Come Hell or High Desire

by Misty Dietz

  “I love being out here with you,” she said.

  “You do?”

  She also loved the way his voice rumbled against her back, his breath warm against her ear. “Mmm. I could stay this way forever.”

  He remained silent, but she could almost feel the synapses in his brain leaping. She smiled, knowing he was open enough that she’d be able to read his thoughts, but also knowing she wouldn’t do that.

  “Then why don’t you?” he finally whispered.

  Her smile slipped. A bell rang, the gates opened, and her heart was on the racetrack. She crossed her legs and scooted around to face him. Firelight flickered on his face, his eyes so soft they disarmed her. “What are you saying?”

  He got up and arranged the blanket more snugly against her before moving toward the fire. She watched the shadows play over his broad back as he added another log to the pit. The pile shifted and fell in upon itself like old bones returning to dust. He moved to the other side of the pit, staring at her over the flames. She felt the deep stillness of him.

  She waited, her breathing shallow.

  She didn’t have long to wait.

  “I’m saying I’ll never find another who moves me the way you do. I want you to stay with me. Forever.”

  A small cry escaped. She fought with the blanket to try to stand and go to him, but he was by her side before she could get free. He ran his hands down the sides of her head, then put his finger to her lips, his eyes luminous in the shadows.

  “I will have your enthusiasm. But first, I need to say this.”

  She could barely breathe. She wanted to rain kisses all over his body and make love with him under the stars. But she nodded. There’d be time.

  Forever.

  His teeth suddenly gleamed, the wicked smile heating her blood. She thought he’d reconsidered talking. But he sat back on the grass, stretching his long legs out in front of him like this was gonna take all night. Hurry up, already. I can think of better things—

  His laugh burst free, and hers nearly did, too. Luckily she quickly caught herself and frowned at him. “Hey! You’re not supposed to do that!”

  “How can I help it when you think so loudly?”

  “Clod.”

  “I like seismic jackass better.”

  They smiled at each other as night bugs danced among the tiny embers that floated high above the pit. He leaned forward and with the gentlest of touches, feathered his lips against hers until she was breathless. His eyes promised secret pleasures. “So I’ve been thinking a lot this week. Obviously with the bombing damage, I’ll be relocating Samuel’s offices to another property downtown. A bigger property. I’m sure you know it—the historic building across from the bank.”

  “Are you serious? The brick four-story?”

  He nodded.

  “It’s gorgeous. You own that?”

  Another nod with a smile. “Downtown, baby. We have a lot of other properties, too. John loved real estate about as much as he enjoyed construction. Anyway, I figure since I’m going to need the services of an interior designer, and you’re probably going to be looking for another sponsor for the foundation…” His words trailed off expectantly.

  Hot tears welled in her eyes, overflowing faster than he could wipe them away.

  “An organization like Project Broken Wings is essential for people of all ages and walks of life. Let me help you with this.”

  He’d told her about finding his father’s body. She bowed her head, trying to comprehend his gift. His character in the wake of—in spite of—his broken childhood.

  He raised her chin. “Before you get too excited, I want you to know that I have one stipulation for this deal.”

  She sniffed, trying to bring her emotions under control. He smiled lopsidedly and pushed an errant strand of hair behind her ear. “God, I love you, Goldie.”

  “I love you, too. More than anything,” she whispered.

  “I’ll give you everything I have. Marry me.”

  “Hell, yes!” She launched at him, toppling them both to the soft grass where the fire’s warmth dried all her tears as they kissed. She shivered when he broke away, cool air replacing the heat of his body. But only for a moment. He reached for the blanket, then gathered her into his arms.

  Where I belong.

  Yes.

  He laid her back against the soft fabric, smiling into her eyes. The fire popped and crackled in harmony with the cricket songs and the wind sifting through the trees. He ran his hand down her flank, his broad palms stoking another fire within her. “Seems to me you had some good ideas earlier. Something about making love under the stars?”

  He got his answer when she stripped off his shirt.

  Bodies entwined, his lips slanted across hers, his consuming hunger a welcome aggression. Her last articulate thought was how she’d found peace on the banks of a timeless river. In the arms of a man who saw all her shadows, and loved her just as timelessly.

  Acknowledgments

  This story has seen the light of day because two women decided to take a chance on it: Keyren Gerlach—kind-hearted, insightful editor—thank you for your guidance, patience, and encouragement, and Nina Bruhns, genre visionary. You ladies are the bomb! I hope to collaborate with both of you on many more stories.

  To the rest of the team at Entangled Publishing who worked so hard to get this book out into the world, specifically Vicki Wilkerson, Kym Roberts, Jessica Turner, Tara Gonzalez, Sarah Weiss, Amanda Faris and Fiona Jayde. I don’t know what kind of deal my subconscious made with the devil to get all of you in my corner, but I am beyond grateful!

  To the hard-working and all-around awesome Fargo Police Department, especially Officers Melissa Westby and Phil Swan (the pub crawl ride-along was an eye-opener!), as well as all the instructors of the Fargo Citizen’s Police Academy. Every single officer I’ve interacted with has been helpful, detailed, and prompt. For that and everything you do for the community, thank you.

  To the fabulous and responsive ladies in From the Heart Romance Writers and Kiss of Death. I learned so much from all of you. And my beloved beta buddies, Denise Dittus and Ana Morgan, what would I have done without your insights, humor, and support?

  To my Facebook friends. Man, I love you, guys. Thank you for all the laughs and for always being game to respond to my crazy questions.

  To Mom and Dad, I was so blessed to grow up witnessing your sense of adventure, your open-mindedness, your rock-solid commitment to—and unconditional acceptance of—family. Values that took root deep inside and guide me when the world erupts around me.

  Finally, to my David. Your intuitive leadership continues to amaze and inspire me. Thank you for challenging me to spread my wings. Because of you, I’ve learned to fly.

  About the Author

  Misty’s love affair with words started in middle school when she penned stormy narratives set in exotic locales she knew nothing about. In college, her boy-angst spilled over into disturbing reams of poetry. After grad school, real life hit, and the writing went into hibernation until she found her own happily ever after with an ultra linear man who is the long-suffering counter-balance to her zig-zagging tendencies. Now, she spends her days writing emotionally complex, adrenaline-fueled stories, teaching Zumba, enjoying her family and friends, and praying her children don’t come home with math homework.

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