Handle With Care

by Patrice Wilton

  They wolfed down the spicy pad thai and the shrimp Penang, and nibbled on skewers of tasty chicken with a refreshing cucumber dressing. When their appetites were satisfied, they returned the food to the kitchen, snuffed out the candle, and walked hand in hand to his bedroom.

  Lauren moved into his arms, kissing him with all the hunger in her soul. She pulled at his shirt, wanting to feel his naked flesh, hating the cloth that separated them. As she quickly unbuttoned the shirt, her mouth followed her fingers, kissing his chest as each inch became exposed.

  When the last button was undone, she pushed his shirt off and got rid of her own top, needing to feel him chest to chest.

  Only her lacy bra kept her from her goal. “Undo me,” she commanded. Then she softened her voice. “Please?”

  He laughed and happily obliged. Pulling her up against him, he ran his good hand up and down her side.

  She squirmed against him. “This isn’t enough. I want more.”

  Without another word, he used his legs to topple her onto the bed, and fell next to her. His hands were at her zipper, but his i-limb got in the way. She helped him with her zipper, then he tugged her Capris and panties past her hips.

  “Help undress me,” he said in a husky voice. “I know exactly what you want, and I’m going to give it to you.”

  His words sent a delicious tremor through her body, and in moments she had his pants undone and his cock in her hands.

  He kicked his pants off, and she wrapped her legs around him, lifting her hips to him. In one solid stroke he entered her, and she gasped with surprise and delight.

  “Has anything ever felt so good?” she asked.

  “Not as long as I can remember,” he murmured, driving deeper and deeper, until he could go no farther. “Are you ready?”

  “Oh, yes. Give it to me.” She arched under him. “Don’t make me ask twice.”

  He slid halfway out, then slammed back in again. “Like this?”

  She licked her lips. “Uh-huh. I want more.”

  Their movements became frantic as both tried to please the other, until they found a natural rhythm and slowed down. Shane brought her to a fevered pitch, then eased back, prolonging the inevitable; teasing, tasting, giving her everything she needed, taking more time than she wanted.

  And it was just the way she liked it.

  Later, they got up and showered, then sat on the balcony watching the stars. It was such a perfect night, and Lauren wanted to stretch it out as long as she could.

  She tilted her head back and closed her eyes. “I’m at such peace. Surely I died and went to heaven.”

  “I hope not.” He reached over and tickled her side. She squealed. “Nope. You’re still alive.”

  She laughed. “I dare you to do that again.”

  “You’re asking for it, aren’t you?” He smirked, looking pleased with himself. “Wasn’t once enough?”

  “With you? Never.”

  “I could get used to this.” He folded his arms behind his head, flexing his muscles.

  “This being what?” She stared at him, unsure of how she wanted him to answer. Of course, she wanted him to say that he loved her and Josh, and they’d live happily ever after, but that wasn’t realistic, not part of their game plan. She knew that, but it didn’t stop her heart from hoping.

  “This,” he said. “You and me. Spending our nights together. Think we can swing it a little more often?”

  She swallowed the tiny lump of hurt inside. Whatever their relationship was, it was good for the present. She knew not to plan a future with him. Unless he wanted it, of course.

  “I’m going to try.” She smiled at him, refusing to let her emotions get in the way and spoil this wonderful evening. Being with him right now was enough.

  “Maybe we could set something up a couple of days a week,” he went on. “Have a babysitter booked for those nights, and I’ll make sure I don’t have a shift.”

  “We could do that, I suppose. I work three nights a week, but Josh is in bed by eight. He won’t miss me if I come home late.”

  He was silent for a moment, then he cleared his throat and leaned forward to take her hand. “Am I being fair to you and Josh? Wouldn’t you be better off with a marrying man?”

  “We’ve been through that.” She gave him a meaningful glance, wishing he’d just drop the subject. “I like things the way they are. I don’t need to remarry. I have Josh and my work, and for now that’s all I can handle.”

  “Okay. If you’re sure.” He ran his hand up her arm, sending tingles everywhere. “I think I’ve got the better end of the deal. You’re a beautiful, passionate woman, and the smartest person I know.”

  She leaned over to kiss him. “Thank you. That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

  “Well, get used to it then. I plan on paying you a lot of compliments. Starting with your mouth.” He kissed it tenderly. “It drives me crazy.”

  “I’ll show you crazy.” She stood up and slid onto his lap. “I want some more foreplay. Or afterplay. Whatever we want to call it. Something that’ll tide us over until the next tutoring session.” She planted little kisses all over his face and down his neck. “I sure hope you can keep up your good grades, because we’re not going to get a lot of studying done.”

  “This is worth failing for.”

  “You say that now.” She kissed him softly. “But I’d never forgive myself.”

  His hand slid under her top. “Want to bet? I can make you feel so good, you’d forgive anything.”

  Just to prove it, he did.

  EPISODE SIX

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  After Lauren left a little past midnight, Shane couldn’t settle down. His mind was filled with thoughts of her, the scent, the taste, the heart of the woman. She was the most amazing person he’d ever met, and he loved everything about her. The touch of her hands, the hot kisses she showered him with, the strength and feel of her legs wrapped around him, her beautiful breasts as she arched above him. But all that would mean nothing if she didn’t have that kind, loving heart or the bright, inquiring mind, or her selfless attitude when it came to her son. She’d do anything to protect him, even if it meant bringing harm to herself. His happiness and safety came first, above her own.

  Shane normally worked better at night. This was his quiet time when he could study and work on his assignments. But tonight his mind was wandering, and he had to force himself to sit upright in a chair and work through his studies. That worked for the better part of an hour, until he grew restless again.

  Lauren was like a drug to him now. He wanted her there, lying next to him. Wanted to smell her special scent, gaze at her beautiful face, feel the warmth of her body pressed against his.

  He should have known this would happen, that he’d get in too deep. He’d tried to warn her; he’d tried to hold back. But Kevin’s attack on her had changed everything. He didn’t trust other men around her. Or, more to the point, he didn’t want other men hanging around her, touching her, kissing her, giving her the love she needed.

  She was his. At least for now. Until she could see past his charming grin and look inside, and discover the coward lurking there. No one, especially someone as wise and as brave as Lauren, would respect him once she knew.

  Lauren woke up late. She didn’t bother with an alarm because her inner clock never failed her. But this morning it had. She dashed out of bed, not bothering to make it. She only had an hour to get herself and Josh showered, dressed, and ready to go.

  If her body hadn’t been so completely sexually sated, she’d never have slept this long. She hummed in the shower, and didn’t even try to wipe the smile off her face.

  Once dressed, she woke up Josh. “Rise and shine, sweet pea. We’re running late today.”

  “What time is it?”

  “Seven-fifteen. Go use the bathroom.” She gave him a gentle nudge in that direction. “I’ll lay out your clothes and then get your breakfast ready.”

  H
e rubbed his sleepy eyes. “What time did you get in? I waited up, hoping you’d come in and kiss me good night.”

  “You were sleeping soundly when I got home. It must have been late, after ten for sure.”

  “Can I have pancakes for breakfast?”

  “Sorry. Not this morning. You’re having an egg on an English muffin. It only takes a minute to make.”

  “Okay. With cheese?”

  “Sure. Be quick, hon. We don’t want to be late.”

  “I don’t care. I hate school, anyway.”

  “I know it’s hard right now, but you just need to make some different friends. Isn’t there a new boy in your class? What’s his name? Is he nice?”

  “Yeah. Thomas. He’s okay. Kinda dorky, though.”

  She smiled. “Dorky’s good. He’ll probably own an Internet company by the time he graduates.”

  “You’re weird,” Josh said with a puzzled look, then left to get washed up.

  When she let Josh off at the school drop-off area, his teacher waved and strolled over to the car. “Hello, Dr. Reynolds. Hi, Josh.” She put a hand on Josh’s shoulder. “We enjoyed meeting Mr. Dawson yesterday. He’s an interesting guy, that’s for sure.”

  Lauren gritted her teeth, and managed not to roll her eyes. “Yes, I’m sure he had plenty of stories to tell.”

  “The kids were certainly entertained. They would have happily kept him answering questions all day.”

  “I’m sure they would.” She glanced at the pretty, young teacher, wondering what Shane had thought of her. “Sorry to be rude, but I’m running errands this morning.”

  “Not a problem. Just wanted to say hello.”

  “Miss Marshall? Now that you are here, I do want to ask you something. I’m concerned about Josh. He seems to have so few friends and says no one will sit with him at lunch.”

  She nodded. “Would you like to set up a meeting?”

  “I would indeed.”

  “What time suits you?” Miss Marshall asked.

  “I could come early. I work a few afternoon shifts, but tomorrow I start at nine.”

  “How about tomorrow at seven-thirty? Will that fit your schedule?”

  “Yes, it’s fine. I’ll see you then.”

  Lauren had to drop off her dry cleaning, buy groceries, and do a quick housecleaning. All that time, she couldn’t chase the worry away about Josh, and carried it right to the hospital.

  The one good thing about working the ER was that the moment you entered, your own problems got lost amid the unfolding chaos.

  Today was no different.

  She started off with a good-looking high school student. His knee was propped on a pillow, and he was in a great deal of pain. He’d been playing basketball when his knee had gone out. Lauren gave him something for the pain, ordered an X-ray, then popped the knee back in.

  Next came a twenty-eight-year-old man, a car accident victim with head and facial trauma. Unconscious on arrival, he’d lost over a pint of blood, and it was still pouring from the wounds on his face. The doctors and nurses worked quickly to obtain an airway and stop the blood flow, but even as they fought to stabilize him, they sensed it was a losing battle.

  The CT scan confirmed their worst fears, but he was moved to the ICU just the same and became someone else’s responsibility. With a sad heart and a guilty sigh, Lauren knew she was off the hook. Someone else would be informing the family that their son was brain dead.

  The usual bumps and scrapes and non–life-threatening injuries took up the rest of the afternoon. By the time Lauren’s shift ended, she was eager to flee this life-and-death world for her peaceful home with her son.

  It wasn’t until she sat with her glass of wine, watching her son sleep, that she remembered the appointment with the teacher in the morning.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  Caroline Marshall ushered Lauren into a small room and asked if she minded if the school counselor sat in.

  “No, of course not.” She shook hands with Lisa Simpson, having met her on several occasions.

  The three women sat at a small conference table, and Lisa started the conversation. “You mentioned to Miss Marshall that Josh has few friends and eats alone most days. This concerns us as well. How does he get along with others at home?”

  “He doesn’t bring many kids home,” Lauren admitted. “There’s really only his nanny and me. But he says the other children don’t like him and won’t play with him at recess or lunch.” Her heart ached for her son, and she felt so helpless. It was her job to protect him, to ensure his happiness, but how could you force other boys to like him? Were they to blame? Or had she failed him somehow?

  “I’m deeply concerned by this,” she added. “I want my son to be happy and enjoy school.” Lauren stared down the two women. “So what can the school do to make sure he’s not isolated?”

  The teacher and counselor looked at each other. “I think it all started due to the bullying.”

  Lauren clenched her fists under the table. “Who’s responsible?”

  “I can’t say,” Caroline Marshall replied. “But there is a certain group of boys that has made it their business to ridicule him every chance they get.”

  “Why can’t you stop them? Call in their parents and address this issue with them?”

  “It’s not so easy.” Lisa met her gaze. “They haven’t actually broken any school rules, or done anything to your son except make fun of him behind his back. But what it has done is it’s made Josh a social outcast. No one wants to befriend him because they don’t want to be the next kid under attack.”

  “That’s horrible and unfair. What do we do to stop this?”

  “Well, we plan to have an assembly and address the issue of bullying, and also reinforce the rules of the school,” Caroline Marshall said. “That might help. We are also considering asking one of the other students, a boy a year older, to be a playground buddy, if he agrees, of course.”

  “I’m glad to hear that, but what if he doesn’t?”

  The two women looked at each other. Lisa spoke, “Then I’m not sure what our next plan will be, but I do think we should set up another appointment in a month or so to revisit this situation.”

  “Agreed. But please keep me informed and let me know if it gets worse.” The women started to gather their belongings when she stopped them. “I have something else to discuss while I’m here.” She was silent for a moment, knowing what a difficult decision she had to make. “I wanted to ask about his performance at school. Does he seem to be having trouble concentrating or staying on task?”

  “He has his moments, but we know it’s difficult for him.”

  Lauren nodded. “He’s usually okay at home. We have a reward system to reinforce his good behavior. I use a chart, and he gets a sticker every time he completes his homework, makes his bed, cleans his room, and does what’s asked.”

  Caroline nodded. “We do that with Josh and all the children. It’s common practice to reward them for good behavior.”

  “I guess what I also want to know is whether you think his ADHD is impacting his social life at school. I mean if it is …”

  Her voice trailed off as tears threatened her composure. She sucked them back and straightened her shoulders. Had her decision to not medicate her son somehow contributed to his being a social outcast? If so, she’d correct it at once.

  “Do you think he should be put on meds? Might that help?”

  “That’s between you and your pediatrician, but we have another little boy who’s on Dexedrine, and it has improved his hyperactivity and increased his attention span.”

  Lauren didn’t answer right away. Like most parents she had hoped her child could be helped through proper diet and discipline, and keeping to a rigid schedule, but in Josh’s case, it might not be enough.

  Her son needed friends, and he needed every chance to be as normal as everyone else. “I’ll speak to the pediatrician right away.”

  The following night Lauren and Shane
had dinner out, and then went back to his place. After they’d made love, they remained in bed, holding hands and talking.

  “Do you think I’m a good mom?”

  “The best,” he replied, walking his fingers up her arm. He kissed her shoulder.

  “I’ve tried to be both mom and dad to Josh. I’ve tried to make it up to him for losing his father.”

  “You’ve done a great job. Why are you doubting yourself now?”

  “I’m not sure why I’m bringing this up, but I’ve been carrying a load of guilt around, and I’ve never told a soul.”

  Shane sat up on one elbow. He gazed at her face. “What in the world do you have to be guilty about?”

  She felt tears sting her eyes. Embarrassed, she wiped them away. “When Josh was a toddler, maybe two or three, I could tell he was different from other kids his age. I discussed it with my husband, but he disagreed. Told me that I was imagining it, that it was too early to diagnose, and that I was worrying about nothing. We’d had this conversation plenty of times, but what I can’t get over is that I brought it up the day he died.”

  “Oh, Lauren. I’m sorry.” He pulled her head down to his shoulder and kissed her forehead. “But everyone has disagreements. You shouldn’t focus on that. I’m sure he didn’t.”

  She shifted her pillow and sat up. “After the accident, I was devastated, and sure that my actions contributed to his death. I was sick with grief and guilt. Anyway, because of all that, I pushed my worries about Josh aside, wanting to believe that Jeremy was right and I was just being an overprotective mother.” She sighed, pushing a lock of hair out of her eyes. “I finally had him tested last year, in kindergarten.” She told him about the subsequent meeting at school after the diagnosis of ADHD, and how they’d suggested he be put on medication. “How is he with you?” she asked.

  “He’s a pretty happy-go-lucky kid. Doesn’t sit still much or stop talking, but that’s all right. I like his energy.”

  Lauren bent down to kiss him. “Thank you. Still, I’m having a meeting with his pediatrician tomorrow.”