Pretty Little Dreams (20 page)

“Sure thing, sugar.
You expectin’ some trouble or somethin’?”

“Not exactly.
I just want to protect myself in case the need should ever arise.”

He stares at me a moment and then pulls out a pink canister of pepper spray.
“Pink?”

“Yeah well, yer a girl, ain’t ya?”

I decide to let that slide, and retaliate instead with a sarcastic comment, “Good observation Obi Wan Kenobi.”

He smirks and hands me the canister.
“You been drinkin’ at all?”

I snort, “Nope,” I tell him, popping the ‘p’.

He looks like he’s not sure if he believes me. “Mmkay… it’s just somethin’ we’re supposed to ask. Now, this here is really easy to use. You see where the top of this twists to the side, aligning the pump up along the arrows? If you need to use it or are walking in a parking lot that’s dark you can twist it to have it ready. A lot of ladies like this here wrist strap because you can wrap it around your wrist like this,” he demonstrates on me, “and if you let go of it, you don’t have to search fer it on the ground.”

I turn the nozzle like he showed me and press down on the pump to see if it’s hard or easy to push.
Just as Pete reaches his hand out and says, “No don’t-” he spray is flying. I never would have thought Pete could move so fast. He ducks like I’m holding an AK47 and was ready to use it. The spray flies inches from his head and slams into some poor dude standing behind him. The man turns toward me, and that’s when it hits his eyes because somehow miraculously the spray is STILL coming out of the can. I guess my finger has become glued to it, and even though I want to let go of it, I can’t.

“AAAHHHH!
Put it down, woman!” Pete screams at me.

I’m too transfixed on the horror playing out before my eyes.
Dude is screaming from the spray hitting his eyes which sure, that’s expected. What isn’t expected is that everyone else in the vicinity starts coughing. I had no idea that pepper spray was so intense, it can take out people in the surrounding area too. This shit is awesome.

Pete finally pops his head up and peeks over the counter at me.
I’m sure later when he looks back he will realize how hilarious this has been. He finally manages to pry the canister from my zombie like fingers and is breathing heavy while scowling at me.

“Oopsie.
Sooo sorry about that.” I think he wants to kill me. I’m completely unfazed, however. “Can I see a taser now?” Pete actually laughs at me. He laughs! I can’t believe this shit. So of course, now I’m pissed off. “I want to see a taser now, please.” Pete just stares at me and I ask, “Do you want to make a sale or not? I won’t touch it this time. No worries.”

“Lady, we already had to escort a customer out of here.
I don’t know about that.”

“It was an accident!
I’m really sorry! He’ll be fine after he washes out his eyeballs.” I try not to laugh at myself. I really do.

Sensing my seriousness – and perhaps aware that failure to fulfill my request could have significant bad results; he actually gets out the taser and shows me how it works.
I notice that people are still wiping their eyes and I think there’s a line at the bathroom. I’ve even gathered a bit of an audience as people gather to try and figure out the source of all the excitement. Perhaps they would like my autograph. But, I instead decide to ignore them. Someone comes up and asks Pete a question and he places the taser on the counter to grab something for them. I know I said I wouldn’t touch it, but really, it’s laying right there, begging me to see how it fits in my hand. And surely lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same place, right?

So, I pick up the irresistible taser from the counter, and without any warning, the thing immediately releases.
I guess I was gripping it too hard and my finger pressed the button, I don’t know. I must have very good target capability, because some poor soul gets it in the ass and goes crashing to the floor, knocking over a display of some kind of canned bottle on his way. Oops. I can’t help but laugh my ass off, because that fall was fucking hilarious.

The staff obviously doesn’t think it’s very funny though and before I know it, I’m on the phone with Pyper after all, “Umm, hi… so… you’re going to be mad at me, but remember how I said I would wait for you?
Yeah well, I didn’t…. and there has been a little umm incident….”

20.

NOT MY MOTHER’S MEATLOAF

Luke

I
’m anxious to
get out of here and get home. I’m supposed to meet Olivia at the condo tonight. She said she has a surprise for me. The thought puts a smile on my face. I can’t imagine what she has in store, but I have no doubt I will enjoy whatever it is.

I’m working on my own surprise for her.
It’s been hard to be secretive about it with all the time we’ve been spending together, so I’ve taken advantage of our time apart today.

I’ve decided not to tell Olivia about my phone call from Deacon.
What would be the benefit? She has enough on her plate as it is. She’s still dealing with a variety of emotions. She thinks I don’t know it, but I can tell and I see the effect they have on her at times. I don’t want to add this to her concerns as well. Additionally, she has no idea I’ve hired a private investigator and I want to keep it that way, if possible. Fact is, if Max finds Deacon before the police do, there’s no telling how I will handle it. I’ve asked myself that question many times and my rage always gets in the way. I want him found soon, because as I continue to watch Olivia struggle, my worry over my reaction when the inevitable happens, concerns me. I sigh as I count off the third and final reason. She’s spent the day planning whatever this surprise is. I don’t want to ruin her good mood. I may have selfish motives for that, but I’m not about to feel guilty for them. Wanting a fun night with my girl is not something I’m going to apologize for.

After making a few more phone calls and finishing a staff meeting with my employees, I’m ready to head out.
Just as I grab my keys, the phone on my desk rings. I contemplate not answering for a moment, but then give in with a sigh and glance at my watch, seeing I still have a little time. “This is Luke.”

“Luke, it’s Pyper again.”

As luck would have it, Pyper just happened to call earlier while Max was in my office, letting me know of her need to leave Olivia and that she was afraid Olivia may go out, despite the fact she asked her to wait. I asked him to keep an eye on the condo, and if Olivia decided to leave as we predicted she would, to please follow her and keep an eye on her to make sure she stayed safe.

“Hey, Pyper, what’s up?”

I smile as Pyper quickly gets to the reason for her call. Apparently, Olivia, despite having promised not to, left the house by herself when Pyper had to tend to an emergency at the spa and got herself in a little bit of trouble today. Pyper says she should have known this could happen. Olivia’s been acting like a caged, wild bird at times, so it doesn’t fully surprise us that she would try something like this. Thank goodness for Pyper. I’m thankful she’s so willing to keep me abreast of Olivia’s actions. Pyper gets that while I understand Olivia’s need for normalcy, it doesn’t change the fact that it isn’t safe – not until that asshole is dead or caught and behind bars.

No sooner do I hang up the phone with Pyper, it rings again and Max is on the other end to give me an earful as well.
I understand that Max was spotted by Olivia and he could tell she got nervous with him. Fortunately, Max placed a call to his colleague, whom happened to be close by and she was able to show up and help him cover up his error, putting Olivia at ease. Of course, she somehow still managed to find trouble.

It makes me laugh.
Only my girl would chug wine at a grocery store and wander into an Army surplus store and pepper spray and tase people. I bet her buzz from the wine wore off in no time after that. Envisioning the potential scene, I laugh out loud again. I can’t wait to see her, and the thought makes me drive just a little bit faster to her place once I get in my car.

I don’t know what I expect when I arrive at the condo, but it sure as hell isn’t the sight I see before me.
Upon arrival, I notice that Olivia has the table set for a candlelight dinner. It makes me glad I brought the pink roses I have in my hand. I start to walk in and make my presence known, but getting a look at what is transpiring in the kitchen, I find myself frozen in place. Fortunately, Olivia hasn’t heard me yet, so I’m able to stand there and stare. And drool. I know my mouth has dropped open and for the life of me, I can’t figure out how to close it.

She’s wearing some kind of black, see-through, lace thing with the sexiest, and smallest, black thong I’ve ever seen underneath.
Over the top of it, it appears she has an apron tied around her waist. I can see the white bow from where she’s tied it at her back. She’s bent over the oven and I can’t seem to take my eyes off her gorgeous ass that is on full display. Wow. She looks like every man’s wet dream.

I pull my eyes away from that glorious sight, which believe me isn’t easy, and wipe my mouth, just in case.
I collect myself, and take in the rest of the kitchen, hoping it will stop the rising that is occurring below my belt. I shake my head to help me concentrate and focus once again on the kitchen; it is in pure disarray. I have no idea what she’s making, but she has ingredients all over the counter tops. The refrigerator is wide open and the drawers are open inside of it. It looks like she must have spilled something on the floor because she has a broom leaning against the counter, and the sink is overflowing with dishes needing to be placed in the dishwasher.

I smile.
Huge. I can’t believe she’s doing this. I know her and usually a ready-made microwave meal or an easy pasta dish comprises her idea of cooking. My girl doesn’t cook. But she’s trying. For me. I feel that familiar ache in my chest and I absently rub at it. My throat closes up and my eyes burn. I love her. God, I love her so much. Without another thought, I walk into the kitchen. I need to take her in my arms right now. I’m so overcome with emotion that I clear my throat trying to push back some of my feelings. It makes her whirl around and face me at first in surprise, but then an automatic smile graces her lips. God, she’s gorgeous. It takes my breath away. Her hair is pulled out of her face, but a few tendrils have escaped and are brushing her cheeks, making me jealous that they’re touching her and I’m not.

Her cheeks are flushed from the heat of the oven and she has some flour on her nose and cheek.
I decide right then not to tell her because it’s too adorable. She’s dolled herself up with makeup, even though she doesn’t need it, and she looks absolutely mouthwatering.

“Babe!
You’re a little early,” she says breathlessly.

I don’t even reply, I just put my arms around her and kiss her.
I needed my lips on her the moment I walked through that door. I hold her close to my body and kiss her hard and passionately. I place my hands on either side of her cheeks and tilt her head for me and claim her lips. She emits a small groan and returns my kiss just as greedily.

When I pull away, placing a small kiss on her nose, careful not to disturb the flour there, she smiles, “Well, hello to you too.”

“Angel, what are you doing? Cooking? For me? You hate cooking.”

I don’t know how it’s possible, but her cheeks redden a bit more and she shrugs, “I wanted to try.”

“Well, I can’t wait to eat whatever you’ve made. I’m starving!”

She smiles shyly and honestly, I don’t care if it tastes like dog shit, I will pretend it is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.

“I hope you like it. I wanted a special evening for just you and me. Dinner is just going to be foreplay, the real fun will come later.” She smirks and if her cheeks weren’t already red, I know her words would darken them. This outright flirting isn’t her norm, and I know she’s trying to be sexy and it sure as hell is working. My dick twitches in response to her words, making me want to grab her and pull her close. I want to take that promised fun now, but she’s worked too hard and for the love of all that’s holy, I need to get my hormones under control.

“I’m sure I will love it.
Here,” I grab the flowers I threw towards the counter on my hurry to taste her, “these are for you.”

Her smile lights up the room, “I love them, you know I do.”
She puts the pink buds to her nose and smells them. They pale in comparison to her. She turns and goes to get a vase out of a cupboard, giving me a perfect view of that ass again.

“I have to say,” my voice sounds raspy from the sight before me, “I’m loving the outfit you chose for the evening.
You are absolutely stunning, but I’m feeling a little overdressed.”

She sets the vase and flowers down so she can turn to me.
She looks me up and down, eyes moving slowly, “You’ll do,” she replies and then bites her lip, giving the impression I’m mouthwatering in response. Then, with a smile she does a twirl, faces me, and puts a hand on her hip. “With this apron on, all you see is the back.”

“That’s just fine with me.”

She laughs, “I’m glad you like it. I got it just for you.”

“Oh, I more than like it.”

“You’ll have to prove it later.”

“It will be my pleasure,” I promise.
“So, what can I help you with?” I need a distraction from all that flesh.

“Nothing.
I want to do this for you. You can sit if you want, or just hang out while I finish up a few things here.”

“Okay.
Am I allowed to ask what’s on the menu for tonight?”

“Why yes, I’m so glad you asked.”
She walks past me with a shake of her hips and I follow her every move as she takes the vase with pink roses to the table and sets them down. “I thought I would choose a provocative menu for us this evening. We will start with a
tossed
salad and
clam
chowder. Then I made
meat
loaf with ground Italian
sausage
.” She smirks like this is funny, but my eyes widen at the combination. I’m unsure of her choices until it dawns on me that she chose these items because they sound sexual. I almost let a laugh escape but then smother it with my hand, looking like I’m rubbing my mouth. I don’t want to hurt her feelings. “And for dessert we will have
bananas
foster.” Oh God, I almost lose my shit right there because she raises an eyebrow and her face shows how proud she is of the selection. Forget the fact that they don’t go together AT ALL.

I struggle to maintain a straight face, “That all sounds really uhh… good.
Really good.”

“Great.
Would you like a glass of wine to enjoy while I finish up a few things? I got it at the store today. It’s quite good - it’s called Angel Kiss. I found that fitting.”

I smirk with knowledge, “Good?
You tried it?”

She pauses for a moment as she reaches for a wine glass, “Um, yeah.
They had some samples of it at the store for people to try, so I did.” Her eyes are downcast and I know it is because she doesn’t want me to see the truth in her eyes. I know damn well she more than tried it!

“Great.”
I will save my intel for the right time. This isn’t it. “I think I will just hang out in here with you while you finish up,” I tell her as she gives me a glass of wine.

“That’s fine with me,” she gives me a smile and walks passed me and to the stove.
She’s got something boiling on the stovetop. To my surprise, she reaches for a bottle of liqueur and pours it into the pot. She doesn’t measure anything, just dumps that shit in like she ain’t messing around. She turns to me, cocks her hip and gives me a wink. “So lover,” she purrs, “tell me about your day.”

I stare in fascination for a moment at this creature that has apparently inhabited her body.
I open my mouth to respond but before I can utter a word, there’s a loud WHOOSH and the pan on the stove catches fire. It’s like a blazing inferno right behind her head! I burst out of my seat.

“Oh shit!” she yells and runs to the sink.
I barely spare her a glance and run and grab the pot holder I see sitting on the counter and I remove the pot from the heat very carefully. Then I grab some flour from the canister she has open on the counter and spread it on the flame to put it out. Suddenly, I feel wetness. I blink and turn my head toward the sink. Olivia is standing there with the sprayer in her hand, pulled out as far as it will go and is trying to arc the spray in the air, trying to get it to reach towards the stove.

A strangled laugh escapes me before I can stop it.
More of her hair has come loose and it is all around her face now. Her cheeks are heated and she has a panicked expression on her face. “It’s okay babe, I got it. This flour put the flame out.”

She just stares at me and blinks a few times while simultaneously spraying me and everything around her.
She finally releases the trigger for the sprayer, stopping it. She turns to put it back and since there is water all over the floor from her firewoman attempt, she starts to slip and fall. I leap towards her to catch her before she hurts herself, almost falling myself. I managed to crash into her, but luckily, prevent us both from going down.

“Oh no, Luke.
I’m so sorry. I hope the dessert isn’t ruined.”

“I’m sure it’s fine.”
I pull her away from me and look her over, “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, thanks to you.
How about you?”

“I’m fine.
Stay still, though. I want to get towels to clean up the floor.”