Lost and found, p.17
Lost & Found, page 17
His dick had a mind of its own and was calling him a damn fool if he didn’t take her right now and let them handle their business. Wade pressed his lips to her soft, juicy ones, loving the way she rose to meet him and prolong the kiss, her tongue delicately teasing his. “I have…plans. We have plans.”
The kiss that started out as a small spark of sweetness ignited into a wildfire of desire as she rubbed herself against him and relished his taste. Wade groaned and turned the kiss up ten notches as he hungrily devoured her lips.
She drew in a shuddering breath as lust flowed through her, and she wanted to slip her hand or his between her thighs to relieve the ache that was threatening to flood by the second. “Then we should probably get started so we’re not late for these…plans.”
“That’s a good idea, love,” he agreed, licking the corner of her mouth. “I’m gonna shower.”
“And I’m going to slip into something a little more comfortable.”
***
“I left a box in your office of Camille’s photo albums for you to look through when you have a moment. Or you can ask her to tell you about the pics. She knows all the stories behind them.” Eliza had made sure to remove all pics of David before leaving it. They were in a good place and moving forward. Although the reasons for David’s actions were still unclear, Eliza and Wade were determined to not let it or Jimmy’s death affect their blossoming relationship.
Wade dropped a kiss on her forehead as he walked by her as she lit the chunky candles in the middle of the dining room table. Wade opened the bottle of Merlot and allowed it to breathe before he poured it. The rich burgundy liquid flowed into one of the wineglasses she’d set out before he pulled out a chair at the end of the table and sat down.
“Come here, Eliza,” his seductive voice commanded and suited the dimly lit room perfectly.
Slowly, she walked to him, giving Wade time to appreciate her attire. The knee-length, scooped-neck navy blue dress with golden flowers and vines exposed her legs that played peek-a-boo beneath the rich, silk fabric. The rich, fall colors complemented her sumptuous, cinnamon-complected skin perfectly.
Wade groaned internally as she settled that sexy derriere of hers into his lap, and his arms instinctively wrapped around her to rest on the tops of her thighs. “You look and smell amazing. I feel the need to disclose that it’s about to get shameful in here real quick, baby.”
Eliza winked at him as she scooped up some beef stew and white rice. She blew on it gently and fed it to him as she ground down on his arousal. Innocently, she asked, “Do you like it, baby?”
She was going to be the death of him, Wade thought as his hands gripped her hips and shifted her over his cock sensuously. “You’re not wearing-”
“Anything under this dress,” she finished throatily as she held the wineglass to his lips and brought his hand up to palm her swollen breast.
Wade pinched her turgid nipple hard and Eliza whimpered in response. He drank deeply from the glass, loving both the way her breast filled his palm perfectly and the taste of the full-bodied wine as it flowed down his throat. “I want more, Eliza. Feed me.”
Her hands were shaking as his other hand yanked the fabric of her dress up mid-thigh and his fingers slipped underneath to tease her weeping slit as he took the offered bite of food. Eliza spread her thighs slightly to allow him better access as Wade sat up and rubbed his beard along the side of her face while his fingers slipped inside of her.
Wade savored the rich, hearty stew he was eating but wished it were the cream gushing between her slick folds that was coating his taste buds instead. His other hand slipped under the neckline of her dress, and he rolled a fat nipple between his fingers. His reward was her back arching into him and a gush of liquid covering his fingers. Wade could smell her arousal calling to him, so aromatic and decadent that he couldn’t stand it a moment longer.
He gripped her waist and urged her to her feet, freeing his cock from his sweatpants and unzipped the back of her dress. Eliza turned around and hiked her dress up to slowly sink down on him. “Dear God, Eliza!”
She threw her head back and freed her breasts for his eager tongue as his arm circled her waist to slide her slowly up and down on his dick. She couldn’t contain her pleasure. “Wade it’s too fucking good! Yasss, baby! Oh, gaaaawwwd!”
Fiercely, she mashed her lips to his and rode him wildly, her hands gripping his gray t-shirt for dear life. Her hips swirled and dipped under his hands as their tongues twined and he thrust up into her over and over again, knocking the shit out of her g-spot.
Through half-lidded eyes, Wade stared at the beautiful seductress clenching and unclenching around him as her hand reached back and found his sac slick with her juices. Her eyes were heavy with desire as her breasts bounced temptingly. His eyes crossed as she fondled and rode him for all she was worth.
“Baby, I can’t get enough of my pussy. Come for me, love!” he urged, bucking deeply into her. Eliza started to shake and moan. Her sounds were muffled by his lips, and she wrapped her arms around his neck and ground down on his hips and worked her Kegel muscles vigorously. Eliza felt the hot waves of rapture consume her as Wade rode the same waves, coming in long, hot streams inside of her.
Struggling to catch their breaths, they slowly drifted back to reality. “Baby, I’m sorry. I was trying really hard to be a fucking gentleman and wait until after we talked about our days at least.”
Eliza kissed his damp neck and sighed dreamily. “Are you serious right now? You’re a real man. One who knows when to be a gentleman and when to put him on the shelf and bring out his beast. I’ll take that over a gentleman any and every time. It’ll do you well to remember that.”
“I hear you, baby.” Wade grabbed the linen napkin from the table, urged her off of him, and gently wiped between her legs. He leaned over and blew out the candles and drained the rest of the glass of wine and grabbed the bottle.
Eliza took it from him as she slipped her arm around his waist. “Grab that bowl also because you’re gonna need your strength.”
“Thank you, Jesus,” he said reverently.
Chapter Twenty-One
It was a cold, rainy afternoon as Eliza walked the two blocks to get Camille from the school. She dodged puddles and clusters of soaked leaves that looked like wet bran flakes as she enjoyed the cool, wet weather. Bundled up in a navy pea coat, wool leggings, and a colorful slouchy beanie, she strolled through Wade’s neighborhood and observed it through her keen eyes. It was a genuinely ideal neighborhood with houses painted in jewel tones with well-manicured lawns. As she turned on the next block, she was in awe at the sight before her. There on the corner lot was a large, two-story New England-style farmhouse with two stone chimneys that was falling apart. The front walkway boasted stone steps leading to the front door. It had a low brick wall surrounding the property and mature trees in the front yard. There was a For Sale sign with a realtor’s number listed on the front door. She walked up the front path and snapped a picture of the sign and read the ad beneath:
Fixer Upper! Full of potential!! Built in 1960, this 4BR/ 2.5 BA is in need of severe TLC. Large airy rooms. Back wraparound porch, two stories (plus attic), covered garage. Huge backyard with carriage house. Neighborhood is quiet and fantastic schools are nearby. Call Caroline Bobbit!
She snapped a picture of the number listed and a glance at her watch, reminded her that she had a little time before picking up Camille.
“Might as well look around.” So, she walked around the back and saw the large yard and porch. Upon further exploration, she discovered the small carriage house and garage. The carriage house appeared intact and livable. Instinct told her that this place was meant to be hers. Dreamily, she took in all the windows that would provide plenty of natural light inside the house.
Walls with lighting like that should be painted a warm cream color, she thought. There was even enough room for a pool. After snapping numerous pictures with her phone, she decided she had enough information to work with. She was just walking back around to the front of the house when she heard a police siren.
Startled, Eliza glanced up to see Wade’s truck alongside the curb with flashing lights.
He was standing outside of the vehicle, grinning at her.
“I received a call from a concerned citizen that a homeless person might be attempting to squat at the old Rawlins place.” Waggling his eyebrows, he tilted his head across the street where an elderly couple was peeking out of their front window.
“Bite me, Sheriff,” she said with a sweet smile while giving the couple a friendly wave. He chuckled as he came up the walkway to meet her. The scorching look he gave her made her bones melt.
“As I recall, I did…several times. Sleep well?” he murmured, drinking her in. She was so pretty with her cheeks flushed from the cold and a sparkle of excitement in her eyes. He chuckled as her cheeks became even more flushed from his comment.
“What’d you think of the place?” he asked, knowing that she wouldn’t have been able to resist investigating the property.
“I did sleep well, thank you.” Clearing her throat longer than necessary as images of pleasuring him last night danced through her mind, she finally spoke, “It’s gorgeous. The house has great structure. I would love to see the inside and will give the realtor a call. I was just on my way to pick Camille up. Want to tag along?”
He shook his head with regret. “I can’t. I have to attend to some business.”
At the tightening of his mouth, she knew it had to do with what happened at Cinnamon Farms. Eliza pressed her palm to his heart and leaned in and brushed her lips over his. “Please be careful.”
“Always, Eliza. I have too much to lose by slipping up.” Wade covered her hand and squeezed it gently. “Why don’t I give you a ride the rest of the way?”
“No way! I’m enjoying this weather too much! What time will we be seeing you this evening?”
“I’ll be home by five. Want to meet at The Comfort Table?” he asked, walking backward toward his truck.
“I’d love to. See you then.” Eliza waved to him before heading on her way. She was startled to see him pull up next to her. “Stalk much?”
Wade’s eyes twinkled with laughter. “I just wanted to let you know we’ve been invited to my parents’ for dinner tomorrow night, and I accepted on our behalf. See you later!”
He chuckled to himself as he looked into his rearview mirror and watched her kick viciously at puddles with her rain boots.
***
Edith Fowler watched from behind her bedroom curtains as Sheriff Holloway got back into his truck and sat there, staring at the Fowler Mansion. His eyes were determined as if he focused hard enough he would be able to see through the brick wall and into the house filled with the painfully horrible secrets she desperately tried to keep hidden.
Please, just go, she implored silently. Unbeknownst to him, he was only making things worse. Finally, he started the truck and backed slowly away. Downstairs, from the formal living room, a similar scene was playing out that she knew too well. Dreadfully, she waited to hear the slow, methodical footsteps on the stairs. That was the game he played. The terrifying game of anticipation still turned him on after all these years. Edith remained motionless in front of the window for fifteen minutes, but he never came. Slowly, she began to relax. Perhaps, it wasn’t as bad as it looked. Maybe the sheriff was just sharing some community news-
“Aaaaaargh!” she screamed as she felt the hand in her hair twist viciously enough to bring her to her knees.
Above her, Dr. Brenton Fowler, her husband and one of Baymoor’s finest, most upstanding and respected citizens, glowered at her viciously. “This is all your fault, you stupid bitch!!! You had one job to do as a Fowler wife and failed miserably. Find a suitable wife for our son and train her in our ways. But you couldn’t even do that, and now thanks to you, Davis is out of control. YOU’RE WORTHLESS.!!!
The first hit wasn’t the hardest. It was just the one that exposed your weakness for the monsters to take advantage of. The blow to her stomach with his dress shoe knocked the wind out of her, and she fell back onto the floor. But no one would come to investigate. Another Fowler tradition was all the floors were thickly padded underneath the carpeting. If you were downstairs, you would not be able to hear a sound. No need to draw unwanted attention from the help. Brenton dragged her by her long scarf to the bed and quickly tied it tightly around a bedpost, leaving Edith gagging and wheezing with her back exposed. She pressed her face tightly into her shoulder and bit her lips. It would only be harder next time if she screamed. That lesson had been taught to her by Mother Fowler, who’d been dragged by her hair from the parlor for laughing too loudly by Brenton’s father when they’d announced their engagement.
Father Fowler had accused her of being over-demonstrative. Edith had watched in horror while Brenton politely informed her that he would like Devil’s food cake for his groom’s cake. A choice she would find to be most apropos later in their courtship. She foolishly stayed, thinking she could break the vicious cycle and get him help when all it did, in the end, was break her.
The first blow from Brenton’s belt was cushioned by her blazer that he’d forgotten to take off her. But not by much. As the belt reigned blows between her shoulder blades and then her posterior, she grew faint from the pain, Edith found small comfort in knowing that thanks to her discreet financing, Annabelle was able to stay safely hidden and out of harm’s way of the Fowler men and their horrible traditions.
***
As Eliza slowly perused the aisles of Reyes Grocers, she couldn’t shake the feeling she was being watched. But when she looked left or right, at the ends of each aisle, she found no one staring directly at her. It was the most disconcerting feeling, and she couldn’t shake it.
“Hi, Eliza,” Adam Reyes, Fiona’s husband, greeted her with an easy smile. “Is there anything I can help you find?”
“Hello! No, thank you, Adam. I’m actually just picking up a loaf of garlic olive cheese bread for dinner tonight with your in-laws. Will you be joining us?” Eliza asked, trying not to let her desperation show, but she could tell from Adam’s sympathetic smile that she was on her own. Quiet where his wife was lively, he was a man of few words except when it came to his family, his customers, and any Baltimore sports team. His personality was so laidback and easygoing that Eliza had a hard time believing that he’d done two tours in the Middle East before injuring his leg in a bomb explosion.
“Hell no! And deny you the chance to spend a little one-on-one time with Lucy Holloway as she interrogates you within an inch of your life about your relationship with her precious baby boy?” Adam laughed heartily at her and patted what Eliza knew to be his artificial leg. “No, thank you. I barely survived it myself, but I managed to get away by cutting off my leg.”
“Adam, that is seriously sick and twisted,” Eliza said with a shake of her head as she glanced around again as the hairs on the back of her neck whispered.
“Always go with your instincts, Eliza.” Adam’s words were inaudible, and she turned back to him sharply.
“Excuse me?”, she dropped her own voice to match his, “I feel like I’m being-”
“Watched? That’s because you are,” he continued quietly, despite the bustling activity going on around them. “As soon as you set foot in here, they’ve been planning to ambush you. If you want to make it out unscathed, you’ll do as I instruct. Understood?”
Eliza stared openmouthed at the change in him as his dark eyes burned like coal embers, and his mouth formed a stern line. Suddenly, it wasn’t so hard to see him fighting and defending the good ole U.S. of A. “Y-Yes, sir!”
“Okay, I’m going to lead you to the entrance. Don’t look to your left or right focus; only on my back, Eliza! Ever since the entire town discovered that you and Wade have a child together, I’m sure your friends and family have been fielding invitations for you all left and right. Baked goods showing up on your doormat?”
“Occasionally,” she confirmed dumbly. “But who’s-”
“Quiet! We don’t have another moment to spare. They’ve been biding their time. Let’s go!” He wasn’t Adam Reyes anymore but Jason Bourne, guiding her through Waterloo Station.
Nervously, she followed him, and the rapid clicking of her high heels echoed through the store, causing people to turn and look, but Eliza refused to make eye contact. The walk to the front felt like the longest of her life, but finally, her destination was in sight. Fifteen yards to go…
Suddenly a crash was heard throughout the store, followed by a child’s distraught wail.
“Shit, they’re using distractions!” Adam spoke to his concerned greeter, “Glenda, the bread is complimentary! Eliza, take the bread and run! It is my duty to make sure there are no casualties of this war on terror.”
War. On. Terror. She watched Adam swiftly head toward the location of the noise and then took off for the wide sliding doors. What the hell was going on here in quiet little Baymoor? Not even in New York City had she ever felt this paranoid! Nerves frayed to the point of needing a shot of liquor, Eliza pulled her phone out of her purse and dialed Wade’s number. Impatiently, she listened to it ring-
“Hello, dear.”
With a small shriek of alarm, Eliza dropped the phone. As she bent down to pick it up, all she saw was a flock of white Easy Spirit walking shoes and fanny packs. As she straightened, a sea of Pepto-Bismol pink velour nearly blinded her, and alas, she came face to face with the Spring Chickens walking group. So much pink. Warily, she eyed
