Ride The Storm (Storm Warning Series Book 4)

by Geri Foster

  He bent down and rested his arms on the counter in front of her. “You’ve been making decisions for your family for a very long time. It’s not unusual to balk when someone pulls the rug out from under you.”

  “I guess.” She raised her face to him. “I don’t like arguing. I was so upset after you left. I wanted to run after you, but I think someone glued my feet to the floor.”

  “I acted a little too hot-headed, I know that.”

  She lowered her head. “Lucas probably thinks I’m crazy. He didn’t say anything when he left.”

  “He’ll be fine.” He pointed to her plate. “Finish up there. It’s about bedtime. You want up at the same time?”

  “No, I can set my phone. Since I brought my clothes I don’t have to stop at home to change.”

  “Good. Well, when you get up tomorrow, if I’m outside working, go ahead and do what you have to do.”

  “You’ll be around, won’t you? Not somewhere off in a pasture?”

  “No, I’ll be close to the house.”

  She finished her food and put the plate in the dishwasher. He turned out the lights and they headed for bed. Before she moved to go into the guest bedroom, he turned her around and kissed her.

  He pressed her against the wall, placing his body over hers so they fit together perfectly. Heat and desire overtook any common sense he might possess. His mouth against hers filled a void so deep in his heart he’d forgotten it existed.

  Long before he wanted to, he broke the kiss and turned toward the master bedroom knowing it would be a very long night. He would’ve been wise to pass on the goodnight kiss. It did too much to his body and would make sleeping downright uncomfortable.

  Chapter 12

  Nancy woke the next morning to her phone alarm going off. Sitting up and stretching, she sighed happily. It had been a long time since she’d slept so soundly. Tossing back the covers, she got out of bed and padded to the bathroom. Listening carefully, she didn’t hear a sound. Maybe Jeff hadn’t woken up yet. Tiptoeing down the hall, she glanced through the open bedroom door to where he slept and found the bed empty and the coverlet straightened. Shrugging, she went back to the bathroom, undressed and jumped into the shower. Humming happily, she finished, wrapped a towel around her head and body, then stepped out—and nearly had a heart attack.

  Jeff was standing in the hall with a steaming cup in his hand, a broad smile on his face. She hadn’t meant for him to see her in only a towel, and her face burned at his open gaze.

  “Good morning,” he said, bending down and kissing her tenderly.

  Blinking several times, she enjoyed his touch to the point that, for the first time in her life, she wanted to call in sick. She didn’t dare, of course. Accepting the coffee, she walked across the hall and, just as she crossed the threshold to her room, he smacked her lightly on the rear. She inhaled deeply, then turned, her mouth wide open. No man had ever done that before.

  When she saw the teasing smile on his face, she slanted him a glare, feigning sternness. “It’s a bit early for that isn’t it?”

  He shook his head and stalked closer, pinning her against the door. “When I think about the fact that the only thing between me and you is that towel, I don’t think it’s too early for anything.”

  Now her cheeks were practically flaming. She put her hand on his chest and shoved gently. He backed up into the hall, a smirk playing upon his lips, and she politely closed the door in his face. Whirling around, afraid she’d drop her coffee since her heart was beating so quickly, she set the cup down on the table near the window next to a beautiful vase. No doubt Candi had made the selection. She made extra sure not to spill the contents of her cup on the beautiful wood.

  Thinking of Jeff’s unexpected antics and smiling to herself, she shook her head and began getting ready for the day. No one had ever brought her a cup of coffee in the morning and she found she enjoyed that very much. As she went about her routine, she realized he had already been completely dressed and smelled of sunshine and hay. He wasn’t kidding—he was an early riser.

  After blowing her hair dry and putting on fresh make-up, she entered the kitchen smiling and headed for the coffee pot and a refill. Still in an unusually playful mood, he came up behind her and hugged her against him, nibbling her ear.

  “You should stop that or I’ll never get to work.”

  He traced kisses down her neck and across her collar bone. Now, she seriously wanted to skip work. But soon he slipped away and poured himself a cup of coffee. Looking over the rim he said, “You look pretty this morning.”

  She looked down at her clothes. “It’s casual Friday, so we can wear jeans, but they have to be dress jeans.”

  “No matter the occasion, I like it.”

  “Thank you,” she said, trying desperately not to blush. No man had ever been so flirtatious. Jeff was proving to be so much more romantic than she’d ever expected.

  Glancing at his handsome face, she tilted her head to the side. “You’re not so bad yourself, you know?”

  He paused the cup halfway to his lips. “What?”

  “You’re pretty handsome, too.”

  “I’m ornery and... used. I’m lucky a pretty thing like you even knows I’m alive.”

  “Now who’s putting themself down?” She put her cup on the counter, walked up to him and clasped her hands on each side of his face, pulling his lips against hers. She tasted coffee and fresh air. That alone sent her body into a tailspin. Heat radiated through her body like she’d turned into a furnace. And it all settled in her stomach, traveling downwards.

  Her heart sped up, her nostrils flared, and her lungs simply couldn’t expand enough for her to get in enough air. He put his arm around her and pulled her body against his as his tongue entered her mouth to play.

  She swallowed a gasp and moved her hands from his bristly cheeks to around his neck, slanting her mouth, hoping to get closer. She wanted him. Wanted him like she’d never wanted anything in her life.

  His cell phone rang suddenly and when she tried to back away, he held her tighter, choosing to ignore the phone. Knowing it might be important, she shoved out of his embrace and ducked her head.

  Licking his lips, his eyes pinned on her, he answered without even looking at the caller. Smiling shyly, she moved about, gathering up her things for work. Finishing the call in record time, he put the phone away and walked her to the garage, where he kissed her again. Deeply. Passionately. Like he never wanted to stop.

  Out of breath and a little mesmerized, she somehow managed to get in her car and back out of the garage. He followed her, walking out to the driveway, watching her closely.

  “Don’t stop anywhere and keep the doors locked,” he called out.

  “They lock automatically,” she assured him, through her open window.

  “Park close to the bank.”

  “I will, don’t worry.”

  “I want to worry about you.”

  Touched and, yes, blushing—again—she nodded and rolled up the window. When she got to the end of the driveway he waved and she did too. A smile as broad as the Mississippi pulled at her lips. She couldn’t ever remember being this happy, this content, or this hopeful for the future.

  On that note, she wondered what the future held for them. Would they someday get married? She didn’t think about children because she’d been told as a young adult that wouldn’t be. There’d be no kids for her. She’d accepted that disappointment because she’d had no choice. Besides, there had never been a man she thought wanted to sleep with her before. If that didn’t happen, there would be no question about a child in the first place. But what if that was something Jeff wanted? Would that be a game changer for him?

  She thought back to her life before Jeff. She’d been okay. At least, that was what she’d kept telling herself. Life was what you made it and she’d worked hard at her job, been active in her community, and made great friends. She had no family after the death of her parents, but she’d always considere
d Rainwater her kin.

  All three of the grandmas had taken a liking to her and treated her like she belonged. She never spent a holiday alone and didn’t feel left out of anything…except love. That elusive thing had never came knocking on her heart. Now, it nearly crushed her.

  Tucking those thoughts away, she pulled behind the bank to the parking area. Several people were in the area, but she exited her car and went directly to the bank and unlocked the door. Once inside, she secured it again. While alone, she would let everyone in as they tapped on the glass. She never stayed alone in the bank with the back door unlocked.

  It simply wasn’t safe.

  At her desk she powered up her computer and, even though she had a good thirty minutes before the bank opened, she opened the blinds and turned on all the lights. Often a resident showed up early needing to make a transaction, or to have her notarize something, or turn in paperwork on a loan. She never turned them away.

  In the employees’ lounge, she made a fresh pot of coffee. Next, she made one for the customers coming in this morning. Last evening, before leaving, she’d set up the Styrofoam cups, sugar, sweetener and powdered creamer on the small cart.

  Every Friday, Mary Beth stopped by Fred’s Donut House and picked up three dozen pre-ordered donuts for them and the customers. Just a little treat for those who didn’t have time to have breakfast. They were usually gone by eleven.

  In the meantime, she sat at her desk and drooled. No donuts for her. She had to get back on track before she fell completely off her diet and would have to struggle for weeks to get back on. She wasn’t about to do that again.

  A tap sounded at the backdoor and she ran back to see Mary Beth with her arms full. Unlocking the door, she held it with her foot while she entered, then, relocked the door.

  “Those smell delicious.”

  “Fred had them all ready to go. Lucas and Austin were there having coffee.”

  “So early? My, people are up and around today. I noticed the traffic seemed to be heavier today.”

  “Traffic?” Mary Beth put down the donuts and glanced over her shoulder at her. “You don’t have any traffic. You live two blocks away.” Turning, she stared at her. “I noticed your car in the lot. Did you really drive to work?”

  “Yes, I did, because I didn’t stay home last night. There’ve been a few problems, so I spent the night at Jeff Crawley’s.”

  Mary Beth’s eyes grew to the size of a turkey platter. “You what?”

  “I spent the night at Jeff’s place.” She held up her finger. “Nothing happened, but Lucas and Austin thought I’d be better off there since someone tried to grab me two nights ago.”

  Mary Beth stepped closer. “You’re kidding. Why didn’t you say something? You could’ve come to my house. I have a couch you could’ve slept on.”

  She held up her hand. “No, that’s okay. Jeff was very kind to let me stay. And he has a spare room with a bed—much more comfortable than a couch. I might be there a few days.”

  Mary Beth slid her a suspicious glance and backed away, pressing her hands to her chest. “You’re living together?”

  Normally Mary Beth’s reaction would scream at her to explain, but she felt beyond doing something like that. She was a grown woman and capable of making her own decisions. Besides, she’d towed that narrow line for forty years. Doing what she pleased felt much better.

  Wrinkling her brow, she tapped her bottom lip. “I wouldn’t say we’re living together, but we’re certainly under the same roof.”

  “The whole town will be talking. You’ll be the subject of all the gossip you know.”

  She shrugged and turned to go back to her desk. “I can survive that. Anyone who wants to blab can. At forty, I’m choosing to ignore it all.” She hoped Mary Beth got the hint.

  “Well, I think it’s fine. It’s just, you know, not a lot goes on around here. People are nosy. But you’re right. Do what you want. It’s not like it’s illegal.”

  Smiling at her good naturedly, while happy for the support, she was also hoping to change the subject. Thankfully, James, the security guard, tapped on the door and she moved to let him in.

  Within a few minutes everyone was accounted for. She secured the back exit then stepped out front and unlocked the door ten minutes early.

  It didn’t take long for the bank to be a buzz of activity. Friday was payday for several families in town. Also, people needed shopping money, had bills to pay and loans to process.

  Her phone buzzed, and she looked down to see Jeff had texted asking how she was doing and why she hadn’t called when she’d gotten to work. She replied she hadn’t thought of calling, but she’d consider it in the future, and, yes, she was fine and very busy.

  Clutching her phone with both hands, she smiled when he texted back a heart. Jeff Crawley, a heart emoji man. Who would have thunk it. She pressed the phone to her chest and exhaled loudly.

  “Looks like you’re in love,” James said, a half-eaten donut in his hand.

  She couldn’t wipe the smile off her face. “You just might be right.”

  Yes, she definitely loved Jeff Crawley and maybe, just maybe, he loved her in return.

  * * *

  Smiling at his own foolishness, Jeff tucked his phone into his pocket and got ready to go. Now that he’d caught up on his chores, he had several things to do in town. Securing the house, he got in his pickup and drove into Rainwater.

  That morning had been something else. He’d woken up feeling light, energized…happy. And there was only one reason for it—Nancy, in his house, safe and sound. He couldn’t deny anymore how important she had become to him and how desperate he was to make sure she was okay, all the time. She’d worked her way into his heart and he had no intention of ever letting her back out.

  That wasn’t to say he didn’t still worry that one day she’d realize how amazing a woman she was and how messed up a man he was. He had a past and it wasn’t pretty. Unfortunately, sometimes it showed its ugly face and he got lost in it again. His brother was often there to pull him back out, but could he ask Nancy to do the same? Could he burden her with that? Or would it just make her run?

  His phone went off and he pulled it out of his hip pocket and saw Austin was calling him. “Yeah, this is Crawley.”

  “Hey, Uncle Jeff, you have a few minutes?”

  “Sure, what’s up?”

  “Can you come to town? Lucas and I would like to talk to you.”

  “I’m in Rainwater right now. Where are you?”

  “At the Sheriff’s office.”

  “I’ll be right there.”

  Thinking the DNA sample had brought something up, his heart rate accelerated. He stopped his truck in front of the station and got out, hurrying to the door. Inside the Sheriff’s office, Margaret, Lucas’ secretary, greeted him. “They’re all in Lucas’ office waiting for you.”

  That surprised him. He thought it was just Austin and Lucas, but now he started to wonder if there was something bigger going on. But why would they need him for that? He didn’t have anything to do with the law or the FBI.

  Determined to find out, he walked toward the glass-paneled door but stopped abruptly halfway. A tall, distinguished man in a Navy dress uniform sat in front of Lucas’ desk. His first thought was to turn around and leave. He had nothing to do with the Navy anymore, and they felt the same about him.

  Austin looked out and saw him standing in the middle of the office. He motioned for him to join them, but he found himself unable to move. He didn’t want to go in Lucas’ office and come face to face with his past.

  When he continued to stand there, unmoving, Austin came out to greet him, his brows furrowed. “There’s a Navy guy in there that knows about you, and he has some important information you might find interesting.”

  “I’m done with the Navy.” He turned to leave.

  “Wait, it’s about Hector Opara.” Austin stepped closer. “Do you remember him?”

  He froze in his footsteps. H
e did. He and Hector had been good buds. They could almost read each other’s minds on a mission. He’d proven to be one of the best men in his unit. “What’s Opara got to do with anything? He’s been dead for ten years.”

  Austin took his arm. “Come in and find out.”

  He followed, but reluctantly. He had no idea what the military might be up to, but he didn’t want to go down that road again. He couldn’t take it.

  Stepping in the office, Austin closed the door. The Navy officer stood and held out his hand. He had the insignia of a Lieutenant. “Michael Fusco,” he introduced himself.

  He shook hands, but he didn’t commit to much else—and that included giving his name.

  “I’ve heard a lot about you, Senior Chief Petty Officer Crawley. Quite an outstanding military career.”

  “Not in the end, it wasn’t.”

  “That’s a matter of opinion. The Navy tried to reinstate you, but you declined the offer.”

  “I served my country, I don’t need anything from the military. I gave them everything I had.”

  The young lieutenant with the golden blond hair lowered his blue eyes. The kid looked young enough to have recently graduated from the academy, but for those gold bars. No, with those, he had to have been in the service longer. They didn’t hand those out like lollipops.

  “We know, and NCIS has been trying to find out exactly what happened the night your crew was killed.”

  “I know what happened,” he stated. “The Commander changed orders at the last minute, sending us into a kill zone. And it was deliberate. For us to have been at the exact same spot where over two hundred Al Qaeda fighters were waiting?” He shook his head. “It had to be a set-up.”

  “That’s the way NCIS sees it, too. That’s why the case was reopened a few months back. Under this investigation, we learned Eli Munson has been sending money to several Western Unions near here to an Alec Jones.”