Weston reached out his hand and Cassidy took it. “I promise I will watch after Grady.”
“Thank you.”
27
Cassidy felt as if she had spent the last three days looking over her shoulder. She hadn’t sleep because every time she closed her eyes, memories of Rick came flooding back.
“Cass, you almost ready…” Grady stopped talking when he found Cassidy still sitting in bed.
“I cancelled my appointments for today.”
Grady dropped his towel and wiggled out of his wet swimsuit before climbing into the bed to comfort Cassidy. “Don’t let him win.”
“I’m so tired, Grady. I can barely think. How am I supposed to help someone else if I can’t help myself?”
“I’m going to call Coach and tell him that I need to be home with you today.”
“No, you need to go.”
“What I need to do is to stay right here with you in my arms so that you can get some sleep while I watch over you.”
“But even if I fall asleep, he haunts me.”
Grady kissed Cassidy on her forehead. “When I couldn’t sleep you gave me some medication so maybe it’s time that you give in and take some?”
“You’re right. I’m going to call my doctor.”
“If you’d like I can bring you to see him?”
“Maybe. Let me call and talk to him and see what he thinks.”
“Ok, then if you’re not going to sleep, I’m going to make you some coffee while you call him.” Grady got up and reached for his robe.
“Grady.”
Grady looked over at Cassidy. “Yeah.”
“Thank you.” Cassidy smiled.
Grady leaned in and kissed her. “Call the doctor. I’ll be in the kitchen.” Grady handed Cassidy the phone before he walked out of the bedroom.
Jess kissed Weston. “Mmm, I’m going to miss you while you’re away at the Olympics.”
“Come with me.”
Jess rolled onto her side so that she could look at Weston. “I’m pretty sure I just did.” Then she giggled.
“Seriously, Jess, come with me to the Olympics. I know I’ll be busy, but you can sightsee and shop and…”
“Yes.” Jess grabbed Weston’s face and kissed him. “I’d love to.”
“Good because I’ve kind of gotten used to you being around.”
“Oh, have you?” Jess smiled.
“I have and I know we haven’t been dating long but maybe after we get back, we could talk about moving in together?”
Jess blinked. “Oh, wow!”
“Too soon?”
“No. I just wasn’t expecting you to invite me and now this.” Jess leaned up.
Weston sat up and exhaled. “I’m sorry. I don’t want you to feel pressured into anything.”
“I don’t…really. I just wasn’t prepared is all.” Jess pasted on a fake smile.
Weston was disappointed by Jess’ response. He had hoped that her feelings for him were as strong as his were for her. “Oh, it’s late I have to get going.” Weston kissed Jess on the cheek and got out of bed.
Jess sat there thinking about what had just happened.
“Thank you for bringing me here to see my doctor, Grady, but you should really get to practice now.”
“I told you that I called Coach and explained that I needed the day off.”
“I don’t want you to miss practice especially being this close to…”
“I swam laps twice today and I’ll swim some more when we get home. Please don’t worry about me.”
“But…”
“Nope.” Grady shook his head. “Now go talk to the doctor and I’ll be here hiding behind this magazine so that nobody sees me.” Grady winked.
“Do you want to come inside with me?”
“I will if you want me there, but I think I’d be more of a distraction.”
“Because I’d be staring at your big beautiful eyes or at your long legs and those lips that kiss my…”
Grady leaned down and whispered. “If you don’t stop now, I’m going to haul you off to the closest bathroom and fuck the hell out of you and you’ll be late to your appointment.”
“I’ll stop…for now.” Cassidy turned to walk over to the receptionist.
Grady grabbed her ass and again whispered. “I will be right here waiting to do you in the bathroom.”
Cassidy could feel her cheeks heat up and for a moment couldn’t think about anything but Grady having his way with her.
“Cassidy, I know you told me over the phone that you have been having nightmares and you haven’t been sleeping. How about we talk about those nightmares?”
“I close my eyes and I see Rick with a knife.”
“Is it a vision from the past?”
“Sometimes it is a memory of the night he attacked me.”
“But sometimes you just see him holding a knife?”
“Yes.”
“Is anyone else ever in your dream?”
“Grady.”
“What’s Grady doing in the dream?”
“He’s yelling my name. I don’t see him, but I can hear him calling me until I hear him…”
“What do you hear?”
“He yells out in pain…” Cassidy raised up her hands and wiped her eyes. “I know that Rick…that Rick kills him.”
“Ok, you need to remind yourself that it is a bad dream. Grady is fine. The police are keeping an eye on you and…”
“And Rick won’t give up until he kills us.”
“That may in fact be Rick’s intention. However, you need to see it differently. You need to prepare yourself to kill if need be or be killed. He caught you off guard last time but this time you can be prepared. I know that what I’m saying isn’t typical psychiatric advice but, Cassidy, you’re more than a patient, you’re my friend.”
“I appreciate the advice but I’m not a killer. If I was, it wouldn’t make me any different than Rick.”
“You know as well as I do that killing in self defense is a very different thing.”
“I don’t know if I could do it. I hate him. Yes, I’ve prayed for his death but not by my hands.”
“What if it was to save Grady?”
Cassidy looked down at the floor for a moment and then she looked up at her doctor. “I’d do anything to save Grady.”
“You need to do anything necessary to save yourself, Cassidy.”
“I guess you’re right. We need to be prepared to make sure that we are the ones who walk away.”
“That’s a better way to see it.”
“Thank you for being a friend first.” Cassidy smiled.
“Now back to doctor mode. So, what do you think will work best so that we can get you sleeping?”
Grady read two magazines back to front while he waited for Cassidy. He finally got up and ventured to the vending machine to grab a bottle of water.
“OMG! YOU’RE GRADY O’MALLEY!”
Grady didn’t even have time to react before the woman practically tackled him.
Once Grady was able to peel the woman from his body he stepped back. “Hello!”
“I’m your biggest fan. I’ve watched you swim since you were in high school. My brother Josh Kraven was on your team.”
“Oh yeah, I remember Josh. How is he?”
“He lives in Japan.”
“Japan, wow.”
“He joined the Army after he graduated and was stationed there for a few years. He met the woman of his dreams there so once his tour ended, he moved there to be with her.”
“That’s great. Does he have any children?”
“Yes, I have a niece and a nephew on the way.” The woman beamed.
“That’s amazing. Please give him my regards when you speak to him.”
“Do you think we could take a selfie?”
Grady smiled. “Sure.”
The woman spun around, lifted her arm up high and smiled. “Say swim!”
“Swim!”
&n
bsp; She snapped a few shots and then kissed Grady. “Thank you so much. I’ll tag you in these photos.”
Grady waved. “Take care. Thank you.” Then he headed back to wait for Cassidy.
Cassidy emerged from the doctor’s office and Grady was sitting there smiling up at her. “Missed you.”
Cassidy lifted her hand and wiped some smudged lipstick from his cheek. “Oh really, because it seems to me that you had company while I was with the doctor.”
Grady rolled his eyes. “Oh that. Well yes, I did get mauled by a fan who turned out to be a high school teammate’s sister.”
“Likely story.” Cassidy let out a giggle.
“When we get home, I will show you Mila Kraven in my yearbook and then when she tags me in her selfie you will see that I’m telling you the truth.”
“Mmm hmm and would that be before or after you have your way with me.” Cassidy moved her knee against Grady’s crotch.
Grady rubbed himself against Cassidy’s knee, stood up, grabbed Cassidy’s hand, and pulled her down the hall. “Definitely after.”
Grady hadn’t even gotten halfway up the driveway before Cassidy spotted Jess running toward them.
“Stop the car.” Cassidy jumped out.
“OH MY GOD! I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD!” Jess grabbed Cassidy and hugged her.
“Dead?” Cassidy pulled away and looked at Jess who was pale as a ghost. “What made you think that?”
“I’ve been calling you since I saw that photo with Rick…”
“Rick? What photo?”
Jess unlocked her phone and started scrolling.
Grady parked the car and ran back to where he left Cassidy. “Is everything ok?”
“No.” Cassidy held onto Grady’s hand.
“Here.” Jess turned her phone so that Cassidy and Grady could see the picture.
Grady smiled. “Oh, now I get it. You thought I was cheating on…”
Cassidy dropped Grady’s hand and stepped back in horror.
Grady turned toward Cassidy. “Cass, I told you about her, that’s Mila.”
Cassidy shook her head. “My God!” Cassidy spun around scoping out the area around her looking for Rick.
“Grady, that’s Rick behind you.”
Grady looked over at Jess. “He was there?”
Jess nodded.
Grady raked his hands through his hair. “DAMMIT!” Grady wrapped his arms around Cassidy and kissed her on the top of her head. “Come on, let’s get you inside.”
Cassidy sat silent listening to Detective Donovan speak but all she could do was stare at the photo he printed of Rick standing behind Grady.
“I’m going to talk to the judge and explain the obvious stalking. Between the note and this photo, we should be able to get you that restraining order now.”
Cassidy mumbled. “It won’t matter. Rick is going to kill me just like he promised he would that last time I saw him.”
Grady sat beside Cassidy holding her hand. He felt sick to his stomach. He needed to do something…anything to make sure that Cassidy was safe. “Let me take you somewhere and…”
Cassidy turned toward Grady. “Hide! Rick will find us again, and he won’t stop until he kills us!” Cassidy pulled her hand away, got up and left the room.
Jess stood up. “I’ll go calm her down.”
Grady closed his eyes and took a breath to calm himself. “Detective, do you think she’s right about him?”
“On the record, I should tell you that we’re going to do what we can to keep you both safe but to be cautious.”
“And off the record?”
“I’d be very careful. So far he’s gained access to your home unbeknownst to you and apparently is watching you since he knew you’d be at the hospital.”
“It’s almost like he intentionally got into that photo.”
“Not almost, I’d bet my badge it was intentional. He wants to play games and wear you down before he attacks.”
“I don’t wear down and I don’t lose. He has no idea who he is messing with this time around.”
“Cass, come here.” Jess grabbed Cassidy and hugged her. “Chin up. You can get through this.”
“Why, why me? I finally find someone who loves me and now he’s going to ruin everything.”
Jess walked Cassidy over to the bed and sat them down. “Nothing is ruined. Grady loves you and he’s going to stand by you.”
“I know that’s his intention and that’s why I need to leave.”
“NO!”
“Jess, he can’t be thinking about me right now. It’s not fair. He needs to leave in a few days, and I am not going to be the reason he doesn’t.”
“I understand how you feel but it’s his choice to make.”
“Not anymore.”
Grady let out the police and Jess and then went to check on Cassidy. He pushed the door open to find Cassidy packing her suitcase. “You’re leaving?”
“Grady, I have to.”
“No, you don’t.”
“I can’t stay here knowing that Rick is out there watching and waiting to hurt you.”
“So, you’re just going to leave and hope that he comes after you while you’re all alone?”
“Grady, I can’t stand the thought of him hurting you or this waiting game. If I’m not with you then at least I know that you’ll be safe.”
“We’ve been through this. I’m a big boy and I can take care of myself…and you. I’m not afraid. Please, Cassidy, let me protect you.”
“What about the Olympics you have to leave in a few days.”
“Let’s see what the next few days hold.”
“See, that’s exactly why I need to leave.” Cassidy grabbed her jeans and put them into her suitcase.
Grady couldn’t stand it anymore he shoved her suitcase onto the floor. “GRRR! I LOVE YOU DAMMIT! DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND THAT? YOU COME FIRST!”
Cassidy stepped back and looked between Grady and her suitcase. How could she leave a man who loved her so deeply that he’d give up his dream for her? She closed the distance between Grady and herself. “I’m sorry. I love you so much and I know how important…”
“You are the only thing that is important to me at this very moment, Cassidy.”
“I’ll stay but you have to promise not to let Rick keep you from leaving?”
“I promise.” Grady wasn’t sure if he’d be able to keep his promise but for now keeping Cassidy safe was all that mattered.
28
Cassidy woke up, rolled over, and found rose petals where Grady had been sleeping. She got up and followed what seemed to be a trail that led her to his Rehab Room which contained a sauna, massage tables and a jacuzzi. Cassidy pushed the door open.
Grady smiled up at her. “Good morning, Beautiful.”
Cassidy looked at the flowers, then a huge tray of breakfast goodies and last, Grady who was leaning against the wall dripping wet with sweat from the sauna. “Do you get sexier in your sleep?” Cassidy giggled.
Grady dropped his towel and then pulled Cassidy against him. “I don’t know, do I?”
“Mmm hmm.” Cassidy mumbled as she kissed his chest until he leaned down so that she could reach his lips.
“I don’t want to leave you.”
“You promised you’d go.”
Grady picked up a strawberry, dipped it into the cream and then dangled it over Cassidy’s lips until she managed to grab it with her teeth. Cassidy in turn fed Grady a strawberry.
“Let’s spend our last day together having sex and not thinking about anything else.” Grady winked.
“Like this?” Cassidy dragged her tongue down Grady’s body as she dropped to her knees sucking his cock down her throat on the way.
“Mmm, that’s what I meant. Oh, God, yeah.”
“Don’t you have to get to work?”
“Nope.” Jess smiled. “I took the day off so that I could spend it with you.”
Weston smiled and ran his hand through Jess’ hair. “What di
d you have planned?”
“Sex, food, shower sex, food, more sex…”
“I’m sensing a theme here?” Weston let out a laugh.
“That I like sex?”
“No, that you like to eat.”
Jess smacked Weston’s arm. “If you’d rather eat.” She started to roll away from him.
“Oh, I want to eat but not food.” Weston spread Jess’ legs, crawled between them and began devouring her.
Grady held Cassidy in his arms as the bubbles floated around them. “I wish I could hold you like this forever.”
“Me too but we’d eventually shrivel up like raisins.” Cassidy giggled.
“True but I’d be willing to hold you on dry land too.”
Cassidy turned in Grady’s arms and straddled him. “Once more before we dry off can’t hurt.” Cassidy smiled.
“I’d risk shriveling up to see that smile any day.”
“I love you.” Cassidy rested her head on Grady’s chest.
“I love you too, Baby.” Grady lifted Cassidy up, kissed her and then impaled her.
“I need you to be here by six a.m.”
Cassidy reached for the doorknob but when she heard Grady talking, she stopped and listened.
“I want you in place before I leave. If you need anything you call the number I gave you. Do you understand? Good.” Grady hung up, put down the phone and the door opened.
“Who was that?”
“The car service.”
“I told you I’d take you to the airport.”
“It’s ok they’re grabbing Weston and then they will swing by and get me.”
“What time?”
“Six-thirty.”
“Why are you lying to me?”
“What do you mean?”
“Grady, I heard you tell whoever you were talking to on the phone that you need them here by six.”
Sweetest Obsessions - Anthology Page 286
