A Fresh Start
Chapter One Hundred Twenty Three
Richard walks in as Cassie comes downstairs. As he sits his briefcase and keys on the counter, she walks over to him. "Hi." He says, reaching for her, hugging her before they kiss.
"How was your day?" He asks, stepping back.
"Good."
"Where are the boys?"
"At the Mitch and Peggy's, they'll be home before dinner."
"Okay."
"You look tired." She says, reaching up brush his hair back.
"I am."
"Are there problems with one of the companies?"
"The one from Chicago, I don't like the man and they're making new demands." Richard says, rolling his shoulder.
"Come on." Cassie says, talking his hand.
"Where are we going?" He asks, following her out of the kitchen and into the living room.
She walks over to the couch and turning to him she says, "Sit down."
He sits down as she moves in behind him. Reaching around, she pulls his tie free as he shrugs out of his jacket. Slowly she begins to massage his shoulders and neck. "Relax." She says, running her hands over his shoulders. "Was it that bad? It's not like you to let negotiations get to you." She asks as he closes his eyes feeling himself relax.
"Umm no, I'm just worried."
"What are you worried about?" She asks, moving up to his neck. When he doesn't answer, she asks. "Richard, what are you worried about?" He sighs softly and she says, "You're worried about me."
"I'm trying not to." He says, feeling her arms slip around him.
"I thought you were going to be the one that was positive and confident nothing was going to happen to us."
"I'm trying but I know this is serious and I can't loose you, not now."
"You're not going to loose me." Cassie says, moving around to face him.
"But I could, and I realized that today.
"Why? What made you realize that today?" She asks, moving closer to him.
"I was eating lunch and a couple came into Company and they looked so happy. They had a three month old baby with them and I thought I can't wait for it to be us. And then I started thinking about you and the baby. And then I started thinking about everything that could go wrong. I mean, look what happened that last time."
"That was out of our control."
"I know, but so is this. And I missed so much with Will and then we thought we lost him. I know we have him back. But I'm not sure I can face loosing another child and I know I can't face loosing you."
"It's okay." Cassie says, getting up and moving around to face him.
"I love you." He says, wrapping his arms around her and holding her close, taking a deep breath, savoring her scent and the softness of her hair under his chin.
Leaning back, he lifts her chin and then softly kisses her. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she buries her fingers in his hair. Softly she licks his lower lips, nibbling gently as he sits back and she moves onto his lap, slipping his tongue inside her mouth caressing her. He slips his hand under her shirt as the front screen door slams. "Mom." RJ and Will call as they run into the living room. Both of them skid to a stop as Cassie pulls away and Richard sighs softly.
"What?" Cassie asks, turning to the boys.
"Can we spend the night with John and Austin?" RJ asks, walking over to them as Cassie starts to get up and Richard tightens his hold around her waist.
"It's a school night RJ."
"I know, but his mom doesn't care and she said she will take us to school in the morning, please."
"What do you think?" Cassie asks, looking at Richard. She can read his answer in his eyes. Smiling she turns to the boys. "You don't have any homework." She asks, looking at both boys.
"No ma'am." They reply, shaking their heads no.
"Alright." She says. "Go get your clothes."
"Thanks." They yell, running for the stairs.
Cassie turns to look at Richard. "You are bad."
"Why?"
"Because you want them to spend the night, so we can be alone."
"I don't see how that's bad. In fact, it's going to be good." He says, as she moves off his lap. "You need to go get a bath. I'll get the boys ready."
"I need to get a bath. You're the one…." He lays finger across her lips before he leans in to kiss her. "Are you trying to say something about the way I smell?"
"No, we're going out."
"We went out this week."
"That's was for business. This is just you and me." Richard says, standing up. Reaching for her hand, he helps her up.
"Where are we going?" Cassie asks as she stands up.
"I'm not sure, but we're going out."
"Alright." She says, leaning into him. "Get the boys ready and we can go out." She says, walking away as he sucks in a deep breath.
He follows her watching her hips sway as she walks upstairs and down the hall. Going into RJ's room as she goes into theirs, RJ is finished so he goes to see about Will. He walks into Will's room. Picking up, the clothes Will had taken out, he puts them in the bag as he asks. "Are you ready?"
"I'm looking for my games."
"Johnny and Austin don't have any games."
"Yes, but we want to play the new one and I know I put it in here. Here it is." He says, pulling out a video game.
Reaching for the pile of games beside him, he stands up. "What are you doing now?"
"I'm taking my games." He says, looking up at Richard.
"You're not taking all of those. Pick two of them to take."
"But…."
"Two, Will?"
"Yes sir." He says, sitting down on the floor. Picking out two games he puts them in the bag as RJ walks in.
"Are you ready?" Richard says, turning to RJ.
"Yes sir."
"Alright, do you both have your school stuff?"
"Yes sir." They both reply, nodding.
"Good." Richard says, following them out of Will's room and downstairs. RJ opens the door as he says. "Go through the field, not the road."
"Yes sir."
"RJ, watch out for your brother." He says, as they run off the porch."
"Yes sir." He calls back as they run across the yard.
Richard closes the door, locking it before he turns for the stairs. Walking into their room, slipping his shoes off as he pulls his shirt out of his pants as he walks towards the bathroom, opening the door, he walks in as Cassie looks up.
"The boys are gone." She says, from the tub.
"Yes, I sent them through the field." He says, pulling his shirt over his head.
Lying back, she watches him. When he's undressed he walks over to the tub. She moves up and he slips in behind her. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulls her back against him.
"I went by Reva's today."
"You did, why?"
"I wanted to see if they could come to dinner when Hawk and Rusty come in for the wedding."
"You're going to tell them about James." He says, as she nods.
"I thought about what you said, and I realized you were right. It will be easier explaining this all at one time"
"I don't think it's going to be as bad as you think."
"Maybe not, and I don't think Reva will be an issue or Josh and Billy."
"But you're worried about Hawk and Rusty."
"Yes, James will be a reminder of what Sarah did and Rusty, we're not close."
"You're taking on too much Cassie. Slow down and we'll take this one day at a time. I think Hawk will understand. You didn't go looking for your father."
"How would you feel if you came back and Josh and I had a child together?"
"I would be hurt, but I think we could work through it. And I think Hawk will understand. If he didn't understand he would not have opened his heart to you simply because you're apart of Sarah."
"Maybe you're right." Cassie says, sighing as he hugs her
Releasing her, he says. "Hand me that shampoo."
Reaching for it, she hands it to him. Squeezing some into his hand, he rubs his hands together. He reaches up and begins to wash her hair. Gently massaging her scalp, closing her eyes, she relaxes back against him. After about five minutes he says. "Lay down so I can rinse your hair."
She lies down, reaching up to help him. When he's finished she sits up. Turning to him, she leans in, kissing him. Sighing softly, he reaches for her, wrapping one arm around her. After several minutes, she leans back and looks down, smiling when she reads the desire in his eyes. Turning around she picks up the conditioner and hands it to him.
Squeezing some into his hand, he rubs his hands together as she turns around. Reaching for her, he runs his hands through her hair. Rinsing his hands off, he wraps his arms around her, pulling her back against him so that she can feel his desire.
Reaching up, she twists her hair up, clipping it as he leans in, softly kissing the back of her neck. Smiling as she shivers. Slowly moving his hands down her sides, gently caressing her as he moves up to her ear, nibbling on her earlobe. Shivering, she turns to him, leaning in she kisses him.
Sighing softly, he reaches up and laying his hand against her cheek. Deepening the kiss, she plays with him until she feels his arm tighten around her. Pulling away, he follows her, trying to hang on, laughing softly she leans back, reaching for the soap and handing it to him. Looking at her, he reaches for the soap, rubbing his hands together for a few moments before he hands the soap to her. Laying his hands on her shoulders, he slowly moves his hand down her back, gently washing her.
Looking down, she watches as he moves his hands over her stomach. He reaches for her hands, running his fingers over each of hers and then up her arms. He leans in to kiss her, while his hands lay against her pulse, feeling the rhythm of her heart as he deepens his kiss. After a few moments he pulls back, smiling as she sighs softly.
"You started this game."
"Maybe I should finish it." Cassie says, reaching for the soap.
"You don't think I can hold out."
"I don't know, can you?" She challenges him.
"Umm, we will see Darling." He says, releasing her and moving his hands down her neck
He washes every inch of her methodically, starting at her neck and working down her body. "Okay, we'll see." She says, putting the soap down and laying her hands on his chest.
She begins. Moving her hands over his chest, not washing him but rubbing her hands across his skin, following his pace and touch until she reaches his belly button, she stops, playing with him while he runs his hands over her nipples, gently teasing them as he washes her. He so gentle she's not sure he's actually touching her or it's her imagination.
She reaches for his arms, running her hand over the muscles, feeling them tense under her hands. Reaching under his arms, she bends her fingers, scratching him as she moves down his chest again. She goes till she reaches the water and then moves back up, playing with him, running the forefinger of each hand over his nipple. The slightest twitch is the only indication that she's working on him and she smiles. "You know we can end this now."
He looks up, smiling as he looks into her eyes. "No, stand up for me. He says, watching her put her hands in the water she pushes herself up to her knees. Standing over him, he looks up, slowly moving his eyes down her body. Reaching up, he moves his hands over her thighs, washing her butt and upper thighs before he moves down to her lower legs. He completely skips her inner thighs. When he's finished, he looks up and smiles.
She looks down, her eyes heavy with desire while she watches him. Reaching for her, he moves back up her legs, feeling the muscles twitch as he moves up them. He looks up and she parts her legs while sucking in a deep breath, preparing herself for his touch.
"Relax, darling."
"I can't." She says, her voice sounding hoarse.
He moves to kneel in the water. Leaning forwards, he softly kisses her stomach. Slowly moving his tongue to catch droplets of water rolling down her stomach, just above her hairline, he stops. Leaning back, he moves his hands up her inner thigh as she spreads her legs further, dreading, yet craving his touch. He washes her hair first, never actually touch her desire.
Clinching her fists, she looks down, watching him. He looks up, watching as he reaches for her. Moving his fingers over her, washing her with his hands, he feels her body clinch beneath his hands. When he's finished, he takes his hand and cups the water, pouring down her legs and over her desire and then he reaches for her again. He caresses her, playing with her desire as he leans forward, nibbling on her lower stomach.
Her scent is intoxicating as she reaches for him, holding his head against her while he continues to play with her. After several more moments, he pulls away. Sitting back before she can stop him. She looks down, watching him. He sees the quick swipe of her tongue of her lower lip when she sees his reaction to their game. "Does that hurt?"
"Not yet." He says, fighting the urge to shift his hips.
She sees through him. "Are you through?" She asks, looking back up.
"Umm, yes go ahead and sit down and then hand me your feet."
"No, you're not washing my feet."
"You don't trust me?"
"I…." She looks up and then sighs.
Leaning back, she lifts her left foot as he reaches for the soap, rubbing his hands together as she sucks in a deep breath and he smiles. Reaching for her foot, he holds it with one hand while moving his other one over it, being careful not to be too ticklish. He really didn't want to be kicked.
"I wouldn't kick you." Cassie says, reading the look in his eyes.
"I'm not taking the chance." He says, as he releases her foot and reaches for the other one, repeating the process before he asks. "Do you want to rinse your hair out now?"
She looks at him before she lays back, releasing her hair. "That's fine." She replies.
She reaches up, running her fingers through her hair, knowing that the movement pulls her breast up, also knowing that it would immediately draw his attention to them. He watches her as she rinses her hair and when she sits up, he reaches for her. Turing her head to him, he leans in, kissing her. He tries to pull her onto his lap, but she resists. Breaking the kiss, she asks. "Are you going to wash your hair?"
He doesn't answer at first, fighting for control. "No." He says, after taking a couple deep breaths.
She reaches for the soap, rubbing her hands together. She lays the soap down and then turns to him, laying her hand on his chest. She begins to wash him, moving her hands over his chest and up his neck. Leaning forwards, he kisses her as she moves her hands over his shoulders and down his arms. Reaching around her with one arm, he pulls her to him as she moves her hands down his back. When she reaches his waist, she leans against him, letting him play with her nipples while fire rolls through her. "Richard." She sighs, sucking in a deep breath, fighting for control. After a few minutes, she pulls away. "Stand up."
"What?"
"Stand up so I can finish."
"Cassie."
"You started this." She reminds him, smiling.
He sucks in a deep breath, fighting the urge to pull her to him. "This hurts." He says, closing his eyes.
She leans in, kissing him softly before she whispers. "Let me finish and we can get out."
"You're going to kill me." He says, moving to stand up.
She moves back reaching for the soap. Rubbing her hands together, she reaches up. Starting at his outer thigh, she moves her hands over his legs, washing him while lightly caressing him. She feels each muscle clinch when she touches it. She moves inside, moving up his legs.
When she reaches for his desire, he sucks in a deep breath, releasing it in a slow hiss. She moves her hands over him, washing him but even that feeds the desire coursing through him and they both feel him harden even more. Shifting his hips as she releases him, reaching for waters, she moves her hand over him, rinsing him off. He looks down, watching her. Desire burns hot inside him when she licks her lower lip.
Reaching for him again, she cups him for a few seconds, testing the weight of his desire until he shifts his hips again. Releasing him, she wraps her hand around him, slowly moving her hand over him. He reaches for her, taking the clip for her hair before he buries his hand in her hair, as she leans forward licking him as she moves to kneel before him. She takes him deeper, caressing him with her mouth, lips and tongue.
Closing his eyes, he moves closer as she takes him deeper and he sucks in a deep breath. She pulls back, running her tongue over the tip of his erection. A staggering wave of desire rushes through him and he feels his control slipping. "Cassie." He groans, pulling away.
She looks up and he reaches for her. Helping her up, he gets out and then helps her out before sweeping her into his arms, not taking the time to dry off. He carries her into the bedroom. Laying her down, he leans over her, kissing her as he enters her. He sucks in a deep breath when he feels her closing around him, surrounding him in smooth warm velvet, slick with her desire for him. She looks up, watching him. Watching the emotions roll over his face, seeing his jaw clinch as he gulps in a couple of breaths of air. She feels him clinch the comforter beside her. Reaching up, she runs her hand down his chest, scratching him. "Go on."
He looks down, seeing the desire in her eyes "If I move, I won't be able to hold on." He gasps.
"I know." She says her voice soft and smoky with desire.
Pulling free, he lies down and then reaches for her. She moves over to him, straddling him and reaching for him she guides him inside her before leaning over him, she kisses him as she begins to slide back and forth. Laying his hand on her hips, he arches his back, guiding her. "Darling… I love you." He groans.
She sits up, taking him deeper. Slowly she moves faster, pushing them both closer to the end. Releasing her, he reaches up, sliding his hand over her, cupping her breasts, moving his thumbs over her nipples, playing with them. She feels tingling waves of desire wash over her. He moves on after a few moments, lightly caressing her stomach, laying his hand over their baby. She looks down, watching him. "We love you too." She says, reading the look in his eyes.
He looks up as he leans up. She leans over him. They kiss as he moves on, stopping for a couple moments to play with her navel before he moves on again, slipping his hand between them, and cupping her, as he looks up, smiling as he touches her, caressing her hidden desire as their rhythm increases. "Richard." She moans, arching her back.
She feels her body tighten around him, holding him tightly. Rolling waves of release flows over her, caressing him as he thrusts into her, holding her still, he thrusts again and again while each wave of her release squeezes him tighter, caressing him. It's beyond anything they've every experienced together. He feels his body tighten as he thrusts for the final time. Sweeping waves of desire gushes through him, filling them both with release.
He wraps his arms around her as she lies down on top of him. Fluttering ripples of their release flow over them. Its several moments before either one feel like they can move. "If this is what I get when I take a bath with you. I'll take a bath with you everyday." Richard says, teasing her.
She leans back, smiling at him. "You know it must be something about a bath tub."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, Blake got pregnant with Marissa after she and Ross had sex in the shower, grant it was hot and they were soaked, but still." She says, smiling at him.
"Need I remind you, you're already pregnant?"
"But if I wasn't, I think we would be now." She says, moving off him.
He lets her go. Lifting his arms so she can lay her head on his shoulder and he can wrap his arm around her. "Pregnant or not, I would still love you."
"And I love you." She says, lightly kissing his shoulder.
They lay there for several minutes, enjoying the silence and begin together. "You said we were going out." Cassie says, idly drawing designs on his chest.
"Yes, I did." He says, moving to release her. "So let's go." He says, sitting up.
He gets up and goes into the bathroom, using it. After he's through, he walks over to the sink, reaching for his shaving cream and razor. About ten minutes later, he puts the stuff away, washes his face and then tosses the wash cloth into the dirty clothes before he walks out. He stops when he sees Cassie still lying on the bed. She hasn't moved from her earlier position. "What's wrong?" He asks, walking over to her.
"Nothing." She says, looking at him.
"You're not getting dressed."
"I know. I'm trying to tempt you."
"Tempt me."
"Yes." She says, reaching for his hand and laying it on her stomach. "Let's stay home tonight." She looks up.
"You want to stay home."
"Umm hmm." She says, taking a finger and moving it over her stomach, dipping it into her navel. Fluttering waves of desire roll through her stomach. "We've got food downstairs and the boys won't be home until tomorrow night. We've got chocolate syrup downstairs."
"Chocolate syrup."
"Yes, and that could lead to another shower or bath, which ever one you want."
He sits down beside her, leaning over he kisses her softly. "I like your idea even more than going out." He whispers, moving to lie down beside her.
Jeffrey and Sam are sitting on the bed. He is holding her hand. He reaches up and brushes her hair back. "Are you feeling better?"
She nods, looking at him and smiling. "The crackers and sprite are helping."
"Good." He says, reaching for the pillows. Propping them up, he moves to the lean back against them. "Come here." He says, lifting his arm
She moves over to him, leaning against him as she eats another cracker and he lays his arm across her shoulders. Reaching up, he runs his fingers through her hair. She takes a drink as he reaches for a cracker and she asks. "Are you feeling okay?"
"I feel fine. I'm hungry." He says, eating the cracker.
"J." She says, sitting up.
"Don't get your feathers ruffled. My job is to make sure you're okay. I can eat later."
"No, you're going to eat something now."
"Sam." He says, reaching for her.
"No, we'll go get something to eat." She says, getting up.
"Alright." He says, getting up.
"We'll go in a few minutes. I've got get a shower."
He smiles as he sits back down on the bed. About twenty minutes later, she comes out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her. He watches her walk over to their suitcases, getting out her clothes. He continues to watch as she drops the towel, reaching for her panties as he gets up. Walking over to her, he slips his arms around her, lightly kissing her neck as he pulls her back against him. "You know, we don't have to go out. I'll be fine with…."
"No, you need to eat." She says, turning in his arms.
"I'll be fine with you.' He says, leaning in.
She lays her hand on his chest. "No, we're going to get you something to eat."
"What about you?"
"I'll eat too, but you need your strength."
"I need my strength."
"Yes, we've only got a couple days left on this honeymoon and I plan to use every moment while we're here." She says, as he sees something flash in her eyes.
"Hey, what's wrong?" He asks, reaching up to caress her cheek.
"It's nothing. We need to go." She says, pulling away.
"Sam, what's worrying you." He asks, tightening his arms around her. She looks up and then looks away. "You might as well tell me. I'll get it…."
"It's been nice not having to think about Olivia and worry about what she will do…."
He pulls her to him, wrapping his arms around her and laying his head on the top of her head. "I'm sorry you have to worry about Olivia. I don't want you to worry about anything, especially now."
"I'm not worried." She says, as she looks up and sees the skeptical look on his face. "But it's been nice not thinking about her. Maybe things will be different when we get back, now that she knows everything."
"Maybe she will accept us now, I don't know. But if she doesn't I'll protect both of you." He says, leaning in to kiss her
When he takes a step closer, she pulls away. "We need to go." She says. "So, let me get dressed."
"Alright, since I can't seem to tempt you into staying here, we'll go get something to eat."
"I'll be ready in a few moments." She says, reaching for her bra.
He walks over to the couch. Sitting down, he turns the TV on and flips to a sports channel. Ten minutes later, she comes out of the bathroom, hair brushed, makeup on and teeth brushed. "Okay, are you ready?"
"Okay, let's go." He says, standing up. He catches the looks on her face. "What?"
"Are you going like that?"
"What's wrong with this?"
"The jeans are fine, but that shirt. I can see your nipples its so thread worn."
"You don't want to see my nipples."
"I don't mind seeing your nipples, chest, or the whole body. But I don't want the rest of the world seeing it."
Smiling, he leans over to kiss her before he walks over to his suitcase and pulls out another shirt, tossing it on the bed. He takes the t-shirt off and tosses on the floor before he picks up the other one and pulls it on and then he turns to her and asks. "Is this better?"
"Much." She says, walking over to him. She leans up to kiss him quickly before she takes his hand and says. "Let's go, we've got to get you ready for the next two days."
"Umm, I'm not sure I can do much more than I've already done."
"I'm sure I can convince you." She says, as he laughs holding the door for her.