Out of the Wreckage

by Amy Cox

  “Hmm?” She purrs.

  “You drive me crazy… Mmm… ‘Drea, we can’t…not here.”

  ‘Drea pulls back and laughs, “No we can’t, can we?” She stands and walks back to the truck and Nate yells, “’Drea, I said we can’t, I didn’t say I didn’t want to.”

  Turning back to him as he repeats her words back at her, she leaps into his arms. “Oh Nate.” She whispers kissing him hard. “Grams is going to Bingo tonight right?”

  “Mmhmm, hasn’t missed one as far as I know.”

  “Let me cook for you, come to the store tonight and I’ll have dinner and dessert.” ‘Drea says as she strokes his jaw.

  “I can’t say no to you lovely Westwood women. See you later then Sugar?”

  “Yeah, I gotta get to the store; you gotta get the apples up to Grams. Will you tell her about dinner?”

  “Sure it will be my pleasure to give Ms. Ruthie the night off.” ‘Drea kisses him once more and heads through the orchard to the store. “Yep, she will be a hell of a way to go.” Nate says to himself as he drives his truck up to unload the apples for Ms. Ruthie to clean, and separate.

  ‘Drea paces around the island as she decides what to make for tonight. She decides on lasagna and a salad, and rolls out dough for herb bread. After mixing the salad and prepping the lasagna she places them both in the fridge. Locking up the store, she heads to the house where Grams is on the porch peeling apples.

  “I hear I get the night off huh Missy?”

  “Yes, Ma’am.” ‘Drea says with a smile.

  “That’s a girl. You two have some fun tonight, Sugar.”

  ‘Drea kisses her cheek and goes into the house. After a long bath, ‘Drea has lotioned herself and is wearing a silky pink sundress and while ballet flats. She leaves her hair down; he likes it down, and checks her make-up. She whistles on her walk through the orchard as she heads back to the store. As the lasagna and bread cook in the oven she sets the table. Using a white silk table cloth and lighting candles, once she is happy with it she walks to the cooler to get something for dessert and is stopped in her tracks. Sitting on the shelf is a pie and a note:

  If you think I wouldn’t have my hands in this Missy, you were wrong. Enjoy your night-Grams.

  Taking the pie and the note ‘Drea smiles. Just as she puts the plates on the table there is a knock at the door. “Come on in Nate, its open.” Nate strolls in handing ‘Drea a single red rose. “Thank you.” She says as she takes him in: he has shaved, and is in a blue dress shirt and black jeans.

  “You look nice Sugar.” He says pulling her into an embrace.

  “You clean up nice yourself, hungry?”

  “Always.” He says with a wink. “I was going to bring wine, but I didn’t know…” Nate starts as he sits down.

  “I’d rather have a beer anyway.” ‘Drea says handing Nate a bottle.

  “You are an amazing woman Sugar.” Nate says taking a sip. As they eat they sit together smiling, laughing, and talking about the store. “So in just a few days we will know if this will all work out?” Nate asks as he finishes his plate.

  “Not exactly, I see it as worth it all regardless if anyone shows up. Grams is the only family I have left and I am happy here.” ‘Drea replies as she slices the pie, as she cuts through the meringue she gasps.

  Nate brows shoot up, “What is it ‘Drea?”

  “Grams, she… Oh it is my favorite!” She stammers out.

  “What…huh?” Nate asks again confused.

  She carries the pie over and hands him a plate, “When I was a little girl Grand-dad used to buy me Mounds candy bars at the grocer. Grams made me a pie for my birthday one year. I can’t believe she remembered.” ‘Drea says as she bites into the chocolate crème pie with meringue and coconut shavings and sighs.

  “Sugar you would be surprised at how much she remembers. All she talks about it you and how proud she is of you.”

  “She is too good to me; Lord what would I do without her.”

  “Let’s hope we never find out Sugar.” Nate replies as he finishes his pie and clears the table. ‘Drea starts running water in the sink as Nate grabs her arm, spinning her into him. “Dance with me ‘Drea.”

  “There is no music Nate.” She says shutting off the faucet.

  “So.” He says matter of fact, and twirls her across the kitchen. The whole world stands still as Nate holds ‘Drea in his arms and he brings his lips to hers. As her arms wrap around his neck he groans against her mouth. Nate’s knees nearly give out, so he locks them in place as he pulls back.

  “Come with me ‘Drea.”

  Nate leads ‘Drea through the orchard to a clearing; there is a blanket on the ground, and flameless candles, and cushions set up against a tree. It takes ‘Drea a moment to take it all in as Nate wraps his arms around her waist pulling her into him.

  “Nate…” ‘She finally gasps, as he squeezes her hand.

  “I may have had some free time this afternoon, sit.” He says as he sits pulling her into his lap.

  “Tonight couldn’t get much better, this is beautiful.” She whispers as she kisses him sweetly.

  “’Drea…” Nate moans as he turns them, laying her on her back on the cushions and blanket, his eyes searching hers. ‘Drea’s hands fist in his shirt and he crushes his mouth to hers. As his hands run up her thighs, ‘Drea starts unbuttoning his shirt, ripping most of the buttons off making her giggle. “Oh, I’m sorry.”

  “It’s OK. I didn’t like that shirt anyway.” Nate says with a chuckle, as he tosses it off and trails kisses down her throat. Slowly he unbuttons the buttons on the front of her dress kissing every inch of exposed skin, as she arches up to him.

  “Nate…” She pleads.

  “Ssh, right here Sugar.” He whispers as he slides her panties down her legs. “I am going to take my time with you Andrea. I have been desperate to touch you for like this for days.” As he pushes her dress off, he takes her mouth with his again, wrapping her legs around him.

  ‘Drea has never felt like this. Nate had spent his afternoon turning the clearing into a romantic wonderland, and he was worshipping her body like time stood still. Phillip never gave her butterflies, she never saw sparks when he kissed her. Nathan Kyle could make all those things happen and then some. As Nate slowly sank into her, he thought his brain would explode. It was better than anything he could have ever imagined…and he had spent a lot of time imagining… The feel of her soft skin, her heart racing, the smell of vanilla and sugar that came from her was nothing compared to the sweet taste of her.

  As her sweet pants turned to moans and soft whispers of his name; Nate lost himself and went right over the edge with her. Pulling the extra blanket over them, Nate pulls her against him and kisses her hair. “You are beautiful ‘Drea.” As he disposes of the condom in his jeans pocket, he hears ‘Drea sniffle. Concern filling his face, he turns her chin up to look at him, wiping a stray tear from her cheek with his thumb. “Jesus, Sugar did I hurt you?”

  ‘Drea chuckles out a sob, “No, Nate. No one has ever made me feel so special. No one in a long time, not since…” She trails off.

  “Since you left here? Oh Sugar, you’ve been with the wrong people. You are amazing, ‘Drea. It’s there loss and my gain.” He says sweetly as he tucks her beneath him and brings his lips to hers. “I plan to spend the night showing you just how amazing I think you are ‘Drea.”

  ‘Drea stretches as she feels the arms tighten around her. Relaxing back into Nate’s arms, she relives last night and it hits her… We are STILL in the orchard, jerking up she laughs out loud. “We stayed out here all night, and we are naked.” She says as Nate’s eyes flutter open.

  “Looks like we did, better get up to the house before Ms. Ruthie comes huntin’” Nate teases as he grabs her dress and hands it to her with a wink.

  Once they are dressed, they walk up to the house where Ms. Ruthie is waiting on the porch swing peeling apples. “Mornin’ you two.” She says with a conspiratorial
grin.

  “Grams, we were um…” ‘Drea starts.

  “Andrea Ruth, do you think you could possible spin a tale and make be believe anything other than what happened between you two in the orchard? Do you think Grand-dad wasn’t so smooth himself?” Ruthie says with a laugh.

  “Grams!” ‘Drea says blushing.

  Ruthie’s eyes dart to Nate lovingly, “Nathan.” She says sweetly.

  “Morning Ms. Ruthie.” Nate says as ‘Drea pulls him into the house.

  “Pancakes and bacon are on the stove.” Ruthie shouts.

  As Nate sits digging into the pancakes and bacon, ‘Drea pours the coffee. Sitting beside him she sighs as she bites into a piece of bacon. “So are we…I mean…Um…” She starts.

  Nate laughs, “Yes, ‘Drea you’re my girl, that is if you want to be.”

  ‘Drea blushes, and then smiles. “Um, well, just like that huh?”

  “Guess so.” Nate says finishing his plate, he stands pulling her into him. “I like the sound of that, you ‘Drea…My girl…mine…” Crushing his lips to hers, he turns and lifts her to the counter behind her and her legs wrap around his hips. After surrendering to needing to kiss her senseless he remembers where they are… In Ms. Ruthie’s kitchen, her only grand-daughter on her counter… Jesus man you are a goner. Pulling back he smiles, “OK. I am going back to my place to change; I’ll be back in an hour to put in the display cases.” He adds as he kisses her again, and then he saunters out of the house saying goodbye to Ms. Ruthie on his way to his truck.

  After gathering her wits, and cleaning up the breakfast dishes, ‘Drea showers and dresses quickly. Ruthie is cooking apples when she comes into the kitchen.

  “Oh Sugar, you seem lighter this mornin’”

  “Grams, really…” ‘Drea says with a giggle.

  “We have calls about tomorrow all mornin’, should have a good turn-out Sugar.” Ruthie says as she starts preparing jars to can apples.

  “That’s great. Nate and I are going to put in the display cases today.”

  “Oh, so how are you and Nate, Andrea?”

  ‘Drea smiles, “Good Grams. He is so sweet, and makes me feel…special.”

  “Well, good Missy. Now, you get on, I’ve got things to get done. I’ll bring jars down later, once they have cooled.”

  “Grams, Nate and I will come and load up after supper.”

  “Alright then Sugar.” Ruthie nods as ‘Drea heads out the door and into the orchard.

  By the time ‘Drea walks to the store, Nate is backing the truck up to the front doors to unload the display cases. She stops, admiring the view of him stretching across the truck removing the straps holding down the cases. Will she ever tire of oogling this man and his backside? Get a grip ‘Drea, you are gawking like a pervert!

  Turning just in time to catch her, Nate smiles. “Hey, Sugar.”

  “Hey yourself.” She calls back as she turns to unlock the doors. “Need some help?”

  “Nope, they are lighter than they look. You should get in there and bake, Sugar.” Nate says with a grin.

  “Oh so one night under the stars and I am destined to be the ‘little woman in the kitchen…” She says teasing.

  Nate laughs, “Well hell, maybe.” He winks. “I would do anything with a donut.”

  ‘Drea waggles a brow, “Then I had better get to it then. I fully intend to make you work for every bite.” She winks back at him as she turns and saunters into the kitchen. Nate lays his head against the cool metal of his truck and sighs… Yep killing him…killing him…

  ‘Drea cranks Bon Jovi on her IPod and hooks it into the sound system; she starts mixing flour, eggs and adding all the other ingredients to the mixer. As her dough rises she starts mixing up her glaze. Singing along with ‘Always’ as she rolls out her dough, she feels arms around her waist and smiles. Nate...

  “They aren’t ready yet.” She teases as he nuzzles her hair.

  “I got the cases in, and bolted into place. You are ready to open Sugar.”

  “Nearly. Grams has apples at the house, jars of jelly and some other stuff.”

  “I’ll go get it now.” Nate says sweetly as he nuzzles her ear pulling her tight against him. Whipping around to face him he hoists her up on the counter and kisses her hard and demanding, her hands roaming up and into his hair and tugging. A cough from the front door startles them both, making ‘Drea nearly jump off the counter.

  “Well Andrea, I see you changed your recipe. Exactly which part of the process is this?” A man from the door says, adjusting his suit.

  Part Five:

  Sometimes you have to face the Past, in the Present, to have a Future.

  ‘Drea’s face falls as she takes in the man she never thought she would see again... “Phillip. How did you know where to find me? Why are you here?” She asks appalled that he has the guts to show his face now. Nate takes her hand in his and she swears she heard a growl low in his throat. Phillip stands his whole 5’10 in the door way in his expensive black tailored suit and eyes the place. His perfectly styled black hair, not one strand out of place, his brown eyes assessing his distaste for the situation.

  “Andrea, I was curious as to where my fiancé ran off to, I have missed you pet.”

  Nate eyes ‘Drea? Pet? What the hell, she isn’t a pet.

  “Um Nate, this is Phillip my old boss. I would say it is a pleasure Phillip but it isn’t.” ‘Drea scowls.

  Nate sighs, “Phillip.” Nodding icily.

  “Nate would you mind seeing to Grams? I will see to this and be ready to set up when you get back.” She says not taking her eyes off of Nate.

  “Are you sure, Sugar?” Nate asks sweetly, clearly marking his territory.

  “Yes Baby. It won’t take long.”

  “Ok.” Nate replies kissing her cheek sweetly, turns and strides out like a man on a mission. After ‘Drea shakes her head to steady herself she turns to deal with this mess.

  “Phillip what do you want?” She asks him as he strides over to her.

  “I have missed you My Pet. Why did you leave?” Phillip says as he touches her cheek.

  “Why? Why! I guess you and the waitress didn’t think I would mind? You could have cared less that I left you Phillip. You don’t love me and I don’t love you.” She snaps as she jerks away from him.

  He chuckles, “Ah Pet you are so much smarter than I give you credit for. I am a bit disappointed in the whole ‘kissing the handy man thing’ but I can forgive you.”

  ‘Drea closes her eyes mentally counting to ten, “Don’t call me pet. I hate than Phillip, I am not your damn pet. Why would I want your forgiveness, we are over.”

  Phillip laughs. He laughs! “We are far from over my pet. My father has decided that since you left, the restaurant is no longer high-priority. He is threatening to boot me and close if you don’t come back. I booked us a flight and we...”

  ‘Drea slams a pan across the room, “Now you listen to me, Phillip. Very carefully, I am not going back to New York, I am not working for you and I am not putting back on your ring. Now leave before I make you.” She turns to her dough and starts to roll it out and he grabs her spinning her into him pinning her against the island. “Phillip, I am warning you.”

  Phillip smiles, “Andrea, you have no idea what you are saying and who you are messing with. You will go back to the way things were and that is that.” He pushes against her and nuzzles her neck.

  “Never, Phillip I mean it. Back the hell up and NOW!” ‘Drea pushes at him and he jolts back. Not because of her force, but Nate’s. He grabs Phillip by the throat and jerks him to the door. Choking off his airway, making Phillip gasp and beg.

  “Nate! What are you doing?” ‘Drea gasps fearing Nate will kill him.

  “I am just taking out the trash Sugar, won’t be but a minute.” Nate says dragging him out the door and jerking it closed. Nate is bubbling with fury, standing outside during the conversation was nearly impossible. This egocentric ass caged her in, put h
is hands on her. He throws him into his car and he crumbles to the ground.

  Gasping for air Phillip is cursing Nate with every breath. “I will sue you. I will own you. She is my fiancé and belongs to me.”

  Nate growls grabbing him by the jacket and hauls him up against his shiny little BMV rental. “Now you are going to listen to me, real good. I am going to speak nice and clear, as to not confuse you.” Phillip starts to talk but Nate shakes him furiously, shutting him up. Nate continues, “You are not welcome here. She doesn’t want you here. If you decide to show up here again, I will be waiting and you will see just how handy I am asshole. Andrea is no longer your fiancée, employee, or whatever else she may have been. So get in your car and have you a real nice day.” Nate growls letting him slide down the car.

  Phillip gasps for breath as he climbs into his car and drives away. Nate turns and walks back into the kitchen where ‘Drea stands at the sink. “’Drea are you alright?” Nate asks as he wraps his arms around her from behind.

  She blows out a breath and closes her eyes, “Yes, he just tried to get his point across. He wanted me to come back and make his life easier.” ‘Drea says as she turns in his arms and he pulls her in tight.

  “I know Sugar.” Nate says.

  “You were listening?” ‘Drea asks surprised.

  Nate nods, “He looked like a classic douche and I wasn’t leaving you alone with him. When he got too close, I decided to remove him.” He says drawing a giggle from her.

  “Thank you, Nate. So...is he still alive?” ‘Drea asks as she nuzzles into the crook of his neck.

  “Yeah, but if he comes back we will need to plan on where to hide the body. I won’t be so polite next time.” Nate says sweetly.