“I prefer the dance required to make all parts of a meal come together at the right time. I seek out the perfect dessert instead.”
“Do you keep a list of the best pastry chefs?”
“Sort of. I have a plan to find the best pie diners this country has to offer.”
“That sounds fun. Tell me more.”
“Well.” He leans in as if he’s trying to keep from being overheard. “It’s going to require a cross-country road trip.”
I furrow my brow as I play along. “Of course.”
“And I’ll need a partner in case I require a tie-breaker vote between Minnie or Peggy’s lemon meringue pie.”
I giggle. “I’m sure you do.”
“It’ll have to be someone as dedicated as I am to the mission.”
I nod. “Pie is serious business.” I break off another piece of croissant to bite into.
“I thought you’d agree.” Charlie cocks his head as if he’s just thought of something. “The thing is, this partner needs to be someone I’m compatible with, because we’ll be in close quarters for most of the journey.
“Close quarters?”
“Yes. We’ll be sleeping in my van.”
“Oh.” I hide my smile by biting into a strawberry.
“How do you feel about shag carpet and lava lamps?”
I chuckle. “Let me guess, living in a van was the backup plan in case cooking didn’t work out for you?”
Charlie grins. “Can’t you see me selling tie-dyed T-shirts at concerts?”
I squint at him for a moment. “I can. I have a feeling you’d have made it a multimillion-dollar business by now too.” I wave my hand in the air as if I’m reading a sign in lights. “T-shirt designs by Van-go.”
We both laugh, and he says, “I like it.” Plates clash as Charlie lifts the tray off the bed to set it on the floor. “I could definitely use an idea person on my team.” He crawls over toward me. “What do you say? Want the job?”
I take his face in my hands and lean in close. “Let me think it over.” I kiss him, and for a moment, I believe I could be happy living in a shag-carpeted van driving around the country with the sole purpose of testing the best pies diners have to offer.
But then the reality of my life strikes, and I break away with a half-serious question. “What’s the timeline on this trip? Because if we could skip out on Bitsy’s fundraiser, that’d seal the deal for me.”
He sighs. “I got roped in too.”
I nod. “She needed a mature woman for the silver-fox round of her dating game.”
“Ouch. For both of us. Did she really say silver fox?”
I reach up and thread my fingers through his silver-streaked hair. It’s soft on my skin as I say, “She did. But silver fox sounds sexy to me. However, mature...”
Charlie tips my chin up with his finger. “Looks amazing on you, Diana.” He kisses me softly before he stops to say, “I would like to travel with you. Name a place you’d like to see.”
For the first few months of my retirement, I explored Europe, staying in plush accommodations and seeing things from a privileged point of view. But the idea of a down-to-earth adventure with Charlie interests me, and I say, “New Zealand looks beautiful.” And then an even better idea comes to me. “Wait. We could sail the East Coast in your boat.”
Charlie sits up. “You’d want to spend weeks in cramped quarters with sparse amenities?”
“I bet the food would still be amazing.”
“It would, but have you even seen a galley shower?”
While I’ve never used one, I am aware its design is about efficiency of space. “I have.” I tease him. “You think I’m high maintenance.”
“You’re not?” He chuckles. “You created a makeup company.”
I frown. “That may be so, but I’m very capable of living in bathing suits and shorts for days at a time without doing my hair or applying anything more than sunscreen.”
“That, I’d like to see.” Charlie gazes into my eyes. “Because the woman in front of me now is incredibly beautiful without any of her usual primping.”
I smile at him because I believe he means it. “That’s what I want, Charlie. I want what we have to be honest and real.” I lean in to kiss him.
He breaks away. “Me too, Diana. I--”
I’m afraid he’s about to apologize for his assumptions, and it’s not necessary, so I place my finger on his lips. “Shhh,” I say, and then I kiss him again, making no secret that I intend for it to lead to more.
Chapter 13
Waves crash on the shore of my beach, which is hidden by the cliff before me. I’m on my deck, soaking up the late-morning sun as I gaze out at the well-maintained lawn and gardens. Pink petals of sea roses flutter in the wind as my laptop clicks shut, and I kick off my shoes before I get up to walk down to my beach. The staircase at the bottom of the path is steep, and the wood is rough under my tender feet as I descend it. Soft white sand welcomes me, and I take in the area that sold me on buying this property. So why don’t I ever come enjoy it?
My girls spent hours down here over the years, and I can recall brief pockets of time spent building sandcastles with them when they were small. But what I remember most about that time was the nagging feeling in my mind I could be working. And I know I often cut those sessions short and left them with the nanny so I could get back to Bellae. Regret tugs at my heart, because now I wish I’d spent more time enjoying my children. I shake off the thoughts that will get me nowhere. My daughters are talented and successful, and while I may not have been the most nurturing mother, they were well provided for.
I’m not one to torture myself with past mistakes, but I can learn from them. I pull my phone out of my back pocket, and it’s slick in my hand as I tap out a group text to Megan and Alex, inviting them to dinner at the Rusty Anchor next week.
Alex replies first. “Who took my mother’s phone? Is this some kind of joke?”
I smile as I text back. “No, honey. I really do want to have dinner there with you girls. The burgers are to die for.”
I can hear Alex’s impractical heels clicking down the halls of Bellae as she rushes to Megan’s office to discuss how their mother has gone off the deep end, and I wait for Megan to think the situation over before she replies.
Sand is cool on my toes as I dig them down below the sun-heated layer. My stomach flutters as I recall last night and this morning with Charlie. The sex was amazing. It was so easy to drop the image of Diana Russo that I’ve honed perfectly over the years to let out the Diana I had forgotten was inside. I felt things I didn’t remember I could feel. Or maybe things I’d never experienced before. I wrap my arms around myself and sigh.
A seagull catches my attention as he flies overhead. He’s gliding on the currents in the air and changing course as the wind shifts. I imagine flying is a simple pleasure he enjoys and let myself marvel at the grace of the creature. My phone dings, and I glance at it to see Megan’s reply. “We’d love to. How does Tuesday at seven sound?”
I text back. “Perfect.” My practical daughter most likely pointed out to Alex that dinner there will be more fun than where I usually take them, because they can wear jeans. After her years of teaching skiing in Colorado, becoming Bellae’s CEO was a culture shock for Megan, and I think she misses the days of casual comfort.
After I spend a lazy morning on my beach, I decide to walk around my land. The acres I had earmarked for horses are left wild until they get cut at the end of the summer, and I watch dragonflies and bugs dance around the tall grass as I walk along the road leading to my house. Growing up, I used to long to be rich and famous, and I worked hard to get there. I was so proud to be able to afford all this acreage, and I turned it into a showcase of my success.
I’ve reached the pool, which sits unused, and wonder why I bothered to have it opened this summer when nobody will swim in it. I wander over and remove my sandals before I sit on the edge. The water is cool on my feet as I dip them in, a
nd I smile when I look at the pool house and think of Charlie. There are fresh towels in there, I’m sure, because Trina will have taken care of it for me, but I haven’t got any idea what color they are.
I recall Charlie’s home. It’s a beachside cottage instead of a stately mansion, and I wonder if maybe he’s got it right. I have more land and bedrooms than I’ll ever use. Water splashes as I kick my foot and think about how now that I’m the only one living here, so much of what I have sits idle.
As I walk back to the main house, my phone buzzes with a text, and I discover it’s from Charlie. “Hey, beautiful. I know I’m being a clingy boyfriend, but I miss you.”
“Miss you too.”
“Then you should invite me over for cocktails, which will lead to dinner, which will lead to ... more ;)”
I chuckle as my nails click on my phone. “Charlie, would you like to come over for cocktails?”
“I thought you’d never ask, Diana. What time?”
“5. Bring your suit. I need to use those new pool towels.”
An hour later, I’m showered, my hair and makeup are flawless, and I’m wearing a silk sundress that shows off the light kiss of sun I got on my shoulders today. I’m in the kitchen when I hear the roar of Charlie’s motorcycle as he pulls up to my front drive. My feet tap lightly over the hardwood floor as I go to greet him. When I open the door, his smile makes my heart flip, and he says, “Hi.”
“Come on in.”
I lead him to the kitchen, where glasses are set out, and open the fridge to retrieve the pitcher of vodka and lemonade Trina made for us. As liquid splashes into the cups, I notice Charlie looking around. I ask, “Would you like a tour?”
“No.” Even though he’s smiling, I frown, because I’m not sure how to take that. He says, “Your house is beautiful. The land too. But that’s not why I’m here.” His eyes dance with mischief. “I prefer the Diana who drinks cheap beer or wears nothing under my shirt.”
“Oh.” I hand him his drink, and he steps in closer as a touch of shame burns in me. Was I just about to show off? Or is it that he just said what I’ve been thinking today?
Charlie says, “I am impressed with what you accomplished, but I’m more impressed by the person you are. I don’t need to see what your money can buy.” His honesty, while startling, is refreshing too, because I recall the number of times I tromped around other people’s homes to see the lavish furnishings. I politely complimented the owner, and I realize it served no purpose other than to stroke egos. He kisses me, and any discomfort I had about our exchange is washed away as desire warms me.
When we break apart, I ask, “Should we go out and sit on the deck?”
Charlie grabs my glass. “Lead the way.”
When we get outside, the breeze that comes off the ocean wraps dampness around us as we sit. I say, “I grew up in a small house with one bathroom. I used to cut out pictures and articles of famous women, and fancy homes I wanted to have. When I first got into business, I would go to colleagues’ homes and get the tour. I saw the things I wanted to own. Things I associated with success, and I couldn’t wait to make it happen for myself.” I sweep my arm as I say, “This is me showing off what I accomplished, and I never realized it.” I lift my drink for a sip. “Lately, it feels like too much.”
“Then sell it and buy something smaller.”
I open my mouth to agree, because he makes it sound so simple. I pause. Is that what I really want? I had dreams of weddings under a large tent in the field, of my grandchildren running along my beach or at the pool, and holidays with family filling the house. But then I think about how Megan has already gotten married on the top of a mountain with only her close friends around, and since both my girls live in the area, they would have no need to stay over for holidays. And while Alex may get married here, I suspect the idea of bugs annoying guests might be too much for my princess daughter. Is that really a good enough reason to keep this home, anyway?
I say, “Maybe I should.”
Charlie lifts his glass, and it clinks against mine in a toast. “To new beginnings in life.” His smile gets bigger, and he adds, “And finding the person you want to share it with.”
I smile too, because I would like to share the rest of my life with Charlie. I take a sip of the lemonade, which is tart but ends with a sweet finish. To new beginnings.
Chapter 14
Charlie stayed for dinner after our cocktails. We ate leftovers in the fridge and are now on my deck enjoying the sunset as night falls. I think about how I told him to bring a bathing suit for the pool, and an evil idea comes to me as I stand up. “We should go for that swim. Did I mention the suit is optional?”
Charlie chuckles as he stands too. “Let’s go.”
It’s a short walk from the house, and when we get there, the fence gate creaks as I open it. I flip on the pool lights, and the water takes on an aqua glow. Another switch clicks as I ignite the gas torches. The faint odor of propane lasts a moment before it fades.
I slip off my sandals by a lounge chair and go sit on the edge of the pool to dip my feet in. The water swirls around my toes as I lean back to gaze up at the sky. I recall the night we grilled on Charlie’s boat and then lay together on his deck to look at the stars. We shared stories of our past, and I learned how tenacious he was when he was determined to take the culinary world by storm. He’s a man who makes a decision and sees it through.
I lean against Charlie when he sits next to me. Water splashes as I move my feet, and I gaze at him. He asks, “You’re not eyeing up a new pool boy, are you?”
I lift my eyebrows, “No. Rumor has it I’m going to downsize.” I lick my lips slowly before I add, “I have much bigger plans for you.” I hop up to my feet. “I’ll get the towels.” When I return, they’re soft in my hands as I set them down and sit next to Charlie again.
“Those are lovely towels. You have a great eye for this season’s colors.” I grin at him as he stands up and grabs the hem of his shirt. “How about that swim?”
I get up too, and the zipper of my dress hums as I tug it down. It slithers down my legs as I notice Charlie open up his jeans to reveal he came commando. He strips down, and I bite my lower lip as I check out his magnificent body before he traps me in his gaze. I reach for my bra straps and pull them off my shoulders. “I appear to be overdressed.” I remove my underwear slowly and kick it off to the side with my foot. I revel in the way Charlie’s eyes burn with desire, and I strut slowly to the deep end of the pool to dive in.
The water is like cool silk on my exposed skin when I swim under the surface until I pop up at the shallow end. Charlie moves behind me, and he slides an arm around my waist to pull me close. His breath is hot on my neck when he leans in to kiss my shoulder. His tongue tickles my skin as he laps his way up to my ear. “I want to drink you in.”
I arch back to press my bottom against his groin as he slides his hands up to fondle my breasts. I let out a moan when he rubs his thumbs over my nipples, and hot pleasure courses through me. I twist around to face him, and Charlie captures my mouth with his. I grip his strong biceps, slick with water, and move my hands down to his firm butt. Our tongues tangle as our lips nip at each other. My desire burns low in my belly, but I’m not in a rush, and neither is Charlie.
His erection is thick and hard against my stomach as he moves us toward the edge, and I let out a small cry when he grabs my hips and hoists me up to sit on the pool deck. Charlie pushes my thighs open, and concrete digs into my elbows as I lean back. He drags his tongue along my tender folds, and my eyes flutter shut while I focus on the sensations he creates as he sucks and licks me. I writhe when my orgasm rises up in me to roll through me with breathless heat.
The deck is rough under my back as I take a moment to regain my composure before I slip into the water, and Charlie swims over to the stairs. There are five total, and he climbs up to sit on the one at the top. Water reaches his hips but doesn’t cover his lap, and neither of us speaks as I crawl up and
place myself between his legs. I put my hand on his cock and lean in to lick moisture off his chest before I begin a slow descent, lapping at his stomach and groin. I take him into my mouth and suck as I move him in and out. When I roll his balls in my hand, he lets out a groan of pleasure, and the sound triggers my intense feelings for him. I want to make this man happy in every way.
Charlie stops me to say, “Let’s move this to the pool house.”
I imagine the tile of the stairs is as hard on his limbs as it is my knees, so I nod and get up to take his hand to lead the way. He grabs a condom out of his jeans before we enter the building designed for entertaining. There are two couches and multiple chairs with side tables for food and drink. A wet bar is along the wall, and behind it is a small kitchen and two large changing rooms. I take Charlie to one of the sofas, where he and I embrace again.
I lower myself down to the couch and lie back so I can feel the weight of him on me as we kiss. He reaches between my legs and slides two fingers in me, and I rock my hips as he strokes me. Charlie says, “The way you respond to my touch is such a turn-on.”
His cock pulses in my palm as I grip it. “You have magic hands.”
He groans. “So do you.”
I let go of him to reach for the condom on the side table, and he takes it from me. He gazes at me, and the emotion I see in his eyes as he pushes at my entrance takes my breath away. My heart surges with feelings so intense I want to cry, and I realize what they are. “I love you, Charlie.”
He smiles slowly as if I’ve given him a precious gift and pushes into me fully as if he’s completing a unique connection that is ours alone. “I love you, too, Diana.”
I wrap my legs around his waist and hold tight to the man who has my heart while we show each other what our love means.
Chapter 15
Tiny lights twinkle in the trees as I climb out of my car and approach the entrance of the Sand Piper Country Club. Tonight is Bitsy’s fundraiser, and I feel as if I’m about to be a horse up for auction. Men will place their bids on a chance to win a date with me. The top three bidders will get on stage and be hidden from me as I ask them questions to determine who I’d like to date.
Hot Silver Nights: Silver Fox Romance Collection Page 7