by Mari Carr
“I’m not worried about your rejection. I swore I’d never move to Sapphire Falls too and look at me now. I have a whole week to change your mind.”
Tacy started to assure her friend that wouldn’t happen when the front door to the diner opened, and the hottest guy she’d ever laid eyes on walked in. “On second thought…”
Lauren followed her gaze as the man walked to the counter and claimed a stool near the end.
“If all the guys in Sapphire Falls are as hot as that, I might be convinced to stick around.”
Lauren turned back to face her. “Sadly, we can’t claim him. I’ve never seen that guy before. Wonder if he’s here visiting relatives for the week.”
Before Tacy could respond, the man shifted on the stool, letting his gaze travel around the room. She licked her lips as she took in his thick dark hair and chocolate-brown eyes. He had laugh lines around his eyes and mouth that said he was no stranger to smiling, and he had the slightest shadow of a beard that told her he hadn’t shaved this morning. God, she was a sucker for a five o’clock shadow. His muscular arms were showcased in a T-shirt that fit him just right. Tacy hated guys who wore their shirts a size too small in hopes of showing off their physique. This man didn’t play that game. Hell, he didn’t need to. He was built perfectly.
She didn’t realize she was staring until his eyes met hers. Tacy knew she should look away, but she couldn’t. It was as if something came over them when their gazes locked and neither of them pretended to do anything other than what they were doing. Which was the most blatant checking-each-other-out in the history of flirting. He smiled and she returned it. Her cheeks flushed slightly when he winked.
Tacy was no stranger to attraction, but this felt different somehow. It was as though she’d been struck by a serious, almost crippling case of lust at first sight. Her nipples tightened, her pussy clenched, and she was suddenly very, very warm. If she’d been wearing more than a T-shirt and jean shorts, she would have been tempted to strip off a layer to seek some cooler air. Sadly, there was only one layer between her and her panties and bra.
Not that she minded showing him those. They were baby-blue silk with tiny white flowers and really cute.
Regrettably, the idea of taking off her clothing only added to her horny state, and she was overwhelmed by the desire to drag the man off the stool and back to her room at the B&B. Which was a ridiculous response.
The man was a stranger. A completely hot-as-hell, sex-on-a-stick, ohmigod, I-want-to-lick-him-from-top-to-bottom stranger.
Tacy wasn’t sure how long they would have continued the silent dalliance, but it ended when the waitress behind the counter asked the man if he wanted a cup of coffee. He turned to respond and Tacy was forced back to the present.
To Lauren, looking at her with an all-too-knowing smirk.
“I think maybe we should add something else to your schedule for this week,” Lauren said.
“Oh yeah?”
“There’s no cure on earth for whatever ails you like a good hard workout between the sheets, and something tells me that man would know his way around a woman’s body.”
“Are you suggesting I go pick up that guy for a one-night stand?” Tacy tried to feign shock or offense or something. She failed at all three, of course. Mainly because she was hoping Lauren would give her the green light to do just that.
Maybe like right now.
Damn. She needed to get a grip. Tacy rubbed her eyes and tried to shake off the lingering lust that had her heart beating just a smidge too fast. This was why she should have sprung for the more expensive ticket instead of saving money with the red-eye. She was overtired and not thinking clearly. If she didn’t manage to get in a nap at some point today, God only knew what sort of trouble she’d get into.
Problem was Lauren didn’t seem amenable to letting her escape. Her comment when Tacy put her bags in her room and mentioned lying down for a little while was simply to say, “You can sleep when you get back home. It’s festival time.”
Lauren glanced over her shoulder. The man hadn’t turned back around since getting his coffee. “I’m not sure I’d limit myself to just one night with him.”
“You’re a married woman.”
Lauren laughed. “Maybe so, but I can appreciate fine physiques. And that guy has it going on in all the right places. It’s something worth considering. After all, you’re only here for a week and it’s not like you’re looking for anything long-term. You said you wanted to let your hair down and relax. I don’t see why you can’t add hot sex with a stranger to that sugar-and-grease overload you’ve got planned. Just do it.”
The Nike advice again.
The old Tacy would have dismissed the suggestion out of hand, not because she didn’t like sex, but because there had never been time. Her focus had always been on the game.
Now her entire life had been flipped upside down in just a few months. It was obvious she was going to have to step out of her comfort zone and try some new things. It was the only way she could hope to forge a future that might bring her some level of happiness and contentment.
Maybe she could test those wings here.
In Sapphire Falls.
With him.
Chapter Two
Zac Lewis sat on the steps of a gazebo in the middle of Sapphire Falls and chatted with his foster brother, Justin, on the phone as he watched the world go by. He tried to lie to himself, tried to pretend he wasn’t looking for the smokin’-hot blonde he had seen in the diner this morning, and was instead taking in the scenery.
“Zac?”
“I’m still here.” Zac forced himself to forget about the woman and focus on the conversation with his brother. Ever since he’d borrowed the old RV Justin’s business—and life—partner Ned had inherited from his great uncle and taken off in search of the West Coast, his siblings had taken turns calling to check up on him. Apparently it was Justin’s day to make sure he hadn’t driven the hunk of junk he was calling home for six weeks off a cliff.
“Where are you again?”
“Sapphire Falls,” Zac repeated.
“Where the hell is that?”
Zac chuckled. “Bumfuck, Nebraska.”
“Jesus. How’d you end up there?”
“Just where the nose of the RV happened to be pointing today.” While that was true of most of his trip so far, his sojourn to Sapphire Falls had actually been a bit more intentional. He’d stopped for gas on the highway about fifty miles back and spotted a flyer promoting a festival, and decided to check it out.
He was a week and a half into what he was calling his six-week walkabout. Only he wasn’t walking, but driving.
Born and bred in New Orleans, Zac’s only venture out of the southern city was a few months ago when his brother, Noah, had been a finalist in a cooking show, and the family had scored a brief trip to Las Vegas. Touring the desert during that long weekend, Zac realized there was a big world out there, and at twenty-nine, he’d seen precious little of it.
Not that there’d been much help for that. Zac had come up with a life plan when he was sixteen and he’d never looked back. After graduating as valedictorian of his class in high school, he’d gotten enough scholarship money and financial aid to attend college. From there, he had been accepted to medical school. He’d just finished up his classes, passed the licensing exam, and was about to embark on a five-year residency at New Orleans East.
As such, he’d spent the majority of his life with his nose buried in a book. When he finally lifted his head and looked around, he realized there was a world outside the medical library. With a month and a half hiatus before beginning his residency, he decided to take advantage of the time—and the RV—and head west. He’d always had a desire to see the Pacific Ocean and Big Sur.
Because his life had been regimented for so long, he decided against mapping a course. Instead, he was rambling his way across the country, taking off-the-beaten-track highways, stopping whenever a place looked interesting, eatin
g when he got hungry, sleeping when he got tired, and refusing to come up with a schedule or deadlines. Only ten days in and he was having the time of this life.
“Still loving the trip?” Justin asked.
“More than I can say.”
His brother chuckled. “Gotta admit, I’m jealous. Wish I’d done the same thing when I was younger.”
Zac rolled his eyes. “You’re not that damn old.”
“I’m pushing forty. I’ve got a business, a mortgage and a pregnant wife who probably wouldn’t enjoy spending her last trimester in a rickety RV with me and Ned.”
Zac was exceptionally fond of Justin and Ned’s wife, Bella. While she was only legally wed to Justin, those closest to the couple knew their lifelong vows had included Ned. “Yeah. I think you’re smart to stay put for now. At least until my little niece comes along.”
The trio was expecting their first child in July. Neither man knew who the biological father was, and they’d confided to Zac that unless it became medically necessary to know, they would never seek that knowledge. The baby belonged to all three of them. It was a beautiful union, and Zac couldn’t wait to hold the newest little Lewis.
“Just got back from Sunday supper at Mama’s house. You were missed, bro.”
The family had a standing date for dinner at Mama Lewis’ house every week. Zac had only missed a handful of times in the past, and now he’d missed two in a row. “Not going to pretend I’m not dreaming about Mama’s cooking. There’s only so much fast food, sandwiches and cereal one man can take.”
Although he had to admit he’d enjoyed his meal at Dottie’s Diner this morning. He’d been trying to save money by eating breakfast and lunch in the RV, then finding local places for dinner. However, sometimes if he was still on the highway and starving, he’d slide through a fast-food drive-thru simply for convenience’s sake.
“You’ll have plenty of time to catch up when you get back. Enjoy your time in Emerald City.”
“Sapphire Falls,” Zac corrected with a laugh. “And I will. Talk to you soon, Justin.”
“Later.”
They disconnected the call and Zac glanced around. He’d spent most of the day just roaming around the streets, checking out the booths and picking up some handmade jewelry for his sisters, Chloe and Dani, as well as Mama Lewis. All that was left was to find the caramel apple he’d been craving all day before returning to the RV for the night. While the festival was fun, he planned to hop back onto the highway tomorrow morning to see what else the Midwest had to offer.
As he walked to the booth with all the sweet treats, he searched the crowd once more for the blonde. He wasn’t sure what it was about her that had captured his attention, but the attraction he’d felt toward her had been instant and powerful. He’d eaten his entire breakfast in a half-hard state, and he’d been perfectly aware when she had risen and left the diner. She’d glanced back at him when she reached the door and he’d given her a subtle goodbye nod. They hadn’t spoken a single word to each other, yet it seemed as if they’d said volumes.
There were two people ahead of him in line so he filed into place and studied the menu. The booth was dedicated to all things sugar—kettle corn, cotton candy, funnel cakes, and caramel apples. Then he noticed there was just one more caramel apple on the woman’s pan. He hoped the people in front of him steered clear. His major reason for turning the RV toward Sapphire Falls had been in hopes of finding his favorite carnival fare.
Fortunately, the two customers before him chose other temptations.
“I’ll have a caramel apple,” Zac said when the woman asked for his order.
“You got the last one,” she confirmed as she took his money, and then went to grab the apple.
“Damn,” someone muttered behind him.
Zac turned, surprised to find the blonde standing right behind him. Her eyes widened when she realized it was him.
“It’s you,” she said.
He nodded. “Yep. And it’s you.”
The smile she gave him sent too much blood traveling south again. What the hell was it about this woman?
“Don’t suppose I could talk you into changing your order to a candy apple?”
Zac shook his head. “Nowhere near as good.”
She shot him a wry look that said she agreed wholeheartedly. “Probably best that I missed out. I’ve eaten more junk food today than I have in the past three years put together.”
He laughed. “That’s what’s great about a fair. Health concerns fly out the window.”
She tilted her head. “I love your southern accent. Where are you from?”
“New Orleans,” he replied.
“Oh! I love that city. I’ve only been once for a tournament and I didn’t get to spend nearly enough time there. It’s on the top of my list of places to go back to one day.”
“For a tournament?” Zac asked.
“Soccer.”
His mind flashed back to the flyer he’d seen advertising the festival. “You’re Tacy Bradford.”
She nodded. “Guilty.”
“Damn. I watched the final of that World Cup game. Y’all kicked ass.”
Tacy laughed, clearly pleased by his compliment. “Thanks.”
“Are you still playing?”
Her smiled faded briefly before she managed to paste on a sunny expression that didn’t fool him a bit. “Unfortunately no. I blew out my knee in practice a few months ago.”
“ACL?”
“Meniscus. Big tear. Second one in four years. The doctor suggested I not risk a third.”
“Probably good advice.” Zac glanced down. “You’ve had surgery to repair it?”
“Yeah,” she replied. “There was a lot of scar tissue from the first surgery, so my recovery took a bit longer. I just got rid of the brace a week ago. Still have some rehab to do, but it feels a lot better. Unfortunately, I’ve been dealing with pain in the other knee because it’s been supporting all my weight the past three months. I had arthroscopic surgery on it about six years ago. Basically, my knees are jacked.”
“Soccer’s a tough sport on knees. And ankles.”
“You seem to know a lot about it. You play?”
“No,” Zac replied, grinning. “Just finished up med school. About to start my residency to become an orthopedic surgeon.”
“No kidding,” she said. “Wow. What are the chances? I’m a regular customer when it comes to orthopedics.”
“Well, in that case, let me give you my card.” He stuck out his hand. “Zac Lewis.”
She accepted his handshake, but the moment her hand touched his, Zac felt a jolt of…something he couldn’t describe or understand. All he knew was he was overwhelmed by the desire to keep hold of her hand.
He wondered if she felt the same way because he noticed she didn’t seek to pull away from him. They stared at each other and her expression held the same curiosity that he felt.
Finally, he released her hand.
Tacy shoved her hands in the pockets of her shorts. “You have relatives in Sapphire Falls, Zac?”
Zac shook his head. “No. I actually just happened to be driving by, saw a flyer for the festival and decided to check it out. How about you? You from here?”
“No. I’m just passing through like you. I have a friend who lives in town and she invited me to visit. Are you planning to stay for the entire week?”
Zac had been ready to leave, but now… “Actually no. I intended to get back on the road tomorrow morning. However…”
“However?”
He thought perhaps there was a bit of hope in her expression.
“However, I’m rethinking that.”
Her smile grew. “Good.”
Zac was suddenly grateful his schedule wasn’t set in stone. Suddenly glad he’d made this detour to Sapphire Falls. Suddenly scrambling for a way to keep talking to her.
“Listen, Tacy—” He was about to ask her if she’d like to join him for a drink at the bar he’d just walked by, the
Come Again, but his request was cut off when they were joined by another woman.
“There you are.” It was the same brunette he’d seen Tacy sitting with in the diner this morning.
“Hey, Lauren.” Tacy pointed to him. “This is—”
“It’s you!” Lauren said when she glanced in his direction. “The guy from the diner.”
Zac chuckled, secretly pleased Tacy’s friend recognized him. Maybe that meant the two of them had talked about him over breakfast. “Zac Lewis.”
“Lauren Bennett. Are you in town visiting relatives?”
He shook his head. “Nope. Saw a flyer for the festival at a gas station, somewhere near York. Thought I’d come check it out.”
Lauren’s brows rose. “Really? Wonderful. I’ll have to tell Hailey her advertising was effective. That’s a really cool southern accent.”
“New Orleans.”
“You’re a long way from home,” Lauren said.
Zac got a sense Lauren was checking him out for her friend. Not that he minded. He was hoping to convince Tacy to spend some time with him. At least until he could figure out what is was about her that had him as smitten as a kitten.
“I have six weeks before I start my residency.”
“He’s going to be an orthopedic surgeon,” Tacy added.
Lauren snorted. “That’s convenient.”
Zac agreed. “I’ve always wanted to see the Pacific Ocean, so I borrowed a friend’s RV and I’m ten days into a rambling trip cross-country.”
Lauren seemed interested in his journey. “And you ended up in Sapphire Falls. Amazing. We’re not that easy to find.” Lauren glanced at her watch and quietly cursed. “Damn. I really hate to break this up, but the dance is about to begin. You’re the third person up for auction.”