Love's Embers (Canon City Series)

by Marie, Lauren

  ****

  Lark sat on the passenger door of the Bronco with a blanket wrapped around her. The window under her butt was cracked, but with another blanked piled on top of it, she didn’t feel the cold. The SUV protected her from the wind, but unless she turned the heat on periodically, the inside got very cold.

  She’d cried after she’d talked to Charlie. He risked so much to come out in this weather to find her and she couldn’t wait to see him. This whole mess taught her several very important lessons that she would hold onto forever. She realized she loved Charlie more than anything and wanted to spend the rest of her life giving him everything. He was patient and kind to her and laughed at himself easily. She also learned that no matter how mad she was, she should stay off the road in a snowstorm.

  Lark only hoped she didn’t freeze to death before she could tell Charlie everything in her heart. She giggled a little when she thought if she did freeze, she would have to come back to haunt him, which then struck her as a morose thought and she stopped that train right then.

  ****

  Once Charlie got turned around at exit 105 and headed south, he pulled into the emergency lane with his flashers on and picked up Gran’s phone. He hit the Send button and listened to it ring.

  “Hi Gran,” Lark answered.

  “It’s me, babe. I just got turned at exit 105 and I’m facing south on I-25. Can you get up to a window facing the road?”

  “The car’s on its side, Ducky. I think I can stand up. Let me see if I can get the window...ah, shit.”

  “What happened?” He could hear something bang on the phone line.

  “The auto window works. I just got a snow shower on the head.” She laughed.

  Charlie smiled and was glad to hear her laugh. “I’m going to start blowing my air horn. Let me know when you hear it.”

  He let the gears out and started to move slowly forward. After he’d shoot the horn off, he’d count to ten and repeat it. He’d gone about half a mile when Lark told him she could hear it.

  “How loud?”

  “It sounds like you’re in the distance.”

  He continued to move the truck forward and blew the horn again. “Is it louder?”

  “Yes.”

  “What about now?”

  “Yep, it’s louder.”

  “Sweetie, grab your flashlight and blink it through the window.” He tried to see something along the road and not run himself into the ditch. He hit the horn again.

  “That was louder, Ducky. I can hear your truck, too.”

  “I can see you, babe. I’ll be there in two seconds.” He put the truck into park and left the hazard lights blinking. He jumped out and made his way through the snow to her SUV. It was half buried and he didn’t think he could get her out of the bottom. He brushed the snow off the rear window which wouldn’t open. The latch seemed to be jammed. He looked around the area and found a thick tree limb. He tested it to see if it was strong and then threw it up onto the side of the Bronco.

  He moved to the under carriage and used it to maneuver himself up to the side of the SUV. He looked in the open window and saw Lark look up at him. “Hey there, Lou, fancy meeting you here.” He smiled. “I’m going to see if I can get the door open. Can you move to the backseat?”

  “Yeah, I think so.”

  He watched her get into the back and when she was out of the way, he bent over the door and grabbed the handle. He used all his strength to pull it up and propped the branch he’d found on the side of the truck. He lowered the door onto it and made sure it would hold the door open.

  He brushed some of the snow away from the opening and looked in again. “Babe, are you ready to go home?” He saw her smile up at him and move back to the front seat. “The weather is still pretty crappy. It might be best to stop at exit 104 and see what it looks like in the morning. Have you got everything you need?” She nodded. He leaned down and put his hand through the door for her to grab. “Come to me, my pretty.”

  He could hear her laugh and could see her use the seats to step up. He pulled her half way out and then grabbed the back of her pants to get her the rest of the way out.

  “Thank you, Charlie, but I think you gave me a wedgie.”

  He helped her stand up. “Yeah, we’ll get that fixed shortly.” He showed her the best way down and once she was on the ground, he shut the door and jumped down. He put his arm around her and helped her get to the road. They made their way to his truck and he got her situated into the seat. He stood on the step and helped her remove her boots.

  “Are your feet dry?” He rubbed her feet.

  “Yes,” she said and her teeth chattered.

  “Where’s the bump on your head?” She pointed to the side of her forehead. He gently put his fingers on it and saw the lump. “You’ll have another bruise, but it doesn’t look too bad. Did you lose consciousness?” She shook her head. “Okay, crawl in back to the sleeper. There are blankets and a sleeping bag back there to help you warm up.”

  She nodded and turned around to get into the back. Charlie stepped back to the ground and closed the door.

  When he got the truck back onto the road, he let out a breath. He felt very lucky to find her. “It’s a good thing the Bronco is red. I might have missed it if you’d gotten a lighter color,” he said.

  “It will be easy to find in the spring when the snow melts.”

  “Naw, we’ll have to get a tow truck with a trailer. It looks like you blew a tire in the front and the axle and shock absorbers are gone. I’ll take care of it tomorrow or Friday when the weather clears.” She didn’t respond and Charlie tried to see her in the rearview mirror. “Lou, are you okay back there? Are you getting warmed up?”

  “Yeah, I’m okay.”

  “We’re almost to the truck stop. Gran sent some coffee with me and food.” He followed the exit and found his way to the truck stop. He pulled into a parking spot and set the brake. “I’ll be right back, babe. I have to go and pee. Gran said to call her landline when we were safe.” He looked over his seat and saw Lark snuggled down under the blankets. “I’ve been thinking about the bump on your head. Do you really feel okay or should I try to get you to the hospital?”

  “No.” She pulled the blanket down off her face. “I’m all right, really. I’ll call Gran.”

  Charlie ran into the truck stop and found the men’s-room. He didn’t want to leave Lark alone for long and hurried. He went back out to the truck. It was still snowing, but the wind seemed to be dying down some. He opened the door and stepped up into the truck. He looked into the back, again, and saw Lark sitting up with her chin on her knees. She had a sheet of paper in her hand and was staring straight ahead.

  He sat sideways on his seat and leaned against the door. He reached back to her and touched her shoulder. “Hey, are you in there?”

  She smiled a little. “Yeah, I’m in here.” She folded up the letter and put it in her purse. “Did I mention that I go off my nut from time to time and drive into blizzards?”

  “No, you didn’t tell me about that.”

  “Gran yelled at me and I think I’ll hear more when we get home.” She looked at him. “Are you mad at me?”

  “No, I’m not mad so much as wondering what you were thinking.”

  “I thought I could get up to Denver and back in a reasonable amount of time. I hoped to be home before the storm got really bad. I didn’t plan to drive into a ditch.”

  Charlie laughed and watched as she leaned against the side of the truck. She stretched her legs out and closed her eyes. She moved slowly to get her coat off and he leaned over to help

  pull the sleeve down.

  “How come you leave the engine running, Ducky?”

  “It keeps the cab warm and it’s easier to get moving in the morning. If you shut it off, it
can take a half hour to wake up.”

  She opened her eyes and looked at him, again. “Charlie, everything is completely finished with Thomas...well, almost completely. Did I mention I’m a mail thief?”

  He sat up and felt his brows crease. “When did you become a mail thief?”

  “Today. I was at the condo and there was a pile of mail waiting for me. I noticed Thomas left his mail on the same table and looked through it. I found a letter from the National Savings and Loan and stuffed it into the back of my pants with my mail. I just had to take it.”

  “Why?”

  “I think my attorney will find it interesting. It says nothing will happen until after the first of the year with them buying up the loan. Ryan said it was all moot anyway. There’s a clause that keeps Canon City from selling the loan without giving us sixty days notice.” She shrugged. “It should work out, I think.” She folded her hands in her lap.

  “You don’t sound convinced.”

  “I just have to be patient and see what happens.” She closed her eyes again.

  “Was he there at the condo?” Charlie asked, quietly. He’d debated asking this question, but now wanted to know.

  “Yes. He had a naked woman named Tina handcuffed to the bed.”

  “What?”

  “All of his toys were spread out between her legs and ready to go.” She shivered and brought her knees back up. “I don’t even want to think about it. I asked him why he was trying to buy the loan. He said he was going to close the business so I’d move to Denver. He acted rude. In fact, when I told him I’d had the best sex of my life with you two days ago, I thought that he might hit me, again.” She shrugged and looked at him. “I don’t know what his plan was, so I sprayed hairspray in his eyes. I know for a fact it burns like hell. I don’t know what I ever saw in that man.”

  Charlie laughed and then said, “Remind me never to take you on. Hairspray? That’s great.”

  “Ducky, why are you so far away from me?”

  He stopped laughing and held his hand out to her. “I didn’t want to crowd you, sweetheart.”

  “You can crowd me anytime, anywhere, twenty-four/seven. I love it when I can feel your warm body next to mine.”

  Charlie moved between the seats and sat on the edge of the sleeper mattress. He took his coat off and threw it back into the front. “Lark, I don’t ever want to handcuff you to furniture. I’ve worn them and I’d never do that to you. The bondage thing just isn’t of any interest to me.”

  She took his hand. “I’m glad to hear it. That game isn’t really my cup of tea, either.” She leaned forward and put her hands around his neck. She traced his lips with her finger. “Ducky, I really love your kisses. They make my heart pound and I lose my breath.” She kissed his chin.

  “I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but I seem to have a crazy illness.” He put his hands around her and saw her frown. “The minute you’re near me, or if I touch you, I’m instantly hard. It’s the strangest thing, because it only happens with you.”

  She put her hand on the inside of his thigh and moved it up. She brushed his lips. “Thank you for saving me tonight.” She moved her hand on his shaft and he sighed. “Can I see if I can help your illness?” she asked.

  Charlie sucked in his breath as her fingers applied a bit of pressure to his penis. “Are you warmed up enough?” He saw her nod and smile. “I...I better close the blinds.” He put his lips on her and nibbled her tongue.

  “What blinds?” she asked and pulled her head back with a curious look on her face.

  “This truck has really great options.” He moved back to the front and started to pull the blinds down on the windows. “Privacy is a must if you sleep in the buff.”

  Lark slid her sweater off when the front window was covered. He saw it fly over the seat and turned to see her pull her turtle neck off. His body warmed as she sat looking up at him in her lacy bra. Charlie pulled his shirt and thermal undershirt off and put it in the seat and started to undo his pants. He couldn’t take his eyes off Lark. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. He saw the bruise on her chest and moved toward her. He stood over her and lightly touched the blue green mark.

  He sat on the edge of the sleeper and put his hand on her cheek. “Lou, I swear to you on all I hold dear, I will never hurt you like this.”

  Lark put her hand over his. “I know. I really do know that. In my heart and in my head I’m so sure of you. I missed you so much when you were gone and I’m so happy you’re back.”

  Charlie pulled her into his arms and felt her hands on his back. He put his hand into her hair and kissed her neck. “God, I love you,” he whispered.

  “Ducky?” She looked up at him. “I know I’m a slut, but it’s gotten warm in here and I think we have too many clothes on.”

  “You’re my slut and you read my mind.”

  They both shed the rest of their clothes and Charlie snuggled under the blankets with her. They kissed and touched each other’s body over and over. They laughed and lost their breath. They spooned and loved one another.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  The next morning Lark woke up and realized the sun shone brightly. She smiled and woke Charlie up. They dressed and went into the truck stop restrooms to get cleaned up. They enjoyed a nice breakfast in the coffee shop and she loved to watch him from across the table. When they finished they decided to head home.

  It took Charlie a couple of tries to get the truck out of the parking lot. Lark was the happiest she’d been in a very long time.

  “Ducky, while you’re driving will it bother you if I stare at your incredibly handsome self?” She turned sideways and put her feet up on the edge of his seat.

  “It’s a beautiful morning out there, Lou. I’m sure there are prettier things to look at than me,” he said and steered the truck onto the highway.

  “I don’t agree. The most gorgeous hunk is right here in the driver’s seat.” She smiled and arched her eyebrow. “Would you mind if I got a little serious for a minute?”

  “For you, my love, anything.”

  “First, and most important, thank you for coming to my rescue last night in that horrible weather. You’ve always been my hero and it makes me love you more.” She put her feet down between the seats. “While I waited for you in the Bronco, I had some time to think about what Thomas was up to yesterday - and six months ago. I remember the location of that mansion.” She looked at him. “I’m going to talk to my attorney today, and ask him if it’s too late to file a complaint.”

  “Do you mean against Thomas?”

  “I’d more than love to see him pay, but it would probably turn into a ‘he said, she said’ situation.”

  “Yeah, I think you’re right on that one.”

  “I’ll talk to Ryan. Maybe I could do something without being identified that could close that club. That mansion needs to be torn down and burned.”

  “I agree and you’ve got my support all the way. Whatever you decide to do, babe, I’ll be right there with you.” He reached his hand across the cab to her.

  She put her hand in his. “Do you know what?” She saw him glance at her and shake his head. “I want to go back to that mansion and cut off some dicks. Do you think that would be rude and maybe just a little bit psycho?” She smiled at him.

  Charlie looked at her with faked shock on his face. “Your true colors are showing, my darling. Can I watch?” He laughed. “The next time you decide to take off in a blizzard, please, let me know,” Charlie said.

  “Oh my Lord, we were supposed to have dinner and a movie last night. I completely forgot. I’m sorry, babe.” Lark heard him laugh, again. “What?”

  “Lou, I had a really great dinner last night. We can watch the movie anytime. Weren’t you there?”

  Lark snickered. “Yes, I
was there and enjoyed every minute. You are fantastic under the blankets, Ducky.” She felt warmth move into her cheeks and couldn’t believe she’d blushed.

  “Are you okay? Your face has gone all red.” Charlie grinned at her.

  “You are a devil sometimes, Charlie Stone. It makes me love you even more than five minutes ago.”

  “Are we still being serious?” he asked.

  She nodded. “Sure.”

  “Do you know when I first started to really love you?”

  “No.”

  “We were maybe twelve or thirteen. It was during the summer and we were sitting by the river watching the rafters take off. You asked me how I’d really gotten the black eye I had. I told you about my dad hitting me and talked for over an hour. You never interrupted me once and just listened. I knew you heard everything I said and it really meant a lot to me then. It still does.”

  “Do you know when I first started falling in love with you?” She smiled and popped her lips. She saw him shake his head. “I was thirteen and Bobbie What’s-his-face was teasing me about being an orphan and said all kinds of crude remarks. You bloodied his nose and became my hero. It was the first time I thought, Ducky is going to be my boyfriend someday.”

  “Am I your boyfriend now?” He grinned and watched the road.

  “You bet your butt, and I like it.” She laughed.

  The drive took a little longer than they thought it would. As they neared Canon City, sanding trucks ahead of them caused the traffic to slow down.

  It was after eleven o’clock when they pulled into Charlie’s driveway. Lark looked over at Gran’s driveway and saw there were four other cars parked there.

  “Looks as though Gran’s got company.” Charlie set the brake.

  “Yeah, one of the cars belongs to Nancy. I don’t recognize the others.”