Strike (Completion Series) (17 page)

We were back in Reed’s bed, his arms around me, my back to his front. His breath blew over my damp hair across my neck. I listened as his breathing slowed, and he fell asleep holding me. We needed to talk. I had so much I wanted to say, but he needed sleep. I’d seen the exhaustion in his eyes. We could talk later.

His tightening
arms woke me up. His stomach growling made me laugh. I could feel him hard against my back.

“I’m hungry.” His rough
, sleepy voice was precious.

“There’s a frozen lasagna in the freezer
that I can heat up.”

He turned me so I was on my back and moved down my body while he spoke, “That’s not what I’m hungry for.”

How could I not laugh? I’d heard his stomach. “You’re such a liar.”

“Okay
, so I’m hungry for two things. Stay still or I’ll tie you down.”

“What if I want to be tied down?”

He did what I least expected. He stood and pulled me off the bed. After opening a dresser drawer, he handed me one of his t-shirts. I wasn’t sure what just happened.

“If I’m tying you up, I’m taking my time and I don’t want to pass out
. Food first.”

“You’re such a romantic,
” I said as I slipped the shirt over my head.

He grabbed a handful of
the t-shirt and pulled me close, kissing my nose. “You got it, baby.”

We heated the lasagna and carried it back to his bed over my protests.

“I need a ride to the airport in two hours. I was hoping you would take me.”

Two hours. He’d only been here for three. His finger turned my face back to his. “I’m sorry I can’t stay longer
, but I needed to see you.”

I understood and was so glad he came
, but it broke my heart to have him leave again. I decided our serious talk could wait. I wasn’t wasting a minute. It was more important to feel him right now and for him to feel me.

I gave him a small grin. “You better eat quickly
, then, because tying me up could take a while.”

“Then feed me
, woman.”

I did. I put the fork to his lips and watched him chew before feeding myself with the same fork. He never complained
, just lay propped against the pillows and let me care for him.

“Are you done?” The sparkle was back in his eyes.

“Yes,” the word was little more than a sigh.

***

Two hours later, I drove him to the airport. Well, he drove and taught me how to use the navigation system so I could find my way back home. I watched him drive while he held my hand the entire way.

“Your plane takes off Saturday morning and that afternoon you’ll be in my arms again. I’ve booked us a suite so Jon and Bitsy aren’t alone. A large suite.” He gave me
his goofy leering grin. “I have a game Sunday, but Monday is clear for Disney World. Between games and practice, other than Monday, I’ll only be available in the evenings. You can come watch practices or relax at the hotel. Both works too. I’ve rented you a car so you can take Bitsy back to Disney on Tuesday. It’s a lot to see in one day. We’ll go back when I’m in off season and do it right.”

“
Reed?”

“Yeh
, baby?”

“You’re rambling.” I’d never heard him do that before.

He brought my fingers to his lips and kissed them. “I don’t want to leave you.”

“I’ll be okay.” For the first time, I was comforting him.

We didn’t talk after that. He pulled up to the departure gate and we both got out of the car. He gave me a kiss that wasn’t decent in public, but I didn’t care. Without a word, he walked away. I wiped the wetness from my cheeks and followed all the friendly directions spoken to me from the speakers in the car and found my way home. I still had laundry to do and kids to feed. I would be okay.

***

The week dragged by. Lawrence delivered a credit card in my name and more papers for Reed to sign, along with cash for my trip.

“Reed told me you’re not allowed to argue with an old man and he doesn’t want to worry about you or your sister and brother. There’s money for tips and anything else you need.”

I peeked inside the envelope. There was enough cash for us to live on for months. The credit card took it far overboard, but I kept my thoughts to myself. “You were friends with Reed’s father?”

“Yes.” I could see his relief that I would let the money and credit card issue go for now.

“What was he like?”

Lawrence
smiled and started talking. “Sam was a complete playboy back in his day. We met in college. He got all the girls and I was the nerd. He wanted to play college ball, so he walked on the field and got a spot. He was that good, but his parents weren’t keen on the idea. His dad needed him to take over the business. His mother wanted him to settle down. They were good people and deep down Sam was the best.”

“
Maggie told me Sam could have played professional ball.”

“Without a doubt. After
Sam married Deli-, um Delores, I mean Mrs. Tyler, they regretted forcing him to follow in his dad’s footsteps. Delores made their lives miserable.”

I just couldn’t believe she had that much control. “One woman?”

“Yes. Things were different back then. Sam’s dad had a mistress for years. Delores discovered it and held it over her father-in-law’s head.”

“Do you really think things
are so different now?”

Lawrence’s face turned red. “You have a point
, young lady, and a gentleman shouldn’t have mentioned it to begin with.”

That made me smile. “Go on
, please.”

“Mrs. Tyler was…is a manipulative, driven woman
. Social status with enough money to keep it is all she thinks about. I can say that now that I’m out of her finances and only deal with her when she needs Reed’s handouts.”

“I thought she has her own money.”

“She lives off a trust. It should be enough to keep her comfortable, but she always wants more and expects Reed to foot the bill for her many charities. They’re good causes so it’s hard to argue, but that woman has never been satisfied with anything in her life.”

“So what did Sam see in her?”

He hesitated for several minutes and I didn’t think he would answer, but finally he said, “I don’t think anyone knew what he saw in her and I know I didn’t. The saddest thing of all is that Sam loved her. He died loving her.”

Lawrence left the house, late for another meeting
, and I was depressed. Reed’s father loved his mother even when she made him miserable. I was actually relieved that I worked at Tasty Burger that night. It took my mind off my earlier conversation, and for once, I didn’t mind the smell of old grease.

Bitsy stay
ed the night at Maggie’s on Friday and Jon was going out with his friends. He did his laundry and packed his bag for our trip before he left, but I needed to wash for Bitsy and me and then pack for us too. I had a hamper full of clothes and was almost to Reed’s front door when a shiny, very expensive car pulled up. It didn’t take any imagination at all to figure out who the impeccably dressed woman stepping out after the driver opened the door was.

Oh my hell.

The glare she gave me should have turned me to stone. I looked about the same way that I had when Reed surprised me when he showed up Sunday. Mrs. Tyler could have stepped from a fashion magazine. Every died-brown hair in place, her skirt and blouse perfectly adorned with refined jewelry, and her face having been through subtle tightening, so, God forbid, no wrinkles marred her well-moisturized skin. I stood waiting for the attack.

“I’ve come to speak
with my son. I’m assuming you’re hired to do…something and forgot the correct door for servants.”

Was she serious? Servants? “Reed isn’t here
, he…”

She cut me off. “That’s apparent or you wouldn’t be standing
there holding laundry that quite obviously does not belong to my son. Open the door and I’ll wait inside.”

“Reed’s in Florida for spring training.”

I saw her flush, but that was all she gave away. The tone of her voice never changed. “Then I will leave him a note. Open the door.”

I put the basket down,
unlocked the door, and punched in the security code. I knew it was a mistake, but I didn’t know what else to do. “There are paper and pens in his office. I just need to put this down and I’ll show you.”

“I assure you I know my way around my son’s home.”

I listened to her heels click against the tile as she walked to Reed’s office. I practically ran to the laundry room, sat the basket down, and ran back. I took a deep breath and walked into the room with dragon lady. She had my manila envelope open with the credit card and money half spilled in her hand. She didn’t even look guilty as she counted the bills.

“I’m sorry
, but that’s mine.” I wasn’t sorry at all.

“I see my son pays you for more than house cleaning services.”

“That’s none of your business.”

“Well Miss…” she looked down at the name on the credit card
, “Shumway, I think you and I need to talk about this situation.”

“I don’t think so.”

She ignored me, set her purse on his desk, pulling her checkbook out of the side. “I think we can settle this quickly. You know my son won’t keep you around for long, he never does. He’s wild like his father, but it won’t last much longer. He’s playing the field because he’s settling down soon. You,” Now she looked me up and down, pursed her lips even tighter, and continued, “are not marriage material, as I’m sure you already know.”

“You need to leave.” I didn’t say please or give any room for argument. She wouldn’t understand anything but direct speech.

She ignored me again. “I think ten thousand will be a good payoff. You will leave here today and have no further contact. I’m here to let Reed know that his fiancée will be in town next week and Monique will not stand for your presence. The last thing Reed will want is you hanging around. This is more money than you will see when he dumps you and quite a bit more than the envelope holds. I, of course, will hold onto the credit card. I wouldn’t want you to get yourself into legal trouble.”

Fiancé
e. I knew she was lying, but it pissed me off that she thought I was that stupid. But I had a serious problem. I couldn’t leave her in the house alone. Reed didn’t trust her, because I’d figured out she didn’t have a key or his security code. I couldn’t physically throw her out either. I could play her game, though. Shumways had bigger balls than this bitch any day and I’d figured out what this was about.

I stood straighter. “Cut the shit. You and I both know there is no fianc
eé. I think you’re also aware that Reed gave me authority over your charity expenditures. I’m guessing you know exactly who I am.”

Her gaze traveled over me
once more. “Yes, I see you’re not quite as dumb as I’d hoped. Why my son is infatuated with a girl with your baggage I have no idea, but it doesn’t change the fact that you’re leaving.”

I could easily picture two black eyes on her perfect face. “If by baggage you mean my sister and brother, you need to think carefully before you say another word.”

“Are you threatening me?” Her shocked look was priceless.

“Yes. You can say anything you want about me. Reed’s a grown man
, so you can even say what you want about him. But my sister and brother are a different story. Now, I will not say it again. Get out of this house.”

“You’re making a mistake. My son will hear about this. No one speaks to me this way
, especially not a welfare recipient with a mother who couldn’t keep her legs closed.”

The bitch. I took a step toward her. She picked up her purse
and placed it between us like the expensive leather might protect her. Raising her chin an inch higher, she walked past me. I wanted more than anything to stick my foot out and watch her fall flat on her face.

The wicked witch left
.

D
oubt set in.

I finished
the laundry, packed, and sat on Reed’s bed waiting for his nightly call. While Reed’s mom’s visit upset me, Lawrence’s words disturbed me the most. Sam loved that woman until he died. How could he? How could Reed love me? Was Reed like his father and would love someone even if she were bad for him? Yes, I wanted Reed, loved him, and the security he brought to my life was a bonus I couldn’t ignore. Hell, I burglarized his house for god’s sake, proving I would do anything for my brother and sister, even if it was illegal.

The same thoughts went around and around in my head until the heavy metal music
from my phone pulled me out. “Hi.”

“Watcha wearing
, baby?”

Dumb grin on my face, that was me. “
Can I pretend it’s something sexy?”

“With you under it
, believe me it’s sexy.”

My thighs clenched. I
wanted to bring up his mother, but couldn’t do it. What could I say to him?
Your mother’s a bitch.
He already knew it, so I played my sex kitten part and followed his lead. It didn’t matter that I’d be with him tomorrow, Reed wanted to hear me scream his name. I gave him everything he wanted.

I slept in Reed’s bed that night after sending a text to Jon. Actually, I didn’t sleep, I just lay
dreaming about his taste that I’d absorbed into my memory. And thinking bad thoughts. I had a lifetime of bad thoughts to fall back on. The worst part was that Mrs. Bitch did everything she set out to.

I had to find a way to walk away f
rom Reed. I loved him that much.

***

It was our first airplane flight. I had to ask Maggie what to wear because I really had no idea. Bitsy was ecstatic and even Jon couldn’t hide his excitement. As we walked through the airport, I noticed some of the odd looks he received and I was actually proud. Proud he would be the person he wanted to be and not what society demanded. I could only imagine what he would do to his body after he was eighteen. I could picture the tats and piercings that would add to his uniqueness. To each their own; I would never stop loving him.

Bitsy chatted non-stop
. “How fast do planes go?”

“I have no idea.” I answered her one hundredth question with just about the same words I’d used since question twenty.
I was saved when my name was called to the boarding desk, which surprised me.

“I’m Jaycee Shumway,” I said to the woman behind the desk.

“We have a request for your party to meet the captain and see the cockpit of the aircraft you’ll be flying, Ms. Shumway. If you will follow Beverly, she’ll take you aboard.” She smiled at my startled look.

I waved over Bitsy and Jon and then we followed Beverly down the long
ramp to the plane.

“You can place your bags in the overhead compartment or
under the seat in front of where you’ll be sitting and then I’ll introduce you to the captain.”

We quickly stored our bags and I noticed the wider seats and more luxurious accommodations in the front of the large plane. Reed continued to take care of us.

Beverly knocked on the open cockpit door and the captain turned. “Welcome to my plane. I’m Captain Montague. Reed told me this is your first airplane flight and a certain young lady might want to see the controls and ask a few questions.”

Oh
God, how could I not love Reed Tyler? Bitsy’s questions started up again, but this time almost every one was answered. Jon and I got situated in our seats, him across from Bitsy and me. The captain finally explained to Bitsy that the cockpit door had to remain locked and closed during the flight and it was time for her to find her seat. With a shiny set of captain’s wings on her shirt, she took the inside seat so she could look out the window.

Maybe if I’d traveled by air earlier in life, I wouldn’t be so scared
, but facts were facts: I was terrified. Jon nudged my shoulder and put his fist out. Mine went on top, Bitsy scrambled on my lap and added hers and we finished our ritual. If the Shumways were going down, we’d go down together. I didn’t relax, but I felt better.

Takeoff was rough
for me because of the roar of the engines. Once we were in the air, I settled down, unclenched my fingers, and went back to answering Bitsy’s questions. Thirty minutes later, she nodded off and I followed her into a surprisingly heavy sleep. The descent of the airplane woke me and I placed a death grip on the side arms of my chair again. Jon laughed and Bitsy oohed and ahhed over how fast we were going when the wheels hit the runway. I finally took a deep breath when we landed.

We grabbed our carryon bags
, which Maggie loaned us, and were the first to exit the plane. Reed was waiting outside the security clearance area. He sprinted to us and I was in his arms being kissed in front of my sister and brother before I could stop him. Two seconds into the kiss, I didn’t want to. He pulled away much too soon, shook Jon’s hand, and picked up Bitsy into his arms and asked her about the plane ride.

“I met Captain Monnag, Mona…”

“Montague,” Reed answered for her.

“Yep
, him, and he let me touch his controls and told me how he flies the plane. I’m going to be a pilot when I grow up and he said he would help me.” Without taking a breath, she embarrassed me to the tips of my toes. “Are you going to marry my sister?”

Reed looked at me and winked. “
Your sister’s a little on the stubborn side, but maybe someday.”

Bitsy giggled and went on with talking about the rest of her adventure. I looked everywhere but at Reed
; my heart had fallen into my stomach.

A driver waited out front and delivered us to the hotel. The suite was more of an apartment with three bedrooms and a split-level floor plan. The master bedroom, where Reed took my bag without asking
, wasn’t nicer than his house, but it was close. Bitsy’s and Jon’s rooms on the other side of the living area were delightful. Bitsy had several outfits waiting. She was now a Texas Bandits fan, according to her jersey. To make it all come together, the number eight with Tyler above it on the back displayed whom she supported.

“I got you one too,” Reed whispered in my ear.

“I’m a number eight fan?”

“
My favorite fan.” He nipped my neck.

My brother cleared his throat, Reed smiled
, and I rolled my eyes.

“I need to feed you
guys and then I’ll show you the pool and other fun stuff the hotel offers.”

Bitsy also had a Disney princess t-shirt, which she insisted on wearing. I figured it was for Monday
, but Reed only smiled and told her she could wear it.

“While you change
clothes, Bitsy, I need to talk to your sister. Will you be okay sleeping in this room alone tonight?”

Reed never beat around the bush
, and I knew my cheeks were red.

“Where is Jaycee sleeping?”

“I miss her, so she’s going to stay in my room.”

Bitsy might be six
, but she wasn’t stupid. “You better marry her.”

“Yeh, I think I better
, but remember…stubborn.”

I actually think he meant it
about the marrying part. I’d dwelled on not coming to Florida and ending things while Reed was gone, but changed my mind. I’d already told Bitsy about Disney World and I knew Reed might someday forgive me for leaving him, but he’d never forgive me for breaking Bitsy’s heart. He cared about her, he cared about Jon too. Reed Tyler didn’t run from my baggage.

He took my hand and walked me into our room, shut the door
, and kissed me indecently, his traveling hands finally reaching my breasts. “I missed you way too much, baby, and I know something’s wrong. Tell me.” His lips moved across my jaw to my neck.

I couldn’t help
the stiffening of my body at his words. He moved slightly back, tilting his forehead until it rested against mine. He breathed in deeply, slowly trailed his hands out from under my t-shirt, and released me completely.

“Talk to me
, baby.”

I wanted to
bawl my eyes out, and I couldn’t look at him. “Tonight, Reed, we’ll talk tonight.”

His palms went to either side of my face and he moved my head until my eyes met his. “You’re not leaving me
, Jaycee. We can talk about anything you want, work out any problems, but the end will be the same.”

My answer came out in a choked
whisper, “You don’t know that.”

“Yes
, I do. We’re worth fighting for, and you are going to fight for me. I need you almost as much as Jon and Bitsy need you, maybe in some ways more. We will make this work. Let me feed you and show the kids around, and then we’ll talk. But stop worrying. We are not over.” His lips took mine again.

How did he know? How could
he always decipher my moods and thoughts? His kiss was short but sweet. He took my hand again and we joined Jon and Bitsy.

“There’s an account set up for you and Jon. You just need to sign the room number and you won’t have a problem. New swimsuits and clothes are a must for everyone. And yes
, Jaycee, some of it you can deduct from your pay. Some of it I’m buying because this is a vacation and I invited all of you to join me.”

I glared
. Reed ignored me as he and Jon began discussing the spring training games. I had no idea that some were televised and Jon watched them back at the apartment. Not that I had time to watch ball games, but still, it would have been nice to know. We had Mexican food for dinner it one of the six restaurants at the resort hotel. The place was huge. Reed showed us the pool, a huge game room, and an ice cream and candy shop. We spent an hour in the game room before returning to our suite. Even with her nap on the plane, Bitsy could barely keep her eyes open.

“I’m heading to bed too,” Jon told us.

Reed and I went to our room. Before I could say anything, he hugged me against his warm chest and rocked back and forth. “This is where you belong, baby.”

It felt so good
. I could stay in his arms cuddled against him until I died from lack of sustenance, but it would be a happy death.

“Come on, let’s get that talk over with.” He pulled me to a loveseat beneath the large window overlooking a huge golf course I’d seen earlier. It was dark now
, and small white lights sparkled from all the trees, lighting up the course.

Avoiding the coming talk wasn’t going to work
, but Reed didn’t push. I glanced at him, but had to look away.

“No,” he said as he took my chin and turned me so I faced him again. “This is eating you alive and you just need to say it.”