Like a Fox on the Run, стр. 21

Still, it took nothing away from her. God, she was still as beautiful as she’d always been! He felt the same simultaneous tear at his gut. The years had been kind to her, and he thought her as beautiful as that first night she’d stole his heart. When he looked at her, his mind’s eye always saw the twenty-one-year-old Kentucky girl that had so completely captivated a poor, dumb Alabama boy.

“It’s been too long,” he replied, resisting the very real urge to reach out and touch the face that hung in the air in front of him. He’d heard the divorce from the egghead had been a strain, but she never let it show. She’d never even mentioned it. Lulah had always been like that. Tough. Never one to complain. A scrappy, feisty, country gal from the hills of the Eastern Kentucky coal country. She’d always been a trooper. “I thought maybe if you weren’t busy tomorrow night …”

“What’d you have in mind?” Her eyes brightened in anticipation.

“I thought maybe we’d fly up to Nashville, catch a show or something.”

“Sounds doable. I’ll have to find a babysitter.”

“No! I’d love to see the young’uns, too! If it wouldn’t be too much trouble.”

“I think they would enjoy that too!” Lulah was elated that Tiger wanted to see her children. Most times, she felt they were a source of discomfort for him. “But Mommy needs a night out! Can we say seven-ish?”

“Sure!” he shrugged, as there was a knock on the door. “I got a blank itinerary after tonight.”

Opening the door, he found the Andi desk clerk standing there, holding a stack of thick, cotton bath towels. “I thought you might need some extra linens,” she offered, the sly smile on her face letting him know she thought he was in need of a few other things as well. Before he could reply, she moved past him into the room … and into Lulah’s line of sight.

“You got company?” she asked, her look turning in a mix of suspicion and disappointment.”

“Room service.” Well, it wasn’t a lie … not technically. “I needed some towels.”

“Oh?” Her expression changed only slightly. She hated the sinking feeling that was washing over her. What the hell? Jealousy? Seriously? Over someone bringing him towels? Besides, it wasn’t any business of hers. They were just friends now. She pushed the unpleasant thoughts from her head. “So …whatcha got going on tonight?”

“Uh … well, I got some …” He’d strategically maneuvered himself around so she couldn’t see the bathroom. She definitely wouldn’t have been pleased, as the clerk, having set the towels on the shelf above the toilet, had stepped back into the room. Without a word, she gave him a naughty grin, kicked off her scoots and began undoing the Velcro of her plastic skirt. “Ummm … uhhhh…” He tried to remain calm and collected, as the skirt came undone and she let it fall to her feet. “Ummm … y’know, business in Hotlanta to tend to.”

“Mmmm hmmm …” Lulah was saying. Her tone was skeptical. She’d known him too long. He could never lie to her. She’d suspected him of being involved in improper dealings for years. She wondered why she worried so much about a man she now saw maybe once a year. But she always had. Probably always would. Old habits, like young love and youthful dreams, die bitterly hard.

The fact that he was also keeping her back to the room hadn’t gone unnoticed either.

If he caught the concern in her voice, he didn’t let on. His PDC was toning out the sequence code that let him know the Pegasus had just touched down outside. Pulling back the curtain, he visually verified it had found a parking space and was cycling down.

Looking back, he saw that the shapely little android already had her top off and was now undoing the strap on her bra. It was all he could do to keep his mouth from falling open and eyes bulging wide as two heavy, well-rounded, magnificent breasts sprang free. They were milky white, with light pink nipples. She had a fine Rubenesque figure. He took in the ample breasts and wide hips separated by a thick but womanly waist. He felt himself swell. He knew it was wrong, but it’d been too long. In the war of good and bad choices, he was going to lose this battle without even a skirmish.

“Tiger … Tiger? Lulah’s voice interrupted his carnal distraction. “You ok? What are you looking at?”

“Oh, nothing!” he felt a wave of terror wash over him. Jesus! Get your act together, dumbass! “Just a roach!” he added a bit too hastily for his liking. “Damn shame! This place is going to hell.” He attempted to distract her. “I hear there’s a new steakhouse just off Broadway. Wanna give it a try? Supposed to be pretty good. Reservations only. But I know some people that know some people, if you know whatta mean. Wanna give it a try?”

“I’m game.”

“Well alright, my dear, I’ll see you tomorrow night.” The girl had slipped off her panties now, and the sight of her thick, curly indigo bush aroused him even more.  An elaborate dragon tattoo crawled up her left hip to her ribcage, the shades of emerald, teal and hunter green ink perfectly complementing her hair color. She moved over to sit on the side of the bed, waiting patiently in silence.

“I’ll be ready.” Lulah was saying. “Looking forward to it.”

He paused before saying goodbye. “It’s damned good to see you again, Lulah. It really is. I missed you.”

“You should!” she joked, her look turning playfully brazen. “I was the best you ever had!”

“That you were!” he agreed, as the memories rushed back. “That you were, indeed!” He fought back that familiar twinge of pain and forced a