by LuAnn McLane
Rick smiled. “I can tell by the look on your face that this is serious. I am so happy for you, Garret.”
“But we’re not to the point where I could ask her to up and leave to come to London with me.”
“You’re in love with her. What point do you need to get to?”
“Dad, she’s a small-town girl and she has her restaurant at the marina to run,” he said, pretty much thinking out loud. “We’re talking moving out of the country for someone who hasn’t been out of Kentucky all that much. How do I begin to bring this up to her?”
“I can’t answer that, but if you’re asking my advice I’d wait until after you know the details. I do think that the search for talent for the show will start soon. It’ll work much like The Voice and American Idol in that respect, I guess.”
“Do you know when actual production will begin?”
“I don’t know any details really. I had to pry what I do know out of Russ,” he said, and Garret saw the sympathy on his face. “Life throws some curves at you. Tough choices and sometimes the timing is way off.”
“You know all about that, don’t you?” Garret asked but without the venom he’d once had.
“It’s pretty hard to turn down money and fame. But I’m the poster child for how high the cost. I have regrets, Garret, and we’ve talked about all of them. There’s no doubt that I sold out and became a person I didn’t know and didn’t like. That being said, the journey got me to where I am right here and now. I might have learned the hard way, but I did finally learn what’s important in life. I can’t make up for the years I lost with you, but there will never again be a time when you aren’t in my life. Whether you’re in London or here or wherever . . . we will never lose touch or break the bond that we now have.”
“That means a lot to me, Dad. And I didn’t have to be such a shit over the whole thing. I understand some things better now.” Garret leaned back in the leather chair. “You know when Addison broke our engagement she told me to become something in my own right and to not ride on your or Mum’s coattails.”
“Smart girl. I’ve always liked her.”
“And now that I have the chance for recognition on my own, I could lose Mattie in the process. It’s like fate is laughing at me. Or maybe karma for all the people I hurt along the way.”
“If karma is the big bitch that everybody claims she is, I wouldn’t be sitting here having this conversation with you. Instead I have you in my life, the love of a good woman, and this little studio that I love. But I will tell you this. Money isn’t worth it. And don’t let your ego get in the way. Take money and pride out of the equation right now.”
“What about love?”
“Love trumps money every time. Like I said, I learned the hard way.”
“This is crazy. And complicated. I don’t know what to do.”
“A love that is strong enough can withstand just about anything. That’s something only you can decide.”
Garret looked up at the ceiling and shook his head. “This is the coolest thing and worst thing all wrapped in one neat little package. Pretty on the outside, but if I open it I feel as if it will explode in my face.”
“Talk to Russ and to your agent. And give your mother a call.”
“And when do I talk to Mattie?”
“Like I said, after you know more you’ll know when the time is right,” Rick said, and stood up. He came around to the other side of his desk and gave Garret a hug. “I’m so proud of you and of the man you’ve become.”
Garret grinned. “It was touch-and-go there for a while, though, right?”
Rick shook his head. “You didn’t have a normal life. And I wasn’t there when you needed me most.” For a relationship that was once strained at best, they’d come a long way.
“I learned the hard way too. And I didn’t learn once from a mistake but had to make the same ones at least a half dozen times before it stuck.”
Rick laughed. “You know what they say about the apple not falling far from the tree.”
“I told Mattie that I was a nerd pretending to be a badass. I like being in the background much more than in the limelight. It just took me a long time to figure that out.”
“I honestly think you’d be great on the show. You do have a knack for spotting talent and you have a witty, funny delivery. You’ll charm the audience.”
“Thanks.” Garret felt a lump of emotion fill his throat. Validation from his father felt amazing. He felt like a kid hitting a home run in Little League.
Rick reached over and squeezed Garret’s shoulder. “If you want to discuss more about this, let me know. You’ll have a better handle on the situation once you talk to Russ. At any rate, congratulations. The offer is sweet no matter what you decide.”
“Thanks, Dad. Well, I’d better get going. Mattie and I are grilling on my deck and then hanging out at the marina.”
“Maggie and I would love to have you two over as well. I can’t wait to meet the girl who tamed Garret Ruleman.”
“You’ll love her.”
“I’m sure I will.” He gave Garret another brief hug and then took a step back when his cell phone rang. “It’s Maggie.”
“Take the call, Dad. I’ll get back with you on this.”
When his father nodded Garret walked out into the reception area. Teresa pounced on him and gave him a hug before doing a little happy dance.
“Are you going to do it?”
“I don’t know yet, but you’ll be one of the first to know.”
Her smile faded just a bit. “Oh . . . your girl.”
“Yeah.”
“You’ll figure it out, Garret. And if you need to bend my ear, I’m here for you, darling.”
“I know that, Teresa.” He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Well, I’d best be off. I’ll talk to you soon.”
Garret pushed the door open and walked out into the parking lot. His emotions were a mixed bag, but he was going to take his father’s advice and not mention this to Mattie until he knew more about the offer. Garret had to wonder, though, if her love for him was strong enough for her to follow him across the pond to London.
Or was his love for her strong enough for him to give the offer up?
22
Dancing in the Dark
AFTER GETTING THE TEXT MESSAGE FROM GARRET THAT he was running a bit late because of a meeting with his father, Mattie decided to head over to his cabin anyway. He’d given her a key, but this was the first time she’d used it when he wasn’t there. Doing so made her feel connected to him on another level. She knew it was simply letting herself in, but the key dangling from her key chain signified so much more to her. Mattie put the vegetables for the tossed salad in the fridge and then scrubbed two big russet potatoes that she’d brought from the restaurant. She’d made a peach cobbler that was still warm from the oven and filled the kitchen with a homey scent of baked goods and cinnamon. Mattie had tweaked the standard cobbler recipe just a bit, adding a bit of brandy to give the dessert a richer, deeper flavor. She’d been reading up on desserts and pastries lately, thinking that she wanted to spruce up the selection on her menu. She considered adding lunch, but if she did it would mean hiring more employees and staying later.
Mattie opened a bottle of red wine and then took a glass from the rack above the sink, thinking about what her daddy would say to her mother when she wanted to make changes to the marina. “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” Mattie said, and shook her head. She poured the merlot and then took a sip before letting out a sigh. Adding lunch would also mean less time to spend with Garret, and spending time with him had become a top priority.
Mattie felt a flash of excitement when she thought about going to the bonfire with him tonight. When they arrived hand in hand they would be making their relationship public and official.
She had a boyfriend.
A sweet, charming, sexy boyfriend. And she loved him.
Mattie cradled the knowledge close to her heart. The mere thought of Garret brought a smile to her face. And then knowing that he would be arriving soon, she decided to wait for him in bed. Dinner could wait. The bonfire could wait. But being in his arms could not.
Mattie nibbled on her bottom lip, wondering if she had the nerve to be naked and waiting bold as you please. She looked in the direction of the master bedroom and felt a shiver of anticipation.
Could she be that bold? Her heart thudded at the thought.
Up until now she had let Garret initiate making love, but what would it feel like to slide between the cool sheets and reach for him when he arrived home? She could light candles and have sultry jazz playing in the background. Could she do it?
“Yes. Oh, hell yes.”
Deciding she needed more sexy props, she pulled some plump, juicy strawberries from the fridge and located the chocolate dip she’d bought for a sweet start to their night. She washed the fruit and arranged everything on a plate and then headed for the bedroom. Minutes later she pulled the curtains closed, dimmed the lights, and lit several fat candles. She located the cool jazz station and smiled when the sexy stage was set. After a quick stop in the bathroom to freshen up and brush her teeth, she pulled down the comforter and slid between the silky soft sheets.
And then she planned her seduction.
When Garret entered the room she would let the sheet pool at her waist and then reach for a strawberry. But instead of eating it she’d dip it in chocolate and paint a streak down her body and tell him to lick it off. Or maybe she’d strip him first and then paint his body or feed him?
Oh so many choices.
Coming up on all fours, she leaned over and dipped a strawberry in the chocolate, deciding she needed to eat one while she thought of more fun and sexy games. She’d just sunk her teeth into the big berry when she thought she heard the front door open.
“Mattie?”
Oh God . . . Garret was home.
Mattie’s nerve suddenly failed her miserably and she decided to scramble from the bed and jump back into her clothes. But in her rush to turn over, her feet got twisted up in the sheet. A moment later Garret walked into the bedroom and found her kicking at the covers with a strawberry stuck in her mouth.
“Oh my God, are you all right?”
Mattie flopped over and stared up at him. She nodded.
“Babe, what are you doing?” He pulled the strawberry from her lips and took a bite.
“Planning a sexy seduction that went way wrong. And please don’t tell me I have chocolate all over my chin.”
“Okay, I won’t tell you.”
“Do I?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, I suck at seduction.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Look at me!”
“I am looking at you.” He leaned over and licked the chocolate from her chin. “And I’ve never seen anything sexier.”
“But I bungled it. . . .”
“No, Mattie. This is so you. Cute and funny and sexy as all get out.”
“You think so?” When she lowered her gaze he tilted her chin up. Mattie could see the desire there and she smiled. “You can’t say I didn’t try.”
“You don’t even have to try. I’ve thought you were super sexy since the moment I found you pounding your fists on the floor.”
“You thought that was sexy?”
“No, I thought that was funny, but I thought your cutoff shorts and little tank top were quite a turn-on. Mattie, you’re perfect no matter what you wear. You’re elegant in a dress with your hair pulled up and hot as hell in jeans.” He gave her a slow smile. “But I love you the best wearing nothing at all . . . well, except for streaks of chocolate,” he said, and then dipped his finger in the dish by the bed. “Lie back against the pillows and let me paint your beautiful body.”
Mattie nodded and when he swirled the dark chocolate over one nipple she arched her back and giggled. “Oh, it’s still cold from the fridge.”
“Let me warm you up with my mouth,” Garret offered, and she gratefully accepted. His tongue licked and swirled and the heat of his mouth made her moan. When he sucked her nipple she gasped and threaded her fingers through his hair. “I’m supposed to be doing . . . oh . . . this to . . . mmm . . . you.”
“Do you want me to stop?”
“I . . . oh . . . ,” she began, and when he nibbled lightly she shook her head. “N-nooo!” She pressed her head back into the soft pillow while he painted and licked, going lower and lower. Mattie’s heart pounded and warm molten desire, thick as honey, spread throughout her body. He kissed the tender inside of her thigh and she could feel the warmth of his breath on her sex. Her heart thudded in anticipation, but Garret took his sweet time, kissing all around where she wanted him most. . . .
Just when she thought she couldn’t stand another moment, he spread her thighs and licked her lightly, teasing her with flicks of his tongue, filling her with the desperate need for release. She closed her eyes, parted her lips, hovering on the brink while she fisted her hands in the sheet. Her entire body tingled and she curled her toes, arched her back . . . and then shattered with soaring pleasure.
Mattie blinked, trying to focus while she floated back into her body. She turned her head and watched Garret undress, unable to form words. The ripples of muscle when he tugged his shirt over his head made her breath catch. He rolled on a condom, drawing her attention to the beauty of his body. Finally she said, “I think I’ve melted into the mattress. I don’t think I can move.”
“Oh, I think I’ll find a way to get you moving again.” Garret chuckled and gave her an endearing smile that seemed to squeeze her heart. He sat down on the edge of the bed and traced a fingertip down her cheek. “I love you, Mattie.”
Mattie reached up and brought the fingertip to her mouth and kissed it. “I love you too, Garret. You make me very happy.”
His smile widened and he bent his head and gave a tender kiss that had her wrapping her arms around his neck. “And you make me deliriously happy too.” He eased his body onto the bed and held her close. “I am so very glad that I met you. Mattie, you are the most loving, sweet girl and I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to have you in my life.”
Mattie nodded and buried her face in the crook of his neck. “It’s crazy that you moved to Cricket Creek of all places, don’t you think?”
“I can thank my father for that, I suppose.” He stroked her hair. “But yes, life is so unexpected sometimes.”
Mattie heard a sense of wonder in the inflection of his voice almost as if there was something else he wanted to tell her. But before she could ask him more, he scooted down and kissed her. Mattie’s body reacted and she moved against him, loving the feeling of skin against skin. She was surprised how quickly her desire returned and she realized that she could never get enough of Garret. He was nothing like any other man she’d ever met and was everything she wanted. “I love you . . . so very much,” she said, and then rolled to the side. “And I’m going to show you.”
“Showing is always a step above telling. Show me, Mattie.”
Mattie swung her leg over his waist and straddled his body. She splayed her hands on his chest and then leaned over and kissed him on the mouth before she scooted down until she felt the steely hardness of his penis against the folds of her sex. She moved slowly back and forth while watching the play of emotion on his face. She caressed the stubble on his cheeks and then trailed her fingers over his chest. When she felt her body grow warm and wet with need, she rose to her knees and guided his penis up to her body.
He helped, scooting up slightly against the pillows. “Take me inside you, Mattie. Deep. All the way.”
“Yes. That’s where I want you.” She gripped his shoulders, and hi
s hands spanned her waist. Catching her bottom lip between her teeth, she lowered her body onto his erect cock and let him fill her. “Oh!” She sat very still, loving the feeling of him buried deep. And then, through half-lidded eyes, she watched him while she moved oh so gently at first, coming up to her knees and then slowly sinking back down. She did this . . . once, twice until he bucked upward with a hard thrust. Mattie gasped and then rode him faster. When her thighs trembled he gripped her waist and she clung to his shoulders. Her hair tumbled around her face, and her breasts jiggled. She felt wild and free and filled to the brim with the man she loved.
Mattie felt his muscles stiffen and he gripped her waist harder and then cried out her name when he thrust upward and climaxed. Garret pushed his shoulders against the pillows, holding himself buried deeply inside her, and then closed his eyes. His chest moved with each breath and then he opened his eyes. Reaching up, he caressed her breasts, teasing and tweaking until Mattie’s head tilted to the side. Her body tingled and seemed to be one giant nerve ending pulled tight. Garret cupped her breasts and moved his thumbs back and forth. “Come up to your knees, Mattie. I want to stroke you.”
She did. And while he was still half inside her, filling her, he rubbed his finger over her where she was swollen, sensitive. Pleasure washed over her, intense, almost sharp, and then slid into something warm and sultry. Mattie collapsed against his chest and he held her while she shuddered with little aftershocks.
She stayed on top of him, wrapped around him like kudzu until he gently rolled her to the side. Mattie put her hand on his chest and felt the solid, rapid beat of his heart. Mellow jazz played in the background, and the scent of vanilla candles and chocolate syrup lingered in the air.
She reached up and cupped his cheek and then rubbed her thumb over his bottom lip. When he licked her Mattie felt a jolt of heat and sucked in a breath. “I can barely move and you can get me going again with one little touch of your tongue to the pad of my thumb.”
“Really, now.” He chuckled low in his throat. When he moved lower Mattie shook her head back and forth against the pillow.