by Geri Foster
He slid behind the wheel and she got in on her side. As he turned the ignition, the car roared to life.
“Oh my God, this makes me feel like a teenager again,” she said with a chuckle.
He motioned behind him with his head and grinned. “That backseat holds a lot of special memories for me.”
Her heart rate accelerated a little at the mention of all they’d done back there, and her cheeks heated. “It sure does.”
“That’s why I kept it, you know? Getting rid of it would be like selling our special place. We made a lot of love in this car. First time, all the way to the last.” His voice was gruff, like admitting that wasn’t easy for him, reminding her that all those years she was mad at him he was hurting too.
“You don’t need to remind me,” she said, softly. “I remember everything about us.”
He grinned over at her. “Glad to hear it.” Reaching over, he stroked a strand of her hair. “You became a woman on those leather seats.”
She cleared her throat, suddenly feeling shy. “Let’s not get too carried away with all this. Our lives are supposed to be in danger, remember?”
He straightened the wheel and peeled out, taking a deep breath and releasing it. “How can I forget?” Glancing over at her, he asked, “Do you have a preference where we stay?”
“As close to town as possible, considering we both have to come back and get dressed for work tomorrow.”
“Then let’s go with the Hampton Inn on the expressway. Only ten minutes away.”
“What about the Wayward Hotel? It’s close to downtown. Only five minutes away.”
“If we stay there you might as well put out a sign that Griff and Olivia are inside having super human sex.”
He was right. Opal, the woman who ran the place, was the worst gossip in town and she loved spreading the juicy stuff. Too many people would love to hear that she and Griff were spending the night together in a hotel. While the Hampton Inn was a franchise, they employed most of their help from Denton. They stood an excellent chance of not being recognized.
“You win. We’ll stay closer to the freeway.”
In no time at all, they arrived at the hotel and he went inside and got them a room. Getting back in the car and buckling up, he handed her a key then drove around to the back. Grabbing their bags, he opened her door and they went inside.
“Second floor,” he said as they stepped into the elevator. “Room 214.”
The ride was short and silent, as she considered the situation. She wasn’t ready for anything to happen, she was being honest when she said that. But being ready emotionally and being ready physically were two different things and she worried that her hormones would get the best of her. The bell dinged, and they stepped out and turned left. At the door, she inserted the key and shoved open the door then stood aside and let him enter.
“See,” he said. “I told you, two beds.”
Going in and letting the door slam behind her, she scanned the room. “Thank you for that. “
“Oh, I didn’t promise I wouldn’t be joining you in one of them.” He grinned as he leaned down and kissed her gently.
“Who says I won’t visit your bed?” Why did I say that! Hormones and nerves were a dangerous mix.
He reared back, a surprised look on his face. “Shall I hang out the welcome sign?”
She laughed, not because he was funny but because she was nervous and didn’t know exactly what to do. She looked down, feeling awkward, but when she peeked up at him she realized that his bravado was covering his own nerves too. His eyes were jumping around the room like he was looking for something to say. It made her smile and relax a little to see that she wasn’t the only one. “I’ll take the bed by the window,” she offered.
“That’s great with me,” he answered quickly, and she laughed a little under her breath. “Why don’t we shower tonight so we don’t have to waste time tomorrow morning?”
“Good idea,” she said, nibbling her bottom lip. “You go first.”
“No, ladies first. I’ll watch a little television while you take your turn.”
He kicked off his heavy boots and set them aside. Then he took the only comfortable chair in the room and relaxed. Clicking on the set, he leaned back, clearly prepared to keep himself occupied while she showered.
She envisioned herself being naked in the shower with him only a few feet and a door away and her palms began to sweat. Yes, they’d had sex when they were younger but that seemed ages ago. Eons, even.
Knowing she was stalling, the more she thought about it the worse it got. Shoring up her courage, she grabbed her clean clothes and stepped into the shiny, white bathroom.
As she stepped under the spray, she let out a deep breath. The warm water did wonders for her body. She washed her hair, then scrubbed her body, before standing beneath the spray and just enjoying the water pouring over her body to relax her.
With the bathroom all steamed up, she toweled dry and quickly slipped on a pair of boy’s boxers and a loose T-shirt. Wrapping the towel around her hair, she stepped out. “It’s all yours.” She avoided his gaze but felt it nonetheless on her bare legs. Fighting the urge to cross her arms over her chest, she knew she was big busted enough for him to know she wasn’t wearing a bra.
Without a word, he jumped up and entered the bathroom. The only thing he took was a pair of black undershorts. Her breath caught in her throat as she came to the realization that he probably didn’t own a pair of pajamas.
She took out a comb and ran it through her hair. She’d brought some lotion and was applying it to her legs when he stepped out. He did have a towel around his waist, but that was it.
“Sorry,” he said. “I usually don’t sleep in anything, but I did bring a pair of shorts. I don’t want to upset you so I covered up a little.”
“No, no,” she said, instantly. “I’m fine. It’s getting late and we probably need to sleep anyway.”
He looked at the clock. “It’s only ten thirty.”
“I know, but I have to get up at five.”
“Yeah, same here.” He pulled back the covers on his bed, dropped the towel and slid under the blankets. “Maybe we’ll watch a little television.”
She quickly sought the cover of the blankets as well and pretended to watch the TV, but it didn’t interest her at all. Him being in the next bed, only a few feet away, did. How could she ever get the image of his strong, muscular chest out of her mind? And biceps that nearly made her mouth water. And legs—no, she didn’t want to think about those. She needed to keep her musings above the waist.
But it was remarkable how he’d changed. Younger, he had all those things, but now, grown up and sexy, it seemed they were emphasized and exaggerated. He was about the same height and weight, but now there was a lean, taut masculinity about his appearance.
His gray eyes were still stormy and intense. His jaw, powerful and stubborn, but that’s where it ended. His kisses were more demanding and more serious, as if he took control of her body while seducing her mouth.
His hands were surer and gripped tighter, like he never wanted to let her go. Leaning against his body was like pressing against a big Oak. He was stronger, more powerful and his movements faster and more confident.
“Do you think I’ve changed?” she asked quietly, in the dim lights. “I mean, physically?”
“Honestly? You’re more beautiful than ever. If you’ll allow me to be blunt, your figure has filled out and your breasts are bigger. I like the way your hips flair and any height you’ve gained comes from your legs.”
“So, I look different?”
“No, you look the same, only older, more mature and prettier.”
“You didn’t think I was pretty before?”
“I thought you were a movie star, now you’re a damn goddess.”
She scoffed. “You’re just trying to get into my bed.”
He rose up and propped his head on his palm, gazing at her. “If me telling you how beautiful yo
u are will do that, let me start all over. I can go all night.”
She laughed, but quickly sobered. “Do you mean it? About my looks, I mean.”
“Olivia, you are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Then and now. No jokes. No trying to get in your pants. That is just the truth.”
She was silent, weighing his words and finding, even after all that had happened with her past two relationships, after what she had thought had happened with Griff and had spent the last ten years believing only to now know was never true…she believed him. She believed Griff.
A smile crept across her face just as he said, “There are easier ways to join you in your bed than that, you know.”
The smile fell and was replaced by nervous shock. “What?”
“Here, let me show you.”
The next thing she knew, the covers were lifted, and he slid in beside her and gathered her in his arm. “See how easy that was?”
“I thought we weren’t going to do this,” she said, a little breathless at the feel of all his warm skin.
He shrugged. “No one is here. We’re allowed to change our minds.” From the dim light of the television, she gazed into his serious eyes and her heart betrayed her by pounding at such a tempo she thought she might pass out.
“You want to change your mind, Olivia?”
Chapter 16
Griff thought if Olivia backed out now, he’d have to get up and take a cold shower. He wanted her in ways he’d never dreamed possible. In their youth, sex had been fun and quick. Now, he wanted to love her all night. He wanted to touch her soul in an erotic way that conveyed he loved and cherished her.
But he’d go no further without her permission.
“The last thing I want to do is scare you or talk you into doing something you might regret.”
“I’m not afraid of you, Griff. I’m much more fearful of what I might do.”
Leaning over her, his arms wrapped around her petite body, he kissed her softly, lingering. “What will you do?” he asked, brushing his mouth across hers.
“Move too quickly. Fall back in love with you,” she confessed on a sigh.
“Would that be so bad?” he asked, nibbling his way down her throat.
She swallowed audibly, then said, “I don’t know.”
Pausing his descent, he lifted up to look into her eyes. She had a lot of bad memories, some from him, clouding her vision. Cupping her face, he kissed her gently. “It’s just me. It’s just me here, Olivia. Do you see me?”
He held his breath, waiting for her to answer. Finally, she said, “I see you, Griff. Only you.”
His heart melting, she lifted up and kissed him so passionately he lost his breath. Taking it for the sign it was, he moved down her body and lifted the hem of her T-shirt, shoving it up and off. He groaned, cupping her breasts with his palms before lowering his mouth to worship them both. He locked his lips around her nipple and sucked.
The sound she made drove him wild and he lifted his head, kissing her without restraint. She kissed him back with just as much passion and everything exploded from there. Moving quickly, he removed her panties and cupped her with his palm.
“Oh,” she gasped, clutching his shoulders. Avidly watching her expression, he slowly placed two fingers inside her. “Ow.” She clasped her hands around his wrist, stopping him, her brow pinched.
He looked into her golden-brown eyes, concerned. “Did I hurt you? You used to love my hand down there.”
“I did...I do,” she said breathlessly. “But it’s been so long.” He softly chuckled and she pushed at his shoulder. “Why is that funny?” she pouted.
“Not funny,” he shook his head. “I’m just happy that you’re all mine.” Kissing her to soothe her, he said against her lips, “Time to end that dry spell.”
Feeling her inner muscles relax, he pulled out and re-entered her slowly, gently. She arched her back off the bed, bit her lip and moaned. Using his knees, he slipped between her legs and removed his fingers, pushing down his shorts and thrusting into her in one, smooth motion.
Now it was his turn to practically shout with pleasure. He’d reclaimed his territory and it felt so right, so perfect. She now belonged to him, again and forever. She opened her eyes and their gaze hit like two ships on a collision course. “You’re mine,” he gritted out, struggling to remain still, allowing her time to adjust.
She lifted then lowered her hips, smirking. “And you’re mine.”
His heart pounding, he growled deep in his chest, palmed her ass and pumped. Hard. She wrapped her legs around his hips and matched him movement for movement. As her moans heightened and her breathing quickened in his ear, he felt the pressure building so intensely he panted and struggled to hold back. The second she whimpered, he let go and his whole body climaxed. She held on tightly as her body bucked and jerked until she completely relaxed and let out a contented sigh.
* * *
Olivia woke to Griff nibbling on her ear. She grinned and rolled away. “Enough already. We’ll never make it to work.”
“I don’t want to go in. How about we stay here and make love all day.” He pulled her back into his embrace.
“We did that all night. Aren’t you satisfied?” She looked over her shoulder, waiting for his response.
His brow furrowed. “Of course, I’m satisfied. I just want more,” he pouted.
“Well, I want coffee,” she laughed. “Lots of coffee. I’ll have trouble staying awake today as it is.”
Griff rolled on his back, taking her with him so that she was pressed tightly to his side. He draped his forearm over his eyes and groaned. “I have to meet Goldman this morning. That’s going to be a nightmare.”
She rose up and stared down at him. “I know. This whole situation sucks. My dad is just devastated. That house meant everything to him.”
“I know it did.”
“All my mom’s keepsakes were in there. The things she cherished, all the pictures of us kids, their wedding pictures, him wearing his uniform for the first time. How does someone get past all that?”
He took a deep breath. “It’s hard. But I’m just glad Theo wasn’t home. He wasn’t in danger and none of the men fighting the fire were hurt. That’s what’s important.”
She dropped her gaze. “I guess it can always be worse.”
He sat up and put his feet on the carpeted floor. Sliding into his pants, he stood and turned to her. “Get dressed and I’ll take you home to get ready for work.” When she went to open her mouth, he kissed her and said. “Yes, we’ll stop for coffee on the way.”
After Griff dropped her off, checking the house to make sure it was safe before leaving, she had to dress quickly to make it to work on time. She noticed as she left that his Camaro was still parked in the driveway. There was also an electrician’s truck out front. He was obviously getting the light fixed in his living room before meeting with Goldman at her dad’s house. She wondered if he’d make it on time, but brushed the thought aside. He wouldn’t be late for that. He knew how important it was to her dad and the investigation.
Even running a little behind, she drove slowly by what was left of the place she’d grown up in. The blackened ash, the charred timbers and the muddy yard brought tears to her eyes. How was her dad handling all this? He hadn’t said much last night, but she knew when things were weighing heavily on his mind and this had to be devastating. Losing everything that was left of his wife of forty years had to feel like losing her all over again.
She drove to work, glad to have something to take her mind off the fire. It wasn’t enough to distract her from the tenderness between her legs though. She didn’t regret spending the night with Griff. It was amazing. After all this time, the magic was still there. But a part of her understood that that vulnerability, opening your heart and body to someone, meant he had the power to hurt her.
Did she believe he would do that? When she thought of the man he was, who he had shown himself to be and who she remembered him to b
e before everything got all messed up, she didn’t think for a second that he would hurt her. But she couldn’t deny that she had thought the same about Clint. Had trusted and believed in him too. And that worried her. She couldn’t take that kind of pain and humiliation. Not again.
Chapter 17
Griff was sipping on his second cup of coffee when he pulled up to the Anderson home. Theo, David and Lucas were already waiting out front. Checking the clock, he was on time, so they must have been early. As he stepped from his vehicle, coffee in hand, he called out, “Goldman’s due here in about ten minutes. He got held up a little.”
“Did you smell anything when you were in there?” Theo asked, his face a wrinkled mess of concern and pain. “Anything at all?”
“Not this time. I clearly smelled the diesel fuel at the Hollins’, but nothing here.” He took a sip of his coffee. “Cody didn’t either. As far as we could tell, the fire started in the living room.”
David rubbed his chin. “Isn’t that a strange place for a fire to start?”
“There really isn’t a normal place for a fire to start,” he said. “There are a few likely places. Electrical, lightning, and gas line. But fires can start anywhere at any time.”
“But they need fuel, oxygen and an ignitor, right?” Lucas asked. “They don’t start all by themselves.”
“That’s right, but that’s Goldman’s expertise. It’s cool enough today for him to do a walk through and see if anything jumps out at him.”
“What about the Switzer place. He been there yet?”
He shook his head. “Not that I know about. If he has been, he hasn’t reported back to me yet.”
“So, the only confirmed arson fire we have is the Hollins’?” David asked. “Nothing else so far?”
He wished he had more information, but he didn’t. “That’s it so far. However, it’s enough to rouse suspicion. Three houses burned down and then mine rigged to explode? That’s too much to be coincidence.”