Fly Like You've Never Been Grounded (Summer Lake, #4)

by SJ McCoy

  She nodded. She wasn't normally one for costume parties, but she was excited to wear the angel outfit she'd picked up—she knew how good she looked in it. And Smoke, in cowboy gear? Yes, please! Though she doubted it could be any hotter than his pilot's uniform. “Yeah. Em and Jack will probably be waiting so it'll be a quick change and off to the Boathouse, I expect.”

  Smoke grinned. “I hope you're going to dance with me.”

  “You bet I am.” She held his gaze. “As long as nothing else comes up. It seems every time we try to do anything together, something else comes up to stop us.”

  The look Smoke turned on her as he shut the engines down set Laura's heart racing. “Something might come up, Laura. But nothing is going to stop me from dancing with you tonight.”

  That look made her think the dancing he was talking about was the horizontal kind. Although that wouldn't be happening tonight, she hoped that it would happen at some point in the not too distant future. The way his gray eyes were boring into her, all she could do was nod. No, it wouldn't happen tonight.... That would be too soon...wouldn't it?

  “Come on,” he said, nodding through the window to where Jack and Emma were standing outside the building. “We can't keep them waiting.” He rested a hand on her thigh as he unbuckled her belt. “Much as I would like to. Let's get in there and get changed.”

  She nodded up at him.

  “Be warned though. Once I'm out of this uniform, I'm off duty. My ability to remain cool, calm and professional may just evaporate.”

  “Oh, I hope so,” she said with a smile.

  ***

  “So, tell me about the diamond people,” said Emma. “It sounds so exciting, but it's a pity they had to show up this week.”

  Laura nodded. It was. “It wasn't the best timing,” she agreed, “but it is a wonderful opportunity. They want me to design a new line for them, and it will mean at least one trip to London.”

  They were sitting at one of the big picnic benches out on the deck, where Emma had dragged her so she could meet Missy's brother, Chance. Dan was out here too, but Laura kept glancing back inside to where Smoke stood talking with Jack. She hoped tonight wouldn't be yet another missed opportunity. She looked up as a hand came down on her shoulder.

  “Hey, Laura. Glad you could make it.”

  “Hey, Ben. How are you?”

  “I'm great.” He handed her an envelope. “Your key is in there and I had the guys take your bag down to your cabin. I think you'll like it. I gave you one of the ones down by the water.”

  “Aww, thanks, Ben. You didn't need to do that.” Laura was thrilled; she'd booked a room at the lodge, not a cabin.

  “I didn't need to, no. But I checked when you called about staying the week and there was one available. I thought you might enjoy it.” He gave her a mischievous grin. “You can thank me when you leave. If I did the right thing.”

  She looked at him, puzzled, but he just gave a shrug before heading back inside.

  “You're staying the week?” asked Emma.

  “Yeah, sorry I didn't tell you. I just decided after talking to the Levy guys. It's a good week for me to take a little break, start thinking about this new line and catch up with you guys.” Of course she was also hoping she'd get to see some more of Smoke too.

  “You could have stayed with us.”

  “I know. Thanks, Em. I wanted some alone time though. I've been under a lot of pressure these last few weeks. You don't mind, do you?”

  Emma smiled. “Of course not. I understand. This is a great place to decompress. As long as you know you're welcome at our place any time.”

  “I do. Thanks.” Laura's attention had drifted back to Smoke. Was he ever going to come out here?

  Emma dug her in the ribs. “Can you at least pretend to be listening to me?” she said with a laugh. “He'll be out here soon enough.”

  “Sorry, am I that obvious?”

  “'Fraid so, but I can't say I blame you. You still haven't had chance to spend any time with him, and now Jack's got him cornered. Tell you what, I'll go and get Jack and bring them out here.”

  She was up from her seat and gone before Laura could reply.

  ***

  “So, it didn't work out for you this week?” asked Jack.

  Smoke shook his head. He was treading carefully around Jack when it came to Laura. Jack was a good friend, had been since college, but he was also Laura's cousin. Smoke knew he was very, perhaps overly, protective of the women in his life.

  As if reading his mind, Jack grinned. “Well, you get to see her tonight. I'll do my best to leave the two of you alone and not hang around and chaperone. You know what I'm like, though.”

  Smoke nodded again as Emma appeared at Jack's side and put a hand on his arm.

  “Will you leave the poor guy alone, Jack. Laura's sitting out there all by herself.”

  Smoke laughed as Jack turned to scowl at Emma.

  “You dragged her out there so you could see Chance!”

  Emma hung her head. “I thought you'd follow us.”

  Jack wrapped his arms around her. “And why would I follow my wife just to watch her throw herself at another man?”

  Emma wriggled and laughed, but Jack wouldn't let go as he laughed with her. She looked at Smoke. “I'd make a break for it if I were you. I think I can keep him distracted for a while.”

  Smoke grinned and left them to it. He quickened his pace when he saw the guy they'd called Chance lean in to talk to Laura. That was all he needed—to have some good looking cowboy make a move on her now!

  He reached the table and stuck his hand out in front of Chance. “I'm Smoke. Nice to meet you,” he said as he slid onto the bench next to Laura and put an arm around her shoulders.

  While Laura's smile was filled with surprise, Chance's was one of understanding. “You too, Smoke,” he said with a nod. “Nice talking to you Laura.” He stood up and disappeared into the crowd.

  Laura shook her head. “Smooth, Smoke! Not subtle, but smooth.”

  He laughed. “I can't afford subtlety at this point. No way is some guy making a move on you tonight.”

  She raised an eyebrow at him.

  “Not unless it's me, anyway.”

  “Less smooth.” She laughed.

  “Tell you what, how about you come dance with me. I'm real smooth on the dance floor.” He was relieved when she stood to join him. All he wanted to do was hold her against him, feel her gorgeous body moving with his. The dance floor was as close as he was going to get. For now.

  His throat went dry when she reached her arms around his neck. He placed his hands on her waist, holding her just a little away from him as they swayed to the music.

  “Are you keeping me at arm’s length?” she asked, her smile teasing.

  “I think I have to.” If he held her to him the way he wanted to, she'd know the dance floor wasn't where he really wanted to be. The angel costume she was wearing barely covered her ass and her endless legs seemed even longer in another pair of sexy heels.

  “What are you afraid of, Smoke?” Damn, she really enjoyed teasing him, her eyes sparkled with mischief. She knew damned well what she was doing.

  He chose to ditch subtlety completely. “The only thing I'm scared of is scaring you off before I get into your panties.”

  She arched an eyebrow. “I don't scare easy.”

  “Good,” he breathed as he closed his arms around her. He drew her closer until they were touching from knees to chests. God, she felt so good!

  The little pink stains appeared on her cheeks, but she tightened her arms around his neck. Lifting her chin, she pressed herself against him. “And this is supposed to scare me?”

  “Hell, no! It's supposed to make you want me.”

  She was tormenting him as she moved to the music, rubbing her hips against his. She brought her lips up to his ear and whispered. “It's working.”

  ***

  By the time they made their way back outside the gang had grown to t
he point where they'd had to pull two picnic benches together. Smoke enjoyed hanging out with these guys. It was a good thing he did since it was looking like Summer Lake was now going to be his new home base, not Santa Monica. Jack was already living up here and Pete was spending most of his time here too, even though his house wasn't finished yet. If he stayed with the Phoenix Corporation, Smoke could see himself living here quite happily.

  He watched Laura jump up to join the other girls. Where were they off to? He'd been lost in thought. He watched as the guys followed them. Seeing the girls climb up on the bar to dance, he grinned and headed over there too.

  How the hell could she dance in those heels, and on the bar too? He envied Pete, who was pawing at his girl's legs. Smoke wanted to paw at Laura. What he really wanted to do was get her down from the bar and take her back to his cabin. He tried to get a grip as the song came to an end. Dan was lifting Missy down. Pete and Jack had their girls. Hell, he wasn't going to miss a chance like this. He stood in front of Laura and reached his arms up to her, and she let him lift her off the bar. He held her up high for a moment, then loosened his grip so that she slid down his front 'til her feet hit the floor.

  The way she smiled at him, he didn't care where they were, or who they were with, he needed to kiss her. He lowered his head, but a hand on his collar dragged him away. Dan and Jack were up on the bar now and Ben was pushing Pete and pulling Smoke to join them. As he danced and clowned around up there, Laura's eyes never left him. When the song ended and Dan and Jack started line dancing to some country song, Smoke jumped down. All the girls watched, transfixed as Chance joined the Benson boys. Hmm, maybe that country stuff wasn't as corny as he'd thought. It certainly seemed to do it for the ladies.

  ***

  Laura watched her cousins dance. They were quite something. Missy's brother was something else! She stole a sideways glance at Smoke. Even just standing there watching, he was still a whole lot sexier than any of the guys dancing on the bar.

  He caught her eye and leaned a little closer. “Are you having fun?”

  “I am, but I think I'm leaving soon.”

  His face fell, but before he had chance to say anything Laura heard raised voices and turned to see what was happening. She was surprised to see Dan's ex, Olivia—what the hell was she doing here? She was making quite a scene.

  ***

  After all the fuss around Missy and Dan had died down, Smoke appeared at her side. “Are Jack and Emma leaving early?” he asked.

  “I don't know. Why?”

  “You said you were leaving soon.”

  She smiled, waiting to see what he had to say.

  “I could give you a ride out there later if you want to stay a while. I've got the crew car from the airport.”

  She smiled again. He really was keen. She couldn't resist playing with him. “That's okay. Thanks though.” She was curious to see how cocky and confident he really was. She usually liked her men a little more timid, but she was enjoying sparring with Smoke as an equal.

  He gave her a sexy smile and stepped closer. “At least dance with me one more time?”

  She nodded and let him lead her out onto the dance floor. This time he immediately pulled her to him and held her close against his hard body. She slid her arms around his neck and let herself go soft in his arms, allowing him to lead her. She'd intended to tease him, but it felt like he was teasing her. One hand rested at the top of her butt, holding her against him as his hips moved. His other hand was between her shoulder blades, pressing her against him so her breasts pushed at his broad chest.

  His smile was still cocky, sexy-as-sin as he looked into her eyes. “Is it still working?”

  She had no clue what he meant. She was too distracted by the feel of his body owning hers. It didn't matter that they were on a crowded dance floor. It didn't matter that they were fully dressed. His body really was owning hers.

  “What do you mean?” she asked.

  Heat was building between her legs as he held her against him. His hand strayed lower onto her butt. His smile grew wider. “You asked if this was supposed to scare you, remember? I said it's supposed to make you want me.” He brought his lips to her ear and nuzzled it before he said, “I need to know it's still working.”

  Damn, him! He was too good at this. “It's working,” she breathed.

  “But you have to go home with Jack and Emma?”

  She shook her head. “I never said that.”

  His arms tightened around her. “Then where are you staying?”

  “Here. At the resort.”

  His smile was victorious. “So. Can I walk you home?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Chapter Two

  As they made their way off the dance floor, Holly appeared out of the crowd.

  “Hey, sweetie. We're about to leave. You're not supposed to be staying at Missy and Dan's are you? I doubt they'll want any company tonight. I just wanted to check that you're all set.”

  Laura smiled as Holly eyed Smoke. “I'm good, thanks. I'm staying at the resort.” She had to laugh at the way Holly’s eyes widened.

  “Oh! I see.” Holly looked back at Smoke. “Well, you two have fun. We'll all be out here for breakfast...if you're not too busy,” she added with a saucy grin.

  Laura shook her head. Holly was terrible! “My plan was to stay out here to get some alone time. I need a break.”

  “Yeah, alone time, right! I think you'll find Summer Lake has this weird effect on people's plans. Just ask Pete! I'll see you when I see you, sweetie. Call me though. I need to talk to you about the plaza.”

  “Will do. Good night.”

  As Holly turned away, Jack and Emma came pushing their way through the crowd. Laura looked at Smoke. “So much for making a quick exit.”

  He made her knees go weak with the heat of the look he gave her. “We've waited for months. I can stand another few minutes, but not much longer.”

  “Are you sure you want to stay here?” asked Jack when he reached them. He gave Smoke a dark look before turning back to Laura. “Why don't you come up to North Cove with us?”

  She had to laugh. “Because, Jack, you're my cousin, not my dad! And besides, my plan in coming here was to get some me-time. Things have been crazy the last few weeks and I need to just chill out. You of all people know how that feels.”

  Jack's glare softened. “Okay then.” He looked at Smoke. “Sorry, bro. Make sure she gets to her room safe though, huh?”

  Smoke nodded. “You can count on it.”

  “And breakfast? Here? Around ten?”

  Laura rolled her eyes. “Maybe.”

  “Only if you want to,” said Emma. “Come on, Jack. “I'm tired. I want to go home.”

  At that Jack seemed to forget everything but taking care of his wife. As he led her away, Emma looked back and winked at them.

  Smoke laughed. “She certainly knows how to handle him!”

  “She does. I think I need her to give me lessons. I swear he thinks he's my dad sometimes. I wouldn't mind, but he's only a year older than me.”

  “He's just looking out for you. You've got to respect that.”

  ***

  Smoke was glad when they finally got out of the Boathouse. “Are you all checked in?” he asked.

  “Yes. Ben took care of it and had my bag sent down, too.”

  As they crossed the square, Ben came down the steps from the lodge. He nodded at them. “It was a good night, huh, guys?”

  “Great,” said Laura. “I'm so happy for Dan and Missy.”

  “Me too,” said Ben. “And you're happy with your cabin?” He raised his eyebrows.

  Ben seemed to be acting strange. Smoke liked him, but he still wasn't sure about him and Laura. They'd been paired together in Jack's wedding and seemed to have become friends. Smoke wasn't convinced there wasn't more to it than that.”

  “I haven't been out there yet,” said Laura. “But thanks again. It's really good of you.”

  “Oh,” B
en gave Smoke a smile he didn't understand. “I hope you'll think so,” he said. “Anyways, I'll see you tomorrow. I need to get back to it. Good night guys.”

  “Good night.”

  Smoke frowned to himself. He didn't know what Ben was trying to get at, but he didn't think he liked it. He shrugged. He had more pressing matters to get to. Like getting Laura safely home—and into bed. He put an arm around her waist as they walked on.

  “So, where is your cabin?” he asked.

  She laughed. “Down by the water somewhere. I don't even know.” She opened her purse and took out an envelope. Opening it, she took out a little map and a key. The tag on the key read 11B. Smoke had to bite back a laugh. Now he understood Ben's weird smile. He said nothing as Laura held up the map and tapped it.

  “Wonderful,” she exclaimed. “Cabin Eleven is down on that little beach in the pines.” She smiled at him. “Come on. Let's go see.”

  They followed the road through the resort and down to the lakeshore. Laura gasped when the road rounded a bend and she saw the cabin in the pines, the moonlight reflecting off the water behind it. “Isn't this perfect?”

  Smoke nodded. It couldn't be more perfect as far as he was concerned. He laughed as she ran the rest of the way to the cabin, then stopped dead.

  She turned back to him, disappointment etched on her face. “Look,” she whispered once he'd caught up to her. “I have neighbors!” The cabin was a duplex, one door at either end of the building. “I thought I was going to have this whole beach to myself.” Her disappointment was almost comical.

  “You don't need to whisper.”

  “I don't want to wake them up!”

  He laughed. “You won't.”

  “How do you know?” she hissed.

  He took the key from her hand and unlocked the door. “Trust me, you won't.”

  She eyed him suspiciously as he ushered her inside.

  “Come on. I promised Jack I'd see you safely to your room. My job isn't done until you're inside.”

  She smiled and stepped past him. He closed the door behind him and followed her into the great room. A stone fireplace was set into a wall of windows looking out onto the lake. Smoke stood close behind her and put a hand on her shoulder as she looked out at the lake.