Double Trouble by R. Nolan
© April 2005
“Hi,” Kris said when Erin opened the front door, offering the bouquet of fresh flowers in her hand.
“Thank you, they’re beautiful,” Erin said, stepping back to let Kris in. She gazed up into Kris’s eyes and quickly became lost in the warm blue depths.
They had not seen each other for a week. Kris had been working long hours preparing for the upcoming contract review. Now that they had proven themselves, this new agreement meant quite a bit more money and the added security of a longer commitment.
Kris stepped inside before leaning down to kiss Erin. Just as their lips made contact…
“Kris!” squealed a high pitched voice.
Kris jerked back from Erin, surprised to see Christopher. The little boy raced excitedly across the room and threw himself at Kris’s legs. She knelt down and hugged him. Erin wasn’t the only one who had come to look forward to Kris’s visits and her daily phone calls. Kris tried to call in the evening right before the twins' bedtime to tell them good night and talk to them for a few minutes about their day.
She looked up to meet Erin’s frown. “I’m sorry, Kris. Scott isn’t here yet. He’s late,” she said in an aggravated tone.
Jenna chose that moment to come into the room. “Mommy, where’s my…” Jenna’s voice trailed off when she spotted Kris. She let out a whoop and ran to join her brother in Kris’s arms.
“Are you going to take us today instead of Daddy?” Jenna asked excitedly.
Kris threw a panicked look at Erin.
“No, Jenna. Daddy is coming to pick you up. He’s just running a little late. Kris is here to pick me up.”
“But we want to go with you, Mommy,” Christopher said. The two began to beg to be included.
Not this again! Erin groaned, realizing now she should have met Kris at the museum after Scott picked up the children…if he picked up the children.
Before things could escalate Kris stood up. “Hey, you two, come over here with me for a minute…okay?” The two readily followed Kris over to the couch and climbed up into her lap. Erin watched, wondering what Kris was up to. “I bet your daddy would be really disappointed if you didn’t go out with him today. He doesn’t get to see you very often because he works very hard, long hours.” Kris didn’t know if it was true but it sounded good. Even with everything Erin had told her about Scott, she wasn’t going to run down the twin’s father.
“Tomorrow, I’ll come over and we’ll all go to the zoo. How does that sound? If your Mom says it’s okay,” Kris added hastily with a quick glance at Erin. She didn’t want to make a commitment without consulting her first.
Erin smiled. “Sounds fine to me.”
Jenna and Christopher exchanged a look. “Do you promise?” Jenna asked hopefully. It was obvious they had been disappointed in the past. Kris couldn’t imagine Erin making promises to the kids she didn’t keep, so she assumed it was Scott who didn’t follow through.
“I promise,” Kris assured. She was met with enthusiastic cheers. “Okay, it’s a date.” She grinned at the kids then winked at Erin. “Now, go finish getting ready, I’m sure your daddy will be here soon.” Kris stood, urging the two on their way. Both kids hugged Kris and placed a kiss on her cheek before scurrying upstairs to get their stuff.
“Thank you for that,” Erin said. “But you really didn’t have to do that, they can’t always get their way.”
“I know, but I do enjoy spending time with them. Unless you had other plans…” Kris said, worried now that she had put Erin on the spot.
“No…of course not,” Erin assured. “I just didn’t want you to feel obligated…”
Kris pressed her fingers to Erin’s lips. “We need to get something clear, right now. I, in no way, shape or form, feel obligated to do anything with the kids. I do it because I enjoy being with them…no other reason. I love the twins, Erin. Those two are just too precious for words.”
Erin felt her eyes fill with tears. The most heartbreakingly painful thing in her relationship with Scott was his callous disregard for their children. She had hoped, in her heart of hearts, that he would feel differently once they were born and he held them in his arms. But that had not been the case, they meant little or nothing to him as far as she was able to discern. To hear Kris profess her love for Jenna and Christopher openly and without reservation was a balm to her wounded heart.
Kris read her expression easily and pulled an unresisting Erin into her arms. Erin’s eyes met hers and she answered the call to taste her sweet lips.
Erin pressed closer to Kris, soaking up all the love and tenderness she had to offer.
They pulled apart abruptly at the sound of giggling. Both women flushed at the sight of their audience. Busted! They unknowingly thought in unison.
Kris and Erin shared a worried look, wondering how the kids would react to what they had seen. Both children were grinning and didn’t appear the least bit disturbed by what they witnessed. Before Erin could say anything, she heard a car door slam.
Jenna ran to the window. “Daddy’s here.”
Kris couldn’t miss Erin’s panicked look. She felt the same way. This was not how she wanted to meet Erin’s ex, after the children caught them kissing for the first time. She spied the flowers Erin had laid down on the table.
Kris quickly grabbed the bouquet. “I’m going to go put these in some water. Have fun you two. I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, before quickly disappearing into the kitchen.
Erin looked gratefully after Kris as a knock sounded on the door.
* * * * *
Kris glanced at the display in front of her barely seeing it. It had been a bit awkward, hiding in the kitchen until Scott and the children left. Kris had managed to resist the urge to peak in the living room and get a look at Erin’s ex. She figured she would meet him soon enough and didn’t want to take the chance of him seeing her. They had left for the museum almost immediately after Scott and the twins left.
Kris was much more interested in watching Erin than looking at any displays. They had only slept together that one time and after being apart for a week, Kris was anxious for a repeat. She tried to concentrate on the burial display, reminding herself how much she had wanted to see it. Problem was, she wanted to see Erin’s naked body even more. Groaning at the images that filled her mind, she glanced over at Erin, surprised to find her staring at her breasts.
Erin was having much the same problem as Kris. Now that the kids weren’t around, her libido was rapidly reasserting itself and telling her there were much more interesting ways to spend her day than looking at three thousand year old bodies. There was a body she was very interested in seeing, up close and personal, and it was not three thousand years old!
Erin’s eyes slid down Kris’s body from the breasts she’d been ogling to the vee between her legs. She unconsciously licked her lips, feeling herself grow extremely damp.
Kris bit her lip and silently moaned. Seeing the hungry look in Erin’s deep brown eyes made her instantly wet.
Erin started in surprise when Kris grabbed her hand. She looked up into her face and saw how flushed she was and how dilated her pupils were.
“Let’s get out of here!” Kris urged, tugging on Erin’s hand to hurry her along.
Erin followed willingly, not bothering to ask where they were going.
* * * * *
Neither spoke during the drive. Erin contented herself with merely watching Kris. She was afraid of what would happen if she touched her. Her previously much valued self-control seemed to be nonexistent when it came to the beautiful blond. Surprisingly enough, it didn’t even bother her. When they pulled up in front of Kris’s condo, it confirmed her guess as to their destination.
Kris opened the door and pulled Erin inside. The door barely had time to close before Kris pressed Erin against it. Their bodies strained together, each trying to increase the contact. Kris took Erin’s lips in a searing kiss, pressing her tongue deep into her mouth. Groaning, she pressed her leg between Erin’s thighs, her hips already beginning to thrust. Kris pulled away from the torrid kiss gasping for breath, her pupils were widely dilated, her heart pounded in rhythm to the pulsing beat between her legs.
“God, I need you so much,” she whimpered, placing open mouth kisses down Erin’s neck, her hips moving against Erin’s in an ever increasing pace.
Erin was already wild with desire for Kris. Kris’s thrusts against her were driving her closer to the edge. She could feel how close Kris was by her frantic movements and she was determined to be touching her when she came. Reaching down, she pressed a hand between them and jerked open Kris’s belt, quickly unzipping her jeans.
“God…yes, please,” Kris begged. She tried to help Erin push her tight jeans down over her hips.
Erin shoved Kris’s hands away and jerked her pants and underwear down just enough to give her access. She wasted no time in delving into the wet heat between Kris’s thighs. She was not the least bit hesitant in her ability to please Kris as she had been the first time they made love.
Kris’s hips arch, trying to draw Erin deeper. She braced her forearms on either side of Erin’s shoulders, trying to stay standing as Erin stoked her determinedly.
“Oh…I’m… I…” Kris moaned as she neared the edge.
Feeling Kris begin to crest, Erin thrust two fingers deep inside. Erin whimpered, feeling her own center clench and ripples of pleasure flow over her.
Kris cried out and came hard, her hips jerking as her climax hit. Her body went limp and she slumped against Erin, once more pinning her to the door.
Erin wrapped her arm around Kris’s waist, taking as much of her weight as she could, trying to hold them both up. They were both shaking from the intensity of the encounter. Only the sound of their heavy breathing filled the foyer.
Kris, finally sure her legs were going to hold her up, eased away from Erin. She groaned loudly when Erin withdrew her fingers from her depths.
She glanced down at Erin with a silly grin on her face. “Wow… I thought I was going to self combust there for a minute.”
Erin was still a bit stunned, she had never come before from just touching her partner. She just stared up at Kris.
“Are you okay?” Kris asked, becoming a bit concerned.
Erin shook herself. “I’m fine.”
Kris pulled her pants back into place but didn’t bother fastening them. She leaned down and placed a sweet kiss on Erin’s lips. “Come on,” she said, taking Erin’s hand and leading her toward her bedroom.
They stopped several times to kiss and remove another article of clothing, leaving a trail of clothes in their wake.
Kris removed Erin's panties, the last barrier between them when they reached the side of the bed. Quickly pulling back the covers, she pressed Erin down into the bed.
Erin whimpered and her hips bucked up when their bare bodies came into contact. She tried to press herself harder against Kris’s firm body, seeking some relief from the throbbing between her legs.
“Easy, I’ll take care of you,” Kris assured, vowing to go slow this time and not lose control. She was determined to sample everything her lover’s beautiful body had to offer.
Kris started at the top and slowly worked her way down. By the time she reached Erin’s breasts, she was already frantic with arousal.
“Please…Kris…Please…” Erin begged, reaching down to clasp Kris’s hand, intent on pressing it between her legs. Even though incredibly aroused, she was cognizant enough to be a bit surprised at her boldness. She had always been very passive in bed.
“Oh no…not this time,” Kris insisted. She grasped both of Erin’s hands and pressed them above her head. “Keep those there and don’t move them.”
Erin clenched her hands together and closed her eyes in willing submission.
Kris continued her perusal of Erin’s body, slowly moving lower as she kissed, nipped and licked all the delicious skin she encountered in her descent.
Erin couldn’t hold back a relieved groan and her hips arched when Kris gently spread her legs open. Her eyes flew open in shock and she jerked back when Kris placed a kiss on the top of her mound. She looked down to find Kris on her stomach between her widely spread legs. The sight inspired equal parts anticipation and uncertainty on her part. She unconsciously tensed.
Kris looked up when she felt Erin stiffen. She met her nervous gaze, then realized maybe she should have asked first before assuming Erin would want her to pleasure her like this. She had been so lost in the delight of making love to Erin she hadn’t really thought about it.
“Is this okay? I’d really like to taste you,” Kris murmured huskily.
Erin struggled to find her voice. She didn’t know how to answer that question. “I uumm…yes…no…I don’t know,” she stammered with a vivid blush.
Kris immediately abandoned her position and moved up next to Erin. “It’s okay, if you’d rather I didn’t,” she said, trying to hide her disappointment.
“It’s not that…it’s just.” God, this was hard. “No one has every done that before...” Erin’s voice trailed off, her face going hot. She looked everywhere but at Kris.
It took Kris a couple of seconds to get it. “Scott never went down on you?” she blurted incredulously, then cursed herself for mentioning him. Although, she couldn’t help thinking again what an idiot the man was.
Erin groaned. She could not believe they were discussing her previous sex life or lack there of. “No,” she admitted, totally embarrassed. She had always been curious what it would be like but it was certainly not something she could ever imagine Scott doing.
Kris leaned close to Erin, her hot breath blowing in Erin’s ear as she spoke. “Would you let me taste you…please.”
Erin shivered. “Okay,” she whispered, even as another vivid blush covered her face.
“It’ll be okay, I promise. If you don’t like it just tell me and I’ll stop.”
Erin tensed a bit when Kris moved, expecting her to immediately resume her place between her legs.
“Relax…just feel…” Kris said huskily.
She started back at Erin’s shoulders, once again slowly working her way down her lover’s beautiful body, pushing her arousal higher with each passing moment. By the time she arrived back between Erin’s legs, she was more than ready. Kris met no resistance when she gently spread Erin’s legs and resumed her spot between them.
She kissed the insides of Erin’s thighs, drawing a whimper from her. Slowly but surely, she worked her way closer to Erin’s center. The scent of Erin’s arousal was about to drive Kris mad, her mouth filled with saliva at just the thought of it. She leaned down and placed a gentle, soft kiss on Erin’s nether lips, drawing a startled gasp from her but she didn’t pull away this time.
Kris grinned at the death grip Erin had on the sheets, knowing she was already close. Gently spreading Erin open, she leaned down and began to lap at the abundant juices she found, groaning at the flavor that was all Erin.
Erin’s head arched back and her hips jerked at the first stroke of Kris’s tongue. The feel of a warm, wet tongue lapping between her legs was exquisite, sending her higher than she had ever been before. It felt like her heart was going to beat right out of her chest. She grabbed a pillow and pressed it against her face, embarrassed by the guttural sounds issuing from her mouth. She had always been extremely quiet in bed. When Kris’s mouth closed over her and she began to suck, Erin felt the orgasm gather strength. Her legs began to tremble and then, suddenly, it exploded, washing over her with stunning force. Her back arched completely off the bed and she screamed into the pillow pressed tightly over her face.
Kris contentedly licked up everything Erin had to offer. She had known it was going to be fast. She glanced up when she realized Erin still hadn’t moved, she lay with her legs splayed open, limply on the bed. Kris grinned when she spotted the pillow covering her face. She had been so lost in the incredible scent and taste of Erin that she hadn’t even realized Erin had smothered her screams.
Kris slid up next to Erin and pulled back the pillow, revealing a flushed face with a very glazed look. “You okay?”
Erin’s eyes slowly fluttered open. “Am I dead?” she muttered, still shaking from the powerful orgasm. She looked up into Kris’s grinning face. “That was…My God…that was indescribable. That was the most incredible thing I’ve ever experienced! If that’s not heaven, I don’t know what is.”
“So I take it you enjoyed that?” Kris chuckled.
“Enjoyed? You’ve got to be kidding. It was stupendous, amazing, incredible, fantastic…” Erin’s voice trailed off as she ran out of adjectives.
Kris drew Erin into her arms and kissed her, sharing her essence with her.
Erin licked her lips cautiously at the unfamiliar flavor. She had never tasted herself before.
Kris leaned down for a deeper kiss, pressing her tongue into Erin’s mouth.
Erin smacked her lips and grinned when the kiss broke. “I taste pretty good,” she said, then blushed at her boldness. She had been worried wondering if Kris would like how she tasted.
“Yes, you do…it’s wonderful,” Kris assured, making a show of licking her lips. “But that was kind of quick, next time I’ll make it last longer.”
Erin drew back with a startled look to see if Kris was really serious. “Longer…” Her eyes glazed over just thinking about that. “I don’t think I would survive!” she groaned, her arousal soared again just thinking about it.
“Oh, you’d be surprised what the body can endure,” Kris said, her voice growing husky with renewed hunger. She rolled on top of Erin, intent on showing her just how much pleasure a body could experience.
* * * * *
Kris stretched languidly, drawing a protest from the body on top of her. She tightened her arms around Erin’s back and placed a soft kiss on the top of her head. Erin murmured contentedly, never fully awakening.
Kris’s stomach growled, reminding her that they had not eaten any lunch earlier. They had planned on a late lunch after the museum but had gotten pleasantly sidetracked. Kris glanced at the clock on the bedside table.
“OH SHIT!” Kris growled loudly.
Erin jumped, then lifted up blinking groggily. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s five thirty.”
“Oh, shit!” Erin echoed Kris’s curse. She scrambled out of bed, and began frantically looking for her clothes. Scott was due back with the twins at six and it was a good twenty minute drive to her house, if they didn’t hit any traffic.
“Wait, Erin,” Kris called, before she could disappear down the hall in search of her clothes. “You need to wash up first. I’ll find your clothes.” She took the clothes Erin had managed to find out of her hands. “There are washcloths and towels in my bathroom.”
Erin realized Kris was right, she most likely reeked of sex. She hurried into Kris’s bathroom to try and make herself presentable.
Kris was dressed by the time she returned. She gratefully accepted her clothes and hurriedly donned them. “I’m so sorry to run off like this. Alice and Robert had other plans or I would have had him drop them off there.”
“Don’t worry about it. I know the constraints you’re under,” Kris assured. “Everything will work out.”
Erin still looked worried. After what happened last time, she didn’t want Kris to feel like a one night stand.
Kris drew Erin into her arms and kissed her long and lovingly. Erin smiled up at Kris when the kiss broke, feeling reassured. “Now come on, maybe I can still get you home before Scott and the kids.”
Chapter Twenty-two
For once, Scott was late returning with the children. Kris had dropped her off with a promise to be back tomorrow early to go to the zoo with the twins. They had shared a quick kiss in the driveway before Kris drove away, not wanting to be there when Scott arrived. Scott pulled up mere minutes later. Erin figured they must have passed Kris’s truck coming down the street.
“Hi, my little munchkins,” Erin greeted her children, kneeling down to accept their hugs, unconsciously using the nickname Kris had for them. “Did you have fun today?”
Both children nodded unenthusiastically.
“I want to talk to you, Erin,” Scott interrupted.
Not liking the tone of his voice, she stood and placed a hand on each child’s shoulder. “Why don’t you go upstairs and get ready for your bath,” she instructed.
“I’m hungry, Mommy,” Christopher whined.
“You should have eaten your dinner at the restaurant. You can just go to bed hungry,” Scott said curtly. “What?” he demanded at Erin’s angry look. “You cater to them too much. I took them to a very nice restaurant and they barely touched their dinner.”
Jenna tugged on Erin’s pants and she leaned down. Casting a defiant eye toward her father, she whispered to Erin. “It was too hot, Mommy. We didn’t like it.”
Knowing they were about to have an argument, Erin insisted the kids go upstairs. Seeing her stern look they quickly obeyed although both were crying by the time they reached the stairs.
Erin turned back to Scott with a scowl. “Where did you go to eat?” she questioned as calmly as she could.
“We went to that Thai place in Clairemont… you know the one on Balboa?”
“Scott!” Erin grimaced.
“What… it’s a really nice place, and expensive too. I blew forty bucks on food they didn’t eat.”
“They are not even four years old yet, Scott. Thai food is way too spicy for them.”
“Candy’s nephew eats it,” Scott muttered defensively.
“Huh? Who’s Candy?”
Scott wouldn’t meet Erin’s eyes. “She’s a woman I’m dating. She enjoyed the food there and was surprised Christopher and Jenna wouldn’t eat it. She said her nephew loves the stuff.”
“How old is her nephew?”
Scott shrugged. “I don’t know. How am I supposed to know what they’ll eat.”
Erin sighed. Wanting to remind Scott that he was their father but knew it was a lost cause. Something he had just said sunk in. “So, Candy was with you today with the kids?”
“Yeah, so what if she was? She enjoys spending time with me,” Scott said hostilely.
“I was just wondering, Scott,” Erin said, softening her tone, trying to be conciliatory. “I’m glad you found someone.”
Scott stared at Erin suspiciously for several moments, doubting her sincerity. “Who’s Chris?” he asked suddenly. “He was all either of the kids could talk about today. Chris this…Chris that… So, who is this paragon, some guy you’re seeing?” he inquired snidely.
Erin looked momentarily startled. She should have realized the twins would talk about Kris. “Yes, Kris is someone I’m dating. But as I’ve tried to explain before, Scott, I’m gay. Kris is a woman.” Erin couldn’t help the blissful expression that came over her face at just the thought of her lover.
Scott watched Erin in growing disbelief as what could only be described as a glowing smile spread over her face. “Have you slept with her?” Scott sneered.
“That’s none of your business,” Erin said, heatedly. She couldn’t stop the vivid blush that covered her face when she flashed back on a vision of Kris’s brilliant blue eyes shining up at her from between her legs.
“Christ, Erin… you slept with her. That’s just sick!” Scott snarled, his face twisting in disgust.
“I’m not going to have this conversation with you again, Scott. My personal life is just that, personal.”
“Fine! Do what you want… you always have!” he yelled.
“What did you want to talk to me about?” Erin asked, hoping a change in subject would calm things down.
“Oh… I can’t make it next Saturday, not ‘til five.”
“Damn it, Scott! The party will be almost over by then. You promised them you would be here. Is it too much to ask you to give the kids a couple of hours of your time on their birthday?”
“What’s the big deal… I’m going to be here. Give me a break, why do you have to make everything such a big deal?” Scott complained.
“Fine, what is so earth shattering that you can’t be here for your children’s birthday?”
Scott shifted uncomfortably and suddenly wouldn’t meet Erin’s eyes.
“Well?” Erin demanded.
He looked up at Erin defiantly. “There is a special showing at the Museum of Modern Art. It’s a big charity event and tickets are very limited. That Saturday is the last day of the exhibit.”
“Let me get this straight, you’re going to a museum instead of your children’s birthday party.”
“I said I’d be here,” Scott said, exasperated. “This event is very important, it raises a lot of money to save our oceans.”
Erin shook her head in disbelief. “You couldn’t go any other day?”
“No, I had already bought the tickets when you told me about the party. They’re three hundred bucks apiece,” Scott said, as if that explained everything.
“I told you about the party over a month ago, Scott. You could have told me sooner and I might have been able to change it.”
“You did not. You told me two weeks ago! You’re not going to blame this on me, Erin…like you always do.”
Erin knew there was no sense arguing with him. She stared at him, suddenly suspicious. “Are you going to this event alone?” Scott had never been one with a big social conscience unless it benefited him in some way.
She growled when Scott refused to meet her eyes.
“It’s important, Erin. I have to socialize and be seen by these larger investors. You never understood that or supported what I needed to do,” he said with a long suffering sigh. “Candy is happy to go with me. She supports my work,” Scott added snidely, reminding Erin of her shortcomings.
Erin rolled her eyes. “Fine, Scott… whatever. Oh, by the way, I invited Kris to the twin’s party.”
Scott’s jaw dropped open and he glared incredulously at Erin. “I hardly think that’s appropriate…”
Erin cut him off. “She’s coming…end of story. Your folks already met her and really like her.” Erin couldn't resist getting in her own digs.
The veins in Scott’s forehead started to pulse and his face turned brick red. He finally managed to regain a measure of his composure. “Alright…then, I’m sure you won’t mind if I bring Candy,” he shot back, confident that Erin could not stand to see him with another woman.
“Sure, feel free to invite her.”
Scott stared at Erin, unable to believe her calm reply.
“Fine…I’ll just do that,” he snarled before storming out.
Erin grasped the kitchen counter and brushed away the tears she would never let fall in front of Scott. She wished things were better between them, at least, for the children’s sake. These scenes always took an emotional toll on her. Shrugging away the depressing thoughts, she set about making them all something to eat. Maybe after they were settled she would call Kris. Just the thought of her beautiful blond lover brought a smile to her face.
Kris swore under her breath at the traffic. They were only two exits from Erin’s house but at this rate, it would be at least an hour before they got there. She jerked and glared at Erin when she poked her sharply in the ribs. Erin shot a warning glance into the back seat. Kris flushed.
“Sorry,” she apologized quickly.
Erin reached out and patted Kris’s thigh. “Just don’t say anything you don’t want to hear repeated…in a very loud voice,” Erin warned.
Kris groaned and looked nervously into the rear view mirror, worried that the two young passengers had heard her. She breathed a sigh of relief when she realized they weren’t paying any attention to her and Erin’s conversation.
She knew both of them had to be tired after walking all over the zoo. It had been a lot of fun and Kris was glad she had suggested it. It was interesting to see things through the unjaded eyes of a young child.
“Look, Mommy, it’s a pony!” Jenna called excitedly.
Erin looked up in time to see a huge animal dart into traffic. It looked to her like a extremely large Dalmatian.
Christopher squirmed in his seat, trying to see. He finally spotted the animal as it ran toward his side of the van.
“It’s Scooby Doo!” he yelled.
Another motorist slammed on their brakes to avoid hitting the dog. Luckily, they were moving very slowly due to the heavy traffic.
Both children cried out in horror. Erin looked away, not wanting to see the impending collision.
Kris began honking the car horn and maneuvering as quickly as she safely could, got Erin’s van off to the side of the road.
“What are you doing?” Erin squeaked and grabbed Kris’s arm when she stopped the van and opened the door.
“I’m going to get the dog.”
“Kris…NO.. you can’t.” Erin frantically clutched Kris’s arm, trying to stop her from leaving the van. “It’s too dangerous.”
A squeal of brakes sounded again and several horns blared
Kris looked up at Erin beseechingly and Erin released her arm. “Be careful!” she demanded.
The three watched as Kris headed down the shoulder of the road directly in front of them. She quickly spotted the frightened dog two lanes over in traffic. Not knowing what else to do, she whistled piercingly. The dog immediately turned and looked at her.
“Come here, boy…come on, that’s a good boy,” she called, patting her thighs.
Thankfully, traffic had stopped as the motorists watched the unfolding drama. Kris and the dog faced each other, two lanes of cars separating them. Kris took several steps forward and the scared dog turned to bolt.
“NO! STOP!” Kris yelled in a panic.
Amazingly, the dog froze in its tracks. Kris whistled again, calling the dog to her in a calm but insistent voice. The dog turned cautiously back toward her then seemed to come to a decision. It calmly walked over to Kris, tail wagging.
Realizing the dog didn’t have a collar, Kris pulled off her belt and quickly wrapped it around the dog’s neck. She looked up when several cars honked, making the dog jump. Several of the drivers in the front row of traffic who had seen her rescue the dog were smiling, and gave her the thumbs up.
Kris carefully made her way back toward the van with her large charge in tow as traffic started to move again . It was a very large dog, dingy gray in color with black torn patches of color spaced irregularly all over his body. Kris looked the dog over as they walked back. It was a male. His coat was filthy dirty and he was very skinny. The large scrape that marred his shoulder and foreleg looked infected.
Erin stepped out of the van, keeping her eyes nervously on the big dog. His head stood well past her waist. The dog stepped forward and sniffed Erin, then licked her hand. He looked up at her with his large, trusting blue eyes. Erin sighed and melted. Kris grinned then quickly tried to cover it when Erin scowled at her.
“Do you have any idea what he is?” Erin asked curiously.
“Christopher was right…it’s Scooby Doo.” Kris laughed at the aggravated look on Erin’s face. “He’s a Great Dane.”
Erin looked at the dog then back at Kris. “Okay, you got him out of traffic…now what?”
“He’s hurt. We need to get him to a vet.”
Erin leaned over and saw the wound on the dogs shoulder and winced. She patted the big dog consolingly.
“Think you can get him to jump into the back of the van?”
“Sure, no problem,” Kris said with more confidence than she really felt.
Erin snorted and walked toward the rear of the van and opened the hatch.
The twins squealed excitedly when they saw the dog. The dog backed up and pressed against Kris’s leg, nervously eyeing the children.
“Okay, you two, calm down. The dog is hurt and we need to be real quiet so he stays calm,” Erin explained. They immediately quieted down.
Kris patted the floor of the van. “Okay, boy, come on…jump up.”
The dog stared at Kris uncomprehendingly.
Erin snickered. Kris mock glared at her and reassessed the situation. Inspiration struck and she grinned. Backing the dog up away from the van, she ran with him straight toward the open hatch of the van, urging him to jump in. He skidded to a halt at the last second. Kris groaned in frustration and shot Erin and the twins a quelling look when they laughed.
Kris spoke to the dog. “Okay, boy, I guess we do this the hard way.” She leaned down, careful of his injured leg, and lifted his front paws up to rest on the floor of the van. “Okay, I’m going to boost you up,” she told the big dog.
Kris strained but managed to lift the dog from the rear. He was skinny but still heavy. He filled the back of the van and was unable to stand to his full height. Kris carefully shut the hatch and headed back to the driver’s seat.
As she slid into the seat, the dog began to make a strange woo wooing sound. She turned to look back. He was staring right at her. “It’s okay, boy, it’s okay,” Kris tried to reassure him. She looked over at Erin helplessly.
“Why don’t you get in the back with the twins and I’ll drive,” she suggested as the dog’s volume increased.
Kris quickly slipped into the back and wedged herself between the twin’s car seats. The dog immediately quieted and laid down, seemingly grateful. He lifted up enough to prop his head on Kris’s shoulder.
She spoke softly to the dog and petted his head. Getting Christopher and Jenna to settle down also seemed to help keep the dog calm. Soon, they were all speaking quietly to him and gently petting him.
Erin glanced into the rear view mirror as she started the van and groaned when she saw the children’s faces alight in pleasure as they stroked the big dog. She knew exactly where this was going…
“Where to?” she asked Kris.
“There’s a vet clinic not far from my house. Several of my neighbors have mentioned taking their animals there.” Kris quickly provided directions and they set off toward the clinic.
Chapter Twenty-four
Kris looked around the room, wondering just what she had gotten herself into. Her original plan had quickly gone down in flames. She had planned to drop the dog off at the vet clinic and have them find the owners. The staff informed her that unless she was willing to pay the dog’s medical expenses they would have to call Animal Control and turn the dog over to them. Animal Control would make the decision as to whether to treat the dogs injuries, then, hold him for four to six days before putting him up for adoption. It was up to the owners to find him.
Kris had agreed to pay for the dog’s care and boarding. She planned to put an ad in the paper’s pet Lost and Found section. The problem came when they tried to take the big dog into the back. He had pressed himself against Kris and trembled violently. When the tech tried to force the issue, the dog began to whimper pathetically. Erin and the twins had accompanied her into the clinic. The twins had begun to cry, becoming more upset with each passing moment.
Which was how Kris came to find herself sitting in an examination room with the big dog at her feet. Though, she was honest enough to admit, she had not really wanted to leave the dog in the first place. She had fallen in love with him the second she put her belt around his neck and he had looked up at her so trustingly with those big blue eyes.
The door opened to admit a woman about Kris’s age, her clothes covered by a long white lab coat. She was a little taller than Erin. Her dark curly hair was cut in a short bob and her eyes were a striking blue/gray color.
Glancing down at the chart in her hand, the woman introduced herself. “Hello, Ms. Rawlings. I’m Dr. Kody Garrett.”
“Hi, Dr. Garrett,” Kris said, rising to shake hands with the woman. “I’m Kris.”
The doctor nodded, her attention going to the big dog on the floor. “And who do we have here?” she asked.
“I don’t know. I found him wandering around the freeway this afternoon and rescued him.”
The vet knelt down next to the big dog and began her exam. The dog never protested in any way throughout the entire procedure.
Dr. Garrett stood up and faced Kris. “Well, I can tell you he’s somewhere between two and three years old. He’s in good overall health. The scrape on his shoulder and leg looks worse than it is. It appears to be pretty superficial but it is infected. I would recommend antibiotics… and a good bath,” she added with a laugh. “He’s probably been on the streets awhile, from his condition.”
Kris grinned. He was pretty ripe.
“Are you going to keep him?”
“Well…” Kris hedged. Looking down at the dog laying trustingly at her feet, Kris sighed. She wanted him but was still a bit hesitant about taking on such a big dog. “I’m not sure.”
Dr. Garrett smiled. “They really are great dogs. As a matter of fact, I have a Great Dane myself. They’re great company and really laid back.”
“How are they with children?” Kris asked, this question alone she knew would decide the ultimate fate of the big dog.
“They’re really good with kids, though they do need to be trained. They have no idea how large they are and can knock down a small child completely unintentionally. I have had several clients with young children who own Great Danes. They all say you couldn’t ask for a better friend and protector for your child. You have an advantage with this big guy as he is, hopefully, past the rambunctious puppy stage.”
Kris looked down at the big head resting on her knee. After the doctor finished her exam, the dog had laid back down at her feet without a word from her. She silently prayed she wouldn’t find his owners.
“What else does he need? Is there anything else I should be doing for him,” Kris asked earnestly, wanting to do her best by the big dog.
Dr. Garrett laughed to herself. This woman was a hooked, whether she knew it or not.
“If you don’t find the owners, I recommend you vaccinate him, just to be sure. You also might want to have him checked for worms. Give him lots of good food and plenty to drink.”
“Thanks, Dr. Garrett. I really appreciate it.”
“No problem. I’ll write up the prescription for him and they’ll have it for you in a few minutes out at the front desk. If you have any other questions or problems with him feel free to give me a call.”
Kris shook hands with the doctor again, appreciating the woman’s offer. She looked down at the big dog when the doctor exited. “Come on, boy,” she said, leading her dog out the door.
* * * * *
Kris glanced down at the big dog stretched out in front of her couch. She really was going to have to come up with a name for him, even if it was only temporary until she found his owners. She cringed at the thought, trying to convince herself that she wouldn’t find them. Due to his condition, Dr. Garrett had said that she thought he must have been abandoned for quite some time.
She couldn’t wait for Erin and the kids to see the dog. He looked nothing like the animal they had rescued just a few hours before. One of the first things Kris had done when she got him home, after getting him something to eat, was to give him a much needed bath. It had taken repeated washings to get all the stubborn dirt off. The dog had been extremely cooperative, standing patiently still in the shower as she washed his coat. It turned out that his base color was not gray as she had first assumed, but a brilliant white. Kris had seen pictures of a Great Dane like this in a book. He was, she now realized, a Harlequin. His gleaming white coat set off the irregular torn black patches of color that dominated his coat. She was happy to note that his ears had been left natural and not cropped.
“Hey, Big Guy,” she called softly to the dog. His eyes opened but otherwise he didn’t move. “What should we call you? Let’s see how about…Jake…Spot…Duke…Moose.” Kris watched the dog as she tried out the names, hoping for a response. “Well, I know what the twins want to call you but Scooby Doo is already taken,” she laughed. “I guess the real question is, will you be mine or...”
The dog jumped up suddenly and started to wag his tail. Kris looked at him puzzled, wondering what had caused the reaction. She thought back to what she had just said. “Is that your name, Scooby Doo?” she asked the big dog. He stared at her, his head cocked to the side as if trying to figure out what she was saying. Kris thought a minute…”Will you be mine?” she repeated, watching the dog carefully.
He reacted immediately, wagging his tail and trying to lick her face.
Kris laughed. “Well, I don’t think calling you that will work…but how about if we just shorten it a bit… how about Willy?”
She jumped when the big dog let out a loud woo woo and tried to climb onto her lap. “Okay… okay,” she said between bouts of laughter as she tried to push the big dog off. “Willy it is.”
* * * * *
“You’ve got to be kidding,” Erin laughed.
“I’m serious, you should have seen him last night.” Kris hadn’t been able to resist calling Erin to tell her all about how she had ended up naming the big dog.
“Are you sure that’s such a great idea, Kris? What if someone responds to the ad you put in the paper?”
“I know…I know… but I want him,” Kris whined, sounding suspiciously like the twins. They had been pestering Erin all day to see the dog.
“I hope you understand why I don’t want you to bring him over here. The kids are going to be sad as it is if his owners show up. I don’t want them to get any more attached than they already are. It’ll break their hearts, Kris.”
“Alright, I understand,” Kris said, sighing heavily.
“So, how did he do with you last night, does he make a good roommate?” Erin asked, trying to lighten the mood.
“He settled down pretty well. I put a blanket on the floor in my bedroom.”
“What, you didn’t let him sleep on the bed?” Erin teased.
“No way, that spot is reserved for you,” Kris said. “I really missed you last night.”
“I missed you too, Kris. We really need to talk about when we are going to tell the kids. I want you to be able to stay over at night.”
“I’d really like that too. I don’t want to hide what I feel for you from them.”
“Do you think you’ll be able to make it over during the week?”
“Probably not. I’m still in the middle of this contract review. I need to tour all the plants covered by this contract. I want to make sure everything is perfect before Mr. Morgan gets here next week. I’m sorry.” Kris apologized. She felt guilty for how much time her work was taking and worried that Erin would resent it like Angela had. But this contract was incredibly important to her business and she had to make sure it was right.
“Don’t worry about it, Kris. This is your livelihood and I understand that. I won’t say the kids and I don’t miss you but I understand. You need to concentrate on work. Are you sure you want to help with the set up of the party on Saturday? It’s going to mean a lot of running back and forth for you.”
“I’m going to be there…as promised,” Kris assured. “I wish I didn’t have to leave at all but I will be back absolutely as soon as I can finish up the meeting with Mr. Morgan.”
“Thank you, that means a lot to us.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Just don’t bring Willy…okay?”
Kris groaned. That was exactly what she had planned on doing. “Okay,” she agreed reluctantly.
“Speaking of Willy, what are you doing with him while you’re working. You didn’t leave him free in your condo, did you?” Erin asked, cringing at the thought of how much damage such a big dog could do.
Kris laughed. “No, he’s laying here sound asleep next to my desk as we speak. I was going to leave him but he kicked up such a fuss I brought him with me.”
Erin groaned. Oh yes, she could see it now. Willy was going to be a permanent fixture in their lives if no one turned up to claim him.
Erin stared out the kitchen window lost in thought. The party guests had arrived and were playing in the yard, supervised by Robert and Alice. She was waiting for the pizza to be delivered.
Kris had shown up as promised to help with the setup that morning. Erin had been a bit relieved when Kris arrived with several large packages brightly wrapped in Scooby Doo decorated paper. Despite her request not to bring him, she had been afraid Kris would try to give Willy to the children for their birthday. The twins had begged for Willy to come stay with them but so far, Erin had managed to stand firm. She had worried that Willy’s owners would show up and the two youngsters would be heartbroken. She had insisted that Kris not bring the dog over, fearing the twins would get more attached than they already were.
In the week since finding the dog, Kris had not been able to locate its owners. The newspaper ad had expired yesterday. She had not received a single response to it nor to any of the flyers she had posted in the area where they found the dog. Now that Kris had officially adopted him, Erin wondered how long it would take before Willy took up residence with her family. She sighed, knowing it was inevitable.
What neither of them had anticipated were the twins’ reaction when Kris had to leave before the party started. They were very upset but Christopher, in particular, had a melt down. He cried and clung to Kris, begging her not to leave. Kris was nearly in tears herself by the time she managed calm him down. She had pulled the little boy into her arms and hugged him tight, repeatedly assuring him that she would return later. Erin had finally managed to coax Christopher to her. He had buried his face in her neck and cried brokenly when Kris left. She felt terrible for subjecting Kris to such an ordeal when she was just trying to help out.
Erin jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
“Is everything alright?” Alice asked, having seen the sad look on Erin’s face.
“Yeah…I just wish Kris hadn’t had to leave. I know she’ll be back later but Christopher is just heartbroken,” Erin said, looking glumly at her son.
Alice looked out the window to where Christopher sat by himself at one of the tables. She and Robert had tried to draw him out of his mood and get him interested in the party to no avail.
The two women were interrupted by the doorbell.
“I’ll get that, it’s probably the pizzas,” Alice said.
* * * * *
Alice opened the door and a huge smile spread over her face. “Erin!” she hollered. “Could you come here, please?”
Erin hurried into the living room, figuring Alice needed help with the pizzas. She stopped dead in her tracks and stared for several seconds before rushing across the room. She threw herself into her lover’s arms and kissed her soundly.
“What are you doing back so soon? Was there a problem with your meeting? It’s not even two thirty yet, I didn’t expect you until after four. Is everything alright? Can you stay? ” Erin questioned rapid fire.
Kris just grinned, waiting for Erin to run out of breath or questions, which ever came first. “Hi, Alice,” Kris greeted when Erin finally subsided.
Alice smiled up at Kris and squeezed her arm. Christopher and Jenna were going to be ecstatic when they saw her.
Erin blushed, having totally forgotten that Alice was standing there.
“I’m back so soon ‘cause I just couldn’t stand not being here. I explained the situation to Mr. Morgan and asked if we could reschedule the meeting. He said he had missed way too many of the important events in his children’s lives and that I shouldn’t make the same mistake. We’re going to meet tomorrow for lunch,” Kris explained. “So, I’m all yours for the rest of the day.”
“Oh, Kris, you don’t know how much this means to me and the children,” Erin said.
“Well, I felt really terrible about this morning. It just broke my heart to leave them. The Morgan’s are very nice people and were very understanding. Mrs. Morgan said it was nice to see someone so devoted to their family,” Kris said with a shy blush.
Erin hugged Kris again and kissed her. “You are one special lady,” she praised when the kiss broke.
Alice cleared her throat, reminding both women that she was still standing there. “Well, I’m going to go check on Robert and the children. You two carry on,” she instructed with a teasing grin.
Both women blushed but did not let go of each other.
“You look wonderful,” Erin complimented once Alice was gone. She had never seen Kris dressed so formally before. Her dove gray trousers were streamlined and belted at the waist. A soft white silk blouse and a dark navy blazer completed the ensemble.
“Humm,” Kris murmured, much more interested in the feel of Erin’s body against hers than conversation. She leaned down to sample Erin’s sweet lips but the doorbell rang, interrupting them before things could get out of hand.
“That must be the pizzas,” Erin said, reluctantly pulling away.
* * * * *
“Kris!” Christopher screamed. He raced across the yard and crashed into her legs, almost knocking her and the pizzas she was carrying to the ground.
Erin made a frantic grab for the pizza boxes, catching them before they fell.
Kris scooped Christopher up into her arms.
“You came back!” Christopher said, hugging her neck tight.
“I promised I would.”
Jenna ran over to Kris and wrapped her arms around her legs. Kris leaned down and lifted the little girl up to join her brother.
* * * * *
Alice shook her head in amazement. Kris sat with Jenna on one knee and Christopher on the other. She was surrounded by eight other youngsters who were riveted to her every word. She was telling them a story about a young prince and princess who, with the help of a little dragon, saved their kingdom. Erin was standing close to her back with her hands resting lightly on Kris’s shoulders, listening to the story just as raptly as the children.
“Looks like Erin picked a winner this time,” Robert commented close to her ear. “I’ve never seen her so happy. And the children are just as smitten.”
Alice smiled lovingly up at her husband. Robert, though initially shocked to find out Erin was a lesbian, had been very supportive of her and her choice of lifestyle. He too had been appalled at their son’s treatment of Erin. It was something they had talked about it many times over the past few years.
“I’m just worried about how Scott is going to react. He hasn’t taken the fact that Erin is gay very well.”
“Well, you can hardly blame him, honey. No man would take it well, having his wife not only divorce him but decide that she liked women as well.”
“Erin would have stayed with him, if he’d treated her right,” she said a bit heatedly. “Even though we both know she would have never been happy denying who she really is.”
Robert held up his hands. “That’s true, she would have. I agree with you. He doesn’t deserve Erin. But that doesn’t mean he is going to accept her lifestyle.”
“I want Kris to be part of our family holidays,” Alice stated firmly.
“I don’t have a problem with that,” Robert assured. “Just don’t expect Scott to welcome her with open arms. It’s not going to happen. The best we can hope for is that he will be a gentleman.”
Alice snorted in response. So far her son’s behavior had left a lot to be desired.
“Speaking of Scott, where is he?” Robert asked.
Alice related to him what Erin had told her about her conversation with Scott the previous weekend. Robert just shook his head, he would never understand his son’s priorities or his thinking.
* * * * *
“I’m so sorry about your clothes,” Erin apologized again.
“Will you stop already… I don’t care about the clothes. That’s what they have dry cleaners for,” Kris insisted.
Erin looked at the mess the children had made of Kris’s dress clothes; she had tomato stains all over. She had taken off her blazer after it suffered an additional insult when Christopher accidentally dropped a full plate of cake and ice cream on it. Kris had been more concerned that Christopher might have hurt himself when he tripped than she was about what he had done to her jacket.
The party had been a huge success and was currently winding down. The kids had eaten enough pizza as well as ice cream and cake to feed an army. Kris had been totally amazed at the amount of food the young children had been able to put away. They were all inside watching a new video Jenna had received while they waited for their parents to pick them up. Alice and Robert had just left, they had another commitment. Scott had yet to make an appearance.
“Ah…that must be one of the parents,” Erin said when the doorbell rang. She quickly headed for the door.
* * * * *
“Hi, honey, I’m home.”
“Well, nice of you to make it, now that the party is over!” Erin said angrily.
Scott scowled. “I got here as soon as I could, Erin. I didn’t even stop to change.” He was dressed in a blue pinstriped suit with an understated maroon tie and off-white shirt.
“Where are the kids? I’ve got something for them,” Scott said, holding out a professionally wrapped package.
Erin stepped closer to Scott, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. His eyes were slightly glazed and she could smell alcohol on him. “You’ve been drinking!” she hissed.
“They had cocktails at the museum. It’s not a big deal.”
“It is when you come in here smelling of it. Go upstairs to the bathroom and use some mouthwash, and splash some cold water on your face,” Erin demanded. She didn’t want to take the chance of him running into any of the children by using the downstairs bathroom. “Come into the living room when you’re done, everyone’s in there.” Erin spun on her heels and walked away not giving him a chance to say anything else.
Scott growled under his breath but headed up the stairs.
* * * * *
“Scott’s here,” Erin warned, stepping up next to Kris. Erin saw Kris glance toward the doorway. “He’s upstairs, he’ll be down in a few minutes,” she said. “I’ll be right back.” She wanted to make sure he didn’t still smell like liquor before he came down.
Kris couldn’t help wondering what Scott was doing upstairs and why Erin was going up to join him. She kept her concerns to herself.
* * * * *
Kris looked at the man who stepped into the room. He was about Erin’s height with dishwater blond hair and blue eyes. He would have been handsome, if not for the weasel like look of his eyes. He had the appearance of a man not to be trusted.
Scott spotted the tall blond immediately. The woman was gorgeous, with a great physique. He felt himself grow aroused. He wondered which one of these little rug rats were hers and if she might be single.
“Daddy!” called Jenna, drawing him out of his thoughts.
She got up and ran to her father, intent on hugging him.
He reached out and placed a restraining hand on her forehead stopping her before she could touch him. “Don’t mess up daddy’s good clothes,” he insisted sternly.
Jenna’s arms dropped to her side and the smile faded from her face. “Okay, Daddy.”
Christopher came over to greet his father but made no attempt to touch him.
Kris watched the interaction with growing anger. Jenna was obviously hurt by her father’s rejection.
Erin entered the room and quickly hurried toward Kris as Scott stepped over to her, totally ignoring his children.
“Hi, I’m Scott,” he greeted with a wolfish smile. He frowned when he caught sight of her soiled clothes.
Erin scowled at her ex and wrapped an arm around Kris’s waist. She could feel how tense she was. Taking a deep breath, she plunged ahead. “Kris, this is Scott. Scott, this is Kris.” Erin grimaced at Scott’s blank look. “The woman I told you about that I’m dating,” she clarified.
Scott was overwhelmed by a blinding jealousy. This was the woman his wife was dating! She was not at all what he had expected. The woman was not only beautiful and incredibly built, but she easily topped him in height by quite a margin. Her blond hair was a beautiful shade he had only dreamed of possessing. She must dye it, he thought snidely.
“Hello,” Kris said stiffly.
Scott glared angrily when he had to look up to meet Kris’s eyes. He made no attempt to respond to her greeting.
The two stood staring at each other in an apparent standoff. The sound of the doorbell broke the tense moment.
“That’ll be the parents coming to pick up their kids,” Erin said. She looked between the two of them nervously, the air was thick with tension. She was hesitant to leave them alone. The door bell rang again. “I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll go with you, honey. It’s the least I can do for being so late,” Scott said with a fake smile on his face.
Erin’s mouth dropped open in shock. Scott walked away to answer the door before she could recover. Erin looked at Kris helplessly.
Kris didn’t know what was going on but she didn’t like it one bit.
* * * * *
Parents trickled in over the next half hour to pick up their children. Scott played the dutiful father to the hilt. He introduced himself as Erin’s husband and spoke to each parent, telling them how proud he was of his children. A number of the parents looked at him strangely, they knew Erin had said she was divorced. Erin corrected him each time he said it but he just smiled at her condescendingly. Several times, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her against his side as they stood saying their goodbyes to each group. Erin shrugged his arm off more than once and glared at him. She was furious but refused to create a scene in front of all the parents and their children.
Kris didn’t know what to think. She was sitting on the couch with the twins in her lap, she couldn’t hear the conversations but Erin and Scott looked very cozy together. She grimaced when Erin leaned close to Scott’s ear to say something to him. Erin came over to her several times but Scott always found some way to intervene between them, calling her back to speak to some new arrival. Kris was totally confused, especially after everything Erin had told her about her relationship with Scott.
She watched them at the door, chatting with one of the parents. Scott’s arm was draped casually over Erin’s shoulder and she was standing close to his side. Kris couldn’t help the surge of jealousy that raged through her. She was so blinded by it, she didn’t see the elbow Erin slammed into Scott’s ribs as soon as the door closed on their last guest.
Scott headed her way. Kris’s mouth dropped open in shock when Scott practically jerked the twins out of her lap.
“Hey!” she protested.
Scott ignored her and headed upstairs with the children firmly in tow.
“Good night, Kris,” the two little ones called to her.
Erin approached Kris. “I’m sorry, Kris. Scott wants to give the twins their gift and tuck them in. I’ll be back down as quick as I can.”
Erin hurried upstairs after Scott, intent on getting rid of him as quickly as possible.
Kris stared after Erin’s retreating form, not sure what to do. It sounded like she wanted her to stay… sighing, Kris headed into the kitchen to start cleaning up the mess from the party.
Chapter Twenty-six
“What are you still doing here?”
Kris turned from the sink to see Scott leaning negligently against the door frame. He had removed his jacket and tie. His shirt was open at the collar with several buttons undone and his shirt sleeves partially rolled up. He looked comfortable and totally at home.
He strode across the kitchen, stopping barely a foot from Kris. “You’re not wanted here. Just leave.”
“That’s not for you to say,” Kris said, trying hard to keep her cool. She wondered where Erin was.
“She’s never going to stay with you, it’s just a phase. You can’t seriously believe she could ever be happy with you,” he sneered.
Kris met Scott’s angry glare but refused to respond.
Scott’s anger rose at Kris’s seemly calm demeanor. He wanted to hurt her, just like seeing Erin with her hurt him. “You might as well just leave and save yourself some embarrassment. You must be pretty pathetic in the sack, ‘cause Erin asked me to spend the night,” he goaded, trying to get a rise out of her.
“You’re lying!” Kris snarled. Despite her words, the seed of doubt had already been planted. Kris flashed back to earlier when Erin had stood so casually next to Scott with his arm draped comfortably over her shoulders. She had been so wrong about Angela, maybe she was about Erin as well.
Scott laughed cruelly. “She’s upstairs getting the kids down for the night, so we won’t be interrupted.” His insinuation was clear.
Kris growled angrily. “You’re lying!”
Realizing he had finally opened a chink in her armor, Scott pressed the advantage. “Just remember who was there first. Do you think about it when you fuck her? I bet you can still smell me on her,” Scott taunted.
Kris clenched her fists at her side, fighting to keep her temper. It was taking all her willpower not to reach out and wipe the smug look off of Scott’s face with her fist.
Scott stepped a little closer, well into Kris’s personal space “Yeah, while you’re home tonight in your empty bed, I’ll be here with Erin. I can just see it now… I’ll spread her wide, before I bury myself deep inside her,” he gloated.
“Shut up!” Kris snarled, shoving Scott away.
“I’ve been inside her in a way you can only dream about. She used to beg me for it you know…” Scott continued to taunt Kris.
Kris could see everything he was saying. She could see Erin with him. She felt her stomach roil…it was Angela all over again.
“Who knows, after tonight maybe she’ll be pregnant. You gonna play daddy and help her raise my bastards?” Scott sneered.
Kris couldn’t take any more. “You Son of a Bitch! I’ll kill you!” She grabbed Scott by his shirt and slammed him against the refrigerator, drawing back her arm to strike…
Scott cowered back, trying to pull away from Kris.
“Kris! NO!” Erin shouted as she raced across the room and grabbed her arm. She had come in just in time to hear Kris threaten Scott.
After giving the twins their gift and saying good night, Scott had left the room while she was still trying to get them settled for the night. Erin was stunned by what she had just seen and heard. What could have possibly transpired in the short time they had been alone?
Kris’s arms dropped to her sides, she was breathing heavily, trying to regain control. She glared at Scott, still totally enraged.
Scott seeing his opportunity, pushed Kris away. “Is this the kind of psycho you bring into the house to be around our children?” Scott rounded on Erin angrily. “You see what she’s capable of? How do you know one of the children won’t be next if they piss her off?”
Erin was shaking, she didn’t know what was going on. She was scared by the enraged look on Kris’s face. She couldn’t believe she threatened to kill Scott. Kris had always been so kind and gentle. She just wouldn’t have thought her capable of this type of violence. It was a shocking revelation.
Even though deep in her heart she knew Kris would never hurt her or the children, Erin was shaken by what she had witnessed. Afraid that they would still come to blows if they weren’t separated, Erin looked up at Kris. “I think you should go.”
Kris stared down at Erin incredulously. Her mouth worked for several seconds but no sounds came out. She spun on her heel and headed for the door. She stopped at the back door and looked back at Erin. She could see the fear and worry on her face. She started to speak, then caught a glimpse of Scott’s triumphantly smirking face over Erin’s shoulder. Everything he said came rushing back. She left without a word.
“What the hell is going on?” Erin demanded as soon as the door closed behind Kris.
“Your girlfriend attacked me, that’s what’s going on!” Scott accused.
“What did you say to her?”
“Nothing. When I came downstairs, she told me to leave. I said she didn’t have the right to tell me that, only you did. That’s when she attacked me.”
“I want you to leave, Scott. Right now!” Erin ordered angrily. She knew Scott was lying. She would call Kris after he left and find out what really happened.
“What! I didn’t do anything. I was just trying to see my children on their birthday. It’s your psycho girlfriend that went off the deep end. I wonder what my parents will think when I tell them all about how she threatened to kill me. Bet they won’t think she’s so wonderful then!”
“Just go, Scott.”
“You can’t throw me out of my own house. I have a right to be here. I’ll go when I’m damn good and ready,” he snarled, glaring at Erin.
“I mean it, get out of here!” Erin yelled, losing her temper. “Don’t make me call the police because I will!” she threatened.
Scott stomped to the front door and jerked it open. He slammed it as hard as he could on the way out.
* * * * *
Kris jerked her truck over to the side of the road and jumped out. She barely made it to some bushes before she vomited. No matter how hard she tried to push them away, she kept seeing the images Scott planted in her mind. She tortured herself with thoughts that Erin, at that very moment, was with Scott. How could I have been so stupid? she berated herself.
If she had but looked up, she would have seen Scott drive past after Erin threw him out of the house.
Kris finally got back in her truck and managed to drive home. She paced for several hours, going over and over again everything that had happened and been said. She couldn’t help but come to the conclusion that Scott had been telling the truth. After all, she was the one Erin had asked to leave, not Scott.
Kris felt a searing pain in her chest at the realization that Erin was Angela in another guise. She did the only think she knew to do to try and escape the pain…