. I want to lick the salty liquid from his sweet skin. "I was imagining so long ago when I would watch you and daydream of things I wanted you to do to me." I move my head up slowly to stare into his very hungry eyes. "So I thought I would see if you were interested in making one of my fantasies come true." I run my tongue along his jaw feeling the prick of stubble and tasting his deliciousness.
Without another word he grabs me in his arms and I wrap my legs around his waist. He looks around the yard to see where everyone is. After assessing the situation he carries me around to the other side of the tractor. We are now facing the back of the property and hidden from everyone's sight.
"You know, I had fantasies too." He growls, taking my lips hard with his. He has my back up against the side of the tractor, the hard metal hot against my skin. He grabs fistfuls of my skirt moving the fabric up so it is a bundle at my belly. He reaches between my legs wrapping his finger in my thong and rips the thin material off.
"Fuck, Luke." I moan into his mouth. I feel his erection through his jeans.
"Yes, baby, what do you want me to do?" He pulls my dress down at the top revealing my breasts to him and sucks one nipple into his mouth biting gently.
"Fuck me, baby." I arch my back pushing myself into his mouth. I feel him move a little to free himself from his jeans. I pull at the back of them to help him. "I want you now," I yell. Putting one hand over my mouth first, he thrusts into me. I bite on his finger to keep from screaming.
"Damn, baby, you feel so fucking good. You can't scream, everyone will come running," he growls staring into my eyes intensely. I grab the back of his head bringing his lips to mine. If I can't scream then I need something to occupy my mouth. He moves in and out of me, my body being pushed into the hot metal. Our tongues in the same rhythm as our bodies, I bite down on his lower lip instead of screaming when one of his thrusts hits a very good spot.
"I'm close, I'm going to come." He groans into my neck.
"Yes, me too. Oh, My God, Luuuuke," I start to scream, but bite down on his shoulder instead as I say the words.
"Fuck, fuck, Jesus, baby, you are amazing," Luke whispers as we both climax simultaneously. He holds me like that for a while as our breathing returns to normal. I go to kiss him, instantly tasting blood. I study his lip and see that when I bit I broke the skin on the inside.
"Oh, baby, I'm sorry." I lick the spot, sucking in his lip between mine. "Does it hurt?" I ask, looking up into his eyes.
"Not as bad as my shoulder." He laughs as I notice the blood dripping down his arm from the bite shaped mark I had made.
"Holy shit, man I didn't even realize I was biting that hard." I give him an 'I'm very sorry' look.
"I'll live I think, have you had all your shots?" He laughs, teasing me.
"Don't make me draw more blood." I swat his other arm, which he takes as a cue to set me down. He squats down grabbing my thong off the ground and stuffs it in his front pocket. Grabbing the nape of my neck, he pulls my head up giving me one long wonderful kiss before he lets me go.
"Now quit distracting me, I have work to do," he teases, swatting my ass as I walk around the tractor. As I try to walk I notice my legs are very weak. I stumble, my legs like jelly. Luke's arm goes around my waist holding me up. He's laughing, "You okay, flower?"
"Yeah, just a little weak from being fucked by my gardener," I giggle. He kisses the top of my head letting me go slowly, making sure I have my footing. "I'm the one who should be weak here, I'm losing blood." He jokes before he reaches down pinching my ass. "Now you go rest up for later. I don't plan on you being able to walk at all next time." He growls in my ear, biting the lobe gently. "See gently, no blood."
"At least I didn't scream," I remark walking back toward the house with a wiggle of my ass. I hear his low animal growl as I go.
Chapter 26
I invited Luke's family over for dinner that weekend for Luke's birthday. I called Sarah also to make sure she could come. Luke had driven up there to give her the ring and the wedding bands I had made. She was embarrassed, Luke had told me. Sarah was the one who told Luke that her student loans had been paid off. I didn't tell him, because I wasn't sure if he would want me to do it or not. I know he was still a little mad at her.
When he had gotten back from Shreveport, he took me in his arms. Staring into my eyes, he told me how much he loved me. Just how grateful he was to have me in his life, that I was so generous and so understanding. That's not exactly why I did all that, but I took the compliments anyway. Because when Luke looked at me like that it was the best feeling in the world.
Sarah said she would be there. I could tell she was beating around the bush, trying to find the right time in our short conversation to thank me. I didn't give her the chance. It was awkward and I just wanted it forgotten. So I kept the phone call short.
Lucy had been doing a lot of the cooking, lately. Not only was she a whiz on the computer, but she was quite the culinary expert also. She volunteered to cook dinner for the party and I helped with the cake. By helped, I mean I tasted the frosting before Lucy put it on the beautiful four layer cake. I did put the twenty-three candles on the top though, so that had to count for something.
With Jimmy and Emma, Carley and Jeffrey, Sarah and Lee, Luke and I, and Jacob and herself all attending, Lucy pulled off an amazing dinner for ten. She made Beef Wellington, with mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy, and asparagus.
"That smells amazing, Lucy," Emma says walking into the kitchen with Jimmy in tow.
"Where's the birthday boy?" Jimmy chimes in grabbing a canapé from the hors d'oeuvres tray.
"He was jumping in the shower when I left the room and should be down in a minute."
"Damn, Lucy, where did you learn to cook like this?" Jimmy grabs another canapé from the tray popping it in his mouth.
"Just a hobby, I've always loved doing it."
"You are so awesome at everything, baby." Jacob enters the kitchen and steps behind Lucy wrapping his arm around her shoulder then kisses the side of her head. Lucy blushes instantly. One thing is for sure, Lucy is not one for public displays of affection.
We hear the front door open along with some commotion. The dogs start barking, sprinting to the front door. It must be Jeffrey and Carley, because the buzzer for the gate didn't sound. Jeffrey, of course, has the code. Jacob yells for the dogs, taking them outside so that they don't maul everyone. Walking into the front entry, I see Luke coming down the stairs to greet his family. Standing in the entry way is Jeffrey, Carley, Sarah, Lee, and someone I don't know who is tall, slender, and looks as if she just stepped off a runway. She is super model beautiful standing next to Sarah, who is just as tall, slender, and beautiful. I stand by the stairs behind Luke as he hugs his mother and sister. He shakes hands with Lee giving a polite hello. Then he notices the mystery super model. I don't know how he missed her.
"Sidney, what are you doing here?" He says. So he knows her, but doesn't seem happy that she is here. Sidney, Sidney, oh shit this is his ex-girlfriend. The one he would be with if it wasn't for me.
"The last time I saw you, you were so distraught. I was worried, and well, I've been with you for your last four birthdays so I figured why break the streak." She rambles on nervously, but comes up to hug him. Luke does a one arm hug thing, and I can see he seems uncomfortable.
"Lilly you look beautiful," Sarah finally acknowledges my presence. Luke didn't even realize I was standing behind him. He jumps anxiously when he sees me. What the hell is that about?
"Thank you." I respond as she gives me a polite hug. There is something off, she has changed toward s me. At one time she was so warm and welcoming, now she seems so harsh, cold even to me.
"Flower," Luke says putting his arm around my waist. "Um, this is Sidney Cross." Luke introduces us.
"Awe, the famous Lilly Sumnor, I can't believe I am finally meeting you. I have heard all about you," Sidney says coming up to me to shake my hand. The way she says my name is as if she is forcing it to sound sweet. She takes my hand, but is quick like my skin is burning hers. She drops it as if it's a hot coal then turns her attention back to Luke.
Luke ignores her, holding tight to my waist he looks down at me with his half smile. He is trying to make me feel better. No doubt he knows I've figured out who this is. "Let's go to the dining room and get some drinks," Luke announces as we all herd into the kitchen first, and Jeffrey and Lee go into the dining room.
"I'm ready for a drink." I hear Jeffrey say.
It's very awkward in the kitchen as Sarah introduces Sidney to everyone. Emma flashes me a glance, asking me with her eyes if I knew she was going to be here. I slightly shake my head no answering her unasked question. Luke still has a tight hold around my waist and leans his head down kissing the top of my head. His lips stay pressed against me for a while, like he is enjoying the moment. I get the feeling that there is something I don't know, and he thinks when I find out that I'm going to be mad.
"Luke, do you want to give me the grand tour?" Sidney says flashing him a pearly white smile with a flick of her blond hair. Back off Barbie he's mine, is what I want to shout. Luke hesitates, still not letting me go.
"I'll show you around," Emma chimes in. I feel Luke's tension release almost instantly. Sidney looks disappointed, but follows Emma out of the kitchen. Of course she gives Luke another flip of her long hair and a wink. What the hell? Does she not see him attached to me?
"Can I talk to you alone for a second?" Luke whisp
ers in my ear. Shit, there is something.
"Yeah," I hesitate as he leads me into the living room. He sits on the couch pulling me to his lap. "What happened?" I ask, knowing just by his tone that he is dreading telling me something. He explains to me that the day he left me he was driving just trying to clear his head. He tells me he met up with Sidney and she got the wrong idea.
"She's in love with me. I swear, I would have never agreed to meet with her if I had known she still had feelings for me." He is playing with my hair as he tells me about how she acted. Then he tells me she kissed him. That it was totally on her part. "There is nothing, baby. I left instantly after that to find you," he explains, staring at me for my reaction, "Please say something."
I turn my head to meet his soft brown eyes. Although I am pissed as hell at super model Sidney, I'm a little upset that he is just now telling me. I know that I own his heart. I rest my forehead against his, "I love you, Luke Hansen." He cups the back of my head bringing his lips to mine. We are locked in a passionate kiss when we hear Emma come in.
"This is the family room—" She stops talking when she sees us. Luke doesn't let go of my head and we don't look up at what I am sure is a brooding Sidney. After a few seconds of us having our moment, I finally climb off Luke's lap only to see Sidney staring at us. Emma is beside her, arms crossed with one hand over her mouth stifling a laugh.
I take Luke's hand and help him off the couch. "Sorry guys, I was just giving my birthday boy a taste of his present," I say with confidence as I lead Luke out of the room past Emma and Sidney, his hand planted firmly in mine.
"I think it is about time to eat." Emma pipes up, following Luke and I into the dining room. Jeffrey seems to have taken on the role of bartender, asking everyone what they want to drink. I have a glass of red wine drinking a few sips instantly. Luke is sitting next to me his arm around the back of my chair as he chats with Jimmy. Sarah and Sidney enter the dining room whispering in a deep conversation. I can't help but wonder if Sarah would prefer her brother were with her best friend. They sit next to each other opposite us.
Unbreakable 2, The Mystery of Lilly (Cypress Grove Series) Page 11
