She smiled. “About how much I like being with you.”
Silence filled the room and she lowered her lashes unable to look him in the face. Obviously, it was just sex to him. Suddenly, she rolled over and stood taking the sheet with her. “My family will be expecting me. I’m going to use your shower.”
After she disappeared into the bathroom, Dylan felt terrible. He didn’t know what he wanted more, Lacy or the excitement and danger of working undercover. It was something he would have to give a lot of thought. He didn’t know if he could give up the life he had lived for so long. Didn’t know if he could settle down with one woman.
****
Dylan stood in the doorway watching Lacy. In the midst of Michael Smith, two other students, and her professor, she was talking with a soldier that had just been fitted with prosthetic limbs. His movements were awkward as he slowly walked around the room. Thin metal rods took the place of both lower legs. “It will take some time to adjust, but I promise you will be running marathons in no time, Captain Macy.”
Usually standoffish, Lacy was a whole different person with her patient proving how much she loved helping people who had lost limbs. Her smile was genuine and meant to give comfort to a man who was obviously devastated by the loss of his legs. Captain Macy forced a smile. “I can’t believe how light they are. It’s almost as if they weigh nothing.”
Lacy’s professor propped against the table and crossed his arms. “We have designed prosthetics that are lighter and more efficient than anything else developed. We hope the VA will use our design for all injured soldiers.”
“I’m honored to be the first fitted with your new design. I haven’t felt comfortable with other prosthetics.”
Lacy’s professor placed his hand on her back. “Lacy will be your prosthetis. She will help you learn to operate your new limbs. It is our most sophisticated design using myoelectric motors. It will dramatically improve your life and give you independence.”
“My wife will appreciate that. I’ll still be able to take out the trash.” Captain Macy had the build of a soldier, broad shoulders, arms as big as tree trunks. It had to be difficult to come home and adjust to life after being a warrior. Marine was printed on the front of his black tee-shirt. Dog-tags dangled around his neck. He looked to be about forty years old. Dylan bet he was a career Marine. Now that career was over. Worse, he also had to adjust to life as a paraplegic.
Dylan moved farther into the room. The moment Lacy saw him, her cheeks turned pink. “Dylan what are you doing here?”
“I thought I’d take you out for lunch.”
Surprised by his visit, she just stood there staring at him. “Hi, I’m Lacy’s Professor Barry Brown.”
Dylan took the offered hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” He gave Michael Smith a slight nod before turning his attention to Captain Macy. He offered his hand and gave him a firm handshake. “Thank you for your sacrifice. I hold all our men fighting for our country in high regard.”
“Thank you.” Even though Captain Macy smiled, Dylan could see the anguish and anger in his face. He was a long way from accepting what happened to him. He hoped Macy would get the help he needed to cope with the tragedy of losing his legs.
He faced Lacy angling his head down until his eyes met hers. “Can you have lunch with me?”
“I’m working, Dylan.”
“Go ahead, Lacy. We can finish up here.” Professor Brown nudged her toward Dylan. “You work too hard. Go and have some fun.”
Again her cheeks turned pink. She grabbed her purse off the table and placed it on her shoulder. “I’ll see you in an hour.” Facing Captain Macy, she placed her hand on his arm. “I’ll see you bright and early in the morning. We’ll start getting you adjusted to your new legs.”
“Can’t wait.”
Dylan took her hand and led her out the door as if they were girlfriend and boyfriend. Maybe that was what they were. He just wasn’t quite sure.
He opened the door of his Mustang and watched Lacy slip into the seat. She was wearing a yellow skirt that hiked up high on her thighs giving him a great view of long, shapely legs. She secured her seatbelt and kept her eyes straight ahead.
As he sat in the seat he was conniving how he could get her back to his apartment so they could have sex. Last night was still vivid in his mind. If they only had another week together, he wanted to make the best of it. Pulling out into the street, he asked, “Are you nervous? You seem kind of nervous.”
“No, I’m just wondering why we keep spending time together. In the end you’ll break my heart.”
Her words caused him to feel guilty. Yet, desire won out over his guilt. “How about going back to my place? We can prepare some sandwiches and have time to talk.”
Still refusing to look at him, she whispered, “I think you want to do more than talk.”
“It’s that obvious?”
She measured him out of inquisitive eyes. “Like a teenager with raging hormones.”
Dylan laughed. “Take the rest of the day from school and spend the day with me.”
Her eyes knit in disapproval. “I don’t play hooky, Dylan. Do I need to remind you I have responsibilities? I take my work with the university very seriously.”
“You take everything seriously.” By her expression he had insulted her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you. I think we should get to know each other on a deeper level.”
“Why? What would be the purpose? You’ll go back to your life and I’ll never see you again.”
Reality set in and he knew she was right. “Okay. To prove how much I want to spend time with you, we’ll do what you want to do. Your wish is my command.”
Seconds passed before she spoke. “I have a friend I would like for you to meet.”
A little disappointed he wasn’t going to have sex, he tried not to show that disappointment. He hadn’t wanted to share his time with anyone but her. He was taking valuable time away from the investigation and he didn’t want to waste one moment. “Exactly where does this friend live?”
“Charlotte.”
His shoulders sagged. “As in Charlotte, North Carolina?”
Eyes alight with mischief, Lacy giggled, “That’s where we are going.” She adjusted her seat so she’d be more comfortable. “I usually visit him every Saturday morning, but I had another engagement.”
The pitch of his voice raised a little. “Is he an old boyfriend? Should I be jealous?”
She shook her head in the negative. “No, you have no reason to be jealous.”
“Does this friend have a name?”
“You’ll find out when we get there.”
The day was full of possibilities. After visiting with her friend, they would still have time for sex. “My life needs some intrigue.”
Again Lacy giggled. “Like your life doesn’t already have enough intrigue.”
****
On her visits with Billy, Lacy often stopped by Bob’s Restaurant and purchased him a thick, juicy cheeseburger with the works. At his age she didn’t see how it could do any worse harm to his heart. The damage was already done. The way she looked at things, he should enjoy what was left of his life.
Lacy and Dylan walked to the birdbath. She handed him the bag of burgers. “Wait for me here and I’ll bring Billy outside for our visit.”
Dylan sat on the bench and took a sip of his drink. “A picnic at an old folks’ home. Another first for me.”
Lacy ignored his comment and hurried through the back door, up the hall, and made her way to Billy’s room. He was sitting in front of the window. The moment he saw her, his face lit up. “Hello, princess.”
She crossed the tiled floor and kissed him on the cheek. “How are you feeling?”
He took her hand and clutched it to his chest. “Pretty good for a dilapidated, old man.”
“I brought someone to see you. He knows I’m interested in finding out information about Hilda, but he doesn’t know I see Hilda.” She almost laughed a
t how strange that sentence sounded. “What I’m trying to say is, don’t mention that I see ghosts.” Billy peered toward the door. “Dylan is outside at the birdbath.”
Interest sparked, he asked, “Is Dylan your boyfriend?”
“Maybe.”
“Maybe. You mean you don’t know.”
With a tone of regret, she answered, “It’s complicated.”
“It must be serious or you wouldn’t bring him to meet me.” She decided not to even try to explain her feelings for Dylan. Besides, she didn’t know how to clarify their relationship.
“Do you want me to get your wheelchair?”
“No, I feel pretty spry today. I think I can walk.”
On her last visit, the nurse divulged Billy’s health had improved. His heart beat was stronger and he had more energy. She could see it in his face. He looked happy. Just maybe she was the cause of that happiness. He did enjoy their visits.
She helped him stand and tucked her arm in his. Together they slowly made their way down the hall. Lacy kept her eyes straight ahead determined not to look at any of the patients on the hall. The place was depressing enough without seeing some of the elderly residents near death.
Lacy held the door open for Billy to exit. As soon as Dylan saw them, he jogged over and took Billy’s other arm. “Dylan, this is Billy.”
“Nice to meet you, Dylan. Any friend of Lacy’s is a friend of mine.”
Billy was out of breath by the time Lacy and Dylan assisted him onto the bench. “I brought you a cheeseburger from Bob’s.”
“As-soon as-I can breathe-again, I’ll eat it.”
Lacy sat on the bench by Billy, Dylan sat on the brick wall built around the birdbath. She took out one of the to-go-plates and opened he lid. “Smells good.” She slathered Billy’s burger with mayonnaise before placing the plate in his lap. “Just like you love your burger, full of cholesterol.”
“I no longer worry about cholesterol, my sugar, my heart, or blood pressure. Life’s too short to worry.”
Lacy handed Dylan his plate. “Tell me about yourself young man.” Billy took a huge bite of his burger. She handed him a plastic cup of sweet tea and placed a napkin in his lap.
When Dylan didn’t say anything, Lacy leaned over and whispered in Billy’s one good ear. “He’s an undercover FBI Agent.”
“What is he investigating?”
“Remember I told you I was drugged and almost raped?” He nodded his head. “Dylan is over the investigation.”
“Let me guess. You two fell in love during the investigation.”
Her eyes met Dylan’s. “Something like that.” Feeling the need to change the subject, Lacy asked, “Have you read any good books since my last visit?”
He swallowed the food in his mouth. “I just finished ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’.” He wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Can you believe a man of my age had never read the novel? I liked it. How about you have you been reading anything?”
“Only Hilda’s diary. Thank you for giving it to me.”
He peered at Dylan. “How about you, Dylan? Have you read any good books?”
“I’m not much of a reader.” In that moment Lacy realized she didn’t know much about Dylan. They had never discussed what he did for fun when he wasn’t working. Then it occurred to her that if he was working undercover he had no free time. He pretty much lived with the gang he was investigating. It sounded like a depressing life to her. It was as if he didn’t have a life of his own.
Time passed and Billy was exhausted. “I think it’s time for my nap.” He struggled to stand. “Enjoy your youth children. It passes by so quickly.” He shook Dylan’s hand. “Take care of my princess. She is one in a million.”
“Yes, sir. I promise.”
Lacy walked Billy back to his room and helped him into bed for a nap. She sat on the edge of the bed. “Are you comfortable?”
“Snug as a bug in a rug.”
“I hate I didn’t get to come see you Saturday.”
He squeezed her hand. “Stop wasting your time on such a long drive. I worry about you on the road.”
“What do you think about relocating to a home in Raleigh? I went by Sunshine Manor near the university and it is very nice. We could spend more time together.”
He shrugged his shoulders. “Sounds good to me. It’s not like I have many friends here. You’re my only visitor.”
She leaned over and kissed him on the forehead. “We’ll talk about it Saturday.” She tucked the covers tight against him. “Call me if you need anything.”
“Good-bye, princess.” She flipped off the light and stood at the door for a few seconds. It would be more convenient if Billy was in a home in Raleigh. The drive to and from Charlotte took a lot of time out of her busy schedule. She’d do some checking to make sure Sunshine Manor was suitable for Billy. His winter years shouldn’t be lonely.
****
Lacy walked into the school cafeteria to find Dylan and Malory with their heads together. Jealousy ate her up inside. Filled with bitterness and a sense of betrayal, all she could do was stare at the couple obviously enjoying each other’s company. She reminded herself he was using Malory to deem information about Bret. It didn’t help because she still felt miserable.
Last night she had stayed over at his apartment. Three times they had made love and it was the most exciting night of her life. She thought they were making progress in their relationship.
Malory placed her hand on Dylan’s arm and whispered something in his ear. He pressed his lips to hers and Lacy had to look away. Why did she have the urge to interrupt them? He made no promises. He wasn’t her man.
Michelle startled her when she walked up behind her. “What are you eating for lunch?”
Quickly, Lacy averted her eyes and peered through the glass counter. “I think I’ll just have a salad.”
“You’re so predictable. Take a chance and have the chicken.”
That was another reason she and Dylan were not right for each other. He was spontaneous and exciting while she was pretty boring and dull. Sex seemed to be the only thing they had in common. “What are you having?”
Michelle took her time moving down the line looking at the selection of meats and vegetables. “I think I’ll have the roast beef, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and cornbread.”
Lacy shook her head in wonder. It was amazing how many calories she ate in one day. Her metabolism was out the roof.
Hoping Michelle wouldn’t see Dylan and Malory, she suggested, “Let’s eat outside on the picnic table.”
“It’s hot as Hades out there. Let’s sit in the air conditioning.”
Trying to sound casual, Lacy answered, “I’m sure we can find a cool spot under the trees.”
“Is something wrong? You’re as tense as a knot of wire.”
Completely ignoring her, Michelle headed for a table. “Come on. We’ll sit over here.”
Lacy had no other recourse but to follow her. She almost ran right into the back of Michelle when she dug in her heels. It didn’t take but a second to realize she had seen Dylan and Malory only two tables over. “That low down rattlesnake.”
Lacy stepped around her and placed her tray on the table. “It’s no big deal, Michelle.”
Michelle set her tray on the table with angry force but refused to sit. Instead she crossed her arms and glared at Dylan. “I’m about to give him a piece of my mind.”
Lacy gripped Michelle by the arm. “No, you are not. It’s not a big deal. He never made any promises.”
The look her best friend gave her caused her to cringe. “No big deal!” Her voice was loud enough to draw the attention of several students. Her simmering temper was about to roll into a full boil.
“Please don’t make a scene. Don’t embarrass me.” Lacy slipped into the chair and pulled Michelle down beside her. “I have my reasons for not wanting you to get involved.” With a lot more force, she snapped, “For once in your life listen to me.”
Her brow wrinkled in confusion. She whispered with scathing contempt, “Did you not tell me you slept with Dylan? It takes someone lower than a sidewinder to take someone’s innocence and then act as if nothing happened.”
Uneasy with the topic, Lacy felt her cheeks redden. She had talked more about sex the past week than she had her whole lifetime. Sex should be something private and only between lovers. In an attempt to sooth the situation, she explained, “I told you there were no stipulations. It was something that happened in the heat of the moment.” Her voice lacked conviction. “A one night stand.” More like a three night stand, but Lacy wasn’t about to divulge to Michelle that she had slept with Dylan more than once. No reason to upset her more.
A fresh surge of anger vibrated through Michelle. “How can you possibly say that? I know you better than anyone else in the world. I know you better than your sisters. You don’t have one night stands. Are you forgetting that I know up until two weeks ago you were a virgin? The man needs to be horsewhipped.”
Lacy felt physically ill. “You’re hardly in a position to lecture me. You’re only twenty and you’re on your second love affair. Don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong.” She stood gripping her tray in both hands. She lifted her chin and marched to the trashcan and dumped her untouched salad. It was hard to decide who she was angrier with; herself for sleeping with Dylan or Michelle for butting in where she had no right.
Lacy was almost at the curb when she heard Dylan calling her name. She took off jogging not wanting to talk to him. Without even breathing hard he easily passed her and blocked her path. She tried to step around him but he grabbed her by the wrist. “Are you okay?”
Too upset to speak, she shook her head in the negative. After a moment of silence, he pleaded, “Please tell me what’s wrong. Why did you and Michelle have an argument? Was it because of me?”
“She knows we slept together. Watch your back because she might try to put a pitchfork in it. She was raised on a farm and I’m sure she’s excellent with farm tools.”
His amusement was apparent. “Thanks for the warning.”
Not wanting to talk about what happened between them last night, she eased the conversation in another direction. “How’s the investigation going?”
Secrets of the Falls (Twelve Oaks Farm Book 3) Page 16
