by Alexa Davis
I turned on every light in the house and checked in all the corners, with Slinky pushing her nose into the spaces as though it were a game.
There was no reason to think I wasn’t safe. But every nerve jangled at the thought of sleeping alone. George had been preoccupied, and I knew he wanted to be alone. But, it was either call him or my parents, because I wasn’t spending another minute in this house by myself if I could help it. I snuggled Slinky-dog close and picked up my phone with a sigh. It was going to be a long night.
13. George
I was halfway to the door of the building, wishing Callie had asked me to stay, when my phone started vibrating. I dropped the leash in my rush to free it from my pocket, and like the perfect service dog he was becoming, Xavi sat at my feet and waited for me to pick it back up.
“Hey, Callie, are you okay? Is everything all right there?” I asked, hearing the tremble in her voice when she said “hello.”
“No. Everything is not all right.” She broke down and cried. I grabbed the leash and headed straight back toward the truck. “I’m so sorry. I’ve looked in every closet, I checked under my bed…”
“What happened? Is Slinky gone?” I herded Xavi back into the cab and stuck the phone in my lap, switching it to speaker.
“Nothing happened. I can’t find anything wrong, and I feel like such an idiot for even calling, but I just can’t be here alone, and I don’t have my car, and I’m afraid to walk outside…” Her voice broke, and I could hear her quietly weeping in the background.
“Don’t worry about it Callie, I was already heading back toward your place when you called,” I lied. “I had a bad feeling, too. No point in tempting fate.” She sniffed loudly.
“You were? Oh, George, thank you. How far out are you?”
“Only about five minutes. We can just keep talking until I get there.”
“I’ll order pizza when we hang up.”
“Wait, Callie. I have a really important question.” There was a sharp intake of air on the other end.
“Okay, ask away.”
“Do you have beer?” She was silent for a long moment.
“Yes, George, I have plenty of beer.”
“Good because I’m rounding the corner onto your street now, and the store is in the other direction.
“I’m hanging up now, George.”
“I’ll see you in a minute, Cal.”
The call dropped with a beep as her house came into view. It would’ve been hard to miss. It looked like every light, inside and out, had been turned on. The cottage was probably blinding astronauts on the space station. My leg was on the wrong end of a long day of sitting, followed by intense movement, and I hurt so bad I wished for the chair. But, I hobbled up to the door on my crutches and rang the bell.
“Hey there, good-looking. Thanks for coming back. Come on in.” She was still fully dressed and her blouse and knees were covered in dust.
“What have you been up to?” She laughed and looked down at herself.
“Well, the brown is from the jobsite, and the grayish, blackish stuff is from the closets, under the bed, and the attic.” Her face was chagrined, and I hid a snicker with a cough. Poorly.
“Let’s get some of these lights off, okay?” She nodded and I made my way through the house, flipping lights off and giving the place the once over at the same time. Though, as I stuck my head into the bathroom closet, I realized it would be hard for anyone to hide in this place. It was as tidy as my mother’s kitchen, and I wouldn’t be able to tell if anything was moved or not in her system of organization.
“I ordered the pizza. Um, are you checking out my house while you turn the lights out?” Callie had a towel in her hand and a change of clothes.
“Yeah, couldn’t help it. I knew you already looked, but…”
“No, please feel free. I welcome a second set of eyes on my side when I feel like I’m being watched. Look anywhere…except the master bath. I’m going to take a quick shower. The pizza may beat me out, so I left money on the console table by the front door.”
I saluted her and followed her across the house, until we reached the kitchen and I made a beeline for the fridge and the frosty beer inside.
The sound of water running through the pipes conjured images of Callie, naked and beautiful, in the shower. My legs shook and my pulse picked up its pace. I could feel her hot, wet skin slipping under my fingers as clearly as the condensation on the beer in my hand. I took a couple of steps toward the master bedroom, but my left leg gave out and I collapsed against the counter.
Cursing, I righted myself and changed direction. If I was going to be of any use making her feel safe, I needed to put my stupid, worthless, weak-ass leg up.
I was lounging on the sofa with the pizza cooling next to me when she came out, rubbing her long hair in a towel. She was wearing a night-shirt with Minnie Mouse on the front. I’d bought it for her on vacation when we’d gone to Florida and spent the day at Disneyworld. It was shapeless and ridiculous. It was also what she’d been wearing when I first realized I wanted to marry her. Looking at her now, the nightie faded and worn from frequent use and washings, I remembered exactly why.
“What are you looking at?” Callie arched an eyebrow at me as she stalked over to the laundry room and tossed her towel inside.
“I almost tried to sneak in there with you. But, I figured it wouldn’t make you feel safe I we were both in the bathroom naked at the same time. You think you feel better enough for me to grab a quick shower, too?”
Callie nodded and smiled. She looked so innocent and young in her faded, pink nightshirt that I could almost forget the years since. The gunfire, drills, bombs, and drones, and the choice I made to give up the best thing in my life, so she wouldn’t be forced to accept the worst parts.
I took the towel she offered me and told Xavi to stay and guard while I was in the shower. It smelled like her, fruity and sweet. I glanced around for a more masculine soap, just as happy to not see anything that indicated she’d made room for men in her life.
I settled for rinsing off and letting the hot water beat on my neck and shoulders for a minute, then pulled back the curtain to grab the towel. Callie was standing there, in nothing but pink panties, holding my towel just out of reach.
“I thought maybe you could use some help, but you turned off the water before I could offer.”
My body responded immediately and enthusiastically to the way her eyes roamed over me. I cupped myself in my hand and ran my thumb over my rapidly hardening shaft while she watched. She licked her lips and walked towards me, letting the towel fall to the floor. She caressed my chest, freeing water from the curls of hair that cascaded in cool rivulets down my stomach.
I took a shaky breath as she licked and kissed the water away, moving down my body until she reached my swollen member. She removed my hand and replaced it with her lips and tongue, sucking me dry. Just when I thought my bum leg was going to give out and send me crashing to the tub floor, she rocked back on her heels.
“I think it’s time for bed, Mister Hargrave.”
She picked up the towel and stroked it over my chest and back, taking extra care to rub her hands over my ass before sliding the towel down each leg to the ankle. She led the way into the bedroom and climbed up on the bed so she was facing away from me on all fours. The contours and curve of her was pressed against the panties so I could clearly see the definition of her, and my fingers ached to caress the sweet indentation between her folds.
She looked over her shoulder at me, and I crossed the last few feet between us, massaging her hips and kissing her thighs all the way to the edge of her panties as soon as I was close enough. I stroked the fabric there and watched as the blush pink fabric darkened as it got wet and her moans got louder. I slid her panties down and told her to lie on the bed for me. She let me slide the damp fabric the rest of the way down her legs and toss them to the floor.
“You are so beautiful. I miss staring at you just like this. Do
you still lie around naked and air dry? You used to fall asleep every time you did it, and I’d find you naked and asleep, curled up on your side.”
“I don’t have time for naps much anymore, but yeah, I still like a hot shower then a nap in the sun when I can get it.”
I knelt over her and filled my hands with her breasts. She arched her back and pressed her mound against me, digging her fingers into me and pulling at my thighs until she was grinding herself between my legs.
“God, I never stop wanting you.”
“Then don’t leave. This time, stay with me. I want you inside me so much.”
I slid my legs between hers, and she opened to me. I slid into her, staring into her eyes and watching them go blank with pleasure as I found that one spot and skimmed over it again and again.
“Kiss me.” Callie was panting, biting back her moans. I pushed my tongue into her mouth and swallowed her cries as she spasmed around me. I let myself go, releasing with a shudder into her and collapsing to one side.
“Mmm. You smell clean,” I muttered into her hair as I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her tight against me.
“I’m glad you’re here. Not just because that could’ve been you or me tonight, and not because I think the only thing that came between Nell and serious injury was Xavi the wonder dog. Do you think you could stay tomorrow, too?”
“You just want my sex.” I grabbed her hip and ground it into my sex-drenched groin.
“Killing the mood, George.” I apologized and kissed her jawline.
“I’ll grab some clothes and we can make a whole day of it.” I massaged her arm while I chose my next words. “Do you ever worry that I’m just taking advantage of your feelings? You never really ask mine.”
“George, if you want to stay, you’ll stay. If you want to go, you’ll go. I don’t ask because you don’t like to talk about it. If you ever offer me action, I’ll know I can trust it. That’s enough for me right now.”
I thought about the ring I still had hidden away. What difference would it have made if I’d given it to her? I rolled away from her as her breathing slowed she relaxed into sleep. I was ready to be the man she deserved. I just couldn’t stop wondering if it was too late for me to be with her and have a normal life. As if he read my thoughts, Xavi jumped up on the bed and curled up with his head resting on my stomach.
“Yeah, boy, I know. You will make it all right. I trust you, big guy. I guess that’s a start,” I whispered, and his floppy ear twitched just enough to let me know he heard.
14. Callie
I woke up alone with a note on the pillow next to me that read, “Getting coffee, be right back.” He’d taken Xavi and Slinky with him, and for the briefest of moments, my neck hair raised as I wandered from room to room, looking for anything out of place. I cursed myself for being a coward and camped out on the couch waiting for George to get back with breakfast. I considered a shower, but I wasn’t willing to take a shower while I was alone in the house.
I called Nell to check in. It went straight to voicemail, so I left a short message and called my dad to let him know I’d be on site again that day. He was the one who told me Nell was taking a few days off and going to her sister’s. I felt bad that she was frightened and could have been hurt trying to help us out, so I told him George and I would handle everything for her while she was gone and we’d send her flowers in Dallas.
By the time George returned with two very happy dogs and an armful of breakfast and caffeine, I was pacing the floor, making notes in my phone under the names of each man who had access to the materials, inventory sheets, bills of lading, and even the shipping manifests. Each one had opportunity, but I couldn’t see any of them being so dishonest. Every person on this project was there because it was a high priority. They were the longest-standing and most trusted employees Drake Construction had.
Frustrated with my lack of progress and the fact that I was still in sweats instead of ready for the day, I tossed George my phone and told him to go through my notes while I finally showered. He was gracious enough not to ask why I was pacing like a wild woman with my hair still sticking out at all angles, wearing sweatpants under my oversized sleep shirt.
I scrubbed down quickly and stepped out of the shower, nearly falling when I realized I wasn’t alone. George doubled over with laughter, and I punched him hard on the shoulder. He handed me a towel and took a sip of his coffee.
“I had come in to ask if you wanted company, but you were done so quickly, I didn’t get the chance.”
“Next time, George, you need to warn me. My God, you scared me half to death. Did you forget the whole reason you were here was because I was having Alfred Hitchcock-esque fantasies and scaring the bejeezus out of myself?”
“Well, in my defense, after spending the night in your bed, I had other things on my mind.” He kissed me on the forehead and gave me a wink before he sauntered off. I could hear him chuckling to himself in the bedroom while I towel-dried my hair and got ready for the day.
We sat together at the kitchen bar and ate in near silence. It had been years since we’d eaten breakfast together in my house.
I glanced at George while he snuck the dogs little bits of breakfast burrito. He had aged more than I’d realized in the years he’d given to his country. In the morning sunlight, I could see gray hairs that I hadn’t noticed before. He looked back at me and smiled, crinkling his eyes into crow’s feet at the corners. If we were strangers meeting, I would have guessed him a decade older than his twenty-six years.
“Whatcha thinking, Cal?” I sighed, and his smile broadened. “Oh, you’re thinking about last night.” I made a rude noise and rolled my eyes.
“I was thinking about when we renovated this house. It was a pit, but you dug in and made it my perfect home. I don’t know if I’ve ever been happier, before or since, than I was the day you made me close my eyes and led me in here.”
“You haven’t changed anything.” He looked around and I followed his gaze. I hadn’t redone anything because the last truly happy memories I’d made were in this house with him.
“I liked what you did. I guess I was holding on to what you left me.” He gazed into my eyes thoughtfully until I crimsoned from the scrutiny.
“You should stop doing that.” I swallowed hard. I knew that tone. He had spent the night, talked about what a great team we were, and made me believe he’d been waiting for me. Now he was pushing me away again.
“You’re right, but I’m busy now, so I guess I’ll change everything out once we figure out what’s going on at Dad’s company and I’m not splitting my time between the store and the job site.” I started cleaning up from breakfast while he watched me. My hands were shaking and my chest was in a vise as I rinsed dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher.
“What would you change?” He handed me the last of the dishes and began walking the room, examining the paint and floors.
“I’d move the island and extend it. I never eat at the table, so I’d rather have a large island.” He nodded and slid his hands over the counter.
“Same countertops?”
“No, I’d switch it for something that needs less maintenance, like the floors. I loved the hardwood when I moved in, but I should’ve gone with one of those wood-look tiles, instead, to help keep Slinky cool and make it easy to clean up after her.” He nodded again, like he was taking notes for one of his renovations.
“I think no matter what you chose to do, you’d make it amazing.” He smiled and peeked at his phone. “Whenever you’re ready, I’m good to go.” He gathered up the bag of dog accessories I had packed for the day of toys, food, water bowls, and training treats. George got them on their leashes and walked them out to his truck while I shut off lights and double-checked the locks on the doors.
“You think I’m a coward, don’t you?” I asked when he met me halfway up the front walkway.
“No, I was just going to run around back and make sure your back door is locked. I could
n’t remember if I locked it when I let the dogs back in. It was bugging me while I was getting breakfast, but then I forgot again as soon as I saw your hot naked ass.” He made a grab for me, and I let him wrap his arm around me.
“You know, with how that leg of yours works, you shouldn’t be so bold. What if I didn’t want to take it easy on you?” He laughed and attacked my neck, growling and kissing me as he grabbed my butt and squeezed. I pulled away, as hard as I dared without pulling us both off balance.
“What is it?”
I sighed and shook my head. “I know I said I understand that you don’t like to talk, George. But to be completely honest with you, I really, truly do wish I knew what you were thinking. Because my heart really can’t take much more of the back and forth between us.” I climbed up into the truck without his help. I didn’t care if I flashed the whole damn world on the way up.
I looked out the passenger window at George. He was facing away from me, staring at the house. He stood there long enough that I was tempted to get out and go back to him. Finally, he turned and wobbled to the truck. He said nothing until he started it.
“You really should get the exterior painted, too. With the brown/black shingles we put up there, a nice dark gray with bright white trim would make the place stand out in this neighborhood.”
Bile rose in my throat and my throat refused to work with my lungs to let me breathe. I couldn’t be done with the work for my father fast enough. I had slept in George’s arms and he had once again told me that it didn’t matter. There was nothing more for me to say and no reason to keep waiting for him.
We made the trip in silence, which was perfect for me. I held Slinky-dog in my lap like a shield and stared out the window, watching the city slide by like a picture reel. The ride took forever, but when we skidded to a stop on the gravel outside the trailer office, I felt like I had only blinked and we’d arrived. I would have given anything for five more minutes of silence in the truck, over a day trapped in the trailer trying to work together and be civil.
