Chapter Twelve
Ava’s back ached. They were nearing nine hours on the road and she longed for a hot meal and a hotter shower. She didn’t want to tell Mike, but since they’d left their pit stop and water fight in Texola, the Pathfinder’s engine acted strange. At times, she pressed her foot on the gas and it was as if the damn thing didn’t go. She’d been hesitant to say anything about the truck’s performance. The last thing she wanted was for him to think she’d done something to his beloved Pathfinder and never speak to her again.
“Next town, okay?” Her question was met with a grunt in the affirmative.
In fifty miles, they’d stop in Anderson, Oklahoma, preferably in a hotel without thieves or potential serial killers. She gave herself a mental slap. She had to stop thinking like her mother.
“Want to grab my phone and look for a place to stay?” She gestured to her purse, where her phone was.
He looked apprehensively into her bag as if he was scared of what he may find.
“Go ahead. There’s nothing in there I’m sure you haven’t seen before.”
He reached for her purse and she kept her eyes on the road. Tonight, she was sure she’d sleep like a log. But before she crashed, she needed to outline her story and start building a profile of Mike Perez.
“The Anderson Inn and Cottages,” Mike said, scrolling through her phone. “I know it was your choice to pick the place, but it says the Inn has a full menu, bar, and rooms with Jacuzzis. They also have cottage houses, if you really want privacy. I guess you had something like this in mind after a night at the Best Rate of Tucumcari.”
He lifted the phone in her direction, and she glimpsed a photo of the place. The Inn was perfect. Mike programmed the address into her GPS, and her foot pressed harder on the gas. Still, the truck didn’t accelerate. Not like it should have.
With a quick glance at the speedometer, she pressed the pedal to the floor. Still the truck didn’t go faster. “Mike,” she said with hesitation, “maybe we should find the closest mechanic instead.”
***
Ava breathed a sigh of relief. Finding a mechanic within walking distance of the Anderson Inn was a dream come true. They grabbed their bags out of the Pathfinder and stood back as the mechanic rolled the truck into the garage.
“I’ll call you with an estimate,” the second mechanic said, “as soon as we know something.”
Mike reached for her bag. “Guess we’d better start walking.”
She handed him her bag and walked beside him down Main Street to the Anderson Inn. The town of Anderson, a complete opposite of Vegas, looked like a place she’d seen only on the Hallmark Channel. Quaint. Picturesque. White picket fences lined expertly manicured lawns. Houses painted in yellows, blues, and whites seemed to shine against the brilliant blue sky. Sounds of children playing filled the air, and it looked as if the town was closing off the streets. Shapeless lumps of fabric and metal poles lay in the grass.
“I wonder what’s happening,” she said, spying a food truck.
“Looks like they’re setting up for something, a fair or carnival maybe.”
In Vegas, every day was a party, a booze and gambling filled good time. Nothing like this. Nothing special. Her heart swelled. Excitement buzzed in the air. Whatever the people in Anderson were doing, it was special, and coming from Vegas, she’d forgotten what special looked like.
A few blocks later they reached the steps of the Anderson Inn. A vacancy sign stood out front and relief poured through her. Whatever room they had available, she’d take it. Mike held the door for her and followed her inside, carrying their bags.
A handsome man stood behind the desk. “A room for two?” he asked as they approached.
She shook her head. “No. Two rooms, if you have them. Just for the night.”
She read the man’s nametag. Caleb. He punched a few keys on his computer and asked for identification. Ava produced her license and credit card. “I’m reserving both rooms. Mike’s wallet is missing. It’s a long story.” She flashed him an easy smile and hoped he didn’t deny Mike a room.
Caleb’s mouth twisted. “The only thing I’ve got is the Hidden Hollow Cottage. It’s our most expensive and most private unit.”
“Of course it is.” Mike growled under his breath.
Caleb flashed a professional smile. “It sits back behind the Inn. It’s a lovely space with one king-size bed, a small sitting room, and whirlpool tub. Breakfast will be delivered in the morning at eight.”
“We need two rooms,” Ava demanded.
“I understand.” Sympathy lined the clerk’s tone. “However, the Apple Festival starts tonight and our rooms have been booked for months.”
“Of course they have.” Mike’s jaw tightened.
The clerk looked insulted, but maintained his professional veneer. Then he looked directly at Mike. “I can call around and help you find another place to stay. There’s another B&B about ten miles down.”
Air left her lungs. They were stuck. She didn’t bother to consult with Mike. He needed to train and she needed dinner and a long, hot bath. Whatever money she’d managed to save Ed on her expenses in New Mexico, she’d spend in Oklahoma. “We’ll take the cottage for the night.”
“Perfect.” Caleb handed her the key. “Happy hour is here in the main room until six. Dinner is served until nine. Here’s a flyer for the festival if you’re interested, and do let me know if I can be of any assistance.”
Mike took the key and the papers.
“I hope you will join us for the festival,” Caleb told them. “There’s lots of food, music, and the Apple Queen pageant is tonight.”
Ava waved and bid their good-byes as Mike led the way out the door.
“Apple Queen pageant,” he said gruffly once they were outside. “You should get in on that action.”
“Think I’d look good in a tiara?” she joked.
“Nah. I think you’d kill it in the swimsuit competition.”
She shook her head, totally blowing off the compliment. Wait. That was a compliment. Did he just flirt with her? Ava laughed under her breath.
Impossible.
Chapter Thirteen
Mike didn’t miss the smirk the corn-fed clerk had given him when Caleb suggested he stay someplace else. Nor did he miss the goo-goo eyes old Caleb flashed at Ava. He’d ridden alongside her for two days. He knew with those awesome legs and tight body she turned men to mush. And if anyone was going soft over Ava, it wasn’t going to be Caleb, the dairy-faced desk clerk.
Together, he and Ava walked up the steps of the cottage. The small white building looked homey and could easily be mistaken for a lovers’ hideaway. If they were lovers, which they weren’t. She took the key and pushed through the doorway. Mike dropped their bags. Once inside the place looked like it belonged on the front of a brochure for the Poconos. The cottage’s decor insinuated sex. Heavy curtains donned each window. Dark toned walls and wood floors polished to a high shine grabbed his attention. But nothing made him stop and stare like the bearskin rug on the floor.
Cheesy with a capital C.
“Are you sure you want to stay here?” he asked.
He would’ve found it easier to ignore the place if it came equipped with whips and chains. Those he could laugh off. This place made him feel like the classic picture of a young Burt Reynolds in a bad photoshoot.
Ava glanced around the love shack. “I don’t think we’ve got much choice.”
“I’d offer to sleep in the truck . . .”
“And miss sleeping with your friend down there?” She looked down at the rug.
“At least he’ll keep me warm,” he shot back, grinning.
***
The bearskin rug wouldn’t have been so bad if Smokey didn’t have a head that looked directly at them. He gave a shrug. For one night he could handle sleeping on the floor. Bear or no bear.
He followed her into the bedroom. The mahogany walls matched the color of the rose petals sprinkled over the
bed. Mike swallowed hard. “You can take this room.”
He ducked out of the bedroom as quickly as he’d walked in.
“You sure you want to miss this?” Ava asked.
What now? He followed the sounds of her giggles to the bathroom. A heart-shaped tub sat in the middle of the floor. Votive candles lined the perimeter of the oversized tub for two.
“That’s all you,” he said. “You said you wanted a bath.”
Thank goodness for the shower in the corner. Much more of this sugary hearts, flowers, and girlie stuff, and he was going to have to make sure his dick was still attached. Of course it was hard to miss Ava’s laughter.
“It’s a far cry from the Best Rate, isn’t it?”
His face split into a smile. “We started the day in your version of Hell and ended up in mine.”
She doubled over laughing as he walked out of the room. Needing his nightly run, he got his gear and peeled off his T-shirt. He unbuttoned his jeans before he thought better of it and turned around at the sound of footsteps.
The smile Ava wore on her face slowly faded, and at the sight of him her mouth dropped open. Her gaze settled on his unbuttoned jeans.
“Sorry,” he said, “I’m not used to sharing space with anyone.”
She swallowed hard. Her stare traveled across his body and he allowed her eyes time to roam. Her tongue darted out, wetting her lips, and then she bit her lower one, telling him she liked what she saw. They were alone and trapped in a love nest. They were adults and he was standing there horny as hell. Why didn’t she come with some kind of warning label? God, redheads turned him on.
For a moment, time stopped. The magnetic attraction between them pulled at him. Take her, it told him. Take her like her body demands it. And that’s all it would have taken. A gesture. A glance. A hint that she wanted him like he did her and he couldn’t have denied her.
But she did nothing but stare.
Then he remembered who he was and who she was. No matter how primal his desires screamed for her or how hot his blood ran for her, she was off-limits. He dropped his T-shirt into his bag. Her stare focused on his chest. He dipped his hand into the bag and pulled out his running shorts.
“I have to go,” he said, before he lost his control and did something stupid.
With a nod she said, “I’ll be waiting.”
***
After his run and a shower, he found Ava in the main room at the Inn, sipping a glass of white wine. Happy hour. Peering in through the doorway she looked relaxed, more at ease than he’d ever seen her. She sat alone by the window wearing a blue shirt and shorts, showing off those killer legs. Looking at her, blood rushed through his veins. While he knew he couldn’t touch her, there was no harm in a glance. He stood, enjoying the view until bigheaded Caleb stopped at her table.
Suddenly, his blood ran cold. The last thing he wanted was Caleb the Creepy ogling Ava. She was the kind of beauty who deserved to be admired, not drooled on by some desk clerk.
Oh great. Now they’d started talking. The overstuffed doughboy was probably hitting on her. Mike didn’t miss Ava shift in her seat. Perfect. Now he was making her uncomfortable. He gave a shake of his head. They’d had a long day. She’d done all the driving. She probably wanted some alone-time, a glass of wine. She was exhausted and should be left in peace.
He strode to Ava’s side fully intending to send Caleb back to whatever cornfield he crawled out of.
“I’ll take a beer,” he told him.
“What kind? We have . . .”
“Doesn’t matter,” Mike said, “any beer. Just get me one now.”
Caleb left in a hurry.
Ava frowned. “I thought you didn’t drink.”
“I don’t, but you looked annoyed and he needed something to do.”
Her lips pressed in a thin line. “While I can take care of myself, thankfully you were here to rescue us both.”
He didn’t miss the sarcasm in her voice but let it slide. Gesturing toward the door, Mike said, “The festival is in full swing. Do you want to check it out?”
“What’s going on?”
He dipped his head toward all the action. “Street vendors are that way. There’s food, games, and the Apple Queen pageant.” He smiled. “There’s still time to enter.”
She took a final sip of her wine, finishing the small amount left in her glass. “I’ll have you know, as a former Teen Miss Las Vegas, I cannot hold dual crowns.”
He stepped back, impressed. “I knew it. I knew there was beauty queen in your blood.”
She stood up from the table. “Let’s go. The talent competition is my favorite.”
Chapter Fourteen
Together, Ava and Mike walked through the festival underneath a blanket of stars. The welcoming people of Anderson greeted them at every booth. So far she’d bought a pair of handmade earrings, a jar of apple jam, and a funnel cake. All of them she wanted, none of them she needed—especially the funnel cake.
“Want some?” She lifted the cake to Mike’s lips, tempting him to take a bite. And to her surprise, he did. She couldn’t help but smile, especially when the powdered sugar coated his lips. She lifted her hand and brushed the sugary dust from his face as he chewed.
“I didn’t expect you to eat it,” she said, after she swallowed.
“Then you shouldn’t have offered.” He looked sidelong at the cake, silently asking for another bite without saying a word.
She lifted it to his mouth, and he bit into the sweet goodness. “No, I mean, your body won’t know what to do with a funnel cake after all that protein powder.”
He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “You’re a bad influence on me. If I lose the fight, I’ll be sure to tell Daniella you fed me sweets.”
She laughed. When he wasn’t being a control freak, or tight-lipped, Mike Perez was a really fun guy. Who knew?
After their cake, they walked under the tent to the pageant in full swing. She knew she didn’t have to coax Mike twice to watch a stage full of beautiful ladies. Needless to say, he happily joined her. Under the crowded tent, the mass of people left no room for them on the benches. Mike must’ve found a place to sit, because he grabbed her hand, and she followed close behind. A few rows back from the stage he sat down and pulled Ava into his lap.
She wrapped her arm around Mike’s neck to steady herself, and she didn’t miss the feel of Mike’s arm snaking around her hips, or his hand resting on her thigh. She knew the move was innocent, but heat filled her body. The rise of her temperature had nothing to do with the mass of bodies under the crowded tent. His touch sent her ablaze.
Imagine what one kiss could do?
Distracting herself, she focused on the competition. She watched the women answer questions about how they’d use their position as Apple Queen to better the community. As they did, she leaned over and whispered to Mike, “Number seven has got it in the bag.”
He shook his head. “I like number three.”
The fact wasn’t lost on Ava that number three was the only redhead on stage. Admittedly, she felt awkward sitting on his lap. Not only was she blocking most of his view of the stage, but she was probably getting heavy. She started to stand up as Mike pulled her back down onto him.
“What’s wrong?” he whispered. “Do you want to leave?”
“No. I thought I was getting too heavy.”
He stretched his arm in her direction. “Feel this.” His muscle bunched. “Go ahead. Touch it.”
Her hand passed over his rock-hard bicep. The feel of her skin caressing his sent her pulse racing. Good God. If one touch of his arm kicked her heart into overdrive, imagine what touching him elsewhere would do. She placed her hand back into her lap. “Got it,” she whispered. “You’re a tough guy.”
“I think I can handle you,” he whispered into her ear.
She instantly shot back, “Want to bet?”
God, where did that come from?
He let it go. Thank goodness. He probably p
assed it off as general teasing. But the truth was there were things her body craved to do to him that she couldn’t handle. Never before had a man tempted her like Mike did. She didn’t believe it was only because he was forbidden to her. With him, she felt warm and protected. He was respectful and attentive. So many of the guys she’d dated would expect to share a bed with her, if they had been in their situation. Mike decided to sleep on the floor the moment they walked into the cottage.
Which was too bad. But probably smart.
Heaven only knew how his body would tempt her if he slept beside her.
She returned her attention to the pageant. As she anticipated, number seven took the crown. “Never doubt my abilities,” she said in Mike’s ear, gloating.
“I bet you’re quite capable at a lot of things.” His voice sounded silky and tempting.
As the audience cheered, she stood up and clapped for the winner. Mike joined her. He followed her out and a blast of cool, fall air covered them.
“It’s a nice night for a walk,” she said, looking around. “How do we get back to the Inn?”
“It’s this way.” Mike took her hand and pulled her in the opposite direction, and after he’d righted her path, he didn’t let go.
Their fingers intertwined, Mike held her hand, past the food and craft vendors, down the street, all the way back toward their cottage. The feeling of his flesh pressed against hers was more than nice, more than an innocent touch. Along the way, his grip tightened as if he was at war within himself, like if he released her it would break the connection between them.
She knew their bond wouldn’t crumble. Feelings were there between them, ones she didn’t want to name. Was it love or lust? Did it matter what this was or how long it lasted? No one had ever promised her forever, but she’d learned she could be happy with for now. She’d never found someone that made her feel the way he did. And by his touch, and the way he held her in his lap, her gut told her he felt the same.
For once, she didn’t want to talk. She didn’t want him to speak, either. Talking would only ruin whatever was about to happen once they walked through the cottage door. Anticipation stirred inside her belly, and as the Inn came into view her pace quickened. She had no idea what was only moments away, but she welcomed it. Oh God, whatever Mike had planned she couldn’t wait to have his hands on her.
Going The Distance (Ringside #2) Page 8