She took a huge gulp of air and began, “I want to be happy and be with someone I cherish and who cherishes me right back. I’m sick and tired of being alone. Tired of feeling sorry for myself because I’m not as young as I once was. Tired of feeling bad about myself because my idiot ex-husband walked out on me. You make me feel young and desirable and right now I want you more than I can express in words. She reached across the tiny gap between her pounding heart and his and gently pushed his hair off of his forehead.”
“You make me feel young again, too.” Jeff slipped his hand under her legs and lifted her into his lap, closing the gap until it felt as if their hearts beat as one. “I can cherish you. Let me cherish you, June.” His mouth claimed hers once more. This time as he deepened the kiss, his calloused hands slipping under her sweater to lightly caress her bare skin. She trembled at his touch, wanting more—wanting to feel his skin against hers. She let her hands slid down his torso and tentatively pulled the front of his shirt out from his jeans and popped the bottom snaps to free her hands to explore his bared, masculine chest. His skin was warm and inviting, and she let her hands wander up to his taunt nipples and caressed them. Jeff groaned and his arms tightened around her, as the heat intensified between them, his hands sliding under the waistband of her slacks. June gasped and lost herself in his kiss and in his touch.
“I’m not sure what Luke would think if he came down for a glass of water and found us like this,” he whispered in her ear.
Oh crap. June reluctantly pulled back from his embrace. She had totally forgotten they weren’t alone in the house. The last thing she wanted to do was traumatize Luke. What kind of hussy was she?
Jeff’s baby blue eyes burned deeply into hers. Without looking toward the window, he said, “It definitely appears that the snow is getting too deep out there to get you back to Peaktop tonight. I want you, June. Would you like to stay with me tonight? I’m sure the roads will be much safer in the morning.”
“Mr. Walker, are you propositioning me?”
“Do you want me to?”
“I, I ….think so.” Was she really doing this?
“Then consider yourself propositioned.” Jeff touched her chin with his hands and held her gaze intently. Those eyes. She felt her heart melt.
“All kidding aside darling, I’d like nothing better than to share my bed with you and make love to you all night long. But you need to know there is absolutely no pressure here. This has to be mutual. We have several guest rooms you can use, if you’re not ready for this. I won’t be disappointed in the least.”
“You won’t?”
“Well maybe a little,” he grinned. “We can take this as slow as you like. I’m not going anywhere—either way.”
“Kiss me again, and I’ll let you know,” June breathed, claiming his lips with hers.
Jeff tried with all the willpower he could muster to keep the kiss light. The last thing he wanted to do was force her into something that she was not ready for.
At first, June kept it light, too, her mind racing in a million directions that all led back to Jeff. Then making a split second decision, she grabbed the front of his shirt with both hands and pulled, popping all of the remaining snaps to reveal his gorgeous, hairy chest. She leaned her chest against his bare, warm skin and moaned. “Can you show me your bedroom, please?”
“I can do that.” Jeff reluctantly slid her off his lap, not wanting to break the mood. He locked the front door, stirred the fading embers in the fireplace, made sure the screen was safely closed, and turned off the remaining lights.
June watched in a fog as he walked around the room. How did she ever get so lucky? Was this real? She half expected to wake up to it all being a dream. Whatever happened tomorrow, she knew she’d always have this night to remember.
After turning out the last light, Jeff came back over to the couch and gently picked her up in his arms.
“I can walk,” June whispered.
“I know, but I want to carry you.” He cradled her as he ascended the big open staircase and pushed open the door to his bedroom with his foot. He continued to the big pinewood king-size bed and carefully laid her down amid the soft down pillows.
June gazed up at him as he walked back across the room and turned the lock on the door. He looked as yummy from his backside as he did from his front. As he turned back toward the bed, she couldn’t help noticing the bulge in the front of his jeans. He wanted her—really wanted her.
“Wouldn’t want Luke walking in tomorrow morning with a question about the horses.” Jeff left the lights off. The reflection of the moon against the falling snow outside the two large windows illuminated the room in a soft romantic glow. June watched him intently as he removed his already open shirt, throwing it casually on a nearby chair. Not taking his eyes off of hers, he lay down beside her.
As Jeff encompassed her in his big strong arms and pressed his half-naked body against hers, June raised her lips to find his. His kisses, soft at first, quickly intensified. She could feel the hardness of his body against hers. His hands found the hem of her sweater gradually pulled it over her head. June instinctively raised her arms to allow its removal. Once again his hands were caressing her now bare skin. June moaned in delight as his hand found her breast and cupped it gently, while his other hand snapped the clasp at the back of her bra, and freed her to push her bare tingling skin against his.
Jeff pulled back slightly and leaned on one elbow, as he gazed into her deep green eyes. “Look at me June. Are you sure about this? Because if you’re not, you need to tell me now.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever been surer about anything in my life,” June breathed. She knew she had only been with him a few times, but she had dreamed about this moment over and over for the last two months. She knew that, as crazy as it seemed, she had already fallen head over heels in love with this man.
Jeff smiled warmly. “What about protection, I don’t have anything. This wasn’t planned.”
Even after all those talks with her kids about this stuff, the thought had never even crossed June’s mind. “Menopause, several years ago, so we’re okay on that front. I haven’t been with anyone in many, many years and then it was only my ex-husband—ever. I can guarantee you I have a clean bill of health.”
“Same here,” Jeff said with a sigh of relief. “Do you trust me?”
“Absolutely.” She found his mouth and kissed him hard.
As Jeff lowered his mouth to find her erect nipple, June lost herself in the ecstasy of the moment. “Make love to me now, please.”
* * *
June awoke to warm sunlight streaming in through the big window. What time was it? She lazily rolled over only to find the big bed empty. A smile crossed her face as she flashed back to a night of the most exquisite love making. Her whole body relaxed in a way she had never known. She flopped her head back on the pillows and enjoyed the sensation. She closed her eyes, reliving the feeling of Jeff inside of her, making her come over and over…
She startled, as the bedroom door squeaked open and in walked Jeff, dressed in only a pair of grey sweat pants, carrying two steaming mugs.
“Good morning sleepyhead, I thought you might like a warm cup of tea.” He sat cross legged next to her on the bed and handed her a cup. She pushed herself up on the pillows.
“Thanks.” She shyly pulled the sheet up over her breasts as she sat.
“You know I’ve seen you naked? And a wonderful sight it is, I might add.”
“Sorry. Habit. I’m not accustomed to drinking my morning tea nude.”
“Well, it’s definitely something I would enjoy getting used to.”
“What time is it?”
“A little after 10:00 a.m.”
“Oh my goodness, I never sleep this late. I should get back to Peaktop.”
“Maybe you don’t usually get as much exercise during the night,” Jeff teased. “I already called Molly to let her know you were safe and that we had decided it would be better
for you to spend the night here because of the snow. There’s almost two feet of the white stuff out there, so they have called off their rides for today. I told her I would have you back safe and sound sometime later.”
June glanced out the window. “Oh, it’s beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful. Enjoy the view while you can. It won’t last long this time of year, especially now that the sun’s out. Now give me a good morning kiss.” He slid back under the covers next to her.
June gave him a small peck on his cheek, and then took another sip of her tea. He leaned over and gave her a soft gentle kiss on her lips in response. So this was what life could be like in your fifties. Maybe the best part of her life was not over just yet. She realized this was the first time she had felt truly happy since that fateful day almost six years ago when she had walked into Jaime’s and found Ed with Courtney. Suddenly, she was immensely grateful for a Subaru that had broken down by a road in Colorado. Who could have imagined it would lead to this?
“A penny for your thoughts?”
June’s face got hot. “I was thinking about how lazy we’re being. Don’t you have chores you need to be doing?”
“Nope. Luke got up early and took care of everything. You gotta love that kid. Would you like some breakfast?”
“Now that you mention it, I am kind of hungry.”
“Good. I’ll grab a quick shower and head downstairs and fix us something. Take your time. There are clean towels in the bathroom closet. Sorry I don’t have any clean clothes your size. You are welcome to one of my flannel shirts, but they might be a little big.” Jeff kissed her on the forehead and disappeared into the bathroom.
June lay back and considered jumping up and joining him in the shower. Maybe not. She didn’t know him that well—yet. She wasn’t sure she was ready for him to see her fifty-something, body in the bright light of day. Dang, not only did she not have a change of clothes, she also had no makeup or hair straightener. Once she took a shower, she would have nothing to make herself look presentable. Maybe she should learn to be better prepared next time, if there was a next time. She decided to stay right where she was until he had gone downstairs. Then she would try hard to make herself look the best she could under the circumstances.
* * *
Jeff stepped into the shower and savored the jets of warm water splashing over him. He fantasied hopefully that he would hear the bathroom door open, signaling that June had decided to join him. When it didn’t happen, he lathered up alone. He hummed to himself. What a wonderful night it had been. He hoped it had been good for her, too. Maybe he should check into those little blue pills he heard so much about. He definitely didn’t have the stamina he used to. All in all though, he felt his first attempt at love-making in all of these years had been a success.
It hit him like the beads of hot warm water pouring down on his head—a twinge of guilt. When he had lost Susan, he swore to God he would never be with another woman, and he had succeeded in that endeavor very well until last night. He’d endured eight long years of celibacy, believing that if Susan could no longer be alive, then in his own way, he wouldn’t be really alive either. Could he go through this again and give his heart to another woman? What if something happened to June, or what if she went back to Ohio at the end of the week, and that was that? He turned his back to the pelting hot spray and like a bolt of lightened it struck him—he didn’t have a choice. He was already in love with Ms. June Meyers, and he needed to figure out a way to keep her in his life—forever. Filled with resolve, he jumped out of the shower, dressed and headed downstairs to prepare a fabulous breakfast.
* * *
June heard the door close and his footsteps on the stairs. She climbed out of bed and surveyed her unruly hair and smeared makeup in the mirror. “Lovely, just lovely,” she said out loud. She realized that her purse, with at least a hair tie and brush, was downstairs in the living room. She was not going to venture down there, until she had at least had a shower. She cautiously entered his bathroom, and hoping to not be too nosey, looked in the drawers next to the sink to see what she could find. Not much, but she did find a hair brush and an old rubber band. Maybe if she could tie her hair up while she showered, she could brush it into some semblance of a passable hairdo before facing him in the daylight.
Standing in the shower, she realized just how sore she was, but it was a good sore. Boy was she out of practice! Actually, not having had sex since she had gone through menopause, she was pleasantly surprised that the lack of estrogen had in no way diminished her pleasure. She smiled. If this continued, she would need to look into some of those “KY” products they were always advertising in those cheesy commercials. Scented oils sounded like just the thing to ease her dryness. And they might be a lot of fun, too. Suddenly, she felt adventurous. Now that she thought about it, she and Ed had not had a particularly adventurous sex life. While she had always thought it was fine, was fine really something to strive for? Obviously, in the end, Ed hadn’t thought so. Somewhere along the line their love making had become complacent, routine. She had a chance to start over and do it right, and Jeff Walker was the perfect specimen to experiment with.
The cool shower made her feel invigorated. She located her underwear, bra, and jeans scattered around the bed and slipped into them. She was about to put on her crumpled sweater, when she decided, more out of curiosity than anything else, to check out his walk-in closet. She gingerly entered to find mainly work and casual clothes, with a couple of suits hanging in the back, looking like they got very little use. She noticed the plentiful rack of flannel shirts, and put her face up to them, feeling the soft material. Yum—they smelled like Jeff. She decided to try one on—the thought of smelling like him all day delighted her. After tying it up at the waist and rolling up the sleeves several times, she looked in the mirror and decided she looked presentable, in a down home, cowgirl kind of way. It would have to do. After all, since she had no makeup or curling iron, she would have to go with the natural look. Before she could fret anymore, she turned and headed down the stairs surrounded by the enticing smell of bacon and coffee.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
June walked into the kitchen to see Jeff with his back to her, frying sizzling bacon on a large griddle. He joked with Luke who was sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee. She had forgotten all about Luke, again. What kind of motherly influence was she being to him right now?
Luke looked up and smiled at her. “Sleep well, June?”
June felt herself blushing. “Umm, fine.”
Jeff turned around to flash her a huge smile. “I have to say, I’ve never seen my flannel shirt look better.”
“Thanks for letting me borrow it. What’s cooking?”
“Dad’s whipping up some bacon and pancakes,” Luke replied.
“It smells wonderful,” June said as she helped herself to some hot water for her tea. Despite the cold and snow outside, it was warm and cozy in the kitchen. June joined Luke at the table. She felt more at home than she had in a very long time. She could get used to this.
“Breakfast is served,” Jeff announced, setting the big platter on the table.
June enjoyed the food immensely as she listened to father and son discuss the snow and their plans for the day. If either man felt awkward having her there, it wasn’t apparent. She felt like a part of their family. What happens now? She’d never in her life spent the night with a man she wasn’t married to. She had no idea what the protocol was. If only she could read his mind right now.
As if sensing her confusion, Jeff said to Luke, “I thought I’d run June back up to Peaktop. Maybe stop in town for a few things and then head back here to tackle the rest of the chores with you.”
“Sounds good to me. Take your time, not too much we can do until some of this snow melts.”
“I have my rental car,” June added.
“I know, but these mountain roads can get pretty treacherous in the snow. I’d feel better driving you in the truck. Luke
and I can drop off your car later when the roads have cleared.”
June opened her mouth to protest but then realized that if Jeff drove her, she would get a little more alone time with him and another guaranteed meeting with him when he returned her car. She quickly closed her mouth. She didn’t think she could ever get enough of this man.
All too soon for her, breakfast was over. She realized she was about to leave her fantasy and enter back into the real world. She didn’t want to be a bother. “I’ll grab my purse, if you’re ready to go.”
“Okay. I need to run down to the barn and grab a few things. I’ll meet you at my truck. Key’s in the ignition. Go ahead and start it and let it warm up.”
June retrieved her purse and headed out the front door with a wistful look back at the living room. She had not dressed for snow. Why would she have? There was no snow when she arrived yesterday. The quick changes in mountain weather, might take some getting used to. Fortunately, Luke had shoveled a path out to the vehicles. June climbed into the driver’s side of the big, black truck and started the engine. She slid over to the passenger’s seat and played with the radio to pass the time. Brrrr, she shivered as she looked over at the high peaks. They were even more breathtaking blanketed with a fresh coat of snow.
“We’re off.” Jeff jumped into the vehicle as he brushed snow off his jacket. He quickly slammed the door to keep the warmth inside.
Suddenly, June felt awkward as Jeff concentrated on maneuvering the big truck down the slippery lane in silence. What was there to say now? She had to face the facts—she was a visitor to Colorado, and he had a full life here. In four short days she would be gone, headed to who knows where, and Jeff’s life would continue on without her. What was she expecting? She had no idea. She hadn’t really expected any of this.
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