When Casey pulled her car into the gated complex of her apartment, she traveled slowly so Sam could follow right behind. She parked and waited for him to get out of his truck a few spaces away.
“Nice complex,” he said, approaching her with a big grin on his face.
She didn’t know why, but she was suddenly self-conscious, unsure of the gamut of emotions rushing through her.
“What’s wrong?”
She knew he could tell she was closing herself off from him. “I think I’m okay staying here, Sam. Really. This is a gated complex and I have a deadbolt on my door.” She shifted her feet uncomfortably on the asphalt. “You have a life and jobs and you really don’t need to be worrying about me and my family’s problems.”
Sam shook his head and pulled her into his arms, stroking the back of her hair, the tension in her shoulders keeping her stiff. “Don’t…” he said softly. “I’m in this now too, Casey.” His mouth expelled a warm breath as he whispered into her ear. “I can’t walk away from this, knowing you might be in danger. I’m… I’m falling in love with you darlin’.”
Pulling back from him, she searched his blue eyes for confirmation. His face softened and he nodded. “I’m falling in love with you, Casey.”
Just like that, the tension disappeared from her body and her heart blossomed in her chest like a spring flower. Her feelings overwhelmed her and she started to cry. “I’m falling in love with you too, Sam,” she whispered into his neck. His large hands cupped her face and his lips made a track of soft kisses from her eyes down her cheeks before planting on her pink lips. They stood in the parking lot, enthralled by the love song finally playing in sync between the two of them, finally succumbing to the new love they shared. All her worries about staying with him vanished in an instant—there was no place she’d rather be than with him.
Pulling her in for another tight embrace, his warm breath hovered over her cheek. “I think I knew that first weekend we met. It’s crazy, I know, but you’ve made me a very happy man. To be given a second chance at love is a miracle.”
Looking up at him with awe, she nodded. “It is a miracle. I’ve never been in love before. You’re my first love, Sam.”
His blue eyes danced like waves against the shoreline in surprise. “Let’s grab your stuff and get back to my place so we can celebrate.”
They walked arm in arm up the two flights of stairs into her apartment. Toys were scattered about in the open living room and the lights were still on. Casey felt a pang of melancholy, knowing it might be a while before she could be with her niece and sister in this space again. Her suitcase from their gig in New York was still in the trunk of her car. She grabbed another bag out of the hall closet, intent on packing more clothes to get through the next week.
“Make yourself at home. This will only take a minute.” She disappeared into her bedroom.
Sam looked around the room at the numerous photos displayed in a variety of picture frames in the modest home. Most of them were pictures of GG, her cute smile showing off her adorable dimples in her chubby cheeks. Picking up one of the frames, he couldn’t help but smile at the image of Casey singing. She was wearing an outrageous rhinestone costume, obviously from some sort of show and her red stage lipstick accentuated her wide-open mouth, the snapshot capturing her mid-note in the unknown song. He chuckled, knowing it was from many years ago, the obvious sign in her bangs teased to high heaven. He set the frame down and started to pick up a few of the toys, placing them into a large bin under the window. As he straightened the cushions on the couch, Casey came out of her bedroom with a pillow under one arm and lugging two large bags with the other.
“Okay. I think I have everything I need.”
Sam smiled and helped her carry the cumbersome luggage to the door. As he reached to turn the knob, there was a knock. Casey looked at the door and panicked, realizing she hadn’t dead bolted the lock. Sam held a finger to his lips and cautiously leaned against the door to listen. When he spoke loudly, Casey jumped.
“Who is it?” he demanded gruffly.
There was a moment of silence before an older lady’s voice responded. “Ummm. It’s Mrs. Donovan from across the hall?”
Casey sighed with relief and dropped the bags. Sam opened the door to reveal a small, elderly lady with silver hair. She wore a flowery housedress exactly like the character Helen Roper from the 1970’s sitcom, Three’s Company. Casey popped her head from around his shoulder. “Hi, Mrs. Donovan. How are you?”
She eyed Sam approvingly before looking at Casey and smirked. “I’m very well, thank you. And who is your lovely male friend, dear?”
Leave it to Mrs. Donovan, the apartment snoop to want details. “This is my friend, Sam Wildner.”
Sam immediately put his hand out to shake hers. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Donovan. I love your colorful dress.”
“Oh, the pleasure is all mine, Mr. Sam Wildner,” she flirted.
Casey rolled her eyes. “What do you need Mrs. Donovan. We were just heading out.”
Taking a step back, the eccentric woman tilted her head and jut her chin out as if ready to scold her. “Well, I just wanted to let you know that I don’t appreciate the pounding on your door so early in the morning.”
“Pounding on my door?” Casey’s heart freefell into her stomach.
“Yes. Some man was here early this morning, pounding away. I watched him from my peephole.”
Sam protectively put his arm around Casey. “How long ago was this Mrs. Donovan?”
She put her finger to her wrinkled lips and thought for a moment. “It was probably around nine, right after Good Morning America. He was just banging away. Oh, and he wore one of those hoodie sweatshirts so I couldn’t tell who he was. I just wanted to come over and make sure you girls were okay.”
Casey knew it was Donny who had come to pay her sister a visit. Even living in a gated complex couldn’t keep him from coming after them. He must have climbed over the wrought iron fence or tailgated someone coming in again. She was suddenly very glad her sister and GG were at the Roberts’ house, far away from the situation. It was time for her to move on too.
“Well, we’re fine. Taking a little vacation and won’t be around for a while. Thanks so much Mrs. Donovan. I appreciate you keeping an eye out for us. Well, goodbye.” Without letting the old lady say another word, Casey closed the door and quickly went around the apartment turning off the lights. Sam lifted her bags and remained steadfast, waiting for her to finish.
“You ready?” she asked breathlessly, her eyes full of determination.
He nodded. “Let’s get you home.”
Chapter Eleven
The speedometer on the car showed Casey traveling sixty miles per hour on Georgia 400—a snail’s pace compared to how she usually drove. She was following Sam to his home and couldn’t help but giggle at how slowly he was driving, probably trying to protect her. The leaves on the trees flanking the highway were starting to turn colors since the last time she’d made this drive north of the city. It was close to sunset and she was dog tired, not sure how much longer she could stay awake. She sure hoped Sam had a nice warm bed for her to collapse into.
Sam kept looking in his rearview mirror making sure Casey was still behind him. He was relieved she was coming to stay with him; excited they had professed their love for one another. This was a game-changer for him, and he would protect her no matter what and wanted to make sure she knew it. He couldn’t help but drive slow on the interstate and wished she was riding shotgun in his pickup instead of following behind in her own car.
Before they left her apartment complex, he called his neighbor, John Dukes, who kept his animals on the property to let him know he was on his way. Whenever he was out of town, John looked after Bleu and made sure to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. A few years back, some high school kids had wandered onto one of his fields and set up an impromptu bonfire, catching a few of his acres on fire. It was during a severe drought in
the state of Georgia and Sam was in the city gigging. He was thankful John had seen fit to call the local authorities who doused the flames and threatened the students within an inch of their lives. No structures were damaged and no animals were involved, so Sam never pressed charges, thinking back to some of his own reckless days as a youth. He was grateful for his neighbor and the local fire department.
Pulling onto his long, gravel driveway, he anticipated helping Casey feel at home with him. He couldn’t help but wonder if this was but a glimpse into their future together.
Bleu flew around the corner of the red barn, barking excitedly, making it practically impossible for him to try to get out of his truck. The big dog jumped all over him, obviously happy to see him and licked at his face.
“Down boy! It’s good to see you too, Bleu. Come on now, down boy!” He gripped the animal’s neck, rubbing his head aggressively, Bleu loving every minute of it. When the big dog finally calmed down, he followed Sam very closely as they walked over to Casey’s car. She popped her trunk and he lifted her luggage out of the back. As she got out of the car, Bleu immediately came up to her, nudging his nose under her hand as if he wanted her to pet him.
“Looks like your puppy missed you,” she laughed, patting his head sweetly.
“I could run down to the local store and be gone for only fifteen minutes, let alone an entire weekend and he would act this very same way,” Sam joked.
The two of them lugged their bags into the house, Bleu following closely behind. Casey dropped everything in the middle of the kitchen with a loud thump.
“Okay, so where do you want me?” she asked playfully.
“Come on,” he said, grabbing her by the hand. “I’ll show you.”
They walked up the long, wooden staircase to the second floor. Sam turned on lights as they made their way to the first bedroom. “This is the guest room.”
Casey peered into the long, narrow room and noticed twin beds with matching antique iron headboards. It was sparse but cozy with nine-foot ceilings and a large, ornate fan adorning the center of the ceiling.
“Nice,” she said as he switched off the light. “That’s not my room?” she teased. “I am a guest, correct?”
Sam laughed. “Nope. Not your room.”
He pulled her into another doorway which was the entrance to a full bathroom with double sinks. “Bathroom,” he said matter-of-factly.
“Nice,” she repeated. “Should I unload my toiletries in here?”
“Nope,” he bantered back.
He led her into one more bedroom sparsely furnished with a large oak desk and expensive office chair. A computer sat on top of the desk scattered with paperwork and a large dog bed was tucked in the corner. “This is my office. You know, where I do my homework.” He winked at her casually.
“Soo…you want me on the dog bed then, right?”
Shaking his head, she could tell he was humored by her little game. Turning off the light, he pulled her by the hand through the last door at the end of the hall. “And this….” He opened the door wide and flicked on the light switch, revealing the newly renovated master suite. “This is our bedroom.”
Casey gasped trying to take in the beautiful room. A large, king-sized bed was the centerpiece looking out over a custom window seat adorned with comfortable throw pillows. The large bay area under the window could easily seat two or three people; the perfect spot to watch the last few strokes of color in the breathtaking sunset from the west side of his home. She could imagine herself sitting there, sipping coffee or a glass of wine looking out at the magnificent view. A large wardrobe took up one wall next to a tall, full-length mirror that looked like it was from another century. An impressive dresser with beveled mirrors sat against the wall next to the door leading into the master bath. Pausing to admire the framed pictures of his family, she smiled when she noticed a photo of a much younger version of Sam in his graduation cap and gown. Coming up behind her, he gently placed one hand on her shoulder and pointed at the people in some of the pictures with his other hand.
“That’s my sister, Lisa, her husband Craig, and my nephew, Dylan. You’ll get to meet them soon, I hope.” He picked up a photo from the back corner and handed it to her. “These are my folks standing in front of the old barn before I refurbished it. They wouldn’t recognize it now.”
Casey took the frame from him and peered at the black and white image of his parents from an era long ago. His father was ruggedly handsome and his mother was quite beautiful. “It would have been nice to meet them,” she uttered softly as if remembering her own parents. He nodded, placing the photo back onto the dresser. There would be time for them to talk about their families later. He pulled her toward the closed door and changed the subject.
“This is my favorite renovation to date.” He grinned with anticipation, biting his lower lip. “Behold, the master bathroom.” Turning the antique glass knob, he opened the door slowly, turning on the lights.
Casey cautiously stepped into the space, the floor underneath her feet changing from hardwood to marble. The room was huge, with a glassed-in shower against the back wall and a claw-foot bathtub perpendicular to a double vanity made of a large, ornate piece of cherry wood furniture. It was cozy and sexy, feeling more like a one-of-a-kind spa than a master bathroom.
“Very nice!” she exclaimed.
He pointed to another door. “That goes into the walk-in closet. One whole side is vacant if you want to hang your clothes up. I also have several empty drawers in the dresser you can put your stuff in.” He approached her and rested his hands on her shoulders, gently squeezing. “I’m really, really glad you’re here. I want you to make yourself at home.”
Looking up into his face, she beamed. “I’m really, really glad to be here too.” Wrapping her arms around his waist, she pressed her cheek against his chest and could hear the faint beating of his heart. Sighing, she didn’t know what to expect when she fell in love for the first time. No one could have prepared her for what she was feeling. She was excited and breathless, anxious and happy, ready to forge ahead in her new life with Sam. The melody of their love song was growing more prevalent with every moment they spent together.
“I’m going to start bringing our bags upstairs and I want you, young lady, to strip and get into a hot bath.”
Casey raised her eyebrows in surprise and started to say something, but stopped when Sam put his index finger against her lips. “I’ll bring you a cold beverage while you soak.” He kissed her nose before he threw her a large towel on his way out the door, shutting her inside the immense bathroom. She stood there for a moment, fully contented, more than aware it had been a very long time since anyone had taken care of her. She couldn’t even remember a time when she’d been this involved with a man. It was a strange, intoxicating new experience to feel loved and worthy. Eyeing the large vanity, she recalled the night before and how Sam made her feel beautiful with his attentiveness and genuine concern for her wellbeing, cleaning her face and brushing her hair before they had wild sex in front of the mirror. Her cheeks surged with a rush of heat from the memory, and her insides stirred as she looked at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, remembering how she felt; his gentle hands tenderly taking care of her in more ways than one.
Following Sam’s instructions, she walked over to the large tub and turned the chrome faucet to get the water flowing. Dimming the antique sconces on each side of the vanity with a knob on the wall, she stripped out of her travel clothes and eased her naked body into the smooth porcelain. Resting her arms along the deep sides, her eyes adjusted to the soft lighting in the room as the sun finally set and steam began to rise into the air surrounding her. Plucking a washcloth from a basket within arm’s-length, she rested her neck against the curved back, closing her tired eyes and relishing the hot water soothing her muscles. The sound of suitcases rolling across the wooden floor into the bedroom could be heard, and she anticipated Sam coming in. When he quietly opened the door, she could see two
bottles of beer in his hands. His eyes raked over her naked body in the water, her dark pubic hair and nipples standing out against her pink flesh. His reaction to her nakedness aroused her as he leisurely drank in her body from head to toe.
“My God, Casey. You’re gorgeous.” Handing her a beer, she couldn’t help but notice the large bulge starting to form in his jeans. He pulled a small stool from the corner over to the side of the tub and sat next to her, settling his chin on his arms resting against the porcelain side of the tub. “Here’s to our love,” he said, softly tapping his bottle with hers.
She blushed. “To our love.” She took a swig of beer before licking her lips. “You’re not gonna join me?”
He shook his head. “I’m kind of diggin’ just taking in all of your glory.” Sticking his finger into the water, he nodded with satisfaction. “Nice and hot too. That should relax you.”
They talked about nothing, intermittently sipping their beers and enjoying each other’s company. Bleu pushed open the door and found a spot in the corner to doze nearby. Their conversation was subdued, yet effortless after the stressful day. When she finished her beer and started to get out of the water, Sam scolded her.
“You’re not finished darlin’,” he admonished as he retrieved a bottle of shampoo from the shower.
Pulling the stool around to the back of the tub where her head was perched, he sat down. She craned her head, tilting back to look at him upside down. Smiling down at her, she could see the faintest five o’clock shadow starting to form on his handsome face. He rolled up his sleeves and held the side of her head, leaning forward to whisper into her ear. “You just relax and let ol’ Sammy take care of you.” He pushed her forward so he could submerge most of her hair, and she tensed slightly before relaxing into his capable hands, bobbing in the warm water. “Close your eyes.”
Love Song: A friends-to-lovers rock & roll romantic suspense Page 8
