Part 7
Sometime just before dawn, the storm had subsided and now the bright Florida sun flooded the room. AJ woke first but he didn’t move. In her sleep, ‘Stormy’ had cuddled close to him and that’s where she was now sleeping peacefully. He looked at her hands…small, slender, delicate, but no signs of rings. He’d been right. He reached to touch her cheek…soft. He beauty shone through the dirt and scrapes and bruises. With a shower, some clean clothes, she’d be a knock out.
‘Stormy’ woke slowly. The warmth of his body next to hers was comforting. His fingers on her skin were reassuring. She could sense him watching her but what was he seeing? Some ‘street rat’ who was begging for food? Did he see the truth? Opening her eyes, she met his…a soft, warm brown that was only outdone by his smile.
“Good morning, beautiful.”
Stormy gave him a shy smile.
His heart skipped a beat as he asked, “How about a shower and something to eat?”
She nodded her head slightly as she took his hand.
“I’ve got some clothes that’ll probably fit you that an ex-girlfriend left me.”
Stormy frowned crinkling her nose and looked extremely offended.
Her expression caused him to laugh. “Okay!! Sorry! I didn’t mean to offend you. I have something you can probably wear and we’ll go shopping for some clothes for you after we eat.”
A look of doubt crossed her face. What would she have to give in exchange for the clothes?
“My treat and you don’t owe me anything.”
The doubt slowly faded and approval lit her eyes.
“You can use my bathroom. It’s right through that door,” said AJ pointing in the direction of the bathroom. “I’ll lay something out before I go down and see about some breakfast. My mom should be up by now.”
That did it. The fear she’d felt when he’d first spotted her returned.
“It’s okay. She’s not going to hurt you and if you want something other than Mickey D’s, we need her here. I don’t cook.”
‘Stormy’ relaxed and squeezed his hand.
AJ propped his head on his hand and pulled his other hand free from hers. Moving slowly so as not to startle her, he touched her face. With one finger, he traced her eyebrows and then a line from her eyes to her chin. “There’s so much more to you than what you’re showing me. You’re more than just a ‘Jane Doe’ off the streets and I want to know everything about you.”
‘Stormy’ tucked her head. She wanted desperately to tell AJ what he wanted to know but that promise made so long ago kept her silent. She knew she could trust him but a promise was a promise. She wouldn’t betray Ricky.
“Who’s Ricky?” he asked gently praying the whole time it wasn’t a mistake.
Her heart stopped. How did he know about Ricky?
Her eyes couldn’t hide what she was feeling and he said, “You said his name in your sleep…when I brought you into the house.”
Tears slid down her cheeks. He deserved to know the truth and she struggled with how to handle this.
AJ placed a finger under her chin lifting her eyes to look at his. “I know you haven’t been physically abuse or raped but something’s made you stop talking. When you’re ready, I’ll be here.” Wiping her tears, he added, “Go get your shower and I’ll get you some clothes.”
Hesitantly, she started to get up but looked back at him watching her. She had to give him something….some type of ‘thank you’ for what he’d done for her so far. Quickly, she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek and then scurried to the bathroom to get a shower.
AJ lay back on the bed as the door closed. A kiss. Granted, it was on the cheek but a kiss just the same. He’d take whatever he could get from her until she was ready for more.
