| She headed downstairs and found Lance and Chris at the table with JC. She smiled politely as she headed to the coffee pot and felt eyes on her. Did they know? Could they tell? She winced as she poured her coffee then took a deep breath as she turned around. "RACH!!" she shrieked at her friend standing in the bathroom doorway off the kitchen. "Surprise!" Quickly they hugged and Rachel immediately knew there was something different and perplexing about Kelci. She couldn't figure it out though and decided to give her friend breathing room. "We brought bagels," Chris informed. "Great," Kelci beamed and sat next to JC with a huge smile on her face. "We got the papers for the house this past Saturday and I knew you wouldn't want to wait," Rachel smiled as she passed the envelope over. "Yeah, and wanting to see Lance had NOTHING to do with this trip," JC teased and everyone laughed. "Leave her alone. At least she didn't trek across the country for TWO days," Lance pointed out. "The trek was worth the first hug I got at the airport. Everything else is just gravy. Right, baby?" Kelci questioned as she looked up at him. "Exactly!" "You all are too mushy for 9:30 a.m. I'm out!" Chris stated. "We are starting at 10," Lance yelled after him. "I need to go shower," JC said through a yawn. "And brush your teeth." "Yes, baby. You and Rach want to hang out on the compound or do you want to shop or something? I can ask Dre to go with you," JC offered and timidly nuzzled her neck, smiling when she draped her arm over his shoulder. "I don't know yet, but I'd prefer another guard if that's OK. I don't think Dre likes me that much." "We'll take Lonnie and Randy. They are the coolest," Rachel stated. "Ooh! We could look at furniture for the house. Just to get an idea of what we might want." "Yeah, that'd be cool." "I vote for a new bedroom set," JC stated as he carried his mug to the sink. "I thought you liked being close." "I do, but you can't even roll over without nearly falling off. Find one you like and I'll buy it as a house warming present." "We'll see. Go shower before you're late," Kelci smiled and kissed him quickly, winking when he stared a second longer. "Well, have fun," Lance stated as he pulled money from his wallet and covered Rachel's mouth before she could protest. "You won't let me put you on the payroll officially, but you've worked your ass off with Meredith, so I insist. No arguing." "But.." "Uh-uh...stop. Besides, you also need to look for office stuff." "OK," Rachel gave in and kissed him. "I'll see you later." "Mmmhmmm. Have fun." He was barely out the door before Kelci blurted out, "Do you go to Hell for enjoyin' oral sex?" "What!?" Kelci repeated her question with red cheeks and figured Rachel would know because she was a preacher's daughter. "Who told you that?" "No one directly, but I over-heard Momma and Ms. Pearl once." "There you go. Ms. Pearl needs molasses on her knees to open them when she squats to stock shelves. I'd be worried if you DIDN'T enjoy it." "Oh," Kelci sighed then remembered what she'd said to JC. "Shit! God, I suck!" "What? Did you refuse him?" "No...I told him never to...do it again." "KELCI! Go right now and explain yourself," Rachel demanded. "Poor boy is probably all confused. GO! I'll go round up Lonnie and Randy." Kelci sighed and climbed the stairs, finding JC in only his lounge pants next to the closet. She hugged him from behind with all her strength. "What were you two yelling about?" JC asked as he turned in her arms. "I...I messed up, Josh. I'm sorry." "Honey, it's fine. I won't do.." "No! I...I liked it," she blushed, but didn't look away. "I just...well...I remember Ms. Pearl sayin' that sex was a chore and, if you enjoyed it as a woman, you'd go to Hell." "Oh, baby," JC grinned at his good girl. "Sex is something you SHOULD enjoy." "That's what Rachel said, too. I just..." "It's new to you and I get that. Relax and let me teach you the joys of it. It should NEVER be a chore, OK?" She nodded with a sigh and he kissed her. She wanted to embarrass him a little once she heard Rachel enter downstairs and loosened his draw strings. The pants fell to the floor just as Rachel entered the doorway and Kelci howled with laughter. She started to step back, but JC held on for dear life as he flushed red. "Kelci," JC gasped and stood behind her. "Nice ass there, JC," Rachel laughed then controlled herself. "Lonnie and Randy are in the Explorer." "OK. I'll be right there." Rachel left with one last loud laugh and JC swatted Kelci's ass before grabbing his pants. "What?" "You are crazy, C." "But you love me anyway." "Yes," he stated seriously and bent to eye level. "Yes, I love you." His eyes were so pacifying and she couldn't pull away from their power. She believed him, but doubted herself worth. She licked her lips and took a deep breath. "I love you, too." He smiled a big, toothy grin with his eyes crinkled at the corners and she smiled, too. They shared a long, tender kiss before he finally pulled away. "Have fun with Rachel and you two decide what we should do tonight, OK?" "Yeah. You'd better hurry. It's almost 10." "OK." |