by Jo Davis
“Just down there, up the bank from the water, is a cave. It’s part of a system that runs all through this part of the county, intersecting with the river at several points. That particular cave is one where years ago, some hikers found the remains of a Native American. The remains went to a museum, but there are paintings still on the walls.”
She waited, listening to the chirp of night birds, knowing he had more to say. That he was going somewhere with the lesson. The night took on a surreal quality. Haunting. Beautiful.
“I spend a lot of time on the river, especially at dawn and dusk. Did you know that if you listen very closely, you can hear their chants, the drumbeats floating over the water?”
She shivered, but not in fear.
“I’ve heard them, and it always makes me feel so at peace. They had a life here, too. They hunted, fought, loved, and died. They were family. That’s why I built here, because of that sense of peace and belonging; times like this when I feel I’m part of something much bigger than myself, and that maybe a hundred years from now, someone else will stand right here, a couple perhaps, beginning their lives in such a special place. And wondering about the people who were here before.”
“About us,” she said softly. She began to understand what he was saying.
“This is our place now, but we only get to borrow it for a while. Nothing lasts forever, except the memory of love. People will come and go, like they’ve done since the beginning of the world, but the impression we leave will last for those who want to stop and really listen.”
Facing her, he cupped her face in his hands. “This place is special to me, and I wanted to share it with the most special lady in my world. The only woman I’ll ever want again.” He sucked in a deep breath as her heart melted. “I love you, Daisy. I love you so damned much. My heart and everything I am is yours. Please believe that.”
He kissed her again, and the truth wound around her. She knew that at last, he was hers. Truly, really hers.
“Don’t run from me again,” she whispered. “I can’t take it. Not from you.”
“Never, baby. Never again.”
“I love you, too. I have for so long.” Tears streamed down her face, and she held on to him.
“I’m so sorry I hurt you,” he said hoarsely. “Please say you forgive me.”
“I forgive you, and I love you. I want us.”
“God, me, too. Come with me.” Grabbing her hand, he led them to the clearing. Now she could see a tent, a large-sized one pitched in seclusion, far from everyone.
“You set this up for us.” More tears flowed, happy ones. She wiped at her face.
“Earlier today, I came down here. Brought the tent and bedding. The others won’t miss us for a while, and we’ll get back before they take much notice. But I wanted not just to sneak away with you, but to create a memory we can share always.”
He led her inside and lit the Coleman lamp that was sitting on a box next to a pile of bedding. A nice, warm glow, not too bright, enveloped the tent.
“Nobody will see us?”
“We’re out of view of everyone here, even if a boater should come along in the dark. But I doubt that would happen.”
She smiled. “Are you planning to ravage me?”
“Better—I’m going to make sweet love to you.” He pulled her close. “I want to celebrate you being mine.”
“And you’re mine.”
“Forever.”
He set about making good on his promise, pulling her shirt over her head, then unclasping her bra to slip it off. Being bared to him, with nothing but canvas separating them from the night around them, made her feel sort of . . . free. As though they were making love the way it was intended in the beginning, with nothing but the heavens to witness them.
Never before had sex felt like an extension of love. Now she understood the difference, and she’d never be able to settle for less again. With Shane, she had faith that he would hold her and care for her. And she would return it to him.
Bending his head, he suckled her nipples, nibbling each one with his teeth, hardening them to sensitized points. He pleasured each one to his satisfaction, leaving her arching into him. Needing more.
“So beautiful, my baby.”
Her shoes and jeans went next, along with her silky black panties, leaving her naked before him. Heat bloomed between her thighs as she worked on the buttons of his shirt, exposing his smooth chest to her hungry gaze. Running her palms down his chest and abdomen, she thrilled at his shudder. He wanted as much as she did.
He pulled off his boots, then she got his jeans undone and worked them down. His erection popped free and he kicked his clothes aside, drinking her in.
They came together with slow hunger, the heat building into its own entity. A living force that drew them together, stoked the flames into steady fire. Not the frantic coupling of lust, but the pure joining of love, deep and true.
He lowered her to the bedding and she found it soft, inviting. He’d seen to her comfort, thought of everything. He hovered over her, kissed down her tummy. But instead of leaving her on her back, this time he gently urged her onto her stomach and spread her legs. Lying between them, he licked her sex, laving, sending tendrils of excitement coiling through her nerve endings. Parting the tender flesh, he feasted on her, giving her every ounce of his attention. Taking her to the peak.
Then he got up and pulled her to her hands and knees. She’d never felt so exposed, or so completely owned, in a wonderful way. She was his.
Two fingers dipped into her sex, began to pump into her channel. She loved the way he prepared her, taking such care. She moaned, wiggled back into his touch.
“Like that, baby?”
“Yes, please . . .”
“Make love to you? That’s what I’m doing.”
“I need you inside me,” she begged.
“I’ll always be inside you,” he whispered, rolling protection on his cock. “Always.”
And then he was pushing his length inside, stretching her so full. She’d never felt anything as incredible as Shane loving her with all his soul.
Grasping her hips, he thrust deep, moving so slowly at first. Driving her insane with the fire licking her womb, her sex. Then he sat back, taking her with him so that her back was pressed to his chest and belly, his cock still buried inside her.
She gasped in pleasure. She’d never made love in such a decadent position. So intimate, every possible inch of their skin touching, her lover surrounding her. In this man’s arms, she was higher than she’d ever been. His cock buried deep inside, there had been nothing like this, ever.
Because he loved her. And she loved him.
He began to move, thrusting up into her tight sheath. Holding her close to his heart, he loved her as no man ever had, or ever would again. Kept her safe and sheltered.
Her Shane. Her love.
The tide began to sweep her out of control and she cried out, her sex clasping him as her orgasm rocked her to the core. He quickly followed, shooting his release deep into her, warming the core of her, to the fiber of her being.
How long they remained in their embrace, she didn’t know. But she heard his breathy declarations of love, reveled in his kisses on her neck and shoulder. They remained even after he’d softened, basking in the glow of what was certain.
“We should go back,” she said reluctantly. “I’m sure they’re eating burgers by now, and are fully aware that our walk lasted a lot longer than a mere stroll.”
He chuckled. “Damn, you’re right. But maybe Drew’s still wrapped up in the Xbox and hasn’t noticed.”
She turned and made a face at him. “Do not mention our boy while we’re naked and stuck together.”
“Sorry.” Suddenly, he squeezed her tight. “You said our boy.”
“Well, he is. I love him, Shane,” she said honestly, moving off his lap to face him. “He’s such a good guy, and he’s going to grow into an incredible man because of you and Tommy.”
&
nbsp; “Brad too. And you. I’ve noticed how you two are starting to bond.”
She smiled. “We are, and I think things are going to start looking up for him. For all of us.”
“I believe you’re right, sugar.”
Moving to the box holding up the lamp, he retrieved a small pack of wet wipes and a hand towel. He began to clean her up, then himself, doing so as if it was the most precious task in the world. He had thought of everything.
As they dressed, she regretted having to leave. She wished they could stay all night without anyone panicking or wondering where they’d gone. As if reading her mind, he smiled.
“We’ll come back. I promise.”
“I’m going to hold you to that.”
“I expect you will.” He winked.
He doused the lamp and turned on a flashlight he’d stowed beside it. As they started back through the dark, she held tight to Shane’s hand, even though he wouldn’t let her fall.
She trusted that now. Trusted Shane.
Now that she’d found love, no one was ever going to take that from them.
• • •
Carl paced the living room, yelling into the phone at Irvin.
“Yes, I’m keeping our meeting, you dumb fuck! We’ve got even more to talk about, don’t we?”
“Come on, Carl! It’s not my fault the cops showed up the other night. I have no clue how they found out about the drop, unless one of those morons decided to tell them,” the man insisted. “They were questioning the product right before the cavalry came. Don’t you think that’s suspicious?”
“Everyone, even you, is suspect when it comes to screwups like this. You’re the one who started questioning the product to start with, so I suggest you get your head in the game and start observing your damned surroundings. I got no patience for shit like this, and you’re going to find yourself out of a job before you know it.”
Meaning retired, permanently. They both knew it.
“I’m sorry! I’ll be more careful from now on. But we do have to discuss the stuff, and you know it. The formula is flawed, nothing near the success it could be if only—”
“What, you want to go legit?” He snorted. “That’ll happen. You’re just a washed-up scientist with a rap sheet. You could invent the cure for cancer and nobody would give you the time of day.”
Silence. Then, “Fuck you, Carl. I know what we’ve got here and it does have real potential. Black market or not, we could go global with this. There are countries begging for drugs like this, with nowhere near the tough drug laws as the States, or they aren’t enforced. Screw thousands per drop—we could be raking in millions.”
It was a thought guaranteed to make even Carl sit up and take notice. But they didn’t have the manpower to spread that broad without tying in with some very dangerous pros. Men so powerful even Carl shuddered at the thought of doing business with them. No, in that situation, Carl would be the grunt again. The nobody.
That was not going to happen.
“I’ll think about it,” he lied.
They hung up, and Carl knew the man’s fate was sealed. He’d get the formula in the hands of someone who’d do what he was damned well told and wouldn’t dream with stars in his eyes.
Stars fell, and so did dreamers.
Only the ruthless survived. And Carl was nothing if not a survivor.
13
“Another crappy day at Hicksville High.”
Leaning against a tree at the park near campus, Drew took a drag from the cigarette Ty had given him. He hated the taste, but it made him feel good to do even one small thing he shouldn’t. Like he had some sort of control over his life, even when he didn’t.
“Doesn’t have to be.” Ty gave him a grin.
“Man, I can’t skip again. I’ve already gotten into enough hot water with Shane as it is.”
“Screw him. He’s such an uptight ass—”
“Don’t talk about him like that,” Drew snapped. “He takes good care of me, and he loves me. Which is more than you can say for your old man. And you’re the one who said you wished your dad was more like him!” Even though he still hadn’t met Carl, he knew that much from Ty.
Thoughts of his own dad, dead and buried, hit Drew hard. That happened a lot, and he couldn’t help but think if he’d been a better son, his dad would still be alive. Sickness churned in his gut.
The barb he’d almost forgotten about hit the target, and Ty made a face. “True that. I’ll be seventeen in three weeks, and he won’t even front me the money to buy a broken-down piece of crap. And I can’t get what passes for a lame-ass job in this town without a car! I’m hosed either way.”
“How does he afford nice stuff like the Escalade, anyhow? What the hell does he do all day?”
“I don’t know, but whatever it is, I want in on the action.” Ty narrowed his dark eyes. “I think it’s past time we find out.”
“We?”
“Sure. It’ll be an adventure,” he suggested slyly. “Then when we catch him, he’ll have to cut us in on the action.”
“I doubt I want any part of what he’s up to. But I wouldn’t mind knowing, just for kicks.” He thought of Shane’s suspicions about Carl and Johnson. The strange smell that had been lingering in Johnson’s empty barn as they’d painted the outside.
What if he could help make up for the trouble he’d caused Shane?
“What’re we waitin’ for, then? Let’s play detective.” He smirked. “Maybe that’ll earn me some brownie points with your cop.”
“Not unless you plan to tell him what’s going on.”
“Depends on whether my old man cooperates. You’re not going to say anything to Shane, are you?”
“No,” he lied. If he saw Carl doing something illegal, he would do exactly that. Even if he got himself in more trouble because of skipping school. “I’m just curious. Besides, I wouldn’t be going if you hadn’t asked.”
“Good. Now all we need is a ride.”
“To where?”
“Johnson’s place, for starters. Dad’s been spending a lot of time with the jerk.”
Drew groaned. “You’re determined to get us shot by that psycho, aren’t you? The last thing I want to do is come within a mile of him ever again.”
“We’re not going to do anything but watch, I promise. He won’t see us.”
“Like he wasn’t supposed to see us before?”
“That was different. This time we’ll stay hidden, and if my dad doesn’t show, we’ll scout around the area some.”
“So, who are we getting this ride from?”
“I’ve got it covered.”
Ty walked toward the school building and Drew followed, thinking he had to stop trailing wherever his friend led, like a stupid cow. If he found something useful to report to Shane, he’d do it, sort of as a favor to the man he’d treated like crap for the past few weeks. If not, he’d start distancing himself from Ty. The guy was a little off, took too many risks that made Drew uncomfortable.
“Hey, Alan!”
Drew jogged to catch up with Ty. “Are you crazy?” he hissed. “You’re asking that dickweed for a ride?”
“Relax. He’s a dickweed with a car, and one who enjoys bucking the rules. He’ll play.”
The jock stopped his trek into the building to arch a brow at their approach. “If it isn’t our resident felons in training. What do you want?”
“We need a ride out to Ferris Road,” Ty said. “Like, now.”
That earned a smirk. “Cuttin’ class, huh? What makes you think I’ll help?”
“Because I can pay you in weed, that’s why.”
Weed? Shit. He definitely had to cut Ty loose as a friend.
“I don’t do drugs, creeplet. But I got nothin’ to do in first period, so sure. Why not?” Alan strode for his car, an old Camaro that he was always tinkering with.
Drew couldn’t help but admire it aloud. “Sweet ride.”
The boy cut him a surprised look. “Thanks. I saved
for two years to buy it, and I work on it when I can.”
“You have a job?”
“At H. G. Hill, over on Main,” he said, referring to the local grocery store. “Why? Does that surprise you?”
“Just asking.” Who knew the snarky jock was such a hard worker? Actually, it did surprise him a bit. Almost as much as the jock’s softened attitude toward him.
They didn’t speak much on the way out to Ferris Road. When Alan turned onto the road, he pulled over. “Here you go. You didn’t get a ride from me, dumb-asses.”
Ty slid out first. Drew was about to follow him when Alan gripped his wrist to stop him. Drew gave him a questioning look, and the other boy lowered his voice.
“Ditch that little creep before he ends up getting you in bigger shit than you can get out of.”
“What do you care? I thought you hated my guts.”
“Nah. I just had this idea of who I thought you’d be,” he admitted. “A spoiled rich brat who’d strut around acting like you were better than everyone else. Then I invited you to sit with us that day, and you threw my olive branch back in my face.”
Drew blushed. “Sorry about that. I had a lot of shit going on in my head.”
“I realized that, after I thought about it. I was wrong about you and I’m not proud of it. Just like you’re wrong if you think Ty Eastlake is your friend. He’s bad news, and so is his dad. Think about it.”
“I will. Thanks.”
The jock shot him a smile and he returned it. Drew got out of the car, mulling that over. Alan, the guy who was such an ass to him on his first day, might actually make a much better friend. Weird.
“What were you two talking about?” Ty asked suspiciously, watching Alan turn the car around and head back to town.
“Nothing. He was just giving me some crap about being a spoiled rich kid.” He didn’t feel bad about lying, and, thankfully, Ty bought it.
“You are a spoiled rich kid. In fact, you could buy us both a set of wheels and it wouldn’t even put a dent in your green.”
