“No. I’m not mad at you, Luke.” She pulled away from his touch.
“Okay. Then tell me what I’ve done to deserve you running out on me. We’re relatively safe here. Travis, Coop and MacGyver have our backs. For someone in your position, it doesn’t get much better. So, let’s hear your reasoning. I deserve to know, don’t you think? Unless I’m right and you’re just plain-ass angry at me. Go ahead. Tell me. Yell if you have to.” Luke could see her distancing herself emotionally and physically. He was pushing her intentionally, hoping to break through the barriers she’d apparently erected around her heart.
Sally turned away; her stream of mumbled words went unheard.
“What did you say? Speak up, sunshine. Or didn’t you want me to hear your answer?” He bombarded her with questions.
She whipped around, her hands again fisted at her sides. “I. Don’t. Yell.” The words, issued at the decibel level of a rock and roll band in concert, echoed in the silence of the room. Sally covered her mouth as remorseful eyes locked on him. Tears rimmed her beautiful blues and overflowed down her cheeks.
Luke raised an eyebrow, then threw back his head and laughed. A watery smirk appeared on her lips fleetingly, chased away by a stuttering sob.
He caught her before she could turn away and wrapped her tightly against him. “I love you, sunshine. Did you forget? Regardless of what you might think, I would be a basket case if you and Jen walked away. You can get mad and yell at me as much as you need to—I still won’t let you go. Whether you know it yet or not, you don’t want to leave me.” His mouth came down on hers, not a soft, gentle kiss but one of deep need and hunger.
Finally, her body relaxed against his and her arms threaded around his neck. When he raised his head, she stayed put, a smile riding her lips that made his heart ache deep down inside. Without a word, Luke swept her into his arms and strode to the bed. His heart wasn’t the only thing aching. His arousal had swollen, hard and impatient, and now throbbed in time with his pulse. He placed her on her feet on the bed and pulled her jeans down to her ankles.
She squealed when he bent and jerked her feet out from under her, then ripped her pants the rest of the way off. The sexy woman sprawled on the bed wore no panties, which turned him on even more. He hastily got rid of his boots and pants and joined her amid the rumpled covers.
Luke locked his mouth on hers, plundering with lips and tongue. The soft mewls he swallowed said he must be doing something right, but it wasn’t enough. He straddled her stomach and pushed her shirt up to reveal firm, ripe breasts. The nipples were hard and pebbled, and his rough hands surrounding them, pulling and tweaking, made her writhe beneath him and cry his name.
He grinned when she reached for his manhood, standing sentinel between them. He caught her hand and stretched it over her head. “Not this time, sunshine. I’m just barely hanging on as it is.” Capturing her other hand, he joined her wrists on the pillow above her. Raining kisses over her face, neck and breasts, he smiled as she tried to pull her hands away. “In a minute. Don’t get impatient.”
He brought his hand to her mound, and she arched into him. His fingers split her folds once, twice, and then sunk deep inside. His thumb circled her sensitive core, coming closer and closer to her swollen nub, while he worked his fingers inside her. Damn, she was so wet and hot—and she was his…just like he was hers. She would know they belonged together before he was through.
His fingers found the spot that ripped a tortured moan from her lips, and he rolled her engorged center between thumb and forefinger. Sally reared off the bed with a cry and then came apart with a whimper beneath him. Her eyes were glazed and unfocused. She moaned, and her breath caught as he released her hands and sat back on his knees. Fumbling for a condom, he ripped open the package and had it seated in seconds.
Luke lowered himself between her silky thighs, his hard-on nestled in the warmth between her legs. She smiled lazily and brought his face to hers for a kiss. Raising up on his elbows, he studied her. “Tell me you’re staying with me. I need to hear you say it.”
Worry, or something worse, creased her brow. “Why haven’t you asked me about…my father? I should have told you.”
“Hell, if it’s one thing I can understand, it’s having family members you’d rather not claim. My old man is a perfect example. That the senator is my father is information I seldom volunteer.” Damn straight—she should have told him, and it stung, more than a little, that she hadn’t.
Her warm hands caressed his face. “I guess you’re stuck with us, then.”
Not exactly the commitment he’d wanted to hear, but he wouldn’t push her—not yet. He searched her face for any sign of doubt and found none. “I want you so bad, sunshine. I don’t know if I can be gentle.”
“I trust you, and I’m pretty sure I won’t break.” Her lips at the edge of his mouth encouraged him.
Luke rocked his hips back and penetrated her tight sheath. The sound of her sudden inhalation reached him, but he was lost in her heat and the way her muscles squeezed his throbbing member. With a groan, he wound his arms around her waist, binding her to him, and began a slow and steady rhythm. Suddenly, he rolled over, clutching her tightly and bringing her with him until she sat, straddling him, impaled on his rigid shaft.
Surprise lined her face, but a sultry smile slid into place on her lips. “You might warn a girl,” she whispered.
“I like keeping you off-balance. Always knowing what to expect is boring. Life with me won’t be boring, sunshine.” He held his breath when her brow furrowed for a heartbeat.
She hadn’t committed to life with him or anything close, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to plead his case every chance he got.
“Good to know.” Her faint smile returned.
Luke fastened his hands around her waist. “Are you ready?” He bucked upward and grinned when her eyes grew round. He was ready—that was for damn sure.
Her tender gaze, locked on his, was enough to help him find the gentleness within himself he’d been afraid he couldn’t harness. He moved with her until they found the rhythm he craved so badly, and as her release crashed over her again, Luke took satisfaction in how perfect they were together.
Holding her tightly, he rolled her beneath him and plunged deep until, a groan escaping him, he exploded into fiery bits of pleasure and lust that left him depleted. It was a long time before his lungs recovered and he could feel his legs. When he moved off her, she curled up next to him, her head resting against his heart. Contentment and hope curved his lips into a grin as he pulled a sheet over them and wrapped his arms around her.
Chapter Fifteen
Daniel and Ellen’s front room was a beehive of activity by the time Luke and Sally arrived at midmorning. Travis was on his way to the small utility area just off the kitchen, looking surprisingly domestic, carrying a basket of what appeared to be wet laundry. Coop and Matt were helping Ellen fold sheets, and Daniel strode through the back door with a large toolbox and a carpenter’s belt buckled around his waist.
Jen and Bridgett struggled under a bucket loaded with cleaning supplies, rags and sponges. Jen helped Bridgett set down their burden and ran to throw her arms around Luke and Sally.
Hugging her daughter, Sally looked curiously at Ellen. “What’s going on?”
Daniel’s wife stopped folding towels and brushed a loose strand of hair from her face. “We got a big reservation this morning. One of our regulars from Spokane referred a large group of business associates. They’ll be here tomorrow morning and are staying the week.”
“Tomorrow?” Sally suddenly understood the reason for all the laundry and cleaning supplies. “They didn’t give you much notice.”
“I know, but this is really good for our business. Martin O’Sullivan is a real estate broker—the one who helped us buy this place. He sends us new clients all the time. He’s been so good to us, we couldn
’t say no.” Ellen glanced toward Daniel and smiled. “Besides, the early season is the toughest to book, especially when you’re the new kids on the block. Unfortunately, none of the cabins are ready for the season, except the ones you’re staying in. I’ve already imposed on Coop, MacGyver and Travis.” Ellen smiled apologetically. “I was hoping you and Luke might lend a hand too.”
“You bet we’ll help,” Luke said.
Sally grasped Jen’s hand. “Tell us what to do.”
“Daniel has a list of items that need attention on the cabins. How about if the guys go with him and we girls finish the laundry and then start cleaning?” Her gaze included Jen and Bridgett.
“Let’s get started.” Luke winked at Sally and tousled Jen’s hair before he followed Daniel and the rest of the men outside.
The women made short work of washing, drying and folding the rest of the sheets and towels Ellen said she’d need. It didn’t seem like work to Sally. Between the adult female conversation and the abundant laughter, she felt normal for the first time in days. It’d been a good idea, coming here, meeting Luke’s friends. She could almost believe it was possible to have a new life, free of the shadow of her past.
Filled with expectancy and optimism, Sally slid her arm around Jen’s shoulders and gave her a hug. “I love you, sweetheart.”
“Love you most, Mom.” Jen issued her standard reply, and they both laughed.
Ellen kept them busy throughout the day, scrubbing floors, organizing cupboards and making beds. As soon as they finished cleaning and stocking each cabin, she sent the girls off to Daniel with the to-do list she’d made as they discovered items that needed attention. The two girls ran in circles, chased each other and giggled as though they’d just been released for recess. Seeing Jen so happy was pure joy to Sally.
The sun was going down when Ellen finally set her hands on her hips and looked around, a hint of pride in her eyes. “I think we’re ready.” A tired smile gave her a soft glow. “We couldn’t have done this without you and the guys. I’ll never be able to thank you.”
Sally hugged her. “That’s what friends are for.”
Ellen linked arms with her. “Come on. Let’s go clean up and start some dinner. The men are probably starving.”
Sally’s stomach growled, and both women laughed. Jen and Bridgett had crashed a couple of hours ago, and Ellen had sent them back to her house to rest and have a sandwich. That sounded pretty good to Sally, but when they started up the path to Ellen’s back door, the most scrumptious aroma teased her senses, magnifying her hunger.
Ellen lifted her head. “Something smells delicious. Daniel must be at it again.”
“He cooks?” Sally’s eyebrows shot up.
“Oh, honey, there’s not much my Daniel can’t do.” The Cheshire-cat grin on Ellen’s face made Sally snicker.
As the women entered the back door, arm in arm, all five men stopped the domestic chores they were involved in and looked their way. Matt was at the sink, presiding over a soapy stack of dishes. Travis and Coop had been hauling plates and flatware to the table. Luke and Daniel worked behind the big, industrial-sized oven, each with an apron tied around his waist.
Speechless, Sally exchanged a bemused glance with Ellen.
Daniel rapped on the countertop with a spatula. “Back to work.” The activity resumed as though it had never stopped.
“What’s for dinner?” Ellen moved around the counter toward her husband.
Daniel held his hands up in a don’t-blame-me-for-this gesture. “Pizza. Luke’s recipe. The jury’s still out on whether it’s any good or not.”
Sally met Luke’s gaze. “It smells wonderful.”
“Thanks, sunshine. It’s nice to hear from someone who appreciates good food. I’ve had to put up with these knuckleheads for the past hour.” Luke swung his arm in an arc, indicating his three SEAL buddies and Daniel.
“Oh, boo hoo, Harding. Give it a rest, will ya?” Travis groused from across the room as he scattered the plates around the table in no particular order.
Luke chuckled and his familiar grin appeared. “Your dinner is about ready. Why don’t you ladies get washed up?”
“Where are the girls?” Ellen gave her husband a quick hug.
“They grabbed a bite to eat a couple of hours ago and headed upstairs to watch a movie. Haven’t heard from them since. I’ll go get them—that is if Luke can get the pizzas out of the oven without burning them.” Daniel strode toward the stairs, accompanied by male laughter.
“Everyone’s a critic.” Luke threw open the oven door and pulled out four large pizzas in quick succession.
Sally looked at herself, dirt and grime caked on the legs of her pants—not to mention under her fingernails. Her skin practically crawled with the sweat and dirt that covered her. “I was hoping for a shower and a change of clothes.” She lifted her hands, afraid to touch anything.
Luke dropped his pot holders and circled the kitchen counter. He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her against him, his lips grazing her forehead. “We’re all in the same boat, sunshine. Just wash off the worst of it for now.” He lowered his lips to her ear and continued in a whisper. “When we get back to the cabin, I’ll wash you…from head to toe.”
Sally’s gaze darted to his. Mischief shone warmly from his eyes. “Now there’s an offer a girl can’t refuse.” She pressed close and lifted her lips to meet his.
Stepping back, she headed quickly for the nearest sink. Luke’s low groan followed her.
“Bridgett and Jen said they’re not hungry. Let’s eat.” Daniel made the announcement as he descended the stairs.
Luke pulled a huge bowl of salad and two bottles of wine from the refrigerator and handed them to Daniel. When they were all seated, Daniel blessed the meal and then bedlam broke out as they passed the salad around the table while everyone grabbed for slices of pizza.
“This is delicious,” Sally said, a slice still clutched in her hand.
The others murmured their agreement, and Luke gave her a kiss on the cheek.
A warm sensation grew in her belly until a flush of heat on her skin made her look away.
“Ellen, what time will the guests arrive tomorrow?”
“Around noon. We’ll check them in and get them settled first. We stocked the cabins with lunch supplies, but they’ll take their breakfast and supper meals with us.” Ellen glanced at her husband.
As though on cue, Daniel raised his wineglass and cleared his throat. “Obviously, Ellen and I couldn’t have gotten this place ready in time by ourselves. Thanks to all of you, we got ’er done. It’s a fitting tribute to Ian’s choice of good friends.” His gaze traveled to Sally. “And Luke’s—who didn’t stop talking about you all day.”
Sally refused to blush but couldn’t corral the pleased smile that spread of its own accord.
Luke chuckled and rubbed his hand up and down her back, then lifted his glass. “To Ian and good friends.”
“May he rest in peace,” Matt said.
“Hear, hear.” Travis held his glass skyward, as though saluting someone the rest of them couldn’t see.
Sally watched him as he solemnly honored his fallen comrade.
Silence settled over the group for a moment until Daniel coughed self-consciously. “You know, those kids are probably sound asleep by now.”
Sally had been thinking the same thing. Before she could reply, Luke threaded his fingers through hers. “No problem. I’ll carry her back to our cabin.”
“Or…you could let her stay the night again,” Ellen said. “I’m being selfish, of course, but Bridgett’s been so happy since Jen arrived.” A blush tinging her cheeks pink, she stood and started clearing the table.
All hands helped carry the dirty dishes to the sink until the men, with Ellen’s prodding, filed outside and quiet descended on the room. In short order,
the kitchen was spotless and the dishwasher purred softly through its cycle.
Sally dried her hands on a kitchen towel. “You look tired.” She smiled at her new friend. “Tell me what I can do to help tomorrow.”
“People don’t come here expecting to have everything done for them. Our guests carry their own luggage and clear their place settings from the table. But…even we have to keep records and pay lodging tax. I feel bad even asking, but if you could drop in about noon and help me get them registered, that would really speed things up.”
“Say no more. I’ll be here.” Sally hung the towel to dry on the oven door. “Well, I’d better go get Jen.”
“Need any help?”
“Thanks, but I’ll grab Luke if she needs to be carried.” Sally appreciated that Ellen didn’t bring up Jen staying over again. After everything that had happened last night with the marshal, she wanted her daughter close.
Jen and Bridgett were sound asleep on the Frozen comforter that topped Bridgett’s princess canopy-style bed. Sally should’ve known, but disappointment bit her anyway as she halted just inside the door. For a moment, she stood watching her daughter in peaceful sleep while she made up her mind. Then, carefully covering both girls, she left them there.
Luke and Ellen stood in the open doorway of the cabin when Sally descended the stairs.
Ellen turned toward her, and her gaze swept to the upper floor. “Asleep?”
“I didn’t have the heart to wake her. I’ll leave her, if you’re sure you don’t mind.”
“She’ll be fine here, and don’t worry about coming early to get her. We’re going to take it easy around here in the morning.”
Leaning against the doorframe, Luke studied Sally. “Are you sure, sunshine? I don’t mind packing her back to our place.”
Luke’s sincerity was obvious in his expression, and she loved him for it. Meeting his gaze and holding it, she shook her head. “I think Ellen’s right.”
Heart of a SEAL Page 19