Author's Note: Well, here I am with another update. Thanks for waiting so patiently. In other news, I've gotten a head start on my Night Writer's project. Don't know if I'll be able to finish in time for the meeting (July 13th) but rest assured I'll be working on it. On a lower note, I'd planned to get this up and posted several days ago, in honor of my 26th birthday, but I'd been down there at close to one that afternoon, draining basement floodwater that was coming up in the hole in my bedroom closet (where they drilled in attempt to build a sump-pump, before moving it to the room where my father keeps his card collection. Just when I thought I was winning it that night, it fucking rained about 50-80 mm (in that range) overnight, and it came in WAYYYY too fast! By 8:00-9:00 the next morning, it was totally out of control, and with my father away then, I'd nearly lost my fucking sanity. So my birthday was officially ruined. And by the time it started to run its course Thursday evening, I was dead to the world. I mean, I needed to SLEEP! My legs and back were stiff and sore and I couldn't fucking move! It's slowed down a lot now, thank God, but the occasional sprinkle seems to get in the way. Makes me wish for more damn heat, like I had today. So I'm posting this now.
Anyway, enjoy the reading, and don't forget to review.
Chapter 12
The day Jeremy was released from the hospital, Rhonda went with Valerie to pick him up. On the way there, Rhonda said, "In all the chaos last weekend, I forgot to tell you that Sarah is back from college." Sarah is Rhonda and Richard's eldest daughter, aged nineteen. "She'd been home for four hours when we learned of the dog attack."
"Won't she be surprised to find a cast on Jeremy's arm?" Valerie remarked.
When they arrived, they saw Jeremy dressed in the green shirt, blue jeans and runners that Valerie had sent to them. He wore a cast on his upper arm, which had already been signed by Brian and Tyler. Upon being reunited, the specialist told Valerie, "He has to be in that cast for two weeks. It's not heavy, but, given his skinny arms, I think he'll have considerable trouble lifting that arm. He'll have to depend on his right hand until it comes off."
Valerie nodded. "I suppose I'll have to dress him for the next two weeks," she said.
Almost twenty minutes later, they arrived at Rhonda's house. On the way there, Rhonda said, "I had planned a special dinner to commemorate Sarah coming home, in which you and Jeremy were supposed to come, for last week. But given what happened, I decided to postpone it until today. Nicole is cooking it right now as we speak."
Rhonda opened the door for her sister and nephew. Moments later, they heard an older girl's voice from the living room. "Mom, is that Valerie and Jeremy?"
"Sarah?" Valerie called. "Yeah, Sarah, it's us!"
She saw the college-aged young lady step into the front hall, wearing a purple tank top and pink track pants. Sarah looked to be as tall as her mother. "Aunt Valerie!" she cried, hugging her. "I am so glad you finally left that ass you called your husband! Thank God! Now, what's this I hear about you dating three members of C.O.P.S. at the same time?"
"I know it sounds sluttish, Sarah," Valerie said, rolling her eyes, "but you should really see these guys; they're like the men I've always dreamed of."
Rhonda and Sarah led the mother and son into the living room. "Correct me if I'm wrong," Sarah said, "but isn't that what you told Mom and Grandma when you first got engaged to Uncle Tom? They suspected that he was all wrong for you, remember? And look at what happened. I mean, I know they're supposed to be the good guys and such, but–"
"These are different men of my dreams, Sarah," Valerie replied. "Not only are they the good guys, but they also love me and Jeremy. Barricade and Highway have especially taken a liking to him. Mace and Sundown still have yet to interact with them, but I've already talked with them both, and arrangements have been made."
"And Mom told me you also have the one with the dog," Sarah said. "Bowzer, is it? Mom said you broke up with him unreasonably over the dog's attack." She looked at Jeremy's cast. "I'm guessing that's what caused it."
"Yeah, but I acknowledged it was my fault for not watching him, Rhonda!" Valerie said.
"Don't fret, Valerie, I already told her about that the next morning," Rhonda replied.
"And I got back together with him just this Wednesday night," Valerie continued. "I decided that a dog attack, no matter how serious, was not justifiable to throw away something with potential."
Then, Nicole walked into the living room and announced, "Dinner should be ready in just twenty minutes." She sat down next to Jeremy and hugged him. "It's so good to see you out of the hospital." She noticed his cast, took a pen, and lifted his arm. She signed her name on a free space, then gave the pen to her sister so she could sign. They called for Caleb and asked him to sign it, too.
Valerie hadn't heard from Highway or Barricade all week. She was worried that they wouldn't love her anymore after Jeremy's dog attack. She knew there had to be a future with either of them. If they were angry or concerned, she believed, they'd tell her how they felt about it. Of course, Bowzer must have told them that he and Valerie made up. She thought about this at dinner that evening.
Sarah looked at her aunt's expression and asked, "Is something wrong, Aunt Valerie? You look at little spaced out."
"Oh, it's Highway and Barricade," she said. "I haven't heard from them since what happened last week. I guess they think I'm an irresponsible mother."
"You're not irresponsible," Nicole told her. "You were just unaware that night."
"Still, I can't believe they'd give me the silent treatment." Valerie ate a forkful of wild rice. "Bowzer must've told them that we made up. I don't know why they wouldn't call me yesterday or Thursday."
"Aw, you know how cops are, especially if they're off-duty," Richard said. "They get a call from the chief about something big, and it's off they go from there. Maybe they were busy thwarting another scheme of Big Boss'. God, but why don't they just quit already?"
When Valerie and Jeremy got home that night, she helped him change into his pajamas, then went to see if there were any phone messages. The answering machine revealed she had two messages.
She heard Barricade's voice first. "Valerie? Valerie, it's Barricade. Listen, everyone at the headquarters learned about what happened last Friday with Bowzer. Yeah, I was little pissed at you because I thought you'd know better than to let your son go unattended with a dog, especially one like Blitz. But then, he told me about the little making up session. Anyway, I meant to call you two days ago, but then Bulletproof called me away from my off-duty time for a big takedown of the Big Boss, and it's been wild ever since. So yeah, I'm sorry I haven't been able to get a hold of you, and here I am now, and you seem to be out somewhere. Why don't you give me a call when you get this? Talk to you later."
Then, Highway's message. "Valerie? Baby, this is Highway. First off, I just want to say that I hope that Dempsey thing with Jeremy worked out for you. And speaking of which, why'd you leave him with Blitz all alone? Surely you could be a better mother than that.… Aw, what am I saying? Bowzer also admitted fault when Bulletproof was giving him shit, so I guess you're not fully to blame, are you? Anyway, I'm very happy that you and Bowzer made up. This is what I really like about you, Valerie, you're so forgiving. So, sorry I haven't called lately, but we had some really wild days here at headquarters, some racketeering and extortion cases, two bank robberies yesterday, even a hostage takeover at a subway station today. Fortunately, nothing involving you. Why don't you give me a call; I left my number on my note, hope you still have it. I'd love to hear from you. Bye."
She could feel her heart flying at that bit of truth in the message. She replayed it just to hear it: "This is what I really like about you, Valerie, you're so forgiving." She almost started crying. But she calmed herself down. She remembered she never told Highway about Jeremy and Dempsey's cereal. In between worrying about Bowzer and working on another freshly completed project, she never made time either.
She pressed the button to display a list of callers, and hit the "up arrow" button. There it was, the name D. Harlson on the ID. Highway, her last call. She picked up the phone, and saw Highway on the screen moments later.
"Highway, it's Valerie," she said. "Listen, I just got your message. The Dempsey assignment not only got through, but Jeremy is also going to be promoting the cereal."
"That's wonderful!" Highway said. "I always knew that kid would become famous."
"Yeah, well I meant to call you, too," Valerie replied. "But with Jeremy's little crisis, and what went on with work, I've been just as busy as you. And speaking of Jeremy's crisis, I was wondering why you and Barricade never called. I always thought you were mad at me. I'm so glad you told me you're not."
"That's why I think about you all the time," Highway said. "The others don't come out with all the details, but they talk about your loving soul, your beauty, your desire for greatness and what's best for Jeremy." He paused. "So, how would you like to come over to my place? From what you told me, you seem a little stressed out. I'll let you stretch out on my furniture."
"That's very nice, but Barricade also left a message. I should call him and find out what he wants to do."
"What's the point? You'll end up staying at your house because he hasn't seen it yet. And have you been out at all at night?"
Valerie began to see his point. She hadn't been out very much since she moved, except for work and grocery shopping. "You're right, I need to really get out. Where do you live? Maybe I can get Drew or Sheldon to come over here and look after Jeremy."
"Actually, why don't I pick you up? I know you're going to love being on my motorcycle. I promise that when I go fast, it'll be a thrill for you. But hey, I'll ride normal to your place."
"You better. I'll need time to get ready."
"See you in a little while."
She quickly hung up and called Karen's house. Drew answered, and Valerie said, "Listen Drew, if you or Sheldon aren't too busy, I need you to come look after Jeremy for me."
"No problem," he said. "Sheldon's out on a hot date, so it's just me here and I'm bored. I'll be over in a few minutes."
"I'll be in the shower when you get here, so I'll have Jeremy answer the door. See you."
Valerie showered for nearly ten minutes, then hurried into her bedroom. What if Highway was in the residence area right now? She quickly removed her towel for a fresh bra and underpants. In the closet, she saw the same maroon dress she wore on her first date with Sundown, and quickly put it on. After all, if Sundown loved her in that dress, why shouldn't Highway?
By the time she'd done her lips and eyes, she heard Drew call, "Aunt Valerie! Highway's here!"
"Dammit," she muttered. "Where does he live? Don't tell me he's that fast on his bike." She went to her door and called loudly to Drew, "Tell him I'll be there in a minute!"
She went back to her mirror. Her hair was still damp, and she was wearing almost no makeup. But she only had time to dry and brush her hair. "Fuck this!" she said to herself. "If only men appreciated having to wait twenty minutes while a woman primps."
She went to the living room to see Drew reading to Jeremy while Highway listened. They soon stopped to look at her. Highway whistled and made cat calls as he strutted over. He whispered into her ear, "You know, even with no foundation on your cheeks, chin and forehead, you're still beautiful-looking."
"I wish you gave me more time," Valerie whispered back. "I look like a Kewpie doll."
"Any kind of doll can be beautiful. You know that." He kissed her lips softly, then gave her a motorcycle helmet to wear. She strapped it on and said, "Wow, I can't believe how well it fits."
"It looks good on you," Highway assured her. "You know what, I'm kind of glad you didn't do anything fancy with your hair. I wouldn't want you to get helmet head."
She smiled, then turned to Drew and said, "All right, Drew, now I want you to put Jeremy to bed in about half an hour, maybe forty-five minutes. If the phone rings, and it says 'S. Hide' on the ID, it'll be Barricade. Take a message, and I'll call him back, depending on when I get home. Help yourself to anything in the fridge. If I'm not home by one o'clock, lock all the doors, and you can sleep on the couch."
"Don't worry, Jeremy's will be safe with me," Drew promised. "Have a nice time, and we won't wait up." Valerie kissed both their cheeks and left with Highway.
Outside, Highway put Valerie on the back of his motorcycle, revved it up and zipped away at turbo-fast speed. At first, she sensed that he was maybe going too fast. But she could feel her hair blowing with the speed. She wanted to let go of his shoulders to enhance the free feeling, but if he made a sharp turn, she could fly off and almost kill herself. Don't be stupid, Valerie, she thought. Just enjoy those sexy feelings of leather and his muscle-bound shoulders. She rubbed his shoulders some more. It felt like he wasn't wearing anything underneath the jacket.
At Highway's house, he and Valerie were cuddling on the sofa, watching a repeated episode of Saturday Night Live. She noticed that he wouldn't take his jacket off. They were drinking wine, champagne and brandy. By the time the show was over, they were nearly drunk, and started to kiss all over each other's faces, kissing everywhere but their lips. He fell on top of her, still kissing, and they fell off his sofa. Immediately, he felt her head and asked, "Uh, Valerie, are you okay?"
"I should be good," she replied, her speech partially slurred. "Maybe all we need is a little sleep." Highway agreed, turned off the TV, and took her to his bedroom.
She looked around, and saw that most of it was white – the walls, the drawers of his dresser, his bed quilt. On the shelf a few feet above his bed, she noticed a white vase with a single white flower. She cooed and said meekly, "Oh, Highway, you have such a beautiful bedroom. You should see mine, it's just as lovely." She flopped upon his bed, and started bobbing up and down. "Oh, God, a waterbed. I love these things! I feel so comfortable."
He shushed her, and whispered, "Don't speak, my darling. Just lie there and relax. Leave the magic to me."
She brought her head up, and watched as Highway unzipped and removed his jacket, revealing his bare chest. He sat down next to her and removed his socks, both at once. Valerie was looking excited and giddy, and she rolled over onto her side to touch him. She was touching his waist, and he slowly got up. He unzipped and slid off his jeans, leaving only a pair of bikini brief underwear. Valerie was moaning ecstatically, screaming as she stared at Highway's nearly naked body.
"Oh, Highway!" she cried. "Oh, Highway, you look so radiant when you're staring over me like that. Oh, you man! Come lie here so I can touch your gorgeous body!"
He laid her on her back and joined her, positioned on his knees. He pulled off her dress, brought her up towards him, and kissed her neck and cleavage, her head tilted back. Though still drunk, she became aware of his kiss and brought her head up. She placed her hands upon his shoulders; he moved his below her breasts. As their kissing became more passionate, they shifted and fell upon the quilt; she was soon on top of him. Then, they started rolling all over the bed, kissing like animals, touching all over. There was no heavy breathing, no dirty talk, but Highway's touch, and the feeling of his body on hers, had Valerie moaning and screaming his name – until they both fell off.
Still feeling woozy, he struggled to stand up. He managed to pick her up, then went to pull back the quilt and bedsheets. He placed Valerie in his bed, then went to lock the doors and turn out the lights.
When he returned, Highway and Valerie continued their passionate ways. In the darkness, they removed their underwear, and rolled around back and forth, kissing, pawing, licking, nibbling each other, wrinkling and unraveling the linens. She was running her nails down his bare back, rubbing his waist, then went further down. She believed she was now touching his rear.
"Highway!" she cried. "Oh, Highway, you make me feel so wonderful. I can't believe what a beautiful lover you are. Highway! Oh, Highway, you're so sexy! You have one hell of a body, you know that?" She rolled him over so she was on top of him again. She brought herself up, just so she could have another stare at his chest. She became further enamored.
"Oh, Highway, lemme at that chest." This time, she was sucking on it.
Afterwards, Highway took the sexual charge away from her. "Oh, Valerie," he said softly, "you're more beautiful than you let on! Everything I've seen, everything I've heard, you've just proven it all true!" He pinned her on the mattress and slowly went into her. "Valerie, I swear I'll be better than your fucking asshole husband ever was! Just keep giving me this chance!" He French-kissed her lips for thirty seconds. "I promise I won't fail you. I promise I won't fail your son. I love you, Valerie! Oh, Valerie!" He pulled the covers over his head and started gnawing her breasts. They started moving again as she was screaming his name over and over.
When she awoke more sober the next morning, she heard a faint humming sound from the hallway. It sounded like Highway. She sat up to a smell of pancake batter, bacon, hash browns and coffee. She was more aroused by this morning's aroma than last night's activity.
"Mmm, breakfast," she said quietly to herself. "That is so sweet of Highway." She threw off the quilt and sheets, put her clothes on, and headed directly for the kitchen. She saw Highway flipping pancakes, his bare back towards her. Feeling friskier, she crept up to him and placed her hands on his chest, sliding them down to his belly.
"Well, someone's feeling better," he said, giving her some equally frisky vibes. "Valerie, do you mind? Can't you see I'm busy?"
"I just wanted to get a final touch while you're still shirtless," she grinned. She looked over at the pancakes. "Those are turning out well. I'm always fond of a man who can cook. I guess you'd have to learn this as a bachelor, don't you?"
"Either that, or we live on fast food, or go hungry," Highway said. "Which one would you rather go for?" She didn't answer him, just kissed his lips.
He directed her to the dining table, and she sat. "You know, Highway," she said, "last night was one of the greatest nights of my life."
Highway grinned and winked at her. "You deserved it," he replied. "Richly."
Minutes later, breakfast was ready and served. Both had two pancakes and bacon strips, and a side of hash browns each. Valerie put only cream in her coffee. Highway sat down and started eating, not bothering to put a shirt on. Valerie didn't care if it was unmannerly; she actually thought it looked sexy. Once in a while, she reached over and touch his arm to tease. He just smiled back at her, and sometimes growl like he wanted to do it again. They didn't feel any need to say anything.
After a second plate, Valerie realized she had to go home. Highway stopped her and gave another long kiss before she left.
"Aunt Valerie," Drew said immediately when she came home, "Barricade called twice while you were gone. He sounded a little pissed."
She rolled her eyes, but before she could respond, he said, "I told him you were at Highway's place. I asked if I could have you call him back, and he said no. He said something about cooking up something bigger for you."
Valerie paid him for watching Jeremy. "I'd better give him a call. Thanks, Drew."
She helped Jeremy change clothes, then rushed to call Barricade. She dialed his house and got his answering machine. She didn't bother leaving a message. She remembered him carrying a cell phone when he took her and Jeremy to the park. But he never gave her the number. She decided to call C.O.P.S. headquarters.
She was staring at Bulletproof on the screen. "Bulletproof?" she said. "Bulletproof, it's Valerie. Listen, I'd like to speak with Barricade, if I may, please?"
"As a matter of fact, he's still here," Bulletproof replied. "I was just about to send him out on assignment. Hold on, I'll put him on."
Moments later, Valerie was looking at Barricade, all in uniform. "Barricade," she said. "Oh, Barricade, I'm sorry I never called you back. I meant to, really. It's just that I returned Highway's call first and–"
"Spare the details, Valerie," Barricade interrupted. "Your nephew told me you were with Highway last night. You probably just got home, didn't you?"
"Please, Barricade, don't give me this jealous crap," she said. "Not that I had a lousy time with Highway, but I feel bad enough about this as it is." She sighed miserably. "Oh, this is just great. Just when you're ready to forgive me for my mistake, I neglect to return your nice call. You probably hate me again, don't you?"
"Nah, I don't hate you," he assured. "I just have to scheme and plan some more to make you all mine."
She cooed. "That's wonderful to hear, Barricade. You know that I still love you and some of the other C.O.P.S., right?"
"Yeah, well, uh, I'm going off-duty at five this evening, so how about you and Jeremy come over to my house for dinner tonight? And after dinner, maybe you and me can spend some time in the Jacuzzi in my backyard. Maybe you can spend the night with me, too."
She gasped happily and cried, "Oh, Barricade, that would be wonderful. But I don't know about spending the night. I'll have to be at work tomorrow morning."
"Don't worry, me too. I'll drive you to work, and maybe Jeremy can spend the day with us C.O.P.S. So, what do you say?"
"Sounds like a wonderful idea. I accept. What's your address, by the way?"
"7685 Masterland Avenue. I'll see you at six then? You and Jeremy just bring bathing suits and smiles."
"And my briefcase and laptop for work tomorrow," Valerie added. "See you."
She hung up, grabbed Jeremy and whirled him around the living room. Not only was Barricade's love for her restored, but she also remembered the street he lived on. Her family used to live on Masterland, before moving to a new neighborhood in the city when she was nine. She hadn't seen that street in years, but she'd surely know how to get there.
When Valerie and Jeremy turned onto Masterland, he immediately said, "Wow, Mom. Is this… where… you… really… lived… when you… were… little?"
"Sure was, sweetheart," she answered. "Your Grandpa used to work at the insurance company in this area, until they closed it down after his old boss died. When he heard of a job offer in another part of the city, he took it and moved us to the downtown area. I was nine years old and going into fourth grade. And you know that house that Grandma still lives in? That's the house we moved into, and we'd lived there ever since."
"Cool," Jeremy said.
She looked at all the houses, searching out Barricade's. "This neighborhood sure hasn't changed very much."
They arrived at Barricade's house. When Valerie let Jeremy out, he was skipping happily up the walkway. She called at him, "Wait up, Jeremy! I don't think you can lift that cast-ridden arm to ring the doorbell. Let me do it." She joined him at the door and rang the bell.
Barricade answered, and Valerie was impressed by his light blue button-down short-sleeved shirt, untucked, and bone khakis. "God, but you look great," she said, kissing his lips. "Did anyone ever tell you that light blue is your color for sure?"
"Thanks for saying that," Barricade said. "It is pretty true, isn't it?"
She could smell the dinner from the kitchen, as they removed their shoes. "Oh, but something smells really good. I take it that Barricade Catering Services is proudly presenting our dinner?" She used a French accent on the last four words.
He laughed and smiled. "That was so cute. Yes, dinner should be ready in just a few minutes. You arrived just in time. It's a chicken and rice casserole, with kernel corn and peas added for color."
"It should be lovely." Valerie and Jeremy went into the kitchen and looked at the dining table. Barricade had already set out the silverware, the china with the Oriental floral pattern, and two champagne glasses. In the center were two lit candles and scented potpourri. She said, "Barricade, the settings are lovely. Oh, and I love these plates. Where did you get them? I simply must have these the next time I hold a dinner party."
"My parents got them as a wedding gift," Barricade answered. "Mom gave them to me after Dad died, and she decided to move to Phoenix. I've used them only when the family gets together at Thanksgiving at Christmas."
"You've never told your family about us yet, have you?"
"No, not yet." Then he thought, Maybe I will once you get my fellow C.O.P.S. out of your system, and focus on me more!
Twenty minutes later, Barricade took the dinner out of the oven. Valerie was immediately attracted to the smell. "Oh my God, that's so wonderful," she said. She brought her and Jeremy's plates over and Barricade filled them. "And it looks so beautiful, too. Let me guess, you used boneless chicken breasts in this?"
He nodded and added, "And I prepared this right when I got home. Naturally, I got everything I'd need out before I left for work."
"Nice," she replied. "A cooking cop who's quick-witted. I love that."
Barricade poured champagne for himself and Valerie, poured milk for Jeremy, lit the candles before they began eating. Jeremy loved it so much, he ate it up quickly. But he waited patiently while his mother and her date were finishing their plates. As she was finishing up, Valerie looked over at her son and said, "Well, Jeremy obviously likes it. This is deliciously divine, Barricade. Thank you."
"Oh, the pleasure is all mine," he replied. When they both finished their servings, he asked "Seconds anyone? I made lots."
"I would!" Jeremy replied.
"None for me," Valerie answered. "After all, I have to watch my weight."
"I think I'll give you more anyway," Barricade insisted. "You don't need to worry about your weight. I think you're beautiful just the way you are."
Valerie gasped, touched, then she said, "That was so sweet. Thank you for saying that." She gave him a long kiss.
When dinner was over, and the dishes were done, Barricade, Valerie and Jeremy changed into their swimsuits and went out to the Jacuzzi in his backyard. At first, Barricade was concerned about Jeremy joining them, but Valerie assured him, "Don't fret, Barricade. Thanks to modern technology, Jeremy's cast took only a couple of hours to dry. Brian, Tyler, and most of my nieces and nephews were signing it that afternoon. Plus, they made it so it's waterproof. So I think he should be okay."
Ironically, it was hot and humid outside that evening, but Barricade had no swimming pool. He turned on the Jacuzzi, and Valerie immediately got comfortable with the warm water, the bubbles, the running jets. He poured some sparkling apple cider in the champagne glasses they used at dinner, stepped in and sat down next to her. Valerie was touching his shoulders and arms and said, "Oh, Barricade, I can't believe how gorgeous you look into those swim trunks, especially with no shirt on." She grinned and giggled.
He ran his hands through her hair. "You look beautiful in your swimsuit, too." Then he kissed her long and lustrous. How wonderful, she thought. Has he been getting techniques from Sundown?
After a few moments, they noticed Jeremy sitting at the stairs. Barricade smiled, like he knew what the boy was thinking, so he brought him over and sat him on his lap. Jeremy laid his head on Barricade's chest, and rested his arms upon his shoulders.
"Aw, isn't that sweet?" Valerie commented. "He obviously loves you, Barricade."
"That may be," he replied, "but I love the two of you even more." And before she could react, he put his hands around her neck and kissed her again.
Unbeknownst to Valerie, one of her co-workers, Linda Fortense – who lives next door to Barricade – was spying on them from her dining room window. She couldn't stop watching them making love. "Oh my God, Wayne!" she called to her husband. "Look, there's Valerie Boston making out with Barricade in his Jacuzzi. Oh, I have to tell Teresa."
Wayne tried to stop her, saying, "Look, I know you don't agree with her parenting techniques – hell, I've seen how you are with all our kids – but that doesn't mean you should gossip about her."
"The hell it doesn't!" she blasted. "She lets that brat of hers get away with anything and everything because of his damn disabilities. Shaken Baby Syndrome is no excuse. Besides, everyone at work already knows about her stint with Mace and several of those other C.O.P.S. Now this! Valerie's turning out to be quite the slut, I'd say!" She proceeded to dial Teresa's number.
Barricade, Valerie and Jeremy were still in the Jacuzzi when the sky changed colors in the sunset. Around that time, they heard a helicopter nearby. It sounded like it was flying directly above the houses. They turned around to see a big yellow helicopter flying still in the sky, at least fifteen feet above Barricade's roof. The bottom opened up, and two ropes fell from it.
She was horrified to see Turbo Tu-Tone and Berserko sliding down the ropes, landing on the roof where they could see her. Berserko looked like he had a guitar strapped on his shoulder. Turbo looked like he was carrying a megaphone.
"Oh my God!" she cried. "Barricade, how the hell did they know where you live? Shit, you might have to move now!"
"I don't think it's me they want," Barricade said.
Turbo was staring straight down at Valerie from the rooftop. He turned on his megaphone and spoke into it, "Valerie, sweetness. Wow, but you look beautiful this evenin'. Love the way you present those juggies in that swimsuit there, baby!"
Now she was embarrassed. "That's it," she muttered, "I'm getting a breast reduction."
Barricade shushed her. "You'll do no such thing."
She watched Berserko prepare music sheets and tune his guitar, trying to ignore Turbo. But he was still speaking in the microphone loud enough. "You know, me an' Berserko here, we spent all our jail time workin' on this here ditty just fer ya. Hope ya like it, babe." He motioned to Berserko, who started playing O Holy Night. Turbo was singing to her to the tune of the carol.
Oh, Valerie, I want yer lovin' soooo bad.
I need ya now, say you'll take my big hand.
Please sleep with me, I need yer tender warmth, dear.
I'll make ya mine, and forget those dumb C.O.P.S.
Sweet Valerie, come close an' hold me now–
Valerie was immediately annoyed; she thought Turbo's singing was so awful. Moreover, she knew this was another ploy to harass her. She tried to scream over the din. "Barricade, will you get Bulletproof or whoever else on the phone to get these fuckers out of here! I'm getting a fucking migraine!" Barricade went into the house, Valerie and Jeremy following him.
Berserko stopped playing when they disappeared. He said, "Hey! Dat Valerie lady's gone! I wonder where she went off to?"
Turbo was insulted. "She obviously don't like our song," he replied. "Damn, an' we spent six hours on it! C'mon, let's git outta here. We obviously know where we ain't wanted." Berserko packed his music away, and the two climbed up to the helicopter.
When Barricade, Valerie and Jeremy came back out, the crooks were gone, though they could still hear the helicopter. Valerie gave a relieving sigh and said, "Thank God! It was really smart of you to file harassment charges. But still, I hope those assholes get caught. I can't take this shit anymore."
"They must've gone back to their headquarters," Barricade suggested. They went back in the house again just in time to hear the doorbell. Barricade answered to see Blackbelt, and immediately told him what he told Valerie. "My guess is they got insulted by Valerie leaving them; they left shortly after we went inside."
"Yeah, I just came to see if you guys were all right," Blackbelt replied. "Mace and Longarm already spotted the chopper on our way here. Thanks." Then he left.
When the episode was over, Barricade held Valerie, caressed her and whispered, "I'm so sorry this happened, Valerie. I promise we'll do anything to keep you away from Big Boss and those bastards. But right now, let me make it up to you." He brought her face up to meet his. "I think maybe you should spend the night with me. I can help you get Jeremy ready in the morning."
She smiled and said, "That'd be nice. I accept." She checked the time on his VCR. It was a little past nine o'clock. "I think it should be time for Jeremy to get ready for bed anyway." She went to the front door out to her car. "I packed overnight bags for us just in case. They're in the back. I shall return." She returned with bags of sleepwear and next day's clothes, and Barricade volunteered to put Jeremy to bed.
The dating couple had dried off, but never changed out of their bathing suits. They stayed up for another hour, making love on his sofa while listening to a CD of the most popular love songs.
When they were ready for bed, Valerie saw that Barricade had already prepared it. She kissed him and said, "Oh, Barricade, I never knew you were this considerate."
They sat on opposite ends of the bed, their backs away from each other, took off their bathing suits, and tucked themselves in, rolling around to face each other. They grabbed onto each other's shoulders, and continued with their romantic passion. When she was on top of him, she sat up for a moment, letting the covers slide halfway down her back. He was enthralled by the sight of her breasts, and he sat up to kiss her cleavage. He knew better than to go any further.
She waited until he finished, then they shifted themselves back down, her head on his chest. She was listening to his steady heartbeat and said softly, "Barricade, if you want, I can make your heart beat faster for you." She sat back up again and started to massage his body. Barricade was already starting to enjoy it, and his love for it grew as she slid her fingernails all over his stomach, then kneaded his waist like it was bread yeast.
He put his arms around her, shifted her around so he was on top of her, and started to kiss and suck her all over her body. He was softly calling out her name as he did this, and she responded with the same "You're so wonderful" messages over and over.
When they were ready to fall asleep, Valerie placed the covers just over her breasts, while Barricade put them all the way up to his underarms. She noticed this, and pulled them down past his chest. "Why don't you sleep like that?" she suggested. "It'll make you look sexier. And you'll feel sexier knowing that beautiful chest will be the first thing I look at in the morning."
"You've thought of everything, love," he grinned. She moved closer so they could hold each other as they fell asleep.
At seven the next morning, Valerie awoke. Barricade was still sleeping deeply, on his side, away from her. She saw her overnight bag on his closet door handle, so she quickly got up and searched for her bra and underpants. She put them on, grabbed her bag and rushed to the bathroom without waking Barricade. Once there, she turned on his shower and stepped in.
Shortly afterwards, she heard the door open. She suddenly became scared; what if Turbo and Berserko broke into the house. Barricade would take care of it, she knew. Something like break and enter would awaken him fast. But she was surprised when the shower curtain opened, and saw Barricade standing there, wearing only briefs.
Valerie quickly covered herself. "Barricade!" she cried. "I'm sorry if this is unmannerly, but I have to get ready for work."
But he didn't seem angry, more aroused. "That's quite all right," he said. "You've been so wonderful to me, I think you deserve it."
"You know what, Barricade, you were even better," she told him. "I'll only be a few minutes. Why don't you get Jeremy up and dressed, and I'll just about be out by then."
"How about we let him sleep a little longer?" With that, he stripped off his briefs and stepped into the shower with her. They continued to make passionate love, steamier than even the shower heat this time, and were even washing each other down.
A/N: Yeah, that last part seemed disturbingly similar to the disgusting passage barricade read in my last fic, "A Novel Dishonor," but unlike that one, this doesn't show Barricade and Valerie down on their knees in a dirty fuckfest! LOL! So this one is okay! I'm not looking for any trouble here. Anyway, don't forget to read and review, and to all the Americans on here, have a happy Fourth of July. I just survived Canada Day yesterday.