I know I’m grinning like an idiot, but Clara isawesome!What’s even better, she’s amazing with Daddy.He’s never taken to anyone thisquickly, not even before he got sick.Except for the sheriff, of course, whichI completelydo notunderstand.He barely even talks to the Johnsons, yethere he is chatting away with Clara like they’re old friends.Her experience isoutstanding, her references impeccable, and she’s just the nicest old ladyyou’ll ever meet.Well… not exactly old.She looks quite young for her age—nowrinkles, barely any grey in her dark hair.Her eyes are a brilliant blue,shining with kindness.She looks strong, too.That will come in handy when Daddygoes into one of his episodes.
“There’s someone at the door, dear,” Clara says.
Huh?I didn’t hear a knock.As I walk to the door, I hearthe sound of knuckles rapping on the wood.Huh… Maybe I was too lost in mythoughts and didn’t hear it the first time.I open the door, and the sheriff isstanding there like a beacon in the night.His smile shines a light into thedark, musty, cobweb-riddled regions of my heart.
“Hi,” he says.
“Hi.”
“Feeling better?”
“Much.Come in.”
“I see you called Clara.”
“I did, and it’s going great.Do you hear them in there?”
“Happy I could help.”
“Come on.”
I take his hand and lead him to the kitchen, intent ongiving him a proper thank you.He places his hat on the counter and perches on theedge of one of the stools around the kitchen island.
“Can I get you something to drink?”
“No, thanks, not staying.I just came to check on you.”
After one last peek down the hallway, I step between hislegs and kiss his lips softly.
“That’s for Clara.”
I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him down for anot-so-soft kiss.His hand slides around my waist and down to grab my ass.Imoan as his tongue sweeps into my mouth, challenging mine to a dangerouslyerotic duel.He squeezes my ass cheeks, pulling me against his growingerection.My heart rate increases and my breathing becomes erratic.He sucks onmy lips as if he can’t get enough of me.Strangely, that’s exactly how I feel.He’s like a strawberry-banana smoothie.Mindful that my father is in the nextroom, I break our kiss.
“What was that for?”he asks.
“For caring.”
“Note to self—care more.”
“Ha-ha, very funny.”
He chuckles and, instead of releasing me, he holds metighter.Every time I’m in his arms, I seem to like it more.
“Can I see you tonight?”
“I guess you can pick me up from work.Apparently, Claracame with the intention of starting right away.Mrs.Johnson’s gonna come overand help her get settled.”
“Sure.Time?”
“Ten.”
“Okay.I’m gonna say hi to your dad and Clara; then I’moutta here.”
“Okay.”
He places a gentle kiss on my forehead and heads to theliving room.I watch his retreating back, wondering, for once, if it’s possibleto take care of Daddy and still have a relationship.I shake it off, knowingit’s not possible.I don’t even know what I was thinking.
***
