Burning for Love: Los Angeles Armstrongs 2 (The Armstrongs Book 8)

by Gray, Jessica

  “Hopefully not for long. That’s where you come in. Linda overheard that woman on the phone telling someone how she only wanted to marry Preston for his money. She told Chuck; Chuck told me; and I told Tyler. We’ve decided you’re the best person to tell Preston.”

  “Now, wait a minute! Why me?” Drake argued, not really surprised. His siblings had a habit of leaving the dirty work to him. Being the oldest sibling had merits, but also drawbacks.

  “Because you’re the oldest and Preston listens to you.” Vivian gave him her cutest smile.

  “Viv. Don’t give me that puppy face. I saw through it many years ago. And Preston is a grown man. He knows what he’s doing. It’s not my business to tell him hearsay about his girlfriend, no matter how vile we think she is.”

  His sister didn’t even listen to him and went into stage two of persuasion.

  “That’s the problem. He doesn’t. Your brother isn’t rational where that woman is concerned—“

  “My brother? I believe he’s your brother too,” Drake growled.

  “Well, wouldn’t you want to save your brother from running head-on into disaster and lifelong misery?” Vivian asked and made a face as if she’d start breaking out into tears in the next few seconds.

  “No, I don’t. He’s old enough to deal with a woman on his own.” Drake had no intention to meddle in his brother’s love life.

  “He’ll thank you on his knees after he’s seen the light,” Vivian insisted.

  “He’s going to be pissed at me is what’s going to happen. Haven’t you ever heard the story about the messenger? Yeah. They always get shot right between the eyes.”

  “Come on,” Vivian begged. “You hate her as much as I do. We’ve been putting up with her because of him, but if now that we know she’s a money-grabbing whore, we need to do something.”

  “With we you mean me, right?” Drake asked and watched Vivian nod. He wasn’t keen on talking to Preston, but he’d risk his brother’s anger to save him the heartache that was sure to come later. “Fine. I’ll talk to him.”

  “Well, not to sound pushy or anything, but…they already set a date for the wedding.”

  “What? When? Damn it, why is he being so bullheaded?”

  “He thinks he’s in love,” Vivian pulled a face.

  “How long do I have to get through to him?”

  “The wedding date is three months from now.”

  “Great! I’ll see what I can do.”

  He disconnected the skype call and laid back on the bed. The sun hung low on the horizon. It was almost six p.m. Near the equator, the times of sunset and sundown didn’t change throughout the year. It was something he had difficulties getting used to.

  His stomach grumbled. Carlos’ family would eat dinner at seven. This meant he had about one hour...Drake eyed his cell phone.

  Would it be too early to call Roxie? He didn’t want her to feel stalked. Although he longed to hear her sweet voice, he opted for a text instead. A text was non-committal. Ugh. He hated that.

  Hi sweetie. Have a relaxing afternoon?

  When she didn’t answer right away, he put the phone on the nightstand and swept the thumb over his iPad to go over the data he’d gathered on the volcano.

  About fifteen minutes later, his phone chirped and his heart missed a beat when he saw Roxie’s name on it.

  Roxie: I’m fine. Woke up from a nap and found your message.

  Drake: Not enough sleep last night?

  Roxie: Not much, and I’m a little sore.

  Drake: From hiking?

  Roxie: No.

  Drake looked at the screen and smiled. Texting was much safer than talking on the phone and he wondered how she’d answer to his innuendo.

  Drake: Is it my fault you’re sore?

  Roxie: Yes, but I’m not complaining.

  Drake: I didn’t think you were, remember I’m the one who heard your screams.

  Roxie: I took a long and hot shower.

  Blood rushed into his shaft, making him hard within instants. He’d wanted to tease her and now that vixen was teasing him?

  Drake: If I’d been there I would have massaged your aches away.

  She didn’t respond and he feared he’d been too suggestive. But then his phone chirped again.

  Roxie: I thought about you in the shower and wished you were with me. I’m sure I wouldn’t have fallen asleep then…

  Holy crap, that woman was pure dynamite. His first impulse was to get up, drive over to her place and show her exactly what he could do to her in the shower and out.

  Drake: I’m sure you needed your sleep. But I missed you too.

  Roxie: I had fun this weekend.

  Drake: I didn’t ruin hiking for you forever?

  Roxie: No, I’d do it again. With the right guide.

  Drake: So you’d put yourself in my trusty hands again?

  He read those words back and wondered if she would get the double entendre. Her reply said she had.

  Roxie: I liked being in your hands and I’d put myself there again any time.

  Drake: I’ll hold you to that.

  Roxie: I need to get something to eat.

  Drake: Me too. Think of me while you sleep?

  Roxie:

  Drake already missed her and wanted nothing more than to take her up on the offer of putting his hands on her, but she had to work the next morning. Wisdom stated he should stay where he was and follow the plan he’d already formed in his mind.

  He put his phone back on the charger and reluctantly got dressed to have dinner with Carlos and his family.

  Chapter 18

  When her alarm went off the next morning, Roxie awoke and rolled over in her bed to seek Drake’s warmth. But he wasn’t there. A wave of disappointment hit her system, and she had no idea why.

  He’d given her exactly what she’d said she wanted. Freedom. But right now she’d chose him over her freedom anytime. It’s because it’s new. You’ll feel constrained after a few weeks. Determined to get her happy mood back, she looked at the alarm. She could snooze for another hour and still get to school on time if she hustled.

  The alarm reset, she rolled over, hugged a pillow as if it were a man and allowed erotic daydreams to take over. Drake had gotten under her skin and in her head. She had it bad, but that thought didn’t bother her as much as it should have.

  When she arrived at school, everyone fussed over her. Word of her being stuck on the side of the volcano during a snowstorm had spread and every single teacher stopped by to wish her well and inquire if she was alright. Roxie assured her colleagues that she was fine and nothing had happened except for two nights in a cold refuge.

  It was the last week of classes before summer vacation, and her students had put together a small performance to showcase all that they’d learned in English class. She was doing the dress rehearsal with them for the big event ending the school year later this week. Most of the parents would attend and bring friends and family. Her students were a bundle of nerves and she had her hands full assuring them they were doing fine.

  Which was actually good, because it helped keep her mind off Drake. At least during class, because on every break and during lunch, her thoughts strayed back to him. She longed for more than a fling. Much more.

  But while the thought of a long-term relationship with Drake sent a rush of warmth to her heart, it scared her like hell at once. What if being with him would make her feel trapped again? Caged.

  Her phone chirped right after lunch, and her heart lurched when she read the message from Drake.

  Drake: Are you free this evening?

  Roxie: Yes. Why?

  Drake: I want see you.

  He wanted to see her. Despite her initial plan to be aloof and casual, her heart raced and her fingers typed Alright faster than her brain could come up with a reason not to.

  Drake: Great! I’ll pick you up after school. What time?

  Roxie: Four?

  Drake: I’ll be waiting out front.
Think of your favorite places in Quito and show them to me tonight.

  Roxie: Okay. I’ll see you later.

  Drake: XOXO

  Hugs and Kisses. Roxie smiled. Her day had just gotten infinitely better in the space of a few seconds of texting. Drake wanted to spend time with her and didn’t have a plan in mind. On the contrary, he’d put her in charge of where they went and what they did this evening. Anything but boring and predictable.

  Roxie couldn’t dart out of the school building fast enough when four o’clock struck. Drake leaned against Carlos’ Jeep and an amused smile crossed his face when he saw her dashing across the schoolyard.

  He opened his arms and if she’d been unsure how to greet him, Drake had a firm plan in mind. His deep and passionate kiss took her breath away and when she emerged from his embrace much later, she could feel the flush on her cheeks.

  “Hello sweetie, did you have a good day?” he asked and opened the passenger door for her.

  “Yes, and you?”

  “With you in my arms, it just became perfect.” His dark blue eyes bore into hers and more heat flushed her body. Damn. Why did he have to be so desirable? She wanted to crawl across the center console and straight into his lap.

  Drake surrounded the car and sat in the driver’s seat. “Where are we headed?”

  “Old colonial center. I’ll give you directions.” She grinned and hoped he’d like it.

  “So, this is the old part of the city?” Drake asked as he parked Carlos’ Jeep and helped her down from the passenger seat.

  “Yes. It’s an UNESCO World Heritage. Quito was built in the sixteenth century on the ruins of an Inca city and is the best preserved historic center in Latin America. You’ll like it.”

  “I will.”

  Drake looked at her with an expression in his face that said he’d like anything as long as he was with her. Roxie’s heart jumped when he wrapped his big hand around hers and they started walking down the sidewalk.

  They strolled past colonial architecture, large churches, monuments. Several museums beckoned natives and visitors alike. Roxie had been here before, but with Drake at her side, it was different. Romantic.

  They reached the central place, the Plaza de la República, an elegant plaza filled with fountains, palm trees and beautifully arranged flower beds. The Presidential palace, the National Cathedral and several more elaborate buildings with the signature white facades surrounded the Plaza.

  Drake seemed impressed and hugged her tight. Roxie leaned into his arms, watching the hustle and bustle around her. Parents picnicked on the lawns, while their children ran around, playing. While there were some tourists – easily recognizable by their pale or sunburnt reddish skin and their big backpacks – locals dominated the center of Quito.

  “Do you want to visit the Cathedral?” Roxie asked and Drake answered with a nod.

  They entered the huge church through large arches that gave way to even larger ones inside. The ceiling of the church was painted with biblical scenes.

  “It looks a lot like the alfresco paintings you find in the churches scattered around Europe,” he said.

  “That’s because the Spanish built this Cathedral.” Roxie giggled.

  “You are a cheeky little thing,” Drake said and playfully slapped her butt.

  Heat roared through her and if they hadn’t been in a church…They spent several hours walking from cathedral, to monastery, to open plaza, until their feet hurt and their stomachs grumbled.

  The sun had been burning down on the city for most of the day, but with the sun settled behind the horizon, the air turned crisp. Roxie put on her sweater and leaned closer against Drake.

  He gave her an amused smile and wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her tight and warm.

  “Are you hungry?” he asked her.

  “Like a wolf.”

  “Carlos recommended a restaurant and I’d like to take you there if you agree. It’s on the top of hill Itchimbia.”

  Roxie tilted her head, Itchimbia was one of the best areas in Quito and the restaurant up there was famed for its spectacular view of the city and the excellent menu. How could she not agree?

  “I’d love to. Thank you,” she said.

  They returned to their car and drove up the hill. Drake parked before a traditional Ecuadorian restaurant and escorted her inside.

  Roxie gasped when a wet nose brushed against her ankle. Everywhere she looked, she saw dogs. The little mixed breed terrier currently liking her ankle was so cute she squatted down and pet his head while she tried to come to terms with animals in a restaurant.

  “This would never fly back home,” she murmured to Drake.

  “No, it wouldn’t, but it’s a novel idea. Do you like animals?” Drake grinned and stroked the head of a large Labrador seeking his attention.

  “I do, but I’ve never owned one. How about you?”

  “I have two cats that are currently learning to live with a dog. My brother’s girlfriend is house sitting for me and brought her dog along. The cats are teaching him manners and I believe they are learning to share as a tradeoff.” Drake smiled.

  “Your cats are probably going to disown you when you get back home for bringing a dog into their territory.” Roxie giggled.

  “You could be right. Anyway, I talked to my brother last night and he said everyone is playing nice in the sandbox right now.”

  The hostess approached them and showed them their table at the floor-to-ceiling window front.

  “Wow!” Roxie’s eyes popped out at the breathtaking scenery spread out in front of her. The narrow valley with mountains on either side hosted the city of Quito. Darkness had settled and the white and yellow city lights gave an awe-inspiring contrast against the black mountain ranges and the midnight blue sky.

  “Look. That’s the National Cathedral.” Drake stood behind her and pointed toward a brightly lit white building in the colonial center. The streets looked like streams of glowing lava winding down the mountains.

  “Yes, so beautiful.” And romantic. Roxie leaned against Drake’s chest and could feel his pulse ratcheting up. Or was it her own pulse?

  “You know that statue over there?” Drake pointed to a statue on top of one of the hills overlooking Quito.

  “That’s the Virgen del Panecillo. She’s the Patron Saint, keeping watch over the city and its people,” Roxie explained. “We can go up there on the weekend, if you want.”

  “I’d love to,” Drake said and turned her around to face him.

  His blue eyes radiated so much love she got scared. That non-committal thing had already been thrown out like the baby with the bathwater. Now she was planning the next weekend with him? But a sweet kiss on her lips wiped all her doubts away. Over two million people lived in the city at their feet, but in his arms it seemed as if they were in their own little world.

  A waitress brought the menus, and Roxie translated for Drake because it was all written in Spanish. While she was busy searching for the correct words, he took the opportunity to scoot his chair closer to her own, making it difficult for her to concentrate.

  “What do you like to eat?” she asked, biting her lip when he lifted a hand and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, leaving his palm against her neck for a second longer than was necessary.

  “I’m easy. You order whatever you think I might like.”

  Roxie gave him a confused look, but gave the waitress their order for two of the daily specials and a bottle of wine. The plates boasted a smorgasbord of traditional dishes, and Roxie wished the evening would never end. They ate, drank, shared stories of her work in the classroom, and his adventures around the world.

  It was late when he walked her back to the Jeep and then drove her home, keeping hold of her hand as often as possible along the way. He parked in front of her apartment building and turned towards her, searching her eyes before kissing her on the lips.

  Roxie wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. The desire that h
ad been simmering since he’d picked her up earlier that afternoon erupted into full-blown passion. Her entire body tingled and ached. An ache that could only be quenched by his bare skin against hers.

  “Want to come in?” she asked when they had to come up for breath.

  “Not tonight, sweetheart. It’s better if I go and let you get some sleep,” Drake said and pressed another searing kiss on her lips before he pulled back.

  Then he walked around to the passenger side of the vehicle and helped her out, ignoring the frustrated glances she sent him. He walked her up to the front door and then kissed her one last time on the forehead.

  “Sleep tight.”

  Roxie watched him return to the Jeep and drive away, her fingernails digging into her palms as unfulfilled desire surged through her veins.

  To hell with my not wanting to commit. Was this really my idea? I’m going crazy if this continues any longer.

  Chapter 19

  The day of the student performance had arrived and Roxie paced anxiously behind the stage. She wasn’t nervous on behalf of her students, because they were well rehearsed and she was confident they’d do an excellent job.

  It wasn’t even the knowledge that the parents of her students would be watching, including Carlos and Anita. What made the butterflies tumble around inside her stomach was the fact that Drake would be in the audience.

  They’d been calling and texting the last two days, but she’d been too busy with year-end school meetings and getting grades submitted to spend time with him. And now he’d be here. Attending the performance. She was both touched and anxious. Roxie wanted to impress him, but at the same time she was trying to figure out what to do about this supposed non-relationship they had.

  She peeked around the stage curtain and bit her lips when she spotted his dark tousled hair next to Carlos. But she didn’t have much time to get nervous, because the director announced for Roxie’s program to begin. Roxie watched anxiously as her students took the stage, holding her breath until they exited several minutes later.

  Everything had gone off without a glitch and she congratulated each student for his or her performance. The proud smiles on their faces warmed her heart. She’d miss them during the three months of summer vacation.