Simply Sexy

by Carly Phillips

  “Colin?” The shock in her voice sounded at the same time the swirling arousing sensations rocking his body tapered off. Damn. “Relax, sweetheart. I want you with me when I come.”

  The things Rina did to him, body, heart and soul defied description. He inhaled her essence and his body trembled as he began working her again with his tongue.

  A whimper escaped, bubbling up from the back of her throat, and her hips began a subtle movement, begging for more. Holding on to her thighs, he met her silent demand as she did the same for him, slickening his hard shaft with dampness and gliding her hands up and down, mimicking the thrust of lovemaking, of his body pumping into her tight, moist heat.

  Within seconds, a shaking, shuddering climax hit him, harder than any he could remember, sending him into a breath-stealing moment of release and complete surrender. From the cry that escaped her lips, he knew he’d taken her along for the ride. And that notion pleased him far more than his own physical release.

  Later, after a shower that involved more than washing up, they shared popcorn in bed while a mellow radio station played in the background. A dim light set the room aglow, Rina snuggled beside him, and Colin felt a contentment that had always eluded him.

  “I’ve been thinking,” she said.

  “I know. I can hear those old gears grinding.”

  She laughed. “I’m serious. You were talking earlier about how hurt you were that Joe didn’t leave the running of the paper to you in case of an emergency.”

  The topic sobered him, reminding him of how and why he’d ended up back on Rina’s doorstep tonight. Watching Corinne sit by Joe’s bedside, her gaze damp, his hand in hers, he’d felt like an outsider in a family he thought had been his. He wasn’t a child and he understood how juvenile his thoughts seemed, so he’d tried to focus on the reasons behind his feelings.

  It came back to the bond he’d always shared with Joe. The bond the older man had broken. The newspaper. “What about it?” he asked Rina.

  “Well, I take it even before today’s relapse, Joe hasn’t been up to a business conversation, so you don’t know why he did what he did.”

  “That about sums it up.”

  “Until you can talk with him, you won’t feel much better. But you can try talking to Corinne and not fighting with her,” she suggested. “I did notice you aren’t exactly your charming self when she’s around.”

  Despite the serious subject, he laughed. “That’s true.” He picked up a piece of popcorn. “Open,” he said. Rina opened her mouth and he popped a piece inside. “But I have tried and she’s set on doing things her way. And I went there today, intending to hash things out, but…” He shook his head. “It wasn’t the time.”

  She chewed and swallowed. “Well, you’re the one with experience,” she said, taking his side without knowing what his side was or what it would mean for her future. “As soon as Joe’s better, I’m sure he’ll hear you out.”

  “The doctor’s indicated a return to work wasn’t coming anytime soon,” he said.

  “But he’ll be able to take back the reins or at least oversee more. At the very least, you’ll be able to talk to him again.” She leaned over and placed a salty kiss on his lips. “You’ll feel better once you get things off your chest. Be true to yourself, Colin. I already told you, my marriage taught me that’s the one thing that counts in life.”

  “You told me a little. I want to know more.”

  She eyed him steadily. “I realize now that though I did love Robert…” She trailed off.

  And he hated the jealousy gnawing at his gut. Hating the thought of Rina with any other man.

  “Although I loved him, it was a steady, dependable kind of love.” She drew a calming breath. “Not anything like…” She shook her head, interrupting herself. “Never mind.”

  Colin’s stomach clenched, but he refused to push her. Probably because he was afraid she’d compare her safe marriage to their more combustible, less reliable, short-term affair. And he wasn’t in any position to reassure her.

  RINA DECIDED to throw a last-minute party on Christmas Day. Instead of having Colin uncomfortable and surrounded only by her family, she wanted to bring his friends and relatives to him.

  Luckily, Logan and Catherine agreed to move their holiday celebration to Rina’s, and Catherine even offered to bring the food, for which Rina was eternally grateful. Catherine then talked her sister, Kayla, and her husband, Kane, into joining them. Frankie had also agreed, since her family was out of state, and she hadn’t made any plans. And Emma had jumped with glee, accepting any excuse to spend Christmas with Logan and away from her son. She’d even asked if she could bring Stan.

  Progress came in many forms, Rina thought wryly as her company all mingled in the family room. Rina’s only concern was whether Norton would behave. She glanced down at the offending male who stared up at her with soulful eyes.

  He didn’t like having his home invaded by so many people who ignored him or refused to pass him food. “You will be good, won’t you, boy?”

  “If you insist on wearing that dress, I can’t promise a thing.”

  Rina turned. Colin stood in the doorway, staring at her hungrily from across the expanse of the small kitchen. “For a minute there, I thought Norton was answering me.”

  He laughed, stepping toward her. “You look incredible.”

  Heat flooded her cheeks but she was glad he’d noticed. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

  “Now, there’s a compliment,” he said wryly. “Are you really worried about Norton? I can walk him if you are.”

  She shrugged. “I’m just being cautious. He’s not too happy with so many people invading his space. Except for you. He adores you. And so do I.” She brushed a kiss on his clean-shaven cheek, inhaling his seductive, purely masculine scent. Delicious, she thought.

  She couldn’t get enough of him. No matter how dangerous the thought, she had no choice but to accept what he gave and put the notion of him moving on out of her mind. It would happen soon enough, especially if things with Joe didn’t go well.

  Forcing herself to think about the party and the guests, instead of making love with Colin, wasn’t easy. “You can walk him in about an hour. Right now he’s just sulking.”

  Colin cocked his head to the side, taking in the morose dog. “How can you tell?”

  “Because he’s not jumping and begging for attention. He wants these people to come to him. He went through a period like this after his stint as a hero dog. He saved Brianne from a drug dealer who wanted revenge on my brother. He got so spoiled afterward it took awhile until he started acting like a dog again.”

  Colin raised an eyebrow in surprise. “I didn’t think he had a vicious bone in his wrinkled body.”

  She laughed. “He doesn’t. He didn’t even have to bare his teeth. All he had to do was pee on the guy’s leg. The bad guy lost his focus, giving Jake a chance to step in.”

  Colin grinned. “Way to use your bodily functions, man.”

  Norton thumped his tail in reply.

  “Hey, I thought I was the hero who rescued Brianne.” Jake entered the kitchen.

  “Only after Norton provided the opportunity, and don’t you forget it. You owe him.”

  “I paid in advance by watching him that entire summer,” he muttered.

  “I’m sure it wasn’t that much of a hardship.” She folded her arms over her chest. “And I didn’t realize you were standing there.”

  He folded his arms over his chest, too, a gesture very much like Rina’s, Colin thought.

  “I’m just observing,” Jake said, his gaze on Colin.

  Observing him, Colin realized. Rina hadn’t said anything, but it was obvious his decision not to return yesterday had impacted not just Rina, but her brother. Jake’s attitude had been decidedly chillier than yesterday. Colin respected that.

  “So what can I get you guys? Colin?” she asked first, obviously attempting to change the subject.

  “Do you have any
bottled water? Emma’s getting tipsy and Logan wants to dilute her wine.”

  Rina furrowed her eyebrows. “Emma doesn’t drink. She’s up to something, so you’d better keep an eye on her. Better yet, keep an eye on poor Stan. The man has his hands full.” She turned to her brother. “And you? Isn’t your wife waiting inside?”

  “As a matter of fact, she wants to know if you have any celery.”

  Rina crinkled her nose. “Cat’s hot appetizers are so good. Why would Brianne want celery?”

  Jake rolled his eyes skyward. “As if I have a clue what women think.”

  “Hmm. That might be a good subject for my next series of articles. How to get inside a woman’s head.” She grinned. “I like that.”

  “Works for me,” Jake muttered.

  Colin swallowed hard and remained silent.

  “Brianne also wants peanut butter,” Jake said. “And some raisins if you have them. Oh, and she’d like a large glass of milk.”

  Colin grimaced. “That’s what I call disgusting.”

  “It’s what I’d call a craving,” Rina said, her eyes opening wide.

  “What?” Jake walked over to Rina, obviously picking up on her choice of words. “What are you talking about?”

  “Brianne’s got odd cravings. Could there be any special reason for them?” Rina wiggled her eyebrows knowingly while Jake, the macho cop, suddenly looked green.

  “To hell with the celery,” he said, and bolted for the other room to talk to his wife.

  Rina laughed. “Mission accomplished. Jake’s out of here and we can squeeze in a minute alone.”

  “You went to all this trouble, arranged this party, all for me. Do you know how lucky I am to have you?” He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. She smelled like Rina, an arousing floral scent that seeped into his bones. He smelled it in his sleep.

  “Mmm. As long as you know how lucky you are, that’s all that counts.” She linked her hands around his neck and pulled him into a hot, tongue-tangling kiss.

  But before things could get any deeper, a ringing cell phone interrupted them. With a groan, Colin reached for the phone clasped to his belt while Rina stepped back, resigned.

  “Hello?”

  “Merry Christmas, Colin.” He recognized Corinne’s voice.

  His heart clenched in fear. “Same to you. Is Joe okay?” he asked, knowing she wouldn’t call without good reason.

  “Actually, he’s doing well today. Holiday spirits and all that. He’d like to see you.”

  Fear turned to anticipation. “I’d planned on coming to the hospital after dinner.”

  “Could you make it before then? Actually, can you make it now? Joe’s strength is up and it’s a good time for the two of you to talk.”

  “Go,” Rina whispered, obviously having overheard. “I understand.”

  He didn’t want to leave, if only because he didn’t want to walk out on her again. But he needed to see Joe and he couldn’t let the opportunity slip by. “Tell him I’ll be there,” he said to Corinne.

  “Thanks.”

  Colin hung up and slipped the phone into his pocket, shooting Rina a regret-filled look. “I wish—”

  “Shh.” She put a finger to his lips. “It’s Christmas. You should be with Joe. I’d go with you but I have a houseful of people.”

  He placed his hand beneath her chin, tilting her face up toward him. “You thought about going with me. That means a lot.”

  He bent to kiss her and, as usual, the kiss flared out of control. She teased him with her tongue, tracing the seam of his lips and darting inside before she pulled away.

  “Just wanted to give you a taste. Come back tonight and I’ll give you even more.” A wicked gleam flickered in her gaze, making him laugh. He’d already grown hard with wanting her.

  Getting through the day, his desire unrelieved, would be hell. Dealing with Joe and the subject of family, the paper and Corinne would be even worse.

  “Hey you two, quit necking and get inside for a toast.” Emma said, banging on the wall by the kitchen, making her presence known. “It’s rude to make out when you have company waiting. I, on the other hand, do not have company. So would you mind pointing out the least trafficked area so I can get my dear Stan alone?”

  Colin rolled his eyes.

  Rina laughed. “Probably the bathroom, since this is a small place. Sorry, Emma, but today won’t be the most romantic day you’ll ever spend.”

  She wagged her wrinkled finger at Rina. “That’s where you’re wrong. It’s the person you are with, not your surroundings that matters. Now get inside. Your brother wants to make a toast.”

  And then he’d head over to the hospital, Colin thought, uncertain of whether to dread or look forward to the meeting. As they stepped inside, Jake tapped a knife against a glass and the talking dwindled. “I’d just like to say a few words. First, I don’t know most of you, but thanks for taking care of my sister since she’s moved here.”

  Colin squeezed Rina’s hand tight.

  “Second, I want to toast her determination to make a new life and her success in going after what she’s always wanted. My sister is now a newspaper columnist and happier than I’ve ever seen her. Here’s to health and happiness, Ri.”

  Rina blushed, an adorable shade of pink. But with every one of Jake’s words, Colin’s gut twisted tighter. Because he knew he was heading over to the hospital to finally discuss the paper’s financial situation and future with Joe. A future that might not include Rina.

  She wanted to continue her column and live life on her own terms the way her ex-husband had never allowed her to do. Could Colin destroy her dreams just so he could achieve his own goals? January 1 was around the corner, and even if Colin managed an extension, it would only delay the inevitable. Unless he came up with another solution or performed magic. Neither seemed likely.

  “And lastly,” Jake said, bringing Colin back to the other man’s toast, “I want to let all of you in on the fact that my beautiful wife and I are officially expecting a baby, something I just discovered myself. So cheers, everyone, and Merry Christmas.” He raised his glass and everyone toasted, clicking glasses and murmuring good wishes.

  Colin glanced at Rina’s wide smile. “You don’t seem surprised by this news. You weren’t fishing when you sent your brother out of the room earlier?”

  She shrugged, looking like the proverbial cat who ate the canary. “I had a very strong hunch. I’m just glad to be right. I’m going to be an aunt!” Her voice rose in excitement as she glanced back at her brother and Brianne.

  “You like kids, huh?” Now, where the hell had that come from?

  “Is this a trick question?” She met his gaze, a wry smile on her lips. “I say no, you think I’m a witch? I say yes, you run for cover before I can con you into having one? It is every single man’s worst fear realized, right?”

  He brushed his knuckles over her cheek. “Until he meets the right woman.” And then before things could get too serious, he said, “I have to get going.”

  She nodded. “I know talking to Joe won’t be easy, but you need to do what I said. You need to be true to yourself.”

  His heart constricted at her serious words and earnest gaze. She cared so much and gave even more. But she had no idea just what her advice would cost her.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  RINA LOVED the holidays. The music, the festive cheer, the people surrounding her. She just wished she’d been able to help Colin more, but maybe meeting with Joe would do the trick.

  Emma tapped her foot impatiently against the floor and Rina realized she was being chastised. She also knew what for. “What would you like me to do?” she asked, meeting the older woman’s annoyed gaze. “I can’t just take off after Colin.”

  Much as she’d like to. She didn’t want him to be alone when dealing with Joe, in case the older man’s explanation provided more hurt than solution.

  “Why can’t you leave? It’s not like someone here can’t hol
d down the fort while you’re gone.” Emma shot her a pointed glare.

  “You of all people understand etiquette. I can’t walk out on my own party. It’s rude.”

  “I beg to differ. Catherine’s a caterer and she’d be happy to keep the hors d’oeuvres hot until you get back. Wouldn’t you?” Emma grasped Catherine’s sleeve as she walked by.

  “Wouldn’t I what?” the pretty blonde asked.

  “Hold down the food, I mean fort, while Rina goes to the hospital to be by Colin’s side.”

  “Of course.” Cat waved a hand in dismissal. “You go on and don’t worry about a thing here.”

  “But…”

  “And while Catherine handles the food, Francesca doesn’t mind serving as hostess, do you, dear?” The older woman had to hustle, but she managed to poke Frankie in the back as she passed. “I’d play hostess myself but I’m being paged,” Emma said.

  To Rina’s shock, Emma turned and blew a kiss Stan’s way.

  “I’ll be right there,” she called to the man who sat in the corner, patting the arm of the chair as if he wanted Emma to join him.

  Frankie chuckled. “I can handle things here,” she assured Emma and Rina.

  Rina glanced around. She had to admit, she could probably sneak off for an hour and they’d survive.

  But Colin was facing an emotional minefield. Would he welcome her presence? Or would showing up give him a reason to push her away?

  Half an hour later, Rina walked into the hospital, and after meeting up with Corinne on Joe’s floor, was directed to his room. She strode into the doorway and paused. Colin sat in the chair beside the bed, his back to the door and his head bent close to the man he called his father.

  The intensity in the room was fierce and a lump rose to her throat. Her pulse began to pound and her heart raced, anticipation and anxiety feuding inside her. She didn’t know what Colin was facing. But as much as she wanted to go to him, to hold his hand, she remained in the shadows, knowing he deserved his time alone.

  Knowing, too, she’d be here when it was through.

  CORINNE HAD LEFT Colin alone with Joe, destroying any lingering notions Colin might have had about her exerting undue influence on Joe. Not that he had many left anyway. After a solid week of watching her at Joe’s bedside, he was convinced of her sincerity, not that it was an easy thing to admit.