Love's Road Home

by Lisa Lewis

  After dousing the overhead light, Tom made his way to her side and slid in next to her. He pressed a soft kiss to her shoulder and draped an arm around her waist.

  His last thought before sleep overcame him was that, despite its horrific beginning, tonight had been the best night of his life.

  •

  Last night she’d made the biggest mistake of her life.

  That was the first thing to cross Beth’s mind when she woke to find Tom’s arm wrapped tight around her and his head resting on her back.

  She didn’t regret what they’d done—she’d never enjoyed herself more—but she was afraid uncomplicated sex was now permanently out of the question.

  He’d said he loved her, and she had said the same to him.

  So how was this going to affect their parting next week?

  It won’t, stupid. Guys use the L-word all the time when they’re about to get some. It’s standard terminology for pre-sex schmoozing. It doesn’t mean anything.

  Her inner voice was right yet again, but she was sick of listening to the damn thing. Couldn’t she just live in the moment for once? Enjoy her time with Tom and escape into the fantasy of happily ever after?

  Carefully she rolled to her back, wanting to look at him. He stirred a little as she repositioned herself but otherwise remained unaware of her observations.

  His dark hair contrasted sharply with the paleness of her breasts, and she couldn’t resist running her fingers through the soft strands. Riding low on his waist, the standard-issue white sheet stood out against the tanned width of his back. She could just see the top edge of his firm butt peeking out from under the cloth, tempting her to pinch it. Gently, of course.

  But then again, she could always kiss it better if it hurt too much…

  Her hand moved slowly down his broad shoulders and back.

  “I need to turn over if you’re going to keep heading in that direction.” Tom lifted his head and gave her a sexy smile. “We’ll both enjoy it a lot more.”

  She froze.

  Oh, yeah, she was in deep trouble. His southern drawl sounded even more attractive with its morning raspiness, but his eyes were what really held her in place. Even in the limited sunlight creeping in between the curtain edges, she could see they were sharp and aware, watching her.

  What exactly Tom expected to see, she didn’t know.

  But Beth did her best to hide her conflicting emotions, plastering a come-hither smile on her face and pushing the sheet away to bare his cheek. She gave it a gentle tap.

  “What makes you so sure I wasn’t going to have fun?” she asked with a raised eyebrow. “Spanking can be a turn-on if it’s done the right way.”

  Tom shook his head and pushed up. “You expect me to believe you’re into that sort of thing?” He stood, unashamed of his nakedness. “Try again.”

  Beth stayed where she was. “How do you know what I like? You don’t really know me. I could have a secret fetish.”

  “True, but if spanking is it, I’ll eat my guitar.” He reached down to grab her hand, pulling her off the bed to stand next to him. He cupped her face and stared deep into her eyes. “And I do know you. Don’t ever doubt that.”

  He waited a moment to let his words sink in, then circled around the bed, towing her behind him as he headed toward the bathroom. “Now, for some real fun, let me tell you about a dream I had…”

  •

  The day passed in a mix of fun and frustration for the two of them.

  They shared a shower in the morning, lingering in the spray until it ran cold. Tom sat on the shower seat and described his dream of her. Beth didn’t know when she’d lost her inhibitions with the man, but she wasn’t the slightest bit uncomfortable bathing in front of him, following his narrative as she cleansed her body. The whole experience excited her as much as it did him.

  The only time she got embarrassed was when she spotted the marks she’d made on Tom’s arm and chest the night before.

  Tom only laughed at her reaction. “Just goes to show how wild I made you. It means I’m good, sweetheart.”

  So, of course, after that remark, Beth had to show him how good she was, and how wild she could make him. Giving a wicked smile, she knelt down and proceeded to lavish upon him the sort of personal attention she’d enjoyed the night before.

  They both ended up extremely grateful for the presence of that shower bench.

  Eventually they emerged from the bathroom sexually satisfied and suitably clean. Beth donned a coral colored sundress before accompanying Tom to his suite so he could change into a fresh white T-shirt and denim shorts. There was no way he was leaving her alone for a second, he told her.

  Sitting through the morning meal with various members of the tour entourage was something of a trial. The knowing glances from Roadhouse’s members curbed Beth’s appetite to the point that her father commented on it. Not wanting to reveal any of the prior night’s activities to George, she downed some juice and an English muffin, successfully diverting his attention elsewhere.

  Near the closing of the continental breakfast, Tom suggested a local sightseeing excursion. As previously arranged, Hannah asked to come along with the two of them.

  Jack’s spontaneous decision to join the threesome only added to the plan, in Beth’s opinion. However, seeing the sharp look Hannah shot Jack as they left the table, Beth almost regretted his coming with them. Just what was going on between those two, anyway?

  Instead of heading directly to the police station to take care of necessary business, Tom insisted upon actually partaking in the tourist attractions he’d mentioned.

  The five hours they spent at the planetarium and local historical sites, along with eating junk food from a street vendor, proved very relaxing indeed. And after what transpired with the local law officials, Beth was especially glad they’d been able to enjoy themselves earlier in the day.

  She gave her statement regarding the package and her history with Eric. Meanwhile, Tom and Hannah read over their statements from the previous night, verifying their authenticity. The detectives called both the San Francisco and Baltimore police departments to see if there were any leads on Eric’s whereabouts, but there was no news.

  Beth, Tom, and Hannah were all fingerprinted, but Beth got the feeling the police were just humoring them by that point. There had been no sightings of Eric on the East Coast, and more than likely there would be no evidence recovered that would link him to Beth’s little gift.

  The group that left the police station was a lot more subdued than the one that had entered. Although they’d been assured all officers in the area were aware of Eric’s possible presence, an APB couldn’t be issued until officials were sure he was in town. And that he had made contact with Beth.

  This stipulation upset Tom to no end.

  “I can’t believe they won’t do anything. He has to attack you before they’ll arrest him?” He thrust his hands through his hair, pacing back and forth on the sidewalk as they waited for a taxi.

  “Tom, that’s not what they said.” Beth reached out a hand to stop his rampant movements. “They just have to be sure it’s him, and that he really means to harm me.”

  “Who else would it be?” He spread his arms wide and shrugged his shoulders. “How many other people have threatened to get you for destroying their lives? Huh?”

  “Tom—”

  “Listen, buster,” Hannah interrupted, hands on hips. “We’re all worried about Beth—especially those of us who know what happened last night.” Her look of disappointment indicated she still wasn’t happy that Beth hadn’t told her father about the package. “But that’s no reason to jump down her throat. It’s not going to help the situation.”

  Tom looked properly chastised. “You’re right.” He pulled Beth toward him, wrapped his arms around her waist, and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

  Beth gave a small smile, still a little uncomfortable with his familiarity in front of the others. “It’
s all right.”

  “Okay, folks, hold the smooching ’til later.” Jack stepped to the curb and lifted an arm. “Cab’s here.”

  “Thank God,” Hannah said, pushing past to enter the car first. “My feet are killing me.”

  Once they were heading back to the hotel, Tom suggested grabbing an early dinner. “Pretzels and hot dogs are great for snacks, but they don’t make a meal,” he said.

  Beth nodded in agreement, but Hannah groaned. “No way. I’m just going to take a long soak and order room service. I think I have blisters on my blisters.”

  “I’m starved. I’ll go with you guys—oomph!” Jack rubbed his ribs and frowned down at Hannah, sitting to his left. “What’d ya do that for?”

  She gave him a “you’re a complete idiot” look before shaking her head and leaning around him to look at Beth. “Jack won’t be joining you two. Sorry.” She turned her gaze to Tom in the front seat. “You’ll have to make do on your own.”

  Jack grumbled but otherwise kept silent for the remainder of their short ride.

  As soon as the cab stopped, Hannah got out with Jack right on her heels. Beth waited as Tom paid the fare, but she could still hear the others’ conversation.

  “You are a total numbskull!” Hannah hissed.

  “Why, because I’m hungry?”

  “No! Because you can’t understand the concept of a third wheel!”

  “What, like on a tricycle?”

  Tom and Beth followed the other couple as they moved toward the hotel entrance. Automatic sliding doors opened to let them pass into the air-conditioned foyer.

  “Arrgh!” Hannah threw her hands in the air. “They want to be alone, you idiot! Like, on a bicycle built for two? Is that easy enough for you to understand?”

  Tom stopped Beth with a hand on her shoulder, leaving Jack and Hannah continuing on to the elevators alone.

  “Ohh … I like bicycles.”

  “Yeah, well I prefer unicycles myself.” Hannah’s voice faded as she and her companion rounded the corner.

  Beth shook her head and turned to Tom, a smile on her face. “I’m not sure a musical career is right for those two. They could take their comedy act on the road and make a real killing.”

  Tom grinned. “Definitely. Jack loves to play dumb just to egg her on, but she falls for it every time. It’s been going on for years.”

  Beth had the feeling something more had recently developed between their friends, but she kept that thought to herself. There was no need to start rumors, and she had her own personal life to worry about.

  “You still want to eat, right?” Tom’s hand slid down to take hers, leaving a trail of tingling flesh in its wake.

  “Yes, of course.” The muffin she’d had for breakfast, along with the snacks consumed during the day, wasn’t enough to keep her going. Between all the walking they’d done today and the strenuous activities they’d engaged in last night, she’d probably lost a couple pounds.

  Tom led her back out the main doors. “I wanted to go somewhere fancy, but now that we got ditched, I don’t feel comfortable riding around a strange city, just the two of us.” He pulled her to a stop, then gently lifted her chin. “Your safety is the most important thing to me, understand?”

  Beth nodded, a lump in her throat. He was such a caring man. She missed him already, and they still had a week to go before she left.

  “Good.” Tom took a quick look around and pointed to a nearby family-style restaurant. “How does that one look to you? It’s close enough to get someone from the crew if we need ’em.”

  She ignored his reminder of possible danger. “Hey, if it’s got food, it works for me.”

  Minutes later, they were seated in a corner booth, water glasses filled and menus placed before them. Beth quickly made her selection and then leaned back to study Tom.

  Throughout the ups and downs of the day, he had been at her side. She understood his attention was mostly because of Eric’s threat, but she knew there were other reasons. She had her reasons for being with him, too, and none of them were because she wanted a bodyguard.

  In the past twenty-four hours, he’d assumed the roles of friend, lover, and protector—and she honestly adored all those sides of him. But now, Beth wanted to know even more about this man who had captured her heart. Had he always possessed such a morally upright, appealing personality?

  After placing their orders—pot roast for him, a chef salad for her, and beer for both—she asked, “What was it you told me in Jacksonville? That you and Leo had been friends since high school?” He nodded. “Tell me about it. How did you two meet?”

  A wide grin spread across Tom’s face. “Actually, it is a pretty funny story.”

  It turned out that Leo hadn’t always been the picture-perfect front man he was now. He’d had quite a few physical problems when Tom met him.

  “Are you serious? He was chubby and wore glasses?” Beth paused as the waitress returned with their beers. “I can’t imagine that. He’s hot!” Beth took a sip of her drink.

  Tom plastered a mock frown on his face. “Not hotter than me, I hope.”

  She reached across the table to patronizingly pat his hand. “Of course not, sweetie. You’re hot, too.”

  “Humph.” Tom took a swallow from his glass, too. She’d badgered him into ordering the beer, saying one drink wouldn’t compromise her safety. Finally he’d given in. “Anyway, I didn’t tell you the best part yet.”

  “Oh, there’s more? I can’t wait to razz him about this tomorrow.”

  “No! Don’t you dare. He’d kill me if he knew I told you.”

  She leered. “Even better. I can save it to blackmail you later.” Except there wouldn’t be a later for the two of them. This was as far as it could go.

  Beth took a large gulp of beer and promptly choked.

  “Whoa, sweetheart, are you okay?” Tom stood up, ready to run to her rescue. She waved him back into his seat.

  “I’m fine.” She cleared her throat a final time. “Now, tell me the rest.”

  He waited a brief moment, watching her. Only when she nodded and gestured to him did he continue on. “You know how Leo keeps his hair short? Well, it wasn’t always like that.”

  “So?”

  “So, his hair is really curly, and in high school he grew it out.”

  Beth began to smile.

  “Right. Think big blonde Afro.”

  She laughed. “Seriously?”

  “Yup. And on top of all those issues, he was smart. Still is, of course, but he has the music to take the edge off, so to speak. Back then, he was a bona fide nerd.”

  “And what, you were the golden boy?”

  Their food arrived, and Tom waited until they were alone again before responding.

  “Hardly. We were both lowly freshmen so it’s not like I had any pull. I just didn’t stand out as much as he did.”

  Beth swallowed her bite of salad with difficulty. “Leo was picked on?”

  “The very first day he transferred in.” Tom leisurely ate a couple spoonfuls of mashed potatoes.

  “And?”

  “And the next day he wasn’t picked on.” He smiled as he speared a piece of meat.

  Beth gave up eating until his story was over. “What did you do? Beat up the bullies?”

  “Nah. It was just harder for them to harass more than one person at a time, and I stuck to Leo like glue.” He consumed another bite of his meal before continuing. “Eventually they left us alone.”

  So it turned out he’d always been a superhero after all. She’d thought that was the case. “And you guys lived through the rest of your high school existence in peace, right?”

  “Not exactly.”

  When her stomach growled—loudly—Beth picked up her fork again. He apparently wanted to prolong the sordid tale, but there was no sense in her starving to death while he did it.

  “You see, with his wacky hairstyle, Leo earned a nickname. Leo the Lion. Original, huh?” Tom downed another swall
ow of beer. “And since I’d entered the picture, I got one, too. Tommy the Tiger, I guess because I defended Leo so hard.”

  Beth’s eyes misted, and she quickly looked down, blinking rapidly to clear them. “You guys had those nicknames all through high school?” She’d never imagined a normal teenage life could be so tough.

  “Sort of. The badass seniors were gone after that first year, and, by then, we’d turned the names to our advantage.”

  “How’s that?”

  “We’d joined band as freshmen and fallen in love with performing. We knew back then we were going to be successful musicians or die trying.” He ate a couple more bites before continuing. “That was the year I taught myself guitar. I taught Leo, too, and we both took piano lessons. Of course, we didn’t broadcast that information around school.” He winked and offered a crooked smile. “We didn’t want to provide even more amusement for others.”

  “How can you laugh about this?” Beth could contain her disgust no longer. “It makes me sick to hear how you guys were treated! If only those jerks could see you two now, how handsome and successful you are. They’d be falling all over themselves to apologize. They’d—”

  “Beth,” Tom interrupted, “it’s all right.” He reached over to take her hand, squeezing it gently. “It was a long time ago, and things changed.”

  “Uh-huh.” She wasn’t happy with what he’d said, but she loved his familiar touch.

  “No, really. You know that saying, ‘What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger’? It’s true. Or at least it was in our case.”

  “Excuse me, aren’t you Tom Crowley? From Roadhouse?”

  Beth pulled her hand away and turned to see a pair of pre-teen girls standing next to the table. They wore similar styles of summer clothing—one in pink, the other in yellow—and each sported two long blonde braids and a wide smile. Cute as buttons, either they were sisters or extremely close friends.

  The one with braces spoke again. “It is you! I knew it!”

  Tom graced the children with a warm smile. “Hello, ladies. What can I do for you?”

  A brief bout of giggling and whispering occurred before the second girl asked, “Could we have your autograph, please?” She produced a pen and heart-shaped pad of paper from the small Barbie-themed purse hanging around her neck.