Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fourteen

“Are you really going to confront him?” Carlise asked Marlowe.

She, June, April, and Marlowe were sitting in the break room of Jack’s Lumber while the guys were all out on jobs. There had been a huge rainstorm the night before, and there were trees down all over Newton. Marlowe hadn’t been sure Kendric should be working with his back still healing, but he’d insisted on helping his friends.

So the four women were hanging out, trying not to worry about the guys.

“I am,” Marlowe said. “Tomorrow I’m going to the police station, and Chief Rutkey is going to let me use the phone there, since it’s already got all the recording stuff set up. I’ll call Ian and try to get him to admit everything he’s done.”

“Do you think he’s going to take the bait?” June asked.

Marlowe shrugged. “It could go either way, but I’m thinking he will.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s going to want to know what I might tell the police about him. Because he’ll want to know how I got out of Thailand.”

“Are you nervous? Because I would be terrified,” April said.

“Honestly? A little. But Kendric will be there.” And that was the clincher. If she was on her own? There was no way she’d be brave enough to confront Ian. Just knowing that Kendric had her back was enough to give her the courage to help bring Ian to justice. “Besides, Ian needs to be stopped from doing this again. From stealing the heritage out from under another country.”

“That’s true. What a dick,” Carlise said in disgust.

“Changing the subject, how did you come to call Bob Kendric?” April asked with a grin. “I mean, the rest of us”—she gestured to the other women—“had a conversation once about how with a name like Bob, some women might dismiss him as a serious love interest from the get-go. I was gonna set him up with one of the women looking for a guide on the AT, and introduce him by his real name, but you beat me to it.”

Marlowe laughed. “There’s nothing wrong with the name Bob. But the first time I met Kendric, that’s how he introduced himself. And now I can’t think of him as anything else. And seriously, the way he got the nickname Bob is just ridiculous.”

“Right? I don’t understand guys and their stupid nicknames. At least the others’ nicknames are all based on their actual names. Like Chapman and Chappy, Cal and Callum, and of course, JJ for Jack’s first and last initials. Although I could go for some Bob Evans right about now,” June said with a smile.

“That’s because you’re eating for two,” Carlise told her.

“Wait—what?” April asked.

At the same time, Marlowe exclaimed, “You’re pregnant?!”

June blushed, gave them a small smile, and put a hand on her belly. “Only about four weeks, but . . . yeah. Seems that Cal has very determined sperm. He knocked me up pretty much the second we decided to start trying.”

“Congrats!”

“That’s awesome!”

“I didn’t mean to spill the beans,” Carlise told June sheepishly.

“It’s okay. Honestly. And . . . speaking of Bob Evans . . . I could eat breakfast food all the time, since I always seem to be hungry lately.”

“I’m so happy for you guys,” April said.

“Chappy and I are still trying,” Carlise admitted with a worried look. “And while I love the attempts at baby making, I’m worried that it hasn’t happened yet.”

“It’s been what, two point three seconds since you guys got together?” April said dryly.

“I know,” Carlise said. “I’m just impatient. If we’re going to have the four kids we talked about, we need to get started on that. Although I’m not opposed to adopting. Or in vitro. Or fostering. I just want a family with Chappy so bad. He’ll be the best dad, and I can’t wait to make that happen for him.”

“It will,” June told her.

“What about you?” April asked, looking at Marlowe.

“What about me what?”

“Are you and Bob thinking about kids?”

Marlowe blushed and nodded. “Although my body is still out of whack after everything that happened.”

“I’m still shaking my head at the fact that all three of us found our men because we were forced to share a bed with them,” Carlise said with a chuckle.

“Right? You with the snowstorm at the cabin, me with the bed at the hotel, and Marlowe with a pit under the floor, of all things. Although none of us were forced to get married like she was,” June said.

“I’m not sure forced is the right word,” Marlowe protested.

“What would you have done if you didn’t do what that lady wanted?” Carlise asked.

Marlowe shrugged. “Kendric would’ve figured something out.”

“I’m thinking none of the guys do anything they don’t want to do,” April said. “If Bob agreed to marry you, it was because he wanted to marry you.”

“That’s what Chappy said,” Marlowe admitted with a small smile.

“I know the circumstances weren’t romantic in the least,” Carlise said. “But I can’t help but feel all mushy inside thinking about how it all came about.”

“The ceremony was actually really . . . nice,” Marlowe said a little lamely. “The guy who married us spoke in Thai, so I didn’t have a clue what he was saying, but when it came to our vows, he spoke English. I was shocked.”

“Really? That’s cool. So he did the whole ‘have and hold, love and cherish’ thing?” June asked, leaning forward on the couch, totally enthralled.

Marlowe nodded. “Yeah. Except it was a little different. More . . . I don’t know . . . meaningful?”

“Do you remember them? The vows, I mean?” Carlise asked.

“Yes.”

“Do you feel comfortable sharing? It’s okay if you don’t,” Carlise said.

Marlowe spoke without effort. The words burned into her brain as if she was standing in that woman’s living room all over again. “To have and hold from now to forever, for better and worse, for rich and poor, when sick and healthy, to love and protect, cherish and honor, respect and nurture, in this life and the next.”

All three women sighed.

“They’re Buddhist in Thailand, right?” April asked.

“A lot of people, yes. I’m not sure what religion the woman was whose house we were staying in, but she was definitely old fashioned, since she didn’t want us sleeping in that hole together.”

“I think she definitely was because of that last line. Most would say until death do us part, but I’m thinking Buddhists believe in reincarnation, so saying in this life and the next makes sense,” April mused.

Marlowe had no clue about the Buddhist religion, but she liked the thought of being with Kendric not only in this life, but whatever happened after as well.

“What about you?” Carlise asked April.

“Huh?”

“We all did the one-bed, forced-proximity thing. What about you and JJ? How are we gonna get you two into one bed, make him stop farting around and pull his head out of his butt and admit that he’s madly in love with you?”

Marlowe watched in fascination as her new friend’s cheeks reddened.

“He’s not in love with me,” she protested.

“Oh please, he so is,” Carlise said with a shake of her head.

“Well, I’m happy being his admin and friend. So no forced proximity for us.” Then she gave each of them a stern look. “I mean it. If you lock us into a room with a sleeping bag or something, I’m not going to be happy.”

Everyone chuckled.

“Besides, I’m too old for him,” April muttered.

“What? You are not!” Carlise exclaimed. “We’ve already been over this. You’re only seven years older, that’s like nothing!”

“I’ve already been in a serious relationship, and it sucked,” April said, ignoring Carlise’s comment. “I’m happy being single. And soon, I’ll get to be Aunt April to all your kids. I’ll get to spoil them rotten.”

“You don’t want children of your own?” June asked.

April gave her a small smile. “No. Don’t get me wrong, I love kids, and I know I could always adopt or something, but I’m enjoying not having that responsibility.”

“It’s okay if you don’t want to be a mom,” Marlowe felt compelled to say. “Society puts too much emphasis on women having babies. As if there’s something wrong with us if we don’t want to experience childbirth. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have your happily ever after with JJ.”

“We’re friends. That’s it,” April insisted.

But Marlowe could read the longing in her voice. She hadn’t been around the woman very long, but it was obvious she couldn’t take her gaze from JJ when they were in the same room together. They might snipe at each other, but Marlowe hadn’t met two people with more chemistry.

“Besides, Chappy, Cal, and Bob fell in love in like two seconds. You two”—she pointed to Carlise, then June—“were married within weeks. And Marlowe, it was like five days for you!”

“The circumstances were a bit different for us,” she protested. “We got married, but we didn’t love each other.”

“Bullcrap,” April said. “Again, Bob wouldn’t have married you if he didn’t want to. He was already in love with you, I have no doubt about that. My point is, Jack and I have known each other for years. Nothing has ever happened between us. Eventually, he’ll meet a woman and fall as hard and fast as the rest of his friends did. He’s not going to wake up one day and suddenly realize that he loves the woman he sees at work all the time. Besides, he’s my boss. That never ends well.”

Marlowe wanted to argue, but wasn’t sure what to say. She didn’t know JJ or April well enough. Something was clearly keeping both of them from admitting their feelings for each other, and whatever it was, it might be something they couldn’t overcome.

“Anyway, I can’t wait for there to be babies running wild in here. I’m always available to babysit, I just want to make that clear right here and now. Okay?”

Everyone laughed.

“Good. Because with four kids, we’re gonna need some alone time,” Carlise joked.

“With the two we want, we’re gonna need some alone time,” June said with a laugh.

“How many do you want?” April asked Marlowe.

“I don’t know. More than one, less than six,” she blurted.

“Six? Good Lord,” Carlise exclaimed. “I thought four was a lot.”

“I just . . . I’ve always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. I kind of got sucked into the archaeology thing, and while I liked it, I want to settle down. Raise a family. It’s not cool these days to say I want to greet my husband at the door when he comes home from work, but . . . I do. I’m not sure how the dinner thing will go, since I suck at cooking, but I’ll figure it out.”

“I think that’s awesome,” June said.

“Me too,” Carlise agreed.

“Me three. Screw what others think. You do what’s right for you and Bob.”

Marlowe grinned. She liked these women. A lot. “I will,” she said firmly.

“So . . . is it time to check on everyone again yet?” Carlise asked with a small grin. “I mean, it’s been what, twenty minutes since we last heard from them?”

“Thirty, and yes, it’s time to check,” April agreed eagerly.

The woman might deny liking her boss in a romantic way, but it was more than obvious that she was just as anxious as the rest of them to know their men were all right.

Once they’d reassured themselves that the guys were fine, and making great progress on cleaning up the mess from the storm, the women decided to order Granny’s Burgers for lunch. Carlise went to pick them up, and they were in the middle of stuffing their faces when the guys returned.

Chappy went right to Carlise and kissed the mustard off her cheek.

Cal approached June, his hand resting on her belly as he kissed her hello.

JJ’s gaze was locked on April, and he had a small, tender smile on his face as he watched her frantically try to swallow the huge bite she’d just taken when they walked in.

And Kendric headed straight for Marlowe. He didn’t lean down to kiss her, though. Instead, he plucked her up and out of the chair she was sitting in and headed for the door.

“Kendric!” she scolded. “You shouldn’t be carrying me around! Your back!”

“Is fine. And I just spent the day chopping and hauling huge trees around. You weigh less than they did.”

Not knowing what else to do, and secretly loving being in his arms, Marlowe turned and waved to her friends. “Later!” she called out.

Everyone laughed and waved goodbye.

“What’s the hurry?” she asked as Kendric walked toward his pickup truck.

“It’s been fourteen hours, eight minutes, and twenty-eight seconds since I last made love to my wife,” he replied.

Marlowe shook her head in exasperation, but since she wanted her husband as much as he apparently wanted her—all the talk about babies had made her horny—she wasn’t going to complain.

He placed her in the passenger seat, then framed her face with his hands and kissed her long, hard, and deep. When he pulled back, they were both panting. He stared at her for a long moment, as if memorizing her features, then took a breath and stepped back, shutting the door.

They talked about their days on the way to his apartment, as if the sexual tension between them wasn’t there at all. Kendric told Marlowe how good it felt to be working again. How he’d felt as if he’d let down his friends by not being able to help recently. She told him about the fun visit she’d had with the other women and how much she liked them.

After pulling into a parking spot, Marlowe was already out of the truck and waiting for Kendric by the time he reached the passenger side. He took her hand in his and led her up the stairs to his apartment. Neither spoke, but Marlowe could already feel her nipples tightening and her body readying itself for her man.

Bob had never felt like this before. As if his skin was too tight for his body. He’d lusted after a woman or two in the past, but not in the desperate way he wanted his wife.

His wife.

It was such an odd feeling, knowing she was as tied to him as he was to her. He’d accepted he might never find the one woman who made him want to settle down, but life had a way of turning things on their head and proving him wrong.

He pulled the door to his apartment shut behind them and locked it; then he was on Marlowe. He backed her up against the nearest wall and groaned as she slipped out of his grasp and went to her knees in front of him.

When she fumbled with the fastening of his pants, he groaned again. He wanted her hands and mouth on him more than he wanted to breathe. But he’d been working all day.

“Marlowe, stop,” he said, but she ignored him, pulling his boxers down so his rock-hard cock popped out of the confines of his underwear.

She looked up at him, licked her lips, and leaned in, still holding his gaze.

“I need a shower,” he managed to croak out before her mouth closed over him. “Holy shit!” he exclaimed as she took as much of him into her mouth as she could and sucked. Hard.

A burst of precome left the tip before he reached down and grabbed the base of his dick to keep himself from coming right then and there. He was primed and ready, and having the woman he loved sucking him off was almost more than he could take at the moment.

She was more enthusiastic than skilled at what she was doing, and Bob had never had better head. He kept one hand around his cock, holding himself still, and the other thrust into her hair, tightening as she bobbed up and down on his dick.

She slurped and licked as she enthusiastically pleasured him. He felt her mouth touch his hand every time she bottomed out on his cock, and it was the most intimate thing Bob had ever experienced.

But he was done. He needed to be inside her when he came. As much as he loved the feel of her mouth, he wanted to feel her hot, wet body spasming around his dick as he lost it.

He reached down and pulled her roughly off his cock, then walked her backward as he locked his lips onto hers. He could taste himself, and it only turned him on more. There was no way he was going to make it to their bed.

She hit the couch. He jerked her leggings and underwear down before he picked her up and sat her on the back of the sofa, placing her at the perfect height.

Then he took hold of his cock and sank into her soaking-wet folds with one firm thrust.

“Can’t wait!” he apologized.

In return, Marlowe moaned deep and low, kicking one foot out of her leggings and underwear so she could wrap her limbs around him, holding on and digging her fingernails into his shoulders.

Tingles were already shooting down his spine, and his balls had already drawn up. It was only a matter of seconds before Bob knew he was going to come. He wanted to wait. To draw this out. To make it good for her, but his body had other ideas.

Way before he was ready, Bob was shooting deep inside Marlowe’s body. His vision went dark for a moment, and his knees went weak. He managed to keep hold of her, and when he felt as if he could walk, picked her up and moved around to the front of the couch. He fell onto the cushions, keeping her clasped tightly against him.

She hadn’t come yet, and that was unacceptable.

“Ride me,” he panted as he leaned back, balancing Marlowe on his lap and reaching between them.

They were both still mostly clothed, Marlowe’s leggings and panties still trailing off one leg as she straddled him. Her hair was mussed where his hand had gripped it, and her cheeks were flushed.

“Take me, Punky. Like you did on our honeymoon.” Remembering how she’d been in that barn was enough for Bob’s cock to harden to half mast inside her.

She began to ride him, taking him in and out of her body as she rocked up and down. He tweaked her clit, helping her toward her orgasm even faster.

The feel of her muscles clutching him was something he’d never get tired of. The sounds their bodies made as they came together were so erotic, and Bob was relieved she was as turned on as she’d been so he hadn’t caused her pain when he plowed into her earlier.

“That’s it, Punky. Take your man. You’re so beautiful. And all mine. God, you have no idea how amazing that feels! Do it, Mar. I’ve got you.”

She let out a small screech as she arched, threw her head back, and came on him.

It was just as amazing as it had been the first time. Nothing could compare to her rhythmic pulses on his dick. He could feel a rush of wetness against his balls as she came.

He was smiling when she finally came back to herself. She looked at him, sweat dotting her temples, and she had a satisfied cat-got-the-cream look on her face. And she certainly had.

“Um . . . hi,” she said shyly.

“Hi,” he returned with a huge grin on his face. “I didn’t hurt you, did I? I didn’t exactly make sure you were ready for me.”

“You didn’t hurt me,” she said. “I liked that. A lot.”

“I noticed,” he replied, not able to keep the note of pride out of his voice. “I’d ask what you ladies were talking about before we got there, but I’m not sure I want to know.”

“Babies,” she blurted.

Bob raised a brow. “Yeah?”

She wrinkled her nose. “I guess I got a little worked up. And then you swooped in and picked me up like a caveman . . . I couldn’t help but jump you as soon as we got in here.”

Bob laughed. “Anytime you want to jump me, feel free,” he teased. “You hungry?”

“Well, I just had half a Granny’s Burger. You arrived before I could finish.”

“Right, so . . . you hungry?” he repeated. One thing he’d learned about his wife was that she could eat like a pro. He would have never guessed when they were in Thailand. She had to have a hollow leg or something, but he didn’t mind. And no matter what she ate, she was still a tiny thing.

“Um . . . I could eat.”

“Then you should stand up so I can feed my woman,” Bob said.

She nodded and eased off his lap, standing with his assistance. She grabbed her panties and started to pull them back on. Still sitting, Bob caught sight of something—and he stopped her, alarmed.

“I did hurt you,” he exclaimed as he held her hips in his hands and leaned closer. She was naked from the waist down, and he could see his come leaking down her inner thigh, but it was tinged pink. She was bleeding.

Looking down, Marlowe tried to pull out of his grip.

He wasn’t letting go. “I’ll call the doctor. I’m so sorry, Marlowe. I was an idiot! I’ll just—”

“You didn’t hurt me,” she said, interrupting him. “I was more than ready for you. I think it’s my period. I had cramps earlier today, but since it’s been so long since I’ve felt them, I actually didn’t make the connection.”

Bob forced his gaze away from his seed dripping down her leg to look her in the eye. “Your period?” he asked quietly.

“Yeah. You know, that thing women get every month? Let me go so I can clean up.”

But Bob couldn’t make his hands release her. He looked back down at the pink come leaking from between her legs. He’d never thought much about a woman’s time of the month. But now he couldn’t stop thinking about the ramifications of the blood. He looked back up at her.

“You can get pregnant now,” he whispered.

Her lips twitched. “Well, not right this second. That’s not how it works, but yes, now that I’m getting proper meals and stuff, I’m clearly healthier, so . . . it’s possible.”

“I hope you aren’t one of those women who don’t like to make love when they’re bleeding,” he blurted. “Because this isn’t a turnoff. At all.”

“It’s really messy. And blood stains,” she informed him.

Bob grinned. “We’ll use towels. And make love in the shower.” He looked up at her again. “You didn’t hesitate for even one second to go down on me, even though I’ve been working up a sweat all day.”

She looked uncomfortable for the first time. “You being sweaty reminds me of when we were on the run. We didn’t shower much, and your natural scent reminds me of when you held me tight when we hid out. Of being safe. It doesn’t bother me in the least.”

Bob’s heart melted. He loved this woman so much. She was perfect for him in every way. “You need me to go out and get you some tampons or pads?” he asked.

Her eyes widened. “No. I can do it.”

“Nope. You stay here. I’ll run out and grab them. What size? Never mind, I’ll get a few different things. I’ll make us some spaghetti when I get back. I love you, Marlowe.”

She smiled at him. “I love you too. Will you . . . will you grab me a paper towel or something?”

Bob sprang up from the couch and was back in seconds. “Let me,” he insisted when she reached for the paper towel.

She blushed but nodded.

Bob wiped away the evidence of their lovemaking, a feeling of satisfaction overwhelming him.

He was a total goner. This should probably be gross, something he’d normally shy away from. Something he was embarrassed about. But how could he be, when it was partly of his own making? He’d promised to respect and nurture this woman, and this was just a part of that.

“I’ll be back soon. Take some painkillers if you still have cramps.”

“I’m fine, Kendric. I’ve been dealing with my periods for decades now.”

“Right, sorry. I just . . . this is amazing.”

She rolled her eyes. “It’s just a period.”

But Bob stepped closer and took her face in his hands. He’d pulled up his pants already, but still felt as if he was naked with this woman. She made him want to be a better person. Be the kind of man she could rely on.

“It’s not just anything. You were starving. A function had shut down because your body was using every calorie just to keep you alive and moving. And now you’re healing. Getting your period back is the first step to us becoming a family. Your body is a miracle, and I’m overwhelmed by how grateful I am that I took that job. That you were smart enough to escape when the opportunity presented itself. That you were strong enough, physically and mentally, to get us out of the country. This relationship is going to work. Nothing’s going to stop us from living our best lives possible. Okay?”

He was being sappy again, but Bob didn’t care.

“Okay,” she agreed.

“Good.” He kissed her. “I’ll be back in a jiffy.”

“Don’t go overboard,” she warned him. “I mean, I just need one box.”

“Right. Got it. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

Bob left the apartment, feeling happier than he’d felt in ages. He didn’t need adrenaline rushes or danger to make him feel fulfilled. He’d simply needed Marlowe.