When Hell Freezes Over (10 page)

A breathless voice pierced the silence. “Keaton…please.”

He continued his exploration, asking, “Please what, Meridan?”

She couldn't answer him. She was so confused that she didn't know if she wanted him to stop or continue. She was utterly speechless and wanted to scream, feeling his lower region pressing against her body. What she did know was that Keaton Lapahie was driving her crazy. She had no idea she would respond to him in a way to make her feel like this. Keaton himself felt delirious so he became even more daring as he slid his hand inside the waistband of her pants and stroked her. Meridan bit down on her lower lip, closed her eyes, and prayed very hard. She was beginning to have flashbacks of that horrible night with Sam.

You can get through this. Don't let Sam win. Sam will never break your spirit.

“Meridan?”

Their eyes met and she relaxed. Even though she was speechless, she had an idea what he was asking, but she didn't know the answer. She was a little afraid to open her mouth, in fear that she would scream. Keaton's hand slid down even further as he found her to be moist and ready for him. He slid his finger inside her, causing her to scream out his name.

“Keaton!”

Overwhelmed at the moment himself, he breathlessly answered, “I'm here, Baby.”

He kissed her harder, knowing if she didn't stop him now, he wouldn't be able to stop later. Then like a bomb going off in his head, it dawned on him… he didn't bring any protection and it was so unlike him. He normally carried it like an American Express card but, for some reason, he was totally unprepared tonight. The reason being this was the last thing he thought he'd be doing with Meridan; even though he'd dreamed about it countless times.

He removed his hand. “Meridan, sweetheart, we have to stop. I don't want to, but I have to. I don't have anything to protect you. Do you have anything?”

Still somewhat dazed, she shook her head to let him know that she didn't. He kissed her and rested his head on her breasts.

“I'm sorry,” he sadly admitted.

She gently stroked his head and neck.

“Don't be, Keaton. It was beautiful. Thank you.”

He was silent as he absorbed her words. It seemed he'd pleased her just by his touch. God knows what their experience would be like when they finally made love.

As Meridan lay there trembling, she prayed he'd never find out her past before he returned to Texas. She wouldn't be able to look him in the eyes again. A man like Keaton would never be able to understand.

Later that night, Keaton tossed and turned in his bed after returning from Meridan's house. For some reason, he couldn't get comfortable. He stared at
the clock, which read three forty-five a.m. As he lay there in the darkness, he realized it was the encounter with Meridan that was causing his sleeplessness. He knew she had to get up early for work, but he needed to hear her voice; just to make sure she was okay. Turning to pick up the telephone, he dialed her number. He could hear his heart pounding, which was so unlike him. A sexy sounding voice answered on the second ring.

“Hello?”

“Meridan, it's Keaton. I'm sorry to call you so late,” he said apologetically.

Breathing a sigh of relief, she answered, “That's okay. I wasn't asleep anyway. Is anything wrong?”

He rolled over. “Nah, I couldn't sleep.”

“Me either, so I decided to get a little work done.”

Keaton sat up against his pillows and softly said, “I guess you know what's causing my sleeplessness.”

Smiling, she said, “I don't have a clue. Fill me in.”

“Oh, I don't know, maybe a particular All-American beauty and what she did to me tonight.”

Laughing, Meridan playfully asked, “Really? Ah, Keaton, that's so sweet and the feeling's mutual.”

Humbly, he said, “I'd better let you get some rest. I realize you have to go to work in the morning.”

She laid her paperwork down. “I'm used to late hours. There are nights I can't sleep. Besides, I don't have to be in the office until nine o'clock. I'm going to try and catch a few winks in a sec. You should try to go back to sleep, too.”

“I'm going to try,” he said, sighing.

“For the record, I had a great time tonight, Keaton.”

“I wished I could've made it better for you,” he admitted.

Meridan smiled. “Believe me…you made my day, in more ways than one. I'm still tingling.”

Silence gripped the conversation as Keaton silently punished himself for not having protection.

“Keaton?”

“I'm here,” he said seductively.

She sighed. “You'd better get to sleep. You're going to need your rest before we get to Mississippi. One, my dad is going to talk your head off from sunup to sundown. Two, my Aunt Glo will probably try to make passes at you the entire time. I'll do whatever I can to keep her under control.”

Keaton laughed out loud. “Is she fine?”

“Keaton Lapahie!”

“I'm kidding. I'm sure if she's anything like her niece, she's very beautiful. Don't worry. I'm sure I'll be well-rested by the time we leave.”

Yawning, she said, “On that note, I guess I'd better turn in. You, too, Keaton.”

“I guess you're right. Goodnight, Meridan.”

“Goodnight, Keaton. Sweet dreams.”

With a smile in his voice, he answered, “Oh, that I'm sure of. I'll talk to you in a few hours.”

“I'll be waiting.”

They hung up together and, at the same time, let out a loud sigh. Meridan reached over and turned out the light on her nightstand before settling under her comforter. She wasn't lying to him when she said her body was still tingling. Their encounter left her anticipating the moment he would make her complete.

On the other end of town, Keaton fluffed his pillows and turned over for hopefully more dreams of an angel. He couldn't wait to see her after she got off work. If given another chance, he'd make sure he was prepared for Meridan St. John.

 

T
he next morning, Keaton got up bright and early. He wanted to show Meridan how much fun he'd had last night. The two stops he made were unusual and he had to laugh about it himself.

Meridan had already seen two kids with strep throat and three others with ear infections. She had a few minutes before her next appointment and took the time to make a few calls. When she sat down at her desk, her receptionist called her office.

“Meridan? You have a delivery up front. Do you want me to bring it to your office?”

Meridan looked confused, since she wasn't expecting a delivery.

“Sure, Ashley. Thanks.”

She hung up the telephone and picked up her appointment book. About that time Ashley walked in with a basket full of inflated latex gloves. They were arranged in the basket like a bouquet of flowers. Meridan burst out laughing as soon as she saw it because she knew only one person could've sent them.

Ashley sat the basket on Meridan's desk. “Do you know who sent this?”

Meridan removed the card. “I have a good idea. It's from a very good friend.”

“From the way you're smiling, I take it you mean a male friend?”

“Yes. Thanks for bringing it in for me.”

“You're welcome. Enjoy!”

Ashley gave Meridan her privacy. Once alone, Meridan sat down and opened the card.

Meridan,

This is just a little something to let you know that you could never have too much latex. Hehehe! For the record, I'll never be caught without my latex again. Hope I made you laugh and I can't wait to see you.

Keaton

Meridan laughed again and picked up the telephone. She dialed Keaton's cell phone.

“Hello?”

“You're so bad, Keaton” she said, laughing.

He chuckled. “I take it you got my delivery?”

Twirling in her chair, she said, “Yes, I did. You're so crazy and your little note was even funnier.”

“I'm glad you like it. So are you going to let me cook dinner for you tonight?”

She stood, playing with the latex gloves.

“I guess that could be arranged.”

Keaton smiled.

“Great! You're coming over for dinner. Is it okay if I pick you up around five-thirty?”

“That'll be fine. Thanks again, Keaton.”

“The pleasure was all mine. I'll see you at five-thirty.”

Meridan hung up the telephone and left her office to attend to more patients.

Hours later, Keaton worked diligently in the kitchen preparing dinner. Winston arrived home first with MaLeah and Fredrick.

She danced around the room, yelling, “Uncie Key!”

He looked down at her. “Hey, Shorty. What you know, Fredrick?”

MaLeah ran over and hugged her uncle's leg. Keaton stood at the sink, rinsing off vegetables.

Winston put Fredrick in his highchair. “What's for dinner, Bro?”

Since Keaton had been in Philly, he volunteered to be the cook since he was at home all day.

“Just a little sumptin' sumptin'. Meridan's coming over for dinner tonight.”

Winston gave him a sneaky grin.

“Oh really? That's so sweet. You guys must've really had a good time the other night. You got in kind of late. Is there anything you want to tell me?”

Keaton wouldn't give Winston the satisfaction.

“Yeah, Man, we had a good time. I told you I like hanging out with her.” Winston gave Fredrick his milk.

“That's good. How's your throat?”

“What do you mean?”

He took his jacket off. “I don't want you to strain your voice before the wedding.”

Keaton put a dish in the oven. “Forget you, Winston! I told you, my name is all over your motorcycle. You have the wrong guy.”

“How would you like to sweeten the deal?”

Throwing the dish towel over his shoulder, Keaton folded his arms. “What do you have in mind?”

“I'll tell you what. If I'm wrong, I'll go in with you on that Sports Bar and Grill you've been talking about opening. If I'm right, you'll have to go in with me on that summer house in Florida Arnelle has been eyeing.”

Rubbing his hands together, Keaton yelled, “Damn, Winston! This is going to be so easy. You're on!”

As Winston walked out of the room, he said, “By the way, Craig, Venice and the kids are coming over for dinner, so make sure we have enough.”

“I've got this,” he assured Winston.

 

W
hen Keaton arrived later with Meridan, MaLeah was in the process of pushing her brother full speed down the hallway in his walker. As usual, she was going too fast, causing Fredrick to hold on for dear life. Winston and Arnelle were nowhere to be found but he knew they weren't far away from the kids. More than likely they were somewhere tangled up in each other's arms.

Keaton frowned and yelled, “Shorty! Slow down before you kill your brother!”

She giggled and yelled, “K!”

Noticing Meridan standing beside him, she yelled, “Doctor MeMe!”

Meridan leaned down, stroked MaLeah's ponytails, and said, “Well, hello, MaLeah. How are you this evening?”

She put her hand over her mouth and giggled. Keaton stood, watching two of his favorite women.

He asked, “Where are your mom and dad, Shorty?”

“In the kitchen,” she answered, while hugging his leg.

He swung her up in his arms, kissed her on the cheek, and said, “Go tell them we're here.”

He sat her back down, then without hesitation, he leaned over and kissed Meridan slowly on the lips.

MaLeah squealed out loud, “Ooooo! Uncie Key kissed Doctor MeMe! Mommie! Daddy! Uncie Key kissed Doctor MeMe!”

She ran toward the kitchen to broadcast the news. He looked at Meridan and said, “Sorry!”