The Search is Over

The Search is Over Home after a bitter divorce, Rafe seeks to find the man he’s become. In a quiet trailer park on the outskirts of town, a young woman captures his attention. Trouble is, she’s taken, but when they meet, all bets are off. The so-called boyfriend is out of the picture, clearing Rafe's path to her. Candi Patterson shares living expenses with her coworker and her boyfriend. Working nights as a bartender and going to school during the day is hard on a girl’s social life. Feeling lonely, Candi agrees to date her roommate’s son only to be told later that he is moving back north. Devastated, she comes to the reality that love stinks. It gets in the way of her goals, and she has too much going on to complicate things with dating. In a chance meeting, Candi meets someone who makes her reconsider that earlier decision. Genre: Contemporary Length: 52,746 words

THE SEARCH IS OVER

Ronna Gage

EROTIC ROMANCE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer. WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book being sold or shared illegally, please let us know at [email protected]

A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Erotic Romance

THE SEARCH IS OVER Copyright © 2011 by Ronna Gage E-book ISBN: 1-61034-773-0 First E-book Publication: September 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of The Search is Over by Ronna Gage from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Ronna Gage’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Gage’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION This book is dedicated to my husband, Ron. From the time we met and twenty-one years later, you’ve made my life a romance story.

THE SEARCH IS OVER RONNA GAGE Copyright © 2011

Chapter One Ricky Garza sat back in his recliner, looked at his friend, Jase Hobbs, and gulped the last drop of beer from his can. “Give me a beer, will ya?” he asked with a slight demanding tone. Jase picked up a bottle from the ice pail next to him, popped the cap off, and then set it down on the table between the matching chairs. “Thanks, dude.” A classic rock song filled the living room with an easygoing melody, which buzzed in Ricky’s semi-inebriated head until it bobbed gently to the beat. “God, this music takes me back,” Ricky replied after a few seconds of quiet. “Do you remember the two of us hanging out with Rafe?” Jase chuckled at the comment. “Yeah, God, Rafe Sines used to party all night long and listen to music just like this.” “I miss those days,” Ricky sighed. He eased back into another mild stupor of nostalgia. The mood music settled over him like an old friend and more memories swirled in his head. Without warning, he jerked up. “Hey, that reminds me. The neighborhood wild boy himself is back in town.” He couldn’t keep the excitement out of his voice. His body filled with it until it produced goose bumps to break out over his skin.

The Search is Over

9

“I heard he was back, but I haven’t seen him though, have you?” “Nope.” “Where is he staying?” “I suppose at his parents’ house.” Jase shook his head. “Bummer.” Ricky sat back in the chair. “I bet he could use a night out about now. Party like we did in high school. All the girls lining up…” Ricky’s voice lost that edge of giddiness. “…until he went away.” He stacked his hands one on top to the other and set them behind his head for a pillow. “But soon, the neighborhood will be back to the party standards it once held now that he’s free. Ah, the place won’t be the same again now that he’s out and about, tearing ass up and down the streets again.” “Ricky!” He looked back at Jase. “What?” “You make it sound as if he’d been in prison. He was only married, for God’s sake.” Ricky shrugged off the ludicrous similarity. “Damn near close to prison. That crazy-ass woman ran him into the ground, broke his heart, and then left him stranded in another state without any money. The fucking bitch.” “Oh, Ricky,” Jase sounded, rolling his eyes. “Chelsea wasn’t that bad, and you know it.” “She almost ruined my boy,” Ricky replied indignantly. “But mark my words. Now that he’s home, things are going to be different.” Ricky bent over the arm of the recliner, picked the landline phone from the floor, and then punched in the phone number he knew by heart, even after three years, and waited. “Who are you calling?” Jase asked, and then took a drink of his beer. Ricky gave him a sarcastic look. “Your mother! Who do you think?” he asked in a more caustic tone. Jase narrowed his eyes. “Don’t be an asshole.”

10

Ronna Gage

Ricky cast him another leveling glare. Two rings later, Rafe’s familiar voice answered. “Rafe?” “Yeah.” “Hey, it’s me, Ricky. Man, you don’t sound like you used to. Your voice has changed.” That nostalgic feeling fled away the second Ricky heard the transformation, but he refused to let it hamper his good mood. “I heard you were back in town. I thought I would give you a call.” “Yep, got in about a week ago.” “Jase and I wondered where you were staying.” “Here at my parents’ house. You know, until I get back on my feet. Thanks to the financial burdens of divorce.” “I’m at my parents’ house, too.” “I’m sorry to hear that, my friend,” Rafe said, his voice empathetic to his living conditions. “No, don’t be sorry. I like not having the responsibility for anyone but myself.” “What do you do for privacy or fun?” “Hang out, go to the parties in the neighborhood, play ball at the beach. You know, the usual. Just like in high school.” “Don’t you ever get tired of that?” “Hell no! I love living at my parents’ house. My momma takes care of me.” “How?” “She washes my clothes, does the shopping, and does other things for me. Why do I want to leave?” “I’ve been here at my folks for a week and I can’t wait to get my own place—to come and go as I please and be alone for awhile.” “Living with your parents has some good points, for the most part.” “Yes, but I’m not a kid anymore. I’m a twenty-four-year-old divorced man with nothing but a paycheck and a car.”

The Search is Over

11

“Look at it this way. Living at home gives you three square meals and a roof over your head,” Ricky pointed out. “Yeah, whatever.” “Hey, let’s not dwell on mistakes and other hassles. I called to see if you want to check out the parties around the neighborhood with Jase and me tonight.” “That sounds like a really good idea.” Ricky looked at Jase and gave him a thumbs-up sign. “I need a beer, some laughs, and some pussy.” “Cool. We’ll pick you up in an hour, okay?” “See you then. Bye.” Ricky placed the phone on the floor, jumped up from the chair, and almost danced around the short distance to Jase’s chair. “The boys are back!” he yelled and gave Jase a high five. Ricky turned up the volume on the stereo. The singer’s highpitched voice rang out, filling the room along with the shrill sounds of metal rock guitar. Suddenly, Ricky’s good-time-man personality reared to the top, filled with exuberance to go out for some action. Excitement erected his body—and his other mindless embodiment. With that smug look that was his alone, he shouted, “Let’s get some pussy tonight.” **** Rafe hung up the phone in greater spirits than when he answered the call. He released a sigh of breath that eased the tension of stress from his stiff shoulders. He couldn’t wait to go out on the town again to relax and have a few drinks. “I could use a night out.” He turned to go to his room and came to an abrupt halt at the sight of his mother and father standing in the dining room. They stood in front of the doorway with their arms crossed over their chests. Rafe knew what that look meant. The tenth lecture of the day—I bet it has something to do with my friends.

12

Ronna Gage

“Rafe, I don’t think you should be going out with those boys tonight,” Sylvia Sines stated with that infamous motherly concern. “Why not?” Although his question was calm, his frustration hitched a new notch to apply extra stress to the tension he’d expelled a short time ago. “You are going through a rough time right now.” She worried her bottom lip with her upper teeth. “I think you’re in too fragile a state of mind to be going out on an all-nighter with a bunch of playboys.” She means well, but this is my time. “Mom, it’s just Ricky and Jase. Two of the…” “Most adolescent men I’ve had the displeasure of knowing,” Ralph Sines added to the conversation. “Son, if you start mixing it up with them, I’m afraid you’re going to get into some trouble that you can’t see your way out of.” Not him, too. “Dad, I’m just going out with some old friends, for a nice, relaxing time in the neighborhood.” The idea to account for his actions to his parents at his age annoyed him. Sylvia looked him squarely in the eyes. Rafe knew that look, too. She mentally prepared to draw the line in the sand. “Rafe, I can’t stop you from going out with those boys. But if this is going to become a habit, you might need to consider getting a place of your own,” she avowed rather harshly. Rafe looked from his mother to his father. He saw the shocked expression on his father’s face and wanted to laugh. It reflected his inner feelings. He then gazed back at her. She stood unnerved by their surprised looks. “I won’t live like that again.” Her soft reply swelled the tension in the room. “Mom!” Rafe felt anger’s boiling heat rise to his face. It bothered him to admit she did have a point. Moving in with his parents was a temporary arrangement. His plan to stay with them didn’t see him past getting back onto his feet, and this was only the first week. He calmed down and let his anger go. “That’s fair, but tonight I need this

The Search is Over

13

time out.” Rafe walked past them toward his old room. In doing so he left no space for further arguments. Rummaging through the closet, he selected a pair of jeans and a shirt. All the while, he mulled over what his parents had said and done in his mind. Parents! God love them, but they overreact about every little thing. He dressed and splashed on some cologne. His stomach fluttered with butterflies. He raised his hands and found them shaking. “What do you have to be nervous about?” he asked the man in the mirror. Besides, the neighborhood crowd isn’t the same as it was three years ago. Surely, everyone had grown up by now. **** Ricky drove up to the first party and smiled at the sounds of laughter and music that rang out at high volume. “Looks like this party is up in full swing,” Ricky said when he shifted the truck into gear. “Let’s check it out and see who’s here,” Rafe suggested. Ricky met Rafe and Jase at the end of the truck. “There’s no reason to settle for one place when the potential could be somewhere else.” “Yeah, and it’s only seven. Plenty of time to check out other parties if we have to,” Jase added. The short walk up the sidewalk invigorated Rafe’s step. The loud music vibrated the windows, causing them to shake. The front door was left wide open for anyone to enter. They walked in, and right away Jase pointed to a few girls dancing in a teasing fashion. The small dresses shimmied with their gyrating hips. The male audience watched the enticing show of flirtation. “What do you want to do?” Jase yelled close to Rafe’s ear. He motioned with a hand signal. “Find something to drink.” Ricky, Jase, and Rafe—in that order—strutted around the party. “Hey Rafe, Ricky, Jase…” a group of old friends greeted them.

14

Ronna Gage

A small group of women smiled when they passed by them. “Hi, guys!” Suddenly they stopped and did a double take. “Rafe?” He nodded. “Oh, wow! It’s good to see you.” Each one gave him a small kiss on the cheek and a hug. “It’s good to see you, too,” he said after he received four kisses on the cheek. “Call us sometime,” one of the girls said. “We can make up for lost times,” another one teased. Ricky looked at Rafe. “Ladies, if you will excuse us, but this is Rafe’s first time back on the single scene. So, bug off.” Jase and Ricky led Rafe from the small group of girls and headed toward the den. Once out of earshot, Ricky shook his head in awe. “The notorious Rafe Sines is back in action.” The small compliment boosted his confidence tremendously. Rafe smiled and bobbed his head at the women. He spotted the beer line in the dining room. “This looks like our stop.” Five kegs sat upon the bar between the kitchen and dining room. Cheap beer flowed into cups, glasses, and one guy, obviously drunk on his ass, filled his girlfriend’s shoe to guzzle his beer. Rafe laughed. He then watched a girl grab a straw from a carton on the table and snort some white powder off the counter behind the kegs. Spilled out on the dining table, for whoever to consume, lay a variety of drugs and paraphernalia. This would be a vice detective’s dream bust. Rafe looked around at the pile of powder, pills, and rolled-up cigarettes. He hadn’t partaken in the evil of drugs in about three years. Not since he gave them up for Chelsea. Not that doing drugs was hard for him to kick. He never really got hooked on them. But Chelsea. One try, and she would be hooked. He tapped Ricky on the shoulder and then pointed to the table. “Must be the party favors.” Jase and Ricky laughed. The three settled beside an unattended keg next to the counter. No one seemed to pay particular attention to the three of them as they

The Search is Over

15

took a cup from the counter and filled it with ice-cold beer. One taste and Rafe fell back against the wall with near-orgasmic satisfaction. This is almost as good as sex. Rafe looked at the drugs and then back at his cup. As far as addictions go, beer turned out to be a different story. There is no sin in drinking beer, even if it is every day. Since moving in with his parents, he hadn’t had a single beer. There wasn’t room in his life to hear a speech about the effects alcohol had on the human body, as viewed by Mr. and Mrs. Sines. Everyone called him a mean and obnoxious drunk. I’m not that bad when I drink. “You have a quick temper,” they used to say to him. Of course, he disagreed. He simply didn’t have it in him to ever back down from a fight. My friends finally realized to stay out of my way. When they did, everything turned out cool. Rafe liked to have a good time, but his badboy reputation drew in a plethora of young punks with bad attitudes. All of them tried to get in his face and were usually spoiling for a fight. I hope I don’t have to throw down with anyone tonight. He settled back, putting the thought out of his mind. No fights! Tonight is strictly to have a good time and to get laid. Rafe took a sip of beer and caught the eye of a pretty woman across the room. And you are? He racked his mind trying to come up with a name from the girls he knew in high school. Surely, she had gone to school with him. He watched as the sexy, blonde-haired woman circled the dining room to the kegs. She easily made her way around to his side, ignoring advances from the other men in the room. She looked up at him with big brown eyes, filled with that heroworship that he’d known before he left the neighborhood. Chelsea had looked at him numerous times with that same look…the one that ultimately had gotten him hitched to a woman he really didn’t love. She stood in front of him. Her eyes roamed over his body with a slow, intent gaze as she measured his person from his head to his toes, and then back to look directly into his eyes again. She gave him a teasing smile. “Are you Rafe Sines?”

16

Ronna Gage

Rafe folded his arms over his chest and returned the purposeful observation. The tight, low-cut blouse revealed the voluptuous curve of her breasts, tight black jeans settled low on her hips, and the sparkle of a belly button ring winked at him. This evening is looking up. “Could be.” He gave a shrug and a lopsided grin, a practiced seductive move. “Who wants to know?” She took the cup of beer he held, brought it to her lips, and took a slow, sensual drink. Her fingernails skimmed his neck to his chin. She pulled him close to her lips. As he opened his for her, she shot the swallow of beer into his mouth. If that action wasn’t wild enough, she rubbed her body up against him. “Just call me Liv.” She sealed her answer with a kiss. Taking the cup of beer, she retreated to the party in the living room. Rafe looked at the two dumbstruck guys next to him. “Who the fuck was she?” Ricky and Jase stood smiling. “Only Rafe Sines could get a woman to do that. You, my friend, have just met Liv. And take my word for it, everyone has been trying to get into her pants,” Ricky said as they eyed the popular Liv across the room. “Where did she come from?” The new girl intrigued Rafe. He wasn’t surprised that men were trying to get into her pants. The unsuccessful attempts did, though. “She’s one of Jack Posen’s girls,” Jase answered. Rafe did a double take. Did I hear that right? “Jack Posen? Damn, that guy is still around?” He hadn’t thought about Jack Posen in forever. The two were in an unofficial competition to see who could score with the most girls. That little rivalry usually kept them overlapping each other’s territory. No harm done. “Yeah, and if Liv is here”—Ricky looked around the party— “Jack isn’t too far away.” As if on cue, Jack came into the kitchen with another girl on his arm. Jack’s eyes grew large, and his smile grew bigger. “Ho-ly shit!

The Search is Over

17

Rafe Sines, is that you?” Jack shouted in surprise. His quick advancement to Rafe demonstrated his actual gladness to see him. To see Jack Posen make a beeline for him stunned Rafe. He smiled with a genuine affection for his one-time rival. “Hey, Jack, how the hell are you?” He shook Jack’s hand. The taller and thinner Jack didn’t look the same. His curly blondbrown hair had taken on an uncontrollable style. It was more than what Rafe remembered. Sparkling blue eyes revealed a passion for life, and his roguish smile had stirred a lot of women in Jack’s past. That love for life and lust flattered Jack’s untamable personality. “I’m good,” Jack answered. “How are you?” “Good,” he looked around the room. “Slow night.” “How long have you been back in town?” “I got back this week.” Rafe felt a bump at his arm. He looked to receive a second cup of beer that Jase handed him. Jack looked around the immediate area. “Where’s Chelsea?” Rafe felt that sensation of failure hit his gut that always assaulted him when Chelsea’s name came up. Shaking it off, he smiled. “We’re divorced.” Jack’s face changed. He showed actual displeasure. “Oh, man, I’m sorry. I hadn’t heard.” “No problem, it happens even to the best of us.” Rafe eased the tension. Jack narrowed his eyes and leaned forward. “Do we hate her now?” he whispered with a conspirator’s jest. Rafe grinned at the support. His rival was willing to talk trash about his ex-wife if he wanted. “No, it’s all right. We just didn’t work out.” “It wasn’t meant to be.” Jack gave him a friendly slap on the arm. Rafe noticed Liv coming toward him and Jack. He watched her make her way into the room. “I see you’re as busy as ever.”

18

Ronna Gage

Jack looked at the two girls, Liv on his left side and the other on stood on his right. “I’d like you to meet Crystal,” he said, introducing the new woman. Rafe examined Crystal closely for a span of two seconds. Her black hair set atop her head in a claw-like clip, which kept the mass away from her face. He found her attractive, but she had an air of pretentiousness about her. She looked flawless. Her immaculate makeup evenly covered her face. Yet her brown eyes were cold. Who can fuck that iceberg? Her glaring eyes at the partygoers showed her distaste for this kind of crowd. The party blared with loud music, uproarious laughter, and with too much boozing immaturity for her liking. “…and this is her friend, Liv.” Liv smiled as she looked up at Jack “Yeah, we met earlier.” She then turned and gave Rafe a wink. “He gave me a sip of beer.” Jack looked from Rafe to Liv. “I guess we need to go and meet Crystal’s brother. He isn’t one to go party hopping.” Looking at Crystal, Rafe could see why. If her sibling were anything like her, he wouldn’t be into hopping the neighborhood parties. But what’s the connection with Liv? Liv placed a hand on Rafe’s shoulder. She tiptoed until she came eye-to-eye with him. She withdrew a slip of paper out of her bra and handed it to him. “Call me,” she whispered. “Anytime.” Shaking his head, Jack took the piece of paper from Rafe’s hand. “Right. She’s engaged to Crystal’s brother. Right now, she’s upset with him, but the two will be back together by morning.” Rafe smiled and shrugged his shoulders. He looked at Liv. “Do you always carry a slip of paper in your bra?” Liv smiled. “You would be surprised what I have in places that only you can see.” Jack physically turned her away from Rafe. “I better get her out of here before her behavior comes back and bites both of us in the ass,” he said with a look of warning.

The Search is Over

19

Rafe bowed up his chest. He’d finally got the answer to the question that had plagued him for months. “I still got it.” Jack cocked an eyebrow and fished in his back pocket for his wallet. “Well, call me so we can use that power of persuasion over women for our own selfish and dark needs.” Jack handed him a business card. Rafe looked at it. “Not bad, you own your own home repair and improvement business.” “Handyman extraordinaire.” Jack bowed slightly. “Come on, Jack, I’m bored,” Crystal complained, pulling him in the direction of the doorway. “I guess we’ll see you later.” Jack led the two women through the house. Rafe could hear the good-byes that followed the three of them out the front door. He looked around the room. Boys from the neighborhood had turned to men. The girls had turned into women. Couples sat together on chairs, or other furniture. Men were in the corner bullshitting about various defeats, or just reminiscing about high school. Rafe realized that the kids of the neighborhood had turned the legal age to drink and party, but they still partied like they were sixteen. And the topics of conversation were pretty much the same. Jobs, school, extreme sports, and power drinking. He had that familiar feeling of home. He pumped the keg for another cup of beer. Here’s to the ageless neighborhood kids.

20

Ronna Gage

Chapter Two Rafe looked around the darkened room and sighed with relief. The afternoon hours peacefully slipped by in the quiet calm inside the notorious gentleman’s club known as Desert Illusions. The lunch crowd came and went an hour ago, and the dancers wouldn’t perform for another three hours. So the practical ghost town gave Rafe the quiet place he needed to think about his next move. He looked around. Two waitresses tended to the small assortment of patrons that stopped by for a quiet drink or the leftover lunch buffet. Rafe liked the costume attire of black body leotard, tan-colored hose, and spiked high heels. There’s something about a woman in high heels that demands attention. You have to find a place to live, his conscience reminded him. Living with his parents’ rules seemed to close in on him. They insisted he be in at a certain time. His mom yelled at him for leaving his stuff all around. “You need to pick up after yourself, and clean house,” she said more than once. I feel like a kid again. Sometime during the last two weeks, he came to a difference of opinion regarding his old neighborhood. No one grew up. They may have grown to adulthood, but they aren’t adults. The youthful antics of power-drinking all night were over. Maybe, at some point in his marriage, he stumbled into maturity. On the other hand, the restless boredom could be the persona of the notorious Rafe Sines’s return to the neighborhood. He didn’t want to meet the expectations of that reputation any longer. Either way, this wasn’t the life he wanted. But

The Search is Over

21

what do I want? As he wondered, pondered, and theorized all the levels of his living experiences, one thing became abundantly clear. If I don’t stop acting like a kid, I’ll be in a lot of trouble, or possibly dead, soon. “Hey, Rafe, long time no see,” Jack greeted, interrupting his thoughts. He mounted the stool next to him. The bar door had opened and closed so many times throughout the afternoon that Rafe had tuned it out to concentrate on the problem at hand. He didn’t notice that someone had approached him. “Hey, man, how are you doing?” They shook hands in greeting. Rafe looked at the clock on the counter. “What brings you here so early?” The bartendress sat a beer down in front of him. Jack gave her a simple chin up in greeting. “I’m just looking for something to do. I just left Kelly’s house. Man, she pissed me off.” Jack’s frustration shone in his eyes, but when he gulped down half of the beer in the mug, they sparkled with that same old mischief. “I’m confused. I thought her name was Crystal?” Rafe said recalling the woman at the party. “Who? Oh yeah.” Rafe noticed Jack’s soft smile. “That was two weeks ago.” Rafe laughed. That is so typical of Jack Posen. Hopping from one woman to another, no attachments to keep him tied for too long. “Well, while you’re out screwing, I’m looking for a new place to live.” Jack looked at Rafe with wide surprised eyes. “Really?” Rafe shrugged, exhaled audibly and shook his head. “I need to get away from the old neighborhood. I just can’t stand the drama anymore.” “Yeah, I know the feeling. I only stopped by that night because we were supposed to meet Tony there.” “I wondered what was so different about the same old crowd I grew up with for so many years, and then it hit me.”

22

Ronna Gage

“What?” “I know exactly what changed. I did, not the crowd. That one night at the party was fun. Hell, even the first week was cool. But I’m not a kid anymore. I want something more out of life.” “Things change and you just outgrew them.” Jack’s understanding gave Rafe the opportunity to vocalize his thoughts. “Yes, but where does that leave me now?” The two sat in the stillness of their thoughts and nursed their beers. “I have an idea,” Jack said suddenly, almost excited by the thought. “Why don’t you come out to my place for awhile? It’s not much, but I have an extra room, and you’re more than welcome to it.” Rafe’s spirits lifted at the idea. “I could have a new set of friends, new place to live, and maybe a new party scene.” He looked around the bar. “Not that I’d ever give up my new hangout here at the titty bar.” Jack laughed. “Good, come by and check it out, see what you think, and make your decision after.” “Sounds good.” Rafe felt the weight of the world lift from his shoulders. “I can definitely use a new start.” “Could I get you boys another beer?” the bartendress asked, leaning against the bar, flashing her ample breasts which she stuffed in her black leotard. Cherry, the lead bartender during the day shift, showed a warm spot for Rafe, and he liked her. She gave him free beers and shots of bourbon for his services with the rowdy customers who groped her as she passed. Her auburn hair hung down her back in a ponytail. Her small waist flared to full hips, and a gold chain encircled the flat tummy, emphasizing her tiny hourglass figure. “And they are?” Rafe asked, pointing from one breast to the other. Cherry fingered her plunging neckline. “These girls are top-ofthe-line and very expensive. Any introductions will cost you more than you make in a week.” “Nice purchases,” Jack complimented.

The Search is Over

23

Rafe looked at Jack. “Cherry, give us a pitcher please. We’re going to celebrate.” Her bright smile flashed them with another high-maintenance expense. “What are you celebrating?” Rafe lifted his beer. “I propose a toast. Here’s to changes.” Rafe and Jack clanked mugs. In the last hour of quiet, Rafe’s mind wondered to the potential benefits of having Jack as a roommate. Hanging out with Jack would be nothing but fun.

24

Ronna Gage

Chapter Three Candi held the buzzing phone in her hand and stared off into space. The sound of footsteps down the hall penetrated her stupor. She clicked off the phone. “I sensed something different about Jesse before he left on his trip to his mother’s.” She thought back. “He seemed preoccupied and distant, which centered around a mysterious phone call he’d received prior to making the arrangements.” “What you doing, kiddo?” Minerva, her roommate, asked from the coffeemaker. “I just tried to call Jesse, but he doesn’t answer at this mother’s.” Minerva hung her head and averted looking at her eye to eye. “What’s going on?” “Oh, honey.” She walked to the table and sat down. “Come sit with me. I don’t know how to say this, so I’m going straight on with it. I think I should let you in on a family secret.” Candi sat down at the table. She set the phone next to her. “What?” “Jesse’s old high school flame, Stephanie, contacted him two months ago, and they’ve been talking while you’re at work.” Candi felt the bottom come out of her world. “Before he left on this so-called visit to his mother?” Minerva nodded. “I think Stephanie’s the reason for the visit in the first place. And I think he will be going back up north for good after this trip is over.” Candi shook her head in frustration. “I need this living arrangement to go to school. I don’t have the job security necessary to

The Search is Over

25

move out on my own, or the time needed to find either an apartment or better job.” “Well, like I said. I believe he will come here long enough to pack his shit and get. So you don’t have to leave.” Candi shook her head, hoping to clear her mind of this nightmare. “It was only a short three months ago when he and I met.” She narrowed her eyes. “Didn’t he move here to San Antonio on a supposed brief visit to his dad? “Yeah, come to think of it.” “Hmm, seems to be a pattern here.” The two of them giggled. “Yeah, I think it’s typical of him.” “We seemed to hit it off and even had some good times together.” “What made you get involved in the first place?” “Jesse’s handsome, rugged good looks.” “Yes, I can see that. He’s always been a pretty boy.” “He’s tall, conditioned, and every bit the former Marine. And as an added bonus, he made me laugh. I guess from the start I knew our relationship wouldn’t last, but I also hoped that the closeness that built between us would last a little longer.” “Why? Were you falling for him?” “No, but I don’t want to have juggle schedules so he and I can live in some kind of harmony.” Her stomach felt tight and ill. “I wouldn’t. And he damn sure isn’t going to do it for you,” Minerva pointed out. “Now, go ahead and get ready for work. We’ll leave in about an hour.” Candi poured herself another cup of coffee and headed to her bedroom with some sense of peace that Minerva was on her side. What could be gained by spending time on a relationship that had moved on—without her? Pain and anger didn’t overcome her of the break-up. Annoyance was a better description. This news put her in a possible financial bind with no immediate way out. ****

26

Ronna Gage

The May Texas heat hit a record high, and the humidity in the air choked the quiet in the trailer, stifling his breath. But Rafe didn’t dare move an inch to monitor her across the yard. The sticky sweat on his torso trickled down his back and collected just beyond the waistband of his cutoff shorts. “It’s a shame to waste all this heat,” he said with a chuckle, rubbing the sweat off his forehead. He continued to watch her hang out the basket of wet clothes on the makeshift clothesline. Her red, thin-strapped tank top showed off the darkening skin, while her tight, faded, denim cutoff shorts bared her ass cheeks when she bent over. Come on over they seemed to invite every time she retrieved another article of clothing from the laundry basket. “This is definitely my favorite outfit,” he surmised. He reached over and marked the spot off of the next level of darkness on the Coors Light Tan-o-meter poster he swiped from Cherry two nights before. He liked comparing her to the darkness of the model on the picture. The rough fabric cut into the lips of the flesh he desired, opening her for his viewing pleasure, and he immediately felt the semi-hard reaction in his pants. It throbbed at the sight of her tight ass. Her glistening blonde hair reminded him of a pot of honey with rays of sunlight streaked through. Mentally, his hands sifting through the wet, loose mass that hung around her shoulders. She must have just showered. Good God, if I keep this up, I’m gonna need a cold shower. Even that thought didn’t stop him from gawking at her. In fact, he loved to watch at her. It’d become his favorite pastime, one he looked forward to every day. For two weeks, he took the position on the chair, drank coffee, ate breakfast, and waited for her to come out. When his curiosity got the better of him, he decided to take some action and started making inquiries about her. The amateur investigation skills paid off, and the small trailer community did have a lot of information. On the two drunken nights he spent with the park’s landlord, he’d learned her

The Search is Over

27

name was Candice Patterson, but she called herself Candi. Not Candy with a Y but with an I. “Pour some sugar on me,” he mimicked, as the words of the song blared from the stereo. Twenty-two years old, a high school graduate from a small town in west Texas, she attended medical assistant classes at the community college during the day. She worked nights as a bartender and waitress at a small bar on the south side of San Antonio to earn money before she went to the university for her Physician’s Assistant accreditation. Unfortunately, there was a boyfriend—a Marine. Lucky bastard! They lived in the trailer next to his with another couple, who, as it turned out, was the Marine’s father and girlfriend. He gained all this knowledge and for some unknown reason he’d never approached her. Why? Why indeed? She wasn’t anything like the women he had dated before—blonde bombshells, exotic brunettes, and that one stacked redhead. Candi was average. Her tanned legs ran all the way up to a pert, heart-shaped ass that he longed to fondle. Her hips tapered up to a small waist, and her breasts appealed to him. She wasn’t flat by any means. She had small breasts. Well, experience tells me that anything over a mouthful is a waste. He liked to fit the whole of a woman’s breast in his hands and taste her salty flesh on his tongue. His throbbing erection strained against the fly of his denim shorts. He realized that concentrating on her face was less painful than on her assets. She is definitely easy on the eyes, but as the song went, would she be hard on the heart? Candi, you are definitely cute, no doubt about it. You have an angelic smile, and after overhearing you last night, a voice of one, too. Her soulful song immediately caught his attention. It sounded as lonely as he felt, and it struck a chord. The lyrics were packed with her emotions. The slow and bluesy song whispered to his soul, telling him she did have something special. He’d fallen in love with her singing voice almost instantly.

28

Ronna Gage

Thinking about the incident, he came to one reason for her sudden silence. She’s probably shy when it comes to her singing. I don’t know why. The moment her roommate told her she had a phone call, Candi stammered to silence, shutting off the melodic and heartfelt words. Kneeling on the bed, he caught a glimpse of her as she walked into the house to answer the phone. Her head lowered when she passed her roommate. To his surprise, she didn’t stay in the house to take her phone call, but came back outside. He enjoyed the carefree way she reclined against the step, dangling her flip-flop from her tiny foot. She burst out into laughter at something the caller said. The sound was so infectious he couldn’t help but smile. “Asshole. You’ll go prison if you don’t stop watching her.” The criminal act of invading someone’s privacy had reduced him to an eavesdropping Peeping Tom. Yet, he couldn’t stop. When her morning routine was complete and she went back inside, he’d be filled with a superficial satisfaction at best and the longing for her abated for a few hours at least. Then he would long for more all over again. He scrutinized her body language and found it odd. “Something’s different about her today,” he realized out loud. She seems tense. Her shoulders are bunched up to her neck. Her back is erect as a rod, and she’s restless. Sitting at the table, he silently watched her set the empty basket on the porch, and his heart sank with disappointment. He knew her routine to the letter. She would lie on the lounge chair next, read the newspaper, drink her coffee, and wait for the clothes to dry. He waited anxiously with his eyes glued to her every move as she poured the sun tan lotion into her hands, and then his gaze followed her hands up and down her body as she rubbed a liberal amount onto her skin. The shiny slick surface of her body enraptured him. He reached out to help her and found her skin warm to his touch as he smoothed the oil onto her breasts. He shook his head, looked down, and realized he rubbed his own chest and arms. “You perverse, sick bastard.” He turned away from

The Search is Over

29

the window for a distraction. He stomped across the kitchen to the refrigerator and jerked the door open. Spotting a tall pitcher of cold lemonade, he grasped its handle and brought it out. Turning to the cabinet, he avoided her image just outside the window. He grabbed a glass and filled it with the yellow liquid. Tart on his tongue, the drink quenched the dry spot in his mouth, and his taste buds contracted and burned from the fluids, but his thirst for her wasn’t so easily doused. Looking out the window once more, she rolled over, giving him a fleshy view of her breasts, not completely exposed, but the shifting position did add a lift to them. An hour and a half later, dread settled heavily in his gut when she sat up from her lounge chair, folded the laundry and packed it in her basket. She turned to the newspaper beside her chair, folded it, and stuffed it in the recycle bin. She drained the last of her coffee cup, and gracefully walked into the house. Damn! My favorite pastime is over. He knew one thing, whether to conquer his fear of rejection or feed the longing deep inside him, he had to figure out a way to get close to her. “Be damned with the Marine. It’s all in the timing.”

30

Ronna Gage

Chapter Four Candi had gotten up early to do the laundry while Jesse slept. She tiptoed out of the bedroom and shut the door with armfuls of dirty clothes. She had a lot on her mind and wanted time to think and sort things out for her future. She turned on the coffeepot, started the load of clothes in the washer, and then sat and waited for the load to finish. A half hour later, careful of any noise, she slipped out of the house with a large mug of coffee and the basket of cleaned clothes. Her mind bounced around an array of top-priority tasks, what bills to do without, how much money to save for deposits, and of course, the first month’s rents. Finally, the clothes on the line, she sat on the lounger, poured herself a cup of coffee, and made some soft-set plans or ideas in case her and Jesse’s relationship did go bad. Feeling the burden of a headache, she smoothed on some oil and rested. “I’ll take a quick nap before going in tonight.” An hour later, she woke with an ache in her leg. The metal frame of the lounger dug into her skin. “Great!” She checked the clothes and found they were dry. One by one she took them down and folded them neatly into her basket. The task complete, she walked inside the cool trailer. “That feels great!” She headed toward the bedroom, her mind still making mental plans for the near future. She opened the door and froze in the entrance. Jesse looked up at her. “We need to talk.” He sat on the bed, his eyes fastened to hers. He showed some dread in his expression, but not much. Shot the idea to take a nap all to hell. “About what?” she asked simply, setting the laundry basket by the bed. This is it. It’s going to be over now.

The Search is Over

31

“I have to confess something. I felt a little homesick while I’ve been living in Texas, and when I went home to visit. Well, I think I am going to be moving back soon.” She didn’t even try to feign heartbreak or even disappointment. “Well, it makes sense. Are you sure this is what you want to do?” He nodded. “Yes, this is what I want. And I want us to break up.” Candi figured that would be next. She put away the clothes and avoided eye contact until he finished with his off-the-cuff breakup. “And there’s some else.” “What’s that?” “You need to move out.” Candi stared at him in disbelief. “Jesse, you can’t be serious?” She slammed two folded T-shirts into the basket. “I don’t need this shit right now. You know, ever since you came back from your mother’s house in Idaho yesterday, you’ve acted strange. I’ve waited for you to tell me all about what really took you up there.” “There’s nothing sinister about me going to see my mother,” he shot back with irritation. “Yeah, I know!” Back off girl. You’ll blow it. Although Jesse couldn’t stop talking about his trip and how much fun he’d had in the northern country, he still kept mum about this Stephanie woman, or the fact that he’d been talking to her for weeks. He yawned. “And I don’t need you staying around here messing things up for me.” She looked at Jesse with bitter contempt. “I suppose the fact that I lived here first doesn’t matter.” He shook his head. Damn it. Of course I have to be the one to find another place to live. All because his father is screwing my roommate. Candi shook her head. “No, you move out.” “Candi, come on, damn! This relationship isn’t what either of us wants. It’s going nowhere,” Jesse pointed out rather quickly.

32

Ronna Gage

The bunched muscles of his arms jumped out at her as he rubbed his hands down his face. He wore nothing but a pair of black physical training shorts. His bare chest was covered with a thick mat of dark brown hair that swirled in opposing circles to cover his nipples. His waist narrowed to strong hips and thighs. He still had the body of a Marine—a discharged Marine, but one all the same. Candi couldn’t hold back any more. She waited for the real confession that never came. Well, I guess I will get this ball rolling... “I know this relationship isn’t what you want. If it were, you wouldn’t have gone to see your new girlfriend.” The shock on his face was priceless. “Didn’t think I knew about her, did you?” Candi waited for Jesse to lie, but he stood in the small bedroom looking at her as if she’d just grown a third boob on her chest. “Too bad you couldn’t at least have the balls to tell her the truth.” “Why hurt her?” His cavalier statement took her by surprise. The remark also killed any remaining feelings she had for him. The moment of silence that settled between them, filled with things left unsaid. Just as well, there were too many things to make an amends for, and she didn’t intend to fight another woman for him. “Look, Jesse, I will be moving out in December. Minerva and I agreed that I could stay until I finish school.” By the look on Jesse’s face, he hadn’t anticipated that bit of news either. “I’ll be out August.” Candi could feel her patience running out, but she didn’t let it show. She refused to give him the satisfaction, knowing that he could get to her. “That means you will be out before me.” He thought about that a moment. Odd that he’d wait five months to be with her. “Why so long?” “If you must know my business, I need to gather money to move back home.” He took a step toward her. “I think since it’s my dad’s trailer, you leave.”

The Search is Over

33

“Considering that mine and Minerva’s names are also on the lease and I pay my part of the rent, and it’s on time, you’ll have to endure it until I either find a place I can afford and still go to school, or I finish. Either way, I’m not leaving anytime soon.” Candi squared her shoulders and walked toward the door. She looked over her shoulder. “You were a Marine once, adapt,” she said before she slammed the door in her wake. A couple should never go to bed angry. They should never argue out their problems in the room that will be there to create the better times of a relationship. In that second, the advice her mother once gave her echoed in her mind, and she almost burst out laughing. She usually took that piece of advice to heart, but not this time. The midmorning heat wave forced Candi to turn on the small air conditioning unit in the window. It worked almost beyond its means to cool down the small living room. Roy, a pain in the ass, insisted it only be used when someone stayed home and could tend to it instead of keeping it on a lower setting all day to keep the house cool. Candi raised the bottom of her shirt, aimed it at the cold blast of air from the unit and let the blower cool the built-up perspiration that formed on her body. Her nipples hardened in a nanosecond to the changed exposure. “I need to get out of here as soon as possible. I won’t go through five months of potshots due to that, that dickhead.” She stood in front of the air unit, with her blouse raised, deep in thought, planning her next move. Step one, save money. Step two, find a place I could afford to live, close to school and possibly work. Candi realized with a sad heart that when she quit her job at the bar, she would be leaving Minerva. Who do I talk to? Laugh with? Plan things out with? I lose her by default, and all because Minerva is stuck in the middle, due to the family loyalty. It made her sick to think about it. She felt the goose bumps break out over her arms and the ache in her nipples from the chill. She turned away from the blast and came

34

Ronna Gage

up short when she caught Jesse standing in the doorway of the bedroom, staring at her with that wolfish grin. What was so handsome about him before? She studied him now. Sex? The idea that he kept her from being lonely seemed to be the only logical answer that came to mind. What exactly? Distracted by her thoughts of reassessment, she forgot about Jesse standing there, until he cleared his throat and got her attention. The lustful look in his eyes caught her off guard. He approached her slowly. “You know, Candi, there’s no reason we can’t be fuck buddies.” The protruding bulge that literally led him by the short hairs disgusted her. She felt like an animal being preyed upon. “I think you have enough…buddies. Besides, I thought you found the love of your life,” Candi reminded him. Even a class dunce couldn’t deny the sarcasm in her voice, but either Jesse wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed or he didn’t pay attention. Typical. “What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her,” he assured her softly. His smile, one that Candi knew to be a deal-closing, womancatching, golden-boy-awarded smile that a fool would use to his advantage, made her nauseated. Softly, his fingertips traced the line of the thin strap of her tank top. The touch that caused fire in her thighs a short time ago chilled her to the bone in repulsion now. She pinned him with as cold stare as she could muster. “Why hurt her?” The words he threw at her moments before seemed to piss him off now. Angered by her sarcastic rejection, he turned cursing her as he stomped away. “You bitch!” He turned inside the threshold. “You will miss me, Candi. No one else will please you like me. Mark my words.” “Marked and entered.”

The Search is Over

35

The parting comment intended to hurt her missed its mark. She stared at the empty doorway leading to the front porch. “Unless Mr. Right comes along and sweeps me off my feet, pretty boys like Jesse are an obstacle in the way to my success. Stay away,” she vowed, making up her mind on the spot. “I’ve planned too hard for an involvement risk.” And, it helped to protect her feelings and heart. Only God knew when she would be ready for a significant relationship. Only time will tell. She walked past the window and paused to see him on the porch with a smug smile on his face. “Fucker!” She spat, and then walked by on her way to the kitchen for a cup of hot coffee. It was the thing to warm the nagging chill that settled around her.

36

Ronna Gage

Chapter Five The massaging showerhead sprayed hot, pulsating water onto Candi’s shoulders, releasing the built-up tension between the two blades. White bubbles of shampoo cascaded down her body to gather in the drain below, taking the frustration and enigma of the last two days with it. The first setback, her breakup with Jesse, set the tensions within the household to almost unbearable proportions. They avoided each other when possible, and thank God her schedule kept her busy. She lolled her head under the massaging spray and grimaced at the memory in her mind. Working a double shift yesterday, she came home at three o’clock in the morning, barely enough time for a brief nap before her first day of orientation, which had been a chore to get through. Thanks to the eight cups of coffee, she did stay awake long enough to get most of her notes on a mini tape recorder Finally, she went to work yesterday consumed by exhaustion and wanted the day to end as quickly as possible. At work she took a quick look at the schedule and almost burst into tears when the revised schedule showed her to be off this evening. “I figured you needed a break,” Minerva whispered in her ear at the end of their shift last night. “You have no idea.” Candi hugged her warmly. She could feel the coil of pressure release in the pit of her stomach. “Minerva, you are such a good friend to me, always intuitive to my emotional stresses.” “I figure business isn’t going to pick up, so go ahead and go home, get some rest for school, and take tomorrow night off.” In her exhaustion, she spoke with heartfelt gratitude. “You are so great with encouraging my plans to continue with my studies.”

The Search is Over

37

“Oh, honey, you are so welcome. It is my pleasure. You don’t need to be waiting on drunks all your life like I am.” “Little things mean a lot to me. Like having an extra night off, knowing that business wouldn’t pick up and…” “Look, you need a break,” Minerva said simply. Candi appreciated having a supportive friend like Minerva in her corner. Bang! Bang! Bang! Startled to the present, Candi jumped at the hammering sound of heavy fists on the door, which intruded the serenity of her shower. “I’m in here,” she yelled, hoping to maintain a little privacy. “Candi! It’s me,” Minerva answered. “Chandler wants to see you at the picnic tables.” Candi rolled her eyes at the ill-timed interruption. “All right.” She reached down and turned off the water. “I’ll be right there.” Stepping out of the shower, Candi felt the moist heat cling to her body. She quickly wrapped a towel around her shampooed head, and then grabbed the lightweight terrycloth robe off the hook. Slipping it on, she secured the belt around her wet body. The second she entered the bedroom, the cool breeze from the air-conditioner prickled her skin with goose bumps. She donned on a pair of pink silk running shorts under her robe. She unbelted the housecoat, slipped it off, and threw it toward the bed. She snatched a white cropped tank top from the pile of clean clothes in her drawer and then pulled it on and stood before the mirror and ran a comb through her wet hair. Opting to leave it down to dry, she then rubbed on deodorant and slipped into a pair of white flip-flops. Satisfied that in a rushed minute she looked decent, she walked to the kitchen. “I thought I’d wait for you,” Minerva greeted, handing her a bottle of Corona topped with a wedge of fresh lime. “It’s too damn hot out there.”

38

Ronna Gage

“Thanks.” Candi took the bottle and watched Minerva pull her brown hair in a French roll on top of her head and secure it with a clasp. The tendrils of hair that escaped the rolled do, laid femininely down the side of her face. “I don’t think there has ever been a time that you haven’t worn your hair up.” “Being raised in Minnesota, I can’t stand the Texas heat. Roy says I complain about it too much, but I don’t care.” Candi took a greedy drink of the beer. The cold liquid quenched the thirst of her parched throat and satisfied the spot of her unidentified craving. A sense of contentment came over her with that single swallow. “That’s almost better than sex,” she sighed gratefully. “Then someone isn’t doing it right,” Minerva cautioned. Candi couldn’t help but laugh. The remark, so like Minerva, at least when her boyfriend, Roy, wasn’t in the area to badger her every comment and make trouble for her, showed her comedic side. Roy never missed an opportunity to criticize the less-than-ladylike manners. Like he’s a dignitary of the social persona. Candi had to change the subject or she would be going off on Minerva about her boyfriend and his holier-than-though-attitude. “What does Chandler want?” “Roy and I told him you were going to school and needed a place to store your furniture,” Minerva answered matter-of-factly, shrugging her shoulders. “He may have a place to store your sofa.” Candi looked out the window at the pile of furniture on the porch, half covered by a black plastic tarp. She feared the red sectional would ruin if she didn’t get it out of the weather soon. “That would be so cool.” Candi and Minerva walked out the sliding patio door. “I could get my stuff out of the way and I won’t have to look at it all covered on the front porch.”

The Search is Over

39

“Oh my!” Minerva put a hand on Candi’s shoulder, stopping her from taking another step. Minerva’s giddiness was contagious and spreading. Candi too became excited. “There is this gorgeous guy at the tables with us. His name is Rafe. He’s Jack’s roommate. You know, the trailer next to ours.” “Okay?” Candi questioned with disinterest. Knowing Jack, his roommate was probably a real winner. Not! She knew of Jack’s wild, woman-chasing lifestyle. “If I wasn’t already with Roy, I would go for him myself,” Minerva said as a twinkle appeared in her blue eyes. “I can’t wait for you to meet him. He is so hot. I wouldn’t mind setting him on my bed like a teddy bear.” “What would you do with him?” “I’d fuck him for awhile, leave my mark, and set him free. Stuffed, screwed, and tattooed. Now that’s wildlife rehabilitation.” Minerva ended with a growl. The two women broke out in laughter at Minerva’s contribution to wildlife preservation and were still giggling when they approached the small group of residents that gathered at the tables. Chandler, Roy, Jack Posen, and someone who Candi assumed to be Rafe, sat around in a small group. All conversation stopped, and the men looked back at the two of them the second she and Minerva came into view. Minerva rounded the table to the spot next to Roy, leaving the only available seat at the head of the table. Candi sat down with Chandler on her left, Minerva sat between him and Roy, and Jack on her right. Between her and Jack, at the end of the table opposite her, sat Rafe on the table’s edge with his feet on the bench below him, a cooler between his high-top sneakers. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. His white-blonde hair touched the end of the collar of his blue Tshirt. His laid-back demeanor appealed to her almost as much as his strong, pronounced jawline. He had an air about him that warned her to stay clear, but it also seemed to beckon her to approach, with caution.

40

Ronna Gage

“Hey, Candi, how are you doing, girl?” Chandler Grimes asked as she sat down at the end of the table. Chandler, the manager and owner of the little trailer park where they lived, entertained guests at the picnic tables often. He liked having people kiss his ass, so he surrounded himself with people like Roy—a person who willingly drank with him—better yet, one who could drink as much as he could. Thankful for her busy schedule, Candi didn’t go to Chandler’s parties too frequently. But sometimes it was a good idea to imbibe with him to keep peace in the park. His balding head was unusually large for a man of his size. He was the classic big and tall man at well over six feet and a rounding belly that protruded over the waist of his jeans. Middle age and hard drinking had made him pudgy. “I’m doing great. How are you?” She settled in the seat with her beer. “Couldn’t be better.” He lifted the tall can of beer in a toast. “Hell of a day.” “I agree.” Candi took a quick swallow of beer. Chandler looked around the table. “Oh hell, let me introduce you to everyone,” Chandler offered, remembering his manners. “This is Jack Posen. He lives…” “She knows everyone here but Rafe, Chandler,” Roy reminded him with a roll of his eyes. Roy usually tolerated Chandler’s memory lapses when he was drunk. Candi suspected that in his efforts to please his lenient landlord, he bit his tongue quite a bit. If Roy angered Chandler too much, then the man would probably raise his rent, or worse, kick him out after one week of late charges, which usually happened every other month. “Oh hell, that’s right.” Chandler pointed to the end of the table. “Rafe Sines, this is Candi Patterson.” Rafe stayed in his laid-back position while the introduction was made. He raised his beer in a salute, the only movement he made in

The Search is Over

41

response to meeting her. His back arched to hug his right knee. His arm bulged with muscle as it bunched the sleeve of his T-shirt. Candi noticed, even in the semi-darkness that surrounded him, the cotton color of his hair. What is wrong with me? Jesse and I just broke up yesterday. She felt the fluttering sensation in the pit of her stomach as the flutters gave way to that exciting thrill that she’d missed for awhile. A twitching sensation in her pussy catapulted to a deeper longing to be filled. At her seat, she watched Rafe’s profile as he took a drink from his longneck bottle. His long fingers curled around the bottleneck in a totally male manner. On him, it was magnificent. On anyone else it would be a cheap imitation of John Travolta’s Urban Cowboy days. She took a swallow of beer to cool the burning sweat that suddenly poured from every pore of her skin. Sensing Rafe would turn his head in her direction and catch her watching him, she pretended interest in the conversation around her. Out of her peripheral vision she saw him look her way. She heard a giggle escape Jack’s throat. Figures he would be the one to screw this up. Candi liked Jack, but he wasn’t her type. He liked having many women, and many women he had on a regular basis. She wanted someone that would at least be faithful to her. God knows my luck isn’t for shit right now. “Candi?” She turned to Chandler. “Yes?” His interruption tore her interest from Rafe, and she didn’t know if that was a good thing or a bad thing. She tried to cover her frustration, but this was the second time Chandler interrupted her thoughts this evening. Why does it bother me so much? Fortunately, Chandler didn’t notice her frustration and make a big deal of it. “Minerva and Roy tell me you need a place to store your furniture for a few months.”

42

Ronna Gage

“Yes, I do,” Candi confirmed. She felt someone’s gaze watching her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Rafe suddenly change positions. He sat up and rested his elbows on his bent knees, but seldom looked directly at her. “I have a small trailer down the road there.” Chandler used his chin to point in the direction of the road past her trailer. “It isn’t much, but your stuff will be out of the way and safe from the weather.” “How much is this going to cost her?” Jack intervened suddenly. “What are you, her boyfriend?” Chandler snapped. Chandler’s snotty attitude increased when he drank. He was a bully with money who liked to use that “big man on campus” power to his advantage. Candi felt somebody watching her again and scanned the group in hopes of meeting the eyes of the man at the other end of the table. She hid her interest as she vaguely listened to Chandler and Jack’s argument. Why is Jack being my champion? She looked up only to see Rafe’s eyes fixed on Jack and Chandler’s argument. Rafe Sines was a man of few words. He sat back casually, drank his beer, and seemed to soak up the atmosphere around him. He held in his laughter at the comical argument before him. I definitely need to approach you with caution. Watching him within the crowd seemed to be the safest way to read him. She let the sensation of being watched go but was keenly aware of Rafe’s presence at the other end of the table. I’m almost positive that you are the one watching me. “No, someone else has that job, smart-ass,” she heard Jack quip back. Uh-oh, time to stop this argument, before it gets out of hand. Candi started to put a hand on Jack’s arm. “Not Jesse, they broke up yesterday,” Minerva popped off, revealing her new relationship status. Suddenly, the mood was charged with surprise and something else, but what?

The Search is Over

43

Candi felt the eyes of not only Rafe, but of everyone at the table…on her. She looked around, surprised to see Rafe’s satisfied smile, which caused another stirring in her pussy, and then it warmed her on the inside. “Oh. Sorry to hear that, honey.” Chandler placed a gentle hand on hers. He looked at Candi as if understanding the pain of her broken heart. Rafe’s smile suddenly became a hard thin line. What is he displeased with? Chandler’s comment or his hand on mine? “I’m not,” she heard herself say. “He and I weren’t meant to be.” Candi squeezed Chandler’s hand, hoping to reassure him that all was indeed well. Then, she took hers from his and set it on her lap. She felt uncomfortable with the change around the table and certainly didn’t want to talk about her and Jesse’s relationship with Chandler or the group. Especially since Jesse’s dad looked at her with malice. She drained the last swallow in her bottle of beer. “I need a beer!” Rafe bent down and casually dug into his cooler and seconds later, brought out a longneck bottle of Budweiser. “Here you go.” He extended it to her. “It’s all I have, but you’re welcomed to it.” Aw, that’s so sweet. She placed a hand on her chest to stop the growing admiration in her heart. “I don’t want to take your last one.” “You’re not. I’ve got plenty to drink. I only drink Bud,” he elaborated with a shrug of his shoulders. “Oh good.” Candi took the beer from him and looked at the bottle with disapproval. “What’s wrong?” he asked with mild annoyance. “I get a headache when I drink Bud,” she whined softly. “You shouldn’t drink so many of them,” Jack joked, giving her a quick jab on the arm as he passed her with a fresh beer from Chandler’s cooler. “Jack, you are not funny!” Candi stated, giving him a little punch on the knee.

44

Ronna Gage

“I don’t know if you know this or not, but I have a soda machine out by the garage,” Chandler told Candi, interrupting the playful banter between her and Jack. “She doesn’t want a damn soda, Chandler,” Roy said, a tinge of anger reflected in his voice. Chandler gave Roy a leveling look. “No, you dumbass, it’s filled with beer,” he snapped back. Roy cowered back into his quiet anger. “Oh my gawd! Only you would actually fill a soda machine with beer.” Jack laughed. “Did you raise the price in the machine, too?” “No,” Chandler defended right away. His smile changed to a crafty grin. “The machine came from the hospital district preprogrammed for a dollar,” he explained. “Damn lucky to find such a deal this afternoon.” Candi’s gaze roamed over the people at the table. Her eyes wandered intermittently back to the handsome man that sat at the opposite end of the table. The rest of the group and her comment about disliking Bud were forgotten as she coyly stole looks of him. Her insides fluttered in reaction. How would I react if he caught me right now? Would I be flirtatious and wink at him, or blush and bow my head in shame? She hoped he didn’t catch her taking the innocent glances. Now, to talk with him. She would engage him in a conversation as soon as her courage allowed it. “Well, since most of us drink Miller Light, what other kinds of beer did you fill it with?” Minerva asked, adding to the conversation. “I added Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite,” Chandler answered. “I filled it this afternoon.” “No Dr. Pepper?” Candi tried to twist the top off the beer Rafe gave her earlier, but the edges of the bottle cap stung her palms as the grooves dug into her hand. “Ow!” “Give it here!” Rafe ordered mildly after watching her struggle with the bottle for a minute. She handed it to him and in a snap he

The Search is Over

45

took the top off of her opened beer. He handed it back to her. Their fingertips slightly touched, and the quick spark of electricity running through her body hummed. His gaze captured hers, and she felt dizzy. If she hadn’t been sitting down, she would have fallen on her ass. She took the bottle with a smile and relished the lingering effects of the short but sweet contact of skin. Her tongue teased the bottleneck as she licked the side where the foam dribbled onto her fingers. Rafe watched her. Embarrassed, she avoided eye contact by looking around the table only to find Jack also watching her. Her embarrassment grew another level. She took a drink of the foamy top and her eyes connected with Rafe. The flutters in her stomach grew more erratic. She gave him a quick smile and focused her attention back on the conversation. “Dr. Pepper will be in there tomorrow,” Chandler said as he took a drink of his beer. “I have to go to the store and get some first.” “I want a Sprite,” Candi said, interrupting the conversation. Beer wasn’t her favorite drink. It always tasted bitter, and she hated that. “I need something to chase this down.” Candi stood up and patted her pockets for change. Realizing the silk running shorts had no pockets, she sat back down on the chair. “Never mind, I didn’t bring any money,” she said, pouting. Rafe shook his head. “I can see you pouting from here.” He stood up and pulled out a wad of crumpled dollar bills from his jeans. Straightening them out, he grasped the one on top. “Good Lord, Rafe! Were you at the titty bar again tonight?” Roy blurted out suddenly, his eyes glued to the pile of money. Rafe gave him a smirk. “I have to do my part to put them girls through college.” “Ah! Giving tithes to the silicone temple, huh?” Candi couldn’t believe she said that. She didn’t know Rafe from the man on the moon or his habits, but for some reason she didn’t like the idea of him being at a strip club.

46

Ronna Gage

Rafe stopped, turned, and looked back at her. His roguish smile churned the fluttering insides to gel. Leaving the table, he made no comment of retort, but shook his head and walked to the garage. He fed the dollar bill into the machine, pushed a button, and then, bending, retrieved the can of Sprite. He set the can of unopened soda in front of her and still said nothing, but his smile remained. “Looks like she’s got your number, Rafe,” Chandler teased, and then took a drink of his beer. Looking up into Rafe’s eyes, Candi felt the strong stirrings of lust grow deeper. I hope he has a good sense of humor. “Thanks.” She spoke softly, and then hesitated before opening the can of soda. His retort will likely come in the form of a spewing soda can. But to her relief Sprite foamed to the top, but it didn’t erupt into sticky bubbles. He gave her a wink and sat down again at the end of the table to Candi’s disappointment. The sliding glass door at Chandler’s house opened, gaining everyone’s attention. Chandler’s wife, Debbie, and his mother, Donita, came outside. Donita dug into her purse as they approached the group. Finding her keys, she stopped at Chandler’s side of the table. “That was a good movie.” “What movie did you see?” Minerva asked. “Dirty Dancing.” Donita’s black hair was pulled back into a thick well-cared-for ponytail which shone with very little gray. She didn’t look her sixtyplus years due in part to her small thin, well-maintained frame. “I love that movie.” Her eyes sparkled with girlish mischief. “I would love to do some moves of my own to that young Patrick Swayze.” Everyone at the table laughed. Debbie sat by Chandler. “Glad you had a good time. Now, you be careful going home, all right?” Debbie’s blonde hair set off her brown eyes, yet they reflected impatience this evening. She looked to be in a snit of a mood, obviously ready to be rid of her mother-in-law.

The Search is Over

47

Donita bent to hug Chandler but stopped at the comment at the table. “Candi, are you going to drink that beer or sip on it like a freaking cup of tea?” Rafe asked. She looked up at him and saw that he teased her. So she played along. “I don’t like your attitude,” she remarked back, silencing him again. Donita looked at the two drinks sitting in front of Candi. “What the heck are you drinking? You have a beer in one hand and a Sprite in the other.” Candi looked at the two drinks and thought for a logical answer. “Mixed drink,” she replied after a second, barely getting it out due to the bout of laughter that overcame her. It was the only thing that seemed to make sense at the time. “Why not drink one or the other?” “I don’t like the taste of beer, unless it is really cold. I didn’t want to ruin a Coke by chasing it with the beer.” Candi shrugged at the sensible excuse. Then she took a swallow of the beer, chased it down with a swallow of the Sprite just to prove her point. “It sounds disgusting to me.” “You have to try it before you knock it,” Rafe defended quickly. Candi felt tingly inside. Her heart soared at the gallant act of defending her against the busybody, goody-good Donita Grimes. Candi extended the two cans toward Rafe. “You want a drink?” she offered with a hopeful smile. “No.” Rafe laughed. “I like beer! It makes me a jolly good fellow.” he sang and rubbed his stomach. “So going to worship every night at the silicone temple doesn’t make you jolly?” Candi asked sarcastically. The chaser didn’t cut the buzzing effect of the beer, and Candi, barely weighing over one hundred and twenty pounds, buzzed easily. The laughter of the crowd at Rafe’s expense exhilarated and enabled

48

Ronna Gage

her quick wit. She loved the power of besting him, and she did engage him. Success. Donita looked around the table. “I think I better go. The shit is getting too deep around here.” She patted Chandler on the back. “I’ll see you later.” “I’ll call you tomorrow, Mom.” Chandler kissed his mother on the cheek. “Bye, Donita!” the group around the table said in unison as they all watched her walk to her car. Donita started the engine and then backed her Cadillac out of the driveway. Heading the car down the rocky, bumpy drive through the park she was gone in a minute. **** Chandler leaned forward and kissed Debbie’s cheek. “Did you have fun, sweetheart?” Debbie looked at him and softened her facial expression. “Yeah, but I could use some tea.” Chandler smiled and hugged her. “Hey, go and get my bottle of Crown will you?” Chandler placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “I suppose.” Debbie stood up from her seat. She stopped and gave Rafe and Candi a resentful once-over before she turned to go inside.. Her stomach churned bile while she fumed with jealousy as Rafe and Candi ogled one another with intense desire. I think I’m gonna be sick! Debbie stomped into the house, letting the sliding door slam against the metal threshold. She took the bottle of bourbon from the bar and removed the lid. Chandler will never know the difference if I took one little sip. Taking a huge gulp, she let the burning liquid mellow in her mouth before she swallowed. She opened the refrigerator and took a quick drink of lemonade, and gulped it down. She then grabbed a can of diet soda and set the cold can to her

The Search is Over

49

forehead. Satisfied that the trembling feeling was past, she turned toward the window and watched Rafe outside at the table. “What does he see in her? She’s just a little airheaded knitwit. She has as much class as…” She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and sighed. She smoothed a shaking hand over her face. “It is such a shame to have that hot, virile man outside looking so damn good when I look so shitty.” Debbie bit her tongue. “You better change your attitude right now, or the whole park will know your business. Get a grip on your emotions before you go back out there,” she told her image. God, I hope my body doesn’t look as bad as I feel. Rafe is too fine a piece of ass to get by me, baby or not. She pinched color back into her cheeks, smoothed a hand over her hair, and licked her lips. Gathering Chandler’s bottle of bourbon, ice cups, and ice, she went outside to join the rest of the group.

50

Ronna Gage

Chapter Six The effects of the two beers she drank crept up on Candi. Sipping the second beer, it became warm. She took a deep breath and downed it until it was finished. Her body trembled with the taste of bile. She watched Chandler take a shot of bourbon from the bottle and then passed it to her. “Chase that beer with this,” he suggested. The opened bottle passed under her nose. The smell of the bourbon watered her mouth. “I don’t have any more beer, sorry.” Candi tried to hide her disappointment. She preferred whiskey to beer, and right now she was in the mood to get wasted. “I can fix that,” Roy said, and handed her a tall can of another lite beer. “Would it be a good idea to mix beer and bourbon?” Minerva’s concern was evident. “She’ll get a horrible headache.” Candi took the beer from Roy. “The silver bullet! I was raised on this stuff.” She pulled on the tab and easily opened the beer. She grabbed the bottle of bourbon, tilted it back, and took a big shot. She swallowed, and the burning liquid scorched its way down her throat. She chased it down with a big swallow of cold beer. “Ahhhh, that’s good!” The table erupted in another round of laughter. “Oh my gosh! She did it! I didn’t believe you would do it,” Jack blurted out, giving her a high five. “I’m not a weak little girl!” she protested.

The Search is Over

51

“Candi, be careful. Don’t get so fucked up you won’t be able to go to school tomorrow,” Minerva reminded her as she worried her bottom lip. “It’s Friday, Minerva. She doesn’t have school tomorrow,” Roy reminded her impatiently. “God, you’re such an ass tonight,” Minerva commented. She took the bourbon from Chandler and defiantly slammed down a shot. The sharp intake of her breath alerted the table. Swiftly, Roy slapped her between the shoulder blades. “Goddamn it, Minerva, you’re going to vapor lock yourself to death,” Roy hissed. Minerva said nothing, but she quietly sipped her beer, brooding over Roy’s patronizing ways.

52

Ronna Gage

Chapter Seven Rafe sat back and watched Candi drink the shot of Crown but said nothing. He wondered if she was a boozing alcoholic but decided she was more of a light weight than a boozer. Which is good, because I don’t need the drama that comes with alcoholics. What do I care anyway? She’s just a possible fuck, a passing fancy to get off with some night. Who was he kidding? Rafe was enamored with her. She’s funny, witty, and cute. She impressed him with her quick wit. He liked a woman who could think on her feet, and several times that wit put him in his place. The silicone temple comment was creative. I’ll give her that. Knowing that she was single changed his views of her. He thought about asking her out. She would be a cheap date if two beers and a shot were all it took to get her buzzed. He almost fell off the bench earlier tonight when Chandler requested Minerva ask her to the table. The perfect opportunity presented itself to see her up close. When she walked up from the darkness, Rafe felt the stiffness in his jeans. Her wet hair wet hung loose around her shoulders. I love her hair wet. She’s prettier up close, not that she wasn’t through the window. “Rafe, what bar did you go to tonight?” Roy’s question abruptly took his attention from Candi. “What?” Roy is trying to put a cold patch on the warm ambience at the table. Good move! “I went to Desert Illusions. You know, the one on Main.”

The Search is Over

53

“Oh, well.” Candi waved her arm. “Come on back to reality. It’s so much better.” Her speech slightly slurred. The table erupted in another peal of laughter. Rafe laughed as well. In a war of words Candi could probably come very close to becoming the victor. But close is not good enough. “That’s good, Candi,” Rafe praised. Candi gave a simple shrug of her shoulders. He leaned back hugging his knee. “I have a question for you.” “All right. What’s your question?” She took a swallow of the beer and cocked her head in challenge. “Has anyone ever made you wiggle, giggle, shit, fart, faint, and pass out?” Candi spewed beer on a squeal of laughter spraying the liquid over the table. Jack quickly jumped up and grabbed his own beer. “Towel!” he yelled. “We need a towel here,” he said wiping his chest. “Because F-C-K the only thing that is missing is U, baby. Every time I go to town, the divorce rate goes up one hundred and ten percent.” Rafe tipped the longneck bottle in a slight salute, followed by a wink of his eye. He successfully rendered Candi speechless, making him the victor. **** Candi saw a hint of Rafe’s boyish charm and a subtle wickedness that she wanted to eagerly explore. The leaned-back position reminded her of what she suddenly wanted at this very moment. To mount and ride him like a wild mustang on the prairie. She could feel the bucking sensation at the image that flashed before her eyes and reined in her desires. Stop! Pretty boys are out of the question. Remember?

54

Ronna Gage

Chapter Eight “Great!” Candi said under her breath. Everyone looked in the direction she did. Headlights of a car approached at a slow speed. “It’s Jesse,” Roy stated. He jumped up and left the table almost in a dead run to meet Jesse at the door. Jesse’s untimely arrival interrupted the jovial mood of the evening. Candi’s good humor changed to a simmering burst of energy which hummed at the surface. Her posture stiff and set countered the calm, easy, outgoing woman she was a few minutes earlier. Now she felt cold. “I guess Roy’s going to tell on you,” Minerva whispered to Candi. “I don’t give a damn. He wants to be with someone else, more power to him,” she challenged with a wave of her hand. Two shots of bourbon may have slurred Candi’s speech, but they didn’t keep her from speaking her mind. If anything, she voiced her opinion and feelings with little restraint. Jack took her hand. His sympathetic gaze looked down at her. “Wow! You shouldn’t be so broken up about it.” Candi laughed. She looked down at the joined hands and sighed. Why can’t this be Rafe’s hand holding mine? She sought him out and found him casually sitting at the other end of the table watching her. His eyes showed understanding and empathy. His smile caught her attention. And she felt a pang of regret for a lost chance. “What do you think he’s doing in there?” Jack whispered, breaking into her intent focus on Rafe.

The Search is Over

55

Candi removed her hands from Jack’s. She picked up the cup of Sprite and Crown. “He’s probably in there calling his new girlfriend right now.” Candi took a drink. “He could be beating off for daddy,” Minerva commented. She gasped and hid her eyes in her hands. The uproarious laughter shook the table, which got even louder when Jack fell off the bench seat, knocking beer bottles and half empty cups of mixed drinks into Candi’s lap. With a shriek, she jumped up. “Ah shit! That was funny,” Jack hollered out and grabbed his side. He wiped the tears off his cheek. Minerva’s hands slowly smoothed down her face. “I can’t believe I said that. It is so unlike me to be that crude in front of anyone.” “That’s all right, Minerva,” Jack said, wrapping an arm around her in a consoling hug. “You just couldn’t stop it from coming out.” Candi shot up out of the chair and immediately wiped the drink off her bared legs. “Dammit! Now I need another shower.” “Here.” Rafe pitched his shirt to her, leaving his arms bared in his tank. Candi caught it and quickly patted her sticky legs. The scent of his cologne settled over her senses, calming the raging storm of mixed emotions inside her. She walked the shirt back to him. “Thanks.” “No problem.” He shrugged his right shoulder with the comment. He sat the shirt between his feet. “I guess I’ll call it a night,” Debbie said next to Chandler. “I’m kinda tired.” “I guess I’ll go along, too.” “No, honey, stay. You’re having a good time.” “Are you sure?” “Yes.” Everyone watched Debbie until she walked into the house. Candi stared at Rafe. I should go in, but I can’t think of one reason why.

56

Ronna Gage

Without asking, or being told, she sat down on the bench next to his feet. It was the perfect excuse to stay near him. She could feel his leg rest softly against her arm and smell the scent from his body on her legs, along with the cologne left by the shirt. The intimate reminders generated thrills of excitement through her whole body. In the short distance, Jesse and Roy approached the table, silently talking amongst themselves. Rafe bent close to her ear. “Here he comes,” he whispered. Candi shrugged off the comment. “Hey, everyone, how’s it going?” Jesse asked. “Nothing much. What about you?” Minerva greeted. The light mood drastically changed with Jesse’s presence. It no longer had the relaxed atmosphere of flirting and subtle teasing, but tension-filled stress. Candi thought she would choke on its strength. “Does anyone have a beer for a working man?” Jesse asked. “Here, you can have one of mine,” Chandler said. Jesse pranced around with his chest heaved out, reminding Candi of a bully on the playground. He ruined the festive mood of her evening. You look like a fucking idiot. “You all right?” Rafe whispered. “Yep.” She grabbed his beer and took a drink. “Mmm, that’s cold.” “That’s what I’m here for, to make sure you have cold beer.” He laughed. “You do it so well,” she praised with good nature. “Jesse doesn’t look too happy,” Jack added across from her. “Should have thought of that beforehand.” Jesse walked to her side of the table, sat down next to her, and rested his arm close to hers. She scooted over out of his reach and closer to Rafe. Jesse leaned forward, and Candi wanted to cringe. “What’s with you tonight?” he whispered in her ear.

The Search is Over

57

Candi looked at him. Is he kidding? The gruff tone of his voice penetrated her mind and the friction inside sparked with a snap. “That is none of your damn business.” “She’s on her third shot of bourbon,” Roy informed him. “Ah.” Jesse reached for the beer she took from Rafe. She drew it back, slapped at his hand and leveled him with a glare. “If you don’t keep your hands to yourself, I will kick you so fucking hard your balls will be lodged in your nose.” Jesse slowly withdrew his hand away from her drink. He looked at his father. “I was just trying to help.” Rafe inhaled sharply. He leaned forward and whispered to Jack. “I have no doubt in my ex-military mind that at that very moment, Candi would have kicked Jesse and made good on her threat to kick him hard enough to make his balls move to his face.” “No shit. Don’t mess with a woman’s beer.” She stood up from the bench, looked at everyone else but Jesse, and calmly announced, “I guess I’ll call it a night, too.” She turned to Rafe, extended her hand to him, successfully shrugging Jesse’s hand from her elbow. “Thank you for the Sprite and beer.” Rafe took her hand. “No big deal.” He held it as his gaze held hers in a silent message of encouragement. Encouragement of what? **** “It was very nice to meet you. Welcome to the neighborhood.” The cottony whisper of her voice wrapped around him and held him captive in a web of desire. He saw only her in that moment, as if they were the only two people in the world. Candi made no attempts at releasing his hand. His conscience focused on the softness of Candi’s hand in his, the heat of her touch, and the tingling in his cock. “Hey, Candi! What time do you work tomorrow?” Jack cut in between her and Jesse, flanking her on the right while Rafe flanked her on the left.

58

Ronna Gage

The question and the gesture caught Rafe by surprise. Jack said once before that he never went to her bar. “I open. Why do you ask? You never come in because it’s too quiet,” she mocked his statement from way back. Jack and Rafe each offered her an elbow. “We’ll walk you home,” Jack insisted. Candi’s mood picked up from the added attention bestowed on her. “Why thank you. I feel like a distressed damsel.” She tucked her hand in the crook of their elbows and walked with them toward the door of her trailer. Rafe turned toward Jesse, smiled, and led Candi away. Serves him right. At her front door, Candi acted giddy and silly. She turned to her two escorts. “Sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite,” Jack whispered, and then laid a brotherly kiss on her forehead. Turning to Jesse, who had at that second walked up behind them, he offered the same sentiment. “Good night,” he walked past him. Rafe stopped at the end of the three-step porch. “Well, I guess this is good night.” Can I leave her just now? Will he do something to her if she’s alone? “Are you going to be all right?” She nodded. Deep down he didn’t want to hear that. He’d rather she ask him to stay with her for awhile longer, at least until Shitass went to bed. But this wasn’t his affair. She looked like she could handle it. “I would eat something before going to bed. It’ll help with the hangover.” He gave a stern steady look to Jesse who still stood outside with the two of them. I wouldn’t want to see her with another man. Rafe looked back at her. “Call me if you need me.” Jesse rolled his eyes, stormed past them, and threw open the flimsy screen door. Turning toward the door, Rafe and Candi saw Jesse’s face in the glass. She reached in and shut the door without a word to him, giving them some privacy. She looked back at Rafe, “Don’t worry. He’ll sleep on the couch.” She giggled, giving him some reassurance.

The Search is Over

59

“Okay. But like I said, if you need me just call me.” “Thanks for the offer. Good night.” She parted with a small kiss to his cheek, and then stepped back. Rafe turned and walked toward Jack, who waited for him at the end of the walk. Before they turned the corner of the trailer and out of sight, he stopped and looked over his shoulder at her. She waved at them and in the semi-darkness he saw her smile. Another torrent of thrilling tingles enveloped him. She opened the door and entered. She’s on her own for now. **** Entering the house, Candi felt like she walked on rays of sunshine. Nothing could ruin her night. Not after meeting Rafe. What was it that Minerva said she’d do to him? “What the hell was that about?” Jesse yelled, almost killing her buzz. This could ruin my night. But fuck it. Too tired, too buzzed, and too happy to indulge him in a fight, Candi merely said the first civil thing that came to her mind. “Good night.” She gracefully stumbled into the bedroom with Jesse following close behind her. “Who was that? What’re you doing with him? You can’t sleaze around and…” Candi held up her hand, shutting him up immediately. “Why don’t you go call your girlfriend?” The comment ended his barrage of questions. Jesse stormed from the room without a word or backward glance…to her relief. She sat on the bed. Thoughts of Rafe danced in her mind. She looked to the window. He’s right there, in that trailer, only two hundred yards away. To think of him that close stoked the passion inside her. Her pussy creamed with a trickle of release. Dressing in a fresh pair of shorts, she watched the door to make sure Jesse didn’t come inside. When she finally turned out the light, she lay in the

60

Ronna Gage

stillness of the room and made a quick prayer. “Let Jesse sleep on the couch.” Unable to sleep, she looked out the window and saw the shadow of a figure standing on the darkened deck of the trailer next door. Rafe. I wonder if you are a knight coming to rescue me like a damsel in distress, or curious about what is going on over here. “I will sleep in blissful peace tonight.” Is it because of Rafe’s warm touch, or the booze? It didn’t matter. She was at peace.

The Search is Over

61

Chapter Nine Bam! Candi awoke with a start. She bolted up from her sleep and listened for the sound that woke her in the first place. Heart thumping, she angled her head to hear. A car door slammed shut outside her window. Rising up, she peeked out to see Rafe’s car. It sat close enough to her window that she heard music blaring from the speakers. She watched him back out of the driveway, and then drive out of sight. Lying back, she smiled. I’m so in tune to him. The immediate connection she had with him awed her tremendously. Sighing, she covered her shoulders with the blanket and rolled over. The clock now at eye level displayed the hour. “Six o’clock? Shit! He wakes up before God.” Disgusted, she rolled back over, ducked her head under the pillow, and closed her eyes. But sleep eluded her. Restless with the thoughts of the upcoming day, she gave up. “I might as well take a shower before someone disturbs me.” She got out of bed, gathered her clothes, and walked to the bathroom down the hall. Cleaned and fully awake, she walked into the living room to find Roy and Jesse asleep on the two couches. Smiling outwardly, she sauntered toward the kitchen shaking her head. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer pair. Entering the kitchen, a pleasant surprise greeted her. The kitchen floors and counters were clean. Most days, like this morning, she almost dreaded coming to the kitchen. Somehow, the job to clean up the mess from the feeding frenzy the night before befell her. Jesse, a ravenous eater and messy cook, didn’t bother to clean up after himself. Whether he made sandwiches or cooked steak, he always left a huge mess in his wake.

62

Ronna Gage

The coffee carafe was half-full with yesterday’s coffee. “I see they didn’t get the coffeepot clean.” Picking it up, she saw a black ring of clumped coffee around the glass. “Ewww.” She poured the contents into the sink, cleaned and rinsed the pot, and then filled it with fresh water. Filling the basket with new coffee grounds, she couldn’t stop smiling. And during the time for the brew cycle to end, her mind drifted to last evening and Rafe, and the new connection she had with him. The aroma of fresh-brewed coffee filled the kitchen, reminding her of her mother’s house, and a peaceful calm come over her and she relaxed. Her stomach growled. “I guess I do need to eat something.” She opened the cabinet door and grabbed a bowl. Working as quietly as possible to keep the silent moments to herself, to avoid any arguments, she made breakfast. No such luck. Within seconds, Roy walked into the kitchen. By the scowl on his face, he looked to be in a foul mood—as usual. Time to be civil. She turned toward Roy. “Would you like some coffee?” she asked sweetly, ignoring the scowl on his face. “No, Minerva will get me some when she gets up.” He took a seat at the table and sucked out the snot from his nose, made several hacking cough sounds, and swallowed the annoying gunk down his throat. He picked up the pack of cigarettes sitting on the counter, pulling one out he popped it into his mouth and lit it, filling the room with the awful smell of cigarette smoke. “Suit yourself.” Candi shrugged off his comment. She chose not to say anything to Roy about his smoking. Usually, he smoked when he drank, but lately he smoked in the morning. Candi wouldn’t put it past him to have a cigarette just to bug Minerva. Turning to the refrigerator, she pulled out eggs, ham, and cut-up green peppers. She set them on the counter next to the bowl. Absently, she began breaking eggs one by one into the bowl.

The Search is Over

63

“I want you to move out,” Roy rudely informed her. His outburst surprised her. Usually he talked about people behind their backs and was sweet and understanding to their faces. “So does my son.” “That’s just too damn bad,” Minerva said, interrupting his next comment as she entered the room. “You need to stop hanging around Chandler. You don’t have the kind of power he thinks he does,” she warned disdainfully as she breezed past him to the coffeepot. That was the one thing about renting a spot in the trailer. If wasn’t so damn cheap, Minerva would’ve already kicked Roy out on his ass and moved, if she could afford to do it. Minerva poured herself a cup of coffee and then turned to Candi. “Good morning,” she greeted. “Good morning.” Inwardly, Candi was pleased that Minerva didn’t pour Roy a cup as he had insisted she would do when she woke up. Minerva sat in her chair and sipped her coffee. Roy sucked in another wad of built-up snot in his sinuses. “These damned allergies.” He grabbed a Styrofoam cup on the table and spit out the mouthful of waste. He looked down at the empty placemat before him. “Where’s my coffee?” he asked, surprised. “Get your own coffee,” she insisted. “You aren’t helpless.” She sat, gazing out the window. “Looks like it is going to be an excellent day,” she said before taking a second sip of coffee. Roy shoved his chair back. “You better start earning your keep around here,” he suggested, and then stomped over to the pot. He opened the cabinet door, grabbed a mug, jerked the pot out of the maker, and filled it. Leaning in close to Candi, he more or less growled. “That goes for you, too, Missy.” Pointing the knife she used to cut up the ham, Candi turned it on him. “Let me remind you who does and does not pay their parts of the rent on time,” she stressed as she pointed at herself then at him. “May I also remind you that I got us into this trailer, not you.” Minerva glared at him. On most occasions, Minerva was a nice,

64

Ronna Gage

easygoing woman, but her anger was sparked. “You need to show a little more respect for Candi. She doesn’t deserve this shit from you. This is between her and Jesse. Stay out of it,” she warned, never breaking the angry eye contact. “It is none of your business.” “I have to protect my son. She was making a fool of him out there last night.” “So? Jesse is a big boy now. He got himself into this, and he can get himself out of it.” “She was all but stroking that guy’s dick.” “Are you jealous?” Minerva asked, suddenly making the tension in the room even thicker. Roy stood up abruptly and stalked out of the room in angry silence. Candi wished she hadn’t heard that conversation. She didn’t want to be a part of a breakup between her two roommates. Fearing what Minerva may say when she turned toward her, Candi slowly made eye contact. Minerva looked at her and broke out laughing. “He thinks he’s so hot. But he’s full of shit if he thinks you would even consider going for him for even a second.” Minerva cackled, shaking her head. “What is he thinking? Hell, even I’m too young for him.” Both women sat at the table snickering as they cut up the omelet fixings for breakfast.

The Search is Over

65

Chapter Ten Candi usually liked working the weekend shifts, but today the bar was quiet, too quiet, for a Saturday. A slow afternoon wasn’t good for business. Sunday afternoons were her favorite times to work. Out of boredom, she became a nuisance to her patrons. A couple sat in the back corner sharing a private whispered conversation. They would almost cringe at the sight of her coming. The two men playing pool in the back opted to get their own drinks. The crowd usually didn’t start picking up until five o’clock, but the usual customers from the air base didn’t stop in for the usual mid-afternoon beer. Without their arrival, time passed by even slower. What a waste of time. Minerva and Candi sat at the bar drinking iced tea from the restaurant next door, working out the final details for the theme for the next day and the preliminary plans for the next week’s event. “Do you want to work tomorrow?” Minerva asked, looking at the schedule. “Yes, I can make great money on Sundays.” “You know the theme is NASCAR.” “Yep, I plan to wear a NASCAR shirt, cutoff denim shorts, and sneakers.” Minerva nodded. “Okay, so about one o’clock or two?” “One. I can stay till six or even seven. The post-race party is the best time to make tips.” “Six should do…” The slamming of the door against the wall interrupted the quiet and stillness of the bar.

66

Ronna Gage

Candi quickly rushed to the counter to greet the arriving customers. “Goddamn, it’s hot outside,” Jesse bellowed as he and Roy slammed the door and came inside. The couple in the back stopped talking at the disruption. Candi felt a pang of disappointment, but she didn’t let it show. “Hey, guys, how’s it going?” “How in hell can you people in Texas handle the humidity?” Jesse asked as he sat on top of the barstool just inside the barroom. Candi shrugged. “I was born and raised in Texas. It helps to wear clothing that isn’t thick.” She looked at what he wore. “Like jeans, and your shirts should be a light color.” She waited for Jesse to comment further about the weather. “How was your day?” “Fine. I bought a new pair of jeans,” he answered and then looked past Candi to Minerva at the other end of the bar. “Minerva, can I get a beer?” He lifted his thin blue T-shirt from his body and fanned himself. A line of sweat stained the back of his shirt, giving a good indication of the humidity outside. “How can you stand this heat?” Candi laughed. He didn’t hear a word I said. At least the pouting stage is over. She didn’t want to fight with Jesse. She wanted to go on with her life…no bad feelings and no strings. This was, after all, his doing. He wanted to be with someone else. She wasn’t going to stand in his way. Roy, on the other hand, still found it difficult to be civil to her. He scowled at her when he came into the room, and he would probably have a scowl on his face when he left. He walked straight to Minerva, sat down on the stool next to her, and kept his distance. Just ignore his bad mood. One fight a day is all you can handle. She turned to Jesse. “Did you talk to Stephanie?” He gave her a keen look. “Yes, I talked to her this morning.” Jesse’s shoulders seemed to relax a little bit. He took a sip of his beer as he looked at her skeptically. “I’m surprised you asked.”

The Search is Over

67

“You shouldn’t be. I don’t have any ill feelings toward you, Jesse.” Candi gently laid a hand on his forearm. “It didn’t work out for us. I’m not as crushed by our breakup as your father wishes, but I would be crushed if we didn’t end this as friends.” “I would like that.” Jesse gave Candi a once-over. “I hear you made passes at Rafe.” Candi couldn’t believe he said that. He went too far. “Never mind, I don’t need or want to know the details.” “Good, there are no details to tell. I didn’t make any passes, not that it’s any of your business. I was…me.” She batted her eyelashes up at him. “I had a good time talking and joking with Rafe, and Jack.” “Yeah, I know how inviting you being you can be.” He softly covered her hand with his. She stepped back quickly. “Don’t…” “Sorry. That was a boneheaded thing to say,” he admitted, almost with a tinge of regret. The front door opened, stopping her comment. A small group of men entered the building, each one greeting her warmly as they passed. “Gotta go.” Candi let the matter drop. She took the drink tray and headed to the group. **** Jesse watched as she worked the group. Candi had a way of making everyone think she was there to be at his, or her, beck and call. She made every table feel special with the little things she provided. The couple in the back was catered to feel like the bar was the most romantic place in the world when Candi placed a rose scented candle on a paper lace doily in the center of the table. Jesse could feel his gut wrenching at the sight of her smile that she gave so easily to others and was now a commodity for him. He salivated as he noted her uniform. The black blouse settled just past her shoulders. The

68

Ronna Gage

exposed skin was sexy. Her black miniskirt hit two inches above the knee and a classic black headband held her blonde hair back from her face. Her low-heeled pumps accentuated her firm calves as a silver ankle bracelet wrapped daintily around her right ankle. A diamond twinkled at him as she walked to the bar. Now, there was the neighbor—Rafe? Where did he come from? I have to put a stop to that budding friendship. I wish Candi wasn’t aware of Stephanie. It would make my stay less lonely. How can I convince her that I still want her? I can’t see her going to waste, or me either, for that matter. He couldn’t be celibate for five months until he got back to Idaho where Stephanie waited for him. A man needed to get some release and there was no one better at releasing tension than Candi.

The Search is Over

69

Chapter Eleven Rafe walked around the auto shop, almost floating on air with happiness. Saturdays in the automotive business were hectic, even for a small mom-and-pop style store. His morning started at 5:00 a.m. He got up, showered, dressed in his uniform, and left for work. Today, he took a second look at Candi’s window. He arrived at the shop at 6:15 a.m. and immediately brewed coffee in the customer waiting room. He was in charge of the auto repairs while his dad ran the sales area of the small family-owned, after-market car repair business. Grabbing a cup of coffee and a cart, he pulled parts and accessories from the storeroom. Starting from the front and working his way to the back, he stocked parts on the shelves. The first phone call of the day didn’t bother his mood one bit. In fact, his heart fluttered with excitement. Could Candi be calling me? He looked at his watch for the time, but it was too early. He had actually smiled when he answered the phone, but became a little disappointed it wasn’t her voice he heard on the other end. He hung up the phone, smiled at the awing moment. “I can’t believe I’m hoping to hear from someone.” “Why are you in such a good mood?” Rafe looked up and saw his bay partner Evan Tyler. His muscular, medium build filled the small doorway. The man teased him with that knowing bad-boy smile. Evan worked out feverishly to keep his twenty-one-year-old body in high-school shape. His dark hair, brown eyes, and pearly white teeth had women falling over themselves to get close to him. Normally, women hated coming to the automotive shop until they saw Evan.

70

Ronna Gage

“You look as if you just had the best lay of your life,” he taunted as he picked up a box from the cart and set cans of oil on the shelves. “No, not yet,” Rafe admitted before he could stop himself. He realized he didn’t care if Evan knew the truth. “No?” Rafe shook his head in silent answer and wondered why he bothered with a woman who didn’t come so easily. There are other women more than willing, after all. Candi is something special. He sensed her inner strength and caught a slight glimpse of it by the way she treated Jesse. He knew she had no problems conveying her anger when she was agitated. If she didn’t like you, she showed that, too. I like that. She played no games and didn’t hide her feelings. “Oh! But you are interested,” Evan hinted. “So far.” Rafe became tight-lipped suddenly. The less Evan knew the less he had to tease him. “So, what’s she like?” Evan stood back, angling his head slightly. His arms crossed over his massive chest as he waited patiently for Rafe to give him the lowdown on the new woman in his life. “She must be ugly as hell, or have really big tits.” Rafe continued to work ignoring Evan’s remark, but he couldn’t stop himself from talking about her. “I don’t know how to describe her. She’s pretty, but in a natural sort of way,” Rafe began. “She likes music, but her favorite is country. She’s going to school this summer, and then she plans to go to the university. She works as a bartenderwaitress right now, until the fall. She’s, I don’t know… incredible. And her boobs are none of your business.” Evan laughed at Rafe’s defensive action. “What’s the catch?” Rafe hesitated. “She’s just coming out of a relationship. In fact, she is two days out. The guy is her roommate’s boyfriend’s son.” “What?” Evan closed his eyes. “That’s a little too confusing this early in the morning. I get a headache just trying to figure it out. It’s severely messing with my hangover.”

The Search is Over

71

Smiling, Rafe explained, “Candi’s roommate, Minerva. Her boyfriend, Roy, is Jesse’s dad.” “Got it. I think.” Evan shook his head. “I have to clear the cobwebs that are blocking the processing of new information. “So, how is Junior taking all this?” “Honestly, I don’t care how he’s taking it. He made his choice when he told her he would rather be with someone else. But I did wonder who was more upset by the breakup, Jesse or his dad?” “Good God Almighty, Rafe, that’s messed up. Are you sure you want to be involved in that web of mess?” Rafe thought about it for all of two seconds. “Yeah, it sounds more complicated than it is. Besides, I like her spirit.” Rafe gave a wink. “Well, wonders never cease. I never thought I would hear the day, that you, Rafe Sines, would like someone for her…spirit. This from the guy whose best friends are titty dancers.” Evan turned away just as Rafe’s smile became bigger. Candi’s comment of worshipping the silicone temple repeated in his head. He had to take a drink of his coffee to get the laugh under control before it started. “You talk too much. Let’s get these tires up before Dad comes in bitching,” Rafe insisted. He led Evan to the tire rack of neatly stacked tires. In silence, they threw the tires up on the shelf. “When are you going to see her again?” Evan asked, breaking the silence. Rafe’s mind wandered back to her. He definitely had to see her again. “Soon. But first, I have to take care of some other business.”

72

Ronna Gage

Chapter Twelve “Hi! I wondered if I would see you tonight.” Her smile reminded Rafe of a bright light that shone when turned on and could at times be expensive to have around. “Is this a bad time?” “No, come on in.” Rafe entered the immaculately clean living room. The smell of fresh cut flowers, lemon oil, and bleach assaulted him in a pleasant way. Clean. The living room smelled as good as it looked. “You didn’t call me all day. So, I didn’t…” “I’m sorry, I’ve been really busy.” Sheila Mason turned to him and smiled. Her professionally styled brown hair touched the middle of her back, when it was loose and not in a bun or some other style on top of her head. Her blue eyes swam with adoration as she looked at Rafe. “I just assumed you had to close again, like you did last night.” Sheila stepped up on tiptoe and brushed a tender kiss on his lips. “Where did you want to go?” Dressed in new designer jeans, a salmon-colored T-shirt, and barefooted, she didn’t look like she was ready to go out. “I can be ready in five minutes,” she vowed as she took a step toward the bedroom. Sheila was sweet and accommodating when she wanted to be. Luckily, this was one of those days. Rafe grabbed her arm and redirected her back to the living room. “I thought we could stay in tonight.” “Okay.” Sheila looked at him, her eyes narrowed. “Something’s wrong. What is it?” She put her hands on her tiny waist.

The Search is Over

73

Although she was a lady most times, Rafe realized awhile ago that her selfish, vindictive, and petty nature left a bad taste in his mouth. “Nothing’s wrong,” Rafe assured her. This is going to be a long night. “I’m just tired.” Rafe walked to the dining table and sat the bag of beer he had in his hands on the table. The glass top—indicative of Sheila’s tastes— showed no scuff marks. She liked classy, expensive, modern items. A knock-off or cheap imitation would never do. The hotel manager’s assistant, a bigger control freak than he ever thought about being, took exceptional care of her things. “Why are you so tired?” Sheila raised an eyebrow. The expression looked more irritated than concerned for him. Rafe grabbed a beer from the bag and pulled the silver tab. “I’ve been working some long hours.” He sat down at the table and took a long swallow of beer. Sheila took the bag of beer and walked to the kitchen. She set the beer in the refrigerator, folded the bag neatly, and set it in the pantry. Rafe grinned. Sheila didn’t allow anything to be out of place in her apartment. “Well, Rafe, it’s good that you work extra hours.” Sheila assured him. “Building a nest egg takes time. You have to do it before you settle down.” She joined him at the table and offered him an empty glass for his beer. He shook his head refusing the glass. Her advice sounded condescending, and Rafe didn’t like it at all. “Yes, but maybe I don’t want to kill myself before I get to the nest egg age. Maybe, I want to enjoy someone’s company along the way,” Rafe admitted out loud what he had suspected all along. He wanted to try the commitment thing one last time. “Rafe, what are you saying?” The excitement in Sheila’s voice caught his attention. This isn’t going the way I planned. She had hope shimmering in her eyes, and he didn’t want to be the one to break her heart. But, holding on to something that won’t work, is cruel…in a way. Damn.

74

Ronna Gage

“Sheila, what do you think I’m trying to say?” Don’t let it involve a future together and make me the asshole…again. Don’t jump to conclusions. Her expectations could be different from mine. He waited for her to answer with slightly held breath. “I think you are saying you want to take this relationship to the next level.” Sheila couldn’t hide enthusiasm. “Am I wrong?” Okay, so much for hoping her expectations were different. “Sheila. I don’t want to lead you on, but…” “No, don’t say it, Rafe.” Sheila turned abruptly. The unease of the conversation put a damper on her smile. “If I read it wrong, I’m sorry.” She walked back to the table. “Let’s forget anything was ever said. All right?” Rafe nodded. Agreed for now. Do what you came here to do. Get it over with and leave. Delaying it will only make it worse. Sheila took him by the hand. “Come here, I want to show you something.” She led him in the direction to the other end of the apartment. The undeniable seduction in her voice caught Rafe unaware, but her gaze displayed the sultry prelude to her intentions. “What do you want to show me, Sheila?” “I want to show you my new lingerie.” She unbuttoned his jeans and her thumb lightly grazed the waistband of his boxer shorts. “I think you’ll like what I have to show you.” “No, Sheila.” Rafe couldn’t believe he stopped her advancement. He turned from her and buttoned the fly of his jeans. Now what are you going to say or do? He felt like he was cheating on Candi and he hadn’t even gone out with her. Yet she consumed his every thought. He had never been so preoccupied with a woman before, much less want to stay faithful to someone he hadn’t even dated. Where did that come from? “Rafe? What’s going on?” Sheila insisted. The anger in her expressive eyes sparked Rafe’s frustration. He couldn’t hold back anymore. “Sheila, I’ve met someone.” The

The Search is Over

75

outburst reverberated a little harsher than he intended, but the deed was done. Sheila stood silent. Stunned. Suddenly, her shock turned to loathing. “Who is she?” The calmness in her voice worried him. The calm before the storm. Any second, she would blow, racking up some major damage costs to her apartment, or him. He didn’t want to stick around for the eruption of emotions. “You don’t know her. She doesn’t exactly run in your circle of friends.” The explanation filled the room with silence and bad vibes. Sheila stood in the middle of her living room shaking with anger. “You can’t leave me for someone else. I’ve invested too much time in us,” she said through gritted teeth. “Sheila, don’t be ridiculous! We were never that serious, and this relationship was not a business investment,” Rafe roared back. “It was just a fuck-me-leave-me kind of relationship, and we both had a good time. But it’s come to an end.” “What is she, one of those stripping sluts you like so well?” Her face flushed with rage. “Don’t talk about her that way. You don’t even know her.” Rafe’s calm voice provided at least a thin facade of his feelings. His anger grew hotter by the minute. “Answering your question, no. In fact, she has more style and ladylike grace than you do.” Rafe walked to the door. “Rafe!” she screamed out. “If you walk out that door, don’t bother coming back and darkening my doorstep again—ever!” Rafe stopped at the doorway, dropped his hand to his side, and lowered his head. He exhaled a deep breath of air and then turned to look at her. Triumphantly, Sheila smiled as she slowly closed the distance between them. Gently, she placed a hand on his shoulder and gave it a little squeeze. “It’s all right, Rafe. You made the right choice.” She stroked his cheek. “I forgive you.”

76

Ronna Gage

Rafe turned from her touch, relieved by her declaration. He saw Sheila hitch her chin up, confidant she had won. Softly, he bent and kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks, Sheila.” “Anytime.” She smiled. “Now, let’s have some dinner.” “No, you don’t understand.” The crinkling of her brow caused Rafe to smile inwardly. “You just made leaving easier. I would never consider darkening your doorstep again.” Rafe opened the door and walked out, leaving her alone.

The Search is Over

77

Chapter Thirteen The usual Sunday sports crowd arrived in full force for NASCAR Sunday at the Shadows Lounge. The May high temperatures help keep the sports fanatics inside during the hottest part of the day, boosting business profits for the week. The NASCAR Sprint Cup race aired on the big-screen TV in the main bar. The engrossed patrons watched the race almost in a crouched position, while Jeff Gordon led the race, but another driver closed the gap, gaining places fast behind him. “Go, Jeff, Go!” one customer yelled. The crowd roared with glee when he blocked the driver’s last ditch effort to advance and won the race. Jesse watched a few laps of the race, but he barely paid the race much attention. He looked around the main bar and awed at the expense the bar’s owner paid for the event. He goes all out on Sundays, popcorn, peanuts, hot wings, and pretzels. All salty and spicy appetizers used to increase a man’s thirst. Makes sense since it will eventually increase the bar’s till at the end of the day. Jesse caught sight of Candi in the poolroom. The formfitting NASCAR T-shirt showed off her delicate curves. Daisy Duke cutoff denim shorts barely covered her upper thighs. He saw the smooth flesh under her shorts, and his cock twitched. A quick round by the pool tables had gotten her some attention from the players. Even the men shooting pool stopped and watched her pass. I can’t blame them, really. She does have a nice ass. She approached the security station and his awakening cock became stiff. He reached out with his empty soda glass, stopping her.

78

Ronna Gage

She took his empty glass. “Do you need another one?” “Nah.” Let’s put some doubt in her head about the neighbor. “I noticed that your boyfriend, Rafe, didn’t come in until late last night.” He bit back a mocking smile. “So?” She gave him a sneering look. “He’s not my boyfriend,” she added then set his empty glass back on the stand and walked on by. Angry that his plan didn’t work, Jesse had to assess the situation from another angle. I thought for sure knowing of Rafe’s late arrival would piss her off and put a wedge into this bonding relationship between them. I can’t let her build some kind of fantasies around him. Jesse watched her walk away. The elongated sway of her hips, in her angry pace, thickened his cock. I’ll be in Texas for another five months and I have no intentions of spending that time alone. **** Candi plopped down on a barstool and bit back an angry barb she’d intended for Jesse but had almost taken out on Minerva. “Uh-oh, I know that face,” Minerva teased. “Jesse! He doesn’t want me, but he doesn’t want anyone else to have me either.” Minerva took a quick glance at Jesse. He shrugged his shoulders in innocence. She laughed. “What’s so funny?” Candi asked. “Jesse. He’s playing stupid by pretending not to know what caused your latest tantrum.” “Mr. I-Didn’t-Do-Anything-Wrong.” Candi rolled her eyes. “Whatever!” “How about we leave here in thirty minutes?” Minerva suggested. “That would be awesome. I need to study.” Candi laid her head wearily in her hands. “I’m tired.” “You look tired.”

The Search is Over

79

And emotionally drained from this round with Jesse. She hadn’t really thought about Rafe—too much—until Jesse mentioned his name. Now, her mind filled with memories from the other night. She had fun meeting him, but her busy schedule kept the idea of something more out of reach. Jesse had to start something with her at every turn. The last two days had been almost unbearable. “Can we leave Jesse here?” “Yep! Charlie just walked in. I’ll see if he’d like to get started early.” Minerva went to the end of the bar, whispered something to Charlie, and a few seconds later Charlie nodded his head. He went to the till counter. He and Minerva counted out the money and signed her off so that he could take over. “You ready?” Minerva asked. “Give me one minute to count out with Charlie and yes.” Within fifteen minutes, Candi and Minerva walked out of the bar, leaving Jesse there to close the bar and find his way home. “Thanks, Minerva. I really appreciate the extra time to study.” “Not a problem. I wanted to get out of there, too,” Minerva whispered as if she shared a big secret. Driving past the neighborhood supermarket, Minerva turned into the parking lot. “I think a bottle of wine will hit the spot.” “I agree.” Maybe studying would be easier with a nice, relaxing glass of wine.

80

Ronna Gage

Chapter Fourteen Rafe sat at his usual perch looking out the window. He watched Candi read an incredibly large book. He liked that she was going to school to make a good career. Jack entered the room. “What are you doing?” “Nothing much, why do you ask?” Rafe’s automatic comment didn’t stop his gawking out the window. Jack walked to the table and caught a glimpse of Candi sitting in the sun. “That’s an extremely large book she’s reading.” “Yep.” Rafe liked the combed-back style of her hair. I can see her tiny ears. And the pencil securing the knot of hair on her head looked sexy as hell. The scoop neck tank top and frayed denim shorts almost guaranteed a good tan. Her legs and arms glistened in the sun. “How long have you been sitting at that window?” Jack asked. “I don’t know, about two hours.” “She’s been there for two hours?” “Yep.” “What is she doing home so early? It’s only four o’clock.” “Don’t know. Didn’t ask.” Rafe and Jack watched her pull the pencil from her hair. It fell loose and tumbled around her shoulders. I would love to run my fingers through her hair. Candi and Minerva laughed at something. They each had a pink drink in their hands. “Smells like they are cooking beef,” Rafe said out loud. “Why don’t you go and find out?” Jack challenged with a soft jab to the shoulder. “I bet they’d love some company about now.”

The Search is Over

81

Smiling, Rafe shrugged. “Why not.” He grabbed a beer from the fridge and walked through the living room. He stopped at the sliding doors of the patio. “Are you coming?” “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Jack rushed to the kitchen, got a beer, and then almost ran to the door. “Ready when you are, roomie.” **** Once the patio door opened next door, Candi knew without a doubt that Rafe was home. Looking up, she became suddenly breathless. Rafe looked like the proverbial surf boy in faded denim shorts and a green tank shirt. The sight of him made her tingly inside. The familiar flutter she always felt when she thought of him heated her a slight degree. She smiled. “Hi!” “Hello, I hope we aren’t intruding.” Rafe stopped just in front of her. He carried an opened bottle of beer and one unopened. He may stay for a little while. That thought send another heat wave coursing through her body. She looked into his eyes and found him looking down at her. Their gazes locked with one another and neither tried to break the power of that one gaze. “No intrusion at all.” From where he stood, Candi smelled his cologne. The scent of oranges, spice, and berries intoxicated her senses. She looked away for a second. It was in that moment that awareness struck her. They weren’t alone. “Hi, Jack,” she greeted with her best smile. “Hi, Candi.” Jack watched them for a second and then smiled. Candi closed her book and set her feet on the ground. Rafe extended an opened hand to her. She took him up on his offer. Seconds later, he pulled her out of the chair so hard she bumped into him. “Whoa!” He balanced her on her feet. Once righted, she noticed she stood not more than six inches from him. She could feel his breath on her cheek and taste his breath when he whispered. “It’s good to see you.”

82

Ronna Gage

She swallowed hard. She felt the slight squeeze of his hand on hers. She felt the fluttering of desire in her stomach, which settled into her pussy. She turned. “Come on over to the table,” she invited and led the way to the porch. Just as Candi cleared the clothesline, she felt a hard thud on her back, “Ow!” she shrieked as the jerk pitched her forward. She was brought up against Rafe’s strong body in a viselike grip. “Are you all right?” “Yes,” he murmured softly in her ear. “Are you?” Aware of how their bodies reacted to one another, Candi stood still…unmoving in hopes to have him hold her longer. Rafe slowly released his grip on her waist. “Jack tripped me.” Rafe looked at Jack with murderous intent. “No, I didn’t! You tripped on a stone,” Jack defended. He bobbed his eyebrows. “Watch your step,” he advised in a soft whisper as he walked past them. “That board is uneven.” Jack sat at the table. Rafe gave Jack another look of death. He turned to Candi. “After you,” he prompted her to proceed. Candi complied. She passed him, Rafe inhaled sharply. Does he feel what I feel? Tingles? Excitement? Desire? Minerva came outside with a tray of assorted meats. “Hi, guys!” she greeted. “How are ya’ll doing?” “Good,” Rafe answered. “But, Minerva, I believe you are in your element.” “Why thank you. I believe that is an excellent way to get an invitation for dinner. If you’d like to stay.” “Sure.” Jack accepted without a second thought or the time to think it over. “What do we need to bring?” Rafe asked.

The Search is Over

83

“Nothing.” Minerva walked to the grill. “Just whatever you want to drink. Candi and I are drinking wine coolers. We weren’t expecting company.” “Will there be enough food?” Jack asked. “Plenty.” Minerva set two steaks, some cut-up sausage links, and two hamburger patties on the grill. “Help yourself to whatever you want.” Rafe shared a glance with Candi and they smiled. “Can I help with anything, Minerva?” Candi asked, getting up from her seat and joining her at the grill. “No, I got it.” Candi caught another glimpse of Rafe and held her breath. His sunglasses shaded his eyes, but she knew he watched her. The attraction was evident. The building anticipation consumed her, holding her to him, and him to her. She moaned. Minerva came closer to her ear. “There’s no denying it, kiddo. You two are fighting a losing battle. It’s a matter of time before the passions are ignited to a point of no return.” **** “Jack, why don’t you get a few beers for us?” Rafe suggested as his gaze lingered on Candi across the steps. “Yeah, I can do that.” Jack shook his head and stifled another laugh. “I’ll be right back.” Bending low to Rafe’s ear, he whispered, “I hope she’s worth it. That former Marine isn’t letting her go too easily—no matter what he says.” Rafe watched as Candi held the platter for Minerva. She laughed at something Minerva shared with her. He could feel his stomach twitch and his cock throb. “Too damn bad.” Jack turned his head as a laugh escaped his throat. “Just thought I’d warn you.”

84

Ronna Gage

Rafe settled back listening to the music coming from the radio that was set to a pop station. Not one of his favorites, but it would do. He liked classic rock music, hair bands, metal bands, and early alternative bands. The song blaring from the radio caught Candi’s attention, a familiar song to her obviously, and she began singing. She was relaxed. He listened as she sang the lyrics. Hearing her sing made him happy. As long as he kept Candi in sight, and out of Jesse’s grasp, he would be ecstatic.

The Search is Over

85

Chapter Fifteen “What a day from hell, and it’s only Tuesday.” Candi rubbed her temples. “How so?” Minerva asked, pulling onto the private road to the house. “I have a new lesson to study, and I can’t grasp it.” Candi and Minerva returned home within a half hour of Jesse’s scheduled shift. “Looks like it isn’t getting much better.” Jesse met them at the front gate, enraged. “Why did you keep the car so long?” “It’s my damn car, and I’ll do as I please.” Minerva shot back. “Well, I have to go to work, and Dad has his car. Now, I’m going to be late,” he complained. “Not if you stop bitching and hurry up.” Candi rolled her eyes. Her mind mentally ran down the list of tasks due within the next twenty-four hours. Human anatomy test. I have a test tomorrow and still don’t have a hold on this shit. “Candi?” Distressed, she looked up to see Rafe standing by his car, wiping grease off his hand with a wet rag. “Hi!” His soft greeting, followed by a smile sent a calming wave over her. “Hello.” She sighed her greeting. The airy whisper didn’t sound like her at all. “How was your day?” “Fuck this,” Jesse griped at her when he stormed back into the house.

86

Ronna Gage

Great, an ambush when I go inside. If I can stay outside for just a minute or so longer, he’ll be gone. “I think it went well, but there’s always room for improvement,” She heard Rafe saying to her. “How about yours?” “Tiring. I have so much homework tonight.” She leaned back against his cleaned car. She suddenly felt no energy left to carry on. The weariness seeped into her body and bore down on her. She didn’t want to be on her own tonight. Jesse would be going to work soon. Minerva had plans with Roy. And she would be alone. I need a buffer. She looked at Rafe. “Jesse will be leaving in a few minutes. Would you mind if I stay here with you until then?” “No, I don’t mind you staying out here with me.” Okay, now to fix one for the night. “Hey! Would you like to come over and help me study for my test?” “What are you studying?” Rafe asked. “I had to take a health class this semester, so I chose basic human anatomy.” She sent him what she prayed would be a teasing smile. He leaned closer to her. “I’m pretty good with the human anatomy,” he whispered. His comment sent a shock of bone-melting desire through her. Candi inhaled a steadying breath and took in the scent of sweat that glistened on his chest. That is all him. It aroused her deeply. Her nipples reacted to become budding pebbles in her bra, and she could feel her panties moisten suddenly. Her cheeks flamed hot. Jesse took that instant to come out of the house. He raced out to the car and stopped to glare at them. Upset that I’m against someone else’s car, are you? She smiled, but he refused to talk to either of them. He got into Minerva’s car and peeled out of the driveway. “Well! He’s going to have a bad night,” Candi predicted. “When do you want me over?” Rafe asked suddenly. Dropping the subject, no retort, okay. “In an hour,” she said with a small, teasing tilt of her head. “I’ll be there.”

The Search is Over

87

When Rafe saw Jesse pull out of the driveway, he wasn’t sure if Candi still wanted him to come over or not. Good, the coast is clearer with him gone. He didn’t like to think of Candi in the trailer with him, having him do God-knows-what to wear her down. One day soon I have to take care of Jesse. Rafe stood and carelessly weeded the rag between his fingers as he watched her climb the three steps into the trailer. “Oh shit, only an hour?” He quickly gathered the detailing items and rushed to the house.

88

Ronna Gage

Chapter Sixteen Rafe’s smiling face looked upon her when Candi answered the door an hour later. In her rush to accept company, most of the hour was spent cleaning up after Jesse. “Hello,” he greeted with a smile. He walked through the opened front door and gave her a simple kiss on the cheek. “Are you going to bed?” “Huh?” She looked down. Dressed in a pair of black shorts, an oversized gray T-shirt, and white bootie socks she did look ready for bed. “Oh, no. I was cleaning up the house. “Makes since. I brought some goodies. This will help studying go easier.” He lifted a small cooler. “Beer for me.” Next, he raised a bag from KFC. “Dinner.” He walked into the small kitchen and set the plastic bag on the table. Rummaging through the bag, he lifted out the boxes, “Rolls, a bucket of chicken, coleslaw, and mashed potatoes.” “This is great, I haven’t even thought about dinner.” Candi admitted. A small attack of guilt teased her. “I’m sorry.” “I thought you might have forgotten food. Too busy concentrating on studies and school.” “Let me get us some plates,” she said with an appreciative smile. “Okay, and let me look over your textbook. I need to get familiar with the subject matter.” They sat and ate while he looked over the textbook. Rafe eyed her closely. “You seem distracted. Is there anything I can do?” He took a drink of his beer. Candi shrugged her shoulders and took a swallow of her wine cooler. She loved being with Rafe, but he wasn’t anything more than

The Search is Over

89

a friend. “It’s such a wonderful night. I don’t want to spoil it with my problems with Jesse.” “Okay.” Rafe looked over the book. “Have you ever been married?” she asked absently, wanting to know more about her new friend. “Yes.” The answer really didn’t shock her, but the fact that he answered it so quickly did. “What happened?” “I’m divorced.” “My parents are divorced.” She sounded sad even to herself. “Did you have kids?” A softening in Rafe’s expression didn’t escape Candi’s attention. “No,” came his soft reply. “But you wanted kids?” “Yes.” Candi sat with her feet in the chair and her chin on her knees. That’s good.” She hugged her legs closer to her body embracing them as if to provide a protection from an unseen source of pain. “It’s really hard when kids are involved.” She knew from experience that staying together for the kids wasn’t always the best advice but neither was using them for pawns. Rafe’s eyes connected with hers. “What’s this all about?” he asked in a low encouraging voice. She shrugged her shoulders again. “I thought it would be nice to get to know you better.” His gaze lessened. “Something is bothering you.” “What makes you say that?” “It’s in your pretty emerald eyes. They don’t sparkle the way they did two days ago. Now, come on, we are friends, are we not?” She sighed. “Jesse is becoming more and more outrageous,” she announced, rubbing her fingers through her hair. “He won’t leave me alone, he badgers me all the time about stupid stuff, and I think he’s trying to get me to come back.”

90

Ronna Gage

“What makes you say that?” “He told me.” Rafe choked on the swallow of beer in his mouth. “That wasn’t the answer I had expected.” Candi smacked him between the shoulders, trying her best to fight back the laughter. “What did you expect?” “Theories mostly, but not a confession.” Rafe quietly studied her face. “Do you want him back?” Candi shook her head. “What keeps you here then?” “I don’t think he’s sincere,” she whispered out loud. “I think he’s still in contact with that Stephanie girl.” “Why do you say that?” “She told me when I talked to her today.” “You know, I had a feeling not to take a swallow of beer when I asked that question. Now I’m glad I listened to that inner feeling. If I had taken that drink, I would be tasting beer through my nose.” Candi laughed. “You are so funny.” “I guess it would be one hundred feet away, on the fence post, by now.” When she quit laughing, she noticed he gazed into her eyes. “You talked to her?” “She called this evening and left a message for Jesse to call her. She thought I was Minerva. When I introduced myself, she thought I was Minerva’s daughter.” Candi slammed back the two swallows of wine cooler in her glass. “I think I want to get drunk.” “Candi, do you want Jesse back?” The awkward tone of his voice hit a soft spot in her mind. “Rafe, I just want to be able to live here in peace until I get through this semester of school. I need to get my MA certification so I can apply to the university.” “So, you stay for some kind of living arrangement?” “Yes. What else?”

The Search is Over

91

“Just clarifying.” Rafe took her hands into his and softly kissed her knuckles. That one simple act wasn’t much of a kiss, but it did give her a show of support Candi hadn’t received in awhile from a man. He gave her the attention she desperately needed and made her feel like she was the only one in the world at this very moment. “Thanks, I needed that.” He smiled. “Anytime. Now, let’s do some homework.” “Yes, I’ve got to get this out of the way.” Candi smiled awkwardly. “I’m sorry you are having problems with Jesse, but I want you to know that I’m a phone call away.” Rafe cupped her cheek, and his thumb gently grazed her jawbone. “I’m always here if you need me…anytime.” The gentleness in his voice ignited a spark of flames inside her heart. She looked into his eyes and desire filled her. Slowly, his head came to hers, their lips mere inches apart. The ringing phone sitting next to her caused her to jump. Regretfully, she answered the phone, breaking the sensual gaze. “Sorry, there’s no one here by that name.” She hung up. “Wrong number.” A wrong number killed the moment that was so close at hand.

92

Ronna Gage

Chapter Seventeen “Stephanie, I miss you so much. I can’t wait until we are together again….yeah, I know, honey.” Jesse walked around the small living room with the phone up to his ear. “It’s only what, four more months?” Up the long drive he saw headlight beams. He looked at the clock. Midnight. Can this be Candi and Minerva? He racked his brain trying to remember if they had to close tonight or if the other bartender was scheduled. Minerva’s car drove into view. “Steph, honey, I have to go. I need to hit the rack for some shut-eye. Yes, I will talk to you tomorrow night. I love you, too. Bye.” Jesse hung up the phone in time to hear Minerva’s car pull into the drive and then the engine shut off. “Time for my back up plan.” Minerva and Candi entered the house. He took one look at her and the glee in her eyes faded. “Candi, we need to talk.” Minerva looked from one to the other. “I’ll leave you two to it.” Candi dropped her tote bag on the sofa by the bedroom door. “What do you want Jesse?” “I want you back. To start over.” Candi gave a silent harrumph of a chuckle. “What about Stephanie?” “She was a passing thing. It was more a reunion of old flames. It’s not her that I want, but you.” “Well, I have to be honest with you,” Candi said in a low, seductive whisper.

The Search is Over

93

Jesse’s breath caught in his lungs. “What’s that?” Did he dare to come closer? No, stay your ground and she will come to you. On cue, Candi approached. “You were my passing thing.” She turned and went to the bedroom and slammed the door in her wake. Jesse stared at doorway and the realization of his loss hit him. Minerva fucked this up but good. Telling Candi my business. Where the fuck does she get off? “No, I will not give up. I have to try harder.”

94

Ronna Gage

Chapter Eighteen I’m making headway with Candi. Jesse spent most of the morning of his day off sitting in the back yard, drinking coffee, and plotting his next move to win Candi’s affections. The early morning sun was perfect. It wasn’t too bright just yet, and the heat was bearable. “What’s up, kiddo?” Roy asked, stepping out onto the deck. “Nothing much, I was looking a little pale lately, so I thought I would get some sun.” “What are you doing besides lying in the sun?” Roy extended a bottle of brandy in his son’s direction. Jesse took the bottle and poured a liberal amount in his cup of coffee. “I’m planning ways to get into Candi’s good graces in order to get her back.” “What?” Jesse laughed. “You seemed shocked.” “I couldn’t have been more surprised if you told me you’d just shit a gold brick. I thought you liked Stephanie. What happened to her?” “Oh we’re still good. I just won’t be seeing her for a while yet, four months in fact. So, why not fuck Candi until that time comes?” Jesse let that bit of information sink into his dad’s head. If anyone could help Jesse get into Candi’s good graces with manipulation, it was his dad. “That’s my boy! That’s a really good plan. I have to tell you, I’m hoping in the next few months you will fall in love with Candi and stay.”

The Search is Over

95

“I don’t know about that, but I refuse to let her go to waste.” “What about that Rafe kid?” Jesse snickered. “She’s in my bed, not his, right now.” Roy smiled. “Like I said, that’s my boy.” The two sat on the deck drinking coffee royals, plotting the next move to win Candi’s affections.

96

Ronna Gage

Chapter Nineteen Jesse walked into the bedroom. Candi applied the final touches of her makeup. Damn, she looks hot. He liked her black miniskirt, black hose, and white off-the-shoulder top. A shimmering train of glitter crossed from one shoulder to the other. She was the picture of sexiness. “Candi, why don’t you and I go out Saturday night?” he asked. “Minerva has scheduled both of us to have off that evening. Let’s take advantage of it.” He wrapped his arms around her. “I want to take you out and show you how important you really are to me.” He held her close. His hands stroked her back and rounded her buttocks. “Let go of me, Jesse.” She shoved him away from her and then walked past him into the bedroom. “I’m tired of playing these silly games with you.” “No, no games. I can see you need to get out for awhile. You have been working and going to school. I bet you are exhausted.” “What’s the use?” “It’ll be just as friends.” Candi looked at him, mistrust in her expression. She frowned at his gesture of crossing his heart. “All right, if it’s just as friends. I can use a night out to blow off steam.” “I promise nothing more.” He held her close. Game, set, and match. Jesse was sure he would get her back when he showed her how much she really meant to him. ****

The Search is Over

97

“Hey, guys. What’s up?” Rafe asked Jack and Jesse as they walked into the trailer. The air conditioner dried his freshly shampooed hair as he vigorously brushed it with the vented brush. Rafe had made plans for a group of friends to get together. He had hoped that Minerva and Candi would take him up on his invitation. But the group’s night out became a boy’s night out. To his disappointment, Candi couldn’t come because of a huge anatomy test on Monday, according to Jesse. He had looked forward to seeing Candi this evening. Although it was within the crowd, he would still see her. He tried to be upbeat, hoping to hide his disappointment. “Jack thought it would be a good idea to go out tonight,” Jesse answered. “Yeah, I know. It was my idea.” Rafe combed his hair. “It’s just a boy’s night out. Go get laid, have a few beers…” “Get laid,” Jack added as he rubbed his hands together in anticipation. “I already said that,” Rafe reminded him as he lightly tapped him on the arm with his brush. “Yeah, but I like getting laid.” Jack smiled that mischievous smile that had the women eating out of his hand. “We could drink some more and…” “Get laid?” Jesse and Rafe finished in unison. A second ticked by before the three of them laughed out loud at the tentative plan for the evening. “I’ll go get ready.” Jesse headed toward the patio door. “I guess we’ll meet up in an hour.” Rafe looked at Jesse with pity. He strutted around like a stud in a herd. Poor dumb ass, doesn’t know what a good thing he has. Rafe realized he wouldn’t mind being in Jesse’s shoes. If he had the chance to be with Candi, there would be no way in hell he would be going with the boys. When did my wanting to be with one woman again become priority?

98

Ronna Gage

**** “What?” Candi tossed the brush down onto the counter and stomped out of the bathroom. She had taken the effort to get ready for a night out. She put on her best pair of black Rocky Mountain Jeans, a black cropped blouse, and black boots. She was ready to go out and drink a few beers and relax with friends. “What do you mean you’re going with the boys tonight?” “Yeah, I’ve been invited by Rafe and Jack to go out with them, and I accepted.” “You’re telling me now? One hour before we are to go out?” Candi was livid. She had actually looked forward to going out this evening. What bothered her even more was that Rafe had asked her out as well. She was under the impression that all of them were going out together. Yet she was just informed that it was to be a boy’s night out and she wasn’t invited or wanted. Rafe preferred Jesse’s company to hers. “What’re you going to do tonight?” Jesse asked, as he looked himself over in the mirror. The smirk on Jesse’s face caused her further aggravation. “Fuck off!” Candi stormed out of the room. She had to put some distance between them. Fueled by anger, she went to Minerva, who was also getting ready to go out with the crowd. “It’s been called off.” Candi shook with rage. Tears came to her eyes. She was the self-designated person to burst Minerva’s bubble. “What?” Minerva stood in the doorway, applying hairspray to her hair. She was dressed in red from her head to her toes. Red Rocky Mountain jeans, a red sleeveless shirt, and red boots. “What’s been called off?” “The night out. Jesse just told me.” Candi calmed herself down long enough to explain what had transpired with Jesse.

The Search is Over

99

“Oh yeah!” Something in Minerva snapped. She stomped through the house, opened the door, and almost jumped off the steps. She looked at Candi. “We’ll just see about that.” Together they marched over to the neighboring trailer. It was shaking on its foundation with the rock music that blared out of speakers. Minerva turned to Candi, “Guess they started early.” She laughed and beat on the door until someone finally answered. Jack stood in the doorway, his jaw dropping open at the sight of them. “Hi.” He leaned against the threshold of the door, looking them over as if they were some kind of treat left on the door by the Easter bunny. “What can I do for you?” “We want to talk to Rafe.” Minerva demanded loudly over the music. The pitch in her voice must have relayed something dire to Jack, who responded with a lift of his eyebrow. Jack turned back into the house. “Yo, Rafe!” Jack yelled into the house over his right shoulder, and without warning he gave a loud shriek of a whistle. Minerva and Candi grabbed their ears to lessen the decibels. “What the fu...?” Rafe shouted as he stepped to the door. He stopped suddenly at the sight of Minerva and Candi standing on the porch. “Hi,” he greeted Candi. “Why are you holding your ears?” “That music was too loud.” “What’s going on, Rafe?” Minerva demanded getting his attention. Rafe was obviously confused. “Candi was just told that you guys are planning a boy’s night out. Is that true?” “We were told that Candi had to study and you had to work,” Rafe defended. Minerva and he exchange looks. “Jesse!” “You’ve got to be kidding.” Candi’s frustration was building. The knots in her stomach loosened with the revelation. Rafe does not prefer the boys to me. She felt a gentling in her heart.

100

Ronna Gage

“I’m not a bit surprised,” Minerva said shaking her head. “That would explain his attitude toward you,” she said, looking at Candi. “It’s all beginning to make sense.” Rafe looked at Candi “So what are you going to do?” He then quickly turned his attention to Minerva. “Nothing’s changed. We…”—she gestured to her and Candi— “…are going out. And I can tell by the way you two look at one another that you were disappointed in the change. So, Rafe, do you wanna join us?” “Me?” Rafe asked with a rakish smile. “You mean I have a choice to go out with the guys or go out with the girls?” He weighed his options. “Hmm, let me think.” Turning back into the house, he yelled for Jack. Instantly, he appeared. “Tell Jesse thanks, but no thanks. I’m going out with the girls.” “Are you sure?” Jack asked. Rafe looked at Candi. He turned to Jack. “Oh yeah, I’m sure. Ladies, I’m all yours.” Rafe was led to Minerva’s awaiting car. Once inside, Minerva turned to her two companions, “Where to now?” “Somewhere that’s not so loud, and private,” Rafe suggested, as he draped an arm behind Candi. Gyrating to the tune Candi had inserted into the CD player, she aimed the car toward the highway. “I have just the place in mind.” Minerva looked out her side view mirror. “See ya later, Jesse.”

The Search is Over

101

Chapter Twenty The Establishment was busy for someplace quiet and less public. The lively patrons were of the thirty-five and older crowd—perfect for Minerva’s kind of music. A classic country song blared from the jukebox, and Candi sang the lyrics. Rafe strutted into the bar with Candi on his arm. He didn’t care who saw them together. Her spirits were lifted, and he’d been given the chance to make a difference. He planned on taking that sadness he saw in her eyes the other day and replacing it with something warm. The small dance floor was crowded with men and women dancing to the slow song that blared from the jukebox. Redneck noise. Rafe shrugged it off and looked around the bar until he spotted a table in the back corner. “Follow me.” He took Candi’s hand and led her and Minerva to the table. He pulled a chair out for Minerva and then one out for Candi. He sat himself in the middle, looked around, and motioned for the waitress. The blonde waitress greeted them warmly. “Hello, I’m Sylvia. I will be your waitress. What can I get for you to drink?” Rafe ordered three beers. “I have to go to the ladies room,” Candi informed him. “Okay, I’ll wait here for our drinks.” “Okay. Minerva, do you want to come with me?” “Sure, I want to check on my makeup.” Rafe stood up when they did. He grabbed Candi’s hand. “Hurry back.” She smiled and nodded.

102

Ronna Gage

The loud honky-tonk style music ground on Rafe’s nerves. “This redneck noise is bumming me out.” He fed money into the jukebox and viewed the extensive song list for some classic rock. Finding a few familiar selections, he punched in the number codes. Walking back to the table, he saw that the waitress was waiting for him. “Here are your drinks.” The cute, blue-eyed waitress wore a black wrap dress that was cut so low it revealed her ample breasts. The split on the side was cut up to her hips, revealing a thin thread of her panties as she set each of the beers down. The waitress looked at Rafe in fascination. “Can I ask you a question?” “Sure.” Rafe looked at the young woman cautiously. “Does the light coloring of your chest hair go all the way down to your dick?” Her red-tipped fingernail trailed the hairline to the button of his shirt. Rafe cocked his eyebrow. He gazed into her eyes. “Why don’t you ask my old lady?” “Your old lady?” Sylvia looked around suddenly. The crimson of her cheeks was barely hidden by the dark pink of her cosmetic blush. “Yes, she is the blonde woman dressed in black that’s with me.” “I didn’t realize you were taken.” “It’s no big deal.” Rafe pulled out a wad of cash, counted out enough money to pay for the round of drinks and a generous tip. “Is she willing to…share?” Rafe wasn’t a stranger to come-ons. His best friends are strippers, but to have a woman want his woman was a bit too much. “No, and neither am I. But thanks for the offer.” Sylvia shrugged her shoulders. “Anytime. I guess I’ll see you around.” “Maybe.” Rafe watched as the waitress left and went on to the next table. He couldn’t help but laugh out loud. It was the first time in a long time that he didn’t actively flirt back.

The Search is Over

103

A man on the jukebox sang about his bad reputation being ruined by his woman’s love. Rafe could relate to the song, all because of Candi. She was ruining his bad reputation, and he liked it. **** Candi’s heart stirred with a warm feeling throughout her gut when she came out of the ladies room and saw Rafe sitting at their table. His moderately large arms were bared as he pushed the sleeves of his shirt to his biceps. Earlier she noticed his tight-fitting blue jeans that stretched tight over his hips and clung to his finely shaped ass. Candi’s mouth watered at the memory. “Go get ’em, girl,” Minerva whispered into her ear. Candi’s excitement leveled up as she and Rafe made eye contact. “This may be the only chance you get,” she warned softly. Taking a deep breath, Candi decided this was the time—it’s now or never.

104

Ronna Gage

Chapter Twenty-One The Bible says that the most beautiful angel in heaven was the devil before he was sent to the pits of hell. Minerva smiled. “I have a good idea of where he landed. And here is where he likes to play.” She had been steadily watching him and another man play a game of pool most of the hour. He was dressed in black jeans and white shirt. His slick-backed hair added to the allure, as did his blue eyes. His wickedness teased Minerva every time he caught her watching him. Finally, winning the pool game, he set the cue on the table. “I’ll be back.” He sauntered toward the bar and took several glimpses at Minerva. He walked toward their table with four beers. He set the round of drinks down and then bent low to make eye contact with Minerva. “Would you like to play?” he asked with a smile. Her cocked eyebrow made him smile even more. “What are the stakes?” she asked. The innuendo was well taken. “Not so high you couldn’t pay,” the handsome stranger said with a decadent smile that teased of pleasures to come from his own private game. “I’m not worried about me.” Minerva stood facing him. “I’m wondering if you can pay the price.” She sauntered past him, leaving him to wonder. The stranger narrowed his eyes, inhaled deeply of the perfumed air as she passed. Looking at Rafe he said, “I wouldn’t doubt it.” Tipping his hat to Candi, he walked toward the pool table. “Let the games begin, darlin’.” “Rack ’em, honey.”

The Search is Over

105

**** Rafe’s nervous energy calmed when the jukebox played a song he had selected earlier. This is a lot better. He was almost jubilant when he found the song on the jukebox. The tune was slow for the slowdancing crowd but more to his rock-style liking. “Would you like to dance?” Candi looked at Rafe with big, hopeful eyes. “I don’t really dance,” he confessed. Candi shrugged off the rejection, although, Rafe could tell she really wanted to dance. He couldn’t keep his eyes off her. She’s so beautiful. She tried again. “It’s a slow one. One where we just hold one another.” “I can do that.” He stood up beside her. It was the perfect excuse he needed to hold her in his arms. **** Candi set her hand in his and let him ease her up from the seat. She felt sensual heat rush from his hand to hers. Her stomach flipflopped as she and Rafe walked out to the dance floor. Her nerves jangled with the sense of touch. His touch was like a fire she didn’t want to put out. She felt the deep plunge of her stomach as Rafe held her close. He gazed deeply into her eyes, deeper than she thought possible, as they swayed lazily to the lyrics. The song echoed in her head with every word he whispered in her ear. His warm breath sent chills down her arms. Goose bumps covered her skin. Her nipples responded immediately, puckering to hard pebbles. His arm cuddled her and released her. She felt the

106

Ronna Gage

tingling energy in her thighs heat the fire of desire. She could feel the dewy slick heat of wetness in her panties. Candi and Rafe stood on the dance floor holding one another as the song ended. A second slow song started. Gently, they moved together as the music played. **** Minerva watched Candi and Rafe. They are in their own little world. A scan of the crowd of onlookers revealed that everyone smiled at the cute young couple. Candi smiled as Rafe spoke to her. She flipped her hair back from her face. Gently, Rafe moved an errant piece of her hair from her eyelashes. She glowed like a woman in love and she wanted him, it was as plain as the nose on her face. Their legs were intertwined with each other’s, his big hands rested on the small of her back. One hand held the longneck bottle of Bud Light against her skin. To be held like that, to be happy with someone that could be trusted. Minerva felt a soft brush of a kiss on her cheek. She looked into the crystal blue eyes of her devilishly handsome man, Chad. An encouraging smile was all it took to sample more.

The Search is Over

107

Chapter Twenty-Two I have to be the luckiest man on earth. Candi was everything he had thought her to be and maybe more. She was definitely the best friend he had ever had. And she loved to have fun. He appreciated her positive outlook on life. She always saw the good in people, and he began to see the good in other people as well. Rafe rested the cold long-necked bottle against the small of her back. She looked into his eyes so loving, and then suddenly she gasped in a breath. “What’s wrong? Did I step on your toes?” “No, your bottle touched my back.” “Oh hell, I’m sorry, honey.” He laughed. The sparkle in her eyes did magical things to his cock. She was so open to him. Her trusting eyes…Rafe slowly bent his head to Candi’s, placing a soft gentle kiss to her soft lips. The wanting in her gaze reflected his as he led her to the quiet corner of their table. Before Rafe lost his nerve, he took the kiss he had wanted to give her since the day they met. **** The first kiss on dance floor she barely felt his lips. It was a kiss that literally left her wanting more. Yet, it was nothing to the kiss at the table. Rafe set the chair out for her, and the next thing she knew, he took her in his arms. His lips met hers. Silently and masterfully he possessed her. Gentle at first, but as their passion inflamed them, he deepened the kiss. Breathless and insatiate, Rafe ended the kiss but held her hand as he took a long drink of his beer.

108

Ronna Gage

“Rafe?” Candi moaned his name softly. He embraced her and held her as she shook with the emotions she felt. “What are we going to do?” “Whatever you want to do. I just want to be with you.” He stroked her back, softly whispering in her ear, “I’m not going anywhere.” She faced him. “I don’t want to rush.” She had to make her peace and stand her ground. “If this is just a way for you to screw me and then screw me over, just keep walking. All right?” She worried her bottom lip. “Oh, honey, you can’t get rid of me that easily. We can wait until you’re ready. Like I said, I’m not going anywhere.” “I just want to be sure this is the right thing for both of us.” “I understand,” he vowed.

The Search is Over

109

Chapter Twenty-Three Minerva witnessed firsthand the bullshit tactics Jesse used to keep them apart, and she bore witness to the closeness they shared last Saturday night when she went out with the two of them. They had something special out there on the dance floor. Minerva could see that Candi and Rafe longed to be together, even while each one fought that longing with everything they were worth. Yet she felt a loyalty to Roy and of course, to Jesse, but she also felt one to her friend Candi. I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. But seeing the smile on Candi’s face, seeing Rafe smiling the same way. She walked to the door of their bedroom. “Jesse’s bullshit isn’t going to go on anymore.” She entered the kitchen, grabbed a cup of coffee, and then sat down at the kitchen table with Roy and Jesse. Neither of them acknowledged her with a good morning greeting or even a hello. “Where’s my coffee? Where’s breakfast?” Roy demanded. Minerva looked over her shoulder at the coffeepot. “It’s over there on the counter. I’m not your servant.” Roy jerked up out of his chair like a shot. He looked at Jesse. “If this isn’t the damnest thing. Two goddamn women live here and both of them think they are above catering to the men of the house.” Jesse bobbed his eyebrows but said nothing. This will be easier than I thought. “Excuse me, fucker.” Roy stopped in his tracks and looked at Minerva in surprise. “I’m not your maid, you are not my boss, and I am not your wife. Get your own fucking coffee.” Jesse snickered.

110

Ronna Gage

She turned to look at him. “Jesse, starting tomorrow, you will be covering the day shift for the next two weeks.” Minerva expected a fight for such an abrupt change. “Why?” She looked at Roy and then at him. “I am considering making this your new shift except for weekends. I don’t want yours and Candi’s personal lives interfering with the bar’s business.” Jesse gave her a wry smile. “I have no problem with that.” “Good. It’s set then. Another thing. I think it’s time you went on with your plans to leave Texas and be done with it.” Jesse’s wide-eyed expression didn’t faze her one bit. “Dad said I could stay until September.” She looked at Roy, whose noisy return didn’t go unnoticed. “Oh, really. And, while you’re at it, you can take your father with you.” Roy glared at her. “What the fuck?” “You heard me. I don’t want you anymore. I’m tired of you badgering me, Roy,” she looked back at Jesse, “and I’m tired of you badgering Candi. For both of your information, she is a nice girl. She is working to put herself through school. You have done nothing but manipulate her and twist her guts around since you left her to be with that girl at your mom’s.” She stood up from the breakfast table. “Now, you have two weeks to get your shit together and leave.” “What is this about? You have some stud on the side?” Roy asked. His sarcasm grated on her last nerve. “As a matter of fact, I do. He’s a real cowboy who is interested in seeing me. He worships my body like a temple, and it’s the way I want it worshipped.” The very thought of him loving her caused goose bumps to break out over her body. She could feel his strong arms on her thighs, his tongue washing her pussy until she soaked his face, and his cock inside her, filling her every lonely need. Since that night she met Chad, she couldn’t stop smiling to herself. Love was in the air, and she was going to get some while she could.

The Search is Over

111

“He’s probably some drug addict looking for a way to make a few dollars to fuck someone who thinks she’s got money.” Roy laughed out loud. “May be, but even this addict is a better man than you’ll ever be.” She walked out the door, leaving Roy and Jesse in their fit of uproarious giggles. Minerva stepped into the driveway just as Rafe was getting out of his car. “I see you’ve been detailing your car again.” “Yes.” “You are so meticulous. I wonder if you will apply that same attention to all details in your life.” “What do you mean?” Rafe asked with a slight confusion to his gaze. “Okay, we’ll act dumb for now.” Leave it alone. Rafe smiled, but was quiet as he leaned against his car. A few seconds later he looked down at her. “Minerva, could you keep Candi busy Saturday afternoon?” “Lately, you two have been inseparable. What’s going on? You got a hot date?” she teased as she leaned on the fender of his car. “You could say that.” Minerva’s face was crestfallen. She turned to stare at him. Surely, what she was hearing was a mistake. “But I thought…” Jesse walked out of the house and didn’t look at or say one word to either of them. Suit yourself, daddy’s boy. “I’m going to the lake with those two chummy boys over there.” His chin pointed in the direction of Jesse and Jack who sat on the porch talking. “Suddenly, they want to hang out with me.” Minerva looked at Jesse. An uneasy feeling in her stomach built up immediately. “What do you make of that?” “I don’t know, but I don’t want Candi anywhere near it.” “I agree. She doesn’t need the interference right now.”

112

Ronna Gage

Minerva’s big toe played with a small stone on the graveled driveway. “What’re you thinking?” Rafe didn’t hesitate giving her an answer. “I think it’s time Jesse realizes that he’s lost her and she isn’t going back to him. I also think it’s time he moves on to that Stephanie chick.” “Yeah, I thought so, too. I told him and Roy that they have two weeks to vacate.” Minerva looked at the door to her trailer, knowing Candi was inside studying before their shift at the bar. “I’ll schedule Candi to work all day on Saturday. She could use the overtime.” Minerva turned to face him. “I have to know something. Do you plan on hurting her?” “No. I don’t plan to hurt her. To do so would be hurting me. I love her.” Rafe finally admitted the reason for his feelings. “I think I’ve loved her since the first time I saw her.” The thought of that first time repeated in his memory, causing tenderness deep in his heart. “That night at the picnic tables?” “No, I used to sit and watch her hang out clothes everyday for two weeks before that night we actually met.” “Rafe Sines! I’m shocked. You never cease to amaze me.” Minerva gave him a light punch to his chest—right above his heart. “I’ll talk at you later.” A bout of laughter caught their attention. He turned to see the two chummy friends using sticks as swords. He looked on with interest as Jesse defended himself. He would return the attack, letting his guard down, only to be stuck in the chest with the stick. Rafe came to the most obvious conclusion. He looked at Minerva. “Jesse can’t fight for shit.” “Nope, never has been able to, either.” “I’ll talk to you later,” he said to Minerva. “Yep, and take care of that girl.” “With everything I have.” Minerva walked to the trailer door. She took one last look at Rafe. “I will hold you to that.”

The Search is Over

113

Chapter Twenty-Four “There’s no better way for men to bond than a day at the beach,” Jack announced, excitement oozing in his voice. He and Rafe placed the large cooler in the bed of the truck. Rafe envisioned him, Jack, and Jesse laughing it up at the beach. “Hell yeah. We have all we need. A cooler of beer and sunblock to last the whole day…” “And all day to do it!” Jesse interrupted. The three loaded Rafe’s F-150 truck with three lounge chairs and then took off to the lake. At ten o’clock, the sandy shore had a decent gathering of people. Rafe stepped out of the truck and looked around. Sunbathers lay around lathed with cocoa-butter-smelling oil. He looked at Jack and Jesse, who salivated at the array of women in bikinis, cutoff shorts, tube tops, and thongs. There’s enough eye candy to help a man go blind. “Now this is what I’m talking about,” Jesse commented. “I’ll get me some of that,” Jack agreed while he looked at a woman in a black bikini. Rafe chuckled. “Ya’ll are like two kids in a candy shop wowing about this treat or that one, but can’t decide which one to pick. Sheesh!” Jack looked at him with a confused look. “I can’t take samples of them all?” Rafe hung his head down, shook it, and chuckled more. “No.” “So which one do you want to sample?” Jack asked Rafe.

114

Ronna Gage

Rafe looked around. “Not sure!” He looked to the sky and found some comfort in the collecting clouds. “At least those tiny clouds will block out the blaring heat if we stay out here all day.” “Well, let’s check out what’s on hand.” Jack pointed in the direction of a brunette lying in a lounger reading a book. “How about that lady there? She seems to be educated, career motivated, and has ta-tas the size of melons.” Rafe laughed out loud at the comment. He eyed her for a second, acting like he considered the offer, and then it occurred to him that he may actually know her. “Samantha?” The woman looked in his direction. “Rafe!” She stood up and walked to the truck. “My goodness, it’s a small world.” She hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “What brings you out here today?” “Nothing much. My friend, Jack,”—he pointed to him—“and I are showing our neighbor, Jesse, the sights.” Samantha looked from Jesse, to Jack, and then back to Rafe. “I see.” “What are you doing here?” he asked, more out of manners than real interest. “Studying mostly. I have a final on Wednesday, so I thought a nice day at the lake would be a change of pace.” He gave her a simple grin. Her smile grew larger. “Would you like water or a beer?” She looked at her watch. “It’s a little early for a beer, but I would love a rain check if that’s all right.” “Sure, I’m not going too far. Shout when you’re ready.” “I will. Hey, I’m going over to my chair and do some more reading. Come on over if you get bored.” She turned to Jack and Jesse. “It’s nice to meet you. Have fun.” The two chums watched her walk away. Jack looked back at him and bobbed his eyebrows in a knowing male gesture. “I think I’ll get a snack.”

The Search is Over

115

Rafe laughed. “Where did you meet her?” Jesse asked, salivating at the mouth. “She came into the shop with her car. A Mustang, I think.” “Dude, you have the pick of the litter out here,” Jesse shouted. “Why are you standing around here?” Rafe looked at him steadily and then took a drink of his cold beer. “Playing the game, dude.” He shrugged off the real reason. “The more you ignore them, the more they want you.” Jesse stood before Rafe with his arm across his chest. “Why don’t you stop the bullshit?” Jesse’s defiant stance ignited Rafe’s anger. “All right.” Rafe stood away from the truck. In one step, he stood face-to-face with Jesse. His chest bowed up, undeterred by Jesse’s size. “What do you want from Candi?” “Candi?” Jesse immediately went on the defensive. “I don’t want anything from her. I have a girlfriend in Ohio.” “Great. Then you won’t mind if she and I start dating.” Jesse tried to show indifference. “No, like I said, I have a girlfriend.” Rafe nodded. “I want to make it clear, to get it right. You have a girlfriend in another state?” The question obviously caught Jesse off guard by the way he shifted from one foot to the other. “Yes.” “You’re out here today to find a piece of ass to tide you over.” “Sounds good to me.” Jesse smiled wolfishly as he looked at Samantha. He licked his lips. Rafe lifted his sunglasses off his face and set them on his head. He looked Jesse in the eyes, and his expression went from inquisitive to serious. “Good. I think you need to leave Texas and head on to that Stephanie chick. If you come around Candi again and cause her any more confusion or pain, I will kick you so hard you’ll fall on your ass.” Rafe stood his place. He didn’t show a single gleam of jesting as he stared down his opponent.

116

Ronna Gage

The boldfaced threat forced a wave of shock to widen Jesse’s eyes. He looked Rafe over once. “I won’t tolerate a little, wimpy-ass, cocksucker like you to make idle threats.” “What does the badass Marine not like? Having lessons taught to him?” Rafe asked his voice low. “I would like to see you try to kick me and knock me on my ass,” Jesse challenged. In one swift move, Rafe made a 360-degree circle in the air and kicked Jesse on the left cheek with his right foot, knocking him to the ground. **** In the distance, Jack watched his two friends square off. I’d like to be a fly on the wall and hear what those two were saying. He didn’t have to imagine what they were talking about. The body language spoke volumes to the level of intensity around them. Brawn against brains. Jesse did have the muscles, but what Rafe had that Jesse didn’t have was agility. Jack heard of his ability to twist his body to get out of a hold. As if Rafe read Jack’s mind, he made a roundhouse kick and connected one foot to his opponent’s face. Jack could feel the sting of the slap from where he stood. “Ahhhh, man!” Jack turned to the two girls he escorted back to his camp. “Ladies, would you give me a minute?” The two girls looked as Rafe stood over Jesse, and then with a white-toothed smile, they turned to Jack. Each girl kissed him on the cheek. “We’ll be waiting at the concession stand.” “I’ll be right there.” A soft giggle gave him the answer he anticipated. He watched the two girls walk away, their firm buttocks swaying with each step. I love the playground equipment at the lake. Turning to the two people he came with, he stalked over and pulled Jesse up onto his feet. A small trickle of blood oozed out of the

The Search is Over

117

corner of his mouth. He spit a big wad of it onto the ground. “I can’t leave you two alone for five minutes, can I?” “Just getting a few things straight.” Jesse looked at Rafe. “No hard feelings?” “None at all.” Rafe kept the harsh expression on his face and continued to stare Jesse down with a leveling glare. The tone of his voice whispered in grated anger. “Just as long as we have an understanding?” “Understood.” Jesse dug into the cooler and grabbed a beer. He popped the top. “Better you than me, that’s all I have to say.” He raised the opened beer to Rafe in submission and then took a long drink. “I’m not kidding, Jesse. I gave you a chance to come clean. If you said you still wanted her, I would’ve backed off.” Jack and Jesse looked back at him, surprised by his statement. “Are you going to give her to me now?” Jesse asked. Rafe shook his head. “No, you had that chance and told me you had a girlfriend. I made sure those were your true feelings. I still mean what I said. She’s mine now.” “Like I said, better you than me.” Jesse turned to Jack, wiped the beer from his swollen lip. “So, where have you been?” Jack eyed Rafe and Jesse carefully. Certain no more drama would erupt between them, he looked toward the snack shack. “See those two blondes in blue suits?” Jack pointed to the two girls that turned and waved at him. “Yes!” Jesse returned the wave. “Well, they want to play with our equipment,” Jack said, voicing his earlier thought. “They have a terrific swing set in back and a tunnel of love in front. Interested?” Jesse clapped his hands together in greedy anticipation. “Which attractions should I try first?”

118

Ronna Gage

“Take the one on the left.” Jesse took a step and then turned back to Rafe. “You interested?” Rafe smiled but shook his head. “Did you forget? I’m sort of interested in someone else.” He sat in a lounge chair. Jack shrugged. “Suit yourself.” “I am.” Rafe fished in the cooler until he found a beer. “You guys go on. I will be fine.” He looked at his watch. 10:30. “It’s going to be a long day.” Jack laughed. “Can’t wait to get back to your girl?” “Nope, you better go on, before I forget our friendship and leave your ass here.” “You won’t leave me here to fend for myself. What kind of roommate would that make you?” “One who has a girl waiting for him.” Jack had nothing else to say. He simply left Rafe alone and went in search of his own girl-for-the-day. **** “I talked to Jesse this afternoon,” Rafe announced when he met Candi at the door. “And?” She scraped her bottom lip with her upper teeth. “He’s informed me that we have his blessing. He won’t bother you anymore.” Relieved of the stress, Candi threw herself into his arms. “What does that mean?” He set her away from him and looked into her eyes. “We are free to build on the exclusive relationship we started.” “You mean simple building blocks, greeting one another every day and showing interest in each other’s work.” “Okay, we can start there. I figured we could start today.” Candi didn’t understand. “Did you want to go out?”

The Search is Over

119

“Nope, I figure we could work on your homework.” “Oh, that would be awesome. You were so helpful to me the other day.” She paused. “I thought about that day just this morning and wanted your help again.” “Here I am! What do you need help with?” She handed him her anatomy homework. “This.” He looked at it. Reproductive System. “Honey, can’t you tell a boy from a girl?” She grinned and looked at him with narrowed eyes. “Don’t go there.” He laughed. There seemed to be a lilt in his voice. Her stomach fluttered with excitement. “How about I cook something for us to eat?” He stepped closer. “Sounds good.” He swallowed hard. His Adam’s apple moved. “I’ll look this chapter over and make a few notes to the points of interest.” Her chin notched upward at this choice of words. “No pun intended,” he defended with a quiet laugh. “That’s better. After dinner, they sat and talked for hours. Studying the guide for her class, he applied the hints he learned in the military to make the connection from her class work to real life usage. They enjoyed one another’s company, happy to be free to date and not wonder about the possibility of hurting anyone else. Jesse walked into the door, interrupting their break. “Oh, how cozy.” Neither of them said anything. They watched Jesse pick up the phone, take it to the back room, and leave them in peace. “Has he harassed you since we got back from the lake?” “Nope.” She looked at him. “What did you and he talk about anyway?” Rafe squeezed her hand. “Let’s just say we came to an understanding.”

120

Ronna Gage

“You aren’t going to tell me, are you?” “Candi, there’s no need to worry you. It’s been taken care of. If he does bother you again, tell me.” “Okay, but you said ya’ll came to an understanding.” “We did, but…just tell me if he does something stupid.” Candi settled closer to him. “I will.” She reached up and brushed her lips to his. “I’m tired of studying. Let’s go watch TV at your place.” He rose up from the couch, set out his hand, and helped her up. “I have a new movie I want to see.” “Oh yeah, what’s that?” “Chucky!” “That scary one?” “Yes.” Candi froze. “What’s wrong?” “I hate scary movies.” “Oh. We can watch a funny movie instead.” “I can do that.” Candi followed him to his house.

The Search is Over

121

Chapter Twenty-Five Rafe sat on the couch in deep thought. He felt the peaceful calm of the day slip over him and he relaxed with the joy of Candi’s image floating in his mind. “I meant to ask, how are you and Jesse getting along these days?” Jack asked from the other end of the couch. Rafe shrugged his shoulders. “Okay, I guess. Since our quote unquote understanding, we tolerate one another when we happen to be in the same place.” “How long has it been now?” “Two weeks.” “How is he treating Candi?” “According to her, he hasn’t been harassing her since that day at the lake.” “What did you tell her about that day?” “Just that Jesse and I had a talk. I figure the less she knew about the whole incident, the better.” Since that day, Rafe and Candi built a solid foundation for their relationship. They shared the status of their days. Any thoughts they had on how to make the bad days better for the future. And on their days off they were inseparable. Candi looked happy, and he’d never seen her look more beautiful. Most nights they left one another hot and bothered by the heavy petting. That seemed to be the only downfall to their relationship. What were we thinking when we made that pact to wait? The promise to wait sounded easy enough, but that decision put a heavy strain on both of their nerves. They left one another on edge and cranky. They were like a couple with an

122

Ronna Gage

addiction. And as with any drug, chemical or other, if they didn’t make love soon and feed that addiction the restlessness grew. If I don’t make love to her soon, I may just punch Jesse in the face out of spite. “Rafe, I think you and Candi need some private time together,” Jack said, stating his observance. “And how are we supposed to do that?” “Well, I have a date tonight. Why don’t the two of you meet over here? It will be quiet, and you won’t have to worry about me coming in.” “Where will you be?” He grinned. “I am planning some private time for myself.” Rafe nodded. “All right, I think I’ll take advantage of your being out. What if your date is, uh, unwilling to welcome you for the night, then what?” Jack and he looked at one another, contemplating the thought. “Nah!” both said in unison. “But if for some reason she does get all prudish on me, I’ll find somewhere else to crash.” “Thanks, man, I really appreciate this.” “No worries.” Rafe picked up his phone and dialed Candi’s work number. “When you come home, come over here. I have a special night planned.” “Okay. See you in later this evening. Let’s say about an hour?” Rafe hung up the phone. “Tonight is going to be the best night in Candi’s life.” “I am glad to help.” “I bet you are. But when she thinks of this night, she will recall it with a smile. I’m going to make sure of it. Her every need will be met, her every fantasy will come true, and mine also.” “Good! Maybe you will stop bitching and griping now.” Rafe gave him a flustered look. “Shut up!”

The Search is Over

123

Rafe spent the day tidying up, dusting, cleaning, and airing out the house. And now he worked in the kitchen putting the final touches on the shrimp and steak dinners he planned to serve. Wine coolers and beer chilled in the refrigerator, the steaks were marinating on the counter, and the shrimp were filleted and ready for the grill. Everything set, he took a step back. “Now, I just need Candi to come over.” The closer it got to that time, the more nervous and anxious he became. He looked down and realized he had cleaned the same spot on the counter twice. He rolled his eyes and tossed the rag into the sink. “Come on, man, find something else to do.” He went into the living room, turned off the hard rock music, and put on a love songs station. The soft music filled the background and Rafe shook his head in amazement. “Yuck, how the hell can people listen to this sappy stuff?” He switched the radio to CD player and placed the metal love songs he had burned earlier into place. Satisfied with his music selection, he returned to the kitchen to toss the salad. A knock on the door sounded, and his eagerness mounted. Excitement rushed through his body. He almost jogged to answer the door. The bout of tensions twisting his body eased when he opened the door and saw Candi standing on his porch. Her smile brightened the dreary fog in his mind. Although plainly she looked tired, she didn’t let it stop her from coming over. The black sheath dress fit her form. A soft scoop neckline dipped low enough to reveal the tops of her breasts. The black satin sash tied at the left side of her waist hung to the hem of the dress. Rafe panned down her body. How does she keep her sandals on her tiny feet? They have so many straps. A sudden breeze lifted her hair, and her scent wafted in the air. He smelled the exotic fruits of her perfume. His stomach stirred at the scent and his cock hardened instantaneously at the seductive way her hair revealed her neck.

124

Ronna Gage

He moved aside to let her through the door. “Hello, gorgeous!” he greeted. Her shy smile moved him. He backed her into the wall, bracing his hands on either side of her face, blocking her escape. Bending to her eye level, he laid a gentle kiss on her lips. Her hands rested softly on his waist. He could feel the heat from her palms sear his sides. His kiss deepened, and her hands gripped him tightly. For one moment, he grew less concerned about feeding their stomachs and focused more on their desire. Rafe’s hand cupped her left breast. The flimsy low-cut bodice of her dress bunched in his large hands. In one fluid move, he pulled her dress down, baring her left breast. His tongue filled her mouth. She moaned in satisfaction to the intimate touch. His hot, hungry mouth left hers and explored her neck, and then he sought out the peak of her nipple that he hungered to touch. “Rafe…we can’t…do this…” Her soft whisper of protest brought him to his senses. “Yeah, you’re right. We said we would wait.” Disappointment filled his senses at the repeated vow he mindlessly uttered. He straightened her dress. When her finger landed softly on his lips, his words hung in the air. He looked into the hungry gaze of her eyes. All thoughts and reasoning left his mind. “No, we’re still by the front door.” She laughed. She looked around and pointed her chin to the living room. “I think we should go in there.” Rafe rested his forehead on hers. “I got lost in the moment.” He shut the door, took her hand in his, and then led her into the living room. Candi sat on the sofa. She looked so tired. “Don’t fall asleep on me, honey.” “I won’t.” She yawned. “I have a great dinner cooking over there.” “I’m hungry.” He stood up. “Would you like something to drink?”

The Search is Over

125

“Thanks.” “I got wine coolers and beer.” He walked into the kitchen grabbed two bottles from the fridge, and then opened them. He gave her the opened bottle of margarita-flavored wine cooler and saw the droopiness in her eyes. “You poor baby.” She smiled then took a sip of the wine cooler. “You know what I would like at this very moment?” Rafe took a swallow of his beer. “Hmm,” he moaned and shook his head. “I want to make love.” Rafe choked loudly on the beer. He wouldn’t have guessed in a million years that his own thoughts would leave his mind and, on the way out, try to choke him to death. Candi quickly came to his side. “Oh! Rafe, are you all right?” She worried over him as she took his beer from his hand and set it on the table. “Damn. I wasn’t trying to kill you.” She laughed. Rafe’s breathing returned to normal. “Must you wait until I am drinking something to drop bombshells like that on me? Woman, you’re going to be the death of me yet,” he complained, bringing her closer. “I hope it’ll be a good death.” Rafe watched her play with the buttons on his shirt. He leaned back against the sofa. She followed him as she kissed his bared chest, his nipples responding to her touch, much as hers did to his. His taut pecs flexed under her lips as they skimmed over the warmed skin. Her tongue traced the bared skin of his abdomen and his erection grew a little harder. His muscles rippled in response to her tender ministration. She pulled his shirttail from his jeans, and hungry eyes captured his. She unfastened the buckle of his belt and unbuttoned his pants. She looked down at the opened material. “I wondered if your body hair was blond.”

126

Ronna Gage

She fingered the exposed, narrowing trail of fine, cotton-colored body hair that hid behind the fabric of his briefs. Her slow exploration of the stretchy material of elastic drove him crazy, but he lay before her stone-still. He didn’t press or rush her. He let her discover his body at leisure. Her long finger smoothed away the waistband. Unable to keep his hands to himself, Rafe let them roam over her back, following the curve of her body. The tab of her zipper poked his hand. Not one to question fate, Rafe easily slid the zipper down her back. His finger hooked under the strap of her dress. He slipped it past her shoulder and followed it with heated kisses. The golden glow of her sun-kissed skin enticed him. The shadows played in the curves of her collarbone. He moved the bodice down past her elbows, folding it at her waist. He sucked in an air that caught in his chest at her beautiful body. Not even his fantasies were this good. The flimsy, sheer material of the black lacy bra barely covered her skin. Rafe’s fingers played at the straps. He rolled her onto her back so he could look down at her beauty. Her arms framed her breasts, positioning them more fully for his view and pleasure. “I like this position.” He softly nipped her breast through the lacy bra. His large hands replaced his heated breath on the sheer material. He massaged her breasts. She inhaled sharply. His eyes watched her face as he skimmed a thumb over her right nipple. It instantly puckered to another level of hardness. Rolling her nipple between his thumb and forefinger kept it aroused by his touch. His tongue lapped at the valley between her breasts. Softly, he pinched her material-clad nipple. A whimper escaped her throat. She grabbed the fold of her dress as Rafe’s thumb gently stroked the depths of her cleavage. He eased the straps of her bra down past her elbows with the rest of her dress. He sucked her right nipple into his mouth and then pinched her left one. He then traded the favors to each one and gave full attention to the details. Candi arched her breasts to him. “Rafe.” “Not yet, baby. I have only begun.”

The Search is Over

127

**** Candi’s fantasies were coming true. The feel of his touch stood her nerves on end with wanting. She inhaled sharply at the erotic stimulus of lace on skin earlier. Her head still reeled from the friction it caused. She thought she would feel embarrassed by her naked breasts in front of him, but instead, she was curious. The long and short suckles Rafe tendered to her breast, along with the pinches on her right one, sent her over into a tidal wave of desire. How did he take me so quickly to that level? Rafe wouldn’t let up on his foreplay. As he teased her left breast with his tongue and teeth, he eased his right hand under her dress. His fingers went inside her panties. She could feel the back of his finger touch the lips around her throbbing clit. “Ohhh.” Her eyes widened at the simple touch. Rafe applied more soft pressure. She ground her pussy into his hand. “Yes, that’s my girl.” Candi’s excitement piqued at his whispered encouragement. She reapplied the pressure even more. He backed her off his hand for a second. Easing the straps to her thong panties down to her upper thigh, he then gathered her skirt up to her hands. “Hold this.” Candi complied. She lay before him bare breasted, her pussy exposed to his touch. Softly, she licked her upper lip in anticipation. She could taste the salt of his skin on them. He used his thumb and forefinger to open her feminine flesh. His middle finger circled the entrance, and then sunk inside her. She ground herself onto his finger. She heard him moan. Or, was it she? “Mmm, you’re so wet.” He withdrew his finger and wet her with her own creamy juices. He licked his finger for a quick taste. “That’s sweet.” His thumb rotated the sensitive bud of her clit, his finger

128

Ronna Gage

delving repeatedly in and out of her cunt. Each time the grinding of her hips met his penetrating finger. He took her right nipple into his hot mouth. She hissed. Her nipples and breast tingled. Thousands of sharp needles assaulted her with a pleasure-pain tingling. She almost screamed with delight at the intense pressure his suckling created. The increased pace of his finger, fucking her to orgasm. Her muscles contracted with each stroke across her clit. She screamed his name just before she soaked his hand with her creamy release. The waves of her orgasm racked her body in soft ripples of ecstasy. She felt the dewiness at the lips of her pussy. Opening her eyes, his cock peeked out at her from behind his zipper. Her eyes opened wider at the thickness and length of his fully aroused staff. It almost touches his navel. Rafe,” she whispered in his ear. “I want you.” Her hands wrapped around his engorged bulge, holding and fondling him with an almost animal magnetism. She felt the soft material of her dress release its hug on her body as Rafe gently slipped it down to her ankles. The coolness of the air conditioner mixed with the heat of her desire made her body shake in rapture. “Candi.” The whispered consolation was all he gave her in that moment. Standing before him naked for the first time, Candi felt shy and uncertain. What does he think of my body? She dared to look into his eyes. His smile of appreciation gentled her fears. “I couldn’t have dreamt of a better body.” His declaration made her feel beautiful. “Let me get a blanket.” He took the blanket from the sofa and laid out a pallet for her to lie on. Tenderly he guided her to the floor. Candi watched him slowly peel away his shirt. His bared arms bulged with muscles. His hard body was perfect. Candi’s mouth watered at the sight of him, and she began to stroke herself. He shed his jeans, and his bulging cock sprang out at her

The Search is Over

129

“Do you like what you see?” he asked. The confident grin and bobbing eyebrows challenged her to respond. “Is there anything else you would like to show me?” “I can think of a few things.” Rafe knelt down at her knees, opened her legs, and watched as she stroked her clit. “I can see the cream of your juices on you.” “What do you think about me stroking myself?” “I’m going to die from the throbbing pain in my dick.” “What will make you feel better?” “Heat! I need heat!” “What kind of heat?” “The hot, liquid heat that only you can supply.” He leaned over her. “I need it now.” He closed his arms around her before she could achieve her release. The peaks of her breasts grazed his chest. He bent and kissed her deeply, then softened the kiss when she went limp under his body. She let his tongue and lips explored every part of her body. His finger found the hot core between her legs, and there it stayed. “You’re still wet.” He delved into her deeper. “Like a honey pot,” he whispered. The graphic description aroused her more. He drew the finger and tasted it again. “Sweet! You are like a candy that can never satisfy my sweet tooth.” Her need and desire reflected in his eyes, but he wasn’t ready to give up the glorious search of her body. Cupping her slender thighs, he bent her knees and opened her wider. She knew he would benefit from the position, but her own benefits were stoked. He used his tongue to repeatedly lick and suck her to orgasm. The near-violent quake of her body vibrated through her. Rafe held her clit within his mouth, drinking her in. “Rafe!” She grasped his biceps. He stood up. “Come to me…” She took his face in her hands. “…Make love to me.” “Candi, I…” He stopped, looked at her. Fear lingered in his eyes. Her soft hand pushed up to his cheek. “I love you, Rafe.”

130

Ronna Gage

The softness in her voice relaxed him. His body loosened suddenly. The slit at the head of his cock grew dewy. His pent up breath released as a warm gust of air on her cheek. The head of his cock entered the slick wetness of her multiple orgasms. “I can feel every inch of you slide into me,” she panted. “How does it feel?” He watched. “Velvety…hard…” He inched his way further into her. She groaned. He plunged inside her. She writhed under him. “Don’t move, baby,” he said on gritted teeth, settling himself deep inside her. “This is just what I need.” “How?” “You are soaked and hot. The immense heat is soothing.” Slowly, ever so slowly, he inched his way out then delved into her again. “You feel so good.” He kissed her throat. She trembled. “I want your…” His hips rotated, delving him deeper inside. The buildup of vaginal wetness sounded with each penetration deep within her. “Pour some of your sweetness on me,” he whispered. They both fell into that sweet, dark abyss of pleasure. Hours later, Candi lay spooned next to him in his arms wrapped in the blue and white plaid blanket. He softly stroked her right breast, lay gentle kisses in her hair as he watched the news. Her body trembled, and she sniffed. “Candi? What’s wrong?” He sat up on an elbow. Her misty eyes met his. “Are you crying?” She shook her head. “I was just thinking.” “What were you thinking about?” “You didn’t make me shit, fart, faint, and pass out.” She fought to control her giggles. “I did wiggle and giggle, I’ll give you that.” She burst out in a fit of laughter. He rolled her over onto her back. “Rafe!” she yelped in surprise.

The Search is Over

131

He braced himself above her. “Oh, but the night is still young.” His head lowered to hers. She put her hands to his lips. “Are you trying to ask me to sleep over?” She stroked his arms with her fingertips. She inched them up to his chest. His muscles rippled under her touch. He contemplated the question, “Okay, but I sleep on top.” He captured her protest with his lips. His kiss deepened as he entered her.

132

Ronna Gage

Chapter Twenty-Six Outside the rain fell softly against the window. The steady, gentle pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof lulled them to a relaxed plateau to sleep the storm away. The darkened room became a haven after the night of passionate, intimate moments they shared, cementing the bond. The telephone rang, waking Rafe immediately. He fumbled around in the dark until he found the phone under a pile of discarded clothes. “It’s not even sunrise yet, this had better be damn good.” Jack laughed into his ear. “I’m not going to be home for awhile.” “Your ass better be in jail for waking me up this damn early.” “Sleep alone?” Jack jibed. “None of your business.” “Go to sleep. You’re a dick.” “I only wish that this phone was one of those old-fashioned models.” “Why?” “So it would hurt when I do this.” Rafe clicked off the phone. He turned over. Candi slept, uninterrupted by the phone call next to him. The softness of her naked body next to his felt warm. His cock stirred as she cuddled her ass closer to it. She and I will be alone for a little while longer. He wanted to take advantage of it. He slipped his hand under the covers, feeling her hot, wet pussy. He pulled her closer. His thumb and finger opened her until he touched on her swollen bud. He inhaled and smelled their earlier orgasms. He salivated at the thought of tasting her.

The Search is Over

133

He kissed her shoulder, neck, and then her ear softly, arousing her in her sleep. “Good morning, honey.” Candi turned onto her back. Rafe positioned her leg slightly, bending her knee to gain better access of her. His finger entered her, and then he pulled out of her repeatedly. “Rafe!” she screamed his name. He threw back the covers. Her body was moist with sweat, and she smelled of her orgasm. In one thrust, Rafe entered into the heat of her canal. His tongue entered her mouth. The simultaneous hot entries boggled his mind. Never had he felt such heat on two opposite ends of desire. His cock swelled to its full length and size. He felt it stretch her. At last, she was his. He made love to her once again.

134

Ronna Gage

Chapter Twenty-Seven Rafe and Candi lay in bed, sleeping off the better part of the morning. Neither of them rushed to leave the small bed. What it lacked in size it made up for in its intended purposes to support them while they made love and to give comfort while they napped and watched movies. Rafe sat upright in bed, only half covered at the waist with the bed sheet. Candi lay in his arms. Her head rested on his chest. He inhaled and smelled the fragrant air of their sex, sweat, and worn-off cologne. He watched television and softly plucked at her nipple. Candi fingered the outline of an old scar on the left side of his chest. “Where did you get this?” she asked. Looking down, he smiled. “Do you want the romantic version or the truth?” “Okay, I’ll bite, what is the romantic version?” “I got that in Beirut in ’83.” Candi knew he was in the military, but she was surprised that learn that he’d spent time in such a hostile environment. “Seriously?” “Yep.” “Oh, wow! No, wait a minute. You would have been eighteen years old. A senior in high school.” “Yeah, but it got me into your pants,” he teased, bobbing his eyebrows. Candi rolled her eyes. “You think you’re so cocky. You got into my pants before you told me that story.” She reached for the top blanket. “I need coffee.” He grabbed the blanket before she could wrap it around her naked body.

The Search is Over

135

“Oh yeah.” He shrugged his shoulders and looked down at her. “So much for sticking with what works.” He laid the blanket over her and smoothed a hand over her hip. “The truth is, when I was little there was some kind of tumor. My parents had it removed, and there were some complications.” “Oh, sweetie, I’m sorry.” Candi bent and kissed the scar, and then she trailed kisses to his nipple. “That feels good.” “How?” “Your warm lips and hot tongue kissing my body.” “I can see it pleases you,” she said, and then cupped his swollen cock. “If we don’t stop, you will have trouble to pay.” “Before coffee?” she gasped. “We really should get out of bed. Jack could come in at any moment, and I would really prefer he not see you even close to naked.” Rafe let go of her, got out of bed, and covered himself with a robe. He reached into the closet and brought out a long white terry cloth robe from the hook. “Where did this come from?” Candi held the robe close to her body. The letter S was stenciled on the lapel. Rafe tied the belt of the robe around her. The damn thing swallowed her. “I got that as a gift from the Sheraton.” Candi gave him an inquisitive look. “The Sheraton doesn’t just give away robes.” “I bought it. Now, can we take a shower?” “Sure. Player!” Rafe laughed out loud. He slapped her on the butt when she preceded him into the bathroom. “Not if I keep sharing my secrets.” ****

136

Ronna Gage

“Hello!” Jack hollered through the house when he came wandering in later that afternoon. He walked into the living room. “Don’t you two look at-home and cozy dressed in pajamas.” Candi and Rafe lay out together on the couch. “We’re comfortable,” Rafe answered. Jack laughed and walked straight to his room. An hour later, he came into the living room again, dressed in a clean shirt and jeans, his hair freshly shampooed and left uncombed. “I’m off again,” he announced. “With that same girl?” Rafe asked. “Yeah, same old amusement park.” With a wolfish grin, he was gone, shutting the door behind him as he went. “I’m amazed,” Rafe said out loud. Candi was curious at the comment. “At what?” “Jack. Maybe he’s growing more mature and doesn’t like the single life style much either.” “Either?” Rafe kissed her hair. “Mm-hmm.” Candi was quiet. Rafe hugged her close, “I’ll give you a penny for your thoughts.” She turned serious. “I was just thinking about the future.” “What about it?” “What do you want for the future?” Candi hadn’t really thought about the future, unless it was the near future and her job goals. She found a certain peace being with Rafe. She was happy to be with him. Now that they were lovers, that made it more special. “I want a big house.” Candi turned to him. She had always liked the idea of a big house. “In the country, with lots of horses and…” “Rooms.” The interruption stopped her next comment. “Rooms? Why?” “To fill.”

The Search is Over

137

“Fill with what?” Candi’s attention was solely on the next answer. The pit of her stomach fluttered with anticipation as she waited. Rafe took her hands in his and then softly he kissed her knuckles. “With kids.” Goose bumps prickled her skin. She enraptured by his answer and the direction of this conversation. Candi wasn’t sure what to say. She had always wanted a big family. “Just how many rooms are we talking here?” “Six.” “Six?” The high squeal of Candi’s voice echoed in the room. “One room for the two of us,” he kissed her neck. “One for each of the five kids.” Candi’s eyes misted with tears as her heart swelled with love. “What are you trying to say?” Candi wanted to believe her dream had come true. That she had found him—the man she had been dreaming of all her life. “I don’t know…I don’t know how to say this.” Rafe was having a difficult time telling her his feelings. She couldn’t fight the anticipation any longer. His dillydallying drove her sanity over the edge. Let him get this out on his own. She hated like hell to take it away from him. “Rafe, just say it. Take a deep breath and let it out.” “I want this future with you.” Her eyes softened. “I like your future plans. I would love to live in a big house and have kids with you.” She hugged him fiercely. Nothing could come between them now. She knew without a doubt this was the man she would spend her life with, and she was ready.

138

Ronna Gage

Chapter Twenty-Eight The shower sprayed a continuous stream of hot water down on Rafe’s throbbing head. Hungover something fierce, he hoped the steam would make it feel better. He and Jack spent last night playing pool and drinking massive amounts of beer while Candi worked her shift. This morning he paid for it, but it was worth it. Candi is worth every effort. Cold water soon sprayed him. With a great attempt, he bent over and shut off the shower spray. Grabbing a towel from the rack, he buried his face into the fresh linen smell. “God, I promise I will never drink again.” After drying off his face, he looked into the mirror. Bloodshot eyes looked back at him. His stomach churned and his skin looked pale. “Dude! You look as bad as I feel,” he told his image. “I need coffee.” Wrapping the towel around his waist, he stumbled to the kitchen. Filling a mug full of coffee, Rafe took two aspirin and forced himself to eat a single piece of bread. “Bread should soak up the alcohol.” Feeling a little better, he headed back toward the bedroom to get ready for work. Catching a whiff of Candi’s perfume, he smiled. “I will be picking her up after school today.” Notably, his day was looking up. Just inside the hall, he heard a soft tap at the door. He smiled, imagining Candi on the porch, which would be a good surprise. “Wait a minute, she’s at school.” Who’s at the door? “Just don’t answer it and they will go away,” he said aloud. The door opened and his body

The Search is Over

139

went on the alert. Debbie Grimes entered the hallway, sending shrilling bells and whistles to sound off in his head. She saw him in the hallway and smiled. “Knock, knock.” Her voice more than hinted at seduction. Entering his house, she closed the door behind her. “I hope you don’t mind some company. I thought I would come over and say hi.” She slipped a key into the hip pocket of her tight fitted jeans. Her blonde hair lay to one side, over her shoulder and slightly hugged the top of her breasts that peeked out of the low-cut tank top. “What?” Rafe was uncertain how to react. He suddenly felt violated and became angry. One false move and he would have a lot of explaining to do. His first thought was to get her out of the house before anyone saw her. “Well, I also thought if you weren’t busy…” Debbie took a step closer. “We could talk.” She fingered the towel that hung around his waist. “Or whatever you would like.” Her long fingernail lightly fingered the soft lace of her tank top. Rafe took her hand firmly. “I don’t think so, Debbie.” Debbie’s hand slowly fondled his. Her finger teased his arm and bicep, trailing a line up his arm, and then over his chest. Rafe took it all in. Don’t you dare get a hard-on. You aren’t that hard up, he willed his penis. “But I could make it easier for you to pay your rent. If you know what I mean.” She dipped a long nailed finger in his cup of steaming coffee and licked it off. She gestured with her finger what Rafe imagined to be her performance of a blow job. “Mmm, sugar.” Rafe set the cup down on a shelf of the bookcase. “I don’t have time for this. I have to go to work.” He took her arm in his hand. “And you need to go.” “I can watch while you dress.” A shudder of revulsion assaulted his stomach. “Thanks, but I can do it myself.”

140

Ronna Gage

Debbie turned a pouting face toward him. “Rafe, why don’t you want me?” What am I to do now? Should I risk pissing her off? He didn’t want to encourage any fantasies she had about him. “Debbie, I like you. But think about it. Won’t Chandler get upset if you start fucking the tenants?” Debbie lost the lust in her eyes. “If Chandler found out what you were doing, don’t you think you would lose a lot of money?” What’s good for Chandler isn’t so good for Debbie. Her eyes searched his. “Rafe, although you’re a hottie, and quite possibly a good fuck, you aren’t worth losing all that I have with Chandler.” Her voice softened to sound like that of a woman who loved her husband. Rafe knew better. Debbie covered her ass well, but at least he didn’t have to be the bad guy. “Yeah, maybe you’re right.” Rafe acted dejected for her benefit. The twinkle returned in her eyes, and it unnerved him. “Losing all that money would be a problem, wouldn’t it?” he asked. Anger replaced the glimmer in her eye. She turned toward the door, but turned back. “It has occurred to me that maybe the reason you really don’t want me is that Candi bitch.” She turned angry eyes on him. Then her gaze softened, touching his bared chest. “You like fucking her, Rafe?” The last remnants of Rafe’s anger snapped, but he would be damned if he fought with the landlord’s wife about his private life. “I don’t think that is any business of yours.” Debbie shrugged it off. “If you ever tire of little girls and want a real woman, just let me know.” Debbie closed the door behind her. Silence engulfed the trailer. The ticking wall clock made the only sound. Rafe stood in the hallway shaking with unspent fury because his privacy had been breached by a landlady with a master key. I have to get out of this place. But leaving meant Candi would be here alone. He didn’t know if he was ready for the next step in this relationship,

The Search is Over

141

just yet. Can I really leave Candi here to the wolves of Grimes Mobile Home Park?

142

Ronna Gage

Chapter Twenty-Nine Jesse flourished at being the center of attention. All eyes were on him, hanging onto his every word, and his chest swelled out with triumph. “It was the best fuck she’d ever given me.” He laughed to the group assembled at the picnic table. “When was this supposed to have happened?” Chandler asked. “The night before she and Rafe started dating.” “Was she doing him and you?” “No, but it wasn’t long after me that she fucked him.” “Well, they say good-bye sex is the best,” Roy added to the conversation. “Unless you count makeup sex,” Chandler piped in. “And spontaneous sex.” Jesse laughed at the different kinds of sex. “No, the best kind of sex is the first-time sex.” Jack silenced the group. “You see, when she told you good-bye, you appreciated it. You rid yourself of the guilt that came along with the relationship. But when she turned to Rafe, she gave him her heart, and he took it. He welcomed the treasure with open arms.” His knowing philosophy put a damper on the group’s rumor mill. He stood up from the bench, gathered his cooler, and took a step toward his trailer before he turned around. He had to have the last word. He looked around the table until his eyes reached Jesse. “What really bothers you is that she’s not yours to mind-fuck anymore.” The three hung their heads down in shame, but the effect didn’t last long.

The Search is Over

143

“So, it was the best you ever gotten from her, huh?” Roy said. “Tell us more,” Chandler suggested. These were the last words Jack heard before he stepped around the corner. Jack walked into the trailer, set the cooler on the table, and shook his head in utter disbelief. “Rafe, can you come in here?” Heavyhearted, he hated to be the one to tell him what he’d heard. Men in general usually boasted of conquests, except this time it hit a little too close to home for Jack’s comfort. But better he hear it from someone that doesn’t want to hurt him, or Candi. “What the fuck do you want?” Rafe asked, stomping into the living room, wearing a terry cloth shower wrap around his waist. “You look like you’re wearing a kilt.” Jack laughed. “Don’t you look pretty?” “Stop it!” “Nice legs.” Rafe rolled his eyes. “I’ve got a date in an hour. What do you want?” Jack quit laughing, took a steadying breath. “I need to tell you something. You’re more than likely not going to like it.” “Okay.” Rafe stood with his feet apart, his arms folded over his chest, and his face cleared of all emotions. Jack knew Rafe prepared himself for the worst. “There are rumors going on around here that Candi fucked Jesse the night before you two got together.” “What?” His voice sounded low and menacing, his eyes brightened with fury. “Who is saying that shit?” “Do you really have to ask?” “I’ll fucking kill him.” Rafe stormed out of the living room toward the door. “Wearing a dress?” Jack hollered, gaining his attention. “Son of a bitch!” Rafe roared. Stomping into his bedroom, he slammed the door.

144

Ronna Gage

Jack gave him a second before he went inside. “Rafe, you have to get it from her. It may be true, or it may be a big lie he made up to get attention.” “To think that Candi would betray me in such a way.” “You don’t know for certain. What has she said about their breakup?” “I was under the impression he broke up with her. He wanted to date another woman. Because of that, Candi slept alone while Jesse slept on the couch.” The room fell silent. Rafe shoved his feet into a pair of sneakers, intermittently shaking his head, mumbling something incoherent unless the occasional curse word popped up. “What are you thinking?” Rafe said nothing, but continued to shake his head. How would I act if I fell in love with someone and rumors flew around about them? Anger came to mind immediately. “What are you going to do?” Rafe jerked upright, grabbed a shirt, and yanked it over his head. “Confront her and get this out in the open.” Outside the window, a car drove up and then turned off its engine. Rafe looked at Jack. “I’ll not be made a fool…not again.”

The Search is Over

145

Chapter Thirty The minute Rafe saw Candi he wanted to scream in her face. She must have sensed his presence because she turned to him and smiled, but he didn’t return the gesture. He stood a few feet away, tense, with his fists balled at his sides. The pain in his gut hurt something fierce, and he wanted to hit something or someone…hard, and lessen the ache rising to his heart. “Hi!” she sighed, as he got closer. “How was your evening?” She went to hug him, but he kept himself out of arm’s reach. He looked down at her. “Not as good as I would’ve liked.” Concern etched her features. “Well, come inside and tell me about it. Maybe we can fix it.” Rafe followed her into the trailer without saying a word until they were inside. He looked around. “Where’s Minerva?” “I’m not sure. She said she would be home in awhile.” Candi winked. Rafe smiled but kept silent. He knew that was Candi’s official excuse to give if anyone asked. Minerva more than likely would be out with her new cowboy. Candi sat on the sofa, looked at Rafe, and smiled. “So, tell me what is on your mind?” “Were you fucking Jesse the night before you and I got together?” he blurted out. His accusation stunned her, but once the shock wore off, she answered his question. “He and I slept together the afternoon before he and I broke up, the day he got back from his mother’s,” she defended. Her voice strained from shock.

146

Ronna Gage

Rafe looked down on her in judgment. “I’ll just bet.” Her eyes welled up with tears, and he turned away, agitated by her betrayal. Her tears did nothing to dissolve his anger. “Your tears give you away.” “What?” The shock in her expression shook her voice. “I’ve learned early on that women cry when they want to cover their ass.” “But I’ve done nothing wrong,” she cried. “Candi, stop it.” Rafe gripped her arms hard and jerked her off the sofa. Her shook her. “He knew details. How you act when you fuck.” The look of shock that flickered in her eyes turned to anger. His comment sparked the buildup of tension and temper within her. She came out swinging. She flung his arms off her. “Don’t ever touch me in anger again!” she demanded. “If you recall, he and I were going together. So, yes, he would know intimate details, now wouldn’t he? He and I had been together for six weeks,” she pointed out. “I hope you aren’t implying that we’ve been fucking since I’ve been with you.” She pointed to him and then to herself. “If that’s the case, you can leave right now. I don’t want to spend my life with someone who will take the word of another man over mine, just because he’s a member of the Swinging Dick Club. If I did something to cause your suspicions, fine! But I don’t deserve this.” Her hands gripped her hips and her chin notched in defiance. The calm coolness of her voice shook Rafe from his anger. He had never seen her temper before. But she did make a valid point. Jesse would know some of her actions in bed. He was there before him, however brief. “I’m sorry.” Rafe’s genuine sincerity cooled his temper. “I should’ve known better.” He eased his way to her and pulled her into his arms. She strained against him, but he wouldn’t let her go. “I’m sorry, baby.” He hoped the softness of his voice reassured her that he

The Search is Over

147

meant his apology to be sincere. She gave into it and held him back. After a few seconds he swayed with her. He stepped back and paced the living room. “That day at the lake, I should’ve done more than slap his face,” Rafe murmured under his breath. “You what?” He stopped his restless steps and gazed at her. Another bit of surprise. “He told me he would like to see me whip his ass. So, I kicked him in the face, but that’s not important now.” Rafe shrugged off the topic. In order to stop the maddening bullshit of this little Peyton Place from hell, Rafe had to get away from Jesse. “What’s important now?” Candi looked at him warily. “If a fight isn’t important, I don’t know what is.” “If I don’t get outta here, I’m going to hurt someone.” His statement stopped the conversation and filled the air with tension that choked the oxygen from the air. Her breath caught audibly. “He’s just trying to break us up,” Candi rationalized. “Eventually, he’ll give up.” “Yes, he is trying to break us up. He doesn’t like it that he lost.” Rafe grabbed Candi’s arms. Please understand this situation is volatile left alone. “He won’t accept the loss until we move, or he goes to Idaho.” “You want me to go to with you?” Candi’s eyes filled with love. “Yes. I’m not leaving you here!” The need to protect her overwhelmed him. He wasn’t going to leave her here in this community trashcan. Rafe hugged her. I won’t let you go. Yet his insecurities about commitment resurfaced. He knew he wanted to be with her, but it scared the hell out of him. He already went through one commitment that didn’t work out. He didn’t have it in him to try and lose again. Rafe felt her arms hold and squeeze him tighter, silently reassuring him, reminding him this

148

Ronna Gage

was a different kind of love. “There is no way in hell I’ll give Jesse the opportunity to fuck this up.” “When do we move?” “I’ll start looking for a place tomorrow,” Rafe softly answered. “Do you want to go with me?” Candi looked up at him. “Yes.” Rafe looked at his watch. “It’s almost ten. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?” Candi nodded. He walked to the door. “I’ll pick you up after school. Sound good?” “I’m counting the hours.” He looked back at her, and his heart melted. Her frailty was a misconception, but the thought of her alone, in unfriendly territory, shot shivers of hate up his spine. I won’t leave her here. **** Candi watched Rafe walk the path to his trailer. She waited out on the porch until she saw the light come on in his room. She walked inside and then to the bedroom to go to bed. She sat on the bed, smiling. “God, please let this work out,” she prayed. “I love him so much and will go to the ends of the earth to be with him.” A slight flicker of dread rushed through her heart. “He just needs to clue me into his feelings. Besides his love, that’s all I want from him.” Candi felt safe with Rafe. In his arms, she could do anything, and everything would be all right. Her love for him grew tonight when he included her in his plans to leave with him. Sudden fears of the uncertain future surfaced, ruining her euphoria. The idea of moving out with Rafe scared her immensely, but she needed to be free of Jesse. At least here I’m paying rent and taking care of myself. I can finish school if I stay here. Her heart weighed with doubt triggered another thought. If anything happened between us and we broke up, I’ll be alone with nowhere to go. In her sadness, she realized a decision had to be made

The Search is Over

149

that would ensure her happiness and protect her interests. Throwing caution to the wind, she made her mind up to go with him. A loud knock on the door interrupted her thoughts and jolted her back to the present. Clumsily, she rushed to the living room. She opened the door to an agitated Rafe standing on the porch. “What is it?” “You’re not staying here!” he announced gruffly. “Get your things. You’re coming with me.” Dumbfounded by his demand, Candi asked the most obvious question. “How long will I be gone?” Rafe’s eyes softened. “You aren’t coming back here.” Candi didn’t hesitate. She walked to her room and packed a bag. She made a mental note to make arrangements with Minerva to pick up her things when she and Rafe found a place. Looking back into the room, she lifted her bag onto her shoulder and then turned off the light. This was the beginning of her life—with Rafe.

150

Ronna Gage

Chapter Thirty-One The closer Candi came to the door of the small wood-framed house, the more her nerves bunched into knots. Rafe stuck out his finger and pressed the doorbell button. In a matter of seconds a woman answered the door. “Hi, everyone. I’m so glad to see you,” she greeted. Candi watched as everyone hugged and kissed the hostess, Marcia Templeton. Suddenly, she felt an arm around her shoulder, but it wasn’t Rafe’s. She realized it was Ralph Sines. Sylvia looked at Marcia. “Marcia, this is Candi Patterson.” Marcia took her hand. “Hello, Candi. It’s nice to finally meet you,” Marcia greeted her with the warmth of a close friend. Candi smiled. “Thank you. Sylvia has told me so much about you.” The tense knots of anxiety uncoiled in her stomach a small bit. Being invited to a barbeque by Rafe’s family became surreal. She felt like they accepted her and Rafe’s relationship. This July Fourth weekend with Rafe and his parents, meeting the close family friend and taking time to relax, couldn’t be more perfect. “Oh, Rafe.” Marcia turned to him. “Since you and Jack are here, I have a little project that needs to be done. So, maybe, you can earn your dinner,” she teased. “How?” Rafe asked, his voice smooth and sweet. “Shelby needs an extension on her closet.” “Oh, that’s all.” Rafe looked at Jack. “What do you think, partner?” “I can work to eat.”

The Search is Over

151

“I guess we are installing a closet, then.” Candi walked in the direction Rafe headed. “No, Candi,” Sylvia called out to her. “Stay here with us in the kitchen?” She looked to Rafe. Nervous jitters blossomed in her tummy again. “Go ahead, that sounds a hell of a lot more fun than what I’ll have going on.” Candi nodded. “All right, if you need anything, let me know.” She turned away. “Hey, I can use one thing,” he stated softly. “What’s that?” “A kiss.” Her heart aflutter, she tiptoed up to meet his lips. The quick kiss didn’t satisfy her, but it did calm her apprehensions. Sitting at the table, Candi took in the scene around her. Outside, plumes of smoke drifted in the air above the grill filling it with the scent of burning wood. In the living room, NASCAR commentators announced the statistics of the races past and the points leader’s lead in percentile, and in the kitchen, the two women worked in perfect harmony to prepare the meal. “Marcia, you have so much already prepared,” Candi heard Sylvia say to her. “Yeah, I thought it would give us more time to talk if I did most of it this morning. And it’s cooler.” “Can I do anything?” Candi asked from the table. Marcia looked at her and smiled. “Nope, just look pretty.” Marcia Templeton dispensed the details of the barbeque with the ease of a professional and still maintained her sanity. “You must be meticulously organized,” Candi said, voicing her observation. “I have to be, or I will lose my mind.” Marcia seemed wiser than the mere twelve years she had over Candi. Candi liked her immediately.

152

Ronna Gage

Rafe passed through the kitchen, arms loaded down with lumber and materials for his project. He bent over and brushed his lips to Candi’s cheek. He stood up. “Marcia, I’m gonna be hungry when this is done.” “It’s almost done. Should be ready when you finish,” Sylvia told him in her typical motherly voice which both assured and warned him to stay out of the way. Marcia placed a bowl of shrimp in front of Candi. “Here is something you can do. Peel these while I make the sauce.” “I’d be happy to,” Candi accepted. “Peeling shrimp is a task that takes longer than two minutes.” “Here.” Sylvia set down a glass of margarita in front of her. “Try this and tell me what you think.” She took a small sip of the frozen drink and smacked her lips. Tart! “That’s good.” “It’s a little tart, isn’t it?” Marcia asked with a coy wink. “Marcia, did I tell you that Rafe and Candi are moving in together?” Sylvia asked. “Oh, my!” Marcia looked at Candi surprised by the announcement. “When?” “Next weekend.” Candi felt an excitement rush through her. “He’s a handful.” Marcia warned softly. “Rafe seems all right to me,” Candi said matter-of-factly. “He’s had his moments,” Marcia added with a softer warning. “I’ll take my chances.” Candi winked. “Why do people still see him as that bad boy? Can’t they see he’s changed?” Marcia and Sylvia looked at her. “What do you mean?” Sylvia asked as she peeled a shrimp. Candi took a deep breath and blew it out. “The other night we dropped by Jorge and Nelly’s house so Rafe could help him fix a project car or something. I felt like we were on display for everyone to see. A group of us women stood around watching Rafe and Jorge work on this heap in the front yard.” She tossed a shrimp into the

The Search is Over

153

bowl. “I sat in the front seat talking with Nelly, when Rafe interrupted our conversation, needing to get inside the car. He asked me to move. I got up and let him have my seat.” Her hands paused before she picked up another shrimp. “He teased me that he wouldn’t let me have my seat back because it was warm. I warned him not to get too comfortable. I wanted it back.” She picked up another shrimp. “The group was dumbstruck. Jorge jabbed Rafe in the arm saying, ‘I’m surprised you didn’t jerk her out of that seat or say the usual hey bitch, get out! “Rafe then turned to me, got out of the seat, and gave it back to me. However, he didn’t stop there. In front of everyone, he turned back and kissed me soundly on the cheek. “Later, Jorge told me that Rafe was a notorious rebel with a bad reputation in his younger days. He was a love ’em and leave ’em kind of person. The more they clung to him, the less they saw of him. After his divorce, Jorge worried it would make him worse.” “Thankfully it was only a short while after his divorce,” Sylvia mused. “He just needed someone to change him,” Marcia whispered softly so no one could hear. “He made the change himself. I’m just the lucky one that gets to stand by him,” Candi said, giving credit where it was due. “I like your way of thinking.” Marcia handed her a pitcher of tea. “Take this outside.” Marcia and Sylvia walked to the patio door carrying bowls of food, chatting as they went. Deep in thought, Candi made her way to the hallway. Walking past the little girl’s room, she watched Rafe stand back to admire his handiwork. The look in his eyes and the grin on his face, showed the pride in the job he had done. “I would be proud, too,” she commented from the doorway. “It is very impressive!” Candi’s heart filled with pride. She imagined him building small projects for their children. “This project looks like a professional carpenter’s touch.”

154

Ronna Gage

Rafe turned to her smiling, but it faded at the seriousness of her expression. He came to her immediately. “Are you all right?” His chest bowed out like a man ready to do battle. She nodded then turned to leave until Rafe’s hand grabbed her arm. “What’s wrong?” She was quiet for a moment. She looked into his face hoping to read his thoughts. “Are you happy?” In an instant, he answered, “Yes. Why do you ask?” She shrugged her shoulders, dismissing the nagging feeling of doubt in her gut. “No reason. It’s just nice to know sometimes, you know?” “Yeah. I’m happy.” He kissed her softly and then set her away before she could deepen the kiss. “I think it’s time to eat. Knowing my dad, he’ll make me cook the meat, too.” Candi snickered at the exasperated comment. “Well, let’s not keep them waiting, Chef Rafe.” Rafe and Candi walked to the patio deck. They sat with the family and listened to stories of Rafe’s youth. Deep down in the quiet hallows of her heart she hoped to be a part of the clan one day soon.

The Search is Over

155

Chapter Thirty-Two The hectic following week gave Rafe and Candi barely any time for themselves. When they did find time to together, they slept. They packed around their work and her school schedules. In one day off, Candi boxed all her belongings at Minerva’s house. “I think that’s everything,” she said to Rafe and Minerva. “If I find anything, I’ll call you to let you know I have it.” “Great!” Candi looked at Minerva. At the same instant both women’s eyes teared up. “I’m going to miss you,” she told Minerva. “Not as much as I will miss you.” The two of them hugged. “I’ll call you when we settle.” Candi promised. Minerva looked at Rafe. “You take care of her. She is a keeper.” “I will,” he promised with a hug. “Who knows, she may even need me, too.” The three laughed. “Come on, we better go before drama comes calling.” The three walked to the car. Rafe loaded the three boxes in his trunk, opened the door for Candi, and then walked around to the driver’s side. “Honey, we need to hurry,” he gently prodded the second hug between Minerva and Candi. “You take care of yourself. I’m here if you need me,” Minerva whispered in her ear. “Good luck with your new happiness. I’m a phone call away.” Candi sat in the car. Minerva shut the door and stood quiet. Candi reached into her purse, pulled out an envelope and handed it to Minerva. “Will you give this to Chandler?” Minerva took the envelope. “It’s this month’s rent that he and I negotiated.”

156

Ronna Gage

“I’ll see that he gets it.” Rafe pulled out of the driveway, Minerva waved them good-bye. Outside the gate, Candi sighed. “On to our new life,” she said. Rafe smiled. Rafe and Candi took the three boxes to the shop to store in the empty bay he’d chosen earlier in the week to keep everything in one place. “Just one more night,” he stated. He pulled up to the bay, got out of the car, raised the door, and stepped back. “Candi, come here.” Candi stepped out of the car, walked to where he stood staring at the door, and smiled at a brand new sofa wrapped in plastic with a big red bow, sitting in the center of the bay. “It’s beautiful!” Candi said with choked emotions in her throat. She sat on the sofa. “It’s so soft.” Rafe sat with her. Sylvia walked up with a smile from one ear to the other on her face. “Mom, where did this come from?” “This is for your new life together,” Sylvia explained. She and Ralph hugged the two of them. “This is wonderful. I offered my sectional to Chandler,” Candi said. “What for?” Rafe asked with curiosity in his voice. “As payment for the last two weeks of rent.” “Oh yeah? Great idea,” Rafe agreed. “Do you think he’ll take it?” “He told me the other day he would take it off my hands. He wants to use it to furnish a trailer on the place. He even threw in that it would be payment for the last two weeks of my rent month.” “Well, I guess you will be moving in the morning, huh?” Ralph asked. “Yeah, but Candi has to work until six,” Rafe informed him. “Jack and I will move some of the heavy stuff.” “Well, if you need help, we can help you tomorrow,” Sylvia offered. “We can?” Ralph’s sense of humor took over. The group laughed.

The Search is Over

157

“Thanks. That would be great,” Candi said to the offer. Her heart soared with the happiness in Rafe’s eyes. This is going to be great!

158

Ronna Gage

Chapter Thirty-Three The crowd trickled in an hour before Candi’s shift ended. The evening shot specials always drew in the early birds. “Hey, Candi, why are you still here?” one customer asked. Not a longtime regular, but Candi did see him come in more frequently. “I have to work till six, remember?” “Well, here’s to you,” Felipe toasted, “and to a great moving day.” “Here, Here!” Setting up another round, she looked up and spotted Sylvia walking into the bar. Her blonde hair pulled back, peach shorts and top rumpled, and a hint of exhaustion in her eyes. Candi almost envied Sylvia for spending the day moving her stuff. “Hey, Sylvia! How are you?” Candi greeted as Sylvia rounded the bar to sit down. “Tired.” “I can imagine. Moving is hard work.” “No, I’m bored stiff. They wouldn’t let me do anything.” Candi laughed. “Where’s Rafe?” “He’s at the apartment. He and Ralph are setting up the big stuff, so I volunteered to come pick you up. I thought we could get some carry-out on the way back.” “That sounds good! I’ll be ready in ten minutes. Charlie arrived about fifteen minutes ago. He’s getting his register now.” Candi signed off her register, turned to Sylvia. “What did you think of the apartment?” “It’s small! My first trailer wasn’t that small.”

The Search is Over

159

Candi filled a blender with ice, tequila, and lime juice. “Yeah, but we like to think of it as cozy.” She winked and then pushed the button on the blender of margaritas. “Yeah, it’s cozy.” Sylvia smiled. Candi set down a frozen margarita in front of her. “Here’s to small places.” Thirty minutes later, Sylvia and Candi were in the truck driving toward the apartment. “I can’t wait to get home, to mine and Rafe’s new apartment.” Sylvia laughed. “Yes, I know, but if we come back empty-handed, Ralph will flip his lid.” “What do you think they will want?” Candi asked, not really caring about food at the moment. “How about some burgers?” “Good idea, there’s a burger joint around the corner of the apartment.” Driving down the street, both sides of the highway were lined with food places to choose from, anything from fast food chains to cafés, burgers to chicken, Cajun to Italian. “Well, at least you won’t go hungry on this street.” Candi laughed. “I hadn’t thought of that. I guess you’re right.” They got out of the truck and heard music. “Someone’s playing music really loud.” As they got closer to the apartment, it got louder. “Is it at my apartment?” Candi looked above the doorframe at the apartment number. “Yeah, it’s mine.” She fumbled with the key and bag of food. Before she could get the key into the knob, Rafe opened the door. “Hi!” he said over the music. “I missed you.” Rafe looked sexy dressed in a pair of blue-and-white shorts that hit just at his hips. His muscles glistened with sweat from the exertion of moving. And since he wore no shirt, Candi thought the sweat made him sexier. I love a man that works hard.

160

Ronna Gage

“I think you should turn that down,” Sylvia advised as she set the bag she carried on the table. Rafe reset the volume on the stereo. “That’s better.” Sylvia vigorously rubbed her ear. “Dinner’s on.” From the moment the women arrived, Ralph snapped pictures of everything—a snapshot of Rafe pouting at Candi’s refusal to look at the camera, the three of them sitting around a bag of burgers, and then one of them eating. “Your first dinner, in your new apartment,” he called out. Candi looked around at the mess left behind by the move. “I have so much to do.” “Candi, how was work?” Ralph asked around a bite of his hamburger. “Slow, until about five thirty.” Rafe said little at dinner, but the teasing desire in his eyes maintained eye contact between them. She wished she could be distracted as easily from Rafe’s playfulness. He wouldn’t stop. Even with his parents in the house, he kept teasing her with his sexual gazes. “I think you two will like it here. It’s small, but the two of you are so busy, it’ll be the perfect place to lay your head at night and run in the morning,” Ralph surmised. Ralph looked at the new couple. “I think it’s time we go, Sylvia,” He and Sylvia stood up and threw their trash into the can. “These two have lots of work to do.” “Don’t work too hard, you guys,” Sylvia warned, following Ralph to the door. “Candi, I made the bed for you. That was the only thing I’ve done in the bedroom. I set up the bathroom and kitchen for you.” “Thanks, Sylvia. I really appreciate the help.” “I got bored and needed something to do,” she said with a slight shrug of her shoulders. “Change whatever you need to.” “Thanks, Mom.” Rafe kissed her cheek. “Thanks, Dad.” Rafe shook his hand. “I’ll be in Monday morning.”

The Search is Over

161

“Yes, you will. See you then, son.” Ralph turned to Candi. “Have a good night, sweetie.” Rafe closed the door, locked it, and then looked back at her with the hunger of a man starved. “I think it’s time we go to bed.” He led her to the bedroom. “It’s only seven thirty.” “Early to bed, early to rise.” His eyes roamed the room. He turned to face her. Candi could see disappointment. “This really isn’t what I wanted for our first night together.” “What did you have in mind?” Candi’s curiosity was piqued. She felt like a nervous virgin bride, and he had other ideas? She wouldn’t regret this not being her wedding night. “This is just the way things are right now.” “I don’t know, maybe romantic. Not sitting in the middle of chaos.” Rafe ran his fingers through his hair, scanning the room again. “What chaos?” Candi looked around the room. Boxes were neatly stacked in the corner. The queen-size bed took up most of the room but was neatly made. Clothes hung in the closet and were stacked on the dressers. “We have unpacked boxes in here and in the living room. I didn’t think I would care about any of that stuff but….” His confession touched her. Candi wasn’t going to complain. “Rafe, none of that matters to me.” Her hand touched his shoulder softly. “I just want to be with you. I don’t want to look back and have regrets that the room wasn’t set. Let’s forget that part.” Rafe cupped her cheek. “Candi, I reserve the right to give you the best first night in our very own house.” “Deal!” The tension in Rafe’s eyes subsided, replaced with excitement and mischief. “I did bring something nice for tonight.” “Besides yourself?”

162

Ronna Gage

“I thought of something that will make our first night in our apartment better. You get ready. I’ll bring it in with me.” “I don’t know if I like the ideas of something to bring in with you,” she teased. “It’s not like a toy or anything.” Candi snickered. “I could get one if you like.” Rafe suggested. “That’s all right. I don’t want you to get lazy.” Rafe turned toward the living room. “Hurry, I will be back in five minutes,” he called over his shoulder two seconds before he closed it. Candi went to work on the bedroom. She stuffed clothes in the dressers and restacked the boxes to construct a bedside table for the night. She folded back the covers, and then lit candles to give it a romantic glow. She turned the boom box to a soft rock station. Changing into one of Rafe’s old dress shirts, the length of it hit below the hips. This thing almost swallows me. She jumped to the dresser and met Rafe at the door just as he came in with a bottle of champagne and two glasses. “What do you think?” she asked as she posed for him by the dresser. Nervous, she waited for his approval of the quick work she had done in the room. Rafe gazed over her. “I’ve never seen you look sexier. I like that faded purple dress shirt on you. I love how this collar stands up around your neck.” He played with the exposed skin from her throat to where the two unfastened revealed her small cleavage. **** “I want to eat you up.” He set the glasses and bottle on the cleared-off dresser. Looking around, he noticed what she’d done in the room. “I love how you made the small cramped room seem like paradise.” Rafe turned back to the dresser, filled the two glasses with a shot of the bubbly champagne. Handing one to her he said, “It just needed a woman’s touch.” She took the glass he offered her.

The Search is Over

163

“Here’s to us.” A loud sharp clink of the glasses echoed in the partially filled room. “I’ll drink to that.” Candi took a sip of her champagne. Her nose tickled. She smiled and set the glass on the dresser. “Rafe.” He lowered the glass. “No regrets, okay?” “Never. There’ll be none.” Rafe kissed her gently at first but turned possessive as he deepened his kiss. He unbuttoned the shirt, revealing her slim flat waist. Her pink lace panties did little to hide her downy thatch of hair. The gentle mask of fabric enticed him. His hands cupped her shoulders while he used his fingers to push the shirt aside and watched it fall away from her body. Picking her up, he carried her to the bed. His palms ease the strings of her panties down her legs. The flimsy material balled up at her knees. The dewiness collected at the lips of her pussy. He sniffed and then gazed at her. His thumb separated her folds. He kissed her there and then used his tongue to taste her. She reacted with a jolt. Her hips arched to have more of his hot kisses. He pushed her panties down to the floor, and bent her knees, opening her wider. His middle finger stroked her, testing her sensitivity level. She sucked in a breath. The finger entered her. When he retrieved it, it was slick with her honeyed cream. He guided her fingers to her pussy. With two fingers, he opened the folds. “Hold it open.” She did as he asked. Rafe used his finger to penetrate her as he used his tongue to stimulate the clit. She bucked up to his tongue, panting through her orgasm. He stood up from her, stripped out of his clothes, and gazed at her nakedness with appreciation. “I have wanted to make love to you in our home all day.” Candi felt like a bride on her wedding night. Rafe eased himself down on top of her. His cock rested at the entrance to her pussy. He hesitated a second. “I love you, Rafe.” “I love you, too.”

164

Ronna Gage

His hips thrust forward and his solid cock filled her. He made love to her, rocking himself deeper into her, and she eagerly fondled his taunt buttocks. Her fingers kneaded into his flesh with each thrust inward. His hand reached under her arms and brought her hands above her head, holding them into his own he bucked into her faster, harder, more solid with the power of his hips. She grasped hold in a desperate measure to hold back the orgasm, but it was too strong and she let it go. In the quietness that lay around them Candi realized without a single doubt, This is the man of my dreams.

The Search is Over

165

Chapter Thirty-Four Candi entered the apartment after school. Stressed, tired, and her day not quite ended, she looked around at tidy piles of mess and groaned. “This place looks like hell,” Rafe griped from the hallway. “I’ll clean it tomorrow on my day off.” The passing months grew hectic. Going to school during the day, working nights at the bar, and of course, living with a man that turned out to be a total neat freak, Candi felt like she chased her tail in circles on most days—never quite catching it. Rafe liked to have things done a certain way and with his own long days and stresses, it seemed easier for both of them to argue than to clean up. “Hell, Candi, on the off chance you have a night off, you are too busy studying to clean up this place,” Rafe shot back. He moved about the small living room picking up random piles. “Don’t touch my stuff. I know exactly where things are. You move it and I will spend hours looking for it.” Candi walked into the bedroom with barely enough time to change clothes. Stripping out of her scrub top, she threw it toward the other dirty clothes in the corner. She grabbed her bartender’s outfit and quickly dressed. “What are you doing?” he asked, coming into the room. Dumbfounded by the question, she almost didn’t answer him. “What does it look like? I’m getting ready for work.” He huffed. “This can’t keep going on like this.” She stopped, looked at him with narrowed eyes. “What can’t go on like this?” “I don’t like walking into a mess.”

166

Ronna Gage

At the highest level of her stress, her heart hardened at that comment, but the expression on his eyes worried her. He didn’t seem happy anymore. His gaze lost the luster of a new relationship. “You clean your messes, and I will clean up mine…on my day off.” She blew past him to the kitchen. “I’m late for work. I will see you later tonight, and we can talk then.” “Don’t count on it,” Rafe retorted. At the door she paused. This isn’t happening, is it? Calm before the storm sensation filled her. She turned toward him. “What does that mean?” “Nothing, go, you’re late already.” He walked to her and then placed a small kiss on her lips. “I’ll see you tonight.” Candi left the apartment. In her heart she prayed she could outrun the panic building up inside her. “Hang on for one more night. You can make things right tomorrow.” **** Rafe awoke before Candi, slid out of bed, and then left the room. Quietly, he closed the door behind him. She snuggled closer to his pillow drifting back to sleep almost instantly. “Hey, sweetie, good morning,” he softly whispered in her ear. He placed a loving kiss on her cheek. Moaning, she moved slightly. “I made coffee.” She opened her eyes and blinked back the sleep. Dazed, she looked at him sitting on her side of the bed with the sweetest smile. “You showered already?” “Yes. And, I even dressed before I woke you,” he teased with playfulness. “What is this about?” she asked. “What’s with the sweet, attentive change from last night?” “I am apologizing for the way I griped at you yesterday, and last night’s silent treatment.”

The Search is Over

167

Candi’s eyes’ misted. “You never give apologies.” “You’re right. It’s not my normal routine. I usually go with the ‘dont talk about it, admit fault, or accept blame, and the situation will go away.’” “On some things I can see your point. Especially like housecleaning and laundry. Why talk or better yet argue when it is easily fixed?” Rafe smiled. “You got it. Now, go take your shower, while I make a lunch.” “Okay, I’ll be quick.” Candi quickly got out of bed and rushed to the bedroom door. “Rafe?” she turned to him. “Sometimes we do have to talk about problems, admit fault, or accept blame. Problems don’t just go away on their own.” He smiled. He looked at his watch. “I still have a little time, but if you hurry, we can have coffee together.” **** Almost thirty minutes later, dressed in her robe, with a towel around her wet head, Candi joined him in the kitchen for coffee. “I feel like we don’t have a lot of time together,” she said softly. “During the week, we don’t really. But what time we do have, we make the best out of.” He grinned. That devastatingly handsome smile of a rogue always took her breath away. Candi blushed, thinking of their day-off routine. How they usually slept in as late as possible, ate breakfast together, cleaned the little apartment, then ended with an afternoon of making love. “Well, I’ve got to go.” His statement caught her off guard. She almost asked why he was leaving and realized that her day off didn’t mean he necessarily had one. “Oh, okay.” He cupped her cheek in his hand. “Have fun at school. I’ll see you tonight when I pick you up.” Her elation released a small amount of tension in her gut. “No,

168

Ronna Gage

that’s okay, I only go in this morning for a half day to take a final.” Rafe brushed his lips to hers. “I will meet you here then.” Looking at him now, joy filled her, and quickly it turned to fear. I’m falling more in love with you every day, but I’m afraid you’re going to break my heart with this constant fighting and bickering. Hang on, Rafe, love is worth fighting for, but you have to fight. Ignoring the doom building inside her, she smiled and waved him good-bye when he turned around to gaze at her before he rounded the corner. Closing the door, her mind hit overdrive with random thoughts. Refusing to look at the negative, she focused on the positive first. I will enjoy being in love for as long as it lasts. However, I’m not going to be left in turmoil at the end. Taking out a piece of paper and pencil from her back pack, she worked out a few figures. “If I put fifty dollars a week in a savings account, and ten dollars a day extra, I can have a good amount of money in case I need to find a new place to live.” Heavyhearted, she grabbed her wallet and counted out ten one-dollar bills. It was the first proactive stand to protecting herself. On a lighter note, her love swelled again at the sweetness of his efforts this morning. “One thing is for certain, I’ll never regret loving you.”

The Search is Over

169

Chapter Thirty-Five Lately, Rafe was distracted. His temper flared often, although he didn’t know what was wrong. Isn’t finally finding happiness supposed to be…euphoric? What the hell is wrong with me? He loved Candi and knew she loved him. Where’s that sense of peace? “Boy, if you want to act like a jackass, then do it in your own bay. Get the hell out of my office.” His dad growled, hitching a thumb in the direction of the shop. Rafe stalked past him without a word. “Hey, Rafe!” his father shouted a few minutes later. “Yeah!” “I have an oil change that just showed up, can you take it?” “Yeah, I’ll take it,” he shouted back. The distraction came as a blessed disguise. It took his mind off his own emotional havoc. An hour later, Rafe cleaned the bay after the oil change. He looked up and saw his father standing at the door. “You want to talk now, boy?” “No, sir.” Rafe set the handle of the broom against the wall. “Dad, what’s wrong with me?” Ralph Sines chewed on a toothpick, gazing down at his son. Rafe felt his scrutiny and squirmed inwardly. “Is it that bad?” Ralph cracked a smile and bit back a short laugh. “What makes you think anything is wrong with you?” “I’m confused.” Rafe was having second thoughts about his relationship. “I see that. Tell me what’s going on,” Ralph offered. “Is Candi pregnant?”

170

Ronna Gage

“No!” The thought paralyzed him with fear. Was it possible? Had they been careful to prevent that? “I’m just wondering if I’m making the right choice.” “Do you love her?” Rafe’s silent nod was his only answer. “You’re just scared, boy. There’s nothing wrong with a man being scared. It’s cowardice that we have to be aware.” “Cowardice?” Rafe suddenly intrigued by the new idea. Am I being a coward? “Cowardice is making the wrong decision because you are afraid to be scared.” “What do you mean?” “Cowardice is staying in a relationship because you don’t have the balls to end it, in saving someone’s feelings from being hurt, or starting a relationship with a woman that you don’t love because you don’t want to be alone.” Ralph waited a few minutes watching his son. “I’m going home. Good luck with this one, kiddo.” Rafe watched his dad pull his truck out of the parking lot a few minutes later. He locked up the shop and then headed for home himself. He thought about cowardice. Is it possible to apply this definition of a coward to my situation? As he drove the neighborhood he grew up in, he noticed the gold, red, and brown colors of fall on the trees. It brought back memories of a time when he had little or no cares in the world. Now he had so much to think about and do. “I’m not ready to go home and face Candi.” He moaned out loud. “Not just yet.” She is always so upbeat, so self-assured about this decision to be together. He pulled off onto an old familiar street. Suddenly, a beer with old friends sounded like what he needed. Rafe pulled into the parking lot, looked up at the marquis, and smiled. Desert Illusions. “Not all things are a mirage,” he surmised. Opening the door he received the greeting of a long-lost brother returning home. The waitresses, bar patrons, dancers, and bartender gave him high fives and pats on the back. They accepted him back into the fold.

The Search is Over

171

Just like a temple. He smiled. “Give me a beer!” Hours later, and after God only knew how many beers and games of pool and camaraderie with Jack, Rafe decided he could go home and face Candi. He looked at the clock and almost fell out of his chair. It was almost two o’clock. “Fuck me!” Jack looked at him. “What?” “I gotta get home. Candi is probably worried sick.” “Okay, I’ll come with you and be your backup.” “Cool.” A short ride home later, Rafe arrived drunk and stumbling. He opened the door to the apartment and knocked it into the stereo. “God damn it.” “Ahhhh!” Jack said behind him, stumbling as bad as he. Rafe turned to the couch. Candi sat glaring at him in her night shirt, wrapped in the blue-and-white blanket she hung on the back of the sofa. Her book lay on her lap. “Hiya, Candi!” Jack gave her a big wave of his arm. “How are ya, darlin’?” He stumbled onto the edge of the sofa and fell on top of her. “Get off of me!” she demanded, slapping at him and pushing him off onto the floor. Rafe burst out laughing. “Get your ass up.” “I kinda like it down here,” Jack said. “Not too far to fall.” Rafe saw the look of loathing in Candi’s eyes. “If you’ll excuse me.” Candi calmly walked in the direction of the bedroom. Her clipped words galled him. He didn’t need her messing up his party mood. “Good night!” Jack and Rafe said together. Rafe cranked on the stereo and turned the knob to the highest mark, just to agitate her on purpose. The quiet apartment filled with the loud sounds of metal music and a bass beat that shook the fixtures in the apartment. Candi stomped out of the bedroom. “Rafe, other people are

172

Ronna Gage

sleeping. I think you should turn it off.” “I don’t give a damn what you think,” he snarled back. The shocked expression on Candi’s face added another line of tension to the atmosphere. “Rafe, what’s wrong with you?” Why does she have to analyze me all the damn time? Why can’t she give me time to…? “Nothing’s wrong with me. Why don’t you just leave me alone?” he screamed at her. “Can’t you just leave?” “Fine!” She turned toward the bedroom and slammed the door. Rafe followed her, tried to get into the bedroom, but she locked the door. His anger spilled out in waves. He kicked at the door. “Let me in right now, goddamn it.” She finally opened the door. “What do you want?” He pointed his finger mere inches from her face. “I want …” The heat of his anger cooled. “I don’t know what I want,” he admitted. He plopped down on the bed. She sat down next to him. “Where were you tonight?” “Desert Illusions.” “You son of a bitch!” Candi’s yell rang through his ears. “I don’t believe it. I come home at one o’clock, to be with you, and you’re out there? You know how I feel about those places,” Candi ranted as she looked at him. “I didn’t do anything wrong,” Rafe defended heatedly. “You know I don’t like it,” she reminded him with a low, heated whisper. “That was wrong.” “You don’t trust me.” “Keep your voice down. These walls are thin. We’re going to wake the neighbors.” Candi’s suggestion to be quiet was like setting a match to flammable gas. He erupted in explosive anger. “I don’t give a flying fuck if the neighbors wake up or not. There’s no talking to you when you are like this,” he shouted. “God, this is such a mistake.” Before Candi said a word, he got up from the bed and pushed past

The Search is Over

173

her. A knock on the door interrupted their argument. Rafe stomped to the bedroom, ranting about how she was a liability. He almost tripped over Jack, who lay passed out on the floor. Cursing, he continued his rant and opened the door. He grew silent at the sight of two police officers in the doorway. **** The next morning Rafe woke up with a splitting headache, a foul taste in his mouth, and lying on the floor by Jack. “What the fuck happened?” He looked around the small living room to find Candi sitting at the table glaring at him. “Aren’t you going to work?” His sleepy question went unanswered. “What’s wrong with you?” The cold look she returned chilled his stomach. Uh-oh, what happened? “Give it a moment. It’ll come to you,” she said, scanning the papers in her hand. Rafe rolled his eyes, getting up. He then headed to the restroom. I don’t need her cryptic answers this morning. When he came out, Candi was in the bedroom changing her clothes. “Candi, I’m sorry but I…I’m just not ready.” She pushed past him and stomped to the closet. “I’ll be by next weekend to get the rest of my things.” She pulled a set of luggage from the top shelf. Setting each piece on the bed, she packed them with clothes. Rafe could tell by her ramrod straight posture there was no talking to her right now. She wasn’t going to listen or hear anything he had to say. Besides, if they talked, she would probably cry, and he couldn’t handle a woman’s tears. “Where will you go?” Rafe regretted letting her go this way. He loved her and cared for her well-being. “That really is…none of your concern.” Candi walked past him to the bathroom. She threw shampoo,

174

Ronna Gage

conditioner, her makeup, deodorant, and other essentials into her bag. Walking out with him following close behind, she said nothing. Baggage packed, she lifted the two pieces of luggage and stalked to the door. “I will get the rest of my stuff when I find my own place.” She pulled the door closed, locking Rafe in the apartment. Thirty minutes was all it took for Candi to pack and leave him. Rafe watched her from the window while she loaded her small car. He felt like a heel…a heel filled with regret. **** Tears of anguish streamed down Candi’s face. Although she had prepared herself for this very thing, it still hurt. She felt it in the pit of her stomach. She had one month left of school and now faced another breakup. This one hurts more than the last. She wanted to fight, kick and scream, but to do so wouldn’t make him aware of what she knew already. She and Rafe were destined to be together, but his fear overwhelmed him, and he chose to give her up. Living with a mean drunk was not the lifestyle she wanted. Rafe would have to give it up or learn to drink in moderation. Your leaving is for the best. You’ll find out if you have it in you to be alone, and Rafe can find the answers to the questions inside him. The radio played an old song that wrapped around her like an old friend and gave her the strength she needed to persevere. Planning it out, she had to find a cheap but safe apartment. The first thing she had to do was get some more money to last her the weekend. The best place to get quick money? Work. Taking the advice of the song, Candi hardened her love and dried her eyes, in the hope that tough love would work for her. “Rafe will soon realize I’m the one. I have to wait him out.”

The Search is Over

175

Chapter Thirty-Six Rafe walked up to the front door to the apartment expecting to find Candi sitting at the table doing her homework, or getting ready for work at the bar, or even waiting to make amends for last night. He inserted the key and turned the knob. Once inside he sighed at the lonely quiet that almost deafened him. Candi didn’t come back after all. He walked in, closed the door, and leaned against the wall, taking in the sounds around him. There were no sounds of laughter, or the high volume of the television turned to the news as she cooked dinner, no loud music from the stereo, just a deafening quiet that reverberated off the four tiny walls and into Rafe’s ears. To make matters worse, her things were missing. “She moved out while I was at work.” Without them, his apartment didn’t look like a home at all. He found a note on the coffee table. Quickly, he picked it up and read it. Dear Rafe, I’m sorry to move out on you while you were at work, but I felt it was better for the both of us. But as I promised, I have no regrets in meeting you, loving you, and I hope you find genuine happiness. I think you deserve that. All my best, Candi He inhaled, only to smell her perfume in the air and on the paper, and his frustrations mounted. His stomach lurched, and then his heart broke. Exhaling a sigh of sadness, Rafe tried to accept the facts and admit what lay out before him. Candi is gone! All she left was the key

176

Ronna Gage

to the apartment and a note professing that she wouldn’t regret loving him. **** For the next four days, Rafe lived in a stupor of hope that she’d come back to him. In that small amount of time, which seemed like an eternity, he grew more miserable. He hadn’t heard from her or found any clues to where she’d moved to, and it added to the burden. Growing frantic with wait, he decided to take matters in his own hands. “I’m coming to you, Candi. I have to know you are all right.” He pulled out of the parking lot of his dad’s auto garage and smiled. “I’ll see her at the bar.” Rafe walked into the bar and let his eyes adjust to the light change. Few patrons gathered for this time of day. “Perfect, I can have a minute alone to talk to her.” Rafe took a seat at the bar, almost in the shadows and waited. He looked around for Candi, but didn’t find her anywhere. “Well, if my eyes don’t deceive me, Rafe!” Minerva greeted with enthusiasm. “How are you doing?” He stood up from the barstool. “Hello, Minerva.” The two hugged in greeting. “What brings you by here?” Okay, we’ll play it that way. “I’m looking for Candi. I wanted to say hello and make sure she was all right.” He looked around. “Where is she?” Minerva worried her lip. “I’m sorry, but you made the trip out here for nothing.” He sat down on the barstool. “What do you mean?” “She quit. Surprised by the announcement, Rafe worked to gain control. “Quit! When?” “Uh, about two days ago.” She poured him a beer and then set it down in front of him.

The Search is Over

177

“Where did she go?” Minerva shrugged her shoulders. “She refused to tell me too much about her new place.” “What did she say?” “She’s living and working on the North Side.” “What is she doing for work?” “She told me that she is working in her field and would be starting her new job in November.” Rafe downed the glass of beer and then placed a five-dollar bill on the counter. “Minerva, thank you and have a good life.” He walked out of the bar more bewildered than when he walked in. He drove home, processing the information Minerva gave him. He took her decision to have no contact with him as a sign. She didn’t love me after all. The pain added to the anger and the list of emotions he already tried to analyze. “Forget her. If she really loved me she wouldn’t have left me here to worry,” he reasoned. He entered the apartment to a proverbial photo gallery. Pictures of them bombarded his vision. To see her smiling face, laughing eyes, and her in that bikini brought back so many memories. “Why did she leave these here?” Rafe couldn’t find a logical reason for it. Moaning, he found one. “She wanted to torture me,” he sighed bitterly. Grabbing his keys, he headed out the door. Somewhere is someone, if not her, to talk to.

178

Ronna Gage

Chapter Thirty-Seven Finding Rafe Sines in the lounge of her hotel was the last thing Sheila Mason had expected. It must be fate. She worked late on most Saturdays getting ready for the peak time of the season. Looking around, she wasn’t surprised to see the slow crowd. Most of the hotel guests would be in next week for the Thanksgiving holidays. She had a full weekend scheduled for the festivities. She confirmed all the last-minute details. The entertainment area of the hotel was her department. If she could pull off a good holiday season, she was guaranteed the hotel manager’s spot for the hotel chain’s grand opening in Austin. She worked hard for that goal all year and nothing was going to stop her from achieving that goal now. Her final walk-through of the hotel led her to the lounge. You look like you’ve matured my friend. I’ve never seen this side of you before. Sheila’s heart raced at the sight of him alone. Looking around, she noticed Candi wasn’t anywhere in sight. Good, no more competition. Confidently, she walked to where he sat at the bar. Giving the attentive bartendress a subtle shake of her head, she leaned against the bar. “Karen, I swear we let anyone in here these days,” she teased as Rafe lifted his head. With that casual smirk that only he possessed, Rafe stood up and gave her a friendly hug. Sheila’s heart melted. “Should I throw him out?” Karen teased with a big smile. Sheila looked at Rafe as if contemplating what to do with him. She had all the points on her task list complete. I can afford myself an early evening…for Rafe. “No, I think I’ll take care of him.” Sheila

The Search is Over

179

turned back to Karen. “Could I have my usual? And get Mr. Sines another one.” With a nod, Karen went to work on the drink order. “Let’s go over here.” She led him to a quiet corner in the back. The jukebox played a soft tune. Perfect! The dimmed lights and casual music were exactly what she needed to keep him concentrating on her. Sitting in opposite chairs, Sheila placed her bag on the empty seat next to her. Looking at Rafe, she tilted her head and analyzed him quietly. “So, how have you been?” Rafe asked, unflinching under her tense scrutiny. “I’m doing better than you.” Sheila’s offhand murmur was cut short at Karen’s sudden appearance with the new round of drinks. Lifting her clipboard and keys, she handed them to Karen. “Will you put this in the office for me?” “Yes, and I will hold the keys behind the bar until you are ready for them.” Sheila picked up her tall drink of cranberry juice. Topped with fresh pineapple chunks, cherries, and an umbrella, it hit the parched spot on Sheila’s tongue. “What in hell are you drinking?” Rafe’s annoyance was evident. “A cranberry mist.” “What are you going to do? Eat it or drink it?” “Mighty testy, aren’t you?” Sheila’s question obviously irritated him further. “No one asked you to join me.” Rafe stared hard in her direction until she turned away from his heated glare. “I don’t need to be rescued.” “Rafe, stop snapping at me! It is uncalled for.” Knowing Rafe as she did, hell would freeze over before he apologized. “By the way, I’m not here to rescue you!” Sheila snapped back. “Speaking of which, where’s Candi?”

180

Ronna Gage

Sheila waited patiently as his eyes reflected so much unspoken information. He always had very expressive eyes. When necessary, he could hide his feelings, but if things were hard, as they seemed to be now, he showed his emotions in his eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Rafe’s gaze cut her deep. “Speaking of which?” “Nothing!” Sheila raised her hands in surrender. “God, you are so touchy tonight.” Sheila let a moment pass between them before she spoke again. “Why aren’t you at the Desert?” Rafe gruffly picked up his glass and took a drink. Shaking his head was his only answer. “Going there doesn’t appeal to me anymore.” “I bet Cherry isn’t happy.” Rafe gave her a narrowed look. “I don’t give a damn.” Sheila ignored his curt statement. This isn’t good at all. I need to find another tactic. “Where is she, Rafe?” she asked softly. Rafe gazed deeply into her eyes. The anger, fear, and pain flashed so quickly Sheila almost missed them. “I don’t know. I haven’t seen her for a week.” **** The quiet yet bitter confession painfully stuck in the air. Rafe felt so miserable. Sitting here with Sheila should have made him content. Here was a good friend that he could use to his pleasure. She was pretty. Just like Candi. She could motivate him to improve himself. Like Candi. An enterprising person. Like Candi. Who refused to settle. Like Candi. Just like Candi. Candi is all I can think of. “This is useless.” He took a swallow of his bourbon and soda and felt it burn as it passed his gullet. “Do you know where she is?”

The Search is Over

181

“She is somewhere on the north side of town. She quit her job at the bar, found herself an apartment, and is going to school. She’s moving on with her life…without me.” Sheila sat back in her chair but kept a steady eye on him. “You look like shit!” “Yeah? Well, I feel like shit.” His eyes caught hers. Her brown eyes revealed how eager she was to please him, but she wouldn’t settle for just a casual fuck. She wanted more. Rafe realized he couldn’t give her more. She’s not the one. At a loss he swiped his hands down his face. “What am I going to do?” he whispered. “I have no idea what to do next.” Sheila sat quietly across from him. He hadn’t really expected her to answer his questions. “Enough about me. Tell me about how your work is going.” “I am going to Austin. If all goes well this holiday season, I will be the new manager for the new chain out there.” “Good for you,” Rafe cheered. “You’ve lost the smile in your eyes, Rafe.” The sadness in Sheila’s voice matched his soul. Rafe said nothing as he took a huge swallow of his drink. “Would you like to go to Austin with me?” she asked. Rafe’s head shot up so quickly he thought it would stretch his neck. “Where did that come from?” Sheila shrugged her shoulders. “Just curious.” Rafe narrowed his eyes. “I wondered if your relationship with Candi is really over.” “I don’t know where she is, so what does that tell you?” “Men like you commit only to the woman that holds your heart, which I do not.” “So, what’s your point?” Sheila gave him a lost in thought look, then she said, “Decisions, decisions, decisions.” “What the fuck are you talking about?”

182

Ronna Gage

“I’m going to do the honorable thing for once.” Sitting up in her chair she said, “I’m going to take the matters of your life into my hands.” “How are you going to make matters in my life your control?” “I’m going to direct you to the right choices. First of all, I think you need to finish that drink, get your ass out of this lounge, find her, and win her back.” “Have you not been listening? I don’t know where she is.” “Haven’t you been listening? You do know where she is. She’s on the north side.” “The north side is a large fucking area,” he shot back. “Rafe. You know her. Where would she be? Think!” Sheila drank the last of her drink. “This round’s on me.” She stood up and gathered her bag. “I suggest you heed my advice. I’m not going to recommend this again. If I see you again, and you’re unattached, I’m setting my hook in the water.” Sheila bent down and brushed a soft kiss on his cheek. “Just remember that.” Rafe watched Sheila settle his tab and leave the lounge. The song on the jukebox spoke to him as if another friend was telling him to go get the one that stood by him. Love was right before my eyes. He stared down into the glass at the last swallow. You’re a mean drunk, Rafe Sines. And it’s because of it that so many friends don’t trust you, and the reason Candi left without a fight. His fear of his feelings for her pushed her away, but she would have stayed if he hadn’t told her he wanted to be alone. “Where is she?” he asked himself again. Put the pieces of the puzzle together to find her. She lived on the north side, still going to school—until December, and then she would be finished with her medial assistant’s training. “Minerva said she was working in her field.” She told him once before she would work in a hospital for OJT. It would give her good money, while she studied for her physician’s assistant credentials. North side.

The Search is Over

183

School. Hospital. Rafe felt the rapid beating of his heart immediately as the realization dawned on him. “I know where she is!” She has to be there. Rafe stood up and dug into his pocket for a generous tip. He picked up the glass and set it back down on the table. Leaving one swallow in the bottom was symbolic of his conscious choice.

184

Ronna Gage

Chapter Thirty-Eight Rafe walked into the trailer and stomped to the chair. He huffed and puffed his frustrations out in a series of noisy snorts. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” Jack asked. In his need to vent, he turned his anger on Jack. “Candi is at the North Side Hospital, and I can’t see her.” “How do you know she’s there?” “I know, but unless I have an injury, falling down sick, explosive diarrhea, projectile vomiting, or some other horrific symptom, she isn’t going to see me. I need her to be more or less a captive audience.” Jack grimaced. “Ewww! Explosive diarrhea?” “Is that all you got out of this conversation?” “No, but well, it’s not much, but will my football injury help?” A moment of hope engulfed him. In two steps he covered the distance between he and Jack, and then grasped his hurting wrist. “Ow! That hurts, fucker.” Rafe looked at him, a surmountable pressure lifted off his shoulders. “This wimpy injury just might work.” “Wimpy? It hurts like hell.” “I bet it does,” Rafe soothed with a minor tinge of empathy. “And we’ll go have it looked at,” he cooed, leading Jack out the door. “Good,” Jack pouted. “I need someone to kiss it and make it better.” “You’re fucked-up.” Rafe laughed for the first time since Candi left.

The Search is Over

185

On the way to the hospital, Rafe used his cell phone to make a single call. “Minerva, I want to thank you for what is in my opinion, a not-so-subtle clue to Candi’s whereabouts.” “You figured it out, did you?” “She’s at North Side Hospital.” “Ding! Ding! Ding! Give the man a prize. It took you long enough.” “I have to admit that it was easy to figure out, once I put the pieces together.” She laughed. “I couldn’t very well say, ‘Hey, Rafe, she’s at North Side Hospital,’ could I?” “No, I guess not. Do me one more favor.” She hesitated for a second. “What’s that?” “Don’t tell her I’m here.” “You’re at the hospital…now?” “Yes, and let me show her.” “Not a problem. Good luck. Rafe, don’t fuck this up. I will not take it lightly.” “I won’t. This is too important to me.” Just as he pulled into the parking lot, he hung up the phone. He turned to his injured buddy. “Well, here’s to nothing.” “You have the wrong attitude. Think positive,” Jack insisted. “Like me, I’m positive I will walk out of there with something worthwhile to take home.” Rafe laughed. “I guess I can give it a shot. She will have to see us.” **** Thanks to Jack’s wimpy injury and his flirtatious smile, the triage nurse, Susan Thomas—according to her badge—pulled them back immediately. Rafe steadily maintained his distance while Jack worked his magic. She just about creamed her panties giving Jack her phone

186

Ronna Gage

number. When she left the room, Jack sat on the exam table with a wide satisfied smile on his face. Rafe caught the door before it shut completely. With care he cracked it open just a fraction of an inch and peeked out into the emergency ward. “There she is!” he whispered to Jack. She tended to a small boy with a bloody knee. Her bright smile warmed his heart. She applied antiseptic and blew on it. “All done.” She reached her hand into the pocket of her pants and pulled out a sticker. “You were such a big boy. How about a sticker?” she offered. His shuddering body calmed. He took the proffered paper. She looked over her shoulder and then the other. “If you don’t tell anyone, let it be our secret, I’ll give you a surprise. Okay?” The little boy’s watery smile reflected his liking to a surprise. She handed the boy a blue sucker, pretending to sneak it to him. His little hands grabbed for it immediately. She’s the one. As he watched her through the cracked door, Rafe, with a deeply ingrained ache in his heart, longed to go to her. To be this near and not know what to do almost drives me insane. Jack cleared his throat loudly. Vaguely aware of Jack’s presence, Rafe turned to him. “Lucky for you, I hurt my wrist playing football at the lake two days ago.” “I hope our little plan works.” Jack lifted his unwrapped hand. “I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.” Rafe said nothing, but continued to watch Candi through the small opening of the supposedly closed door. Her smile greeted each patient warmly and yet there was something different about her eyes. They seemed hollow, unfeeling, almost like the warmth didn’t meet them. Guilt made his heart heavy. “Candice?” A male’s voice called her. Candice? When did she start going by Candice?

The Search is Over

187

She looked up at the man with barely a grin and the tension around it tightened. Not that anyone would really notice, but Rafe knew. He knew when she was happy, sad, pissed, and about to give someone hell, which was what this guy was about to receive, if he didn’t watch his step. “Would you come here, please?” the soft-spoken voice ordered. Why was Candi so hostile toward him? “I’ll be right there. I just need a moment to…” “Now!” the voice repeated with a sense of authority. Candi slammed the clipboard down on the counter. “I’m on the way.” The metallic sound caught the other nurses’ attention. They rolled their eyes in response, but stayed clear. “Yes, Dr. Berkley.” Candi’s voice was sweet as sugar, but Rafe knew that tone. Back off, dude, she’s gonna snap on you. “Mr. Jacobs needs to be sent to Radiology,” Dr. Berkley stated. Who does this son of a bitch think he is? “What is it about him that makes Candi so volatile?” “What?” Jack asked from the bed. Rafe waved him off with his hand. “He should have been sent there two hours ago. If you can’t handle this job, I will find someone who can.” Candi let the whip go, so to speak, “Mr. Jacobs has just returned from Radiology this half hour. The specialist has not read the X-rays as of five minutes ago. That’s what I notated in the patient’s file.” She stood with her arms crossed over her chest. Rafe’s thoughts focused on her in her scrubs. In those scrubs she’s cute. She looked every part the professional medical staff. There’s something different about her hair. Pulled back from her face into a ponytail wasn’t unusual for her, but still something was different and he couldn’t figure it out. Dr. Berkley stared down at her. He pulled her toward the seemingly closed door of Jack’s room.

188

Ronna Gage

Rafe’s gut twisted at the sight of the doctor putting his hand on Candi. Furthermore, to make matters worse, he wasn’t an unattractive man. The wavy locks of his high-dollar haircut flashed his well-bred society that would appeal to Sheila Mason. “Candi, you’re one hell of a fireball. I think we would make a great team.” Dr. Berkley’s sultry compliment angered Rafe. His hands knotted up into fists at his side. “What is it?” Jack whispered suddenly. “Shut the hell up, or I will break your injured arm,” Rafe said through clenched teeth. Jack blinked back his surprise to the threat. “Ho, that’ll hurt.” Rafe’s narrowed eyes met his. “Sorry!” he whispered, turning away from his gaze. “Dr. Berkley, I believe we have already discussed that topic. My mind hasn’t changed. I would appreciate it if you not continue on this endeavor.” Impressive. Candi was all but going to tear his head off, but she handled herself in a very professional manner. But I want to kick the good doctor’s ass. “You know, I have to tell you.” Dr. Berkley took a step closer to her. “I like redheads.” That’s it! Her hair is red. I love it! The color fit her personality. What he didn’t like was the sight of the good Dr. Berkley putting his hand on her shoulder. “Get your hands off me,” Candi demanded in hushed anger. Her clenched voice put Rafe into action. He wouldn’t stand by and let him or any other man, maul her. Rafe opened the door. “You heard her,” he said, his tone menacing. Candi’s eyes registered shock and then bliss at seeing him. A smile lit up her face and reflected in her eyes. “Who are you?” Dr. Berkley asked.

The Search is Over

189

Rafe looked at Candi and saw the subtle pleading in her eyes. “No one, but I did hear the lady ask you to leave her alone.” The soft whisper sent a vibe in the ER that caught the attention of all the staff. “Dr. Berkley?” Rafe, Candi, and Dr. Berkley turned to the sound of a woman, who stood next to a man in a business suit. “Is there a problem?” Hospital administrator. The administrator was a large man. Well over six feet tall, and his girth was large, but not soft. Blue eyes looked onto the three of them. “I’m waiting for an explanation.” His name badge read R. Barton. “No, sir, no problem here.” Dr. Berkley looked at Candi, giving her a silent warning. “Miss Patterson?” the head nurse questioned. Candi looked to Rafe and then to Dr. Berkley. Her anger wasn’t as prominent as her embarrassment. “No, sir, no problem. Just a difference of…opinion.” She explained the situation away as a professional mishap. “Sir? Is there anything I can help you with?” Mr. R. Barton asked as he looked at Rafe. “Yes, there is.” Dr. Berkley and Candi looked back at him with anticipation. He wouldn’t rock the boat for Candi at her job, but he would find out what was going on…later “I have been waiting here for over an hour to get my friend’s arm X-rayed.” Nurse Conkel turned to another medical assistant. “Vickers, help Dr. Berkley. Patterson, go with this man and assist him.” The orders set, Nurse Conkel turned away, leaving her instructions to be carried out. ****

190

Ronna Gage

Candi walked in and expected to find a woman sitting on the exam table when she followed Rafe into the room. Dread shrouded her heart, and then to her relief she saw Jack. “Jack! What happened?” she asked as she opened the file and scanned it. “Football. Rafe tackled me,” he complained. Rafe looked at him with disgust. “You’re such a pussy.” “I am what I eat.” Jack stuck out his tongue. He leaned toward Candi. “He’s such a bully.” Candi smiled. Her focus on her job slipped a time or two at the comments Jack used to rile Rafe. For the third time in the three minutes she stood in the exam room, she inwardly directed her hands to stop shaking and her knees to stop knocking. Rafe leaned against the exam table behind Jack. “Who was that guy?” Candi set Jack’s chart down on the table and then answered Rafe’s question. “His name is Dr. Samuel Berkley. He’s an intern at the hospital. Seems he has dated just about all the women here. Now he is looking to date the ones he’s missed.” She took an instrument from the counter and took Jack’s temperature. “Normal,” she said, and then wrote the reading down in the chart. She took the stethoscope from her around her neck, applied it to the pulse point of Jack’s arm, and squeezed the blood pressure cup’s bulb, tightening it around Jack’s arm. “Ow, that hurts almost as bad as my wrist.” “Wimp!” she teased, and then wrote down the reading. She looked at Jack’s wrist. “How long ago was this injury?” “Not long,” he answered innocently. She notated the appearance of the wrist in the chart. Then, she turned to Rafe. “Why are you here?” He stood up. “I’m here to see you,” he answered softly. “I miss you. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep, and I’m…”

The Search is Over

191

Jack turned toward Rafe. “Maybe you should sit up here,” he advised, and then turned to Candi. “Woman, you can’t let this man suffer, can you?” She bit her tongue to keep from laughing at Jack’s input. “How did you find me?” she asked, ignoring Jack’s question. “It wasn’t easy. I looked for a week to find you. Finally, I put the pieces together.” “What pieces?” Rafe explained what Minerva had told him last weekend. “It was so obvious, but I still didn’t get it.” He looked at her with such adoration. “I like what you’ve done to your hair.” He took a step toward her. Immediately, she pulled up her defenses. She grabbed the chart, turned to the door, and gave one final comment. “The doctor will see you in a moment.” “Candi!” She stopped, but didn’t turn around. “I don’t…I am so sorry…” His apology was interrupted by a doctor’s entrance. “Hello, Jack? I’m Dr. Evans. What seems to be bothering you this evening?” Candi took that moment to sneak out of the room. **** Restocking the examination rooms was more for Candi to keep busy until she was certain Jack and Rafe left the hospital. It’s just a sprained wrist, no X-rays required. They would be out in no time. Tears formed in her eyes. Damn him for stirring up these old feelings. He looked so handsome in blue. He likes that color. A navy blue shirt peeked out from under his denim shirt, which he tucked inside a pair of dark blue jeans.

192

Ronna Gage

“Just about the time I’m getting over you, you come back into my life.” Candi felt the frustrated effort to work mount to nonproductive idle chatter….to herself. “I still love him and don’t want to. I won’t live with someone who hurts me when he’s drunk. Then, there was Samuel.” Acting like his usual sexual-harassing self. “I wish someone would cut off his balls,” she murmured in anger. Looking at her watch, she sighed. It’s almost two. The chaos will begin soon. Normally, she welcomed the hectic spurt of the mid-shift rush. The traumas would speed her shift, and she could end another day of loneliness. “I came here looking for you…I like your hair. I miss you…I can’t eat...I can’t sleep…” She let herself laugh at Jack’s comment then it hit her. Is he feeling the same things I am? Candi didn’t want to get her hopes up. Susan entered the supply closet. “Hey, Candi, I have a message for you.” She handed her an envelope. Her name written in Rafe’s handwriting almost tore her up inside. “It’s from that guy who came in with Jack Posen.” The dreamy-eyed triage nurse shrugged her shoulders in excitement. “I saw your note in his folder.” Candi looked at the woman daring her to deny it. I could eat him up with a spoon. She repeated the notation on the yellow sticky notepad in Jack’s file. Susan grinned. “I meant every word.” She looked at her skeptically. “What is it?” “I’m in love with his friend.” “Already?” The look of utter confusion and shock on Susan’s face was comical. Candi laughed in spite of her new pain. “Tonight isn’t the first time we met.” “You want to talk about it?” Susan’s soft reply of concern broke the dam, and down came the pent up tears.

The Search is Over

193

“Susan, I don’t know what to do. I thought I was over him, but he comes in and the old feelings are still there. I haven’t healed. I’ve been nursing a festering wound.” “What do you think the treatment should be?” “I need to face him, get it off my chest, and let him go.” The crashing sound outside the door got their attention. “Those sounds like good ideas, but right now, get those rooms stocked. It looks like we got our first customer for the mid-shift rush.” Candi and Susan left the stock room geared up and ready to take on the shift.

194

Ronna Gage

Chapter Thirty-Nine Jack left the hospital strutting around like a cock rooster, his chest bowed out, his back erect, and a lift in his step. He looked around and gave Rafe a smug smile, which irritated him. “You feel pretty sure of yourself about now, don’t you?” Rafe stated with soft agitation. “Hell yes! Not only do I have a mended hand, but…” He lifted his bag of samples. “Some good drugs and Susan’s phone number.” He smiled. “I may have to call in sick and have her come nurse me back to health.” At the car door he paused. “So, what did you get?” he prodded. Rafe gave him a cool look. “Get in the damn car.” Unfortunately, he didn’t fare as well. He left empty-handed. “What’s the plan now?” Jack asked when Rafe got into the car. Rafe started the engine, sat for a moment, and contemplated the next move. There is no way in hell I’m giving up so easily. “I’m going to drive you home and come back.” “Okay,” Jack agreed with a silly grin. Lifting up the bag of samples again, he gushed, “I’ve got some goodies here.” “I wouldn’t take too many of those. I won’t be around to make sure you don’t die.” Jack pouted. “Party pooper.” Rafe chuckled. “Look, one crisis at a time, okay?” Five minutes after dropping Jack off at the trailer, Rafe headed back to the hospital, He thought of several elaborate excuses to see Candi, but nothing came to mind that would guarantee she would see him or keep her in place so he could talk to her. He looked at his

The Search is Over

195

watch. The time barely ticked past the three o’clock hour. He glanced at the door. Her small frame came in and out of view as she carried on with her work. “I have no idea what time your shift ends, but I will be here waiting for you.” Settling back into his seat, he let himself rest without sleep. Bright and early, the sun’s bright rays of light hit him in the face and woke him. “I must have nodded off. But when?” The last thing he remembered was the radio announcer calling time as three thirty. His body slouched over with stiffness. He yawned and stretched and felt the catch of his muscles. Sucking in his breath, he extended his legs out to get the circulation back into them. “Son of a bitch, my back hurts.” He turned his head, and it popped in protest and stiffened another degree. He massaged the sore spot in his neck. “Maybe sleeping in the truck wasn’t the best place to sleep…” Realizing why he stayed at the hospital, he glanced toward Candi’s car and found it sitting in the same spot. “…but at least, I’ll be here when she gets off her shift.” He looked toward her unattended car and sighed. “I need coffee.” Last night he’d parked close enough to her vehicle to know the exact moment she got off work, making it difficult for her to leave and not talk to him. “Come one, girl.” As if by magic, she exited the building. Walking toward her car, her bowed head, she didn’t notice Rafe get out of his truck and stand by her car. “Want to get a cup of coffee?” he asked when she was within ear shot. Candi screamed and jumped back. “God, Rafe! You scared me!” she shouted and slapped his shoulder. Rafe laughed and rubbed the mildly uncomfortable spot. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” “What do you want?” she asked abruptly unlocking the door to her car. She tucked her tote bag behind the driver’s seat. “Right now, coffee. Would you like to get a cup with me?” he motioned toward the coffee house next door. Candi’s curt nod was hopeful. She doesn’t hate me enough not to have coffee with me.

196

Ronna Gage

They walked across the parking lot. Neither of them said a word. They each ordered a cup of coffee with hazelnut cream, waited for the coffee order with nothing said between them. A few minutes later, they left the crowded coffee house. Again, they walked in silence to the hospital parking lot. Rafe opened the passenger door to his truck. “Would you like to sit down?” Her hesitation brought on a slight panic. “I can imagine you’re exhausted being on your feet all night,” he sympathized. Candi took a tentative step forward. A gust of cold wind hastened her pace. She got in, and while he rounded the front of the truck to get in the driver’s side door, she shut her own door. Together they sat in the truck drinking their coffees. Again, neither spoke for a moment. Candi looked off into the distance as if mulling something in her mind. “Who is Dr. Berkley?” The question caught her off guard almost as much as it did Rafe. “I’m sorry, I really shouldn’t pry.” “I’ve already explained him to you.” The softness in her voice sounded harsh. “Isn’t what he said and implied sexual harassment?” “Yes, but I’m just a lowly medical assistant.” Again more silence. “Besides, I can handle him. Nurse Conkel is aware of the situation.” She let the explanation fall quiet. Outside, the clouds covered the sunshine and a light mist threatened the area. “Looks like rain.” Rafe stated the observation. “Rafe.” She looked up into his eyes. “Why are you here?” “I want to invite you to Thanksgiving dinner with my parents.” “What?” Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. “I have to bring a date. My mom said I had to bring you,” he elaborated. “Oh, really!” “I agree. I can’t think of one other person I would rather share my holidays with than you.” Rafe gently picked at an errant piece of her

The Search is Over

197

ponytail and pulled it between his fingers. “I was a jackass, but I do love you.” Candi bowed her head, but she didn’t argue. Rafe saw tears well up in her eyes. It surprised him that he didn’t feel the annoyance that usually came from tears. Knowing that he was the one that caused her pain settled over him, and his pride ached. He knew her tears were from her pain and loneliness, like that which befell him lately. “You know, for once I envy women.” Candi’s soft chuckle of disbelief spurred him to explain. “They have the unspoken luxury to cry when they're hurting. But I don’t have that luxury because I’m a man…who wants to cry, scream, and stomp like a spoiled child.” “Why?” she asked, wiping her face. “I will do just that if you don’t take me back and let me make hurting you right again.” “Oh, Rafe, you almost blew it.” She cried softly. “I’ve often wondered if we would work.” “Yes, we can, baby. Together we can make it work,” Rafe avowed. “All I wanted to do when I came here to this hospital was to heal. But I just couldn’t let go of my love for you.” “Candi, how can I convince you that I’m for real? Look, I don’t blame you for doubting me. I only know that I don’t want to lose you.” His words stuck within the lump lodged in his throat. “Hold onto that love.” “You could never lose me, but you have to be willing to fight with me and for me. Tell me what’s going on.” “I will, baby.” Rafe pulled her into his lap, and she broke down and cried her pain. She felt soft and warm in his arms while he soothed her hurt, soaking the shoulder of his denim shirt. In that quiet moment, his heart shattered to pieces all over again at the pain that he caused her. At the same time, it mended in her forgiveness.

198

Ronna Gage

“Candi, I’m so proud of you,” He softly stroked her back and kissed her hair. It smelled of the coloring formula and the herbal shampoo she used. He took in a deep cleansing breath, and her scents filled his nose with the smells of rubbing alcohol and a hint of her perfume. He felt himself getting hard. This isn’t the time! “Since when have you gone by Candice?” “It’s the name I use in my professional environment.” Candi climbed out of his lap, but sat next to him. “You still haven’t answered my question.” “What question?” He took her hands into his. He had missed her touch, and he saw in her gaze that she missed his. “Will you be my date for Thanksgiving?” She nodded. “I can’t let you show up without an escort.” Rafe couldn’t let it go at that. He had one more question he had to ask her. “Are you the one?” Candi’s head jerked up, his eyes met hers. “Yes.” She answered his question without hesitation. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked softly, reading her eyes. “You had to find it out for yourself. I’ve always been the one. I was the one you looked for when you married Chelsea. It was me you sought for this whole time.” Rafe let out the breath he held. “Will you spend the rest of your holidays with me?” “If I have to.” “For the rest of our lives?” Rafe smiled at her shocked look. “Say the words, Rafe.” “Candi would you…would you like to be my date for your wedding?” “That’s close enough.” She laughed, “Yes, I accept your halfassed proposal.”

The Search is Over

199

He rested his forehead against hers and gazed into her eyes. His erection served as a reminder of how much he did love her. He glanced down and saw the protruding reactions of her nipples. “I wish I could see your new apartment.” “As you wish.” “Show me the way home.” Leaving her car in the parking lot, he turned to Candi. “Which way?” She pointed to the right. “How far away is your apartment?” “Two miles.” He snickered. “Just a measly two miles away!” “Yep, that’s all.” Driving to her apartment, Rafe smiled. “What are you smiling about?” she asked without looking at him. “Oh, nothing really.” He put his arm around her shoulder. “I realized today that all roads lead back to you, and I didn’t need directions.” “Wow! That is something nice. How did you find me?” Rafe shrugged. “I followed my heart.”

THE END WWW.RONNAGAGE.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ronna Gage lives in Texas with her true life alpha, husband, Ron and son, Gage. An avid animal lover, she has one dog, Luke, and one cat, Brianne. A storyteller all her life, Ronna just recently chose to share some of her creative tales with the public audience. She writes mostly in the erotic romance genre and insists on a positive happy ending. Using society issues, Ronna spins a tale of hope and love for her audience’s enjoyment. When she isn’t working on her next writing project, she teaches as a substitute, and on weekends she supports her son at motocross races. Some of her hobbies include: horseback riding with her friend Ashton, weekends at the track with her family, and shopping with her god daughter, Taryn and her niece, Seairria.

Also by Ronna Gage Siren Classic: Paradise Mine Siren Classic: Send Her to Me Ménage Amour: Three Hearts One Love

Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com