Page 5 of Guard Dog (Lonesome Garage #1)

Chapter Five

M y back is a mess after I squished myself into Peony’s bed last night.

I didn’t want to be too far away. Thankfully, she slept through everything.

On my way to the kitchen, I glance out the window and see a familiar pick-up truck parked behind my car.

It seems that after JD and Deke investigated the property last night, Deke stayed behind as a guard dog.

If I’d known what he was planning, I would have invited him to stay inside. In my bed.

When I open the front door to invite him in for coffee, the truck engine roars to life, and he backs down the driveway out of sight.

“Coward,” I mutter. I don’t have time to call him on it, though. I have one day off left before starting work on Monday, which will also be Peony’s first day at her new daycare. I can’t believe they had a spot open, but I’m not about to turn it down.

What I don’t expect is another vehicle to arrive right on Deke’s heels.

For a second, I think Rick is back yet a-fucking-gain.

I get that Keith’s teammates want to help, but Rick has stuck like glue.

I need him to give me space: four states’ worth would be fantastic.

Every time I turn around, he’s offering to help with Keith’s papers or the banking or the packing.

I know he’s the executor but it’s too much.

It’s not like Deke. Rick’s being ingratiating and won’t take no for an answer.

But fate smiles on me and I recognize the little, bright red compact zipping up the driveway. “Sweet pea, Auntie Romy’s here.”

“Ba!”

“Exactly! Let’s go say hi.”

Romy has hugs and kisses for both of us, then proudly pops the trunk to reveal bags of groceries from a twenty-four-hour store in Bismarck. “For your pantry. As for the rest of it, if you aren’t unpacked yet, you will be by the end of the day.”

“Romy, you’re the best sister ever.”

“And the most modest. Don’t forget to praise my modesty.”

I am so glad she’s planning to make the move to Lonesome with me.

She was my number one cheerleader after my marriage to Keith, and after I found out I was pregnant with Peony.

Now that she’s out of the navy, she deserves a fresh start too.

I can only hope she finds a job quickly, but with her skills it shouldn’t take long.

First, we put the food away. Second, I give Romy a tour of the house, which she loves on sight.

Third, she claps her hands together and says, “We’ll unpack the bathroom before the bedrooms. We should have those done by lunch.

Sandwiches and chips, then we tackle the kitchen.

Then the sweet pea and I will do the living room and whatever’s left while you take the rest of the afternoon to get everything settled before you start work tomorrow. ”

“Everything settled?” I parrot.

“I recognized the pick-up as it turned out of the driveway, Violet.”

“It’s not what you think, Rosemary,” I protest.

“Why the H-E-double hockey sticks not?”

I love that she refuses to curse in front of her niece, even though Peony can’t talk yet. “He’s caught up in Keith.”

“Then straighten the man out. You know that you can’t keep holding on to hope that he’ll move on.”

I hate it when Romy is right. Which is most of the time. But in this case, I know she speaks the truth. It’s time for me to grab tight or let go completely. “Are you sure you want to handle Peony on your own this afternoon?”

“Absolutely. We’ll unpack and explore the yard and have an adventure. Sound good, Peony?”

“Ba!”

I want to talk to Deke. I need to. “Where did you say we were starting?”

“Bathroom, then bedrooms.”

It took me some time to find myself, but when I did, I also discovered that I work fast when properly motivated.

We blow through the bathroom, bedrooms and kitchen and finish lunch before noon.

Peony helps by banging her keychain against every cupboard door and “unlocking” it before we’re allowed to put my pots and pans away.

I need to see Deke to settle everything before I start work tomorrow morning. “I’ll be back later.”

“Take as much time as both of you need, Violet. You only have one chance at this conversation. Make it count,” Romy advises.

I’ve never been to Deke’s place, but the directions on my GPS are clear. I hope he doesn’t have company, but it won’t stop me if he does. Luckily, the only vehicle in his driveway is his. I park around the corner; there’s no reason to advertise my presence in case anyone should drive by.

I stride to his front door and ring the doorbell.

Deke answers. His worn jeans are only white threads in patches, and the collar of his U.S. Navy T-shirt gapes like his collarbones are too hot to touch. I’m in agreement. “We need to talk.”

“What’s wrong? Did they come back? Where’s Peony?”

“Everybody’s fine. Peony is with Romy. This is about you and me.”

He swallows hard, and even watching his throat work is distracting, but I refuse to be sidetracked. “What about us?” he asks.

“Is there going to be one? I think I’ve made it clear that I’m on board for that idea.

Are you? Coming over when I have a burglar is great as a landlord.

Spending the night outside sends a different message.

Especially when you would have been welcome in the house.

” I’m dying a little with each word when Deke stays silent.

“Come inside. I don’t want to have this discussion on the front steps.”

He doesn’t move over, so I’m forced to brush against him as I enter. I have time to see a large sectional sofa, and an even bigger television mounted to the wall before I hear the door slam and feel two arms wrap around me.

“I have wanted there to be an “us” for longer than you can imagine, Violet. I’ve been in love with you for years. But I couldn’t do anything while Keith was alive, and honor says I shouldn’t now.”

“We’ve both honored his memory long enough. I could have let myself fall in love with you months ago if you’d given me the slightest hint,” I confess.

“I’m not hinting anymore, Violet.”

“Thank fucking God.”

Then, his very hot T-shirt and even hotter chest press against me, pinning me to the wall while he devours my mouth.

I feel his hands groping my back. Deke pulls back, just for a second and, suddenly, my shirt and bra are flying over his shoulder, landing somewhere in the living room.

I don’t have time to help him remove his because his T-shirt lands beside them a second later.

He walks me backward down the hall. With my lips on his, I can’t see where we’re going but my trust is absolute.

When Deke’s hands drop to my waist, I brush them away.

I can get my jeans undone faster than he can.

I wonder what’s taking him so long, and then I feel latex-covered heat pressing into my stomach.

He lays me on the mattress in his bedroom that I’ve never laid eyes on.

“You look fucking amazing,” Deke whispers.

I don’t argue, not wanting to spoil the mood.

If he thinks mom hair and stretch marks are hot, I’m going to let him have his fill.

He traces my cheek and lips. I suck the end of his fingertip into my mouth and almost every part of him freezes.

I don’t know how it’s possible but his dick twitches and feels even harder on my thigh as he slowly pulls away.

His lips nibble down my neck and I squirm at the delicate sensations zinging both up and down. Deke’s hand parts my thighs. He raises his head to smile down on me. “You’re already wet.”

“I know. Do something about it, will you?”

“I am not rushing this. You’re going to enjoy every minute of it.” He nudges his knee between my legs, and I happily make room for him. Deke’s chest hair tickles my nipples as he raises his hips.

Fuck me, he’s not playing around. He fingers me just enough to prime the pump, and then slides inside to do the rest of the job, the very, very hard way. “Yes, Deke,” I moan in encouragement, but the man doesn’t need it.

“You...are so…fucking…perfect,” Deke grunts between thrusts. He angles his hips, and I gasp and tighten around his dick. His mouth captures mine, which is fine as I’m certain I’ve lost the ability to speak.

The scent of him surrounds me, sweat and oil and something else that is Deke alone.

I move with him and suddenly I’m flying over the edge.

He thrusts twice more, then gives a tremor before he falls on me and immediately rolls off.

“That was better than I ever imagined,” he says, kissing my mouth fiercely.

“I don’t know. I imagined it going a lot like that,” I say.

I burrow closer to bask in Deke’s warmth.

He’s a good guy and a fantastic lover. I don’t know what would happen if I lost him now.

But just in case, I want another memory.

“Why don’t you tell me what you imagined, and I’ll let you know if I agree. ”

“Give me a minute, woman. Then I’ll show you.”