Sisters of Summer’s End

by Lori Foster

  “Yup. Whole stupid list. Made up on the spot.” Maris slumped back. “Most idiotic thing I’ve ever done.”

  “Let me see if I’m following. You made up these rules so he wouldn’t expect sex, but then you got there and you wanted sex, and he...still said no?”

  “He reminded me of the rule.” Maris rubbed her face. “Didn’t expect that one, you know? But lo and behold, the man has scruples, at least where I’m concerned. He said he was afraid I’d regret coming there and he didn’t want that.”

  Ah. Seeing a method to Daron’s madness, Joy asked softly, “What does he want?”

  “More?” Maris rolled a shoulder. “At least that’s what he said.”

  “That’s so sweet.” To Joy’s mind, Daron’s restraint showed that he cared.

  “Not exactly how I’d describe it.”

  “You and Daron. After all this time, it’s hard to believe nothing happened.”

  “I didn’t exactly say that.” As if to fortify herself, Maris finished off her coffee, plunked down the cup and stared Joy in the eyes. “We played around.”

  “Oh goody.” Leaning forward again, Joy said, “Describe ‘play around.’ I need details.”

  Maris bit her lip in an effort to hold back her laughter, but it did no good. “He’s an amazing kisser. I hadn’t realized it could be like that—it’s been so long since I’ve done anything.”

  “Same here, and yes, what an eye-opener, right?”

  “I had no idea what I’d been missing.”

  Joy tipped her head, curiosity dawning. “You’ve never dated as far as I know, and I’ve known you a little more than five years. So how long are we talking?”

  “Basically...” Maris winced. “Ever?”

  “Ever?” Joy quickly tried to hide her shock. “Ever as in...you’ve never...?”

  “Made out? Nope. There were a few kisses behind the bleachers at school, but they were pretty underwhelming, so they don’t count.” Maris dismissed the shocking confession by asking, “How could I, when I didn’t date?”

  “Why not?”

  Rolling her shoulder, Maris said, “I didn’t want anyone inside our house, and I definitely didn’t want anyone meeting my parents. Heck, from one hour to the next, I was never sure if my dad would be drunk or sober, and whichever it was, you can bet the house would be full of prayers.”

  Sympathy nearly smothered Joy. “But...what about school dances? Parties?”

  “When I only owned worn hand-me-downs? It was easier just to skip that stuff.”

  Joy couldn’t hide her devastation.

  And that prompted Maris to say, “Hey, it wasn’t all that.”

  Sadly, Joy thought maybe it was, and in her usual way Maris chose to shrug it off.

  Rather than make her more uncomfortable, Joy forced a smile. “Now I’m doubly glad you got together with Daron and had a nice time.”

  “It was so nice,” Maris agreed. “Daron was pretty intense, but funny, too, and...” She glanced down at her now-empty cup.

  “Hey, we’re in a club, right? No secrets in the club, so spill.”

  Maris’s gaze shifted around, ensuring no one had snuck in without her knowing. Leaning over the booth table, her hushed voice giddy with excitement, she said, “Daron Hardy looks incredibly sexy when he’s turned on. Like off-the-charts sexy.”

  Joy grinned. “You’re just now noticing how attractive he is?”

  “No, I’m serious, Joy. We have lots of attractive guys around here. It’s like this park is a testosterone factory and it’s made me immune to man-candy. But after a lot of smooching on Daron’s couch—”

  “And some touching?” Joy interjected. “Please, Maris, tell me there was touching!”

  “Nothing to write home about or anything, but it was a real learning experience for me.” She blew out a breath. “Holy cow, he looked hot. It was all I could do not to strip naked and dare him to resist.”

  Joy burst out laughing. “I think it’s safe to say that would’ve pushed him right over the edge. But hey, if you ever try it, I’ll want the nitty-gritty on that, too.”

  “Today, back in my real life, I don’t know if I should be glad nothing else happened, or if I should arrange another date and ensure that it does.”

  Hand in the air, Joy said, “The answer is...second date.”

  “Daron’s sowed his wild oats, right? But I haven’t. With zip for experience, it’s possible I could be a major letdown in the sack.” She made a face. “Then what?”

  Maris’s concern struck a chord with Joy and she went still. Had Royce sowed his wild oats before moving here? Or maybe that had been part of the plan he wasn’t so certain about anymore. What if he needed that freedom to get it out of his system, but she’d edged in—little boy in tow—and interrupted?

  Royce was the type of kind, responsible, caring person who would think of her and Jack instead of himself when it came right down to it. But was that fair?

  No, it wasn’t.

  Clearly, she had a lot to think about. For now, though, reassuring Maris took precedence.

  Reaching over the tabletop, she took Maris’s hand. “You’ll have to trust me on this. Daron will not be disappointed. I promise.”

  Maris didn’t seem convinced. “How do you know?”

  “Because I have a little experience—granted, until very recently it was six years old, but men and women haven’t changed that much. When you and Daron get together, and you will, just be honest with him. Tell him what you like and what you don’t. Ask what he likes—” she bobbed her eyebrows “—or experiment around and find that out for yourself. Try not to be shy, but if you are, say so.”

  “Me, shy?” Maris gave her patented snort. “As if.”

  “You big faker.” Joy folded her arms on the booth in a way that matched Maris’s posture. They were close together, speaking in near-whispers even though they were in the camp store alone.

  The subject seemed to require it.

  “You say you’re not shy,” Joy accused, “and in most things I’d agree one hundred percent. But when it comes to Daron, everything is different.” Saying it as a question instead of a statement, Joy added, “Maybe because how you feel about Daron is different?”

  “I’m not shy, not ever,” Maris insisted. “It’s just that... Daron scares me a little. If I sleep with him, I know I’ll be a goner.” Putting her face in her hands, she groaned. “God, Joy, I’m already half in love with him.”

  Since Maris couldn’t see her, Joy gave in to a smile. “I think that’s wonderful.”

  Parting her fingers, Maris peeked out. “Do you, now? Well if that’s true, why won’t you admit you’re falling in love yourself?”

  Joy started to scoff, but paused as sensations thrummed to life. Love.

  Was she?

  No, she couldn’t be. Shouldn’t be. And yet...

  “See what I mean?” Dropping her hands, Maris nodded. “Shakes your foundation, doesn’t it? I don’t know about you, but I can admit the idea makes my stomach hurt.”

  Yeah, Joy’s stomach was starting to ache a little, too. “A fling was different enough for me.”

  “Tell me about it. I keep thinking of everything that could go wrong.”

  Automatically, before she could apply the logic to herself, Joy said, “But think of everything that could go right.”

  “Uh-huh.” Skeptical, Maris asked, “Is that what you’re doing?”

  No. She was trying to reconcile herself to the fact that she wasn’t suave enough, or practical enough, to have an affair without getting emotionally involved.

  But hey, this was Maris’s time, so screw her own misgivings. She was here to boost her friend. “My situation is entirely different. I haven’t known Royce that long, but you’ve been around Daron for years.”

  “Right. And you think tha
t makes this any easier?” She fell silent, her eyes rounding and her jaw loosening. In an agonized whisper, she said, “Jesus, Joy, I’ve watched him grow up.”

  “You did not!” That was too absurd not to laugh. “Daron came to the park as a legal and mature adult. You’ve watched him age a few years, but he was already a grown man.” Joy laughed again at the silly argument.

  “Stop that.” Maris thunked her head on the tabletop. Twice. “He’s only twenty-five.”

  “And you’re only thirty-one, so stop groaning and get over the age thing already.”

  Ignoring that advice, Maris groaned. “I always thought he was just a handyman, that he’d eventually move on. Now I know he won’t, and I don’t plan to go anywhere—”

  “Well, I would hope not,” Joy said, startled by the idea that she could lose Maris. Or Daron for that matter. “We need to make a club rule right now—no quitters.”

  “Don’t you get it, Joy? If I sleep with him and things don’t work out, I’ll still be looking at him, and probably lusting after him, for the rest of my life. We work together, for crying out loud. A day doesn’t go by without us speaking to each other.”

  “Hmm. I see your point.” At least in her own case, she and Royce didn’t work together. Granted, it was a small enough town that they’d probably bump into each other now and then, but it’d be happenstance instead of a guaranteed daily occurrence. “That could definitely be uncomfortable, but I’m a big believer in honesty.” Yeah, right, then be honest about your feelings for Royce. Joy shook that off. “I suggest you tell Daron about your concerns. Maybe he’s more than ready to settle down.”

  “It’s tragic irony that he’s more settled than I am. Have you seen his house?”

  Joy shook her head. She was friendly with Daron, but she’d never had any reason to see him away from the park.

  “It’s incredible. He’s done all this work to update it and it’s so...cozy. Like a real home should be. Clean and organized, but still friendly, you know?”

  Knowing Daron, Joy could almost picture it. “A place to live, and a place to love?”

  “It’s not just a wall and floors under a roof. The man has a garden! And he’s going to get chickens. And I’m...” Maris looked around at the camp store. “I’m just here, craving the security of my own home while saving every dime I can because houses cost money and debt terrifies me.”

  “Avoiding debt is smart.” Before her emancipation from her family’s wealth, Joy hadn’t concerned herself with a budget of any kind. Once alone, though, that budget had taken up rent in her head and she’d fretted about it around the clock. How would she live, eat, care for the baby...?

  Getting a job at Cooper’s Charm that included use of the small apartment over the lodge had been a true godsend. Otherwise, where would she be? How would she and Jack have made it? She would never, ever take financial security for granted. For her, and for most other people, it was a constant concern.

  Oddly pleased that she could relate to Maris’s money worries, Joy prompted, “Will you tell me more about your childhood?”

  “Why?”

  Joy had one simple answer. “Because you’re my friend and I care.”

  After giving it some thought, Maris shrugged. “Sure, why not?”

  For the next half hour, she told Joy all about her mother’s obsession with prayer for things rather than going after them herself, about her father’s penchant for drinking up any money they got, the usual lack of clothes, heat and sometimes even food.

  And she talked about her shame at being the neighborhood charity case, always looked at with scorn, pity or both.

  “I left there as soon as I could and I haven’t been back except to bury my parents.” Pensive, Maris traced her fingertip around the top of her empty coffee cup. “You know what?”

  The words were so softly spoken Joy worried. “What?”

  “You can run away from a place, but not from what it made you feel.”

  Tears burned Joy’s eyes. She hated that Maris was hurting, and that she was so strong she didn’t lightly share that burden. “Will you promise me something?” Joy asked just as softly.

  “Sure.” Maris’s smile flickered. “If it’s something I can do, consider it done.”

  “Will you pretty please give Daron a chance? I know you told him about your background, but tell him how you feel about everything, okay?” In her heart, Joy knew they were right for each other. Maris just needed a nudge to let it happen.

  “Hmm.” Pursing her lips, Maris considered the request. And considered some more. Finally, looking Joy in the eyes, she said, “Tell you what.” She stuck out her hand, as if to make a deal. “I will if you will.”

  Chapter Twelve

  I will if you will.

  Her promise to Maris kept replaying, over and over, in Joy’s head. She had another two hours before she needed to leave to get Jack. Royce and Daron, now done with the treads, carried the tools and leftover supplies to the golf cart wagon so Daron could return them to the maintenance shed.

  Knowing Royce would join her any minute, and why, had her pulse leaping and her skin tingling. She’d missed his touch. She’d especially missed his mouth.

  Coop had a meeting, but Daron had volunteered to keep an eye on Chaos, and the dog now sat on the golf cart seat, panting in exuberance. From the top of her stairwell, Joy watched Royce walk around to the dog, give him a few strokes down his back, then cup his head and bend to say something to him.

  Joy couldn’t hear, but from the way Daron smiled the whole time, whatever Royce said must have been amusing. The dog certainly liked it; his whole furry body wiggled with his butt going opposite of his head and shoulders. He licked at Royce’s face—and Royce allowed it, still speaking softly, still petting until the dog calmed again.

  In such a short time Chaos looked prettier, with thicker fur, the wrap on his leg gone, and his belly full.

  You could tell a lot about a man by the way he treated a stray dog. Royce’s dedication to the animal was admirable.

  What would he say if he knew much of her attraction to him had to do with how he’d interacted with her son and Chaos?

  Joy grinned. Yes, Royce’s appearance had first snagged her interest, and there was no denying he offered a very fine visual, but a troll’s personality would have taken care of that in no time.

  Royce was the total package, inside and out.

  He spoke to Daron one last time, clapped him on the shoulder and then watched as Chaos rode away. The dog didn’t look back, which seemed to satisfy Royce because he turned and headed up the stairs.

  Stopping one step below her so that they were eye level, he leaned in and took her mouth in a quick kiss. “I need fifteen minutes to run home and shower, and get back here.”

  No way would she let him go. Joy caught a handful of his coat and said, “Or you could just shower here.”

  He stilled, his gaze suddenly intense, as if he saw things she hadn’t said.

  I will, if you will.

  This one is for you, Maris. “Stay.” Joy slid her hand inside his coat, feeling the warmth of his body beneath the thermal shirt. “Stay and I’ll shower with you.”

  “Damn.” Ever so lightly, his fingertips grazed her cheek. “Can’t miss that, now can I?”

  Until Joy heard his agreement, she hadn’t acknowledged how much his answer meant to her. They both knew it was a step forward for him to be invited for a lengthier visit into her home. Others in the park would see them together and make assumptions. Daron for sure knew what they were about.

  Joy didn’t care, and apparently Royce didn’t, either.

  When he took her hand in his, it felt right. So very, very right.

  He led her into the apartment. As Joy went about locking the door, she said, “It’ll have to be a quick shower, because I’ll need to pick up Jack at—”r />
  His hands came around her, one open low on her stomach, the other cupping a breast while he nuzzled against the side of her neck.

  “It’s...it’s a small shower,” she whispered, barely able to speak with the way his thumb taunted her nipple through her sweatshirt.

  “I’ll fit.” He nudged a solid erection against her backside, making her think he meant something other than the shower. “We’ll just have to get really close.”

  They were getting closer, in more ways than one.

  Leaning back against him, Joy gave herself over to his touch, closing her eyes and breathing deeply.

  “Mmm,” he murmured. “Maybe you can’t wait.” The hand on her stomach worked under her sweatshirt, and then into her leggings, pressing down over her mound.

  Even though he’d just come in from the cold, his hand was warm, a little rough, his fingers firm as they moved over her, and then in her, wringing a soft moan from her throat.

  So many sensations conspired against her: his mouth on her neck finding the most sensitive places to lick and suck, his big hand still kneading her breast and plying her nipple.

  Lightly penetrating her, one fingertip gathered a rush of wet excitement and used it to tease her clit.

  She bit her lip, braced her hands on his steely thighs and gasped for each and every breath.

  “That’s it,” Royce murmured minutes later when she felt the release swelling within her. He readjusted his hold, wrapping his arm around her under her breasts for support.

  His breath was soft near her ear, his tongue licking her skin, his fingers moving faster—

  When she cried out, it embarrassed her but she couldn’t do anything about it. He gathered her closer, crooning to her, encouraging her, until her legs trembled and she thought she might sink to the floor if he let her go.

  “I’ve got you.”

  The soft words seemed to promise more beyond the current moment.

  Or maybe that was just her being wishful.

  She did want more. So much more. Going forward, she’d have to be careful not to pressure him.