They laughed as they raced up the front walk. She’d locked her door when she’d left this morning since there were so many nonlocals in town for the holiday, but her purse was still stuffed into a cubby on Matt’s boat.
“My hide-a-key,” she said on a gasp, bending to lift the rock from under the bushes where the key was hidden. Then gasping again as Noah whirled her around, his mouth crashing into hers. They stayed there for several minutes, kissing deep and long. He was making good on his promise of claiming her in front of the whole town, and Katie wondered if any of her elderly neighbors were watching this public display.
Noah picked her up as he climbed the steps, and she automatically wrapped her legs around his lean hips. One of his hands inched up her back. “Give me the key,” he said against her mouth, and she pressed it into his palm.
She wasn’t sure how he was going to manage to hold on to her and open the front door, but a moment later the lock turned.
“You have mad skills,” she said on a laugh.
He drew back enough to look into her eyes, his grin wicked. “You have no idea.”
As well as she knew him, he might be right. The first time with Noah had been amazing, but this felt completely new. He’d chosen her. They’d chosen each other, and it made all the difference. She’d tried to convince herself that what was between them was only physical, but now she didn’t bother to guard her heart. It was pointless anyway. Noah had her heart, and he had from the first. No matter what happened down the road, this was her moment to revel in all she felt for him.
He kicked shut the door then moved toward her bedroom. Bending to rip away the quilt and sheets, he dropped her on the bed with so much force she bounced once and her breath, already uneven, whooshed out of her lungs. “Tell me you have protection,” he whispered as he followed her onto the bed. His hands were on her stomach, inching up her swim top. He pressed his mouth to her belly button then skimmed his tongue along her rib cage.
“I... Yes...oh, yes...” she whispered.
“Oh, yes, in general?” he asked and she heard the smile in his voice. “Or, yes, you have protection?”
“In the nightstand.”
“Good. Now lift your arms.”
She raised them over her head and he pulled her bathing suit up and off, leaning over her to open the nightstand drawer.
He sat back again, gazing down at her. “Has anyone told you today how beautiful you are?”
Normally Katie would feel shy at being so exposed, but the intensity in his gaze gave her confidence. She tapped a finger to her chin, pretending to ponder the question. “One of Matt’s friends told me I was the hottest muffin maker he’d ever met. Does that count?”
Noah growled low in his throat. “I’m going to kill that guy.” He planted his hands on either side of her head and lowered himself over her. His chest hair tickled her bare skin, and heat pooled low in her body. “You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” he whispered. He slanted his lips over hers, but when she tried to deepen the kiss, he broke away, his mouth trailing to her jaw then down her throat and finally to her breast. “So beautiful,” he said again, then took one nipple into his mouth.
She arched off the bed with a moan. He continued to lick and suck at her breasts, driving her wild, as he tugged the bathing-suit bottom over her hips. Her hands splayed across his lower back, kneading the muscles there. She wanted to feel all of him, to stay like this and never let reality back into their lives. Nothing had ever felt so good, she thought, but still she wanted more. Reaching between them, she unsnapped the waistband of his board shorts, pushing at them.
He released her for just a moment, stripped off the shorts and his T-shirt then tore open the foil wrapper. He settled himself between her legs, moving just enough that the pressure made her breath catch.
“Yes, Noah. Please.” She didn’t care if she was begging. She needed him so much. He kissed her deeply as he rocked against her but lifted his head as he thrust into her. Their gazes locked and it seemed to heighten the pleasure, to increase the intimacy until Katie felt a tear drop from the edge of her eye onto the pillow.
Noah pressed his lips to her skin and she twined her legs more tightly around him. A groan ripped from his throat that sent shivers through her. Pressure built inside her until it finally burst, a bright shower of golden light engulfing her, soothing all the parts inflamed by their passion. Noah shuddered, burying his face against her neck and crying out her name.
It was the most beautiful thing she’d ever heard.
They lay like that for several minutes, the heat of his body cocooning her in warmth. He smoothed the hair back from her face, threading his fingers through it as he spread it across the sheets. The kisses he gave her now were gentle, tiny touches of light on her skin. She didn’t dare move, afraid to break the spell and have him leave her as he had the last time.
“All night,” he said, as if reading her thoughts. He gently sucked her earlobe into his mouth and she squirmed underneath him. “Right now if you keep moving like that.”
As she laughed, he rose from the bed, padded to the bathroom then returned a few minutes later. Katie still lay where she was, staring at the ceiling, although she’d pulled the sheets and quilt up over herself.
He lifted the covers and climbed in next to her, dropping a kiss to her mouth just as she stifled a yawn.
“Sorry,” she said automatically. “I’m always tired lately.”
“It’s the time on the lake,” he said, turning on his side and tucking her in tight against his chest. “Swimming is tiring enough, but the daredevil stunt from today would exhaust anyone.”
She yawned again. “Natalie told me it was epic.”
“All I know is it almost gave me an epic heart attack.” He pressed his mouth to her bare shoulder. “How’s your body holding up after that crazy ride?”
She shrugged. “My cheek hurts and my arms are sore. I have another bruise on my chin. It’ll hurt worse tomorrow, I know. But I’m okay.”
“Just okay?”
“Tired,” she added and he nipped at her neck. “And blissfully satisfied. And happy. Mainly happy.”
“Me too. Go to sleep now, Bug.”
“Are you—”
“I’ll be here when you wake up. I keep a change of clothes in the truck for when Jase and I go for a run or to the gym after work. I’m not going anywhere. Promise.”
She wasn’t sure whether it was the words that made her trust him or the conviction with which he said them. Perhaps it was the overwhelming exhaustion she felt. The constant fatigue, even with her busy schedule, was starting to concern her. She’d worked long hours for years, but the past few weeks had been difficult to handle. As she drifted off, she decided she’d make an appointment with her family doctor next week. She wouldn’t tell Noah, though. No need to give him something extra to worry about after what had just happened with his mom.
But right now a nap was exactly what she needed. She fell asleep, happy to be enveloped in Noah’s embrace.
Chapter Fifteen
Noah registered Katie’s surprise as she walked into the kitchen hours later.
“You’re still here.” Her voice was scratchy with sleep and she wore a tattered floral robe that was so worn it was practically see-through.
“I promised,” he told her, tamping down the annoyance that flared at the thought she hadn’t believed he would stay.
“I’m glad,” she said, walking forward to kiss him. All thoughts of annoyance fled as he buried his face in her hair. She smelled like sleep, vanilla and like him. A wave of primal satisfaction rolled through him and somewhere deep in his gut the word mine reverberated.
She was his.
“Why are you always sniffing me?” She pulled back, looping a long strand of hair between her fingers and pulling it t
o her nose. “Do I need a shower?”
“No. You smell fantastic. You always do. You smell like...”
Home.
His chest constricted at the word. It was true, even if he hadn’t realized it before now. Katie had always felt like home to him.
“You smell like the bakery,” he answered instead.
“Mixed with a healthy dose of lake water.” She grimaced. “The bruise on my cheek is darkening.”
“Matt is an idiot.”
She smiled, reached around him for the glass of water he’d set down. “I would have said the same thing about you a few weeks ago,” she answered, taking a drink.
“I’m a slow learner.” He tugged on the tie looped around the front of the robe. “How is it possible that an article of clothing your grandma would have worn can be such a turn-on to me?”
“This was Gram’s robe.”
“I feel like a sick pervert.” His fingers worked to loosen the tie.
She swatted at his hand. “Stop,” she said with a giggle. “I’m not wearing anything underneath.”
“Doubly perverted.”
She pushed away from him. “Before you go too far, I’m starving. Let me make us something to eat.”
“Done.” He inched the fabric off her chest and kissed the swell of her breast.
She moaned a little, but glanced around her empty kitchen. “How?”
The doorbell rang. “Delivery,” he said against her skin.
“No one delivers on the holiday. All the restaurants are too busy.”
The doorbell rang again.
“I pulled some strings at the brewery.”
Reluctantly he stepped away from her. “You should put on some clothes, or the food’s going to be cold before we get to it.”
“Sweet-potato fries?” she asked, rubbing her stomach.
“Of course. They’re your favorite.”
She grinned. “I owe you, then.” She quickly pulled the robe apart to flash her breasts at him. “Later.”
“Forget the food,” Noah growled, lunging for her.
She jumped away, running for her bedroom. “Answer the door, Noah,” she called over her shoulder.
He set out containers of food, glancing up as she returned. She’d traded the robe for a tank top and black sweatpants. Her hair tumbled down in waves around her shoulders. When she moved, he could see a purple lace bra strap peeking through. Had she always worn lacy lingerie? What a fool he’d been all these years. He had so much time to make up.
“I can’t believe how hungry I am,” she said, taking plates from the cabinet.
They sat down to eat the burgers and fries. Noah lit the candle that sat in the middle of the table then dimmed the kitchen lights.
“Romantic,” Katie murmured, her voice a little breathless. He had to agree. As casual as it was, this was indeed the most romantic dinner he’d ever had.
“But this isn’t a date,” he told her firmly. “I’m going to take you out for a real date with reservations at the best restaurant in Aspen.”
“I don’t care about that,” she said, shaking her head. “Tonight is perfect.”
“Agreed, but you deserve the five-star treatment, and I want to be the guy to give it to you.”
Katie went suddenly still.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. We’re missing the big fireworks display. I hope you didn’t have plans to take your mom and sister?”
He shook his head. “Mom has a date tonight.” At her questioning gaze, he shrugged. “Her surgeon. Second time out with him this week. She really likes him.”
“And you’re okay with that?”
“I am,” Noah said, releasing a breath. “Dad would want her to be happy, so I want the same thing.”
She came around the table and plopped onto his lap, snagging one of his fries in the process. “You’re a good man, Noah Crawford.” She kissed him on the cheek then popped the bright orange fry into her mouth.
“Do you really believe that or are you just angling for my food?”
“Both.”
He kissed her then glanced at his watch. “I’ve got a surprise for you.”
She angled her head. “Is it a good surprise?”
“I hope so.” He lifted her to her feet. “I’ll get the dishes cleaned up while you put on a sweater. We have about ten minutes.”
“Where are we going?” She smoothed a hand over her tank top. “Should I change clothes or at least brush my hair?”
“Neither. It’s a private party tonight. Trust me.”
He said the words lightly, but something tender unfurled in his chest when she nodded and disappeared toward her bedroom. It had been a long time since anyone he cared about really trusted him. Sure, his mom said she depended on him, but even after her illness she’d been almost as self-sufficient as usual.
He put the plates in the dishwasher and repacked the empty boxes in the paper sack. By the time Katie came out, he was pacing the front of the house, anxious in a way he hadn’t been since he was a teenager.
“I’m ready,” she said, having buttoned a thick sweater over her tank top and traded the sweats for a faded pair of jeans.
“Great,” he said, embarrassed when his voice caught. “Great,” he repeated, clearing his throat.
She came toward him. “Are you nervous?” She sounded amused.
“Of course not.” He wiped his palms on his shorts then took her hand. “I just want you to like what I have planned.”
* * *
Katie had never seen Noah like this, especially not with her. He was always confident and sure of himself. He took very little in life seriously, and never his relationships with women—not since Tori had broken his heart.
An image of Tori flashed through Katie’s mind. What would Noah think if his ex-girlfriend made good on her threat to expose Katie’s part in their breakup?
Maybe it wasn’t a big deal. It had been so long ago and Katie hadn’t been the one to cheat or to break his heart. Surely he’d understand that? In fact, she should just tell him herself so she could explain why she’d done it. She’d wanted to protect him. Tori might accuse Katie of wanting him for herself, but that wasn’t true. She’d never believed Noah could belong to her.
Now he did.
He held her hand as he led her through the front door, squeezing gently on her fingers. She’d tell him tomorrow. A little voice inside her called her a coward, but she ignored it. She wasn’t going to ruin this night.
“Where are we going?”
He led her around the side of the house and stopped. “Up,” he answered with a boyish grin.
A ladder had been propped against the gutter where the roof of the front porch sloped up to meet the house’s roofline.
“I checked and we have a view of the mountain from your roof. Fireworks start in five minutes.”
“I’d never thought of that,” she said softly.
“Start climbing, sweetheart.”
She grabbed the sides of the ladder, her arms still sore from hanging on to the inner tube earlier. But she was using them only for balance, so she began to make her way slowly up the metal rungs.
“If you need a break, feel free to stop for a minute.” Noah’s voice drifted up to her. “I’m okay if we miss the fireworks since I’ve got a better view from down here.”
She glanced down to where he was grinning up at her. Careful not to lose her balance, Katie wiggled her hips a bit and was rewarded by his rich laughter. She understood Noah’s popularity with the ladies, but he made her feel as if she was the only woman in the world who mattered. It was as if every part of her was desirable and he couldn’t get enough. She also knew his affections could change in an instant, especially if she started to take
what was between them too seriously. Once again, she reminded herself to simply enjoy the moment.
She hitched herself onto the roof then waited for Noah to join her. Her neighborhood was dark and mainly quiet. From a few blocks away, she could hear the soft sounds of classic rock playing and smell hamburgers on the grill—someone must be having an outdoor barbecue. To the east of her house was downtown Crimson, lights glowing from the Fourth of July party the town hosted. To the west was Crimson Mountain, its top just visible in the darkness, a ridge that split the sky. The night was clear and stars dotted the sky over the valley. She hugged her arms around her waist as Noah’s head appeared over the side of the house.
“This is great,” she told him as he planted a foot onto the roof.
“We’re not there yet.” He pointed toward the high edge of the roof. “Can you make it a little farther?”
The truth was she felt nervous being up this high. Her roofline wasn’t steep and she had no problem getting traction on the tiles with her gym shoes. Still, Katie wasn’t one to go scaling roofs. But with Noah studying her, his blue eyes almost indigo in the dark, she wanted to be. She felt safe with him and that gave her courage.
“Lead on,” she told him. “It’s my turn for the view.”
He laughed and began to scramble up the center of the roof toward her chimney. She followed, keeping her palms on the shingles as she did. When she got to the top, she glanced up to see a blanket spread over the tip of the roof and a cooler attached to the chimney by a bungee cord wrapped around the bricks.
“When did you do all this?” she asked, easing onto the blanket and dusting off her hands.
“While you were napping. You’ve always slept like the dead, so I figured I wouldn’t wake you.” He took out a pint of ice cream from the cooler, peeled back the lid and handed her a spoon.
“How—”
“I paid the delivery guy extra to swing by the store for dessert. I hope raspberry chip is still your favorite flavor.”
A Baby and a Betrothal Page 15