“Well, he said he could tell there was an attraction from the two of you. He told Darla, Heather’s mother about the attraction. She told Jacob to follow Caide and get photos. He followed Caide to the club, again he was in disguise. He expected Caide was meeting you, River, for a date. You were with someone else, but he saw Caide go over and talk to you. He talked to River’s date that night and gave him a thousand dollars to drop the drug in River’s drink. The date wasn’t supposed to do anything to River, just make her dance with him. Darla told Jacob to watch you, because you would certainly try to save her….and you did. He took photos of you two leaving the club together, and how Caide carried you.”
“You carried me?” River puts her hand on my leg.
I take her hand in mine and give it a squeeze. “You weren’t doing well on your own feet, so I picked you up.”
“You’re so sweet,” River whispers.
“Go on,” I coax Alex to finish the story. I check what Jed is doing and he’s shaking his head back and forth in disbelief.
“Jacob thought that would be the end of it, he was just supposed to prove how you bring strange women home. Darla wanted more from him; she wanted to lure you into looking like a reckless father. She offered another ten grand to show how River stays over at the house. Jacob has a thing for explosives; he had wanted to be a pyrotechnican, so he says. He has done other bombings; that’s how the Bureau of Investigation had him in their system. Jacob did what he intended to do, scare River and make you Caide take care of her. What no one planned was you two becoming a real couple. I’m not sure how Alan, Heather’s dad, was involved. The police will figure it all out.”
“Where’s Lucy?” I’ve never understood how people say they felt sick by hearing someone tell them a story, now I do. “She’s scared of storms, can I see her?”
“Lucy is with the nanny and she’s taking her to Raleigh to a friend’s house with her to ride out the storm.”
“I want to see my daughter, Alex! That’s bullshit. If her grandparents have been arrested, wouldn’t that make the whole custody thing null and void?”
“It makes your case obsolete, and I’m sure the court will drop the custody case and award you full and sole custody. The problem is the weather has shut down the government offices. Since Lucy isn’t in any danger, it will be difficult to convince the judge to work on the case. Hang tight, it’s just a formality and will be fixed as soon as the offices open again. Right now, the grandparents have custody. They’re innocent until proven guilty and if they don’t confess, it could make the waters murky.”
“What did you just say? They have custody until they go to court or if they confess? What about the money? Doesn’t that prove them guilty?”
I can’t believe what she’s telling me. How far will these bastards go?
“Unless they confess, that kind of stuff will become evidence. The district attorney might make a plea deal with them since they’ve never been in trouble before. Their attorney is with them, and if they’re smart, they’ll take any deal that’s handed to them. I will let you know as soon as I do. Don’t go out of town and turn off your ringer.”
Oh hell no, I’m not leaving town. “What a sticky mess,” I say without cussing like I’d like to do.
“What’s going on with the TV and radio, Alex?” River asks.
“I’m surprised you didn’t have any media at your house Caide. If we’re lucky, the reporters will focus on Hanna and leave you alone until we find out more. Any statements should go through me. Don’t give any opinions, good or bad. I’m asking the same for you, Jed and River. This will be in the news sooner or later. Hopefully, it will be left alone until we can get the judge to make a ruling. Darla and Alan will be instructed not to leave the area, unless they confess of course. If they confess, they’ll have to bond out. A liaison will be assigned to Lucy to assure they don’t run off with her. They won’t be able to go to Raleigh; they’ll have to stay in town.”
I’m finished with everything. The well-being of my daughter has been compromised, and I’m to sit and wait for a judge to make a ruling? This is unbelievable. I’m mad and they’ll burn in hell for the crap they’ve put River and I through for the last two months. Unbeknownst to them, they brought River and I together but I’ll never give them credit.
“I’m guessing you’ll call when you hear from them. I’ll be at my house. Thanks for coming in, I know it’s a burden putting up with hurricane weather. Be safe.” I stand up to leave. River is telling Alex how nice it was to meet her. Jed is muttering under his breath, and I’m about to blow a gasket.
____________________________________________
Chapter Fourteen
Save only the divine light in thine eyes-
Save but the soul in thine uplifted eyes.
Edgar Allan Poe
RIVER
The rhythm of the windshield wipers lulls me to a half awake stage. If my brain would shut off and allow me to dwell on something other than the vicious acts of Heather’s parents, I’d be happy. Two people who’ve never met me in their life have made incredible strides into ruining me and my livelihood.
Caide is on the verge of having a nervous breakdown. He’s trying to be strong for me and he’s blaming himself for everything that’s happened. I told him he couldn’t have known it was them, none of us did.
Rusty meets us at the door with her tail wagging and a few circle spins. I love how she runs around in circles when she’s excited.
Once Caide and I are at the top of the stairs and the bodyguards stay on the first level, Caide pulls me in for a hug. “Riv, I’m sorry this happened. I don’t care how much it costs; I will hire the best attorneys possible and sue them.” His fingers run through my hair, and for a moment all I can think about is the closeness of our bodies.
A sigh escapes me and I fight back tears, the kind that acknowledges the long road ahead. “I’m worried because the insurance company said if it is arson they would delay payment until a trial is decided,” I say defeated.
He kisses the top of my head and pulls back to look me in the face. “River, I will help you get your business rebuilt. Don’t worry; we’ll make sure you’re back in business soon.”
“I can’t take your money, Caide. I won’t take your money.”
“Consider it a loan then, you can pay it back once the insurance pays. I’ll have my attorney draw up a contract if that will make you feel better. Come on, we’ll do some stress relief. Would you like to bake a cake with me? I’m thinking about a good old fashioned Better than Sex cake.” Caide is calmer than I’d expect, so I let him deal with the findings today in his way.
“That’s a bold statement,” I look up into his beautiful blue eyes and my heart flutters.
“Hmmm, I don’t remember. We’ll have to do both, bake the cake and have sex. We’ll see which one wins.” He lifts his eyebrows and wiggles them up and down.
“You’re insufferable.”
“I’ve been told.”
“I’d love to bake with you. This bra is cutting into me, I’m going to go take it off and put on some shorts.” I turn to walk away and he smacks me on the butt.
Coming out of the bedroom, there are voices coming from the kitchen. I recognize Caide’s, but not the other man’s voice. It isn’t Jed for sure. Do I walk in and disturb them, or should I let him visit with his company. Caide is telling the story about Heather’s parents and how they master planned all of it to keep custody of Lucy. Poor little girl, she’s made a pawn in this whole mess.
“I’ll go check.” Caide’s voice is closer so I step back into the room. I act as though I just opened the door.
“River, my parents are here, come on out and talk with us.” He looks down at my legs. “You make shorts one of my favorite outfits of yours,” Caide’s lowers his voice. “They’re the perfect shorts for sex while eating Better than Sex cake.”
I look down and realize I have my hoochie shorts on. “I’m going to put on a pair that isn’t so re
vealing and a bra.”
“Okay, but know, my dad would appreciate the ones you have on.”
I tap him on the arm. “Ewwww, you didn’t just say that! I’ll be out in two minutes.”
He’s being a lot calmer than I expected. I figured we were going to get here and he was going to down a bottle of whiskey and yell and scream. Hopefully, the idea of getting Lucy back is making him happy.
My phone beeps with a text from Ryan.
BITCH! YOU GOT MARRIED AND DIDN’T INVITE ME?
I reply. BITCH, WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?
IT’S ALL OVER THE NEWS. YOU AND CAIDE GOT MARRIED.
WHAT? NO WEDDING FOR ME. COME OVER.
K
____________________________________________
The rain is coming down in sheets now that the sun is going down. Everyone is in the living room and Caide and his dad are in the kitchen preparing dinner for all of us. Lucinda is someone I’d like to hang out with. She’s funny and likes to tell jokes; however, she doesn’t get the punch line right. Tim and Caide tease her relentlessly about her inability to tell a joke the right way. I find it a charming characteristic. His mom, Ryan and I, have cheese and crackers with a bottle of wine, Caide brought out from his wine collection.
Ryan tells us he heard about our wedding on the news. Apparently, someone told the media that Caide and I got married. Caide called the news station to inform them they are reporting rubbish. They assured us they would announce a retraction during the next newscast. Thanks to Hanna, we don’t have to worry about a reporter showing up to get a statement in person.
Dinner comes and I’m happy to be a part of a family who loves one another. I wish my dad could have lived and given me this life. Laughter fills the room as we’re all seated at the formal dining table. Jed tells us funny stories about criminals he’s had to deal with. Ryan whispers to me a few times about how happy he sees Caide has made me. I can’t help but have a stupid grin plastered on my face after a couple of glasses of wine.
The wind is picking up outside, the trees are bending over sideways, and pinecones are bouncing off the roof. We boarded up the window that runs across the front of the house. The weatherman has changed the Hurricane Watch to a Hurricane Warning. Hanna is on track to hit Atlantic Beach within the next 24 hours. It’s unclear if it will continue to stay a 2 or if it will weaken to a 1, either way, we’re getting hit by a powerful storm. Caide has a huge hurricane preparedness room in the house. It is filled with ready to eat soups, peanut butter, crackers, store bought snacks, candles, batteries, and lanterns. Lucky for us, he has a generator that will continue to run the air conditioner so we won’t have to endure the muggy heat that follows a hurricane.
One year, a hurricane hit and mom and I went without power for five days. We didn’t have a generator which left us hot and cranky. Mom’s hurricane preparedness consisted of boxes of wine and cans of ravioli for me. She stayed drunk, and I stayed away from her.
Since Caide wants his parents to stay with us tonight, he offers up the room I’m staying in. My cheeks burn as they flush a lovely color of crimson. There are two bedrooms on the third floor, only one of them is set up as a bedroom. The other room upstairs is a workout room that Caide frequents every day. We convince Ryan to stay over in the room upstairs, so he won’t have to go home and sit through the storm alone. His dog is at the kennel, so he doesn’t have to worry about her.
I can’t help but think about not getting to vote on the cake and sex.
Everyone heads to bed, including Caide and I. On the table in the sitting area is a candle burning and two plates with cake on them.
“I thought we’d test the validity of the cake’s title.” Caide’s voice is soft and alluring, and I’m a big puddle on the floor.
My insides are suddenly warm and tingling in all the right places. His parents are in a room down the hall, I remind myself.
“They won’t hear us; I had this room soundproofed last year. Besides, they’re probably asleep. Wine knocks my mom out.”
I don’t let my mind wonder why he had it soundproofed, no, not thinking about that! I feel my heartbeat in places I’ve never noticed had a pulse before. “What do you have in mind?”
He smiles and steps forward, closing the space that separates us. He reaches for my shirt and gingerly pulls it up and over my head. Without missing a beat, he pulls my pants down, leaving me in nothing but a bra and lacey panties. Stepping back, he admires me before removing his shirt and pants too.
The necklace I bought him while we were near Kitty Hawk is brilliantly displayed around his neck. It is braided leather with a sterling silver ankh. He bought me a silver anklet with a black ankh to match his necklace. The ankh is considered the key to life in ancient Egypt and those who are adorned with one will have eternal life.
“May I take your picture, River?” Caide holds up his I-phone. “No naked pics, just a couple in your bra and panties….which I happen to like - a lot.”
I contemplate his proposal for a moment before answering him. “If you promise you won’t post them on the internet, I’ll let you take pictures. I’m not doing naughty ones though.”
He chuckles for a moment and I relax. “For my eyes only, scout’s honor.”
“You weren’t a scout.” I cross my arms and pretend I’m annoyed.
“On my honor, I promise,” he kisses my forehead.
“You’ve twisted my arm, yes, you can take pictures.”
Caide grins like a teen getting his first car. “Will you sit in one of the chairs by the table with the cake on it? I want to remember our experiment forever.”
I laugh and strike a pose on the chair. To boost his fantasy, I take a forkful of cake and open my mouth as wide as it can go. Slowly, I put it in my mouth and bite down. I swipe my finger through the frosting and seductively lick it off.
He tosses the phone on the table and scoops me into his arms, carrying me to the bed.
“You’re mouth watering, River. I want to make love to you with slow, deliberate precision.”
He takes my hand and kisses my palm before taking his tongue and runs it up the length of my arm. My arms have never been considered my trigger points for sex, until now.
My head drops backward and he takes his tongue and traces the length of my neck. I intake my breath as his fingers run along my stomach all the way up to my chin.
“Do you know how much I like you? You do things to me in a way that I can’t get enough of. You’re like the perfect blend of sexy, smart, loving, and funny. When we’re alone, I want nothing more than to be next to you. You’re irresistible, River Murphy.” The words are whispered into my ear, close enough for me to feel the heat of his breath.
“You do the same for me, Caide Palmer. We’ve been through so much in such a short time, I can’t imagine what I would have done if I had to face it alone. Thank you for being there….here, for me.”
His mouth is on mine and we’re clinging to one another for life. His muscles ripple beneath my fingertips. With every arch of my back, a moan escapes his beautifully formed mouth. Our legs wrap around each other, begging to be bound together. The salt on my tongue fuels my fire as I lick his neck and kiss my way down his chest. Our hands grasp - pull - tug one another just enough to cause minor pain, but enough to make us want more. We are one in this moment, not to be pulled apart by anything or anyone. I dig my nails into his flesh, pleading with my fingertips for him to continue this sweet, soul-moving act of love.
Act of love.
Act of love.
Oh shit, act of love.
We’re honestly making love.
It’s spiritual.
And beautiful.
Tears are threatening to spring up as I realize I’ve fallen for Caide Palmer.
We’re face to face, naked, in the dark…minus the candle that’s casting shadows on the wall. The winds have been howling and gaining strength as minutes turn to hours.
“River?”
“Hmmm?”
>
“Are you crying?” His concern is genuine and sweet.
“Uh-uh,” I semi-lie, I haven’t sprung a leak yet.
“I don’t need to taste the cake, I know the answer,” he murmurs. “I’ll take sex with you over cake any day.”
“I concur, I would too.” I admit. I stroke his face with the backs of my fingers. His stubble lightly scratches me. He has no idea that I’m a smitten schoolgirl madly in love with him.
He mimics me with his hand as he brushes across my face. “I love you, River Murphy, and I want you to be a part of my life.”
I catch my breath and forget to breathe for the next five seconds. He loves ME! When did he realize it? I honestly just figured it out.
I study his face, he isn’t joking. Tears spring in my eyes, and I can’t hold back the floodgates. “I love you, too!”
The very next instant I’m on my back and Caide is on top of me, showering me with kisses. He kisses my eyes and nose before he takes my mouth with his and we breathe into one another.
____________________________________________
Chapter Fifteen
And thus the words were spoken,
And this the plighted vow,
And, though my faith be broken,
And, Though my heart be broken,
Here is a ring, as token
That I am happy now!
Edgar Allan Poe
CAIDE
Reluctantly, I get up out of bed. Not without first, kissing River on the nose. The rain is still coming down outside and the wind has blown limbs and leaves everywhere. The lights flickered a couple of times last night while everyone was asleep. Everyone, but me. I’ve now told two women I love them, and one of them is dead. The feelings for River are not built on being young and dumb. We’re in love for the right reasons.
Lucy will be coming home soon and will meet River for the first time. When Lucy first comes home, I’m spending every single moment she’s awake with her. I’ve been thinking about things I can do to incorporate Lucy into my cooking life. I’m going to talk to the local news about doing a kid’s food segment and when Lucy is older, she can help me. I smile to myself thinking about her helping out.
Cry Me a River PG-13 Edition Page 14
