Deep is the Night: Dark Fire

by Denise A. Agnew

  The backroom door opened and a twenty-something woman with long, jet-black hair and wearing a stylish royal blue suit, stepped into the room.

  The woman’s smile came easy and genuine when she saw them. “Hello. I thought I heard the bell.” The girl swept her hair away from her face and stepped forward to greet them. “I’m Janna Billingsgate.” She shook their hands as they introduced themselves. “Oh, Lachlan Tavish. You’re the vampire.”

  Erin’s eyes went wide, and Lachlan laughed but didn’t deny it.

  Janna blushed as she took in his tall form. “Sorry. My niece told me that you were the vampire at the Halloween story hour.” She nodded at Erin. “And you’re the librarian who does the story hour, right?”

  “Most of the time,” Erin said.

  Janna’s gaze continued to rest upon Lachlan, her interest in him blatant. Erin felt a twinge of jealousy and tried to hold it back. For all she knew, Lachlan would be able to sense it. Knowing the rascally Scot, he’d probably get a huge kick out of either her jealousy, or Janna’s interest.

  Lachlan slipped his arm around Erin and tucked her into his side. “I saw a blood-red velvet dress in the window the other day. Do you still have it? I don’t see it on display any longer.”

  Janna smiled. “Of course. We sold that one, but there is stock in the back. I have three sizes left.” Jana turned her gaze on Erin. “What size are you? Petite?”

  “No, actually, I just fit into a regular misses size…seven, I think.”

  “I think I might have something that will fit.” Janna headed into the back room.

  Erin remained quiet, disconcerted.

  Lachlan snuggled closer to her, and she inhaled his masculine scent. It sent her senses into a new riot of attraction. “What’s wrong, Erin?”

  “I still don’t know about this. When a man buys something for a woman, things get complicated. I had a guy once promise me a beautiful amethyst ring. I believed he cared for me more than he did. He didn’t end up getting the ring because he couldn’t afford it. He shouldn’t have committed to something he didn’t have the funds for.”

  She realized she sounded bitter, and her attitude made her blush. God, you sound like a petulant child.

  Lachlan stared deep into her eyes, and there she saw the golden flecks deepen with understanding. “No. You sound like a woman who’s been hurt.” He slipped his index finger under her chin. “He shouldn’t have promised you anything he couldn’t honor. Since I don’t know the man, I can’t say what motivated him. But I do know one thing; if I get you this dress, it doesn’t mean I expect anything of you.” When she didn’t speak, her mind still full of doubts, he continued. “I don’t pay women for sex, Erin. I never have. Did the man who promised you the ring try and buy your sexual favors with gifts?”

  She shook her head. “Maybe. I don’t know. He seemed like a good enough guy, but I think he was confused. I think he fell in lust hard and then when he’d gotten what he wanted, didn’t feel compelled anymore.” Remembered pain, as fresh as yesterday, gnawed at her heart. She took a deep breath and tried to lighten the moment. She shrugged. “Well, he was a Libra.”

  Instead of taking the joke, Lachlan’s gaze turned inquisitive and darkened. “Erin, I’m sorry.”

  She shrugged. “It was a long time ago. I’m over it.”

  “You may be over it, but you carry a wound. You wouldn’t be suspicious of me if you didn’t.”

  Erin moved away from him, slipped off her coat, and put it on a pink velvet covered chair. “I’m suspicious because I’ve learned my lesson. I won’t be manipulated by a promise that won’t be kept.”

  He nodded, his gaze glowing with new understanding. “And you see receiving gifts as a promise?”

  Confusion built in her psyche, and suddenly she had the feeling she’d screwed something up big time. “No, no. I don’t expect anything from you.”

  He stuffed his hands in his coat pocket. “When I make a commitment, I follow through. I was engaged once a few years back. I was ready to marry her, but she decided she couldn’t marry me and it didn’t work out. If it will make you feel any better, I’ll tell you all about it at dinner.”

  “Only if you wish to.”

  Lachlan nodded. After a small pause, he said, “I know what you’re thinking.”

  “Of course you do. What else is new?”

  He chuckled. “I’m not like any man you’ve known. It’s impossible for me to hurt you.” He pulled her near and looked deep into her eyes. Keeping his voice low, he said, “You’re going to be the death of me.”

  “Oh?”

  Lachlan shifted even closer, and the hard press of rock-solid muscle and power made her feel feminine and desired. “You’re driving me daft.” He nuzzled her hair aside and whispered in her ear. “I’m walking around with a hard-on half the day.”

  She inhaled sharply, surprised and yet turned on by his blatant statement. “Lachlan.”

  “When we go to Ricardo’s anything that happens tonight will be at your discretion. If you want me, you’ll have me. If you don’t want to make love, we won’t. It’s as simple as that.”

  Before she could reply, Janna came back with the dress cradled in both arms. “Here it is.” She handed it to Erin. “Why don’t you try it on in the dressing room in back?”

  Erin hesitated for a second, then decided it didn’t hurt anything to see if the dress fit. As she walked to the back, she heard Janna striking up conversation with Lachlan, and a new spike of jealousy attacked.

  Drop it, Erin. This isn’t going to work if every time he talks to another woman you get nutty. It’s not healthy.

  Resolved, she stepped into a dressing room and put on the long sheath. The low cut v-neck and thin straps accentuated her shoulders and neck. She would have to go braless in this dress because the cut didn’t allow for any visible means of support. Quickly she took off the bra, then slipped the dress straps up over her shoulders again. When she smoothed the dress down over her hips, she saw that it looked damn good on her. The brilliant coloring enhanced everything—including her hair. The way the material cupped her breasts was beyond daring. She turned to the side and noted the material cupped her butt without appearing too tight. An audacious slit ran up the left leg and ended in the middle of her thigh.

  Erin grinned when she noticed her ankle strap shoes added to the daring illusion and added length to her legs. She turned and presented her leg so that it slipped out of the slit entirely. Her hosiery clad limb seemed long and sexy.

  All together the dress screamed two words.

  Fuck me.

  Red-hot desire slid into her belly when she thought about what Lachlan’s expression would be when he saw her in this dress. A silly grin parted her lips, and when she glanced in the mirror again her smile said she couldn’t wait. What the hell? She’d go for it and see where this entire experience led her. She could call the shots; he promised her he expected nothing for the dress. Why not take the gift?

  She stuffed her bra in her purse and took a huge breath. Now or never. She gathered up her top and skirt and stepped out of the dressing room.

  Lachlan stood nearby a dress rack staring into space. When he glanced at Erin, his reaction far surpassed her expectations. His eyes widened, glowed with instant heat, and he came toward her with a big smile. He stopped a couple of feet away, his attention dancing from her face and then making a languorous sweep to her breasts. His mouth opened, lust clearly written on his face as he seemed to fixate there. Then his attention drifted down over the rest of her, landing on the slit that rode her leg.

  “God.” His accent went thick and rough. “Look at you. I’ve never seen anything more delicious in my life.”

  A wild rush filled Erin, and her entire body felt like it heated with fire. Of all the times he’d looked at her with clear admiration, she couldn’t remember feeling such intense awe coming from him before. This man made her feel like royalty in every way.

  Lachlan reached for her hands and held
them, his grin one of total satisfaction, and full-throttle desire. The heat of his skin against hers made her shiver with pleasant warmth. “You’re so damned sexy and beautiful, I want to strip this off you and love you here and now.”

  Heat filled her face, and Erin’s gaze darted to Janna and the other customer.

  “I’m not talking that loud.” His grin teased her, and he placed a tender kiss on her forehead. “If you keep looking at me like that, we’re not going to make it to the restaurant.”

  His voice held an unbearably sexy nuance, filled with primitive response.

  To break the sensual spell, she said, “Thank you. You’ll be happy to know that I didn’t even look at the price tag.”

  “Good.” He winked and went to the register to pay for the dress.

  Erin looked away, not wanting to know if he paid cash or credit card, or produced play money out of thin air. Guilty pleasure edged out her earlier fears, almost erasing her worry that this dress didn’t mean anything. In truth, she couldn’t say what it meant, other than he wanted to give her a gift. Why couldn’t she enjoy and take it at that?

  Before she could ruminate any longer, Lachlan came back to her, helped her on with her coat and they left.

  As they drove to the outskirts of town toward Ricardo’s, she smiled with contentment. She decided she would enjoy their date and stop worrying about the whys and wherefores. Right now she would savor the moment.

  “Thank you, Lachlan. The dress is beautiful.”

  “You’re welcome.” Soft and deep, his voice sent liquid longing straight into her loins.

  The damned man can turn me on with one word.

  One word? His voice questioned in her mind.

  She smiled and watched as the town receded and they headed into the countryside. Vulnerability slammed into her. One word.

  I think I know one word that makes you excited.

  Oh?

  Fuck.

  Her skin flamed at the raw and unexpected word. Her nipples hardened, and she ached deep between her legs.

  Even in her head his voice sent swirls of burning hot arousal all over her body. I know it sounds forbidden to you. I think you’ve had sex, Erin, but I don’t think you’ve ever experienced a good, hard, nothing-held-back fuck.

  Embarrassment warred with arousal. What’s the difference?

  He laughed softly, the sound lingering on the air as his mind talked to hers. I’ll show you, when you’re ready. Sex that comes hard and fast and long. Sex that blows the top of your head off and lasts in your memory forever. The kind of fuck that promises to kill you if it doesn’t make you come.

  “Lachlan.” She cleared her throat, but her voice rasped anyway. “Lachlan, you are a very naughty boy.”

  “I aim to please.” A wicked smile flirted with his lips. “Does talking dirty bother you? I’ll stop if you want.”

  This elegant and yet rough-hewn man confused and delighted her. One moment he looked stately, a man of the manor. The next he could whisper torrid love language in her ear and it didn’t sound crass. Excitement filled Erin with delicious desires. She had a feeling this night would be one she would never forget.

  Chapter 14

  Lachlan and Erin reached the restaurant without additional mind games. As they pulled into a parking space, she noticed their car was the only one at the restaurant. The entire place, though lit up in each window, seemed quiet and deserted.

  Ricardo’s, much like the rest of Pine Forest, had an otherworldly presentation. Although it resided a few miles outside town, it seemed linked by the Queen Anne structuring, and the haunting glow of lamplight that streamed from the windows.

  “Is anyone here?” she asked.

  “Of course.”

  “You didn’t do something like reserve the entire restaurant for us, did you?”

  His grin teased her. “No, although I like the sound of that.”

  Like a gentleman he leapt out of the car and opened the passenger door for her, even though she didn’t expect it. She grinned as she slipped from the vehicle. “You didn’t have to open the door.”

  “No, I didn’t have to.” He took her hand and his warm, big palm squeezed her gently as they walked toward the entrance. “I wanted to.”

  Seemed like this man never did anything but what he wanted. She didn’t know if she liked that. Didn’t life’s complications affect him any way? Didn’t he ever have obstacles to endure?

  As they stepped into the restaurant, she put aside speculation and admired the beautiful antique furniture and the delicate glow of muted lighting.

  “Mr. Tavish,” the host said with obvious pleasure. “Welcome back.” Tuxedoed like something from the nineteenth century, the host led them to their table in a secluded small room off the main dining room. “The wine list and your menus. Cedric will be with you shortly.”

  With an old-world bow and a toothy smile, the man closed the door to their room. She glanced around the room, impressed by the opulent decoration of red velvet and brocade. A huge chandelier sparkled with subdued light in the high-ceiling room, sending diamond points over the white china, gold utensils, and expensive blue table linen. A delicate rose scent lingered on the air, and she inhaled. Soft classical music was piped in from somewhere, adding to the romantic allure. A large fireplace sparked with a gas lit glow, cozy enough to appear the real thing.

  “Like the room?” he asked.

  Erin smiled. “I didn’t even know this room was back here. It’s like an enchanted fairytale.”

  “I found out about it the first night I came to town. I was tired and didn’t want a crowd around me. This place gets noisy later in the evening.”

  She glanced at her watch. “It’s almost six. Maybe we’re a little early for the crowd.”

  He put down his menu. “Are you afraid to be alone with me?”

  “No. Why should I be?”

  “Because you’re still acting skeptical and suspicious.”

  She sighed and looked at him over the glow of candlelight in the middle of the table. “Sorry. Give me some time, Lachlan. You have to admit we’ve been…” She struggled for the right words to describe their relationship. “We’ve been hot and heavy right from the start.”

  “I know.” His voice held a masculine huskiness that threatened to keep her on the edge of arousal every minute she stayed near him. “It took me by surprise, too.”

  “Could have fooled me.” She gave him a weak grin and reached for her water glass, her voice dry with nerves and anticipation.

  He reached over and rubbed his fingers over her hand in a light caress. “Believe me, Erin. I would never lie to you.”

  Deciding she should stop being mistrustful of him, she nodded. “All right. I’m sorry. This is all new to me.” She waggled her eyebrows. “Being courted like a queen.”

  Cedric, their waiter, entered the room after his knock received an acknowledgment from Lachlan. He took their wine order, then handed a small envelope to Lachlan. “I’m so sorry, sir. We forgot to leave this on the table earlier.”

  With a broad and knowing smile, Cedric exited the room and closed the door.

  Erin peered at the small parchment-colored envelope Lachlan placed on the table. “What’s that?”

  Lachlan’s expression held pure mischief. He nodded to another door not far from the fireplace. “There’s a room beyond this one. I’ve reserved it for the night in case it gets late and you’d rather not return home.”

  “A bedroom?”

  He slipped the envelope across the table toward her. “I’m giving you the key right now. We’ll only use the room if and when you want tonight. It’s all in your hands.”

  Although his voice reassured her, she saw the desire simmering with molten intensity in his eyes. His nostrils flared the slightest bit, and his gaze dropped to breasts. Mesmerized by his attention, she closed her eyes for a second. The brush of soft material against the sensitive flesh made her nipples ache. A fantasy popped into her head, and she knew right a
way he might read the decadent thoughts in her head. Lachlan’s tongue dancing with flicks over her nipples, pulling them into his mouth and sucking, his fingers stroking her other nipple until she burned with uncontrollable craving to have his cock deep inside her.

  Her eyes popped open, and he stared at her. He licked his lips, and she wanted that carnal mouth over every inch of her body he could reach.

  She touched the envelope, then left it on the table near her hand.

  Another knock on the door breached the tension-thick air, and when Cedric brought in the bottle of merlot and presented it to Lachlan, she felt relief. If the waiter hadn’t arrived, she had a feeling she would have been in the big Scot’s arms in seconds.

  Cedric left the room with a promise their dinner would arrive soon.

  Lachlan held up his wine glass. “A toast, lass. To the most beautiful, intelligent, and loving woman I know. Erin Greenway.”

  He touched his glass to hers, and tears filled her eyes. “Damn it, Lachlan, you’re going to make me cry.”

  He sipped his wine. “Sweetheart, the only thing I want to do is make you weep with pleasure.”

  The low growl in his tone made her toes curl. Holy tamales, if he kept his up, she would come right here and now without another ounce of stimulation.

  “What I want right now,” she paused to take a sip of her merlot, “is some answers.”

  “All right.”

  “Tell me about your fiancée. The woman you didn’t marry.”

  Sadness crossed his face. “We were childhood friends. We thought we were destined to be together, but then something tragic happened. When she discovered that I wasn’t the man I used to be, she broke off the engagement.”

  Erin tilted her head to the side in question. “Not the man you used to be?”

  He swept a hand through his hair, and her gaze lingered on the blue-black sheen in his hair. The man extruded masculinity in every move, no matter how innocent. Her stomach fluttered with pleasure again.

  His gaze fixated somewhere beyond her. “It’s complicated. It’s wrapped up in how I can read your thoughts.”