Accidental Lover (Wolven Moon Book 3)

by Dany Rae Miller

  Gabby laughs. “Wow. I believe that is about the most sarcastic, least romantic admission of infatuation that I’ve ever heard.”

  Attaching is bigger than infatuation.

  My cousin shrugs, winks. “I’ve kept your secrets.”

  That she has. My questions might go against girlfriend code, though. There’s only one way to find out.

  “What’s up between Cherie and Jesse?” I ask.

  With a deep sigh, her face turns serious. “He’s in love with her. C isn’t with him.”

  Taking a sip, I raise my eyebrows for her to continue.

  “Baldwin and I met in a class. After dating for awhile, we decided to introduce our best friends to each other. The four of us double dated once.” She holds up an index finger. “And Jesse’s been following Cherie around like a lost puppy ever since.”

  It’s a club. And I’m a member.

  Gabby sighs. “I’m not sure how he’ll deal with her not going to Santa Fe with him. You stealing Cherie for The Avalon hurt him this morning, a lot.”

  “Do you think he’ll give up?” I ask hopefully, sipping more bourbon.

  “I doubt it. He’s head over heels. I don’t even think they’ve slept together. In fact, I don’t think he’s even gotten to third base.”

  “She doesn’t confide in you about that stuff?” I wonder if Cherie will talk about her first time with me.

  “I think she would if it happened. That’s what makes me think she hasn’t. Doesn’t matter, though. She’s got Jesse tightly wrapped around her little finger — twice.” Gabby’s tone has an edge to it. She grimaces. “I’m making her sound like a bitch, huh?”

  I grunt, having had the same thought just a few hours ago.

  Cherie’s a virginal barracuda.

  “She’s not. Cherie is reliable, honest, funny, one of the smartest female I know — on par with Grandmother. I’m not sure what your experience has been growing up a Santana, but I’m always on guard, not trusting other people’s motives.”

  I nod at her, thinking mostly of my ex-fiancee.

  “Cherie has never, ever asked me for money. Didn’t even tell me she was applying for the internship at The Av. I would have called you or Grandmother. But she said she didn’t want to use me as a connection unless it was absolutely necessary.” Gabby takes a sip of tea. “And the girl is a rock — always there for all her girlfriends. But, for you males? Not so much.”

  “Why?”

  “Cherie doesn’t have a very high opinion of your gender. She avoids getting too close to people with penises.”

  I smile.

  She got up close and personal with mine.

  “Cherie shot down the hottest boys in high school. Wouldn’t even date. When Baldwin and I got engaged, she gave me a long, depressing lecture about men and their cheating ways. She tried like hell to talk me out of getting married. I finally had to tell her to shut up.”

  This is what I want to know, right here. “Did she get burned by a boy early on or something?”

  “Very good, Dr. Phil. Yes, she got burned, but not by a boy. By her father. As I hear it, he cheated on Cherie’s mom over and over again. He finally walked out on the two of them when Cherie was around fifteen.” Gabby grimaces at the memory. “It was ugly. Her mom totally lost it and Cherie was devastated by the whole situation.”

  “So, she’s got daddy issues,” I say.

  Jaded attitude explained, peaches.

  She nods. “Big time.”

  “Fuuuuck.” I pinch the bridge of my nose.

  Gabby whistles. “She got under your skin fast, cousin.”

  Yes, she did. And I won't — hell, can't let her go. That’s the curse, I’m learning, of an over the top wolven attachment. Then there's that damn peach scent that drives my beast wild.

  It’s scary how fast she’s become the number one thought in my head. But the fucked up possessiveness and jealousy at a mere hike with another man? That’s new. I’ve never been the type to go all alpha. The anger was intense.

  Gabby narrows her eyes. “Like I said, she’s a great person, just broken when it comes to the opposite sex. Cherie cares for Jesse. I see that. He’s done his best to crack through that wall around her. Unfortunately, Cherie — she’ll just wind up hurting him.”

  I hold my glass out to Wes.

  “Another?” He asks.

  “Please,” I say.

  I turn back to Gabby. “She’s young. With the right guy, she’ll get over having an asshole for a father.”

  Gabby bobs her head up and down. “That’s what I hope for. It’s not going to be Jesse, though. That much I know.”

  Wes hands me the refill. I take a big swallow.

  “Someone needs to convince her that not all males are pricks. Maybe some over the top romance? Show her how a woman’s supposed to be treated?” I think out loud.

  Gabby searches my eyes. “Jesse tried the wining and dining thing. Hasn’t worked. Neither has patience and going slow.”

  “Maybe he did it wrong.” Patience is for wimps.

  “Oh, and you know a better way?”

  I shrug. “Maybe, maybe not.”

  Gabby gets defensive. “I love her, Vic, so if you’re looking for a rebound fuck buddy, you need to move along. That’d destroy Cherie, maybe for good.”

  She’s the one who wants a fuck buddy!

  “That is not what I’m looking for.” I’m insulted. “Especially after what you just told me. That’d be cruel.”

  “Speaking of cruel, it’s only been a few months since you broke up with Jennifer,” Gabby says.

  “Who?” I laugh, but I’m serious.

  Jen was clearly a lightweight, barely left a scratch. Within fourteen hours of her crawling into my bed, mi ninfa has me drinking double bourbons at three in the afternoon. No doubt about it, Cherie has the potential to rip me to shreds.

  “I’m serious. You need another layer of hurt about as much as Cherie does.”

  Gabby sips tea, studies me. “Cherie deserves to be happy.”

  “I agree,” I say.

  “You deserve to be happy.”

  “I agree, again.”

  “Jesse deserves to be happy.”

  I shrug. I don’t give a shit about him.

  We sit and sip our drinks in silence for a few minutes.

  “You’re going to pursue her, aren’t you?” Gabby says.

  I sigh. “Yeah.”

  I have no choice.

  Gabby tilts her head. “Are you sure you’re ready to take on major daddy issues?”

  I laugh. “Fuck no.” I lie.

  Fuck yes!

  Gabby’s grin turns to a grimace. “I’m kinda caught in a rock and a hard space. Between Jesse, who, I know you don’t want to believe, is really a terrific guy, and who seriously loves Cherie. And you, my favorite cousin, who’s got a heart as big as a Colorado fourteener and who just might be what my bestie needs.”

  I stare into my glass. “I’m not asking you to choose sides, Gabby.”

  “I know.”

  Watching Gabby’s eyes, I can see the wheels turning in her head.

  “I’ll admit, you have been the recipient of some longing stares.”

  “I have?” I sit up with a bit more confidence.

  Fuckin’ A!

  “Uh, huh. There’s obvious white hot sparks between you and Cherie.” My cousin sighs as though she’s made a decision. “Alright. If you’re serious about fanning the spark to a full blown fire, then I’m in.” She pumps a fist over her head. “Team Vic.”

  I laugh at her. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Bella.”

  She laughs, too. “Now what?”

  I shrug. “How about a romantic candlelit dinner for her twenty-first birthday?”

  Gabby frowns. “Ugh. Team Vic floats a stogy first move.”

  “What’s stogy about it?”

  “I told you. Cherie’s not impressed by wining and dining.”

  I grunt. She’s never been wined and dined
by me.

  “How would a surprise twenty-first birthday party fit into your wedding plans?” I ask. Twenty-one is one of those monumental birthdays. It should be celebrated and celebrated well.

  With a short little excited breath, Gabby smiles. “Now that is a bold first move, Team Vic.” She strokes her chin thinking. “You could turn my bachelorette party into her birthday party.”

  “You’d do that?” I ask. “Most brides wouldn’t want to share the spotlight like that.”

  She smiles. “I don’t mind. I’m the one who picked the wedding date without thinking. Cherie’s mom scheduled a birthday dinner before the bachelorette party.”

  “Perfect. While you’re at dinner, I’ll get everything ready in the main ballroom. Can you contact her friends and invite them? I’ll take care of everything else.”

  “Brilliant. Most of our mutual friends and her mom will be here for my wedding anyway. The best part is that too-smart-for-her-own-britches Cherie won’t suspect a damn thing.”

  I chuckle, clink her glass with mine in a toast. “Welcome to Team Vic. First on the agenda is a DJ with lot’s of 80s music.”

  Narrowing her eyes at me, Gabby says, “Now, how do you know Cherie loves 80s music?”

  “No comment.” I swallow the last gulp of bourbon and stand. Time to make a plan. Operation Romance: How to romance the fuck out of a jaded ex-virgin ninfa.

  chapter ten

  I HADN’T THOUGHT Victor would tire of me so quickly. Perhaps my performance wasn’t as good as I had thought. I’m sure I’ll improve with experience. I just need more practice.

  My emotional response, being so upset and disappointed, that Victor didn’t want me anymore concerns me more. God, I was crying! I don’t cry. Those are emotions I never wanted to feel. Those are the emotions that can kill your soul.

  Perhaps I’m upset because I won’t have those earthshaking orgasms. Even with limited experience, it’s plainly obvious Victor knows what he’s doing sexually. Well, here’s to finding another lover who is equally as skilled.

  Move on to the next lover. That’s what men do.

  “Earth to Cherie.” Behind me on the trail, Jesse claps his hands to get my attention.

  “Sorry.” I shake my head and focus on the vistas as Jesse and I hike farther into the wilderness.

  “What were you thinking about?”

  I paste a smile on my face and look over my shoulder at him. Carrying a pack filled with water and other survival supplies that he insists we schlep along on every hike, his shoulder and arm muscles flex under the weight. Tall, tanned and athletic, his golden surfer boy looks charm everyone.

  Thoughtful and attentive, Jesse would make a great lover, too. No doubt. But that he carries a torch for Gabs is a huge complication.

  “I was thinking that the southwest corner of Colorado is gorgeous and that I’m going to enjoy living here.” Not my last thought, but it’s less hurtful for him.

  Jesse grunts. Wrong topic after all.

  “I wish you’d rethink that, Cherie. Victor made it obvious in a very public display that he’s into you.”

  “I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.” I push away the bitter aftertaste of rejection. Imagine how bad it must hurt after spending years married to a man? I cried after just one night. Poor Mom. Now I understand her chronic melancholy over the years.

  “Maybe not, but just think about it, okay,” he says. “That’s all I’m asking. Gossip, whether true or not, can be a career killer, especially for a girl as beautiful as you.”

  “Oh, Jesse. You think I’m beautiful?” I kid him.

  Grabbing my hand, he tugs to halt my steps before turning me around to face him. “Hell yeah, I think you’re beautiful. In the top one percentile.” With an aghast expression, he continues. “I’ve never told you that before? Damn it. I suck. No wonder you responded so easily to Victor’s flirting.”

  “I didn’t respond to Victor’s flirting,” I lie. “And I didn’t mean to insult you. I was joking just now.”

  “You did respond to him. You basked in his attention, actually.” His tone part angry and part sad. “And I’m not joking about how I feel about you. You’re smart and fun, and hell yeah, you’re beautiful. You’re gorgeous, sexy as hell.”

  I smile. “My self esteem thanks you. But Gabs is the most gorgeous one, isn’t she?”

  At least for you.

  Jesse and I met when Bobby and Gabs invited us to dinner with them — a blind date meets double date type of event. Though Jesse paid a lot of flattering attention to me that night, every time he looked at Gabs his wolf eyes sparkled, making his attraction to her obvious, at least to me. He has never denied it, but he has never verbally acknowledged it either. He simply avoids talking about it, and her.

  He smiles back. “You both are. Like Betty and Veronica in Archie's comics — a hot blonde and a hot brunette. No way anyone can say who is more beautiful, because each woman is unique and special in her own right.”

  “Aren’t you sweet? But it’s difficult to be honest when Veronica’s with Baldwin, right?” I tease him.

  Caressing my cheek, Jesse gaze turns serious. “Can you stop bringing up Gabriela every time I want to talk about us?”

  I turn and walk fast. “There is no us, Jesse.”

  “There could be,” he says. It takes him just one long step to catch me. He forces me to stop walking and look at him, again.

  “There should be an us. I want there to be an us. You’ve got to know that. Frankly, I’m not sure how much more waiting my balls can take.”

  “Jesse.” I scold him, but laugh. He’s never spoken like this before.

  “Being patient isn’t working for me anymore. Time to show you what I want.” With that, he crushes my mouth with his, demanding my lips open for his tongue.

  When they do, his tongue explores softly, waiting for my reaction.

  Instead of pulling away from Jesse’s kiss within a few seconds like I normally do, I wrap my arms around his neck and press myself tight to his body. I want to feel what I felt with Victor, lose myself in wondrous sensuality.

  “Mmmm, baby.” A groan resonates from deep inside Jesse’s throat and the kiss turns into something very different than our typical quick peck. Normally patient and soft, Jesse gets assertive. His tongue strokes faster and deeper in my mouth, and the hand that usually rests at my waist, slides lower to pull me into his erection.

  But Jesse’s kiss is nothing like Victor’s. Jesse is tender, soft and loving. Arousing, to be sure, but it isn’t like the control-losing, blood-pumping, thought-stealing reaction that Victor’s kisses unleash.

  I end the kiss and try to pull away.

  “Cherie,” Jesse whispers, holding me close.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I’m not remotely sorry, baby.” He breathes hard into my neck. The bulge in his pants is big and obvious. Kissing him like that was a mistake.

  “C’mon,” I say. “If we want to see the falls, the lake, and get back to the Jeep before the sun sets, we need to get moving.”

  “Okay.” He loosens his grip. “Later, I want more of that.” He gives my lips a quick kiss.

  The question is, Cherie, do you want more of that with Jesse?

  The sound of rushing water gets louder and louder with each step we take up the trail. I feel the breath of Mother Earth encouraging me to walk faster.

  Rounding the next bend, Bridal Veil Falls comes into view. It takes my breath away. The red stone cliffs, the bluest sky, the tall and swaying green pine trees and the twinkling leaves of aspen trees combine with the roar from the falls –– the highest free falling water in the state. Together, they create magick.

  “Is this the most amazing sight you’ve ever seen?”

  He doesn’t answer, so after a few moments, I look back at him to make sure he’s okay. He isn’t looking at the falls.

  “Sure is.” He smiles at me.

  The tender look in his eyes warms my heart. How can I not feel
for Jesse? He’s always there for me, always. Without losing eye contact, he comes closer until we’re face to face. He wraps a finger around a wisp of my hair that escaped the hair tie and leans in to kiss me, again.

  Less shy with this second kiss, it feels like he’s feasting on my mouth, tasting, licking, sucking my lips. Why has he never kissed me like this before? I melt into him, kissing him back. His hand, big and hot, slips under my tank top to caress my back. When Jesse kisses down my throat to my shoulder, his hand slides to my belly and up toward my breast. And I let him, again, as an experiment. Instead of arousing, it’s disturbing.

  I jerk away from him. “Stop.”

  “God, Cherie. You’re killing me. You want me as much as I want you.”

  For safety, I walk a little away from him before turning to look into his eyes. “I shouldn’t have kissed you back the way I did.”

  “Why not?” He roars. “Why won’t you let me love you?”

  “I don’t know,” I shout back. “I honestly don’t know,” I whisper, tears in my eyes for the second time today. Unfathomable.

  And I honestly don’t understand why I can’t seem to let go with Jesse, especially now. Gabs chose Baldwin. Despite my warnings, she’s marrying him.

  I reasoned that Jesse was fair game. I decided that he would be my first, to surprise him, to seduce him this week to make it happen. I care for him, a lot.

  Jesse could still be one of my lovers. He can be the second. Do I even want a second lover? After Victor?

  Oh girl, don’t you dare develop an unhealthy desperation for Victor. Not like Mom had for Dad.

  I won’t be that woman.

  Jesse simply stands there, patiently watching me think it through. God, what is wrong with me? I trust him, he’s hot and he wants me. Quickly, I walk back to him and hug him, tight. He wraps his arms around me, lifting me off my feet.

  “I love you, Cherie. You know that don’t you?”

  “Don’t use the L word. That’ll ruin everything.”

  He chuckles. “Or maybe it’ll fix everything.” He nuzzles my neck. “You mean the world to me.”

  “And you to me, Jesse.” I pull back to peer into his eyes making sure he knows I mean it.