Tanked: TANKED (32 page)

I heard Mr. Samford’s cousin came in and tried to take over running the business. I couldn’t work there after what happened so I when I began looking for a job Tank offered for me to come work for him.  At first I was hesitant but it’s been fun, I’ve learned all sorts of things about the detective world and Tank even took Jessie and me out once to teach us to shoot. 
Which makes me wonder why he hasn’t taken us back out again since.

As far as the Black Rose Killer, I sneaked into Tank’s office one day and looked at the file.  It didn’t take me long to regret it.  He had been watching me for months before I received my roses that he sent letting me know he chose me. I still don’t know what I did to get his attention and I guess I never will.  A small part of me wishes Tank hadn’t killed him that day so I could ask him.  But only a small part, when I saw all the other women who died at his hands.  I’m glad he’s dead and he won’t hurt anybody else.

Flame introduced Jessie to someone and so far that’s going great. He seems happy and I’m glad.  My best friend deserves the best of everything in his life.

My parents, without thought, pulled out more tables for Thanksgiving dinner when we asked if we could invite Tank’s brother and Jessie’s new friend.  It turned out our group of misfits were a perfect match and it made the holidays that much more special.

Tank and I are still together and going strong. I’ve been patiently leaving strategic hints around the house here and there like a magazine opened to picture of a beautiful ring, or having Jessie accidently leaving a bridal magazine behind for Tank to find.  Yes, I know how pathetic that may be but I think Tank’s enjoying it. I see his face when he finds my hints, and he smiles his sexy smirk.  My detective knows exactly what I want.  But if he doesn’t listen soon, I’ll have to tell my mother I’m ready to get married.  Then it’s game on… I hear wedding bells already, don’t you?

THE END

Continue reading for a teaser of my next upcoming book!

Acknowledgements

L. Mallory, thanks for taking on this task of straightening out my jumbled mess.  It’s always an exciting process!  Your sarcastic comments while finding silly errors or sending me a note telling me you almost tinkled yourself laughing, really made this normally grueling experience a lot of fun.  I’m already looking forward to my next book.  I hope you are.

Tiffany Crowell, I thank you, Flame thanks you and Jagger really thanks you! For those of you who don’t know Tiffany stopped by my office one day and I said. “I need a hot biker name.” We chatted a little while then she messaged me on Facebook with several other names and Jagger was one of them. 

Stephanie Boartfield I’m so glad we’ve reconnected again after all these years.  Thanks for helping me bring Flame to life.  And thank you for the fun and encouraging texts and Facebook messages, oh and patiently teaching me how to pin on Pinterest again.

Mom, Dad, Andrew, and Bart – I love you!

Michelle, one day I will be able to do something to pay you back for all your countless hours of help.  I haven’t and won’t ever forget, you’re on my list of people I owe big time!

Val McGee writers’ group, I know I’ve said it before but thank you for welcoming me with open arms and making me feel included.  Thank you for your TOLERANCE!  I know how much I need to learn and this group has taught and continues to teach me so much.  I look forward to our meetings. I’m actually sad when we have an extra week between meetings or the holidays mess with our schedule.  I’ve learned something from each and every one of you.

Robyn & Becky, thank you once again for taking time out of your life to stop, read and correct my story! You guys rock!

Helen, I don’t even know where to begin.  Your talent is something I envy.  Your patience with teaching me the correct way, should win a medal.  And I love that I can call you on the phone with a simple question and an hour passes without even knowing it. God has lined my life with special people and I consider you one of them!

BLACKGUARD 

Cheri Lewis

Cheri Lewis © copyright 2014

I felt a fingertip lightly trace up my spine and then back down. Next, I sense a hint of warm lips as they lingered at the small of my back.  I squirm in excitement as his tongue starts slowly tracing the path of the finger, stopping every few seconds to kiss lightly.  As my body comes alive with want, a hand slides into my panties, over my bottom, and a finger dips in the folds of my sex. I spread my legs wider for him. He lifts his lips from my shoulder and then I feel the warmth of his breath against my ear as he growls, “That’s right baby open all the way up for me.” He massages my clit and I start to moan. I feel his teeth as they lightly nip my shoulder blade. My body aches for him as he glides his thumb inside me.  I push back, wanting more, beginning to move with the rhythm of his fingers as he plays with my clit.  His lips lightly touch my ear as he commands in a rough voice, “I want to feel you come.”

I hear a hum in the distance and I instantly smile. I know what’s about to happen. He removes his hand and I feel my panties pop slightly against my bottom.  The hum gets louder and then he slides his hand back in my panties over my bottom. His hand moves lower with his thumb sliding back inside me.  His fingers slip back down over my clit except this time, the added vibration from the bullet makes me lose all conscious thought and give into the sheer ecstasy.

I cry out as my body releases.  I grab the sheets and try to scoot away as he continues to rub my clit and I continue to come, begging, “Please stop.”

He removes his hand, the bed moves slightly, and I feel him hovering over me.  My panties start sliding slowly down my legs as I lay completely sated but I manage to let out a little moan.  His was voice full of absolute promise, “Oh cupcake, we’re only getting started.”

What we are doing is wrong, I know this deep in my soul and every time we are together I promise myself I’ll never let it happen again but I am helpless to stop.