by Cindy Kirk
As if understanding where her mind had gone—and how could he, since she hadn’t said a word?—Adam wrapped his arms around her.
“No worries. It will be okay. I promise.”
In answer, she turned more fully into him, lifting her face, which brought their mouths even closer.
Two months without intimacy suddenly seemed like an eternity. Charlotte longed to once again run her hands over his body, to feel the coiled strength of muscle sliding under her fingers. She wanted him to touch her in the same way, wanted to feel the weight of his body on her. Wanted to feel him inside her.
“Do you realize,” she said, brushing her lips lightly against his, “we haven’t made love since Independence Day?”
“The thought crossed my mind a time or two.”
There it was again, that slow grin that turned her insides to mush. “I wasn’t sure you were interested in a repeat performance,” he said. “I thought you wanted to keep things between us as just friends.”
“I do. But you have needs. I have needs. As far as I know, while we’re deepening our friendship, there isn’t anything that says we can’t be physically close every now and then.” She shot him an impish smile. “After all, no worries about me getting pregnant. That ship has sailed.”
He gently brushed a strand of hair back from her cheek. “You come up with the strangest sayings.”
“I do love my idioms,” she murmured as her heart began to race.
His lips, warm and sweet, on hers stirred an emotion inside her. Adam was her friend. She wanted him close. Needed to feel that closeness today.
He kissed her as if they had all the time in the world. Deadlines? Lists to be checked off? Those were outside this small apartment, not here. Here, it was just her and him.
The sweet kisses had her heart sighing, while the deeper kisses stole her breath and had her toes sizzling. His fingers cupped her neck as his tongue teased her lips open once again.
When his tongue slipped inside to fence with hers, heat erupted in her.
He pulled back and gave a little laugh. “We’re going to have to slow this down, or I’m going to self-combust.”
She gazed into his eyes. Could he hear her heart pounding, feel the desire coursing hot through her veins? She pressed a kiss at the base of his throat, then looked up and smiled. “What a way to go.”
He chuckled, a low, pleasant rumbling, his brown eyes now dark as midnight. “No argument here.”
His hands spanned her waist. Slowly, with intense brown eyes fixed on her face, he ran his palms up along her sides, skimming the curves of her breasts before he allowed the pads of his thumbs to brush the tips.
The simple touch sent an electric shock through Charlotte’s entire body. She kissed him again, openmouthed, with an intensity that had her heart hammering when they broke apart.
“My bedroom.” Her voice sounded breathless, as if she’d just run a long race.
He stood and pulled her to her feet. “Excellent.”
Stumbling down the hall, with mouths joined and hands fumbling at clothes, they burst into the bedroom. Several steps and they were on the bed, laughing when the bed gave a loud creak.
She started to pull off her shirt, but his fingers closed over hers.
“Allow me.”
The tank came off slowly. With each inch it rose, he planted kisses on her skin. Her nipples stiffened, straining toward the remembered delight of his touch. By the time he pulled the top over her head, self-combustion appeared imminent.
She reached for the bottom of her sports bra, but once again his fingers stilled hers.
“Patience, my sweet Charlie.” His husky voice held a promise as he turned strands of her hair loosely around his fingers.
Then he was kissing her again as his hands slowly slid up and down her back. He tilted her head back, teasing the fullness of her lower lip with his tongue. He tasted like the most delicious, decadent candy Charlotte had ever eaten.
Once again, she parted her lips, and he immediately changed the angle of the kiss and plunged inside, claiming her mouth. His tongue circled and danced with hers. She did the same to him until her head spun.
“Adam.” She took his head in her hands and gazed straight into his eyes. The eye contact turned into something more, a tangible connection between them. “I want you.”
“I’m glad, because,” he planted a kiss on her chin, “I want you, too.”
Everything after that moment turned hazy as the rest of her clothes joined his on the floor.
His body was warm and sun-bronzed and oh-so-familiar.
The kisses became more urgent. The touch of his lips sent shivers and tingles spiraling through her body. Why had she waited so long to hold him again, to touch him, to taste him?
His clever, stroking fingers sent shock waves of feeling through her body. And everywhere his hands went, his mouth followed. The warmth in her lower body burned fiery hot. “Now, Adam, now.”
He made a sound low in his throat, and her control nearly shattered when he entered her with one swift thrust. When he buried himself inside her, Charlotte let out a moan of pure pleasure.
“Now this is what I was talking about,” she murmured and smiled at the sound of his quick laughter.
Her legs swept around his hips, and she met him thrust for thrust until her entire body clenched and released. When they were both spent, she remained in his arms for the longest time, feeling her heart beat against his chest.
“We’ll have to do this again sometime,” she said.
After a long moment, she felt his lips curve. “Next time, let’s not wait so long.”
“I’ll second that.” This time, it was her turn to laugh. “Right now, I’m starved. Do you think we can still get some cherry pancakes?”
“Once I leave here, I’m buying a lottery ticket.”
Charlotte glanced up from her phone to find Adam standing in the door to the salon’s break room.
It had been three days since she’d seen him. Three long days since they’d made love. Oh, they’d texted back and forth, their new evening habit, but it wasn’t the same as seeing him. As touching him.
She smiled, unable to hide the surge of pleasure. “What are you doing here?”
“I stopped by to see you. When Evie,” he gestured with one hand back the way he’d come, “told me you were on break, I knew this was my lucky day.”
Setting down her phone, she motioned him closer. “Join me. Would you like some coffee? Or there’s soda in the fridge.”
“Don’t mind if I do.” He glanced at the refrigerator, but made a detour first to lean over and kiss her.
He expelled a breath. “That’s exactly what I needed.”
Why such a simple gesture should touch her so deeply, Charlotte wasn’t sure. Other than over the past couple of days, she’d begun to realize that she had feelings for this man. Feelings that went deeper than friendship.
If the thought that she might, just might, be falling in love with Adam weren’t so terrifying, it’d be exciting.
Opening the refrigerator, he glanced over his shoulder. “Can I get you anything?”
“I’m fine.” She lifted the bottle of fruit-infused water in front of her and took a sip. “Got my water right here.”
He grabbed a cola, then hesitated. “Will it bother you if I drink this in front of you?”
“Not at all.” She wrinkled her nose. “I was always more of a Mountain Dew fan.”
“Mountain Dew?” Adam gaped. “My friends in college guzzled that stuff.”
Amused he could be so easily shocked, Charlotte dropped her voice to a low whisper. “In college, I was addicted to Ding Dongs.”
He laughed aloud. Dropping into the chair opposite her, he waved a dismissive hand. “Forget the Dew and the Ding Dongs, tell me how you’ve been.”
How a man could look so yummy in jeans and a chambray shirt was beyond her.
“I’ve been good. Busy.” Why was it she couldn’t keep from smil
ing? “How ’bout you?”
“Now that I see you, I’m excellent.” Reaching across the table, he took her hand, playing with her fingers. “I’ve missed you.”
“It’s only been three days.”
“An eternity.”
The look in his eyes sent tingles down her spine. Charlotte couldn’t wait. Didn’t wait. She leaned across the table, and they kissed again.
“Charlotte.” Evie stuck her head in the break room. “Your—”
The young woman stopped suddenly.
Keeping her hands resting on Adam’s shoulders, Charlotte shot him a wink and turned to the young receptionist. “What is it, Evie?”
The girl had a willowy figure and big brown eyes. Her straight blonde hair sported a pink streak. Her model-like body looked good in most anything, including the leopard-print mini and knee-high leather boots she wore now.
“Your appointment is early. I realize you still have time on your break, but I wanted you to know.” Even as the words tumbled out, Evie cast an admiring glance at Adam and grinned. “No rush.”
“Thanks. I won’t be long.”
Once the door shut behind Evie, their lips met once again. The sweet kiss still packed a punch. When it ended, she rested her forehead against his for several seconds.
He stroked her cheek with gentle fingers, then sat back. Pushing to his feet, he expelled a resigned breath. “I should let you get back to work.”
“Not quite yet.” Charlotte rose and rounded the table to him.
“This part in your hair needs a little help.” Touching his wavy strands brought her even closer. Truth was, the part looked fine. More than fine. She simply wanted to touch him one more time.
He stood there and let her fuss, that slow, easy smile she loved lifting his lips.
“Was there a specific reason you stopped by?” She gazed at him through lowered lashes. “Other than for a few kisses.”
His eyes darkened as she continued to mess with his hair.
“I came to invite you to dinner at my house tonight. I’d love for you to come. It’d be a great opportunity for you and my dad to get better acquainted.” He offered an enticing smile. “I guarantee the food will be worth the trip.”
Charlotte thought about her plans for the evening. She could upload her new YouTube video when she got back from the farm. “I accept.”
“You do? I mean, you’ll come?” Surprise mixed with pleasure skittered across his face.
“I’ll be finished here around five,” she told him. “Give me directions and the time, and I’ll be there.”
“I’ll do you one better.” He slid his arms around her waist and smiled. “Tell me when you’ll be ready, and I’ll pick you up.”
Chapter Seventeen
Charlotte turned silent as the farmhouse came into view.
To give her more time to take it in, Adam slowed the truck. He tried to see the two-story home and its lush surroundings through her eyes. The yard was a freshly mowed blanket of green. Large leafy trees and hanging baskets of flowers on a wraparound porch added bright splashes of color.
Then there was the front door that Stan had insisted needed some pizzazz. It now popped, the red providing a vivid contrast to the white siding. Two rocking chairs on the porch and a hanging swing moved gently in the breeze.
Homey. Welcoming.
That’s how Adam viewed his home.
A place of refuge. A house that was lived in and enjoyed, where friends were always welcome.
He pulled the truck to a stop, cut the engine and shifted toward Charlotte. “What do you think? Give me your first impression.”
Adam realized he was practically holding his breath as he waited for her response, which was ridiculous. Still, he couldn’t deny that her opinion mattered.
“It’s lovely.” She smiled and touched his arm. “I can’t wait to see the inside.”
His boots had barely hit the gravel drive when Molly came racing around the house. Which meant his dad was somewhere around back. Even if Stan could hurry, he wouldn’t. He’d want to give Adam this time with Charlotte.
“Molly, sit,” Adam ordered when the dog drew near.
The dog skidded to a stop. Her rump hit the ground just as Charlotte sauntered around the front of the truck.
When he’d picked her up, he’d noticed she’d changed from the pants and shirt she’d worn in the salon to a wrap dress the color of a rusty pumpkin. Though normally not his favorite color, on her it looked amazing.
Adam couldn’t stop his gaze from dropping to the belly that still looked flat. He wondered when she’d start to show.
“It’ll be a while yet,” she told him, obviously reading his thoughts. With arms outstretched, she did a three-sixty, taking it all in. “It’s so quiet and serene here. I love hearing the birds.”
Molly, upset over being ignored, whined deep in her throat, her tail thumping the ground.
“Good girl.” Reaching down, Adam rubbed her head.
Did Charlotte like dogs?
That was something about her he still had to learn. They hadn’t interacted with any dogs or cats during the Walk with the Animals.
“Who is this cutie?” Charlotte’s eyes went soft. She smiled at the Lab and stepped close.
“This is Molly. We got her when she was a puppy. She’s ten now and the best dog.”
Charlotte crouched down and stroked Molly’s head. “You’re a pretty girl, too. I’m Charlotte, and I’m very pleased to meet you.”
Charlotte let out a strangled laugh when Molly lifted a paw. She glanced up at Adam.
“She wants to shake.”
Charlotte took the offered paw. “Smart girl. Yes, you are.”
A clear love of animals. Just one more thing to like about her.
As Charlotte straightened, Adam glanced at Molly and gave her the release hand signal. The dog stood immediately, her tail swishing from side to side.
“Let me show you around inside.”
Charlotte took his offered arm. “Where’s your dad?”
“He’s around here somewhere.” They strolled to the porch with Molly trotting happily beside them. “My guess is he’s staying clear to give me a chance to show you around.”
“That’s nice of him, but I don’t mind if he joins us.”
Adam showed her the house. Iron-framed beds with quilts and rag rugs on the gleaming hardwood floors. Bathrooms made to look old, but with all modern amenities. A huge family room with a stone fireplace with logs neatly stacked in the hearth. A country kitchen with a table sporting a vase of wildflowers in the center.
“Someone I knew once called the interior ‘shabby chic,’” Adam volunteered when Charlotte remained silent. He’d said thank you, but had felt sure at the time it hadn’t been a compliment.
Charlotte put down the iron trivet in the shape of a coffee cup—one of Stan’s antiquing finds—and looked up at him, her eyes wide and very blue. “I hope the emphasis was on the chic, because your home is amazing.”
“You think so?”
“How could anyone think otherwise?” Her gaze swept the kitchen. “The second we drove up and I saw the house, I knew it was something special. When I stepped inside…it, well, it’s amazing. Such a warm and welcoming feel.”
During the tour, he’d found himself wondering if she was envisioning their child running in the yard with Molly. Or sitting in the porch swing with cookie crumbs dusting his or her mouth.
Adam realized then it wasn’t just their child he was seeing here, it was her.
Stan made his appearance a few minutes later.
“Welcome to our humble abode.” Stan reached out and grasped Charlotte’s hands. “I’m so glad you could come this evening.”
The warmth of the greeting put her instantly at ease. “Thanks for inviting me. Adam gave me a tour, and I’m impressed.”
“I’m sure you’ve seen fancier.”
She didn’t bother to dispute that, as she’d been to parties at any number of upsc
ale homes while living in California.
“There’s something different here. It has a warm, reassuring vibe, like the feeling you get when you wrap a fuzzy blanket around your shoulders on a cold night.” Charlotte gave a little laugh. “I’m sure that sounds ridiculous.”
“It doesn’t, and thank you. That’s a high compliment.” Stan slanted a glance at Adam, and a look passed between the two men.
“Molly shook her hand.” Adam smiled at the dog, who wagged her tail at the sound of her name. “She wanted to do her part in making Charlotte feel welcome.”
“Are you kids hungry?” Hope lit Stan’s eyes. “I made a hearty stew and a loaf of my classic Irish soda bread.”
Charlotte turned to Adam. “You didn’t tell me your dad was the one cooking this evening.”
“It never came up.” Adam’s smile warmed when it settled on Stan. “I can vouch for him being a great cook and baker.”
“Cherry crumble for dessert,” Stan added, as if she needed even more enticement to stay.
While his father set the table, Adam insisted on ladling out the stew and cutting the bread. With the table ready, Stan poured iced tea into metal glasses in shades of blue.
Charlotte excused herself to visit the ladies’ room, and Molly trotted after her, leaving the men alone.
After cutting bread into thick slices, Adam fought the urge to rush over and take the tea pitcher from his father’s hands. Pouring from a heavy glass pitcher took balance, and Stan had been struggling with that more and more lately.
“Team effort time, Stan.” Charlotte returned to stride across the kitchen to the table. “What if I pour while you hold the glass?”
“I’ve got this,” his dad insisted.
“I know.” Charlotte shot him a warm smile. “But I need to feel useful.”
Stan studied her for a long moment. “I understand.”
“So, may I pour?”
In answer, Stan set down the pitcher and turned the handle toward her. His bony fingers encircled the metal cup, and he held it steady while she filled it with tea.