Nature of the beast (book 1 of the Beasties)

Picnic

The butterflys haven't stopped fluttering since yesterday. It has been a long time since I've felt protected. When liam came back, he had informed me that Canis is no longer a threat to me. He barily knows who I am and he's taken me in as if I'm family. I wish I remembered what it's like to have one. Since I'm in this amazing mood, I want to do something for Liam.

I head to the kitchen to see if Trudy is there. It seems to be her favorite place in the home. I'm hoping she'll help me with my idea.

Luck is totally on my side today. She is crouched over a cook book in deep consentraition. I silently make my way to her. "Trudy?" I call out. Her book flys off the counter into the wall across from the island and her red hair fluffs up like a startled cat. Her hand thumps over her heart, she breathes out a laugh when she see's me.

"Loardey child! You just about scared the curl out of my hair!" She smiles brightly to take the edge out of her words. She presses her dress down with her hands, than pats her hair. Trudey is back to being a perfect 50's cooking ad. "What may I do you for Skyler?" I smile bashfully.

"Could you help me make a picnic for Liam. I want to do something nice for him." I know my face must be red as a beet by now. Trudy brightens like a Christmas star.

"Of coarse honey. That sounds like a wonderful idea."

2 hours latter

I had my handy dandy picnic basket with all the fixings on one arm and a tough cloth blanket on the other. I was ready to go, only I didn't know where Liam could be.

"Try his workshop in the barn hun. He's been working on some projects in there." Trudy gestures. I thank her for all her help, then march to the barn.

Inside the barn was warm and cozy. The kind of place where you could widdle your day away if you don't mind the smell of hay and wood. A section in the back was lit up. There Liam stood with his profile faceing me. He looked so calm, almost content as he worked on his project. It seemed like a scene out of a hallmark movie with all the warm tones.

His nose did it's little twitch, his head shot up to stare at me. "Time to put your tools down. The slave driver says it's time for lunch." I tease. Liam seemed to be shocked stiff. I lay the blanket on the ground. This lovely barn seems as good of a picnic area as any. I put the dishes on the blanket, setting two places, little origami napkins next to the silverware. I have no clue how I created the little origami cranes, but my fingers seemed to do the remembering for me. Lastly I pulled out a bottle of cola, since I refused the wine Trudy offered. I don't like alcohol, it remindes me of HIM.

Liam finally gets ahold of himself. He clears his throat. "Whats all this for now?"

"It's lunch time." I raise my eyebrow, trying to stay cool. It's official, I never thought I'd say this, but I have feelings for a man. It must be God's sense of humor. Word to the wise, never say never. "Come, eat, you must be hungry. You've been here since our boxing lesson ended." My hand was out stretched to him. He coughs for a second, surprised that I had guessed right, than mozies on over.

A crooked, goofy smile graces his lips. "We'll don't you beat all Sky. I belive a little bird told you about my favorite lunch." I blushed furiously as I put a roast beef rubben sandwich, the dipping sauce and oven fried potatoe wedges on his plate.

We spent a good hour enjoying our meal together. I feel like the old me, being able to joke around, have fun and carefree. Although I could see some thing was naging at him.

I lean close to him, setting my hand on his arm, showing him that this time I'll be the listener for his problems, since he's always listening to mine. Goose bumps travel up my arm, giving me a delicious shiver. Suddenly he's like a magnet pulling me in. Liam's eyes lock onto mine. They shimmer with a gold. A hunger is in their depths. It infects me. I want to enjoy him. I want to experience what it's like, when it's my choice. By the end of that thought, I'm in his lap. My hands glide up his flannel shirt to the top of his buttoned buttons. I slowly unbutton each one, rubbing my hands along his t-shirt clad chest. When I reach the bottom, my hands search for his skin under the shirt in almost a trance like state. I want to make him feel good. Suddenly Liam's hands grip my wrists, stopping my exploration.

"No" he growls. "I take this very seriously."

"Take what seriously?" I ask dazed.

"Making love."

I snap out of my trans immediately. Oh wow, love? I just figured out that I like Liam, but love is something I'm not ready for. The last guy I loved, almost killed me. I play with the waist band of his jeans for a moment. "I'm sorry Liam. I just wanted to show you how much I appreciate all you've done for me." Looking up I see he is angry with me again. He pushes me off of himself, stands up and gives me a disgusted look.

"I thought we've been over this. I don't need hand outs. Jeez!!! Skyler! What in your right mind makes you think that you need to give out sexual favors to those who are just trying to be decent folk. When you want to be intimate it should be for the right reasons and with the one you love. Hasn't anybody ever taught you that?"

His words ring like a gong in my mind. A few pieces click together, but I'm still confused as to why he won't except me. I'm so over whelmed that I try to busy myself, so I won't cry in front of Liam. I can feel his eyes burning into me, waiting for an answer. When he realizes that I won't, he yanks the the dish out of my hands before I could put it back in the basket. Angrily I pop up."I don't know! I can't remember! I can't remember anything before HIM!" I run out of the barn before Liam could see my tears fall.