Her Gentle Giant: No Regrets (27 page)

Eli wanted to go see his grandma and grandpa. His grandpa said they
were going to eat turkey and jellied cranberry sauce until they both popped
then they would take a nap. He wanted to see Aunt Becky and tell her about
his Legos and give her the picture of the helicopter with the monkey piloting
it that he’d drawn especially for her. He wanted to play with her long, long
blonde hair and coil it until it looked like a long snake and loop it around
his arm.

He wanted to climb Grandma’s tree in the backyard with his other boy
cousins and hang upside down from his favorite branch. He hated sitting in
his car seat for hours, but it was totally worth it when his grandpa would
grab him from the car and hoist him up over his shoulder and give him a
piggyback ride.

His grandpa was big and strong like his daddy and super tall like a big
mountain, and when he laughed, it made Eli feel like the air shook around
him. His grandmother would take him from Grandpa, and he’d loop his
arms around her neck and wrap his legs around her waist as she held him
and hugged him hard, and then she would say what a big boy he was getting
to be and how he’d be tall someday like his daddy and his grandpa. She
always made him feel special and important, and he hoped she was right
about getting tall because right now he just felt short.

Mom had buckled him in his car seat after he’d gone to the potty and
gave him his favorite big animal picture book and a cookie sheet with
bunches of magnetic figures stuck all over it. That was his special toy she
saved for long car trips. His daddy loaded the luggage in the car while she
buckled his baby sister into the car seat next to him and tucked a fuzzy
blanket around her and adjusted the neck on her fuzzy sleeper.

He looked over at his baby sister, and she grinned sleepily at him and
blew a bubble with her spit. He loved when she did that because it was so
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gross and awesome. He loved gross stuff. His mother playfully called him
the King of Gross and said she always wondered what she’d find in his
pockets on laundry day. She’d gotten on him the day before about the
earthworms, but he thought it had been totally cool when she showed him
the bits and pieces they’d become in the load of laundry she’d just done. She
didn’t think it was so funny, but he thought she hid a smile behind her hand
when he told her he loved gross stuff. She’d shaken her head and sent him
outside.

After sis was loaded and he had all the magnets off and piled in his lap,
his dad started the car and they were on their way to Grandma and
Grandpa’s. He made a picture with the magnets and handed it to his mom
so she could look at it. He settled down to look at his big animal book, and
she said she would make a picture for him with the magnets.

He woke up hurting badly, and people had been talking and shouting all
around him. It was too much, and he fell asleep. He woke up again and hurt
even worse. It was dark, and he couldn’t see at all. He began to cry and
scream because he couldn’t see right, and someone picked up his hand and
held it. A baby was crying loudly, and he thought it sounded like his sister.

He thought that his mom would never let her cry like that and reached out to
pat her, but she wasn’t next to him anymore.

He fell asleep and woke up, feeling woozy, in a hospital bed. An old lady
he’d never seen before sat next to him, holding his hand, and she looked up
from her book when he moved. He realized he was all bandaged and it was
nighttime. He could see now, but one of his eyes was all covered up. When
he moved, his chest and sides ached bad. The old lady got his dad, who
thanked her nicely, using her name like he’d known her forever. He leaned
over and kissed him on the cheek, and he saw the terrible hurt and pain in
his daddy’s eyes. It frightened him to see that. He looked like he hadn’t slept
in days and days, and tears spilled from his eyes as though he hadn’t seen
Eli in as long.

Daddy said they had a crash and Mom and Sissie were hurt real bad,
and so was he. Daddy said he was going to pray and would he like to come
along? He went with his dad and that was how he found out that hospitals
had little churches inside them. Once he knew it was there, though, he liked
coming alone better. When the nurses discovered him missing from his
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room, they always came there first. He only saw Dad a few times, but each
time he looked worse and worse.

He went every time he could to pray for Mom, Dad, and Sissie. He
promised God that if he could see them, he would be so sweet to Sissie and
kiss her and hug Mom’s neck and kiss her, too. He even promised to not be
gross anymore if it would make Mom happy.

He went up where it was brighter from the soft lights and kneeled down
on the steps to pray. He cried until the carpet was wet with his tears because
Mom wasn’t getting better and he was scared. He prayed to God, asking
him to help her feel better so they could go on to Grandma and Grandpa’s.

He woke in a daze as soft hands smoothed his hair and touched his
cheek. He looked up into deep blue eyes and knew he was dreaming again.

“You can’t stay here, sweetheart. Come with me so you can rest.”

Gentle arms picked him up, and he was carried back to his room, tears
spilling from his eyes. Soft lips touched his cheeks, kissing the tears away.

Hands as soft as butterfly wings swept over his cheeks, soothing him as
strong arms laid him on his bed and covered him with his blanket. He
looked up at the tall angel with the cool white-feathered wings and smiled,
thinking this must be a really cool dream and how he felt a little better now.

The angel smiled down at him and stood watch over him as he fell asleep.

His daddy came in his room and found him alone on his bed. His father
had been crying and, holding back sobs, told him that his mom had gone to
heaven, and she didn’t hurt anymore. Terrible pain seized his chest, and he
began to breathe hard, sobs ripping through his chest as his dad held him.

The next day, his father looked like a ghost when he saw him, but the
nurses told him Sissie was doing better. He snuck back to the chapel again
even though they told him not to go alone, and he curled up on the steps in
front of the pews again and prayed. He thanked Jesus for helping Sissie get
better and asked Him to take care of Mom and help him be a good little man
and help his dad to not feel so sad. How was he gonna do this? His mom
had always been there for him.

Then he sobbed and sobbed until all his tears were gone. He laid his
head on the carpet and felt the tears run from his eyes endlessly. Soft, warm
arms lifted him from the steps and cuddled him close. He opened his eyes
and looked up into the same deep blue eyes again.

“Sweetheart, I’ll watch over you for her.”

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He turned his face into soft, silky, dark hair and put his hand over his
face and shut out the world, safe in his angel’s arms as she sat with him in
the pew and rocked him, comforting him with a soft tune. He woke in his
hospital bed as Grandma and Grandpa came through the door, looking
tired and much older. They packed his few personal belongings in a small
suitcase, and Grandpa carried him gently from the room. He never had a
chance to go back and thank the angel for watching out for him and hoped
maybe she could come with him now or visit him later.

* * * *

Eli felt like a ton of bricks had been lifted from his chest after relaying the story to her. “Sometimes I dream about her holding me while I cried.

Those aren’t bad dreams, though they used to make me sad, but not anymore. You know why?” he asked, tears welled in his eyes.

“Why?” she asked softly, wiping her own eyes as the tears spilled.

“You have her eyes. Deep midnight-blue and sweet. I noticed them when Mike first introduced us to each other. I already knew I wanted you, but your eyes were the reason I asked you out the moment I met you. Now all I want is to wake up each morning to your beautiful face after sleeping cuddled up to you all night.” He squeezed her soft form to him gently as she blotted the tears from his cheeks with her tissue. “I’m sorry I never told you that I let Mike and Rosa use my place when they need some time alone.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t trust you more.”

He shrugged. There was no reason for her to apologize. He’d had good intentions, trying to help out a friend. Sometimes good intentions backfired.

“The assumption you made was a pretty safe one, considering that’s my place and my bed next door,” he replied, chuckling. “No one could love me the way you do, angel. I’m ruined for all others. That bed belongs to you now, and Mike and Rosa will understand about needing to find another place to be alone.”

“Will you stay with me tonight?” she asked softly.

“Need a little distance from this bizarre situation?” He nuzzled her throat.

“Just a little.” She grinned as she tilted her head for his kiss.

“We’re having more company this Saturday.”

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“Oh, yeah?”

“Dad is driving in from San Antonio. He says he can’t wait to meet you.

I hope you don’t mind, but I told your mom, and she invited us all over for supper on Saturday night.”

“Oh, that will be fun. He and my dad will have plenty to talk about.”

She laughed.

“Government, taxes, and healthcare?”

“Once they get started, we’ll never get them to shut up. How did your dad cope all these years?” she asked.

“Well, we kept him pretty busy growing up, and there was always work.

He dated a few times, but he told me once that no one could hold a candle to my mom. I reckon there’s someone out there for him. They just have to find each other, I suppose.”

“Is he tall and handsome like you?”

“He’s tall like me, but I take after my mom in my coloring and features.

She had Native American blood in her. When I was little, I used to imagine him in a horned Viking helmet and wrapped in furs with long blond braids.

He cut his hair a long time ago, but he always reminded me of Thor from the Marvel comic books. You’ll have to judge for yourself whether or not he’s handsome. Maybe I should call Kelly and invite her down, too. They could stay over here if you wouldn’t mind staying with me.”

She chuckled. “I don’t know. You might have to twist my good arm, honey. Remember what the doctor told us?”

“I’m trying.” He shifted her on his lap and tried to make more room behind his zipper for the erection that was now pounding for release. “But having you in such close proximity makes it hard.”

She snickered. “I’ve noticed.”

Shaking his finger at her in mock threat, he said, “Back to what we were talking about. I’ll call Kelly and invite her and Matthew.”

While they talked, the doorbell rang. Grinning knowingly at her, Eli answered the door while she tried to hide her laughter.

Mike and Rosa were holding hands and looking rather rosy-cheeked themselves. “Hey! We were in the neighborhood and thought we’d stop in and say welcome home, Rachel,” Mike said as Rosa smiled gratefully at Eli and surreptitiously handed him his house key, which he slipped into the pocket of his denim workshirt. She hugged him then went to hug Rachel.

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“It’s good to see you back on your feet, Rachel. Mike and I were so worried about you. We can’t stay. We need to pick the kids up from school and check on my mother. We just wanted to say hello.”

They spoke for a couple more minutes and took their leave, and then Eli hustled Rachel back to bed, tucking her in with her laptop. “I’m going to run some errands. I’ll call Kelly and invite her for a few days and let Dad know that they can stay here. You rest and don’t write too long. Take a nap if you can, and I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”

“Why don’t we invite Grace and the guys? They know my mom and dad pretty well now. Mom and Dad will say the more the merrier.”

“I think that’s a terrific idea. You call her and invite them. I’ll let Mike and Rogelio know, too.”

He sat on the edge of the bed and reached for her hand. “We had some scary moments in here earlier this afternoon. We’ll erase them and make new ones tonight.”

“But the doctor—”

“Trust me?”

Her smile dazzled him when she replied, “Yes, Eli.”

“Then rest for me. I’ll be back.”

When Eli’s feet hit the porch, he was flying high. He pulled out his phone and dialed while he started his truck. He made phone call after phone call, saving Grace for last to give Rachel a chance to call her first. She screamed so loud Eli’s ear hurt. Kelly’s reaction was a not-so-distant echo of Grace’s. Within the next two hours, he had all the arrangements made. He returned with take-out food for supper and fed her from his own plate, sharing a glass of tea with her.

After eating their supper, he took a warm shower then returned with her hairbrush. His hips were wrapped in a dark blue bath towel, but his massive erection was plainly visible. She grinned suggestively at him, obviously game for whatever plans he’d made for this evening. Unfortunately, they only had until seven thirty when he needed to go in to work at The Pony.

He helped her sit up and turn so that he could brush out her long, silky hair.

She sighed in obvious enjoyment, and his cock twitched in response. He ran his fingers through it as he brushed enjoying the feel of it, then laid the brush aside.

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He reached down and slid her pajama top carefully over her head. Her hair fell back and settled in shining waves down to the small of her back.

Facing her, he slid his hands over her shoulders and through her hair to her hips. He slid his fingers into her waistband, and she rose on her knees so he could lower the bottoms. Then he helped her recline on the bed as he removed the bottoms and her panties from her legs, leaving her completely nude. The only thing covering any part of her was the cast on her left arm.

All her scars were exposed now, and as he laid her down, he kissed them all gently one by one, kissing her left shoulder and hand last before leaning over to kiss her lips. A shiver rippled delicately through her frame as she touched him. Her soft fingertips drifted through his chest hair then over his shoulder and into his hair, causing him to shudder in pleasure at her touch. She looked up into his eyes and kissed him. Her lips were so soft and lush, and he savored the delicate brush of her tongue against his.

As he kissed her, she lowered her hand and ran it lightly over his erection, still covered by the bath towel. His shaft responded eagerly, and he knew he’d better get a hold on that response or this would be over too quickly. Loosening the towel, she drew it off his hips then gently stroked his cock, which was so hard it was painful.

“Angel, it’s been so long, and I’ve missed you. If you keep doing that, I’m going to come before we even get started.” He backed away from her reach. He helped her lie down with her head on a pillow and then positioned her to his liking. She looked up at him, breathless and trusting, her eyes telling him she needed his touch as much as he needed hers. He caught the scent of her arousal, and his cock responded, pulsing with eagerness.

“Doc was concerned about strenuous sexual activity when he told you to wait two more weeks, but that doesn’t mean we couldn’t gently love each other and bring each other release. You’ll have to wait two weeks more for harder and faster, but I’m going to give it to you slow and sweet right now, angel. Try to stay still, okay?” he asked as he put a pillow beside each knee.

He began by kissing the arches of her feet then moved over her instep and up her ankles. He teased her with soft, warm kisses but stopped at the juncture of her thigh and hip then started with the other foot.

He noticed she made a concerted effort to do as he asked, but he could tell by the soft sounds she made how difficult it was. He drew his fingers up and down the back of her thighs in a light tickling touch that made her
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whimper in pleasure. As he finished with each long leg, he positioned it on the pillow he’d placed on either side of her. Her cast lay resting on the bed with her left hand lying over her abdomen. He lifted that hand, kissed it, and felt her tremble.

“Comfortable?” he asked softly.

“Very,” she replied, the need evident in her shaky voice.

Kneeling between her knees, he stretched over her and kissed her again, deeply, stroking her velvety soft tongue with his in slow tender caresses.

He slid his hand over her shoulder and collarbone to her breastbone. She closed her eyes and sighed in contentment. His hand cupped one full, lush breast and sucked at its tip before sliding to the other and teasing the nipple mercilessly until she was breathless and then switched and suckled on the other nipple.

Her fingertips slid down his bare chest, and he backed away before she could reach his cock again. He kissed his way down her abdomen, pressing his lips gently to the skin beside her new surgical scar. She gasped, and gooseflesh rose under his lips for a few seconds. He dipped his tongue in her belly button, and she giggled. He continued his slow descent, and she opened herself wide for him, perfectly at ease in his arms with only his hair covering her from his view. Dipping down again to the juncture of her upper thigh and hip, he kissed his way down to her inner thigh, and she moaned happily as he nuzzled her fragrant, damp outer lips with his lower lip. He gently spread her open.

“Mmm, angel. You are so wet, and your honey smells so sweet it’s making my mouth water. You must be
very
ready for me to be inside you.”

At her enthusiastic nod and whimper, he continued. “I’ll give it to you soon, but first, I need a taste of your pretty little pussy. Would you like that?”

“Y–Yes, Eli, please!” Her voice shook softly.

She moaned at the touch of his fingers at her opening, and then his tongue slid over her wet slit. He growled in pleasure as he tasted her fresh cream and slid his tongue deeper, evoking a strangled cry from her lips. His tongue swirled over her swollen clit repeatedly, and her body began to respond to his rhythm. He slid a finger into her quivering opening and stroked inside her.

“Angel, I’ve missed your tight little pussy.” He slid another fingertip into her opening, and both fingers slid in together and went deeper, filling
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her tightly. He found her sweet spot and stroked that excited bundle of nerve endings.

The moment he found that spot, her eyes flew open wide and her ascent began. He thrummed that spot inside her until she was poised on the verge.

Continuing the same rhythm, he licked her clit. Her moans became a soft, keening wail, and as her orgasm crashed over her, she cried out his name, sobbing her release. Her hips rocked with each loving stroke of his fingers as her orgasm gushed from her in a warm, wet wave. He licked up every drop before he gently withdrew from her.

“I wish I could go down on you.”

His sweet, greedy vixen. He growled in approval. “I wish you could, too. I’ve missed your sweet little mouth, but it’ll have to wait two more weeks. After this cast comes off,” he said, tapping her arm.

“I know, but I’ve missed it, too. I want it now.”

“Bad girl, you’ll have to wait two weeks. If we use the plugs, your ass might also be ready for my cock by then,” he said grinning at the pleasure that statement obviously gave her.

“Ooooh! Yes, I want that,
too
!” she chortled and wiggled her luscious ass in anticipation.

“You are a greedy girl. Ready for my cock?” he asked as his fingers slid over her inner lips, soaked with her cum and fresh arousal brought on by their conversation.

She nodded eagerly, and he slid his knees under her thighs, bracing his hands on either side of her. Resting his weight on them, he positioned his twitching cock at her silky, wet entrance. He gently stroked her clit with his thumb as he slowly entered her. She began to undulate the moment he slid in a little.

He stopped and groaned in torture at the feel of her silky heat slithering over his shaft. “Angel, you have to be still. I don’t want you to hurt yourself.

Feel it as I slide my cock into your tight pussy, but don’t move.”

“Honey, you feel so good, I can’t help myself. I feel every inch of you.

Oh! Eli!” She groaned as his length glided slowly into her until each glorious inch was eased inside of her. He arched over her, his lips nuzzling her throat as he shuddered, struggling for control himself.

“Angel, it’s been a while, and once I start moving, I’m not going to be able to slow down. Damn, I can feel those little rippling spasms inside you.”

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His whole body shuddered, trying to control the almost undeniable urge to pound into her fiercely. He gritted his teeth and thrust gently.