by Mary Quast
“Oh, it is.” She eyed him as if he were covered in chocolate. “Trust me, it is.”
He‘d love to be devoured by her. But licking the rich dark syrup off her skin would be a decadent dessert of his own. Or maybe whipped cream spread across her belly. Would she moan as he sucked it off a pert nipple? He imagined her lips sucking on a cream-covered strawberry, or, better yet, seeing them wrapped around his cock. Those lovely lips covering him while her tongue lapped….
“You are in the Rose Cabin on Cherry Lane,” Danny said, interrupting Dyami’s wayward thoughts before he acted on the urge to kiss her. “Here are keys for both of you.”
Amanda stared at the gold keys on the counter. “Both of us are in the Rose Cabin?”
“Yes, ma’am. That’s the way the reservation was made. Is anything wrong?”
“Um...no, not at all. We’re fine, thank you.”
“Perfect.” Dyami mumbled under his breath, though his brain screamed, more than perfect! He slid a credit card across the desk with instructions to bill all expenses to him.
“Great! Unfortunately, the storm knocked out power to the indoor pool, but it should be restored on a generator soon. Our resort is completely booked and will probably get noisy once the pool opens back up, but you have a really nice, quiet cottage.” Danny handed them a packet of information. “By the way, you are the first guests to stay in the Rose Cabin since we completed renovations. You’ll love the new fireplace, especially on a night like this. Wood is stacked right outside the door on the porch. If you need more kindling or anything else, let me know. Remember, my name is Danny, and I will personally ensure your stay is enjoyable.”
“Why do I get the impression he’s willing to join us?” Amanda whispered, reaching for her bag.
Dyami kept his voice low. “Do you want me to invite him?”
“No!” She slapped his arm.
He grabbed her wrist to hold her close for a moment and smiled. She’d appeared to accept the accommodations and gave the impression she was comfortable with him.
“By the way, how tall are you?” the boisterous clerk chirped. “Are you a bodybuilder or something?”
With a groan, Dyami faced him just as Amanda burst into laughter.
“Well, Danny, I’m six-foot-seven and just an ordinary Joe with good genetics.” He hoped to hear more of Amanda’s laughter. “Hey, is there any dancing around here?” He planned to take her out before bedding her. After all, that’s what women expect. Right?
“We usually have a live band in the main bar, but they’re currently stuck in Ashville.” Danny made an exaggerated sad face. “Sorry.”
“You mean to tell me, a big fella like you dances?” Amanda waved her hand in circles.
“Damn right.” With a fluid motion, Dyami lowered her into a deep dip and hovered his lips over hers. “All the men in my family are good dancers.”
“I don’t think there’s anything ordinary about you, Joe.” Her lips parted.
“Who the hell is Joe?” He muttered in mock jealousy as he drew her upright then turned toward the desk.
“There is a decent stereo in your cabin.” The clerk passed back the credit card. “The snow hasn’t knocked out the satellite yet. Next to the TV, you will find a list of all the stations, and there is a nice variety of music ones.”
What could be better than being snowed in with a gorgeous woman? Dyami planned to pull out all his charms and romance this gal. Sexy as hell, with a wit to match his, she also held an appreciation for a well-made pizza.
“I’m hungry.” She moved closer. “Are you?”
Definitely a woman after his own heart.
“Can we get pizza delivery?”
“To be honest, the best is made at the gas station a mile north of here. I’m sure they won’t deliver in this weather, but you can call in your order and pick it up. They’re usually really fast. I even have a coupon you can use.” Danny handed it to him.
Shoving it in his pocket, Dyami lifted Amanda’s bag and led the way to the door then paused to watch her tug her worn gloves on. Damn, everything she does is sexy as hell. He pictured her sliding a stocking up her leg in the same easy manner.
“You don’t have to pay for my half of the room,” she said in a low voice. “I can pay my share.”
“Nope. Tonight is on me. You can pick up the next one.”
She not only laughed but didn’t contradict his declaration that another night would happen.
They stepped outside. Let it snow, let it snow! The wind whipped snow in all directions, and ice crystals bit into the unprotected skin of his hands.
“The blizzard is here.” She tugged her coat closed. “We’d better hurry if we’re going to get that pizza.”
“I agree.” He snaked an arm around her and pulled her into an embrace. Pleased with how easily she wrapped her arms about his neck, he didn’t hesitate to kiss her. Frigid mountain air lashed on all sides of them, and she held him tighter and opened her lips to allow him entrance. She tasted better than a sugary cinnamon pastry, and he hungered for more. Unfortunately, his hungry stomach growled, disrupting the moment.
“Wow?” He grinned and stepped back.
“Yeah, wow.” Grabbing his jacket, she jerked him close again and planted another quick kiss on his mouth. “So, are you going to call for that pizza, or am I?”
Chapter Two
While Dyami ordered their pizza with meats, extra cheese, and anchovies on the side, Amanda buckled her seat belt and took a moment to study him. The large vehicle fit his wide shoulders and bulky frame. Dark jeans, work boots, and a heavy coat gave him a rugged appearance.
His black hair cut in short military style, with spikes tipped in silver at his temple. Women paid good money for that same effect, but his appeared to be natural. He probably never used a comb or brush, just ran his fingers through it and started his day. The strands framing his forehead were pure white.
Oddly, he triggered a childhood memory of an elderly Native American man with snow-white hair. The man had been someone very important to his tribe, enough so that everyone, even members of her family, addressed him as Grandfather.
Dyami had the nose of an aloof aristocrat, but his dark eyebrows arched with expression whenever he spoke, softening the regal face. Clean-shaven, except for a triangular soul patch under his lip and a neatly trimmed beard along his jawline, he appeared badass and confident. Prominent cheekbones, combined with a coppery complexion and pale yellow eyes, created an exotic appearance. With his sexy bad-boy looks, he should have dressed in all leather.
Definitely one delicious piece of man candy she couldn’t wait to unwrap. Amanda imagined what had to be well-defined pectorals and bulging biceps hiding under the heavy coat. If he had washboard abs, she’d jump at the chance to lick thick, warm chocolate-fudge topping off them. Hopefully one night with him would end her craving.
“Let’s get the pizza then head to the cabin.” He dropped the phone in a cup holder.
She spoke matter-of-factly. “We should pick up some chocolate or caramel syrup, too.”
He blinked sinfully long eyelashes and as the suggestive words sank in, he smirked. Leaning over the center console, he framed her cheek with one large hand. His eyes bore into hers as he took her mouth in a searing kiss that ended much too soon. “You got something planned for dessert?”
“Maybe.”
He flashed perfect teeth in a full grin then cranked up the heat in the truck and put it in gear. The goatee on his chin, and the dark brows, gave him a devilish appearance and, when he smiled, she ached to climb all over him. A wild night with a handsome Indian was what she’d requested, but had received much more.
The truck jerked, turning her attention to the storm. Working his way along the precarious road, he hit a pothole, and the vehicle lurched again. A dream catcher swayed from the rearview mirror. Gems stitched within the web reflected small facets of light, giving her a distraction from her fear of crashing into a tree along the road.
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“So is Dyami a Native American name?”
“Yes, it means ‘eagle.’” With a quick glance in her direction, he caught her interest in the dream catcher. “The gems are the birthstones of the members of my family. My mom made it to symbolize the idea that wherever I go, my family is always with me.”
“That’s really nice.” Amanda touched a feather hanging from a leather cord. “I have a large family, but sometimes consider them a nightmare when they stick their noses too far into my personal life.” Dyami’s answering deep laugh resonated through her.
They shared funny stories and similar complaints of interfering siblings until they found the station. No cars in sight, but several snowmobiles lined up for gas. He left the vehicle running and ran into the shop, quickly returning with a steaming box and a brown paper bag.
“The dude behind the counter gave me a weird look when I put the syrups on the counter.” Dyami placed the bag between them. “I grabbed a pint of vanilla ice cream, just in case.”
“Just in case of what?” Amanda took the pie from him and placed it on her lap.
“You change your mind about dessert.” His head dipped low, and he flashed a sideways glance.
The hunger in his eyes kick started her anticipation into overdrive. She wouldn’t be enjoying a sundae in typical fashion. But she needed to cool down a bit or she’d force him off the road. Time to switch topics.
“Do you have a dog?”
He kept his focus on driving, but frowned. “Shit, does it smell like critter in here?”
Amanda indicated over her shoulder with a thumb. “No, I just noticed the Indian blanket in the backseat looks like a cozy bed for a big dog.”
“Mo is a ninety-pound black Lab. That’s his spot to crash when he’s not riding in the front with me. A buddy of mine is taking care of him for me. He has Mo’s siblings, Larry and Curly. His sister runs an animal rescue and we offer to foster, but every time we help, we end up adopting them.”
“Sounds like you’re a sucker for an animal in trouble.”
“I think you’re right. Hell, I even have a couple of rescued horses as well.”
“Horses were my favorite animal when I was growing up.”
“When I was a kid, I knew a girl who loved horses and took me riding one summer. I’ve been hooked on the beasts since.”
“So was it the girl or the horse that got you hooked?”
“The girl, of course.” Dyami winked then a shadow passed over his face.
“A girlfriend?”
“You could say that. I considered her my best friend, and the feelings were there. We were just kids, though.”
A fleeting memory from her childhood of horseback riding with a Chippewa boy flashed in her mind. She’d enjoyed riding the horses they’d often rented during their summers on the lake. “Did you name your horses after old-time film stars?”
“Actually, I named my geldings Abbott and Costello. You ought to hear me when I’m in the pasture hollering for Abbott. “
“Hey, Abbott!” She pictured him imitating the famous comedian from the 1940s. “I loved those old movies.”
“I used to watch them every Sunday afternoon. My barn cats are Laurel and Hardy.” He never took his eyes off the road. “Listen to me, I’m babbling senselessly. Do you like animals?”
“I had a variety of pets growing up and always wanted a horse but never got one because I lived in the city. My sister and I rented horses for an entire summer and kept them at our grandmother’s place. But if I could bring something home in a jar, it ended up in my bedroom and drove my mom crazy. Right now, I have a rescue lab mix named Ginger, who is staying with my sister. I’d still like to have a horse someday.” Amanda glanced out the window and saw nothing but white. “Are you sure we’re going to make it back?”
“No problem.” He winked.
Amanda hated storms of any kind, but Dyami drove with confidence and held her hand with their fingers interlocked while effortlessly plowing through the storm. The simple gesture comforted her. He pointed out the splendor of nature cloaked in a blanket of snow. Within moments, his deep voice lulled her nerves and the sense of easy familiarity increased.
After traveling down a winding lane deeper into the woods, they found the cabin. She carried their dinner while he brought their overnight bags. Trudging from the truck through a foot of snow, they stepped onto the quaint porch. Seasoned wood had been stacked neatly by the door, just as the front-desk clerk promised. Dyami keyed the door and allowed her entrance first. Burgundy drapes covered the windows lining log walls. Hardwood floors covered with Turkish rugs and woodland décor gave the place a cozy atmosphere. River rock formed the new fireplace and chimney, and a bar constructed of logs and rock graced one end of the room, with a small refrigerator located underneath.
She slid the pizza box on the coffee table, set the bag of syrups on the counter, and the ice cream in the tiny freezer in the kitchen. Hanging her coat on a hook behind the door, she slipped out of her boots and set them near the door. A fruit and cheese basket, including two bottles of wine, rested on the bar with a note.
Amanda scanned it. “The basket is from Madame Eve.”
Dyami paused from building a fire to listen as she read.
“‘Take a step into the past before you dance into the future. The only greater feeling in the world than moving in rhythm together and letting the world around you disappear is looking into the soul of your partner and seeing yourself.’” Amanda glanced up at him.
“She reminds me of a shaman.” He shook his head.
“Yeah, this makes her sound like a real mystical lady.” Amanda put the odd message down and lifted one of the bottles. “Do you prefer red or white?”
“Let’s start with the red.” He shucked off his coat and wet boots then resumed lighting the fire. “The white might be sweeter and perfect for later.”
She trembled with anticipation of what later would entail. “Would that be before or after dessert?”
He kept his back to her, but she heard a deep chuckle. Squatting over the hearth, he watched the tinder glow and begin adding larger pieces of wood. His baggy pants pulled tight over his thighs to reveal a squeezable butt. Despite him being the sexiest Native American man she’d ever seen and how badly she wanted to do more than squeeze him, something about him seemed increasingly familiar. With his unusual looks, she would have remembered seeing him before. Biting her lip in frustration, she turned her attention to their dinner and opened the wine and filled two glasses.
A click of the stereo launched a mix of blues and jazz music, creating a melody with the crackling flames, and she swayed her hips in rhythm. Dyami moved in behind her and, without a word, seized her waist, joining her rocking movement in time with the music, his body radiating warmth. He drew her into his arms and nuzzled her neck until shivers of excitement descended her spine.
“Do you like to dance?”
“I love to.” She faced him and rested her hands on his chest. “When I was a little girl, I’d stand on my dad’s feet and dance with him. Now I can’t find a dance partner tall enough.”
“I think we’re a perfect fit.” Dyami drew her against his hard body to emphasize the truth in his words.
The open zipper of his beige sweater exposed a white T-shirt beneath. A flying eagle carved into a silver arrowhead hung from a black leather cord around his neck. Red and white beads graced each side of the pendant.
“I like your necklace.” She traced his collarbone. “Does it mean something special?”
“Thanks. My father gave it to me years ago.” Dyami placed a quick kiss on her forehead. “The arrowhead symbolizes bravery and successful hunting. I guess that comes with being the best deer hunter in the family. The flying eagle is the badge for strength and honor.”
“Did you know the colored beads have meanings, too?” Amanda pinched a bead between her finger and thumb. His raised eyebrow urged her to explain. “Red denotes courage, confidence, and vitality.
Red also refers to a person being very passionate about whatever he’s doing. White is the color of purity and flawlessness.”
“Red is the ideal color for me, but you are perfection in my eyes.”
His rich tone dropped and struck a chord of arousal, tempting her to kiss him. His soft lips responded to hers with casualness, as if they’d kissed hundreds of times. Under her palms, his heartbeat echoed hers.
The tune on the stereo changed, and the tempo of the music increased. She followed his lead and slid her arms around his neck. Catching one hand in his, he led her in a dance, and she floated on air until the song finished. He stopped and gripped her waist, his pale eyes sparkling in the firelight.
“I would like nothing more than to continue dancing with you, but I’m starving,” he said with regret. “And our dinner is getting cold on the table.”
Laughing, she led him to the pizza. This handsome man delighted her in every respect. She loved her lighthearted reaction to him and, at the same time, couldn’t wait to jump his sexy bones. Each moment of the single night she had with him would be spent releasing every longing, desire, and fantasy. Once satisfied, she would walk away in the morning. But will it really be that easy?
He picked up a slice of pizza and took a bite. “Hey, this is good!”
She took a glass from him and circled around the table to the couch. Changing the subject, she asked, “You drove well in the snow. Are you from a northern state?”
“I spent some time in Alaska, as well as Minnesota and North Dakota. But I’m a Michigander. I can drive in anything.” He reached for another slice. “If you don’t like Michigan weather….”
“Wait five minutes because it will change,” she said, finishing his statement. “I’m from Michigan, too!”
He couldn’t speak with his mouth full, but his eyebrows arched in surprise. She remembered the gift she’d brought for him and jumped up to rummage through her bag. Plucking out a small, wrapped item, she sat next to him again.
“I brought you something. You’ll probably think it’s silly, but I made it just for you...this...our date.” Suddenly nervous, she hoped he’d like her gift.