by Starla Kaye
She looked hesitant about shifting the conversational focus. Then she said, “Let’s just say some of the ugly skeletons from my closet are out now.”
Implying she’d talked about her marital problems. Damn, that had to have cost her. He walked to the sofa, sitting beside her, worried and proud at the same time. “You can be tough when you want to be.”
She shrugged. “It’s taken me hours of therapy sessions and earning a brown belt in karate, but, yes, I’m getting tough again.”
He didn’t want to think about why she’d had to toughen up again. He didn’t want to think about his heavy workload or the problem about moving his practice.
“I know you didn’t feel comfortable taking over as secretary while Ellen is on maternity leave. But would you consider staying on as our office assistant? After your community service ends.” When she flinched, he wished he’d never mentioned that part.
She shook her head. “You don’t need me there. And, if you leave, I’m sure your father doesn’t need my help at all. Ellen is more than capable of handling everything.” She looked at him directly. “Because of what I did you were forced to make a position for me. We both know that’s the truth.”
He couldn’t deny it. “Yes, but—”
“No. As much as I haven’t disliked the job after a rough start, I need to move on. I’m hoping someone in town will be willing to take a chance on me as an employee. Maybe the diner.” Frustration lingered in her tone.
She got up to look out the window at the main house. “I’d hoped to spend most my time remodeling, but that goal has certainly changed. The house doesn’t need me anymore,” she added wistfully.
Guilt weighed on him, although the situation wasn’t his fault. He hadn’t known how much she wanted the place. He hadn’t even known she would ever be coming back to Petersville. Still, he hated the slump to her shoulders, the sadness the emanated from her. The remodeling he and his father had done couldn’t be undone.
“I’m sorry, Antoinette.”
“It is what it is.” She took a second and turned around.
He stood to finally remove his coat, then laid it over the back of the sofa. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you I managed to get in touch with the Carter family representative.”
“It’s not good, is it?”
“Complicated.” He blew out a breath of irritation. “William Carter had no idea that his cousins - Donald and Harold Caruthers, twins - were trying to sell the house. They have no right to do so. The family had pulled the listing from the real estate firm Harold worked with. They were considering just having the place torn down, and then try to sell the lot for some kind of commercial use.”
She paled. “Torn down?” she questioned in disbelief mixed with horror.
He hated to do it, but she needed to know the rest of what he’d found out. “Before I called Carter, I tried to get hold of the Caruthers brothers. Harold’s phone has been disconnected. Donald’s phone just goes to voicemail, except the box is full, so you can’t even leave a message.”
Tears glistened in her eyes. “I…I should have known there was more of a problem than Donald Caruthers said.” She shook her head. “I tried to get in touch with him, too. I left message after message, which were never returned.”
Meeting his gaze, she said in defeat, “So not only I have lost a considerable amount of money, but also the house would never have been mine.”
“Ours, either,” he admitted. He still couldn’t believe neither he nor his father had pushed on the matter more. All the money they’d spent remodeling… “But this isn’t over.”
A faint hint of hope crept into her eyes. “It’s not?”
He walked toward her, remembering more of the discussion he’d had with Carter. “I had a long talk with Carter. He’s agreed to sell the house. He’s actually relieved to do so. He’ll get the last signature needed and then get the title cleared for the sale.”
“That’s good, right?”
“Yes, in a way.” There was more she needed to know. “He’s going to try to find the Caruthers brothers and have the family’s lawyer file charges against them. But, Antoniette, I doubt either of us will see the money we paid as down payments again.” Which really angered him. Yet they’d all been too naïve about the situation and now they were learning an expensive, painful lesson.
She looked sad again, but accepting. “The family will sell the house to you and your father. You’ve already spent a lot of money on the remodeling.” As he nodded, she added, “I guess I’ll need to look for another place to live as soon as I can.”
“I’m sorry.” He hated the way the situation had worked out, but he and his father had made a serious investment. When he’d told Carter about what they’d done, the man had immediately agreed that they had more of a right to the house than Toni did. Good for them; bad for her.
“You can live here in the carriage house apartment as long as you want.” He knew it was a small offer, but he hoped she would accept it. He didn’t want to see her move out. If she wasn’t going to continue working for them, at least he could see her when she came home. He could watch over her.
“That’s kind of you, but…” Those beautiful eyes held tears once again.
He had to go to her, hold her, and somehow comfort her. She didn’t resist when he put his arms around her. She buried her head against his chest, sliding her arms around him as well.
The scent of her softly enticing perfume drifted over him. As with each time he held her, she felt so right in his embrace. He stroked her back. “If I could—”
“What’s done is done.” She eased away to look up at him. The defeat in her that he’d witnessed and that had torn at him seemed to be gone. “I’ll be all right. But I will take you up on staying here a while longer.”
Relief spread through him and he smiled gently. “As long as you like.”
“I’ll need to pay rent, of course.”
“No!” he countered, knowing his father wouldn’t want it, either.
She smiled finally. “We’ll discuss it later.”
He would avoid the subject. What he couldn’t continue to avoid at the moment was how much he wanted her. He needed to be with her as much as he needed his next breath. His erection pressed between them and he was certain she felt it.
“I…” He glanced toward her bedroom and back at her curious expression. “Can I…” He couldn’t finish the sentence. His physical longings were not her problem. Another man had already used her for his personal satisfaction. He couldn’t do it. And he had nothing to offer her besides good sex. He’d been truthful when he’d told her relationships were not something he was good at. She deserved someone in her life who could give so much more than he was capable of.
“How about we not analyze this to death?” She looked at him as if she’d read his thoughts. “Neither of us is ready to take on something complicated.”
“I wish…” He wished things were different for both of them. But this was their reality.
She shook her head. “Not now.” She rubbed his back, moved even closer to him. “How about we forget all the problems for a while? How about instead we…” She gave him a tempting smile.
His heart raced with anticipation. “The cast is gone, but…well, I’m still not completely healed.” He’d almost forgotten about his injured and still weak arm until he realized it would still be a problem for him.
“We’ll figure something out.” She released him and then took hold of his good arm and tugged him with her toward the bedroom.
Even though she’d do this, Toni was panicky. Their first time together had been intense, which had surprised her. She hadn’t thought about wanting anything to do with having sex after how Stanley had treated her. Yet it had been so different from her other experiences. Chad had let her be in charge. How many times had she thought about what they’d done since then? A lot.
Still, as she led him to her bedroom and the neatly made bed, nerves fluttered in her stomach.
Could she really do this?
“We don’t have to…” he said as she released him just inside the room.
She studied him for just a second. Everything about him was more than ready. His vivid blue eyes had darkened to almost navy. His jaw was tense and his nostrils flared as he drew in a deep breath. And when she glanced lower, she saw the thick erection she had felt between them pushing at his slacks. It made her swallow anxiously. He was so big, but she’d had no problem taking him inside her the last time.
“I should probably go,” he suggested, though he didn’t look like that was what he wanted to do.
“No. I want to do this. Really.” She shoved away her concern. This man would never hurt her, she knew that. He continued to look uncertain until she pulled her sweater over her head. His eyes widened as he focused on her breasts, which made her nipples harden beneath the lacy bra. She felt moisture between her legs and soaking her panties. She ached for him.
She kicked off her shoes, then stripped off her jeans and socks. Standing there in only her bra and bikini panties, she felt apprehensive. But she wouldn’t back down now. “Maybe you can…”
He took the hint and removed his clothes in probably record time, even with his bad arm. They fell scattered to the floor around him, much as hers had. “I want this more than you can imagine.”
With a smile, she nodded at his shaft, thick and long. “Oh, I can imagine.”
Frustration filled his expression. “As much as I want to lay you down, stretch over you, it’s not possible.” He glanced at his bad arm.
“You want to be in charge this time,” she said in understanding. She actually wanted that, too. But they would have to do things another way. “We can do this.”
She slipped out of her panties and removed her bra, throwing them aside. She knew a way he could be in control. With Stanley, she’d hated it. Because he’d taken her in both places, and she’d whimpered with the embarrassing invasion to her private place. But this was Chad. She trusted him with her body, and she was beginning to trust him with her heart.
Decision made, she went to the side of the bed. “I know a way.”
He didn’t move. So she went to side of the bed, braced her arms, and thrust out her bare bottom. Sensing him watching her, she spread her legs apart, giving him a view of her that made her a bit uncomfortable. This is Chad. Relax. Her pulse raced and she fought down the compulsion to change her mind. It would be okay, with him.
Finally he eased behind her. When she peeked back at him, she saw that he’d retrieved a condom from somewhere, probably from his wallet. He rolled it on, breathing hard as she observed him. She was trembling with need, so desperately ready.
She should look away, but she couldn’t. As she waited, he slid his free hand between her legs. An instant later he pulled it away, grinning with pleasure at the wetness coating his fingers. Why wasn’t she embarrassed? Why did just seeing the glistening on his fingers make her desire him all the more?
“You’re taking so long,” she said breathlessly, frowning.
“I guess it’s time to get started.” He stroked his thick shaft while she shivered with anticipation. Their gazes met and he gave a wicked grin. “Thank you for letting me do this.”
He stroked himself again, then guided the cock until it touched her pulsing, swollen lips. The sight was exciting to watch, but she had to turn her head away. She didn’t want him to see how badly she wanted him. It would be there in her eyes, she was certain of that. She braced herself mentally and physically. And waited.
But he didn’t keep her in suspense for more than a second. He gripped her hips with his big hands and the elastic bandage rubbed lightly against her. She barely had time to think about it before he drove deep inside her.
“Ohhh. Oh my,” she gasped at the fullness.
“Are you all right?” he asked in concern. He held still in her body and she quickly adjusted to the thick invasion.
She pressed backward and his balls met her bottom. She shivered, longing for more.
“I take that for a ‘yes.’” He pulled nearly out as she moaned in disgruntlement. He chuckled and thrust deep once more. “Demanding woman, aren’t you?”
Every inch of him smoothed against her sensitized skin, rubbed places inside her in such a delicious way. But a demanding woman? It had been a long time since she wanted a man to have his way with her. Stanley’s way had never been enjoyable, at least not for her. A thought which annoyed her. Stanley was in her past. Chad just might be her future. An idea that worried her.
Enough thinking about that! “How about speeding it up a little?” she beseeched, quivering all over.
“Yes, ma’am.” He began driving back and forth as she’d requested. His grip on her hips tightened and she heard his heavy breathing.
A part of her braced for roughness, for his undeniable power over her. Not Stanley. Remember that.
He eased back on the rhythm, moved more gently. “I want this to be good for you, Antoinette.”
She could sense how much this slowing down was costing him and that knowledge endeared him to her even more. He wanted to make her climax first. Another special gift from him. The notion, along with the steady drive in and out, touching the most intimate part of her, had her panting. She squeezed her eyes shut as the sensations built.
“You’re almost there.” As if understanding exactly what she needed, he thrust a final time deep and stopped moving.
She flew apart, crying out in ecstasy. Her head dropped to the quilt as she sucked in calmative breaths. She’d climaxed repeatedly their last time together. He’d been determined for that to happen. But this…
He held still behind her with his shaft buried deep inside her. “Let me know when you’re ready,” he gritted out.
She was having trouble focusing again, but when she started to speak, he suddenly tensed.
“Did you hear something?” he asked gruffly.
“No.” She kept her head down, wanting him to drive her out of her mind once more.
He didn’t move.
Then she heard something, too. Was someone climbing the outside stairs? Had they locked the door? Oh, God, don’t let anyone…
Chapter Ten
“The door,” Toni gasped. “We didn’t lock it.”
Damn, she was right. He held still as footsteps seemed to stop at the top of the landing. Whoever was about to interrupt his precious time with Toni was not going to find them like this. He pulled out of her warm body with great regret and straightened. He looked for his clothes, which were mixed up with hers a good eight feet or more away.
Before he could do more than turn around, the front door burst open, banging against the wall. “Where the hell are you, Toni?”
“Stanley?” she whispered in horror.
Fury stiffened Chad’s back. In the next breath, her ex-husband stormed into the bedroom doorway.
“Get the hell out here!” he snarled.
Instead, Beaton barely gave him a glance and focused on Toni. Chad knew that she hadn’t moved, clearly shocked by what was happening. It outraged him that this scumbag was seeing her in such a private position.
Eyes narrowed in disgust, Beaton commanded, “Get up, you slut!” He stepped into the room. “I’ve come to take you home where you belong.”
Chad growled and strode toward the scowling man. Beaton’s eyes didn’t look right, something was definitely off with him. His clothes were wrinkled, too. His hair mussed and appearing greasy. He was far from the man always seen in various media as Mr. GQ. Unstable. Dangerous. Had he been drinking? Was he on some kind of drugs?
Behind him, he heard Toni scrambling to stand. Her clothes were too far away for her to reach, lying on the floor between him and Beaton. There was a small rocker by the window near the bed and he remembered seeing an afghan on it.
He faced her for an instant, nodding at the rocker. “The afghan,” he directed.
To his relief, she snatched it up and drew it around her. She sta
rted moving toward him, but he shook his head. “Stay back.”
Another sound outside caught Chad’s attention and he turned back to face Beaton. As he did, the man’s closed fist plowed into his jaw. Unable to catch himself, he stumbled backward and ended up sitting on the end of the bed. He wiggled his jaw with his good hand. Not broken, but he knew it would hurt like the devil later.
The footsteps he’d heard seconds ago hurried closer and Chad knew whoever it was had entered the apartment. Shit! He was bare-assed naked, but he was more concerned about Toni. She would be mortified.
As he stood, she rushed past him straight toward Beaton. “What do you think you’re doing? How dare you…”
He cut her off by grabbing her arm and pulling her toward him. He slapped her with his other hand. “You’re coming with me.”
She hissed in pain. “You’re crazy!” She jabbed upward at his chin. As he lost his tight hold for an instant, she jerked free.
Chad moved behind her at the same time her father and Alex strode into the room. Both men looked angry but uncertain how to proceed. Her father studied Chad’s nakedness, yet he didn’t say a word. What could he say? His daughter was an adult and she stood wearing only an afghan in front of her fuming mad ex-husband. It was obvious what they’d been doing. He hated that what had been something private between them wasn’t any longer.
Beaton took advantage of everyone’s silence and discomfort. He reached for Toni again. But she leaned backward, arms crossed over her chest, and shot her bare foot right into his balls. He dropped to his knees, cupping himself, breathing raggedly, and glaring murderously at her.
Chad winced, as did her father and Alex. Although furious with Beaton, Chad allowed him a couple of seconds to deal with what had to be agonizing pain. Then he moved around Toni at the same time the other men did. “You sonofabitch,” he growled. “You don’t belong here or anywhere near Toni.”
His eyes watering even as anger filled them, Beaton snarled, “She’s my wife. I came to take her back with me.” He glowered at her, spat out, “Cuckolding me. You’re going to pay for that.”