Fly by Night ~ A Love Under the Sun Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 6

Her phone rang, dragging her from her reverie. A face filled the screen and she giggled. It was her best friend, Lori, calling. The picture was taken at Lori's birthday party a month ago. She'd been drunk and playful, taking a picture of her open mouth with a bright blue tongue stud.

"Hiya, Lor-Lor."

"Hey, Be-Be. I hear you've been crunched and crumpled. Why didn't you call me?" Her voice held reprimand.

"I didn't think about it, Lori. I can hardly function. I'm sitting in Dad's recliner the den, dressed in my jammies."

"In Charlotte's house? I thought pajamas were only acceptable on Christmas morning."

"Apparently, the rule is bent when you're bruised and battered. Who told you?"

"Motor-mouth." By that, she meant Jason.

"Sorry I didn't call."

"I get it, kiddo. So, tell Lor-Lor all about it."

Blythe described the accident in detail, telling Lori how time had seemed to slow. She even told her about the young man who had helped her.

"And Jessamine said there wasn't anyone else?"

"Yeah. It was weird. But he touched me, talked to me. He felt so real. I didn't get a head injury, or I'd be thinking I was hallucinating."

"Maybe fumes from the engine. You said the car was full of smoke."

"Yeah, maybe. I dunno." She sighed.

"I'm gonna hang up now. You're tired. I'll be by soon. Mom invited me for dinner."

They had called one another's mothers Mom since they were seven. Lori was as much a sister to her, as Alec had been a brother to Jason. She grew up in the house next door to them. Alec's family lived across the street.

"It will be good to see you. It's been too long."

"It sure has. Love you, frister."

"Love you too, frister."

Frister—their word for one another, a combination of friend and sister.

Lori hung up after promising to bring Blythe some other necessary items from her apartment. Blythe pressed the lever on the side of the chair, reclining it to the fullest. She put the TV on her favorite music station. Soon, she was asleep.

Smoke—lots of it. She could smell the acrid odor as it filled the car. The right seat was empty, the window broken. Blythe looked around. This wasn't her car. It was a Ford sedan. The was blood on the seat next to her, but no person to go with it. She reached over, touching the blood. It was warm, sticky.

Someone banged on her window. "You okay?"

She couldn't reply.

"Miss? Are you all right?"

Blythe opened her mouth to speak, but choked on something that gurgled up from inside her. Blood gushed from her mouth, blocking her airway. The door screeched open and steady hands touched her. Calm, gentle, strong, capable hands.

"It's okay, miss. I'm here. You're going to be alright."

She gagged again, more blood than could possibly be inside her, belched forth, turning the reassuring hands crimson.

With a strangled scream, Blythe woke up. It took a moment to realize that she was safely at home. She checked her hands, clean. Her heart pounded in her chest, but no blood gurgled forth. Blinking hard to clear her vision, she saw that it had turned dark. A glance at the clock showed that it was only around 11:30 in the morning. Thunder rumbled outside as the rain started. Slamming onto the tin roof of the family room, it hammered against the windows, sounding like rapid gunfire.

Her phone rang and she stifled a screech. It wasn't a number she recognized. "H-hello?"

"Ms. Donovan, this is the hospital calling. We're doing a follow up to see how you're feeling today."

"I'm okay. Sore—a little blurry from the pain meds."

"I'm sorry to hear you're uncomfortable. If you have increased pain, or any of the other symptoms listed on the release papers, don't hesitate to call us or come in. If you continue to have problems, follow up with your regular doctor."

"I will. Thanks for calling."

"You take care, Ms. Donovan."

"Sure thing." She hung up, still distracted by her dream.

One thing was certain, it wasn't anything from her life, but it felt so incredibly real. She hadn't been in pain, but she had felt the blood gurgle forth and experienced the panic, knowing she was going to die.

The door to the den opened slowly and her mother peered around it. "Good, you're awake. I didn't want to bother you earlier. Lunch is almost ready. Do you need to tinkle?"

Blythe smiled. "Yeah, I do. Thanks."

Her mother was the only person she knew who used tinkle in other than a joking manner. With her mother's help, she got to the downstairs bathroom. When they reached the kitchen, the usually sunny breakfast nook was dark, except for a circle of light over the table. Black clouds lumbered across the sky, rumbling threateningly. Lightning flashed and Blythe flinched away from it.

©2022 Dellani Oakes

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Fly by Night ~ A Love Under the Sun Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 5

"Double chocolate cake with mocha ice cream. Don't you ever change?"

"Why mess with perfection?"

"She has a point," their mother agreed, helping Blythe sit.

No one pointed out that this was their mother's favorite dessert treat, too. Jason laughed as he left.

Once she'd eaten and bathed, Blythe decided to sit in the den rather than braving the stairs again. Funny, she'd never minded them before. Then again, she'd never been in a car accident before. Armed with the TV remote, her phone and tablet, she sipped the tea her mother brought and tried to find something to amuse herself. Her phone dinged, heralding a text message. It was Jessamine.

"Hi, how are you feeling today?"

"Sore as hell. I couldn't even roll out of bed on my own. Had to call my mom on the phone and have her come help me."

"Bummer. So, tell me about the orderly."

Blythe gave her details. "I wish I'd thought to snap a picture, but Mom had my bag and phone. You know that gorgeous blond guy from Bones. Michael—something."

"Michael Grant Terry. He's adorable!"

"That's what Elam looks like."

"Totally droolishous. So, you gonna go out?"

"I think I'll call him, maybe go for coffee or something. I'm not quite ready for more."

"Take it slow. Give yourself time."

"I sure will."

"I'm gonna be in Daytona Tuesday. Want to meet up?"

"Yes, that would be great. Mom may be driving me, is that okay?"

"I'd love to meet your mom."

"Great. What time?"

"How about eleven? I've got a meeting at eight and another at two. We can get some lunch or something."

They made plans to meet at Panera before Jessamine had to go to yet another meeting. She hadn't told Blythe what she did for a living, or maybe she had. Blythe had the feeling that it was something in the medical field, but she couldn't remember clearly. She was still channel surfing when her phone rang. It was a number she didn't recognize, so answered warily.

"Blythe? Hi, it's Elam. I bullied the receptionist to give me your number. I couldn't wait for you to call."

Blythe laughed. "I'm glad you did. I was still working up the courage."

"What?" he sounded incredulous, though he laughed. "I'm not that spooky, am I?"

"Not at all. It's just been a really long time since I went out with anyone other than Alec."

"I understand. I know you're probably not feeling up to much, but I wanted to call. When you feel like going to dinner and a movie—or dinner and dancing—or a walk on the beach—or a cup of your favorite caffeinated beverage."

"I'll keep you posted."

"Cool. So, I guess I'll let you go back to whatever you were doing."

"Thanks for calling."

"Thanks for not being mad that I called."

They said goodbye once more and hung up. Blythe held her phone, staring at the screen until it went blank. Something about Elam felt so right, like she was meant to meet him. Horrid that the circumstances included a car accident, but at least she hadn't been badly hurt. Her car, on the other hand, was totaled. Of that, she felt certain.

She pulled out her phone, hoping that she'd snapped a shot of her mystery man. She didn't doubt Jessamine, but she knew what she had seen and heard. He was distinctive, handsome, friendly and reassuring. He helped move the car, and got her out, despite the bent and mangled door. She couldn't have done that on her own, could she?

She flipped through her pictures. They were a little blurry and rain spotted, but one thing was certain, her car was toast. Resigned to that fact, she tossed her phone aside. There were no pictures of any bystanders. She'd snapped one blurry one of her victims and another had Jessamine's profile, but the rest were of the mangled, tattered car. Her first major purchase, was gone. She had made that decision on her own, with no input from her parents or brother. She'd paid for it with some of the insurance money she'd been given after Alec's death. He had listed her as beneficiary for his money and possessions.

The Army had been a little touchy about it, until the unit chaplain came forward. He had officiated on a video wedding two weeks before Alec's death. Something had prompted her beloved to make it official, even if he couldn't be there in person. The wedding at home was for friends and family. As far as the Army was concerned, she was Mrs. Alec Singleton. She didn't feel like it, and hadn't kept his name more than a minute after his death. She couldn't bear the fact that she was 25, and a widow with nothing but a simple engagement ring, and a widow's pension to show for it.

The greatest irony was that he'd been transferred home. After their wedding, he was supposed to take a job at the VA in Orlando. A trained medic, he had intended to go to school and become a full fledged surgeon. That was his dream, and he never achieved it.

©2022 Dellani Oakes

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Fly by Night ~ A Love Under the Sun Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 4

The drive home was quiet and uneventful. Blythe dozed as her brother drove her to their parents' house. Her mother had insisted that she not be on her own. Truth be told, she wanted to be coddled a little. Charlotte Donovan was a fussy mother hen, but she knew how to take care of her chicks. Before going to bed, Blythe had a long, hot bath. As she dried off, she saw bruises not only on her collarbone, but under her right breast. The seat belt had done its job, leaving her sore and aching. She took a pain pill and lay down. Her mother brought her a bowl of homemade chicken soup, a cup of herb tea and an ice pack. She ate, chatting with her mother, then decided it was time to go to bed.

Before turning out her light, she sent a text to Jessamine to let her know she was all right. "Just bumps and bruises," she reported.

"I'm so glad you're okay," Jessamine sent back. "Take it easy the next few days."

"I will. Met a really cute orderly. He gave me his number. Oh, by the way, did you get the name of the guy who helped us move the car?"

"What guy?" Jessamine replied. "You and I moved the car together."

Blythe paused. She'd been sure that a dark haired man had helped them. "My mistake. I guess I was hallucinating."

"You take it easy, honey. Call or text me tomorrow."

"I will. Thanks again for your help. We should get together for coffee next time you're in Daytona."

"That would be fun. Good night."

"Good night."

Setting her phone aside, Blythe stared at the ceiling, the blanket up under her chin. The pain pill had made her sleepy, but she couldn't quite give herself over to sleep. She kept hearing Jessamine's reply, "What guy? You and I moved the car together."

"There was a guy", she murmured. "He was so handsome and kind—like something out of a dream."

Smiling, she fell asleep. Her mother came in a little while later and turned off the lamp. She couldn't help wondering what had put such a smile on her daughter's face.

Blythe woke the next morning, needing to pee badly. The pain medication had done its job so well, she hadn't woken during the night. Groaning, she rolled over and found she couldn't get out of bed. Her phone sat on the night stand where she'd left it the night before. Feeling foolish, she sent her mother a text. Blythe could hear her giggling all the way up the stairs and down the hall.

"My little bird needs a pit stop, huh?"

"Mixing metaphors, Mom."

Her mother laughed harder, helping her daughter get up. Blythe's pajama top pulled up, showing her bruised chest and her mother stopped laughing.

"Oh, honey! Why didn't you show the doctor this?"

"Because he saw me in the corridor. All the rooms were full. We talked about it. Nothing is broken, cracked or fractured. It just hurts like a bitch."

"I imagine it does."

It amused Blythe that she'd just cursed in front of her mother, and hadn't been reprimanded. It was a sign of her mother's distraction that she hadn't caught it.

"Can you manage in the bathroom?"

"Yes, Mom. I can still pee by myself," her tone was more harsh than she'd intended. Pain lanced along her ribs, making her wince.

"I'm just worried, Blythe Anne. No need to be flippant."

"Sorry, Mom. I think I need another pain pill."

"I'll go get it. Be careful and don't try to go to bed until I get back."

"Yes, Ma'am." She had no intention of trying to get in bed on her own. After she washed her hands, she waited in the bathroom until her mother returned.

Together, they moved slowly to the bed. Blythe took her pill and drank the rest of the water. It eased her dry throat.

"Do you want breakfast in bed?"

"I think I'll come to the table. Do you mind if I stay in my jammies?" Usually, the rule was that one came to table fully clothed.

"Under the circumstances, you wear whatever is comfortable."

"Thanks for taking such good care of me, Mom." She squeezed her mother's hand.

Taking her daughter gently in her arms, Charlotte gave her a hug. "I'm just so glad you're all right. When Jason called, all I heard was accident. It was like Alec all over again."

Blythe sighed, holding her mother tightly. Despite their minor conflicts, she and her mother were close. If it hadn't been for her, Blythe wasn't sure she would have made it through Alec's funeral and the weeks of grief that followed.

"Let's get some coffee," her mother urged. "Then a shower and some fresh jammies. You'll feel right as rain."

"Please don't say rain," Blythe begged. "I don't want to see another raindrop for ages."

Charlotte smiled, brushing her daughter's dark hair from her face. "You'll be fine. Daddy and I can cart you around for a couple days. But you know you've got to get behind the wheel soon."

"Just not in the rain."

"That will come in time, darling."

They went slowly down the stairs, stopping on the landing for Blythe to catch her breath. Her father was in the kitchen and Jason came in a few minutes later.

"I'm on my way to work," he said. "But I wanted to make sure you're okay, before I went in."

"Thanks, Jas, I'm fine. Sore as all get out...."

"You just be careful. Hey, what you want for dessert? I'm buying."

Blythe gave her brother a bland look, raising an eyebrow. "Really? You have to ask."

©2022 Dellani Oakes

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Fly by Night ~ A Love Under the Sun Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 3

"I'd give you a tour, but I think you're presence is required elsewhere."

"Thank you. I've seen more of the hospital today, than I've ever seen."

"It's like a rabbit warren. I know all the best places to hide from the nurses and catch a nap—"

"Or hook up with a hot nurse?"

"Don't let Grey's Anatomy fool you. Most of our doctors and nurses are too busy looking after the patients, to hump in the on-call rooms. Believe it or not, people actually sleep there." He gasped a little for effect, taking the last turn so quickly, the chair tipped. He never lost control, righting it safely.

Blythe gave out a little Eep of surprise. Giggling, she thanked him for the ride. He bowed again, handing her a piece of paper with his name and number neatly printed on it.

"For when you decide to take off the ring," he murmured. "Take your time." He kissed her hand once more, before going back through the double doors separating them from the rest of the hospital.

"He seems nice," her mother said.

Jason eyed him warily. "What did he mean about the ring?"

"Nothing." It was a sore point with her brother. He didn't think she should ever date, or fall in love, again.

"Was he hitting on you?" Jason bridled slightly.

"It's okay, Jas. Chill. He was really nice and very friendly."

"Too damn friendly." He spotted the paper in her hand and tried to snatch it. "He gave you his number? Unbelievable."

Blythe skillfully evaded his grab, putting the paper in her bra. "He did. And I might even give him a call."

Jason huffed angrily.

"Before you explode, son, let's go for a walk," their father suggested. "You know she can't mourn him the rest of her life," he said quietly as they walked out the door.

"He really does want me to grieve forever, doesn't he?" Blythe asked their mother.

"Alec was his best friend. When you two started dating, he couldn't have been happier. It nearly killed him when Alec died."

"And what about me?" Blythe's eyes teared up. "A month before our wedding, he was killed. But Jason never considered my feelings at all. It's always been all about him. I lost the love of my life."

"Jason lost the brother he never had."

Thankfully, the nurse called her back. Wheeling her into a hallway, she took her down the hall where a young doctor waited with another nurse and a portable vital signs machine. They took her blood pressure and temperature.

"I'm sorry to see you in the hall like this," the doctor apologized. "All the rooms are full, and most of them are waiting for beds. Strictly standing room only." He chuckled nervously.

"It's fine."

He examined her collarbone and knee as he told her that her films had come back clean and clear. "No breaks, cracks or fractures. You can treat the bruises with ice. I'll write you a prescription for pain. You may not hurt too badly right now, but tomorrow will probably be another story entirely. Treat the scrapes on your knee and shoulder with some triple antibiotic and they should be fine."

Half an hour later, prescriptions in hand, she waited for the release papers. Elam came by a few times with other people in wheelchairs. She was signing her papers when he stopped once more.

"I'm on break." He squatted by the chair, gazing up at her. His eyes were a vivid azure, like the waters of the Caribbean. "Sorry if I got you in trouble with your brother."

"He'll survive. It's not the first time he's gotten upset with me. Won't be the last."

"Family," he said with a sigh. "My brothers and I communicate with Morse Code, by way of punches. So I get it."

Blythe giggled. "Jason would never hit me. I imagine he's wanted to, once or twice."

"Don't lose my number."

"I won't. Aren't you supposed to be on break?"

"I am. But I'm here to take you to the car. Your brother is pulling it around right now. He might hit me with it...."

"He might. But hey, you're in the right place."

Laughing quietly, Elam wheeled her out to the car. Jason waited under the port cochère, motor running. He frowned when he saw Elam, but didn't make any rude remarks. Instead, he made sure she was comfortably settled, even rolling up his jacket to keep the seat belt from touching her sore chest.

"Sorry about how I acted," he said. Though whether he spoke to Elam or Blythe, it was hard to tell.

"Take care," Elam said, shutting the door carefully.

"Thank you." She blew him a kiss.

Smiling, he stepped away from the car. Jason flashed him an ugly look, but Blythe didn't see it. Elam's expression changed ever so slightly, the smile leaving his eyes for a moment. Blythe missed that too, having closed her own.

©2022 Dellani Oakes

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Fly by Night ~ A Love Under the Sun Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 2

"No, I'm okay Jason. Just shaken up."

"I'll call Mom and Dad."

"Do you have to?"

There was a pause. "Blythe, they'll find out anyway. Might as well be now, and get it over with."

"Okay. Thanks, Jason."

"Love you, kiddo. Be safe."

She swallowed a sob. "Yeah. You too."

The nurse called her name a few minutes later and brought her into a small, glassed in room to check her vital signs and talk about her accident.

"We're hammered today," the nurse said. "It may be a bit of a wait. I'm sorry."

"I have nowhere else to be," Blythe replied. "Can I get a blanket? I'm soaked from standing by the road in the rain."

"Sure. I'll bring you a nice, warm one."

Seated in the waiting room once more, the warm blanket around her, Blythe tried to stay awake. Her eyes kept drifting shut. Jason's voice next to her, roused her from her stupor.

"Heya, sis. You look like hell."

"Thanks, Jas. You know how to make me feel so good about myself."

He chuckled, kissing her forehead. "I can't stop shaking."

"That makes two of us."

"I knew something was wrong even before you called. I don't know how I knew, I just did. I almost picked up the phone and called. Then I told myself I was overreacting—being crazy."

"But you were right."

He brushed her long, brown hair from her face, cupping her cheek tenderly. "I hate being right."

He'd been right when Alec died. He knew almost to the minute when his life ended. Close as brothers, they'd been best friends since grade school. It was hard to say who suffered more after Alec's death, her or Jason.

The doors swooshed open and their parents hurried in. Her mother nearly strangled her by giving her a hug. Her father stood by, looking worried and frustrated. Blythe knew he wanted to yell. He always wanted to yell when he was worried. Instead, he gave her a bone crushing hug until Jason pried her loose.

"Dammit, Dad. You'll kill her."

"Are you sure you're all right?" their mother asked for the hundredth time.

"How does she know, Mom? She hasn't seen the doctor yet."

"Blythe Donovan?" An orderly stood next to her with a wheelchair. He was blond, blue eyed and had lovely dimples in both cheeks. "Hello. I'm Elam, your ride to radiology," he said with a smile. "Have a seat and we'll head out in style." He winked at her, his mouth twitching as he tried to suppress a grin.

"We'll be here when you get back," her mother said, sobbing.

Blythe said nothing until the doors closed behind her. "You'd think I'd been half killed," she muttered. "Which is why I didn't want Jason to call them."

"Is Jason your boyfriend? Fiancé?"

Blythe glanced at him over her shoulder. He was tall, broad shouldered and handsome. His short, blond hair was wavy and his eyes were a mysterious shade.

"My brother. Why?"

He chuckled. "Cause you're very pretty, and I'd hate to think you're taken."

"The engagement ring isn't a give away?" She wiggled her finger at him.

"Which is why I asked. So, where's the guy who goes with the ring?"

"Arlington National Cemetery."

"Wow, walked hard into that wall. I'm so sorry."

"Thank you." She looked at the ring. "I suppose I should take the ring off. It's been a year."

"You take it off when you're ready," he said softly. "And I am sorry. Just, you're the prettiest woman to roll into my ER."

"Are you trying to ask me out?"

Elam chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, well—I'm a guy. Sue me." He swung the chair around a corner, slithered past an old man with a janitor's cart, and guided the chair into the radiology department.

"I'll be waiting when you're done," he said.

"I'd give you a tip, but I left my purse with my mother."

He chuckled, touching his forehead as he gave a deferential bow. "I live but to serve, miss."

"Elam, are you flirting with a patient?" the technician teased.

"You caught me. Take good care of this one," he said with a grin.

"I'll do my best. Scoot."

He went into the hall, closing the door behind him.

The technician took a series of films for the doctor to examine. When she was done, she opened the door. True to his word, Elam was waiting for them. He helped Blythe settle in the wheelchair and took off at a brisk pace.

©2022 Dellani Oakes

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Fly by Night ~ A Love Under the Sun Romance by Dellani Oakes - Part 1

Rain fell in endless sheets, hammering against the windshield. Wiper blades on high couldn't keep up, clearing a patch here and there, only to fill immediately with droplets. Ironically, the morning forecast had called for sunshine and partly cloudy skies with a 20% chance of rain. That 20% was currently drowning the landscape. Wipers raced, water slashed against the bottom of the car as it sliced through puddles on the interstate. Drainage ditches couldn't keep up with the rainfall. Already, a foot of water stood at the sides of the road.

Division Bell by Pink Floyd, blared from the speakers. One reason Blythe Donovan had purchased the car, was the superior sound system. Okay, it was the main reason, but she told her friends it was because of the fantastic mileage. Wanting to hear Marooned again, Blythe tapped the button to take her back to the beginning. Her eyes left the road for less than 5 seconds. Movement and a flash of tail lights greeted her startled eyes. Ahead of her, the cars had slowed to a crawl. The sky chose that moment to open further, dumping gallons of water on the already sodden land.

"Oh, God! Help me!"

She watched the tail lights of the car ahead of her, get closer. Foot firmly on the brake, she panicked, trying to turn her car off the road. The steering wheel didn't respond as the car hydroplaned on the accumulated water. She saw a trailer hitch as she plowed into the rear end of a pickup. Time ran in slow motion as the vehicles collided. There was a sickening crunch of metal, glass flew, air bags exploded from the console. The seat belt snapped into action, cutting brutally across her collarbone. Smoke filled the car as she shuddered to an unsteady halt. Terrified by the smoke and noises, she struggled with her belt and car door.

The other vehicle rolled off the road, but her poor mangled car wasn't going anywhere. Cars surged around her as she fumbled with her telephone. She knew someone had probably already called in the accident, but that was what people did, right? The dispatcher answered and she burst into tears.

"I ran into someone. My car is broken."

"Calm down, miss. It's all right. We've already had a report. An officer is on the way. Try to stay calm. Are you hurt?"

"I don't think so."

"Can you move your vehicle?"

"Not by myself."

"Help is on the way. Stay out of the road."

"Okay."

The smoke thickened in the car. Blythe coughed, waving it away. Someone tapped on her passenger side window. She jumped, screaming a little.

"Are you okay?" a young woman asked.

"I think so."

"You need to get out of there," a man said from the driver's side. "Let's get it moved off the road. Can you help push?"

Blythe nodded.

"Put the car in neutral, miss. You steer."

She did as she was told, foolishly keeping her foot on the brake. The man glanced at her feet as he tried to push and the car wouldn't move.

"Need to take your foot off the brake," he teased, flashing a toothy, white grin.

"Sorry. I'm sorry."

"It's okay." His black hair was plastered to his head by the rain. He had a kind demeanor, with a nose that was a little too large for the rest of his face. "You need to get out of there," he said as the car rolled to a stop. "Make sure the engine is off."

"Okay."

"Can you stand? You're not pinned?"

"No. I'm okay."

He pulled the door open. It was bent and dented by the impact. It took a moment for him to get it wide enough for her to exit.

"You'd better get your things," the young woman suggested.

"Oh, sure."

"You can come sit in my car when you're done," she offered.

"Thank you."

"And get some pictures for your insurance agent."

Blythe fumbled a few seconds with her phone, trying to focus on the wreck. Her long, brown hair was plastered to her head by the rain. Her hands shook as she took her pictures. It made her sick to look at her car. An EMT in full rain gear, approached her.

"Is this your car?"

"Yes."

"Are you hurt?"

"I don't think so. Just shaken up." She stuttered, blushing. "I'm sorry," she babbled. "I don't know what happened."

"It's okay, miss. Everyone is shaken up at a time like this. Deep, slow breaths."

The EMT checked her eyes and pulse. He asked her name and a few other questions, to assure himself that she was coherent and responsive. Satisfied, he moved on to the people she'd rear ended.

©2022 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies is Over. Welcome to Fly by Night ~ A Love Under the Sun Romance by Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies is over, and it's time for something new. I thought I'd share something that I wrote a few years ago for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writer's Month). A few months before, I'd had a car accident – hydroplaned on I-95 – and rear ended a truck, totaling my car. Fortunately, no one was hurt. However, when it came to moving the vehicles off the road, I was at a loss. Luckily, several helpful people stopped to help. One of them was a handsome, tall, blond man who looked like he might be military, or a police officer. He helped us get the car out of the road, then disappeared as if he'd never been there.

Given the circumstances, I had to make sense of it somehow, so I decided to write this story. In fact, the events of Blythe's accident are based on mine. A young woman stopped to help, and she became Jessamine. I will remain grateful to them for their help.

I hope you will enjoy Fly by Night ~ A Love Under the Sun Romance, starting next week. Below is a short excerpt. Enjoy!

Chapter One

Rain fell in endless sheets, hammering against the windshield. Wiper blades on high couldn't keep up, clearing a patch here and there, only to fill immediately with droplets. Ironically, the morning forecast had called for sunshine and partly cloudy skies with a 20% chance of rain. That 20% was currently drowning the landscape. Wipers raced, water slashed against the bottom of the car as it sliced through puddles on the interstate. Drainage ditches couldn't keep up with the rainfall. Already, a foot of water stood at the sides of the road.

Division Bell by Pink Floyd, blared from the speakers. One reason Blythe Donovan had purchased the car, was the superior sound system. Okay, it was the main reason, but she told her friends it was because of the fantastic mileage. Wanting to hear Marooned again, Blythe tapped the button to take her back to the beginning. Her eyes left the road for less than 5 seconds. Movement and a flash of tail lights greeted her startled eyes. Ahead of her, the cars had slowed to a crawl. The sky chose that moment to open further, dumping gallons of water on the already sodden land.

"Oh, God! Help me!"

She watched the tail lights of the car ahead of her, get closer. Foot firmly on the brake, she panicked, trying to turn her car off the road. The steering wheel didn't respond as the car hydroplaned on the accumulated water. She saw a trailer hitch as she plowed into the rear end of a pickup. Time ran in slow motion as the vehicles collided. There was a sickening crunch of metal, glass flew, air bags exploded from the console. The seat belt snapped into action, cutting brutally across her collarbone. Smoke filled the car as she shuddered to an unsteady halt. Terrified by the smoke and noises, she struggled with her belt and car door.

The other vehicle rolled off the road, but her poor mangled car wasn't going anywhere. Cars surged around her as she fumbled with her telephone. She knew someone had probably already called in the accident, but that was what people did, right? The dispatcher answered and she burst into tears.

"I ran into someone. My car is broken."

"Calm down, miss. It's all right. We've already had a report. An officer is on the way. Try to stay calm. Are you hurt?"

"I don't think so."

"Can you move your vehicle?"

"Not by myself."

"Help is on the way. Stay out of the road."

"Okay."

©2022 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 45

Shortly after Colby's birthday, he came home one Friday evening, to find Stan and Alice there. Gavin and Xuan arrived a little while later. Despite questions, Avery wouldn't tell him anything until they were all there. As it turned out, it wasn't her news after all.

"I got a new job," Stan announced. "Alice put in a good word with mall security for me...."

"You're going to be a mall cop?" Gavin snorted rudely.

"No," Alice snapped. "He's in charge of upgrading the computer system and security systems for the store. We've had some thefts in the last few weeks, and the boss is determined to find out who's responsible. Since Stan is from outside the mall, he can do the work, and no one will have any idea it's him."

"Won't the security office know?" Gavin demanded.

"Yeah, I suppose," Stan said, shrugging. "Why?"

"What if it's someone there?"

"I'd already thought of that," Stan said. "I was hired by the mall owner to upgrade their equipment, and put in live feeds that some outside company will monitor."

"Cool! That's a hell of a job!" Gavin said, trying to be happy for his friend.

"The owner, Mr. Reiker, said I can bring in outside staff," Stan continued. "I know Colby and Xuan are too busy, but you aren't. I really need your help, Gav. No one can get around security systems like you. Will you help?"

"What? Me? Really?" His eyes teared and he looked ready to cry.

"Really. You're the best. No offense, Colb...."

"None taken. You're right, and we all know it. It sounds like a hell of a great opportunity."

"Mr. Reiker said if we do a good job, he can find us other ones. We could maybe start up our own security company, doing for alarm systems what Colby's company does for computers."

"Oh, that would be a fucking great job!" Gavin agreed. "Yeah, I'm in! Thank you for asking me, Stan."

"You're the first person I thought of," Stan replied honestly.

That got Gavin like nothing else. He'd worked hard for years, only to be fired, bullied and told he was stupid by more than one boss. To have someone think of him first, meant the world.

"I'm gonna cry like a girl!"

Each of the women gave him a sock in the arm, which he admitted he deserved. At least he didn't cry afterward.

"This is why we're celebrating," Avery said. "And Alice has an announcement, too."

"I just got promoted to assistant manager of Game Junkies!"

More congratulations were given. They ate too much, drank IBC like the world was coming to an end, and had a wonderful time playing more Cards Against Humanity.

"Who knew a few months ago, that we'd all be here together, acting like grown ups," Gavin said. "I have to admit, it feels kinda good."

"Yes, it does," Stan admitted. "And to think it all started because of Alice."

"Me?" she looked shocked.

"If I hadn't seen you in that store, talked to you, asked you out, none of this would have happened."

"I don't know about that," Avery said. "But it still brought us a good friend."

"That got the ball rolling," Colby said with a grin. "To Game Junkies!" he raised his bottle of IBC.

The friends raised theirs. "To Game Junkies!" They chorused.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

THE END

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 44

The weekend was scheduled for the big move to the new apartment. All their friends and co-workers had agreed to help pack and unpack for them. Avery went to the new apartment and Colby was in charge of getting the last items packed up and ready. They had both spent nearly every spare minute getting things boxed up and marked. Avery had a system, which made the unpacking process much easier. By the time the last bit of furniture was loaded on the U-Haul, the women had most of the kitchen in place.

Jonas brought over a big bag of subs and showed pictures of little Anthony James. Everyone agreed he was the finest specimen of babyhood that any of them had seen. He was awfully cute, with his mother's black hair and a newborn's blue eyes.

When everything was unloaded and the majority of it was put away, their friends departed.

"Party here next weekend," Avery said as their friends left. She and the women had already organized the entire thing. Sighing, she closed and locked the door. "Our place," she said with a grin.

"Our place. Feels great to say," Colby agreed, taking her in his arms. "I never imagined it could be this good between us. I'm absolutely wild about you, Avery."

"I'm wild about you too, Colby."

Pulling something from his pocket, he stepped back from her. Sensing that the down on one knee position would probably get him a foot to the balls, he held her left hand with his.

"I've never loved anyone the way I love you. Being with you these past few weeks, it's been the best time of my life."

"Mine too." She frowned slightly.

Colby sensed she wondered where this was going, so he bumbled on. "I wanted to ask you—I hoped—" He ran his hand through his hair, feeling like a little kid. "I had this whole speech prepared and it's gone."

"Spit it out, Thatcher," Avery said, smirking.

"I want you to marry me. Please? I know it might be a little soon. And I know how you feel about.... But, dammit, Avery. I don't want anyone but you. Will you?"

Avery giggled, holding his face. "That was kind of a shit proposal, Colby."

"Yeah, but what it lacks in eloquence, it makes up for—" He kissed her deeply. "In sincerity and enthusiasm."

"Yes," she whispered. "Even if it was kind of a two on the romantic eloquence part, it was a fifteen on the sincerity and enthusiasm part."

"God, I love you! Oh, here!" He took her hand and put a ring on her finger. It wasn't big or fancy, but for Avery, it was perfect—a quarter carat, square cut ruby with two tiny diamonds on either side of the white gold band.

"Colby, it's the most beautiful ring ever! I love it! I love you!" She kissed him deeply, nearly squashing his face in her enthusiasm.

"It was my grandmother's, and she wanted you to have it. She said a girl as fiery at heart needed a warm stone, not a diamond."

"Takes a redhead to know one," she snickered.

Colby picked her up and carried her to their bedroom. Setting her on the bed, he shed his clothing and undressed her just as quickly.

"Our first time in our new home," Colby said with a grin. "Requires something extra special."

"Yes, it does."

She rolled him on his back. She licked his throat, stopping to circle his Adam's apple with her tongue, as her hands teased his nipples. Each nipple then got its own treatment, as did his navel. Nearing his groin, she scooted down, letting her lips close over the tip. Colby groaned, eyes rolling back in his head as she feasted on him.

"Oh, God, Avery! I won't last like this! Let me!" He pulled her to him, nailing her from beneath. With only a few thrusts, he came, uncaring whether she did or not. He had to have his release.

Luckily, she got her orgasm too. It had been quick, but spirited. They took a short rest, but when his equipment was working, they made love again. Long into the night, they gave one another everything, holding nothing back. Sated and exhausted, they took a quick shower and cuddled up in bed, spending the first night in their new apartment together.

The following Monday, Colby started giving lessons to the apartment manager's son, Stevie. Several other parents had found out and approached him to give lessons to their children as well. He agreed happily, delighted to have the extra money. Gavin helped sometimes, and Stan others, each making a little money on the side. They even taught the older children a few simple dives.

It felt good to Colby to be back in a pool, teaching children. He loved his job, but swimming was something that he did to exercise and relax. When things had been tough at home, he'd gone to the pool. His mother told him once it was because he was born under a water sign – Pisces. Couldn't get more watery than a fish. She'd even given birth to him in a pool, a fine beginning for her water sign boy.

He and Avery had settled into their new jobs with very few bumps. Avery enjoyed going into the office, something that had terrified her before. Being with Colby had given her confidence she didn't realize she possessed. Colby found that he didn't mind being in charge, but was just as glad to give Jonas his duties back when he returned.

Xuan was a good fit in the office. The orthopedist's office, excited to have an Asian consultant, had recommended her to a variety of other clients, ranging from an Asian market to an acupuncture practitioner. Business was booming, and Jonas had big plans to expand.

©2021 Dellani Oakes