Be My Warmth

by Shanade White

  “Hey, what’s wrong?” He asked, pulling her into his arms.

  Tani’s first instinct was to pull away from Flynn and the intimacy he was creating, but instead she blurted out, “I miss my father. He would have loved this.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.” Flynn said, rubbing her back.

  Tani took a deep breath, she was sad that her father wasn’t here, but for the first time since his death she didn’t feel the guilt she always did, in fact she felt a kind of peace. “It’s okay, you didn’t know. I don’t talk about it much.”

  “Do you want to talk about it now?” Flynn asked, tipping her chin up to look into her eyes.

  Tani thought about that for a second, but knew that now was not the time. “It’s a long story and I don’t want to ruin the day. I’m okay.”

  Flynn was overcome by such an intense need to protect Tani from whatever was haunting her, and it came as no surprise to him that there was something haunting her from the past. He’d guessed as much when she’d always diverted the conversation away from her family and childhood when he’d asked, but now he knew that her father was gone, he’d have to be happy with that much for now.

  “Just remember that I’m here to listen if you ever need to talk.” He said, then pulled her into his arms again and held her there for a long time.

  Tani stood wrapped in Flynn’s arms feeling comforted and safe for the first time in a long time. As much as she hated to admit it, she’d fallen for this strong, intelligent, caring man. A man she’d have to leave in only a few days, but in that moment, she understood that not only was she powerless to stop herself, she didn’t want to. Unlike most women her age, she’d only ever been with David, and she now understood that what she’d felt for David was nothing compared to what she felt for Flynn.

  When Flynn pulled back and looked into her eyes, she couldn’t stop herself from raising up on her toes and giving him a quick kiss. But Flynn was clearly not content with a quick kiss, without the slightest hesitation, he lowered his mouth to hers in a searing kiss that left her breathless. His tongue exploring her mouth started a fire inside her that had only been simmering for the last few days, now it was a full-fledged blaze, igniting a storm of pleasure that went straight to her core.

  His hand roaming over her body brought her back to where they were and she finally managed to pull away from him. “Flynn, we shouldn’t be doing this here. It’s disrespectful.” She said, squirming away from him when he tried to kiss her again.

  “Well then let’s go somewhere where it’s not so disrespectful.” He finally said, scowling.

  “I guess that would be up to you unless you want to go back to Honey Hills.” Tani said, grinning because she just couldn’t help herself, he looked like a little boy pouting when he couldn’t get his way.

  “No way. I have a better idea.” Flynn said, grabbing her hand and dragging her back across the burial ground so fast she had a hard time keeping up.

  When they got back to the horses, he pulled her into his arms again and kissed her until she had to pull away from him to breathe. He was panting too, but managed to say. “There’s another cave farther up the mountain.” Then he swung her up on Devil who was clearly ready for some more exercise.

  It took them several hours to reach the cave, even with the fast pace Devil set for them. By the time Flynn pointed it out, the horses were tired and they were frozen, but the cave looked inviting, as if it was just waiting for them to get there. After they tethered the horses and gave them some of the feed they’d brought, Flynn helped her up to the cave and inside. The first thing she noticed was that it was considerably warmer in the cave, then as her eyes adjusted she saw that the cave was filled with supplies.

  In the middle of the cave was a fire pit that would provide a fire big enough to keep the cave warm. There was a little kitchen set up along one side and a make-shift couch on the other. In the back of the cave, she could see bedding and what looked like a bed frame that could be filled with something soft. Amazed she looked at Flynn, who shrugged his shoulders and bent to light the fire that was already set in the pit.

  “You never know what you’re going to find in the canyon. I stumbled across this cave the first summer I was here. The rule is that you’re never allowed to tell anyone where it is, if someone finds it on their own then they’re welcome to use it.” Flynn finally explained.

  “It’s amazing.” Tani said, walking around the cave exploring. “Thank you for sharing it with me.”

  Chapter 4

  In only a short time, the cave was warm enough for them to remove their heavy outer layers, and they had a hot meal ready to eat. They took their plates of food over to the couch by the fire and ate in silence until the worst of their hunger was gone. “This is wonderful; it’s hard to believe that we’re in the middle of the wilderness.”

  “I love coming up here; it’s like camping but much easier and the food always tastes better.” Flynn said, taking Tani’s plate to the sink. “I brought desert, too.”

  When he turned around, he was holding a small white box which he sat in her lap. She couldn’t help but squeal a little when she opened it to find chocolate-covered strawberries. “Oh, you remembered that I like these.” She said, her voice husky with emotion.

  Flynn sat down next to her and took the largest strawberry out of the box, “I can’t forget the look on your face when you talked about them.” He said, holding the strawberry up for her to take a bite.

  Tani couldn’t help but moan when she tasted the sweet berry mixed with the creamy chocolate, “Oh, those are the best I’ve ever tasted.” She said licking the chocolate off her lips nearly driving Flynn crazy.

  “While you’ve been dreaming of chocolate covered strawberries, I’ve been dreaming about how they would taste in your mouth.” Flynn said, then cupped her face in his hands and kissed her.

  This kiss was like none he’d ever given her before — it was soft and sensual, full of the promise of what could be between them. Tani wanted to give into the kiss but she was suddenly afraid of how strong her feelings were, if she let this go to the next level it could be disastrous for her heart. Nothing would or could ever come of this, they were simply two people thrown together for a short period of time, and she wasn’t even sure he felt the same way she did.

  But while her mind was telling her one thing, her body was telling her something different, pleasure and desire soon blocking out her better sense. When Flynn’s hands began to roam over her body she responded by running her hands over his chest, loving the feel of his strong muscles under her hands. Flynn moaned and slid one hand up her ribcage to cup her breast, sending a new wave of pleasure through her and making her nipple so hard it showed through her thick sweater.

  Flynn found that nipple with his thumb and finger and gently squeezed, making Tani gasp and squirm in his arms. The pleasure he was creating made her throw her head back, each gentle squeeze fueling her desire even further. He took advantage of her exposed neck and began to nibble, while he slid his hand up and under her sweater until he had her breast in his hand. Finding the nipple, he began his sweet torture again, until Tani was desperate for more.

  But when Flynn slid his hand down to her legs the box of strawberries went tumbling to the floor of the cave, shattering the moment as the strawberries went tumbling out. Tani came to her senses much too quickly, her head spinning and her body humming. No man had ever made her feel the way Flynn just had, and to make matters worse, she was already half in love with him. Sleeping with him would only make that worse and she’d be leaving in a couple of days, she was afraid that if she took things that far it would hurt too much to leave.

  “Oh, the strawberries.” She said, trying to distract Flynn long enough to pull her sweater down where he’d pushed it up, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

  Flynn bent and picked up the strawberries knowing that he’d pushed things too far. Tani was like a drug he couldn’t get enough of, she made h
im feel things he’d never felt before, things that he’d thought he might never feel. But that was no excuse for bring her up here and trying to seduce her.

  “It’s okay only a couple got dirty.” He said, showing her the inside of the box where most of the strawberries were still nestled in their wrappers.

  Tani was frantically searching for something to say, some way to make Flynn understand that she wasn’t ready for anything more. “Umm, Flynn. I don’t… I mean…”

  “Hey, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed you. We’ve only known each other for a few days, but I have to be honest when I’m with you sometimes all I can think about is kissing you.” Tani opened her mouth to say something but he stopped her, “But I can be happy with only that, I don’t want you to do something you’ll regret later.” Then he pulled her into his arms until her head was resting on his chest to show her that it wasn’t only about the incredible desire he felt for her.

  They spent the afternoon feeding the fire and talking about nothing, but as the afternoon drew to a close Tani began to wish that they didn’t have to go home. “I wish we could stay here forever. It’s so quiet and peaceful.”

  “I know. I love my brother but this wedding is going to kill me. When I get married I’m going to Vegas and get it over quick.” Flynn said. “What about you? Most women have their perfect wedding all planned out.”

  Tani felt his words as much as she heard them and stiffened in his arms, but when the wave of pain that usually came with the mention of her wedding didn’t come she relaxed again. “I umm… well I almost got married once, but the ceremony wouldn’t have been like anything you’ve ever seen.”

  Flynn waited for her to continue but when she didn’t. He understood that she didn’t want to say more and changed the subject, “Well, it’s going to be Vegas for me if that day ever comes.” He said, getting to his feet and pulling her with him. “For now, I’m happy that I’ve been able to enjoy the company of a beautiful and interesting woman.”

  Tani found it easy to go into his arms and as she wrapped her arms around him, she wished that her past was different, that she could believe in what she was feeling for Flynn. But she didn’t trust herself, she’d chosen badly in the past, this might be no different. “I guess we should be heading back, it’s getting late.”

  “I’m ready when you are. Although I have to admit that the only thing that’s going to get me through the next few days is knowing that you’ll be with me.” Flynn said, sealing his words with a kiss.

  The rehearsal dinner was not that much different than the other parties they’d attended and the group wasn’t much smaller, but Tani had gotten to know the Coldwater Canyon friends and relatives and found that it was a group she was more than happy to spend time with. But she was nervous for the wedding which would be attended by people from not only the canyon but from as far away as Australia. Since it was a night wedding everyone would be in full evening wear, the men in tuxedos and the women in evening gowns.

  Of all the clothes that Marissa had picked out for her, the evening gown she was supposed to wear to the wedding was by far the most daring. Cut to fit her perfectly, the flowing gown in the deepest shade of purple was perfect for her, accentuating her curvy figure and bring out the green in her eyes as well as the red in her hair. But it was also cut low in the back and front, and allowed for only the skimpiest pair of panties and no bra, and she wasn’t sure she could go through with wearing it.

  As if she’d been reading her mind, Leslie showed up just as Tani was rifling through her closet for something else to wear. “Why aren’t you dressed yet? We need to leave in ten minutes.” She said, when she saw Tani still in her robe.

  “Leslie, I just don’t think I can wear this.” Tani said, holding up the dress.

  “Oh yes you can. You’ve got the most handsome and available man eating out of your hand already, I can’t wait to see his face when he sees you in this.” Leslie said, taking the dress from Tani and pulling it off the hanger. “You march into that bathroom and put this on right now.”

  Flynn was watching the door anxiously, all day he’d been worried that Tani might change her mind at the last minute and not come to the wedding and he wouldn’t have blamed her if she didn’t. It was true that they’d had fun together that week but there had also been a few very difficult moments. It seemed like no matter where they went there was some woman who just had to try to get between them, he’d been prepared for some negative feeling from a few of the woman he’d dated in the canyon but he hadn’t expected the full -n assault they’d faced.

  Flynn had been popular with the opposite sex for as long as he could remember, it was his good looks coupled with his amiable personality that did it for most and his money that did it for the rest. His mother had taught him well though and he was always careful to fend off the most aggressive and choose carefully from the rest. He’d done the same in Coldwater Canyon, with the exception of Lauren, who had turned out to be from that group who were after his money. Only after he’d gotten deeply involved with her did she show her true colors, demanding a new saddle for their three-month anniversary as if she was owed something.

  What had started out so promising had turned to nothing virtually overnight when he’d seen what she was really like, the relationship only lasting a few more weeks before he just couldn’t stand to be around her. She’d been the worst of the women who’d made their disappointment in his choice of a date clear to everyone around them. In the end, she was quietly escorted out of the dinner party they were attending.

  Tani had handled the situation with grace, but they both knew that the wedding could be even worse, made even more daunting by the fact that Flynn would be tied up with official duties leaving her open for attack. He was pacing back and forth across the foyer of the church when the doors opened and a group, including Tani walked through the door. When he saw her, his heart practically stopped beating, she looked radiant with her hair swept up and just a touch of makeup on her face.

  He crossed the room in three strides and took her hands in his, “You look beautiful.” He said, his eyes sliding across her face and down to the soft wrap she’d put on over her dress. “Let me help you with that.” He added, unfastening the clasp at her neck and sliding the wrap off her shoulders.

  Tani heard Flynn gasp when he saw the dress and was immediately self-conscious. But when Flynn’s eyes met hers all she saw was desire. “I’m not going to be able to let you out of my sight tonight or some other man is going to swoop in and steal you.” He said, then bent and kissed her right there in front of everyone.

  She was blushing furiously and a little unsteady on her feet when Flynn finally tucked her arm in his and led her into the church to the front pew. Aware of every eye on her, she concentrated on her steps relieved when she finally sat down next to Leslie. Once she was seated, Flynn took her hand and kissed the inside of her palm, then joined the rest of the best men at the front of the church. There was an audible gasp from the people in the church and several women even awed at the gesture, Leslie elbowed her in the ribs and smiled at her.

  “I told you that dress was perfect.” She said, then pointed to the back of the church where the bride was poised to come down the aisle, preventing Tani from making a reply.

  The minute she walked out of the church, Flynn took her arm and escorted her across the courtyard to the reception. “I have to go take pictures in a little while, but I’ll get away as soon as I can.” He said, as they walked in the door. “While I’m gone, Mike is going to keep you company.”

  Tani watched as a well-dressed man approached them, a huge grin on his face. “You’re actually going to trust me with your date Flynn?” He said, slapping Flynn on the back.

  “Not if you keep looking at her like that.” Flynn said, putting his arm around Tani.

  Tani elbowed Flynn in the ribs, “I’m perfectly capable of entertaining myself you know.”

  “It’s not you I’m worried about.” Flynn said, looki
ng around the room. “It’s the other men here that have me concerned.”

  Tani had met Mike before and had found that he was a likable man, he looked so crest fallen that she felt bad. “But if Mike doesn’t mind hanging around with me I’d welcome the company.” Then flashed him a big smile.

  “Good, then that’s settled. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Flynn said, kissing her on the cheek before striding out of the room, but when he reached the door he looked back over his shoulder and exchanged a look with Mike that she was sure contained some kind of a warning.

  The minute Flynn left the room, Tani was surprised to find herself surrounded by men, which didn’t make the other single women happy, but thanks to Mike they all departed quickly, scared off by the looks he gave them. It wasn’t long before Flynn was back, the rest of the wedding party following right behind him ready for the feast Marissa had arranged for dinner. As the night wore on, Flynn was forced to leave her several times, but each time he did, Mike appeared at her side ready to keep her company until Flynn returned.

  Finally, after the father-daughter dance was over, he shooed Mike away and escorted her to the dance floor. “I’m finally done, now I’m all yours for the rest of the night.”

  “Flynn, I don’t know how to dance.” Tani was forced to admit when he took her in his arms.

  “Don’t worry just follow me and you’ll be fine.” Flynn reassured her as he spun her around.

  Tani wasn’t so sure but after only a few minutes she’d picked up the basic steps and was feeling more confident. They stayed on the dance floor until she’d mastered the steps, then out of breath, her feet hurting, they left the dance floor and sat down at a table tucked into a dark corner. She groaned when she sat down, wishing her heels weren’t so high. Now that she’d learned to dance, all she wanted to do was float around the dance floor in Flynn’s arms for the rest of the night, but the way her feet felt that seemed impossible.