“But no dancing?” she asked as he slipped her shoe back on and lowered her foot to the floor.
“I wouldn’t recommend it.” Mark stood. “I’ll get you a drink. What are you having?”
“White wine, please.” He could hear the hint of laughter in her tone, as if she’d enjoyed their little performance. “But I’m buying, remember?”
“You can pay me back later,” he said before she reached for her purse. “I don’t want you to disturb your ankle. Save me a seat?”
Amy patted the empty chair beside. “All yours.”
He placed their order at the bar and turned to watch the dance floor. He knew most of these people, and even the ones he didn’t looked like locals. Not many tourists in Heart’s Landing. Sure, they were close to the coast, but most visitors preferred the towns on the water.
The music switched from upbeat to slow and romantic. Couples moved closer or left the floor. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted two familiar faces and frowned. Gabe and Eloise had abandoned the group table in favor of the dance floor, pressing up close to each other.
Mark shook his head as he paid for the drinks. He hoped they knew what they were doing. The ties between the two families ran deep. A one-night stand could lead to hurt feelings and broken friendships. If not tomorrow, then when Gabe returned to his team. But maybe they’d found a way to avoid all that emotional crap and just have a good time. Hell, maybe he should ask for a road map.
5
AMY STARED AT the dance floor. She should be out there. Dancing. Laughing. Flirting. It didn’t matter if half the men in the bar looked at her and thought, There goes Darren’s widow. That wasn’t how she saw herself. Not anymore. And it was time to do something about it. Before her body’s reaction to a pretend ankle exam ruined her relationship with one of her closest and oldest friends.
Mark had touched her in a crowded bar, and she’d been tempted to press her bare foot against his thigh. The moment had felt intimate and wild. But she suspected that was only partly due to the way his hands had moved over her skin—and partly due to their shared secret. She kept so many locked away that having a partner in this ruse sent misguided signals to parts of her body she’d ignored for a year and a half.
She stole a look at Mark, standing at the bar. He was like a guard dog, keeping watch over her as he waited for her wine. He offered so much more than a shared confidence, she realized. If she stumbled, Mark would catch her. Always. He was her safety net, her friend, and damn it, she couldn’t stop thinking about the look in his eyes when he’d seen her in her underwear. Hunger?
“Hey, Ames.” T.J. sat down in the chair next to hers, holding a beer bottle in one hand. “If you need crutches, I think we have some at the house from when Luke busted his knee. I could head back and pick them up for you.”
Amy smiled, patting his arm. “Thanks, but that won’t be necessary. I’ll be back on my feet soon.”
“I can help with the dogs in the morning,” T.J. added.
“I’m going to take you up on that offer, but not because I’m injured,” she said, welcoming the distraction from her wayward thoughts of Mark. “I need your advice on how to introduce new scents to the puppies. I was thinking about using rags soaked in the different chemicals they will be expected to detect.”
“That’s a good plan,” T.J. said, leaning forward in his chair, wrapping both hands around his beer bottle. “The most important thing is to keep the materials free and clear of your scent. Wear rubber gloves when you’re handling the rags.”
Mark returned and handed her a wineglass. She sipped slowly, trying to take mental notes as T.J. talked. But with Mark sitting close by, her focus splintered. She drew a deep breath, inhaling his familiar masculine smell. Sandalwood, possibly from his aftershave. If she leaned closer, pressing her nose, maybe her lips, to his jaw, tracing the contours as she licked, kissed and breathed him in, then she’d know for certain.
Amy shifted in her chair, nodding to T.J., though she hadn’t heard what he’d said. Her imagination was spiraling out of control. A fake ankle exam didn’t lead to kisses. But there was something about the way he’d touched her—
“Mark!” The loud, shrill call silenced Amy’s internal monologue. She watched as Molly McAdams strutted across the bar, doing her best imitation of a runway walk in her high heels and fitted skirt.
“You’re home!” Molly added.
With the faintest hint of a smile, Mark rose from his chair, allowing Molly to wrap her arms around him, pressing her breasts against his chest.
“Hey there, Molly,” he said.
Molly drew back just enough to look up at Mark’s face as she swept her long, straight black hair over her shoulder with one hand. The fingers on her right hand held tight to Mark’s biceps.
Amy frowned. She had nothing against Molly. They’d never been friends, but Amy always said hello in the grocery store. Still, did Molly have to stand so close to Mark?
“How about a dance?” Molly flashed a wide smile.
“No, thanks.” He glanced down at her. “Promised I’d keep Amy company.”
Molly laughed. “I think T.J. is up for the task.”
“Maybe. But I’m still recovering from the long trip home and need to save my energy to help her out tomorrow.” Mark rocked back on his heels, trying to extricate himself from Molly’s arms.
“A rain check, then.” Molly arched slightly, offering Mark a peek down the front of her low-cut fitted tank. “Don’t be a stranger, Mark. I’m still living on the family farm. And you don’t have to worry about Daddy. We moved him to an assisted-living condo last year and took away his guns. He’s at the retirement community, where I’ve been working for the past few years as the programming director.”
“That’s great, but—”
Molly leaned closer but didn’t bother dropping her voice. “I have the whole house to myself now. My brother moved to San Francisco. Plenty of room to do all those things you wanted to do in high school. We can make as much noise as you want.”
Amy supposed it was wrong to dislike a woman who spent her days planning activities for seniors. But after hearing Molly’s not-so-subtle invitation, it was hard to feel charitable toward her.
“We should save him,” she muttered.
“Mark? He can take care of himself,” T.J. said. “And I’m not so sure he wants to walk away. Hell, I wouldn’t.”
“T.J.,” she said, turning to her brother-in-law. “You can’t be serious.”
He shrugged. “I wouldn’t turn down a chance to make some noise with her.”
Amy blinked and glanced back at Mark. He’d leaned in close to Molly, dropping his voice too low for Amy to overhear his words. But she didn’t miss the color in his cheeks as he stepped back, breaking free from Molly’s hold.
T.J. stood and headed for the bar, offering to buy Amy a second drink, but she declined. More alcohol would not help. It might make the unwelcome spark of jealousy worse. She did not have a claim to Mark, and she never would. But still, seeing him with Molly...
A second later, Mark sank into T.J.’s chair and reclaimed his beer. Amy watched and waited, but he didn’t say a word.
“One of the guys can help me home,” she said. “If you’re heading out.”
Mark raised an eyebrow. “To do all the things I wanted to do in high school?”
She nodded, jealousy bubbling up inside.
He held his beer bottle up to his lips as the band started a familiar country line dance. Out of the corner of her eye, Amy saw T.J. join a woman she didn’t recognize at the bar.
“High school is not a time in my life I’m interested in revisiting,” Mark said, lowering his drink. “I’m planning to help you home and crash on your couch if that’s all right with you.”
“Yes, but—”
Mark’s hand covered hers. “I’m not interested in starting something.”
With Molly? Or with anyone?
Mark withdrew his hand, turning his attention
back to the dance floor. “Though I have to admit, I was surprised at how much she has changed.”
Amy followed Molly’s movements on the dance floor. “Implants. I’m surprised you didn’t notice last time you visited. She’s had them for a few years. Drew a lot of attention when she first got them.”
“Bet her daddy loved that,” Mark said, shaking his head.
“She took away his guns soon after.” Amy shifted in her chair, flexing her foot.
“How’s the ankle?” he asked.
“I’m fine, Mark.”
He chuckled. “I know. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather be dancing?”
“Is that an invitation?” She looked out at the crowded floor, scanning the familiar faces for Gabe and her crazy cousin. She’d spotted them dancing in the corner minutes ago.
“Nope. But when T.J. gets back with his beer, I’m sure he’d be willing.”
“Thanks, but—” Amy frowned, leaning forward in her chair. “I don’t see them.”
“Who?”
“Eloise and Gabe. They’re not on the dance floor anymore. They’ve been glued to each other all night.”
“Your cousin is a big girl. She can take care of herself.”
Amy shook her head. “I don’t know. Gabe might be too much, even for her.”
* * *
MARK SIGHED AS he scanned the bar. He’d rather sit here teasing Amy—perhaps get to the bottom of why she’d looked as if she wanted to tear Molly McAdams apart—than start a search party for Eloise and Gabe.
Still, Amy had a point. All the Benton brothers served. But Gabe, like Darren, had joined the SEALs. He’d never been on the same team as his brother, but Gabe possessed the same draw. Hero. Larger than life. The fact that he was a war dog handler tended to make women fall at his feet. And Mark knew Gabe was usually more than willing to pick them up—for a night or two.
What if Eloise, the country vet and unabashed animal lover, hadn’t thought this through?
Mark set his beer down on the table. “Want to find them?”
“No.” Amy looked down at her foot, resting on a chair. “My ankle. I can’t magically heal it.”
“I could give you a piggyback ride.” He’d had one thought when Molly had pressed up against him—escape. But the idea of Amy’s limbs wrapped around him pushed him in the opposite direction.
“Hard to execute a covert search and rescue that way,” she said drily.
“I doubt Eloise is in danger,” he said. “Gabe’s a good guy.”
“You’re right. Of course they’re fine.” She pulled out her cell as T.J. rejoined the table. “But I should go outside and check on the puppies. No service in here.”
“Mom’s got them,” T.J. said, resting a hand on her shoulder. “Relax, Ames.”
He wasn’t sure if it was the nickname or the way T.J. touched her, but Mark stood, pulling Amy up with him. “Lean on me. I’ll help you to the front.”
Like competitors in a three-legged race, they hobbled away from the table. Mark pushed open the door, keeping Amy close. Out here, it was probably safe to drop the ankle ruse, but she didn’t let go. And he didn’t feel like pushing her away.
But Amy stopped at the edge of the parking lot and released his arm. Standing on her own two feet again, she dialed and lifted the phone to her ear. Mark followed as she walked out into the lot. He overheard her leave a quick message, saying she’d be back soon.
Slipping her cell into her pocket, she turned to him. “I should probably head home. If you want to stay, I’m sure one of the guys would give you a ride.”
“I’ll go with you.”
They headed for her truck, weaving between the parked cars. Mark scanned the area out of habit and stilled when he saw a truck labeled Eloise Jones Veterinary Care, in the corner of the lot. In the front seat was Eloise, looking as if she was riding her very own SEAL. And that sight was a lot more surprising than Molly McAdams’s fake breasts.
One glimpse told him Eloise wasn’t calling the shots. She had her arms bound behind her back with what looked like her bra. Her eyes were closed and her head was thrown back as she moved and arched over a fully dressed Gabe. Or maybe he’d stripped off his pants. Mark couldn’t tell from here, and he wasn’t about to take a closer look. He’d already seen too much.
“What?” Amy said, stopping beside him.
“Nothing,” he said shaking his head, trying to steer her away. But it was too late. She’d already spotted Eloise’s truck.
“Oh,” she said. “Wow.”
He watched her eyes widen, saw the moment her breath caught. Her cheeks flushed, and he saw shock, embarrassment and what looked an awful lot like longing in her eyes...
Mark ground his teeth together, pushing hard against the simmering feelings building up, demanding that he reach for her, offer an answer to the desire written on her face. But he couldn’t. He couldn’t want Amy. There were some lines he wouldn’t cross, and sleeping with his best friend’s widow was one of them. But that line was becoming more indistinct by the moment, and he needed to stay a few feet away from the barrier, not inch closer to it. Yes, he believed Amy should move on with her life. But not with him. She deserved so much more.
He took her arm and led her away. Seeing Eloise and Gabe—it was all kinds of wrong. It was erotic and hot, but not a moment that needed witnesses.
“I guess I didn’t need to worry about her,” Amy said with a laugh. “Looks like she has the situation under control.”
Someone had control in that truck, but Mark wasn’t sure it was Eloise. “They could have waited until they got home,” he said tightly.
“There’s something to be said for claiming the moment. Sometimes I wish I could be that free,” she murmured. “It looks like a lot more fun than my vibrator.”
The spark of the need he’d felt while watching Amy’s reaction flared. The image of Amy with her arms bound, waiting for him to touch her, taste her... Shit, he’d even use her vibrator, teasing her with the toy until she begged for more. For him.
Mark clenched his jaw, pushing the images away. Picking up the pace, he led her to the truck.
“We need to go,” he said, his words clipped and his tone rough. “Now.”
* * *
FIVE MINUTES LATER, Mark stared straight ahead at the dark country road. Tonight had verged off course. It felt as if they were scrambling to make a U-turn and go back to where they’d started the evening.
The thought of Amy wanting to be free, to live in the moment... Mark shifted his hips trying to get comfortable, but with an erection that left him feeling like a seventeen-year-old kid again, it just wasn’t possible. Probably because the reason he was turned on wasn’t back in the Tall Pines parking lot, but sitting beside him in the truck. He’d been focused on one thing—getting out of there—until Amy had started talking about living in the moment and her damn sex toys.
Drawing a deep breath, Mark mentally ran through his checklist for stocking his helicopter.
“I’m sorry,” Amy said.
“For what?” Mark kept his gaze fixed on the road. “When you suggested we look for Eloise and Gabe, I have a feeling you didn’t think we’d find them like that.”
“I’m not apologizing for my cousin. If you need an apology, you can take that up with her or Gabe.”
“Not going to happen.”
“I’m sorry for making you uncomfortable,” she said. “For talking to you as if you were one of my girlfriends. You don’t need to know about me and my, well...I’ll stop talking now.”
“You can tell me anything, Amy,” Mark said quietly. “You don’t have to hold back on my account.”
“Okay.”
Mark heard the uncertainty in her voice. He hated the fact that she’d raised her guard around him. “What you said earlier about being free?”
She nodded.
“You can be.” He reached for the stick, shifting gears. “I’m not saying you should do it in a bar parking lot—”
�
��I wouldn’t,” she said. “I’m not that wild. I want... Oh, God, sometimes the need to feel and be with someone is just so strong. But the thought of dating, of finding someone, it scares me. I should probably just do it and get past that first time. Maybe in another town. A quick one-night stand with someone removed from Heart’s Landing.”
No. Swerving to the shoulder of the two-lane highway, Mark fought the urge to fill the cab of the truck with that one word.
“Mark?” Amy said, her eyes widening as he put the truck in Park.
“Look at me, Amy,” he demanded. She obeyed, and he saw the question in her blue eyes. What was he doing? Hell if he knew. But he was damn certain he wasn’t going to let her leap into bed with a stranger.
“I want you to promise me one thing. You won’t run off and settle for a quickie with some stranger. You should have a man who gives you what you want. But no more hiding. No more sprained ankles or talking about picking up a random guy. Find someone who can give you what you need. Someone you can trust.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Volunteering?”
The thought of fulfilling her needs, making her scream his name... Mark ground his teeth. What he wanted didn’t matter. He wasn’t the man for her. He did fun and temporary. Nothing more. “No.”
“Why not?” she challenged, leaning closer.
The need to touch her overrode rational thought. He raised one hand, running his finger over the exposed skin above the neckline of her shirt. “I don’t do relationships.”
“I’m not asking for one.”
His finger dipped below the fabric of her shirt, running over the swell of her breast. He wanted to say yes, draw her onto his lap right here, right now, and drive her wild. But he couldn’t.
He withdrew his hand. “Amelia Mae, I would never forgive myself if I damaged our friendship.”
“You won’t.” She reached for him, her palm cupping the side of his face. Sweet and gentle. Christ, between the things he wanted from her and the big pile of nothing he had to offer in return, he had to say no.
He caught her wrist, lowering her hand to her lap. “Yeah, I would. Because one night with you... Hell, I know it wouldn’t be enough. For either of us.”
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