Waiting on Faith (She's Beautiful Series Book 2)

by Nicole Richard

  The sound of Zac Brown’s voice singing “Loving You Easy” came on, and I squeezed her hand lightly, silently letting both of us know how loving her is that easy. Riding along in the quiet of the night, not too far from her house, I remembered Boones and Sadie. I didn’t think she’d want to leave them all night alone.

  Natalie slept almost the whole way to her house and didn’t even stir when I stopped at my place to grab the dogs and few overnight items.

  She was still sleeping when we pulled into her driveway, and I did my best not to wake her as I scooped her into my arms and carried her inside.

  As soon as I laid her down, her eyes fluttered open. “Hmm, babe . . .” her dopey voice drifted off. I removed all of her clothing except for her panties, and the sight of her naked silky body stirred me. Quickly and gently, I pulled one of my T-shirts over her head, covering her up.

  Tossing and turning a few times, she finally got comfortable on her left side with both hands tucked under her pillow. I kissed her forehead and headed to the kitchen to make sure both dogs were situated with water and their doggie beds.

  I flipped the deadbolt, shut off the lights, and headed back to bed. Stripping down to my boxer briefs, I threw my clothes in a pile by the closet door and slid into bed with her.

  I watched her sleep.

  Or I thought she was sleeping. Her closed lids had me convinced until she scooted closer and her lips pressed into the middle of my chest.

  “I love you,” she whispered breathlessly.

  Pulling her hips closer, I whispered back, “I love you too, baby.”

  My hand pulled at the hem of my shirt she had on, and I caressed the delicate skin of her ass up to her shoulders while her soft hands roamed my body. She traced the ink on my forearm, something I always found her subconsciously doing while we were lying in bed.

  Natalie began scooting lower and lower, kissing her way down as her fingertips brushed against the patch of hair that led to my bulging cock. Pulling at the waistband of my briefs, she released me and moved even lower until she took me in her hand and stroked me slowly. When her warm tongue ran along my length, I groaned. When she took me into her mouth, my hands tangled in her tousled cherry-red hair and I held on for dear life. Her lips felt glorious wrapped around me, pumping me as she swirled her tongue around my needy cock. “Ughh, baby. Fuck that feels . . .” My thoughts became incoherent.

  One thing I did know for certain, I wasn’t coming in my girl’s mouth, not this time at least.

  I lifted her from her knees and maneuvered her onto her back before sliding her panties down and settling right between her thighs. I pressed warm, wet kisses from the top of her breasts, across her collarbone, and to her throat. Her mewling sounds made me lose a little control.

  Locking our hands together, I slid them above her head, pressing them into the bed. “Hitch your knee and spread your legs, baby.”

  She moved without missing a beat.

  “That’s it, baby.” I rocked against her, and with one fluid stroke, I was in deep. Suspended in her heat, I waited. Breathing deep, I took in every sensation, every feeling. She was perfect.

  Groaning, I twisted my hips at different angles, moving slowly and savoring every minute of how we connected with one another.

  “Cy, babe.” Her voice sounded strained, and I knew what she needed. I made it a point to always know what my girl needed, especially when I was loving her.

  “What’s that, baby?” Quickening my strokes only to slow them down, bringing her close, and then pulling back. I wanted her to feel me deep within her.

  “Cy. Babe, please.” She tried to arch her back but was only able to lift her shoulder and tilt her head back, pressing her head into the mattress. My teasing motions were bringing her close to the edge.

  “What do you want, baby?”

  On another breathless whisper she answered, “You. Only you. Give it to me please.”

  Her words hit hard.

  “Babe, harder please,” she moaned out. “Faster.”

  Anything for my Blue, thrusting faster, harder, deeper, I buried my head at the side of her neck, kissing and biting her soft skin. I felt her clench under me, and that set me off. I hooked my arm under her knee to spread her wider and pumped harder, faster just like she asked.

  Then she was squeezing my cock deep inside her, and I could feel the quakes from her orgasm. Her cries of passion rang through my ears, and it must’ve been something. As she was close to coming down, I stilled deep inside her and let go.

  ENGULFED BY CY and our whirlwind relationship, the holidays passed by in what seemed like a blur. We were already in February with Valentine’s Day creeping up at the end of the week.

  With my morning coffee in hand and a thick blanket wrapped around my shoulders, I let Sadie girl and Boones out back and took a second to light the fire pit. The yard was fenced, so I could sit and relax by the heat while they played. Sadie was flitting around the backyard, licking water droplets off the blades of grass, and Boones was trying to avoid her hyper little sprints. I sipped my coffee and giggled at how silly she could be. Right from the start, I loved her as if she were my own child.

  “Those two are the silliest dogs I’ve ever seen,” Cy said as he joined me outside.

  “They really are. They’re like two little kids.”

  We sat there in the quiet of the morning wrapped up in each other. Cy and his dad were leaving in a few hours for a wildlife expo in Charleston. He’d be gone for four days, which felt like a lifetime.

  “Pete called.”

  He had my full attention. “And?”

  Cy took a deep breath. “He said things have cooled down. He’s had someone following . . .”

  I knew he hated talking about Trent or even simply the sound of his name. Cy cleared his throat and continued, “Said he’s been running some nightclub in Corpus Christi, a popular spot with the college kids.” Cy turned to look at me. “But he’s going to have someone keep an eye out while I’m away.”

  I nodded. I had no words. Trent couldn’t have been behind my break-in if he was spotted in Texas.

  Why doesn’t that make me feel any better about the whole situation?

  Just as I took my last sip of coffee, Boones barreled onto the porch with Sadie close on his tail. Bouncing up and down, she playfully bit and nuzzled him. Being that he was three times her size, I was surprised when he let her. Though, he was always so gentle when it came to Sadie.

  Rising from his seat, Cy pulled me with him and wrapped his arms back around me. “I gotta get going, baby. Dad wanted to be on the road early.”

  I nodded into his chest, and Cy kissed the top of my head before he lifted my chin. “I’ll be back before you know it.” Then he crashed his lips into mine. We stood there in the nippy morning air, but with the fierceness and depth of the way Cy kissed me, I almost forgot it was late winter.

  “Make sure the door is locked at all times, and don’t forget the alarm,” he warned for the fifth time. After the break in, we talked to my landlord, and she was very accommodating in putting in an alarm system.

  “No going anywhere at night by yourself, and if you need me for anything”— he let go of the doorknob and slid his arm around my waist to pull me in for one more kiss—“and I mean anything, just call me.” He pulled me closer to his hard body, and I held onto his shoulders for balance, our tongues not ready for our temporary good-bye.

  “I mean it. Call me. Day or night, it doesn’t matter.”

  “I will, I promise.”

  Placing one last kiss to my forehead, he opened the door, and this time I was the one clutching the doorknob, watching as he walked out onto the front porch. Half turning back to me, he said, “I love you, baby. See you in a few days, and don’t forget to take care of our babies.”

  With a happy, lazy smile, I leaned against the side of the door. “I love you, too. See you soon.” I blew him a kiss.

  I closed the door and made sure to lock it before I peeked out
the front window to watch his truck disappear down the road. I typed in the code to the alarm, and with slumped shoulders, I made my way to the kitchen for some breakfast.

  Boones sat patiently next to his doggie bowl while Sadie pranced around the kitchen being Sadie. Bending, I petted Boones before going to the pantry for dog food for them. “Who’s a good boy? Huh, Boones?” He tilted his head to the side, clearly enjoying the affection. Skidding her little calico body toward us, Sadie must have sensed she was missing out on the love. “Oh, Sadie girl, you’re a good girl, too.” I rubbed her head as well.

  Once our canine babies had equal parts of love and affection, I filled each of their bowls with water and dog food, washed my hands, and rummaged in my refrigerator for something to calm my grumbling tummy.

  Looks like it was going to be cereal.

  My lazy morning was done, and Addie and Monique would be here any second to pick me up for our lunch date. I dropped my phone on my bed, and a text alert came through.

  Cy: made it safe. I miss you already. I love you.

  My heart fluttered. It had only been a few hours since we last saw each other, but knowing he wouldn’t be in my bed for the next few nights was hard. I missed him something crazy too.

  Me: glad to know. Miss you and love you more.

  I stared at the phone, waiting for another text, and I jumped when it alerted me again.

  Cy: Stay safe. I’ll call you tonight baby.

  Me: I will and I’ll be waiting.

  I dropped the phone on the bed, knowing he wouldn’t send another message.

  Walking into my closet in nothing but my matching bra and panties, I went in search of something cute and warm to wear. Sliding hanger after hanger, not liking my choices, I was brought out of my garment haze by the sound of Sadie yelping and a deep growl from Boones. Throwing on my robe, I made it to the living room to see Sadie frantic and Boones sitting to the immediate left of the front door, the hair on his back standing up. An eerie shiver passed through me at the sight.

  I bent to pet Boone’s ear, softly asking him what was wrong, as if he could actually give me an answer. I moved the curtain to the side but didn’t see anything. The hair on the back of my neck matched Boones, and my heart rate kicked up, making me feel a little light headed.

  I stood there waiting—for what, I had no idea. I heard a car pull into the driveway. This time when I looked, I saw Addie’s car pulling up.

  Maybe the dogs sensed their early arrival.

  I waited until the girls knocked then I disarmed the alarm, scooped Sadie into my arms, and opened the door to invite them in. Addie looked at me weirdly.

  “Don’t ask,” I said, waving a hand dismissively.

  Addie bit back her smirk, shrugged her shoulder, and shook her head while Monique had no shame. “Go on, girl. Get dressed, because you’re wasting the day away. That man of yours will be home before you know it. No need to sulk. Go on.”

  I shook my head with a sassy smirk and headed back to my bedroom with Sadie in my arms.

  ARMING THE HOUSE, I punched in the security code, looked around the room, and shut off the lights. I went and did my nightly ritual before attempting to get cozy in bed without Cy there. I had just turned down the covers and slid between the cool sheets when my phone rang. I didn’t even give him a chance to say hello.

  “Hey, babe. I miss you.”

  He chuckled halfheartedly. “Yeah.” I heard him exhale. “I’m missing you too, baby. How’s everything?”

  “Besides not having you here in bed next to me, I guess we’re all right. I spent the day with Addie and Monique. We are almost done planning this baby shower.” I shut off the lamp and settled into the bed.

  “What are you doing?” he asked in a low, gravelly voice.

  Smiling I answered, “Hmmm, smelling your pillow.”

  Chuckling again he said, “Not fair, Blue. I get to smell stale bleach.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, thank god I don’t smell like that.”

  “No way, baby. You always smell sweet. It drives me wild all the time.”

  His comment woke something in me, and I didn’t expect to let a soft moan escape. “Cy.”

  “Yeah, baby? I’m here. Tell me what you need.”

  “You, babe. I need you.” Was I going to start this?

  “Shit,” I heard him whisper into the phone. “My dad just got out of the shower.”

  “Oh.” I hope he didn’t hear anything, thank goodness we weren’t saying anything too heavy.

  “Hey, why don’t you get some rest and I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “Okay. I love you, can’t wait till you’re home.” I didn’t want to end the call, but there was no way I’d continue our conversation with his dad in the room with him. After hanging up with Cy, I opened my Kindle and tried to read to tire my eyes out. It took a while.

  Sadie yelped again and every inch of my skin pebbled with goose bumps. I felt paralyzed lying in bed. My brain instructed, but my limbs refused. Slowly turning my head to the side, I came face to face with a sleeping Cy. Huh. When did he get home? He just left yesterday and should still be in Charleston. Shifting my eyes, I tried to get them to adjust to the moonlight.

  Sadie’s howl and Boones’s growl had me jabbing Cy in the side, but he didn’t budge.

  Inhaling a few more breaths, I sat on the side of the bed, got my bearings, pulled on my robe, and headed to the living room. I tried to be as quiet as possible and felt a little silly walking sideways close to the wall like they did in the movies, but I didn’t flip on any lights or yell out.

  The sound of Sadie’s paws scratched the door while Boones stood guard like he did this morning. This did not feel right. With a rapid heartbeat and jittery nerves, I walked on high alert toward the dogs, carefully picking up Sadie in my arms and almost dropping her when a knock thundered through the darkness. Boones tucked his head low and growled deep, but his actions only managed to freak me out even more. Who would be knocking at my door in the middle of the night?

  Stumped, I stared at the door and the knock turned into a fist pounding sound. Gulping, eyes wide, I looked back toward the bedroom to see if Cy would wake up and come out here, but the bedroom was still silent. Taking a deep but shaky breath, I peeped through the peephole, but no one was there.

  My heart was pounding and my hand shook, but I flipped the curtain an inch to see if maybe I could see someone standing or hiding on my porch. It was empty though. I moved my eyes to the street and saw an unfamiliar black SUV parked out front.

  What the hell?

  My head started to spin. Clearly, I was confused.

  Unlocking the deadbolt, I reached for the doorknob and turned it, opening the front door. It was as if a ghost of my worst nightmare materialized in front of me.

  Trent. The cause of all my anxiety stood there with an evil grin. “Miss me, baby?” The words slithered off his tongue like a venomous snake. Before I could say a word or move an inch, the security alarm went off. Trent reached for me at the same moment I reached for the square pad with numbers.

  Then my cell phone rang.

  Jolting straight up in bed, chest heaving for air, I looked around. It was morning and I was alone. No Cy lying in bed next to me. My cellphone started ringing again, and I closed my eyes for a split second before reaching for it and answering on a shaky breath.

  “He-hello?” I stuttered.

  “Baby, what’s wrong?”

  Inhaling another much-needed breath, I closed my eyes again and pictured his handsome face. “I just woke up from a nightmare. That’s all.” I knew he wasn’t convinced.

  “What do you mean, that’s all? You sound terrified, Blue.”

  His voice was already beginning to soothe my frayed nerves.

  “I’m okay now that you called, thank you for breaking me out of that hell.” I held onto the back of my neck and twisted my hand from side to side, trying to relieve the tension knotted there. “What are you doing awake so early?�
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  “I don’t know. I couldn’t sleep, not having you next to me . . .” He exhaled into the phone. “I just miss you.”

  I smiled. “I miss you, too. You’ll be back soon.” I couldn’t help the little giggle that passed my lips.

  “Umm, Blue?”

  “Yeah, babe.”

  “Are you sure you’re okay? First, you scare the ever loving shit out of me, and now you’re giggling. What the heck woman?”

  I giggled again. “Sorry. I just found it a little funny that we can’t even go one day without sounding like two pathetic lovesick fools.”

  The phone went silent until Cy softly chuckled. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

  “I am, but I really do miss you.” I lay back down on my pillow. “What’s on the agenda for today?” I hoped he would humor me. I didn’t want to waste another minute replaying that nightmare.

  “Fly fishing demos and the wildlife sanctuary show. Not sure what Dad has planned for tomorrow, but I think we might head home after that. Neither of us is all that interested in the sportsman ball.”

  “Hmm, sounds like fun.”

  “It’s interesting, but that’s about as much I can take. Besides, I can’t go this long without being inside of you.”

  There was a fake cough loud enough for me to hear over the phone, and embarrassment killed me a little bit. Cy chuckled, then everything was muted.

  “Hey, baby. My dad’s up and— ”

  I groaned, cutting him off. “Oh my God. Did your dad hear you say that?”

  Bastard chuckled again. “Yeah”— he exhaled— “busted again, but seriously, it’s not like he doesn’t know we have sex.”

  “Cy!” I screeched out. “That’s not a thought I want your dad having in the back of his mind.”

  “Don’t be silly, it’s fine. Look, I gotta start getting ready. If you need me, call me, okay?”