She knew that shame, and she hated it almost as much as she hated that she’d made him feel bad for just being the celebrity he was. “Yes,” she said quietly.
“For the first time in my life, I didn’t feel that shame, Kat. Not for one second after being with you.” He paused, and she wondered if it was so she could let his words sink in or for him to gather his thoughts as his eyes searched hers. “I know we just met, but I feel something between us that’s more powerful than I’ve ever felt before. I want a chance to explore that with you.”
He slid his hand to the nape of her neck and stepped in closer, bringing their lips a whisper apart. He didn’t seem to care who saw them, and she didn’t care either, because being this close to Eric, feeling his heat embrace her, seeing the desire in his eyes, consumed her. She desperately wanted to press her lips to his, to tell him she was sorry.
She opened her mouth to apologize, and before she could say a word, he said, “I’ll never lie to you and pretend that there wasn’t a time when those types of girls turned my head. But right here, right now, there’s only you and me. And until we decide otherwise—until you and I make that decision together—you don’t have to worry about what I’m doing with any other woman.”
He stared at her for a long stretch, long enough that his words sank into her heart and filled her with hope.
THE SECOND ERIC had seen jealousy flash in Kat’s eyes, he’d known that he never wanted to make her feel that awful emotion again. And he was going to do everything within his power to ensure she never had a reason to feel that way. After signing autographs for the women, he’d asked Hugh if he’d mind if he asked Kat out, and thankfully—God, thankfully—he didn’t.
Eric didn’t waste a second as he gazed into Kat’s eyes. “Go out with me tonight. Just the two of us.”
Her eyes shifted to their friends. “But we’re visiting Bree and Hugh.”
“I asked Hugh if he minded, and he doesn’t. I’d be happy to ask Bree, too, if you want. And I know I’m asking you to take time away from your best friend, but if you give me tonight, Kat, I’ll fly you back to see Bree whenever you want. One night, that’s all I’m asking.” Although I want so much more.
She opened her mouth to speak, and he pressed his lips to hers. He didn’t need to hear her say she didn’t want a fling, because he didn’t either. She kissed him tentatively at first, but as he slicked his tongue over the seam of her lips, she opened up to him, meeting his passion with her own. Her body melted against him, and when he deepened the kiss, her arms wound around his neck. This was what he’d dreamed of all night and longed for all day. The taste of her desire, the total release when she gave herself up to their kisses, the feel of their bodies fighting for more.
The sound of girls giggling pulled him from the heat of the moment, and he remembered they were in a parking lot surrounded by strangers and leaving Hugh and Bree waiting.
He reluctantly ended the kiss, keeping her so close he could hear every breath she took. “Say yes, Kat.”
Her eyes were smoky, her skin was flushed, and her answer came in a whisper. “Yes.”
“Yes,” he repeated, because he felt like he might burst with gratitude and needed a release before he gathered her in his arms to kiss her again.
“You don’t know a thing about discretion, do you?” she asked quietly as her eyes darted around the parking lot, finally landing on Bree and Hugh, who were smiling and whispering, with their eyes locked on Kat and Eric.
“I know a hell of a lot about discretion, but I don’t want to be discreet with you.” He offered her his hand, and when she slid her fingers between his, relief swept over him. He lifted their interlocked hands and kissed the back of hers.
“But didn’t we just talk about this? Not that I’m complaining, but…” Her smile told him that she was totally on the same page with him.
“I thought that was about having sex in Hal’s house, which is something I’d never do unless you were officially mine in the world’s eyes.” Eric stopped in his tracks as his mind became laser focused. That was exactly what he wanted, for the sassy blonde who wasn’t afraid to call him on his shit or act on her emotions to be his in the eyes of the world.
Chapter Eight
“I HAVEN’T BEEN this nervous about a date in years.” Kat set her hairbrush on the sink and turned to Brianna. “Are you sure you don’t mind that we’re going out? I feel bad about going out with Eric when I’m supposed to be visiting with you.”
“Oh, please. Do you really think I’d complain about having a night to go to bed early with my incredibly hot husband? Go, have fun.” Brianna fluffed the back of Kat’s hair and looked at her reflection in the mirror. “You look gorgeous. Those jeans fit perfectly, and only you could wear a shirt that tight and show that much cleavage without looking slutty.”
Kat bumped her with her shoulder. “Shut up.”
“That man will not be able to stop kissing you tonight. After that kiss at the track, I can’t even begin to imagine how you’ve thought of anything since.”
“He is an incredible kisser, but I still feel guilty about going out. It’s not even like this can lead anywhere. I’ll probably never see him again after this weekend, and I’m missing out on time with you and Hugh and the kids.”
“Trust me, you’ll see enough of us tomorrow at the picnic, and you’ll be glad you had the reprieve from the kids. And as far as seeing him again goes, Eric has houses all over, including Richmond. If you two want to see each other, you’ll find a way.” Brianna’s brows knitted together. “I’ve never seen you this nervous. What’s really going on?”
They went into the bedroom, and Kat slipped her feet into a pair of boots. “He told me not to wear heels. What do you think that means?”
“It means you’re not going flamenco dancing and that you’re avoiding the question.”
“Fine, but you’re going to think I’m crazy because we both know he’s had a busy social calendar and nothing can come of this. But…I’m really attracted to him, and not in just a sexual way. Sometimes when he looks at me, I feel like he’s looking inside me, like he can see all the things I’m trying to hide. I feel like so much hinges on this date, and I know that’s insane.” The word tripped the memory of the scene in the parking lot, when jealousy had consumed her, and she knew her feelings for Eric were already bigger than she was letting herself admit.
Bree looped her arm in Kat’s and they headed toward the stairs. “After being a single mother for six years, prepared to be one for twelve more, and then meeting Hugh when I least expected it, nothing seems insane to me.”
“So you don’t think I’m making a huge mistake? Going backward from the progress I’ve made toward being more responsible where men are concerned?”
They stopped near the top of the staircase, and Bree smiled at Kat. “I never thought you needed to change in the first place. That was all in your head. I thought you were perfect, and happy, the way you were.” She looked down the stairs, and Kat’s gaze followed.
Eric stood at the bottom of the staircase holding a bouquet of red roses in one arm. His dirty-blond hair was still damp, and he wore a pair of dark, low-slung jeans and cowboy boots, and looked hotter than sin. His black button-down shirt was open at the top, revealing the same patch of chest hair that had Kat’s heart racing when she’d first seen him in the airport. His cheeks were clean-shaven, giving him a completely different edge than the scruff had. His eyes were dark and serious, taking a slow stroll over every inch of her as she descended the stairs. By the time she joined him she felt naked under the heat of his gaze. His spicy, earthy scent swallowed her whole as he leaned in and kissed her cheek.
“You look beautiful, darlin’.”
She’d never tire of hearing him call her darlin’.
He handed her the flowers. “These are for you.”
“You didn’t have to get me flowers.” She wondered when he’d even had time to pick them up.
“A little birdie
told me that you like romance.”
“I’ll put those in a vase for you,” Brianna offered.
Kat had been so swept up in him that she’d forgotten anyone else was there. “Thank you.” She handed Brianna the flowers, and that’s when she saw Hugh across the room. He was holding Christian and had a wide smile on his lips. Layla and Hal were there, too, and the approval in Hal’s dark eyes was inescapable.
“Are you guys sure you don’t mind if we go out?” Kat asked, feeling fairly embarrassed by the depth of emotion in Eric’s eyes, which she was sure everyone else could see just as clearly.
“Who are we to stand in the way of young hearts?” Hal crossed the room and put a hand on Eric’s shoulder while Kat’s embarrassment etched into her skin.
“Dad said that Eric might be your Prince Charming, like he was Mom’s,” Layla said as she reached for Hugh’s hand.
Kat drank in Eric’s appreciative gaze, his tender, confident smile, and even though she knew the appropriate reaction would probably be to feel guilty for going out and letting a child believe that something could actually come of this date, she couldn’t help hoping that maybe Hugh was right.
Chapter Nine
FROM THE FIRST moment Eric saw Kat standing at the top of the stairs, looking beautiful in a pair of jeans and a tight shirt that showed off every lush curve, he’d wanted to take her in his arms and never let her go. He’d thought about her all day, and after that amazing kiss they’d shared in the parking lot, he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about kissing her again and again, but he’d promised himself he’d take it slow tonight. This date wasn’t about getting her into bed. It was about getting to know her and letting her know he wanted more than a quick hookup.
He closed the door behind them and reached for Kat’s hand as they descended the porch steps and he led her toward the yard.
“Where are we going?” Kat asked as they crossed the grassy lawn to the large barn at the foot of the hill.
Eric pulled open the doors, and the scent of leather, hay, and manure assaulted them. He drew in a deep breath. “Smell that? That’s the scent of stability, family, and strength.”
“Because of Hal?” she asked as they walked into the barn.
“Because of all of the Bradens. Their love knows no boundaries, and it’s always been a source of strength for me.” He walked to the stall of an old red mare named Hope. Hope pressed her muzzle into his sternum, and he petted her wide jaw.
“How’re you doing, Hope?” he said to the horse. “Are you ready to give us a ride?”
“Wait, what?” Kat’s eyes widened. “I don’t ride.”
He took her hand in his. “Not yet, but with me and Hope, you’ll do fine. That is, if you trust me to help you conquer your fear of riding.”
“I don’t know,” she said, nervously stepping back.
He pulled her in close and gazed deeply into her eyes. “Do you think I’d let you get hurt? Trust me, Kat. I’ll be right there with you, holding you. I’ll make sure you’re safe.” He turned to Hope, who neighed and nodded her big head, as if confirming his idea was a good one. “I want to take you someplace special, and horseback is the only way to get there.”
“But…” She trapped her lower lip between her teeth, looking so damn cute he had to press his hands to her cheeks and kiss her.
“I’ll make you a deal. If we get up on the horse and you’re too scared, we’ll end this part of our date and go into town.”
She hooked her finger into the waist of his jeans. “You really won’t let me fall?”
“Never.”
“What if Hope takes off running and you can’t stop her?” The worry in her eyes was palpable.
He gathered her in his arms. “That won’t happen. Hope knows how to take care of her riders, and I know how to take care of you. Trust me?”
She swallowed hard and nodded.
He slid his hand to the nape of her neck and gazed into her blue eyes. God, he loved her eyes, and the way her neck fit perfectly into the curve of his hand.
“I’ve never met anyone like you, Kat. You’re as strong as you are vulnerable. I want to do dirty things to you and protect you at the same time.”
“Your filter is slipping again.” A rosy blush colored her cheeks.
“Yeah, that tends to happen around you.” He led Hope out of the barn.
“Where are we going, anyway?” She petted Hope’s side, and he could see her fingers were trembling a little.
“Let me help you up, and then I’ll tell you.” He hoisted her onto the horse, and she held on to Hope’s neck for dear life. A low laugh escaped Eric’s lungs, earning him a scowl from Kat. “I’m not laughing at you. It was just a loud smile at how cute you are.”
He grabbed a leather backpack he’d packed earlier and shrugged it on, then mounted Hope behind Kat. “Normally I’d have you sit behind me, but I don’t want you to feel unsafe, and besides, this way I can put my arms around you.” He circled her waist with one arm and hugged her close, then pressed his lips to her cheek. “And you can learn how to manage the reins. Okay?”
“Yeah. I think so.”
“You sound a little nervous.”
“Uh-huh. Go, before I change my mind.”
He laughed and showed her how to hold the reins. “Okay. Put your hands on either side lightly so you can feel how I do this. You’re lucky. Hope practically has the entire mountain memorized, so she’s the perfect host for your first lesson.”
Kat leaned her head back against his chest and slid her hands along his forearms. “You’re the perfect host for my first lesson.”
Eric’s heart swelled in his chest. He pressed a kiss to her cheek and reveled in how right the moment felt. How right Kat felt, pressed up against him, putting her faith in him to take care of her.
Rex had long ago cleared the trail so that Jade could ride without worrying about her horse running over felled trees or large rocks, and he’d installed solar lights along the path for evening rides.
“This trail runs all the way to the river,” Eric explained as they entered the forest. The last rays of sunlight peeked through the trees, illuminating the dirt trail.
“When the sun goes down, won’t Hope have a hard time seeing?”
“When it gets a little darker, the solar lights that Rex installed will come on.” He pointed out lights attached to the trees. “Safety first, remember?”
They rode up the mountain, serenaded by the sounds of the breeze rustling through the trees and skittering along the ground. Eric felt Kat’s body relax against him. He hated not being able to see her face, but he was learning to take his cues from her body language and from changes in her breathing.
“Feeling more at ease?”
“Yes, thank you. Hope is so gentle, and you make me feel safe.”
“Thank you. Hope is a doll. Hal bought her for his wife, Adriana, when she first got sick. He swears he can communicate with Adriana through the horse.” He had never understood how a man could love a woman so much that he refused to let her go, even after death, and he’d never been one to believe in love at first sight, but every minute he spent with Kat made him question those beliefs.
“Hal’s heart belongs to Adriana,” Kat said. “He probably sees her in everything and everyone he loves, don’t you think?”
“Maybe so. Can you hold the reins for a minute?”
“Sure, but what if I do something wrong?” She pressed her back to his chest, like she needed the contact and reassurance.
“You won’t. Just hold them gently. Don’t tug in one direction or another.” He released the reins and wound his arms around her waist. “I just needed a minute to be closer to you.” He rested his cheek against hers. “Don’t you love being out here, without the noise of the city or commitments nagging at you?”
A happy sigh escaped Kat’s lips as Hope followed the trail around a wide bend. The smell of damp earth and chillier air enveloped them as the river came into view.
�
��I’ve always loved it here,” Kat said. “But I like it even more being here with you.”
“Me too. I think you’d like my property in Sweetwater. I’ll have to take you there sometime. We can skinny-dip in the lake.” He felt her bristle against him.
“I don’t do deep water.”
Eric tightened his hold around her middle, thinking of the little girl from his past. “Just another thing we can overcome together.”
As the sun set, the lights on the trees came to life, illuminating the trail down to the river. He held tightly to Kat as they descended the mountainous slope, and when they reached level ground, Eric helped Kat off of Hope.
“How’d you do?” He brushed her hair away from her face so he could see her eyes and felt himself getting lost in the emotions he saw there.
“That was remarkably romantic. I never knew riding a horse could be romantic, but that was…” She sighed a contented, dreamy sigh that tugged at his heart. “Wonderful.”
He touched his forehead to hers and breathed her in. “I’m so glad. And there’s more romance where that came from.” He kissed her softly, loving the sweet sound of appreciation she made.
Together they unpacked the backpack and spread a blanket out on the ground. Kat took out the sandwiches he’d made while she was getting ready for their date.
“When did you have time to make these?”
“Right after I picked up your flowers.” He smiled, watching her move to Hope’s side. She looked thoughtfully at the horse.
“Don’t we have to tie her to a tree or something?” She petted Hope.
“Any other horse, maybe, but not Hope. She never takes off. I swear sometimes I think Hal is right about her ability to understand humans.” He removed a bottle of wine and two plastic wineglasses from the backpack.
Daring Her Love Page 7