by Croix, J. H.
Ethan threw his head back as he laughed. “Just because the fairer sex is not my cup of tea doesn’t mean I don’t have a good idea of what attracts men who are interested in women. I didn’t start this conversation to debate the degree of your beauty, dear. I merely wanted to point out that men are basic creatures. If this Darren managed to resist you and said he wanted a chance to get to know you, it’s a testament to his character.”
Risa suddenly wanted to cry. Because she thought Ethan was probably right, Darren seemed like a pretty good guy. It terrified her that her poor judgment might be working against her…again. But then, if he was as good as he seemed, she didn’t know if she deserved someone like him. She was too flighty and had a solid track record of poor judgment when it came to men.
“Risa,” Ethan said softly.
She glanced over at him, his warm blue eyes making her tears spill over.
He leaned toward the desk, grabbed the box of tissues on the corner and passed them to her. She wiped her eyes and blew her nose. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
“You have issues with intimacy, an affliction shared by many. You also happen to be the only artistic temperament in your family and have the misfortune of being a woman in a man’s world. In short, you’re playing with a mismatched deck in this game. Ever since I’ve known you darling, you’ve wanted to find a way to be what you think your family wants. I’ve met them, and they could care less. Trying to walk the straight and narrow was never going to work for you. Trey, who you look up to so much, adores you just as you are. And so you’ve joined the hordes of women who’ve dated losers. I’m a man, so I know this well. Most men are asses—I mean, my goodness, men rule the world. Literally. We think we’re entitled to everything. That’s where being gay is helpful—the world didn’t cut me slack across the board like straight men, so I was forced to develop a minimal amount of self-reflection. Anyway, my long-winded point is this: stop giving yourself such a hard time. Maybe Darren won’t be the love of your life, but he’s off to a good start. So far, he’s treating you with respect, and that’s something you haven’t had enough of as far as I’m concerned. It will do you some good to have a man woo you.”
Ethan offered her a grin and blew her a kiss. His eyes glinted with mischief. “Maybe you’ll have some good sex for once.” His words managed to break the hamster wheel of negative chatter in her mind, so she could smile and mean it.
Risa eyed him for a long moment and tilted her head, pondering how to bring up her idea of moving to Diamond Creek. “Have you and Jack ever thought about opening a gallery in Diamond Creek?”
Ethan slapped his hand on the table and burst out laughing.
“Um, I’m not so sure what was funny about that,” Risa said, starting to laugh herself simply because Ethan couldn’t stop.
Still laughing, he slipped his phone out of his pocket. He finally stopped laughing and held a finger up as he tapped the screen on his phone and set it between them on the table. She saw Jack’s name flash on the screen. Ethan tapped the speaker icon and waited. Jack answered.
“Hi Jack. You’re on speaker,” Ethan said.
“Okay, what’s up?”
“You owe me dinner.”
“You must be with Risa. Hi darling,” Jack said.
“Hey Jack. Could one of you explain what you’re talking about?” she asked.
“How about you explain, Ethan?”
Ethan grinned at her. “We had a bet on how long it would take you to ask if we’d like to open a gallery in Diamond Creek. We actually planned to do so soon, but it’s taking you so damn long, we were afraid we’d have to bring in someone new to run it. I bet that you’d ask about it before the holidays this year. Jack was less decisive and tried to hedge his bets and say before next summer. I win.” Ethan leaned back and crossed his arms.
Jack chuckled. “So Risa, now we can officially ask if you’d be willing to help us get it up and running.”
Risa’s heart leapt. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t asked sooner. She loved her job and considered Ethan and Jack as close as family. Her dream job was being handed to her on a platter in the place she wanted to be. “Yes! Just say when and I’ll make it happen.”
Ethan and Jack delved into their already well-developed plan leaving Risa to marvel they’d managed to keep this from her all this time. Not much later, they ended the call with plans for dinner with her to discuss further. Ethan stood to leave her office and paused by the door.
“Whatever you do, promise me you’ll give Darren a chance to get to know you.”
Risa looked up, realizing yet again how well Ethan knew her. Her best defense was offense. When that failed, she tended to withdraw. Ethan was trying to head her off at the pass. She looked at him for a long moment. “It’s not like you won’t make sure I do,” she said with a soft grin.
Chapter 7
Darren drove down the street searching out the gallery where Risa worked. He was in Anchorage visiting his parents for the weekend. Though if he was being honest, visiting his parents was a convenient excuse to tell Risa he happened to be in town for the weekend. They’d texted back and forth a few times in the week since she’d been in Diamond Creek. He couldn’t stop thinking about her—her flashing dark eyes and full lips, the brief feel of her curves against his body.
He almost missed the sign for Midnight Sun Arts. He hit the brakes and turned into the parking lot. Striding into the gallery, he found himself looking at Risa’s absolutely delectable bottom as she stood on a stepladder and leaned over to adjust the corner of a painting. A man dressed in a navy suit with silvered black hair stood to the side of the ladder, casually holding it.
“How does that look?” Risa asked.
“Perfect, dear. Climb down now,” the man said, reaching a hand to steady her hip as she stepped down.
Darren experienced a flash of jealousy when the man touched Risa with familiarity. Risa wore a bright blue skirt made out of a soft fabric that clung to her curves and flared just below her knees. When she stepped off the ladder, she wobbled on the heels she wore. The man at her side grasped her arm. “Easy does it.”
Risa said something Darren couldn’t hear and straightened her shoulders. She took a step back, appearing to view the painting she’d hung. He decided he might as well make his presence known.
“Hey Risa,” he said.
She turned quickly, her dark eyes widening at the sight of him. “Oh! Is it me or are you early?” she asked, her cheeks flushing.
The man at her side turned. Darren suddenly felt like he was being appraised. The man’s sharp blue eyes blatantly assessed him. When the eyes made it back to his face, the man winked, one corner of his mouth lifting with a sly smile.
Darren cleared his throat. “Didn’t you say five?” he asked, glancing at an elaborate clock on the wall made of what appeared to be hammered bronze and shaped like the sun with wild waves in the rays.
Risa followed his eyes to the clock. “I didn’t even realize what time it was. I did say five,” she replied with a polite smile. She glanced to the man at her side.
“This is Ethan,” she said and gestured from him to Darren. “Ethan, this is Darren.”
Ethan smiled widely and stepped forward, quickly shaking Darren’s hand. “So nice to meet you. Risa’s told me all about you,” he said, his tone weighted though Darren had no idea how to interpret it.
Darren returned the handshake. “Nice to meet you too. I’d say Risa’s told me all about you, but I only met her recently.”
Ethan nodded, his eyes impish. “Of course. Risa’s a dear friend of mine. She mentioned you were the first cop to respond when she had her accident in Diamond Creek. What a great way to meet! You got to save the day and all that. Did she mention we’ve asked her to help us start another gallery in Diamond Creek? Jack and I know the art world very well here in Anchorage, but I can’t say I know what would sell best in Diamond Creek. Since you live there, what do yo
u think we should focus on, paintings or sculpture?”
Risa shook her head. “Ethan, don’t put him on the spot right away. He just walked through the door!”
Darren grinned and shrugged. “It’s okay. I’m not going to pretend I’m an art expert, but offhand, I’d suggest both. You’ll get most of your business from tourists in the summer, so you want to have options.”
Ethan grinned and looked to Risa. “He doesn’t mind, and he can think on his feet. That’s a good thing.” Ethan turned back to Darren. “It’s very nice to meet you, but I have a few things to take care of. I hope to see you again soon.” He winked and turned away, walking briskly to the back of the gallery.
Darren looked over at Risa who stood with her hand resting on one of the steps of the ladder. Atop the skirt that made him itch to run his hands over the soft curve of her hips, she wore a fitted cream-colored blouse, her breasts straining against the buttons. Darren reminded himself it was his own fault he’d yet to feel those glorious breasts in his hands.
“So does Ethan own the gallery?” he asked.
Risa nodded quickly. “Along with his partner, Jack. They’re amazing to work for.”
She paused, looking at him uncertainly. Darren forced himself to focus. “So, uh, any preferences on where we go for dinner?”
Risa pursed her lips. “What kind of food do you like?”
“Anything.”
Risa tilted her head. “Okay then, there’s a great Thai place. Do you mind driving? I still haven’t gotten a new car. Ethan and Jack have been taxiing me to and from work.”
“Not at all. Are you ready?”
“Let me get my purse.”
Darren watched Risa walk to the back of the gallery and took a moment to look around while he waited. The gallery was jam-packed with art. The walls were lined with paintings, photographs and more, while displays of various sculptures and jewelry were scattered throughout the space. Ethan came around one of the displays and stopped at Darren’s side. Yet again, Darren felt as if he was under a microscope—albeit a very friendly, appreciative microscope, not that it made him feel any less self-conscious.
“So you’re taking Risa out to dinner,” Ethan said.
Darren nodded, wondering what was on Ethan’s mind.
Ethan looked thoughtful and took a step closer, lowering his voice. “From what I see, you like Risa. I barely know you, but I have a good feeling about you. Take my advice, she has a heart of gold, so treat her how she needs to be treated.”
Darren was taken off guard, to say the least. He eyed Ethan carefully while Ethan smiled back at him. “And how would that be?”
“Let me say this, Risa is more accustomed to men who take her for granted. She’s cynical as a result. If you want a chance with her, don’t take her for granted.”
Darren nodded slowly. “Of course. I wasn’t planning to,” he replied, bemused by Ethan’s protectiveness and curious as to what prompted him to say anything to Darren.
The click of heels could be heard coming in their direction. Ethan took a step back and smiled benignly when Risa came into view. She glanced between them.
“Ethan, what are you up to?”
Ethan didn’t even bother to pretend otherwise. “Making sure Darren knows how well you should be treated. What are friends for?” He winked at Darren and turned to walk off.
***
Darren sat across from Risa and contemplated whether the fact that he’d spent most of dinner trying to keep his lust under control would qualify as not taking her for granted. They were waiting for the check, and Darren tried to keep his eyes off of the soft skin in the shadowed place where her blouse buttoned. Dinner had been plain fun. She clearly ate at the restaurant frequently as she was on a first-name basis with everyone from the hostess to the chef who came out to greet her. Risa was an amusing companion with a dry sense of humor. She’d given him a sketch of her family history and entertained him with stories of her travels when she was younger. She clearly loved talking about art and enjoyed her work.
As they walked out, his hand naturally landed in the small of her back. He had to curb the urge to slide it down over the curve of her bottom. He managed, but barely. A short drive later, following Risa’s directions, he pulled up at her apartment.
“You’re coming in,” she announced when he put his car in park.
“I am?”
She nodded firmly, her hair swinging softly. “Come on.” She opened the door and got out, not looking back.
Darren followed her into her apartment. Her apartment was located in the upper portion of an office building in downtown Anchorage. The top three floors comprised residential apartments. Her flare for color was evident in her apartment with bright rugs and artwork through the living room and kitchen area. An easel stood in the corner of the living room. Risa kicked her shoes off and gestured for him to sit on the sofa—a plush, inviting sofa with deep cushions and throw pillows.
She walked to the kitchen. “Wine or beer?” she called out.
“Beer,” he replied.
She handed him a beer and said she’d be right back.
Darren waited and wondered how to get his body under control. When he’d stopped her last week in Diamond Creek, he’d meant what he said. He wanted a chance to get to know her. But several hours in her company was practically torture. His problem was three-fold: he wanted her badly, he liked her…a lot, and he simultaneously didn’t want to treat her like a fling, while having no idea if he was ready for a relationship.
Risa returned to the living room. She settled on the couch beside him, kicked her shoes off and took a sip of wine before setting it on the coffee table.
“So what did Ethan say to you?” she asked, her eyes clear and direct.
Darren was momentarily thrown, but he eyed her carefully. He sensed it would be best to be as blunt with her as she seemed to be in general. “He told me to treat you the way you deserve to be treated.”
Risa threw her head back with a laugh. “I should have known he’d say something like that.” She shook her head and glanced at him again. “He’s a tiny bit overprotective.”
“I don’t mind. It’s good to have friends like him.”
Risa’s eyes darkened as she looked at him. Her tongue darted out to lick her lips. The desire that had been buzzing through his veins all evening notched higher.
“So have you gotten to know me yet?” she asked.
Darren began to nod before he realized where she might go with that.
“Good. Then that means you won’t stop me again,” she said.
Before he could form another thought, she shifted and straddled him. Her skirt rode up around her hips while his hands reflexively coasted up her thighs before he could stop himself. He’d been on the edge of desire for hours now. At the feel of her soft curves against him, his cock instantly hardened. She shifted her hips against him with a sly smile. She stroked a hand through his hair, her eyes on his, almost daring him to tell her to stop. For the life of him, he couldn’t even speak though he tried to form the words. Bold as she was, her pulse fluttered in her neck when he lifted a hand and stroked a finger down her cheek. Her breath hitched, her lips falling open slightly. He was lost. With a muttered imprecation, he slid a palm up her back swiftly, lacing his fingers into the soft fall of her hair and tugging her lips to his.
Chapter 8
Risa had decided on the drive home that she wouldn’t let Darren turn her away tonight. She wanted him so badly she was almost dizzy with it. He was an intoxicating combination of masculine with that alpha edge she loved softened by a gracious warmth. He’d been so endearing in his brief interaction with Ethan. It was clear he didn’t know what to make of Ethan’s blatant perusal of him, yet he hadn’t been bothered by it and said it was good to have overprotective friends like him.
Once she’d clambered onto his lap and felt his cock harden against her, dizzy became demanding. When his warm palm slid up her b
ack, strong and sure, and his hand laced in her hair and tugged her mouth to his, she was lost. Her mouth fell open, allowing his tongue to delve deeply. As she already knew, his kisses were like no other. His tongue stroked and teased, he nipped and nibbled. He tore his mouth away from hers, his lips burning a path down her neck, shivers chasing in its wake. His fingers loosened in her hair, sliding around to toy along the edge of her ear, tracing an electric path down along her collarbone into the vee where her blouse came together.
He lifted his head, his eyes meeting hers, dark and intent. She shifted restlessly against him. Her skirt had ridden up around her hips when she straddled him, and she could feel his hard shaft through the thin silk of her panties. She bit back a moan as sharp spikes of pleasure arced through her.
Moving with deliberation, his eyes holding hers, he hooked his finger in the edge of her blouse, tugging the top button open. His eyelids fell as he leaned forward and dropped a kiss. The next few moments brought her to a fevered peak as he proceeded to undo her blouse one button at a time, dusting kisses along the path of exposed skin. By the time her blouse fell open completely, she was toeing the edge of desperation. Her plan to boldly seduce him was lost in the web he wove around her.
His hands cupped her breasts, heavy and aching for his touch, through the silk of her bra. Suddenly he shifted, she felt the clasp of her bra come loose and cool air hit her skin. Her nipples, already taut, tightened at the contrast. She dragged her eyes open at the moment his mouth closed over one of her nipples. Pleasure streaked through her as she arched against him. He alternated between her breasts with suction, soft bites and licks driving her near to madness. His drew languid circles in the moisture when he pulled back, softly rolling a nipple between his thumb and forefinger.
Risa tumbled into sensation—frantic and dreamy at once. She tugged at Darren’s shirt, shoving it roughly over his head. His chest was all she expected—hard planes, lean muscle, burnished gold skin—and sheer heaven to run her hands over. His breath came out in a gasp when she dragged her hands down, her nails lightly scoring his skin, coming to a stop when she reached the heat of his hard shaft and caressed it through the denim. A tiny corner of her mind was alarmed at how out of control she was, but she was helpless to rein herself in. Need spiraled through her, heat bursting in sparks behind every place he touched. Moisture built inside.