by Mel Favreaux
“There's a festival going on. Carnival rides, cotton candy, and all kinds of local booths set up.”
Grinning, she raised her brows. “Now that sounds fun.”
* * * *
Jaren smiled, watching Kimra holding onto Mac's leash while she perused some of the tables filled with jewelry. Mac was great with her, never once tugging on the leash; being a wonderfully obedient dog. With a smirk, he noticed the wide berths people were giving her as she walked up to the tables.
He had taken Kimra by her tiny rental bungalow and waited while she changed into a short summer dress that was mouth watering. It should be illegal to allow women in public wearing such things. He'd had to struggle to keep his eyes off of her or worry about the growing bulge in his pants.
Turning to him, she held up a black leather necklace with an abalone shell dangling from it. Pulling it back, he watched it glide into the space between her breasts. His mouth watered.
“Buy it,” he said hoarsely. “If you don't, I will.”
She looked into his eyes questioningly, and then blushed.
Clearing his throat, Jaren pulled the wallet from his pocket. Fishing out a few bills, he paid the attendant, not bothering to count the change received.
“Here, let me help.” Lifting her hair, she turned her back to him.
The wind blew, bringing with it the scent of jasmine and vanilla from her skin. Jaren's eyes closed a moment while he inhaled. His fingers gently touched the back of her neck; he watched goose bumps rise on Kimra's skin. He struggled to repress a grin, realizing he affected her much the same way she did him.
When the necklace was clasped together, he touched her hands, and she let her hair down. Gently, he ran his hands over her shoulders.
“How does it feel?” he whispered close to her ear. He felt a shiver run through her. She took a deep breath.
“Nice. Thank you.” She turned and smiled.
Jaren's gaze dropped to the beautiful shell nestled on top of her cleavage, and he licked his lips. “It looks very nice on you.”
Smiling, she hooked her arm in his as they walked. The constant chatter and music faded away. All he could see and hear was Kimra. Jaren was sure her sultry voice, mesmerizing hazel eyes, and musical laughter could see him through the end of his days.
“Jaren?” Kimra took his hand. “Let's get something to eat and get out of the sun for a while. Poor Mac needs a rest.”
She pointed to a little shop with outdoor tables and huge umbrellas. It was the perfect place for them to be able to bring the behemoth canine.
As they settled down at the table on the deck, he made sure Mac was far enough away from any of the neighboring tables to draw any cross stares.
Jaren watched her over his menu. She was beautiful and he couldn't stop the feeling that blossomed with warmth in his chest. One night with Kimra and he felt a connection so fierce and strong he wasn't sure he would be able to let her go when the time came for their vacations to end.
Kimra cleared her throat and waved her menu, a slow smile curving her lips.
Grinning, he set his menu down. “Sorry about that.”
“Where were you?”
He frowned, trying to hide the blush rising in his cheeks. The last thing Jaren wanted to do was ruin what they had right now because of a stupid adolescent crush.
“Just lost in thought.”
She raised her brows, grinned, set her menu down, and crossed her hands on the table in front of her. “What were you thinking about?”
This time Jaren did blush, and she giggled softly, reaching across the table, taking his hand. He took a deep breath and looked in Kimra's eyes, struggling to keep silent the bevy of emotions that rolled through him at her touch.
It was ridiculous to feel this way so soon. He knew this, but couldn't stop his heart from pounding when Kimra drew her fingers across his knuckles.
“About how much I've enjoyed spending time with you, Kimra.”
A quick strange look crossed her features again before she smiled shyly. “I'm having a great time, Jaren. Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For being an all around good guy.”
Jaren held her gaze for a moment before glancing down. The emotion tongue-tied him. “You said you came out here to get away and have a good time, right? That's what I'm here for. There's no reason why we can't find that together.”
Her gaze drifted from him as the waitress came to take their order.
The last thing he wanted to seem was needy or pushy or even a freak who thought one night in the sack meant she was indebted to him for life.
One step at a time. One day at a time. Soon enough their days together would be over. He wanted to enjoy them for what they were.
* * * *
With closed eyes, Kimra rested her head against Jaren's shoulder. Standing on the deck, they'd watched the sunset. His arms wrapped around her had kept most of the evening chill away. Though the day had warmed considerably enough to wear a sundress, it had definitely cooled off come evening.
“Are you cold?” he murmured.
A small shiver ran down her spine, and she smiled. “A little.”
“Let's go in. Would you like some coffee?”
“Ever the grateful host, are we?”
He laughed softly. She felt another shiver work through her, as Jaren's arms tightened around her. “I'm trying to be.”
She turned in his arms. A wave of dizziness washed over her, she stumbled into him. Her head began the dull throbbing that always led to a migraine.
“Are you all right?”
Taking a few deep breaths, she nodded. “I'm fine. Too much sun today maybe?”
She watched the concern flicker in his eyes as he led in her inside.
“How about some popcorn and a movie?” he asked, angling her toward the living room and the large, over stuffed, leather sofa.
The dizziness was gone, for now. “That sounds perfect. Have you any soda?”
Jaren grinned and urged Kimra to sit; then bent and placed a tender kiss on her lips. “Sit tight, I'll bring everything to you.” Turning, he picked up the remote, pushed a few buttons, and pulled up the pay-per-view listings. “Chose whatever you'd like. I promise I won't fuss if you choose a chick-flick.”
She laughed and raised the remote. “You really are something else, aren't you? Making me a snack and giving me control of the remote. Why are you single? I know for a fact it's not because you're gay.”
The redness that burned his cheeks made her laugh again.
“I'm just trying to make sure you're comfortable.”
“I am around you, Jaren. You don't have to try so hard, okay?” His gentle blue eyes shifted to hers again. She sighed as her mind drifted over the events of their busy day, starting with the wonderful way of waking up.
He smiled and turned, heading back into the kitchen.
Kimra put a hand to her temple where the throbbing was beginning to get worse. It had started around lunchtime and had grown in minute increments throughout the afternoon and evening. A few Advil before supper hadn't managed to take the edge off. Reaching into her purse, she pulled out the prescription she was loathe to take, but knew it would manage the pain effectively enough to enjoy the remainder of the evening.
She palmed the pill and waited for Jaren to come back with the snacks and drinks.
He came a few minutes later with a heaping bowl of popcorn and two Pepsi's.
Scooting over, she accepted the soda, and popped the top. When he turned to set the popcorn down, she swallowed the pill with a few quick sips.
“Find a movie?”
With a laugh, Kimra shrugged. “I'm not really seeing a bunch of romantic comedies I'm interested in. Though I have managed to find a couple of action ones I'd be interested in. I just wanted your opinion first.”
He raised his brows. “You want my opinion on a movie? Wow, I hand over the remote and you ask for my opinion. And you're single why?”
She giggled, and nestled against his side, drawing her feet up onto the couch. “I know it's a shame isn't it?”
He put his arm around her and kissed her temple. “At the moment, I'm kind of glad you are.” Kicking his feet up on the table, he placed the bowl of popcorn into his lap, and sighed. “Okay, pick us out a movie. I'm game for anything.”
Grinning, she scanned the listing once more and found one of those action/comedy/romances and figured it sounded about right. Hitting the buy button on the remote, she handed it over and laid her head on his shoulder. Praying the headache would ease soon, she grabbed a handful of popcorn.
As the movie progressed, Jaren curled up behind her, running his fingers through her hair.
Kimra closed her eyes while his fingers brushed her scalp, successfully smoothing away the throbbing of her headache as the painkiller kicked in. She snuggled into him, relaxing. It amazed her how much she trusted him. But in his arms, she knew she was safe.
Mac lay on the floor in front of the couch, and she idly ran her hand over his back and side. The massive dog was such a calm and sweet pooch; she couldn't help but be head over heels for him. And his owner? She wasn't sure she wanted to think anymore on that tonight. She wanted to enjoy this moment of peace and comfort.
She woke as Jaren lifted her into his arms. “Oh, I fell asleep.”
His lips curved into the warm smile she was coming to enjoy more and more. “I'll tell you how it ended,” Jaren said, curling her against his chest and walking toward the stairs.
Kimra rested her head against his shoulder. “Okay.”
“There were a few more pretty good explosions and fight scenes. Then of course, the guy got the girl.”
She smiled and kissed the side of his neck when they entered the bedroom.
“You're sleepy,” he protested when she turned his face to hers.
“I'm sure I could manage a little longer.” Grinning, she kissed him while he laid her on the bed. She felt him moan against her lips and pulled him close.
There was no way she was going to miss even a little of this time with him. After last night's magical first time during the thunderstorm and the wonderful whiling away of the morning, Kimra still felt like she couldn't get enough of him. It was odd. She had never been with another who made her feel like this.
“You're amazing, Kimra,” he whispered. His lips blazed a trail down the side of her neck.
Jaren's touch ignited the restrained flame of desire in her. She knew without a doubt that tonight would end just as pleasurably as the night before.
* * * *
End of Sampler. Valor of a Woman is available at MuseItUp Publishing and all reputable online vendors.
To my mother, Mollie C. Favro,
for being a terrific orator and instilling in me the need for a good story.
Amber Vaughn…
you walked every step of this story with me, from its creation to its end.
You’ve brainstormed, vented, researched and put in late night sessions.
You are an awesome friend. I will never be able to thank you enough.
Steph, Jo, and Jaz…
you helped tremendously whipping me into the writing machine I am today.
Thanks for the quips, kicks, and the narcissism.
Acknowledgements
My sister’s, Michelle and Meranda, and my favorite sister-in-law Katie…thank you so much for your support. I love you all!
Walker’s Run © 2013 by Mel Favreaux
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, or events, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
MuseItUp Publishing
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Cover Art © 2013 by Marion Sipe
Edited by Gloria Oren
Copyedited by Judy Roth
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eBook ISBN: 978-1-77127-399-2
First eBook Edition *August 2013
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