A Tender Touch: A Donnelley Brother's Novel (Logan Point Book 4)

by Carbonneau, Alannah

  I swear, I could still feel the imprint of his hand on my flesh.

  The door to his bedroom opened and Luke stepped in wearing only a pair of blue plaid pajama pants tied low on his hips. I swallowed, feeling my face heat, but unable to tear my eyes away from his exposed torso. Holy shit, the man was ripped.

  “Hey.” His voice was husky. “What are you doing?”

  I stood from the end of his bed and immediately wished I hadn’t. My knees were trembling so badly, I could have sworn they’d turned to jelly. “Um, I don’t have any clothes.”

  “Shit.” He rubbed his brow. “I, uh, I have a t-shirt you can wear, but uh, my boxers would be too big for you.”

  I blushed. “The t-shirt will be fine.”

  He nodded and disappeared into a closet. When he returned, he was holding a large white t-shirt. Feeling shaky down to my very core, I took the t-shirt from him.

  “I’ll go brush my teeth and give you privacy to change.” He thumbed over his shoulder in the direction of the bathroom and I nodded, unable to look at him.

  When he disappeared behind the door, I dropped the towel and pulled his shirt over my head faster than anyone in the history of mankind had ever done, I was sure. Picking the towel up off the floor, I squeezed every drop of water I could from my hair before standing awkwardly in the center of his room, waiting for him.

  “You good if I come out?” Luke called and I nodded, before realizing he couldn’t see me.

  “Yes.”

  The door opened and his eyes drank me in. Suddenly, I felt like I really was the pretty girl he insisted on calling me. The heat in his eyes was contagious.

  “You want me to take that?” He asked, gesturing to the towel.

  “Oh.” I startled. “Yeah, thanks.”

  Luke plucked the towel from my hands to hang it in the washroom. When he returned again, he offered me a small smile. “You want to climb in bed?”

  I nodded. “Sure.”

  He pointed to the side of the bed furthest from the door and said, “That’s your side.”

  I didn’t argue with him as I scurried to the bed. Pulling back the sheets, I slid between the cool soft materials, and held my breath in anticipation for Luke to join me. He moved to the side of the bed, flicked on the lamp, and then moved to the door. When he’d turned off the main light, leaving the room in only the glow of the lamp light, it suddenly felt more romantic and less friendly. Less safe. But I bit back my protest and closed my eyes, trying to quell my nerves.

  Luke lowered himself onto the bed. I knew, because the bed dipped on his side. “I know you’re not ready for this, so if you want, I can sleep on the floor.”

  My eyes flew open. “No!” I sat up in his bed. “It’s okay, really. I’m okay.”

  “Are you sure?” His eyes were searching my face for even an ounce of hesitation - so I didn’t hesitate.

  “I’m sure.” I looked to the bed between us. “I would feel less comfortable sleeping in your bed without you beside me.”

  His fingers moved to my chin and he lifted it. “Stop looking away from me when we’re discussing something important. I want to see your eyes, Ember. They’re like a crystal ball - they give away all the secrets you try to keep hidden.” My lips parted and he continued. “I need your eyes to know if what you’re saying is what you’re feeling.”

  “Okay.” I looked him right in the eye. “I want you to share your bed with me tonight.”

  He nodded. “Is that all?”

  “No.” I shook my head and I saw his body tense. “I want you to hold me - like you’ve been doing every night.”

  “I can do that.” He nodded. “Anything else, pretty girl?” His eyes were teasing. “While I’m at your service.”

  I laughed, but the sound was more nervous than joyous. “No. Nothing else.”

  “Okay.” His eyes flickered to my lips for a fraction of a second before they were on mine again. But that fraction of a second was enough to halt my breath. “Lay down.”

  I did as he commanded. Settling myself against the plush pillow, I tugged the blankets up to my chest and held my breath as I watched Luke settle into the bed beside me. When he was lying down, he reached up to flick off the light. Darkness flooded the room. The only light in the room was the light that came from the sliver of the moon shining through the small parting in the blackout curtains.

  For a moment, we lay in silence. Then, Luke turned to face me. His voice was husky and yet confident. “I’m going to touch you, now, pretty girl.”

  “Kay.”

  The blankets shifted and when I felt his hand connect with my stomach, I flinched. Luke didn’t stop. Instead, he moved quicker and more determined - and I realized that was exactly what I needed. I needed Luke to take control, because when I had control, I second-guessed too much. When I had control, I let my fear take over my desire. When I had control, living wasn’t an option.

  The realization was numbing, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe.

  “Ember, relax.” He cooed gently. “You know you’re safe with me, always. You know you can trust me.”

  I nodded, whispering into the darkness. “You’re right. I do know.”

  His hand tightened around me, pulling my back into his chest. “Close your eyes and sleep, pretty girl.”

  “Kay, Luke.” I closed my eyes. “Goodnight.”

  He pressed a kiss to the flesh behind my ear before resting his head against my pillow. “Goodnight.”

  ***

  I was an early riser, but by the time I woke up at seven, Luke was already gone from the bed. Sneaking a peek into the bathroom to make sure I was alone, I hurriedly changed from Luke’s t-shirt, into my dress. After I’d changed, I made his bed and wandered downstairs. Luke was standing at the stove - still shirtless. I knew he was cooking bacon, because I could smell it. A glance at the couch told me Hadley and Collin had left.

  “Good morning.” I announced my presence, trying to keep my eyes from watching the muscles in his back rippling with every miniscule movement.

  Luke turned and frowned when he saw my dress. “I was hoping you’d still be in my t-shirt.”

  I shook my head and scrunched my nose. “Is everyone gone?”

  He nodded. “Yep.”

  “Oh.” I moved to the cupboard to reach for a cup after flicking on the kettle. “It’s not even seven-thirty. When did everyone leave?”

  “About a half an hour ago.” He shrugged. “They’ve all got tours booked. You know Saturday is a pretty big day for tours.”

  “True.” I nodded toward his coffee cup. “Want a refill?”

  “Thanks.” He handed me his cup and I poured more dark liquid into the mug as I waited for my water to boil. When it was finished, I tore open a packet of earl gray tea and dropped it into the steaming water.

  Moving to the island, I took a seat at one of the stools and asked. “So, do we have a busy tour day?”

  He nodded. “We sure do.” He glanced back at me. “You’re actually going to be on your own for most of the day today. Are you going to be alright with that?”

  “Really?” I couldn’t help the disappointment I felt swelling at the thought of being alone for most of the day. But I didn’t want to let Luke see that, so I lowered my crystal ball eyes to my tea. “It’s no problem at all.”

  Luke didn’t reply and suddenly, he was standing there beside me. I felt his fingers under my chin, and then he lifted my face to his. “Ember,” he breathed my name. “Are you going to miss me today?”

  “No.” I shook my head determinedly and when he raised his brows, clearly not believing me, I mumbled. “Yes.”

  He grinned. “We’ll do something tonight again.”

  “We do something together every night.”

  “Are you complaining?” He asked darkly and I shivered at the heady husk in his tone.

  “Not complaining at all.”

  He quirked a grin. “Good.”

  ***

  I finished work aroun
d 6:00 p.m. that evening and Luke still hadn’t returned from his tour, so I packed up my belongings and headed back to my little cabin. We hadn’t talked much about what our plans for the night were, so I wasn’t sure what we were doing, but by the time I’d showered and changed from my work clothing into a pair of jean shorts and a mint green t-shirt, I was past the point of hungry and well on my way to famished. I was on my way to the fridge when I heard the sound of my phone alerting me to a text message.

  Trying to ignore the giddy hopefulness that it was Luke, I refused to allow myself to run for my phone. No, instead, I walked. However, when I picked up my phone and saw Luke’s name lighting the screen, the smile that claimed my face wasn’t one my armies had the power to fight.

  Sliding my finger across the screen, I opened the message and my smile widened.

  Pick you up in 5 for dinner. Be ready.

  K. I replied with my typical cool calm, but inside I was screaming with joy like a teenage girl who’d just had the hottest boy in her class ask her to the spring dance.

  Tossing my satchel over my shoulder, I locked up my little cabin and waited for Luke in one of the chairs on the deck. When I saw his white jacked-up truck rolling down the driveway toward me, my heart raced with excitement to see him. My first day touring without him had been one without excitement. I preferred my days with Luke, working alongside him, touring with him - I wasn’t a fan of solo tours when I knew what it was like to partner.

  Walking from the deck to the passenger side of his truck, I pulled open the door and climbed in next to him.

  He was grinning widely at me, and when he spoke, I blushed. “You miss me?”

  I rolled my eyes. “I’m starving, so if you’re not feeding me, I’m going back inside to feed myself.”

  He laughed, already putting his truck in drive. “I’m feeding you, pretty girl. But I still want to know - did you miss me?”

  “Terribly.” I announced and I could see by the furrowing of his brow that he hadn’t decided how to take my truthful sarcasm.

  “Are you being sarcastic to hide the true fact that you were in agony without me?”

  I smiled. “I am.”

  “I knew it.” He grinned. “So you wouldn’t be too eager to continue with sole tours for the rest of the summer?”

  I stiffened, feeling his eyes on my body as he waited for my reply. “Why would we be doing solo tours for the rest of the summer?”

  He shrugged. “I’m just asking.”

  “No.” I shook my head. “I prefer working with you - I mean, if I had to I’d do it, but I’d prefer to continue working like we have been.”

  He winked. “I love that you missed me so much.”

  I huffed, rolling my eyes once again. In an attempt to change the topic, I asked, “So, how was your day?”

  “Well, there is this girl I couldn’t get out of my head all day long. I sort of missed her.”

  My heart leapt. He missed me.

  Luke Donnelley missed me!

  “You did?” I breathed.

  “How couldn’t I, pretty girl?” He asked. “I spend every moment I can with you - asleep or awake.”

  Again, I blushed. “I missed you too, Luke.”

  “Glad to hear it, pretty girl.” He pulled the truck into the parking lot of the cafeteria and killed the engine. “Ready for supper?”

  I already had my door open. “You have no idea.”

  Luke caught up to me easily, holding the door of the cafeteria open for me to walk through. I was on my way to the line up for the easy serve (the one where you don’t have to wait on a waitress) when Luke placed his hand on my lower back. “Let’s grab a table.”

  “I’m starving.” I whined. “You’re seriously going to make me wait on a waitress?”

  He nodded. “You’ll live.”

  “You don’t know that.” I grumbled lowly as he guided me to the back of the restaurant beside the unlit fireplace.

  “I do.” He assured and I lowered myself onto the bench seat as Luke took a seat across from me. He placed his hands on the table and leaned into it, eyeing me seriously. “I’ve got some questions for you, pretty girl.”

  I felt my back stiffen as I studied him. “This suddenly feels like an interrogation.”

  The corner of his lip curled. “You’ve got a response for everything.”

  I shrugged. “Or you just suck at throwing me off my game.”

  Luke opened his mouth, and then closed it as the waitress appeared. I felt my breath hold for a moment as his eyes connected with mine and then it released as he placed his order.

  “And what can I get for you?” The waitress asked with a smile.

  “I’ll get a poutine and a Pepsi, please.”

  “It’ll be right out.” She assured as she bounced away.

  Luke raised his brow. “Going healthy tonight, huh?”

  I snorted. “Leave me alone. I’ve been craving fries, cheese and gravy all day long!”

  “And the Pepsi?”

  I grinned. “I can’t stand the taste of coffee - how else am I supposed to get my caffeine kick?”

  His smile was slow. “You’re something else, Ember.”

  “I know.” I smiled, stealing a deep breath for courage. “So, what were you planning on asking me?”

  “Well,” he leaned back on the bench for a moment. “I thought we could get to know each other a little better.”

  I sputtered. “I thought we knew each other pretty damn well. We spend every second together, Luke.”

  “I know how much time we spend together.” He eyed me seriously. “But you’re a pretty private person, Ember, you’re not exactly the easiest person to get to know.”

  “What do you want to know?” I asked hesitantly.

  He leaned into the table once more. “We could start with your favorite color.”

  I smiled. “I like green. What about you?”

  “I like brown.” His eyes scanned over me and he added. “And red.” He nodded. “I really like red.”

  “Are you referencing my red hair?” I narrowed my eyes on him.

  Playfully, he added. “And blue. I love crystal ball blue.”

  “You’re corny.” I announced and he chuckled.

  “Seriously, pretty girl. I like everything about you.”

  My breath hitched. “I think you’re pretty awesome too, Luke.”

  “So, does that mean you’ll be my date for Hadley and Collin’s wedding?”

  I cocked my head. “Is it bad that I already assumed I would be your date?”

  He shook his head. “Not at all.”

  “So, was that the big interrogation I prepped myself for?” I chewed on the corner of my lip, eyeing him intently as he watched me with just as much concentration.

  “No,” he paused as though to reconsider his next words. “I have a few more questions.”

  “Like?” I asked softly, breathily.

  “Have you decided what you’re going to do come September?” His words were filled with hesitation and tension. “Have you considered staying here?”

  Chapter 15

  Our food arrived at exactly the right time to save me from answering his question - or at least giving me a moment to think about a way to reply to his question.

  In all honesty, I had thought about his offer every day. But the reality of it all was that The Donnelley Wild Land Tours Ranch was so far away from my mom, I didn’t know if I could move here permanently. It didn’t matter that my mother had told me I had less than two months to figure out where I was going and what I was doing, because I was no longer permitted to live in her house. I was still worried about leaving her helpless without me. I mean, what if she needed me?

  I’d been my mother’s rock for over a decade. I’d been the one she turned to when she cried - the one she discussed her worries and her fears with. When she had a money problem, I was the person she turned to. Now that she’d told me she needed me to move on with my life so that she could move forward with h
er own, I was at a loss. I knew my mother. She wasn’t a strong woman capable of being alone. She wasn’t a woman who could make all her own decisions without discussing them over - and over - and over with someone else prior to making them.

  I was that person she discussed all things with. I was that person who listened and supported her. I was that person who loved her enough to put aside my own issues to deal with hers. How was she going to cope when I wasn’t there - and she didn’t have anyone to turn to? If I moved all the way to The Donnelley Ranch, my mother would be alone.

  I knew I could move out and rent a rickety house a block away from my mother at an affordable price with a roommate - which wouldn’t be all that hard to find as the town wasn’t all that far from the city where the University was. There were loads of college kids in need of cheep living. If I did that, I would at least be a phone call away from providing my mom with the help I knew she would need.

  “Anything else I can get for you?” The waitress broke into my thoughts and I blinked up at her.

  Shaking my head, I breathed. “No. This is great, thanks.”

  “I’m good, thanks.” Luke replied and I watched as the waitress moved on to check another table.

  Looking down into my poutine, I sighed. Suddenly, I wasn’t feeling all that famished. Picking at a cheesy fry, I breathed. “I’ve thought about it.”

  “And?” Luke had yet to touch his grilled chicken burger. “What have you decided?”

  “I haven’t.” I admitted, feeling guilty. I hated that I felt this way, because I was so terribly confused and shaken by the entirety of the decision - and options - I faced. “I don’t know what to do.”

  “You still have time.” Luke assured gently. I knew he could sense my guilty indecision and I also knew, because he was such a gentleman, that he didn’t want to push me into making a decision that wasn’t what I wanted. “If you want to talk to me about it, I’m here.”

  “I know.” I looked up into his face. “Thanks.”