Page 21 of Sheltering Lily

“Yes.” Her voice was faint, and she’d turned several times in her seat to look behind us.

“He’s not following,” I said to reassure her. “Later, after Sofia’s gone to bed, I want you to tell me everything you know about him.” She wasn’t yet three, but I didn’t want her picking up on the sense of danger I felt.

Lily nodded and spent the rest of the trip pointing things out and chatting to entertain Sofia. When we arrived home, I did a sweep of the house and yard, but I saw nothing to worry me. Still, I couldn’t shake my unease. Maybe the conversation with Lily would help me. After we settled Sofia into bed, I stayed a minute longer in her room to make sure she was asleep before going into the hall where Lily was pacing.

“Come with me,” I said, catching her hand and leading her to my bedroom.

“I don’t think…” She hesitated at the threshold, but I pulled her along and settled her in the upholstered chair by the window. I sat on the ottoman, facing her, and got straight to the point.

“The man at the park today lived in your building?”

She sighed. “Yes. His name’s John Stout, although I usually think of him as ‘creepy guy.’”

I didn’t want to believe that she’d gone out with a man she referred to in that way, but I had to ask. “Did you date him?”

“No.” Her fingers dug into the arms of the chair. “He asked, but I told him no.” The same shiver I’d seen earlier went through her. The guy had done more than ask.

“He harassed you?”

“Yeah. It actually got worse after I turned him down. He was always wherever I was—at the coffee shop down the block or the grocery store. Sometimes, he wouldn’t even come over or talk to me. He’d just stand there staring, like he did today. Like he wanted to make me uneasy.” She shook her head. “If that was what he was going for, it worked. Since his apartment was directly across the hall from mine, I couldn’t come or go without him knowing. It got so that sometimes, I was afraid to go outside. I tried to time my entrances and exits around when he wasn’t home, or when there were other people in the hall, but I couldn’t always manage it. That’s why I was so glad to move in here and get away from him. I hadn’t seen him since, so I assumed he’d given up, but now I don’t know. Do you think it was a coincidence that he was in the park?”

No, I wanted to answer. Instead, I put my hands over hers while I debated whether to tell her about the slow passes by my house. The car matched the description, but I couldn’t say for certain it was this Stout guy. Every instinct I possessed said it was, but there was no point in frightening Lily until I was certain.

“Oh my God.” Her eyes went wide. “Do you think the footprints in the backyard could belong to him? Does he know where I am now? How could…what about Sofia? I’d never forgive myself if something happened to her because of my problems.” She jumped to her feet as if to bolt from the room. I rose and pulled her into a hug before she could. As I kissed her hair, I decided not to add to her worries by telling her about the car. I’d investigate some more before doing that—and increase my vigilance at home.

“I’ll protect you and Sofia if it comes to that.” I lifted her chin. “I promise.” I rested my forehead against hers, glad to have her in my arms again. Gradually, her body softened and relaxed.

“I don’t want to be alone tonight,” she said, tilting her head so she could meet my eyes.

“I don’t want you to be alone.” We exchanged a long, charged look. “You’ll have to stay close to me.”

She pressed herself against me, her arms going around my middle. “Is this good?”

It was amazing. I could feel every curve of her body and her warm breath on my neck. But I wanted more. I wanted what I’d had a week ago with her. “Closer. Skin to skin.”

“I want that, too,” she whispered.

I took her lips and began a kiss that rocked me to my core. I liked that she wasn’t shy about sex. If anything, she was adventurous—and it was amazing.

“Bed,” I growled when she bit my shoulder lightly. Both our shirts had hit the floor, along with the skirt she’d worn, leaving her in a bra and panties. Black with little pink hearts, completely sexy and unforgettable.

“Make me,” she countered and whooped when I lifted her off her feet. She clamped her hand over her mouth, and we both listened for Sofia. Seconds ticked away, but no sound came from her room. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” I said as I took her down to the mattress with me. Throughout the week, I’d thought about all the ways I could make love to her. It had turned into a long list, and I planned to check at least a few items off tonight. “I like this.” I ran a hand over the satin of her bra. “Did you wear it for me?”

“I didn’t think…I didn’t know we’d end up…” She trailed off when I kissed along the lace trim of the cup.

She’d doubted we’d go to bed again. I hadn’t. Not for one second. It had only been a matter of when. I slid a hand behind her to unclasp the bra before removing her panties. Something primal in me loved having her naked and beneath me. I rested on my forearms, my body inches above hers, just enjoying the moment.

“What are you thinking?” She tapped a finger to my lips.

“How much I want you,” I answered honestly.

“I think the question is…” She ran her hands down my chest. “How do you want me?”

“Every way I can have you. And then all over again.”

She laughed. “Well, before any of that can happen, your jeans have to go.” Her fingers were on the buttons of my Levi’s, slowly undoing each one. I closed my eyes, savoring the sensation of being undressed by her, of feeling the brush of her hand on my dick.

---