by Jenn Roseton
“Was it Victor?” She couldn’t help the edge of panic in her voice.
He shook his head. “No. It was a kid.” He sounded disgusted.
But after her bad dream last night, the possibility their near crash was due to Victor’s machinations preyed on her mind. “What if he paid someone to run us off the road?” She twisted around in the seat to face him, suddenly wincing as her ribs protested.
“I seriously doubt it. He doesn’t know we’ve swapped cars and since he doesn’t have a GPS tracker on us, I don’t see how he could organize something like that.”
Phoebe nodded, allowing Cole’s sensible reassurance soothe her.
“Let me check you’re okay.” Cole cupped her face, his eyes scrutinizing her expression. “Where does it hurt?”
Wishing it hadn’t taken a car accident for him to touch her like this, she replied, “I think I’m fine.” She bit her lip as her ribs suddenly ached. “Mostly.”
“Where?” He lightly ran his hands over her, starting from her shoulders and ending at her knees.
“Here.” She placed a hand on the seat belt above her plump ribcage. “Just a little.”
He touched her ribs underneath the safety belt, her nerves sparking at his touch. “I think they might be a little bruised.” At her inquiring look, he elaborated, “I took a first aid course when I was a cop.”
“What about you? Are you hurt?” Although the fleeting contact of his hands had felt professional and not sexual, she still felt bereft when he took his hand away.
“I’m fine.” He smiled reassuringly at her.
“But you’ve got a bruise.” She reached up and gently stroked his forehead. “Right here.”
He closed his eyes for a second, almost seeming to lean into her touch, before snapping his eyes open. “We better get going - if we can.” He turned the key in the ignition.
Phoebe held her breath, hoping the engine would start and they could get away from the cliff top. The vehicle purred to life, relief rushing through her. Cole was right - the sooner they got off this curving highway the better.
Cole reversed, then drove carefully, keeping well under the speed limit. “Is something wrong with the car?” she asked, glancing at his almost grim profile.
He shook his head. “I don’t think so, but I don’t want to take any chances. As soon as we get to a town we’ll stop and get it checked over. I’ll also call my buddy on the force in Cheyenne and see if he can dig up anything on Blackwood’s past.”
She nodded, thinking she’d be glad to stand on firm ground again. Although his expert driving had saved them from a head-on collision with the madman behind the wheel of the red car and flying off a cliff, she suddenly wished they didn’t have to drive all the way back to Cheyenne.
They finally descended and drove along the flat, gray highway. Phoebe let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.
“Hastings View should be coming up in a few minutes,” Cole said, glancing at the GPS. “We’ll find a repair shop and make sure everything’s all right.”
They drove through the outskirts of Hastings View, Cole pulling up outside a small mechanic’s that looked neat and clean. She was surprised to find her hands trembled when she unfastened her seat belt. Her knees wobbled when her feet hit the ground.
“I’ve got you.” Cole quickly caught her shoulders, helping her regain her balance.
“Thanks,” she breathed, wondering how he’d managed to be by her side so quickly. She straightened her shoulders. “I think I’m okay now.” More than anything, she wanted Cole’s touch, especially after the crash, but she didn’t want him to think of her as a clinging limpet. She was just glad he was all right. If he’d been seriously hurt … she didn’t even want to think about it.
Cole took her hand and practically towed her toward the interior of the shop, her hand tingling from his touch. Luckily, the mechanic had just finished eating his lunch and agreed to look at the SUV for them.
“There’s a motel down the road, if you folks need to freshen up.” He pointed to a single story brick building a block away. “It might take me a couple of hours to give this vehicle a proper going over.”
Cole nodded, scribbling his cell phone number down for the grizzled mechanic.
“Come on.” He grasped her hand and gently tugged her toward the street. “Let’s check out that motel.”
They walked side by side down the main street. She noticed Cole matched his stride to hers and couldn’t stop a small smile from gracing her lips. Although she still felt a little shaken, she couldn’t deny how good it felt to have her hand clasped in his.
Built of light brown brick, the motel flashed a vacant sign near the small office. When the teenage clerk asked how long they’d be staying, Cole shrugged noncommittally, saying he wasn’t sure, before paying for one night in cash.
He ushered Phoebe into the small room, three doors down from the office. Faded drapes tried to keep out the summer sun, while a large bed dominated the room. The carpet was shaggy beige that had seen better days, but looked clean.
“Want some coffee?” Cole held up the coffee pot.
“Please.” Maybe sipping a hot drink would soothe away her ragged nerves. She entered the tiny bathroom, noting the sparkling shower cubicle, basin and toilet, before turning her attention to the mirror. Smoothing down a few strands of her hair, she was surprised to find she didn’t look like someone who had almost teetered on the edge of a cliff.
She walked back into the room, putting her purse down onto the Formica table. “Thanks.” She wrapped her hands around the black coffee mug, hoping its warmth would soothe her.
“We can see if we can find something to eat while we wait for the SUV,” Cole offered, swallowing a mouthful of the hot brew.
“I’m not very hungry,” she murmured, taking another sip of her coffee before placing the mug on the table. She’d thought having something hot to drink would help make her feel better, but her stomach had started to churn after the second sip. “But I can stay here while you--”
“I don’t think I’m very hungry either.” Cole smiled ruefully when they both spoke at once.
She looked into his dark brown eyes, feeling wobbly all over as the memory of the almost collision flashed through her mind. “What if that car had hit us?” Her voice cracked. “Or we crashed down the side of the cliff?”
“Phoebe.” He set down his mug and gathered her into his arms. “It didn’t. We’re safe.”
Telltale moisture clung to the corners of her eyes. “But what if you’d been killed?” Her voice muffled against his strong chest, she wasn’t sure if he’d heard her at first.
He tilted her chin up, his eyes glinting with tenderness. “I’m fine - we both are, apart from your ribs. Nothing happened to that idiot, either.”
“But what about the SUV? Your brother--”
“If there is something wrong with it, I’ll pay to get it fixed. Don’t worry, Garrett will understand.” He stroked her hair, while his other hand remained wrapped around her waist.
Phoebe relaxed into the caress. She’d never have forgiven herself if something had happened to Cole. A couple of minutes later, she finally felt ready to leave his arms - reluctant but ready.
“Thanks,” she whispered, taking a small step backwards. Cole’s arm tightened around her. “Cole?” Sexual tension simmered in the air.
“I don’t know what I would have done if something had happened to you.” His jagged voice pierced her heart. His hand slid from her hair to her curvy waist.
Her mouth parted, but no sound emerged.
“How are your ribs?” He gently explored her ribcage. Before, when he’d checked her ribs in the SUV, his touch had been soothing and professional. Now, it was more than that - so much more. His fingers caressed her through the smooth cotton fabric of her blouse, sending shivers of longing down her spine.
“I think - I think they’re fine,” she managed to say, her hands clasping his shoulders.
“Good.” He lowered his firm, sensual lips to hers.
Phoebe breathed in his masculine scent of cedar as she parted her lips in surrender. She just couldn’t fight her attraction, or her feelings for this man any longer. Her hands curled into his shoulders as he deepened the kiss.
She’d never been kissed like this before. Cole put her previous boyfriends to shame. Her lower body quivered when his lips trailed down her neck, nipping and laving her tender flesh.
“If anything had happened to you …” he repeated in a tender growl, before capturing her lips once more.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, glorying in the sensuality of the moment. His fingers traced her rounded ribcage, then cupped her breasts. Her pulse thrummed in her throat at his touch.
“Cole?” There was a hint of uncertainty in her voice. Although she wanted to make love with him, she didn’t know if that was what he intended. She might as well face it - she was in love with Cole Trask. But even if he desired her enough to want to take her to bed, what would he think when he saw her nude? Would he still be turned on - or turned off?
“I need you, Phoebe,” he muttered against her lips, before branding her with a searing kiss. Cole started to walk her backwards to the bed.
Desire screamed through her, although she couldn’t help feeling self-conscious. “Are you sure?” she gasped, when he gently bit her earlobe.
“Hell, yeah,” he growled, molding her to him, letting her feel just how much he wanted her. “Let me make love to you, sweetheart. I promise you won’t regret it.”
In answer, she kissed him passionately, tugging his head down. This might be your only chance to love him. Men like Cole didn’t come along too often. Why not live out the fantasy she’d had ever since she’d met him?
Flipping back the bed covers, he urged her to sit on the bed. “Let me look at you.” Cole unbuttoned her lavender blouse. Heat rose in her cheeks as he gazed at her pale pink bra hugging her generous breasts. “Beautiful,” he breathed, tracing circles around her stiffened nipples, clearly visible through the lacy scrap of fabric.
His scorching touch sparked her nerve endings. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment.
“Look at me,” he commanded, ceasing his movements until she opened her eyes. “Do you know just how much I want you?”
She shook her head, her heart racing.
“More than you’ll ever know.”
Cole yanked off his t-shirt, dropping it to the ground. He unfastened his jeans, the rasp of his zip echoing in the sexually charged atmosphere. Her eyes widened as she saw the evidence of his desire.
Common sense suddenly flashed a warning. “Do you have …” she hesitated.
Understanding lit his passion-filled eyes. “In my jeans.” He dug out his wallet and ripped it open, taking out a small foil wrapped package and placing it on the nightstand.
He tilted her chin up and kissed her once more. Her hands fluttered against his bare shoulders, his flesh warm to her touch. Cole eased her back on the bed until she lay down against the cool cotton sheet, her head resting on a soft pillow, the bed surprisingly comfortable.
“Let me see you,” he rasped, unsnapping her bra and pulling the straps down until her generous breasts were bared to his hungry gaze.
She gasped as he brushed his thumb over each stiff peak in turn. Never had her breasts felt so sensitive before. The pad of his thumb against her aching nipple made her shiver with longing … for him.
Tossing her bra onto the empty side of the bed, Cole continued his exploration, his warm lips trailing a path of fire toward her belly, taking special care with her ribcage. She held her breath when his nimble fingers unfastened her skirt. Parting the zipper, he peeled down the dark fabric, until her whole body was exposed to him, only her lacy panties shielding her from his passionate gaze.
What was he thinking now he could see her naked body? Was her belly too fat? And her thighs? They were so plump and soft. She shifted restlessly beneath him. Her body wanted so much more, something she knew instinctively only he could give her, but did he still desire her now that he saw what she really looked like?
“Let me love you.” He caressed her thigh, his finger brushing the leg of her panties, before trailing up her stomach.
“Yes,” she breathed, clutching his back, his powerful muscles shifting and flexing beneath her fingertips. “Cole.”
His mouth covered hers hungrily while at the same time he tugged down her panties, the silky fabric whispering against her skin. Phoebe’s hands moved lower, until they grazed the waistband of his briefs.
“Phoebe,” he groaned, his lips descending along her body, until they explored her hot, wet folds.
She arched beneath him, excitement swirling through her. His tongue and lips on her secret nub felt so delicious. Finally exploding underneath him, her body writhed and shuddered before she coasted back to earth.
For a second she couldn’t move. She’d never experienced anything so intense before. Suddenly aware of his body poised over hers, she smiled tremulously at him. That was--”
“Just the beginning,” he finished hoarsely. He fused his mouth to hers, his body lowering over her bare flesh until she could almost feel his weight on top of her. He grazed her ribcage with his fingers. “I’ll be careful,” he promised, kissing her neck before his lips closed over her hard, sensitive nipple.
Warmth engulfed her at his thoughtfulness. She’d been right to take a chance on this man, this moment. She gloried in the evidence against her hip that he was still attracted to her, even now, when she was totally nude and lying underneath him.
He yanked off his briefs, reaching for the foil wrapped package. A rip sounded in the air.
“Are you ready for me, sweetheart?” He expertly rolled the rubber sheath on his large, hard shaft.
His finger teased her inner lips and she squirmed, wanting more of his touch, but also wanting him. Inside her. Now.
“Yes,” she gasped. “Please.”
Cole gently parted her thighs a little wider, easing himself into her snug channel. Her breathing shredded, her fingertips digging into the small of his back as they became one.
“So good,” he muttered, withdrawing slightly and then thrusting back into her. Cole surged into her again and again, gently at first, then harder and faster. Phoebe wrapped her legs around his waist, gasping at the extra friction. Never had she felt so cherished, yet so desired. She moaned against his lips, unable to believe that she was going to climax once more.
“Cole!” Her whole body quaked with ecstasy at the same time Cole increased his thrusts, finding his own release in her honeyed depths.
Her arms wrapped tightly around him, Phoebe’s thoughts drifted, an occasional aftershock spasming through her. Sex had never been so wonderful. Until Cole. Until now. She’d never felt so complete and fulfilled as she did right at this very moment.
CHAPTER 7
A loud buzzing sounded close by. Phoebe stirred, realizing her arms were trapped. Blinking her eyes open, she found herself nestled in Cole’s embrace. A glow swept through her as she remembered the incredible lovemaking they’d just shared.
Cole muttered something, his arm groping for his clothes on the floor. A moment later, he was out of bed, reaching for his jeans.
“Cole Trask.”
Her eyes feasted on him as he answered his cell. He had his back to her, and the firm planes of his muscled torso and tight butt made her stomach flutter.
“Okay, thanks.” He snapped the phone shut and turned to her, seemingly oblivious to his nudity. “That was the mechanic. The SUV’s ready.”
“So soon?” Her eyes flickered to the digital alarm clock next to the bed. “Oh!” They’d been in the motel room nearly three hours.
Cole grinned, planting a tender kiss on her bare shoulder. “Want to use the bathroom first?”
She stared up at him, heat rising in her cheeks as images of them entwined in the bed flashed through her mind. “No, you have it firs
t.” They might have just made love, but was she ready for him to see her nude after the heat of passion left his eyes?
“I’ll only be a few minutes,” he promised, picking up his clothes and striding toward the bathroom.
Phoebe flopped back against the pillows, admiring his nude form once more. Then, realizing this was her chance to dress in privacy, she jumped out of bed and yanked on her clothes. She’d just finished tucking in her blouse when Cole opened the bathroom door.
“All yours.” He gestured to the tiny room.
She glanced shyly at him. Her hair must look a mess. As she passed, he pulled her to him, claiming her lips. Melting into the kiss, she wound her arms around his neck.
Cole eventually ended the kiss. “We’ll get going as soon as you’re ready.”
“Okay.” She smiled up at him, wondering if the love she felt for him shone in her eyes, and half hoping it wasn’t. What if this was just a casual fling because of their proximity and attraction to each other? She’d been attracted to this man ever since she’d jumped into his car, but had it been the same for him? Or had his offer to help her been purely altruistic?
And now? What were his feelings towards her? She wanted to blurt out she loved him, but something made her hold back. She didn’t know if she could bear for her heart to be crushed if he didn’t feel the same way towards her.
Phoebe closed the bathroom door and then realized she’d left her purse in the other room. Her hair didn’t look too bad though, and after finger-combing her locks a few times, she didn’t look as if she’d just spent a passionate afternoon in bed - except for her slightly swollen and reddened lips.
Taking a deep breath, she opened the door. She could do this. She was twenty-seven years old. It had been her choice to have sex with Cole - beautiful, amazing sex. And she knew she’d never regret it.
“Ready?” He reached out his hand. Her pulse pounded.
“Ready,” she murmured, placing her small hand in his large, capable one.
They walked to the repair shop hand-in-hand, her arm tingling at the contact, wondering if they were actually a couple now. Resolving to just enjoy the moment and not continue to wonder what Cole was thinking, Phoebe wished the garage was a little further away.