He bounded down the slight hill and found her spread out on the snowy ground, eyes closed, deadly still.
“Ella!”
He bent over her, cupping her cheeks, looking for any injuries. Her eyes suddenly snapped open, causing him to jerk back.
“Gotcha! I didn’t scream once, Dunkle. You owe me a lasagna.”
He stared at her in disbelief. “I thought you were hurt!”
She rose up and smiled slow. “I know. Now who let out an undignified scream? What’d you think, I got hurt from a little snow tube? I’m tougher than that. Where’s Luke?”
He shook his head and stood up, reaching out his hand. “He’s back in line. You know, people have gotten head injuries from this sport. Next time, have a little consideration.”
She looked a bit chagrined. “Sorry. Geez, I didn’t know you’d get so worried.” She reached out and took his hand. In one perfect motion, Connor pretended to pull her up, then dropped her back so she tumbled into the snow.
His grin was evil. “Oops. My bad.”
She glared at him, shaking snow out of her hair. “You’re gonna pay for that.”
“Bring it.”
They stared each other down and then moved. In a flash, she went for him, but he pinned her down and they wrestled in the snow bank, rolling over and over until her giggles reached his ears and he finally stopped.
“Okay, okay, get off me. You win.”
Her knot had loosened and thick inky black waves covered her face. Slowly, he pushed them back from her cheeks and stared down at her, smiling. “You’re a real pain in the ass, Blake.”
She stuck out her tongue.
When he’d first met her, she struck him as the intense type. A real dry academic. Not much fun. He preferred the impulsive, easy, flirty type of women who didn’t take themselves so seriously. But over the weeks, he’d discovered Ella’s sense of fun was childish and pure at heart, like Luke’s. Simple things gave her joy. Their gazes locked, and suddenly, everything changed.
The air charged. Simmered.
Sexual energy blasted to life. Crackled.
Raw arousal struck him hard. Squeezed.
She sucked in a breath. Hypnotized, he took in the lush pink mouth that had been rubbed free of lipstick. The gold-rimmed irises within eyes so dark and deep, a man could sink forever and never want to be pulled out. He leaned over. Her breath struck him with soft, breathy wisps.
“Ella?” he whispered.
Her lips parted. “Connor?”
They paused on the barrier, reluctant to take the tumble, frozen in place by the question asked of each other.
Connor made the only decision available because if he didn’t kiss her in this moment, he’d spend the rest of his nights grieving the lost opportunity of a lifetime.
So he kissed her.
He swallowed her moan and tasted pure sweetness, an intoxicating swirl of purity and lust in one delicious twist. Her lips opened under his without hesitation, not only allowing entry but demanding. Her hands closed around his shoulders and she held on with a brutal force that rocketed his desire. Laid out on the snow, tucked away from the crowds, Connor kissed her like he’d never kissed another woman, and when he finally pulled away, he knew nothing would ever be the same again.
They stared at each other in pure shock.
“You guys okay?”
The deep voice cut through the fog. Connor jumped up, turning around to see one of the park attendants. He hoped his voice would work when he tried to use it. “Yeah, sorry. Had a bit of a wipeout. Thanks.”
“No problem. Want me to take your tube?”
Ella stumbled to her feet, looking dazed. “Umm, yes, I don’t need it anymore. Thanks.”
“Sure.” He took the tube and trudged away.
Ella averted her gaze. “I better go check on Luke.”
“Ella?”
She shuddered. Wrapped her arms around her chest. “Yeah?”
He searched for the right words but didn’t know what he really wanted to say. “I’m sorry.”
She stiffened. “Don’t be ridiculous. We were just caught up in a moment. It was silly. Let’s forget it, okay?”
He tried to study her face but she turned and headed up the hill. As he followed, Connor wondered if he’d be able to forget it.
* * * *
She’d kissed Connor Dunkle.
Ella nodded and smiled as Luke chattered nonstop through dinner. He’d met two boys from school during snow tubing and spent some time with them in the arcade. Watching her son bloom from sullen to joyful filled her with such relief her muscles seemed to actually sag. The weeks spent with Connor had been good for him. He never complained about shoveling, and got into the habit of doing his homework next door with Connor. They’d gotten close, and a bond had developed between man and boy she’d never seen before.
Of course, it was dangerous.
Especially after the kiss.
Ella sipped her wine and picked at her salad. Luke was her main priority, and she didn’t want him to be confused with the relationship between her and Connor. Somehow, they’d become good friends. He was also still technically her student. She wasn’t about to screw anything up just because she had a physical weakness and was tempted by rock-hard muscles and stinging blue eyes. She’d need to forget the way his thighs had pinned her in the snow, parting her legs just enough so she could feel his erection through his jeans. She refused to think about the drugging, addictive taste of him on her lips, or the way his tongue had slid inside her mouth and taken charge with delicious, drugging thrusts.
No way. They had a good thing going, and she knew how Connor worked. Women fell into his path like they’d been hypnotized, helpless against the mix of gorgeous looks, physical stature, and melting charm. She wasn’t the type of woman he dated or looked for in a mate. She had small boobs and dressed like a sparrow rather than a peacock. She had no idea how to flirt or play games. She had no desire to have a one-night affair and wreck their friendship. Pretending that kiss was anything but an impulse, quickly forgotten, would be disastrous.
The encounter proved one thing to her. She needed someone in her life. It was time. The image of the business card from Kinnections flashed in her mind, and Ella knew what she was going to do.
“I’m going to the bathroom,” Luke announced.
“Okay, honey.”
Her son left them alone. An awkward silence descended.
“Ella?”
She dragged in a breath and forced herself to look up. “Yeah?”
His blue eyes filled with worry. “Did I screw up? With us?”
She wondered what she’d do if he boldly stated he wanted her. Woman to man. Naked. When he kissed her, she’d experienced such an intense bolt of hunger, her body had wrested control of her mind and let her fly free. Maybe this was a sign it was time for her to begin searching for what she needed. His kiss proved she had her own needs. It had been two years since she had a date or sexual experience. Hadn’t she sacrificed enough yet? She loved her son, but didn’t she deserve to find love or companionship, too? Wasn’t it her turn?
Ella forced a smile and shook her head. “No. We’re friends, right? We’re not going to let a kiss ruin that for all of us.”
Relief flickered over his face. “Good. Wouldn’t want to lose the best neighbor I ever had. Or Luke, of course. He’s an incredible kid.”
“Yeah. I’m kind of crazy about him.”
“He seems to be happy. Making some friends.”
They stared at one another for a bit. Again, the connection hummed between them. Ella cleared her throat. “So I made a decision. Remember when you offered to babysit for me?”
“Yeah?”
“I may need to take you up on that. I found a card for a matchmaking agency called Kinnections. I’m calling them to start the process.”
“Did you say Kinnections?” he asked in disbelief.
“Yeah, why? Have you heard of them? They’re located in Verily.”
He shook his head and grinned. “My brother’s girlfriend is an owner.”
They were interrupted when the waitress came back and placed their dinners on the table. She was young, with pretty blonde hair, a short black skirt, and a gaze that focused solely on Connor. Ella bit back her irritation while she fluttered around him and completely ignored her. He shot the girl his standard, charming smile, and she practically sighed with pleasure.
“Thanks, darlin’. I appreciate you working so hard.”
The girl boldly stared at him, cat green eyes hungrily roving over his body. “Don’t mind working for a man who appreciates it.”
“Well, I do appreciate it. Your pretty face brightened up my day.”
Ella blanched at the awful line, but the girl smiled with pride. “Well, you can brighten my day anytime.”
What? Oh, she was so going to lose it.
Ella cleared her throat. “Yes, thanks so much for doing your job. We’re good.” The waitress shot her a glare, then slunk away. Ella pointed her fork at him. “What’s wrong with you? I don’t care if you flirt with every female in a skirt, but why do you have to sound like you have zero intelligence? I mean, darlin’? You’re not even Southern!”
He frowned. “I was just trying to lift her spirits. Waitressing is hard work.”
She ground her teeth in frustration. “Then don’t thank her for having a pretty little face! Thank her for working hard and anticipating our needs as customers. Ugh, it’s like you dragged womankind back a few decades. How do you get away with this stuff?”
He gave a suffering sigh. “Now you sound like Nate and Kennedy. I never had complaints before, okay? Women seem to like it.”
“Well, they shouldn’t. And if they do, you’re dating the wrong type of women,” she muttered.
“Can we go back to our original subject? I can call Kennedy and tell her you’ll be calling. She may even be able to give you a discount. I’m excited for you. They screen all their clients and match you with a guy who’s right for you. It’s thorough and safe.”
She picked up her fork and dug into her lasagna. Did he have to sound so damn excited about her suddenly dating? “Sounds good.”
He began eating his ravioli. “They do a consultation and a makeover, too. It’s all included in the price.”
A flash of pain cut through her. She’d never be a woman to inspire a man to rip off her clothes and tumble her on the ground. But she’d be damned if she’d settle for the dregs of his pity for the poor, single mom. Did he want her to get a makeover that bad? If he was so turned off by her appearance, had he kissed her out of obligation? To make her feel better about herself? Shame burned.
She tried to keep her voice light and teasing though she squirmed inside. “Didn’t know you were so excited about hooking me up, Dunkle? Trying to keep me distracted for a bigger curve on your upcoming assignment?”
He grinned. “Nah, I know how that works now. No more pissing off my professor. I just think you deserve to be happy, Ella. You’re, well, you’re—” he stopped off, shaking his head. He rarely stumbled over words or compliments toward females, so she studied him with interest.
“I’m what?”
“You’re an incredible woman,” he said softly. “You deserve...everything.”
She sucked in her breath. Raw emotion flooded her system, but she had no time to answer. Luke came racing back, shoveling spaghetti and meatballs in his mouth in between trading bad knock-knock jokes with Connor.
Ella told herself to forget his intimate words and the way he made her feel. He was right. It was time to move on.
It was time to join Kinnections.
Chapter Ten
“A woman, especially, if she have the misfortune of knowing anything, should conceal it as well as she can.” –Jane Austen
Spring rolled in like a lamb, leaving the lion’s roar far behind. The days turned sunny, and as the snow melted into oblivion, flowers and trees peeked their heads out, deciding it was safe to finally come out and play.
He’d cleared the weekend to work on his brother’s shed and swung by to pick up Luke and Ella. He smiled as they trotted out and climbed in the truck. “I’m surprised you wanted to come with us,” he said to Ella. He took in her loose jeans, rain boots, and hooded sweatshirt. Though it was warmer, they’d be working outside so he’d told them to dress warm.
“I wanted to meet your brother,” she offered, buckling her seat belt. “Also Kennedy said to come and keep her company while you do manly things.”
Luke grunted from the back. “That’s right, Mom. Maybe you can make us lunch while we build the shed.”
She rolled her eyes at his poking. “Wise guy. Turn on the HGTV channel and half of the contractors are women. Is this how I raised you to think of females? Or have you been hanging out with Connor too much?”
They laughed. Connor threw up his hands. “Hey, if you want to take over, I’ll be happy to prepare a meal in the warm house.”
“Point taken. I’ll stay inside.”
“Good choice.”
He drove out to Verily, radio blaring loud, windows cranked halfway down. He was so used to being with them it was almost like his own family. He’d grown close to both of them, and other than the odd electricity that crackled between them, Connor settled into a comfortable routine of companionship.
He never thought about the kiss. Well, hardly ever. Sometimes, the memory snuck up in the night, taunting him with the brief flash of her body underneath his, the sweet taste of her lingering on his lips. He’d never been affected by a simple kiss, but Connor figured it was the typical male game of wanting what he couldn’t have. He wasn’t about to risk losing Ella and Luke over a physical reaction that would pass after one tumble. He’d done it again and again. The next morning, Connor rarely felt anything but the need to move on. He’d never hurt Ella like that by playing games. She’d become too precious.
He refused to delve further into his strong feelings for the two people next to him, choosing to do what he did best. Just enjoy the day, moment to moment.
He drove past the familiar white sign welcoming them to Verily, and headed down Main Street. Nate had been begging him to move here, but the rents were a bit pricier, and his current place was a shorter commute to work. Still, he loved the small Hudson River town. Quaint and artistic, shops lined the streets, lights strung over the large oak trees, and popular cafes set up tables and chairs for guests. They passed the used bookstore, the Barking Dog bakery, and Kinnections, the matchmaking agency owned by Kennedy and her two friends, Kate and Arilyn. The dog park was packed on a sunny afternoon, and he grinned at the crowds of people with leashes gathering for social time.
He reached Nate’s house in a few minutes and pulled into the driveway. They’d moved out of their old apartment and bought a small cottage house with a spacious yard, quirky slanting red roof, and a wraparound porch. His brother came out with Kennedy at his side.
“Hey,” Nate said in his standard greeting. He grinned and leaned in for a half hug. “Good to see you, man.”
“You, too. Looking good, little brother. Growing your hair?”
Kennedy laughed and enveloped him in a bear hug. “No, he’s refusing to see Bennie for a trim until he finishes this round of testing on his current prototype. He’s living in the lab. Thank goodness you’re here to force him to breathe some fresh air.”
Connor hugged her back. His future sister-in-law—well, one day he hoped—was a vibrant, commanding woman who stole Nate’s heart at first glance. Her looks were dazzling, from her caramel-colored hair, curvy body clad in designer clothes, and whiskey gold eyes. But she was so much more than knee-buckling good looks to Connor. She was a friend, supporter, and made his brother happy. She challenged them both on any bullshit, pushed them to their limits, and loved them unconditionally.
She was family.
“Gonna help us build this shed, Ken?” he teased. “Bet you have cute little pink work boots and a matching ham
mer.”
She tossed her hair in dismissal. “As if. Now introduce me to this charming young man who’s going to break a million hearts.”
Luke flushed from the attention but stared at Kennedy like she was a movie star. “I’m Luke.”
“Nice to meet you, Luke.” She shook his hand. Nate followed. “I’ve heard great things about you. Thank you for helping us build a shed. Nate has so much equipment, we can’t jam it in the house any longer. Hi, Ella! I’m so happy you came to keep me company.”
They hugged. He didn’t get much information, but it seemed she’d already had her consultation, counseling appointment, and was moving forward with securing a date via Kinnections. He trusted Kennedy would keep her safe and set her up with the right man.
His gut squeezed at the sudden thought she wouldn’t really belong to him anymore. But of course, that was stupid. They were only friends, neighbors, and teacher/student. Ella had never been his in the first place.
He shook off the strange emotions and ruffled Luke’s hair. “Okay, dude. Let’s get to work.”
Ella and Kennedy wished them luck and disappeared into the house.
The supplies had already been delivered and were spread out in the backyard. He’d marked out the ground on his last visit, and the plans had been carefully plotted and confirmed with the proper zoning authorities. He called them over and explained the drawings to Luke, going over safety rules and the jobs he’d be responsible for. The boy listened and took it all seriously, his face etched with excitement for his first official build.
“Luke, the first thing we do when we’re getting ready will set the tone for the day. Know what it is?”
He shook his head. “What?”
Connor shot his brother a knowing look. “Take control of the music before your partner does. If you don’t you’ll end up getting tortured by Mozart or bad country songs. Power up my phone, young man.”
Luke laughed and turned away.
1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Nine Page 26