by JC Szot
“Sam, the owner here…he leaves the restroom open for me. There’s a socket in there,” Kelly informed him.
Drake steered her chin, forcing her gaze to his. “I want you to call me whenever you want or need something, or to just say hi would be great, too.” He grinned. His dark brows rose, lifting his features.
Kelly nodded. Something that’d stayed buried inside her began to unveil itself—her emotions, which could get a girl into trouble. After all the bantering and rationalizing, the sentiment was running over. Her eyes began to burn. Kelly shook off her tears, not wanting to break down in front of Drake. His calm and easy voice soothed her.
“Don’t.” Drake shook his head. “It’ll all be fine. We’ll talk tomorrow, we’ll have more time. I took the next day off so we can stay up late, chat, eat junk food, whatever you want,” he told her, his eyes gleaming with a naughtiness that had her stomach flipping. “I should go.” He kissed her cheek and turned his body around, scooting out of the tent to get his boots.
Kelly held the phone, her lifeline to him. She knew so little. She didn’t even know what his occupation was, or if he had family. Had he ever been married? The angles assaulted her as she watched Drake lace up his boots.
The rain had stopped. Murky clouds moved across the night sky.
Drake leaned into the tent, his mouth finding hers again. That tongue of his. It was wet and hot, brushing her mouth in seductive strokes that turned her bones into water.
“I’ll call or text you before I come,” he said, breathless. “Good night, stay safe.” His gaze was intimate, making her insides tip with awareness.
Kelly was numb. She propped herself up on her elbows, her chin in her palms, and took in the view as Drake disappeared into the woods. Her mind began to scramble. I’ve got to go to the truck stop tomorrow to shower. Would Steve have a spare razor? She had her new clothes and makeup from the consignment store, courtesy of Amy. Thank God.
Kelly snuggled deep under the covers, zipping her tent closed. She needed to prepare herself for tomorrow, because Steve was going to let her have it. She laughed out loud, her body too wound up to sleep.
Chapter Fifteen
“Emily, would you please take a trip out to the house on Blue Mountain?” Drake asked, rifling through his briefcase, cradling the phone against his jaw.
He’d decided to take Kelly up to the house instead. It was more rustic and relaxed. Drake was afraid all the posh glass and lacquered surfaces of the contemporary condo might spook her. Much of the polished veneer crap was Nina’s. He needed to remedy that after his respite with Kelly.
“Of course, Mr. Larson. Will there be anything else?” Emily’s voice carried over the line. He could always count on her. Emily was a single mom who’d been ditched by some penis-swinging bastard. Drake rewarded Emily well for her loyal and trustworthy service.
“Yes. I don’t ask this of you often, but could you make something, use your good judgment, something for two?” Emily rattled off a few suggestions. Drake chose the seared scallops over linguini. Pleased with himself, he flipped his phone closed.
They would spend the evening together at Blue Mountain. Kelly would be all his, for one spectacular night. Drake laced his fingers behind his neck and gazed out the window. An iridescent blue sky filled his eyes with a squinting ache, but for once, it was a good ache.
* * * *
“I have everything you need, don’t worry,” Steve assured her. His smile stretched from ear to ear. “You’re gone, girl, gone to higher ground,” Steve said, his tone insistent. “Hey”—his voice lowered—“I couldn’t be happier.”
Kelly shook her head. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll turn back into a pumpkin, believe me.” Her statement was laced with sarcasm. Kelly jammed all her things into her backpack as she and Steve prepared to take their ritualistic walk to the truck stop.
“Yeah, we’ll see. So far, I’ve been right on the mark. Now let’s go, we’ve got work to do and only about six hours to do it,” Steve said, hurrying her along.
They walked in silence. The morning rush hour raced around them as they directed their footsteps toward the truck stop. An autumn horizon bled out in reds, oranges, and yellows. When they reached the restrooms, Steve jutted his chin toward the door.
“Take your time. I’m going in for coffee, and I think I’ll take a look at a newspaper. It’s been awhile,” he said, smiling. He waggled his brows. “Go make yourself pretty.”
Kelly rolled her eyes and walked into the ladies’ room. As she unpacked her toiletries, something vibrated into her hip. Startled at first, forgetting about the luxury of having a cell phone, she yanked it out of her pocket. Seeing the screen lit up, her mouth curled into a smile. It was her first text from Drake.
I’m coming for you at five. Make sure your tent is put away. See you then… can’t wait
Her fingers gripped the phone. Make sure my tent is put away. Kelly set her backpack down and got busy with her agenda of a shower and shampoo. She lathered up her hair and body, double-checking all the places that needed to be shaved.
She toweled off and slathered on the pomegranate lotion Steve had found at the consignment store. The fresh scent of fruit coated the steam as it rose into the cooler air. Kelly removed the neatly folded clothes she and Steve had gotten during their shopping spree.
* * * *
“Ladies, please excuse me.” Steve waved them in. Several female patrons smiled at his presence in the ladies’ room. “We’re trying to prepare for a big night out.”
Steve had her on her knees underneath the hand dryer, attempting to form some type of curl into her hair. He twirled the strands between his fingers, turning the swiveled knob.
“Okay, that about does it,” Steve said, helping her to her feet. Kelly stood in front of the mirror, in awe of how she looked. She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d looked so put together. Her attire had resorted to dirty, dusty jeans and tattered T-shirts. Steve stood behind her, his face beaming. “You’re gorgeous. You know that, right?” He ran his fingers through her hair. An unexpected tingle raced over her scalp. Her eyes stung. “Don’t,” he whispered. “You’ll get your eyes all red and puffy. I’ll wait for you outside while you do your makeup. I think I’ve overstayed my welcome in here,” he said, addressing the other female patrons. With a light brush of his lips across her cheek, he was gone.
Chapter Sixteen
She was waiting for him by the tree line. The descending light of the day filtered through the trees, angling across the graveled lot. She’d polished herself for him—not that it mattered, but Drake felt his lungs gasp for air at the sight of her.
The golden-brown strands of her hair glimmered, catching the last rays of the sun. A silk blouse peeked out from underneath a black sweater. Fabric draped over a body he couldn’t wait to see and explore. The pastel green radiated against her fair skin. His eyes continued to roam. His fingers gripped the wheel. Denim clung to her curves, tapering down a set of trim legs, leading his gaze to a pair of earthy hiking boots.
Nina would call her unassembled with her mixed textures of clothing, but Drake thought she was absolutely perfect. He put the car in park, allowing the engine to idle, and got out to receive her. He fixed his eyes on hers, looking forward to staring at her for the next twenty-four hours.
Kelly seemed hesitant to leave the safe confines of her wooded refuge, but Drake reached for her, guiding her through her first steps.
“Ready?” he asked, smiling. Her scent was fresh, ripe with a sweetness that inebriated him. She nodded, swallowing. They walked to the car in silence. Drake opened the door, waiting until she was buckled in.
The heating vents on the dashboard wafted her fragrance in his face. He tried to watch her in his peripheral vision. Kelly’s eyes darted around the dashboard and console, then diverted out the window. She didn’t speak until he exited off the exit ramp.
“Is this where you live?” Her voice was meek.
“This is
where I like to hide when I don’t want to be interrupted,” Drake informed her, glancing at her worried expression. He rested his hand on her knee. Her muscle flinched beneath his fingers. “Please, relax. We both deserve this.” He gave her knee a gentle squeeze.
“I just figured you for the contemporary condo type, that’s all,” Kelly said. Drake noted the apprehension that trickled through her tight laughter.
“I have one of those, too, but the house on Blue Mountain is much cozier, you’ll love it,” Drake assured her.
He gunned the gas, driving up the winding incline. Drake heard her breaths still when the large A-frame structure came into view. Drake took a few seconds to enjoy the sight. It was a great place, the perfect place to disappear.
The timbered structure sat high on a knoll, surrounded with large boulders. A spacious front deck overlooked a generous landscape of mountains and tall evergreens. Drake pulled the car around and silenced the engine.
He got out and inhaled the cold mountain air. Kelly opened her door. Drake took her hand, helping her to her feet. He took her backpack and slung it over his shoulder, steering her to the edge of the driveway.
Twinkling lights winked at them from below. Drake leaned into her, feeling her heat against his cool cheek.
“That’s the ski resort down below. They’ll start making the snow in about a month,” he said softly. Her face turned to his. Her eyes gleamed, her lips parted. Drake waited for her words. Strands of hair blew across her fine features. He traced her lower lip, loving how full it was. “I’m so happy to have you here with me,” Drake said. His admission gripped him with an emotion that was becoming harder to contain. It was all so new and unexplored. The sentiment soaked into his soul, fueling his urge for her. The excitement was mounting, all he wanted to show and share.
Her eyes fluttered. “I still don’t understand it,” Kelly said.
“I know.” Drake smiled. “To be honest with you, tonight I don’t want to try to explain. I just want us to relax, enjoy our dinner, talk and absorb one another…you okay with that?” He brushed his knuckles over her cheek. She nodded. It appeared that Kelly was already taken aback, and Drake hadn’t even gotten started.
* * * *
The view was magnificent. It was peaceful and all his. The sharp scent of pine shot into her nose, colliding with the chillier air of a higher elevation. He took her hand in his, his palm unusually soft, and escorted her up a brick walk. Drake fumbled with a set of keys and opened the front door.
The pleasant odors of browned bread and smoldering wood blanketed the air. Kelly took in Drake’s defined profile before his dark eyes caught hers.
“Let’s set this down here,” Drake said, placing her backpack at the foot of the stairs. I’m here for the night! The reality of it blinded her eyes with a white light. Her heart drummed behind her ribs, her stomach tight. “We’ll start with dinner. Emily has everything ready for us.”
“Who’s Emily?” Kelly asked, tipping her head to gaze at the lavish surroundings.
“She’s a lovely woman who helps me from time to time,” Drake told her.
Everything was rich, dark, and masculine, with just the right touch of warmth. Glossy oak floors and planked walls gave way to the timbered beams of a vaulted ceiling, everything joined with large joists. A fieldstone fireplace ruled the room. A rectangular table gleamed, lined with high-backed leather chairs, the color a light caramel. It was rustic and rugged, but charming. Large windows gave her a generous view of the woodlands below. Drake’s voice pulled her from her astounded state.
“Everything all right so far?” he asked, slipping his arm around her. His body brushed up against hers. Kelly’s thoughts gravitated to the kisses they’d shared in her tent, how their bodies had responded to one another.
“It’s beautiful, so elegant, but comfy.”
“Come, let’s eat,” Drake said, tugging her into a kitchen that she’d only ever seen in magazines. The lighter shades of wood that she assumed were maple greeted her. Brass and copper accented the cabinetry and brown granite countertops. A long island sat in the center. Drake sat her down on a cushioned stool, the red leather cool.
She watched him remove covered dishes from a warmer and set up their place settings. He handed her two stemmed glasses and turned to retrieve a bottle of wine from what looked to be a specialty refrigerator.
“I hope you like the selections I have,” Drake said, lifting off the covers of three chafing dishes.
“It looks incredible,” Kelly told him, her voice struggling for an audible tone. Her mouth watered at the steaming, scented entree. Drake took the tongs and placed a bed of linguini on her plate, then nestled in several large scallops, adding a slice of lemon. The powerful scent of garlic rose to her nose. Drake was right in sync with her thoughts.
“We’ll both stink or brush our teeth promptly after dinner,” he said, his smile warm. “Why don’t you pour the wine, and I’ll get a fire going.”
It’s already hot in here.
“Sure.” She nodded. Kelly picked up the chilled bottle of a hearty burgundy vintage she couldn’t pronounce if she tried. She filled their glasses halfway, watching the wine paint the inside of the large goblets.
The crackling of the fire pulled her attention to the immense hearth. Drake knelt before the hearth, placing the protective screen in front of the flames. He was in jeans again, but this time the denim was black, accompanied by an icy-gray shirt. He stood and lowered the lighting. The fire’s glow pulsed on the walls. She watched him walk toward her, his strides confident and full of purpose.
Drake was refined, very urban, yet earthy. He was obviously wealthy and educated. The more she tried to figure out his interest in her, the more anxious she became. What ulterior motive could there be? She had nothing to offer him, only her body—but if that was all he was interested in, he would’ve pushed them further that night in the tent. No, Drake wasn’t about force. There was gentleness about him, an easiness.
Kelly supposed if she had his bank account, she’d maybe exhibit some of those traits too, but her stupidity would only throw it all away on the next horse or another game of blackjack. She’d gotten sucked into her reflective vacuum again, not realizing he’d already taken his seat at the island. His velvety voice gently stroked over her, rescuing her.
“Kelly.” He reached for her hand. “Don’t let your food get cold.” His fingers stroked over hers.
“I’m used to cold food,” she replied, her sarcasm a defense mechanism she should’ve left back in the woods with her tent.
Drake’s eyes darkened, his stare direct. “Well, you better get used to a little heat, because I’m going to do whatever it takes to remedy that,” he said, his voice sharp.
They ate a slow, leisurely meal, something Kelly also wasn’t used to. She’d actually had to silently prompt herself to slow down. Life on the streets had put a damper on some basic skills of etiquette.
Drake openly shared more details of his life with her, without Kelly having to ask. He owned a management consulting firm. He spoke about his staff and what he’d seen during his earlier travels while away on business.
“I don’t like to travel anymore. I’m tired of seeing it alone,” he admitted.
Hadn’t there ever been anyone? The next words spewed from her mouth before Kelly could censor herself, the wine defusing her reserve. “Have you ever been married?” she asked, chewing on the inside of her cheek.
Drake shook his head. “Nope. Almost,” he said, his confession light. Silence crept between them. The hissing of the fire’s flames attacking seasoned wood replaced the words of a conversation that’d stalled.
They finished their meal. Drake waved her back to her seat when she attempted to help with the cleanup. After all their dishes were loaded in the stainless steel dishwasher, Drake suggested that they sit on the couch.
Drake’s arms slid across the back of the leather couch. His fingers threaded through her hair. He removed her glass from her h
and and set the stemware on the sturdy coffee table. Kelly found herself leaning into him, craving what he was about to offer.
His dark hair gleamed, gelled back, showing off his angled face. Drake’s fingers traced her jawline, his eyes holding hers. His intentions were mirrored in them, clear and legible. His lips slowly sloped into a seductive smile that had her belly filling with a blossoming heat. His eyes caressed her as he moved closer. His lips were silky and smooth. They brushed over hers. A slight tease of wet heat painted her lower lip before he pulled away. His brows knitted in observation.
“I’m going to go upstairs for a few minutes. When I call for you, I’d like you to come up, okay?” Kelly nodded, licking her lips. Her body was parched, ready to drink in whatever he had on tap for the remainder of the evening. There was no sense trying to reason through it all. She wanted whatever Drake Larson seemed so willing to give.
Chapter Seventeen
“I’m going to go get us some champagne. Why don’t you get settled in and I’ll be back in a moment,” Drake told her. His fingers combed through strands of her hair, fanning it over her shoulder. He turned, leaving her in the midst of a paradise that’d had her off balance since she’d entered the house.
Kelly stood, frozen to the floor, as she gaped at his personal living quarters and adjoining bathroom. An ivory, silk robe lay across the foot of the bed. Her toes dug into the thick-pile carpeting the color of pearls. Kelly stepped closer to the bed. She was afraid to breathe. Every visual frame that filled her eyes was lavish, surreal, and deliciously unfamiliar.
Large windows opened the entire front wall of his bedroom, overlooking a vast landscape that was probably breathtaking during the daylight hours. The sleigh bed was massive, heavy, and puffed with a plush, maroon velvet comforter. Dark oak furniture filled the corners of the room. Brass drawer handles glinted in the dimmed lighting.