Touch Me (Promise Me Book 2)

by Viragh, Brea

  “I’ve been going out of my mind,” I’ve admitted. “Trying to avoid the three of you while doing damage control is no easy task.”

  August shuffled his feet along the floor, the movement slow and halting. “I know I should have come here sooner, but I’ve been trying to come to terms with my own involvement. I wasn’t sure I was ready to focus and acknowledge what I did to you,” he answered. “Family doesn’t do that to each other.”

  “Do you have the saying on repeat so you can sleep at night?” The retort was sharp.

  “Every damn evening when I lay my head down.”

  “You didn’t do anything to me, August. I thought I made myself clear. Love makes fools of all of us.” Hadn’t I said as much to Duncan? His name echoed in my head and my muscles twanged. The pain was a keepsake.

  I was about to turn toward the wall when a hand clasped onto my wrist. “Leda,” August began, jerking me closer for the full force of his statement. “I’m sorry. I was wrong.”

  Fighting back, I locked my elbow and pressed my lips into a thin line. “McKenney, the next time you want to mess in a person’s romantic affairs, don’t.”

  Crickets peeped in the room, movie effects come to life and filling the terse silence. I stared from the floor to August and down again, unsure of what to say next. Should I accept his apology?

  “Look, let’s go into the other room and have a chat,” I offered. “We’re in the blame game together. We might as well get cozy. I have about a half hour before my next customer, if they decide to show up.”

  August followed after me and we moved into the living room. I flopped down on the couch. “Oh, this mess we’ve gotten ourselves into...”

  The free time was not kind to me, my mind reaching out for Duncan and my heart crying when I knew he would not be there. Not that he’d tried to call me, either. The truth of it stung.

  August took the chair across from me. “I will never stop fighting for the woman I love. For the chance to be with her. Never.”

  “I don’t know what you’re trying to tell me, but don’t. It won’t pay for me to get involved anymore. I’ve done the crime and now...” I drew a shaky breath. “Now I’m out for good.”

  “Why not, Leda? Why not fight?” August pushed. The cords of his neck stood to tense attention, veins throbbing.

  I kept my voice level, as unyielding as a stone wall. There was a terrible itch on my scalp, insects crawling over my hair and down my spine. “Because I’ve done enough damage.”

  “What about making amends?”

  “I’m not sure any of us are ready to see me bleed more.”

  “You’re ready to let Duncan go?”

  Hearing it from August’s lips made the reality much worse. “For all you know, this entire scheme will backfire and he and Isabel will go through with the wedding.” I sat up and faced his outraged scowl. “I’m sorry, but it’s a real possibility. I’m preparing for that eventuality.”

  “Hiding behind your guilt, more like.”

  I had to chuckle, tugging on my bottom lip with my thumb and index finger before looking away. “And you aren’t?”

  “She won’t talk to me. There’s a difference. She threw a bucket of water at me.” August pointed a finger across the space. “What happened to the Leda I knew before all this happened?”

  “She grew up,” I answered.

  “I know life isn’t a fairy tale. I think we’ve pretty much established that by now. But you aren’t even willing to talk to him?”

  “We’ve said it all. Why don’t you drop it and focus on your own affairs?”

  August deflated and sank into the chair. “It’s hard to focus.”

  “Just try to get your fingers out of everyone else’s life and it will get easier, I promise,” I retorted. “It may take a bit of practice, but you’ll learn.”

  Fabric rustled when he rose, moving to sit beside me on the couch. His hand tugged on my wrist and brought me into a seated position. I wasn’t surprised when he pulled me in for a hug, strong arms banding around my shoulders and holding on when I would have gotten up.

  “I’m sorry,” he murmured against my ear. “I didn’t want this to happen.”

  “You couldn’t have known.” The words caught in my throat, thick and wet, and tears stung my eyes. I hid them in the sleeve of his t-shirt. “Why should you be sorry for something I did? Besides, if I hadn’t gotten into this, then I would not have met Duncan. I wouldn’t have known I was capable of feeling this way toward another person.”

  “But I put you in a terrible position. Even when I knew about your past and what happened with your parents. I pushed and pushed, so focused on my own happiness I didn’t stop to consider yours.”

  His hands soothed along my spine in a constant wave.

  I sniffled. “Let me handle it. No one is responsible for me except me. I decided to shoot myself in the foot for a night with Duncan, and it’s a night I can’t take back.”

  “I have a feeling it will be fine. Do you trust me?”

  “No.”

  “Jeez, you didn’t even think about it.”

  I pinched my nose. “I’m happy we’re friends, August, but remind me to never owe you a favor again. I’m not sure I could survive another one.” With eyes closed I reached for him. Pleased when he took my hand.

  His chuckle was ironic, lacking any real mirth. “What are we going to do now?”

  “I don’t know,” I answered. Paused. Then, “Survive.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  I was preoccupied with planning my week, fitting in my clients between hours at the bakery, when I heard the rhythmic clomp of tires rolling over macadam. The vehicle drove closer until it came to a halt in the driveway.

  I moved into the kitchen to see who it was when inner romantic rose from near-death with a joyous shout. My heart thumped in recognition of the figure with light gold hair and blue jeans instead of the ubiquitous suit.

  “She gave me back the engagement ring.”

  Those were the first words out of Duncan’s mouth, and I stared at him without speaking, shock keeping me mute. The screen door remained between us. A guard.

  “How nice of her,” I finally said. Why would he show up now, after a week of silence?

  The wounds I’d tried to forget tore open afresh at the sight of him. The nights I’d spent alone with my pain roared forward and I was aware of their oppressive weight. Instead of feeling sorry now, a surge of anger took me by surprise, forcing me to grapple with the feeling.

  Duncan kept his eyes cast down, brow furrowed while he twirled the diamond solitaire between his thumb and index finger. The sharp-cut facets of the stone caught the evening light. “I thought so too. She was calm about the whole thing. So calm I expected the worst, but instead she wished me well.”

  I had a hard time believing him. If I were on the other end, I’d have made such a stink the entire town would have known.

  “Although she did burn my clothes,” he added, face remaining impassive.

  Ah, there it was. The sudden prickle of admiration for the other woman startled me. “What do you want with me, Duncan?” The words were clipped and thrown at him. What was his angle here? Lord knew I noticed none of my own agitation echoed on his face.

  I had to keep my heart closed. Needed to protect myself. Seeing him standing there had cracks forming in my wall and I struggled to hold firm.

  “I want to talk to you. We haven’t seen each other since that night at the hotel.” Duncan shuffled from foot to foot, the gesture more reminiscent of a young boy standing in front of a principal, rather than a grown man.

  “I’ve worked hard to block it from my memory. Adultery tends to make people feel bad and I had a hard time forgiving myself.” Arms crossed over my chest, I continued, “I still haven’t, thank you.”

  Duncan pointed at me through the screen until his finger met the mesh. “Stop it right now.”

  I wiped my eyes. No way I would cry in front of him. I’d done en
ough of it on my own to fill a lake. “I understand—”

  “I don’t think you do.” Duncan reached out to pull open the door, surprised when my fingers shot out and grabbed the handle. A tremor rippled through me.

  “Leda,” he said, “let me inside.”

  “You didn’t even call, Duncan. All your boasts of wanting to talk to Isabel and end it, but you couldn’t give me the courtesy of a phone call? What am I supposed to think?”

  What am I supposed to believe?

  He didn’t answer me, but continued to stare until I lost the will to fight. Holding onto those negative feelings was too hard. Letting go, I risked tearing my heart into a million pieces, but I couldn’t go on. This should have surprised me; I felt like I’d spent my whole life in a put-’em-up position. Instead of sticking to my guns I moved aside and let Duncan in.

  He filled the doorway, the room shrinking around him. God, he was handsome. To the point where any human touch may have shattered the exterior. A work of art come to life, and rakishly good-looking.

  His voice was soft but firm. “You are not to blame.”

  I retreated several steps when he came forward. “I made choices leading to this mistake, and Isabel and I have both gotten out of it. Are you listening?” he asked.

  Flustered at my reaction, I swiveled around to the counter and busied myself with organizing the knickknacks there. It was better to look away. One glance in his direction and I’d lose myself, lose the hard-earned sense of accomplishment I’d managed this week. I couldn’t believe what had happened in such a short time. How I’d messed things up to the point where we’d come to this inevitable end. He was a physical reminder of my obvious mistakes.

  “Sure I’m listening, Duncan.”

  “August told me about the set-up. Every dirty bit of it, and I have to say, I appreciate his candidness. He also told me what’s been happening to you, with the people in town.”

  Shock kept my back rigid. “Are you kidding me?” I started, shooting him a look over my shoulder. “You aren’t mad? Why aren’t you mad?”

  “I was at first,” he admitted. “I still am about how you’re being treated. But the set-up? I wondered at the result. Did I have any right to be mad when it actually worked out in my favor?”

  I forced a chuckle for effect. My fingers shook as I moved the jug of olive oil from left to right and back again. “I don’t think breaking up an engagement counts as working out in the long run.”

  He moved closer until I could feel his body heat. “She’ll come around. Maybe not right away, but Isabel will have to get used to the idea of us.”

  “I don’t see how us is an option.”

  “The men talked, Leda, and—”

  “Sure, pull the man card on me.” I massaged my temples and wished it made a difference.

  “The men talked and decided everything is okay. I had no right to be angry when August admitted his true feelings for Isabel.”

  “I would have thrown a fit.”

  “Yes, well, I forfeited my right to that when I kissed you,” he countered.

  I refused to look up at him. “Ugh, jeez.”

  “Don’t you dare blame yourself. I think your agreeing to help August was the best thing to ever happen to me.”

  I scoffed. “That makes one of us.”

  “Don’t you want to know why?” He took my chin in his hand and brought my face up until our eyes met.

  “Sure, Duncan, tell me why a huge lie and a scandal is a good thing.”

  He dropped his forehead until it touched mine, an electric current passing between us. “Because it brought you into my life. And made me complete.”

  I froze, staring ahead with wide eyes and eyebrows raised. My knees liquefied, and I wondered how much longer I could stand in front of him without falling. “Please don’t say something you’ll regret.”

  “If you want to take it slow, we will. Otherwise I hope to have a good, long time to convince you otherwise. Everything is fine.”

  “Why did I get involved?” A sob rose when he brought me into his arms. “Why?”

  “Because you’re a good person. A kind woman who follows through on her word. There are few people who care about their promises these days.”

  “What about your promises to Isabel?” I asked his chest. His scent wound through my senses and I almost forgot how to exhale. Excitement sucked the air out of my lungs for me and I clutched at his shirt, shocked and a little scared. Had luck turned my way at last?

  Duncan tilted his head back, lips parted and movements languorous. “Woman, if she’s forgiven me, then what will it take for you to do the same?”

  The force of his smile hit me before I opened my eyes. The room around us dimmed and the floor seemed to fall out from beneath my feet. “I’ve forgive you already, dammit. It’s me I can’t seem to come to terms with.”

  “Follow me.” Duncan released me and turned on his heel, striding down the hall.

  I struggled to keep up, stunned when he tugged me into the bedroom. “Where are you going?”

  The moment I was through the door he turned, taking me in his arms once again before I could protest, and his plump lips fell on mine.

  Happiness, as keen a blade as any, sliced through my veins and left me bleeding. I would have a hard time keeping the need to ravish him at bay. Then I recalled the last time we’d been in this situation and pushed away.

  “Stop.”

  “Why? You and I are both single, consenting adults,” Duncan reasoned. His fingers trailed fire over my arms. “We have a perfect opportunity here.”

  I couldn’t believe the change and refused to believe it despite him standing in front of me. Real. “Tell me more. Convince me.”

  He grabbed me by the shoulders so we stood facing each other squarely. “We have been given the opportunity to start fresh,” he replied good-naturedly. “I want us to take it.”

  “No one gets to start fresh. Not without hurting people, Duncan. I hurt people.” I bowed my head.

  “Isabel and August are together and happy. There’s not much more a person could ask for. Now, will you let me kiss you? I’m just a man, standing in front of the woman he adores—”

  “Oh God.” I rolled my eyes.

  “—and asking her to forgive him. Because I can’t stand it when you feel bad.” He rained kisses over my face, stroking down my hair. “Let me make it up to you.”

  Our mouths met at the same time the sun dipped low to touch the mountain tree line.

  “We can take it slow, if you like,” he repeated against my ear. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy.”

  I pushed back far enough to take in his face. “Just love me.”

  We fell on the bed together, our limbs tangled as we rolled across the kelly-green covers. I giggled when he clamped his lips down on my nipples, tugging through the material of my shirt. He took my wrists in his hands and lifted my arms above my head.

  This must be a dream, I thought. A beautiful dream from which I never wanted to wake. How else would Duncan be here now? His body hard and unyielding, pressing into mine with such intoxicating friction.

  “Leda Cox,” he began.

  I squirmed beneath him. “Yes, Duncan Whitaker?”

  “I told you we could take our relationship slow, right?”

  “You’re reminding me again?” I scowled, running my tongue along my bottom lip.

  “Well, I wanted to clarify. I hope you don’t think I’m wrong for this, for wanting you so damn bad, but love has made me weak.”

  I gave myself over to the warmth of his words and almost missed the tiny four letter word hidden among the rest of the sentence. “Love?” I exclaimed. “Don’t joke around. I couldn’t stand it.”

  He silenced me with a touch of his lips. “We can go slow, if you want, but this is real. This is important.” His tongue touched the tip of my nose, a playful motion. “I don’t want to be without the woman I love ever again, not for a single hour. And I will spend ea
ch moment of the rest of our lives making you happy. I hope that’s okay with you.”

  I trembled, my stomach tightening almost to the point of discomfort. “And if I say no?”

  His forehead wrinkled. “I’m not sure I would recover.”

  Freeing my hands, I scooted up on my elbows until I could see him, every inch of him open to my perusal. “What about Isabel?”

  “Don’t worry about Isabel. She’s been in love with August since they were kids. It took a miracle for her to realize it.”

  “A miracle...or a tragedy?”

  “The point is—” Duncan drew my attention back to him. “—you and me? This chemistry we have between us?”

  I held my breath, waiting for him to continue.

  “I don’t want you to think it’s a rebound. Or some sham because we’re horny. It’s you, Leda, and it’s always been you.”

  I leaned my head back, ecstasy drawing tears to my eyes. “This better not be a joke.”

  Duncan winked. “No joke. Cold, hard, unbelievable fact.”

  “Unbelievable? Is it difficult for you to imagine loving me?”

  “Not at all. It’s difficult to imagine that I took so long to figure it out.”

  I smiled and inched closer until our faces were a breath apart. “I’ll live with it.”

  “Now, I hope you don’t mind, but I plan on making love to you.” His hand found my breast and squeezed. “Multiple times.”

  Oh God, yes. I didn’t mind in the least. “You’re quite the charmer.”

  “Trust me. Magic fingers, remember?”

  I gave myself to him, to the pure bliss of having Duncan to myself. Mine, my mind whispered as I opened to him, to his probing hands and frenzied mouth. He brought me closer to him and I flew on a tide of feeling, riding the crest until there was nothing left but Duncan.

  He was mine, to have and touch and hold without thought of persecution or guilt. He rose over me and I wrapped myself around him with a sort of lightheaded glee, our tongues tangling.

  Our clothes disappeared and he traced a line of kisses along my belly, his erection hard and free. The gleaming tip captured my attention as it bounced against my thigh.