She tilted her head to the side, a wordless bid for an explanation.
There was so much Max didn’t want to share. If his father was legitimate about encouraging their love, there was no reason to mention the agreement he held or the offer they would make. His father’s change of heart had accomplished just what Max had hoped and resolved those issues without them being raised. Mentioning them would only derail their budding romance. After so many years, after so much disappointment over their future together, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. “Look, it’s just a hunch, but I feel like if you sell now, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”
She broke a sad smile. “I can’t disagree with that, I’m sad just thinking about it. We cannot get by on winter promotions. I mean, look at this place, it’s a winter lodge in a ski town without snow; talk about the writing on the wall.”
Max wrestled with differing thoughts and conflicting impulses. “What if you … no, never mind, forget it.”
She sat up. “What?”
“Well, I agree, you have a point about the weather. There was no snow at all this year, and who knows how things will go. It’s probably safe to say they’ll get worse before they get better. What if you repurposed the property?” That seemed to gain Lauren’s interest, “You’re already doing a winter village, just something along those lines.”
“Like a storybook village, a kid’s attraction?”
Max nodded. “Maybe, but let’s do what it takes to make a success of the place. That’ll make things better for the whole town.”
“That was the idea.”
He hated to use his father’s idea, but it was something to consider. “Okay, so what about something like a water park?”
“A water park? With all those ugly plastic slides? No way, yuck.”
“No,” he said, “nothing like that, but we can make them look like those old flume rides. Maybe tie it into something educational. That would take advantage of the hotter seasons, bring in people from all over the state.”
Lauren seemed fascinated, but the end result was to shake that pretty head. “I appreciate the thought. It’s sweet that you’re here, and you want to help.”
“Well, I do want to help, and I’m grateful you’ve made me welcome in your home.”
She looked around, seeming to gravitate closer to him, her eyes finding his lips. “It’s a special place and always had an effect on our guests.”
“Oh, and what effect is that?”
“It brings people together.” She leaned in, almost touching his lips.
“Does it?”
She nodded, seeming to swallow hard. “It does, actually, I know several people who have fallen in love here.”
“Really?” Their mouths were just a breath away. Hers smelled minty fresh, and he couldn't stop thinking about what she would taste like
“Sitting on this very couch, in fact.”
His lips touched hers, and he spoke against them. “In front of a fire like this one?”
She sucked in a big breath. “Almost exactly.”
His smile came easily, all nervousness and doubt driven away by the power of the moment. He pulled back and looked at her. A look of disappointment crossed her face. She seemed unhappy with their sudden separation.
“I imagine a man looking into the eyes of the woman he loves,” he said.
After a prolonged pause, she seemed to manage a weak, “Oh?”
He nodded, his eyes finding her luscious lips. “He’s loved her his whole life, but he was convinced that he’d never be able to be with her.”
Her chest rose and fell rapidly. “No?”
“It was the great sorrow of his life, but then something happened, something changed.” He reached forward and cupped her cheek. His thumb ran across her lower lip.
“Did it?”
“Something inexplicable, the power of a certain place or just fate. Anyway, he finally had a chance to be with her.”
She cracked a little smile and turned away, but his hand gently led her chin back to face him.
“I’m sure she was just …” Lauren swallowed again, a pale shoulder arching up to her left ear. “Just another girl.”
He shook his head slowly. “Not to him,” he said. “To him, she was the most beautiful person in the world. It wasn’t her stunning face that attracted him, but her spirit and soul he loved. All he wanted in the world was for her to love him in return.” He leaned closer, slowly nearing her lips. “He wanted to tell her how much he loved her.” He moved nearer still, until his lips brushed against hers again, soft and sweet, a quiet reunion of two people driven apart by circumstance but brought back together by destiny.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Lauren
She couldn’t believe this was happening, but when Max’s lips covered hers in a heated kiss, there was no denying it. That tongue of his had always done things to her that made her dizzy. The kiss was no exception.
She pulled away, breathless. “Not here. There are still a few guests.” She looked behind her toward the kitchen. “There’s also Ruthie.”
Lauren’s heart skipped several beats as she and Max scurried up the stairs and down the hall to her bedroom. The door closed, and the lock clicked behind them. They finally got to relive their young love. There was nothing coming between them, nothing to stop them, and everything to push them onward.
Lauren threw her head back, hair falling as he kissed her left ear, then followed the curve of her neck. He moved her backward until the bed met her knees, and they both fell to the mattress.
They laughed like high school teenagers as they fumbled with their clothes. Tugging and tearing at them until they were naked.
“God, you’re beautiful,” he said, taking her in as if he hadn’t seen her in years. And he hadn’t, naked anyway.
Heat rose to her cheeks as she watched him stare at her like she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
She took her fill of him too. Broad shoulders and rippling muscles that led to narrow hips and heaven.
Max kissed his way down, her heart beating faster as his lips found her breast.
His tongue was skillful, and his fingers nimble as goose bumps rose from his gentle caresses.
She didn’t know how to respond, but the pleasure overtook the pain she’d been carrying in her heart. He knew just where to find the hidden clusters of nerves that made her body sing. He had experience, knowledge, and total confidence. He seemed made for her, and she for him. A squeeze of her arms around him intensified her desire to hold him there forever.
Max pressed another kiss to her lips that seemed to touch every cell in her body. It was a long, deep kiss she felt in the corners of her soul.
He rose and hovered above her, the taste of his kisses mixing with traces of chardonnay. His tongue danced with hers. His chest a sheet of muscle above her.
“My God, I’ve dreamed of this, of you,” he purred in her ear.
“Me too, with you.”
Max rested between her thighs, reaching for his pants to retrieve a condom. Once he rolled it on, all it took was one press inward, and Lauren knew the night would be well worth the wait. He paused and pulled back and waited again, not moving at all. She wanted more, she needed more, but his sexy taunt told her that he was in control, and she was more than glad to let him lead.
Max began a slow cycle of pressing forward and retreating. Her pleasure seemed to be his reward.
“Hmmm,” he hummed, “so good.”
“It is good,” she said, her own voice ringing in her ears, a sexy rasp that she hardly recognized.
Max picked up his pace, and every movement brought Lauren the pleasure she’d always expected, with the promise of even more to come.
His pace slowed almost to a halt, leaving that big bolt of energy coiled inside her. He pulled all the way back and paused, then pushed in deep and long, beginning a slow and steady rhythm that built the pressure inside her, expanding and stretching, rising and falli
ng and rising again. She struggled to breathe, every conscious thought focused on that central sensation and the man who was inspiring it.
“I love you so much, Lauren, so damn much.” His voice strained.
“I love you too, Max. I have all these years.”
“Yes, so many years, and now there’s no more waiting.”
Her passion swelled to the point of rupture and rapture, body shaking with an increasing inability to sustain or contain it.
She convulsed as the tension burst inside her and flooded her with warmth.
Max followed her over the edge. This was them, two people finally made into one, bound by love and passion.
Their bodies gave way to slow relaxation. Her legs lowered to the dampened sheets. Her heart returned to a normal beat. He lay beside her cradling her head against his chest, his heart beating in her ear.
There was too much to think about, too much to feel. She let the moment wash over her, body exhausted, and soul refreshed. Everything had changed, and the morning would bring things she could not anticipate, but for now, Max would be here with her, and she was grateful for his presence.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Max
Max was glad to see his grandmother again, who sat in her chair, staring out at the expansive property around the Hunter home. She offered no evidence of understanding, but as long as there was a chance that she could receive some sense of comfort from his words, or just from his presence, it was more than worth the visit.
Jane, on the other hand, was listening, one brow raised as she sat primly by Ethel’s side.
Max looked directly at Jane; eyes fixed on hers. He wanted her to know that he was aware of some deception in the Hunter house. Whether it was born of her inspiration, he couldn’t say, but there was a way to find out.
She smiled as if she knew what he was thinking.
“My father had a change of heart about Lauren and me.”
Jane said nothing; one raised brow was the only answer she offered.
“Strange, especially after he was so determined to keep the families apart—to crush the Matthews.”
Jane shrugged. “Your father has some vulnerabilities like anyone.”
“I’d never thought of him as weak,” Max said.
“He can be. Family would be one of his soft spots.” It was true, but something about her manner worried him. “I’m glad things are working out for everybody.” She rose and walked into the garden. A look over her shoulder told him she expected him to follow.
Max looked for the truth behind her facade and wondered if he had misjudged her.
“And you and my father?”
“Things are good, and I’m sure you want to keep them that way. I did you a favor, but one hand washes the other?”
Of course, it did. “How so?”
Jane rolled her eyes. “I’m not spending my best years sitting around here waiting for your grandmother to pass for nothing. Once she goes, he’ll have more options. Whereas I haven’t got many.”
Max shrugged. “We’ll give you a good recommendation, I’m sure, a fair severance—”
“I’m gonna get a lot more than that, and you will make sure I do. Especially if you want to keep that little cutie on your arm.”
Max wasn’t sure how to respond, and she didn’t give him time to, anyway.
“That’s right, just a few whispers in his ear, and you’re back at each other’s throats. How long do you think it will be before that slides a wedge between you two? And then, there are the business complications. Let’s face it, the only hope you’ve got to keep that girl is in saving her lodge, and that will come down to your father, which means it comes down to me.”
“I see.” A spark of anger lit in his gut.
“I hope you do. You better figure out a way to make sure I’ve got a ring on my finger by the end of the year, or things at the lodge will get ugly fast.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Lauren
Lauren sat in front of Sam’s desk, telling him about the possibilities for the lodge.
“A water park?” he asked.
“I’m not saying I will do it, but I have to do something. At least it’s a creative approach—a way to make the most of the land and to bring people into Moss Creek. We’d all benefit from that.”
He seemed to give it some thought, nodding with a sigh. “It’s not unthinkable, but where would the money come from? You’re mortgaged to the hilt as it is.”
“Well, you’re my accountant, I thought you might have some ideas.”
Sam scowled. “I got nothin’. You could play the lottery, I guess. Honestly, without the proper backing, I don’t think you can convert the place into a parking lot. The money’s just not there.” After a sad pause, he asked, “Are you moving forward with your winter village thing?”
“I can’t sit and do nothing.”
“I understand. Have you given any more thought to selling?”
“I have, but Max talked me out of it.”
“Max did?”
“Yes, he said I’d regret it, and I know he’s right.” She had a lot of regrets, but being with Max wasn’t one of them. For the last several nights, they’ve made love and slept in each other’s arms. Having him there had changed her entire outlook on life.
“Max Hunter talked you out of selling?”
“That’s right,” Lauren said, her palms clammy with nervousness. “We were friends, long before our fathers had a falling out.”
“Yeah, your father told me all about that, and how he outed Eaton for cheating on his wife.”
Lauren nodded. “Before that, we were close, the way kids can be. And now we’re close, the way adults can be.”
After a long, considered pause, he said, “I see.”
“It’s not you, I want you to know that.”
He chuckled. “Ah, the ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ speech.”
She felt bad, and though she’d never led him on, there was a tinge of guilt coloring her conscience. All Sam did was try to help her. “You’re a good man, a good friend, but this is something else, something deep. Please try to understand.”
He offered a friendly smile and a polite nod. “I do, and I’m happy for you, for both of you, but are you sure we can trust him?”
“I know, it’s odd timing, but this is when it happened.” She lifted her shoulders. “What can I do? Maybe it’s a case of something good coming out of something bad.”
“Maybe.” He didn’t sound convinced.
“I hope you’re not upset?”
“No, I’m just worried about you, that’s all. As I said, whatever you want, that’s what I want for you. I’m here to help in any way I can. If you feel you can rely on this man, that you love him, then I’m happy for you.”
Was it love she was feeling? The answer was unequivocally yes. “Thank you.”
“Be careful, Lauren. I don’t mean to be jaded, but Eaton Hunter is a powerful man, and he includes his son in all his business dealings. It’s said that the apple never falls far from the tree.”
“Things are different now,” she said. “He stood up to his father for me. And it appears that Eaton has given us his blessings.”
“If that’s true, then that’s wonderful.”
“It is, and it’s nice that people can rise to the occasion, and not always be so stubborn and predictable. It gives me hope.”
“Good, hope is important.”
Her next appointment was with Lucille, the wealthy widow, and one of the most influential people in the area.
“I was glad you called, darling,” Lucille said, “I’ve been hearing about this winter village attraction you’re considering.”
“We’re definitely doing the winter village. We have to bring more attention to the lodge and to Moss Creek.”
“Yes, about that. I know you mean well. You’re such a bright light, if I may say.”
Lauren didn’t see much reason to object, but she felt like one was coming.
“It makes one wonder how much attention we really want to attract.”
Lauren’s brows furrowed, leaving an aching crease in the center of her forehead. “It’s a resort town, why wouldn’t we want to bring in visitors?”
Lucille sighed. “Times have changed, surely you can see that. It’s not just the weather. Let’s be honest. Busier towns have bigger problems. Cities are plagued with homelessness, drug addicts, and tents everywhere. That’s not what we want for Moss Creek, is it?”
“Well, no, I don’t suppose any town wants that, but it’s a sign of the times, I guess. We really should help each other out more than we do, don’t you think?”
“No, I don’t think so.” The frankness of the answer took Lauren off guard, but the older woman seemed to recognize that and explained. “I do plenty as it is. I pay my taxes, more than I’d like. I give where I can, but not to the homeless. I will not encourage that, and I don’t want to see it ruining Moss Creek the way it’s ruined other places like Aspen and Breckenridge, and don’t get me started on Denver.”
Lauren shook her head as she tried to wrap her mind around her neighbor’s hardened worldview. “What about the people who already live here? They will be homeless soon enough. This is a ski town, and there’s no snow. What are we all going to do about that?”
“I support local businesses,” Lucille said. “Honestly, I think if the outside world would just leave us alone, we’d be fine. You’re a sweet girl to be so civic-minded, but honestly, when they say the road to hell is paved with good intentions, I think this is just the thing they’re talking about.”
Lauren gave it one more shot to get Lucille on board. “You understand that you alone can’t keep the town alive, right? Your daily trip to Lily’s or Sally’s for coffee won’t keep them in business. A trip to the local grocery store won’t pay the owner’s rent. What about places like Delia’s who depend on tourists to buy her saltwater taffy? This isn’t just about me, although I include myself in the mix. It takes a village, and a lot of tourists to keep a town like Moss Creek alive and well.”
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