Riddle (20 page)

              Kort had laid it all out for Grace, taking a chance she might walk away and never look back. But she had not left; unlike people who had known him most of his life she realized he could never have done anything so terrible. Now, as his relationship with his mother also began to change and he learned that she also believed in his innocence, he wanted to bring these two women together. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance his life could be normal and the dark cloud he lived under for years would be lifted.

              Grace followed Kort through the garage and into the house. As they moved into the cheerfully decorated living room Agnes came from the kitchen. When she saw Kort she smiled but the smile froze when she caught sight of Grace steps behind him. Her eyes darted from Grace to Kort questioningly.

              “Mother, Mom this is Grace.” His voice shook slightly. He put his arm around Grace’s shoulders, “Grace this is my mother Agnes.”

              Grace extended her hand wondering what kind of reception she would receive from this woman. Although Kort had not shared much about his family she had gotten the distinct impression things were not all sunshine and roses in the Eriksen household during his childhood.

              Agnes’s hand closed around Grace’s, her grip gentle and her bones frail. “Welcome,” she said softly. She smiled at her son. “Kort doesn’t usually bring people home especially girls so you must be special.”

              Grace felt her face grow warm and her cheeks turned pink. “This is too fast,” she thought nervously. But she was here now and there was nothing to do but behave politely.

              Neither Agnes nor Kort were aware of her discomfort. Her voice was steady as she told Agnes how lovely her home was and she accepted gratefully when offered a cup of tea. They sat in the living room and Agnes expressed her concern about the motorcycle as Kort reassured her. Grace glanced around the room and while it was a well decorated and homey room something was missing. She soon realized there were no family pictures; not on the walls or the tables or on the mantle. She recalled her mother’s living room and even her own where she had displayed photos of her mother, her friends, her pets, and even vacations.

              When Agnes invited them to stay for dinner she caught her breath and prayed Kort would decline. Perhaps he had begun to sense her reticence because he refused saying they both had to get up early for work. Even when Agnes protested that they had to eat sometime Kort put her off. “We’ll just grab something quick when I take Grace home.”

              Agnes saw them to the garage door but decided not to step outside so she wouldn’t see them on the motorcycle. “Just be careful. And Kort you will be home tonight?”

              If he had planned to spend the night with Grace there didn’t seem to be any way he could without his mother realizing they were lovers so he promised not to be late. “But don’t wait up.”

              As Agnes listened to the roar of the motorcycle fade into the distance she smiled and shook her head. “As if I couldn’t tell they’re sleeping together.” Although she didn’t entirely approve, she was so relieved that Norma was in the past she decided to keep her opinion to herself. Kort had brought a girl home. It was the first time in his life that he had done that. He had brought a girl home to meet his mother. The thought made her feel warm. Maybe things would be alright.

              None of them noticed the car parked halfway down the street in the driveway of the house that was for sale. If they had, they probably would have wondered why Norma didn’t just come to the door. Norma watched as Kort and Grace got on the bike and rode off. The sun was just starting to set and the temperature seemed to have dropped ten degrees or more. Norma’s knuckles were white as she gripped the steering wheel. Her eyes glittered in the deepening dusk. She wondered what Agnes thought of the little slut. They had been in the house a long time but Agnes had not walked them to the door. She resisted an overpowering urge to knock on the door and ask Agnes outright. There would be time to find out. She would find a way to get Agnes’s take on the tramp. And if she didn’t like what Agnes said, she would find a way to make sure her opinion changed.

Chapter 34

              On the way to Grace’s apartment they stopped and picked up Chinese take-out and Grace held the bag between them feeling the warmth of the containers against her belly. It had grown cold now and it was obvious winter was well on its way to Riddle. She was shivering as they hurried up the steps to the apartment.

              As she got plates out from the cabinet and set them on the counter Kort unpacked the food. When his hand grazed hers he felt how cold her fingers were.

              “You’re freezing.” He held her hand to his mouth and blew on it softly. “I should have brought gloves.”

              Grace gazed into his eyes and smiled slightly as he kissed her palm. He held her gaze and pulled her body to his. Then his mouth covered hers and it was apparent food was not the only hunger he needed to satiate. His hands were warm as they slid beneath her sweater and up across her back stopping just below her bra.

              “Should we eat first?” He murmured in her ear as his lips traveled to her ear, running his tongue slowly around the outside. His breath was warm as his mouth teased her ear and she felt herself growing warm. Her body responded involuntarily as she pressed herself against his growing hardness.

              Part of Grace had wanted to talk about what had happened during the day but a bigger part of her responded to his caresses. She bent her head back to look at him through half closed eyes and tangled her fingers in his hair. He read the answer in her expression and pulled her easily toward the bedroom. They fell across the bed and their hands searched eagerly as they undressed one another. Kort pulled the condom out of the pocket of his jeans and began to tear the packet open. Grace took it from his fingers and smiling seductively she withdrew the condom and began to slip it on. Kort inhaled sharply as he watched her fingers moving lightly over his skin. Grace rose above him pinning his hands above his head. He allowed her to take control, watching the changing expressions on her face. Her skin glowed a rosy pink and she threw her head back, arching her back. His own desire became overwhelming and he rolled her easily onto her back.

              “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered looking into the strange copper green of her eyes. His mouth hovered above hers and he spoke so softly she could barely hear him over the beating of her heart. “I love you.”

              Grace gasped and her body arched upward welcoming his passion as he entered her slowly until he was deeply within. Clinging to him, her hands tight against the small of his back, she pulled him firmly against her until no space remained to separate them. Tossing her head from side to side she could hear herself moaning as he brought her to climax again and again. At last he thrust deep into her and she saw stars flash before her eyes as his heat filled her.

              Afterward she lay with her head on his chest and he gently stroked her hair until they fell into a deep sleep. Less than an hour later the buzzing of Kort’s phone woke them.  Opening one eye he looked down at Grace. “Ignore it.” After the fourth ring it went to voicemail. A minute later it began to ring again.

              “So much for that idea.” Grace got out of bed and went to the bathroom as Kort answered the call. He didn’t even bother to look at the caller ID knowing it was most likely Norma calling.  He wasn’t surprised to find out he was right.

              “Hi. I tried to call you earlier.” There was no pretense of politeness in her tone this time. “I’m really getting the impression you’re avoiding me Kort.”
              Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes he answered her as evenly as he could. “I may have either turned the phone off or I may not have heard it if I was out.”

              “Were you?” There was no mistaking the controlled anger in her voice.

              “Was I what? Was I out?” His patience was wearing thin. Norma was perilously close to going over the line. “Yes Norma, I’ve been out all day.” He hesitated. “In fact I’m not home now. So I need to get off the phone.”

              “Why? Does your friend object to our talking? I thought we were friends Kort. I supported you when no one else would. I have always been here for you. We made love!” The last was practically screamed and Kort had to hold the phone away from his ear.

              “Norma, please. We are friends. What happened the other night was…”

              She cut him off. “Don’t you dare say it was a mistake.” Suddenly she began sobbing. “I don’t think I can stand it if you say that.”

              Kort closed his eyes tightly. “Norma please don’t cry. Look, we need to talk. I want to sort things out. Things have happened so fast and I haven’t had time to breathe or think.”

              She sniffled. “Will you call me tomorrow? Can I see you tomorrow night?”

              He relented. “Let me call you tomorrow. Right now I just can’t think.”

              “Promise you’ll call me tomorrow,” she pressed.

              “Get some sleep and we’ll talk tomorrow.”

              Norma was well aware he had not promised but she could also sense if she pushed him any harder he would resist more. After a tearful good night she set her phone on the passenger seat and looked up at Grace’s windows. A few minutes later she saw the lights go on and she smiled. “So much for your romantic evening you whore,” she thought viciously.

              Certain that Kort would leave soon she started her car and headed for home. The last thing she wanted was to be caught in the parking lot. She cruised slowly past the sheriff’s car parked alongside the building. “Everything will be fine,” she whispered to herself.

              Grace was leaning against the bathroom door staring at Kort as he ended his conversation with Norma. He looked at her unable to see her clearly in the dimness of the bedroom. “You’re angry,” he said dully.

              She sat beside him on the bed. “Not at all. I’m concerned. I’m worried about you and I’m even worried about Norma.” She laid her hand on top of his. “I seem to cause you a lot of trouble.”

              He reached up and pulled her face close to his. “You cause me a lot of happiness. I made this mess with Norma and I have to clean it up. She’ll be upset but she’ll have to understand. It should never have happened. In fact I still don’t know what came over me.”

              Grace laughed softly. “You’re a virile young man who was locked away from women for seven years. An attractive woman you’ve known for years came on to you and you responded. It’s called being normal.”

              Shaking his head Kort allowed himself to chuckle. “It’s called being horny.”

              Grace kissed him deeply. “Don’t beat yourself up over this. She obviously was willing.”

              “She was very willing.” Swinging his legs out of bed he got up and pulled Grace to her feet. “How about having that Chinese food since we’re awake? I’m starving.” Slipping their arms around one another they went into the kitchen flipping on the light as they went.

              After sharing their food and playfully feeding one another lo mein noodles, Kort helped her clean up the kitchen.

              “Are you really going home tonight?” she asked softly as she slipped her arms around his waist.

              “Do you want me to stay?”

              She answered before she even thought about it. “I always want you to stay.” In that moment Grace realized she might not ever be able to leave him or Riddle. As her eyes lit with that knowledge Kort smiled. It was as though she had answered his unasked question.

              “I want to make love to you.” He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to bed. Then he began to make love to her in ways he had only imagined. His lips and his hands traced every inch of her body bringing her to climax after climax. Just when she thought she would pass out, he raised his body over hers and teasingly entered her, slowly and deliberately. They hadn’t bothered to turn off the bedroom light and she watched his facial expressions as he pressed deeper into her. Her breathing was shallow and quick and when her eyes fluttered and she looked up at him he exploded inside of her, a groan coming from deep within him. They lay quietly as their breathing slowed and soon fell asleep still joined together. Sometime during the night he rolled to the side and she snuggled next to him as he spooned her warm body murmuring “I love you” and holding her tightly.

Chapter 35

              Grace had seated her last table and headed back to the front of the diner to let Jack know she was ready to leave. She noticed a young man at the hostess stand, his back to the restaurant. He seemed to be waiting for someone to join him. She briefly considered letting Mandy seat him but decided it would only take a moment for her to do it. She reached for a menu and when he turned to face her she almost dropped it.

              “David.” She said his name in a gasp of air that escaped her lips in a whoosh.

              “Hello Grace.” A vein throbbed in his forehead and she remembered that as a sign he was holding his temper.

              Looking over her shoulder she saw Jack was busy at the register and Mandy was nowhere to be found. Turning back to David she asked softly, “What are you doing here?”

              He laughed dryly before replying. “What do you think I’m doing here?”

              Grace thought quickly, trying to find a reason to get him to leave. “I can’t talk now. I’m working.”

              He answered immediately. “You get off at three o’clock and it is just past that now. I’ll wait for you in the parking lot. We need to talk.” Then he turned and left, his back straight and his shoulders squared.

              Grace set the menu back on the stack and clutched the hostess stand to steady herself.  She started as Mandy came up behind her and said, “Hey I’m here so you can go if you’re ready.”  Mandy’s eyes widened at her response. “Whoa, are you okay?”

              “Yes, just a little tired. As long you’re here I’ll go then.” She headed to the employee break room and grabbed her jacket. After she slipped it on she reached into her pants and pulled out her cell phone. There was a text from Kort telling her he would pick her up around 3:00 after his appointment with his parole officer. Shoving the phone back into her pocket she hurried to the front and took a deep breath before going out to the parking lot. She spotted David immediately. He was leaning against what was obviously a rented car. A quick look around told her Kort had not arrived yet. Relieved, she approached David.

              “You’re looking a little thin and tired,” he said softly.

              “I’m fine. What do you want?” she asked coldly.

              “What do I want?” he echoed. “Well Grace what do you think I want? You left without giving me a chance to explain. You didn’t tell anyone where you were going. Don’t you think I have a right to an explanation?”

              Grace stared at him in disbelief. “Are you kidding me? I caught you in bed with my best friend.  I don’t owe you an explanation or anything else. You can explain how you found me and what right you think you have to come here and confront me this way.”

              David leaned close to her, his face twisting in anger. “You embarrassed me in front of my friends, my family, and my co-workers. You owe me. I had to clean up your messy little disappearance.”

              “Oh poor you. You could try telling the truth; that you were a cheat and a liar. That you were unfaithful and got caught with your pants down.” Grace was trembling with anger. “How dare you come here. How dare you track me like some kind of prize animal you can capture and take back to add to your collection.”

              “I supported you. I paid for our wedding. I had to forfeit all that money because you wouldn’t take the time to talk this out.”

              “That’s what it’s about with you. Money and what people think about you. I don’t know why I didn’t see it before. Maybe I didn’t want to. Maybe I wanted to believe you were different. But you’re not different. You’re a self centered snob.”

              David moved around until Grace was backed against the car. “And you loved it. You ate it up and begged for more. You loved being the fiancée of an up and coming attorney whose family came from the right side of town. You loved the nice houses and expensive dinners. You had your greedy little hands out grabbing everything you could. My mother called it. She said you were a gold digger.”

              “If I was a gold digger I wouldn’t have left your ass. I’d have married you and pretended it was okay that you screwed around with other women. I left because you make me sick.” Grace spat out the last words.

              David pinned her against the car his face inches from hers. Suddenly he was grabbed from behind and spun around. “Is there a problem here?” Kort asked, his hands clenching the front of David’s jacket as he shoved him up against the car. Grace’s hand reached out and grabbed Kort’s arm.

              “Kort no! It’s okay. Please!”

              He looked down into her eyes. “Are you all right?”

              “I’m fine. Let him go. He isn’t worth it.”

              Kort slowly turned back to David. “Stay away from her. Go back where you came from. Do you understand?”

              “Or what? You’ll kill me the way you killed that girl?” David shot back.

              Kort’s eyes narrowed dangerously and for a moment he imagined punching David until blood ran from his face in rivers. But Grace squeezed his arm and begged him again. He shoved David away and slipped his arm around Grace’s shoulder, holding her tightly, leading her to his truck. She could feel the tenseness in his body. She got into the truck and as she turned to put on her seat belt she saw David turning his car toward the truck.

              “Kort?” her voice shook as Kort got into the driver’s seat and started the engine. “Kort?”

              He turned toward the passenger door and saw the car headed toward them. Throwing the truck into reverse he pulled away and David sped past and out of the parking lot, tires squealing in agony.

              “Son of a bitch!” Kort swore and turned the truck toward the exit.

              “Kort no! Let him go! It’s not worth it! Please!” She grabbed his arm again. “Let’s go home. Please.”

              He said nothing but nodded and pulled carefully out of the parking lot. As he turned up the road to the Timbers he asked, “Did he hurt you?”

              Grace’s teeth began chattering and her eyes filled with tears. “No. I’m fine.”

              In a matter of minutes he pulled into a parking space, got out of the truck and went around to the passenger side of the truck. Pulling Grace gently from the truck he wrapped his arms around her. “It’s okay now. I’ve got you.”

              Holding her tightly he led her up the stairs and using his key let them both inside the apartment. Once inside she collapsed into his arms and the tears came freely. She buried her face in his chest and sobbed. Kort held her, letting her cry, knowing she needed to. After a few moments she bent her head to look up at him. His mouth came softly down over hers and she stretched her arms around his neck. Moving his lips to her ear he whispered, “It’s all right. He can’t touch you. I won’t let him.”

              Leading her to the bedroom he lay down beside her and held her until she drifted off to sleep. He remained awake staring at the ceiling and thinking.