Beautiful Bounty(30)

“Come on. Let’s go out in the yard. I hate being indoors and cooped up,” she stated as she got up from her stool. He had no choice but to follow.

It was still early, the breeze off the water kept the heat of the Florida summer at bay. Missy followed them outside, and Ronnie was throwing a purple something, that resembled a monkey of some sort, a chew toy. He couldn’t tell.

He stood beside her and watched her interact with the aging dog. “Hey, I’m sorry about earlier. If it’s any consolation, this guy is good. He has one of the highest success rates in Tampa of any defense attorney. And, I’m sure being almost family through your mom’s friend, you’ll get a great discount.” He gave her his boyish innocent smile, and she returned it.

“You’re probably right. Don’t worry about it. I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. I’m glad Ana was able to get him to represent me.” Missy chased the purple mess, and came loping back. Ronnie threw it again, and continued. “Thanks for coming though. I feel horrible for my mom, and every time we are alone together the guilt just gets to me.”

“Glad to be a distraction, milady,” he bowed and she laughed at the noble gesture.

“I just need time to not think about it sometimes too, you know?”

“That’s what working on my car was when my folks died,” he offered softly, taking the purple monkey from her and throwing the next pitch.

She could still see the pain there. He did understand. But when their hands touched, the current passing through them was instant. He stepped back.

Ronnie made eye contact with him, knew he felt this energy too, but was trying to restrain himself as her breath nearly left her.

“I’m sorry you lost them so young, but I’m glad you understand.” She took a step closer to him, needing to be near his energy again.

His heart rate picked up with each step. What he saw in her eyes thrilled him.

“It’s nice to have a friend who understands,” she practically whispered.

“A friend, Ronnie. I like that,” he teased as she got closer. “Hey, can we be friends?” he joked softly, using the title of an old song as her body came to within an inch of his. He knew that word was meant to remind him of something, but only God knew what it could be in that moment.

She was so close, and it just seemed so natural to take her into his arms, and that’s what he did. Forgotten were her mother’s words. Forgotten were her pleas from yesterday. When she looked up to him within his embrace, he bent to press a kiss to her forehead. But when she lifted her face higher, the kiss they shared was as natural as breathing. Both of them held the passion in check but it was there, under the surface, waiting to be unleashed.





Nikko and Ronnie were still in the backyard, talking at this point, when Ronald Stimson showed up in his silver Lexus, parking next to the classic Cutlass, and behind Louisa’s Audi.

He recognized the girl from her mug shot, and Ana’s description. He waved at the young couple sitting at a picnic bench in the backyard. She’d have to do something about her hair, and her clothes, he thought, as he continued on to the front door of the small house. The young couple had risen and it seemed would greet him inside entering from the rear although it appeared they were in no rush.

Louisa Russell opened the door, and he remembered the well-endowed brunette from the reception his mother-in-law threw for Teddy, and his new bride upon their return from Las Vegas.

Ronald greeted Louisa warmly, but with a professional demeanor. “It’s nice to see you again Mrs. Russell, albeit I wish it were under better circumstances.” He gave her a nod of sympathy.

“Oh, please call me Louisa or Lou, and thank you so much for taking this case, Ronald. We didn’t know who to call, and when Ana suggested . . .” she rattled.

“You are quite welcome,” he interrupted. “My wife, Ebony, dotes on her baby brother, Teddy, and she’d have it no other way. The whole family adores his wife, Ana, and you are her closest friend. She may not have even married the poor man and put him out of his misery if it weren’t for your help I hear.” He made small talk as he passed through the open door, and looked around the modest, but comfortable looking home.

Lou was a working woman; she worked day by day, and week by week to get by. Her new husband was a mechanic, worked on airplanes at a local, small airport, and he had only been working there about a year. He turned to face her when she started to speak again.

“Well, no matter why you accepted, we are just thrilled you did. I have heard nothing but great things about you. I feel we really have a chance,” she paused looking to see his reaction.