Strong & Wilde 2 Page 6

  I couldn’t believe it was July already. It seemed like only yesterday Cody and I moved into our home.

  Over the weeks, we had settled into a routine. I’d gotten my job back at the Piggly Wiggly and Cody worked at the Watson Ranch. Mike offered to get him a job on the oilrig he worked on but Cody turned him down. Although it was better pay, neither of us could stand the thought of being separated from each other for months at a time. As it was, even the hours during the day were too much to be away from him. We were spoiled while in school, seeing each other almost every hour even if it was for only a few minutes in between classes.

  Life would’ve been perfect if Mandi and Nic were still here. I just got a phone call from her yesterday. We were both on a tight budget so we weren’t able to talk for long. She had sounded so happy. She and Nic were taking a couple of summer courses. Mama Flor and Papa Manuel were able to find jobs quickly.

  I was curious about what Nic’s family thought of him leaving. Whenever his mom and Bianca went to the Piggly Wiggly and checked out at my register, I found myself biting my tongue. Boy, I’d have given anything to give Mrs. Marcelli a piece of my mind. I still couldn’t believe what Nic’s parents had told Mandi. But Cody and I had bills to pay and I couldn’t afford to get fired. We didn’t have much and we lived paycheck to paycheck. I didn’t care. I had Cody and that was all that mattered.

  I wiped my sweaty brow with the soda bottle I was holding. Even though it was early in the evening and the sun was low on the horizon, it was near a hundred degrees. Typical Fourth of July Texas weather. The yellow spaghetti strap top and shorts I wore didn’t help me feel any cooler. I was ready to go inside, but Cody insisted on setting off fireworks.

  “Are you almost done?” I eyeballed the long line of fireworks he was carefully positioning on the ground.

  “Patience, darlin’. I promise you’ll love this. And you’ll love what happens afterwards too.” He winked.

  Great gravy! I felt faint and not from the heat. How does he do that with that dimple and lopsided smile? Ever since our first night together, I couldn’t seem to get enough of him. And he knew it too. That rat.

  I love him so much.

  “If you say so,” I said carefully, trying to play it cool. “Where’s Willa Mae? I haven’t seen her today.”

  “Her granddaughter came by and took her to Fort Worth to visit family.”

  Willa Mae was a hoot. I couldn't imagine a time when I didn't know her. She was a constant presence in our home. She was adamant about teaching me how to cook what she called good ol’ Southern food.

  I never would’ve imagined learning to cook things like chitlins and collard greens. My favorite was the southern fried chicken she made for us on Sunday evenings. When I had told her how amazing the chicken tasted, she claimed that some colonel stole it from her grandmother and opened his own business selling her recipe. I highly doubted that, though there was no use convincing her otherwise. Whenever we drove by the popular chicken chain on our way to the Piggly Wiggly, she threw her best evil eye at the building.

  We spent as much time at Willa Mae's home as she did in ours. Her granddaughter was only able to visit once a month so other than us, she was alone.

  I worried about her. She had habit of leaving the front door unlocked. One time, I offered to have Cody install a deadbolt. She waved a wrinkled hand at me and shuffled to the hall closet. I balked at the 12-gauge shotgun she pulled out. She just laughed and said she was tough as nails, something you had to be when you were black in the South, especially in Texas. She’d said she wasn’t afraid of dying. She’d lived her life, and when the Lord came for her, she’d welcome him with open arms.

  Nonetheless, Cody and I kept an eye on her as much as we could.

  “Okay, they’re ready to go,” he said. “Hand me the matches.”

  Shifting the soda to my other hand, I dug into my pocket and tossed him a matchbook. “Are you sure you know what you're doing?”

  “You're questioning my firework skills? I'm hurt.” He placed a mocked wounded expression on his handsome face.

  “You know what I mean.” I nudged his shoulder.

  “I've got this all under control. You just finish that soda. I'm gonna need the bottle.”

  “What are you going to do with it?” I downed its contents in one gulp.

  “You'll see.”

  “Um, hmm.”

  Burp!

  “Ms. Strong!”

  “Excuse me, Mr. Wilde.”

  He flashed a grin then turned his attention to the matches. With one swipe of the match, the flame came to life. Then he bent over to light the fuse. “Damn. It went out.”

  I bit down on my tongue, trying hard not to laugh at the scowl on his face as he made another attempt to light the match.

  Swipe. Poof.

  “Damn it.”

  Swipe. Poof.

  “Damn it!”

  Swipe.

  “Ah, ha!”

  Poof.

  My face broke out into a grin as he let out a slew of curses. He was so dang cute.

  “Are you sure these matches are good?” When he glanced up, I quickly schooled my face.

  “I don't know. They're your matches,” he grumbled, lighting another one. There was a small flame and his face lit up with victory. Just as he was about to touch it to the fuse, it went out.

  “Son of a bitch!”

  My lip twitched. “I repeat my first question. Are you sure you know what you're doing?”

  He took off his Stetson, wiping his forehead with the back of his arm. I don’t know how he could stand wearing a hat in this heat. Ever since I told him how sexy he looked in it, he wore that thing no matter how hot it was outside.

  “Hand me the punk,” he said, tossing the hat to the side.

  “The what?”

  “The long tan stick.”

  “Oh.” I dug into the paper bag. “Want me to light it for you since you can't seem to manage it.” I batted my eyes innocently.

  He gazed back at me, chuckling. Then, he tossed the matches to me and plopped his butt on the ground. “Be my guest.”

  With exaggerated flourish, I lit the match with ease and touched it the punk, igniting it. “There. Try not to let it go out.”

  “Beginner's luck,” he grumbled, taking the punk. He stood back up and touched it to the fuse. It sparked to life. “Run!”

  I giggled as we ran a few feet away from the firecrackers and waited.

  And waited.

  And waited.

  “Nothing's happening,” I said.

  He cursed under his breath. “Wait here.” He walked toward the firecrackers and just as he was a couple of feet away, they came to life with a series of loud cracks.

  “It's working now.” I laughed as he ran back to me.

  He growled playfully, pulling me to him until his lips were near mine. “I couldn't have done it without you partner.” Then he kissed me.

  When he pulled back, I pouted. “You’re such a tease.”

  “No frowns tonight. I have one more surprise for you. Give me the bottle.”

  “Okay, what’s it for?”

  “You'll see.”

  He took out a large bottle rocket from the bag.

  “I thought they banned those a couple of years back.”

  “I bought a case of them before they were banned. Shot them all ’cept for this one. Been saving it for a special occasion.”

  “What's the occasion?”

  “You'll see.”

  “You keep saying that,” I whined.

  “Patience.” He winked then knelt to the ground. He placed the rocket into the bottle, lit it with the punk, and ran back to my side. “Look up and get ready to see the magic.”

  With a whistle, the rocket shot into the air and popped several times. A cascade of sparkling amber lit the sky.

  “Ooh, it's so beautiful. You were right. It’s totally—what are you doing on your...oh!”

  Kneeling, he took my left hand
in his and slipped a ring onto my finger. Through teary eyes, I splayed my hand, studying the tiny diamond set against a thin gold band.

  “I ain’t good with words like you. All I know is what's in here.” He tapped his chest. “I don't know why, but you see somethin’ in me that you think is worthwhile; worth spending your time with me. And because of that, I'm truly blessed.”

  “Oh, Cody.” Tears spilled down my cheeks.

  “Wait. I'm not finished.”

  “Sorry.” I wiped my face. “Okay, go ahead.”

  “Uh, where was I?” he muttered. “Oh, right.” He cleared his throat and continued. “Whenever you look at me, you get that special look in your eyes, just like now...’cept without the black streaks on your face...and the little bits of gunk in the corners.”

  “Cody!”

  “Crap. I'm messing this up. Can I start over?”

  “I'm sorry. I know you're trying.” I smiled, gazing at him tenderly. “And I love you for it.”

  “That's it,” he said excitedly, standing up. “That's the look.”

  Cupping my face, he gazed deep into my eyes. “When you look at me like that, I know you love me. It makes me feel like I'm someone special, and that's a feeling I never want to let go. I know some people might think we’re too young. And I don’t care. I love the way I feel when I’m with you. You’re my forever and I want to give you all of me. My life, my heart, my soul it belongs to you and only you, my perfect angel.”

  He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbed nervously, before he blurted, “So what do you say? Wanna marry me?”

  “Oh Cody,” I breathed. “Of course I do”

  His face broke into a glorious smile, taking my breath away. Swiftly, he pressed his lips against mine. His tender kiss grew hotter as his lips claimed mine. Then, in one swoop, he lifted me into his arms and carried me inside. Frantically, we removed each other’s clothes until finally his naked hot skin was pressed against mine.

  After we were done, I kept my legs around his waist, holding him tight against me. My fingers brushed over a couple of new scratches to join the other ones I’d left on his back. Cody didn’t mind. He seemed to like that I’d gotten a little less self-conscious when it come to our lovemaking.

  Less self-conscious? Ha! Who am I kidding? I practically jumped the man on a daily basis, tearing off his clothes the moment he stepped into the house.

  Cody rolled over, taking me into his strong arms. I snuggled into his chest, sighing happily. Life just didn’t get any better than this.

  In the distance, a blast of fireworks lit the sky, celebrating our love.

  ELEVEN: Cassie

  “Oh, it’s beautiful!” Tricia Fletcher held my hand up to get a closer look at the ring. When I told her I wanted to take the day off to prepare a special engagement dinner, she offered to take my shift. Mike and Willa Mae were joining us for the celebration. Mom had to work so Cody and I were driving to Houston over the weekend.

  “When’s the wedding?” She flapped open a Piggly Wiggly bag.

  “We haven’t set a date yet,” I said, helping her put my purchases into the bag. “When I do, I’ll let you know.”

  “I can’t wait. I knew you two would get married someday.” She pushed up her coke-bottle glasses. Tricia and I had bonded through our mutual suffering in PE class in high school. She was a shy girl with silky brown hair, cut into a chin length bob, and pretty green eyes.

  “Was your uncle mad we traded shifts?” The manager, Mr. Fletcher, was her uncle. Though he was strict, he had a soft spot for Tricia. If it wasn’t for her urging him, he probably would’ve never given me my job back.

  “That old poop? Nah. Don’t worry about him. Cody working today?”

  “Yeah, he was going to take the day off, but Watson offered him double pay today. He probably won’t be home until after sun down. What’s wrong, Tricia?”

  Tricia’s eyes narrowed as she looked over my shoulder. I turned to see Chase and Dillon standing by the beer cooler.

  “I don’t know why my uncle lets them buy beer. Just because their father’s the sheriff and thinks he runs this town, don’t mean my uncle should turn a blind eye.”

  “I thought Dillon was in Austin,” I whispered.

  She shook her head. “I heard they won’t be leaving until next month.”

  “Seth’s still here?” My stomach plummeted. I thought I’d finally seen the last of him. Even though his family was still lived in Koppe, I doubted he’d bother coming to visit. It wasn’t any secret that he didn’t get along with his father.

  “Yeah, and causing trouble wherever he goes. He got some sophomore knocked up. The sheriff paid a lot of money to make the problem magically go away—if you know what I mean.”

  Ugh! What a family.

  I gathered the bags in my hand and walked quickly past the beer cooler with my head down. When I stepped outside, I let out a breath of relief, thankful they didn’t see me.

  Opening the trunk to my car—if you could call Mandi’s run down Pinto a car—I placed the groceries inside. Don’t get me wrong. I was grateful for the car even if the air conditioning blew hot air and it kept running after I pulled the key out of the ignition. Thanks to Cody, he kept it miraculously alive, and it got me where I needed to go.

  Slamming the lid shut, I leaned against the car, wiping my brow. It was so hot! I peeled away the white tank top that stuck to my skin and tried to create some circulation by fanning myself.

  Then out of nowhere a sudden chill went through me and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Someone was watching me.

  I scanned the parking lot, the pavement appearing to move in waves in the heat. My eyes widen when they spotted a red pickup.

  Seth’s lips curled into a smile. He lifted his beer, tilting it toward me, acknowledging my presence before he brought it to his mouth. He took a long gulp, keeping his eyes on me. When he was done, he slid his tongue over his lips.

  My stomach lurched with disgust. My head screamed for me to run, but my feet were glued to the pavement.

  Then he opened the truck door and adrenalin surged through me in a panic. I scrambled into the car, my fingers trembling as I jammed the key into the ignition.

  I was running on pure instinct. Ever since the day I’d slapped him, I was expecting something from him. When months passed and nothing happened except for his glares, I thought he’d long forgotten about me.

  I was out of the parking lot when I heard a blaring of the truck’s horn. From the rearview mirror, I saw Chase and Dillon run out of the store, each carrying a six-pack.

  My heart soared into my throat when I heard Seth’s truck peel out of the parking lot.

  Don’t follow me. Don’t follow me.

  The truck turned in my direction.

  Shit!

  I slammed down on the gas pedal. I had to lose them. They couldn’t possibly know where I lived. They didn’t even know I still lived in Koppe.

  I glanced in the rearview mirror again. The truck was getting closer. Seth tossed a crushed beer can out the window.

  I banged my hand against the steering wheel. Go faster. Stupid car!

  I pressed my foot down as far as it could go. I managed to keep a good distance away from them but not far enough. When I reached the turn in the road that lead to my house, I knew they would see the direction I was headed.

  When I reached my driveway, I flew to the trunk of the car, snatching the grocery bags. I had just enough time to run inside and call Mike. Thank goodness Cody was working, if he was home and saw Seth and his brothers...I shuddered to think what would happen.

  There was a screeching of tires and I spun around, nearly dropping the bags. Seth’s truck came within a foot from where I stood.

  “Well, well, what do we have here?” Seth said as he jumped out of the truck. “Could this be our dear friend Cassie Strong?”

  My heart raced as Seth approached me. His eyes were bloodshot and the scruff on his chin was thick. I could smell the alco
hol on him from where I stood. His cold gray eyes traveled up and down my body.

  I took a deep breath, holding the bags close to my chest. He was just trying to scare me. Seth was all talk. He wouldn’t dare try anything out in the open, in broad daylight.

  Would he?

  “Hey, Seth.” I kept my voice steady, hiding the quivering mess I felt in my stomach. “Dillon. Chase. Long time no see.”

  “Hi, Cassie,” Chase smiled.

  Seth glared at him, and Chase took a step back mumbling, “Just trying to be nice.”

  “Uh, Cody’s getting off work soon. He should be here in a few minutes.”

  “Now, why are you lyin’?” Dillon popped open a can of beer. “I heard you telling Tricia that he was working late tonight.”

  “Who the hell is Tricia?” Seth asked.

  “She's the cashier at the Piggly Wiggly. You know, nerdy-looking girl. Wears glasses.”

  Seth looked at him with a blank expression.

  “Fletcher’s niece?” Dillon rolled his eyes at Seth's puzzled look. “She went to high school with us?”

  “Hell, Dillon, Seth wouldn't remember her,” Chase said. “She was in the advanced classes and Seth was in remedial.”

  “Shut the fuck up!” Seth roared. “Dillon, are you sure about Cody?”

  “Unless Cassie was lyin’ to her friend, yeah, I'm sure.”

  Seth turned to me with a wicked look in his eyes. I swallowed the bile coming up my throat.

  “I-I-I’m not lying. Cody will be here soon.”

  He walked over to me, his bulking body looming. His alcohol-laden breath hit against my face. “I think you are.”

  Dillon suddenly grabbed my left hand. I yelped, dropping a bag. “Look here, Seth. She done gone and got herself an engagement ring.”

  “You get your hand off her! You boys ain’t got no business ’round here.”

  I watched in horror as Willa Mae stood on the edge of her porch, waving her cane.

  Oh, no! If she came over, there was no telling what Seth and his brothers would do to her. I had to figure out a way to get rid of them.

  “Uh, these are my”—I swallowed, not even wanting to say the word—“f-f-friends. They’re just visiting.”