Skye Blue (Hell Yeah!) (5 page)

“Sorry.” Noah shook his head. “We just arrived and I get first dance.”

The man merely nodded and moved on. Skye didn’t get a good look at him. Her head had been resting on Noah’s shoulder with her eyes closed. “Who was that?” The voice had sounded disturbingly familiar.

“I don’t know.” And Noah didn’t care. “Let’s get a table and then I’ll show you how a McCoy cuts a rug.”

“I’d like that.” Skye looked around, feverishly scanning the crowd. A sick feeling pinched her stomach. Surely she’d been wrong. She was so haunted by her past, she saw ghosts everywhere.  

Noah led her to a table where he ordered drinks for them and then took her back out into the middle of the room, pulling her up tight to his body. Noah sighed. “Now, I can breathe.”

“What do you mean?”

“I couldn’t think about anything else, just getting my arms around you again.”

She nestled against him. “Noah, you’re making me dizzy.” Being here with him was so unexpected. Skye hadn’t allowed herself to even dream of a night like this.

“I’ve needed this. I’ve needed you,” he whispered, bending over near her. “I want to know everything about you.”

Not everything. Skye thought. “It would be nice to know more about you, too.” What she’d been through wasn’t her doing, but the stain it would leave on her life would be permanent.

“I wish you didn’t have to leave right away. How long did you say you’d be gone?” He kissed her on the neck and she shivered.

“Less than a week. Four days. I’m not sure. Maybe more.” It was hard to think when he was rubbing her back, lower and lower.

“Ladies and Gentleman, if you’ll take your seats.” The Master of Ceremonies informed them the program was about to begin. Noah held Skye’s chair and made sure she was comfortable. Sipping their drinks, they listened to the welcome and introduction of special guests. While a young woman sang a song in tribute of a retiring dignitary, waiters placed steaming plates of steak and lobster in front of them.

“This is very nice. Will we be able to dance more later?” Skye asked as she took a bite of scalloped potatoes.

“As soon as they finish the business, the rest of the evening will be dancing.” He promised, running a hand over her arm. Noah couldn’t keep his hands off of her.

A word from the MC caught Noah’s attention. “Aron McCoy was a force for good in this state. Tonight we honor his memory.”

Noah felt like someone knocked the wind out of him. The family hadn’t been notified or consulted. He went perfectly still. Every eye was on him. “Oh, my God,” he whispered.

Whatever was going on, Noah wasn’t happy. One wall, behind the podium had been turned into a big jumbo-tron television screen and when Skye focused on it, she saw shots of Aron McCoy and the rest of the family. Someone had compiled a tribute to him, complete with music. Even Noah’s face was shown a few times. He always stood out, being the only blond in the family. “Are you okay?”

“Tonight, Aron’s brother is here with us. Noah, if you would come up on stage. We’d like to present this plaque to you in commemoration of Aron’s lifetime of service. We honor him posthumously for his wisdom, his generosity, his influence and his kindness. Noah McCoy everybody!”

Everyone began to clap and Noah stood up, making his way to the front. He was stiff, and clearly unnerved. Skye held her breath, waiting to see what he would say.

“Thank you, Troy.” He picked up the award and stared at it. “Aron has always worked tirelessly for the charities he supports. I can remember him teaching me that the family gives back, we share what we have. He always puts other people’s needs before his own.” He cleared his throat. “You will notice that I’m not speaking of Aron in the past tense, because the McCoy family does not think Aron has passed.”

The whole room was dead quiet. Noah swallowed and continued. “And while I’m extremely grateful for your thoughts and your consideration, I’m afraid this memorial has been prematurely awarded.” With that, he stood up and walked back to the table. He held his hand out to Skye. “Let’s go.”

There was a buzz in the room as people whispered about Aron and Noah. As he led her out, an elderly gentleman followed. Noah noticed him, recognizing a friend of his father’s by the name of Sealy Cooper. “Son, wait.”

Noah and Skye stopped. He went to the old man, not making him walk all the way. “I’m sorry about that, Mr. Cooper. I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful. It was just such a shock. We haven’t given up on getting my brother back.”

“Oh, I understand completely.” He waved his cane. “The benevolent board doesn’t check with everyone. Sometimes Rose gets a little crazy. I wanted to come tell you I was sorry about all of this. I’ve known your family for years. Why, I remember the day he brought you home, little towheaded baby. You were a surprise, I tell you. Sebastian was a brave man and Sue was a good woman. Not many women would have accepted things as well as she did.”

Noah didn’t have a clue what the old man was talking about. But right now, he didn’t want to think about it. He just wanted out. “Thanks, Sealy. My daddy always thought a lot of you.”

The old man had more to say, so Noah listened. While they were talking, Skye stepped over to a water fountain to get a drink of water…when she saw him. God, she’d been right. Her heart almost stopped. He was sneering at her from across the hall. She started toward Noah, but he cut her off. Charles Langley’s brother blocked her way. She hadn’t seen him since the trial. Arthur Langley leaned toward her. “Well, well, fancy meeting you here. Didn’t know they let murderers into decent places like this. So, you’ve moved up in the world. Hanging out with one of the McCoys, I see. Does he know who you are?” He leered at her, checking out her cleavage. “You are one hot little slut, that’s for sure.”

“Leave me alone.” She grated out the words, looking over his shoulder to see if Noah was watching them.

“You will pay. Just because they were stupid enough to let you out, doesn’t mean you’re going to get away with murder. No whore squaw is going to walk around free after killing my brother. Don’t ever turn your back. I’ll be watching.”

Shaking with terror, Skye pushed away from him about the time Noah left Mr. Cooper behind. For a second she was afraid Arthur would follow, but he didn’t. “Who was that?” Noah had noticed. “You look upset.”

“Nobody.” She shook her head. “Someone was just asking where the men’s room was located.” He didn’t look convinced, but she wasn’t about to explain.

“I can’t believe this. I’m sorry.” He apologized. “I know you wanted to dance.”

“Don’t worry about it for a moment.” Her voice quivered. “I’m more than ready to go.” He would probably have asked more questions, but he was preoccupied. Clutching the commemorative plaque in his hand, he moved her hurriedly toward the door. They’d just stepped out the door when his cell phone buzzed. “Damn,” he huffed. “What now?” He let her go long enough to answer the phone. “Hello?”

Skye watched his face. When he closed his eyes in worry, she tightened her hand on his arm.

“We’ll be right there.”

“What’s wrong?”

“The baby’s in distress. They’re taking Jessie in for an emergency C-Section.”

***

Jacob was nearly out of his mind with worry, pacing up and down the hall as if every step affirmed his love for Jessie and the baby. The whole McCoy clan had been contacted and was on the way, including Libby. Isaac was flying in early from Mexico. Even Nathan was there. She could see they were all upset and scared. Skye could have felt out of place, but Noah was holding on to her hand like he was drawing strength from her.

“Tell us what the doctor said.” Joseph finally got his brother to slow down enough to talk.

“They’d been inducing her for hours when Jessie finally went into labor,” he spoke softly. “Jessie wasn’t dilating fast enough. I don’t know why. But the damn monitor started going off and the doctors rushed in and said the baby’s heart couldn’t handle the stress of the contractions. So, they prepped her for surgery.”

“So, they’ll be all right? There’s nothing wrong?” Libby was pale and drawn. She’d lost weight and her pregnancy made her look even more fragile.

Jacob hugged her. “I pray so.”

“How long have they been in there?” Joseph asked.

Jacob looked at his watch. “Forty-five minutes.”

About that time the double doors swung open and a doctor walked out dressed in the green scrubs of surgery. “Mr. McCoy?”

“Yes!” Jacob stepped forward. “How’s my wife?”

“There were complications.” Indrawn breaths echoed across the room. “We have them stabilized. I’m sorry to tell you your son has a heart valve abnormality. He will require more surgery, but he’s not strong enough to endure it now.”

“What?” He looked dazed. “How’s Jessie? How’s my wife?” Jacob repeated again.

“She’s weak, but resting.”

Jacob dry scrubbed his face. “Can I see them?”

“Soon, we’re cleaning the baby up. Someone is closing the C-Section, now. The child will have to stay in NICU for several days and in the hospital for several weeks. This could be very serious if we don’t monitor his condition closely. At this point, I don’t know if he’ll need a transplant or not.”

“A heart transplant?” Jacob looked horrified.

“No.” The doctor held up his hand. “A valve transplant. Not quite as dangerous, but critical enough for a newborn.”

His family flanked Jacob, all trying to give him comfort.

“If he needs blood or anything, I’m willing.” Noah put his hand on Jacob’s shoulder. “I know he’s not blood-kin, not a McCoy, but—”

Jacob didn’t give Noah time to finish. He wheeled on his brother and snarled. “He is my son!”

“I didn’t mean…” Noah began. “I was just saying if I could help…”

“Blood is not all that binds people together, Noah. It’s love and trust and dreams. You, of all people ought to realize the truth!”

“Jacob, it’s okay.” Joseph took Jacob by the arm and steered him away from Noah. “He didn’t mean anything by what he said. We’re all here for you.”

Noah stood. “I didn’t. I just—”

“I know.” Avery came and hugged him.

“Why don’t you take Skye home? She looks tired.” Cady suggested, always the peacemaker.

Noah looked at each of his family. He’d been dismissed. Why did every word he tried to say come out wrong?

“Let’s go.” He held out his hand and Skye took it. She wanted to say something, to defend him, but she knew it would only make matters worse.    

When they got to the car, he opened the door for her. She slid in and folded her hands. God, what a night! When Noah seated himself, she felt she had to say something. “I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that.”

Noah just backed out. He didn’t say anything for a long time. “I’ve disappointed my family before, Skye. They expect me to screw things up. Jacob heard what he wanted to hear, not what I said.”

She put her hand on his knee. First the surprise about Aron, then the crisis with the baby had taken its toll. If she could, she’d take his pain away. Noah was hurting. She could feel it. “You did nothing wrong.”

“You don’t know what trouble I’ve caused.”

“I don’t believe it.” She had faith in Noah. Every decision he made was out of love and seeking good for his family.

“Believe it. Jacob was justified. When he and Jessie were dating, I thought she was out to trap him or use him. I thought she wasn’t good enough.” Noah cursed. “I saw only what I wanted to see. I sent her away, almost got her killed.”

“Noah, you love your family. No one would ever question that.”

“I do love them, but I must be doing something wrong.”

Skye picked up his hand. Hers was shaking. Seeing Arthur Langley and hearing his venomous words frightened Skye. Neither of them needed to be by themselves. She made a decision—a big one. “Can I go home with you tonight? I need you.”

“God, yes.” He didn’t want to be alone.

Noah clasped her fingers tightly, almost too tightly and every few seconds he brought it to his lips for a kiss. Truly she’d only intended to offer him comfort tonight, if that was what he needed. But his lips were playing havoc on her skin. Her whole body was tingling and aware of him.

When they reached Tebow, he parked the car out front and they entered the house through the kitchen door. “Are you hungry? We didn’t eat very much.”

“No, but if you are, I’ll fix you something.” She offered, wanting to do anything to take his mind off the events of the evening. Arthur Langley’s face kept invading her thoughts. Surely he wasn’t serious. He’d been Charles’ much older brother. The man had to be seventy years old if he were a day.

Noah pulled her to him, burying his face in her neck. “I’m hungry for you. I want to hold you all night long.”

A thrill shot through her. She didn’t know which to look forward to the most. Making love with the sexiest guy in the world or being held by him. She didn’t have to think long. Being held, for sure. Hands down. Still, she intended to have a good time. So far her life had been empty of tenderness and affection. Her sexual experiences were unhappy ones. They were null and void. As of this moment, she was starting over. 

“This is your lucky night, cowboy.” She kissed him on the lips, far more nervous than she let on. “Christmas is coming early for Noah McCoy.”

With a groan, he threw the papers and plaque on the dining table, grabbed her hand and headed toward the stairs.

As Skye allowed herself to be led into Noah’s world, she relished every second. The knowledge that she was in his room and about to be in his bed was amazing. The luxury of inhaling his scent made her clasp her own arms and hug herself. She would never forget it. Being in his presence enveloped her in a haze of arousal.

Not too often in life does one get the chance to give or receive unconditional love. People, it seems, always have an agenda. But tonight, she was about to present Noah with her warmth, her love and her body. She wouldn’t explain her gesture. But when the sun rose, he’d realize she had no expectations. No strings were attached to her embrace and no promises were required for her to offer the key to her heart.

Why was she drawn to Noah McCoy? It was a long story.

As she watched him remove his clothes, take off his boots, lay his Stetson on the desk, she remembered…

He had been a presence in her life, a constant she anticipated like buried treasure.

When legal aid had finally located Lance for her, he had come. He found her as starved for family as she was for freedom. So he shared the only family he had. He’d told her about each of the McCoys—all the fun stories, sad stories, and news. He regaled her with the adventures he had with the McCoys from rescuing Jessie Montgomery to hunting renegade vandals who cut barb wire and mutilated cattle. Lance had used the day-to-day life of the family he thought the world of, to give Skye something to think about, something to look forward to rather than another day or night behind bars. She had cherished every word and every photo. And fell halfway in love with Noah McCoy. She reached for the zipper on the side of her dress.  

“Stop.” His stare touched her across the shadowed inkiness of the room. “I want the privilege.” He turned on the bedside lamp which cast a romantic, muted glow. “There’s no way I’m missing this.” Noah reached for her. “I want to undress you, to enjoy every inch of skin I solely unveil.” He ran his hands over her shoulders, slipping the evening gown down, a dark flame of desire blazing in his eyes. Skye felt like she could easily drown in his gaze. He was almost nude. Only a pair of grey briefs remained and they did nothing to hide his huge erection. The outline of his cock was blatantly evident—swollen, filling up the front of his underwear. She swallowed hard, her breath hitching in her throat. He looked at her with absolute hunger. This was one thing that excited her about Noah—the way he gave her his total undivided attention. Over the years so many people had looked through her, ignored her—she was just a number, a nobody. Not Noah. He ate her up with his eyes. This wasn’t the first time she’d seen that look. He’d been doing this from the first moment they met. There had always been a connection between them. It hadn’t been just wishful thinking on her part—hopefully. Even when he was still struggling with the failing relationship with Harper, every time she and Noah had a moment together, Skye had felt joy flow between them.