“Did you try, you know…?”
She gave her head a shake. “No, but I won’t lie and say it didn’t cross my mind. Seeing how far gone I was, Pops forced me into a healing group at a church almost an hour away. At first, I sat in that cold chair, sulking, hating the world—hating their stories. Until one of the members came down hard on me, lashing out at me for my rudeness. I’d never been called rude in my life, but wow, I realized I had owned the corner lot in bitch-land. So, it cracked my armor and I went back. The group didn’t take away the pain, but it eased the torment just enough that I could breathe a little better. I had five glorious years with my angel and the doctor said she died peacefully. There were parents who told stories of their children being killed by bullets, abuse, drugs…” She sniffed loudly.
“Damn, I suggested the pie.” He rubbed his forehead. Not all the pie in the world could ease the pain that must reside in her heart. “As if that would help.”
“It’s okay.” She lifted her fork and sliced into the pie, but didn’t bring the bite to her mouth. “This was her favorite pie.”
“It’s my favorite too.”
“How about you, Storm” There was a certain way she said his name that made his adrenaline rise.
He smiled. “What about me?”
She raised an eyebrow. “Not everyone can say their dreams have made them rich. You’re pretty impressive.”
“After meeting you, I can say without a doubt that I’m not impressive.”
A smile danced at the corner of her mouth. “How’s that?”
“Over the years I’ve gotten richer. I’ve met a lot of people. Traveled all over the world. I’ve had everything I’ve ever wanted, but nothing I’ve needed.”
“What do you need?” She nibbled on her bottom lip.
That little action ripped through him. “I hope this doesn’t offend you, but I’d give anything to have someone I could love, like you loved—still love—your daughter.”
“Is there an unwritten rule that states you can’t have a musical career and a family too?”
“No.” he blinked. “Maybe.”
“I’m not one to judge. After all, I became pregnant while in college and dropped out, and I’m pretty miserable these days, but you seem lonely to me. I guess it’s true, money can’t buy happiness.”
Wow, she backed him against the wall. No way could he come up with a tasty comeback. “I’ll drink to that.” He took a sip of his water.
“All of the magazines imply you’re happy. And all of the lady friends. It seems you have lots of company.” She wagged her brows.
“Can’t believe everything you read.”
“Oh, the media is lying. Imagine that.” She brought her hands together, shaping a steeple with her fingers.
“I’m surprised you read that stuff.” He wrinkled his nose.
“I don’t, at least until you came along. Google is such a bittersweet thing.”
“I’m not a mystery. What you see is what you get,” he said.
“No, I think there’s a lot more about you that doesn’t meet the eye.”
“I’d say I can be myself here more than anywhere.”
“Why is that exactly?”
“Maybe the company. It certainly is a change for the better.”
She moistened her lips. “I have to ask a question. Been wanting to since we met last night.”
He laid his palm on the table, splaying his fingers wide. “Okay. I’m an open book.”
“Why on earth were you traveling on Christmas? You seemed vague about your answer before.”
“A week ago my uncle died. He was like a father to me and my biggest supporter. I went to his funeral against the better judgment of my manager, Max, who wasn’t happy that I didn’t have my work priorities in order. My flight got canceled because of the weather and I found myself stuck. And the rest is history.”
“And now your manager is going to skin you alive because you’re not where you’re supposed to be.”
He scratched his temple. “He’ll get over it.” She reached up and grabbed the elastic that held her hair in a bun and tugged. Waves bounced down along her shoulders. His fingers ached to run his fingers through the cascade, but logic steadied him. He jerked his hand and realized he still held hers. It had been the most relaxed place to have it. He pulled away, and she looked down at his hand. “Sorry,” he said.
“No problem.” She smiled. “Maybe somehow you were meant to be here, that fate brought you here to our small town for the holidays. No one should have to be alone on Christmas or New Year’s Eve.”
He considered her words. “I’ve worked every holiday since I can remember. In fact, I’ve forgotten what it’s like to take time away.”
“That’s unreal. Isn’t that why we work? To make money so that we can take time off?”
He pulled off his hat and fiddled with the rim before he placed it next to him on the seat. “I’ve found that the more money in the bank, the less time I have for myself.” He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had an easy conversation with someone.
“And not favorable for a relationship, or it seems.”
“Against popular belief, there’s not many women who consider me relationship material.”
She blinked and her lashes touched the tops of her freckled cheeks. “You? The sexy cowboy with cupid’s singing voice?”
He laughed. “Sexy huh?”
Her tongue darted out to lick her bottom lip. If she did that much more he was going to have a big issue in his jeans. “That’s what I read in the magazines.”
“Right, well, I find myself going from place to place, show to show. That kind of travel is difficult on one person, let alone a couple. I’m gone all of the time and, although couples need time away, months at a time sort of branches across the norm.”
“You do realize that I haven’t heard one good thing about your musical career from you.”
“I guess I’m focusing on the negative instead of the positive. Truthfully, I envy your life here in a small town. To have the freedom of choice. To go where you want. The love your dad has for you is unmistakable.”
“I’m lucky to have Pops. He’s been there through everything. I’m scared to death if something happens to him, I won’t have anyone.”
“I felt the same when my uncle passed.” She caught him off guard when she reached across the table and lightly touched his arm as if to comfort him. Although it was quick, the tingles lingered. “It’s okay. He lived a long prosperous life. Met and married the love of his life and although they never had any kids together, they always had people coming and going off the farm.”
“Well, if you love what you do, that’s what matters. Do you love what you do?”
“I love singing. For a long time, my music, my career, was all that defined me. Now, well, what can I say?” He shrugged. “I’m losing myself.”
“Then maybe the love isn’t there like it once was.”
“It’s a competition. Younger stars with bigger voices.”
She laughed. “You’re old. What? Thirty three?”
“Thirty-five. And after this many years, I’m feeling old.”
“Maybe you should consider a change.”
He sniffed. “That’s a long shot.”
“I don’t know anything about your life, your career, or your world, but when it all comes down to it, whatever your lifestyle, if you’re feeling lost then it’s time to find your way again.” She slipped from the seat. “Let me finish up a few things here and then we’ll close up.”
“Anything I can do?” he asked.
“No. You sit here and finish that pie. Looks like you need it more than I do.” She winked and left him alone.
Something stirred inside of him. A woman like Charlie could open his eyes to the fact that he had been numb for a few years now. He wasn’t sure if happiness was even in his reach, but Charlie sure made him want to experience more.
*****
Charlie couldn�
�t sleep.
She climbed from bed, pulled on a robe and started downstairs with her mind on getting a glass of water, but plans were changed when she found Storm sitting at the kitchen table, nursing something in a cup.
“Something tells me that’s not tea,” she said.
His head came up. “You couldn’t sleep either?”
“No.” She took a glass from the cabinet and poured water in it from the faucet. “Come with me. When I can’t sleep I have the perfect place.”
He pushed back his chair and followed her. She led him onto the screened-in patio. “This is where I come on the nights when demons haunt me. It’s enclosed so it stays pretty warm.”
“Wow, this is nice.” The moonlight streaming in seemed to catch his eyes in its radiant glow.
She went to the swing and took a seat, expecting him to sit in one of the wicker chairs, but instead, he sat down next to her. His warmth oozed through her robe and warmed her skin. Her heart picked up and tingles darted through her limbs. She sipped at her water, hoping it would calm her some.
“I’m glad you’re here.” The words slipped out before she could drag them back in. It occurred to her to attempt to play them off, but no excuse would follow. She wasn’t sure why she got all giddy when he was around. Of course, she did have a clue. He was ridiculously handsome with a smile that could have knocked her socks off. He was tall and built broad. His hair was a mass of wild locks, making him appear almost boyish. He was definitely the sexiest thing she’d laid eyes on. What stood out to her was his eyes. She could lose herself there.
“I’m glad I’m here too. It wasn’t planned, but some of the greatest things in life happen unexpectedly. Have you ever thought of leaving here?”
“I love this place. The winters are crisp and brilliantly white. Breezy and bright in the spring with fresh life. Warm and colorful in the summer. But my favorite time here in the mountains is fall when everything turns orange and red. The smell of pumpkin and apples linger in the air. The cooler temperature is an opportunity for snuggling.”
His smile widened.
She couldn’t believe Storm Rich was here, with her. He wasn’t anything she’d expected. He was down to earth, kind and interesting. He made her flesh tingle and her body crave things she hadn’t experienced in a long time.
Billy had been the only man she’d ever known intimately. She’d met him back when she was gawky, long-legged, and pimple-faced. While all of the other girls were boasting big, perky breasts, she hid hers, covered in a training bra underneath big sweaters and T-shirts. It wasn’t until her freshmen year in college that she’d started to blossom. Her breasts filled out, not into more than a B-cup, but she didn’t need anything more. Her hair grew lustrous where it once was oily and embarrassingly stringy. Her face had cleared with just an occasional break out at the time of the month. Great thing was, she no longer looked in the mirror and saw a reflection of a self-conscious, shy teenager. She’d grown confidence. Sitting here next to Storm she felt like a woman—all woman. His thigh brushed hers and the spirals of heat washing through her were the sensations of a woman too.
She shifted and their arms touched. She jerked at the sudden sharp, sweet yearning rushing through her.
“Should I go inside?” he asked, his gaze upon her, questioning and mysterious.
“I’d be disappointed if you did.” How could it be possible that she could tell him everything?
“If I stay, I’ll kiss you. I don’t want to take advantage.”
He’d handled Billy, protecting her, and now, they sat close together and nothing about her wanted him to walk away. She was caught off guard by the rush of desire melting her insides like milk chocolate over a flame. Storm was different—and she liked different—possibly even needed different. He didn’t know her, and yet she’d told him more than she had anybody in years. For the first time since she could remember, she wanted to allow herself to follow the yearning that beat heavily in her core. She wanted to know what it felt like to be wanted, really wanted.
Leaning in, she laid her palm against his chest and looked at him. “Storm.” His name slipped with purpose from her lips.
He blinked and a long breath escaped him. He moved toward her, entwining his fingers through her hair, then bringing tendrils to his nose and inhaling deeply. “You smell so good,” he muttered as he lowered his mouth and softly brushed his lips against hers.
Goosebumps scattered her skin. Her entire experience with the opposite sex could fill a shot glass. Seduction was outside of her realm, and yet he made her feel sexy. Her body went tight as his lips found hers again, this time with more pressure. The spirals of pleasure racing through her weren’t a disappointment. Could things get any better? She tried to calm the excitement building, tried to reign in her emotions. Her insides were as hot as an inferno. Storm was big and powerful, and she wanted nothing more than to sink against him and go along with the ride.
She forgot she was holding her glass and it turned upside down, trickling water onto the floor. Storm took the glass from her and set it on the table next to the swing.
He folded his arms around her, strong and secure, and she didn’t resist. He was gentle, yet she could feel his need in the tense length of his body. She wanted to explore him, know every bend and toned dip of his body. She smoothed her hands up his broad shoulders, into his hair, enjoying the softness of it against her fingers. With every bit of control she had, she maintained herself, slowing her mind down to concentrate on experiencing this moment.
“Come here, sweetheart.” He lifted her across his lap and his bulging zipper rubbed her bottom.
Her secret parts throbbed and filled with heat. Come? Yes, she wanted to come. But the need burrowed deep in her wouldn’t be satisfied by her own fingers as she’d done over the years. Self-pleasure was the only way to stay emotionally detached, but all of the vibrators and toys in the world didn’t entice her like Storm.
She kissed his chin and cheek, and licked his ear lobe. A tense groan vibrated his chest and shot straight to her inner thighs. Yes, they could have sex. What was stopping them?
CHAPTER SEVEN
They could have sex. But there were so many things that could stop them.
Those were Storm’s thoughts as he nuzzled his nose against her chin, then sipped at her ripe, luscious mouth. He took his time, savoring her, enjoying her like an aged wine. He cupped her face, tenderly, wanting to show her how much he wanted her. Since he’d met her, he’d been wrapped around her little finger. Wondering about her secrets, desiring to know her better and deeper…but had he believed they’d have sex? No, he hadn’t.
She shifted in his arms and for a second he thought she was going to pull away from him. He stopped kissing her, waiting. Instead, she moved, pressing her breasts against his chest while exploring his mouth. He dragged open the front of her robe, wanting closer contact. When she moaned, he deepened the kiss, and the heat between them consumed him. He found her breasts and she wasn’t wearing a bra. His cock jerked to an unbelievable length. He rolled the pad of his thumb over one cotton-covered nub and she shuddered. Had he gone too far too quickly?
She lifted her chin, breathless. “I want this,” she whispered.
“I want this too.”
“But wait a second.” She slid from his lap, standing. Her lips were swollen from his kisses and her eyes were wildly lit. The robe was pushed down both her shoulders and the T-shirt clung to her hardened nipples. Her breasts heaved with each breath she took and he was mesmerized, filled with a need that burned every inch of him.
“Are you okay?” He forced the words through his tight lips. He slid his gaze up her long, slender neck, tilted chin, and into her glinted eyes. Her cheeks flushed.
“Never better.”
“Okay?” He was a bit confused. He inhaled sharply and exhaled slowly. Demanding that parts of his body relax. “I shouldn’t have—”
“Yes, you should have. We should. I want it, trust me, but not here.”
She tugged her robe closer, running her palms down her hips.
Short of breath, he wasn’t sure how he’d allowed this woman to take up residence inside of him, but he wanted her—needed her more than a number one hit. Yet, she’d gotten cold feet and pressure wasn’t in his vocabulary. “It’s okay, Charlie. I understand.” He stood. “You’re not ready.”
She took a step closer, her toes touching his, and she looked up at him with the sweetest, most vulnerable expression he’d ever seen. It cut straight into his gut. His knees weakened and he could barely swallow. What the hell was she doing to him? He was overcome with the need to protect her, to steal away all of her fear and pain. He wanted to make a place between them, but knew they lived in separate worlds.
“I’m afraid,” she said.
“I’d never hurt you, sweetheart.” But could he make that promise? He was leaving and wouldn’t be back. Those were the cards they were dealt.
“Not of you. These emotions, the desire building like a fire in me. I’m caught off guard.” Her hand rested on his chest and he lifted it, bringing her fingers to his mouth, kissing her knuckles. She trembled underneath him.
“You don’t have to be afraid of these feelings. It’s okay to feel, Charlie.”
“I think I’ve been in limbo for too long.”
Using his thumb, he caressed her palm. “I’m very grateful that Yogi ran out in front of my truck.”
“The stars must have been aligned just right.”
“Sometimes that happens.”
She took his hand, linking their fingers. “Let’s go to my room.”
“This isn’t a question I ever thought I’d ask, but what about your dad? Last thing I need is to have a shotgun aimed at me.”
“His bedroom is downstairs, and mine upstairs. He sleeps like a log. Have you changed your mind? You have, haven’t you?” One thin brow lifted and her bottom lip slightly puckered.
“Charlie, you know I’ll be leaving soon.” He had to make that clear.
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