He pressed his finger on the door lock and kept it there so she couldn’t jump out. “How can I make things better between us?”
“Extend the camp,” she spit out without a second thought.
Damn. That was fast.
“Anything but that,” he said.
“Why?”
Rem stuck his head through the seats.
Elliott exhaled, propping his elbow against the window. “Okay.” He finally turned to her. “I’ll tell you. But you have to give up your secrets too.”
She scoffed like she was insulted.
“Don’t even try to pretend that you’ve told me everything, because I know you haven’t, Rebel.” He tapped his temple. “I’ve got a really high IQ, remember? Your story might be true, but you’ve left something out, because your mom’s illness still wasn’t enough of a reason to cut me off without a word.”
She crossed her arms and stared through the front windshield into the dark. “More of your rigged version of truth or dare?”
“No.” His voice was a near whisper. “Just truth this time.”
Her lips parted, and she turned to look at him. Finally, she nodded. “Why won’t you extend the camp?”
He didn’t hesitate. “If I’m not back at work soon, they’re going to fire me and take my life savings too. All partners are required to buy in to the firm. I gave them everything I had except for my apartment.”
“Oh,” she whispered. “I suppose that’s a good reason.”
“I’ve got a few questions for you, but I’ll start with the easiest.” He slung a hand over the steering wheel. “Why did you name your dog Rem?”
Her chin quivered. “I . . . I’ve named all my dogs Rem as a way to stay connected to you.”
A thrilling rush of heat pounded through his veins so hot and fast that it scored his insides.
“I used your birthdate as our garage code for the same reason. My apartment security code too.” He blew out his cheeks. “Now that we’ve established we both never got over each other, why did you leave without telling me where to find you? I get it that your mom was sick, but I could’ve helped. My family would’ve been there for you too, Rebel.”
Her bottom lip trembled along with her chin. “I haven’t told you everything for your own good. I shouldn’t—”
“I have to know.” Knowing was the only way to end his torment.
“My . . . my mom hit Dan Morgan,” Rebel whispered.
Elliott stilled, shock rolling over him in waves.
She dropped her face into her hands. “God, you’re right. It does feel good to finally tell someone.”
Elliott gave her a moment. Really, he was giving himself a moment to recover too. The revelation of what her mom had done, what she’d put Rebel through, sickened him.
When she laced her fingers in her lap, one thumb rubbing the other, he covered her hands with one of his. “What happened?”
“Mom didn’t remember the accident because she passed out. She woke up in a ditch on Sunset Road, and then she stopped in town to get more liquor on her way home. There was a dent in her car where she’d hit something, so when the news broke about Danny, she just knew it was her fault.”
His pulse kicked when a tear trekked down her silky cheek.
“Shh.” He shooed Rem to the back seat, then leaned over the console, pulling her into an embrace. “Why didn’t you call me? I would’ve come home.”
She nodded. “I know you would’ve. That’s why I didn’t tell you or your family.” She leaned back and gave him a pitiful look. “I loved you too much to let you give up your scholarship. I would’ve hated myself for it.”
“So you disappeared.” He framed her face with his hands and pulled her into a sweet, gentle kiss. “You survived on your own without anyone looking out for you.”
Another tear slipped down her cheek. “I loved you enough to let you go.”
His heart shattered into a million tiny pieces.
“It’s okay, baby.” He cradled her against his chest. “I’ve got you now.” He wasn’t sure how to process what she was telling him or what to do about it. He only knew that if she was brave enough to survive all she’d been through and trusted him enough to confide in him, then he had to protect her. To help her somehow, someway.
It didn’t make sense that Dan would’ve been all the way over on Sunset Road on a bike. Elliott knew where the Morgans lived, and it was nowhere near Sunset Road. If nothing else, maybe he could find out some of the details about Dan’s accident. “Do you remember what time your mom got home that day?”
“Well, it was late on a Saturday morning. She’d been out all night. That’s all I remember.” She sniffed. “I wouldn’t blame you if you turned me in.”
He placed his finger under her chin and lifted her gaze to meet his. “We’ll figure something out. Keeping this secret so long has obviously torn up your life like it did Dan’s.” Elliott stroked a palm across her silky hair. “You shouldn’t have to keep paying for your mom’s mistakes, sweetheart.”
He kissed her. Soft and sensual and so, so sweet until his comforting kisses made her rigid posture relax.
“Hey.” He tilted his head to look into her eyes. “You go on up to your room and get some sleep. I’m going to stop in and see how Dad is faring with Mr. Collins. Since he’s been trapped on the island during the storm, I’m sure he’s getting antsy.”
Elliott walked her to the stairs. “Good night.” Jeez, he felt like a teenager again on a first date. But instead of asking if he could kiss her on the cheek, he wanted to ask if he could meet her upstairs, strip her naked, and kiss her everywhere.
His expression must’ve registered his thoughts, because she blushed. “’Night.” With an index finger wandering over the banister, she took each stair slowly, glancing over her shoulder like she was unsure about leaving him at the bottom. Rem and Bogart followed her up.
When she finally disappeared without inviting him up, he sighed in disappointment. Then he went to find his dad and Mr. Collins.
Only two days had passed since Elliott and Rebel were caught arguing in the middle of the main lodge, wearing the fresh scent of sex like they’d been attacked by a cologne salesperson at a department store. Those optics hadn’t made an ideal first impression, but besides Rebel’s impressive skills, Elliott had managed to dazzle Collins with his knowledge of business.
The thought of business, his firm, and the world of high finance usually got his adrenaline pumping.
Not tonight.
A dull throb started at his temple.
Tonight, all he wanted was to fix things for Rebel so she could let the guilt over Dan Morgan’s accident go. So she could have a life. With him. Somewhere. Somehow . . .
Fuck.
Had to be the great sex they’d had causing his brain to cramp because his life and his savings were waiting several hundred miles down the coast. Unfortunately, the long hours that went with his job wasn’t the life she deserved.
He breezed past the kitchen and turned right toward the family den, drawing in a weighty breath.
He had to admit he’d gotten used to showing up to work every day in jeans and work boots. The power suits he wore at the firm were stiff. Uncomfortable. Not to mention damn expensive, because looking the part was half the battle when it came to reeling in big clients.
He’d take his relaxed jeans any day over those stuffy suits.
Hell, he’d take the resort and a cottage any day over his corner office and penthouse apartment in San Francisco.
That thought squeezed the air from his lungs.
Definitely the incredible night they’d spent together doing the thinking for him. He needed to keep his head in the game and keep the camp on track so that he could keep his life savings and his lucrative career. He and Rebel could figure out some sort of arrangement once they both went back to their real lives. For the life of him, though, he didn’t see any arrangement that would be fair to her. Because asking her to move to San Fran
cisco to his empty apartment where he was never home would suck for her.
When he got to the den, his father and Collins occupied two wingback chairs with a half-empty bottle of expensive brandy sitting on the table between them.
“There he is.” Collins slurred his words slightly and wore a cheery expression.
Thank God for Dad. Elliott had planned to do the schmoozing with the hope of landing Down Home Dog Food and their camp as an annual event. Since they were shorthanded, his father had stepped in and was obviously doing a fantastic job.
Collins lifted his glass of brandy in salute. “Your dad was just telling me how valuable you’ve been to the resort since you’ve been back.”
Not really. Anyone could do Elliott’s job. His dad was giving him far too much credit because he was glad to have his three boys home for good—or so his dad thought.
He’d been quick to sign over ownership of the resort to Elliott and his brothers. And Elliott hadn’t had the guts to stop his father from doing it, because the gesture had brought him so much joy. It was the happiest Elliott had seen his father since Mom died.
Scratch that.
Since Elliott had caused her death.
He raked a hand across his jaw. His mother’s death hadn’t crossed his mind the past two days. A record.
And he wasn’t sure if he should be thankful for the reprieve from the guilt or more ashamed than ever.
On top of that, it was going to kill Elliott as much as his father when he finally broke the news that his prolonged stay wasn’t permanent. “Enjoying the evening?”
“Absolutely.” Dad had the same twinkle in his eye he got when entertaining guests. “Get yourself a glass and have a seat.”
Elliott went to the wet bar and got a glass, filling it with the dark-amber liquid. He sank into the seashell-print sofa across from his dad and Collins. Lifting the snifter to his nose, he let the rich scent drift up so he could breathe it in. Something he often did with both potential and existing clients.
It was nice, but he preferred Charley’s coffee or an occasional longneck bottle of beer.
Collins rolled the brandy around in his glass. “Just shooting the breeze and trading stories from our military days. Different wars, but the details are always the same.”
And that’s why Elliott loved his dad so much. He found that special something, that soft spot in a person’s soul.
Elliott gave his dad a subtle smile that communicated thank you.
His dad’s glittering eyes said he was happy to pitch in.
“Quite the place you’ve got here,” Collins said. “Definitely the kind of place our company likes to utilize.”
Ah. Elliott’s business prowess sprang into action. “Would your company consider attending employee team-building events here?” His firm required similar company-sponsored activities. “If you’re interested, we can put together a proposal.” He shrugged. “If your company signed a contract for, say”—he stroked his chin—“five years, we’d make our prices extremely competitive, especially if you schedule during our off-season.”
Landing two annual events from a big client would help stabilize the resort’s year-round income. A coup d’état in Elliott’s not-so-humble opinion.
Collins nodded as though he was giving it serious thought. “I’ll finally be able to leave first thing tomorrow, but I’ll be back soon for our first round of interviews. It’ll be time to start the publicity side of this project. We can discuss additional events then.”
“We’ll be ready.” Elliott hoped like hell they could get the campers ready. Because his time was about to run out, and this was his last chance to do something good for the resort. Then he and his family would be even.
At least as even as he was ever gonna get.
His phone dinged, and he retrieved it from his pocket.
He stared at the screen. And almost swallowed his tongue.
A picture of Rebel wrapped in his jacket—he tilted his head to the side—and, it would seem, nothing else made his mouth go dry and everything else go hard. The text that came with it was even better.
I’ll be in the shower. Dare you to use your master key.
“It’s been a long day.” He knocked back the brandy in one gulp. “I think I’ll hit the sack.” They didn’t have to know he wouldn’t be alone. He said his goodbyes and cantered up the stairs with a spring in his step. On the way up, Elliott sent Lily a text about the potential new event.
When he got to Rebel’s door, he pulled out his wallet and opened it.
Master key. Check.
A long strip of condoms. Check.
He touched his key to the pad below the knob, and Rem and Bogart greeted him at the door.
“Hey, guys.” He gave them a scratch as he locked the door behind him. He shed his jacket. “Stay here.”
The bathroom was directly to his right, and the sound of running water filtered through the four-inch crack. With his fingertips, he pushed it open. A wall of steam engulfed him, moistening his skin. The naked silhouette behind the foggy glass shower door set him on fire.
But what stole his breath and had his heart skipping a beat or two was the message etched into the condensation on the glass. It was a creatively drawn heart. A simple thing.
Except that it wasn’t all that simple.
Rebel used to sign her love notes to him the same way. No name. No scrawling signature. Just a heart. It had been her way of telling him she loved him.
He swallowed. That heart should make him happy. He wanted to deepen their relationship instead of ending it once the camp was over and they left the island. But he had absolutely zero to offer her because his career would consume him the moment he stepped through the front doors of his firm.
The shower door cracked a few inches, and she peeked out. Then she slid the door completely open.
He forgot what fucking century it was.
Her wet red hair was slicked back. Wetness starred her eyelashes. And water sluiced down her perfect, naked body.
“Whoever said optics are everything was pretty damn smart in my opinion,” he said, deep and throaty.
A wicked smile curved her lips.
His stare licked over every inch of beautiful skin as he slowly unbuttoned his shirt and tossed it to the floor. Next, he kicked off his all-weather boots. When he got to his pants, her expression turned hungry, and she chewed one corner of her mouth.
Her nipples hardened into glorious peaks. Tempting. Teasing. Tasty.
“The optics from where I’m standing don’t get much better.” Her voice was sultry and seductive as she watched him undress.
He left one foil square on the counter and was in the shower with another condom, pulling her into a white-hot kiss so fast she squeaked. But then she melted into him, their need fogging the room just as much as the hot water. He eased her against the back wall of the shower and placed the condom on the soap dish. With a firm, possessive touch, he smoothed a hand down her toned back, over her contoured waist and hip, then down her thigh to grip the back of her knee. He lifted her leg so her foot would rest on the edge of the tub.
He slipped a hand between them, letting his fingers glide through her moist curls as he searched out the hot space between her thighs.
She broke the kiss, letting her head rest against the shower wall as he circled and massaged.
Her lashes fluttered down, and a soft breath whispered through her plump lips.
“Is that what you wanted?” he murmured against her mouth.
With her eyes still closed, she was too in the zone to answer.
“Or did I get my signals crossed?” He bent and pulled a tight nipple into his mouth, swirling his tongue over it.
She opened glazed eyes, spearing her fingers through his hair. “That’s what I want.”
Another swipe of his tongue and another circle of his fingers had her moaning.
One of her hands left his hair and wandered down his chest and over his abs.
He hiss
ed in a sharp breath as her warm palm closed around his shaft and stroked its length.
“Baby, if you do that again, we’ll have to skip the rest of the shower,” he said, biting her neck.
She angled her head to give him better access. “You can’t last through a shower?”
“I can.” He suckled the soft spot where his teeth had just been. “You won’t.”
“That sounds like a promise.” She chuckled, using her other hand to trace the outline of his six-pack.
“Or a dare.” He massaged one lush breast, letting his other hand find her ass. He dipped his knees, placing his pulsing flesh at her hot entrance. “Either way, you’ll see stars, and I’ll have you screaming for more in a few seconds.”
“You’re pretty sure of yourself.” Her index finger wandered lower and lower still.
He put the foil square to use, and then his fingers circled her wrist. He guided her hand to the bar on the shower wall next to them. “You should hang on.” He filled each palm with her fine ass and lifted her so her legs circled his waist. He slid into her with one scorching stroke, filling her to exquisite perfection.
She cried out, and he swallowed it with a hungry kiss. He stilled, giving her a second to adjust. His forehead rested against hers, and their labored breaths created more fog that mixed and mingled with the steam from the water.
She laced her arms around his neck, letting one finger play with the back of his hair. “I . . .” she said in a soft, shaky voice. “I missed you, Elliott,” she murmured against his neck, and he knew she wasn’t talking about the two days since they’d slept together.
“I missed you too, baby,” he whispered back. And he had. So damn much it still made him ache. He just hadn’t wanted to own up to it.
He started to move his hips. Slowly at first, then faster, stroking deeper with each thrust.
She nipped his bottom lip. “God, that’s so good,” she panted out.
Her nipples tightened, grazing his chest with each rock of his hips. The glimmer of orgasm sprang up from his depths. His fingers flexed into her soft flesh as he picked up speed. Gritting his teeth, he held back the tension coiling tighter inside him.
Dare Me Again Page 19