Chapter 13: Telling Sam
Liz woke up early the following morning. There was something missing and she knew exactly what. Ray. She turned her head and looked at the empty space next to her. She rolled over and peered over the edge of her bed, looking down on a sleeping Ray.
She felt her heart swell and a smile appeared on her face. He looked so peaceful and so handsome. Liz had to resist stretching out her hand to stroke his face. She looked at him lovingly for a long moment. Letting out a sigh, she knew for sure. She was in love with this man.
Liz went to the bathroom and when she got back she looked at her alarm clock. It was only 6 o'clock. Way too early to get out of bed. So she crawled back into bed, this time lying on Ray's side. She had just settled, eyes closed, remembering their kiss from the previous day, when she heard a voice rumble in the dark.
"You're up early", Ray said as she heard the ruffling of his sheets.
"Yeah, I couldn't sleep anymore" she responded with a heavy sigh.
She suddenly saw Ray's head pop up above her mattress and grinned at the goofy face he was pulling.
"Good morning, my princess. What's bothering you at this hour?" Ray asked Liz with a funny voice.
Liz giggled at his playfulness, "Well, you see, I'm lying here all alone in this big bed and I'm missing some company"
Ray put his forearms on the bed, letting his chin rest on his hands, while sitting on his knees on the mattress on the floor. He tilted his head and looked at Liz intently.
"I'm sorry to hear that, sweetheart. I'm sure that's a matter that can be resolved" he smiled at her, more serious now.
Liz couldn't help herself and stroked his cheek with the back of her fingers. "I sure hope so"
At that, Ray got up and before he got into Liz's bed, she moved towards the middle to give him some room to lie down. Liz gave him all of one second to lie down, before she had her arm around him and her head on his chest, her cheek pressed against the 'Captain America' logo.
Ray chuckled at her immediate action after he had lain down. He had thrown his arms around her as well and they were just lying there, enjoying the feeling of each other's warmth and loving arms.
Ray could smell Liz's hair and it smelled heavenly. He couldn't help closing his eyes and taking in her scent, while going softly through her hair with one hand.
Liz felt like she could stay like this forever. She loved the feeling of his hand through her hair and she tightened her grip around his waist. She'd noticed that Ray's heart had started to beat just a little bit faster.
She moved her head and looked up at him, her chin resting on his chest.
"So, are you going to talk to my dad about…. us?" she asked carefully.
"I am. I need to tell him what's going on, Lizzie" Ray said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, "It's not like I'm going to ask for his permission to be with you but I just need him to know and then it's up to him whether he wants to keep me on as your bodyguard or if he wants to hire someone else"
"I don't want someone else to look after me" Liz whispered, looking in Ray's eyes and then at his lips, immediately closing the gap between them and pressing her lips against his.
Ray grasped Liz's head between his hands and pulled her closer. Liz's mouth opened eagerly and Ray slipped his tongue inside, stroking her tongue with his. Liz climbed on top of Ray, straddling him. He moaned when she suddenly sucked on his tongue and he felt one of her hands disappear under his shirt.
Liz felt Ray's excitement against her thigh and smiled to herself. She loved the fact that she had this effect on him. Plus feeling him like this made her want him even more. She ran her fingers through his chest hair and wanted nothing more than to take his clothes off.
Ray felt himself getting hard and he knew that they needed to stop before he couldn't control himself any longer. One of his hands had slid down from Liz's head to her chest and was kneading her breast through her pyjama top. He stopped his hand from moving, brought it back up to Liz's face and grunted when he drew away from her warm mouth.
"Lizzie" he panted, out of breath from kissing and all the excitement.
"Yes… I know", she said while getting off Ray's lap and lying back down next to him, "You need to talk to my dad first"
"I'm so sorry, darling, but it just wouldn't feel right if we did anything before he knew about us" he took her hand and kissed the back of it tenderly.
When they walked downstairs for breakfast a little over an hour later, Sam was already reading the newspaper at the kitchen table.
"Morning guys" he said cheerfully, giving Liz a peck on her cheek as usual.
"Morning" they said in unison as they took their seats at the table. They talked about their plans for the day, another helicopter lesson, and about Sam's day which was different than usual. He was going to have lunch with a high-ranking politician to talk about an important deal.
After breakfast Liz started to clean the table, looking at Ray, nodding with her head as to say he should go and talk to her dad now. He got the message.
"Sam, do you have a moment?" he asked and he led the way towards Sam's study.
"What's up?" Sam asked after Ray had closed the door behind them.
Ray started to perspire a little and he wasn't sure how to broach the news to Sam, his friend of many years. He suddenly was afraid of what Sam's reaction would be when he told him he wanted to be with his daughter.
"I uhm…. I…. I was just wondering whether you'd heard anything from the police yet? You know, regarding the letters or footage?"
"No, I haven't. Unfortunately they couldn't find anything that was helpful in catching the bastard", he said, disappointment clearly sounding in his voice.
"That's a shame", Ray said, cursing at himself for chickening out of telling Sam about him and Liz.
"Yes, it is. Well, if that's all, I really need to go"
"Yes, of course" Ray said as he opened the door for Sam before following him back to the kitchen.
Liz was waiting at the kitchen table, her foot tapping impatiently on the floor, her fingers drumming on the table. She hoped her dad would take it well. And that he wouldn't hire someone new.
She heard the men's voices coming back and she sat up straight, grabbing the newspaper so it didn't look like she was just waiting for their return. Her father walked in first, closely followed by Ray.
"Okay, butterball, have a good day and I will see you tonight. I should be back in time for dinner" Sam said as he gave her a kiss in her hair before grabbing his suitcase and heading out.
Liz just sat there, eyebrows raised, looking at Ray questioningly.
"What the hell was that?" she asked after Sam had left.
Ray looked at her and then at the floor "Sorry. I just didn't know how to tell him"
Liz got up and walked towards him, wrapping her arms around his waist, looking up at him. "Aaww, aren't you a big softy?" she giggled as she kissed him lightly on the corner of his mouth.
He looked at her intently "You have a strange effect on me, Lizzie" he said as he sweetly touched her nose with his "I'll talk to your dad this evening, okay?"
"Okay, mister tough guy" she winked. "Let's get to the airport, shall we? I can't wait to fly again"
Ray called the airport to see if it was okay for them to take the helicopter out. It wasn't a problem, so they got into Liz's car and took off.
Liz loved being in the car with Ray. She'd been so angry with him at first, when he'd insisted he had to drive, but now she wouldn't want it any other way. Ray was a very good driver and she felt herself relax. So much so that she dozed off.
She felt soft lips on hers and she opened her eyes slowly. She looked directly into Ray's eyes and he had a huge smile plastered on his gorgeous face.
"Hi there, sleepyhead" he said, kneeling beside the car on the passenger's side.
"Did I fall asleep?" she asked, disoriented.
"Yes, you did. We're at the airport now. Are you sure you want to fly?"
"Hell yes" she said as she got out of the car, "Let's go"
They walked towards the hangar, both with an arm around the other.
When they were strapped in and ready to go, Ray leaned in and kissed Liz deeply. He enjoyed spending time with her and couldn't wait to tell Sam so they didn't have to pretend anymore.
The kiss took Liz by surprise. This must be the first time he's initiated a kiss, she thought to herself and kissed Ray back. When they broke the kiss, Liz looked at Ray with a huge smile spread across her face.
"What was that all about?" she asked, smiling at him.
"Nothing. I just really love being with you" Ray said "And I love kissing you", he added with a wink.
"Likewise" Liz said giggling and she felt heat spread across her face. How could she ever stay away from this man?
Liz had yet another great lesson and she finally felt she was making progress. Ray showed her a few new things and again she picked it up quickly. She then asked Ray if he could show her some cool moves. Not to teach her, but just showing her what he could do with the helicopter.
"I thought you'd never ask" he said with a boyish grin and immediately let the helicopter climb, "Okay, hold on, sweetheart, this is going to be a gas"
He showed her a few exciting manoeuvres he had mastered.
Liz squealed at every sudden move Ray made and she looked over at him. He was very concentrated but the huge smile on his face told her that he was enjoying every second of it.
When they were heading back to the airport, Liz reached out her hand and Ray took it with one of his.
"You are amazing, you know that?!" Liz exclaimed, "And you looked damn sexy doing all those stunts"
"Hahaha" Ray laughed out loud at hearing Liz's confession, "Is that so?"
"Oh, yes. It took all my strength not to climb out of my seat into your lap. I thought that would be a tad dangerous", she giggled.
"A tad? I think that might've crashed the helicopter, darling" Ray chuckled.
When they got back to the car, Liz walked over to Ray's side and before he could get in, she pinned him against the car, her hands around his neck.
"Thank you, Captain. That was a wonderful flight", she said before leaning in and kissing him. It started as a sweet kiss on his lips, but it soon intensified. Ray's arms came around Liz's body and his hands rested on her lower back, pulling her closer. Their tongues danced together and Liz felt Ray's hands going down her back and grabbing her ass, squeezing it lightly.
Hmm, that's a first, she thought to herself, loving the feeling of his hands on her. Liz could feel something stir inside of her and she pushed her hips against Ray. She couldn't wait to take this further as she felt her arousal grow. Okay, maybe it was time to get in the car, she thought, and she slowly pulled away from Ray.
"Mmm, can't get enough of your kisses" she said, running her thumb over his lower lip. Ray kissed her thumb and was glad that this time it was Liz pulling away. He had felt like such a jerk for doing that every time, even though Liz knew the reason why.
They drove off, neither of them seeing that someone was observing them again.
The guy was standing next to his car that was parked just behind the hangar. He had binoculars in his hand and had seen everything that had happened at Liz's car. He could feel the rage build inside. That asshole had gotten to her. His Liz. He kicked against the front tire of his car before getting in. He slammed his hands on the steering wheel. He had to make sure that this new romance between Liz and her bodyguard would end soon.
They went back home and watched a movie. This time they sat in the 'loveseat' that was like a comfortable cinema chair, except for 2 persons. Ray had his arm around Liz, who was leaning with her head against his shoulder. They stole kisses during the movie and looked like a couple of teenagers in love.
They had dinner with Sam and he told them all about the meeting he had. Ray wasn't paying much attention though, cause he was trying to figure out what the best way was to tell Sam about him and Liz.
Liz saw that Ray was a bit absent and knew exactly why. So after dinner she took it upon herself to talk to her dad.
Sam was in his study and Liz knocked softly before entering.
"Dad, can I talk to you for a second?"
"Of course, darling. What about?"
"Err, well" she started and she suddenly understood how difficult this must have been for Ray, "You might have noticed the fact that Ray and I have grown close to each other"
"I haven't been around a lot, but yes, I can see that you have"
"Well, we kind of grew so close that we, ehh, we want to be together" Liz said, not sure how to formulate her words.
"Be together?" Sam asked, taking off his reading glasses and staring at her. Liz had his full attention now.
Liz thought it was best not to sugar coat it, "Yes, dad. I'm in love with Ray and I think he's quite in love me too, but you'd better ask him that yourself"
"I see. Well, that's quite a revelation" he cleared his throat and looked at the papers in front of him, not sure how to react. His good friend that he'd hired to protect his daughter had now fallen for her? He shook his head in disbelief. Who would have thought that?
Liz grew a little uncomfortable, as her father was being quiet and unresponsive.
"Look, dad, I know that you hired him to look after me but it just happened. Besides, he's still looking after me. I feel very safe having him around" she felt the need to explain.
"Pumpkin" Sam started, "Are you happy with him?"
"Yes!" she exclaimed, a little louder than she'd wanted to, "I am, dad. I'm happier than I ever was. Ray treats me so much better than Tom ever did or ever could! He loves me and respects me and makes me laugh" she felt she was ranting now, but she didn't care. Liz just wanted her dad to understand.
"Well, honey, if he makes you happy, then that's all that matters" he smiled at his daughter as he got up to receive the bear hug he knew she was going to give him.
Sam was right, because Liz flew into his arms, "Thanks, dad. I knew you'd understand"
Sam kissed her on top of her head, before taking a step back and looking at his daughter, who was beaming. He'd seen the sparkle in her eyes before when she'd talked about Ray and felt that it was only a matter of time before she'd tell him what she'd just revealed.
"Now, pumpkin, would you be so kind as to ask Ray to come and talk to me?" he said, more serious now.
"Yes, of course…. but dad?", Liz said as she walked towards the door
"Yes?"
"Please be gentle. He wanted to come and talk to you, but I just beat him to it"
Sam smiled warmly, "Of course, darling"
Ray, who had been in the living room watching the news, saw Liz walk in the room.
"Ray, my dad wants to talk to you", she said before sitting down next to him
"About what?" he said, but he knew enough when he saw the look in Liz's eyes, "No, you didn't…" he said, shaking his head, "Please don't tell me that you've already told him?"
"I did. But it's okay. Just go and talk to him"
"What was his reaction? Is he angry?"
"Sweetie, just go and talk to him" she said before giving him a kiss on his cheek and taking the remote from his hand.
Ray got up, feeling his stomach turn. What if Sam wanted him out of here?
He knocked before going into Sam's study, "You wanted to see me?"
"Ray. Yes, please sit down" Sam said, giving Ray a stern look over the rim of his glasses.
Ray did as he asked and cleared his throat, clearly feeling uncomfortable.
"So, my daughter has just told me something" Sam started and pausing to see if Ray would react. He didn't so he continued, "She told me that you are in love with her. Is that true?" his voice sounded serious and slightly upset.
"Ehm, I, eh, yes. I'm in love with Elizabeth" Ray admitted, not able to look Sam in the eye.
"Of course I can't do anything about that, but I can make sure that I hire someone new, who isn't after my daughter and who will keep her safe"
Ray looked up as his heart fell. This was exactly what he'd been afraid of. That Sam would kick him out, not wanting him to look after Lizzie anymore. But he couldn't blame his friend for doing so. Ray knew how unprofessional it was that he was doing.
"I understand, Sam. I will pack my stuff and will be out of here in the morning" Ray said as he got up, "I'm sorry. It was never my intention"
Sam had gotten up himself by now and had walked around his desk to stand in front of Ray. He noticed the defeated look on Ray's face and immediately felt sorry for him. He extended his hand and Ray shook it "Ray, my friend…."
"Thank you for everything" Ray said, "I can recommend you one of my guys to look after Liz"
By now Sam couldn't keep himself from laughing anymore, "Ray, come on! Do you really think I would just let you go?"
Ray just stood there, dumbstruck about Sam's sudden change of mood.
"I'm not mad at you, Ray. You and Liz fell in love. Isn't that something beautiful? I admit that I needed a second to adjust to the news, but really, I couldn't think of a better man to be with my precious girl"
Ray let out a long breath he didn't know he'd been holding. "So, you're okay with this?" he asked carefully.
"Yes I am. But let me ask you this. Do you want to keep looking after Liz or do you think that being with her will prevent you from doing your job?"
"I can do my job, Sam. I know I can. Being with her probably makes me want to protect her even more" Ray said honestly.
"That's what I thought, but it's good to know we're on the same page"
Sam clasped Ray on his back before sitting back down at his desk. "I've got some more work to do"
"Sure, I won't keep you any longer", Ray said as he headed to the door. Just before leaving he turned around "Thanks Sam"
Sam gave him a nod and a smile and returned to the papers in front of him.
Well, that went better than expected, Ray thought to himself as he returned to the living room where Liz was flicking through stations.
"How did it go?" she asked but Ray didn't answer her question. He just took her hand and walked her out of the room, up the stairs.
"Let's get to bed, shall we?" he said with a smile, eyes dark with lust.