Laurie's Time (The Fairfield Series)

by Maryann Jordan

“Oh, honey, I’m fine. Please don’t interrupt Carol and Tom’s evening. Carol is so stressed with the wedding planning. Her parents are horrible to deal with.”

  He looked down at her. “Babe, I’m not playin’ around. You’ve been tired lately, lost a little weight off that gorgeous ass and now this. Maybe you have the flu. I want you at the doctor’s tomorrow.”

  Laurie pouted, but one look at his face and she knew he wasn’t going to give in. Sighing, she agreed then moved to get out of bed. He pulled her back in for a hug, kissing the top of her head.

  “Worried about you, babe.”

  Leaning up and kissing him quickly on his lips, she headed to the kitchen. He followed close behind, capturing her hips as she bent over to look into the refrigerator. “Laurie, don’t cook. Let’s go out or order in.”

  “Chinese?” she asked with a smile.

  Grinning back, he grabbed the phone and called it in.

  *

  Sitting at the table, eating Chinese, Laurie told Rob about Cindy. He listened, jaw tight in anger at the tale of the little girl who had been abused. Cursing, he asked how her parents could have ignored what was going on in their home.

  “I don’t know, honey. It’s bad enough to be abused, but when your parents don’t believe you, then you lose hope. Thank god, her former school recognized problems and stepped in. I think she’ll do well in my class, but she is very wary of men.”

  Cleaning up the remains of the dinner, she commented, “I almost forgot, but Jean said that her parents are mad about her being taken from them. They don’t know where she is right now, but I have to be careful to make sure no one picks her up other than her foster family.”

  Rob, always in protective mode where Laurie was concerned, wrapped her in his immense embrace. “Laurie darlin’, you’re not in any danger with them are you?”

  “Oh no, there are too many people at school for them to try any contact there. I would be more fearful if she was taking the bus, but the foster family will always be picking her up.”

  Twisting around in his hug, she faced him, bringing her arms up around his neck. Rising on her tiptoes, she pressed her lips to his, desire flooding through her. Mewling as Rob pulled back, she opened her eyes, disappointment replacing desire.

  “Babe, don’t want to do anything if you’re sick.”

  Stamping her foot, she retorted, “I’m not sick! I was tired and took a nap. I feel fine and want my man!”

  He raised his eyebrow. “Did you just stomp your foot?”

  Wiggling to escape his embrace, she huffed, “Fine, don’t make love to me. See if I care!”

  Throwing his head back laughing, he exclaimed, “Laurie, you want me, girl, you got me. Just let me know if you’re not feelin’ it.” Then scooping her up into his muscular arms, he headed back to the bedroom. He slowly removed her clothes, peeling away each layer as though unwrapping a delicate present.

  Both naked, he smoothed his large hands over her body, worshiping each inch. Holding her eyes with his, he slowly made love with her, letting all of his love pour into each action. By the time they both climaxed, they lay sated, Laurie tucked into his loving embrace, his heavy arms wrapped around her chest, his legs over hers.

  She fell asleep almost immediately. He lay awake for a while, worry for her creeping into his consciousness.

  *

  Laurie sat in the doctor’s examining room, feeling foolish for having come in for the appointment.

  “This seems so silly. I know I don’t have the flu, but my boyfriend insisted and I talked to my roommate who is a nurse and she agreed. So here I am.”

  Dr. Alexander smiled at Laurie after looking over her list of symptoms. “Well, let’s see if we have everything. You have had a low grade fever for a few days, your neck is stiff, and you have lost a little weight. Is that it?”

  “I also have a little redness on my face, but it just looks like I used blush when I didn’t.” Giggling, she also confessed. “I know this sounds dumb, but my feet are always cold.”

  Dr. Alexander did the physical examination but admitted that her diagnosis was incomplete. “You have some flu-like symptoms, but I don’t think it is the flu. Unfortunately, your symptoms could also be indicative of a number of other things. I’d like to do a blood test, so that we will have more information.”

  She hated blood tests but knew she couldn’t get out of it. Thanking the doctor and making a follow-up appointment, she walked out to her car. Leaning against her bug was a gorgeous, imposing, dark-haired fireman, looking incredibly sexy. Running over to him, she jumped into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist as he captured her in his embrace.

  “What are you doing here, sweetie?” she asked.

  “Didn’t want to wait for you to call. Wanted to know now what is goin’ on,” Rob answered. “What did the doc say?”

  “Well, she doesn’t think it’s the flu, but said the symptoms could be anything. She is sending me to the lab to get blood work done.”

  “Leave your car here, babe, and I’ll take you.”

  Laurie panicked, knowing that she always passed out when having her blood taken, and she did not want Rob around. “Umm, you don’t have to do that. I…I can just go real quick and you can um… go back to the station.”

  “Darlin’, you can’t lie for shit. What’s up?”

  Pouting, she admitted, “Fine. I just hate blood work and needles, and I don’t want you to see me pass out.”

  He laughed at her exaggeration. “Babe, you’ll be fine. I’m takin’ you and no arguin’.” He helped her up into his truck, and they drove down the street to the lab at the hospital. Once there, he walked her into the lab and sat waiting with her until they called her back.

  She had become quiet, her face pale and hands shaking. Rob saw her distress and realized that she was getting worked up. Leaning over, he whispered, “Babe, you weren’t kiddin’, were you?”

  She just shook her head as she stood up to go back. He surprised her by joining her in the small room. The phlebotomist looked up at the massive man who seemed to take up all the space in her little room. He moved back a bit to give her more space. As the phlebotomist got her equipment, he noticed that Laurie was already beginning to hyperventilate.

  “Babe,” he called out. Her eyes shot towards his. “Breathe.” Nodding, she focused on her breathing while her blood was being taken. Rob, not taking his eyes off of her, noticed that even though the simple procedure was over, her face lost all color. Pitching forward in the chair, she slipped towards the floor.

  “Damn,” he cursed. Reaching forward, he grabbed her in his arms. The phlebotomist led them to a room across the hall with a hospital bed in it and ran off to get Laurie some juice.

  Laurie quickly came to, embarrassed that Rob had seen her faint. Bringing her hands up, she covered her face.

  “Oh, Rob, I didn’t want you to see me faint. This is so embarrassing. It happens every time I’m around needles.”

  He leaned down, kissing her forehead. “Babe, I want to be with you in all things. I plan on one day bein’ with you when you have our child.” Her eyes opened wide at this declaration. “It has somethin’ to do with you, I want to be a part of it.” Helping her to sit up to drink her juice, he continued. “No secrets, babe. Remember?”

  She leaned her weight on him, allowing him to help her out to his truck. Smiling up at this handsome, loving man, she knew that it was important to him.

  Chapter 12

  As January snows were falling, everyone was beginning to get cabin fever. Carol texted Laurie to see if they wanted to meet the gang at Smokey’s that night. After checking with Rob, she cheerfully agreed. Heading home after school, she met Carol in the apartment to get ready. Their lives had become so entwined with the men that they were dating that they did not get together as much as they would have liked. It felt like old times, commenting on their outfits, talking about wedding plans, and catching up on their jobs.

  “I went back on shift work
to make more money, but Tom isn’t very happy about it,” Carol confessed. “He hates anything that cuts into our time, but he also hates me being in the ER during the middle of the night.”

  Laurie knew that Carol’s parents were wealthy, but also knew that Carol was completely independent. “Do you need the extra money?” Laurie inquired.

  Carol shrugged but admitted, “My parents were being…difficult about the wedding, so Tom and I decided to pay for everything ourselves. It will be small, friends only, and won’t cost too much, but the extra money from the graveyard shift helps.”

  “I have no idea what I will do when I get married. No parents, no extra money on a teacher’s salary!” Laurie said without rancor.

  Carol reached over to hug her friend. “Oh Laurie, I’m so sorry. Here I am bemoaning my situation, but wasn’t even thinking about yours.”

  “Carol, don’t apologize! We all have our crosses to bear. Believe me, I am very content with my life now. It hasn’t always been easy, but it is what it is. Who knows when I will get married anyway?”

  Carol laughed as she pulled on her blue tunic over her black leggings. “Oh, I think that Rob may have something to say about that! I have a feeling that he may be planning to tie you to him before too long!”

  Laurie couldn’t help but smile at her friend’s prediction. She chose her navy leggings paired with a pink cashmere off-the-shoulder sweater. Both women pulled on their boots and grabbed their winter coats and hats before heading out of the door.

  *

  Rob, not wanting to take a chance on running into any more barflies before Laurie arrived, sat in his truck in the parking lot. Jake tapped on his window, looking surprised.

  “You gonna hang out all night in your truck?”

  “Fuck, man, the last time we were here, that bitch Roxie had her friend take a picture of her falling into my lap and sent it to Laurie.”

  Jake, disbelieving, just looked at Rob. “You’re shittin’ me.”

  “I wish I was. I came over here the next day and confronted her. Told her that she ever even looked Laurie’s way, I’d forget I was a gentleman and kick her ass.” He chuckled. “Then Wendy came over and did kick her ass to the curb.”

  Jake started laughing. “Leave it to Wendy to do what we men couldn’t do!”

  Just then, Tom drove up with Carol and Laurie in tow. As Laurie came toward him, he once again stared at the beauty in front of him.

  Greeting him enthusiastically by standing on her toes to grab his face and pull him in for a kiss, he couldn’t believe his luck. The others laughed and Rob tucked her under his arm as the five of them went inside to join more of their friends. Several firemen and policemen were there with their dates. Bill and Wendy greeted them all and started serving drinks.

  Rob helped Laurie take her coat off, but when he saw the pastel pink sweater that hung off her shoulder, he nearly had a heart attack. Her luscious shoulder was bare. No bra strap. Fuck, she’s not wearing a bra. He tried to get her to put her coat back on.

  “Rob, I don’t need my coat on inside,” she said, her eyes searching his face for the reason behind his stony countenance.

  Leaning down so that his mouth was next to her ear, he whispered, “You’re not wearin’ a bra. Not having every dick in this place starin’ at your tits.”

  Putting her hand over her mouth to stifle her giggles, she leaned her head back so that she could whisper in his ear. “Honey, it’s called a strapless bra. I assure you I am covered up!”

  He leaned over and discreetly checked out her breasts to make sure her nipples weren’t poking through her sweater. He placed her coat on the back of her chair, satisfied that she wasn’t showing too much but frustrated knowing she was still too beautiful not to be looked at. Sitting down next to her, he scooted her chair over so that it was touching his, threw his arm around her shoulder, and pulled her in tight.

  Tucked into him, feeling dwarfed, she complained, “Rob, I can’t see anyone! How am I supposed to carry on a conversation? I told you I am covered. Honey, I would never come out dressed to embarrass you!” Rolling her eyes and huffing, she finished her quiet tirade.

  “Babe, I’m not pissed at you. You know how to dress like a beautiful woman, but you don’t know dick about dicks.” Incredulous, she turned to look into his face. “Babe, men like me, we see a bare shoulder and that means that we’re gonna check out the tits to see if they are covered. You may be covered, but I don’t want to fight off every man in this place ‘cause he is staring at your tits.”

  “You must be joking,” she said, eyes narrowing. “Are you telling me that you are still checking out the tits of every woman in this place?”

  Rubbing his hands over his face in frustration, he replied, “No! Once a man has what I’ve got, what Tom’s got, we don’t check out shit. But if you’ll look around, most of these men are single, or just here with a casual date. That means they’re checking you out.”

  “You give the most back ass-wards compliments!” she snapped.

  Releasing a sigh, he leaned over and brushed his lips over hers in a chaste kiss. “Just laying it out there, Laurie.” Noticing that she was slumped back against him, he slid his arm from around her and rubbed gentle circles on her back. “Babe, eyes.”

  She looked up into his blue eyes, once more getting lost in the depths of them.

  “Don’t want to take away anything from the night for you, darlin’. You’re beautiful, and I just gotta deal with the fact that men will look. But I’m proud of being yours. Still don’t know what I did to deserve you.”

  She lifted her hand to cup his strong jaw. Barely touching her lips to his, she whispered, “I love you, Rob MacDonald.” She felt his breath mingle with hers, feeling as though she needed his breath to live.

  He pulled her in for a gentle hug, possessive but protective, then moved her chair so that she was not as hidden as before. Looking over at Jake’s smirk, he knew his friend had heard the entire exchange.

  “Fuck off, man, your time’s comin’”, Rob joked.

  Shaking his head, Jake just laughed. “Don’t mind sayin’, hope you’re right.”

  *

  The conversation flowed as much as the drinks did. Laurie loved meeting more of Rob’s coworkers and hearing stories of their daring rescues. Tom and Jake joined in with tales of their youth. The dates that the other men brought were nice women, and Laurie enjoyed their conversations as well.

  Laurie had been around Jake often and always sensed a sadness about him. He was a quiet man, and she wondered why he wasn’t married yet. Rob always said that Jake was waiting for just the right woman. Emma. Emma would be perfect for Jake, and he was just what she needed. He needs a woman to take care of him. Emma takes care of everyone. But Emma needs someone to take care of her also. Hmmm. I’ll talk to Rob later to see what he thinks.

  Her neck was stiff from sitting in one position, and she couldn’t believe that she was already tired by ten o’clock. Rob noticed that Laurie was getting tired and stiff. “Babe, you want to go home?”

  “Goodness, no. I’ll be fine. I think I’ll go to the ladies’ room though to move around a bit.”

  “I’ll come with you,” Rob said protectively.

  “Rob, it would look silly for you to come. I’ll be right back.” With that, Laurie stood and walked down the hallway by the bar.

  Walking into the ladies’ room, she used the facilities then headed over to wash her hands. Looking up into the mirror, she noticed the redness on her face that her makeup was barely covering. Dark circles were under her eyes. I sleep all the damn time; why the hell do I feel so tired. She rubbed her stiff neck, trying to twist it from side to side. It was as though it did not want to move without the pain screaming at her. I so don’t have time to be sick.

  Looking at her pink sweater, she pulled it up so that it covered both shoulders and draped farther in the back. Smiling to herself, she pulled open the door. Standing right outside the door, leaning up on the opposite wall w
as the colossal hunk of the man she loved, staring intently at her. His eyes cut to her sweater, and she saw the warmth in them. Walking over she placed her arms around his waist, knowing she couldn’t raise them without pain. “What are you doing out here, you silly man?” she asked softly.

  “Only silly for you, woman.”

  She laughed and hugged him tighter. His arms encircled her, completely surrounding her with his body. Warm. Protected. Cared for. Loved.

  She leaned her head back to look into his eyes, and she gasped in pain.

  Immediately, he bent down to look at her without her moving her neck. Panic on his face, fear in his heart, he grasped her arms. “Laurie, what is it? Is it your neck again?”

  Trying not to cry, she barely nodded.

  “That’s it,” he declared. “We’re leavin’, and I’m takin’ you to the hospital.”

  She dug her heels in. “Rob, we are not going to the ER for a stiff neck.”

  He rounded on her quickly, forcing her to take a step back. “Babe, I’m not kiddin’. We promised no secrets between us. I want to know exactly how you feel right now.”

  Just then, Carol walked over on her way to the ladies’ room.

  “Good, Carol’s here. You can talk to both of us,” Rob said to Laurie. Turning to Carol, he said, “Laurie is not feelin’ good, and I wanna take her to the ER.”

  Carol, immediately concerned, looked at her friend and went into nurse mode. “What are your symptoms?”

  “Carol, I’ve been to Dr. Alexander. She ran blood work on me, but the results are not back in yet.”

  “And…” Carol prodded.

  “I’m just tired a lot, run a low-grade fever several times a week, and my neck is so stiff it hurts, but that is probably just from sleeping crooked.”

  Carol lifted an eyebrow at Laurie. “Stop trying to diagnose yourself by making light of the symptoms,” Carol admonished.

  By this time Tom appeared in the hall to see what was taking Carol so long. “What symptoms?” he asked.

  Laurie glared at all of them, feeling the sting of tears threatening to fall. Rob recognizing her stress and embarrassment, reached over and pulled her into a gentle hug. “Just worried about you babe.”