Just Plain Lucky

by Tesa Devlyn

  “To our first date.”

  “Liana, do you have second thoughts about us?” Michael’s smooth voice intensified her inner conflict.

  “Absolutely not.” She sipped her wine.

  “Are you okay?” He dipped his head and gazed at her. The candlelight shot gold through his amber eyes.

  Liana gulped. “I sometimes slip into a depressing thought pattern, but I’m through going there tonight.”

  Completely through.

  Everyone had secrets in their past, didn’t they? Her family certainly did. If she never told Michael about Ryan, would it be unethical? She’d kissed Ryan and he’d unzipped her dress, but she’d stopped him and herself from doing something unredeemable. It had nothing to do with Michael.

  “Glad to hear that.” He squeezed her hands and leaned back. “I meant it when I said I’m not interested in a casual relationship. When things get tough, I’m here for you.”

  Tears pricked her eyes. Liana smiled. “You are amazing. I need to buy Lucky some special treat for running in front of your truck.”

  He chuckled. “Believe me, sweetheart, Lucky’s getting very special treatment.” Michael had called about three weeks ago to announce the birth of five puppies.

  “Brittany’s upset with me for not inviting ourselves over to see the puppies. Is Lucky ready for visitors?”

  “Sure, why don’t you and Brittany come over tomorrow night? I’ll make dinner and we can have puppy time.”

  Liana floated on a cloud of bliss. The man melted her into a puddle every time she turned around. How had she been so—she’d almost thought—lucky? Liana Campbell, you don’t believe in luck, remember? “We’d love to come over. Brittany’s hinted about getting a puppy when they’re old enough. She’s been through so much, maybe a pup will give her something to center on when Frank hits the ceiling.”

  “Hey, listen to me. You’re an excellent mother. Everything you’ve done has been in her best interest. Don’t forget that when things get ugly.”

  Sarah arrived with their dinner. The food looked and smelled heavenly. Michael ate his meal with relish, but saw to her every need. He poured more wine, asked about her food, touched her arm several times. Liana almost melted down when he slid his cowboy boot between her designer Italian boots.

  His amazing eyes heated to a rich topaz. Her body tightened and her lungs refused to work right. Too many sensations, thoughts and pesky regrets whirled through her mind for her to relax.

  “Wait until you try their desserts.”

  “I can’t possibly eat dessert.” Liana glanced at the plateful of food in front of her.

  Michael stared at her across the stoneware, crystal glassware and flickering candles. He rested his fork on his empty plate and clasped her hand in his. “We can take it to go and have it later...much later.”

  Liana literally felt her breasts firm and her nipples peak. How did he do that? “Sounds good.” Everything he said sounded good.

  When Sarah returned for their plates, she requested a carton for her leftovers and finished her glass of wine.

  Michael smiled at Sarah and winked at Liana. “How about some decadent chocolate dessert for later on.”

  “Certainly, Mr. Saxon. I’ll just add it to your check and be right back.” Sarah deftly gathered up the plates and flatware.

  He pulled out his debit card and laid it on the table. “Go ahead and take care of the check. I don’t need to see it.”

  “Uh, wait a minute.” Liana held up a finger and reached for her purse. “I’ll pay for my dinner.”

  Michael slipped his card into Sarah’s apron pocket and nodded at her. Sarah left the table. “In my day when a man asked a woman out, he paid the bill. I’m old fashioned enough to believe it still should be that way.”

  He pulled Liana’s chair out before she could gather an objection, and laid her jacket over her shoulders. Sarah returned with their cartons and Michael’s card and receipt.

  Liana noted the large tip he added to the bill, and warmed as his work-roughened hand signed with a flourish. The man was an artist with everything he touched.

  The thought coursed through her as he took her arm and escorted her to the corvette. Before she could slip onto the passenger seat, he pulled her close and pressed his lips against her temple. “Ready for the rest of the night?”

  Liana’s brain froze for a moment before going into a spin. “Of course.”

  He slid his hand up her back and under her hair. He cupped her scalp. “You hesitated. Liana. When I make love with you, I want you to be completely sure it’s what you want.”

  When he held her like this, her mind went to mush. “Honestly? There’s nothing I want more.”

  “I still sense a ‘but’ in your response. We’re heading to your house before it turns into a no.” He helped her with her seat belt and closed her door.

  Torn between her damnable need to be completely open and honest and the intense sexual awareness only Michael could arouse, Liana struggled with a way to tell him about Ryan. The ride back to her house was laced with anticipation. Between shifting gears and commanding the powerful car, Michael touched her leg several times.

  He drove to the end of her street where her lot sat on the outskirts of town. Parking behind her SUV, he switched off the heater, lights and engine. “Am I coming inside?”

  Liana’s stomach flip-flopped. She’d much rather fall into each other’s arms in a fit of passion. The more intentional method made her think twice. Yeah, she was on fire for him, liked and respected him, but if she acted on the response he evoked in her lonely body, their relationship would never be the same.

  She took a deep breath and turned toward him on the supple leather seat. “Michael, I’ve thought about this moment since we met. Making love with you will leave an unforgettable impression on my mind and body. I just don’t want you to ever regret it.”

  Michael tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “Life’s too full of regrets. You’ll never be one of mine.”

  Liana’s past relationships shattered around her like ice crystals. She’d loved Jack and mourned his loss; she’d tried to love Frank and couldn’t. Out of desperation for love, she’d almost cheapened herself with an affair. What she already had with Michael made every relationship pale in comparison. “I can’t imagine ever regretting one moment with you either.”

  Not waiting for a reply, she fished her house keys out of her purse and headed for the front door. Her hands trembled as she tried to fit the key to the lock. Her heart raced. Was she doing the right thing? She’d only known Michael a short time. What had happened to her vow to wait until Brittany grew up and left for college?

  Michael gently took control of the key and unlocked the door. Liana visibly trembled from head to foot. Was she excited or afraid?

  Working on her house—getting to know her—his attraction to her had grown into more than a casual emotion. She affected him like no other woman.

  “How about I pour some wine?” Michael set the chocolate dessert on the bar.

  “I thought we were having coffee.” She moved into the kitchen and started to make a pot.

  “I’m not in the mood for coffee.” He poured wine into the glasses they’d used before dinner and handed her one. Lifting his glass, he clinked against it hers. The ring of crystal seemed to signal the change in their relationship.

  “To the rest of our first real date.”

  She trembled, but placed the rim of the glass to her lips and took a sip.

  Michael took a drink, set the glass on the bar and moved toward her. “I’ve tried to be a gentleman, but I’m on fire for you.” He took her glass and set it next to his.

  Liana’s gaze turned hazy as she wound her arms around his neck and buried her face in the side of his throat.

  “Hey, are you okay? We don’t have to make love tonight. I want it to be right for you.” He meant every word. In his mind, he’d already taken their relationship to the next level. He cared too much about
Liana and her daughter to walk away.

  “You’re so good to me.” Her voice vibrated against his neck.

  He pulled back and feathered his lips over hers. Moaning against her mouth, he scooped her up and carried her to the couch where he held her in his lap while he explored the soft texture of her black sweater.

  “This outfit drove me crazy all night.”

  “That’s why I wore it.”

  Michael treaded his fingers through her hair and traced his thumb over her lips. “It doesn’t matter what you wear, you turn me on.”

  Liana’s mossy gaze entranced him and touched his soul. “Even in a chenille robe with no makeup?”

  “I wanted to strip that robe and teddy off and kiss you from head to toe. You can’t turn me off, sweetheart.” Three years of celibacy broke like a dam. Michael framed her face with his hands and claimed her mouth. He slid his palms over her shoulders and down her back, tugging at the long sweater to gain access to her soft, creamy skin. He worked at her bra clasp, freeing it before he eased her back, sliding his hands over her stomach and up to cup her firm, full breasts. “Damn, we have on too many clothes.”

  “Let’s go to my room.” Liana gripped his shoulders and arched against his throbbing body.

  “Good plan.” Living the next part of his fantasy, he carried her into the bedroom and released her legs until she stood by her bed. She ran her lips over his throat and down his chest, freeing shirt buttons as she went.

  He moaned, his head in a fog of need. Suddenly he realized more than her kisses dampened his skin. He tilted his head. She was crying. “Sweetheart, if you’re not ready, it’s okay. I’m a patient man.”

  She blinked against the tears balanced on her bottom lids. “I’m overcome with emotion, Michael. I’ve never felt such overwhelming need.”

  He pulled her against him and cradled her face against his shoulder. “I want to be the one who really understands you, inside and out.”

  Liana wrapped her arms around his middle and nuzzled his bare chest. Michael choked back tears. She touched his carefully guarded heart. She was confident and professional, yet had a vulnerability few people saw. He was privileged to be the one who got beyond the capable, independent businesswoman.

  He gently lowered her to the bed and caught the hem of her sweater to pull it over her head. Tossing it to one side, he finished removing her bra and took a moment to stare at the beauty of the woman before him. Her skin glowed a soft peach in the filtered light from the hall.

  Liana rose up on her elbows and sizzled him with green eyes no longer mossy and soft, but dark and hot with passion.

  He kicked off his boots and quickly shed his jeans and underwear. With care, he draped his shirt over the back of the chair in the corner of the room. Leif might be up when he got home. The last thing he needed to do was excite his son’s imagination. He turned toward Liana and relished the exquisite torture of watching her undress.

  Naked, she moved to the bureau next to the bed and fumbled with something before a match flared. She touched the flame to the wick of a large gold candle.

  Michael shut the bedroom door. Liana sashayed toward him on a wave of sandalwood, her every step driving him over the edge. He stayed put—just to torture himself—drawing out the moments before his life changed forever. Because he knew in his heart, after he made love to Liana, he’d never be the same.

  Liana drank in his grace and strength. She should tell him about Ryan, but the words wouldn’t come.

  “You are a work of art, Liana Campbell.”

  His words flared through her like a raging fire and pushed her concerns away to a dark corner she’d deal with later. Later when he walked out of her life. Tonight was special and unique.

  Liana stopped in front of him, a breath away from the bronzed man who was every woman’s fantasy. For tonight—for this moment—he watched her like she was his every fantasy.

  She slid her hands over his broad shoulders, and gently pushed until his legs pressed against the mattress. Michael sat on the edge of the bed and glided his large, calloused hands over her thighs and hips and settled at her waist. She took control and moved between his knees, brushing her breasts against his lips until he groaned and paid homage to her hardened nipples.

  Emboldened, she planted one knee on the mattress next to his hip, then the other and rubbed her aching body against his naked skin, sinking into his lap until they melded into one. Mindless, seconds later she soared through the stars, but Michael didn’t stop.

  She held his head, loving the feel of his dark, silky hair, loving the intimacy of sharing her body with him. She mumbled words she’d never say in daylight. Michael moaned and growled in response. He swung them fully on the queen-size bed without breaking their connection and braced his hands on either side of her, slowing his pace to pull her into an amazing world she’d never imagined entering.

  His movements, his hot, sweat slick skin, and masculine scent overwhelmed her senses. How could he keep going?

  Liana ran her hands down his muscled chest and flat stomach, fascinated with his strength and control. He’d been right. Once would never be enough.

  Reaching his peak, he buried his face in the side of her neck and shuddered and groaned. Liana soared into a wonderful universe of exploding stars and quivering, tingling flesh.

  “Liana, Liana,” Michael mumbled. “You’re so perfect.” He pushed up on his elbows, holding his full weight off her.

  She brushed his hair from his forehead and smiled. “What we did was perfect.”

  She should have told him.

  They’d made love. Their relationship had changed and he’d gone into it without the truth he deserved.

  She fell to the earth, the pall of yet another deception hanging over her.

  “Dammit, sweetheart, I’m sorry.” He rolled to his side, taking her with him.

  Liana pushed up on her elbow and looked down into his handsome face. She cherished this moment of being skin against skin, wrapped in his strong arms. “What are you apologizing for?”

  “I went crazy and forgot about the condom in my jeans pocket. We just had unprotected sex.” He scrubbed his face with both hands. “The good news is, I’m clean. Boy, am I clean.” He laughed without humor. “I haven’t been with anyone since my divorce. After Meredith confessed her affair, I had some tests done to make sure she didn’t bring more home than heartbreak.”

  Liana was stunned. It hadn’t entered her mind. Not birth control or diseases. She’d been so wrapped up in her need for Michael, versus confessing her near indiscretion with Ryan, she hadn’t thought of all the responsible reasons why she shouldn’t make love with him.

  “You’re on birth control, right?” The soft glow of the candlelight illuminated his amber eyes.

  “No.” The word echoed through the room like the gong in a Tibetan temple.

  Michael pushed up on his elbow, bringing his face a breath from hers. “Baby, talk to me.”

  Liana let out a gush of air and sank into the pillows, covering her face with both hands. “No, to everything. I’m not on birth control. I haven’t been tested for diseases. I’m unfit to be a lover, or a mother or anything else that resembles responsibility.”

  Michael moved her hand from her face. “What are you really talking about?”

  Liana slid to the other side of the bed and sat up, her back to him. She wrapped her arms around her bare middle and stared out the window toward the side yard. “When Frank wouldn’t give me a divorce, I despaired ever feeling like you just made me feel. I had a big deal going with a firm from Chicago. Ryan was their real estate procurement officer. We met for dinner and drinks. He was charming, attentive and made no bones about wanting more than a business deal. The meeting moved to his room.”

  Silence.

  “You had an affair?”

  “I almost had an affair. Whatever you want to call it, I kissed Ryan. When he unzipped my dress, sanity returned. I told him I couldn’t go through with it. I might n
ot have loved Frank, but I couldn’t compromise my own ideals.” Tears welled and tracked down her cheeks. Liana swiped at them. “When I left the hotel, Frank and Brittany were walking toward me. They’d gone to the Nutcracker. Thank God Brittany didn’t see me. Frank instantly turned her toward the crosswalk and they went into the parking garage.”

  She pulled her feet onto the edge of the bed and wrapped her arms around her legs. “Wow.” Michael finally spoke. “You’ve harbored this guilt for a long time, haven’t you?”

  “He wouldn’t believe I didn’t have sex. He used it as a bargaining chip in the divorce and every day since.”

  The bedding rustled and the mattress shifted. Liana waited to say more, listening to him dress. He was leaving.

  “I should have told you.”

  “Yeah, well we’ve both made some assumptions we shouldn’t have.” He walked around the bed and pulled the sheet around her shoulders. “I need to go. Leif’s home alone.”

  She couldn’t stop the flow of tears or the ache in her heart. Liana nodded, but her voice wouldn’t work.

  Michael knelt in front of her and wiped her tears with his thumbs. “Honey, a lot happened tonight. I wanted this as much or more than you did, but I didn’t mean to expose you to a pregnancy you might not want. As for what happened with that guy...if you think it compares to Meredith and the end of my marriage, it doesn’t. I won’t lie. Trust is crucial to me, but you didn’t break my trust, honey. Frank was a fool to treat you like he did.”

  Liana shook her head. “I’d never hold you responsible for something I let happen.”

  “Well, you should. It’s time you stopped wearing the weight of the world on your shoulders.” He kissed her cheeks and moved his mouth over hers. “I’ll call you tomorrow. Will you be all right?”

  She nodded and sniffed. Michael handed her a tissue from the box on her nightstand. “Baby, if I didn’t have an impressionable son at home, I’d stay and hold you all night.” He kissed her forehead, turned and left the room.

  Liana sat on the edge of the bed until the roar of his truck echoed into the distance, and the night chill crept through the sheet. He’d said he didn’t see the resemblance between his marriage and hers, yet he’d been shocked; his silence spoke volumes. He’d said he’d call her, but he wouldn’t. She’d lost the only man she could ever love.