A Week for Love to Bloom

by Wolfe, Scarlet

  “I heard you run the bank now,” Justin said.

  “Dad put me in charge two years ago. He’s big into stock trading now. So, are you going to work on that oilrig forever?”

  “I’m not sure what my plans are for the future.”

  “Don’t you think it’s time to figure it out?” Beth asked. She was smiling, but it ticked him off.

  “Justin needs to get back into college, so he can help me out when dad retires. I don’t want to hire someone outside of the family,” Jonathan said.

  Along with quitting his job, Justin enrolled into college a few hours from his hometown to finish his bachelor’s degree in science. He wasn’t ready for his family to know. He was dreading the harassment he knew he would soon receive about attending law school.

  Justin needed out of his parents’ home and away from Beth. He felt as if the walls were closing in around him, so he planned his escape.

  “Dad, do you mind if I take one of your vehicles back to Jonathan’s and use it for a few days?”

  “Of course not, son. Ask for the keys when you get ready to leave,” Jeffrey said.

  “Actually, I was going to go ahead and take off. I have a couple of errands to run.”

  “It’s Saturday night. What could you possibly need to do at this hour?” Jeffrey asked.

  “I have some things I need to pick up in town if I’m going to be here a while.” He was certain that would get him out of the house fast. His folks would do anything to have him stay in town longer.

  “Beth, since we’re done with dessert would you like me to walk you out?”

  “Sure.”

  “Let me grab the keys to the car.”

  “Son, take the Mercedes.”

  “That isn’t necessary, Dad.”

  “I insist, Justin,” Jeffrey said sternly.

  “OK. Thanks Mom for a delicious dinner. Jonathan, Emily, don’t wait up for me,” he said.

  Beth smiled. Justin realized he gave her the wrong impression.

  “Thank you for the invite and dinner. It was lovely. Hopefully we can do it again sometime,” Beth said.

  “Anytime, dear, and I hope to see you soon,” Susan said.

  Justin walked Beth to her car and opened the door for her.

  “It was nice to see you, Beth. Please be careful driving home.”

  “That’s it? Don’t you want to kiss me goodnight?” Beth asked, smiling impishly.

  Justin quickly thought of an excuse. “Beth, we haven’t seen each other in years. I mean, we really don’t know each other anymore, and I don’t know how long I’m going to stick around. I hope you can understand.”

  “I’m sure you remember where the bank is if you change your mind. It was nice catching up Justin, and take care of yourself.” As she pulled out of the driveway, she gave him a partial wave. He could see she was embarrassed and annoyed.

  Justin became angrier at Jonathan for giving her the wrong idea. He wanted to blow off some steam, and since he escaped from his family earlier than expected, he gave an old friend a call.

  “Hey good buddy, it’s Justin.”

  “How are ya, man? When did you get into town?” Andrew asked.

  “Last night. Are you busy? I wondered if you have time to grab a beer.”

  “Sure, Ashley left earlier to go out with a friend, so I don’t want to sit around here. I’ll warn you though, I’ve already had a few.”

  Justin chuckled. “Cool, I’ll be there shortly.”

  “Do you still remember where I live, stranger?”

  “You can’t get on my case tonight. I’ve had enough of that already.”

  “Aww, I was just playin. See ya soon.”

  Justin put the windows down and enjoyed the ride there. He hated to admit it, but the car was sleek. It was sure better than the bus he took to get across the country. Lauren’s image filled his mind when he passed by the road that lead to Evans Garden and Nursery. He got aroused thinking about her gorgeous curves and was fighting the temptation to go back to the nursery soon to see her.

  When he reached town, he turned onto Andrew’s street and saw him waiting on the porch. “Hey man, nice ride. I can tell you’ve been at your folks. Unless something changed, I can’t see you driving a Mercedes.” Andrew had an upbeat personality. He had short, blonde hair and was a blue jeans and cowboy boots kind of guy. He was country as country gets, having never left Masonville.

  “I talked to Ash, and she said the bar was packed, so her and her friend grabbed some six packs and headed to Goose Lake. I told her we’d join them there,” Andrew said.

  “Just what I need, another girl breathing down my neck. I’m not looking for a blind date.”

  “Hold up. I ain’t trying to fix you up with anyone. If you’d prefer Casey’s where it’ll be like a high school reunion, I’ll give Ashley a call and tell her we’re going there.”

  “No, man, I’m sorry. It was tense around my family. You know the pressure they put on me. Hanging out at the lake with you and Ashley sounds cool.”

  “OK then, let’s get this party started!” Andrew shouted, hanging his head out the window. Justin felt the friendship he’d missed all the years he was away. He, Max, and Andrew were tight friends in school. Justin thought about how hard it probably was on Andrew when he and Max went away after graduation.

  The light from the moon shimmered on the still water as they drove up the gravel drive. “You’re gonna like Lauren. She’s hot but don't tell Ashley I said—”

  “What name did you just say?”

  “Lauren. Her family owns Evans Garden and Nursery. I take care of the grounds there.”

  “Unbelievable.”

  “You’ve met her? I didn’t think you’d know her since she wasn’t in high school when we were. Well, I hope you like her because you’re about to see her again.”

  Chapter Six

  Lauren and Ashley were sitting on a picnic table close to the lake. They jumped off of it and walked toward the car when they heard it pull up behind them.

  “I think you’re going to like Justin. He’s very good looking. I wasn’t planning on a double date, but why not?”

  “Justin?” She wanted to yell at Ashley for the double date comment but was too panicked.

  As Lauren approached the guys and realized it was the Justin, she could hardly catch another breath.

  Shit, it’s him, and he looks hot. Calm down, and breathe before you look like a fool.

  “Hi, Ashley. How ya been?” Justin asked.

  “Good. It’s about time you came home to see us.”

  Justin looked at Lauren. “Long time no see.”

  She thought her knees were going to buckle when she connected with his sexy, come-hither stare. She matched his look with her own “You can have your way with me” gaze. At that moment, she meant it.

  “I get it. You’re good at your job. You can stop trying to impress me now.”

  “Good one, but I swear I didn’t know you were going to be here.” The electric current between them was running rampantly.

  “You know each other? How have I never heard about this from either of you?” Ashley asked, shooting a questioning glance to both Lauren and Justin.

  “Um ... Justin was at the nursery this morning. Remember me telling you about that large order we had?” Wide eyed, Lauren looked at Ashley in the hope that she’d pick up on the hint.

  Ashley threw her hand over her mouth for a moment. “Oh my God. You’re the hitchhiker, stalker dude.”

  Lauren and Ashley had been friends since grade school. She’d overlooked Ashley’s enormous mouth ever since, but that second, all Lauren wanted to do was punch her in the face and throw her in the lake.

  “Ashley! Justin, I’m sorry. Ash and I are really close, so I happened to tell her about the other night. I didn’t expect to see you again.”

  “What am I missing here?” Andrew asked with a confused expression.

  Ashley grabbed Andrew by the arm and began dragging him toward the
picnic table. “I’ll tell you about it later. Let’s go have a beer.”

  “Again, I’m sorry,” Lauren said, blushing.

  “It’s no big deal. I’m sure it’ll be the highlight of Andrew’s day. If I remember correctly, not much happens in this town. Anyway, it’s a nice surprise to see you again,” he said.

  Justin and Lauren walked to the picnic table. When Andrew saw them standing next to him, he picked up a six pack of beer and stuck his arm straight out to Justin.

  “Here, take these and go away you serial killer. I’m listening to the juiciest story ever, and you ain’t interrupting it.” Andrew burst into laughter.

  “Real cool, man. I’ll get you back for this.” Justin yanked the beer from Andrew’s hand and looked at Lauren. “Would you want to sit over there with me and have a beer?” he asked, pointing to a picnic table further away.

  “Sure.” Redness still filled her cheeks. She fought to keep her body from trembling as she imagined what would happen between them next.

  ***

  “Now I feel I need to apologize for Andrew’s behavior. He’s been drinking already, and he can be obnoxious sometimes,” Justin said.

  “I know. He and Ashley have that in common. It makes them a dangerous pair,” Lauren said with a laugh.

  As she hopped up on the picnic table, her skirt rode up showing all of her upper thighs. She swiftly pulled it down, but not before Justin got a good look.

  He felt his nerve endings come alive as he wondered if there were skirts any shorter or legs any longer. “I think we’re a little over dressed for the lake, but you look great,” he said.

  “Um, thanks, so do you.”

  “Here you go.” Justin handed Lauren a beer. “Do you all hang out here a lot?” he asked.

  “Yes, mostly when Casey’s is full. Have you been here before?”

  “I came here a lot in high school. We had to sneak in before the old man that owned it died. Then my friends and I started hanging out here more often. His wife never ran us off, and looking back I’m surprised because we got pretty loud. Do you know why it’s called Goose Lake?”

  Lauren grinned. “No, tell me.”

  Justin soaked in her gorgeous smile. “It’s from all the geese droppings around here. I’m telling ya, you’ll have to check those shoes of yours when you get home.” Justin lifted up a shoe looking down at it and then turned to smile at Lauren.

  “I think I can handle it. I get dirty every day.”

  Justin stared at her mouth.

  Dirty. Please say that word again.

  “You’re pretty cool, Lauren. It’s also a bonus you like beer.” He tilted his bottle up toward her. Justin liked how down to earth she seemed, unlike the stuffy and refined kind of women his family wanted him to date. Beth Humphrey popped in his mind and stirred an unpleasant feeling.

  “Thank you. I guess I’m a country girl at heart.”

  “Can I ask what possessed you to pick me up the other night? It wasn’t the safest move, you know.”

  “I have to be honest. The first time was for me. I was … well, wanting to be defiant, and the second time, I felt bad for throwing you out of my truck.”

  Defiant—she’s so fucking hot.

  “Being defiant, huh? I’m a pro at being defiant. That’s what my family tells me, anyway. We have something in common.” He reached down and took hold of her hand. “Do you mind?” he asked, gazing at her.

  “No,” she answered. Justin knew she was nervous as she stared down at their hands. He pulled it up to look at it.

  “You have pretty hands, Lauren, especially considering how hard you work them every day.”

  “Thank you. It takes a lot of work to get them clean.”

  Holding her hand made him want to touch more of her. He tilted up her chin, so she would meet his gaze.

  “You’re beautiful, and I bet you hear it often,” Justin said before his lips were on hers, planting one soft kiss. When he pulled back he could see a longing in her eyes.

  Lauren freed her hand from his and grabbed the back of his neck. She pulled him toward her, slipping her silky tongue between his parted lips.

  He was surprised but responded instantly to his wish being granted. He squeezed her waist as his tongue swept and swirled with hers. He’d never felt an attraction as strong and couldn’t help but indulge in his urges.

  Their yearning grew stronger when Justin grabbed the back of her head and took hold of some of her satiny hair. He pulled her closer and into a more heated kiss as he felt the hard-on forming in his jeans. Lauren moaned into his mouth as she reached over and gripped the top of his thigh. The sound of her desire and the feel of her hand so close to his dick made him want to pull her into his lap.

  He released her swollen, warm lips. “Damn, Lauren. You are so sexy.” He probed her mouth again with his fiery tongue while still cupping the back of her head. His free hand traveled up her silky thigh before he slipped his eager fingers barely under the hem of her skirt. It took all the will power he possessed not to run them up further. Justin felt the tug of his hair as she whimpered. He realized they were gripping each other’s hair tight and could sense that he wasn’t the only one fighting the onslaught of blinding lust. The passion between them was explosive.

  “Hey, you love birds, cut it out,” Andrew said as he and Ashley walked toward them. “Do you all even know a damn thing about each other?”

  Justin and Lauren parted quickly. She turned to wipe her lips.

  “I’m just playin. You better treat her right though, she’s a keeper like my Ashley here.”

  “Come on, Andrew.” Ashley rolled her eyes as she pulled on his arm. “Leave them alone.” She gave Lauren an apologetic look. “We’re going to go. Would you like a ride?”

  Justin looked to Lauren. “I can take you home, and I’m good to drive since I’m still sipping on this first beer.”

  She never took her eyes off of him. “I’ll ride home with Justin. I don’t think I’m in the presence of a serial killer anymore, although I’m not so sure about the stalker thing yet.”

  Justin smiled and squeezed her hand.

  “I’ll see you bright and early, boss,” Ashley said.

  “I’ve told you not to call me that, silly.”

  Justin got up and walked with Andrew to the car. When they got there, Andrew put his arm on Justin’s shoulder. Justin was surprised by his friend’s change in demeanor.

  “Don’t hurt her. She’s a sweetheart. You’ll leave, and I’ll be left to deal with it. Then Ashley will be pissed at me, too.”

  “I’m sorry, man, but I don’t have the will to stay away from her. She’s like a damn drug.”

  “Unless you’re staying in Masonville, stay away from her.”

  “Just get in the car, Andrew. We can talk about it later.”

  Ashley gave Lauren a hug goodbye. “Be careful. He’s charming, but I can’t see him moving back here. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

  “Thanks, but I can take care of myself.” Lauren squeezed Ashley’s hand to give her reassurance before she walked away. Justin noticed Lauren shivering when he returned to the picnic table.

  “You’re cold. Let me go back to the car and get my jacket for you.”

  “Um, I should be getting home. I have a long day ahead of me at work.”

  “Sure, no problem.” Justin offered his hand to her.

  Lauren took it and hopped off the picnic table, stumbling right into his firm, masculine chest. In an instant, Justin’s arms wrapped around her, returning her balance. He closed his eyes and breathed in the magical, floral scent of her hair, delaying her release as long as possible. Feeling as if a spell was being cast upon him, he let her go. Without a word, he grabbed the beer and took hold of her hand.

  Justin walked her to the car and opened the door for her. When he got in he handed her his jacket. “Put this on. I don’t want you to feel cold.”

  “Thanks,” Lauren said.

  Justin only made small ta
lk with her on the way to her house. He could hardly focus from the throbbing in his pants. He didn’t want their night to end.

  “I had a great time tonight,” she said.

  Justin glanced her way long enough to catch a glimpse of her twinkling eyes and see the lips he wanted to taste again. “I did, too, Lauren. Could I bring you lunch tomorrow?” he asked as he pulled into her driveway.

  “I don’t have much time to take a lunch break on Sunday’s, but you’re welcome to come over after work.”

  “What time? I’ll bring supper.” Excited that he’d get to see her again soon, he grabbed her hand and almost brought it to his hungry mouth to kiss. He was thrown off guard by his behavior.

  “Seven would be great.”

  Justin stroked her cheek with his thumb before giving her a soft, feathery kiss on her lips.

  “Goodbye, Justin,” she said with a heartfelt smile.

  He was in a daze as he drove back to his brother’s. Already missing her, Justin tried to uncover why he found her absolutely irresistible. The gravitational pull toward Lauren would complicate things, but he couldn’t seem to stop it. He was helpless under her spell.

  ***

  Lauren collapsed onto her bed. She couldn’t make sense of her behavior the two previous days. The blanket-like shield that surrounded her was being shredded. She questioned how long she would’ve stayed in his arms when she stumbled off of the picnic table had he not let go. She loved their passionate kiss, but the simple act of Justin catching her inside his strong, protective arms caused her to feel something foreign.

  For the first time in years, even if only for a fleeting moment, her strength wasn’t needed. Someone was there for her, and she didn’t feel the weight of the world on her shoulders. She was perplexed by her willingness and desire to give up some of her independence to a man she just met.

  Lauren realized she still had Justin’s jacket on. The stimulating scent of his cologne was all over it, and she desperately wished she could drown herself in it. Feeling heavily aroused, her body tingled and ached for his compelling touch. With just her panties and a t-shirt on, she laid Justin’s jacket on top of her in bed before her sheet and blanket. She knew she was behaving like a teenage girl, and she didn’t care. The smell of his cologne reminded her of their night, and she felt more like a woman than ever.