I wake again what feels like hours later, when I feel lips press to the side of my head. “Goodnight,” Taylor whispers into my hair. I don’t respond. That was fucking weird! I pull the duvet closer to my face after Taylor leaves the room. It smells like Kel. I snuggle into his pillow and float to sleep thinking about his arms wrapped around me. I’m such a chick.
Buzz, buzz. Ugh…I’m disoriented and mostly asleep. Buzz, buzz. I roll out of bed in search of the noise. Where the fuck is my bag? Buzz, buzz. Chair? No. Dresser? No. Floor? No. Ottoman? YES! Buzz, buzz. I dig my BlackBerry out, Kel’s called ten times. Shit I forgot to text him. It’s 3 a.m. I hit the call button.
“Hello,” I whisper.
“Shannon,” he sounds pissed and scared. “What the fuck is going on?”
“I’m sorry Kel,” I whimper a little. “I was just exhausted after these last four days. Kavy gave me some whiskey to calm me down and I passed out at the office. I was so out of it when I got home Taylor had to carry me to bed. I just woke up when you were calling. I didn’t mean to worry you.” Silence…and more silence. I look at my phone to see if I dropped the call. Nope still connected. “Kel?”
“I’m here,” his voice is barely above a whisper. “I…uh, wow, I don’t know what to say, Shannon. Last night I’m informed that the man that murdered Kathy and put Mia in a coma is out of jail and may want to harm you…..and for the last nine hours I can’t get a hold of you. That’s kind of a mind fuck.” His voice is laced with anger. I try to explain but he keeps going.
“I know Taylor was in your room because when you wouldn’t answer your phone I called Kavanagh to make sure you were okay. He told me Taylor was with you in your bedroom. Another mind fuck. Not really what I wanna hear when I’m fifteen hundred miles away from you.” He huffs in a snarky tone. “I shoulda dealt with this before I left.”
“Dealt with what, Kel?” I implore. Taylor did cross a line tonight, but he saw me have a shitty day. It’s not like he mauled me or something. It was a friendly action…that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I should have texted Kel. I’m sure he was fucking panicked…he knows Butch and what he’s capable of. That was inconsiderate of me. Honestly, I’m not used to needing to consider anyone outside of my family.
“You…us…me, everything Kiddo.”
“What about you, us, and me?” I question. He sighs in the phone. This feels like a break-up. I didn’t even make it a week this time. I’m worse than Kim Kardashian.
“I need to know where we stand,” he says emphatically. “I can’t have you a little. I’m an all or nothing kinda guy and with you for some reason it’s ten times worse. The thought of Taylor puttin’ you to bed makes me see fuckin’ red, Kid, and I know I have no right. I’m goin’ insane up here and it’s takin’ everything I’ve got not to hop on a plane back to you right now. I’ve known you for four days and the last eighteen hours have been pure torture for me. I don’t know how to do nine more days.” This is too much too soon for me. I’m reeling from the last four days and while I like Kel a lot, I don’t know what that means yet.
“Kel,” I purr softly, “I think we should take a step back here.” He hisses into the phone. “Let me finish. These last four days have been intense for both of us. I need to clear my head and so do you. I like you and I loved spending the last few days with you, but I don’t know what that means. Maybe this time away will do us good and when you get back we can figure out the specifics.”
“What does that mean, Shannon? Are you serious about us at all? After this weekend I thought we were on the same page. Do you even want me to come back?” Holy shit this isn’t going as planned. I thought he would want space and time. Isn’t that what men always want…space and time away from the clingy crazies?!
“Kel, NO!” I screech. “I want you to come back and I want to figure things out. You sound so stressed out about me and us. I don’t wanna be a burden to you. I’m just tryin’ to cut you some slack. I’ve never been in a relationship. I’m not sure if we should jump into a committed relationship after four days. Can’t we just see where this goes?”
“No. I don’t want slack, Kiddo. I don’t need more time. I want you. I want you to be mine and no one else’s. I know that concept freaks you the fuck out, and it does me too. But if I’m gonna stay here and get anything accomplished I need to know you’re mine.” Pump the brakes…WHAT? Who is this guy? I’m giving him chance after chance to bail and he’s calling dibs. Be his? Does he draw up a contract with Cally for me?
“What does that mean, Kel? Should Cally draw up a contract in the morning and fax it to your Dom secretary? You’re in the right city,” I snark. He chuckles.
“It just means we’re together, exclusive. No more not texting or calling back. No more Taylor carrying you into bed.” His voice tenses at that last point.
“Okay,” I concede. I can do that.
“Okay? Just like that?” He’s stunned.
“Yup, but if this was such an issue for you, you should have followed the hallowed words of Beyoncé ‘If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it’.” That makes me laugh out loud.
“Okay,” he says emphatically. Uhhhh? “What’re you wearing?” he purrs. I like where this is going.
I stay up talking to Kel until the boys’ alarms start going off. We talk about fishing, Seattle, past relationships (his, since I have none), family, work; you name it we talk about it. We can’t get enough of each other. When I finally hang up I feel so much better than I have the past four days. I am happy and content…just from talking on the phone with my…boyfriend. Holy shit, I have a BOYFRIEND!! To the gym I go with all this energy.
I walk out of my room and meet Taylor in the hall. He’s in a tank and shorts…same plan as me I suppose.
“Now look,” I chide, “I’m not sluttin’ it up. I’m goin’ to the gym.” I motion at my spandex shorts and sports bra outfit. I need to remember he lives here now.
He puts his hands in the universal defensive pose. “I didn’t say anything,” he says as he smiles sheepishly. I guess we’re over the weirdness, minus the kissing of my head last night.
“Care for some company?” he asks sweetly.
“Sure. Cally’s usually my workout partner but he has an early meeting this morning. Speak of the devil.” Cally comes into the hallway. He’s eyeing Taylor and me…more Taylor.
“Kid, I have to run to this meeting. We still on for basketball at six?”
We all start heading down the stairs.
“Yup,” I say popping my p.
“Did Kellerman ever get a hold of you last night? He was pretty freaked out by the time Kav talked to him.”
“Yeah, we talked,” I say coyly, batting my eyelashes.
“What’s that look, Kid?” he chuckles at my feigned sexiness.
“I’ll tell you about it tonight. Get to your meeting.” I smack his ass and make my way to the basement gym. I feel cardio is my poison of choice.
“I think I’m just gonna run. Help yourself to whatever you want,” I tell Taylor, motioning at the gym. I love our gym. Over the years we’ve built up quite the setup down here: free weights, machines, cardio equipment, yoga area, boxing area, it’s lacking for nothing.
“I’ll warm up with a jog and see where I end up,” he says, hopping on the treadmill next to me (Cally’s treadmill). I’m used to working out with Cally, we have a routine. This feels a little weird like I’m betraying him. I work out with Kavy and Sully too sometimes, but Cally is my constant. It’s just a treadmill Kelly…get it together.
“Do you mind if I turn on some music?” I point at the speakers in the ceiling.
“Not at all.” He’s already jogging. His body is a machine. He’s cut and as he runs he ripples: chest, arms, back, legs…yum. Good morning! I choose my Eminem mix tape and get to it. Once I start running everything else fades into the background. It’s just me and my feet, one in front of the other. This is what I needed. I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn to see
Taylor staring at me like I have two heads.
“What?” I’m breathing heavy…very attractive.
“You’ve been at it over an hour.” He points at the display on the treadmill. I’m over ten miles and I don’t even feel it…yet.
“I’ll cool down now.” I start slowing down. “Thanks.” I have no idea what Taylor’s been doing for the last hour. He could have been fucking an alien on the bench, and I wouldn’t have noticed. Now I notice him though. He’s speckled in sweat, his tank and shorts damp from his workout. His hair is glistening and wild. Boyfriend, I have a boyfriend.
“I’m gonna hit the shower,” he purrs pointing up the stairs. “See you in forty-five minutes?” I glance at the clock. Shit I’ve been at this too long. I jump off the treadmill and start to stretch. I look up from the floor, where I’ve just uncurled from my head on my knees, stretching my back. Taylor’s staring. He notices I catch him and takes off up the stairs. I shake my head, “boys” I think to myself.
Once I’m good and stretched I run around like a crazy woman getting showered, dressed, gym bag packed, breakfast wolfed down and out the door. My work day is crazy busy but that’s good because it keeps my mind off meeting Butch. It also means time flies and the next thing I know Taylor’s knocking at my door telling me it’s time to go to the hospital.
We get out at the hospital and I stop at the front doors, needing a minute to put my thoughts together. Taylor’s hand settles in the small of my back. “You all right, Shannon?” he whispers in my ear, so as not to draw attention to us.
“I’m fine,” I walk over to a bench and sit down. “I just need a minute.” He nods and sits down next to me.
“Mia’s important to me. I don’t wanna let her down today,” I mumble to Taylor. “I just need this to be okay.” He puts his hand on mine. We sit there hand on hand in silence for a few minutes. I shouldn’t be comforted by this, but I am. He’s here to keep me safe and his hand on mine makes me feel safe right now. I still feel like Kel wouldn’t like it…I’m not going to over think this. I’m not doing anything wrong. Feeling better, I stand up and Taylor guides me to Mia’s room, his hand on my lower back the whole time.
I get to Mia’s room and talk to Beth (Mia’s social worker) and the police officer guarding Mia. A few moments later Butch and Reed walk in, Butch’s eyes locked on Mia. He hasn’t seen her since that night; he looks to be in shock. His breath is hitched and his eyes are glistening. This is not the reaction I’d anticipated. I approach him, carefully extending my hand.
“Mr. Rossi, I’m Shannon Kelly, we haven’t officially met. I’m Mia’s guardian ad litem.” I’m firm, but civil. He brings his eyes to mine, looks down at my hand and grasps it gently. He shakes it, bringing his gaze back up to study my face.
“You’re the one who takes care of my Mia?” It sounds like a question, but it’s really a statement. His voice is rough and gravelly, but his face is soft and kind.
“Well, Mr. Rossi, I’m a small part of Mia’s care—”
Irene, Mia’s nurse interrupts. “Don’t let her fool you,” she beams, “Miss Kelly is the reason Mia does so well. She sees to all her needs. Don’t be shy child,” she scolds me. I smile at Irene, but wish she’d shut up. I drop Butch’s hand which has been gripping mine this whole time.
“This is Beth Green, Mia’s social worker.” He shakes her hand briefly.
“Can I sit with her?” Butch asks me softly.
“Mr. Rossi—”
“Butch, please.”
“Butch, this is your visit with Mia. You can do whatever you want during this time, so long as it doesn’t endanger her wellbeing.” I motion at Mia and take a seat in the chair near the end of her bed next to Beth. Taylor and Officer “I can’t remember his name” are standing just outside the door. Reed sits down next to me, making my skin crawl.
“Well,” he breathes out.
“Nope,” I stop him, “I’m not talkin’ shop or anything else with you while we’re in Mia’s room. This is a place of calm, so keep it buttoned up,” I hiss under my breath. He nods but slights his eyes at me. What a prick!
Butch is sitting in a chair next to Mia’s bed holding her hand, rubbing it, kissing it, tears pricking his eyes. He looks broken. Is that guilt for what he’s done to her? I was expecting this to be a show for the court. He comes in pretending to be a loving father to build his case. Unless the Missouri Department of Corrections is offering acting classes, this is genuine emotion. I take notes on what he does and how he behaves. At some point he starts to talk to her in a whisper but I can’t understand him. Mia’s heart rate has been higher since he’s been here. I’m worried this is stressing her, I’ll ask Irene later.
Butch’s visit is over quickly. He kisses Mia for the hundredth time and tells her he’ll be back real soon. I walk over to her and tell her I’ll come do her hair on Saturday and read her some magazines. Butch watches this and quirks an eyebrow at me.
“We have girl time together,” I explain nicely. “I do her hair and we gossip about all the latest celebrity drama.” He watches me for a moment.
“Thank you,” he says sincerely. “I feel better knowing she’s been taken care of.” He turns and leaves.
“That is not what I expected, Shannon,” Beth murmurs.
“Me neither.” I shrug.
Irene walks in after everyone has left.
“Hey Irene?” I question.
“Yeah?”
“Mia’s heart rate seemed elevated while Butch was here. What do you think that’s about?” I ask with a concerned tone.
“It happens when you’re here too sometimes, Miss Kelly. We can’t say for sure why those changes occur in coma patients but with our girl, I think it happens when she’s happy,” Irene explains sincerely. I hope she’s right. I want Mia to be happy almost as much as I want her awake. Butch made her happy? This visit has been full of surprises. I can only imagine what lies ahead with this case.
I walk out of the locker room onto the basketball court ready for a good game of 3-on-3. After the visitation with Butch, the rest of the work day flew. Karl and I closed a few cases we’d been working on and gossiped for half an hour before our day was done. Now I’m ready to let off some steam.
“Ready to get your ass pounded?” Kavy goads me as I approach the group.
“Why?” I blink long and slow at him. “You feelin’ the need for a little ass action? Pussy not gettin’ the job done for ya anymore?” Taylor, Sully, Cally, and Finn all fall into deep chuckles as I snatch the ball from Kavy and throw up a three-pointer, sinking it.
Smack!
Kavy unleashes a hard crack on my ass as he runs down the ball.
“I love your ass anyway I can get it,” Kavy calls over his shoulder. “Now get it movin’ so we can play some ball.”
“Me, you, and Taylor,” Cally instructs, “against Finn, O’Sullivan, and Kav. I think that’s even, Kid.”
“Good for me,” I shrug. I’m pretty good at basketball and Cally is better than all the boys. Taylor should be able to hold his own. If not, it’s something to give him shit about. Cally checks the ball to Kavy and we get underway. We’re competitive at most things we do. I think Taylor is a little caught off guard at first when Kavy fouls me hard and I take a tumble to the court. I don’t call a foul; I’ll get him back later. Taylor raises an eyebrow at me as I hop up.
“You all right?” he askes, approaching me with concern.
“Fine.” I brush down my shorts and look up into his caramel eyes. I smile and place my hand on his chest, patting twice. “Playing with us, means you get beat up a little. I’m used to it.” He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.
“She gives as good as she gets, Taylor,” Sully interjects from behind us. “Don’t fuss over her.”
A wide smile cracks Taylor’s face. “Kinda my job O’Sullivan.” I smile back up at him and turn to join the group.
Smack!
Taylor’s hand makes swift contact with my ass cheek.
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br /> “Go give ’em hell,” he whispers as he runs past me. It’s not different from any of the other boys smacking my ass, or me theirs, yet I have a warm tingle in my stomach after Taylor does it. Kel…I have a boyfriend. Deep breath.
We play for a long time before my turn to get Kavy presents itself. He beats me off the dribble and slashes to the basket, extending his arm for a layup. I come at him from behind to block, jumping and swiping my hand down hard making “accidental” contact with his head on my way down.
“Game off,” Kavy moans.
“I’m sorry, Kavy. I was really trying for the ball,” I feign innocence with my apology.
“Uh huh,” Kavy murmurs while rubbing his head. I know I pack quite a wallop from my volleyball days. He got the brunt of my swing right on the crown of his head. Maybe I went at him a little too hard. I wrap my arms around his thick neck, pulling his head down to my face. I kiss his hair where he’s been rubbing.
“Sorry, Kavy,” I whisper in his ear and kiss his cheek.
“You’re too strong for your own good, Kid.” He wraps his sweaty python arms around my waist picking me up off the court. I squeal trying to push him off, but it’s no use. Once he’s used my body like a towel he releases me and gives me a sportsman like ass tap moving back to the boys.
“Told you she can hold her own,” Sully says to Taylor.
“I’m getting that,” Taylor replies staring at me…hungry. Just like Kel said. My stomach flips as I try to push the heat from my cheeks.
“Next shot wins,” Cally yells across the court to me, with a wink. I know he means his next shot will win us the game…and it does. My teams always win.
In the shower after the game I try to figure out this Taylor thing. He’s gorgeous, yes. He’s also my employee. I have to keep this professional. I have Kel. I want Kel. It’s only been five days, but I know I want Kel. If Kel hadn’t been in the picture when Taylor showed up there is no doubt that I would be all over the officer, but that’s not the case. I’ve been keeping men at bay my whole life; I’ll just have to do the same with Taylor. Resigned to put some boundaries up between us, I stroll out of the locker room.
Blackness Takes Over & Blackness Awaits Page 17
