by Mary Abshire
He stared deep into her eyes. “Keep it.” He pushed open the door.
“Wait!” She quickly tugged two bills from one of the stacks. “For food.”
This time, he took the money.
“You have your phone on you, right?” she asked.
“In my pocket.”
“If the battery gets too low it will die. I’ll bring the charger with me tomorrow when I drop off your clothes.”
“Can you bring my shaving supplies too?”
“Of course.”
The leather creaked as he vacated his seat. He twisted around to face her. “Promise me you’ll call if anything changes.”
“If you mean if I change my mind, don’t expect a call.”
“I wouldn’t blame you if you did.”
“Andrew,” she said, stopping him from shutting the door. “Get some rest.”
He nodded before he gently closed the door.
Emily watched him walk toward the room. Sadness crept into her heart. He might not have been telling her the truth about himself, but she sensed he genuinely cared about her by the way he questioned her for details about the plan. He barely knew her, yet he didn’t want her risking her life. On top of that, he refused to take money from her. She practically had to tuck a few bills inside the belt of his pants. Although she had the perfect chance to leave him, she’d given her word she’d help and she had never reneged on her word.
She waited until he disappeared inside the room before she backed away from the motel. The silence in the car reminded her she was alone and how much she preferred it. She didn’t have to talk or share her thoughts. She could relax in peace and quiet and do whatever she wanted to do. What did she want to do exactly?
Heading back toward Pittsburgh, she pondered over her own question. She didn’t owe anything to the man claiming to be an angel. She’d said she’d help, but why put her life on the line for a stranger who couldn’t be truthful with her? She could leave now and head to Texas. Andrew, or whoever he really was, wouldn’t look for her. Why did she care if she broke her word to a strange man who lied to her?
Because the man had done nothing wrong. He hadn’t hurt her in any way. He’d treated her with kindness and respect. Moreover, she needed answers. She needed to put the pieces of the puzzle together. The writing on his arm had appeared within minutes of her finding him. There was no excuse for it. He looked like the dead man from 1989. While he could’ve been a look-a-like, a stranger couldn’t know so much about Andrew’s family. And the story of being an angel was creative and beyond unreal. More so were the tales of heaven he’d shared. Needless to say, her curiosity demanded the truth and would settle for nothing less. No, she wouldn’t abandon him. But if she didn’t get the answers she needed soon, she sure as hell would leave his cute ass on the side of the road.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Andrew sat on the end of the mattress, staring at the blank television screen three feet away. The small room had the basic essentials as other hotels and appeared fairly clean, better than the cheap hotel in Ohio. But he was missing one important item. Emily.
One was the loneliest number, as the song went. The number two was a good number for him. Larger numbers worked also. When he’d been alive before, he’d always hung out with friends, joined sports teams, and dated. He’d rarely spent time on his own. Even in heaven, he’d always found someone to enjoy company with. He’d tried to talk Emily into staying, but he could tell she didn’t want to. He couldn’t blame her after what had happened the night before.
He ran his fingers through his short locks as he leaned back on the bed. Resting his head in his hands, he stared at the speckled ceiling. The day had started off good with a little stress relief in the shower. He hadn’t needed to pleasure himself in a long time. There was always a woman willing to sate his longings. But he wasn’t in heaven anymore and sex was forbidden. The time for taking care of his needs had arrived, so he had to get used to manhandling himself.
Spending the afternoon with Emily had made his day more wonderful. He’d enjoyed chatting with her. She had such a kind heart and soul. And her laughter always brought a smile to his face. He loved seeing her happy. She was also a brilliant woman. He had no idea how he was going to get the demon away to kill him. Every idea he’d come up with would’ve landed him in jail for murder. Emily’s plot was a good one. The only hiccup would be driving to the secluded spot in the woods. Even if the demon was drunk, he’d likely suspect she was up to something. The thought of Emily being around the demon soured his stomach, but neither of them could come up with any other option.
Emily was a blessing. Yet, he couldn’t have her. He’d been so tempted to kiss her the night before. He’d wanted to. He’d yearned to feel her lips, taste her, and touch her flesh. She had been so close. She’d smelled so good. The memory of the moment remained fresh in his head. Her dreamy blue eyes and perfect pink mouth were difficult to resist. But he had, and he’d suffered a hard-on that had lasted far too long. He should’ve taken a cold shower, but that would’ve been obvious to her what he was doing. Talk about embarrassing. Damn the council for punishing him with such a harsh sentence. Being sent back to Earth was enough. Not being able to have sex was downright cruel. What kind of system imposes a sentence within minutes without giving the offender the ability to appeal? One would think people in heaven would be a little more forgiving.
He sighed heavily and pushed himself upright. There was nothing he could do to remedy the situation. He had to follow the council’s rules to make it back. In his current state of affairs, only two things mattered and they were killing demons and Emily.
There was a bright side. Although he couldn’t have sex with her, he now knew she was attracted to him. She’d leaned in for a kiss. She’d wanted it as much as he did. She had to like him and find him worthy of her precious goods to offer her lips. It pleased his heart to know she’d wanted him in that wicked way every man desires. Or at least she had. He hoped his rejection of her hadn’t caused her much grief.
The silence in the room threatened his sanity. Finding the remote near the TV, he took it and pressed the power button. The flat screen was small, but it had a better picture compared to the boxy television sets.
He kicked off his shoes before he scooted back over the mattress. The bed was bouncy and would be perfect for having sex. A shame he couldn’t make use of his resources. After propping the pillows behind him, he flipped through the channels on the TV. He found an episode of Seinfeld playing. He remembered watching the sitcom when it had first aired in 1989. The comedy always made him laugh.
Later, a show called Friends came on. The sitcom kept him entertained until his phone vibrated in his pocket. He hurried to pull it out in case it was Emily. When he finally removed the cell, he noticed a message from her on the screen.
Made it back to the hotel. How are you doing?
Smiling at the wonders of modern technology, he replied, Watching Friends. It’ not bad.
He set the phone on his thigh and resumed watching the show. A minute later, a new text from her appeared.
Ick. Friends is old.
He prepared a quick response. New to me.
Her next message arrived promptly. Seriously? Don’t they have TV in heaven?
Nope, he replied.
He held the cell, waiting for her to respond.
OMG! How did you get by without TV?? What do people do without TV??
He typed his reply. There are theatres people perform in. Most people are busy with jobs, going out with friends, having sex, spending time with family, traveling, having fun, having more sex… What’s OMG?
He placed the phone on his leg. He shook his foot as the time passed. When his phone didn’t vibrate, he pressed the button to make sure he hadn’t missed anything. The screen showed the normal picture of a field of flowers. Sad she hadn’t replied, he returned his attention to the television. But after a few minutes, he couldn’t tolerate watching the show any longer. He mis
sed talking to Emily, even if it was only by instant messaging.
He lifted the phone and sent her a new communication. What are you doing?
Boredom started to take hold of him. He left the phone on the bed and began pacing in the room. The urge to call her was like an itch he desperately needed to scratch, but he didn’t want to be a nuisance. He kept glancing at the phone, hoping it would buzz with a response from her. When it finally did, he dove over the bed to claim the cell.
Getting clothes ready for tomorrow. Heading into shower soon. OMG is oh my god. I’m stunned there’s no TV in heaven.
Her message instantly brightened his mood. He entered his reply. Who needs TV when there are better things to do? What are you going to wear tomorrow?
He placed the phone aside and then laid his head sideways on top of his arm. So she was staying busy. That was good to know. At least she hadn’t decided to leave him stranded. He’d thought she might, especially after she tried to give him several wads of cash. He didn’t want her money. It was hers to begin with. Just because he’d won it didn’t make it his. Besides, he’d rather be with her than have any amount of money.
The phone buzzed. He jerked his head up to look at the screen.
Black dress with a wide belt. Nothing fancy.
He imagined her wearing a sexy black outfit that reached above her knees and had a low neckline to reveal her cleavage. Wait a minute. He didn’t want her to wear anything sexy for the demon. If she was going to pretty herself up, it should be for him.
No need to dress to impress. Jeans will be fine, he replied.
Now, if she dressed up nice for him, Andrew would have to let his fingers explore her body, starting with her thighs. Then again, maybe he should start with her neck and drag his touch down between her breasts. The mere thought gave him a boner.
A new message arrived from her. Not taking any chances. This dirtbag needs to go.
Don’t lead him on too much, Andrew sent back to her.
Define too much. Is kissing too much? Is letting him feel me up too much? FYI, leading him is the game plan.
Andrew’s eyes widened. She had to be kidding around. God, he hoped she was. He quickly typed a response. No touching. No kissing. If he tries, walk away. No, run!
His pulse sped as he thought about the demon touching her. He’d rip the demon’s heart out. No one was allowed to lay a finger on Emily.
A new message arrived. LOL. Chillax angel baby. I’m not into demons.
He chuckled as he prepared a reply. Are you into angels? I may know someone. He’s a good guy. Hot. Well hung. I think you’d like him.
He turned onto his side and propped his head up with his balled hand. Although he wasn’t sure what LOL stood for, he guessed it wasn’t a bad thing.
LMFAO!
He stared at the letters, clueless as to what they stood for. What does that mean? Is that code for you want to bop his brains out?
After he sent the message, he tried to make up words for each letter. L could stand for let’s. M could be short for make. F could be for fun or funny. A could stand for apples and O for oranges. Let’s make funny apples and oranges. Maybe it was the latest phrase people used.
OMG I am LMFAO. Seriously!!
Damn, he wished he knew what the letters meant. The way she reused them led him to believe the meaning didn’t involve fruit. What about loving my friend’s apples and oranges?
So, do you want to bop him? He stared at the screen, waiting for her next words.
I don’t bop. I boogie.
He grinned. The angel can boogie too. He’s good at a lot of extra-curricular activities, including bedroom boogie. He chuckled after he fired off the message.
A new response arrived not even a minute later. Hook me up. I need saving.
Come back and I’ll hook you up. He can do the bedroom boogie all night long.
LOL! I need to shower, she replied.
Need help?
He tapped his thumb on the bottom of the device as he waited for her message.
No thanks. I can manage.
I’m good at cleaning. I take gentle care to ensure the body is properly cleansed. He couldn’t shrink the wide grin on his face as he typed his response.
For an angel, you’re pretty horny.
I’m an active twenty-six-year-old single man in my prime years seeking a smart and sexy woman to play bedroom boogie with.
He imagined her sitting on the bed and slowly removing her clothes between messages. Maybe she was shirtless. Maybe she wore nothing but her underwear and bra. He enjoyed his picture of her and so did his cock.
LOL. If you post that as an advertisement on the web, I’m sure you’ll get a million responses before sunrise. Heading into shower. TTYL.
He rolled onto his back and held the phone above him. For once, he understood the translation of the last four letters. He didn’t bother responding.
The message on the screen remained illuminated and he reread it. Even if he could have sex, he wouldn’t be interested in any other woman besides Emily. Her charm and beauty had captivated him. And he couldn’t shake the image of her standing in her underwear. She would be a trophy to hold onto and admire for all time. He pictured himself sliding her black bra away from her shoulders so he could see her plump breasts. They were perfect in size, perfect for him to hold. He’d take her perky tits into his hands and gently squeeze them. Then he’d pinch her pink nipples between his fingers and make them hard. She’d moan for him and he’d gladly please her.
His erection grew as he visualized touching her flesh. His jeans became too tight for him. He set the phone down before he unzipped his pants. Eyes closed, he pictured Emily in his mind, so beautiful, so naked, so ripe for the taking. He wrapped his hand around his hard cock as he envisioned sucking on her nipples. She’d whimper softly. Her voice encouraged him to pleasure her more. He stroked himself as imagined dragging his tongue down her body to the spot he craved to devour. His blood rushed through his veins as he removed her panties. He gripped his shaft while he dreamed of parting her moist lips and then delving his tongue inside her. She would be wet and divine. He’d lick her secret spot and watch her writhe in the pleasure consuming her. His heart pumped faster along with his hand. She would be on the edge of her release just as he was approaching his now. His balls ached while his cock strained. He wanted her. He was having her. He chafed his rigid member while he dreamed of driving her insane with his hungry tongue. She was his. She’d always be his.
His release came with a wave of relief and a river of swimmers. He breathed easier while his heart slowed. Maybe it was a good thing Emily wasn’t around since he now had a mess in his shorts. But if she had been, he would’ve done all the things he’d conjured in his head.
And if he had, another year would’ve been added to his sentence. His life sucked. He had a perfect woman and he couldn’t have her.
He blew out a long breath. The council’s no-sex clause angered him. He hated his situation, but he wasn’t giving up. He’d find a way to stay with Emily and help her while he killed the demons. And if he had to take multiple showers every day, so be it.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Emily studied her reflection in the mirror as she smoothed her black dress over her hips. She would’ve preferred a blue belt to go with her hair, but the outfit had come with a red one. Buttons from mid-navel came up the center and stopped several inches under her neck. If she unbuttoned the first few, she’d definitely show her cleavage. She didn’t want to reveal anything to Harold. Showing her bare legs to him was enough to make her feel uncomfortable. The short-sleeved dress wasn’t too stylish, but appropriate attire for gathering a man’s attention. And that’s what the goal was. Satisfied with her appearance and her makeup, she strode from the bathroom.
Her purse, computer case, and Andrew’s bag waited for her on his bed. She’d spent time the night before getting his belongings together and the items she’d need for the day, including a gun. She wasn’t sure
if she’d have time to return to the hotel or not before this evening, so she’d stuffed her heeled shoes in her computer bag. They weren’t too tall, but they squeezed her toes. If she walked in them all day she’d definitely have sore feet before the sun went down. She’d stick with wearing sneakers until she needed the high heels.
She checked the clock on the nightstand. The hour showed almost 9:00. By her estimate, she could drop off his bag and then make it to his building before eleven. The drive back and forth and finding a parking spot would likely eat up the bulk of her time. If Andrew tried to chat, she’d have to keep it short.
The man who claimed to be an angel brought a smile to her face. Similar to the night before, he’d woken her up this morning with flirtatious banter. He made her laugh. How could an angel have such an active sex drive? Weren’t angels supposed to have wings and do good things to help or protect people? She just couldn’t picture any angel wanting to do the bedroom boogie. Nonetheless, she enjoyed the conversations. Whoever he really was, he kept good company.
She lifted the phone from the bed. No new messages had arrived. She fired one off to Andrew to let him know she was leaving the hotel. After dropping the cell into her purse, she placed the strap of the computer case across her body. The bag was bulky because of the gun and her shoes. She slid her purse over her arm before she hefted Andrew’s bag. Ready to face the day and get answers, she strode out of the hotel room.
The half-hour drive to Andrew’s motel took as long as she’d expected. Traffic had been light. She suspected most people had probably already made it to their jobs. She recalled the days of waking up early to beat the rush hour traffic in Chicago. In the Windy City, the interstate and downtown streets were always packed with speeding drivers. She didn’t miss her former home.
She steered into the motel’s lot and found Andrew sitting outside, drinking from a large cup. He had on the same clothes from the day before since he didn’t have any other ones to change into. She wondered if he’d slept naked. Shaking the thought from her head, she parked a few feet from his side. He stood with a smile on his face as she cut the engine.
