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 43

"You must get your skill from her, huh?"

Elam chuckled. "You could say that, I suppose. My dad is a surgeon."

Blythe giggled. "Well, from both parents then. What type of surgery does he do?"

"I don't really know him," he replied. "He left us when I was twelve."

"I'm so sorry."

His shrug was unconvincing. He cared deeply, but had learned to hide it. Blythe stopped him with a hand on his arm.

"He's the one missing out. Because he's got a really great son. Maybe one day he'll realize that. In the meantime, my dad thinks you're wonderful."

Elam smiled, kissing her lightly. "That's the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me. Thank you."

"I think you're wonderful too," she added.

His kiss was deeper, more passionate. The front door flew open.

"There you are!"

Katrinka was nearly as tall as her son. It was all her, because she was barefoot. She was built like a Viking woman, blond, strikingly pretty, muscular. She wore bright pink leggings and a full top that came to her knees, flowing around her in a purple puddle of cloth. Her hands and arms were covered with rings and bracelets with different metals and stones. Her hair was pulled back with a flowered scarf. It was like a wild, untamed golden cloud around her head and shoulders. Her makeup was minimal, just enough to enhance her beauty.

"Come in, come in! I hope you slept all right. Did Elam help?"

"Yes, ma'am. He did. He pulled me out of a nightmare." Blythe gulped, blinking back tears. "I was in the dream where Alec died, again. It was horrible. But Elam spoke to me, and I heard him."

"Good. I'm glad."

Katrinka led them to the kitchen. A square wooden table, covered in an orange cloth, took up the far end. Heavy wooden chairs surrounded it. Three places were set and a pot of coffee gurgled on the counter. Three mugs sat next to it, spoons and cream at the ready.

"I thought you told us not to eat," Elam said.

"I did. So you could have breakfast with me." Katrinka giggled at her son's consternation. She hugged him to her, kissing the top of his head. "Elam, will you get the casserole out? Blythe, you take your coffee light and sweet?"

"Yes—how did you know?"

"Mom knows things like that about people." Elam took two potholders in the shape of fish, and lifted a dish from the oven.

It smelled wonderful, full of spices and cheese. Blythe stopped talking, inhaling deeply.

"That smells delicious. Do I detect bacon? I thought for sure you'd be a vegetarian."

Katrinka laughed. "I know a lot of my compatriots are, but I couldn't give up my bacon—or sausage."

"Or steak or burgers," Elam supplied. "We tried to break her of such a disgusting habit, but nothing we said did any good. Mom, we'd say. Think of all the poor, helpless animals who are suffering so we can eat this delicious, succulent meat. But it did no good." He set the casserole dish on a trivet on the table.

His mother's musical laughter filled the house. "Believe it or not, he's not the most sarcastic of my offspring."

"How many children do you have?"

"Four boys. Elam is number three."

"Before you ask," Elam said. "My brothers are Dylan, Ryan and Liam."

Katrinka handed her a framed picture from a nearby shelf. She stood in the middle of four big, blond men. Elam and his brothers looked remarkably like one another. She could also see a strong resemblance to their mother. Most striking in their appearance, were the vivid blue eyes.

"What a handsome bunch," Blythe said, handing back the picture.

"Thank you. I think so too, but I'm a tad biased."

They sat at the table and took hands, bowing their heads.

"Bless us, oh Lord, and these they gifts which we're about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ, our Lord, Amen." Katrinka led them in the familiar Catholic blessing.

"I thought you'd use something different," Blythe said as Elam served her plate.

"In some ways, I'm very traditional. I consider myself an expanded Catholic. In other words, I have my traditional beliefs, but I have a different way of approaching my faith."

Blythe nodded. "I understand. I feel kind of the same way. I think there's more to faith than what you get from organized religion. And there's not just one way to look at the world."

Katrinka smiled at her, patting her hand. "You did well, Son. This time, you picked the perfect woman. My boys haven't always had the best of luck in relationships."

Elam cleared his throat pointedly. Katrinka laughed again.

"All right, darling. I won't tell your secrets. I totally would," she confided to Blythe. "But since he's here, I'll pretend to behave."

They kept conversation light and fun during breakfast. Blythe felt comfortable and happy with Katrinka. She could tell where Elam got his loving, outgoing nature. His mother was so open and giving. When he said his mother would adopt the whole world, he wasn't far wrong. She had unofficially adopted the friends of all her boys, their girlfriends—even the ex's kept in touch with her.

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Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes Part 6

"No! No, they're perfect. It's just—I never saw them before. They're—nice. Really, really nice."

Avery eyed him speculatively. "Thank you."

Colby's fingers tingled. He wanted to touch her badly, but sensed such a move wouldn't be terribly welcome. He had to tread lightly with Avery. There was a lot of hurt in her life and he wasn't going to jeopardize their friendship because he was horny.

"You okay, Colb? You look like you're gonna hurl."

"I'm good.... Really good. I'm fantastic."

"You only babble when you're nervous. What's up?"

"You have really nice breasts," he blurted. Shock at what he'd said made his mouth drop open. He couldn't move, couldn't speak.

Avery raised an eyebrow, her pale face showing little of her thoughts. Her fingertips tapped his slack jaw, closing his mouth. "Okay, Cleatus. Thank you for the assessment. I believe we covered this already."

"I—uh—thought it bore repeating." It took a moment, but he got himself pulled together.

"What is wrong with you tonight? You're acting all weird, like a guy.... One too many root beers. You're cut off, dude."

I want kiss you. I want to hold you close and make love to you.

He didn't say any of those things aloud, but he was sure Avery could read it in his expression. If nothing else, she'd notice the happy dance going on behind his zipper. Avery always knew when the guys were sporting boners. It was uncanny and disconcerting.

"Are you on something? I've never seen you like this, Colb. It's freaky."

"No. I'm sorry." Colby sighed.

He had so much to say and had no idea how to say it. A firm believer that actions spoke louder, he pulled his flagging courage together and kissed her. It was a quick kiss, hardly thought out. Their noses collided, their teeth clicked. He held her awkwardly, bent over to reach her, their chests close, their hips at least six inches apart. Embarrassed by his actions, he shoved her away, backing off a step or two so she couldn't hit him. Avery stared at him.

"What was that?"

"I think it was a kiss."

"You think? I thought I was being mauled by a polar bear or something."

"Sorry."

"That's all you've got? That sucked, Colb. Seriously. Got game?"

Chuckling, he ducked his head. "Not so much."

"You don't get the hot chick at Game Junkies if you bring it like that." She shook her head in mock sympathy.

"I don't want the hot chick at Game Junkies. I—I want you."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I want you. In every sense. Perky boobs and all." Colby dodged, flinching away from her, afraid she would laugh or hit him. He wasn't sure which would bother him more.

"You're serious?"

"Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?"

She punched him hard in the gut. "Took you long enough to admit it, you asshole! What does a girl have to do to get your attention, doofus?"

He shrugged, grinning shyly. "Show me her tits?"

Avery punched him again, harder. Her fists pummeled him. Colby grabbed her hands as the blows landed faster and harder. One fist nearly collided with his testicles. To prevent serious injury, he grabbed Avery, turning her so her back was to him, clutching her arms to her sides.

"Will you stop that," he begged. "That hurts!"

"I know it hurts! I want it to hurt. Now you want me? Now you're interested? Do you know how long...?"

"How long what?"

Tears sprang to her eyes, falling on his hands and arms. "Do you know how long I've been in love with you? And asshole doesn't even notice. Doesn't even see...."

"I did. I thought you didn't want me. I thought maybe everything with your dad and Mr. Polk...."

"Don't say that bastard's name!"

"I just thought with all that, you might not want—me. I love you, Avery. I think you're smart and beautiful...." He eased his grip on her and she stopped struggling.

"You have a funny way of showing it. You don't talk to me like a girl. You don't treat me like a girl."

"And would you like that? I hold doors for you, I help you out of the car. I buy you coffee and game time. What do you want me to do, that I don't already do, Ave? Tell me and I'll do it."

She took his face in her hands, pulling his mouth close to hers. "Kiss me. And I don't mean that lame excuse for an oral hygiene exam. A real kiss."

"I can do that."

"Prove it, Thatcher." Avery stepped closer. "Let's see what you've got."

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes Part 5

Colby handed her the game card. She thanked him with a nod and genuine smile.

"I'll pay you back tomorrow. I have to hit an ATM."

"Don't worry about it, Ave. Consider it an early birthday present."

Avery giggled. "My birthday's in May. It's November."

"I said early, right?"

"Thanks, Colby." She punched him affectionately on the shoulder. "Want a beer?"

"Sure. Get you one?"

"Please."

He visited her kitchen. It was small, but immaculately maintained. Avery might not have much, but she took care of what she had. He opened two IBC root beers and set one on a coaster next to her. None of their friends drank alcohol. Beer in Avery's household was always IBC. Both her parents were alcoholics. Her father had beaten her and her mother on a regular basis. He left when she was 12. Her mother threw her out when she was 16. The foster system broke down, placing her in a neglectful home with bitter, vicious people. What her parents hadn't scarred, they had. Now, five years later, she was still trying to work through it.

"Did you appropriately ogle the tits?" Her tone was bitter and resentful.

"Don't you mean inappropriately?"

Avery shrugged and took a sip of her root beer.

"I did not. I didn't want to wait in a long line to buy your game time, so I had Kevin ring it up. Then I left."

Dark brown eyes gazed deeply into his blue ones. "Thanks."

"You're the only one on my team who's any damn good."

"I rock," Avery conceded.

"You do." He paused, sipping his root beer while he tried to get his thoughts in some kind of order. "Ave, what Stan did today was thoughtless. And not just him—me and Gavin too. We take you for granted. I'm sorry about that."

Avery gaped at him. "Where'd all that come from?" She slapped him upside the head. "Are you the girl now?"

"Ow! No. I just figured—we don't always consider your feelings. I mean, you are a girl...."

"Really? Am I? The minuscule tits weren't a dead give away?" She gestured to her breasts with cupped hands, eyes wide.

"They aren't minuscule. They just look small because you wear your shirts so baggy."

"So, now I'm not fashionable? Thanks for cheering me up, Colby."

Sighing, he rolled his eyes. "I can't win. I'm trying to apologize for being a douche, and you turn it around on me."

"No, the douche would be Stan. You have nothing to apologize for."

"I might have ogled a little."

"You may ogle, but not drool. Was there moisture involved?"

"There was not. I did dry ogling only."

"Then I forgive you."

They toasted with the root beer bottles, laughing loudly. Avery offered him a game controller and they played for a couple hours. Around 5:00, they took a break and fixed dinner. It was simple, hot dogs and baked beans, but it was filling. The companionship was the important thing. Being with Avery was always a bright spot in Colby's day.

Whenever something good happened, the first person Colby called, was Avery. When her day had been hell, Avery came to Colby and together they worked through the problem, making her feel better. They had been good friends since middle school. Some older, bigger boys jumped Colby between classes. Avery came to his rescue. Half the size of the attackers, she jumped on their backs, pummeling them with her fists until they ran off. They were so ashamed of being slapped around by a tiny, little girl, they left Colby alone after that. The two became inseparable. It was Colby who helped Avery when her dad left. He was the one who convinced the social worker to make a surprise visit at the foster home, and remove her from the hell she was enduring.

"You really think my tits are okay?" Avery asked as they washed dishes.

Colby eyed her chest from a purely scientific standpoint. "I dunno, Ave. I can hardly see 'em. You cover up so much, a guy can't tell one way or the other."

Annoyed, she grabbed her sweater and pulled it off. Underneath, she wore a white tank top. It was obvious that she wasn't wearing a bra. Colby examined her breasts without touching them. They weren't as small as he'd previously thought, and perfectly formed, smooth and firm. The nipples pressed against the thin fabric of her shirt.

Colby's body reacted alarmingly to the sight of Avery's perky breasts. Suddenly embarrassed, he almost dropped the plate he was holding. A strange sound escaped him, something between a gulp and a gurgle. Avery glared at him as she struggled with her sweater.

"I had no idea I was deformed."

First Meeting from Undiscovered by Dellani Oakes

Cadence Stuart is a college professor, but she also works part time showing condos in the building where she lives. Today, the show and tell was interrupted when shots were fired, and a man collapsed on the beach. Cadence happened to see the shooter leaving the apartment she'd just been showing.

More police arrived and soon Cadence found herself talking to Detective Walter Scott of the Daytona Police Department. They sat in Bob's inner office while Bob, Ted and Susan waited in the outer one.

"That's all you can tell me? No hair color, distinguishing marks?"

Cadence sighed. "I told you already, he was wearing a mask. He was about six one, with a swimmer's build."

"What's that exactly?"

Detective Scott was in good shape, but had a stocky build. Cadence tried to put it in terms he'd understand.

"Okay, some men, like you, are muscular but it's bulky. You look like you can bench press about two fifty, maybe three hundred."

"Go on." Thanks for noticing.

"You probably do martial arts. You move like a man with a purpose who could kill in a hundred different ways without breaking a sweat."

He frowned, leaning across Bob's desk. "You a cop?"

"My dad. My brother, my cousins, my uncle. . . ."

"Got it. Long line of trained observers."

"It rubbed off. I learned to pay attention. A swimmer doesn't have your kind of build. No offense, but you'd be dead in the water. A swimmer is all shoulders and lean muscle. His body is streamlined so he goes fast. This guy looked like he could break a speed record."

"You saw all that as he ran down the hall?"

Cadence blushed, ducking her head. "He was really well built, Detective Scott. Forgive me for noticing."

"No, that's actually helpful. You said he was wearing baggies. Could you see part of his leg? Any distinguishing marks?"

"No, but he was white, though very tanned. There was a line of lighter skin between his shoe and his ankle bone." She closed her eyes, thinking. "No tattoos that I noticed." She shook her head. "Sorry, that's all I saw. Oh, and the hair on his legs was dark."

"Lots of men have dark hair on their legs."

"Yes, I know. But a man that tanned, if he was blond or even had hair the same color you have, medium brown, the sun would probably bleach it light. He was very deeply tanned, Detective Scott. And the hairs were black."

"So, we're looking for a deeply tanned, black haired swimmer about six one, broad shoulders, no distinguishing marks."

She nodded, sighing. "I really wish I'd seen more. I'm sorry."

There was a knock on the door. "Detective Scott?"

"Yes?"

It was the first officer on the scene, Perry Davis. "We found the mask. No gloves, but we're still looking. Got a hair off the inside."

"Bag it and tag it."

"Already done." He held up the mask and the hair in separate plastic bags. "Our boy's got black hair. We're hoping to get more evidence off the mask."

"Excellent. Thanks, Davis." Scott smiled at Cadence. "Good call, Miss Stuart." As he was seeing her out, another officer came up.

"You aren't gonna believe this, sir, but we've got a second crime scene."

"You're kidding. Where?"

"Two floors up. Maid went in to clean an empty place. She found a shell casing behind the couch when she pulled it out to vacuum."

"Got a gun?"

"Not yet. No witnesses up there either. That floor's closed for remodeling. This room is done, so she was cleaning it up."

"How many shots did you hear fired?" Scott asked Cadence.

"Two. Almost sounded like a third, but that was an echo."

"You're sure? The others thought it was three."

She shook her head. "I've been around weapons all my life. My family's cops—rednecks to boot. I know the difference between a report and an echo."

"Weird thing in both rooms, sir."

"Oh? What's that?" Scott was almost defiant, his arms crossed in front of him.

"They shooters used the cord from the blind to steady the weapon. The guy down here, probably about six one. The guy upstairs is shorter, maybe five nine. We think he might have taken the weapon out in a golf bag. The maid found marks of cleats in the carpet."

"Please tell me she didn't get them all vacuumed up."

"She did most of them, but there were some behind the couch. The guy took his time, walked outta here like nothing was wrong."

"So, the other guy was a decoy?"

"That's what we're thinking."

Scott seemed to remember Cadence. He blinked, focusing on her face. "I guess I've got another scene to investigate. If you think of anything else, call me." He handed her a card.

As her fingers closed on it, he pulled it away teasingly. "Or just call me. Anytime, day or night."

"Your wife won't mind?"

He showed her his left hand. It didn't sport a wedding band—which meant very little, but was reassuring. "Not married, engaged or dating. You?"

Cadence laughed, tossing her long brown curls. "Do you always hit on witnesses, Detective Scott?"

Evading the question, he gave her the card. "I've got all your information. If I need to talk to you again, I know where to find you."

© 2018 Dellani Oakes

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