Spring Fling Trio- Beyond Love Starter Set

by Karice Bolton

  “Grueling, but I loved every minute of it.”

  He wrapped his arms around my waist and lifted me up, scattering a few kisses down my neck. “I made you dinner in case you were hungry.” He put me back down on the ground and stood back, grinning. “I had no idea how much I’d miss you. I—”

  He stopped himself, and his gaze shifted nervously as he bit his lip.

  Oh, please, dear Lord. Was he going to say those three words?

  “You what?” I asked, hoping that he’d finish what he started.

  “I. Am. Starving.”

  I looked at him and smiled. “I. Am. Too! Very. Much. So! I enjoy these three word sentences.”

  He laughed once he realized I wasn’t really planning on letting him off the hook. Seeing the beautiful candles that he’d lit on the kitchen table, along with a vase full of autumn-colored flowers and place settings for two filled me up with feelings of affection and adoration. Why rush something that can always wait until tomorrow? We already knew that those three words were on the tips of our tongues. I looked over at Aaron, his eyes searching mine for a reaction, and knew I already loved him and had for some time.

  “This is so sweet of you. I—” Smiling, I bit my lip and chuckled.

  “You what?” he asked, his brow arched.

  “I. Am. Starving.”

  “It might be a little light if you’re starving,” he said, walking into the kitchen.

  He opened the door of the large stainless fridge and grabbed a metal bowl and a jar of dressing.

  “What’s in there?” I asked, sliding out the chair.

  “Salad with pepper steak strips,” he grinned, placing the bowl on the dining table.

  “I’m impressed.”

  I glanced up at Aaron and his eyes locked on mine. “I really like having you here.”

  “I love being here…especially if I could look forward to this kind of treatment,” I laughed as he plated the salad.

  “I thought making you a latte every morning would make you want to stay.”

  “I don’t want to wear out my welcome,” I teased.

  “You never would.”

  I shrugged, unsure of where this was heading.

  “I mean it. Waking up with you next to me is—”

  My body stilled as I saw the sincerity pouring out of him, but he stopped himself.

  “I’m probably freaking you out.”

  “Not at all, but things have been so amazing I don’t want to rush things or scare you off,” I said, smiling.

  “Nothing you could do would scare me off.” He grabbed my hand and the familiar tingle of electricity shot through me.

  “You say that now, but I’m sure I could prove otherwise.” I glanced over to the family room where the fireplace was flickering its brilliant orange and yellows in the darkened room. The room was beckoning, and the soft music he had playing made me think of things other than finishing this meal.

  “You know what I’m looking forward to?” I asked.

  “What?”

  “Spending the holidays with you.”

  He stiffened slightly and his gaze shifted to his plate.

  “What?” I asked.

  “I’ve never actually celebrated the holidays since I was back at home.”

  “You haven’t celebrated Thanksgiving or Christmas for ten years?” I asked.

  “Only if you count felt trees and takeout as celebrating,” he laughed.

  “Well, I’m going to change that this year,” I said, spiking a few of the lettuce leaves on my fork as he did the same.

  Something changed slightly in his expression as he looked at me, and I wondered what about the holidays bothered him but not wanting to ruin the streak we were having, I let my question slide.

  “I’m going to get everything packed up tonight, and I’ll just crash at my condo for the rest of the week.”

  He nodded and stood up, grabbing our plates and the salad bowl. “Want any dessert?”

  I smiled and hopped up. “Definitely. I’ll grab the whipped cream and meet you upstairs.”

  His laughter filled the air as he shook his head. “You never cease to amaze me.”

  “And I hope I never do.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  It was Saturday morning, and I had spent the night at my condo. I woke up to the awful sound of my alarm clock but bolted right up once I remembered that Aaron was on his way over to pick me up. I glanced out the window and was thrilled with the beautiful clear skies. It wasn’t every day that the sun shined in Washington during the fall.

  Since Aaron wouldn’t tell me much about what was happening this weekend, I packed two pairs of jeans, two sweaters, one dress, plus a pair of slacks.

  I turned on the faucet and ran warm bathwater into the tub. I poured two capfuls of the bubble bath that Aaron had bought me under the running water and turned toward the mirror. Stripping off my clothes, I turned around in the mirror and noticed that between Gabby’s baking and spending so much time at Aaron’s house, I seemed to have filled out a tiny bit, but my clothes still fit so I wasn’t going to worry about it. I quickly brushed my teeth and let out a sigh as I thought about how much my life had changed and how little of it I had shared with my best friend. But this weekend that was going to change. Okay, maybe Monday that would change. Right now, I just wanted to focus on my weekend with Aaron and much needed relaxation. Between working full time and attending law school, I was exhausted—thrilled! But exhausted.

  As I slid into the warm bath water, the bubbles spread out in several directions, and I scooped as many back toward my body as I could capture and sunk in deeper as the warmth hit my bones. The scent Aaron picked out was so light and florally, and I absolutely loved it. Every day when I was staying with him, he somehow managed to spoil me with some little something. I took a deep breath and slithered under the water, feeling my hair float around me. Running my fingers through my hair, I daydreamed about Aaron being in here with me, and just when I was running out of air, I slowly emerged to the chill of the room.

  I heard footsteps coming down the hall and my heart began pounding.

  “You here?” Aaron’s voice called into my bedroom.

  “In here.”

  “I should probably give your key back now that—” Aaron stuck his head around the corner and his expression completely lit up. “Or not.”

  “I thought I was meeting you downstairs.”

  “I wanted to surprise you with some fresh baked croissants,” he said, holding up a brown sack. “From Gabby’s Goodies.”

  “Sounds delicious.”

  “Not as delicious as you.”

  I rolled my eyes but reveled in the compliment.

  “I also wanted to grab the keys to your bike.”

  “They’re hanging by the door. Is it coming with us?”

  He nodded and I glanced at the towel next to him.

  “Mind bringing me that?”

  Aaron tossed the bag on the counter and grabbed the grey towel, holding it open for me. “I’ll just help you out.”

  “I’m sure you will.”

  His eyes locked on mine as I stood up from the water. The way his eyes fell along my body made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. His lip curled up slightly as I stepped out of the water onto the bathmat and reached for the towel, which he immediately dropped to the floor.

  “I don’t think you’ll be needing that,” he murmured, pulling me into him.

  “You’re going to get completely soaked,” I objected.

  “Fine with me,” he said, as his fingers drifted along the droplets on my arm.

  I looked up into his brown eyes and saw the familiar glow of desire. Knowing that I could unleash that in him made me feel amazing, powerful. I draped my arms across his shoulders, leaning into him as his mouth slowly parted. His kiss was slow, deliberate, and delicious as my fingers tangled through his hair. His hands glided along my body, stopping at my hips as I felt his firmness pressed up against my b
are body.

  I delighted in what the morning held for me, but he drew away from me and grinned as I let out a moan. Thinking I held any power over this man was laughable as I stood here feeling absolutely powerless in his embrace.

  His grin turned to a smirk, and he slowly dropped his hands from my hips. “There’ll be more of that later, but I should go load up your bike on the trailer.”

  He grabbed the towel off the floor and threw it gently at me, but I was too much of a mess to even attempt a catch.

  “You play so dirty,” I laughed, picking up the terrycloth from the floor.

  “Can’t let you see all my tricks, babe.”

  We had been driving for two hours, and I had completely sprawled out in his car with several half-read magazines and my Kindle Fire recharging.

  “Almost there,” he said, glancing at me.

  “Really?” I looked out the window and only saw the long country road that we’d already been on for half the journey.

  “It’s my other place,” he said, putting the blinker on.

  The Mercedes SUV bounced along the gravel driveway as the trailer hopped along behind.

  “What’s wrong with the one you have?” I asked, teasing as I peeked out searching for our destination. ”I thought it was pretty spectacular.”

  Through the trees ahead I spotted a river, and as we rounded the corner, I saw a beautiful log cabin with a red roof.

  “Is that the place?” I asked “It’s huge.”

  “It is,” he confirmed.

  I glanced at the cabin and saw two other structures; one that looked like a garage and another that was possibly a shop. “Do you work out here too?”

  He nodded and slowed our vehicle as the garage door opened and we drove right in. This garage was absolutely huge. I looked behind me and saw the entire trailer come in with us.

  “What made you want a place like this?” I asked, glancing at him as he turned off the ignition.

  “It’s just nice not to be bothered. The reception is kind of spotty out here. Once the snows come it’s a pretty great place to be.” He pointed to the other side of the garage where a couple of machines were covered.

  “What are those?” I asked.

  “Snowmobiles.”

  “Really? I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I can’t wait to try those out.”

  “I think the first season, you should just wrap yourself around me. You know, learn the ropes.”

  I laughed and opened the car door, nearly falling out with the magazines. I stretched and continued looking around the garage. “So that other building is the shop where you work on your sculptures?”

  He nodded as he lifted our bags out of the SUV and dropped them on the ground.

  “Do you have any completed pieces in there?”

  His mouth turned up into an almost sheepish grin. Something that was completely unlike Aaron. “One.”

  “Yeah?”

  He nodded. “I actually built it when—”

  “Enough said.” I grimaced not wanting to go back to that time. It seemed so long ago. “Let’s untie these bad boys and get riding before the good weather goes away. I haven’t been riding since that whole stalker thing happened. I’d like to get at least one more ride in before the weather turns horrible.”

  “You’ve read my mind. Let’s go get changed.”

  I picked up my bag but Aaron quickly grabbed it from me. “I got it.”

  As we walked toward the log cabin, I took in the beautiful surroundings. It was so quiet and peaceful. I heard a constant whooshing in the distance, which was no doubt the rushing river and imagined spending the holidays here one day. Most of the leaves had already fallen off the maple and oak trees, creating a golden brown and red carpet leading to his front porch. I glanced at Aaron and held in a chuckle. If he knew the thoughts that were running through my head, I was sure he’d take off running for the mountains, never to return.

  He unlocked the front door and pushed it open, displaying a huge great room with a cobblestone fireplace in the corner. Rustic furniture complimented the brown leather sectional that was situated in front of the television.

  “Looks like you could hold your own weekend party here,” I said, laughing.

  “I’m too picky. You’re the only person who’s ever been here, besides Jason.”

  His admission made my heart flutter as I wondered if the possibilities of a happily ever after with him were tangible.

  In the far corner, a large kitchen was home to a beautiful granite island and breakfast bar. All of the wired lights were a mix of antler replicas and wrought iron. It felt completely cozy. Next to the kitchen I saw an opening to a long hallway.

  “The bedrooms are down here,” he said, as I followed him down the corridor.

  “How many are there?” I asked.

  “Four,” he said, pointing at the first.

  “Wow. That’s quite a few for a single man’s cabin.”

  He shrugged. “Well, not really with a family and all someday.”

  Did he just say that?

  Please let me be part of that equation. Please.

  “I never figured you for that type, Mr. Sullivan.”

  His eyes caught mine as he flipped on the light to the first guest bedroom.

  “Once the right person falls into your life, anything is possible.”

  A surge of excitement ran through me as he softly pressed his lips to mine in a quick kiss before beginning the tour again. He showed me the remaining two bedrooms before we entered the master at the end of the hall.

  It was mammoth and had its own cobblestone fireplace, along with a jetted tub in the actual bedroom that overlooked the river outside. I guess we wouldn’t have to go far from the bed that way.

  Nice…

  “This is a special place,” I whispered, taking in the pine furniture and pair of green chaise lounges. I ran my finger along the fabric of one of the chaises and glanced at him. “So no one but Jason has been up here?”

  I found it hard to believe, especially as I stood here staring at two chairs strategically placed in front of the window that overlooked the woods.

  “I actually just got those delivered.” His brow arched. “I only recently started thinking in pairs.” He smirked as he watched my expression change from caution to satisfaction.

  “Is that so?”

  “The right person will do that…”

  “Even to a guy like you?”

  “Especially to a guy like me.”

  I smiled knowing that what we had was special, unexplainable, and worth all of the heartache and confusion that led us to this place. I unzipped my bag and grabbed my protective gear for riding. I was already wearing jeans and a Henley so I wasn’t planning on changing.

  “You ready to get back on?” he asked, slipping on his leather-riding jacket.

  “I am. I’m really excited. It’s like my secret addiction. Besides you, that is.”

  Aaron’s laughter filled the space as I zipped up my jacket and pulled my hair into a ponytail.

  “I’d almost bet money that you like the whole secrecy thing.” His brow raised slightly as he waited for my objection.

  “Is that so?” I asked.

  Truthfully, I kind of wondered the same thing. I’d had ample opportunities where I could have told Gabby about her brother and me; yet I chose not to and put it all in a letter, which still sat in my jewelry box. “Well, it is kind of fun this way.”

  “I knew it,” he said, shaking his head. He grabbed my hand and pulled me back through the hallway. “We better enjoy it while we can.”

  He locked up the house, and we walked over to the garage where he unhooked his bike and mine, rolling each off the trailer.

  I buckled my helmet into place and swung my leg over the bike.

  “You look insanely hot on that thing,” he said, laughing. He slid his phone out of his pocket and took a picture.

  “You’re not so bad yourself,” I laughed, as he sat on his bike
.

  We both started our engines, and he motioned for me to follow him down the gravel drive. My pulse quickened as I rode over the divots and lumps in the gravel, taking extra caution with each increase in miles-per-hour.

  Grateful to hit the end of the gravel drive, he waved me over and I pulled up next to him.

  “You go in front of me. I want you to feel comfortable with the speed and don’t want you to be pressured to go faster than you want. If you just stay to the left, we’ll wind up back here eventually,” he yelled from under his helmet.

  I nodded and took off slow and steady, hearing the wind whip against my helmet. I began giving it more throttle and felt my pulse quicken at the thought of feeding my bike more speed. It was a beautiful day for a ride, and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else with anyone else in the world. I followed the road as it bent slightly to the left and dipped down. I squeezed on my brakes gently but the bike didn’t slow down very much, if at all.

  That was odd. Trying not to panic, I began to steady my bike, hoping the speed would let up.

  Just as I was about to try my brakes again, a deer hopped onto the road in front of me. My fingers instantly gripped the brakes, but my bike didn’t stop.

  I cautiously turned my wheel slowly and to the right, barely avoiding the deer as it hopped away. I let out the breath I’d been holding in just as I heard Aaron holler from behind, right when my front wheel hit a large rock.

  My entire life went into slow motion as the bike stopped instantly, throwing me off the front of it. I felt like I was flying through the air, weightless, as I prepared myself to land hard. I could take it. I grew up with two brothers, after all. I heard Aaron yelling as his bike stopped behind me. I even saw him pulling off his helmet just as my body slid across the gravel on the side of the road.

  I lifted my head up to unfasten my helmet. Or I thought I did. But my helmet was still on. Aaron was already on the phone to 911. I heard the operator on speakerphone as he came running over to me. I smiled at him as the warm pool of liquid continued trickling down my back.

  “Baby, stay with me. You’re going to be okay. I’m here. Everything’s going to be fine….” His eyes were full of tears as he took instruction from the operator.