Free Tropical Storm by Stefanie Graham Page B

her shoulder when he motioned her up a steep and rocky path shielded by shrubs, and looming palm trees. From the many sounds coming from the bushes, the thick vegetation hid various forms of wildlife.Storm instinctively moved closer to Cairo as they made their way carefully up the path. She was breathing heavily when he motioned her into a small house at the top of the hill.Startled, she looked up at Cairo when he pulled a key from under the doormat and fitted it into the lock. Putting his fingers to his lips to indicate silence, he led her inside. She reluctantly stepped over the threshold and then stopped in her tracks holding her hand over her mouth.
    Shane was asleep on the bed,his curly mane spread over the pillow and his cheeks wet with tears. Storm rushed over to him, pulled him up from the bed and held him close. He didn’t stir. Storm looked at Cairo in thanks. He acknowledged her look with a nod before he left to give her a moment of privacy.
    Storm met him in the living room moments later.
    “This is where you live, isn’t it?” It was a statement not a question.
    Cairo gave her a defiant nod. “Of all the places he could have chosen, he came here to be with you. He ran to your house because in the short time we have been here, he has grown to care for you so much. You’ve made an impression on him. Thank you.”
    Ignoring her thanks Cairo asked, “What did you two argue about?”
    There was a long pause before she answered.
    “He wants me to find him a father.” She admitted.
    “But he has one!” Cairo exclaimed, confused.
    “Yes, he does.” Storm agreed. “But he can’t be a father to him.”
    “How long have you been divorced?” Cairo asked, instantly regretting the question. Without waiting for an answer he said, “Your parents really made a mistake when they chose James for you. Not only is he an incompetent husband but also a lousy father. A marriage can fail, but shirking his duty as a parent is inexcusable. If I had a son like Shane, I would be more than proud to call him my own.”
    “Would you?” Storm asked quietly. “Well, things happen I guess that no one can anticipate. Shane’s father and I haven’t been together for a long time now.” Storm added carefully.
    Cairo responded to the first statement and ignored the last. Yes, I’d feel honored to have a son like Shane. He’s a fine boy. He has strength and courage like his mother.”
    Storm took a moment to digest his words then she said,“Cairo, no matter what has happened between us I want you to know that I will always be grateful for your help tonight. Shane is the only thing I live for; I couldn’t survive without him. By finding him, you saved me.”
    Cairo didn’t know why it surprised him that Storm felt so deeply for her son. For the last six years he’d thought of her as callous and unfeeling, incapable of love. But she was now a mother and her love for Shane had changed her for the better.
    Later he would say that it was the night, the emotional upheaval of the search and mutual feelings of relief. But secretly he would know that it happened because he wanted it to, because he had longed for her all those years. He would know that despite their breakup and her subsequent marriage to another man that she belonged to him and always would.
    “Come here, Jessica.”
    She didn’t hesitate. She came to him willingly. When he pulled her down onto the couch and into his arms, she didn’t resist, she knewit was where she belonged.
    The first kiss had them both trembling. The first touch was so exquisitely pleasurable that Storm moaned without him having to do a thing. She sank into his arms and reveled in the moment.
    Cairo’sbrown eyes held her green gaze steadily. Then with tormenting slowness, he kissed each eyelid closed. Then he kissed her lips tenderly, like a soft breeze gently caressing her, his mouth exploring hers. His hand trembled as he slipped it into the thick expanse of her hair. A long forgotten