Gail sat staring into her vodka and lemonade, wondering what wrongs she had done in her past life to deserve the apparent bad karma that plagued her life now. It would be easy to blame Lucas for everything, she had given her soul over to the devil after all; however, that did not explain what she knew deep down.
'My life was a shit storm before I met him' she whispered to herself, taking a long sip of her drink and enjoying the feel of the cold liquid trailing down her throat.
'Huh?' Billy asked from across the booth, turning his attention away from Christie and ignoring her hurt look.
Gail had not meant to speak out loud and waved his attention off, then sighed when her ex friend and her oldest friend began flirting with each other again. She had not initially been bothered by Billy's intrusion of their girls night; however, now he was beginning to grate on her. She watched them with a look of disgust as they began to kiss and her mind returned back to what she had done to deserve this pitiful life.
When Billy kissed Christie more passionately, Gail felt nauseous and shook her head at the public display when he had a girlfriend. Her mind wandered to Selena and how people treated her, due to the clothes she wore and the image she portrayed. Gail herself had sworn off her long skirts and old fashioned cardigans, opting for short dresses or skirts and blouses. People did not tarnish her name when she strolled around in a short skirt in the winter and people did not appear to bat an eye lid at Selena's boyfriend with his hands all over another woman. The double standard made her laugh out loud and she got up to get another drink, before she spoke out of turn.
'Whoa there, better watch where you're goin' Miss Emory' a tall man said, holding his hands up in mock surrender when Gail walked into him.
Gail stared up at the stranger who had called her by her maiden name, her hands still resting on his chest where they had collided and then smiled when her mind placed the face. 'It can't be...Dylan Thomas?' she asked in disbelief and smiled at the handsome man in front of her.
'In the flesh' Dylan laughed, taking her into his arms and spinning her around affectionately.
Gail could not contain her laughter at this bold embrace, then smacked his cheek playfully before crossing her arms in mock disapproval. 'Well Mr Thomas, you've grown since the last time we met' she said sarcastically, feeling a flutter in her stomach at the sight of a friend from her childhood.
'Gail Emory, you've certainly changed since I used to follow y'all around like a puppy all those years ago' Dylan beamed, not believing he had finally ran into her.
'Buck' Billy interjected, standing up from the booth and pulling her to him. 'She's Gail Buck and I think her husband will be expecting her home about now'
Gail could not believe his possessive tone and shrugged his arm off of her, before moving closer to Dylan. 'I'm sure your girlfriend is expecting you home too, I wonder if she knows you're groping another woman in her local bar' she said knowingly, then shook her head when Christie took Billy's arm and stormed out of the bar with him.
'If I was the Sheriff, I'd want you home' Dylan leaned in close and whispered in her ear, ignoring the disapproving looks from his friends across the room.
Gail glanced up at him and smiled playfully, buzzed off the amount of alcohol that she had already had to drink. 'Well it's a good job you aren't the Sheriff, otherwise I'd be in for some real punishment...Come on, buy me a drink' she ordered, then allowed Dylan to lead her to the bar.
Lucas lay wide awake in his large empty bed and stared up at the ceiling restlessly. He had put his boys to sleep hours earlier and was just beginning to drop off himself, when he sensed an intrusion in his home and waited patiently for the guilty party to make their way up to him. When the door creaked open slowly he closed his eyes and remained still, curious as to what this unexpected visit was in aid of. He waited silently, allowing his breath to become low and decided not to give away his alert state.
Gail took off her heels and stumbled into the room clumsily, then grabbed Luke's crib to steady herself. She had spoken to Abe earlier; therefore, knew Lucas had taken their son and had wanted to see Luke before heading off to sleep for the night. Although she was very drunk, her senses were alert and she knew Lucas was monitoring her discreetly. She chose not to alert him to her knowledge and reached into the crib carefully, then stroked Luke's head tenderly and placed a soft kiss on his cheek.
Lucas remained still, not wanting to disturb their tender moment and kept his eyes closed. He could smell the alcohol on her from here and although he disapproved of her being in that state so close to their son, he knew she would never do anything to jeopardise his well-being and willed her to him.
Gail stared down their beautiful sleeping boy for a few moments, then ran her hand through her hair slowly and began unbuttoning her blouse. Seeing Dylan had thrown her emotions into turmoil, it had stirred up old feelings that she had buried deep and she craved a release of the tension building inside of her. She sensed Lucas' desire for her and chose not to fight their connection. She moved closer to the bed and removed her panties as she walked, then threw off the covers and climbed on top of Lucas, taking hold of his hard manhood and placing him inside of her carefully.
Lucas let out a loud moan when he filled her and chose not to ruin this unexpected visit by questioning her motives. Instead he just ran his fingers over her thigh high stockings and accepted what she required of him, happy that she had come to him willingly.
Gail scraped her nails down his bare chest slowly, then tangled her fingers in his chest hair as she called out quietly in ecstasy. Her life may be cursed; however, this was the one constant that never disappointed her and she loved the feel of him inside of her. She laughed at her own weakness for what this Adonis had to offer and inhaled deeply when he pulled himself up to a sitting position and pushed his hips higher, enabling his manhood to go deeper.
Lucas smiled at Gail's clear enjoyment of their union, it had been some time since he had seen her smile and watching her ride him gave him hope that the rough patch they were going through would soon her over. He sensed her climax rising with his and gripped her behind tight, he called out when he erupted inside of her then pushed her down on the bed and manoeuvred himself on top, not ready to let her go.
Gail allowed him to take control and dug her nails into his back. She willed him to take her hard and bit his shoulder playfully when he appeared to sense her desire.
Lucas pounded in and out of her, not able to get enough of her. The lack of union between them recently had taken it's toll on him, making him desperate for her touch and now that he had her, he would take her for all she had.
Gail's climax hit hard and Lucas pulled her face to his for a passionate kiss, then appeared to think better and nuzzled his head into her neck. Gail smiled at his respect for their deal, then retook control and manoeuvred herself on top of him again.
'I'm up for this all night if you are' Lucas panted and slapped her behind playfully as she rode him hard. He moved his hands to her bra and caressed her before squeezing her breasts tight.
Gail had not forgiven him, far from it and this was her relieving her pent up feelings that had stirred unexpectedly. She kept her thoughts well guarded and disregarded the pain she was beginning to feel due to the intense movement, then dug her nails into his chest as their climax came together and buried her head into his shoulder to stifle her call.
Lucas held the back of her neck tight to keep her close to him, while they both tried to get air into their lungs and kissed her neck, her cheek and her nose, ensuring he respected her wishes by avoiding her lips. As his small beard brushed against her cheek, she let out a quiet laugh and he smiled as he ran his lips over the outline of hers. 'It appears my usual grooming has gone by the wayside without my wife at home to police me' he joked.
Gail closed her eyes sadly at the comment, then shook off her regrets and carefully stood, releasing him from her.
Lucas watched confused as she cleaned herself up and put her panties back on. 'You're leavin' now?' he asked in disbelief, wondering what he had done this time.
'This is our deal Lucas, get used to it unless going back to no contact is preferable' she stated calmly and moved back towards Luke's cot.
'Gail' he sighed quietly, after he witnessed her kiss Luke's forehead and creep out of the room; however, she disregarded him and continued down the stairs. Lucas lay back in the bed and stared up a the ceiling, knowing there was going to be no restful sleep for him tonight.
The morning breeze blew through the open window in the Study and Gideon lay peacefully in front of the large fireplace soaking up the heat, while he watched suspiciously as the small child crawled slowly towards him. He let out a low growl, in warning against what he sensed was coming next and blew out a long breath when he felt the tiny fingers close around his tail tight and the pulling began.
Caleb watched cautiously as Luke tugged on Gideon's tail and half expected the mysterious dog to attempt to retaliate viciously, without Gail being present to control him; however, the dog just started licking the ball of Luke's bare foot and made his brother laugh loudly. Caleb shook his head at the display and turned towards the door to the Study when he heard his father finally approaching. Lucas had overslept again and Caleb had thought it best to bring Luke down with him, to avoid him disturbing his father.
'That was mighty considerate of you' Lucas advised, as he walked past his boys and headed for the coffee pot Caleb had already brewed for him. His eldest was becoming essential in helping him get out to work in the mornings; however, at some point he would have to stop depending on him and start behaving in a responsible manner.
Lucas approached the couch where Caleb sat and followed his eyes to where Luke was laying on his back giggling, while Gideon placed a large paw on him to hold him in place. His youngest was struggling to get up, whilst still attempting to obtain the mutts tail; however, Gideon held him down effortlessly and continued to lick his feet.
'He wouldn't play with me like that' Caleb stated bitterly, unable to hide his jealousy.
'He'd rip my throat out if I went anywhere near him, so count yourself lucky you ain't me son' Lucas advised, then shot him a playful wink.
Gideon let out a loud growl, sensing their attention on him and then went back to licking the baby. Luke let out a loud scream; however, he continued to laugh and Gideon curled up around him protectively, ensuring the baby was warm.
'You think he misses her too?' Caleb asked, watching Gideon form a protective barrier around his brother.
'I think he's guardin' you both while she ain't around, ready for when she get's back' Lucas stated, attempting to remain positive.
'If she ever does come back' Caleb shrugged moodily, then got up and headed towards the kitchen.
Lucas shook his head in irritation and watched as Luke attempted to climb over Gideon. He was not fond of the mutt; however, he did appear to want to protect his boys and that was something they both had in common.
When Caleb returned with a glass of milk, Lucas downed his coffee and braved approaching Gideon to lift up Luke. He held up his youngest and stared at him with warning when his small hands closed in around his cheeks, then pulled his cheeks forward to force his lips into a pout. Lucas tried to hold in his amusement when Caleb spat out his milk with laughter and kept a serious face when Luke pulled his face closer and kissed his lips.
'At least someone likes you' Caleb joked and stroked Luke's back affectionately.
Lucas shot him a mock look of disapproval, then turned his attention back to Luke and thought for a moment. 'You know what? I think we're overdue teachin' our boy about our favourite pastime' he advised, then smiled when the realisation hit Caleb.
Caleb jumped up excitedly, then ran out of the Study to find his fishing rod. Lucas turned to Luke and stroked his head gently, before rubbing his nose on his and shaking his head. 'If that ol' Mother of yours truly wants to leave us, she'll have to get used to not havin' you' Lucas advised him, then left the Study and ignored Gideon's disapproving growls.
-To be continued-