Mark frowned. “After all the work selling doesn’t make sense.”
“Might be the only way to get rid of Stella and Peggy.”
Was the bartender right? He pushed to his feet. “See you.”
As he left the inn he saw the Jeep in the lot. She was home. He strolled down the path lit by small lights on poles. He paused near the steps to her porch. He considered knocking but the house was dark and their son was there. The moment he saw her he wanted just one thing…sex. With a shrug he continued toward the cottage.
He slumped on the couch and reached for the remote. He found the notebook he thought he’d left on the porch under a cushion. Someone had moved it. Who and why? He had locked the door when he left for dinner. Anyone reading those cryptic remarks would have no clue what he’d meant.
He flipped on the television, surfed a bit and found a ballgame. Though Boston and San Diego weren’t his favorites, watching would eat time. He glanced at the clock and shook his head. How many Friday nights had he ever spent with just himself for company?
During a commercial break he grabbed a can of soda and one of peanuts. The game ended. He stretched out and surfed the channels. He yawned. Must be all this fresh air. He drifted off and woke to the sounds of an informational.
The next morning at a few minutes before seven he stood in the shower. After dressing he headed to the inn for a meal heartier than coffee and cookies. As he strode along the path the door of Christa’s house opened. His son jumped down the steps. Mark halted and devoured the scene.
Davy skidded to a halt. “Are you really my dad?”
Mark sucked in a breath. “What did your mom say?”
“She said I didn’t know you ‘cause you didn’t know about me and that wasn’t fair. She said you were nice and she likes you.”
Mark bent until he was eye level with his son. “Things happened that we can’t change. I know now and I’m here. I hope to spend some time with you.”
“My half aunts say you’re rich and can buy me anything I want. Can you?”
Mark straightened. “I could buy you breakfast if you’re hungry.”
“Starved. That’s where I was going. Saturday I eat breakfast at the inn so Mom can have her “beauty” rest.”
“I don’t think she needs any.” Even thinking about Christa raised a body reaction.
“Me either.”
They walked to the inn and were shown to a table. “What do you recommend?” Mark asked.
“Waffles with maple syrup from our trees. The chef makes honey butter with some kind of nuts if you want that. Ham and eggs with hash are good. Don’t like the omelets. Mom does.” Davy’s eyes twinkled. “The coffee cake is like dessert.”
“I’ll have the waffles with a side of ham,” Mark said.
“Me, too with OJ and cocoa.”
“The juice and coffee for me.”
The waitress brought two glasses of orange juice and a coffee carafe for Mark. She returned with a steaming pot and a dish of miniature marshmallows.
Mark cradled his cup. “If I could buy you a gift, what would you choose?”
“A new bike but Mom says I have to earn the money for it.” He sighed. “Taking forever.” Davy stared at the table. “I’d also like a brother or even a sister but you can’t buy one.”
Mark nearly choked on the coffee. “True.”
“I used to wish for a dad but I didn’t tell Mom. That would have made her sad. She went out with a couple of men but I didn’t like then. Guess she didn’t either. Wasn’t that lucky?”
“Guess so.” Mark put his cup in the saucer. “You have a dad now.”
“’Cept you don’t live near us.”
Davy was right but living with them was part of his plan. If Davy approved his desire was solid. Mark savored a bite of the waffle. He had a second prong to add to his attack. He hadn’t used a condom with her and he didn’t intend to start. He would have Christa any way he could manage.
Davy put his fork on the plate. “If you could hire me to do a job or two so I could earn some money. I would be closer to having my bike.”
Mark nodded. “I’ll figure something but I have an idea I need to run past your mom.”
“You could come home with me. If we take her a piece of coffee cake she’ll bless us.’
“Sounds like a plan.” When the waitress brought the bill, Mark smiled. “And a piece of coffee cake to go.”
The woman winked at Davy. “For your mom?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll cut a big piece.”
Davy looked at Mark. “Could you give me some money for the tip? Mom always does.”
Though he’d planned to add the tip to his credit card he checked the total and handed Davy a bill. Once he’d signed the slip the box arrived. Mark strode beside his son. At the house they entered the foyer. Mark looked at the assortment of photos on the wall. Many showed the inn at different times of the year.
“Mom,” Davy shouted. “We’re home and we have coffee cake.”
“Bless you.”
Davy turned to Mark. “See. I told you.”
Mark straightened. Christa appeared at the top of the stairs. Her tousled hair raised memories of the weekend when they’d made love dozens of times. He shifted in an attempt to ease his erection. Christa’s expression told him she knew. Did she feel the same urgent need? As she started down the stairs he caught a tantalizing glimpse of her long legs.
* * *
Christa froze on the landing. She grasped the railing so tightly her fingers blanched. Mark and Davy looked like what they were…father and son. Even their stances mirrored. Ten years ago she’d fallen in love with Mark. She was inches from tumbling again.
She forced herself to walk. Her robe covered her completely but her awareness of the short nightgown beneath her robe made her face heat. As she drew closer her gaze slid from his face. The bulge in his jeans told her Mark was primed. A burn of desire began. Her breasts felt tight and full. A pulsing began low in her belly. For a moment she thought about last night and of how much more satisfying the encounter with Mark had been.
“Mom, we need to talk to you about something.” Davy thrust the container of coffee cake into her hand.
“And that is?”
“Can he buy me something I want?”
Before she had a chance to answer Mark held up a hand. “Whoa, son, I said I wouldn’t buy anything without your mother’s permission. There’s a limit. No motorcycle or speedboat.”
Davy laughed. “All I want is a bike. The half aunts said you could afford anything I want.”
“Your mom’s the boss.”
Christa led the way to the kitchen where she brewed two mugs of coffee. “How much are you willing to spend?”
“That’s your call.”
Christa pointed to the chairs. “Sit and we’ll talk.” She opened the container and pulled off a piece of the pastry. “Your aunts have nothing to say or do about what Mark and I decide.”
Davy scowled. “They think they do. They’ll throw fits and you’ll give them what they want. All I want is a new bike, not a cruise and new clothes. I’ll never save enough money.”
Mark cleared his throat. “I should go.”
Christa thudded her mug on the table. “You’re staying. Didn’t you say he is ours?” She put her arm around their son’s shoulders. “The half aunts won’t be here forever. Last night I told them to look for jobs and an apartment. I won’t be giving them everything they want.”
“Will they listen?”
Christa sucked in a breath. She would remain firm with Peggy and Stella. That was a must.
Mark covered her other hand. “Can I make a suggestion about the bike?”
“Why not? He’s your problem, too.”
Mark laughed. “Now you’re willing to share. Here’s my suggestion. When I was a boy and wanted something my dad said he would match anything I saved. I would like to do the same for our son.”
Christa met his gaze
. Why hadn’t she thought of that when she’d set out to raise Davy differently than the girls. “Sounds reasonable. Since he has working parents I’ll do the same.”
Davy bounced to his feet. “I have fifty two dollars and ninety five cents.” He headed to the door. “There’s something I need to do. When are we leaving?”
Christa looked at the clock. “Eleven.”
“I’ll be at the inn. Come for me there. Some guests will leave and new ones come. They might need help with their bags. I’ll get my money now.” He ran from the kitchen and pounded up the stairs.”
Mark shook his head. “Quite the go-getter.”
Christa ate another piece of coffee cake. “We may have created a monster with this idea.”
“I’d rather see enterprise than demands.” He paused. “Lunch is my treat.”
“I won’t argue.” She held a piece of the sweet roll to his lips.
“You’re asking for trouble.”
“Am I?”
Mark took the bite and rose. “See you at eleven.”
She clasped his arm. “We need to set some ground rules. Come with me to a place where we won’t be disturbed.”
“Where?”
“You’ll see.” She led him to the stairs. “Davy won’t come back unless we’re late. We have time.” She stood on the bottom step.
Mark pulled her into an embrace. “Feeling needy?”
“And you aren’t.” She brushed a hand over his fly. “I want you.” She caressed his erection. “Seems you have a need.” She stopped out of his arms and dashed up the steps.
He caught her at the top. “Are you sure?”
“Very. And you?”
He laughed. “I’m always primed when I’m with you.”
She clasped his hand and led him to her bedroom. “My room. My bed. My choice. If the door’s closed no one will enter.” She stood on her toes and pressed her mouth to his. The kiss continued until she felt dizzy.
He released the belt of her role and pushed the cloth from her shoulders. “Like opening a present.” He knelt and ran his hands up her legs until he reached the hem of her thigh length nightie. He pushed the silky material up and continued his exploration. Through her panties he swiped his tongue across her clip.
“Mark, please.” She burned to feel his skin on hers.
He rose and brushed her lips with a kiss. “Do you want to stop?”
She drew a deep breath and caught the scent of him. “No but you have too many clothes.”
“What will you do about that?”
“Time for me to unwrap my package.” She reached for the bottom of his sweater and pulled it over his head. Her hands splayed on his chest and felt his muscles move. Her hands slid down and reached the snap of his jeans. She ran her hand over the zipper. “Ready, are you?”
“I only need to be in the room with you.” His voice emerged in a husky growl.
She touched the zipper pull. He’d said those words to her years ago. She’d thought his lust had produced the words. Had she been wrong? She wanted to believe him then and now. Slowly she inched the zipper down. His erection sprang free. As she pulled his jeans over his hips his growl sent a wave of desire through her.
Mark kicked off his sneakers. As he pulled off his jeans he removed his socks. His gaze roamed over her body. “You are perfect.”
Christa ran a finger over his erection. “You’re not so bad either.” Her hand curled around him. She loved the intent look in his eyes. She knelt. “Let me taste you.”
“Be my guest.”
She ran her tongue along his shaft and circled over the tip. She slid her lips over and drew him slowly inside.
“Enough,” Mark cried. “I’m primed and ready to explode. I want to be in you.”
She walked to the bed. “Last night I lay here thinking about us and that great weekend and the awful ending.” Her hands caressed his chest. She saw desire in his eyes. One of his hands slid over her belly.
Mark knelt between her legs. He held himself. “I’ve something better than just thinking.”
Jolts of erotic currents rolled through her body. She wrapped her legs around his hips. “Mark, oh, Mark.” Her dries turned to gasps. She was poised on the edge of an explosion. He thrust three times and erupted at the same time as a climax shuddered through her. As her breathing slowed, aftershocks rippled.
Mark gazed into her eyes. “Ready for another go?”
She stroked his sweat covered chest. “Even you aren’t that hungry.”
He chuckled. “I know but it’s a good thought.” He pulled her close and kissed her gently. “With you each time is an adventure and more potent.”
“I know.” Sadness crept into her thoughts. The together time would end. She must let him return to his life. Though he would visit Davy, how long would his desire for her last?”
“We need to do something about this attraction,” he said. “I want years with you.”
“Do you mean that?” How could she be less skeptical? Did he mean to turn each visit with Davy into a sexual encounter with her?
“I do. Give me a moment to recover.”
She tried to hide the forming tears. “You’re insatiable.”
“Probably.” He leaned on one elbow and stared at her. “First we need to talk.”
Knowing what he would say she nodded. Was this the beginning of the end?
He clasped her hand. “We’ve been very active and I haven’t used protection. Have you?”
“I’ve had no reason to use birth control.”
He placed their joined hands on her abdomen. “You know what happened years ago. That’s not an option today. Marry me.”
Christa drew a deep breath. “How? I live and work here. You live in New York. Until I find a buyer for the inn I’m stuck. I want to go back to college and finish my degree. A long distance marriage isn’t a good idea.”
“You’ve got that.” He kissed he tip of her nose. “You don’t need to stay here until the inn sells. You don’t even have to sell. Find someone to manage the inn. Have one of the cottages or the house set aside so we can visit once a month.” He kissed her lightly. “We’d better shower and get ready for our lunch date.”
“You’re right about that.” She pressed her face against his chest. “As for your other plans, I need time to think.”
* * *
Mark stepped into the shower and reached for the soap. When the door opened wide enough to admit Christa he captured her for a kiss. “Wish we had more time.”
“We don’t but if you wash my back I’ll do yours. You have no idea what a luxury that can be.”
“I have a good idea.” He took the cloth from her. “There’s no one to do mine either.” He rubbed the soapy cloth over her back and bent to kiss her shoulders. As the warm water rinsed the lather away his lips moved along her spine. He felt her response and wished they had more time to explore.
“Why such a big shower? Four people could fit comfortably.”
“My father’s idea. During the ski season he rented the house. Four bedrooms, three with bunk beds. Two pullouts in the family room and one in the living room. Winters we lived in the cottage where you are.” She reached for the cloth.
“Thus the amenities there.”
“My step-mother would have lived there all year. She liked the smaller space and the Jacuzzi.”
The cloth touched his back. “Where did you sleep when you came home from college?”
“On one of the couches in the main room.” She sighed. “That was one reason I only returned for winter break and in the summer.”
“Will you marry me?”
She laughed. “I thought you were giving me time to think.”
“I have.”
“Ten minutes.”
“Seemed longer to me.” He wrapped his arms around her. “I’ll keep you here until have the answer I want.”
“What if Davy comes looking for us?”
He groaned. “You win.”
S
he turned off the water. “I’ll tell you tonight. Our son might now like the idea.”
“I think he will.” He stepped out and tossed her a towel. “I love you.”
“Mark.”
“I mean those words.”
Christa wrapped her arms around him. “I love you.”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “We’d better get dressed before I take you home.” He stepped back. “In December you’ll be attending a double wedding.”
She made a face. “Do not consider a triple header.”
“No way. If Davy agrees, what about next Saturday?”
“We’ll see. I haven’t said yes.”
“You will.”
Chapter Six
Mark settled in the passenger’s seat of the Jeep and fastened his seatbelt. He would rather drive and use his car but there wasn’t room for three people and the bike they planned to buy. When he’d offered to drive the Jeep Christa had laughed.
“My car. My neighborhood. I know the roads.”
“I’ve driven to town.”
“Won’t hurt you to be a passenger. Are we quarreling? Not a good idea. I have yet to answer your question.”
She was right. He wanted nothing to ruin the rapport between them. He was nine- tenths along the way to obtaining his goals. Though he had proposed and she hadn’t refused he needed the answer to be yes. Once he’d spoken to Davy there would be no contest. Mark turned his head and looked at his son.
Though belted in Davy managed to bounce. “This is so cool. Two of my wishes in one day.”
Mark chuckled. “The third may take some time.”
Christa glanced at Mark. “Just what is that about?”
“When the time is right you’ll know.” Mark stared out the window so she wouldn’t see his grin. He recalled the early morning chat with his son. A bike, his dad to live with his mom. A brother or even a sister. That wish might be in the works…unless Christa used birth control.
“He can’t tell you,” Davy said. “It’s our secret.”
Mark winked. “When it happens there will be no questions. You will know.”
Seducing the Innkeeper (At First Sight Book 3) Page 6