Thunder Snow (Thunder On The Mountain Series) (11 page)

CHAPTER  TWENT
Y

S
o tell me, you old dog, have you got something going on with Morning Sun?”

The blush I had come to love crept up Sam’s neck to his cheeks and exploded in a riot of color above his beard.

“Ya wantin’ some coffee this morning?”

“Oh, no, Sam, you’re not getting away with your diversionary tactics again. Tell me, tell me, give it up.”

“What in the goll dern blazes makes ya think somethin’s goin’ on with me and that old woman?"

“How about the fact that I know it was Morning Sun who was in your back room that day? How about I saw her car in your driveway on my way home from Boulder? How about that she sat in the front row of your award ceremony and looked at you with puppy dog eyes? How about when . . .”

“All right, all right. But don’t ya go tellin’ no one. A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. She ain’t the prettiest thing I ever laid eyes on, but she takes good care a me, and she fixes a wicked pot a chili. It’s a nice change ta have someone ta warm ma bed.”

“Oh, Sam, I’m SO happy for you. But you tell her that if she does you wrong, she’ll have to answer to me."

“Well, ain’t ya a protective little piece of goods? I think I like that.”

Coming home later, I called, “Jack, Jack, I was right!”

“You usually are. What specifically are you talking about?” he said as I set my things on the counter.

“Sam IS involved with Morning Sun! He seems somehow content and happy. That makes ME happy for him.”

“Good for him. Now don’t badger him about it. He’ll come around to letting us in on his situation over time. Let him set the pace."

“He was so cute when I asked him. Blushed redder than if he’d been out in the sun all day.”

“The whole time I’ve been here, I’ve never known him to be involved with anyone. ‘Course I wouldn’t know he was involved with HER if you hadn’t gone snooping around.”

Laughing, I said, “I have some absolutely wretched news to share with you,” putting my head against his back and my arms around his waist.

“Sounds serious, angel,” he said as he turned and leaned against the counter and enfolded me in his arms. “What's this tragedy that’s about to befall?”

“I’m leaving you.” His body stilled and his breathing slowed.

“Talk to me,” he said quietly.

“Oh, Jack, it feels like a tragedy to me,” I lamented. “I have to be gone for a few days. I have a multi-million dollar client coming into town, and I have been asked to speak at a convention in —”

“Please don’t ever do that again,” he said as his arms tightened around me. “Leaving is not something to tease about. It’s not   even   something I can wrap my brain around. I have found I   like having  you around,” he absently ran  his  fingers through my hair, curling the end around his finger, his unaware-but-tender habit I had come to love.
     I pulled away and looked at his face that was so endearing to me, was such a part of me. “Really?” I whispered.

He seemed to focus, kissed me on the cheek and walked back to the sink. “Of course, little one, I have never had pancakes that even approached how delectable yours are. Sam’s don’t hold a candle. Can’t imagine what I would do without them,” he replied breezily.

“You brat,” I laughed as I rolled up the dish towel to pop him, but he was quicker than I and grabbed it just before the snap hit. He pulled me closer with it and kissed me senseless.

“Now, tell me where you’re going . . . when, where, how long? Maybe I can get some work done while you’re gone."

“What were we talking about?” I asked, coming out of the fog of his kiss.

“That seems to be a surefire way to get you to stop talking. I’ll have to remember that. Now tell me about your plans,” he said, rubbing his finger over my lips and then turning back to the dishes. We spent the next fifteen minutes talking about my four days away, how he would, of course, take care of the place, and what I’d be doing.

“Do you enjoy speaking in front of an audience? The teaching?”

“I love sharing what I know,” I replied honestly. “I love helping to make people better at what they do. I've done it long enough now that I don’t think about it anymore. In some form or another, I been around the business all of my life.”

“You’ve got such a giving spirit, angel. I’d love to sit in on one of your lectures sometime. But I'm not up for hitting Vegas this week, even if it’s to see you wow the crowds.”

“What a delightful idea, Jack. Oh, let’s plan on it soon. Maybe the next time. Denver’s gonna be a ball buster for the first 36 hours, then I fly out, meet with some of the organizers, spend the day at the conference, then fly back the following day. Won’t be a lot of down time, but I sure would love it if we could take a trip together someday.”

“We’ll be friends forever, little one. There’ll be plenty of time.”

Speechless, I stood watching him. He didn’t appear to be conscious of what he had said – or how his simple words could rock my world.

Our lovemaking that night was like nothing I had ever known.

“Is it my imagination, or do we just keep getting better and better?” I asked as I lay back to catch my breath.

“Well, your imagination is pretty spectacular, but there’s no question we are perfecting the art.”

“Fine tuning—
not a bad way to spend an evening,” I teased. But then I was struck with the days ahead. “I can't bear the thought of going, Jack.”

“Hush, little one. It will be over before you know it. It will do you good to get back into your world, see some of your friends, be reminded of how vibrant you are. It will all work out, I promise.”

“How is it you always know the right thing to say to me? But you’re right. I know it will be okay. I’m just whining."

“Ah, my favorite,” he teased. But then he took my face in his hands and kissed me tenderly.

“It will be good for both of us. I’ve got things to do that I can’t get done with you underfoot all the time."

I wasn’t stung. I loved this time afterwards. This meshing of spirits. This knowing we were as close as two people could be, and not wanting it to end.

“There is no question the sex is the best EVER,” I said as we were falling off to sleep. “But more than anything, I have never known a friendship like we have. I can’t imagine LIKING anyone as much as I like you,” I said on the final yawn before falling into a restful sleep in his arms.

The following morning was comfortably rushed, and there was enough to do to get away for a few days that there wasn’t time to think about the fact that I would not be seeing Jack.

“I’ll be so busy that there won’t be a lot of down time, but you had better keep in touch with me, Mr. Franklin."

“It’s a deal, lover,” he said as he closed the car door and leaned in to give me a farewell kiss.

“Shall I send you some salacious videos while you’re gone so you don’t forget what I look like?" he teased as he waved and headed back into the house.

“Delightful thought, Jack,” I called after him, laughing and intrigued at the same time.

CHAPTER  TWENTY–ONE

A
s expected, the day was full and rewarding. The clients with whom I was working found a house and wanted to put in an offer.

“Hey, Marge, I’m heading back to the office. Can you get the paperwork started on 736 Maple in Cherry Creek before I get back? The Baldwins would like to make an offer to close in about six weeks.”

“Sure, thing, Callie. Are they coming in with you now?”

“They are in their own car and are going to stop and get something to eat, then will head over, so we have a little bit of time. I’ll be there in about twenty.”

As I pulled into the parking lot of the office, I noticed I had missed several texts messages. My smile was evident as I realized they were all from Jack. There was a definite theme to the thread.

Missing you, little one. I’ll have to think of something special to do for you when you get back.

Did I mention that I want you right now? Slow, hard, deep, wet, gentle, easy? Last night was beyond words. It will go in a pocket of lifetime memories. Let’s do it again soon.

You are so intense and sexy to me. We are so dynamic. I can’t believe the chemist
ry between us on so many levels— mental, physical, emotional. I sure like you, Callie Weston.

You have always been able to pleasure me with just a thought, just a word. I want to touch you all the time. I always want my mouth on you. I want you to be aware of me always. I want you to burn for me the way I am always on fire for you.

When I had asked him to keep in touch, I had no idea how much fun this quiet exchange might be.

Who IS this?
I messaged back cheekily.

Within a minute or so there was a return text, picture attached, of Jack in all of his glory.

NOW do you remember me, little one?

OMG OMG OMG—
if the Baldwins weren’t going to be here soon, I’d put the car in reverse and head home. You had better be able to take care of that promise when I get back. I will go to sleep tonight thinking of how delicious that picture is.

When I can’t take care of that promise with you, I’ll be six feet under.

Oh, Jack, I am so crazy about you. Thank you so much for bringing such light and strength into my life.

You have always had your own strength. We just bring out the best in the other. I love our friendship. Yep, I can see us being friends forever. Now get back to work so I can get back to work.

Aye aye, captain. Catch you on the flip side.

When I walked into the office, Marge and I had a few moments of hugging and exchanging pleasantries. “It’s wonderful to see you smiling like a Cheshire Cat. What's his name? Looks like you might be laying some ghosts to rest, putting things behind you.”

“Oh, Marge, I didn’t know that humans like Jack existed. Not sure my feet have touched the ground in weeks.”

“I have cleared my schedule for you. Let’s get this Contract done and then go have some dinner and wine and you can tell me all about him . . . that is, unless you have other plans.”

“Oh, no, dear lady, nothing I’d rather do than catch up with you. Well, I can think of a FEW things I’d rather do," I laughed, “but if I have to be here in Denver, I’m excited to spend time with you.”

It took several hours, but the Baldwins came and went, and the Contract had been sent to the Listing Agent.

“Ready to go, Missy?” Marge said from the doorway, putting on her coat?

“Give me just a minute and let me call the other agent and let him know it’s been sent. It should only take me a few . . .”

Marge came in and sat down, recognizing it wasn’t going to be such a quick phone call. Almost ten minutes later, I ended the call abruptly.

“What was THAT about?” Marge asked.

“I have no idea. For some reason he decided I needed to know his life story. Why do people DO that to me?”

“It’s who you’ve always been. I’ve never seen anything like it. People are so drawn to you that within five minutes of standing in line with you at the grocery store or movie theater, you know their entire life story without ever asking. No one would EVER think of opening up to me like they do to you. I have always thought it was strange.”

Throughout the day and evening, it would bring a smile to my heart when I heard the chime of a new message from Jack.

I love just being in you. Throbbing gently, no pushing, just the natural pulse of a man inside of the woman he loves. Feeling my heart beating inside of you.

I would love to be swollen and hard, moving inside of you. You around me as your tightness softens into wet openness.

Here’s something I’ve been thinking about. Do you love
the idea of bringing each other to intense levels, and then just stopping and holding with our natural throbs? No action from either one of us. Just enjoying the feeling of being one. I love that thought.

Our offer had been accepted and Marge and I were sitting at a popular restaurant waiting for our food. We toasted to a good day when the phone chimed again.

“He certainly seems persistent,” said Marge.

“I’m sorry, Marge. He seems to be determined,” I laughed as I looked down at my phone.

I want you to know what you do to me. Do you know I physically ache for you? Just that slight subtle feeling that doesn’t ever go away. It’s physical, but so sensual and distant . . . always waiting for fulfillment. It’s hard to describe, but it’s almost always there, like now.

“What is it?” Marge asked.

Coming out of my haze, I focused on Marge and said, “Sometimes I’m overwhelmed at the depth of feeling between us. I had no idea people could feel this way about each other. I have certainly never experienced anything like it. It's like I’m alive for the first time in my life. And every day, he just keeps reinforcing it. Keeps making me love him more.”

Touching my hand, Marge said, “Oh, Callie, I couldn’t be more happy for you. You’ve been so single minded for so long, I despaired that you would waste your youth chasing deals and clients and teaching, and that you would miss out on love.”

“Looks like I’m going to make up for lost time, Marge. Thank you for being so understanding. Who knew something so wonderful could come out of something as ugly as Jason? If it hadn’t been for him, I never would have gone up there. So I guess there is THAT to thank him for.”

“I can’t even think about him without my blood pressure rising,” Marge said. “I’m so glad he’s behind bars. Do you ever think about what’s going to happen when he gets out?"

“Absolutely not. And I don’t want you to think about him, either,” I said, patting her hand. "I couldn’t have made it through it without you. You were my strength and my sanity when I was sure I was losing my mind.”

“It was easy to see how you could have felt that way. Knowing there’s no way for anyone to get in, and then coming home and things just
slightly
different; would have made anyone crazy.”

“Thanks for that, but thank God it’s behind us. I’m as strong as anyone I know, but I can’t imagine what happens to women when they don’t have the support system I did. I’m so glad it’s over."

“Yeah, let’s concentrate on this wonderful thing that came out of it. Tell me all about him.”

“I feel like I’m the first person to ever have been in love. Sometimes I think that no one could ever have felt this way before because how could anything ever get accomplished if you walked around all day without your feet touching the ground?"

“Oh, Callie, I couldn’t be more happy for you. I can’t wait to meet this paragon of virtue," she laughed. We talked for another half hour or so. After a lovely meal, we headed back to Marge’s house.

“I have an early flight, my friend. I am going to go put some polish on my speech for tomorrow and then go to bed. Thank you for everything. I just don’t know what I would have done without you. You are always there for me."

“You know there’s nowhere else I would rather be, Missy. You know you’re like one of my own. It's not just my job. You’re family and you know it.”

“I’ll be gone before you wake up in the morning, Sweet Marge. Thank you. I’ll leave the contract in your capable hands for the next few days. You know how to reach me if you need me.”

As I settled on the bed with my laptop, the phone chimed yet again.

If you continue to ignore me, I may have to resort to drastic measures.

Oh, yeah? What measure are we talking about?

Hey, darlin’! There you are! I was thinking maybe you found some hot guy and forgot all about me.

Not in this lifetime, but nice try, Jack.

It has been a long day without you, little one. Full of so many conflicting emotions and overlapping circles. I couldn’t survive if you left me. I have missed you so much.

I’m not going anywhere except to Vegas tomorrow and then back into your arms. I’ll be back before you know it.

I want you to know I realize I have been filtering with you. I want to open that filter. There is so much wrapped up in my brain about us. You are such a passion to me. I love touching you, and there is a certain anxiety.

What kind of anxiety?

We’ll talk when you get back. I just want you to know I always want you, always need you. You are a fire to me. You help me and heal me in ways you will never understand, on so many levels. I don't even understand them. I want you in my life.

His words were weaving a silken web around me. I couldn’t believe this was the hard, intense stranger I had met just a few months ago. There was such passion inside of him. He had been holed up for way too long.

If it exists in my life, it involves you, little one. You are a part of me.

I love your words, Jack. They enchant me. They make me feel like you are here with me.

I am thinking of your tongue, your throat, your lips.

I know exactly how you feel. There are not many times I walk by that I don’t want to cup you gently. Feel you get harder under my hand.

It makes me hard just thinking of that. You are thunder and lightning to me. With every waking breath I want you.

This has been delightful, my love, but I have to get up in less than 6 hours and catch a plane. I will love you while we are apart, and love you even more when I see you again.

Callie, Callie, Callie . . . you are such a part of me. Good night, precious friend. Let me know when you arrive.

The plane trip the following day was turbulent. I was queasy from the flight, and in no mood at all for things not going right on the other end. I just wanted to go home. It was the first time in memory that I wasn’t excited about the coming presentation, and I just wanted to be done. I realized I had never had anyone at home waiting for me before, but it was certainly a powerful pull. I liked it.

Speeches and meetings and conferences had me exhausted by the time I got to my hotel room that night. Tired to the bone, and uninterested in meeting any of the organizers for dinner, I collapsed into blissful sleep, knowing I didn’t even have to set an alarm for the following morning because my flight wasn’t until afternoon.

A leisurely breakfast was interrupted by several people who had been there the day before and wanted to talk about some of the issues that had been raised in my speech. My food had grown cold, my book went unread, and finally I politely excused myself to go up to the room to finish packing and get ready to go. Better to sit at the airport and read than try to get something done here.

I can’t wait to see your cherished face tonight.
The text
from Jack brought me back to my reality, and how quickly he had come to occupy that place.

Then we can just sit and stare at each other, since I think you are the most handsome thing in my world.

Since I am not defined by my looks, it’s a good thing we will be able to find other ways to occupy ourselves, right?

Let me think of a few and I’ll let you know what I come up with when I get there.

I don’t need to spend much time thinking on THAT issue. Just the thought of being with you makes me come up.

What a sly tongued devil you are, Mr. Franklin.

My sly tongue has missed you a lot. What time will you be here?

Plane gets in about 3:30. If I’m lucky and can slip thru rush hour, I should be home by 7, give or take a half hour.

I will be waiting, at attention, for your arrival.

Mmmmm . . . the possibilities, Jack, the possibilities. Heading to the airport. Will call when I land.