Welcome Home, Bobby Winslow

by Christyne Butler

  Her hands moved to his jaw, cradling his face as he pulled her close, aligning his cheek to hers. His uneven, desire-filled words of encouragement, almost incoherent at times, created a delicious heat inside her that grew and built.

  She felt his controlled restraint and it pushed her higher, knowing he was holding back for her. She loved him all the more for it.

  “That’s it, baby, right there. Slow and easy. Yes…”

  A tiny moan caught in her throat as her body swelled and convulsed. Shuddering sensations caused her to tighten around him. He let her know how close he was; she was right there with him. Together they fell over the edge.

  Moments passed as they clung to each other, their breathing a seesaw action until they found a slow, matching rhythm.

  “Please tell me I can take you to my bed.” Bobby’s words were a reverent whisper. “Tell me this night isn’t over. I’ve finally got you in my arms again. I’m not letting go.”

  His words thrilled her as she pressed kisses to his forehead, closed eyelids, the tip of his nose. “I’m not going anywhere but upstairs with you.” She finished with a hard press to his mouth. “As soon as I can find the strength to move.”

  “Hold on to me.”

  Forever, she thought, forever and ever.

  Chapter Fourteen

  A half hour must’ve passed before Bobby had tried to stand with Leeann in his arms, but she’d spouted off so many reasons for him not to play the hero and try to sweep her off her feet, he finally shut her up with a deep kiss.

  Then they’d grabbed a couple of robes from the pool area, gathered their scattered clothes and walked to his room instead, arm in arm, whispering and laughing, touching.

  She’d stiffened when they entered his dark bedroom, so he’d quickly hit the light switch that turned on the lamps on either side of his bed. Then he’d headed for the bathroom declaring he needed a shower, his heart flipping over when she shyly asked if he wanted company. They’d enjoyed his glass-enclosed, multihead shower and amidst the bright lights and pounding spray, he made love to her all over again.

  After they finally crawled beneath the sheets, he’d reached for the light, but Lee’s hesitant touch stopped him. It tore at him when she said she never slept in complete darkness. He reminded her of that night in his bed a couple of weeks ago, but she pointed out his television had been on.

  The lights stayed on. Not that their brightness stopped them from drifting off to sleep.

  It was almost midnight when Bobby awoke, loving the feel of Leeann in his arms as she lay sprawled across his chest.

  “Hmm, I’m starving,” she mumbled, snuggling into him. “What’s that wonderful smell?”

  Bobby looked down at her, still not quite believing what had happened between them in the past few hours. He’d never expected her to show up tonight, despite the overwhelming need to call her once he and Zip crossed the state line.

  Hell, he’d wanted to talk to her every day he was gone, but he’d been crazy busy for hours at a time with all the things he needed to take care of before heading back to Wyoming.

  Things he now needed to talk about with her.

  Her eyelids fluttered open and she tilted her head back to look at him. Golden hazel eyes, soft and sleepy. Bobby’s heart pounded out an erratic beat as he read the naked emotion on her face.

  She loved him.

  And he loved her.

  Neither of them had said the words aloud, so maybe he was making assumptions, but he knew that his heart had always belonged to this lady, even during their years apart. But was love going to be enough?

  “Bobby?”

  What had she asked him? Oh, right. “Ah, that’s a CrockPot of spicy Italian chicken that’s been slow-cooking for most of the day.”

  “You haven’t even been back in Destiny that long.”

  He smiled at her. “Zip made it in the camper’s kitchen in the early hours of this morning somewhere between Lincoln, Nebraska, and here.”

  “Well, it smells amazing.” The rumbling of her stomach had both of them laughing. Leeann sat up, holding the sheet to her breasts. “And since I’m obviously running close to empty, I’m going to make up a tray and bring it back here. You hungry?”

  He reached out to brush his thumb over her full bottom lip, his gaze traveling over her beautiful neck, bare shoulders and toned arms. “Yeah, you could say that.”

  “I meant for food, cowboy. Man—or woman for that matter—cannot live on love alone.”

  Her words caused both of them to go still. Then Leeann dropped the sheet and crawled out of the bed. The sight of her gorgeous nakedness took his breath away, even after she covered it with one of the robes from the end of the bed.

  “So, do I bring back enough for two?”

  Bobby hated that she wasn’t looking at him, but he didn’t know what to say other than, “Sure. I’m starving, too.”

  She padded out of the room.

  He headed for the bathroom, grabbing a pair of sweats from his dresser on the way. Returning, he straightened the covers, propped up the pillows and sat again. He stretched out his legs, crossed his ankles then uncrossed them. The remote control for the television sat next to the bed, but he resisted the temptation.

  In its place, he grabbed the remote for the gas fireplace and seconds later, a fiery blaze warmed the room. Pressing another button, he dimmed the lights now that the fire added a glow to the room.

  Setting the scene for more romance instead of talking?

  A flash of guilt stole over him.

  He and Leeann needed to talk. About the camp, about what happened during his time back in North Carolina, about the future. But did it have to happen tonight?

  Weren’t they allowed a bit more time away from the craziness of the outside world? They were finally connected again. He didn’t want to jeopardize that.

  Leeann came back into the room, a large tray in her hands teeming with dishes of steaming food, a bottle of wine, glasses and napkins.

  “This stuff is amazing,” she said, smiling as she set the tray in the middle of the bed. “I couldn’t resist tasting it as I pulled everything together.”

  Bobby grabbed the wine and glasses and moved them to the bedside table. He poured as Leeann hiked her robe to midthigh and gingerly joined him, being careful not to upset the food. The deep neckline of the robe gaped open and he could see the creamy curve of her breasts.

  She handed him a plate filled with slices of Italian bread and spicy chicken then took the wineglass he offered her. As she leaned back to place it on the table next to her, the material covering her legs silently slid to the side, revealing her long legs.

  Suddenly food was the last thing on his mind.

  After she lifted her own plate, he noticed the laptop nestled at the bottom of the tray.

  “I know, I know.” She waved at the computer and the robe’s opening separated another inch. “What can I say? It called to me and I was helpless to resist.”

  He was starting to know the feeling.

  “I didn’t realize computers could do that sort of thing,” he said, forking a pile of chicken onto the bread before taking a huge bite.

  She grinned and did the same, a look of ecstasy rushing over her features as she chewed.

  Okay, that helpless feeling of surrender just centered itself in Bobby’s lap.

  “Oh, my, this is good,” she moaned around a mouthful of food. “I’ve got to get the recipe from Dean.”

  “Forget it. He guards it like a state secret,” Bobby said with a grin, loving this side of her as he took another mouthful of food and chewed. “It’s the one meal he can make that the ladies can’t say no to.”

  “I can understand why. It’s the best thing in the world.”

  He sank into the comforter, lowering to one elbow and bringing their bodies closer together. He trailed his fingers high on her thigh, slowly gathering the cotton material of her robe until he found her smooth, warm skin. “Hmm, I wouldn’t say it’s the b
est thing.”

  She leaned toward him, her hair falling slowly to curtain her face. Her lips parted in a silent request. He complied, letting her set the pace as her mouth settled on his. Lightly teasing, then more urgent and pressing, she explored his mouth. He loved her taste, one part spicy and one part sweet. A mix of chicken, wine and her, it was a heady combination that left him wanting more, wanting her all over again.

  Ending the kiss with a low growl of approval, Bobby took her almost empty plate, laid it atop his, then set them next to the wine. He got rid of the tray and turned back to her.

  She slowly pulled one end of the robe’s belt until it loosened and gave way.

  Her chin lifted in that familiar proud tilt as she parted the material, revealing herself to his heated gaze. He quickly rid himself of his sweatpants, crawled back across the bed and moved between her open legs.

  Gently pinning her to the bed beneath him, he heard her rush of breath as she clung to his arms. He loved the feel of her spread beneath him, but he held back his desperate longing to press their bodies together.

  “Is this okay?” he whispered, supporting his weight on his forearms as he traced her cheek with his finger. “The first two times you were…well, the one in control.”

  “Considering we were standing in your shower the last time I think that was more fifty-fifty.” She shifted her hips, pressing the hot ridge of his erection to her belly. “And this is definitely okay.”

  “One word…” He slipped his finger to her chin and made her look at him. “That’s all you need to say.”

  “I know,” she whispered. “I know.”

  He buried his face against her neck, touching a trail to her breasts with his hands. Molding, shaping, his mouth followed the same path. The need to touch her, to mark her with his kisses over every inch of her body, played havoc with his control.

  Perfection, he wanted nothing but perfection for her. Caressing, stroking, he moved across her body, moved lower until he kissed the flatness of her belly as one finger, then two, dipped even lower and slipped inside her wet heat. Soon his kisses were there, too.

  “Bobby.”

  His name burst from her lips as she arched against his mouth, offering herself completely, taking all he gave her. He ignored his body’s aching need for release, spurred on by the shivering sensations that told him she was close, so close.

  “Now, please…” She tugged on his arms. “Want you now…”

  He rose over her and paused to protect them both before lifting her hips. She entwined one leg with his, the other clasped around his waist as he entered her.

  “Forever, Lee,” he whispered against her lips. “This is forever.”

  Not wanting to rush, he tried to hold back, but her tremors pulled him in, giving him the love, hope and peace he could only find deep inside this woman.

  He cried out her name as his passion joined hers, the two of them clinging to each other as they spiraled out of control.

  She pulled him close as their breathing slowed, her mouth seeking his. Returning her soft kisses, he brushed her hair from her face and found tears on her cheeks.

  “Ah, damn, Lee…” He started to back away.

  “No, don’t go.” She tightened her grip with her arms and legs and held on with a fierceness that surprised him. “Please, don’t go.”

  “I won’t,” he promised. “I’m right here.”

  Rolling to one side, he took her with him, still clad in her robe, her body locked with his, until he lay on his back. He held her close as she tucked her head onto his shoulder, her continued tears soaking his skin.

  “Happy…they’re happy tears,” she whispered against his collarbone. “I was scared that part of me was gone forever. Thank you, thank you for giving me back…me.”

  Bobby tightened his hold and closed his eyes, ignoring the sting and trail of wetness that ran down into his hairline.

  He didn’t know how long they stayed like that, but he was unwilling to move even after he felt her muscles give way and relax with sleep.

  Watching the reflection of the fire dance against the wooden beams of the ceiling, Bobby thought back to the few afternoons he’d spent with a therapist and the books he’d devoured in the past ten days in an attempt to educate himself on what she’d gone through.

  It’d take time, but he’d been determined to let go of his anger and concentrate on the here and now. She’d come so far in accepting her life and how it had turned out, he didn’t want to set her back.

  The future.

  They had to look to the future.

  Hours passed until dawn arrived, the rising sun breaking through the trees. He finally left her in the bed, covering her with blankets as she continued to sleep.

  Pulling on his sweats, he took their plates to the kitchen and started a pot of coffee before checking on Daisy, guessing correctly that Zip hadn’t made it home last night. The pup eagerly pawed at the glass doors in Zip’s room that led to the patio. Bobby let her out and then fed her when she followed him back to the kitchen.

  After washing the dishes, he grabbed one large glass of orange juice for Lee and a coffee for himself and returned to his bedroom, knowing they needed to talk about their future.

  Leeann turned when Bobby entered the room, loving the sight of him in nothing but sweatpants that rode low on his hips. Making love with him was everything she’d dreamed it would be, and more. He was home again, and after last night all her doubts had disappeared.

  She read the surprise on his face at finding her awake and sitting up in bed. “I woke up a few minutes ago and you were gone.”

  “Daisy had to go out.”

  He handed her a tall glass of juice and she drank deeply, then she reached for the laptop lying next to her on the bed, already up and running. “Thanks, I needed that. I thought we could start the day with me bringing you up-to-date on what I’ve come up with for the camp while you were gone.”

  “How do you wake up so fast?” He took a long slug from his mug. “And without any caffeine.”

  “It’s a gift.” She watched him walk around the end of the bed, enjoying the view of his wide shoulders and six-pack abs even as a different kind of passion pumped through her veins at the moment. “So, the camp layout is pretty much complete, meaning sections of the land could be cleared this year. Next summer should be a lot of fun as we watch the buildings go up.”

  She crossed her legs, tucking in the robe around her, her excitement growing as she shared her thoughts.

  “I think the Murphys are going to have to hire an extra crew just for this job, which will be good news for the area. Depending on how far they get, maybe we could do a trial run by the summer’s end? Use just local kids to work out the kinks?”

  “Lee, wait a minute.”

  “I know, I know, I’m a ball of energy.” Her fingers pounded on the keyboard as she literally bounced against the pillows. She grinned, looking up at him. “A surprise maybe, considering our night together, but never underestimate the power of a nap.”

  “I won’t. Jeez, I’m getting tired just watching you.”

  She pulled in a deep breath. “So, I was wondering what your title is going to be if I get Camp Director. Let me guess, something fancy like Chief Executive Officer?”

  Bobby stared down into his coffee mug. “More along the lines of Daddy Warbucks.”

  “Ah, yes, you’re the money behind this venture, but I want to contribute, too. I don’t have much left in savings, unless we consider that my paycheck until…” Leeann’s voice trailed off as she realized he wasn’t really engaged in the conversation. “Bobby, what is it?”

  He walked to the dresser and set the mug down. “Lee, we need to talk.”

  “Isn’t that what we’ve been doing?” A shiver of unease made her set aside the computer and join him as she stared out the large window at the forest. “I don’t understand. You don’t seem as excited—oh, no, you’re not going to be involved.”

  “Of course, I’m i
nvolved.” Frowning, he turned to her. “It’s my land.”

  “I’m talking about the day-to-day operations, being there every day as each building goes up.” She took a step away from him. “Being there when we’re deciding on mattresses and dinnerware, when we’re finally filled up with kids swimming, hiking, playing softball, whatever we come up with. Wait, is this one of those conditions you mentioned last night?”

  Bobby reached for her before she had a chance to move farther away. “One of the conditions is that I don’t want to just hire you as an employee. I want you be a part owner.”

  “Owner? With you?”

  “Yes.”

  “So that means you’re going to be here, in Destiny?”

  Giving her hands a gentle squeeze, he pulled her toward the matching set of chairs near the window. “Please, sit. I need to tell you something—”

  A rumbling noise, faint at first then growing louder, cut off his words.

  “What on earth is that?” Leeann asked, turning toward the sound. “It sounds like it’s coming from your driveway.”

  “Because it is,” Bobby groaned. “That would be my crew chief and some of my team in an oversize pickup hauling a trailer. With my car inside.”

  “Your car? Meaning your race car?” Confusion swamped her. “I thought the accident destroyed…”

  “That was a test car, Lee. Listen, I went back to North Carolina because part of my business obligations with my race team included a follow-up appointment with my doctors. They needed to evaluate whether I can drive again.”

  “You are driving.”

  “I mean professionally.”

  “Doctors…” Puzzlement filled her, until the words sunk in and she realized what he was saying. Her knees buckled and she sank into the chair. “You never said anything the few times we talked.”

  He dropped into a crouch next to her. “I know. I should have, but there was so much going on. Meeting with the lawyers to get financials for the camp set up, reviewing endorsement contracts with my agents and yes, doctor appointments. They put me through a series of rigorous tests for three days in a row.”