by Various
Much as he hated to admit it, Lucas and Avery were in two different places in their lives right now.
His heart sank. Lucas stared at the back of her head as she watched the ground fade further and further away as the plane lifted into the air.
Damn it. You’ve got it bad.
He didn’t know if he could do it. Give up the one thing he’d been looking for to ensure Avery had everything she dreamed of.
She’d never asked anything of him, either. Other than to take her to find out what she needed to know. Lucas didn’t even know what she felt in regard to him. Why did he let himself fret over nothing when he had no idea if his deeper feelings were one sided or not?
Could he really just walk away and forget about the only woman that made him truly feel something?
“The view is fantastic!” Avery breathed, finally tearing her gaze away from the window and grinning wildly at Lucas.
“It’s always breathtaking,” Lucas admitted. This time was different. He had the chance to share this with her, and the fact that Avery was enjoying so much of it satisfied Lucas. She looked so happy. So beautiful, radiant. Lucas wanted to gather her in his arms and never let go.
“Now you have a look.” Avery’s smile faded and concern filled her eyes. “What’s on your mind, Lucas?”
You. How much I find myself needing you in my life.
“Just thinking about another breathtaking view,” he said easily. She blushed, her face turning red. Lucas laughed. He teased her hair. Avery went to stop him, catching his hand mid air. The sparks ignited again. If only they weren’t in the air, around so many other passengers. Otherwise, he would give into every desire he had at that moment.
He wondered what it would take to convince Avery to go-
No. She doesn’t need that much adventure. Geez. Get a grip on your mind.
Ha. If only.
“Can I get you two anything to drink?” A flight attendant stood at their side, watching them with an amused grin. “Ahh, young love. I remember those days well.” The woman looked to be middle aged, and she had a longing look in her eyes as she darted her gaze between Avery and Lucas.
“I- we’re-” Avery stuttered. She let go of Lucas’s arm, dropping hers to her side.
Lucas had to hold back his laughter at how flustered that comment got her. He just smiled knowingly at the woman.
“Nothing to be ashamed of, honey. I envy you right now. The love of my life, well, I lost him too soon. You enjoy what you have while you can.” The woman smiled. “Anyhow, how about that drink?”
Avery requested a Dr. Pepper and Lucas asked for a Pepsi.
“Be back with those in awhile. Enjoy your flight.” When she walked off to aid another passenger, Lucas turned back to Avery. She was red faced again.
“Did I tell you how cute you are when you’re blushing?” Lucas asked, knowing that it would only make her more embarrassed. On cue, she did. Lucas ducked when she swatted at him.
“You’re enjoying that way too much.” Avery’s eyes narrowed. But when she broke out in a smile, Lucas felt better.
More than you know.
“Maybe so,” Lucas teased. He reached into his pocket for the box he had there. Getting it past security without Avery looking had been easy. She went first and had no idea that Lucas put the box on the belt and grabbed it quickly. He could have given this to her before, or even off the plane, but this was the perfect time. “Avery. I have something for you.”
Avery’s mouth opened and her eyes went wide. He smiled and pulled out the box. Avery’s eyelashes fluttered as she looked down at it. “Lucas, what’s this?”
He opened the box, revealing the contents. A bracelet set perfectly rounded in the box. Avery gasped. “It’s a charm bracelet. I found a few charms that I felt represented you. A hat like your Stetson, a guitar, a music note, and an airplane. I thought, we could find a few charms to add to it during the trip.” His heart warmed as tears filled her eyes. Was that a good reaction? Did she like it?
“You-” Avery’s voiced cracked as she reached for the box. Lucas took the bracelet out and held it up.
“Which arm would you like it on?” he asked. She lifted her left arm and held it out, still in shock. He wrapped the bracelet around and closed the clasp. As Avery touched each charm, a smile played at her lips.
“It’s beautiful, Lucas. You shouldn’t have. I love it. Thank you, that was so thoughtful of you.”
“I wanted you to have something to remind you of this big event in your life.”
And that no matter what happens, you’ll always think of me.
Maybe that made him selfish, but if he were to never see her again, Lucas wanted her to have something to remember him by. He wouldn’t come away with nothing, even if there was no physical reminder. He hoped it would never come down to that, but a future with Avery was so uncertain.
“It’s perfect. I don’t know how to thank you.” Avery wiped a tear away. She couldn’t take her eyes away from the bracelet. When she finally looked back up at him, Lucas gently touched her cheek. A tear slid onto his finger.
“I’m glad you love it.” Lucas kissed the tip of her nose. “Your happiness is the thanks I want. I don’t need anything else.”
When Avery took his hand in hers and rested her head on his shoulder, Lucas’s pulse quickened. His reaction to her only became more intense every time.
How could it be?
I think I love this woman.
Love?
It’s a word he’d never toyed with before. He’d been in relationships, sure. Most of them were purely physical and had nothing to do with how he felt about the person. Lucas never had the time or energy for a real relationship. When he started off with Avery, it had been a major physical reaction to her, but now ... it was so much more than that. Avery meant something to him. He thought about her all the time. The strangest feeling he ever had, and Lucas actually enjoyed it.
Love.
Something he wasn’t sure he was worthy of. But then, everything about this was different.
Lucas wanted Avery in his life.
He couldn’t just let her go.
The rest, they would figure out. All he had to do was open his mouth and tell her how he felt.
Yeah right! The words wouldn’t come. They stuck in his throat. Could he really do it? Actually say what he felt? Emotions weren’t his strongest suit.
At the risk of losing it all, he had to find a way.
*****
Lucas was full of surprises. Avery tore her gaze away from the limo that awaited them. When Lucas said it was their ride, Avery nearly fell over in shock. She’d never expected all these things when it came to going to California. She figured she’d meet her birth mother, see a few places, and that was it.
Lucas had gone completely out of the way to make this a memorable trip for her. What else did he have in store?
Their luggage was put in the back for them, and the driver opened the door, standing back as Lucas aided Avery into the large vehicle. When she got settled, she had a chance to view her surroundings. Long, plush black seats lined the sides of the limo, and they were so soft and comfortable! When her eyes locked in on the small fridge near the front, Avery gasped. Seriously? These kinds of things were real? She giggled at the thought of how giddy she became at everything.
Lucas settled in beside her. “Do you like?” he asked, his eyes shining and full of hope.
“Like? Lucas, this is amazing! You’ve already done so much, and yet you keep showing me more and more. I don’t know how to ever thank you. I know, I keep saying that, but...”
Lucas tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. “I already told you, I don’t need anything, Avery. Your happiness is important to me.”
You’re important to me, Lucas.
“So, your birth mother can’t meet you until tomorrow evening. I thought, with your approval, that we could do some sight seeing. I’ve got a whole plan, if you agree. You just tell me what you want.”<
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Avery’s breath caught. The moment of truth. Tomorrow night. And in the meantime, spending time with Lucas? Could she have it any better. “I’d love that, Lucas.”
“Good. I was hoping that would be your response.”
Avery could get used to seeing that smile on his face. He showed it to her more recently.
What did he have planned now? It couldn’t get any more perfect, could it?
“So, we’ll go get our reservations at the hotel confirmed, see the suite, put our stuff there, and then grab some dinner, if you’re hungry. Or get some rest, depending on what you feel when we get there.”
It was so late, but the city was alive and buzzing.
“Sounds wonderful, Lucas,” Avery said dreamily. She only half heard what he said. She was too busy floating on cloud nine.
She couldn’t believe her eyes when they pulled up in front of the hotel. Hotel? Bah! This place was like a resort! Nothing like the inn at all. She took in all the sights with wide eyes as a bellhop loaded their belongings on a cart. Lucas took her hand and led her indoors.
An indoor fountain greeted them, cascading a waterfall of water. A spiral staircase was to her left, and the entire room was probably bigger than half the inn’s square footage put together. “Lucas, this is too much,” Avery whispered, tugging his arm. She didn’t even want to think about what the bill was for a night here. Avery couldn’t just let him take care of everything like this, and she couldn’t even imagine how she’d repay him for this. She didn’t have that kind of money. Hell, how did Lucas afford this?
“Actually, I had nothing to do with this part.” Lucas put his hands on her shoulders and looked her square in the eye. “Your birth mom set this up. I’m just delivering. It’s okay, Avery.”
He was so sincere that Avery went with the flow. Let it be part of the adventure.
Lucas took her hand again, and together, they walked to the check in desk. They were handed two key cards after all their information had been filled out. The burly man with a long beard that had been pushing their cart followed them to the elevator as they rode four stories to their suite.
“Enjoy your stay.” The man smiled as Avery squealed with delight when they reached their suite. Made up of two rooms, a kitchenette, a master bathroom with a hot tub, and the view from the balcony, this was a place of dreams. Avery whirled around the room, dizzy with happiness.
“This place is magical!” Avery could hardly contain her excitement.
Lucas laughed. “It’s ours for the next week.” He tipped the man who’d brought up their luggage and then they were left alone. “Are you hungry?”
“I’m starving. I couldn’t really eat on the plane. Too nervous.”
“Okay. Do you want to go out for dinner? We can take a walk around, see what there is to eat, or I can order something and have it brought in. Whatever you’d like, Avery.”
“I think I’ve been sitting so long, taking a walk would be great. But what about you? You aren’t tired?”
“Not by a long shot,” Lucas said. “I’m too wired. A walk it is.” He held out a hand to her. “Shall we?” When Avery put her hand in his, he made his move to sweep her into his arms and kiss her right on the lips. Avery squealed in surprise, but gave into the kiss. “Surprise.” He laughed when the kiss ended. “I’ve waited awhile to be able to kiss you again. I can’t keep away from you, Avery. You’re a sweet habit.”
“Oh, am I?” Was it wrong for her to take just a little comfort in that?
“You are.” Lucas said it so seriously, Avery shivered.
“Come on. Let’s go see what’s around here.” Lucas held the door open for her, reaching for her hand again when they took the elevator downstairs. People came in and out, not even giving the pair a second glance. Back home, if someone entered an elevator, they would strike up a conversation. But this wasn’t home. Harmony’s Echo was like a tiny speck of dust in comparison to the outskirts of Los Angeles.
What a difference.
Walking hand in hand with Lucas outside, Avery took in all the lights, the crowds of people. What time was it? After ten? The city was so ablaze with activity. The streets were busy with cars, rushing, honking and moving along at a quick pace. Building after building crowded the horizon. They were all so tall! She couldn’t see the stars.
Yes, a definite far cry from small town life. Still, Avery looked at the surroundings with awe. She’d never seen anything like it.
Lucas squeezed her hand, pulling Avery out of her thoughts. “What are you thinking about? You seem so far away.” He pointed to a sign across the street. “Nothing fancy, but do you want to eat there? It’s open, available, and doesn’t look too bad.”
Avery’s gaze traveled to the spot Lucas pointed at. The restaurant sign flashed in bright neon lights. A young couple strolled out from the entrance, laughing and talking while easing through the parking lot.
Avery nodded. She was famished, and as wonderful as this walk was, she could definitely eat. She imagined they’d want to go to sleep soon, if Lucas had a full itinerary for tomorrow. “Let’s go.”
Forty five minutes later, their suite was a welcome sight. Full, content and exhausted, Avery sank into the large couch when they finally made it back and heaved a sigh. Lucas lifted her stretched legs and sat beside her, placing her feet over his legs and throwing another gorgeous grin her way. “Tired?” he asked, his fingers drumming on her legs. Her feet ached and throbbed. That’s what she got for not changing her shoes and walking around in sandals. Still, it was worth it.
“Yes and no.” Avery closed her heavy eyelids and leaned back. Her head nearly sank into the large, plush pillow. The soft fabric felt cool and comfortable on her cheeks.
“Too tired to give that hot tub a go?”
Avery snapped her eyes open. Lucas’s eyes danced and a mischievous smile lit up his entire face. “If I go in that tub, I’d probably drown. I get very relaxed in a hot tub.”
Lucas ran a hand up her leg and rested it right on her thigh. With the tips of his fingers, he gently rubbed, inching closer and closer to another throbbing spot. Avery swore under her breath, which only made Lucas chuckle.
“I’m sure we can find ways to make sure you’re not too relaxed.” Lucas moved her legs once again, got to his feet, and peeled Avery off the couch. He swooped her up in his arms and carried her off to the bathroom.
“Lucas!” Avery cried out, trying not to laugh. Oh, but this bathroom was huge! The bathroom itself was almost as big as her bedroom back home. And that tub would fit the both of them easily. He set her down gently on her feet and reached for the bottom hem of her shirt.
“You know you want to,” he said in a low, inviting tone. “Look at that water. They already have it set. All we have to do is turn on those jets. What do you say?” He winked. God, she loved that look in his eye.
Her heart raced at the thought of the things they could do in that tub. “You know, I’m suddenly a little more awake,” Avery mused, finishing what Lucas started and tossed her shirt over her shoulder and dropped it on the floor.
“You’re beautiful, Avery Callimer,” Lucas noted softly, tracing the tips of his fingers over her naval, up her stomach to the front of her bra. Avery shivered at the effect. “I want you.” To prove it, Lucas positioned himself closer to her, pushing his erection into her pelvis. “And this time, if you’ll have me, I’ll do much better and last a lot longer.”
Chapter Twenty One
Avery moaned and undressed faster than she ever had before. Lucas turned the jets on. Within seconds the water rolled around, bubbles forming at the edges and in the middle of the tub. It looked so inviting!
Sex in a hot tub. That would be another first for her. Avery was about to step in the tub with Lucas when she remembered. “Oh! My bracelet. I don’t want to wear it in the water. I’d be afraid of losing it.” Lucas unclasped the bracelet and handed it to her. Avery placed it on the counter and hurried to join him in the tub. The hot water felt so g
ood! Avery lowered herself into the tub, her back leaning against one of the jets. Lucas cupped his hands and tossed a large handful of bubbles in her hair. Water splashed at her face. “Lucas!” she sputtered, splashing back. He caught her hand mid-splash.
“I’ve got you now.” He knelt before her, trailing kisses up her arm, to her neck. Lucas let go of her hands and instead cupped a breast.
Yes you do. In the palm of your amazing hands.
A cry rippled from Avery’s throat when Lucas dipped his head to suckle her breast. She arched her back, and the pressure of the jet stream slammed right in her lower back, only driving her need and desire for him higher. Lucas lifted his head just for a second and focused his dark eyes on her, filled with the most desire she’d ever seen. Avery took that moment to strike. She reached for him, pulling his face to hers for a kiss. He tasted so divine, and he matched her kisses with the same intent.
“I never felt so much until you, Avery,” Lucas mumbled between kisses. “I feel alive, thanks to you.”
Avery said nothing. Instead, she cupped Lucas’s face in her hands. She could only stare at that sexy face for so long until she buried her face in his chest. “I don’t know what to say to that.”
“I don’t need you to say anything, I just felt like you should know.” Lucas cradled her head, his strong arms keeping her secure as he held her tight. “I’m falling for you, Avery.”
Had she heard him right? Did he really say what she thought he did? Avery lifted her face to meet his gaze.
“I need you, Avery.” Lucas’s voice cracked, thick with emotion. His arms tightened around her. “I want to make love to you so bad. I want to feel everything with you, Avery.”
Lucas had so much emotion tonight. His words, his actions lit a fire within her that could possibly never be put out. Avery ignored any slight reservations she held about getting this involved with him again and reached for him. Avery guided Lucas’s cock to the entrance of her vagina. Slowly, Lucas entered her. Immediately, Avery cried out with pleasure. She was about to explode. The water, the feel of Lucas’s hands running all over her body and the way he moved in and out slowly, he was going to drive her to desperate measures.