Fly by Night ~ A Love Under the Sun Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 47

"I—uh—wanted to ask you. Did you see Alec? Speak to him?"

"I did. He asked me to look after Blythe. And he said to tell you not to miss him too much. He said he wanted you to be happy."

Jason blinked back a tear, wiping furiously at his nose. "Jesus! Really?"

"Yes. Stop putting it off, and be happy. That's exactly what he said. And he said goodbye."

Jason broke down, sobbing. Elam took him by the arms and pulled him into a hug. Jason cried on his shoulder, finally pulling himself together.

"You must think I'm behaving like a little kid," he muttered, wiping his eyes with the heels of his hands.

"No. It's the release, knowing that he's gone to a better place. He was your best friend. You're entitled to grieve, Jason."

"I was trying to be strong for Blythe."

"Being strong doesn't mean you deny your own feelings. What little I know about him, Alec was a great man. I hope that eventually, you and I will be good friends."

"I'd be proud to call you a friend, just like I was proud of Alec." He shook Elam's hand before pulling him into a man hug.

"I thought I heard your voice," Lori said, walking up from the living room. "Are you okay, babe?"

"I'm great now," he replied, taking her in his arms. "I'm free for lunch, want to go grab a sandwich?"

"I've got plenty of stuff here," Blythe said. "I actually went shopping. I have all kinds of food." She opened the refrigerator to show them.

They put together a big salad and sandwiches. After they ate, Jason went back to work.

"That reminds me," Blythe said to Lori. "Why aren't you at work?"

"I took a personal day. Had some things to do."

She sounded so casual, Blythe knew she was hiding something.

"What things to do?" She frowned.

"Oh, this and that—and a doctor's appointment," she muttered.

"Doctor? Are you sick?"

"No. I'm fine. I'm super. I'm fantastic!" She squealed, bouncing on her toes.

"You're pregnant?"

Elam looked between the women. "It must be a girl thing." He walked out, shaking his head.

"Does Jason know?"

"Of course, he does. But you're the first friend I've told. Are you free the Saturday after Thanksgiving?"

"Yes, I don't have any plans. Why?"

"Because we've decided to have a November wedding instead of a June one."

"What? Really?"

"What would my wedding be without my bestie? And Elam?"

"Yeah?" he called from the kitchen.

"Can you get away on Friday to stand up for Jason? He wants you to be best man."

"Why didn't he just ask me himself—just now?" He pointed toward the door.

"I know my brother," Blythe said. "He figured you wouldn't tell Lori no."

"Why would I say no? I'd be honored. As a matter of fact, I have best man experience. Couple of my friends are married. Doesn't leave us much time for a party."

"We'd rather have a dinner party with you two, and a couple other friends, than anything else. Jason's not the strip club type."

Elam chuckled, turning red around the ears. "Lori, hate to tell you this, babe. But all men are the strip club type."

Blythe punched him in the arm. He backed up quickly, dodging a follow up from Lori.

"Okay! No strip club. But a private lap dance?"

Blythe smacked him again.

"No on that, too," he laughed, dashing down the hall when they threatened him with pillows.

"We're getting married on the beach. A guy he knows from work is a notary. He can perform the ceremony."

"Why the rush? I thought you wanted all the trimmings."

"Because June is when this little guy makes an appearance. Thanksgiving weekend is the only window of opportunity we've got. We can both get a couple extra days for a short honeymoon."

"Of course, I'll be there!"

"Actually, my mother is an ordained minister," Elam said, strolling back into the room. "She does a beautiful service. And for no extra cost, you get me and my brothers to sing."

"You sing?" Lori looked and sounded skeptical.

Elam struck a pose, clearing his throat. "Nessun dorma...." he sang in a clear, strong tenor. "We've got all the parts covered."

"Do you think your mother would do that for us?"

"I'm sure she would. She even has a beautiful pavilion set up in her yard, if you'd like to have it there. He can accommodate up to twenty people. If it's bigger than that, there's the clubhouse at the golf course."

"Really? Do you think we could make arrangements? We haven't got that many people coming, just family and a few friends. It's twenty, tops."

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Fly by Night ~ A Love Under the Sun Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 46

 

"So, he's gone?"

"Yes, but he's so much better off. I know he'll be waiting for me, when I die."

"Not anytime soon!"

"No, I promise." Her phone rang, it was Jessamine.

"I know this sounds totally crazy, but I need to go with you when you see Malachi tomorrow. Is the invitation still open?"

"Yes, of course! Shall we meet up somewhere?"

"I'll drive up, and meet you in the parking lot."

"Okay. I spoke to his mom yesterday. She's expecting us and the doctor, but not you. I won't tell her," she added quickly. "I don't want her upset before we arrive. I think it's very important that you be there."

"I know it is. I can't get him off my mind. It's like he's sitting on my shoulder, talking to me. He's trying to communicate, but I can't hear him."

"Don't get your hopes up, Jessamine. He may not come out of it tomorrow. But he will hear you. Having you back in his life—it could help."

"I hope so. I want him back. I need him so." There were tears in her voice.

"It will work out, somehow. I don't know how, but it will."

"Thanks. I'll see you tomorrow."

"We plan to be there around noon."

"Excellent. I'll see you then." They hung up.

"No progress with coma boy?" Lori asked.

"Not really. But we're hoping a visit tomorrow will help. We're bringing Dr. Waverly to see him."

"Oh, her office called while you were gone."

"Thanks, I'll call her back." But she didn't have to.

Elam walked into the room, phone to his ear. "Yes, she's right here." He handed the phone to Blythe. "Dr. Waverly."

"Thanks." She took the phone. "Hi, Dr. Waverly. What's up?"

"I got your test results. Very strange, but fascinating. You'll be happy to know there is nothing wrong with you physically or chemically. Your test results all come back in the peak of health."

"That's good to know. So, what's causing the dreams?"

There was a pause. "I don't know. However, the MRI and the sleep study showed me that you have some very unusual brain patterns when you're sleeping. We see the REM sleep, but after that, it's like part of your brain is awake, when your body is sleeping. I've never seen anything like it."

"Do you think it's going to stay like that?"

"I don't know, dear. I would like you to see a friend of mine, she specializes in sleep related disorders. Her name is Katherine...."

Blythe burst out laughing. "Oh, Dr. Waverly, that's so wonderful! I was just there today."

"Really? Why?"

"She's Elam's mother!" She related her experience with Alec. "I don't know if I'm cured, but I will keep you posted."

"Excellent. Let me talk to Elam again, please?"

"Yes, sure." She handed the phone back. "She'd like to speak to you."

He gave her a little kiss before speaking. "Yes, Boss?"

"You aren't being a bad boy, are you?"

"No, ma'am. Not yet, anyway. Please don't tell me I can't, because she's your patient."

"I suppose it might be considered problematic with some, but I haven't any issue with it. Technically speaking, she's my patient, not yours. Do be discrete around the hospital, that's all I ask."

"Absolutely. What else did you need?"

"Just making sure everything is set up."

"All squared. Blythe spoke to Mr. and Mrs. Garafolo yesterday. One thing, though."

"What?" There was suspicion in her voice.

"We know Malachi's fiancée. She wants to come with us."

"Why isn't she already there?"

"Family problems. Funny thing, she's the girl who helped Blythe after her accident."

"How truly amazing. The coincidences are astounding. It fascinates me how everything is interrelated."

"Me too. What are the chances?"

"Pretty slim, I imagine. It's when coincidences stack up like this, you know it's a force, outside ourselves, that's at work."

"I agree, Doc. We'll pick you up at nine tomorrow."

"Enjoy your day. Behave."

"Oh, right. That'll happen." Laughing, he hung up.

Knocking on the door got Elam's attention. He opened it to find Jason there.

"I wanted to make sure the coast was clear." He shrugged, looking somewhat sheepish.

"Yeah, it's cool. Lori's here. They're in the living room."

"So, how did the visit with your mom go?"

"Great! I'll let Blythe give you the news."

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Fly by Night ~ A Love Under the Sun Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 45

Blythe's eyes flew open, her hands reaching toward Alec, but he was gone. Strangely, so was the ache of his death. The sorrow, the deep abiding grief, had left her. Instead, she had a soft, warm, loving spot where the knot of coldness had been. Elam sat next to her, his hand touching hers. Blythe turned to him, smiling.

"He's gone," she whispered. "We sent him home."

"He can rest now," Katrinka said with a happy sigh.

"What about Malachi?" Blythe asked.

Katrinka frowned slightly. "I'm not sure. He's trapped too, in a different way. He was supposed to die that day, but he was given another chance. There is someone here who needs him."

"Jessamine," Blythe said. "It has to be Jessamine."

"Perhaps." Katrinka nodded, but she didn't sound convinced. "But Alec has found rest and whatever is to happen between you, can happen, free of doubt and guilt." She smiled, taking their hands in hers.

"I would love to see your parents again, Blythe. We must plan to have Thanksgiving together. Bring your brother and his beloved."

Blythe didn't ask how she knew about Jason and Lori. "Thank you. I'll have Mom call you."

"Please do. I would love for you to stay, but I have appointments soon."

"May I use your bathroom before we go?" Blythe asked, feeling the two cups of coffee pressing her bladder.

"Certainly. The first door on the right when you go down the hall."

Elam lingered. His mother turned her penetrating eyes on him. A small part of him still quelled from that knowing stare. Fortunately, she was smiling.

"I know what's on your mind. Yes, it's all right now. But don't push. When the time is right, all the pieces will fall in place. You'll know."

Throwing back his head, Elam laughed loudly. "God, how well you read me. Is it that obvious?"

"My boys all have a strong drive. I'm surprised we aren't already overwhelmed with your offspring. You must date women who are well prepared with birth control."

He chuckled, hugging his mother. "I guess so. Thank you. Do you think the dreams will stop now?"

"They will, with your help."

"My help? What can I do?"

"Do you remember when you were little, we found you a spirit guide? He helped when you had night terrors."

"Yeah. That was so long ago, I'd almost forgotten."

"When Blythe came to me, he passed from you to her—it was his choice. You didn't need him anymore and she did. But the trauma of Alec's death and her accident, she can't hear him anymore. She needs you now, not some shadowy spirit. Somehow, God in His wisdom, brought you and Blythe together. Perhaps your guide sensed your connection, and that's why he agreed to help her."

Elam nodded, smiling. "Is everyone's life decided before they are born? Is everything already planned out?"

"To a degree, yes. Who will be your soul mate is something only the Universe understands. How you find them is more or less up to you, with the hand of Fate. Some people never find that. We do have free will, the ability to choose or not choose. Sometimes, we get it wrong."

"Would it have been wrong for Blythe to end up with Alec?'

His mother shook her head, shrugging. "Who can say? She might have been very content, but not necessarily happy. It doesn't matter now."

Blythe arrived a moment later. Katrinka kissed them both on the forehead and sent them on their way.

"Your mother is amazing," Blythe said with a sigh.

"She sure is. I never realized, until today, just how special she is. I've seen her in action dozens of times, but never with anything so spectacular."

"Did you see him too?"

Elam touched her cheek, brushing hair from her lips. "I saw him, and he spoke to me. He asked me to watch out for you, and take care of you. I said I would do my best."

Blythe burst into tears. It was so like Alec to think of her. Even if it meant another man was in her life, he would want her taken care of.

"I know you will."

They drove back to her apartment to find Lori waiting. She jumped up, running toward Blythe expectantly.

"Well?"

"Well, what?"

"How did it go?"

"How did what go?"

Lori stamped her foot with exasperation. "Your session with Katrinka."

"How do you even know about that?"

"She called your mom, who called Jason, who called me. Well?"

"I'll fix coffee," Elam said, his blue eyes twinkling.

Blythe kissed him before he moved to the kitchen. She and Lori sat on the couch, holding hands, knees touching. Blythe told her everything that had happened.

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Fly by Night ~ A Love Under the Sun Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 44

The boys had more aunts, uncles and grandparents than they could easily count.

"The one thing I don't have, is a daughter. None of my boys have made up their minds about a soul mate, though I do think that Elam's gotten it right. I don't know if Ryan will ever settle down. Dylan and Liam I still have hope for. I've always known Elam would be the first."

They each got another cup of coffee, and gathered on the lanai. The pool lapped gently against the tile rim. A waterfall graced one end. The water cascaded over rocks and a metal sculpture, creating a musical background to their conversation. Blythe found it very relaxing.

"Aquarius, right?" Katrinka asked her.

"How did you know? Did my parents tell you?"

"They might have, but it's more your reaction to the water. It gives me great joy and peace listening to it. As if my troubles washed away with it."

"I feel so at ease here," Blythe said with a happy sigh. "Like nothing can harm me, as long as I'm here. I don't even feel that good at home."

"That's because it was meant to be a place for you and Alec," Elam said softly. "Without him in it, you feel that emptiness. Not even I can fill that spot for you." He hung his head dejectedly.

Blythe leaned forward, placing her hands on his. "Don't you see? You can. But it's not filling his space, it's finding your own. I don't want his place filled. I want a totally new one carved out for you to fill."

Katrinka watched the exchange, quietly sipping her coffee. Something went on here than she'd foreseen. There was far more to this exquisite young woman than even she had anticipated. She watched the magic unfold, their auras glittering in the screen-filtered sun. Energy vibrated around them and she knew it was nearly time to do what needed to be done. She waited.

"You really mean that?" Elam's expression changed from haggard to expectant.

"Of course I do. I didn't know I could feel so much so fast. It took me years to love Alec as much as he loved me. I know that sounds terrible."

"It's like that with soul mates," Elam said, bringing her hand to his lips. "Paul was supposed to work the day you came in, but I knew I needed to trade with him. Chris was assigned to you, but I begged him to change with me."

"And he did that for you? How sweet."

Elam laughed. "Not really. I got stuck with the stupid drunk guy, who pretended to get hit by a car, and the crack head who kept lying on the floor. But I didn't care, because for that short time, I was with you."

Even the presence of his mother wasn't enough to stop him. He had to kiss her, seal the bond already forged between them. It took him some time to realize that his mother wasn't there anymore. He moved to the chaise where Blythe sat, touching her face, holding her as if she would break. Her soft lips met his with a spark, making them both jump, inhaling sharply before laughing. Lips stinging, they kissed. The pressure of one another's mouths eased the pain of the spark.

Blythe's heart leaped when he touched her. She found it hard to breathe until he kissed her. Then all the shattered pieces of her life fell into place. The ache caused by Alec's death, eased a little. She sighed happily, opening her mouth so Elam could deepen their kiss. She didn't care if his mother was around. She sensed Katrinka didn't care, so long as they kept their clothing on.

A soft tinkling of bells attracted her attention. She and Elam parted, looking around to locate the sound. Katrinka sat near the waterfall. She had added a set of chimes to the stones and metal pieces. The water ran over it, creating a bright counterpoint to the already musical flow.

"Come here, children."

They joined her by the pool. Soft mats circled the waterfall. They each took a spot, sitting close together, their crossed legs touching at the knee, hands joined, they waited.

"I'm not entirely sure what happened with Malachi," Katrinka said quietly. "But I know how to bring Alec peace. You have to tell him goodbye," she told Blythe. "His soul has stayed behind, because he was worried about you. He's ready to be released now, but you have to give him permission."

"I don't know if I can," Blythe said, a sob rising in her chest. "Does that mean I'll forget him?"

"Never," Katrinka said. "But the pain of his passing will fade, and you'll be left with your memories. Can you do that—for Alec?"

Blythe nodded. The three of them joined hands. Katrinka spoke rapidly in a language Blythe didn't understand, but had heard before. Her parents sometimes attended a charismatic Catholic church. During the service, the priests and congregation spoke in tongues, supposedly the language of Heaven. She, herself, had never experienced it. Instead, she'd been so frightened by it, she had never gone back. Now, peace settled deeply in her soul as she closed her eyes. A strange vibration started at the base of her spine, rising until it reached her stomach.

It rumbled around as if searching for something. Warm tendrils wrapped around the hard, cold sadness inside her—brought on by Alec's death. Tugging urgently, the tendrils wrapped tighter, pulling in earnest. Taking a deep breath, Blythe exhaled, relaxing as the warmth rose toward her throat. She opened her mouth, feeling it float free. With a short, sharp exhale, she expelled the mass. In her mind's eye, she saw Alec. He stood within the fountain. He reached for the bundle Blythe had expelled. Lifting it, he held it like a child. He leaned forward, his lips brushing her brow.

"I'm on my way, Be-Be. I love you and I'll always be with you." A swirl of gold and silver sparks circled his body, spiraling upward as they took his spirit to the sun.

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Fly by Night ~ A Love Under the Sun Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 40

Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure began. They found themselves laughing in the same places, repeating lines from memory. When it was over, the popcorn was gone and they snuggled close together on the couch, smiling.

"I really wanna kiss you," Elam breathed.

"What's stopping you?" She raised a challenging eyebrow.

"This vision of my mother, hovering over your shoulder, with her crystal skull in hand. She'd know if I so much as looked at you funny. And I'd hear about it the rest of my life."

"She doesn't want us to have sex?"

"She doesn't want us to have sex now. After we see her tomorrow, that will probably change. God, I hope it will change." He bounced his head on the back of the couch, trying not to groan.

"We'd already planned to wait, Elam. What's the big deal about one more night?"

"Nothing, no big deal. Just—you remember when you were a kid and your mom made your favorite treat for dessert, but you weren't allowed to have it until after dinner?"

"Yeah, it's killer waiting."

"That's how I feel about you. Being told I can't have you, makes me want you that much more."

"But I told you I wanted to wait."

"Yeah, but there was always the off chance you might change your mind, and succumb to my manly charms." Elam chuckled, pinching her ribs.

"That's what they call it now, huh? Manly charms?"

"You could call it smokin' hot looks and sexy moves, but I'll settle for manly charms." He grinned, crossing his arms behind his head.

Blythe's expression turned serious. "Just so you know, the popcorn thing was totally working." She got up and went to her room.

Elam groaned, his head bounced on the back of the couch and he slumped forward, his knees nearly hitting the coffee table. He wished he hadn't had a shower already, he needed some alone time. Since there had still been a marginal chance of him getting lucky, before his mother called, he hadn't taken care of it. Now, he was in pain, and didn't think the beast in his pants could be tamed any other way.

"Popcorn," he whimpered. "And butter. Jesus!" Sexiest damn popcorn ever!

Elam brushed his teeth in the guest bathroom, wanting to delay the inevitable as long as possible. He wanted to sleep in with Blythe, but wasn't sure he could control himself. He volunteered to sleep in the guest room, but she insisted that he stay in her room. Reluctantly, he agreed.

He didn't normally wear pajamas, but had found a pair of pants when he was at his apartment. It seemed safer to have more than just his boxer briefs between him and Blythe. Not that it would matter. He was a goner, hopelessly hooked. She could excite him just being in the same room. The scent of her was enough to make him completely crazy. He very carefully didn't touch her, nor did he lie close to her in bed.

Blythe sensed his discomfort, but misinterpreted it as something entirely different. She lay down, turning out her light. Rolling on her side, she couldn't stop the tears. Her sniffling carried to the other side of the king sized bed.

Elam's heart clenched in his chest. She must think he hated her. Or worse, he didn't want her anymore. Her tears broke his heart. Feeling like a total prick, he scooted over to the center of the bed. He took Blythe in his arms, pulling her close. She rolled over, putting her head on his chest. Her tears left little, warm puddles on his skin.

"I'm not mad at you," he whispered, stroking her hair. "And I understand why you're not ready yet. Doesn't mean I like it. It's taking every ounce of self-control I have, not to ravage you."

She snuggled closer, her sniffles lessened. "Really?"

"Yup. Sexiest damn popcorn ever."

Elam could feel Blythe smile. She kissed his chest, her lips brushing his nipple. She sighed deeply, relaxing against him. Groaning silently, more turned on than he could possibly describe, he tried to do the same. Blythe's deep breathing told him she was already asleep. He tried saying his prayers, but that seemed somewhat irreverent. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw her bare breasts, inviting him to lick them.

Her brown hair cascaded over his chest, tickling and enticing him. He wanted to run his fingers through it. Since she was asleep, he indulged the desire, realizing after a few minutes, that it was the wrong decision. Her hair was soft and silky, almost alive in his hands. Each stroke released her scent, unique to her, a combination of shampoo, body wash and Blythe. His groin tightened as he groaned softly.

Blythe tensed next to him, whimpering. She muttered in her sleep, words he couldn't understand, but he knew she was having a nightmare. This one must be really awful because she was running in her sleep. He didn't want to wake her, but he wanted her to know he was there.

"I'm here, babe. I'm here. You're okay. Don't worry. I've got you, Blythe. I've got you." He held her close, all thoughts of sex gone from his mind. She needed him to be strong, protective, not horny. "I'm here, Blythe. I've got you," he repeated. The words formed a sort of mantra and he chanted it until she relaxed and the nightmare stopped. He kept it up until sleep finally captured him as well.

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Fly by Night ~ A Love Under the Sun Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 39

"It's my mother," he explained. Frustrated, he answered, sounding more than a little tense. "Hello, Mom."

"I've interrupted. I'm so sorry. I do have to tell you something, before you take that lovely girl to bed for the first time."

Exhaling slowly, Elam closed his eyes, waiting. How did his mother always seem to know when he was going to be bad? How could she always sense that he was interested in a new woman? It was spooky, the way she had of reading his mind. Not that she normally intruded, she just always knew.

"What makes you think that?"

"Because of your tone, for one thing. For another, the vibrations I'm receiving are really quite alarming. You can't do this right now, Son."

"Mom!" His voice cracked like a teenager's. Turning red with embarrassment and frustration, he clamped his lips together.

Her laugh burbled forth like water over bells. His mother had the most musical laugh of anyone he knew. "Sunshine, you know I'd never intrude in your sex life—which has been sadly dry for some time," she scolded. "If I'm to be a grandmother before I'm sixty, you'd best get in gear."

"Mom, this really isn't the time."

"On the contrary, it's exactly the time, so put me on speaker, wipe the butter off your chest, and let me tell you why I called."

He didn't question how she knew about the butter, the shirt, or the woman. Reluctantly, he did as he was told. Elam knew from experience, if he tried to put his mother off, she'd pester him until she got what she wanted. Since she didn't do this often, he knew it must be important. He put the phone on the counter, pressing the speaker button.

"Mom, this is Blythe...."

"I know," his mother said with a smile in her voice. "We haven't chatted in a long time, darling. They've come back, haven't they." There was sorrow in her voice.

"I'm sorry? What have come back?" Blythe asked, but she knew.

"The dreams, dear one. But they're worse this time."

"Katrinka?"

"Yes, my dear. How lovely to hear your voice, all grown up."

Elam stared at her, his jaw dropping open. "You know my mother? How?"

"When I was a girl, I had nightmares—hellish ones, horrifying. My parents tried everything. Eventually, they found your mother, and she helped me."

"Something strange and amazing has happened, traumatic, but interesting," Katrinka said. "Before this relationship can continue, you must resolve this issue. My son can make you very happy, Blythe."

His blue eyes met her dark brown ones.

"I have no doubt of that."

"You feel drawn to one another. It's like that with soul mates. But you must put the dead to rest before you can be truly happy. They want to rest, Blythe. They need their release. You can give them that."

"How?"

"You'll come see me tomorrow. Elam may come too, if he likes. But he's not essential to the process."

"All right. I will try anything to get these dreams out of my head. And I want to help Malachi."

"Then come see me tomorrow. The vibrations will be strongest around nine. Come a little before that and don't eat or drink anything."

"We'll be there, Mom. I don't have to work tomorrow."

"Excellent. Now, good night kisses, cuddle up in that cozy bed. And, Son?"

"Yes, ma'am?" Elam closed his eyes, knowing what was coming.

"Keep it in your pants."

He groaned, wanting to bang his head on the table. He was mortified that she would talk to him like that, but it gave him the perfect cock block. His mother would know if he broke his promise. She would only put a squash on his sex life, if it would put Blythe in jeopardy.

"I promise, Mom."

"Good. I raised a proper gent. Good night, Blythe, dear."

"Good night, Mrs. Armitage."

"Katrinka, please. Or Katie, as you wish."

She hung up, leaving them staring at one another.

"That was the weirdest conversation I've ever had with my mother," Elam said. "And I've had some strange ones. The sex lesson among the top five."

"I would have thought that was number one."

Elam shook his head, pursing his lips. "No." He wouldn't say anything more. Instead, he went to the bathroom and washed the butter off his chest. He put his shirt on when his skin was still slightly damp. When he came back, the soft, gray T-shirt clung to his body, emphasizing his lean musculature. Blythe took the time to wash her hands and finish fixing the popcorn. She carried it to the living room where the DVD player waited.

"What movie did you choose?"

"You'll probably hate it." She handed him the box.

"I happen to totally love this movie. I think it's excellent."

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Fly by Night ~ A Love Under the Sun Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 38

"I want to meet your parents," she whispered. "I know it's silly, but I want to know that they'll like me. Alec's mom—she never seemed to think I was good enough for her son. I never knew how I came up lacking."

"My mother is probably the least judgmental person you'll ever meet. She's so accepting, she would adopt the entire world if she could." He chuckled, blushing, glad that Blythe couldn't see it in the moonlight. "She caught me and my first girlfriend together."

"Together—together."

"Oh, yeah. Full on naked, not quite coupling, but so close. Instead of being angry, she gave us a sex lesson so I wouldn't hurt my girlfriend. I have to say, it was much better her way, and a good time was had."

"Did she tell the girl's mother?"

"No, thank God! Wendy's mom is ultra-religious. If she'd known that her daughter had sex with the son of a heathen, she'd have strung me up by my balls. It was a good relationship, until they moved our junior year."

"Would you have stayed with her?"

He shook his head. "Hers was not my kind of crazy."

"And mine is?"

"Your kind of crazy isn't born of religious frenzy, and Bible thumping lunatics."

"I don't know, I've been known to thump a Bible or two in my time."

A cool wind blew off the water, making them both shiver.

"How about a movie?" Blythe suggested. "I've got tons I've never seen."

"Sounds good. Mind if I catch a shower? I came over right after work."

"Sure, there are fresh towels in the master bath."

"Thanks. Did I tell you what Dr. Waverly said?"

"About me? Did she get test results?"

"Not yet. No, about me. She wants me to be her assistant."

"Really? Do you have any experience with that?"

"Some. Pay bump and better hours."

"That's wonderful!"

"And she wants to go see Malachi with us on Thursday."

"Really? Does she think she can help him?"

"She doesn't know until she sees him, but it's worth a shot."

"Yes, it is.

They stood in Blythe's bedroom, a few feet from the bed. She wanted to tackle him and ravage his body, but restrained herself. She was afraid and not quite ready to commit to that next step.

"Shower's through there. Fresh towels are on the bar. There's bath gel and shampoo, whatever you need."

"Thanks. I'll be out soon."

"I'll find a movie and fix popcorn."

"See you in a few." He desperately wanted to take her in the shower with him, but refrained. He still wanted her, but decided he'd better approach her differently, more slowly. Alec was her husband. He was still reeling from that revelation.

Blythe headed to the living room, closing and locking the glass door, she pulled the drapes over it. She grabbed one of her favorite movies from the shelf, putting it in the DVD player, before heading to the kitchen. She liked freshly popped corn, not the microwave variety.

Elam came out a few minutes later, finding her in the kitchen, popping corn on the stove. It smelled fantastic. He leaned on the counter, shirt over one shoulder, his feet bare, dressed only in a pair of low riding jeans.

"When you said you were popping corn, I had no idea it would be this special."

"I can eat micro-waved stuff, but I prefer this. Dad spoiled me. He used to fix it every Sunday evening. We'd have popcorn and soda for dinner while we watched Donovan Family Theatre."

He snagged a piece of popcorn from the bowl. Blythe smacked at his hand, making him laugh.

"It's not quite ready. Patience, Grasshopper."

She added melted butter, with kosher salt, pepper and paprika, tossing the popcorn with her fingers. Elam took one buttery hand in his, licking the butter and spices from her index finger. He laved it sensually with his tongue.

"Yum. Does the popcorn taste as good as you?"

Blythe fed him a piece. He chewed slowly, closing his eyes before licking another finger.

"Nope, you taste better."

Elam took a piece of popcorn, holding it in his teeth, inviting her to take it. Smiling, Blythe complied, biting the fluffy kernel in half. Their mouths met, oily from the butter. Elam licked her lips, tasting the spices and her own special flavor, before kissing her deeply.

Blythe tried not to touch him with her greasy hands, but he had other ideas. Pulling her close, he put her hands on his chest, kissing her even more passionately than before. Her top was halfway off when his phone rang. He wouldn't have answered, except that was the special ring he'd set for his mother. She rarely called him, certainly not after nine o'clock at night.

©2022 Dellani Oakes

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Fly by Night ~ A Love Under the Sun Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 35

"They can do it without me."

"How about you and I take Charlotte's car back to the house. That will give them time to talk, and you don't have to be part of it."

"Good idea," Jason replied. "Blythe, is that okay?"

"Yeah."

Elam grabbed his keys. Giving a quick kiss to Blythe, he waited at the door while Lori kissed Jason goodbye, then the two of them left.

"Thank you," Elam said, leaning his shoulders on the wall. "I couldn't listen. I see people sick, dead, or dying every day. I couldn't handle that."

"She already told me about it," Lori said with a shudder. "I don't have it in me to listen to it again. Jason wants to know it all, chapter and verse, and I'd rather not know. He's dead, we're not." She shook her head. "People might think I'm callous for that attitude."

"Not me. I get it." Elam pressed the button for the elevator.

"You're a good man, Elam. I like you, and I think you'll be good for Blythe. She needs a strong man who won't mind the crazy."

Elam chuckled, allowing her to enter the elevator first. "Is there a lot of crazy around? Other than this, I mean." He spun his finger in the air, encompassing everything.

"A little. Jason has this spooky way of knowing things before they happen. Blythe has had dreams that came true. Nothing else is as freaky as what's happening now, though she did have a lot of trouble with nightmares as a kid."

"Really? Did she outgrow them?"

"I'm not sure. I intend to find out. Maybe it's something that will work again. I just know that these dreams are getting worse. Pretty soon, she's not going to be sleeping at all."

"I'm staying tonight. When we drop Charlotte's car, we can grab her stuff, then we'll stop by my place and I'll pack an overnight bag."

"Pack for a couple nights at least. Please? I don't like the idea of her being alone. She's so independent, she won't let her mother fuss over her forever."

"Of course. I'm here for the long run, Lori. If I were going to bail, I'd have done it by now."

Lori laid her fingers on his arm. "Thank you. You're a good man, Elam."

"I try."

"I expect something from you—other than guard duty." Lori slid into the car.

Elam waited until she was settled before closing the door. "Oh? What's that?"

"When you make love to her, take your time, and do it well. She hasn't had a man since Alec."

"I'll do my best, I promise."

"Good."

He followed Lori to the Donovan's house. They bid a short good night, with Elam assuring Charlotte and Don that he wasn't leaving Blythe alone. A short conversation later, Elam and Lori headed for his apartment. She came up and talked to him while he packed an overnight bag.

"Don't forget condoms," Lori prompted as he packed his razor.

"Um—didn't plan on needing any."

"Don't be insipid. There's always a chance."

Elam blushed, his ears and cheeks going red. "I'm not planning to take advantage of the situation, Lori."

"And if things transpire the way you hope, you don't want her to think it was premeditated. Gotcha. Girlfriend's probably got some, anyhow."

Elam wouldn't look at her as he finished packing.

"I embarrassed you. I'm sorry."

"I'm not like that, Lori. I like her a lot and yeah, I'd love to get lucky."

"Good to know you're not a player." She smiled kindly, handing him his toothpaste.

"Since I was sixteen, I've had six serious girlfriends. I'm the opposite of a player."

"And that's one reason you're so adorable. Ready?"

"Yeah." He zipped up the overnight bag and picked up his garment bag.

Blythe and Jason sat on the couch in her living room. He held her hands as she described her dream of Alec's death.

"But you didn't feel anything, right?"

"No."

"Thank God. I can't even imagine. What a horrible way to die."

"War is horrible."

Jason nodded, trying to gather his thoughts. "I'm sorry about how I've been—with you dating other guys. I know you need to move on. And Elam, he's a great guy. He'll be good for you."

"Not like we're getting married or anything."

"Maybe. Who can say. But the important thing is to leave yourself open to the possibilities."

"What was the real reason you and Lori didn't tell us about being together? Didn't you think we'd be happy for you?"

"It wasn't our family that was the problem. Her dad—hates me. I mean, he loathes the very ground I walk on."

©2022 Dellani Oakes

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