by Jamie Beck
Her hands found their way around his waist and back, and she kissed him back. Tightening and tingles shot through his body and straight to his groin. She felt so good, so right, so everything. He wanted to be the guy who would change her outlook on love. He would be that guy, even if he needed a sledgehammer to break through all her walls.
“Grey,” she panted as his mouth found her collarbone and she tightened her hold on him.
Unfortunately, a loud bark and wet nose descended upon them, killing the moment. Grey pushed himself up on his elbows and grumbled, “I should’ve left Shaman at home.”
“He’s my bodyguard.” Avery reached up to pet the dog under his chin. “Keeps you in line.”
Grey kissed the tip of her nose. “Not for long. He’ll be grounded this evening.”
Two hours later, Avery returned home to shower and change for dinner. She was humming to herself when she entered her house.
“Look who’s home,” Andy called from the kitchen.
Three things struck Avery at the same time: a bouquet of sunflowers and irises sat on the kitchen island, Andy’s accusatory expression meant trouble, and Matt sat staring at her disapprovingly.
Avery dropped her keys on the desk, her gaze drifting from the flowers to Andy. “Hello to you, too.”
“So, this was a bit of a surprise.” Andy nodded at the bouquet before lifting the card from the holder. “‘Avery, Can’t wait for our first date. Grey.’ Grey? You’re going on a date with Grey Lowell tonight?”
Grey’s lovely gesture had foiled her plans to keep things on the down-low. But instead of being upset by her brother’s anger, the beautiful bouquet only fueled her desire to pursue the relationship.
“Yes.” When she heard Matt sigh, she continued. “In fact, I just got back from spending the afternoon hiking with him and his dog.”
“Really?” Andy returned the card to the holder then crossed his arms, his voice thick with sarcasm. “If he’s hiking, maybe his knee isn’t as bad as he wants everyone to believe.”
“Don’t start, Andy. Hiking on a flat path isn’t anything like the kinds of stress and sideways movement backcountry skiing or climbing place on the joint.”
“Great, so now you’re defending the enemy?” Andy’s eyes widened with betrayal.
Here we go. Avery resented having her great mood spoiled.
“Grey is not the enemy. He’s the victim.” Avery placed her hands on her hips, challenging Andy to say more. “Besides, he’s expecting a settlement from the OS, which should lessen the burden on you.”
“You say that like it was his idea, instead of mine,” Matt chimed in, swiveling toward her on the kitchen stool.
Why is Matt still in town?
“Please stay out of this.” Having to defend herself to Matt in her own home scorched her pride. “It’s honestly none of your business. Isn’t it time you go back to LA and Sasha?”
Matt narrowed his eyes, but then appeared to swallow whatever angry retort he’d been considering.
“You know what, Ave, play the tough-sister act with me, but don’t expect a lot of support when Dad finds out you’re dating Grey.”
“You—not me and not Grey—are the one responsible for this entire mess. I’m not planning on telling Dad anything at this early stage, so keep your opinions to yourself.”
“Getting involved with Grey before everything is settled is stupid. And don’t tell me you, with that big brain of yours, can’t see what I’m talking about, Avery.”
Avery’s shoulders tensed as she clenched her hands and jaw while engaging in a silent showdown with Andy. Her brother glanced at Matt and then sighed in defeat. A wave of emotional exhaustion threatened to fell her, so she marched to the island, snatched the vase away from Andy, and strode to her room.
She set the flowers on the nightstand and collapsed onto her bed. Closing her eyes, she replayed her idyllic afternoon. Grey had obviously spent money he didn’t have to spare on flowers and good food, but more importantly, he’d opened up to her. Even more surprising, he’d gotten her to open up a little, too. Something she rarely did, and never so quickly.
He hadn’t even winced when she’d voiced her cynical thoughts about love. If anything, he addressed her concerns. Equality. Mutual respect. Absolute honesty. Unlike sweetness and deference, those were qualities she possessed. Promises she could keep.
Maybe Grey was the right guy for her. Maybe these cursed legal matters would resolve without hurting everyone she loved. Maybe she could take a chance on love after all.
Facing off with her father would not be pleasant, but she couldn’t let go of Grey simply because the legal matter might affect her family. His effect on her—the way he relaxed her and made her hope—was too powerful to resist, no matter how illogical and fraught with risk.
Avery was swallowing a piece of salmon-and-jalapeño sushi when Grey reached across the table and placed his hand over hers. “I brought you here because this is where I first saw you, so I assumed you liked it. But the way you’re picking at your food tells me maybe I got it wrong.”
“No, I love sushi.” She smiled and took another bite.
“Okay, then.” He squeezed her hand. “What’s changed between three o’clock and now? Did I do or say something wrong?”
“No. God, no! You’ve done everything right.” She smiled and squeezed his hand back, irked for allowing her brother’s sense of foreboding to have interfered with their evening. Absolute honesty. “I’m sorry I’ve been edgy. Andy and I had a little tiff this afternoon.”
Grey released her hand and sat back into his seat. “Ah, gotcha. He’s not a fan of this,” he said, waving his hand between them.
Shaking her head, she grimaced.
Grey inhaled slowly. “Neither of us can see the future. Not about my knee, or the lawsuits, or what’s going to happen in your brother’s criminal case, or if one of us will end up with another broken heart. I wish I had answers, but I don’t. All I do know is how I feel about you right now.”
He intertwined his fingers with hers. “I really like you, Avery. I like your fire, your quick mind, your smile, your loyalty to your friends and family, your honesty, the way you feel and smell. I like the whole package, enough to take a risk and see where things might lead. So I guess you have to decide whether or not you think I’m worth the risk, too.”
Before she could respond, Kelsey arrived, with some forty-something guy, full of smiles and energy.
“Well, fancy bumping into you two here.” Kelsey turned to her companion. “Wade, these are my friends, Avery and Grey. Guys, this is Wade Kessler. He’s from Seattle, but is here in town for a commercial development project along Ute Creek.”
“Welcome,” Avery said, extending her hand.
Grey followed suit, shaking Wade’s hand. “Pretty land over there. I lead clients on ski tours through the national forest near there.”
“Grey, Wade’s a big outdoorsman. Maybe you two could hook up at some point, whether through climbing or skiing.”
Avery had to suppress a giggle at how quickly Kelsey had moved on to her latest plan to discover love and romance.
In any case, Grey appeared to appreciate Kelsey’s plug for his business. “Happy to show you around the backcountry any time.”
“I’ve been heli-skiing twice.” Wade placed his hands on his hips. “Love that rush.”
“I don’t have a heli-ski permit, so we’ve got to hike or take a snowcat to our spots.”
“Sounds like a good workout.” Wade grinned.
The hostess cleared her throat and waved Kelsey and Wade to another table.
“Nice to meet you both.” Wade nodded and followed behind Kelsey, who gave a little wave before sauntering off in the other direction.
Grey swallowed the last of his beer and chuckled. “Looks like she’s found a new target already.”
>
“We’ll see.” Avery had to give Kelsey credit. She never gave up. She put herself out there time and again, hoping to find that one guy who would love her.
Surely Avery could have at least as much courage as her friend. She pushed her empty plate away, thinking of the question Grey had posed before they’d been interrupted by Kelsey and Wade. “Are you ready to go?”
“It’s only nine thirty. I hate to take you home so early.”
Avery hesitated. “Is Trip home?”
Grey turned toward her, wearing a smirk. “It’s Saturday night, Bambi. Have you met Trip?”
She wrinkled her nose. “I guess I’d thought his womanizing was largely an act.”
“Nope.” Grey shook his head. “I doubt he’ll be home before sunrise.”
“I can’t believe he hasn’t burned through the female population by now.” Avery chuckled in wonderment. “I mean, it’s a darn small town.”
“Maybe he keeps some kind of rotating schedule.” Grey shrugged. He reached for her hand, his eyes focused completely, and heatedly, on her. “I don’t really want to discuss Trip right now, do you?”
“I suppose not.” She couldn’t take him to her house, a major source of conflict between them. Worse, Andy might be home. Most importantly, home was her sanctuary, and she wouldn’t let him in there prematurely. Still, she noted the anticipation in his expression. “Can we go to your place for a while?”
Grey’s eyes flashed with excitement and relief. “There’s nothing I’d like more.”
Chapter Sixteen
Avery fidgeted with the ties of her wrap dress while waiting for Grey to return from a quick trip outside with Shaman. Spending so much time near him today made her hot and restless, just like she’d felt the first time she’d seen him.
Now, despite the fact that she’d never slept with any guy on a first date, she was standing in Grey’s living room considering it. More than considering, actually—fantasizing.
Then again, nothing about the day or evening had seemed like a first date. Working with Grey this spring had already established a rhythm of conversation and a level of trust. Today he’d listened without judgment and still wanted her.
Playing it safe had never kept her from getting hurt. Tonight Avery wanted to act on unbridled desire without fear of consequence.
Resolved, she marched into Grey’s bedroom and sat on the edge of his bed—his very neatly made bed. She scooted back and tested its firmness before leaning down to seek his scent among his pillows. Sadly, his bedding smelled like fabric softener instead of his unique mix of testosterone and grape candy. She then noticed a new pillar candle sitting on top of his nightstand, and a book of matches at the ready.
Fresh sheets. Candlelight. Had he been planning a seduction? Rather than feeling indignant, she decided to push past her comfort zone and take the reins.
Her heart fluttered a bit as she lit the candle. Within a minute, she heard Grey and Shaman reenter the apartment. Ten seconds later, Grey called out, “Where are you hiding, Bambi?”
“Back here.” She stood, gulping a breath.
What she would’ve given for a camera to capture Grey’s shocked expression when he walked through the doorway, lollipop stick hanging from parted lips. “What are you doing?”
The wild abandon felt surprisingly good. And sexy. She toyed with the ties of her dress. “Breaking my rules.”
Grey crossed the room in three quick strides, tossed the chewed-up stick on the nightstand, and crushed her against his body. She felt him shudder, his chest rumbling, when he kissed her. His words emerged in a husky tone. “Are you sure?”
“Let go and I’ll prove it.”
He cupped her face and delivered another passionate kiss before looking her directly in the eyes, his own blazing. “I’ve imagined this a thousand times. Each time, I undressed you while kissing every inch of your body.” His silver eyes flashed with hunger and determination. “So you let go.”
On his command, she released the ties of her dress and wrapped her arms around his neck. She needed to anchor herself to his strength before the promise of his words buckled her knees.
He backed her up to the edge of the bed, kissing her while cupping her butt and pressing his hips against her pelvis. Like a tease, he then eased away and slowly untied her dress, removing the garment as he rained kisses on her neck, shoulders, and down to her breasts. His gaze caressed her body from head to toe, leaving her exposed, nervous, and strung tight with anticipation.
She raked her fingers through his wavy locks and kissed him, then tried to tug him onto the bed, seeking his body’s heat.
His firm grip stopped them from falling. “I’m not done.” His fingers grazed her collarbone, making her shiver, before sliding underneath her bra strap.
“No fair.” She grabbed his shirt. “You’re still wearing all your clothes.”
He grinned and raised his arms over his head, waiting for her to remove his top. Never one to take orders, she bypassed the shirt and went straight for the button of his jeans, surprising him. Before he could react, she’d unzipped his pants and pushed them partway down his hips. When her hand stroked the length of his impressive hard-on, he growled.
He shrugged out of his shirt, kicked off his pants, and unfastened her bra in a few fluid movements. His mouth began a hot assault on her neck and shoulders as he cast her bra aside. Then he turned her facing away from him, nudged her onto the mattress, and grabbed her panties. The minute his lips made contact with the small of her back, she groaned and lost all thought.
Yes, yes, yes! Grey couldn’t get enough of Avery. His hands roamed her back, waist, and legs. It was better than any of his daydreams. She’d shocked the shit out of him when he’d found her in his room, offering him everything he’d been dreaming of for months. His body had responded immediately with an insistent throbbing. The long, long wait was over. Thank you, God.
His tongue trailed down her spine, over her tight little ass, and down to the inside of her thigh. Her body bucked and arched in response until she twisted underneath him so he came face to face with . . . heaven.
But as much as she wanted him, he hadn’t yet finished his exploration. Grey wasn’t about to let her shortchange him any foreplay. He cradled her face in his hands and kissed her. Grey liked kissing a lot. Always had. Kissing Avery felt so damned right. His tongue sank deep into her mouth, possessive and penetrating.
“Mmm,” she purred.
He opened his eyes so she could see the crazy effect she had on him, then whispered against her neck, “I’m on fire.”
“Me too.”
He then kissed her lips, her eyelids, her cheeks, her jaw, the notch at the base of her neck. She twisted her body to meet his mouth, filling him with a crazy sense of victory.
The candlelight flickering in the room gave him a sexy view of the slopes and curves of her naked body. His fingertips traced the indent along the center of her stomach as he kissed her again.
Slowly and purposefully, his mouth began to work its way from hers, down her neck and to her perfect, perfect breasts. He cupped one, which filled his hand, and brushed his thumb across one tight, pale-pink nipple, which was begging for his mouth.
She arched her back in invitation just before he tongued her then sucked hard.
“Grey.” Hearing his name on her lips made his heart pound.
Her hands roamed his back, reaching lower, but he wasn’t in any hurry to leave paradise. He pushed her hands away, holding them by her side, while his mouth continued exploring her body, making them both ache with anticipation.
“Oh, yes,” she whimpered, clutching fistfuls of his hair, sending another wave of shivers through him.
Her supple, smooth skin smelled like fresh flowers, but not too sweet. Exactly how he’d imagined. Better, actually, and he hadn’t thought that possible. He grew painfully hard w
hile his mouth began its descent along her waist.
“Avery.” When he caressed the inside of her thighs, she rocked her hips forward and let her legs fall open. “I’m so hot for you.” His voice scraped from some lust-tightened place in his chest. “You’re so damned beautiful.”
When her nails raked his back in unison with another of her sensual moans, he decided maybe she didn’t mind swearing in bed, which was good because it was bound to happen again.
He parted her with his fingers before bringing his mouth between her legs and inserting two fingers inside her hot body. Her hips pitched and she cried out again, driving him half out of his mind.
Her scent, tangy taste, and wetness overloaded his senses. He circled her with his frenzied tongue and worked his fingers, sensing her rising tension as her fingers threaded through his hair.
“Oh! Oh, God!” Her breathing became ragged as her body spasmed until he tasted her orgasm. His heart soared until he could barely catch his breath.
As she settled, he kissed the insides of her thighs, her belly button, and beneath her breasts. When he tongued her nipple, her overly sensitive body twitched, making him smile.
Her muscles began to slacken, but his body remained taut and rigid, nearly in pain from needing release. He needed to sink deep into her body. To take her, the way he’d wanted for months. To claim her as his own for as long as she’d have him.
His hand caressed her cheek just before he kissed her mouth. A long, deliberate kiss to allow her another minute to recover before he aroused her once more. He grinned when her hand skirted over his chest and down his stomach to his monstrous erection. Apparently Bambi didn’t need more time.
“I want you,” she rasped, the gold in her blue eyes lighting with fire.
“You got me.” His hoarse voice sounded as desperate as he felt.
He reached for a condom, which she helped him put on. His control started slipping when she took him in hand, but he’d waited too long for her to allow his overeager cock to ruin everything.