Through The Pieces (8 page)

Chapter 14

Claire

In the days following Christmas, Maggie and I enjoyed our new kitten. Pippi was a welcome addition to the family. I had just got done with a long shift and needed to go home and shower before picking up Maggie. My whole body felt as if I had just run a marathon. My legs were like noodles and my back was stiff. I climbed up my stairs, imagining the hot bath I would be in soon. As I climbed the last step, I noticed my door was ajar Odd. I knew I had locked it. I pushed it open and my stomach dropped at the sight in front of me. My hands trembled.

"Claire." Scott casually sat on my couch. Frozen in place, I was in some sort of nightmare and could not wake up. "Well, are you going to say something?"

Was I? Could I even talk?
The tremor in my hands increased and my palms were sweating. The fear building inside me made my breath hitch. "Wh--Why are you here?" My voice was a whisper.

"I missed you."

"You--ah, can't be here. I have a restraining order." My words came out choppy.

"But you are my wife, Claire. You belong to me."

I nervously looked around. "You need to leave, please."

He got up from the couch, stomped over to me, and grabbed my forearm, pulling me forward so that I was standing in front of him. With his other hand, he slammed the door behind me. The frown on his face was a good indication that I had precious little time before he was out of control

"Claire, we need to talk. I don't want you here in this apartment. I want you home. I promise not to drink so much, and I will never hit you again. I promise."

I had heard it all before; he always said this. I felt sick to my stomach and wanted to turn away but was petrified at what he would do. "I--I can't. You need to leave, Scott. We are done. I won't live like that anymore." My fear began to dissipate slightly, and in its place, my blood began to boil. My hands balled into fists. I shrugged off his grip and realization crossed his face.

"You need to leave now, before I call the police. And if you break into my house again, I will not hesitate to call first!" I regained my voice. I felt empowered. This was my life and this was the new me. I would not be afraid of this man anymore.

"Claire, please baby, listen." He sounded pathetic.

I shook my head and rummaged in my purse for my phone. He was backing away from me, making his way to the door. He was defeated, not me! The surge of adrenaline afforded by  this victory made my head tingle in delight.

"Goodbye, Scott," I called as he scampered down the steps. I slammed the door and threw the deadbolt, leaning against it as a smile crept on my face. Then my stomach lurched, and I dashed into the bathroom to throw up. This was the first time I’d stood up to Scott, and it felt good. Damned good. Also damned scary. Scarier than anything I had done before.

I waited until I’d calmed down completely, then asked Annie to bring Maggie home. She wanted to know what had happened, then begged me to call the police, but I didn't. I just wanted to get some sleep. She thought it better to have Maggie spend the night with her and Matt, and I agreed. She wanted me to come as well, but after arguing for the better part of fifteen minutes, I convinced her I would be fine and promised I would have my cell phone with me at all times.

A knock at the door later that evening made my stomach clench. I tiptoed over and peered out the peephole. Relief washed over me when I saw Buck on the other side. I opened the door to him, forcing myself not to fall into his arms.

"Claire, are you okay? Are you sure you don't want to call the police?" His brows were furrowed.

"No,” I insisted. “I’ll be fine, and tomorrow I’ll have the locks changed."

He looked apprehensive. "I already have the new lock, and I am going to change it
now
." He held up a brown bag imprinted with the logo of the local hardware store.

"Oh, thank you, Buck! Not only are you a doctor, you're a locksmith too!" I tried unsuccessfully to lighten the mood.

Looking tense, he went about changing the lock. When he’d finished, I placed a hand on his shoulder and he sighed. "Why don't you get ready for bed? I’m staying here tonight."

Oh.
I went into the bathroom and took a quick shower, making sure everything was shaved. I put on a cotton nightie and robe and returned to the living room. He was sitting on the couch, staring at the door as if it were responsible for Scott’s break-in.

"Hey, you okay?" He came over to where I stood, the expression on his face melting me. He bent down and cradled me in his arms, then carried me to the bedroom and laid me gently on the bed.

I clutched his shirt, pulling him down with me. His hungry mouth captured mine and he covered my body with his. There was urgency in the kiss--we couldn't get enough of each other. My hands tangled in his hair as his arms wrapped around me, then he rolled onto his back, pulling me on top of him. His hands were everywhere on my body, touching, caressing, teasing, tormenting. I broke the kiss to gasp for air. Our eyes met and I whimpered. With both hands on my face, he brought my mouth to his our tongues intertwining.

When the ache between my legs became unbearable, I ground my pelvis against his. He moaned deep in his throat. I pulled at his shirt, unable to get it off and desperately needing the feel of his skin next to mine. He managed to remove it with one mighty tug, barely breaking the kiss, and I thought I heard the fabric rip. His hips met mine, and I could feel the dampness between my thighs. I sat up to unfasten my robe with his assistance, and before I knew it, we were both almost naked. He flipped me onto my back and ran his tongue down my neck, working his way lower. Everywhere his tongue traced, my skin felt as if it would burst into flame. My moans became pleas as he assailed first one breast and then the other.

My hands fisted in his hair as he drew each of my nipples into his mouth in turn, unrelenting in his task. My body needed his to release this built up energy inside me. When I felt him tugging on my panties, I lifted my hips so he could free me from the confines of the barrier between us. He abruptly stopped, a small grin playing on his lips. Already my body ached for his touch.

"You're beautiful, Claire," he breathed, and I felt the words wrapping around me like silk, as his fingers sought my opening. My body rocked up to meet his hands. His eyes locked on mine as he slid in one finger, then two. My body hummed in anticipation of the building orgasm.

"You're so wet, Claire. I need to taste you." His eyes begged my permission, and I nodded, gladly granting it.. He pulled me forward until his mouth claimed and tasted me. The orgasm inside me was rapidly building as his tongue explored my folds. He sucked on my clit until spots blinded my vision. I let out a scream, my body shaking as the orgasm slowly subsided.

I was still dizzy from the orgasm when he grabbed one of my legs and positioned it over his shoulder. He slowly entered me, filling me inch by inch. He captured my lips with his, and I could taste myself on him. I moaned as he pushed further in, his eyes burning with the need I felt.

"You taste so fucking good, and you feeling amazing. I don't know what I like more--tasting you cum in my mouth or feeling you on my cock." I rocked up to meet him and his eyes fluttered shut. "Easy, Claire, or I won't last," he warned.

I raised my hips again, and he let out a deep groan. "We have all night," I murmured. He was still a second longer and then began to pound into me. and I could feel another orgasm building. Then we were both trying to catch our breath. Buck rolled off and pulled me onto his chest. I nestled into him, smiling while a warm feeling spread throughout.

"Give me a minute,” he whispered, “then I am definitely doing that again." His voice sent shivers down my now hypersensitive spine. We remained in that position, listening to each other breathe, until I felt his erection growing behind me. I laughed at his eagerness.

We continued to explore each other's bodies all night. When dawn finally broke, I curled up next to him, exhausted, yet happy. He pulled me closer, kissing the top of my head, and I closed my eyes, allowing my drained body to fall into slumber.

Chapter 15

Claire

I headed into work the next day with a smile on my face. I quickly opened the store and set my coffee next to the register. The time seemed to drag by as I checked every few minutes. I was leaving by four that afternoon to get ready for the New Year's Eve Bash. I glanced at the clock again and sighed. Only eleven thirty. Echo would be coming in soon, so I decided to dust some of the shelves for what seemed like the hundredth time that morning. When she strolled in, I tried to contain my excitement.

"Good afternoon, Echo! How are you today? Any plans for tonight?"

"Umm, did you have too much coffee today?"

"Nope, I’m just so excited. I mean, tonight is our first official date and you know--I am just excited." I grinned and shrugged. Echo continued to watch me skeptically as I fidgeted with the hem of my blouse. When I glanced at her again, she wore a smile that spread across her face. "What?” I asked. “Do I have something on my face? Seriously, Echo, why are you smiling?"

"Oh, I think you know why. I can totally tell when someone other than me has gotten lucky."

I stared in confusion until it dawned on me what she meant. I could feel my face heat with the revelation.

"I knew it! You got lucky didn't you?" Echo crowded.

"I--I--well the thing is, I--and I mean Buck and--you know." My face was on fire as I desperately tried to come up with something more intelligent to say. I failed miserably. My stomach knotted. I didn't know if I should be discussing this with her. I wasn't sure how Buck would feel if I blabbed the details.

"What's the matter? I'm sorry if I upset you. I thought this would make you happy. I didn't mean to tease you, Claire." She reached out and put a hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently.

"No, you're fine. I just never really talked to Buck about it. What if this was a one-time thing?" My chest felt hollow.

"Oh, Claire," she soothed. "Buck likes you. Besides, he really doesn't seem like the kind of guy to do that."

"You're right. I guess I still have some reservations when it comes to men." The bell on the door dinged. I looked up to see a man making his way into the store.

"May I help you?"

As he came closer, I could see better that he was carrying a long, narrow box. "Delivery for Claire B," he stated.

Echo squealed and took the package from him. She ripped off the brown paper on the top, then oohed at the contents. I looked in the package and saw a bouquet of pink lotus flowers. I didn't know much about them, only that they were exquisite. My chest tightened.

"There’s a note," Echo informed me. "Should I read it for you?"

"No, let me, please." My hands shook as I reached for it.

Claire,

I wanted to give you something that reminded me of you. I choose this because you remind me of the lotus. The lotus endures the coldness of the water. It has to navigate through the muck, and fight its way to through the weeds. The lotus does not give up until it reaches the surface. Once it reaches the surface, it blooms in the sunlight, revealing its exquisite beauty for all to see. You have allowed me to see your exquisite beauty.

Yours,

Buck

The tears were flowing before I finished the note. I was touched by the beauty of the story and his comparison of me to the lotus. But mostly, I was grateful that he was beyond what I was hoping for in a man. Without a word, I handed the note to Echo. By the time she was done, tears glistened in her eyes, too. I could not stop re-reading the note. This was the single most beautiful gift I had ever received.

The bell on the door dinged and I looked up to see the man responsible for the gift. Buck stood with his hands in his pockets, looking nervous. Why?

I stepped away from the counter and ran to where he was standing. I crashed into him, my lips finding his. He wrapped his arms around me and we kissed. My hands gripped the back of his neck, never wanting to release him. His tongue met mine, and the tightness in my chest grew until I found it hard to breathe. I broke the kiss and looked into his crystal blue eyes.

He smiled down at me, his thumb swiping away a lingering tear. "I hope you like the flowers."

More than anything
. "That was the single most beautiful gift I have ever received." On my tippy toes, I placed a small kiss on his lips.

"You deserve it Claire, always." Such sweet passion in that voice.

"I think this means he had a good time, too, Claire." Echo butted in.

#

At home after work, I hurried to get ready for the party and our first date. Butterflies danced in my stomach. After my shower, I quickly put on my favorite black lacy panties and matching strapless bra and worked on my hair until ringlets cascaded around my face. I added extra make-up on my eyes to get that "smoky look", then went back to my room to don my new form fitting dress. Strapless with a sweetheart neckline and long skirt slit up the side, it clung to my body in all the right places. I finished the look with strappy black heels and the beautiful pendant Buck had given me for Christmas.

"Mommy you look beautiful." Maggie had been in her bedroom playing with Pippi, but now stood in the doorway.

I gazed in my full length mirror and almost didn't recognize myself. For the first time in a long while, I
felt
beautiful.

"Thank you, Maggie." I gave her a kiss on the head. It was time to get going and drop her off at Annie's for the night. The doorbell rang, and I answered it to find Buck in his tuxedo, looking gorgeous. His blue eyes were bright, his hair messy in a sexy just-got-out-of-bed style.

"Claire, you look perfect. You're beautiful." He shook his head. "How did I get so lucky?"

"You look great, too, Buck." I smiled and bit my lower lip.

"Claire." He blew out a breath. "Please don't do that, or I won't be able to make it to the party."

I grinned at him and licked my lips suggestively, laughing when he let out a low groan.

We took Maggie to Annie's, who stalled us long enough to take dozens of pictures. There were some by the fireplace, some on the stairs, but I had to tell her enough when Mark suggested we take one with his John Deere.

As we drove to the party, Buck held my hand. He was so handsome in his tux. He caught me sneaking a glance at him and brought my hand up to his mouth, kissing my knuckles. Heat spread through my body. I was melting. Why did I find everything he did so attractive?

"Claire, you have to stop, or I won't make it to this New Year's party," he warned again.

"Buck, am I turning you on?"

"You’ve had me turned on since the day I met you."

Oh wow. "Okay I’ll try, but aren't you curious about what I’m wearing under the dress?"

Buck gripped the steering wheel, blowing out another shaky breath. He abruptly slowed down and pulled to the side of the road. "Let me see."

"Buck, you can see later."

His head fell back on the headrest, and he closed his eyes briefly. He took a deep breath, then turned towards me. Voice strained, he murmured, "Okay, here is the plan. We eat, we dance, then I take you to my place, and I make love to you."

"Yes, please!" I agreed. If he had asked me to skip the party, I would have. I leaned over to give him a kiss, and he met me halfway. He teased me with his mouth on mine but, but when I tried to deepen the kiss, he pulled back. This time, when I groaned, it was his turn to laugh.