Erotic Influence (12 page)

“You can take me to get them and buy the first months’ worth
of pills. But I’ll pay for them after that.”

He sighed against her hair. “All right. But after that we
switch off, okay? I buy one month, then you buy the next. And so on.”

It was probably the least Rick would agree to, so she
nodded. “All right.”

She didn’t want to think about the fact their relationship
probably wouldn’t last more than a month or two. She didn’t want to think about
how little she had to offer this amazing man who could choose any woman he
wanted. For now she would just coast along and enjoy the ride. But she had to
admit the end was going to hurt like hell. She just hoped it didn’t destroy
her.

Her stomach growled loudly and Rick decided to take her out
for lunch. She was only a little disappointed. Sure they’d been naked all
morning and she’d had so many orgasms she’d lost count, but she still wanted to
spend her free time in his arms. Having him sit beside her at the diner was
second best. The waitress had been in her high-school English class and she
recognized most of the other diners.

A couple of them looked her way, eying Rick suspiciously as
he put his arm on the back of the bench and touched her shoulder with his
fingertips. He didn’t seem to notice or care.

The waitress frowned at the empty bench and motioned with
her pad. “Tammy comin’?”

“No. She’s in school for a couple more hours,” Annie
replied.

That had Sheila’s penciled-in brows rising but she said
nothing else about it. They placed their drink order and she left.

“Is she the one who always teases Tammy about the male
customers?” Rick asked.

“Yeah. I think she’s just jealous Tammy gets all the
attention. Sheila was like that in high school too. You wouldn’t believe how
many fights she got into.”

He grinned. “I think I could make a guess.”

“We weren’t exactly friends but we graduated in the same
class. I think that’s another reason she gives Tammy a hard time.”

He frowned and glanced in the direction of the kitchen.
“She’s not going to spit in our drinks is she?”

Annie barked out a laugh before clamping her hand over her
mouth. “Eww. I hope not.”

He just chuckled and kissed the tip of her nose. “If so I
won’t leave her a tip.”

When Sheila walked up with their drinks they were both
fighting the urge to laugh.

They lingered in the diner, eating, talking and laughing
over silly things. He told her about his childhood and the recklessness of his
high-school days. Though it was a stark contrast to his, she recalled her
teenage years as well. He’d been a popular football player. She had been on the
yearbook staff and nearly invisible to most of her classmates. He had attended
every dance all four years. She’d never been to a single one. The differences
between them were telling, but while she was embarrassed by them he simply
brushed them off.

“High school was many years ago and like a whole other
lifetime, Annie,” he said. “What happened then doesn’t really matter now.”

“I know. I just…we’re not really on the same level.”

“That’s bull. We’ve been neighbors for almost half a year
and now we’re lovers. You mean the world to me and nothing in your past will
change that. Does my past change how you feel about me?”

Though he didn’t look too concerned she was sure to answer
quickly. “No. Of course not.”

“Well then, why do you think anything you tell me about your
past would change how I feel about you?”

She didn’t have an answer to that and turned her head to
look out the window instead. It was getting late. They only had a few minutes
before Tammy’s bus would get home. “We should go.”

He huffed out a breath but allowed her change of subject and
called for the check. Guilt assailed her but she couldn’t think of what else to
say. How could she banish years of insecurities within a matter of days? He had
no clue how far he’d already pushed her.

They left the diner and made it back to his house just
before the bus rounded the corner. Tammy bounded down the steps with a huge smile
on her face. “Hey. Where have you two been all day?”

“Here,” Rick said. “We just came from having lunch at the
diner.”

“Ugh. Don’t even talk about that place on my day off.”

She went up the steps of their porch and unlocked the front
door. Rick was leaning against the trunk of his car watching Annie as she
looked back and forth between him and her house.

“You need to get ready for work?” he asked.

“Yeah. I’m supposed to be there at four.”

He glanced at his cell phone. “That’s less than an hour
away.”

“I usually talk to Tammy about her day too.”

He nodded and straightened. “All right. Just come knock on
my door when you’re ready and I’ll take you to work.”

She thought he was going to walk away from her and panic
seized her chest. “Wait.”

He frowned and pulled her into his arms. “What’s wrong,
baby?”

“I’m sorry. Please don’t be mad at me.”

True confusion showed on his face and it eased her fear.
“Mad? I’m not mad. What would I have to be mad about?”

“Our talk in the diner. I thought you might be angry about what
I said.”

His confusion cleared but she was happy to see it wasn’t
replaced by anger. He just looked resigned. “That didn’t make me angry but I
still don’t understand. I was hoping you’d believe how I feel about you by now,
Annie.”

“I do.”

“Do you? Then stop putting yourself down and acting like I’m
better than you, or can do better than you. I can’t. I have exactly what I want
in you and I’m not looking for anyone else. All right?”

Tears burned the back of her throat but she fought them down
as she nodded her acceptance. He kissed her gently before releasing her. “All
right. Go get ready for work and then come back when you’re done.”

“Okay.”

Walking away from him was hard to do but the clock was
ticking. She went home to change and talk to her sister.

Tammy was already sitting in front of the TV with an open
bag of chips when Annie walked in. “Hey, you’ll ruin your dinner.”

Tammy rolled her eyes and ate another chip. “I’m just making
hotdogs since you’ll be at work.”

“That’s fine. Dad won’t care.”

Annie sat on the sofa next to her sister and picked up the
remote. She lowered the volume before putting it back on Tammy’s lap. “So, how
was school?”

“It was okay. Usual Monday crap.”

“Got homework?”

“Nope. I did it in study hall.”

“Good. Rick’s going to drop me off at work and Dad probably
won’t be home ’til six. Promise to stay here?”

Tammy huffed out a breath but didn’t face her. “Yeah, yeah.”

“I mean it. If Dad gets home and you’re not here he’ll pitch
a fit and probably drag me home from work again.”

This time her sister looked a bit guilty when she glanced
her way. “I know. Sorry. I’ll stay home.”

“Good. Thanks.”

Tammy turned her attention back to the TV and Annie left the
room. She changed quickly and walked back into the living room to see Tammy
hadn’t moved. “All right. Gotta go.”

“Bye. See you later.”

“Later.”

Annie shut the door and locked it behind her before hurrying
to Rick’s house. He opened the door as soon as she stepped onto his porch.
“Hey, baby. Ready to go?”

“Yeah.”

Soon they were on their way. A nagging feeling of concern
filled Annie as they drove out of the neighborhood and she glanced in the side
mirror. Everything seemed okay. “Rick?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you going back home after you drop me off?”

“Yeah.”

“Would you mind checking on my sister? She promised to stay
home, but you know how that goes.”

He grinned. “Yeah, no problem. Doesn’t she still have my
laptop?”

“Oh. Uh, I think so. She wasn’t using it when I left.”

“All right. I’ll use it as an excuse to go over there. I’ll
try to get her to sit out on the porch with me ’til your dad gets home or
something.”

“Okay, good. Thanks.”

“No problem, beautiful.”

They arrived at the store and she kissed him quickly before
hopping out of the car. She hated going in late, especially after the eventful
day she’d had. The last thing she wanted was to deal with customers. Luckily
the night went quickly and before she knew it nine o’clock had arrived. She
counted down her drawer as the last customer walked out the doors. By the time
the night manager walked out with her Rick’s car was idling a few feet away.
She headed toward him with a smile, but as soon she spied Tammy’s tear-streaked
face in the backseat it disappeared. She yanked the door open. “What’s wrong?
What happened?”

“Daddy…he’s at the hospital,” Tammy said before bursting
into tears.

Annie shot her gaze to Rick, who looked more concerned than
she’d ever seen him. “Rick?”

“Get in, baby,” he said. “I’ll tell you on the way.”

She jumped into the car and he pulled away from the curb
quickly before heading for the highway. They lived almost an hour away from
Houston’s Medical Center but Rick got them there in forty-five minutes. Then
they rushed in to discover Henry was already in surgery. He’d suffered a heart
attack while at work.

Rick ushered both stunned girls into a waiting room while he
peppered the nurses with questions. Annie didn’t even know what to ask. Tammy
was practically in her lap and all she could do was hold her while she cried.
Annie remained dry-eyed as she watched Rick take over. He was so strong and
smart. She really didn’t deserve him, but how could she possibly deal with all
this without him? She suddenly realized how woefully unprepared she was to be a
responsible adult, and it scared the hell out of her.

Henry had been in surgery for hours and Tammy had finally
cried herself to sleep in Annie’s arms. Rick glanced at them before turning his
attention back to the phone in his hand. He’d texted Greg and Wes to let them
know he might be unavailable for a few days until everything got straightened
out. There was no telling what the girls might need while Henry was in the
hospital. And if the surgery wasn’t successful… He didn’t even want to think
about that. It was more than obvious how much they relied on the man, despite
their ages.

Tammy had grown increasingly worried as they waited for
Henry to get home. When her phone finally rang with the call from his boss it
was all Rick could do to keep her calm. He’d finally yanked the phone from her
hand to get the details and then bundled her into his car. Luckily it was right
about the time Annie got off work. She’d looked so happy when she’d stepped out
of the store. He’d hated to give her the bad news. And now she was trying to be
brave for her sister. He wanted to grab her and run for the door.

As if she’d heard his thoughts she finally looked his way.
He was sitting across from them on one of the uncomfortable plastic seats
common to most waiting rooms. He waited for her to talk, but when she didn’t he
moved to the seat beside her.

“Hey. Need me to take her off your shoulder?” he asked. “I
can lay her on that bench over there.”

The bench didn’t look any more comfortable than the chairs.

“No, it’s okay. She’s not heavy.” She looked away for a
moment but he knew she had more to say. “I’m sorry about this. I’m sorry you’re
having to be here in the middle of the night with us.”

He brushed a few strands of hair that had escaped her
ponytail from her forehead before placing a soft kiss there. “You don’t need to
apologize. I don’t mind at all.”

She sighed and leaned toward him. He moved so she could rest
her head on his chest. “Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you here.
I’m so scared, and you seem to know what to do.”

He didn’t, not really. But he was glad she felt she could
rely on him. He wrapped his arms around her as best he could without disturbing
Tammy and kissed her temple. “We’ll deal with this together, baby.”

“Thank you.”

It was another hour before a doctor finally emerged from
surgery. Annie had fallen asleep too and Rick was afraid to wake her with bad
news.

“How is he?” he whispered.

“Recovering,” the doctor said before dropping his gaze to
the sleeping women. “Are these his daughters?”

“Yes.”

Rick sat up and the movement woke Annie. She glanced at him
with sleepy eyes until she noticed the doctor. Then she shot up and
accidentally woke Tammy. They both stumbled out of their chairs and nearly fell
onto the doctor. He caught Tammy while Rick caught Annie and the men talked
both women into sitting back down.

“He’s in the recovery room,” the doctor told them. “It might
be another hour before you can see him. Luckily he was strong enough to make it
through the surgery, but he definitely needs to change his diet and exercise
more.”

Tammy burst into tears again but Annie just smiled. “He
might not listen if you say he can’t have hamburger meat every night.”

The doctor’s brows went up. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.
I’ll write it all in his take-home instructions but if you cook for him you’ll
need to enforce it.”

She sighed but nodded her agreement as she held Tammy once
again. The doctor talked to them a little more about what changes needed to be
made and Annie listened intently. Rick knew it wasn’t going to be easy on any
of them. Finally the doctor left and they sat waiting for permission to see
Henry.

Tammy had calmed again and was pacing around the waiting
room when a harried-looking middle-aged woman rushed in. Her jeans were at
least a half size too small and her faded t-shirt was too big. Wisps of black
hair had escaped the bun on the back of her head to form a curly halo around
her head. She wore flip-flops, hoop earrings and way too much makeup. The frown
of confusion on her face was almost comical.

Rick stood and the woman rushed to him. “Is Henry May still
in surgery? Are you here for him?”

His gaze automatically fell to Annie with a question of who
this woman was to them. Unfortunately there was no recognition in either of the
girls’ curious gazes.

“Who are you?” Tammy asked. “Why do you want to know about
my dad?”

The woman froze and slowly turned her attention to the
youngest of the Mays. She adjusted the gallon-sized purse on her shoulder and
cleared her throat. “I’m Peggy…Henry’s girlfriend.”

The shock on Tammy’s and Annie’s faces couldn’t have been
any less than what Rick felt. But then he saw pain and betrayal in Tammy’s
eyes. He moved to her quickly, took her elbow and steered her to a chair. Then
he faced Peggy. “Nice to meet you, ma’am. I’m Henry’s neighbor and these are
his daughters, Tammy and Annie.” He pointed to each as he named them. Peggy
nodded at them. “Henry is in recovery right now.”

Her shoulders dropped and her purse slid to her elbow.
Moisture pooled in her eyes as she nodded. “Thank the good Lord he’s
recovering. Was it a stroke?”

“No ma’am. A heart attack.”

She nodded again and slowly approached the girls. They both
continued to stare at her almost rudely.

“Henry and me have had a thing for a little over a year now.
He keeps promising to take me to the house so we can meet. I’m sorry to just
show up, but when his boss called to tell me I got real scared. I figured if
y’all knew about me someone would call. So when I didn’t get a call I figured I
could just come see how he’s doing. I’ll leave if you want me to.”

Her voice remained steady even as a single tear slipped down
her lightly wrinkled face. Tammy didn’t so much as blink but Annie stood slowly
and closed the distance. “I’m sure it’ll make Dad feel better knowing you’re
here too. We’re just waiting to see him right now. I don’t know how long it’ll
be.”

She put a shaky hand out and Rick could tell she wasn’t too
sure of the gesture, but Peggy took the invitation to heart and pulled her into
a hug. “Thank you, sweetie. I just want to see him for a second. Just to see
him breathing, you know what I’m saying?”

Annie patted Peggy’s back a little awkwardly. “Yes ma’am.”

They pulled apart and Annie sat back down next to Tammy.
Peggy stood still, looking uncertain, so Rick took pity on her and motioned to
the seats across from the girls. “Would you like to sit beside me?”

Peggy gave him a watery smile and sat. “I went to school
with Henry’s boss. He’s a good guy, knows what Henry means to me. Didn’t give
me no details. Just said Henry collapsed at work and was in the hospital
downtown. I drove like a bat outta hell to get here.”

A glance at the sisters showed they were listening, but
neither seemed interested in carrying the conversation. Rick decided he would
take care of that too. “So you live up in New Caney?”

“Porter, near the bar Henry likes. That’s where we met. I’ve
worked there almost ten years.”

Tammy made a weird sound that was almost a snort and Annie
shushed her. Rick cleared his throat and tried to keep Peggy’s attention on
him. “Do you have any children?”

“Nope. Never married. Never even thought about it ’til I met
Henry.” She quickly turned to the girls. “Not that he’s ever said anything
leaning that way, you know what I’m saying. I just…” She sniffed and another
tear slipped free. “He means the world to me.”

Rick pulled a tissue from a box on the table by his side and
handed it to her. She thanked him quietly. She seemed nice enough. He wasn’t
sure what Annie thought but it was obvious Tammy wasn’t too impressed. However,
Peggy’s feelings for Henry seemed to be genuine. Her distress certainly wasn’t
faked.

He made small talk with Peggy for almost another hour before
a nurse informed them Henry had been moved to a room that allowed visitors. It
was only two at a time though, so Peggy waited with Rick when the girls rushed
in.

“They didn’t look too happy to see me,” Peggy said.

Rick patted her hand. “They’ve received quite a shock. He
probably always seemed invincible to them. I’m sure they’ll warm up to you soon
enough.”

She gave him a grateful smile. “I hope so. Hadn’t really felt
like a dirty secret ’til now.”

That made him chuckle even as he pitied her. “I doubt that
was Henry’s intention. He doesn’t seem to talk to them a whole lot. They’ve got
school and work. Busy schedules all the way around.”

“They’re still in school?”

“Only Tammy, the younger one. Annie works at the grocery
store.”

“Yeah?”

“She’s the nicer of the two. You don’t have to worry about
Annie. Tammy is the baby, so she might give you a little resistance.”

“Yeah. I figured.”

They sat in silence for a few more minutes until the girls
finally returned. Tammy was crying again but Annie looked relieved. She smiled
when she saw Rick. “He’s awake, barely. He couldn’t really talk but the nurse
said all his vital signs are good.”

Rick and Peggy both stood.

“Can I go see him?” Peggy asked tentatively.

“You’re not family,” Tammy said.

Rick was taken aback by the venom in her voice but Annie
frowned at her sister. “Tammy, behave. She’s not going to hurt anything by
peeking in on Daddy. It might even make him feel better.”

Tammy turned her face into Annie’s shoulder and cried some
more. Peggy started wringing her hands but Annie smiled at her. “Go ahead. It’s
okay.”

She didn’t have to be told twice. Peggy disappeared through
the door quickly and Rick closed the distance to the girls.

He set one palm against the back of Tammy’s head. “Hey, he’s
going to be okay. There’s no need to cry anymore.”

She nodded but kept crying anyway. Annie smiled weakly. “I
think she’s tired more than anything.”

“Yeah,” he said. “It’s really late. Are you two ready to
leave? I can bring you back in the morning.”

“Yes, please.”

He wrapped an arm around Tammy and she immediately
transferred her weight to him. Annie released her and grabbed their things.
They walked to his car in silence and Tammy fell asleep on the way home.

He pulled into their driveway and Annie looked at him with a
question in her gaze.

“Can I sleep here tonight?” he asked.

She immediately nodded. “Yes. I would really like that.”

“Me too.”

They woke Tammy and got her into the house then Rick ran
home for a change of clothes. He hurried back across the street, more than
eager to sleep with Annie in his arms. The vulnerability and fear in her gaze
the past few hours had driven him crazy. He wanted to hold her and lend her
what strength he had to give. She was trying so hard to stay strong for Tammy’s
sake, but he knew it was hard on her.

Annie was waiting with the front door already open when he
stepped onto the porch. She let him in without a word and shut and locked the
front door. He followed her to her bedroom and she shut and locked that door
too.

“Tammy’s asleep?” he asked.

“Oh yeah. Probably before her head hit the pillow.”

“Good. Poor girl. She was really wrung out.”

Annie nodded as she dropped onto her bed. She kicked off her
tennis shoes and peeled off her socks. He dropped his clothes onto her dresser
and followed suit.

“Do you have to work tomorrow?” she asked.

“Nope. I’m taking a few days off to be with you. Are you
scheduled at the store tomorrow?”

She shook her head. “Not tomorrow but the day after. I’ll
call and let them know what’s going on.” She sighed deeply, as if it came from
her soul. “I’ll probably get fired for sure.”

Rick pulled his shirt off and closed the distance. She was
still sitting on the edge of the bed in her work uniform. He knelt in front of
her and put his hands on her thighs. “We’ll deal with that together if it
happens. Okay?”

She gave him a tired smile and leaned forward so her head
was against his chest. He ran his hand through her hair before rubbing her
shoulders. “It’ll be okay, baby.”

She sighed again. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

He moved her back so he could reach her lips. Then he kissed
her gently. “Well I’m here, so you don’t have to worry about that either.”

He pulled her glasses off and set them aside, then slid his
hands down her arms and to the bottom of her shirt. She remained pliant as he
pulled it over her head and dropped it to the floor. He unhooked her bra and
removed it too, immediately distracted by the sight of her perfect breasts. He
only allowed himself to cup them gently for a moment before easing her onto her
back. Then he unbuckled her pants and slipped them and her panties off.

“I don’t usually sleep naked,” she said.

He was glad to hear amusement in her voice. He simply licked
his lips as he looked her over. “You will tonight. I want to feel every inch of
your skin against mine.”

He pushed her clothes away and stood, pulling the rest of
his clothes off. She rolled over and slid between the covers. The sight of her delectable
ass had him hardening within heartbeats. But tonight wasn’t about sexual
gratification. He needed her to know he was here for her no matter what, with
or without sex. He turned off the light. Bright moonlight filtered through the
cheap blinds to help him find his way back to Annie. He got into the bed and
she immediately curled against him.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she whispered.

“Me too, baby.”

He stroked her hair and stared at the ceiling, wondering
what the next day would bring.

* * * * *

The next morning Annie woke first. She watched the weak
sunlight filter through the blinds to play across Rick’s features and thought
again of how lucky she was to have him there. A sense of unease crept in as she
considered just how much she had relied on him the night before. Sure he was
older, but not by much. He made her feel so immature sometimes even though she
knew that wasn’t his intention. It certainly wasn’t his fault she could barely
take care of herself.