by Cindy Stark
“You know as well as I do, she can be pretty persuasive.”
No doubt about it.
Erin pulled a black silk tank and a black sheer blouse from the closet and headed for the bathroom. She changed and fixed her makeup, then added a spritz of perfume. Because she liked it. Not for Rick.
If she’d donned the sexiest thing she’d brought with her, she’d done it because this was technically her first night on the town. Except her little adventure in Krog’s, and she wasn’t about to count that.
When she returned downstairs, she found Rick waiting for her in the entryway. A loud round of laughter came from the back of the house, but Rick didn’t glance in that direction. Instead, he watched each step she took, his gaze full of appreciation. He’d made it no secret that he was attracted to her, but he’d also been perfectly clear it ended there.
She was left to deal with her corresponding emotions on her own. And it sucked. Especially when he’d also taken the time to change into a black buttoned-down shirt that molded to his well-defined chest. He’d left it untucked, giving him a dressed-up, yet sexy appearance.
He held her coat out as she approached and helped her into it, his spicy cologne making her senses curl with desire.
“Do you mind walking?” he said from somewhere very close to her ear. “I know it’s pretty cold out, but I took half a muscle relaxer earlier, and I probably shouldn’t drive,”
“That sounds good to me.” The fact that everything was within walking distance was one of the things she found so endearing about the town. She let him open the front door for her, and they slipped into the dark, quiet night.
“Hold onto me.” He held out his arm for her before they descended the steps. “It might be slippery.”
She gripped his bicep, feeling the power that rested there even through his thick leather jacket. She had to admit she liked it, liked the feel of him next to her. Even after they were down the stairs, he kept a hand over hers where it rested on his arm, making sure she didn’t let go.
The man had something she couldn’t shake. Something powerful and dangerous. She wanted to pretend that her heart didn’t jump to attention every time he was near. She really did.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
* * *
Rick opened the door to Eleanor’s Restaurant, a blast of warm air full of delicious smells hitting his face. Despite being in a small town, Main Street did boast several eateries, a few of them touting menus that could compete with any of the larger ski towns. Argent Springs might have a small population, but they knew how to keep the tourists coming back again and again, and he had every intention of showing Erin the sophisticated side of their town as well. Besides that, he still harbored some seriously guilty feelings for taking advantage of her the other day. She’d said she wanted them both to forget about it, but that wasn’t enough to make him feel better. This was his chance to make up for it.
He allowed her to precede him inside, his gaze caught on a perfect twist of auburn hair. He reached out and took it in his hand while they waited for the host to return to seat them.
Erin turned, her gaze narrowed in a questioning look.
“You have a curl that is perfectly symmetrical.” He twirled it around his finger before letting it drop.
She met his gaze, hers wide-eyed, not to mention a little uncertain. He’d told her he wasn’t interested…but that seemed to have changed since they’d first met. She’d echoed his earlier sentiments, but he’d watched her flirt with Allen and with Annabelle’s houseguests. Maybe she was more ready than she realized, too.
Maybe, just maybe the playing field had changed.
Chapter Seventeen
Erin sat across from Rick, a candle flickering in the glass hurricane lamp between them. The mood in the restaurant certainly was romantic with the lights low and plenty of greenery between tables to make the setting more intimate. She wasn’t certain why Rick had chosen this restaurant for their evening meal. After living in Argent Springs for many years, he had to know the atmosphere of the place. They were surrounded by loving couples in all stages of life, with no families in sight.
That might be because of the high-priced menu, but this was obviously the type of place where a man brought a woman he was trying to impress, which, again, didn’t fit their situation at all.
If anything, it made things between them more awkward.
Neither of them said much as they perused their menus and ordered, with Rick selecting an expensive bottle of wine. Annabelle had said most people in the town struggled to make ends meet, but obviously Rick had done more than okay with his business.
“This is a really nice restaurant.” She met his gaze, determined to figure out his intentions. Was he trying to show off? Or was there something else going on?
He shrugged. “Didn’t want you to think Argent Springs was all small-town without any finesse.”
So, showing off it was. “I didn’t think that at all. A person only has to walk into some of the shops to see that your little town is rich with culture and class.”
His lips tilted into a knowing grin that oozed with charm. “But we still have that small-town feel.”
“Also true.” She tried to keep from returning his engaging smile. Something had definitely changed between them. That or he wanted something from her, but for the life of her, she couldn’t figure out what. He seemed to only care about Annabelle and his business. She couldn’t help him with his auto shop, and she already loved Annabelle more than she ever thought possible.
The waiter brought their wine, and Rick sampled it before he indicated his approval. “Have you thought about staying longer than your original two weeks? You only have, what, a few days left?” he said when they were alone again.
“What?” she said with mock surprise, not letting on that she’d already agreed to stay longer. “I thought you’d be counting down the days until I hit the road. Good riddance and all that.”
He put a hand on his chest as though she’d wounded him with her words. “Of course not. Annabelle loves having you here. It’s been good for her.”
“But that doesn’t mean you want me here.”
“It doesn’t mean I don’t, either.” He met her gaze with a direct one, the intensity of it and the possible meaning behind it scaring the hell out of her. What happened to “friends”?
She laughed, trying to contain her impulsive reaction before she gushed. “You don’t have to be nice to me, Rick. I know it’s been an inconvenience having me around. I’m sure you’ll be happy when things are back to normal and you can have your room to yourself without me underfoot.”
He didn’t laugh with her which added to the tension crackling between them. “I don’t mind sharing with you.”
“How do you know?” she said, still trying to lighten the mood without much help from him. “I might be the world’s loudest snorer.”
“I doubt that.” He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Are you sure you’re okay with the arrangement? I mean after what happened? I promise that was a one-time thing.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. “I thought we’d forgotten about that.” She picked up her glass of wine and took a sip, unable to meet his gaze for fear that he’d recognize the humiliation burning in her face.
“I can’t. Damn it, Erin, I’ve been thinking about it constantly. You’re being very nice about the whole thing, but I can’t shake the feeling that I took advantage of you.”
She looked at him then, surprised to find that he had a sincere look shadowing his features. He really thought what had happened had been his fault. His responses tugged at her heart. She reached out and put a hand over his. “Please don’t feel bad. It wasn’t your fault.”
He gave her a skeptical look. “Really? Because I’m pretty sure I’m the one who pinned you to the wall and kissed you before I pushed up your shirt and—”
She inhaled sharply, remembering the sensation of his hands on her body and how she’d wanted to ex
plode from pleasure.
“Shit,” he whispered and looked away. “I’m really sorry. Maybe I’m the one who should leave Annabelle’s.”
She paused, letting the blood rush back into her brain. “It’s okay, Rick. You were impaired from the drugs. I hold you harmless.” And she’d been totally turned on by touching all his hot, muscular skin. She really should own up to her part of the blame, but she couldn’t. If she did, she’d have to confess her attraction to him, and the fact that she’d been the only one in full control of her faculties at the time.
He buried her hand between both of his, his touch warm and strong. “I promise you can trust me tonight. I promise I’ll be a perfect gentleman. Can you imagine what Annabelle would do if I didn’t?”
She eyed him, smiling. Part of her seriously wanted to beg him to not be a gentleman. “I have no doubt you’ll keep your word.”
Things between them settled, and their conversation had turned to a comfortable topic, though an aching sexual tension simmered just below the surface of Erin’s skin.
The waiter had just delivered their check when a woman with long, dark hair wearing a deep red cocktail dress approached their table.
“Hello, Rick.” The woman addressed Erin’s date though her gaze lingered mostly on Erin.
“Hello, Janice.” He seemed less pleased to see her, which ignited Erin’s curiosity.
“I haven’t seen you in here in a while. Not since Melinda left.” She rested a hand on the back of Rick’s chair, her gaze still frequently studying Erin.
Melinda again. Erin couldn’t help but wonder if word would get back to Melinda that he’d been seen with her.
“That’s because I haven’t been in.” He gave Janice a cool smile that clearly said she was bothering him.
“Hmm…” she answered in response before she turned to Erin and held out a hand. “Obviously, Rick has forgotten his manners. My name is Janice Edwards. I’ve known Rick for many, many years.”
Erin took her hand and shook it. “Erin Silvestri.”
“Annabelle’s niece,” Janice said in return. “Allen’s spoken of you.”
She nodded, not sure how to respond to her statement. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You as well,” she said giving her a cool, yet cultured smile. “I’ll let you get back to your evening. I just wanted to say hello.”
She left without giving either of them a chance to reply.
Rick pulled out his wallet and slipped money inside the leather case that held their dinner bill, acting as though Janice had never stopped by.
“You don’t like her,” Erin said and waited for his reaction.
“You could tell?” His swift and cold response hung heavy with sarcasm.
And here Erin had thought he didn’t like her when they’d first met, but his response to her arriving on Annabelle’s doorstep had been tame compared to how he’d acted with Janice.
If she were smart, she’d follow his lead and let the subject drop, but she found she couldn’t resist the opportunity to learn more about his past.
Erin cast her gaze across the room and found Janice speaking with their waiter, her gaze still trained in their direction. “She’s friends with Melinda? The woman you’re waiting for?” She couldn’t let on that she knew he and Melinda might have broken up.
Rick glanced at her from beneath lowered brows. “I’m not waiting for any woman.”
“What happened?” Curiosity stole her good manners.
Rick stared at her. “Melinda was a woman I once dated. Dated,” he said, clearly emphasizing the D on the end of the word. “Meaning, in the past. History. Over. Moving on.”
She’d obviously hit a nerve. She lifted her brows, looking down at her glass of wine. She picked it up and drank the last bit. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up old wounds.”
He gave a heavy sigh, and she met his gaze. Then he smiled, the gesture almost reaching his eyes. “No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t let her get to me. Janice comes across as friendly, but deep down she’s a conniving bitch. She didn’t come over here to say hello. She saw me with someone new and had to stick her nose in where it doesn’t belong.”
Erin hesitated before asking her next question. “Does it bother you that she’s seen us together? Annabelle said you were waiting for Melinda to return, and if you’re afraid Janice will tell her we were together, I’d be more than happy to reassure Janice that we’re just friends.”
“That’s kind of you, but, as I just said, Melinda and I are no longer together.” He stood and walked to her side, helping to slide back her chair so that she could stand. “If she says something to Melinda, I’d rather she tell her something else. Something like she saw me do this.”
He moved before she could react, pulling her into his arms, claiming her lips in a powerful kiss. When he separated from her, his gaze was hot with damnation and desire.
She stood, shocked by his public display and unable to move.
He quickly gained control of his features and leaned forward, his lips brushing her ear. “I’m sorry. I promised to be a gentleman, and I’m already breaking it. I hope you’ll forgive me for that.”
“Of course,” she whispered, refusing to look in Janice’s direction again.
Rick helped her with her coat and led her from the restaurant, neither of them speaking until they were outside with the frosty air nipping at them. Soft snowflakes floated down from the heavens before landing silently around them.
They’d crossed the street, heading for home when Rick suddenly stopped and turned to face her. He shook his head, briefly closing his eyes as though he couldn’t believe what he was about to say.
“I wouldn’t blame you if you never spoke to me again, Erin. I’ve done nothing but abuse you, and you deserve better.”
She stared into his dark eyes, her heart pounding harder from being near him. She gave a soft laugh. “I have to admit, that’s the first time I’ve ever been used to make a point. Although I’m not sure if you were trying to prove something to Janice or to yourself.”
He nodded but didn’t address her comment. “Can you forgive me?”
“There’s nothing to forgive.” To be honest, he really could kiss her for any old reason, and she wouldn’t care.
“Thank you.” He tucked her hand around his elbow before he started walking again. “I don’t deserve you as a friend.”
If he said that word one more time, she would punch him.
They walked in companionable silence the rest of the way home, his thoughts probably stuck on Melinda whether he’d admit it or not, and hers centered around the electrifying mark his kiss had left on her lips.
She paused on the front porch after she’d removed her boots, her hand on the doorknob as she turned slightly to face him. “I would like to give you a little bit of advice, though…as a friend. The next time you kiss a woman like that, make sure you mean it. Otherwise, it sends all kinds of confusing signals.” She smiled though it hurt before she turned and went inside.
* * *
Rick stood rooted to his spot, not sure if he’d heard Erin correctly. She hadn’t chastised him for kissing her, only for sending mixed signals. And hell if he hadn’t.
Did that mean then, that she’d enjoyed his kiss?
He’d been stupid for letting Janice push his buttons, and for kissing Erin in front of everyone to prove that he was over Melinda. But the truth was, he’d seen the opportunity to kiss Erin again, and he’d jumped at it.
The fact that it would set Janice’s flapping lips in motion was a secondary benefit.
His mind raced back over the feel of Erin’s soft lips beneath his, the way her body fit perfectly against him.
Damn.
He wanted more of that.
And he needed to tell Erin.
He was sorely disappointed though when he found their bedroom empty. She’d obviously gone in to enjoy the company of the two self-proclaimed snowboarding studs. And why wouldn’t she? She was a beautiful wo
man, and those guys had proven they were more than happy to shower her with attention.
No confusing signals from them. One or both of them were probably trying to get her into bed at that very moment, and that ate at him like no other.
He tried to reassure himself that she wasn’t dumb enough to fall for their tactics, knowing they would only offer her a one-night stand. Then again, maybe that was all she wanted.
If that was the case, he’d be more than happy to satisfy her urges. Except he could only envision long-term when it came to Erin.
Ah, hell.
If he went downstairs and tried to stake his claim, Annabelle would see right through him, and who knew how Erin would react? If Erin was interested in him, he’d really like to take things at his own pace and not have the elderly cupid interfering.
He waited another long ten minutes, listening to the revelry downstairs, before deciding he wasn’t wasting any more time. Her days were numbered in Argent Springs, and he intended to take advantage of each second if he could.
Rick found her on the couch again, sandwiched by the two Europeans. Annabelle sat in her chair nearby, all of them looking like they were having a great time.
The blond had his hand on Erin’s knee, setting off a possessive need that made Rick want to punch the guy.
“Excuse me.” His words were like a wet blanket, stopping the conversation as all eyes turned to him for the second time that day.
“I hate to butt in, but I was hoping to employ Erin’s massage services. I have a couple of muscles that could really use her magic hands.” He couldn’t think of another plausible reason to steal her away from her newfound friends even though his back was much better.
Erin’s eyebrows shot toward her hairline as the snowboarders’ grins grew wider.
“We didn’t know you had those services available,” the blond one nodded to his buddy as though he’d just received an insider-trading tip.
“My niece hasn’t formally set up shop, yet, but I’m sure she could be convinced,” Annabelle added. “What’s the going rate, love? One hundred dollars an hour?”