Better Late Than Never (9 page)

When her sleepy brown eyes had opened, he had placed a brief kiss on her lips in a greeting. When he pulled back she had smiled greeting him back. In that moment he had known he wanted a future with Kristen.

There were several fond memories he had with Kristen. Another was the time he had driven in from school to take Kristen out for her eighteenth birthday. He had shown up with a formal invitation asking for her to accompany him for the evening. She had been excited yet shy and unsure about the invite. It had taken him ten minutes to convince her he was serious about his invite. Once she had agreed he gave her the final details, and everything had been set. Yet, he hadn’t been prepared for the Kristen who had stood in front him on the porch that night. It had been the first time he had seen her with her hair down. It wasn’t as long now, but it was still spectacular. It had been the first time he realized she was a woman. They had gone out and had a wonderful time. From that point, they had become almost inseparable. He looked down when he heard Kristen exhale softly. She was relaxed and accepting of his embrace, something a few weeks ago he would have never imagined. Now he just had to figure out what to do to keep her there.

* * * *

Kristen stiffened her spine when someone whistled at her. She knew who it was before she straightened. There was just one person she knew who could whistle in such an irritating fashion. She turned to look into Randy’s grinning face. She had the pleasure of watching his smile disappear when he saw the look on her face. He walked into the small room she called her office and closed the door behind him. Her eyebrows rose when he locked it, but she remained silent.

“Tough day?”

She groaned. “That would be putting it lightly. Zebbie called in sick. Also, I have never seen so many sick children in my life. Sean has a stomach virus, and he has thrown up more times than I can count. Felix seems to have the urge to use the bathroom and often, but he wasn’t making it to the restroom at least not on time.”

She paused for a breath. “Troy has a runny nose and wants to touch everything and everyone after he uses his hand for a Kleenex, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

Before she could continue, he placed a finger over her lips. “Take a deep breath and relax.”

Kristen closed her eyes and exhaled a soft breath of relief. Thank goodness it was lunchtime and Troy and Sean had been picked up. The last thing she could afford was a day care of sick children. All of Felix’s clothes had been washed, and he wore a new set. She crossed her fingers hoping they would stay dry. At least things couldn’t get any worse. Until school let out, there were five kids left in the day care, more than manageable for her and Gerri, who was serving the children their lunch.

Gerri had told instructed her to go to the office and take a break because it was obvious she needed one.

She opened her eyes when Randy stepped closer to her.

“Now,” he said while he took off his hat and sat it on the desk. “If you don’t mind, I would like to greet you properly.”

She wasn’t able to respond because he had already brought his lips down on top of hers. The kiss was soft, long, and passionate. When he lifted his mouth from hers, they were both breathing hard. She smiled as she looked into his sexy eyes. “Thank you. You just made my day better.”

His gave her a wicked grin that sent shivers down her spine. From experience, she knew the seductive expression meant trouble.

“I want to give you something else that will last you for the rest of the day.”

She gave him a wary look, and he laughed. Reaching around her, he moved a stack of papers out of harm’s way then lifting her onto the desk. She gasped at his action.

“Randy, what are you doing?”

He didn’t respond because he was too busy sliding his hand under her long, flowing skirt. She went to grab his hands, but he was elusive. “What are you doing?”

He stopped and looked into her eyes. “Do you trust me?”

She nodded without hesitation. His eyes told her he planned to make good on his promise. “Then lift your hips for me.”

She lifted her hips, and he slid off her underwear. She gasped in shock, and he whispered, “Thank you.”

What was she thinking? They were in her day care, and even though the children were on the other side of the building this entire situation could be a disaster.

Her mouth fell open to scold him, but his mouth found hers and cut off her response. She melted in his arms, moaning when his mouth slid from hers and down to her throat. He began to unbutton her blouse, placing kisses upon her chest. She protested when he skipped over her breast. They were aching for his touch. “Randy—”

“Shh.”

“But—”

She bit her lip trying to fight a moan, and he smiled.

“Someone could pass by and hear you.” She gave him the evil eye when he said what she had been
try
to.

Still it quieted her, and she dropped her head back as Randy’s kisses made her forget where she was. They always had. She rested her forehead against his shoulder in surrender. It had been a long time since she felt his touch, and she wanted it

“Please tell me you locked the door.”

“Yes, I did.”

She exhaled deeply. “Did anyone see you come in?”

“Yes and no.”

She gave him a puzzled look. “What do you mean?”

“I just dropped Wade off so Zebbie saw me, and when she went to take him to his classroom, I snuck back here to you.”

Kristen shook her head. “I am glad it was you, but that is why I have the security camera on the front entrance.”

He smiled. “Very smart thinking.”

She nodded. “I thought so, too. How was Wade’s dentist appointment?”

Randy chuckled while he pulled her to the edge of the desk. “Excellent. All of his teeth are in perfect condition. Now back to helping you relax.”

He sank to his knees, and her eyes widened. “Randy, what are you doing?”

He avoided answering the question. “Open your legs.”

She stiffened at his blunt command. It was due more to the fact she hadn’t been intimate with anyone in a long time. Six years to be exact.

“Excuse me?”

He looked up at her and chuckled. “Could you open your legs, please?”

Kristen knew she should keep her legs closed. She knew what would happen, but she wanted this. She needed his touch. Wanted to know if it was still familiar. Closing her eyes, she opened her legs.

“Brace yourself.”

His mouth touched the sensitive opening between her thighs, and she gasped. Her breath caught in her throat, and she stiffened. He lifted his head.

“You are supposed to relax.”

“Easy for you to say,” she whispered.

How could she relax when he was driving her insane with need? Instead of responding, he lowered his head again, and she lost all capability of thinking. The man was good at everything he did. At least he seemed to be. He seemed to be making her hotter while smothering out the flame at the same time. She didn’t realize she was encouraging him until she looked down and saw her hands in his hair. A groan of displeasure slipped from between her lips, and he pulled away, but he made his way back up her body until he was standing. His mouth covered hers while he placed his fingers where his mouth had been, and she gasped. His mouth muffled the sound, and he continued to drive her mindless with pleasure. A smooth glide of his tongue left her tasting her own exotic flavor.

He drove her higher with pleasure until she arched into his touch and let out a cry of fulfillment that he muffled by his mouth. The powerful orgasm left her drained but relaxed. Randy had kept his promise. He pulled her close, and she melted into his embrace enjoying the afterglow of her release. Several heartbeats later, he pulled back and helped her straighten her clothes. She tried to ignore the conceited expression on his face.

“Now you should be relaxed for the rest of the day.”

Kristen chuckled in amusement and gave him a drowsy but satisfied look. She wanted to hit him for being so smug but couldn’t muster the energy, especially when he was right.

“That is going to help me out for the rest of the week.”

Randy tipped his hat to her. “Glad to be of service to you.”

Wrapping his arms around her waist, he lifted her off the desk and sat her on her own two feet. He made sure she was steady before moving back. Placing a brief kiss on her lips, he reached for his hat and set it on his head. “Can I give you a call later on this evening?”

She gave him a look of surprise. “You have to ask? I would be offended if you didn’t.”

“Good. Well, I have to get going, but I will talk to you later.”

She nodded and watched him unlock the door and peek out. She assumed the coast was clear when he opened it wider and stepped out. She followed him and closed the door behind them. “Let’s go this way.”

She led him through a side door and back around to the front of the building where his truck was waiting. He reached for his keys, and she ran her hand over the side of his truck. “You know I would like to take a ride in this with you sometime.”

He looked at her in surprise, and she knew her veiled statement had been understood. “Well, I will have to see what I can do.”

Chapter Seven

“
He did what
?”
Keirra exclaimed.

Kayla giggled.
“It is about time.”

Keirra elbowed her. “You aren’t helping.”

Kristen shook her head. This was why she was hesitant to tell her sisters personal business sometimes. She was telling them about the events that had occurred today but left out the details. Yet, her sisters had enough of an imagination to figure out the rest on their own, and they hadn’t disappointed. So far it seemed she had had the most exciting day.

Kayla waved her hand in dismissal to Keirra. “Don’t mind this one over here. If I had a guy who was an identical twin to Matthew McConaughey, I would be doing the same exact thing you are.”

Kristen snapped her fingers in realization. She smiled at her sisters. “That’s who he reminds me of.”

“Who Matthew McConaughey or Randy?”

Keirra stuck her tongue out at Kayla, and Kristen cleared her throat before they could get started. “So what do you guys think I should do?”

“I say you don’t do anything. He is a cop. You are walking into dangerous territory.”

Kayla groaned. “
Keirra,
lay off of the cop thing already.”

Turning her attention to Kristen, Kayla placed her arm around her younger sister.

“This is a decision you have to make. It is an important decision because once it’s made you can’t get it back.”

“Do you think I should tell him?”

“I wouldn’t. Twenty-eight-year-old virgins tend to scare men off. Trust me, I know,” Keirra scoffed.

Kayla chuckled. “And all this time I thought it was your attitude.”

Kristen put her hands up and waved them around frantically trying to distract the two of them before they could get carried away. It got her sisters’ attention like she had intended for it to. “Cut it out, you two.”

They both gave her a sheepish look and apologized. Keirra responded in a soft voice. “This is your decision to make. Just keep in mind it is one you have to live with.”

Kristen groaned and leaned her head back against the couch. It was true she was a twenty-eight-year-old virgin, but then again, so were her sisters. They had made a pact to each other to wait until they found a man they each thought was worthy. She always thought Randy to be worthy, but things had never gone far. Several of their make out sessions had been hot and heavy, but it had never gone beyond that. Somehow, he had always known how far to go. When he called tonight, it would be a subject she would bring up.

She stood and stretched. “Keirra, the dinner was excellent tonight. Thank you.”

Keirra smiled. “Don’t forget it’s your turn tomorrow.”

Keirra laughed. Dinner duty wasn’t a favorite of anyone except Kayla, but they all rotated to keep it fair. “I know. I have already taken out the meat to defrost.”

Kayla smacked her lips in anticipation. “I am looking forward to it.”

“I am going to go upstairs and take my shower, but I’ll be back down in a little while.”

Her sisters nodded. “Okay.”

She made her way upstairs. She took a quick shower and, fifteen minutes, later returned downstairs. When she made her way into the kitchen, she saw her sisters had already started on the dishes. Walking over to the sink, she joined in, and they had the kitchen cleaned up in no time.

Kayla yawned. “I guess I’m more tired than I thought I was.” She stretched. “I am going to head to bed. Don’t stay up too late.”

Keirra was already heading for the stairs herself. “Don’t worry. I won’t.”

Not seeing any reason to stay downstairs by herself, Kristen trailed her sisters up the stairs. They all murmured good nights to each other then proceeded to their rooms. Kristen crawled into her bed and turned on the bedside lamp. She lay down and then picked up the picture frame containing the last family photo they had taken together. She smiled at how happy everyone looked.

She put the picture down and then picked up another that showed Keirra, Kayla and herself just a year ago. The picture depicted happiness, but it was strange not to have her mother and father in it. She missed her parents so much, and it was times like these when she was glad she had two sisters.

Closing her eyes, she wondered what life would have been like if their father had lived. Would she have gotten the chance to know Randy like she did? A smile came to her face when her cell phone rang. Picking it up, she saw Randy’s number and answered.

“Hello.”

“Hey yourself. How was the rest of your day?”

She closed her eyes and tried to push aside the memories of their erotic encounter. “It was okay. The kids were calm the rest of the day. I also did my best to make sure all of the kids who looked like they might be coming down with something were quarantined, but I would still keep an eye on Wade and give him an extra dose of vitamins if you have them.”

“Thanks for the warning.”

Kristen hoped he wouldn’t get sick. She hoped that none of the other kids became sick. Another day like today would be too much.

“So your dose of medicine held you over for the day?”

She laughed at his analogy. The fact she had sneaked him out of the day care center after an illicit tryst made her feel like a teenager again. She paused before responding. “Yes, it did, and speaking of which, have you ever thought about us making love?”

He was silent, and for a moment she thought he hadn’t heard her. She opened her mouth to tell him to ignore the question, but he responded. “Yes, I have. Have you?”

“Yes.”

She closed her eyes and shook her head. She did feel like a teenager now, one discussing a taboo subject. “What made you ask?”

“Well, after today, I just wondered if you had thought about it.”

Randy chuckled. “If I recall, you once accused me of thinking about sex all the time.”

“Well, I think it might have been true at that point.” Kristen thought back to some of their make out sessions but couldn’t remember a time when the statement rang true. He had never let it go past kissing and touching over her clothes and sometimes underneath in a fashion very similar to what he had done today. But he had never tried to test the limits and would always stop if she asked him to.

“You could be right, but I always respected you for sticking to your values.”

“What do you mean?”

He chuckled. “You told me you were going to wait until you were certain you wanted to make love, and I respected your decision.”

She cleared her throat. “So it wouldn’t surprise you to find out that I am still a virgin?” He paused, and she knew he was shocked by her confession. “There has been no one else since you, but I know you are the one.”

She heard him drop the phone and curse. He picked the phone up again and dropped it once more. She laughed and heard him fumble to gain control of the phone.

“Do you mind repeating what you just said?”

She spoke slowly so she was sure he understood her. “I said you are the one.”

When he remained silent, she became nervous wondering what he thought about her confession—the importance of it. She tried to lighten the mood by teasing him a little. “Did you drop the phone again?”

* * * *

No, he hadn’t dropped the phone again, but he was shocked. The fact she considered him to be good enough to be her first humbled him. He hadn’t been Lila’s first, but she had been his, and now he hated that she had been. Nothing more would be more meaningful to him than to be Kristen’s first. In several ways, he always thought she would be. On the other hand, he was no longer awkward like he had been in the beginning with Lila, and he knew he would be able to please Kristen. Then again, he always had. Still, he was hesitant because he knew how significant this was for her—for both of them. He cleared his throat before speaking. “Are you sure about this?”

“Yes, I am very certain.”

He heard the conviction in her voice, and he smiled. When Kristen made a decision, it meant she had thought it through. “Okay then, but we are still going to take this slow.”

He heard Kristen snap her fingers. “Darn, and here I was thinking I could come over tonight and slip between the sheets with you.”

He laughed. “You have been spending too much time with Keirra.”

Kristen laughed in response, but they both knew it was a true statement. He knew firsthand how close Kristen and her sisters were. They were inseparable, and because of that, there were times when her sisters did rub off on her, and there were times when she rubbed off on them. The good thing was it didn’t occur often. Otherwise, there would be more trouble than there normally was. Kristen had always been special to him, and he had to be to her considering what she just revealed to him. It was hard to contain
himself
because it was the one thing he had yet to share with her. It was also the one he couldn’t wait to share with her.

Randy began formulating a plan in his mind. He wanted to be prepared to make it special for her when the time arose. “What do you say we get together for dinner at my place this weekend and we take it from there?”

“That sounds good to me. Do you need me to bring anything?”

“No. All you have to do is bring yourself. I will take care of everything else.”

She sighed, and he could understand her slight hesitance. What she was getting ready to agree to could make a person nervous. He just hoped she wasn’t going to change her mind. Still, the last thing he wanted to do was pressure Kristen into any unfair situation.

He had always felt she wasn’t experiencing the life she should be because of her serious relationship with him. Yet, this was one thing he did want to experience with her and would go to any lengths to make sure it was an experience she would never forget.

“Okay,” she whispered.

He held back his sigh of relief. “I will give you a call and let you know what time Saturday.”

“Okay.”

He fought a yawn but was unsuccessful. It had been a long day.

“Did you have a hard day?”

He smiled at her question. “Yes and no. I have finished conducting the interviews for the vacant deputy position and thought I would have a decision made by now, but I don’t. We
are all having
to pick up extra patrols right now.”

“Do you have anyone in mind?”

He had three of the five candidates he interviewed in mind but just one he considered making a job offer to.

“Yes I do.
I need to do a few more reference checks. I will make my decision after they are complete.”

“Well, good luck. I’m sure you will find a great replacement.”

“I’m sure I will, too. I don’t want to keep you much longer. I just wanted to give you a call to see how the rest of your day went.”

“Well, thank you for keeping your word. It means a lot.”

He grinned. “You know I always do, but you have a good day tomorrow, and if I don’t see you, just know I will be thinking about you.”

“I will be thinking about you too, Randy,” she whispered. “Good night.”

“Sweet dreams.”

Randy hung up the phone and rolled onto his back. He looked up at the ceiling. Soon, he was asleep and having very sweet dreams about Kristen.

* * * *