by Sara Hess
I’d taken a breath from my rant while the snatch-hat had stared bug-eyed at me. It was then that I noticed how quiet the cafeteria had gotten as everyone from every corner of the room stopped what they were doing to listen to me.
“Red, are you going around scaring the children again?”
Taking a deep breath I had turned to face Evan while crossing my arms.. His hard gaze was scoping the table but when I turned they locked on me and softened.
“She asked for a scary story. I was only giving her what she wanted.” I gave a shrug of nonchalance even though my blood was running in hot anger.
“That’s true. I was going to run for the smores.” David quipped from behind him.
Someone from a table nearby announced with a laugh. “She almost scared my bee-titties off. I think she did scare them off that blonde.”
The blonde he was referring to was the one I was just tearing into, and she blushed bright red in embarrassment at that proclamation.
A small grin tugged at Evan’s mouth at the support I was receiving. “You’re such a sweetheart, Red. And did these…children thank you for your story?” His gaze went back to the table, going glacial again. The three girls all stared at Evan like they thought he was going to take a whip to them.
I shook my head in sufferance. “You know children; they’re all me, me, me, I, I, I.”
“Let’s leave the children to their meals. It’s time to give me your undivided attention.” Taking my hand he drew me back to the table I was sitting at with Carrie and David.
As I sat I heard laughter and several ‘way to go girl’ from a number of different people. It was nice to know that not all the natives were small-minded assholes. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the three girls hustled from the cafeteria as fast as their feet could carry them.
Evan nuzzled my neck and quipped pick-up lines to me until my antagonism was forgotten and I was laughing. It was amazing the power he had over my emotions.
My musing came to an abrupt halt, as well as my feet, and I stared in open-mouth, heart-thumping astonishment at the woman that stepped up in front of me.
“I’m sorry for surprising you like this, here at school without any warning, but I just couldn’t wait any longer to see you. I know I don’t have any rights where you are concerned, but my stomach hasn’t stopped churning since I saw you on the news and knew you were mine…the baby I had to give up.”
Her teary-eyed declaration had my stunned heart banging even more heavily against my ribs.
“What…how…” My eyes felt like they were glued to her.
She looked like she’d possibly lost ten pounds since her first interview, unless it was the television that had made her seem kind of plumper. Her red hair was in a straight, smooth bob and she was wearing black slacks and a short slimming black jacket.
Providentially, she appeared to understand my rambling. “It was luck. I’ve been walking around campus looking for you. I hoped that you would talk to me, but if you don’t…I would understand.” Her timid smile turned disconsolate.
I couldn’t decide if I was upset or pleased that she’d taken the decision from my hands, but I couldn’t deny the skip of anticipation in my chest. However, this wasn’t the place I wanted to have a conversation with her. I looked around at the students striding past, some of them eyeing us with overt interest.
“This isn’t the best place to talk.” I shifted restlessly.
Her eyes lit up. “My car’s just over in the parking lot there.” She pointed eagerly toward parking lot D.
Her car was parked conveniently close if she’d been walking around looking for me.
After a brief hesitation I nodded and followed her. A taut silence fell between us until she stopped at a blue Ford Focus.
I frowned at it. “I thought you drove a Hyundai Tiburon.”
She looked startled and then frowned at me over the top of the car. “How do you know what I drive?”
I hesitated briefly before answering. “I had a friend who did some checking up on you. They were concerned that you were a phony.” Me…someone else…potato, patato.
Still frowning and appearing slightly put-out at my knowledge, she nodded. “Oh, well this is a friend’s car. Mine was acting up.” There was a minute pause before she asked. “So, what else do you know about me?”
“Just where you live and work?” I don’t know if I lied to ease her mind or because I wanted to keep the rest of what I knew to myself.
I didn’t know why I would care to ease her mind. I didn’t know this woman…and I wanted to package my heart in a box and duct tape it so I could ignore the way it was thundering in anxiety and hopeful expectation.
Stupid needy heart.
I would think with the revelation of Evan’s love the stupid organ in my chest would be less needy…even though I knew it was still waiting for the other shoe to drop…but I could feel it reaching out in eagerness for the slightest indication of affection from this woman…who’d abandoned me.
The locks on the door clicked and she climbed in. After a small hesitation and deep breath I followed her and was met with a bright smile instead of the frown.
“Oh, my gosh. I have to say you are even prettier than the pictures they had of you on the news. And I can see some similarities between us.” I stiffened as she reached out toward me but she only tugged on one of my loose curls. Retracting her arm she smoothed her fingers through her smooth, straight bob. “I straighten mine now or the curls would be all over the place like yours.”
From the look on her face I could tell she’d disliked her unruly curls like I had growing up, but unlike me she seemed to not have come to terms with them. Maybe I’d change my mind again later in life, but knowing Evan loved my curls had me appreciating them now instead of wanting to wipe them out of existence.
She continued to intently scrutinize me from head to toe with a minute frown creasing her happy visage. Feeling inexplicably nervous I did the same to her, and couldn’t help comparing her to Evan’s mom. When I looked at Jasmine it was difficult to imagine her as a mother because she was so young, beautiful and chic. This woman in front of me, while pretty, had more of a mom look to her; curvier and wearing clothes that didn’t look like they’d come off the cat-walk.
However, her gaze didn’t hold the same adoration Jasmine’s did when looking at Evan. My chest compressed involuntarily at the absence of it, which was stupid. We had no connection except blood…possibly. Although, I was leaning heavily toward believing she was my mother. And it was logical that she wouldn’t look at me that way, but the huge smile on her face said she was at least happy to be meeting me.
She suddenly broke the heavy hush that had fallen between us. “Are you angry that I ambushed you?” Not waiting for my response she rushed forward. “I hope you’re not. The moment the news described your background I knew you were mine and I had to meet you; to tell you I never wanted to abandon you, but that I was forced to…for your own good. My parents would have kicked me out of the house if they found out about you and then what would I have done. How would I take care of you? I was so stressed throughout the whole pregnancy, scared that someone would notice. Thankfully, I didn’t gain much weight. I think the stress helped to keep my weight down though, and I was careful about what I ate as well.” She grimaced and looked down at herself. “God, I looked so fat during those last two interviews. I’ve had less restraint in the last few years, but these new circumstances have me buckling down again.” She slanted her head and raised her brow like that was at least one good thing that had come from this entire soap-opera mess.
I blinked at her sudden tangent, and then blinked again when she returned back to her passionate story-telling.
“I was so scared when I went into labor for you. I lied to my parents and told them I was going to spend a few nights at a new friends house, but really I went to one of my parents friends who were out of town for a couple weeks, and it was there that I delivered you…alone. God, I was
terrified.” She shook her head with a look of remembered fear on her face. “I’d spent hours researching pregnancies, but I wasn’t prepared for the pain, and I was sure I was going to die. I didn’t though, and you came out healthy and crying. Damn, did you cry, but hell, so did I.”
Once again she shook her head recalling the past. And all I could do was stare at her with a mix of shock, confusion, and heart-stopping unwavering fixation. She’d jumped into the story so abruptly and I was trying to catch up and process it all, but I didn’t miss the look of expectation on her face. She was waiting for some kind of response from me.
“Uhm…the whole things does sound insanely frightening.” My mouth agreed on autopilot.
She smiled and nodded looking excited. “Yes, it was, but you just went through something terrifying yourself so I’m sure you can relate.”
My brows shot up. I guess in a way the two situations were kind of comparable. She’d been afraid she was going to die giving birth all alone in a hotel room, while I’d thought I was going to die of appendicitis in a cage. The big freaking difference was that she could have called for help if she wanted and I couldn’t.
A twinge of shame stabbed through me. It was possible she had truly felt like she couldn’t call anyone. I didn’t know her parents or all the facts of her life at the time, so I didn’t know how helpless she actually felt. Maybe she had really felt like she was all alone; she’d been young, pregnant, and terrified of being thrown out in the streets.
A battle brewed inside me; I was torn at wanting to throw my shitty life in her face, yell at her for her selfishness, but also trying to identify with what she must have been dealing with. God, I was confused.
Trying to push all my emotions to the side…yeah right…I asked instead, “What about my…the guy who got you pregnant?”
Several emotions flittered across her face and it was hard to describe them all, but I did decipher anger. She also took an extra long moment to answer. “He was a senior at UVA at the time and when I told him I was pregnant he dropped me like a poisoned apple. I just found out recently he died and you’re better off not knowing him anyway.” Her lip curled in a sneer.
That news caused an unexpected pain to shoot through my chest. Again, I don’t know why. I didn’t know the man, and it sounded like he was a douche.
I started when her hand reached out to grip mine and I focused on her suddenly earnest expression. “Forget about him. On the whole, men are unreliable. That’s something I’ve discovered after years of disappointments.” Damn, she must be my mother because she sounded like me…or like I used to be. She squeezed my hand. “Let’s focus on us. I want to get to know you. What your life was like, and how you’re dealing with what just happened to you. What you went through with that slimball sex trafficker.”
Did she think we were suddenly going to become bosom-buddies? By the expectant expression on her face it would seem so. Surprisingly, I was torn between wanting to spill everything and jumping from the car. It appeared my long desired dreams of having my mother finally come and recue me were at odds with another part of me that wanted to tell her to go to hell.
Since my butt wasn’t moving I guess the first part was winning, but I wasn’t comfortable with laying out my life for her either.
“Uhm…You kind of surprised me with this sudden meeting. I’m going to need a little time to process everything.” Watching her hopeful expression switch to disappointment had me swiftly backpedalling, because if she was disappointed than it must mean she really wanted to get to know me. “But maybe we could meet tomorrow and talk some more.”
Her optimistic expression came back and my chest constricted and my eyes pricked with tears. Maybe Evan was right and being kidnapped was destined; Elizabeth was recued, Evan realized he loved me, and now I might get the family I always wanted.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
EVAN
Parking my car behind Nic’s truck I turned off the engine and jumped from the car. Jogging up to the house I ignored the few reporters’s still camping outside our house yelling out questions to me about Shaw. My irritation burned a little milder with them today only because I was hopped up on adrenaline for the booty I was about to raid tonight.
I smiled recalling our texts this afternoon, and the many others. My girl was one of a kind; the only nut to my screw. I chortled at her response to when I’d told her that: If only your screw came with the same ridges as a real one, than you’d have something to boast about.
Tonight I was going to remind her I didn’t need threads to please her. We’d been fooling around and taking the edge off each other while she’d been healing but I missed sinking deep inside her delectable body. These last two weeks had revealed another astounding fact to me. If given the choice to only fool around with Shaw or stick my dick in another woman…I’d choose restricted sex with Shaw. I’d take her anyway I could.
Charging through the door I startled Nic and Shaw sitting on the couch together in the living room. Carrie wasn’t anywhere in sight which meant she was working at the aquarium. Nic was going through a stack of papers that were spread out over the coffee table and Shaw had her laptop in front of her. They were going over information for Nic’s new business; had been for the last week.
I had been burying it, but the fact that Nic got to spend this one on one time with Shaw had been bothering me. Even though it was work and I knew they would never cross that line, this possessive part of me wanted all her time to be mine. It didn’t help that these last two days I’d been going through Shaw withdrawal after spending two full weeks with her.
Hooking my coat on the coat rack and dropping my briefcase I prowled toward her. Her eyes widened, as did her mouth in an excited half smile, as she interpreted my expression.
“I hope you’re not working on anything imperative.” I growled.
“She is, so you’re going to have to bank your fire until I’m finished with her.” Nic declared while pointing a threatening finger at me.
Paying him no attention I grabbed Shaw’s computer and switched it from her lap to the coffee table. She didn’t question me or complain as I bent over and scooped her carefully over my shoulder in a fireman’s lift. She might be healed but it wouldn’t hurt to be gentle with her.
“”Dammit, Evan. Why’d you even ask?” Nic snorted, tossing the papers in his hand on the table.
“I didn’t ask.” I massaged Shaw’s ass as I turned and headed for the stairs. “I might bring her back down after I’m done with her.”
Nic scoffed and grumbled behind us as I marched away with my treasure.
Shaw stroked my ass almost causing me to stumble at the wave of lust that washed over me. “Are you sure you don’t want to eat first. Nic and I made enchiladas.”
Another twinge of jealously pinged through me at the two of them making a meal together.
“There’s only one thing I’m hungry for at the moment.” I slipped my finger between her cheeks. Her yoga pants couldn’t hide the heat and wetness she was starting to spill and I groaned in anticipation, running my fingers over her seam.
Shaw ‘umphed’ out a moan as I took the stairs two at a time. Striding through my bedroom doors I pushed it closed behind us and then tilted her forward to flop down on the bed. She bounced and situated herself on her elbows staring up at me with passion-filled eyes, a happy grin, flushed cheeks, her legs spread slightly, and her unruly curls falling out of her askew bun.
Shit, she made my chest hurt with how beautiful she was.
Staring at her, my blood running thick and hot, I loosened my tie pulling it from my collar. “Okay, the first time is probably going to go fast, but don’t worry, I’ll roll right into the second round.”
Her smile widened, and her gaze locked on my fingers as they began unbuttoning my shirt. “You know they have doodads for just for that problem.” Gripping the bottom of her shirt she pulled it up and off.
That was a new bra…and it was lifting her breasts in an oh-so app
etizing manner. The sight of them had me going deaf for a moment. “What?” I shrugged off my shirt and worked hastily on my belt and pants while at the same time toeing off my shoes.
“You’re premature ejaculation problem…they have these things called cock rings that stop you from ejaculating.” She wiggled out of her yoga pants. “Do you want me to order one for you? Actually, never mind; that’s more of a question for me than for you, so I’ll get on that order tomorrow.”
I finally caught onto what she was saying and chuckled throatily. “First ridges, now rings. Is my dick too plain for you, Red?” I dropped my pants.
I could see her trying to subdue her laughter. “Well, I was surfing the internet and compared to a lot of other penises yours is kind of…unadorned. Ever think abut getting a Prince Albert?”
“Ever think about a clit ring?” I shot back with a smirk, and hooking my thumbs in the waistband of my boxers I hauled them down. Shaw’s mouth parted and her cheeks flushed a deeper red. “That way the next time we sixty-nine we’ll both have some metal to play with.”
Stepping forward I seized her underwear and wrenched them down her legs. Then I dove in unable to banter any longer at the sight of her drenched sex. Swinging her legs over my shoulders I grabbed a hold of her firm ass cheeks and plundered her spicy wetness…that was a pirate reference there.
Releasing a small squeal she clutched at my head at the swiftness of my attack, and then throaty moans of bliss rumbled from her. “Oh god…oh god…Evan…”
Reaching one hand up I pulled down her bra, rolling and pinching her turgid nipple firmly, while sucking and biting her clit, and teasing her tight little entrance with my tongue. She panted, and bucked, and withered, pleading for me to fill her.
