by Joleen James
She took in his appearance. "You're hurt."
"What?" he said. "No, I'm okay." He went inside, and the warm air made him feel instantly better.
"You're bleeding," she said, steering him toward the bathroom. "What happened out there? I heard tires, then a crash."
How much did he tell her? He thought of skirting the truth, then decided against it. She needed to be aware, alert, and on top of anything happening around her. Knowledge made her safer.
She helped him off with his jacket, his hat. He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He had a cut on his right cheek. Small. Minimal blood.
Tawney wet a cloth, cleaning the wound. "Hold still," she said when he jerked at her touch.
She used gentle strokes to clean the blood away.
"It's nothing, a scratch," he said.
"Luckily. Tell me what happened."
"There was a car idling out front, between our houses. No lights. I sprinted toward it; it took off, trying to run me down. I jumped out of the way at the last second."
Her hand stilled. "Who? Why?"
He shook his head. "I wish I knew."
"Doesn't sound like Fox," she said. "His brand is more intimidation. He's never tried to hurt me, and this car was aiming at you."
"Maybe," he said, although his gut told him she was right.
She applied a small bandage to his scratch, her fingers soft against his skin. The floral scent of her shampoo teased him, reminding him of how good she'd smelled when he'd slept next to her. No longer was she just a hot girl from high school, or a beautiful, exotic showgirl from Vegas. No, she was so much more than those things. She had a good heart.
"For all I know it could have been a random act of crazy," he said. "God knows we have enough of that around here. Maybe the person was drunk and didn't even realize their lights were off or that I was in the road."
"I doubt that." She frowned. "I think you should call the local police and at least report what happened. I think we are becoming regulars."
He gave her a tight smile. "You're right. It won't hurt to have extra ears and eyes on this."
She nodded. "Absolutely. You make the call. I'll put on some tea."
In the living room, they separated. Tawney headed for the kitchen, and he placed a call to the police. By the time she returned with the tea, he'd settled down. There was nothing more he could do tonight.
If this almost hit and run had to do with Seattle or Phil, at least he knew the violence was directed at him and not Tawney. Knowing she was safe was enough for him. He could handle himself. His guard was up now. All his senses on high alert.
Tawney took a sip of tea. "What did the police say?"
"Not much. Took down all the info. They'll send a car out to take a look around. Standard procedure. I noticed your lights were on prior to the attack."
She shrugged. "I was a little nervous when I went to bed. Left the hall light on for company."
They were on the sofa now. Man, he could wake up next to her every day and never get sick of looking at her.
"What?" she asked, noticing his eyes on her.
"Nothing." He drank his tea.
"Is my hair sticking up or something?" She ran a hand over her hair.
"Don't you get it?" he said. "It wouldn't matter if it was. You would look good wearing a garbage bag. Sometimes when I look at you it hurts, that's how beautiful you are."
Their eyes met, held. Sexual energy buzzed through his veins. He knew it was too soon after Harry's attack to make any kind of move on her, so he broke the current between them, glancing away from her, fighting to get his body under control.
"Rick—"
A knock sounded at her door. "Seward Police."
Rick set his mug on the table. He'd said too much. He didn't look at Tawney, didn't want to see the questions in her eyes. Didn't want her to think he was a guy who was only interested in her face, her body. She'd had way too much of that in her life. He stood, going to the door.
"I'll talk to them outside on my way home," he said. "Thanks for the tea and the first aid."
She followed him. "You don't have to go."
Oh, but he did. Right now he didn't trust himself to be in the same room with her and not touch her, he wanted her that much, respected her that much.
"Good night, Tawney." Rick let himself out of her cottage, closing the door behind him.
He waited for the lock to turn. And when it did, he gave his full attention to the police officer waiting for him.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Liv came back to work the following day. Tawney felt it was too soon, but the pink color was back in Liv's cheeks and she swore she felt great, claiming that her aura was the healthy color of green.
Tawney had no choice but to believe her. Between the two of them they worked out a schedule that placed most of the load on Tawney. She was happy to pick up the slack and her paycheck would reflect the longer hours.
While things were going great at work, Tawney couldn't help but worry about Rick, or think about the words he'd said to her the night before.
Sometimes when I look at you it hurts, that's how beautiful you are.
She hoped she was more to him than a pretty face. How did a woman know if a man liked her for what was inside, where it really counted? She had no clue. Star had found true love with Cade. Brandi with Bud. Even her mom had found something with John. More than anything she wanted to trust her strong feelings for Rick, but her track record with men was so bad. She'd been fooled so many times into thinking a man loved her, only to find out the guy didn't love what was inside, her heart, her soul.
She wanted more. Deserved more.
As much as Rick confused her, she worried about him. What had really happened last night? Was he in danger, or had it been a fluke accident?
The unknown drove her crazy so Tawney threw herself into her day, losing herself to the exercise and dance classes that made her so happy.
Brandi showed up for Tawney's last class of the day. Her sister tried so hard to follow the routines that Tawney knew Brandi would be sore tomorrow. After class Brandi waited while the class cleared out and Tawney locked up.
"I'll drive you home," she said to Tawney.
"Okay." The sisters left the studio together. When they got outside Rick's Jeep was waiting at the curb. He rolled down his window. "I was going to offer you a lift, but I see you have company."
Before she could reply, Brandi said, "How nice of you, but I'm taking Tawney home."
Brandi's icy tone startled Tawney. Her sister still harbored a major grudge against Rick. Brandi was trying to protect Tawney and she loved her for it, but she said, "Thanks, Rick. I'd love a ride. Brandi should be home with her baby, not babysitting me. It makes no sense for you to take me home when Rick lives right next door."
Brandi pressed her lips together. "But—"
"It's okay," Tawney said, hugging her sister. "I promise."
"If you're sure?" Brandi asked.
"I am." She wanted to explore her feelings for Rick and explore Rick's feeling for her. She needed to figure out once and for all if she meant something to him. The question had nagged her for years. She wanted an answer, good or bad.
"Okay." Brandi peered in Rick's window. "Treat my sister nice. You know I think she's too good for you."
"Brandi!" Tawney cried, mortified.
"Well, it's true." Brandi gave Tawney one last hug. "Love you."
Tawney got in the Jeep. "Sorry. I don't know what's gotten into her. With Star away on her honeymoon, Brandi has somehow assumed the mother hen role."
"I deserved it," he said. "Your sister loves you. That's got to feel good."
"It does." She touched her heart. "That's why I'm here. Sisterly love." Tawney smiled.
"I'm jealous." He started the Jeep. "I'd love to have siblings."
"Sometimes they can be a pain in the butt." She laughed. "But I wouldn't trade them."
"How are you today?" he asked, giving her a sideways glance and he pull
ed away from the curb. "Is your wrist okay?"
"It's good." She held it up. "Doesn't hurt anymore."
"Good."
"How are you today?" she asked. "Any cars try to take you out?"
He grimaced. "No, not so far. Tomorrow your day off?"
"Yes," she said. "Look, it's starting to snow." Small snowflakes hit the windshield.
"Feel like some target practice tomorrow?" he asked. "I'm off, too. I'm too keyed up to sit in this town. I need the wide open space at the cabin."
"Okay, sure," she said. The more she handled her gun, the more confident she felt.
"We could head up in the morning."
"For the day?" she asked. "Or overnight?"
The question hung in the air, and she immediately realized it sounded like she was propositioning him.
"Whatever works," he said. "Pack a bag and we will play it by ear. I don't ever want you to feel uncomfortable."
Her spirit soared. There it was again, respect. She prayed he was sincere and his kind words weren't a trick to get her into bed. More than anything she wanted to trust him.
He pulled up in front of her cottage.
"I'd love to get out of town," she said. "I can breathe at the cabin. I'd love to go."
"Pick you up at eight, or is eight too early?"
"Eight is fine." She smiled. "See you in the morning. Thanks for the ride."
He waited while she let herself into the cottage before continuing on.
Once inside, she leaned against the front door, letting his invitation sink in. Butterflies danced in her stomach. Why? She'd been to his cabin before. He wanted to keep her safe, make sure she was prepared for anything—hence the shooting lessons. No, this time was different. She felt ready to open up to him. She had to know the truth; was there more to their relationship then a physical attraction?
Tawney pushed away from the door.
She didn't know, but the time had come to find out.
* * *
Rick didn't sleep well. Around three a.m. he heard a noise outside. His gun in hand, he peered out the window. The red glare of taillights was the only thing he saw.
Had the car been idling outside his place, or was he hearing things? This car had had its lights on, unlike the car from the previous night. He hated to admit it, but the almost hit and run had made him jittery.
He'd done the right thing asking Tawney to go to the cabin with him. He wanted out of town, and he wanted Tawney with him. He'd hit a wall with the Seattle Police Department. With no Phil and no report he was at a dead end. He'd left a message with the detectives working the case. So far, no call back.
Dead ends all the way around.
He wanted answers.
Satisfied that the car outside was gone, Rick set his gun on the bedside table and crawled back into bed. Sleep eluded him, and he tossed and turned until it was time to get up.
At eight a.m. he loaded his bag and some groceries in the Jeep.
Tawney crossed the yard. Dressed in her brown parka with the fur collar, jeans tucked into brown boots, she'd never looked better to him. Just seeing her lightened his mood.
"Good morning," she said. "I hope you had an uneventful night." Her teasing tone brought a smile to his lips.
"Sleepless night," he said. "Couldn't wind down."
"Sorry." She smiled. "I slept like a baby. I think the last couple of days have taken a toll on me." She tossed her bag into the Jeep.
They made the drive easily, the roads clear, last night's snow not enough to stick. He made the turnoff to the cabin and the tight coil inside him started to unwind.
"Ah, there it is," Tawney said when the cabin came into view. "As pretty as a picture on a Christmas card."
Rick smiled.
They unloaded the Jeep. Rick got the heater running and started a fire in the woodstove. Tawney unpacked the groceries, then put some coffee on.
It was so easy between them now. They'd been at the cabin together enough times they had a routine of sorts. Rick liked that, liked that Tawney was comfortable in his home. The feeling warmed the cold place in his heart.
After they finished their coffee, they headed outside for target practice.
"Do you remember what to do?" Rick asked her.
"Yes." Tawney aimed her gun at the target and fired.
Rick smiled. She didn't seem at all afraid of the weapon now. He worried about her wrist, but she assured him it felt fine.
"Can I try your gun?" Tawney asked, her eyes bright. Her cheeks were pink from the cold.
"My gun has a kick," he said. "Not sure your wrist could take it."
"What if you brace me, absorb some of the shock?"
"We will try once." He moved behind her, helping her steady the weapon. His arms went around her, his mouth near her ear. Her scent wound its way through his body like a silky ribbon.
Her right hand held the gun.
"How does it feel?" His lips grazed her hat.
"Good." She brought the gun up, leveled it, using her left hand to brace the weapon.
Rick's hand closed over hers in such a way that he would take the kickback. She settled back against him.
He let out a breath, trying to clear his head and focus.
"I'm ready," she said.
"Okay. Ready when you are."
She fired the weapon, the action forcing her against him.
"I missed." She twisted around to look up at him. Their eyes met, held.
Man, he saw everything in her eyes, passion, desire, want.
"Rick—"
He heard the desire in her voice. Her lips parted. His hands slipped lower, settling on her waist. Without thinking, he kissed her.
* * *
The moment Rick's lips touched hers, Tawney turned in his arms. This was what she wanted, craved. Her lips parted. Rick's tongue teased hers, danced with it, mated with it.
Desire took hold and she no longer felt the cold. Instead heat raced through her.
Rick drew her to him, his hands on her back, his touch bigger than life. She felt how much he wanted her through the pressure of his hands, the urgency. They were chest to chest now, the kissing going on and on.
At some point she realized she no longer held the gun. Her hands were free and she slid them up the front of his jacket, her hands cradling his neck. Heaven help her, she could smell the spicy scent of his shaving cream.
"Tawney," he said against her mouth. "I don’t want to do anything you're not ready to do."
"I'm ready for everything," she whispered back. "I don't want to wait anymore. I'm tired of living half a life."
He smiled, kissing her, then they were trudging through the snow. In the cabin, he unzipped her parka while she worked the zipper on his jacket. They removed their coats. He tore off his hat, then hers.
Heat rose between them, thick and hot.
Rick raised the hem of her sweater. "You're sure?"
"Yes." Her sweater sailed to the floor.
Rick stilled, taking the time to look at her bra, hot pink lace. His eyes filled with fire, and she knew she'd made the right underwear choice. For him, she wanted to be sexy. Only for him. She didn't want to cover up, hide her assets.
"You're gorgeous," he said. "I'm honored."
Honored? She fell in love with him all over again.
Urgency filled her as her fingers worked the buttons on his flannel shirt. His eyes never left hers, the moment erotic. Underneath he wore a T-shirt. Tawney made quick work of that.
"Upstairs?" he asked.
She shook her head no, leading him to the bearskin rug in front of the fireplace. Rick jerked the throw blanket from the sofa, tossing it onto the rug. They tore each other's jeans off and came together on their knees in front of the woodstove wearing only their underwear.
Rick set her breasts free. Tawney had no shame when it came to her body. Instead, pride and happiness filled her. Desire lit Rick's eyes, turned them a smoky green.
"You are more beautiful than I imagined,
" he said. "And I've done a lot of imagining."
Together, they sank down onto the rug.
Rick kissed her foot, then her ankle, her knee. His lips grazed her inner thigh.
She thought she might lose it then, tumble over the edge into orgasm. No man had ever touched her like this. He peeled her panties away. She bit her lip to keep from crying out, so great was the anticipation.
"Perfect," he said, kissing her in her most intimate spot.
Tawney moaned.
He touched her, stroked her, and she dissolved into a million pieces, the pleasure so intense she couldn’t catch her breath. "Rick, now, please."
He moved away and she opened her eyes in time to see him roll on a condom. She couldn't look away, knew that his sex would be inside her soon. Never had she seen a more beautiful man. All hard muscle, taut skin, pure sexual energy.
He parted her legs, settling between them.
She felt his sex at her opening.
His lips brushed against hers. Hands found her breasts kneading them. Instead of entering her, his mouth moved lower, kissing her breasts, his tongue going over every inch of her nipples. When he sucked on her nipple she said, "Enough. Please."
With a growl, he moved. He entered her slowly, giving her time to adjust to him, but Tawney was beyond caring about going slow. She rose up to meet him.
Rick kissed her as he filled her completely.
Tawney climaxed, never wanting to let go of the exquisite sensation. She tightened around him.
"Man, Tawney." Rick moved inside of her, faster and faster. Harder.
She gritted her teeth so great was her pleasure.
His pace quickened, then he stilled, and she knew he'd found his own release.
Tawney raised her hips, pushing against him, wanting him to feel as good as she did.
He moaned, a sound of primal pleasure. His weight sagged against her. A sheen of sweat covered both of them. No one was cold now. The sound of their labored breathing filled the cabin.
Still joined together, Rick rolled to his side, taking her with him. He stared deep into her eyes, his hand stroking her cheek. "You okay?"
She smiled. "Perfect."
"You were worth waiting for," he said softly.
"Ditto." She smiled, totally contented. There was no one but the two of them. No problems. Just the here and now and she intended to savor every second.