“How are you feeling?”
“Like I’m ninety years old.”
“You are ninety years old.” Dylan sat on the edge of the bed and smiled. “We had a nice funeral today. We missed you.”
“Promise me something, Dylan.” Seconds passed as he waited to catch his breath. “Take care of my Princess.”
Lacy lifted her face and gazed into Dylan’s gray eyes. “You have my word.”
“I hate I won’t make it to the wedding.”
His eyes still on Lacy, Dylan replied, “We’ll light a candle for you or whatever they do at weddings.”
Lacy and Dylan had not made any plans for a wedding. She felt it was still too early in their relationship to be planning that far ahead. Besides, she still had a year of college, maybe even longer if she decided to get her Ph.D.
A soft knock on the door interrupted the conversation. Beverly, the weekend nurse, popped her head in. “I hate to end your visit, but the doctor will be available shortly to examine Billy.”
Dressed in white, Beverly entered the room and stopped by the bed. She stroked her fingers over his arm. “How are you feeling, Billy?”
“I’m okay.”
Beverly was Billy’s favorite nurse. Fortyish, she had short brown hair streaked with gray. Her face wasn’t beautiful, but could be deemed pleasant. She really cared about Billy. Many times she had taken time out of her busy schedule to call during the week to give Lacy an update about Billy’s condition.
Lacy placed the novel on the side table and stood. She placed her hand on Billy’s arm. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He gave her a weak smile and a nod. Beverly followed them out into the hall. In a low whisper, she explained, “His heart is in terrible shape. It’s just a matter of time. It’s possible he’ll lapse into a coma.”
Dylan dropped his arm around Lacy’s shoulders for support. She leaned into him needing his strength. Beverly wasn’t telling her anything she didn’t already know. She could see it in Billy’s eyes. Lacy saw the doctor making his way up the hall. She didn’t want to speak to him. She felt the tears just behind her eyes. She squeezed Beverly’s hand. “Thank you for taking care of him. Billy loves you.” Lacy took Dylan’s hand and they hurried toward the exit. She hated the smells, the despair of seeing the other residents. The only fond memories of her many visits to Green Acres was her time spent with Billy.
****
Lacy carried the last box of her belongings into Dylan’s apartment and placed it on the kitchen counter. She heard raised voices from Michelle’s bedroom. From the doorway she observed Dylan and Stan Jacobs trying to assemble Michelle’s bed. Completely ignoring them, Michelle placed a dress on a hanger and hung it in the closet.
The frame slipped out of its slot and crashed to the floor. “Damn it, Stan! You smashed my hand!” Face red with anger, Dylan was holding his injured hand.
“If you knew what you were doing, I wouldn’t have smashed your hand! I told you to hold the frame in place while I slip it into the slot.”
Michelle dropped to her knees and took Dylan’s hand. “I’ll get you some ice.”
Stan hissed, “He’s okay, Michelle. He’s just acting like a baby so he can get some female attention. I’ve seen him take a direct punch to the face and not even flinch. A little bump to the hand shouldn’t faze him.”
“It’s already bruising,” Michelle explained emphatically. She examined his hand causing Dylan to yell in pain.
“Don’t encourage him, Michelle. Believe me, there is nothing wrong with his hand.”
Leaning against the door jam, Lacy giggled. “Maybe we should have hired professional movers.”
Michelle scooted by Lacy. “Movers wouldn’t be as entertaining as these two. They have had me in stitches all morning. It’s almost like having two of the Three Stooges to entertain me.”
It felt great to see Michelle laugh. The past month had been a difficult time for her. Maybe she was getting over the trauma of discovering her boyfriend was a serial killer.
Dylan looked appalled. “What do you mean professional movers? Stan and I have this.” Abruptly, he rose to his feet and cupped Lacy’s face with both hands and drew her lips up to his. For a long moment she was thrilled to be in his arms.
Stan caught the headboard before it fell on his head. “Be careful, Dylan. I’d hate to die because a headboard fell and crushed me.”
“African-American men are more likely to die from heart disease or diabetes. Dylan added, “Or in your case a bullet.”
“Very funny. Where do you think up all your pearls of wisdom? Maybe you read too much?”
Dylan whispered softly so only she could hear. “I’m excited you consented to move in with me. I can’t wait until tonight.”
“Excuse me, but we have a job to do here.”
Lacy felt the blush all the way to the roots of her hair. Dylan glared at Stan. “Okay, okay.” They finished assembling the bed, Dylan being careful with his injured hand. “All we need now is to place the box springs and mattress.”
Michelle returned with a bag of ice wrapped in a dish towel. She handed it to Dylan. He held the ice to his hand. “Thank you, Fireball.”
“Molly is here with the pizzas.”
“Perfect timing. I’m hungry.” Hand forgotten, Dylan all but ran out the door followed by Stan.
Michelle giggled. “I guess food is more important than a place to sleep.” She slipped her arm into Lacy’s. “Are you sure you don’t mind me moving in with you guys?”
Lacy leaned into Michelle. “I wouldn’t have left our dorm without you.”
“Promise you’ll tell me if it becomes a problem. I don’t want to be a nuisance. Don’t dillydally around the subject. Be honest if you want me to find another place to live.”
Lacy wrapped a fat curl around her finger and tugged. “I promise.” Michelle had gorgeous brown hair which hung in ringlets down her back. Only five-two, she was a head shorter than Lacy. Complete opposites, Michelle was fiery and quick tempered, while Lacy was shy and reserved. Their differences didn’t seem to conflict with their friendship. Lacy had taken to Michelle immediately and they had become fast friends. They had stood together through some rough times and would always be there for each other.
Arm in arm, they stepped into the kitchen area to find Stan opening cabinets. “Where’s the damn paper plates?”
Dylan reached over his head and replied, “Too high for the vertically challenged.”
“Very funny, jolly green giant.”
Lacy replied, “Thanks for picking up the pizzas, Molly.”
“It was no trouble.” Short and shapely, Molly had caramel colored skin. Her face was perfection. It was hard to believe she was the mother of four children.
Dylan asked, “Where are the kids?”
“My mother has them. I wasn’t about to let them accompany me. The little hellions would destroy that pretty blue sofa.” She gestured toward the sofa.
Lacy asked, “How old are your children?”
“The oldest, Alice, is seven. Alex is five. Adam is three, and Andrew is two.”
Stan slung his arm around Molly’s shoulders. “I’m trying to talk her into giving me one more child so we can make it five.”
She slapped his arm away. “We are through. It’s like a mad house at night. Children fighting and screaming. Bath time is pure torture. I don’t know who is worse; Alice trying to boss the boys or the boys tormenting her. Just yesterday Alex put a frog in her bed. I bet the neighbors thought someone was killing her.”
As Molly described the children, she had the most content look on her face. It was obvious she loved motherhood. Dylan handed her the plates and she began placing pieces of pepperoni pizza on each plate.
Placing the ice bag on the table he asked, “What can I get everyone to drink?” He opened the refrigerator and took out two beers and handed one to Stan.
“Water for me.” He handed Molly a bottle of water. Without waiting for Lacy’s prefer
ence, he handed her a Pepsi.
“I’ll have water.” Dylan handed Michelle a bottle of water.
They circled the bar in the center of the kitchen and Stan tapped his beer against Dylan’s. “Congratulations. It’s a big step to move in with someone.” He took a sip of his beer. “May you make Lacy as happy as I’ve made Molly.”
Lacy met Dylan’s eyes and he smiled at her. It was a big step. A step she never thought she would take. “How long have you been married?”
The question caused Stan to smile. “Ten years of wedded bliss.”
Molly leaned in and kissed him on the lips. A teasing grin on her lips, she asked, “Wedded bliss, is that what you call what we have? Evenings of children arguing and fighting, with boisterous voices.” She rolled her eyes. “The house is never quiet. It’s . . .”
Stan interrupted, “Except Friday night when we take the kids to Molly’s parents’ home to spend the night.”
Molly chuckled. “Stan goes to sleep in the recliner and I go to sleep on the sofa. We are both too tired to have sex.”
“I thought Wednesday was sex night.”
Molly punched Stan on the arm. “You told Dylan about sex night!”
“We have to have something to talk about on long, boring stakeouts.”
Dylan’s eyes glinted with mischief. “I even know about that heart shaped mole on your ass.”
Molly’s loud intake of breath had Stan stiffening in anger. Pointing a finger in Dylan’s face, he threatened, “You know I can break your neck with one simple movement.”
Dylan had explained to Lacy that Stan was an expert in martial arts. He said Stan could kill a man with his bare hands.
Stan quickly changed the subject. “One day we’ll miss all the fussing and bickering. The house will be so quiet. The only positive thing about our baby birds leaving the nest is you can devote all your free time to me.”
Molly rolled her eyes again. “You’re as busy as I am. I’ll be so lonely I’ll probably have to be prescribed medication. My friend Kathy calls them happy pills. She teaches kindergarten. Says she can’t get through a day without them.”
“I promise to take some time off and devote more attention to you.”
Ten years of marriage and they seemed so at ease with each other. Lacy liked them, thought they were a cute couple. Now as she peered at Dylan, she knew she had made the right decision. She would be happy living with him. One day they would get married and have a long life together.
****
Two hours later, Lacy and Dylan were sitting on the sofa enjoying a cup of coffee when Michelle hurried into the room and opened the refrigerator. “Is there any pizza left?”
Lacy raised a brow at her. “I think you have a tapeworm. If I ate as much as you, I’d be big as a house.”
Michelle removed the pizza box and placed the last piece on a paper plate. After placing it in the microwave she leaned on the counter.
Lacy asked, “Are you settled?”
“Completely moved in. It didn’t take long.” Clothes and their personal items were all Lacy and Michelle had brought with them. Because of the limited space in their dorm room they didn’t own much. Their cheap pots and pans were so dented and damaged they left them behind for the next co-eds along with the small, threadbare couch Lacy had bought at a thrift store. Not any of their furniture would have worked in Dylan’s beautiful apartment.
Dylan had bought Michelle a new oak bed and dresser for her bedroom. He had even bought her a wide screen TV for her room. When Michelle fussed about the price, he convinced her he could use the furniture and TV if she ever moved out. The new surroundings should be good for Michelle. Their dorm room had been filled with too many bad memories of Chad Grey.
The microwave dinged and Michelle took out the pizza. She took a huge bite and replied, “Thanks for letting me move in with you guys, Dylan. I’ve never had my own TV or bathroom before. I don’t know which one I like best.”
“You’re like a little sister, Fireball. Just try not to be annoying like one.”
She swallowed. “I’ll do my best.” A look of sadness crossed her face. Lacy wondered if she was thinking about Chad. He had proposed to Michelle and they were going to move in together. Her plans had definitely changed. “I’m tired. I think I’ll watch a little TV. See you guys in the morning.”
Dylan placed his hand on Lacy’s knee. “Stop worrying, she’ll be fine.”
“Thank you for letting her move in with us, Dylan.”
“Did I have a choice?”
“Not if you wanted me.” She placed her cup on the coffee table. “How can I repay you?”
“I can think of several ways.”
She took his cup and placed it on the table by hers. “How about we finish this conversation in the bedroom?”
He threw her over his shoulder and stood in one swift movement. “I’ll carry you across the threshold.”
She let out a little scream of surprise. “I don’t think you’re supposed to carry me like a sack of potatoes. This position is not very sexy.”
His hand massaged her bottom causing her to whimper with need. “I like this position. It looks sexy from where I’m standing.”
Dylan dumped her on the bed. He tugged her tee-shirt over her head. His hands went around her back and unfastened her bra. After removing her bra, his hands closed with possessiveness around her breasts. He feasted his eyes on her beauty. Lacy loved that she had that much control over Dylan. He gently fondled each one. She arched against his hands. He brushed light kisses on her soft flesh before he circled her nipple with his fingers, then his tongue.
He stood long enough to strip out of his clothes. She took her time admiring his chest, flat stomach, and then her eyes drifted lower. His member was hard and extended. “You are magnificent, Dylan.”
“So are you, baby. I’ll never tire of looking at your body.” He gripped her shorts and pulled them over her long legs. He took his time removing her panties letting his hands flow like molten steel down her body. She watched his eyes darken with desire. Her breath was ragged and her body was on fire. He so easily brought her to wild turmoil.
On a sigh of pleasure, she explored his chest, his stomach, then lower as she wrapped her hand around him. He threw his head back and groaned loudly like a bear. His breath hissed through his teeth. “Your hands are magic.” She watched the passion deepen in his eyes.
He pulled her hand away and leaning close he put his lips directly to her ear. He whispered, “I can’t stand much of your torture. You make me ache.”
His hands stroked possessively over her damp skin igniting her desire. Blood coursed through her veins. His fingers streaked into her hair, then fisted there, drawing her head back as his mouth crushed down on hers. A deep enticing kiss that caused trembling waves of emotion. When his lips left hers, they traveled over her neck leaving damp kisses, then lower back to her breasts. He feasted on each one while she moaned and writhed under him. His hair was soft against her breasts. His mouth fastened on her nipple and he began to suckle. He took his time driving her crazy with his mouth.
Sliding his hands under her bottom, he tilted her up and pushed into her. He was full and hard and she gasped with the sudden intrusion. He gave her a moment to get accustomed to his size and then he pushed deeper. “You are always so tight. It feels incredible.”
She began to rock against him, her breath quickening. Heat erupted inside her so violently that she cried out his name struggling against him. His body was thundering against hers. Her body was vibrating with sensations of her orgasm. She wrapped her arms around him holding him tighter, pulling him even deeper. She arched to meet him as he pounded against her. Throb after throb of ecstasy consumed her as he continued to drive into her. Seconds passed as his body shuddered violently. Unable to keep up the grueling pace, Lacy collapsed under him. She felt like a rag doll incapable of moving.
Bracing above her on his elbows, he peered into her eyes. “Just think, we can make love e
very night.” His eyes closed and his forehead dropped to hers. “I am a happy man.”
“I’m going to have to drink Red-Bull. I’m exhausted. You’re too much for me.” With weak arms she pushed at his shoulders.
Dylan fell to his back gasping for air. He skimmed his hands down to her hips and pulled her against his nude body. “You’re perfect. I love you.”
“I love you too, Dylan.” Lacy curled against Dylan and closed her eyes content with her life.
“From the first time I saw you I fantasized having sex with you.” He rubbed his hand along her thigh. “You were wearing a blue jean skirt. I couldn’t keep my eyes off your long legs. You were so shy you didn’t say two words to me.”
“She giggled. “I was terrified and excited by you all at once. You looked so dangerous and intimidating. Your long hair was pulled back into a ponytail and you had all that wicked looking facial hair. I’ll never forget the day Josh asked you to escort me to look for Billy in Charlotte. You were driving that hideous Cadillac.”
His rumble of laughter next to her ear was comforting. “I miss that car. It’s still at the bureau. We should get it Sunday and go for a drive.”
She stroked the back of his hand. “No way! Just like your undercover work, that car is in your past.” Lacy wondered if he missed the excitement of his old life. Did he miss sleeping with different women to gain information, the danger of living a life as a gangbanger? It was on the tip of her tongue to ask, but she feared his answer.
She would make his life full and complete. She would do everything in her power to make sure he had no regrets for choosing her.
Chapter Three
Lacy opened Billy’s door to find Dylan already there sitting in a chair by the bed reading Grapes of Wrath. By force of will, she walked across the tiled floor, her heels tapping loudly. Not once did Dylan stop reading. That is not until she placed her hand on his shoulder. He tilted his head and kissed the back of her hand. She felt the familiar and thrilling tug of his simple touch. God, she loved him.
Blood of the Falls (Twelve Oaks Farm Book 4) Page 3
