Baby, Just Say Yes

By June Kramin

After a terrible car accident, Laura’s memories of the life she and Steve shared since childhood are gone. They return to their home and routine, in hopes that her memories will come back on their own. Steve is determined to do whatever it takes to win back her love and get back on schedule with their wedding as planned---memories or not. His intentions are to keep things simple, though the days that follow are anything but routine.

Although Steve is willing to try almost anything, there is a big part of their past that he keeps from her, afraid that it could do more harm than good. When a talent agent from Laura’s past show up, Steve is forced to confront the secret he’s been hiding and convince Laura to pursue a dream she claims she doesn’t want.

• Language: English
• Publisher: June Kramin
• Release date: Apr 24, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311513649

June Kramin

Wife, Mother, Writer, Lunatic. Not necessarily in that order.June, who prefers to go by Bug, was born in Philadelphia but moved to Maui, Hawaii when she was four. She met her “Prince Charming” on Kauai and is currently living “Happily Ever After” on a hobby farm in a small town in Southern Minnesota.Her son and daughter are her greatest accomplishments. She takes pride in embarrassing them every chance she gets.Being hopelessly addicted to 80′s music is her super power.

Book preview

Baby, Just Say Yes

By

June Kramin

Baby, Just Say Yes

By June Kramin

Copyright © 2015 by June Kramin

…

All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher.

…

This e-Book is a work of fiction. While references may be made to actual places or events, the names, characters, incidents, and locations within are from the author’s imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or dead persons, businesses, or events. Any similarity is coincidental.

Published by Pau Hana Books

April 2015

V3

This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. No part of this book can be reproduced or sold by any person or business without the express permission of the publisher.

ISBN-13: 978-1511719933

ISBN-10: 1511719931

Published in the United States of America

Cover Art by Valerie Kramin

Stock images: Shutterstock

From the Author

This was one of my older novels. Although one of my favorites, it was a child I hesitated to release into the world. Not quite the romantic suspense of my later work and a little more *cough*sex*cough* than I remember ever writing, the love story continued to melt my heart.

2014 was a rough year for many reasons. Finally back on a writing track and laboring through a sequel, this one was still nagging at me. After a big thumbs up from the world’s kindest beta reader and few more do it!, I decided to throw it out there. A fan of country music of not, I hope it touches the hopeless romantic in you.

After struggling briefly with a dedication, I knew who I wanted it for. Although this book would be far from his style, my hanai big brother Mark E. Boy, is most deserving of at least a dedication. Mark, you loved Pee-Wee the way Steve loves Laura. I wish all women were so lucky. You’re dearly missed.

Thanks also to Trish, my first cheerleader for it, my Kelley, Kelley, Kelley…(you know the song ;) for her amazing eyeballs, and the most awesome God-sis around, Kellyann.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

About the Author

Chapter One

Laura sat at the edge of the river, tossing in small sticks. Ox, her appropriately named yellow lab, went bounding past her after the last one. Proudly bringing back the twig, he shook, soaking her in the process.

Wiping the water off her face, she grumbled. Dammit, Ox. I knew I should have gone for the mangy looking Chihuahua.

Ox had been a shelter rescue and despite him being nearly ninety pounds, he went everywhere with her. He didn’t have to ride in the back of her truck: he rode in the front bench seat, taking up more than his share. Ox was a year old when Laura got him, and he wasn’t very well trained. Things hadn’t changed much in their three years together.

Laura continued to stare at the water in her somber mood. Sensing it wasn’t playtime, Ox finally sat quietly beside her. What are we gonna do, buddy? She leaned her head into his wet neck and cried until her blue eyes were red.

A half hour later, she was finally cried out. Sadness was replaced with anger, and she found the strength to go home. She toweled Ox off then opened the truck door for him. He lived for his daily swims at the river a couple miles from their home. On a really nice day and when time permitted, they walked down together. Laura carried his leash, but rarely had to attach it to his collar; not that it would help much if he did have it on. He could drag her hundred- and ten-pound, tiny frame with ease if he put his mind to it.

Immediately as she entered her humble country home in her small Texas town, about an hour west of Austin, Ox bolted over to his water bowl in the laundry room. Her parents had signed the house over to her three years ago after purchasing the granddaddy of all motor homes, declaring they were retiring and hitting the road. She promptly changed the carpet floors to wood for the ease of cleaning it with Ox coming and going. He was big, but still an inside dog.

Laura accepted the house wholeheartedly. The four-bedroom farmhouse was pushing seventy years old, but her parents always kept it up, as did her paternal grandparents before them. She had a few acres, fewer neighbors, and liked her peace.

After going inside, she glanced over at the man who, up until a few days ago, was her fiancé. He had been perfect in her eyes, and she had been in love with him almost her entire life. To say his tall body was perfect was an understatement. He’d shaved his head bald because of a comment she made years ago, and it had been that way ever since. His mustache and goatee were always neatly trimmed. Sexy was the only word that came to mind when she looked at him, no matter how much she hated him right now. He was making a sandwich at the island in the kitchen.

Men have two emotions, she said. Hungry and horny. If you see him without an erection…

Make him a sandwich. Steve finished her sentence as he took a bite from it, almost defiantly. Through a mouthful he added, I thought about taking Ox with me this weekend.

Over my dead body. You’re not taking my dog.

He loves hunting, Dingy. Let him come with me.

I want him to come with me.

He’ll only go crazy at your aunt’s apartment in the city.

Laura stood firm and crossed her arms, making it clear that she wasn’t about to give in.

I swear to God, I always knew you loved that dog more than me.

He’s never screwed around on me. She turned, trying to walk away from an argument.

Not since you had him neutered, anyway.

She spun back around. I wasn’t aware I was supposed to have you neutered to keep you from wandering.

He put his sandwich down and placed his palms to his forehead in frustration. Do we have to do this now?

I’m sorry. Is this not a good time for you? You have places to go? People to do?

Stop it! Shit, Dingy. I’m trying to be as civil as I can. Do you think we can possibly not kill each other over the next two weeks till I can move out?

So, you found a place? Her voice cracked.

It’s what you wanted, right? Me outta your hair?

Of course. She tried covering for her pervious tone. The sooner the better.

Ed’s roommate is moving out on the first. He said I can stay there until I find something else. He took a few steps closer to her and held her shoulders. Are you sure this is what you want?

I can’t forgive you, Steve. I can’t and I’m not about to say sorry about it, either. I can’t forget it and live every day for the rest of my life wondering if you’re fucking someone else every time you come home late.

His gaze went to her left hand. Her ring finger had an exquisite antique white gold band with black enamel scrolling and a half-carat champagne colored diamond. It had been his grandmother’s. Steve’s mom didn’t care for it, but Laura had fallen in love with it. She took it off and handed it to him. This belongs in your family, is all she said before she turned and walked away.

That night, Laura cried out No! and sat straight up in bed with a start. She pulled the sheet to her chest and let out a heavy breath. Steve came flying through the door to her bedroom.

You okay? He sat next to her and placed his hand on her thigh.

She stared into his eyes for a moment, still trying to wake up.

Dingy?

Her last name was Dingman, but her nickname all through school had been Dingy. She took the term of endearment for what it was. Many added it to the banter with blonde jokes, but she didn’t care. Fun was fun and she could recite the jokes with the best of them.

Was it that same damn nightmare again? Steve asked as he moved his hand to her back and gave it a comforting rub.

She lowered her head and rested it on his chest. She didn’t want to be comforted by him in particular, but she wanted someone at that moment. The sound of the baby gate crashing to the floor startled her, and within seconds, Ox was in her room and up on the bed with her.

That took longer than I thought, Steve said with a laugh. I guess you’ll be in good hands when I’m gone. He gave Ox a pat on the head and stood.

Laura surprised herself when she grabbed his hand, stopping him.

You need something, baby?

Laura had made one hell of a fuss a few days ago about him still using pet names for her. They’d had their share of doozies for fights over the years, and this one ranked up there with the best of them. Laura was five-two, but Steve still shook in his Tony Lamas when she was angry. He insisted that years of habit was hard to break, but he did his best to heed her wishes on the subject.

Laura couldn’t answer him right away. She couldn’t think of a good enough reason for wanting him to stay. She hadn’t loved anyone like she loved him, but he’d cheated on her and that was unforgivable. Still shaken up from the nightmare, she just didn’t want to be alone. Even Ox wasn’t enough right now.

While she struggled to come up with something, he spoke. You want me to make you that sleepy time tea? It always relaxes you.

Would you mind?

Would I have asked if I minded? Steve tousled her hair and stared at her for a moment before he headed to the kitchen. She bit her bottom lip as he walked away. Dammit. She’d always loved his body. He was an electrician, but you’d think he spent the days lifting things heavier than wire. She’d had her share of trying to help him on occasion, lifting boxes of spools of 220 wire into his truck, but it still didn’t justify his perfect shape. He still ate like he was seventeen, and never exercised more than a walk to the mailbox.

With a sigh, she slipped on her Labrador night slippers, then pulled a short silk robe over her oversized t-shirt that read Love me, love my dog. When she reached the kitchen, Steve pulled out a chair for her. He had already turned the teakettle on and was grabbing cups and tea bags from a corner cabinet.

I wish I knew why you kept having that same damn nightmare.

You and me both.

He turned around and leaned against the counter. You want to talk about it?

She shook her head, then lowered her eyes to the floor.

It might help if you get it out, ba— Laura. I’ve been begging you for months to talk to someone about it.

They’ll think I’m crazy. They’ll make up some mumbo-jumbo about what it means. It won’t get me anywhere.

Steve closed the gap between them and knelt in front of her. Promise me it isn’t because someone hurt you.

You’re the only one who has hurt me, Steve. She didn’t want to be mean, it just came out that way. I’m sorry for the tone. No. I keep telling you no. No one has hurt me. That’s not what they’re about.

Then what? Why can’t you tell me?

Because I feel stupid.

I’d never call you stupid. You know that. I tell–told you everything.

"And I could have gone to my grave not knowing about your crush on the nun in the Sound of Music."

He belted out a loud laugh then held her chin. But I told you everything. He held her gaze. He focused on one eye, then the other. Baby, do you die or something in them?

She shook her head again and tried to look away, but his hand stayed on her chin.

He brought her back to face him again.

When she could no longer resist those green eyes she said, I don’t, Steve. You do.

Chapter Two

"I die? Why didn’t you ever tell me?" Steve stood, then pulled her to his chest for a hug.

Laura hated that she enjoyed his embrace. She hated it even more that she started to cry.

Shhhh. I’m not going anywhere. Well, I guess I am, but I’m not going to die, Dingy. I’m a little surprised you care right now.

Just because I’m angry at you doesn’t mean I wish you dead, asshole.

He laughed. Can I ask how? You ‘off’ me in my sleep or something?

After wiping her eyes on her sleeve, she glared at him.

He took the cue to shut up. The tea kettle whistled. Saved by the bell. After returning with two cups, he offered Laura hers, then took the chair beside her. So?

‘So’ what?

What happens?

I don’t want to talk about it.

You’re going to leave me hangin’?

There’s a thought.

He leaned back in his chair and kicked his legs out in front of him. I’m only trying to help.

I’ll get over it. Maybe when you’re gone it’ll stop.

And if it doesn’t?

Then I’ll have to deal with it.

And Ox will be there to take care of you? I don’t like this, Laura.

She stood in a huff. I missed the part where you have a say in this anymore.

He held her by the wrist. Stop it. Just sit down. Please.

She sat back down hard and picked up her tea again. It’s been a long time since the last one. My bet is I won’t have them again. Drop it okay? I really appreciate the tea. Thanks. They shared a few sips in silence then she said. Okay.

Okay what? You’re gonna tell me?

No. You can take Ox hunting. Please be careful. I’m always afraid he’s going to get shot by a random bullet or something.

I’m taking the bow.

Thanks. I feel much better now. Not.

You know I’ll be careful. I wouldn’t let anything happen to your baby.

You’re right. He’ll have more fun with you. Now I can go to the outlet mall and not feel guilty about him being in that postage stamp of a yard of my aunt’s.

He’s low on rawhide bones. Get him one of those huge ones at the pet outlet. I’ll give you the thirty bucks.

Laura had lost her job at the beginning of the week. Her aunt invited her to come down for a girls’ day, promising the whole weekend was her treat. With what was going on between her and Steve, she couldn’t refuse.

She laughed at his offer. That’s barely an all-day sucker for him.

Yeah, but he lives to conquer it. He put his hand on her knee. I have an early day tomorrow. I’m going to turn in. You okay?

I’m fine. Thanks again. I’m sorry I woke you.

No worries, ba— Laura. He was about fifty-fifty on catching himself. Goodnight.

He turned away but again, she stopped him. Steve?

Yeah?

Uh…just goodnight. Thanks again.

You want me to pen Ox back up?

No. I think I’ll let him sleep with me tonight.

All right. Goodnight then.

Goodnight.

If I have to tell you again that nothing happened between us, I’m going to absolutely scream, Dingy. Why the hell can’t you just let it go?

Because your story is too convenient, Steve. I see the way she looks at you. She makes it a point to taunt me with her flirting. It’s shameless and makes me sick.

Why do you let it get to you?

How could it not? If some young, hot guy were doing that to me, I’m sure you wouldn’t just sit there and take it.

No, I wouldn’t. He’d be wearing my fist for braces.

See! So you can react, but I can’t?

Reacting to what I see is one thing. Reacting to what I assume is another.

You were missing for an hour and so was she, but nothing happened? Bullshit. Steve swerved as a pheasant ran into the road, barely escaping his bumper. Slow down! You’re going to kill us. I told you to let me drive.

Right. With that temper you have going on? Not on my Aunt Fanny’s life.

They crossed the old wood bridge on one of the back county roads to their house. They’d each only had a few beers and Steve knew he was more than capable of driving, but they still didn’t want to take the highway. Any over eager, Barney Fife deputy would stop them for sure and depending on his mood, grace Steve with a DUI just because he wanted to. Their town was small, and the cops were bored. People had been ticketed lately for doing thirty-one MPH in a thirty MPH zone, but when Laura received a warning for an unsafe too slow speed of twenty-five, they knew there were issues. Unsure how they could address them, they simply avoided the main roads any chance they could.

The county road was decently maintained and graded often, but the wildlife dodging was slightly more challenging. Halfway over the bridge, Steve had to slam the brakes. A doe and twin fawns were standing in the middle of it.

Steve screamed, Shit! as he slammed on the brakes. The truck slid sideways and broke through the wooden two x fours that served as a barrier. They landed upside down in the river. Laura managed to get unbuckled and swim out since her window was open. After getting to the top and gasping for breath, she waited for Steve to follow. When he didn’t, she went back under.

The water wasn’t that deep, but it still took a few kicks to get to the truck. She swam back through her window and found Steve still in his seatbelt and unconscious. Clouds of blood surrounded him. She struggled with his seatbelt but couldn’t get the latch to open.

No! she screamed, as she bolted upright.

That had been her nightmare for the past several months. Sometimes the fight varied a little, but it always ended the same. She could never get Steve out of the truck, and she woke up while she was struggling with the seatbelt.

Laura stopped taking that road when the nightmares started. The few times it would have been an issue when they were together, she always drove so she could avoid it altogether. When he asked why she didn’t take the back roads, she made an excuse. I didn’t drink. There’s no reason not to take a straight shot, or I just washed the truck. I don’t want to get it all dusty. She had been diligent about washing the vehicle more often so that could always be her back up plan. Laura knew she was being silly to have to take such precautions over a nightmare, but so far, she only had to justify it to herself. No matter how much Steve persisted, she refused to talk to anyone about the dream.

Now she blew it. She’d told Steve, but she truly hoped once they were no longer together, the nightmares would stop. They had to. There would be no reason to worry about losing him if he were already gone.

Admittedly, she was more than a little shaken up when the cheating scenario did take place. The argument didn’t occur in a truck or as they left a party, though. That was only a little comforting. She never would have thought Steve was capable of that. They had been madly in love all through school and hated any time away from each other. The relationship even survived her going away to college.

A few nights ago, when she had received a call from a girl asking if he had gotten home yet, waking Laura at two a.m., she was fit to be tied.

You take one more step and I swear I’ll blow your balls to Kansas! Laura stood on the porch with a shotgun aimed at Steve. He was shocked at her actions, but he knew she would never pull the trigger on him…even if she had remembered to put in shells first.

I can see it’s not loaded, Dingy. What’s going on?

Fuck you! she screamed as she slammed the door.

Undaunted, he hurried in after her. She hadn’t locked it. He grasped her upper arm and spun her around. What the hell is up with you? So, I didn’t call. I’m sorry. It just got late, and I didn’t want to wake you, baby. What’s with all the damn drama?

Oh, maybe you didn’t call, but someone sure called for you!

What? Who?

‘Who’ my ass! I’d know that voice anywhere. She wanted to be sure you made it home safe. You know, ‘cause our July snowstorms are so treacherous.

Gretchen called here?

She raised a hand to slap him, but he caught it by the wrist. You son of a bitch!

You know better than that, dammit. She showed up at Ed’s house uninvited and wouldn’t leave.

And when she did her normal hanging on you act, you couldn’t drag yourself away.

He let go of her arm. Stop it, Laura. I didn’t do anything.

You have two weeks to get the fuck out of my house.

Laura had walked away from him with as much pride as she could muster that night. The shock of knowing what he did was horrible, but the thought that her nightmare was coming to life was even more disturbing.

She’d tried to shrug it off when Gretchen would rub on, hang on, or hug Steve when they were in their regular bars and restaurants, but lately it’d seemed like Steve didn’t mind so much. Laura was getting increasingly put out by it. Her first reaction was to fight fire with fire, and she became extra attentive to him. They pulled over more than once on the way home and had sex in the truck at many of their favorite spots. They had sex almost immediately when he got home from work. She had been cooking up a storm, running through fancy meat and seafood dishes, trying to win him over with his stomach. She wanted him to be sure he knew it wasn’t going to get better than what she could give him, but that soon got old. She grew tired of fighting for what was hers. Eventually she switched gears and claimed to not want sex at all. You don’t want me, anyway. Go dream of Gretchen, asshole.

The next phase was her giving up all together and refusing to go with him to the bars or their friends’ houses.

I don’t care, Steve. Just go. Have a good time. And that he did. Better now than after we were married.

Now she sat on her bed with Ox and imagined this was how life was