by Sylvie Kaye
Sex with Luc had been terrific. Her determination began waning. Why not indulge? Give herself this one carefree day with him.
Although, she'd have to make it clear to him that there would be no attachments.
* * * *
"I'm serving notice. You're evicted."
Luc's eyes bugged. Where in the hell had that come from?
Lili stood next to her bed after the best sex he'd ever had, bare-ass naked, hands on her hips, looking way too serious for afterglow.
He rolled to his side and searched her eyes. “Do you have a bottle stashed in the bathroom? Have you been drinking?” He tugged her hand away from her hip, grabbed her wrist. “Come back to bed and let's talk about it."
Whatever it was.
Dumbfounded, he rifled his fingers through his hair.
She accommodated him some. She sat on the edge of the mattress near his torso. He massaged her tight hand, loosening her fisted fingers.
"What's wrong, beautiful?"
"This is wrong. I'm leaving for Austin soon and this ... We can't get serious.” Her voice sounded strangled, and her shoulders sagged. She looked crushed at the prospect of a permanent relationship.
He didn't want her wounded; he wanted to make her happy. And himself in the bargain. But things didn't look good for his libido or his heart.
"I won't stop you from going,” he promised.
"I liked having you here this week. It's nice to have someone to talk to after a long day at work. Even nicer to hear a male voice after listening to women chatter for hours. But Sundays...” She shrugged her shoulder. “We can't indulge in anymore lazy Sundays. So you see, you have to make other living arrangements before next Sunday."
"Ah, Lili, next Sunday's my birthday."
She paused, studied his face. “We could celebrate your birthday on Saturday night instead."
He nodded. To his way of thinking a lazy Saturday night was the same as a lazy Sunday morning.
"Right now, how about I scramble us some eggs? I make mean toast, too.” He grinned.
"What's mean toast?” She cocked her head, and smiled in that cute, crooked little way she had when she was playing with him.
"Means it could be pale or it could be burnt."
She laughed, and within minutes they were in the kitchen. He stood at the stove cooking, she sat on the island, ankles crossed, legs swinging. She wore his T-shirt, and nothing else. He wore jeans and a hard-on.
She popped the toaster and buttered the toast, not enthused about his touted skills with sliced bread. He held the skillet with a kitchen towel and tempted her with the bubbly eggs and cheese.
"Hmm, smells edible."
"What's edible are your naked toes. I might have them for a coffee chaser."
She stopped swinging her feet. Her blue eyes shimmered with interest and excitement.
By eating from the frying pan, they saved themselves dishes and time, which they put to better use in damn near every room of the house.
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Chapter Twelve
Monday, things were back to normal. Although normal wasn't normal lately. Lili and Suzie were booked for crazy hours all week.
"I have a foil and a perm this morning. How about you?” Lili examined hair color bottles in the supply room.
"I have a tint with corn rows. Do you know how long those take?” Suzie shrugged her shoulder toward the door, where an eighteen-year-old waitress from the diner, with her girlfriend along for moral support, giggled and waited in the salon.
"No, I haven't done corn rows since beauty school."
"On her hair, it will take me at least two hours, maybe more, and teenagers don't generally tip.” She grabbed a bottle of electric blue from the shelf.
Lili mixed peroxide with two shades of red to get a warm, rich color. She wriggled her nose, the smell pungent in the small room. “I was wondering if you'd mind closing up the shop at night this week."
Suzie's ears perked. “You and Luc getting on that well?"
"It's his last week before moving in with Bobby Lee, and I have to admit I'll miss him when he goes."
"Still making out on the couch or have you moved upstairs?” Suzie was fishing for info.
"I had my night of madness.” She winked and Suzie squealed. “Tonight it's back to popcorn and a rental movie. Pizza night later in the week. It's nice not going home to an empty house, but I don't want Luc to become an addiction."
"Tell me about it. Since Frankie and I broke up, it's so quiet at my place I've started talking to my plants. Have to say they're growing like weeds.” She laughed.
"You doing anything Saturday night?"
"I thought about going into El Paso and pawning my engagement ring, but I can do that next weekend. What's up?"
"Can you keep a secret?"
Suzie nodded, enthusiastically. Her dark hair swished.
"I'm closing early Saturday afternoon and throwing a surprise birthday party for Luc at my house after the bull riding. You interested?"
"I'll be there. Is Luc going to ride Storm Trooper again now that his ribs are healed?"
"Yes.” Lili sighed.
"Cowboys and rodeos.” Suzie shook her head, and the women rejoined their patrons.
* * * *
Luc pulled out all the stops. He had this one week with Lili to sway her into falling in love with the mayor of Wayback.
His hopes were high as he took the porch steps to her house two at a time, arms full, toting a chick-flick DVD, microwave popcorn, fried chicken from the Blue Bonnet, and a bottle of Chardonnay—although he preferred beer with his fried chicken.
Lili had arrived home first. When he came through the door, she was skipping down the stairs barefoot, still damp and soap fresh from her shower. She smelled like a cross between sunshine and sin. Her T-shirt and shorts in pink-and-blue stripes, which he supposed were pjs, left her long legs exposed and tempting.
"Dinner and a movie,” he said when she halted in front of him and peeked into the packages he carried.
"It smells yummy.” She took a bag from him and they headed into the kitchen. “I'll plate the chicken. You snag two wineglasses."
She carried the food and he the drinks, when she led them back into the living room where they ate dinner from the coffee table in front of the TV.
She laughed and cried over the dumb chick movie about a guy and what he wanted in a woman.
This guy wanted Lili. Bad. She was pert and sexy and soft and cuddly. And asleep before the movie ended.
Pizza night was much the same. So was the evening she cooked homemade mac-and-cheese while he grilled burgers. By the time the dishes were done, she was yawning.
"You work too hard and too late,” he said.
"I'm under the gun no thanks to your exorbitant business tax.” Before he could offer an explanation or a loan, she held a hand up to stop him. “Not really. The added police protection was necessary to Wayback's well-being and good for the salon. The folks who own the shop in Austin that I'm purchasing have upped the closing date. I only have weeks instead of months to come up with the total down payment. I've already borrowed as much as the bank allows."
"I'll lend—"
"No.” She shook her head. “I'll think of something."
Later, he lay in bed, hands behind his head, brooding. She was leaving sooner than expected, and he'd made no headway in showing her how much he cared. He needed a grand gesture. But what?
* * * *
Lili was in the bleachers. Luc spotted her right off. Hatless, her blonde curls glistened in the ebbing afternoon sunlight. She had on a tight, white T-shirt with Go Mayor embellished on the front in silver studs. He grinned and waved to her before heading over to the chutes. She tossed him an air kiss.
She didn't usually attend the Saturday afternoon rodeo events. But it was his birthday, and despite the lost revenue from leaving the beauty salon early, she was here for him. Fight it as she might, he knew she cared for him a lot.
A few town folks called out encouragements as his boots kicked up dust and the dulled rowels of his spurs jangled on his way toward Storm Trooper. He waved but kept his head down and his concentration centered on the bull and the ride.
As if smelling him, the bull snorted and banged against the sides of the stock pen before he began to climb the wooden fence. Once atop the railing, he heard the animal heave, his broad back expanding and contracting with each hard blow of its breath. The odors of animal and hay and sweat and fear permeated the dense air.
Luc had on a leather protective vest over what he hoped would become his lucky shirt. He flexed his hand inside the protective leather glove taped to his wrist, tugged his Stetson securely on his head, and straddled the fence railings above the huge animal's back. The bull stamped its deadly hoofs and tossed its massive head.
Adjusting the flat-braided rope, Luc secured his handhold. One of several cowboys around the pen helped tighten the plaited rope, and the bell beneath the bull's belly clanked with each tug. Other men on the arena side of the chute pulled taut the rope that would yank the gate open. The bullfighting clowns took their places, poised for action.
Luc looked at the announcer, and the taped music of Johnny Cash singing, “Ring of Fire,” halted.
"Ladies and gentleman welcome to the Wayback Rodeo. Mayor Fremont will officially open the bull riding event."
The announcer raised his hand toward the gate, and Luc lowered his weight onto Storm Trooper's back, positioned himself over his bull rope, and nodded. The gate flung open.
Storm Trooper shot into the arena, bucking and kicking. Luc's body jarred, hard, and the longest eight seconds of his life began. Spinning to the right, and then twisting to the left, the half-ton animal reared and did its best to throw him into the dirt.
"Not tonight,” Luc swore.
He held on for what seemed more like sixty seconds. Then he went airborne, unsure if the noise in his head was the buzzer sounding or the cowbell clanging and dropping to release the rope from the bull.
He landed on the hard-packed dirt with a thud, but scrambled to his feet to get out from under Storm Trooper's hoofs. The bullfighting clowns bounced into his peripheral vision, quickly distracting the bull away from him. He hustled for the fence on the sidelines.
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Chapter Thirteen
Lili was waiting for him when he exited the showers.
She looked so hot, standing there in her boots, jeans, and form-fitting white T-shirt that he stopped in his tracks to stare at her.
"You were amazing.” She jumped into his arms and kissed him flush on the mouth in front of the cowpokes and buckle bunnies milling about the area.
Her lips tasted sweet and felt soft. The stirrings of arousal heated in his groin. She certainly excited him, even if the congratulatory kiss wasn't merited.
"I only lasted seven and half seconds.” He hadn't completed the ride or kept the girl by the birthday deadline he'd set for himself.
His vow to make it with Lili hadn't turned out to be what he'd really wanted. Not now that he understood the depth of his desire for her. Between Lili and Storm Trooper, he didn't feel much like celebrating.
"Next time you won't get bucked.” She tucked her small, soft, warm hand in his. The simple act made his heart sing
Her confidence in him forced him to flash a brief smile. “Do you mind if we don't go to The Blue Bug tonight? I don't feel up to dancing."
"I wouldn't either after riding a bull. We'll go to my house.” She tugged him along by his arm toward the parking lot and his pickup.
As they walked, the gravel and dirt crunched beneath his boots. He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her tight against his side. “Need a ride?” he asked.
"Yes.” She clasped her hand over his on her shoulder. “Suzie dropped me off."
Tonight Lili was his. Tomorrow he'd be bunking at Bobby Lee's place in town. With his burned-out wreck of a house, he had nowhere to take her. This could be his last night alone with Lili.
* * * *
"Surprise!"
Right on cue, once Lili led Luc through the front door of her house, his sister and their friends yelled out, “Happy birthday."
The place was filled with well wishers. Lili had prepared beans and barbecue and had ordered a sheet cake, decorated in blue and white icing with thirty blue candles waiting to be lit, wished upon, and blown out. Beer was on ice in a green plastic trash can in the kitchen.
Luc was speechless. But like a true politician, he didn't remain so for long. Soon, he was yakking and handshaking and air-kissing.
Suzie cranked up the CD player and Hank Williams Jr. sang about his rowdy friends. People danced and sang along, louder, the more beer they drank. Chatter and laughter filled the house.
After everyone sang, “Happy Birthday,” and cake was served, Luc pulled Lili aside. Trapping her against the wall with his hot body, he snuggled her neck and kissed her mouth.
"Luc,” she protested, but she didn't squirm away. He smelled enticing, a mix of soap and shaving cream and man. He tasted sweet like cake and malty from beer. She burned with her desire for him, but managed to keep a level head in the crowded house. “We have company."
"Later?” His voice was a whisper in her ear, sending chills running down her spine to tickle her fancy.
"Yes.” She kissed the word into his mouth.
"Promise?"
"I have one more birthday present for you.” She'd given him a card and the party, but this was special and private.
"Is it bigger than a bread box?” He raised a brow.
She shook her head. “Smaller. Much, much smaller. It's black lace with strings."
He nudged his groin against her crotch. He felt hard and inviting. “Let's send our guests home."
"We can't. Everyone's having such a good time.” She stroked her fingers through his hair and cradled his neck.
He nodded his resignation. “The quicker we mingle the quicker we can get rid of them.” With a swift peck to her lips, he slipped away.
Gretchen approached her not long after. “Swell idea you had throwing this party. I appreciate it. Luc needed some laughter since the fire."
"Sorry about your loss. Are you rebuilding?” Lili asked, curious about their plans even if she wouldn't be here to see what developed. “Luc mentioned you two were undecided."
"I'm not undecided. I want to tear the remnants of the house down and build new. Start a new legacy. Much like Wayback has done by evolving from a strictly ranching community into one with growing pro rodeo potential."
Lili nodded. “How does Luc feel about that?"
"How do you think?"
"Sad."
Gretch shrugged. “He can't grieve over the past indefinitely. Just like our forefathers, we'll pass on and the next generation will move forward as they see fit. You can't stop progress."
"I hope it works out for both of you.” But she didn't see how when they were at such opposite poles.
"Are you still moving?” Gretch raised an inquisitive brow.
"Yes, shortly.” She hoped.
"I wish you much success. I've been meaning to come in for a cut and style, but I keep forgetting to call for an appointment."
"I usually do perms on Mondays, but I'm highlighting Rita Mae's hair early in the morning. It's her only day off. I can fit you in afterward."
"It's a date."
Just then, Ned sauntered up. “Dance, Gretchen?"
"Thought you'd never ask without a cattle prod.” Gretch laughed, grabbed his hand, and they two-stepped into the living room where furniture had been pushed aside to make room for dancing.
By midnight the partiers had said their goodbyes. She and Luc and the mess were left to fend for themselves.
After storing the food in the fridge, he suggested, “How about I help you clean up tomorrow morning? Before you kick me out for Bobby Lee's."
"I'm not kicking you out.” She looked away
. “I'm setting myself free."
"When you put it that way, how can I protest without sounding selfish?” He tipped her chin toward him and kissed her mouth, gently at first.
The kiss became hotter and more urgent, fast. He crushed his lips to hers, licked at her teeth and tongue, and backed her against the refrigerator.
When her spine was pressed against the stainless steel, he ground his hips into hers. “About my black lace present,” he growled. “I haven't been able to think of anything else for hours."
"Why don't I put you out of your misery? I'll go upstairs and freshen up. By the time you trash the beer bottles and dump the ice outside to melt, I'll be ready...” She kissed him. “And waiting...” She kissed him again. “And willing."
She planted one last kiss to his lips and fled toward the staircase.
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Chapter Fourteen
Luc's mouth gaped. Lili stood in the doorway to her bedroom wearing a black scrap of lace that he planned to rip from her body in another few seconds. Once he had his fill of the sight of her wanton, sexy, and his for the taking.
"Nice. Now can I take it off you?” He stepped closer and palmed her mound.
She ground against his hand, suggestive, seductive. Spreading her thighs, she tempted him to slip his fingers beneath the thin string of lace at her crotch. When he did and touched the wet, taut bud of her sex, she closed her eyes and moaned his name. She thrust her hips forward and back, again and again, the movements sliding his fingers over her engorged bud of throbbing flesh.
He slipped his fingers between her wet folds and found her slick, hot opening. When he penetrated her and hit her sweet spot, she gyrated and bucked her hips wildly. He crooked his fingers and spurred her on. Hugging her arms around his neck, she held onto him for support and rode his fingers until she spasmed.
"Luc,” she murmured his name with panting breaths.
The scent of her sex and the caress of her soft skin turned him on further, leaving him eager to get her on her back. “Aren't you going to invite me in, Lili?"
"Yes,” she hissed and backed away, his fingers slipping from her body.