by Aliyah Burke
“Yes, sir, there most certainly is.”
He cut his gaze to where Kassidy stood talking to a few women. She lifted her head and sent him a smile that melted his heart. Saying her farewells, she moved to his side and spoke to the preacher.
“How’s your mother, Kassidy?”
“Doing well. She’s visiting and sharing scripture with Mrs. Hollins today in the hospital, otherwise she would have been here.”
The older gentleman took her hand and shook it. “Give them my best and tell your father I expect to see him here next Sunday, as well.”
“I will.”
“Y’all staying for lunch?”
“No,” Kassidy said, “we’re heading to eat with my parents.”
A glance was shared between the two of them and he nodded. “Good, good. I hope to see you again, son. Go with God.”
“Thank you.” Justice waited for her to look at him again. Her eyes were soft and he took her hand, placing it on his arm. Then he walked her to her car.
“You can follow me to my parents’ house,” she said quietly.
Leaning in close, he brushed some hair back from her face, tucking it behind her ear. He teased her skin with his lips, delighting in her shiver.
“You are so beautiful, Kassidy. Do you have any idea what you do to me?”
Her hands settled on his chest and hesitated before she pushed against him. “Stop, Justice. Not here.”
Backing up, he allowed the space between them she seemed to require. “I wasn’t doing anything, Kassidy.”
He opened her door and closed it once she’d swung her smooth legs inside the car. Jogging to his Corvette, Justice maneuvered behind Kassidy and followed her through Quiet Harbor. She drove carefully, making it extremely easy for him for keep her in sight. After about fifteen minutes of driving, she led him up a driveway to a medium-sized, two-story house.
Parked behind her, he got out and strode to her door and held it for her while she climbed out. After she slowly unfolded her legs, he looked up when the front door opened. A couple walked out onto the wide porch. Her parents appeared as they had in the photos, extremely photogenic. They were a very attractive couple. Licking his lips, he was very grateful for the feel of Kassidy’s hand upon his arm.
The woman was an older version of Kassidy. Her hair streaked with gray, was straight and pulled back from her face. She wore a cute print dress with a white apron over it. The phrase on the apron read: “Kissing the cook is always advisable, she knows where the sharp knives are.”
Justice looked at Kassidy’s father. There was obvious love in his gaze when he put it on his daughter, emotion that cooled considerably when he met Justice’s eyes. Her father stood tall and proud with short hair with gray at the temples.
“Mom. Dad. I’d like y’all to meet Justice Graham. Justice, my parents, Ethan and Philyra Barrow.”
He stepped toward her mom and reached for the outstretched hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Barrow.”
Her eyes were kind, and when she smiled he realized instantly what had grabbed Ethan’s attention. Philyra had a million watt smile.
“No need to be so formal. I’m Philyra.”
Returning her smile, he nodded while leaning in to kiss her cheek. “Yes, ma’am. And that’s not just because you know where the sharp knives are.”
She touched his cheek, amusement alive in her eyes. “I bet your momma had her hands full with you.”
“I’d be lying if I said otherwise.”
Philyra stepped back and Ethan took her place. His handshake was firm but his expression bespoke the fact he was withholding judgment at the moment.
“Nice to meet you, sir.”
“Nice to finally put a face to the name of the man involved with my daughter.”
Justice understood the subtle warning. “Kassidy has spoken very highly of you both. Says you’re an astronomer.”
Ethan’s eyes sparkled, and Justice knew he’d said the right thing. The man may not be ready to share his daughter, but he was more than ready to talk about the stars.
“Call me Ethan.”
Chapter Seven
From the kitchen, Kassidy observed Justice as he spoke with her dad. They sat in the living room, a chessboard between them and drinks beside each one. Lunch had gone off without a hitch, for which she was so pleased.
“I like him, Kas,” her mom said in a soft tone.
Tearing her gaze from Justice, she stared at her mom. There still lingered the hint of gray pallor and strain to her skin and eyes. It worried her and Kassidy smiled to hide her concern.
“Do you really?” When her mom nodded, Kassidy breathed even easier.
“I’d say it’s a fair assessment to say your father likes him as well.”
“Daddy likes anyone who will listen to his stories and play chess,” she replied with a chuckle.
“Well, there is that, but I really think he likes him.”
Pain leeched into her heart. “The son he never had.”
“Kassidy Lyra, you stop that!” Her mom’s tone was dagger sharp.
She stared at her toes where they peeked out from her peep toe heels. Sometimes her mouth moved without thought. “Yes, ma’am, sorry.”
It was a fear and shame she hadn’t been able to get past. She knew her dad loved her. Deep down she knew that, but she just couldn’t let go of the conversation she’d overheard at the age of fifteen.
“I swear some days I just don’t know what gets into your head, young lady.”
Blinking back tears of frustration, she forced an apologetic smile and met her mom’s gaze. “Just crazy talk, Mama. Forget I said anything. Tell me about you and how you’re doing.”
The shifting of emotions was quick but not quick enough, and Kassidy knew her mom was about to lie to her. Stand right there and lie. Ensuring her expression revealed nothing that would alert her mom she knew the words would be a lie, Kassidy waited for the response.
“The doctor had been worried I’d gotten pneumonia, then a virus, but all I had was a really bad cold. My sinuses were not cooperating. So some meds and rest, n’ here I am. Thanks for helping out at the museum while I was under the weather.”
The urge to scream “Liar!” roared over her with the force of a class five hurricane. “No problem. Glad you’re feeling better, mom,” was all she said. Libby appeared beside her and the feel of her short hair beneath her palm calmed her down. “I’ll have the dishes done in a jiff, why don’t you sit down.”
Kassidy kept the smile on her face until her mom had sat down in the living room. Standing over the sink, her hands deep in the hot, sudsy water, she took harsh ragged breaths while she clenched and unclenched her fists.
“You okay, beautiful?” Justice’s deep timbre preceded his light touch on the small of her back.
Tilting her head to the side, she found his expression concerned. She struggled to hold on to her control but it hovered just out of her reach. Her mouth moved but nothing came out.
His fingers pressed along her spine. “I’m right here, Kassidy. You’re not alone.”
And like that the rope of control rested securely in her grasp. She closed her eyes and nodded before sending him a thankful look.
“What can I do?”
“Rinse.”
“Let’s get to it,” he said with one final lingering touch.
His hand dropped away and she missed the warmth of his caress instantly. He settled his body next to hers and she ogled himblue suit coat that was being removed and hung over a chair, pristine white sleeves of his shirt had been rolled up to his elbows. The dark chocolate of his skin mesmerized her. Such strength lay in those arms and hands. And such tenderness.
Her mind drifted to the boat where he’d used those large hands to bring her such exquisite and concentrated pleasure. Over and over again. She bit her lip as the memory flowed over her, his scent, his feel, his everything. Him.
“Kassidy?”
Dragging her gaze up to
his, she felt more shivers grow at the molten look of passion he had in his. “Huh?”
Justice roved her face, lingering on her lips before he cleared his throat. “You seemed lost in thought.”
Was I ever.
The blush couldn’t be stopped. At his arched eyebrow she said, “I was, a bit.” Swallowing hard she did her best to focus on the task at hand, not the gorgeous man beside her. It wasn’t easy.
She and Justice said their farewells around five-thirty. He held her car door for her once Libby had been loaded up.
“I want to hold you, beautiful,” he said in a low tone.
A craving she longed for as well. “Follow me home.”
He said nothing, just shut the door and headed to his car. She watched him back out of the drive, then waved to her parents one more time before heading home. When she arrived, he was already there and waited on her front steps. Tears threatened again and she took several deep breaths while he trekked toward her.
“Come here, beautiful,” he drawled after she and Libby were both out.
Without hesitation she moved into his arms, feeling safe and secure in his embrace. He reached past her and grabbed Libby’s bag before guiding her toward the front door. Her movements were a bit stiff and uncoordinated as she unlocked the door. Once it had closed them off from the eyes and ears of the outside world, she found herself swept up in his embrace. She sank into him, not wanting to be anywhere but where she sat. In his arms.
When he laid them down on her bed, she stared at him. He sat up and shrugged out of his suit coat again before lying down and drawing her flush to his hard body. The masculine scent of him totally surrounded her and enveloped her in a cocoon of safety.
“What happened today, Kassidy?”
She squirmed closer, not wanting to talk. This time she allowed the tears to fall. In her ear, Justice murmured soft words that helped calm her. When the tears stopped, he repeated his question.
“What happened today, Kassidy?”
“She lied to me.”
“Your mom? What did she lie about?”
“Whatever is going on with her. I asked and she lied. Stared me straight in the eye and lied to my face.” Kassidy shoved away from him and left the bed. She paced back and forth by the foot of the bed, running a hand over her face in frustration.
Justice remained on the bed, lying there watching her. Not in judgment, just watchful.
“I’m their daughter, what the hell is so bad they can’t or won’t tell me?”
He said nothing. Just continued to watch her with calm eyes.
“I feel it here,” she clutched her arms around her waist, “I feel it here… there is something seriously wrong. And I hate, hate it that they’re keeping me in the dark about it.”
Still no words from him but the compassion leeching from his unwavering stare warmed her.
“I must be such a disappointment to them both,” she cried, stumbling as her legs no longer seemed capable of holding her.
“Enough!”
The harshness of his tone combined with the hold he had on her snagged her immediate attention. Wide-eyed, she stared at him. His touch gentled but his expression stayed set and angry.
“I will willingly sit there and listen to you talk about how unfair it is they’re keeping the status of her illness from you.” One hand gripped her chin, holding her immobile. “But I’ll be damned if I idly sit there and let you say such things about yourself.”
She worried her lower lip and gazed at him. The line of his jaw bespoke so much stubbornness; she knew he meant every word he’d uttered.
“I just… sometimes I feel like I disappointed dad by being a daughter, not a son.”
He took a deep breath and placed her on the bed before kneeling and removing her heels, one at a time. The rough pads of his fingertips tantalized her skin and she felt herself begin to respond.
“Beautiful, I just met your parents and all I heard was them singing your praises. They may be hiding your mom’s illness, but I have no doubt you are not even close to a disappointment to them. They love you.” His hands moved up to her knees. “And they are so proud of you.”
He leaned in close and she met his mouth with her searching one. Looping her arms tight around his neck, she pulled until his strong body covered hers and pushed her deeper into the mattress. She let his caresses take her mind off everything but him. Kassidy gasped as he filled her, she wrapped her legs around him and writhed beneath him. Nothing else mattered right now aside from their bodies being one.
Kassidy awoke alone. With a yawn, she rolled to stare at the green digital readout from her clock. Four-seventeen. Too early for the alarm to have gone off, so what had woken her from a most satisfying slumber? The pillow still smelled of Justice and she sat up slowly searching for a light on, indicating where he may be. There was nothing.
A loud crack of thunder shook the house and she jumped. Now I know what woke me. Climbing from the bed, she strode naked to her bureau and withdrew a shirt to cover her. In the hall, she flicked on a light and moved to the living room. She found Libby in her normal spot on the couch. The poodle opened her eyes only to shut them when she determined whatever had woken her owner wasn’t worthy of getting off the sofa. Kassidy rolled her eyes and continued on.
On the kitchen table, which had been bare, sat a piece of paper. Flipping on the recessed lights, she moved to the oak table and picked it up.
My beautiful Kassidy,
I hated to leave you lying there in your bed.
But I had to be in to work by 0500.
Have a wonderful day and I can’t wait until I get to see you again.
Yours,
Justice
* * * *
She held the note to her lips and inhaled sharply, craving the scent of him in her nose. It was faint so she turned off the light and headed back to bed, note in hand. She buried her face in the pillow and immersed herself in the masculine aroma of Justice Graham.
Her alarm went off at six and she stirred, then reached out to shut it off. With a sigh, she rolled out of bed and let Libby out. While Libby was out, she fixed her food and while Libby ate, Kassidy showered and got ready for her day.
By nine she and Libby were heading to the library. The thunder from earlier had become a downpour and she sighed as her wipers strove to keep the windshield clear. At a stoplight she gazed in the rearview and saw Libby lying on the seat, not worried about anything.
I want to be a dog in my next life.
The rain hadn’t let up any when she arrived at the library. She sat in her car, hoping for it to lessen. Ten minutes later she gave in and realized it wasn’t going to happen.
“Looks like we’re going to get wet, Libs. Come on, let’s get going.”
Reaching behind her, she hooked a tab to Libby’s collar. Then grabbed her umbrella and opened the door. Out in the rain, she and Libby ran for the door. Once inside, she shook off the excess rain from the umbrella while Libby mimicked her action.
By two the weather had gotten worse. Her group had been downsized from ten to one. Drew Perion. The young boy sat with his dark curly head bent as he thumbed through a Dr. Seuss book.
Crouching down by him, she ruffled his hair. “Hey, Drew, looks like it’s just you n’ me today. Ready to begin?”
His big brown gaze met hers and the grin he gave showcased his dimple. “Yes, ma’am.”
Sitting beside him, she directed Libs to lie on the other side. The books before them, Kassidy pointed and asked, “Which one would you like to read?”
His small hand selected his choice and he got ready while she stacked the remaining ones. Then she sat back at his side and listened as he began to read. When their time was up, the rain still fell in a deluge. Drew sat on a large pillow with Sari beside him, totally enthralled by the dragon story being read to her. Libby lay sleeping at the foot of the large cushion.
“She’s doing really well, Arlen.”
Kassidy glanced at the man besi
de her, his face sad and concerned even as he tried for a smile. Rings of exhaustion were evident.
“I’m glad one of us is.”
Reaching out a hand, she placed it on his arm and squeezed. It hadn’t even been six months since his wife passed. “Why don’t you let me keep Sari for the night, Arlen. Go home and sleep.”
He placed his brown gaze on her. “I don’t want to impose.”
She scowled. “Don’t be ridiculous. You know I’d do anything to help y’all out. She was my friend too.” Dipping her head so eye contact was maintained, she added, “You’ve not allowed yourself a chance to grieve, always putting Sari’s needs ahead of your own. Like a good father. But let me help. Grieve for your wife, Arlen. And if you want to join us for supper do so. Just allow yourself some time just for you.”
In the depths of his gaze she could see the need.
“Are you sure?”
Turning to look at Sari, she said, “Sari, you’re going to spend the day with Libs n’ me, okay?”
Her head popped up, big eyes wide. “Can we make cookies?”
“I think that would be a great idea.”
Sari beamed. “Have fun at work, daddy.” She ran to him and Kassidy let go of Arlen’s arm so he could pick her up.
“Bye, precious. You be good for Kassidy.”
“Okay. Love you, Daddy.”
The way he held his daughter made Kassidy’s heart lurch. His gaze met hers and he mouthed his thanks. All she could do was nod.
Arlen kissed her cheek before he left. “Thanks, Kas.”
“You never have to thank me. Call if you want me to keep her overnight.”
He reached for her hand and squeezed it tight. They shared a look before he took his leave after saying a final farewell to Sari.
Not much later, Drew’s mom came to get him and it was just her, Sari, and Libby in the reading corner. Sari continued to look at books while she straightened up.
Chapter Eight
Justice fought to control the jealousy that coursed through him at the sight of Kassidy holding hands with another male. The affection between them was blatantly obvious. As was her love for the little girl the man left when he finally departed.
