Through The Pieces

by Bobbi Jo Bentz

  Hope blossomed within me. Those gorgeous blue eyes no longer looked hard or hurt. "I am so sorry, Buck. Will you forgive me?"

  He cupped my face. "Only if you promise to never run. Just talk to me Claire, that's all I ask."

  I nodded my agreement as his mouth came down on mine. He tasted of mint, and I felt as if I were home after a long absence. His hand wrapped around the back of my neck, and I moaned. The hollowness inside me was filled with the familiar feel of Buck. He broke the kiss, and I looked up at him, confused.

  "We’d better stop now, or I won't be able to. Besides I think you’d better go say goodbye to Echo."

  "Goodbye?"

  "I have spent too much time away from you. I am going to memorize every inch of your body." The familiar spasm of desire shot through my body, and I bit down on my lower lip. Buck groaned and crashed his mouth onto mine, sucking on my lower lip. Interesting that such a small gesture on my part elicited such a forceful reaction from him. He deepened the kiss, his hands moving over my body. I ran them through his hair, hungry for his touch. He pressed himself against me, then let out a growl and abruptly released me.

  He turned off the car and jumped out, trotting around the front to open my door, and trying his best to avoid making eye contact with me. As a test, I bit down on my lower lip. Mission accomplished. He pressed against me, his mouth on mine. I could feel his hardness against my stomach and moaned once more.

  "Claire, you have to stop that, or I won't be able to control myself. I don't think either of us want to have sex out in the open." With a chaste kiss on the head he untangled himself from me, and we walked back toward Monty's.

  We hadn’t gone far when the hair on the back of my neck stood up. I frowned and glanced around, trying to determine if someone was watching us, but saw no one. Inside, we said our goodbyes to Echo, and I wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Echo, would you be terribly upset if we left?"

  "You’re leaving?"

  I gave her an embarrassed smile. "Yes, I’m sorry, but I took your advice and finally had that talk with Buck."

  A wicked grin spread across her face. "I'm so happy for you two! Where is he?" She scanned the area, her gaze coming to rest on him.

  A warm feeling settled over me. I could not believe I’d almost let this man slip away. As if hearing my thoughts, he turned in my direction, and I was struck by his hungry, intense stare.

  "I’ll see you tomorrow. And happy birthday again," I murmured, now, hypnotized by Buck. We moved toward each other, never breaking eye contact. I watched as a gamut of emotions passed across his face: happiness, forgiveness, need, want, and...something else. I was having a hard time breathing as I traced a finger from his temple to his chin, feeling the muscle in his jaw twitch in anticipation. He closed his eyes briefly, then clutched my hand in his and pulled me towards the door.

  Chapter 21

  Claire

  Neither of us said a word on the drive to his place, but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence. He held my hand, rubbing circles on my palm with his thumb. The touch of his skin on mine sent heat waves pulsing through my body. His eyes glowed in the faint light from the dashboard. Once inside the condo, I followed him through the hall and past the kitchen to one of the spare rooms. I lifted an eyebrow in question.

  "Claire, I want to show you the room I repainted."

  "Okay." I really wanted to suggest that we saved the home tour for tomorrow but didn't. Instead, I pushed the door open and felt around for the light switch. The bulbs winked on, and I was confused by what I saw. I turned to him for an explanation.

  "I made it a playroom." The shy smile on his face indicated pride in his accomplishment.

  "Do you have kids over that often?" I’d never heard him mention having kids over to visit.

  "No, I made it for Maggie." It was filled with toys and a Maggie-sized table with two chairs sat by the window. Shelves full of games and children’s books lined one wall, and a cabinet held paints, clay, and craft supplies. There were two bean bag chairs on the floor. It was brightly colored and beautiful.

  "I don't know what to say. You did this for Maggie? Why?"

  "You two mean so much to me, and I just thought maybe she would want a place of her own when she comes over. Claire, what I feel for you is deep, and the two of you are the most important people in my life. I did it for all of us. Why are you crying? Don’t you like it?"

  I brought my hands up to my cheeks, not aware until that moment that I was. "Buck this is one of the sweetest things anyone has ever done for me. Or Maggie. They’re not tears of sorrow. Thank you so much, Buck." I reached for him, and he pulled me into his embrace.

  "Anytime, Claire."

  Hand in hand, we made our way upstairs. I opened the door to his bedroom and stepped in. The last time I was here was the girls’ night with Mel and Annie many months ago. Since then, Buck had changed this room as well. The plain grey and navy blue color scheme was gone. It no longer looked like a bachelor's room. The platform bed was gone, replaced by a king-size, poster bed. The dark wood was balanced with white accents. I turned to gape at him, and he gave me that same shy smile.

  "Buck, it's beautiful--" His mouth on mine prevented me from saying anything further, but I didn’t care.. He picked me up, and I immediately wrapped my legs around his waist. He laid me gently down on the new bed, his mouth moving to my neck, sending heat between my legs. I couldn't get close enough and pulled at his shirt, frantic.

  He chuckled. "Patience, Claire."

  I let out a sigh of frustration, feeling his smile against my neck. He broke away from me long enough to pull off his shirt. My greedy eyes took in his muscular chest and six-pack abs. I quickly peeled off my own shirt, and he helped free me from the confines of my pants. Then I was unbuckling his slacks, pushing them down his thighs till they puddled in the floor around his feet.. I reached for his boxers, but he captured my hands and draped himself across me.

  He kissed me slowly but with such passion it made me dizzy. He had never kissed me like this. I opened my eyes when he stopped and saw the emotion I was feeling mirrored in his. Could I be falling for him? Could he be falling for me? He rolled onto his side and let his gaze travel the length of my body. "Beautiful," he breathed.

  I blushed and brought my hands to my face. He moved them away.

  "Don't be shy, Claire. I could look at you forever and never fully absorb your beauty."

  His words caused something in my chest to flutter. I brought his head back to my mouth, reveling in his taste and touch. I felt the muscles in his back ripple as my tongue probed his mouth. His hands touched my skin gently, and before I knew it, my underwear was on the floor. How did he do that? He trailed kisses down my neck, and I arched my back to meet his mouth. The fire burning within was about to consume me. His mouth was now on my breast, and I moaned, drunk from the pleasure of it all, my hips grinding against him.

  He let out a sexy growl.

  In one fluid motion, discarded his boxers and guided himself into my opening, my body joyfully accepting every inch of him.

  He paused for a moment, and when I looked up at him, he whispered, "Keep your eyes open for me, Claire. I want to see you come undone."

  I was unable to say a word. His need was a reflection of my own as he slowly moved in and out of me. The build up grew he felt so good inside me. My eyes fluttered shut only to fly open when he stopped. Once he had my attention again, he resumed his slow movements in and out. I was having a hard time focusing as my own orgasm was within reach. Buck sped up his pace, making me moan out his name.

  This was so much different from any other time we’d had sex. This was him making love to me. This was him saying we needed to be together. That sent me over the edge. I screamed out his name once more, the spasms racking my body as he began to thrust harder with quickening jerks until he stilled, and in wonderment, I watched him come undone. It was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen.

  Throughout the night we continued to explore eac
h other, and make up for the lost time. I awoke to the sensation of being smothered and hot. I blinked away the sleep and felt the heat from his body. A heavy arm and leg draped over me. I wiggled free and inhaled deeply. Buck wrapped around me again and pulled me close.

  "You're so hot," I protested.

  "Thanks."

  "I meant your body heat, silly. I can barely breath." I rolled over so I was facing him. Placing my hand on his forehead, he felt feverish and sweaty to the touch.

  "Buck, you're burning up. How do you feel?"

  "Tired," he mumbled.

  "I need to know where you keep your thermometer and Tylenol."

  "Bathroom cabinet."

  I ran downstairs and grabbed a bottle of water. Locating a bowl, I filled it with water as well and went back upstairs. In the bathroom, I found the Tylenol and a wash cloth. I couldn't find the thermometer, so I returned to the bedroom.

  I submerged the washcloth in the bowl of water, then squeezed out the excess and placed it on his forehead. He began to mumble, but I wasn’t able to make sense of what he was trying to say. Worried he had a fever, I sat next to him, wetting the washcloth and sponging him off repeatedly throughout the long night.

  Chapter 22

  Claire

  Buck slept most of the day, and of course, being a doctor, he refused to go to the emergency room. Annie brought Maggie over in the afternoon, but I forbid her from going upstairs. I didn't want her sick as well. Besides, once she saw the playroom, she was busy making get well pictures for him. I made a batch of my chicken noodle soup, hoping this would help also.

  "Maggie, can you come in the kitchen and eat please?" I called as I ladled some soup in a bowl.

  "Mommy, are you going to give Buck some?"

  "Yes, and then I will be right back down to eat with you."

  "Can you give him this?" Maggie handed me a colorful picture. The picture was of her and Buck holding hands and what looked like a fluffy orange Pippi.

  "Oh Maggie, he is going to love this." It was a masterpiece. "But, where am I in the picture?"

  "You're busy cleaning." She laughed began to slurp up the soup.

  I took the bowl of soup and an extra water bottle upstairs to Buck. He looked adorable all tangled in the sheets and sprawled in the middle of the bed. As I crossed the room, he woke. Some of the color had returned to his face.

  "Brought you some chicken soup. You need to eat. How are you feeling?"

  He scrubbed at the stubble on his face and sat up against the headboard. He gave me an impish smile and shrugged his shoulders. "I've felt better, thank you, Claire. I’m sorry you got stuck taking care of me."

  I handed him the soup and placed the water next to him. "I don't mind. Now eat up before it gets cold."

  He took a spoonful and gave me an odd look. Crap too much salt?

  "What's wrong?"

  "I know you didn't get this from a can. Nothing from a can could taste this good."

  "That's because I made it. Now I have to get back downstairs to Maggie. I’ll be back in a bit to get your bowl. Oh, and Maggie made you a picture." I set the drawing on the night stand. He looked from me to the picture, a smile spreading across his face.

  "You made me chicken soup; Maggie made me a picture. I need to be sick more often."

  This earned him an eye roll from me as I exited the room.

  #

  Thankfully, Buck was feeling better the next day. I had to bribe Maggie to go home, claiming that Pippi would be lonely without her. Buck promised she could come back any time. When we arrived at home, a box was sitting at the door. I picked it up and ushered Maggie inside. Now, to get her in the bath, feed Pippi, and get some cleaning done. Maggie was chasing Pippi down the hall and giggling away.

  "Maggie, time for a bath, then you can play with Pippi before bed."

  "Can't I play with her now?" Insert adorable daughter pouty lip.

  "Maggie, you have school tomorrow, so no. Bath time it is for you." With her head down she trudged to the bathroom. Pippi gave me a look that could only be described as supreme displeasure.

  "Can I have bubbles in the tub?"

  "Yes, you may. I’ll start the water and you can pour the bubbles." Maggie carefully measured the bubble bath liquid into the tub. “Good job, now go get your jammies and then you can have your bath."

  When she had not returned by the time the tub was full, I went to see what was keeping her. She was frantically scrabbling through her dresser drawers and wailed, “Mommy, I can’t find any matching jammies!” Trying not to laugh out loud, I helped her locate a set worthy of her approval. There would come a day when the constant need to match her clothes wouldn’t be funny, but for now I enjoyed it.

  Back in the bathroom, the pajama dilemma solved, I helped her into the tub. Now, to feed the cat, then get some cleaning done. Pippi came tearing into the kitchen as soon as she heard the dry food hit the plate, and began inhaling the food. “Slow down, silly kitten, or you’ll puke,” I admonished her. Crossing the kitchen to refill her water bowl, the box caught my eye.

  "Now what is this about?” I mused. “I wonder if it’s from Annie. Listen to me, now I am talking to a kitten." I shook my head and opened the box.

  The contents quickly changed my mood. Terror coursed through. I stumbled towards my room and scanned it for my purse. I needed my phone. Looking around, my breathing hitched. I could feel my heartbeat in my throat. Where is my phone? My mind began to spin. I tried to keep one foot in front of the other as I made it back down the hall, still searching frantically for my purse. Shit! I spotted it on the couch and lunged for it, the contents spilling out. When I finally located my phone, I fumbled with the numbers. It rang.

  "Hello?"

  "Buck, I need you..." Tears spilled down my face.

  "I’m leaving now. What's going on, Claire? Are you okay?"

  I wasn’t sure if I said another word to him or not, nor was I aware of the passage of time when a knock at my door made me jump.

  "Claire, it's me--Buck!" The pounding on the door increased. Crossing the room on shaky legs, I threw it open. Concern etched his face. I pointed to the box and he went to look at the contents. I knew without a doubt that Scott had sent it.

  "Oh my God, Claire. Scott took pictures of us."

  "I know."

  Buck continued to sift through the photos. There were some from when I’d slipped on the ice the day we moved in and some from the night of the New Year's Eve Bash. More of us kissing in the car from the other night. Ones of Buck's house, a light on in the bedroom. Hundreds of them. Us. He was the reason I’d felt like someone watching me.

  "Claire, we have to call the police, and I am staying here until this sick son of a bitch is behind bars where he belongs."

  I nodded in agreement as Maggie came out of the bathroom. "Hi Buck!"

  "Hey, Maggie, look at you. You're all squeaky clean."

  "Maggie, why don't you play with Pippi for a while, then it's time for bed, okay?" I tried unsuccessfully to calm my nerves. Maggie ran to her room calling for Pippi.

  Buck turned to me and pulled me into his embrace. He stroked my back, soothing me to a point where I was able to breathe normally, and I could feel my heartbeat slowing.

  "Claire, are you going to call the police?"

  "I don't know. Can I think on it? If I do it tonight, they will come over and Maggie will get scared. How about this? After I drop her off at school in the morning, I will take the box in and see what they can do."

  "If that's what you want to do. But please let me stay to make sure you two are okay."

  I nodded into his chest, and we stayed like that for what wasn’t nearly long enough. I then tucked Maggie into bed and went to my room, where Buck had my side of the bed turned down already. I snuggled up against him and tried to get some sleep. Little did I know sleep would be an illusion for me.

  Chapter 23

  Scott

  He’d sent Claire the pictures, but she had no proof who left t
hem, so he got a warning from the Sheriff to stay away. Scott snorted out a laugh at the thought of a warning. Like that was going to scare him. He lit a cigarette and stroked the picture in his hands. He wasn’t even sure why he continued to pursue her anymore. She'd obviously moved on without him. He should just let her go, but his father's voice popped in his head, calling him weak. Calling him a loser. He placed the photo on the table and stubbed out his cigarette. He rubbed his face harshly with both hands. A knock at the door got his attention. He smiled when he saw who it was.

  "Can I come in?” she asked nervously.

  "You know you don't have to ask, Jenny." She sure looked good to him. He wasn’t sure when he began to like her, but she wasn’t so bad. Always wearing skin tight clothes and letting her boobs hang out.

  "I came because I don't know if I can do this. I--I'm afraid someone might get hurt." She looked nervous and weak. Her vulnerability sent adrenaline coursing through his body. He would never admit it, but he sometimes felt the same way. This pissed him off.

  "What the fuck is this about?"

  "I just thought we were breaking them up, then I see them together and I know they have something. I just don't want to do it anymore." His hand shot out and grabbed her by the throat, pinning her in place. Jenny squirmed, but he wasn't about to let go.

  "Let’s get one thing straight. We will finish this, and if you are thinking about not holding up your end of the bargain, you will regret it." The terror in her eyes let him know she was on board. Scott released his grip and she immediately brought hands to her throat to rub the soreness away.

  "When?" she croaked.

  "Soon. Very soon. Now come back to the bedroom. I have something I need you to do."