“I knew I wouldn’t be able to pry it out of her, so I didn’t even try.”
He ducked his head suddenly, avoiding her eyes, then peered at her with a stricken expression.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry about last night, pressuring you like that. I knew better—”
“Stop that right now.”
His eyes widened.
“You have nothing to apologize for. If anyone should apologize, it’s me.”
“But, Chloe—”
“I loved everything you said to me last night, Kyle. If we could live in the romantic world of a barn dance, hiding from the world in a grape arbor, never having to cope with real life, I’d gladly let you sign every line on my dance card.”
“Every line?”
“Except one. There are times when a woman needs the companionship of another woman.”
“A best friend.”
“Exactly. My best friend from Houston is flying in this afternoon. I invited her to come to Ouray, to meet you and Byrdie, so she can help me sort things out.”
“When will she get in?”
“A pilot friend is bringing her in a private plane. They’ll land in Montrose between four and five.”
“No problem. I’ll look forward to meeting her. I hope she likes me.”
Chloe pinched his nose playfully. “I think she will. Any idea what’s for breakfast? I’m starved.”
“Me.” He swept her silky hair back off her shoulder and replaced it with his lips, working his way from one ear to the other, pausing to kiss her lips two, three, four times, lightly on the way across, and again on the way back.
Patience, he told himself with a shuddering deep breath. Slow and easy. He kissed her again, nibbling at her lips until she nibbled back, pressing against him.
“Umm,” she sighed, and opened her mouth to be kissed again, more thoroughly this time.
He laced his fingers through her hair and pulled her closer, running his hands over her back in lazy circles, loving the fragrance of her skin.
“Delicious,” she murmured.
Having her soft and willing in his arms tempted him to forget his plans and stay right here for the rest of the day. “You seem especially happy today. Is it because your friend’s coming?”
“Partly. And a certain trucker from Texas might have something to do with my mood.”
Holding her face between his hands like a rare and beautiful treasure, he kissed her again, barely able to resist scooping her off the floor and carrying her to bed. “I hope you work everything out. You mean more to me than I ever expected could happen in such a short time.” He knew he shouldn’t tell her again, but he couldn’t help it. “I love you, Chloe.”
She ran her fingers through his damp, curly hair, massaging his scalp with little circles. “I know,” she whispered.
They heard knocking next door. Reluctantly, she went into the hall to see who it was, with Kyle right behind.
Greg. The look on his face when he saw them come from Kyle’s room made her cringe. The flush she still felt was like a beacon.
“I’m leaving today. I want you to come with me.”
She didn’t answer.
“I have to get back. I’ve lost too much time already. I’ll be working until midnight for two weeks, to catch up. My boss isn’t thrilled about my taking this unannounced vacation right before my promotion. He’s threatening to cancel that promotion if I don’t show up for work tomorrow.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Sorry for all the extra work you’ve caused me?”
He couldn’t resist leaving her with a load of guilt. “No, the work is your choice, and that’s what I’m sorry for. Just as my life now is my choice. I’m staying in Ouray.”
Greg’s jaw tightened. “With him?”
Kyle took the cue and slipped his arm around her waist. She stepped away.
“Fran is coming today. She and I are going to spend some time together while the two of you go back to work and give me time to sort everything out.”
Kyle frowned. “But Chloe—”
“There’s no reason why I should have to decide my whole future one month after a big change in priorities. I should know by August what I want to do. If either of you can’t wait a month, take it as a sign that it isn’t meant to be.” Just saying the words gave her tremendous relief.
Greg started toward Chloe but she backed up one step.
“All right, if that’s the way it has to be. But, there’s no way I’m going to bow out and leave you to him. You and I belong together. I’ve known it since the day we met. You’ve forgotten what we had once. This isn’t over yet. I’ll be back.” He hurried down the stairs and out the front door.
Chloe dreaded Kyle’s reaction. How would he feel about waiting another month or longer, depending on how she felt In August?
“Kyle, I’m sorry if this hurts you.”
He gathered his courage. Fingering her hair, he muttered, “I won’t forget our time together, no matter what your decision turns out to be. These have been the most precious days of my life.”
She thought she loved him, but was it the kind of love required for marriage, for a life-long relationship? The picture of him in a three-piece suit and tie, punching the keys of a computer, frantically searching stock quotes on a runner, refused to leave her brain. She would not take a chance on the future turning into an instant replay of the past.
Something her mother had once told her—when Greg postponed their wedding the second time—came to mind. She repeated that sound advice to Kyle.
“If it’s love, it will last. You have to trust me.”
“Always. I’d planned to take you on a picnic. Still wanna go?”
“I’ll be ready in two minutes.”
“I don’t suppose you brought a swim suit.”
“To the mountains? You aren’t a member of the Polar Bear Club, are you?” “Hardly. Don’t worry if you don’t have a suit. Guests seldom think to bring a swimsuit to the mountains, so Byrdie keeps a supply on hand. I’m sure she’ll have one your size.”
“We’re going swimming on a picnic?”
“An hour after the picnic. I can’t have you sinking from a cramp.”
<><><>
Kyle took Chloe to a beautiful spot just outside of town, on a grassy slope with a magnificent view of the mountains all around. After spreading a soft green blanket, he opened the basket and pulled out chicken salad sandwiches, potato clips, coleslaw, cherry tomatoes, celery and carrot sticks, and the last of the chocolate chip cookies—all prepared by Byrdie.
“It’s a good thing Fran is coming today. In a couple more weeks, she wouldn’t recognize me. Much more of Byrdie’s cooking and I won’t be able to wear any of the clothes I brought.”
“Then you’re planning to stay at the Nest?”
“As long as Byrdie will let me help with the cooking and cleaning to earn my keep. I can’t imagine living anywhere else in Ouray.”
Kyle grinned at that. He launched into a tour guide type description of each mountain peak surrounding the valley, and about various houses and stores in town he especially loved. He ended with the Uncompahgre River, storming through town, creating a roar that could be heard from quite a distance away. Chloe memorized everything, wanting to learn as much as possible about the place she might choose to live for the rest of her life.
After their picnic, they strolled through the trees for an hour, hand in hand, often in comfortable silence, sometimes sharing funny experiences or mutual feelings about their beautiful surroundings. A brief shower forced them to retreat to a thick canopy of pine branches. When the rain stopped, the sun penetrated the melting clouds and glistened on a world washed clean. Crisp, fragrant mountain air filled their lungs, making their kisses sweeter than ever.
Even though he managed to appear happy, for Chloe’s sake, Kyle was crying inside. By postponing her decision, he couldn’t help thinking their time together could be cut short. If he got
in his truck and stayed away three weeks, as usual, he feared he’d come back to a different Chloe.
He also knew he had to check all his clients’ investments before leaving. Thanks to Cindy’s spreading the word to her friends, he had four new clients this month. He’d have to work late tonight and tomorrow night, and maybe the night after that, to finish them all. Somehow, taking care of a few friends’ investments had grown into a part-time job. And he was getting new clients all the time. They all seemed pleased with how he was handling their money, and recommended him to their friends and associates. Before long, he’d have a full clientele, just as he’d had before. He had a feeling Chloe wouldn’t like that at all.
They bundled up the picnic basket and blanket and drove back into town to the biggest swimming pool Chloe had ever seen. Divided into numerous sections, people seemed to be everywhere. The pool’s jade-colored water steamed in the cool mountain air.
“The water is warm, fed by hot mineral springs that originate beneath Box Canyon Falls,” Kyle explained. “I wish we’d had time today to see the falls, but you’ll find your way up there soon. Take your camera. You’re going to love the pool, I promise.” He pointed toward the ladies’ dressing rooms, then went to the men’s to change into his trunks.
Chloe came out of the dressing rooms wearing a turquoise one-piece suit she’d borrowed from Byrdie. It plunged almost to her navel in front, with gold clips holding it together. It was a bit tight, but judging from Kyle’s grin when he saw her, he didn’t seem to think so. Muscular and lean in his red boxer-style trunks, Kyle met her at pool-side.
“You look beautiful.”
“The suit is a little tight. It wouldn’t have been a month ago. I haven’t been swimming in years. I’m not sure I remember how.”
“Just like riding a bike.” He noticed her shivering, and goose flesh on her arms. “This way to my favorite part of the pool.”
They eased into a small section. Chloe felt the tension in her back and shoulders drain away when the bath-hot mineral water surrounded her.
“Nice?” He settled beside her.
“Mmm. Wonderful.” She leaned against the edge of the pool, eyes closed, close to dozing off. “Why did you wait so long to bring me here?”
“Well …”
“Three’s a crowd?”
“Something like that.”
After fifteen minutes or so, they moved to another section, where the water was noticeably cooler, yet still warm. In this section, they felt more like moving around. In the largest section, the water actually felt cool. Before long, Chloe suggested moving back to a warmer section.
“What an incredible place,” she said. “Swimming in warm water, surrounded by cool mountain air with a fabulous view. In Houston, the water is cool while the air is hot—and no mountain view. I could do this every day.”
“They sell memberships and some people come every day. They’re convinced the mineral content of the water has healing qualities. Personally, I think soaking in hot water every day would do everyone a world of good, minerals or not.”
“What time is it getting to be?”
Kyle studied the position of the sun. “We probably ought to leave in another hour or so. We have plenty of time.”
They soaked in companionable silence for a long time. Then, Chloe felt Kyle’s hand reaching for hers. He took her hand and ran his fingers feather-lightly over her palm, then along the inside of her wrist, and up to the inside of her elbow. She shivered in spite of the warm water, loving the thrill of his touch. She took a deep breath—and reached for him.
Her fingers traced patterns on his arms and shoulders, massaging the muscles, then let her fingers dance over his skin lightly, playfully.
His arm extended behind her and circled her waist. He stoked her gently, yet the effect was the same as if he’d kissed bare skin. She slid toward him until their legs touched. Their breathing deepened and slowed, With their foreheads together, they closed their eyes and savored being together.
When they finally stepped out of the pool, into the cool air, Chloe’s skin tingled and her face was flushed from the heat and being so close. She felt truly rejuvenated—and hungrier for Kyle than ever.
<><><>
They pulled into the airport in Montrose about half an hour before Fran’s plane was due to land. Sipping ice cream sodas, Chloe vowed again to curtail calories before she had to hang all her clothes in the back of the closet and buy bigger sizes. She’d tried to opt for a diet soda, but Kyle had insisted on adding ice cream.
A Cessna 210 touched down about four-thirty. Fran emerged, tall and willowy, with freckles across her nose and red curls flying. She wore jeans and a yellow blouse and carried an overnight bag and a large purse. She started to laugh when she saw Chloe and didn’t stop until they’d hugged each other several times.
The pilot brought two huge suitcases from the plane and set them down just behind her. “That’s it, babe. You’re sure you don’t want me to spend one night and take you back tomorrow?”
Chloe answered for her. “Thanks, Joe, but she’s going to be in Ouray a while—a couple of weeks, if I can persuade her to stay. We’ll call when she’s ready to go home.” She stuck out one hand. “Fran’s told me about you, but we’ve never met. I’m Chloe Llewellyn, and this is Kyle Stanton.”
“Joe Sharp. Glad to meet you.” He shook hands with both of them. “Fran’s told about you, too. I’m going to refuel and try to get back in the air. My brother lives in Lubbock. I thought I’d pop in on him for supper tonight.”
Fran hugged Joe. “Thanks for dropping everything to bring me here.”
“Anytime, babe. You know that. Just call when you’re ready to head east. And don’t forget about that steak.”
“I won’t. Bye.”
They watched while he taxied to a gas pump.
“He’s wonderful, Fran. All you’ve ever told me about him is that he’s a flight instructor. You never mentioned how charming he is.”
“Charming, yes. Serious enough for a relationship, no. Unfortunately, he’s the proverbial fly-boy, with a girlfriend in every airport.” She turned her attention to Kyle. “I would’ve recognized you anywhere, from Chloe’s description. I’m so happy to meet you.”
“Same here, Fran. Would you ladies like to grab something to eat? My treat.”
Chloe linked her arm with his. “Sounds great to me.”
Fran linked his other arm. “I’m starved!”
Chloe laughed. “You’re always hungry, but just wait. You won’t believe what happens to your appetite in the mountains. I’m going to weigh two hundred pounds by the end of the summer.”
“I’ll believe that when I see it.”
Kyle fell silent, letting them talk. He could see why Chloe was happy to see Fran. Vivacious and sharp, curls bouncing when she talked, her smile perpetual, they were like sisters, loving unconditionally, sharing everything. Having Fran visit would be a positive thing for Chloe. He only hoped Fran would encourage Chloe to listen to her heart.
“Chloe and I have been friends since the third grade,” Fran told him. “We used to play with Barbie and Ken dolls at recess. You remind me of the Ken doll I had. Same color hair and eyes.”
“They used me as a model for that doll,” he said smugly.
“Just as they used Chloe for Barbie. I’ve always told her she looks like a living Barbie doll. Don’t you agree?”
“Actually, I think Barbie looks like a bag lady, compared to Chloe.”
Chloe rubbed his arm affectionately, ruffling the hair on his arm until he sucked in a deep breath.
“Flattery will get you ice cream on your cobbler for dessert.”
They put Fran’s luggage in the trunk of Chloe’s car and all three got into the front seat, with Chloe in the middle.
Fran dug into her purse, a huge thing with three sections and four outside pockets, two of them with zippers, and pulled out a Teddy bear.
Kyle laughed. “I see you brought a friend.”
“Ted E. Bear. He belongs to Chloe. When she called, I thought she might appreciate having him close by again, so I used my key to her house and brought him along.”
Chloe hugged the little bear, surprised at the nostalgia and love he brought to mind. She’d had Ted so long she couldn’t remember not having him. It had never occurred to her to bring him when she left Houston. Leave it to Fran to know exactly what would make her feel better.
Kyle smiled in an odd way. Chloe held up the bear. “Did you have one like this when you were little?”
“Not just like it, but sure, I had a Teddy bear. In fact, I— Never mind.”
Fran and Chloe exchanged conspiratorial looks.
“Shall we tickle the truth out of him?” Fran suggested.
“Don’t tempt me, ladies. Tickling is an art. I’m a master.”
“So, spill it,” Fran said.
“Truckers have call names to use on CB radios. Mine is Teddy Bear.”
Chloe exchanged another look with Fran, then poked his ribs. “You made that up.”
“If we were in Durango, I’d prove it to you.”
“How?”
“My rig’s there, with proof in the cab—a big Teddy bear, buckled into the front seat.”
Fran’s smile stretched wider. “The name fits you perfectly.”
“Someday,” Chloe teased, “you’ll have to tell me how you got that name—and that bear.”
Kyle grinned with mischief. “I’ll think about it.”
They stopped at a restaurant and went inside. “We never did have breakfast.” Kyle ordered pancakes and eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy.
“Do you plan to take most of that home for breakfast in the morning?” Fran teased him. She ordered a cheeseburger and fries.
“There won’t be anything left to take home. You’ll have to see what Byrdie has around for midnight snacks.”
Chloe ordered a grilled chicken sandwich, no fries, and a green salad, determined to nip expansion of her waistline while she still could. She couldn’t wait to show Fran Ouray, the Nest, and everything wonderful about her new home. The thought made her shiver. Home. She’d already started thinking of it that way. Just as she’d gotten used to Kyle’s bring part of her life …
Kiss Me, Chloe Page 16