Read Easter's Lilly for Free Online

pulling me towards the door. “We’ll settle this outside.” I couldn’t believe she really thought I would fight her. Without warning, Ray who was watching me, grabbed her. She let me go and shouted, “OUCH! Get off of me!”
    “ Is there a problem here?” he asked me.
    “ Not anymore,” I replied. “Thanks.” He tipped his hat like a cowboy might do.
    She pushed him aside and said, “We’re not finished yet!”
    He grabbed both her arms and in a rough manner sat her down in a nearby chair. “You are done. Are we clear?”
    She said nothing. She was finally intimidated. I could see the beads of sweat forming on her forehead. She swallowed hard and looked at Bobby for support. Still, Bobby sat idly by, doing nothing. “May I walk you to your car, Lilly?” Ray asked me. I grabbed my purse and we took off out the door.
    “ Who are you?” I asked. “Oh, and thank you.” I smiled.
    “ You’re welcome,” he answered. “Let’s just say I’m a friend of a friend.” He smiled like he had some kind of naughty secret. “Stay away from here for a while. Give her some cooling down time.”
    “ Not going to be a problem,” I told him. “I think I’ve worn out my welcome.”
    I unlocked my car door and he opened it for me. “I’ll see you around.” He closed the door and headed to his own car… a black sedan. I could see him on his cell phone and he talked for a few minutes, probably checking in with whoever sent him here in the first place. Then it dawned on me. I was alone. The tears flowed from my eyes. I couldn’t see well enough to drive. I started wiping my face and looked out the window to see if anyone was watching. My heart sank and I gasped with excitement. It was Johnny. He was standing beside my car. He pulled open my door and I leapt into his arms.
    “ You know,” he said, “there’s a reason they call this place Redneck’s.” We both laughed. My tears were all over his shirt.
    “ Who was that guy?”
    “ What guy?” he asked. Pulling me back a little so that he could see my face.
    “ The Mexican guy from the bar. Ray, I think his name is.”
    His face broke out in an unexpected smile. “Oh… Ray.” He pulled me close again. “When you’re with someone like me…” He paused. “I’ll explain that part later. But let’s just say Ray is your health insurance.” I did not like the sound of that at all and he was aware of my discomfort. He promptly changed the subject. “I bought a car.” He pointed to the red convertible in the parking lot. “Let me drive you , for a change.”
    “ I’ve got to get my car out of here,” I told him. “Let me follow you to your house.” I began to relax a little.
    “ Now we’re talking.” He smiled and stroked my hair. “Follow me.” He briskly walked to his car and I followed his cherry red convertible to his house. When I got out of the car I asked him, “Are we alone?”
    “ You bet,” he answered. “Come on inside.” I was trembling with excitement. He let me in and latched the door behind us. I could feel my anxiety rise when he did that. He took my hands and said, “You’re shaking.” I was shaking. I was scared. I needed him tonight in a way that was not familiar to me.
    “ It’s been a long day,” I answered.
    “ Lilly,” he led me to the couch, “we need to talk.”
    “ Uh-oh…”
    He laughed and brushed my hair from my face. He ran his hand down my cheek. “I never want to be without you for that long again.” I could feel my heartbeat accelerate. “Lilly, I need you with me.”
    I couldn’t speak. I was afraid I would forget to breathe. Although his physical beauty was not outstanding, the electrical charge between us was undeniable. “I hear you have been busy while I was away. Did you say yes?”
    He threw me off guard with that question. “Say yes?” I asked. “Say yes to what?”
    “ Pierre,” he answered. “That was a nice ring he offered you.” He was smirking a little. I could tell he