For the Love of Mike (Men Of Maine Series Book 2)

by Diana Tobin

  “Oh, my,” breathed Michaela. “I had no idea Mom had changed the area like this. How did you ever manage on that small bed?” She eyed the length of him against the double bed pushed into a corner.

  An overstuffed arm chair took up another corner. Next to that was a small, low bureau. On another wall were shelves holding a set of sheets, blankets, towels, and some books.

  He shrugged out of his jacket, laying it on top of the bureau. “I wasn’t here that long and I just stretched from one corner to the other. Let me take that.” He slid the fur from her, placing it over his jacket.

  “When did she do all this?” she asked as he led her to the chair.

  Ethan sat and pulled her down to his lap, wrapping his arms around her as he nuzzled beneath her ear. “Dunno. She once said Gusta spent a few days here. Maybe this is Nettie’s version of the Welcome Wagon.” He sucked gently on her earlobe and felt her shiver. “Cold?”

  “No. I—” She gulped. “No.”

  His lips trailed a path to hers as his fingers traced patterns over her back. “I’ll make sure you stay warm.” He said against her mouth. “You lemme know if you don’t like somethin’.”

  “I-I like what you’re doing now,” she whispered. “Maybe too much.”

  He chuckled against her bare shoulder. “Where you’re concerned, there’s no such thing as too much. Michaela, you’re killin’ me.”

  She turned her body into him, reaching up to run her fingers through his hair. “I don’t mean to.”

  “I need to see more of you, honey. Taste you. Let me. Please.” He slid the zipper down her back, pushing the straps of her dress down her arms, trapping them to her sides. “Oh, man,” he said reverently as he took in the sight before him. With a shaky finger, he followed the line of blue satin over the tops of her breasts and felt her shiver. “Your skin is so soft. I’ll warm you up, baby. Promise. Just let me—”

  Michaela tilted her head back as he bent forward to press his mouth to the skin he’d just uncovered. “I’m not cold.”

  He kept lavishing kisses over her neck, the tops of her breasts, as his fingers slid beneath the satin covering her. Then he cupped her breast and devoured her mouth, laying her across his lap. He didn’t stop until she began wiggling against him and protesting.

  “I’m sorry. Sorry.” He dragged her up against his chest. “You go straight to my head.”

  “My hands, Ethan. You’ve got my arms trapped.”

  He blinked down at her. “Oh.” Then, he grinned. “This could be to my advantage.”

  “I want to touch you,” she whimpered.

  He looked at her in surprise, then grinned again. “My pleasure, darlin’. Let’s do this right.” Ethan lifted her to her feet and backed her across the room until the bed was at her knees, where he urged her to sit. Slowly getting down on one knee, he gently lifted her foot to remove the sparkly sandal. He ran a rough finger over her toenails. “Nice toes.”

  “Rose insisted I have a pedicure after she did Dani’s.” She looked down at the light blue nails covered with silver sparkles.

  “They look like little stars,” he said as he removed the other shoe. Placing them aside, he brought his hands back to her ankles and began massaging up her calves, the backs of her knees, to her thighs. Bending forward, he placed a kiss on each knee. Rising to his feet, he pulled her to stand and looked down at her solemnly. “Now may I see what is under this dress?”

  She barely nodded as he reached behind her, slid the zipper the rest of the way down, and slowly peeled the dress down Michaela’s body. When she stepped out of it, he tossed it behind him toward the chair they’d sat in, but never took his gaze from her.

  The blue satin covering her breasts was some sort of deal that went to her waist, leaving her shoulders and chest bare. Below that, barely clinging to her hips was a pair of matching panties that had him struggling to control the urge to rip them to shreds.

  He swallowed, hard. “Wow.” His hands hovered in front of her as if he was afraid to touch. “You look wonderful in this getup, but how do I get you out?”

  She didn’t answer. She was busy tugging at his shirt, pulling it from his pants, working the buttons with shaking hands.

  Ethan held her hands in his. “Slow down, baby. Let’s both take a couple of deep breaths before I lose it.”

  “Don’t wanna slow down,” she protested. “Your shirt, off.” She pulled her hands from his and attacked the buttons again. When she had the front open, she pushed the sleeves down his arms, only to be caught at his wrists by the cuffs. “Hmm. Now I have you trapped.” She stepped into him, pressing all that satin and skin against him, kissing everywhere she could reach.

  Her skin was softer than the satin, and he thought he might just go mad from the feel of her lips and tongue on his chest. He jerked at his sleeves, sending buttons popping and flying. Then his hands were on her, running over the bits of satin keeping him from her body, looking for ways to get it off her.

  “Help me,” he pleaded.

  She showed him a line of tiny hooks up the front and began undoing them. Ethan started at the bottom until his hands met hers. He stared into her eyes as he slowly pushed the satin from her body. Only when he heard it hit the floor did he lower his gaze.

  “Sweet Jesus!” He lifted his hands, but didn’t touch. “You are beyond beautiful,” he said in a thick voice. His hands covered her, kneaded her, worshipped her, as he looked into her eyes. “You are mine!” He bent his head to let his lips follow his hands.

  He had her stretched across the bed, his shoes kicked off without memory of doing so. His mouth and hands paid homage to her body as he toyed with the edges of those little satin panties. Around the waist, along the leg openings, staying shy of the hot center waiting for him.

  Michaela reached down to lay her hand against the fullness pressing against his trousers. Then, she was fumbling with his belt and zipper.

  “Careful, darlin’. It’ll be over too quick.”

  “Yes,” she panted. “Now. Now.”

  “Not just yet—” He brought her hands up to his chest, kissed her, then moved down until he could lick along the top of her panties. With his teeth, he moved them down her hips, her thighs, her knees, before sweeping them away with a brush of his hand. “Beautiful,” he murmured between kisses up her thighs. “Lovely. Sweet. Delicious,” he said with a sweep of his tongue. “Can’t wait, honey. Now.”

  He pushed his pants and boxers down over his hips, crawled between her legs, and put his mouth to hers as he fused their bodies.

  Suddenly, he jerked his head up, staring down at her as she lifted her body to his.

  “What the hell! No! Oh, God. No!” he groaned, but it was too late. He couldn’t take back what he’d just done.

  ****

  Ethan collapsed on top of Michaela. He knew he was too heavy, but his body wasn’t listening to his mind. In fact, his body had completely taken over the last few minutes. His face was buried in her neck and he realized he had his teeth on her. With a jerk, he lifted his head. “What the fuck?” He tried to roll away, but his left thigh cramped causing him to curse, loud and long.

  Michaela began pushing at him. “Move!”

  “I’m trying. Dammit, gimme a sec.”

  She was giving him nothing but shoves and punches to his chest, flailing her legs, managing to kick him in the thigh and cramping it up again. He groaned in pain as she got free of him and the bed.

  “Dammit woman! What the hell is wrong with you?”

  “What’s wrong with me?” She dragged her dress up over her, not bothering with any underwear. “What the hell is wrong with you? You could’ve said you’d changed your mind, not cursed me.”

  “Why the hell didn’t you tell me?” he shouted back.

  Tears streamed down her face. “Tell you what?”

  “That you were a damned virgin! That’s what!” He groaned and cursed as he kneaded his thigh. “Son of a bitch! What are you doing now?” She was patting t
he pockets of his trousers which were under his aching ass. At least they hadn’t slipped down to his knee. “Look sweetheart, I’m not quite up to round two.”

  “There will never be a round two for us!” she said in disgust. “Look at you. You couldn’t even bother to take off your pants. I meant so little to you,” she stopped, sucking in a sob. “All you wanted was an easy lay.” She found her truck keys in his jacket pocket. “At least I didn’t disappoint you in that. You and your phony caring can go to hell!” With that, she scooped up her fur and shoes and clattered down the stairs.

  “Michaela! Wait! Dammit—”

  He heard the door slam shut downstairs followed by the sound of her engine turning over. Ethan let himself fall back across the bed. Muttering more curses, he sat up, drew his pants off, then took off his prosthetic leg before flinging it across the room.

  He cursed again at the pain in his leg and his heart.

  Exactly what he deserved.

  He should’ve told her. He should’ve given her a choice.

  Now, she was hurt and angry because she thought he was upset about her being a virgin.

  Truthfully, he was. How the hell could she have been married and remained a virgin?

  Because she’d married shit-for-brains Denny Sparks, that’s how. Then she ends up with her first time being with shit-for-brains Ethan Reigh.

  He should have told her about his leg. He should have taken it off before he got her in bed. He should have explained about the cramp.

  And, she should have told him she’d never been with a man. He would have taken more time, more care, made sure she was ready. He’d have been ready.

  Could’ve. Would’ve. Should’ve.

  He’d be lucky if she ever spoke to him again.

  “Fuck me.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  She refused to talk to Ethan.

  He’d phone the next morning, and she’d asked Dani to tell him she was busy. Since she was sitting at the table staring out the kitchen window, coffee going cold in her cup, Dani knew it for the lie it was.

  Mike thought she was falling in love with him. How could he go from all those sweet touches and passionate kisses to cursing her? She would’ve told him about her marriage to Denny, if he’d wanted to hear. But he’d kissed her and held her as if she was the most precious thing on earth…and she’d melted into him. Wanted to be with him, as close as two people could get. She thought she might go up in flames from the way he’d looked at her when her dress fell to the floor. His hands had shook as he’d help free her from the satin covering her. Then, his hands and lips had worshipped her…and she’d felt more beautiful than she’d dreamed possible.

  Next thing she knew, he was cursing her, but he didn’t stop. Instead, his movements became faster, deeper and just as fireworks began to explode throughout her body, he’d collapsed on her. Before she could say a word or hold him close, he yelled at her.

  She knew there could be pain the first time, and while there had been a bit of a pinch, he hadn’t hurt her. Other than her heart.

  That, he’d managed to shatter.

  He hadn’t held her and murmured loving, soothing words. While she’d been struggling for breath and to make sense of what had happened, he’d pushed her away like she was nothing. No, he’d pushed her away like he’d gotten what he wanted—and was now done with her.

  Well, screw him and the horse he rode in on.

  Her laugh was more a sob, and she sucked it back. She’d done just that—and it had left much to be desired.

  Dani brought her a fresh cup of coffee and took the seat next to her. “I take it your date wasn’t as good as mine? Where is everyone?”

  Thanking her with an attempt at a smile, Mike said, “Grammie and Wil took Charley for a drive. You were still sleeping, and I didn’t want to go. You had a good time?” When Dani nodded affirmatively, she added, “Tell me?”

  “We ate at the diner.” She grinned at Mike. “Not very romantic, but lots of the kids were there. Some of the guys asked about hockey, but Billy didn’t spend a lot of time talking about himself or the team. He kept telling the others—” she looked at Mike shyly “—never mind. It’ll sound like I’m bragging.”

  “What did Billy say? I want to know.” She placed a hand on Dani’s arm.

  “He told them how smart I am. How I help him with his studies so he can play hockey and not fall behind in schoolwork.” Dani’s face took on a dreamy expression. “He stayed by my side the rest of the night. Billy said if I wanted to dance with anyone else it was okay, but he only wanted to dance with me. He never said anything about my limp.”

  “Of course he wouldn’t. I haven’t seen you limp in weeks.” She looked at her daughter in concern. “Does your leg hurt today? Are you tired?”

  Dani shook her head. “When I started to get a little tired, Billy either found seats for us or he’d just hold me up, letting me lean on him more.” She gave Mike a shy look. “Maybe I played up being tired a little. He made me feel like a princess.” She made a silly face. “That sounds sappy, doesn’t it?”

  “No.” Mike couldn’t stop the tears leaking from her eyes. “That sounds wonderful. I’m so glad, honey.”

  “Why are you crying?”

  “Because it sounds like you had the perfect evening, and I’m happy for you.”

  Dani stared at her in dismay. “You didn’t, did you?”

  “It was all right.” Mike gave a careless shrug. “I’d rather not talk about it.” There was no way she’d tell her daughter she’d given her body to a man she’d thought had respect and affection for her only to find out she’d been wrong. Again.

  To her surprise, Dani rose from her chair and wrapped her arms around Mike, giving her a bracing hug. “I’m sorry, Mike.” She sat back down but held Mike’s hand. “I know you want me to call you ‘Mom’, but I feel—”

  “You feel you’re being disloyal to your mother; to Nancy.”

  “Yeah,” she said on a breath. “Charley is happy calling you Mom. I think her memories are fading some, but I feel funny doing it. I refer to you as Mom when I talk to other kids.”

  Mike cupped Dani’s chin in one hand. “I don’t care what you call me. Okay, there are a few exceptions,” she said making Dani smile. “You call me what you’re comfortable with. Deal?”

  “Deal,” agreed Dani. “Let me make you breakfast.”

  Mike was about to refuse when she realized this was Dani’s way of making up for many things. “That would be nice, honey. Thank you.” She really didn’t feel like eating, but she couldn’t sit and sulk all day. Or, rather, she wouldn’t.

  Ethan Reigh wasn’t worth it. He wasn’t the first man to disappoint her, and he probably wouldn’t be the last, but she’d make damn sure he was the last to hurt her heart.

  “Ethan calls you Michaela,” Dani was saying as she mixed batter. “I’ve never heard anyone else use your full name.” Mike made a noncommittal sound. “Sounds pretty when he says it.”

  “Grammie always called me Micki. I’m surprised she didn’t just name me that to start with.” She didn’t want to think about how Ethan said her name. How it was like a caress with his drawl. Or how his accent thickened as he became aroused. She frowned when she realized his accent was always deeper when he was around her. But she was sure it meant nothing. She was one of the few single women around—and he’d only been concerned with his needs.

  “Dad just called you Mike.” Dani placed strips of bacon in a skillet while the waffle iron heated. “Made you sound like one of the guys.”

  “That’s pretty much how he thought of me…one of the boys. Until he needed a housekeeper and cook.” She didn’t say this with bitterness, just matter of fact. Denny Sparks hadn’t really paid Mike any attention until he’d needed her to help with the girls. He hadn’t seemed to mind having her around to babysit or to spend time with Nancy. She figured he saw her as wallpaper; something in the background, easily replaced.

  “Why did you marry him?
”

  Mike dragged her gaze from the view out the window to face Dani. “I’ve told you. I married your father for you and Charley.” She drew a deep breath. “I’d like to tell you I loved your dad and wanted to make a life with him. I’m not going to lie to you. There were times I wanted to kick Denny in the ass.” She wasn’t going to win any points with her daughter, but Dani deserved the truth.

  “I felt your mother deserved better than Denny. I know it was none of my business, but I’d seen firsthand a marriage without a real partnership. Your parents loved each other, deeply, and both you and your sister. They were too young to be parents, too young to be married. Denny thought he could still be a carefree kid and your mother was more concerned with making him happy than the kind of person she should be for herself and her children.

  “By the time they both realized they needed to change and put the four of you first, it was too late. The accident happened, and your dad was having trouble living with it.” Mike got up to take one of Dani’s hands. “I know you thought the sight of you in your casts and wheelchair made him sick. And, it did, but only because he felt he was to blame. He felt he should’ve been the one to die, not your mom. He should’ve been the one injured, not you and Charley. That’s why he couldn’t look at you. Not because he didn’t love you. Because he loved you so much.” She gave Dani a quick hug before taking her seat at the table again.

  Dani was quiet for some time, taking care with her cooking. “You still didn’t explain why you married him. Was he in love with you?”

  “No. He was very much in love with your mother. Always remember that. He was afraid his parents would get custody of you and your sister.”

  Dani frowned. “I barely remember them. Seems like we went to see them once. They had a huge house, for just the two of them.” She placed the bacon on a paper towel covered plate. “Daddy yelled a lot while we were there, and Mommy cried.” She met Mike’s gaze. “You know, Grammie is always hugging us, kissing us. I don’t think those grandparents ever did.”