The Shocking Truth About Ramsey Read online

  "What? How did you find out so quickly?" she asked confused.

  "I don't want to get anybody in trouble. You know this is the south. People talk," he said calmly.

  "I know I'm seeing things," Talmus said loudly. He came and stood toe to toe with Jackson. "Get your hands off my sister. I haven't forgotten your black face. I'm big enough to beat your #@! now."

  Ramsey watched in horror as Talmus balled up his fist and punched Jackson in the face. It was nothing like in the movies. There was a flat-sounding wet thud and blood gushed from Jackson's nose and spattered his clothes and hers.

  "Stop it!" she screamed. "Talmus, get out of here! Go do what you're supposed to be doing. Don't be stupid!"

  It was too late. Both men were under an extreme amount of pressure and dealing with unusual frustrations. A full fight broke out right before her eyes and Ramsey watched helplessly as the admissions clerk called security and both Jackson and Talmus were hauled off with their hands cuffed behind their backs. Now she had a father fighting for his life on the operating table and three people to bail out of jail.

  CHAPTER 9

  By the time Ramsey got to the police station, a couple of hours had passed. It was two-thirty in the morning and she was exhausted, but happy. The gunshot wound wasn't nearly as bad as it seemed. It was still critical in that the bullet had passed through his chest and out his back, but no vital organs or major vessels had been hit. Herby was in the habit of taking an aspirin a day and therefore, bled easily, which explained the blood loss. They were giving him fluids and the only foreseeable danger was infection.

  Talmus called just before Ramsey left the hospital to let her know he and Pam were on their way. His lawyer had gotten him out and then he'd turned around and gotten Pam out. Ramsey wondered how it was that he had a lawyer on hand and for what reason. She decided that that question was for another time, but when she asked him about Jackson, he yelled, "Don't be asking me about that punk. He's still in jail, I hope!"

  "Talmus, we really need to talk about what you think you saw thirteen years ago, because Jackson did not rape me. You and momma caused a lot of trouble with that assumption," she said.

  "Yeah, it looks like we definitely need to talk Big Sis, because you ain't acting like he raped you either," he mumbled.

  "Talmus just tell momma that daddy is going to be okay. They may not let you guys see him with Detective McClaren walking around talking about homicide charges and stuff. So, just take her home with you until in the morning."

  "Thank God!" Talmus said. "Uh, Ramsey, momma is acting kind of funny. She hasn't said two words since we left the police station. I think she's in shock," he said.

  "Just take her home with you and put her to bed. Give her two tablespoons of Benadryl. I'll see yall in the morning," she said and hung up the phone.

  #

  Ramsey watched as Jackson walked down the hall towards her. His baby blue scrubs had blood on them and his athletic movements were stiff with anger. He didn't say anything as he approached her.

  "Are you all right," she asked.

  "Nope. I'm tired, hungry and mad. Give me the keys," he said.

  Ramsey handed him the keys. "Where are we going?"

  "Home. I need a shower and a change of clothes. You look like you need a nap anyway. Did you know your hair was all over your head," he said letting his eyes roam over her.

  Ramsey tried to pat her hair down and then just gave up. She'd been through enough drama for her hair to stand on end as if she'd been electrocuted. She was too tired to care. He was right. She needed at least two hours of sleep. She followed Jackson out the door and pointed to where her silver Honda Accord was. He clicked the unlocking device on her key chain and opened the passenger door for her to get in. Without a word he walked around to the driver's side got in, adjusted the seat, and started the car.

  As the car pulled off, Ramsey said, "I'm sorry this happened, Jackson. I will explain everything to Talmus tomorrow."

  "How much did it cost to get me out?" he asked.

  "Don't worry about it," she said.

  "Ramsey, I asked you a question," he said quietly.

  "There was a four-hundred dollar fine," she murmured.

  "I'll give you the money in the morning and thank you for getting me out. I shouldn't have lost control," he mumbled. Ramsey didn't say anything. She laid her head against the seat and fell asleep.

  #

  She came awake immediately when the car stopped. Looking around, all she could see was darkness.

  "Where are we? In the black lagoon," she said. It occurred to her that this was the first time she'd been this alone with a male other than her father and brother in a very long time and she wasn't nervous or afraid.

  "I know. I hate it out here. But this is where granddad has lived forever. This is where I came to live when I was sixteen," he said.

  Ramsey regretted her remark instantly. Poor Jackson. He'd been practically exiled, if this is where he was sent to live. There couldn't have been any more houses for miles. Mosquitos assaulted her the minute he opened her car door. They buzzed in her ears, up her nose and everywhere. He grabbed her hand and dragged her up the front steps and practically pushed her through the door before he slammed it.

  Ramsey swung around to face him in the dark. He stood against the door and stared down at her.

  "Turn the light on, Jackson," she whispered. He did so without saying a word. Ramsey took her time looking around as he stayed by the door. It was the home of an old man. Jackson's personal touch was nowhere to be seen. It wasn't an uncomfortable space, but definitely not what she was used to.

  "My room is at the end of the hall to the left. Go lay down, Ramsey. I'll wake you up in a couple of hours."

  "No, I need a shower first. You got anymore scrubs like those you're wearing?" she asked boldly as her eyes raked him lazily.

  It was like the touch of her fingertips along his skin. Jackson hesitated for the span of three to four seconds. Just what did she think she was doing? He wasn't a monk nor was he in the habit of ignoring veiled suggestions from women. For once in his life, he couldn't read the woman before him. She was a heady mixture of shyness, inexperience, curiousness and boldness. He didn't know what to do with her. So, he did nothing.

  "Yeah, I have some scrubs you can put on. There are towels and soap in the bathroom. You can go first," he said slowly.

  Ramsey watched him through her eyelids for a moment. She wanted him. The feeling was like nothing she'd ever experienced before. Ever since finding out the price he'd paid for her virginity, her thoughts had been regrouping and rewiring themselves. Nothing had been as her mother had said. She hadn't been used and thrown aside. If the kiss he'd given her was an indicator of what she would feel in his arms, she wanted it all and more. Her dad said that her mom had lied about sex. Ramsey was finding out she had lied about a lot of things. This was her opportunity to find out the truth.

  "I need a bag for my dirty clothes and underwear," she said softly.

  Jackson almost choked. He pushed himself off the door and walked across the living room quickly. He looked underneath the kitchen sink and pulled out a plastic grocery bag. Walking back to the middle of the living room, he stopped in front of her.

  "Here you go," he said hoarsely.

  "Thank you," she said never taking her eyes off of him.

  Jackson willed himself to breathe slowly when her eyes drifted to his lips and stayed there. She took a step closer to him and he stayed put. Her breast grazed his chest and he didn't move.

  "Ramsey, what do you want from me," he asked huskily.

  "I want you to finish what you started thirteen years ago. Show me that it can be good for me too," she whispered.

  "Surely--,"

  "No, Jackson. I haven't had sex in the thirteen years since I lost my virginity behind the fence in Maple Cove," she said hoping with every breathed word, he would be scandalized speechless.

  CHAPTER 10

  Ramsey's hand res
ted against Jackson's hip and she held him captive with that one touch. Her eyes burned into his and didn't allow for any sort of escape as he grappled with what she'd just said. He was open and exposed in a way he had never been in his life. Her confession settled upon his sexually taut nerves like vices and he felt sweat oozing out of his pores.

  "You're lying," he said stiffly.

  Ramsey slid her feet between his two big ones and melded their bodies together. She was a woman past redemption. It had been a long and lonely life. She had not consciously waited for Jackson, but standing against him, breathing every breath of his into her own body felt right. He would be hers before the night was over.

  "You know I'm not lying, Jackson. So, do it. I can look at you and tell you'll know what you're doing this time. I want it and I want it from you," she breathed.

  "You can't just demand sex from a man, Ramsey. This is crazy. I don't even know you really. We have thirteen years, a small lifetime, between us now," he sputtered.

  "You're scared. I wonder why?" she said and backed away from him.

  He looked relieved. His shoulders sagged and he stumbled to the couch. It was a plaid couch, orange-brown, black, old, and hideous. As if he had been holding his breath, Jackson breathed deeply several times before bending over, putting his elbows on his knees, and resting his head in his hands.

  "You're trying to kill me," he murmured. "Talk Ramsey. Tell me what you've been doing all these years. Explain to me why you haven't been in any relationships. Don't tell me you were waiting on me either. I need to know what the Hades is going on with you and your family."

  "My family has nothing to do with this," she said defensively.

  Jackson looked at her. He took a moment and really looked at her. She was adorable with her hair all over her head. She still wore her lab coat with her doctor's inscription on it. Ramsey Laughterdale, M.D. Intelligent, educated, but messed up on the inside. He could see it clearly. Pam had done a number on her. She hadn't had the freedom of speech and expression he'd grown up with. As a result, even though she was an adult, she had missed a lot of emotion along the way and all she wanted from him was a lesson in lovemaking.

  "Ramsey, your mom has everything to do with this. Come here," he said gently.

  She came and sat beside him. Jackson reached for her hand and placed it flat against his chest.

  "What do you feel," he asked.

  "Your heart is beating pretty fast, Jackson. You should relax," she said simply and pulled her hand away.

  "Don't be mad at me, Ramsey. Let's take it slow. We'll work our way up to it. Remember it wasn’t so good the first time? That was because I rushed. I hurt you didn't I? Wasn't there blood," he asked. He felt she needed to talk about what happened.

  "Yes," she said uncomfortably. "There was just a little blood, but mostly just your .....stuff."

  "Are you sure," he asked again ignoring her disparaging referral to his semen.

  Ramsey stood up and moved away from him. "Look, I am a grown woman. I don't want to have this conversation with you. Why can't you just show me what it's really like, Jackson."

  "Do you want to take a shower with me, Ramsey," he asked quietly.

  Ramsey whipped around and faced him, her heart in her throat, "Yes," she said.

  Jackson stood up, resolution in every step and every move he made. He would not have her begging for sex from him. She'd waited long enough for the real experience and this was his opportunity to shine. This was something he was good at and he knew it. He took her by the hand and pulled her against him. One hand settled in the curve of her lower back and the other tilted her chin up. He lowered his head and kissed her gently at first. By degrees the kiss deepened and became erotic as their tongues slid against one another. The wet sounds of their kisses and harsh breathing mingled and filled the silence of the room.

  Ramsey felt his hand move lower over her hips and she felt an uncontrollable need to squirm against him. It felt so good to press her hips into his and she did it again and again.

  "Easy girl," Jackson said hoarsely against her lips. He put some space between them and helped her out of her lab coat. "You can't be grinding against me right now. Too much too soon. Let me lead, Ramsey."

  She raised her arms as he pulled her shirt over her head. Standing stock still, she let him look his fill. Ramsey was embarrassed, but not painfully so. She knew she had great breasts. She was an old people's doctor. She'd seen some pretty bad ones.

  "Beautiful," Jackson said. Sliding his hand to her back he unhooked her bra and watched in rabid fascination as her breasts relaxed. Full, creamy brown, breasts with dark chocolate nipples tantalized his senses. Ramsey watched in slow motion as his tongue snaked out and slathered across his full bottom lip leaving a trail of moisture. He then lowered his head and put those same lips against her nipple. She felt the wet warmth of the kiss and couldn't stifle the rush of air that passed her lips. Before she could get it back into her lungs, his lips closed over her full nipple and he began sucking.

  Ramsey's teeth sank into her lower lip as she fought for control. Jackson's head stayed bent over her for what seemed like a lifetime. He took his time kissing, sucking, blowing, and tonguing each nipple until they were like steel. Ramsey was mystified.

  "I can't stand up anymore," she said weakly.

  Jackson made short business of pulling her slacks down, snatching off her shoes and divesting her of every stitch of clothing. Lifting her into his arms he carried her to his bedroom. He'd underestimated what was beneath her clothing. Ramsey's body was perfect. Flat stomach, full breasts, thick thighs, wide hips, creamy brown flawless skin and he was a lost man.

  He vaguely thought that maybe he should slow down, but he knew she wanted it just as badly as he. She was ready. He looked down at her squirming against the sheets of his bed and knew that time was running out for him. His body was overheated and his sex was bucking painfully. Tearing off his clothes he lowered himself over her and put a hand on either side of her face.

  "Ramsey, I can't wait any longer. It's been months since I had sex. You may not be completely ready, but I'll make it up to you. You're just too beautiful. I…I wasn't expecting--." He couldn't finish. He kneed her legs apart and slid his fingers down across her clitoris and into her vagina. She was wet enough. Raising his hips he thrust hard and went completely still. He'd just broken through a barrier of skin that shouldn't have been there.

  Having no time to nurture his disbelief that she was still a virgin, he lowered his lips to hers and kissed her hard to distract from the pain she had to be feeling. Pulling out he thrust inside her again and moved his hips in slow circles until he felt her walls relaxing. Sweat poured from his body as he tried to hold back his raging need to pound into her.

  Turning with her body still cradling his he positioned them on their sides and pulled her leg high up over his hip. He looked into her eyes, but she tried to turn away.

  "No. Look at me, Ramsey. It hurt, because you're still a virgin after all. I felt the skin. We're going to make this right. Will you trust me," he said.

  Ramsey squeezed her eyes shut and wondered what she had ever done to deserve to be so cursed in sex when everyone else in the world was having a jolly good old time.

  CHAPTER 11

  Gradually Ramsey relaxed. The fullness within her didn't feel so bad. He was sheathed to the hilt and her pelvic bone was flush with his. They stared into one another's eyes, each with a question for the other.

  "It's better. At least it doesn't hurt anymore," she whispered.

  Jackson nodded stiffly. Control close to snapping, he slid a hand between them and gently massaged the sensitive nub between her vaginal lips with his thumb. He watched her face and was satisfied when her lips parted and her face relaxed into a dazed look of ecstasy.

  Ramsey's hips moved of there own volition and her hands slid from their defensive position flat against his chest to flat on his back. She strained to bring him closer. The sounds coming from her throat b
ecame guttural and foreign. She was helpless against the onslaught of his hand and his rod against her sensitive core. The age-old wounding began and she tried to hold her breath.

  "Don't fight this, Ramsey," Jackson whispered against her temple. "This isn't the time for self-control. Let go," he demanded.

  Their bodies worked with one another, against one another and into one another until Ramsey stiffened. The sudden unexpected onslaught of raw pleasure rushing along the nerves of her body made her scream. There were seconds or minutes, she couldn't tell, before she was released from its hold and collapsed against Jackson's chest, embarrassed, enlightened, and once again, mystified.

  #

  She was gone. For some inexplicable reason it made Jackson unnaturally angry. There was no note, no explanation, nothing. She was just gone. He'd always been a heavy sleeper and after his exertions with Ramsey, there was no chance he would have awakened to hear her getting dressed and driving away.

  He had no way back to the hospital and he needed to get there fast. His granddad had been left alone all night and part of the morning. It was ten o'clock. He'd done more than oversleep. He'd slept the day away practically. Jackson jumped out of bed and called a taxi. He had plenty of time to shower before the man got there. With the high gas prices it was going to cost a fortune to get a ride back to the hospital. He had some words for Ramsey and he couldn't wait to say them.

  #

  Herby awakened feeling like his mouth was filled with cotton. He needed some water. He tried to open his eyes, but it took a second or too. They seemed too heavy to lift. His focus was slow in coming, but when it did he wasn't surprised. Pam sat in a chair across the room from him. She stared at him as if he were already a ghost.

  "Water," he whispered.

  She jumped out of the chair and wasted no time putting the cup to his lips. The cool wetness felt so good going down his throat, he almost cooed. He licked his lips and asked for more. She tipped the cup to his lips again. Her hand was shaking.