Somewhere on Mackinac

by Jeff Adams

  “I won’t sugarcoat it. I haven’t seen him this upset since Nate bailed. He’s managed other breakups better than what I’ve seen this morning. I’d called ready to give it to you for breaking his heart. I could tell by the way you answered, though, that more was going on.”

  We were quiet, so quiet that I thought he might’ve hung up. I didn’t know what to say. Luke’s story simply drove home how much I’d mismanaged the situation.

  “He’s been so happy with you.” Luke filled the silence. “You brought him out like I haven’t seen in a long while. And even though I know him well, I don’t know what to tell you about how to fix this.”

  “I’m coming up there,” I said suddenly. “It’ll be hard to run away from each other if we’re both on the island. I’d been thinking about it anyway. There’s nothing to lose because it can’t get any worse. I’ll try to get there today.”

  “If there’s anything I can do, let me know. I’m willing to have him pissed at me if there’s a chance to get you guys talking.”

  “Thanks. I owe you a beer while I’m there.”

  “See you soon,” he said before he hung up.

  I dropped the phone back in its cradle. This was the only option—a face-to-face. Richard didn’t give up until he proved himself to Elise. I had to prove myself to Miles.

  Alberto knocked before coming in.

  “I saw the line disconnect. What’s going on?”

  “It was Miles’s best friend. Miles isn’t doing great either. I’m gonna go up there.” I stood and came around to Alberto. “I’m sorry, but can you manage without me for the rest of the week?”

  “Of course. You’re not going to be much good moping around anyway. You need to get up there and try to patch things up.”

  I clapped him on the shoulder and went to my office. He followed close behind. “What was all that about Drake?”

  “Nothing for you to worry about.”

  I stopped short of my desk and faced Alberto and cocked my eyebrow. We had a brief, silent standoff before he relented.

  “I’ve no doubt he’s pissed at me.” I leaned against my desk, making it clear I wasn’t going anywhere until he spilled. He sighed and continued. “While I was paying the check, he stepped outside to take a call and Roy came over to talk. He was concerned he’d said something wrong because of the tension at the table.”

  “I hope you assured him that he did nothing.”

  “Oh, I did. I told him it was Drake saying some things he shouldn’t have.”

  “You’re evil.” I couldn’t help but grin at what he’d done even though it could be devastating for Drake since clients expect discretion.

  “Drake’s the evil one. Anyway, Roy e-mailed last night asking if we could recommend someone as he no longer feels comfortable working with Drake.”

  “No wonder Drake wants to talk to you.”

  “I’ll deal with it. And he totally deserves it.” He pulled on my arm to get me off the desk. “You need to get going.”

  “I’ll be back as soon as I can. And, I guess, sooner rather than later if I strike out.”

  “Don’t strike out.”

  I pulled Alberto into a hug. “I won’t.”

  I grabbed my bag and stuffed my laptop into it. In the lobby I stopped at Madison’s desk.

  “Can you please call one of the private jet services and book a flight to Mackinac Island as soon as possible? I want to land on the island. It’ll be a one-way trip. I’ll worry about getting back later.”

  “Of course. Any cost ceiling?”

  “Not this time. Just put it on my personal card.”

  She smiled, nodded, and turned to her keyboard. “I’ll send you the details as soon as it’s done.”

  I bolted home to pack. By the time I finished, Madison let me know that a pilot would be waiting at Executive Field.

  Chapter Nineteen

  THE FLIGHT was only a few hours, but by the time we touched down at the island’s small airfield, I still had no plan. I strategize all the time, but in this case, I didn’t know what the right move was. It was a wonder I could think at all since I had the shakes like I’d had a zillion cups of coffee. It was make or break time.

  As I stepped off the plane, the chilly air hit me and reminded me of him—particularly of the night we watched the sunset. I don’t know why. It was midafternoon and we weren’t near the shoreline, but something about the breeze carried him.

  Walking into the small terminal, I realized I hadn’t done anything about transportation. Since I was on a private charter, it wasn’t like there’d be anyone waiting. I saw the sign for Colter Stables along with other signs offering rides from the airport. My heart ached. I couldn’t call my preferred carriage company. I didn’t have a plan, but Miles picking up the phone was not the right choice.

  The walk into downtown wouldn’t be too bad. I only had my messenger bag and an overnight bag, so a walk would have to do. I didn’t need word of my arrival spreading around any faster than necessary. Plans changed, however, when I walked outside and found Caleb waiting with a carriage.

  “Jordan?” he said, surprised.

  “Caleb. What brought you up here?”

  “Saw the plane, and since I’d finished a delivery, I thought I’d swing up to see if anyone needed a ride. Does Miles know you’re here?”

  I shook my head.

  “Sorry. My momma would knock me in the head for butting in. I just know he’s moping.”

  “I hope to fix that.”

  “Good.” Caleb spoke quietly, as if uncomfortable for broaching this topic. “Do you want to go see him? He’s probably still at the stable.”

  I tossed the bags into the carriage and climbed in.

  “Not yet. Can you take me to the inn so I can get a room? Gotta make sure I have a place to crash if this goes wrong.”

  “Sure.”

  We rode silently into town. Thankfully, as we arrived at the inn, an idea finally struck.

  “Can you wait while I take this inside and then drop me off somewhere else?” I asked as I stepped out.

  “Of course.”

  I ran inside like a man possessed. In fact, Mrs. Tanner looked at me like I’d gone mad, especially since I’d shown up out of the blue. She gave me my old room, and let me store my bags in the parlor until I returned.

  Back in the carriage, I asked Caleb to take me to the tree where Richard and Elise first met. Miles had taken us there on the tour during the convention. If there was romantic power anywhere on the island, it had to be there. Excitement crept in, replacing some of the chaos that had swirled in my brain all morning.

  “Do you think you can get him to come see me?” I felt bad asking Caleb to take part in the plan, but it seemed the most direct thing.

  “I’ll come up with something to send him this way. If I can’t, I bet Luke’ll help.”

  “You’ve talked to Luke?”

  “He thought he saw you go into the inn. He texted me to find out.”

  “Small-town news chain in progress.”

  “Oh yeah, nothing escapes it.”

  “How do you live with that? I’d have gone insane at your age if I knew people were always watching.”

  “You learn tricks.” He sounded very much like the teenager he was.

  “Shouldn’t you be in school anyway?”

  “Only had morning classes. So today I go to school, work a while, and then homework. Benefits of being a senior.”

  As we traveled on the road along the shore, all I could think about was the night we watched the sunset from the spot farther north. It was a perfect moment, like all the moments with Miles. I still didn’t know what I was going to say to him—other than sorry a few hundred times.

  My heart pounded so loudly that by the time we arrived at the tree I expected Caleb to make a comment about it.

  “Thanks, Caleb. For everything.”

  “You’re welcome.” Before he got the carriage underway, he turned back. “Good luck.”

&
nbsp; I nodded as he headed north. As the clip-clop faded away, I looked at the plaque that was set into the large bolder marking this spot. Running my hands over the plaque’s lettering for the movie’s title and the “Is it you?” quote, I tried to draw inspiration for what I’d say when Miles got there.

  Those simple words started it for Richard and Elise. What was I going to say to get Miles and me back on track? How did I say I’m sorry for keeping his family’s business safe? Actually, that’s not what I had to apologize for—it was for hiding how I was doing it.

  I circled behind the boulder and leaned against it. It didn’t take long for the cold to seep through my jeans. It’d be amazing to wait for Miles here for a guaranteed happy reunion, like if I’d been away and was coming home early as a surprise.

  The now-familiar sound of a horse on the road approached. It was only one, and I didn’t hear carriage wheels. Could it be? It didn’t seem like enough time had passed. Looking toward the road, I found Miles and Wildfire approaching. Terror vibrated through me. This was my one chance to make amends.

  “It’s pretty ballsy of you to come up here.” Miles came to a stop just on the other side of the boulder I rested against.

  “I had to.” I pushed off the rock and calmly moved toward Wildfire. I wasn’t sure who I was trying to spook less—the horse or its rider. “We can’t leave things like they are. Even if it means we’re through. All I wanted to do was help.”

  “How could you not tell me? Not give me the chance to say no, or to maybe say yes. It was a huge leap for me to say yes to the investment offer, especially after all the trouble the last loan caused. But to find out that you’re the one who put up the majority of cash.”

  I reached out to Wildfire and scratched his neck. He nuzzled his head against my hand as I stroked. At least he still liked me.

  “I’m not a millionaire, but I’ve got savings and I maintain investments. Colter Stables is an investment I believe in—both in the business and its owner. Yes, I’m helping you. But it’ll also pay a fair profit during the expected span of the deal.”

  “Do you know how much it hurt to have it talked about like that? And from Drake no less?”

  “I think I have a pretty good idea.”

  I wanted to reach out to him, even if it was just to squeeze his leg.

  “Why did you even tell him?”

  “I didn’t.” He raised an eyebrow but didn’t interrupt. “He was in our offices last week. Alberto caught him in my office, and we think he found the paperwork on my desk.”

  He didn’t speak, but he finally dismounted Wildfire so we were on even ground.

  “Hurting you was the last thing I wanted.” I took his hands in mine. “I love you. There it is. I’ve said it. You need to know that’s how I feel.” My chest clenched and I fought back tears as my voice cracked. “You make me happy, more than I’ve been in years. I want to keep seeing you. We need to find out everything about each other—the good and bad. Do we get to have that chance?”

  He looked conflicted, but nowhere near how he was on the street before he’d left Chicago.

  “I’ve often been told I’m too proud and stubborn for my own good. While that may be true, you have to understand that I work hard and don’t want charity.”

  “This isn’t—”

  “I let you talk. It’s my turn.” His voice was measured, as if he was trying to keep his emotions at bay. “I know this isn’t charity. It’s a business deal. But you sold me on it because it sounded like several investors were going to take part in keeping the stables going. Instead I find out it’s you and your business. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful my family legacy is safe. But it’s one man—someone I was building a relationship with—responsible for that. How do I move forward with someone I’m also indebted to? I’m falling in love with you too. But I’m so torn.”

  His hands flexed in my grip. It was a slight movement, and I wasn’t sure what it meant. Did he even know he was doing it?

  “If we keep going,” I suggested, “maybe we end up family and then it’d be family helping family.”

  “That’s making a pretty big leap, don’t you think?”

  The slightest hint of a smile played on his lips, and I was elated to see it. I reached out to touch the corner of his mouth.

  “I’ve missed that.” Dropping my hand back to my side. “Look, this all turned out wrong. The investment was a way to make sure your business was safe, that was all. I’m not taking the support back if you send me away. But you should know that my heart’s yours if you still want it.”

  I quaked, my emotions on the verge of spilling out like they had in the conference room.

  Without warning, he pulled me toward him, took his hands from mine, and wrapped his arms around me. I’m not sure who was shaking more, him or me. I hugged him hard.

  “I’ll take yours if you’ll take mine.” He buried his face against my neck.

  I simply nodded. Wildfire nudged us, as if giving his approval. Miles let go after a few moments.

  “Come on, we’ve got some serious making up to do. Wildfire,” he said, stroking the side of the horse, “think you can manage us both for a little bit?” He gave the horse a final pat. “You get on first, then slide in behind the saddle. You’ll hang on to this.” He patted the back of the saddle. “Not to me. Not crazy comfortable, but we won’t be traveling far.”

  Once we were both on Wildfire and the horse seemed none the worse for wear, Miles got us underway.

  Chapter Twenty

  MILES TIED Wildfire to the front porch, and we scrambled to get into the house before we pulled off each other’s clothes.

  “Hang on, one second,” Miles said, already sounding breathless.

  He pulled his phone from his jeans and started typing.

  “Texting, really?” I said with mock annoyance.

  “Gotta have Caleb come get Wildfire. Wouldn’t be good for him to stay out overnight, and I suspect we’re not leaving the house until morning.”

  “You’re right about that.”

  I pulled off my boots and jacket and parked them in the hallway where they belonged. Then I removed my sweatshirt and threw it at Miles’s head as he typed.

  “I’ll be upstairs when you’re finally done with that.”

  Before I got too far, I tossed my T-shirt at him too.

  “Hey, wait for me.” I’d already entered the bedroom, but the clomping of his boots indicated he was coming up the stairs fast—two-at-a-time from the sound of it.

  He found me dropping my jeans as he entered and began fumbling with his own clothes.

  “Wildfire taken care of?” I tossed my briefs in his direction.

  “Yeah.”

  His breath caught as he watched me lie back on the bed with my cock at attention.

  “I’ve been waiting to get you naked since those texts last week,” I said.

  He was less than graceful getting out of his clothes and I had to contain my laughter. Once he was naked, he stood at the foot of the bed, fixing me with a smoldering look that made me squirm in delight. He didn’t make a move to join me, though. He just watched. I gave him a bit of a show—lightly caressing my hardness, making it pulse, running a finger across my balls. He licked his lips, but still didn’t come for me.

  Squeezing my cock released a drop of precum. I smiled at him as I licked it off my finger. Repeating the action, I got more and then crawled to him, making sure not to lose the tasty treat on the tip of my finger.

  Once I was in front of him, his cock was at mouth level so I licked just the head, where I got a yummy taste of my own. Kneeling before him, I put my finger against his lips, and he licked the liquid off, seductively moving his tongue around. When he was finished, he took my hand.

  “Have I told you how incredible you look?” He grabbed my dick with his free hand. “The whole package is kinda perfect, in and out of clothes.”

  Suddenly, he crashed his mouth against mine. The aggressiveness of the kisses overto
ok me. It was like we were both afraid this wouldn’t last. My body hummed from the urgency. I couldn’t get enough.

  I tugged on his shoulders to get him to join me on the bed. We moaned as our bodies collapsed together, slightly rougher than I’d intended but majorly hot. The pleasure flowing through me was intense and threatened to make me come before we’d even begun.

  It was tough, but I forced myself to focus on just the kissing and not the sensations everywhere else. I needed to last because I wanted to give him the ride I’d promised him. It was time for me to take over. I rolled us over so Miles was on his back.

  I scrambled across the bed to get to the condoms and lube. “Seems like I owe you a little something.”

  “Oh, man. I haven’t come in days. Not since we were on the phone the other day. I was saving it for the trip, and then when I got back….”

  I put three fingers on his lips. “That doesn’t matter now. We’re here, together, and it’s all good. Just lie back.”

  The condom packet easily ripped open, and I rolled the sheath over his throbbing cock, which was already lubed up with precum. Miles adjusted the pillows beneath his head.

  “Comfy?” I asked as I lubed us up.

  “Yeah. And I’m gonna have a good view.”

  Swinging a leg over him, I positioned myself over his cock. He couldn’t have it that easy, though, so I slid his head along my crack instead of letting it in. Miles shuddered between my thighs while the teasing continued.

  “You’re evil.”

  “Maybe a little.” I reached behind to spread my cheeks wide. “Try this.”

  Sitting back, I aligned his cock at the entrance to my ass. We moaned in sync again. Miles was so eager, but he kept himself in check, knowing that I was in charge this time.

  Reaching around again, I grabbed his shaft to steady it while I sat down. He was large, and his head pressed against my hole. A few deep breaths helped me relax against the pressure he was applying. The head suddenly slipped inside, and he reached up to tweak my nipple in response.

  “Oh man.” He tried to catch his breath. “How’s that supposed to keep me from blowing my load?”