by Stacia Wolf
Oh, give it up, Cass! He wanted her. Her heart knew it; her body knew it. Otherwise, he could have called her or written to her if it were any other reason. No, he wanted her.
Her heart leapt with joy and she swallowed a whoop. Darn him, he'd given her seven weeks of hell, and now he just showed up? No, she wouldn't make this easy on him. They still had issues to work out. Like his using her family to further his business pursuits. Or his lack of trust.
And her need to do something worthwhile with her life.
Feigning an angry scowl, she banged on the window again. “Mike! Where are you taking me?” No response. “Darn it, Mike! Tell me where you're taking me!"
He didn't respond, but they took the Lake City exit. Cassie sat back, figuring he'd pull over any moment and then they'd talk. But he continued, winding around the hill to Thirty-Fifth.
She resisted thumping on the window again. He'd just ignore her. Stealthily she dialed his cell number, and hid a grin when he picked it up and answered. Only then did she lift hers to her ear.
"Would you mind telling me what you're up to?” she asked.
"You have a new cell number. I didn't recognize it."
"Otherwise you wouldn't have answered it?"
She could see his cocky grin. “Well, I'd rather wait until we get to where we're going. It's not much further."
"Coward.” It felt so good to hear his deep voice, to feel his chuckle rippling through her.
"You'd better believe it. I saw you take out two big guys. I've seen you argue yourself out of any predicament. You think I'm going to give you any chance to take me out, physically or verbally, until I know you've calmed down?"
She looked out the window, hiding her mouth from the rear view mirror. “I'm calm now. Pull over, so we can get this over with."
"No. Maybe I like being the bad guy instead of your knight in shining armor. Maybe it's fun acting outside the box this once. Besides, I can see your eyes."
"So?"
"They're smiling.” With a chuckle, he hung up.
Irritating man. She didn't glance his way. He knew he'd won. If she weren't aching to be in his arms, she'd make him suffer.
Even though she wanted to be held by him, she wondered if he felt he could trust her now. Or would that keep cropping up and causing them heartache?
She needed to know that. She couldn't live with someone who'd weigh her every word, her every action, looking for her to lie or fail or betray him.
No matter how much she loved him, or how much her heart broke without him, she needed that total trust.
That thought stole her joy away. Even if he missed her and wanted to be with her, that didn't mean they could work things out. Missing her didn't mean he now trusted her.
More sober now, Cassie stared out the window. After a few minutes, they pulled up in front of a wooden fence. Mike parked the limo, then came around to her door.
She ignored his outstretched hand, instead sliding out of the car on her own. He placed his hand in the small of her back, and her body sang at the contact. She wanted to sag back against him, soak in his warmth, his feel. But she fought the impulse, instead holding her spine straight and her gaze forward as he guided her through an opening in the fence.
She found herself standing in a small park, a charming space with a stream running through it. A path led through the trees and he pointed in that direction.
She walked down a sun-spackled path, Mike lightly touching her arm, and soaked in the beauty around her. But she couldn't forget why they were there. This confrontation could mean she'd walk with him by her side once again.
Or she'd forever be alone.
They followed a curve and found themselves at a large pond. Cassie heard a splash and gasped.
"Was that a beaver?” She pressed against the split rail fence, searching the water.
Mike smiled and nodded. “I thought you'd like this. Most people don't even know this park exists.” He pointed. “Watch."
She stared at a pile of sticks out in the pond, and to her delight, a beaver emerged from the water, dragging some twigs.
"Oh, Mike, this is wonderful. Thank you.” She laughed in joy when a smaller beaver emerged from the water.
"You're welcome. Of course, I had an ulterior motive."
She arched a brow at him. “Oh?"
"Yes.” His mouth twisted under the unfamiliar facial hair. “I wanted to see you smile."
She couldn't stop herself from complying with his wishes. Almost against her will, she reached out and touched his goatee. “Is this real?” she asked.
His eyes closed at her touch. Grasping her hand and holding it still, he chuckled against her fingers. “The beard or being together?"
"The beard. No, both.” His lips teased her skin, and hastily she pulled back, lest he muddle her mind more than he already did. “Why am I here, Mike? Why did you kidnap me?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he tugged off the goatee, leaving pieces of adhesive on his face.
"I needed to talk to you. I know you have every right not to want to see me, so I decided not to give you a choice. This seemed like the best idea."
"This doesn't change anything. You don't trust me.” She swallowed hard, but the words needed to be said. “And I don't trust you. Not after you used me to get your stupid zoning change."
Mike's eyes widened. “What?"
"Don't act dumb, Michael Ashford. Ernie told me that he asked you to get me to help you get the change."
"But I never asked you, Cassie. Or am I missing something here?"
"No, of course you didn't—you didn't need to, did you? Not when you talked to the source. My grandfather."
Mike's soft chuckle irritated her. “Cass, baby, do you really think that your grandpa would help me out? I think he'd rather kick me to the curb. In fact, I know it."
Cassie snorted. “Oh, come on, Mike! If you didn't talk to him then how do you explain that the board suddenly reversed their decision and gave you the zoning change?"
Mike shrugged. “I don't know, and right now, I honestly don't care. All I know is that I never even mentioned the zoning board to your grandfather. Other than Ernie or my dad, the only person I talked about it to is...” His voice faded and his eyes widened. “Your dad. He was there that day when I talked to you. He works for the city. You don't think...?"
A weight lifted from Cassie's heart. But it was only one of several. “You could be right. He might have been able to help. He's worked in that department before."
She couldn't control her smile. Mike hasn't used her, after all. It made sense, her dad trying to help. “But that's only one obstacle,” she said. There's the fact I'm a Delistraty."
His mouth quirked. “I can live with that, if you can handle the fact I'm an Ashford. Your parents can. And I talked with Cal, as well. He's willing to accept me in your life as long as I understand that if I make you cry again, I'm a dead man. As for your working at the clinic, he's promised to beef up security if I'll trust him not to put you in any more danger.” He captured her hand, pressing a kiss on her palm and causing her heartbeat to dance in her ears.
"Mike, I can't think when you do that."
He chuckled. “Good. I get into trouble when you think."
Pulling her hand away, she scoffed. “You told me that my not thinking is what gets me into trouble. Make up your mind."
He leaned forward, his breath tickling her ear. “I want you to think before you leap into trouble, but I don't want you to think before you leap into my arms.” He kissed the corner of her mouth. “I want you to listen to your heart."
A shiver of need ran through her, curling into her womanhood. No, she couldn't give in. Not yet. “Do you trust me now?"
He kissed her again, inching further up her mouth. He pressed her hand against his chest. “With all my heart."
She pulled away. It would be too easy simply to buy his words. She needed actions to back them up. “Forgive me if I don't quite believe you."
Mike nodded. “I don't blame you. I'll just have to convince you. Can I be your date at the wedding?"
"I don't think so. This is my parents’ day, and I'm not going to disturb it by arguing with you."
His smile seemed easy, but she could feel the tension underneath. “I'm not planning on arguing with you. I'm hoping that we can start over again. That this can be a new beginning for us."
Cassie shook her head. She didn't want to forget those glorious days and nights they'd shared before they'd parted.
Mike's face hardened. “I see. You won't even give me a chance. You've already moved on."
She winced at his bitterness. “No, that's not true. I'm as stuck as you are. But I don't want to forget what happened before. I like the start we had."
Heat bloomed in her stomach as hope returned to his eyes. “So I have a shot here?"
She laughed at his boyish smile. “Perhaps. But you'd better tell me a good reason why it took you over seven weeks to figure things out."
Reaching out, he lifted her up and perched her on the top rail of the fence. This brought her almost eye-to-eye with him. A heady feeling. Or perhaps that was brought on by the love glowing from his eyes.
He grasped her hand, and electricity zapped her, sucked her breath away. “I'm an idiot—how's that? I'm too dense to know when I've stumbled onto the real thing, and not a cheap knock-off."
She laughed. “And you're sure now?"
He pressed his lips to the base of her throat; she felt her pulse leap. “I should never have doubted it. But I discovered I hadn't worked through my marriage to Sharon. I judged you by her standards, not understanding that two people can do something similar with entirely different motives. She meant to deceive me. You meant to help out a friend."
Tears stung her eyes. She could hear the sincerity in his voice. “I never wanted to hurt you,” she said.
Mike nodded. “I understand that. Now. Then, all I could feel was bitterness. Very stupid of me.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “From now on, I'll trust the goodness of your heart instead of my rotten past."
"Oh, Mike.” Cassie couldn't hold back any longer. Her arms crept around his neck, and she pressed her face into his warm, solid shoulder. “I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you, too. So damned much. I don't plan on ever missing you like that again.” Finally, finally he kissed her fully, slowly and sweetly.
His tongue skimmed her lips, and she could feel his smile. “I don't care what it takes. I want to make this work. You can help your brother with the clinic, adopt all the tiny, nasty dogs you want. Hell, I'll even tolerate daily dinners with your grandfather if that's what it takes. All I ask is that you let me be with you.” He kissed her again, this time lifting her off the rail and into his body, molding her against him. It felt like heaven.
It felt like home.
"I love you, Cassie,” he said. “I'm not whole without you. Please say you'll be mine."
Cassie knew that all her life, she'd waited for this moment. When her heart would become one with her soul mate, with Mike Ashford, Boy Scout extraordinaire.
"I love you, too,” she said. “Just do me one favor."
Even as he laughed, his eyebrows rose. “And what's that?"
"No more rescuing damsels in distress. It always causes trouble."
Mike laughed. “Only you, love.” He captured her lips in a long, satisfying and blood-boiling kiss. “Only you."
Cassie laughed, loving the boldness of his embrace. “I meant me."
"Honey, you're the best kind of trouble,” he said. “You're the kind I need in my life.” Kissing her again, he set her down. “Come on, Ms. Delistraty. We have a wedding to go to. Then if you're willing, we have another one to plan."
Her heart soared. Oh, she was willing. To settle down with her own Dudley Do-Right, she'd plan a thousand weddings, walk a million miles.
As long as he was by her side.
Smiling up into those eyes she'd always loved, she took his hand.
"You're on."
* * * *
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About the Author
Stacia grew up in Spokane, Washington, where she still lives out her life as a devoted mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, home-owner, pet-owner and slightly deranged author. Writing is one creative outlet for her, and she enjoys many others: renovating her home, running a craft business with her best friend and gardening, to name a few. She loves to travel, take pictures and share good times with those she loves. She also loves to hear from her readers.
To learn more about Stacia Wolf, her family, pets and her stories, please visit www.staciawolf.com. Send an email to her at [email protected].
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You'll Be The Death of Me!
By Stacia Wolf
While Allison gave her attention to the list of clues, Jay stole a few moments to observe her. He liked her height; she reached up to his chin, a good fit to his six-foot-two frame. He thought he saw a faint dusting of freckles across her nose, but in the dim light cast by the elegant lampposts, he couldn't be sure. He liked the idea of freckles; he wanted to get closer to be certain.
He loved her riot of curls; they caused his fingers to ache with the need to run though the cinnamon-colored tresses.
She glanced at him, a tiny smile playing on her lips. She'd finally started talking to him and seemed reasonably intelligent. Too bad she was off her rocker.
"I wonder who Paige has as ‘suspects.’”
Her gaze became confused as she caught his expression. She stepped into the light and he confirmed that yes, light freckles did dance across her nose and flushed cheeks.
"What?” she asked.
I never knew freckles were so sexy. "Nothing.” His stride lengthened. The sooner he got this over with, the better. He couldn't control his reaction to her, especially now that he knew she could accomplish more than a fish imitation. She was too potent, too sensual; he didn't trust that. He didn't like the feelings she brought out in him, the ones that caused him to ache with desire, the ones that demanded he get closer to her.
Perhaps if he got to know her better, it would nip his attraction to her in the bud. Nothing like an obnoxious personality to kill a man's libido. Hopefully she had one.
"So, Mrs. Talbot tells me you're a mystery writer.” She stiffened instantly; he could tell she didn't appreciate him knowing what she did for a living. Maybe she got tired of talking about it. Perhaps she didn't enjoy much success.
Or perhaps she felt a bit embarrassed by her career choice. After all, writers didn't always get the respect they deserved. At least Jeff had told him that. He'd been a screenplay writer before he'd turned his hand to acting.
"It must be a great way to make a living,” he continued, trying to show her he respected her job. She must be published; the way Mrs. Talbot had talked about her with reverence hinted at that. “Must pay well, right?"
The spark of anger that lit her face left him in no doubt that he'd royally messed up. Great. Why couldn't he at least have gotten an ounce of that charm his brother oozed so easily?
Obviously book writing didn't pay well for her. He should have kept his mouth shut. He'd seen her apartment. Its starkness should have given him a clue that her finances weren't in great shape.
"My income is none of your business, and neither is my writing. So why don't we concentrate on solving these clues, and then you can go back to writing parking tickets or whatever it is you do."
Parking tickets? His jaw tightened in outrage. Before coming to Spokane, he'd worked the vice squad, one of the most dangerous and stressful departments to which a cop could be assigned. He opened his mouth to let her know what he really thought about writers, but her animated, angry gaze sparked a surge of emotion in him, one he recognized as excitement. Sexual excitement.
No. Not now. The timing stunk for this. And not with Allison Leavitt, wacky mystery writer. No matter how much she tantalized him, what coul
d she have in common with a cop?
Nothing. The blunt answer was nothing.
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Excitement, danger and falling for the man of her dreams all have...
Grace Under Pressure
(C) 2006 Melissa Schroeder
College professor Grace Michaels has enough on her plate with her research, her ex-fiance showing up in town, her parents parking their RV in front of her house, and her attempt to entice her sexy neighbor, new sheriff, Ren Morello, into having an affair, when someone breaks into her house and office.
Ren wants nothing to do with Grace. So what if she looks like a pinup girl from the 50's or that every time she's in his vicinity, he sports a hard-on? She is a woman who would demand commitment and after his nasty divorce from his cheating ex-wife, Ren wants nothing to do with marriage. All he wants is hard fast sex. The problem is, the only woman he can picture it with is Grace.
When the threats to Grace turn almost deadly, Ren finds himself in her company more often than not, and keeping his hands off her becomes impossible. But as the danger grows closer, the attraction grows deeper, and Grace must chose between protecting her heart or her life.
Enjoy the following excerpt for Grace Under Pressure by Melissa Schroeder:
Grace sat in the passenger seat of Ren's truck with her head back and her eyes closed. Every time he glanced at her, the streetlights cast a pallor to her skin he knew wasn't as bad in reality, but it still irritated him. Hell, anger boiled so hot in his blood he worried what he would do when he found out who had pushed her down those stairs. He pulled into his driveway. “Grace,” he said in a husky whisper. “Honey, we need to get you in the house."
She smiled then opened her eyes. She looked around in confusion. “What are we doing here?"
"I think you need stay with me tonight. As soon as I get you into the house, I'll go get your mutt."
The smile returned, but a with a seductive edge. “So, you were lying to Gabriel?” It took him a second or two, then he remembered his comment about jumping her bones.