Out of Control

by Tory Richards

  Ten minutes later they pulled into her grandmother’s drive, soaked to the bone. Logan turned off his bike and Libby slid off, removing his helmet. Her eyes took in the dark house, surprised her grandmother wasn’t home yet, especially when the outline of Vincent’s car was clearly visible beneath his carport. She must have gone to bed and forgotten to leave a light on for her. She wordlessly handed Logan his helmet.

  “You’d better go inside and dry off,” he said, taking it from her.

  “I guess this is goodbye, then.” Libby forced down the lump building in her throat.

  Logan shook his head no, then surprised her by reaching up and running his thumb over her bottom lip “I’m not ready to say goodbye to you yet.”

  Her belly fluttered at the husky timbre of Logan’s voice. She hesitated, wondering what that meant. Wondering if he was going to kiss her.

  She could see his wolfish grin. He knows! “Goodnight, Libby.”

  He started his bike and she turned and sprinted to the front door, resisting the impulse to glance back. She pulled the screen door open and stepped into the dark kitchen, not surprised at finding the door unlocked. More than once she’d scolded her grandmother for leaving the house open. These days living in a gated community didn’t ensure safety. She’d reminded her grandmother about the break-ins where prescriptions were taken, but she might as well have saved her breath. Her grandmother insisted the community, where she’d lived perfectly crime free for ten years, was perfectly safe. Besides, if they wanted her meds they were welcome to them!

  Smiling at the memory, Libby’s hand patted its way up the wall toward the light switch, but she hesitated from flicking the light on when a noise from the other room reached her. Freezing, she waited to hear it again, trying to determine if it was the TV, radio, or her grandmother. She started to call out, and then thought better of it. She walked further into the room, leaving the kitchen and entering the living room. The next sound she heard caused her to stop dead in her tracks.

  It was a girlish giggle, followed by a girlish, “Vincent! Stop that!”

  Libby’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, her jaw dropped open in shock. What were her grandmother and Vincent doing in the bedroom, with the lights out? She couldn’t begin to fathom the reason why. Not at their ages! Vincent mumbled something, but it was too low to make out. The next thing she heard made her ears catch fire.

  “Oh…it still works after all these years!”

  Libby’s hand flew up to cover her mouth. What!? She didn’t even want to try and digest that comment, or the reason for it. Her only thought was getting out of there as fast as she could. She turned to flee, stumbling over Rufus and sending him hissing across the room. She held her breath, aware her heart was pounding heavily in her chest. The dead silence that followed was deafening.

  “Libby?” The sound of uncertainty was evident in her grandmother’s tone. “Is that you, dear?”

  A reluctant grin spread across her mouth. The gutsy, outspoken, woman she knew had been replaced with a soft-spoken, trembling voiced little old lady. Why, she actually sounds guilty!

  “It’s me, Gram. I, ah, just got home.” Maybe she should just pretend she didn’t know that Vincent was in there too. “Did you, ah, have a nice evening out?”

  “Ah, yes, it was nice. I’ll be right out. We have something to tell you.”

  We? She guessed Vincent wasn’t going to crawl out the bedroom window and make his escape. Her smile widened as she reached for the floor lamp next to her grandmother’s recliner and turned it on.

  Something told her this was going to be good!

  Chapter 16

  It was early, not quite light outside, and Libby lay in bed staring up at the ceiling fan as it slowly spun around. Still trying to digest the news she’d received the night before. Her grandmother and Vincent were going to shack up! A smile spread across her face as she recalled her grandmother using the old-fashioned term, while explaining how it was for the best for everyone. It made sense. She and Vincent were two lonely old people, living on a fixed income, and they liked each other. Libby would never have guessed that, based on all the bickering back and forth between them. She guessed they’d been trying to fight the attraction. At least that had been apparent with her grandmother. And Vincent had enjoyed baiting her, as though knowing. Maybe he had known.

  Libby had been sitting on the sofa when they finally emerged from the bedroom, looking red-faced and flustered and barely able to meet her eyes. Their roles had been reversed and suddenly Libby was the disapproving parent. Crossing her arms, she’d given their mussed hair and wrinkled clothes a thorough sweep, raising her brow over the knee highs gathered around her grandmother’s ankles. Her grandmother had quickly set her straight though, reminding Libby they were two consenting adults and could do whatever they wanted, whenever and wherever they wanted.

  Their decision to move in together certainly solved a lot of problems. One home, two combined incomes, which meant they could have extra money to travel if they wanted. Not to mention it was safer. Plus, now there was no reason for Libby’s parents to put her grandmother into an assisted living facility. There was no need for a live-in companion either, even though Reba and what was going to happen to her hadn’t been mentioned.

  Libby had to wonder why, but that was the least of her concerns. Sighing, she rolled to her side, hugging her pillow against her. All problems solved, but for one. It didn’t solve her problem about Logan, and the fact that she loved him so much she didn’t know what she was going to do without him. Her heart told her that she should tell him how she felt, before she took off for her folks. Only, did she want to see him one last time? Did she want to see him packing his saddle bags? Goodbyes were never easy. And their situation would make it a thousand times more awkward.

  Tears sprang from nowhere, burning her sleep-deprived eyes. She brushed them away angrily. Crying was going to solve nothing. The tiniest noise indicated that someone was at her door.

  “Libby, dear, are you awake?”

  “I’m awake, Grams. Just lying here thinking.” She prayed her grandmother contributed her hoarse tone with just waking up. “Is something wrong?” Please don’t let it be Rufus stuck up in the tree again.

  “Your mother’s on the phone.”

  “This early? I didn’t even hear it ring.” Libby pulled back the covers and jumped from the bed. She probably wanted to know when to expect her.

  “Well, actually I called her and she asked to speak to you before we hung up.”

  “Oh. Can I walk around the house like this or is lover boy still around?” The only thing she had on was a thin tee-shirt that barely reached her thighs and a pair of bikini panties. She shot her grandmother an amused grin over her shoulder continuing to the kitchen.

  “We told you last night, we’re not moving in together for a month. Besides, Reba needs time to find a place to live.” There was obvious amusement in her voice. “Don’t forget about the pancake breakfast this morning.”

  Libby picked up the dangling phone and turned in time to see her grandmother give her a wink. How could she forget? They had one every Friday morning.

  “Why not move in together now and really give the neighbors something to talk about,” Libby couldn’t help joking. “Two women and one man living under the same roof, now that will have tongues wagging.”

  “We don’t need that kind of trouble,” Margaret grumbled beneath her breath.

  “Well, don’t worry about Reba. She’s very flexible. A here today, gone tomorrow kind of gal.”

  “We’re trying to protect her reputation.” Laughing, Libby put the phone to her ear. “Hi, Mom.”

  “Can you believe it? Your grandmother and that man moving in together? And, they’re not even getting married!” Libby held the phone away from her ear, as her mother continued in a high-pitched tone. “She just told me what their plans are! I think it’s silly for two people their ages, acting so irresponsible! We don’t even know this Vince
nt!” As her voice rose steadily, Libby was willing to bet that her blood pressure was too. “What are we going to do about this?”

  “Are you asking me, Mom? Because I think it’s great.” Libby refrained from mentioning that if they visited Grams more often they might meet more of her neighbors, and get to know them.

  There was obvious disappointment in her tone that Libby didn’t automatically think the same way that she did. “What?

  How can you…”

  “Vincent is a very nice man. They’re lonely, Mom. Sure, I’ve been staying here with Grams, but I’m not her age and I’m a poor substitute for a real companion. And if you’ll stop your screaming long enough to think about it, you’ll realize this is the perfect solution.”

  “To what?” she screamed.

  “To Dad’s plan of placing Grams in some stuffy, assisted living home!” Libby shouted right back, forcing herself to calm down. Her grandmother had left the room and she didn’t want her voice carrying. It would hurt her terribly if she found out that her own daughter was against her happiness. “You know I can’t continue to live here indefinitely. It’s difficult bouncing back and forth between seventy-year-old Reba, and me.”

  “But…”

  “Mom, calm down and listen to me. They’re adults, and I don’t see how you can stop them anymore than you can force me to go back to Scott. Living together will allow them to share expenses, which you know is ridiculously high for seniors. It will allow Grams to remain living in her own home, be near her friends, and share her life with someone who can appreciate Monday morning coffee, bingo on Tuesday nights and neighborhood watch patrol.”

  Libby’s comment was met with silence, before a snicker escaped from her mother. “Goodness, did you really do all those things?”

  Thank God her tone had gone down a couple degrees, and sounded as if she might be coming around to the situation. “Yes. All the while wearing a hot and heavy body suit, thick makeup and bifocals that made my eyes look like the size of baseballs.”

  Libby heard another snicker. “Are you going to be okay with this?” Her mother released a heavy sigh. “I’m not totally sure about any of this, but it does make me feel better that you seem to be okay with it. Your dad, on the other hand…”

  At the mention of her father Libby rolled her eyes. She opened the kitchen door to let in the cool morning air. She leaned against the wall, waiting for a chance to cut in. Her dad would only be a problem because he was suspicious of everyone.

  He would wonder about Vincent’s motives, probably because he was an opportunist himself. Libby knew she could handle him when the time came. He didn’t have the same emotional attachment to Grams like her mom did. He would listen to the practicality of the whole situation and come around much quicker, and without screaming about it.

  “Perhaps you should be around when I tell him. When will you get here this weekend? We want to leave as early as possible.”

  Libby thought about Logan and wondered what time he was taking off on Saturday. She knew one thing; she didn’t want to be anywhere near there when he did. “Maybe I’ll come up later today and spend the night. Then you and Dad can leave as early as you want and I can sleep in.”

  “Well, if you come up early enough than you can have dinner with us tonight. Call me later and let me know what you decide.”

  “I will.”

  As Libby turned to hang the phone up she automatically glanced out the door, toward Vincent’s house. He was sitting on the porch, alone. Seconds later Logan stepped through the threshold, carrying two cups in his hands. He handed one to Vincent and sat down in the chair next to him. She wondered how he felt about the news. She stared across the space with yearning in her heart, willing him to look her way. When he did her heart skipped a beat. She felt a tingling all over. They stared at each other for a long moment, until emotion overtook Libby and she forced herself to turn away.

  She caught her breath, coming face to face with her grandmother. Her ageless eyes narrowed on Libby, missing nothing. In spite of that Libby averted her gaze. She recognized that look in her grandmother’s eyes.

  “You love that boy.”

  Libby glanced down to where Rufus was sleeping on the rug in front of the stove. She couldn’t meet her grandmother’s eyes, but answered honestly. “Yes.”

  “Does he know?” Libby shook her head. She reached up and wiped at her eyes. “Are you going to tell him?”

  “No.” Libby wished she could tell her it was none of her business, without being disrespectful. “Logan doesn’t want love from me, Gram.” She needed a cup of coffee. She went to the coffeepot to make them some. “He made that clear from the first day.”

  An unladylike sound escaped Margaret. “Those Knight men!” Libby glanced up with surprise at the emotion behind her grandmother’s words. “And their rules,” she continued. Their eyes met. “Don’t look surprised, dear. I figured Vincent out a long time ago. He’s a big flirt but I refused to be taken in by him. That challenged him. The more I resisted his charm, the more he was determined to win me over.”

  Libby felt a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. She’d given in to Logan way too easily. “Is that why you’re always so mouthy with him?” Her question was answered with a blushing grin and twinkling eyes. “Oh, Gram, I wish I was as smart as you.” She felt emotion well up in her throat, threatening to choke her. “Coffee will be ready soon. I think I’ll go change.”

  “Libby?” She halted and glanced over her shoulder. “You should tell Logan before he leaves, dear.”

  “I’ll think about it, Gram.” But Libby knew in her heart that she wouldn’t. She was going to run away. And it was that thought that prompted her into putting on her Reba disguise one more time. She could make her escape without worry of a confrontation with Logan, as herself anyway. She’d have breakfast with her grandmother and then leave for her parents.

  * * * *

  “Libby! It’s time to leave!”

  “I’m right behind you, Gram.”

  “Oh!” Margaret chuckled and spun around. “I thought you were still in your room.” She took Libby by the hand and pulled her out the door and down the steps. “Why are you dressed like that?”

  Libby shrugged and forced a smile on her face. “I thought Reba should make one last appearance before she disappears. At least say goodbye to everyone.”

  “Good idea, dear. Now come on, Vincent’s saving us a seat.”

  Before Libby knew it she was following on her grandmother’s heels, toward the community center. She cast a glance at Vincent’s house as they walked past, noticing Logan’s bike in the drive. Will he be at the breakfast? Her mind drifted back to the night before, when they were making love beneath the open sky. How could he make love to her like that and not feel something other than lust? And did he honestly believe that she was like that?

  Her heart fell the moment they opened the door and entered the building, and her eyes landed on him. He was sitting with Vincent at one of the tables, casually sipping a cup of coffee. Libby watched the muscles tighten in his muscular arm as he brought the cup to his mouth, and how his sensual lips closed over the rim to take a drink. She thought about them on her breasts. Her nipples tingled from the memory of his tongue and teeth teasing and manipulating them. As he brought the cup down their eyes met for a moment. Libby held her breath before remembering how she was dressed.

  “I see Vincent,” Margaret said, returning his wave.

  I see Logan. Libby made a half-hearted attempt to wave. “I think I’ll head straight for the food.” She grabbed up the nearest plate. The tables were already set, the empty places a sign that someone had taken the plate and was standing in line for breakfast. It was also a way of reserving their seats. However, Libby knew the place was never full and that there would be extra places. “I’m starved,” she explained, noticing the questioning look Margaret gave her.

  Libby’s gaze followed her grandmother as she continued on to the table, before averting her
gaze in case Logan should glance their way again. She went to the end of the line, feeling the sweat gather at her brow and the back of her neck. It was always too hot in there. And today she was in full costume, right down to the slip and pantyhose beneath her dress. Resisting the urge to wipe the moisture away and take the chance of ruining her makeup, she began to fan herself with her paper plate.

  The man in front of Libby felt the breeze she was creating and turned to glance at her with a kind smile. “It’s a little stuffy in here this morning, isn’t it?”

  “Yes,” Libby agreed, wishing she could also flap her skirt to get some air between her legs. As the line slowly moved, she looked around the people in front of her, pretending interest in what the cooks were serving up for breakfast.

  Lord! Libby felt the sweat running between her breasts. She couldn’t take it, and didn’t care who might see her. She reached up and pulled the material away from her breasts. Maybe she was having a hot flash or something.

  “Hot?”

  “Very,” she smiled, turning to make eye contact with the speaker, who was directly behind her. She caught her breath when she met Logan’s amused eyes. She whipped back around. Suddenly her body was unbearably hot. And no matter what she did, she couldn’t get the thought of Logan standing behind her out of her mind. He was close…too close, radiating a sexuality that awakened all of her senses. She felt her glasses begin to slip down her nose.

  “I was hoping to see Libby this morning.”

  To say goodbye? Logan’s warm breath stirred the hair at the back of Libby’s neck. “She’s, ah, gone,” was all Libby could think to say.

  “Already?” There was slight surprise in his voice. “I was under the impression she was leaving for her folks in the morning.”

  “Yes, well, she decided to go a day early.”

  “Her car is still in the driveway,” he pointed out.

  Damn! Libby had to think fast. “Oh, ah, she was picked up.” The devil in her prompted her to add, “By Scott.”