Love in Hiding

by Diane Holiday

  They climbed down to the main deck, and he disappeared farther below into the cabin. When he came out, he handed her a bottle of water and a menu.

  “There’s a restaurant nearby we can order from. Do you like crab cakes?”

  “I don’t know. Never had them.” She shrugged.

  “What? That’s a criminal offense in Maryland. This place has the best crab cakes in the state. Call in two platters, and pick out something you know you’ll like as well.”

  “We don’t have to order extra food. I’m sure it will be—”

  “Don’t argue.” He put finger over her lips and wrapped an arm around her back. “I need to keep my strength up.”

  Eating was the last thing on her mind. And the finger on her lips, the only thing. Well, not the only thing. There was that thing pressing against her.

  He brought his mouth to her neck and feathered it with kisses, sending hot shivers through her body.

  “What do you think?” he whispered in her ear.

  Hard to say when she couldn’t breathe.

  “Can you pick out something from the menu?” He glided his finger down the column of her throat.

  Her brain scrambled to figure out which menu he was talking about. Because right now the options in front of her were more than tempting. “Do you mean…”

  “Oh yeah.” He inched back. “Later. There’s no rush.”

  He should speak for himself.

  His intense gaze burned her as he massaged her back. In a husky voice, he said, “Anticipation can be powerful.”

  Her nipples tingled in agreement.

  He kissed her with just enough heat to leave her wanting more, then paused, his lips inches from hers. “Sarah, whatever you want. It’s all about you. Say the word and we can—”

  “No.” As if she’d back down from a challenge. And sure as hell not this one. Bruce gave new meaning to the word foreplay. But most of all, she trusted him. Whatever he had in mind, she’d go along for the ride because she might never have this chance again. “I’m in.”

  He blazed her with another kiss, then nodded to the table. “Call an order in while I bring up the anchor.”

  When he turned, she flung a hand out and cupped his erection. “I think the anchor’s already up.”

  His nostrils flared, and his lips curved in a tortured smile.

  She grinned. Two could play this game.

  The wind blew in her face as they cruised across the bay, chilling her body and her rebellious hormones. Bruce had given her an extra T-shirt to wear as a cover-up. It whipped around her legs and smelled of him. A sensual combination she tried not to think about.

  And failed.

  He guided the boat into a slip in front of a large restaurant with decks, umbrella tables, and a band playing. He tied the ropes to cleats along the dock and vaulted onto the pier. “I’ll be right back.”

  The sound of laughter and music filled the air. People milled about, and children played in the sand surrounding the outdoor tables. A crowded tiki bar kept drinks flowing in the far corner. A weight dragged her spirits down. She couldn’t go to places like this with Bruce.

  He came back with a brown bag, jumped into the boat, and dropped the package on the table. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Not nothing. Talk to me.” He stepped closer.

  “I can’t do this to you. It’s not fair. You deserve to be able to go out in public.” She glanced over his shoulder at the restaurant.

  “That’s what this is about.” He sighed. “You don’t get it. We’re going to ride and find a quiet private spot to have dinner on the water. I’d rather do that a million times more than sit in some loud place.” He touched his lips to hers. “And there’s a hell of a lot better chance I’ll get laid in my scenario.”

  “Typical guy.” She smirked, but the steamy look he gave her sent a surge of heat to the spot beneath her bikini bottoms.

  He started up the engines, untied the ropes, and drove the boat for a short ride before slowing down. They anchored in yet another private cove where trees blocked the wind. She sucked in a slow breath. Her mind wasn’t at all on the bed in the cabin below or the man who turned her legs to JELL-O with one look.

  “I’ll grab some plates.” Bruce dug around in a cabinet under the sink, and her gaze fixed on his tight, perfect ass.

  Anticipation did build excitement. She’d lost all concentration since that little warm-up he’d done on her.

  He handed her two plates and dug a bottle of wine from a cooler.

  “What the heck? Is this boat like a clown car? More and more things keep coming out.”

  “Lots of hiding places. You have to tuck it all in storage.” He smiled and opened the bottle. After pouring a glass, he handed it to her. “See if you like it.”

  She took a sip and nodded. Crisp, cool, and just the right touch of sweet.

  “I’m starved. Sit.” He pointed to the table.

  They emptied the bag, and Sarah forked a piece of crab cake. She took a bite and rolled her eyes. The flaky broiled taste of butter and Old Bay seasoning melted in her mouth. “This is delicious.”

  “Glad you like it.”

  When they finished, Bruce gathered the trash, refilled their glasses, and came to sit beside her. He threw his arm around her, and she nestled against his shoulder. She inhaled his salty, fresh scent. If only she could bottle it.

  They sipped wine as soft music streamed through the speakers.

  Bruce kissed the top of Sarah’s head. He’d taken her like a wild animal in the water earlier. The way she’d responded to him had driven him out of his mind. Sure, it had been a long time since he’d had sex, but something told him that had nothing to do with it. She drove him to the point of losing all control. And that rarely happened to someone with his training.

  If only he could freeze time and stay with her forever in their sanctuary. She’d relaxed against him, the tension gone from her body. But soon enough, they’d have to leave, and the worry lines would come back to her face.

  He rubbed the inside of her palm with his thumb. “Do you have to be back any certain time? I have more plans for tonight.”

  “Oh?” She glanced up at him, and he didn’t miss the light of hope in her eyes.

  “I mean after we’re done here. Unless you want to spend the night at my condo?”

  Her brows drew together, and after a few seconds of what had to be a debate, she sighed. “No, I better not. I need to be awake early to make breakfast, and with Debbie right upstairs, I feel sorta funny having you stay at my place. I mean, it’s not like I’m a prude or anything, but—”

  “Shh.” He brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them. “You don’t have to explain. I understand. You can stay at mine another time. I want to wake up with you in my arms.”

  “That would be nice.” She rubbed his thigh.

  “So you never answered me. Do you need to be back anytime soon?”

  “Nope. I’m yours until the carriage turns into a pumpkin.”

  He squeezed her shoulder. “Good.”

  “Wait, what kind of plans do you have later?”

  “It’s a surprise. You’ll see.”

  Her soft breast pressed against his side, and the image of her rosy peaks hardening under the cold water popped into his head. That caused a hardening of another kind.

  “Umm…speaking of a surprise?” Sarah glanced down and raised an eyebrow. “Does this signal the end of the anticipation phase?”

  “You ready to check out the V-berth?” He smoothed her hair back from her face.

  A spark lit in her eyes, and she rubbed a hand over his erection. “I’ve been ready.”

  He led her down into the cabin. She stripped the T-shirt off and leaned back against the pillows.

  One look at her near-naked body, and he had a throbbing hard-on. He took a deep, long breath, and climbed onto the bed.

  Slow. Slow it down. Treat her the way she deserved. Cherished, tender,
with love.

  Love? He froze.

  “What’s wrong?” Sarah reached a hand up and stroked the side of his face.

  Warmth filled his heart. Yes. He loved her, and this time guilt didn’t flood him. He had something unique with Sarah. Courageous, sweet, willing to take on anything, she continued to amaze him. No denying the intense physical attraction, but his feelings went much deeper. He was ready to take their relationship to the next level. Emily would have wanted him to be happy. He smiled and brought his head down to kiss her. “Absolutely nothing.”

  She wrapped an arm around his back as his tongue explored her mouth. The sweet, unique taste of her filled him. Nibbling her neck, he untied the bikini top and slipped it off. Her skin warmed under his touch, fanning the fire between them.

  He eased back and gazed at her puckered nipples. Blood burned through his veins. He’d never tire of looking at her. Bringing his mouth down to suckle her breast, he skimmed a hand along her inner thigh and up to her hip. He yanked the bikini-bottom tie and ripped the piece off her. Palming her soft mound, he slipped a finger into her. Christ, he’d barely touched her, and she was ready for him.

  She whimpered with need, arching her back and making little noises that caused his cock to pulse against the constraints of his swim trunks.

  Her hands tugged at them, her voice husky. “Take these off. I want to feel you on me.”

  “Not so fast.” He caught her wrist, brought her hand to her own breast, and placed his over the top of it, squeezing. Her eyes grew wide, and something hot and wild battered in his chest. “That’s it. Touch yourself. You’re beautiful.”

  He slipped his hand from hers. As if he were in an erotic dream, he stared as she continued to fondle her breasts. His cock swelled to the point of agony. The boat swayed, or maybe he did.

  He kissed her stomach and slid his mouth lower and lower until he reached the softness of her curls. A squeak came from her as she raised her hips and spread her legs apart, hands still on her breasts. Sweet Jesus. Hot demand fisted his cock.

  Moving into position, he brought his mouth between her legs. The sweet scent of her arousal intoxicated him. He buried his face in her wet warmth and slicked his tongue in circles around her clit. She gasped and undulated her hips, providing him better access. Her thighs quaked.

  “That’s it. Let it go, baby.”

  Faster and faster, he flicked his tongue over the tip of her core. She seemed to fight for air, gulping between tiny squeaks. Her hands clenched the sheets, and she let out a high-pitched moan that nearly had him coming in his shorts.

  “Bruce, yes! Bruce…”

  He thrust his tongue into her and sucked as she squeezed against it. On and on, she moaned and writhed, amplifying his own hot desire with the sheer knowledge he could bring her to this point.

  When her legs slacked and she let out a long sigh, he glanced up at her.

  Eyes glassy, face flushed, she bit her lower lip. “Holy hell, Bruce.”

  She sat up and brushed her mussed hair from her cheek. After shaking her head as if to clear it, she gazed at his groin. Hard to miss considering it was granite-hard and pointing at her.

  “Get that suit off now. It’s your turn.” She licked her lips and shifted to her knees.

  Lust exploded in his belly. He yanked off the swim trunks.

  She lowered her head to take him in her mouth inch by agonizing inch. He inhaled sharply, the room blurring. When she flicked her tongue against the engorged head of his cock, his thighs tensed. She reached a hand around to grip his ass while she slid her lips down his entire shaft, sucking him deep into her throat and moaning. The vibration sent shock waves through him. Wouldn’t last another second if she did that again. The carnal need to be inside of her overcame him.

  He grabbed her shoulders and settled her onto her back.

  Her lips, shiny and wet from him, curved into a come-take-me smile. She opened her legs.

  He positioned himself and rubbed the tip around her opening. The muscles in his abs constricted, his entire body tense.

  As he slid inside her, she stared up at him, her luminous eyes filled with emotion. They belonged together. She fit him perfectly. Love for her wrapped around his heart and squeezed it tight. No holding back anymore.

  For a second, he closed his eyes and got lost in the hot, tight feel of her. He pumped in and out, picking up the pace as she met his thrusts with small moans of pleasure. The smell of desire and everything Sarah filled his lungs.

  Their breath came in bursts as the room rocked, and she gave all of herself to him. Higher and higher they climbed the ladder, each thrust taking them to another level. The air between them sizzled. Beyond sex, beyond need, beyond anything, he wanted to be one with this woman who had broken through his wall of defenses and shown him love again.

  “Oh, Bruce…” Her rib cage raised off the bed and she called out again as wave after wave compressed his raging shaft.

  The sight of her up-thrust breasts and the sweet sound of his name from her lips drove him over the top. He pumped one last time, threw his head back, and with a guttural growl, emptied inside her.

  She whimpered and reached for him, pulling him down on top of her. Muttering words he couldn’t make out against his chest, she threaded her fingers through his hair. Heat rose off her slick body.

  Not wanting to hurt her with his weight, but too full of emotion to speak, he raised onto his elbows, gently kissed her, and eased onto his side. She snuggled against his shoulder, resting a hand on his breastbone. An after-sex shudder shook her body, and fulfillment washed over him.

  In a soft voice, she said, “I didn’t know it could be like this.”

  “Neither did I.” She’d awakened feelings he’d never experienced. He tightened his arm around her and pressed his lips to the top of her head. Content, happy, satisfied. A couple of months ago, he would have sworn he’d never be any of those things again.

  “I’ll always remember this day. No one can take it away from me.” She gazed up at him. “Thank you.”

  Something was off. That sounded like a goodbye. “I’m not selling the boat. We’ll come back out.”

  “I hope so.” She rested her head on his shoulder.

  His gut wrenched. Not hope so—know so. No one would take her away from him. He put a hand under her chin and lifted her head to gaze into her eyes, still laced with the remnants of their passion. “I won’t let him get to you. I wasn’t there last time.”

  “I thought we weren’t going to talk about this today.”

  She must not think he could do anything about the bastard. “Damn it, Sarah. Promise me you won’t run off.”

  “I don’t want to argue with you.”

  Nerves pinched the back of his neck. “Then promise.”

  “I can’t let him harm anyone at the ranch.” She shook her head.

  “Trust me. If he shows up, he’s the one that’s going to be hurt. I mean it. I want that promise.” He couldn’t lose her after falling in love again.

  “Why?”

  “Because I lo—”

  Her eyes grew wide.

  Damn. He couldn’t tell her this soon. He’d scare her away. “Lose you. I don’t want to lose you. We’re just getting started.”

  She pressed her lips together, leaned up to kiss him, and then lowered her head back onto his shoulder.

  Unease settled in his chest. Nothing he could do for now except keep his eyes open and make sure that asshole didn’t get anywhere near her.

  The cabin darkened as the sun fell, and Bruce shifted. “We should probably get going.”

  “This has been the most magical day ever. I hate for it to end.” She snuggled under his shoulder.

  “It’s not over yet. I still have that surprise for you.”

  “What is it?” She drew her head back to face him.

  “I would say the best is yet to come, but I’m pretty sure nothing tops the mind-blowing sex.”

  “Can’t argue with that, but yo
u have me wondering what you’re up to.”

  “Not for long. Time to pull up the anchor.”

  They headed back to the marina. In the cabin, they changed into shorts and T-shirts. After they unloaded the boat and snapped the cover on, Bruce drove the truck into town.

  “Seriously? Where are we going?” she asked.

  “You’ll see.” Excitement brewed in his stomach. He pulled into a strip mall and went around the back to park in a spot behind a metal door.

  “What is this place?”

  Instead of answering her, he opened the glove box and pulled out a key. He got out of the truck. “Come on.”

  She followed him to the metal door, and he slipped the key in the lock. He took her hand. “Close your eyes.”

  “Why?” She glanced around the dark lot.

  “Just do it.”

  She did as he asked and took a few steps as he tugged her along.

  “Okay. You can open them now.”

  She did and gasped.

  Chapter 33

  Sarah’s gaze dashed around the empty dance studio. Mirrors lined the walls, with a barre embedded along one of them. A large observation window on the right overlooked the room from the second floor. Black speakers were mounted near the ceiling in the corners. She turned to Bruce. “I don’t understand.”

  “I rented it for you.”

  “You wh-what?” She brought a hand to her chest.

  He shrugged. “I knew you’d need privacy. They close at seven thirty, so it’s yours for as long as you want after that any night but Saturday and Sunday when they sometimes have evening classes.”

  Her heart threatened to burst. She could put her slippers on and dance again. The space, the mirrors, the perfect floor. Her muscles quivered with pent-up energy.

  “I figured the timing was perfect with the summer help at the farm and you only needing to do the housework and a couple hours in the stables.” He stroked a hand down her hair.

  She glanced around the room. Renting a private studio had to be expensive. As much as she wanted this, she couldn’t accept it. Her lungs whooshed out a breath of air. “I-I can’t afford to pay you back for this.”