Tuesday Lil called asking we what happened before I left. When I told her nothing really she said Luke was really depressed as hell, and wouldn't even talk to them. She said when they left he was just sitting on the porch staring down the lane. That afternoon I drove by his station, but he wasn't there, so I went home. The next day at work things were slow and I had returned from a showing and lunch. There was a package on my desk. When I opened it I found a dainty gold bangle bracelet similar to one Luke and I had admired years before when we were window shopping. I didn't even have to look at the card to know it was from him. But it said simply thanks Luke. I called right away and thanked him but declined his invitation to dinner, because I had a late appointment.
I did drive by the office after my appointment hoping to catch him but he was gone. Even the next afternoon he wasn't there. I thought it was just as well. I did tell his employee Matt that I had some property to show him, and ask him to call me about them. A week later I drove by hoping to see him on my way to lunch. I spotted him pumping gas for some blond. He had shaved his beard and he looked much better. She was rubbing his muscled arm and smiling at him. Then she took his hand and ran it up her thigh, under her skirt. I cringed with the thought he didn't waste anytime finding someone else for his bed. He smiled at her and put the pump handle back and took her money and opened the car door and saw her off. My light changed and I went on.
I decided I wasn't going back to find him now. I told myself I was just a game to him and someone to fill the gap until some new quest came along, obviously it had. Now I knew I must find something else to occupy my time what little I had to spare. With no appointments lined up and a headache getting worse I took the afternoon off and went home t
the thirteenth movie. I picked it up screaming "Please stop this." The lights went completely out and there was a lot of static on the line, there was a loud crash and I screamed I couldn't help it. I slammed the phone down again.
I fumbled my way to the kitchen and searched drawers feeling for some candles that I couldn't find. I picked up the kitchen phone and got the operator to try Lil's number for me. No one answered I guessed Luke was out with her . I made my way back to the living room, telling myself to stay calm There was no need to fall apart. The banging got worse, I told myself it was just a limb banging on the roof. I told myself again to stay calm and concentrate on where the candles could be, or a flashlight.
I heard something at the back door it sounded like someone trying to get in. My heart jumped into my throat. I started rocking back and forth crying and saying, "It's only the wind, just the wind." Then I heard a loud bang from the kitchen and thought great now I would have to go and close the door. I fumbled my way to the swinging doors as I pushed them open I ran right into someone, and screamed.
The next thing I knew I was on the couch, there were candles lit on the coffee table. I looked around clearing my foggy head. Then heard someone coming down the hall flashlight in hand. "Oh God " I thought. But no burglar would light candles I thought. But the person sitting down beside me was Luke saying "Are you allright Kat?" I hit him and said "Don't do that to me again.. You scared me to death."
"I tried calling you."
"All I could get was a dead line."
"I could hear how upset you were, when you screamed I left."
"I tried to call you afterwards."
Pulling me in his arms and resting my head on his chest he said. "Well I'm here now, we'll wait out the storm together, like we use to."
"Not quiet like we use to." He explained he had checked the rooms but a huge limb had fell and was hanging over the roof of my bedroom. There appeared to be no leaks in the roof, but it would have to be removed and checked for damages. He said he knew a reliable man who would take care of it and would give him a call in the morning.
When I told him how I saw him that morning at the station making over that blonde he only said. "She was the one who done that. Women flirt with me all the time darling, except for you."
"I don't flirt Luke Warner."
"Yea I know, maybe you should try it. I told you how lonely I am. I hate being back in town and still away from you. Why can't you give an inch just once in your life?" He started kissing me and I let him. Just like before in no time he had me where he wanted me. He had taken our clothes off and had me giving in to him. When the lights came on right after we both reached a climax together he grinned and kissed me lightly and we sat up.
I pulled my robe back around me and brushed my hair from my face as he slipped on his jeans. The storm was over but the storm was raging through my heart. I remembered what he had said He had said the right thing to remind me how it was before. Trying to kiss me again I shook my head no and said "Go home Luke." I started to the kitchen after blowing out the candles and he said "You don't mean it do you?" Only the look said enough. He began to leave with his head hung low and stopped just inside the front door looking at me with heart broken eyes and then walked on out. I wanted to stop him, but I knew I shouldn't and I cried myself asleep.
The next few months were lonely and worrisome for me. Mom was worse and I had been very busy with work. One Friday afternoon I was called to the hospital. Mom had been admitted and it didn't look good. About seven that night I was surprised to see Lil walk in with a sandwich for me. One of her friends on the floor h
grandchildren. Before she got really sick she would tell me "Katherine please get on with your life. I won't always be here for you. You'll be mighty lonely without someone else in your life."
She was right I was lonely, especially now. "Oh mamma please tell me what to do." I got up and walked to the window staring out into the night. I remembered how full of life she had been. I remembered her laughter at night when she put us to bed. I remembered her singing in the morning when she fixed breakfast for us all. She too always loved the mornings, just like I do. I was sorry for all the worry I had put her through, those years when I had been so wild. But I knew she forgave me.
She never got over my dad dying and leaving her. She said she couldn't watch the sunrise again, as they often had together. I wiped the tears that fell from my eyes and silently said I hoped I could watch the sunrise with someone for her someday. I heard a noise behind me and turned around to see Luke as he pulled me into his arms and held me while I cried. When I quit and dried my eyes I said "She always liked you."
Luke stayed with me throughout the night and about 4 AM. She looked at me and said "You're back together. You belong together. I want to watch the sunrise that's coming up. I looked out the window and you could barely see the early glow of dawn. I raised her bed up and together the three of us watched as the sun slowly rose over the hills behind the hospital. "It's so pretty this morning isn't it Bill?"
I stared a Luke and then realized what was happening. Bill was my daddy, I guessed he had come to take her home with him. I cried and held onto her begging "Don't go mama." She only said "you daddy needs me now. You can watch your own sunrises you and Luke." And she was gone. Luke pulled me away from her holding my hands to keep me from hitting him in the chest and he held me tight and said "Let her go sweetheart, she's feeling fine now." He held me for awhile longer standing beside the window my back to him arms tight around me and we finished watching the sunrise.
He pulled away from me after kissing the top of my head and led me out into the hall. There he left me to speak to the nurses and afterwards he drove me home. He got me a quilt from the bedroom and I wrapped up on the couch while he called Carolyn and broke the news to them and then Lil. "She's on her way over. Do you want me to leave?" I shook my head no and let him slide in behind me on the couch and curled up in his arms. While he held me tight I whispered "Thanks for being with me when she left. It meant a lot to me, and for her to see us together."
"I'll always be here for you when you need me Kat. I still love you Kat and I always will." I was too upset to tell him the same and just tightened my arms around him and fell asleep.
I awoke to the smell of coffee and bread, Lil was making breakfast. Greg and Carolyn were there and Luke was gone. Sadly I went to shower and changed into a navy blue suit. I met the rest in the kitchen and over breakfast we made the decisions that needed to be made. Luke was back soon before we finished, he had showered and changed into a suit. Kissing my forehead he asked was If OK. I only nodded yes and smiled at him. Carolyn and I went shopping for black dresses after we left the men at the funeral home, after making arrangements.
We returned home where Lil had been receiving a bounty of food from friends and neighbors, and we had lunch. The rest of the weekend was a haze for me as we attended our functions at the funeral home. Many times I was silently thankful Luke was beside me, for I don't think I could have made it without him. After everyone gathered at my house after the funeral home, we ate again. I was so tired and relieved when everyone else left. Greg and Carolyn went to their motel and Lil left for home.
I prepared myself to be alone a
now, and we have good jobs we're both happy with. Now all we need is each other. You know I love you more than anything. Anna said we belong together, you know she's right."
"I don't know Luke, I'm so confused right now. Don't make it worse for me. I feel like everyone has left me now."
"Not everyone, I'm still here, and I want to stay."
Then he kissed me, that was all that mattered now. That and us pulling off each others clothes and him carrying me to bed. And the sweet loving we made, he would get carried away in his passion and whisper I'm sorry. I love you and I can't help it." We rolled over and over changing positions and craving every inch of each other, not being able to get enough. Worn out later and couldn't go on we curled up p in each others arms and slept.
' After we laid mom to rest and Greg and Carolyn went back home, Lil and Luke cleaned up the mess and she said she was leaving. We hugged good-bye and she told Luke she would see him later. When she left he asked me "Want to be alone?"
"I think so do you mind?"
"Well I'd like to stay with you, but I understand. Call me soon?"
"Yes I'll call. Thanks for everything."
"I love you."
"I know." He left and I opened the door to stop him. I called to him, I wanted him to stay forever. But he didn't hear me call out his name, he was gone. I closed the door thinking it was just as well anyway and I cried.
Once again I let my stubborn pride stand in my way of finding happiness. Thinking it was just as well. I had just let him sweep me off my feet again like he did when we were in high school. I told myself I was just lonely and accepted his advances for safe sex. I ignored my heart strings that pulled on me and refused to believe we were still in love after all we had been through.
He was so strong and handsome now since he had aged and gained some weight and muscles. It was obvious he didn't have any trouble finding women. Often when I passed the station I saw the same blond with him. I also saw the was he seemed to enjoy her touch and the way he smiled at her. I couldn't help but miss him. Especially now when I remembered how it felt making love with him now. And it was making love not just sex. But I still kept myself from turning in the lot to talk to him. Although my heart begged me to tell him I wanted him back, I refused to listen.
I was just afraid to admit it all along to anyone, especially myself that I still loved Luke, but I was afraid to try again. We talked often just briefly when he would call just to see if I was doing all right. Often I would stop myself from calling him, and often when I did, there was no answer. I told myself it was better that way. A month passed since mom passed away and it was nearing the Fourth of July. I hadn't planned my barbecue, because everyone else had their own plans. I wasn't really into socializing anyway.
It had been quiet some time since I had seen Like except in passing. I presumed he had given up on me. I was glad some what. But I did miss him and the chase. I kept myself busy with work and staying away from the station as much as I could. I turned down invitations for dinner simply because I wasn't interested in seeing anyone. Actually I tried to tell myself that I wasn't. The truth was there was only one person I was interested in.
I had a busy Wednesday and made a late appointment with a client to show him some office space and a warehouse. I agreed to meet him for dinner to discuss the deal and floor plan before showing him the property. He seemed so nice and a real businessman. I had no qualms leaving my car at the restaurant and leaving with him, as I often had with others. The warehouse had been recently vacated and the electric was still on. The owner was anxious to sell and left town leaving me in char
crying and silently begging Luke to find me before it was too late. But I knew it was hopeless.
I bit his hand the only thing close enough for me to fight with. That only angered him and he hit me in the face with the back of his hand. I cried out in pain as the tears stung my eyes. But laying across the desk did give me some advantage, As he stepped back to unbuckle his belt I knew I would have to make it good. When he came back towards me I raised my foot and kicked him hard in the groin. While he doubled over in pain, cussing me "You bitch you'll pay for that." I started getting up. He jerked his head listening, then I heard it too. The distant sounds of sirens, thank God someone was coming. He got to his feet and ran out the door.
I was trying to hold my torn clothes together and clam myself when two officers came in the door pistols drawn ready for anything. One came to me while the other looked throughout the office. I tried to say in between sobs "Out the door", and I pointed at the side door. That officer headed outside while the other checked me over asking how bad was I hurt. My mouth was bleeding and as calmly as I could I told him I wasn't really hurt except for my face and back, but I was relieved.
What seemed like hours the officer came back in from outside and said he must have run off into the fields. He suggested back up and dogs. The officer attending me said he would take me to the station for a report and medical attention. I gathered up my purse and briefcase and told them the man's name. The officer gave me a blanket from the patrol car and I shivered under it all the way to the station.
Once we were there I was comforted my a lady officer who led me to a phone, after she had asked if I could call someone. My hands shook too bad to dial the number, for I kept messing up. Finally I gave her Lillian's number and she dialed it for me. When Luke answered the phone I started crying. The lady patted me on the back as I cleared my throat saying "Lillian Luke."
"She's not here. What's wrong?" He kept asking. I caught my breath and said.
"Don't come Luke, send Lillian."
He was yelling this time and asked "What's going on Katherine, where are you anyway?" He kept on "Answer me dam it where are you?" I gulped back the tears and said "Luke! Luke!" I couldn't tell him. He yelled again asking "Where in the hell are you Kat? Tell me right now."
I started crying harder and shook my head handing the phone to Jill the officer. I heard her ask for Lil. He obviously told her the same thing that she was out. I heard her say to just come to the police station, she would explain there. She turned to me after hanging up and asked was that my brother or who he was. "My ex husband, and he won't like this at all. I wish you had not told him I was here. You just don't know him like I do."
"Is there anyone else I can call for you then?"
"No I guess not."
She led me to a private office and the officer who found me and Jill who got me some coffee and Officer Bryson took my statement. They told me the man who I knew to be Barry Reynolds was dead, so he wasn't the man he said he was. The car was a lease so they were checking on that information. In the meantime they presumed he was hiding out somewhere, maybe just left town. I gave them a pretty good description of the guy and they left me alone.
In that office I paced the floor looking down at my ripped open blouse, buttons were gone and the sleeve was ripped nearly off me. The bra was unrepairable and I slipped out of the straps and stuffed it in my briefcase. My head hurt and my mouth burned. My back felt like I had scraped it on the edge of the desk. I started crying again and tried to hold my blouse together and wipe my burning eyes, as the tears streamed down my face.
The door behind me opened
home."
He took off his jacket and helped me put it on and zipped it up. Detective Bryson came in and said they were still looking for the man and that I should go home. I asked "What if he know where I live and comes after me?"
"I doubt that he will come around, but I can give you extra patrol, that's all I'm, short handed now. Perhaps you have family you can stay with, or someone else." He said looking directly toward Luke. I shook my head no and Luke said, "I'll stay with her but you keep the extra patrol around. I got my purse and briefcase and Luke led me to his truck with his arm tight around me. We were silent on the way there, but once in the driveway I said. "I'll be fine, you can go on home." He got out and opened up my door and reached under the seat and pulled out a handgun saying "Like it or not I'm staying." Inside my dark empty house I was thankful he was.
It was twelve O clock as we went through the house as he checked the locks on the windows and doors. He said he would sleep across the hall from me and if I needed him to just call. I got my nightgown and robe from the closet and told him I wanted a hot bath first. There soaking in the tub I felt so relaxed and safe knowing he was there. I could hear him on the phone obviously talking to Lil and he explained I was just shaken up and he was staying with me as long as I needed him to.
I either had dozed off a bit or he was off somewhere, I couldn't hear him anymore. I knew he was still there some where. He wouldn't have left me even if I begged him to. He had always been protective of me. I remember even in high school when some punk had gotten smart with me Luke stepped in and gave him a black eye. We weren't even dating then, he told the boy that was no way to talk to a lady and learn it. Soon after we were an item. He always was a gentleman, opening doors and helping me with my coat or books. Anytime I seemed to need him he came to the rescue without being asked. I knew he would always be there for me even if I didn't want him to.
I called out "Luke" when he didn't answer I called again, and raised out of the tub some. Just as he came through the door with two steaming mugs of hot chocolate and said. "I'm here darling." I relaxed back into the tub taking the mug he offered and said "Thanks I was afraid you left."
"You know me better than that don't you?" I simply nodded and smiled at him he continued.
"I love you Kat."
"I love you too Luke." There I said it with no hesitancy at all I was glad I did finally. "Thanks for coming after me and being with me."
"I told you I always would. I assured Lil you would be fine. She said she would call you in the morning."
He chucked my chin looking at the obvious bruise there and said. "I'm sorry this happened I should have been there."
"You would have if you had known." There was a scratch on my chest where the knife scraped me. He said there was a bruise on my back. He grinned as he said "I guess you gave him a bruise too where you kicked him." He said it was just luck I got 911 dialed and that the officer on duty said he could hear scuffling in the background before the phone was jerked out. Luckily they had the number locked in and got a quick trace on it.
He handed me a towel and left me alone to dry off. As I slipped on my gown I noticed the very plain bruises and I shivered at the thought there could have been worse things. I was getting in bed when Luke came in. He tucked the covers around me and kissed my cheek and told me to call him if I needed him, or couldn't sleep. Then he went across the hall.
' I was tossing and turning trying to sleep when I heard a loud banging noise outside my window. When I heard a loud crash and I screamed I jumped out of bed and ran right into Luke. He told me a cat had just been into the garbage a
people out of town."
"Are you sure you're up to it?"
"No but they are couples I'll be fine."
"I wish you wouldn't go not today anyway."
"I have to! I'll be fine. If something else comes up I'll call you."
I drank my coffee and asked him to take me to my car. Reluctantly he did and asked as I was getting out of the truck. "You be sure and come by the station after you are through, and I'll follow you home."
"I will I promise thanks Luke." Before I got to my car he said.
"I love you marry me."
This went on for two weeks, each afternoon I met him at the station and waited for him to clean up, then he would follow me home. He wouldn't question me when after dinner and our showers that I would ask him to sleep with me, he only obliged. Although I felt it wasn't fair to him to ask him to sleep with me and not make love, he never asked or attempted to make a pass at me. He could always read my mind and knew I wasn't ready for intimacy. Even though I knew I could trust him and the pleasure I would receive I just couldn't. And Luke was man enough and cared enough for me that he didn't care.
During the day away from Luke I kept busy and had someone with me at all my showings. I couldn't wait to get back home to the safety I felt there with Luke. When I would awake from my own screams, he was there to kiss me and comfort me. In the mornings when we dressed for work it was always the same questionable statement. "Marry me again Katherine." And it was always the same answer. "I can't Luke I'm afraid. I don't want to make the same mistakes twice." It would end with him following me to work.
After the second week the police told us they were stopping the extra patrol. They were confident I had nothing to worry about, and felt he was gone from town. They said his type only wanted to catch someone in an un-secure place and vulnerable. They suggested I not put myself in that type of situation alone again. Considering that would be hard to do in my line of work I agreed. With that I convinced Luke I would be fine and he could go back home. Although he didn't agree, he didn't argue with me he knew it wouldn't do any good. He agreed to go back to Lil's. That night I hardly slept at all. I even picked up the phone several times, but hung up before dialing their number to ask him to come back.
Another Wednesday two weeks later I had another client for the warehouse. He too couldn't meet me until the evening. I tried to change the days and time, avoiding a night time meeting, nothing worked. I made the appointment anyway with plans to ask Paul my partner to go with me, but Paul had his own plans Susan also was busy. My contract would soon be up and I hated to loose the sale, it would profit me mega bucks. I checked my watch and it was only two hours away and I was nervous.
I picked up the phone and dialed Luke's station. Matt told me he had left early and wasn't feeling well, and didn't want to be disturbed, unless by me. Knowing what he would say if he knew I went alone, I dialed Lil's number. It took a few minutes for him to answer and he sounded fine and cheerful, when he asked "What's up darling?"
"I hate to bother you, Matt said you weren't feeling well."
"It's just a headache, you'll never be a bother to me. What's wrong?"
I explained my problem and he assured me right away "Sure darling I'll be glad to go with you. I don't want you going alone." So we agreed to meet for dinner at six at a small cafe not far from my office. Over dinner he was glad to see I seemed more at ease and was very glad I called him. We left for the warehouse in my car and he drove. I was very nervous to be back there in such a short time and got even more so inside the office. But Luke's assuring strong hand
holding mine gave me support. My client never even seemed to notice that I was
nervous. He quickly signed the contracts and gave me a down payment, and was
anxious to be on his way home. So was I, glad to have this ordeal behind me and
the warehouse out of the way so I wouldn't have to worry about selling it again.
Outside after he had left I was just standing beside my car looking up at the
stars. It was a calm and beautiful night. I felt fine and relaxed and a little
high, as I always was after a good sale. I felt the warmth of Luke's arms as
they circled my waist and drawed me up against him and he said. "It's beautiful
night isn't it?" I faced him and said