by Ruth Langan
He released her hand before giving a quick slap to his forehead. “The devil made me do it. Forget I even mentioned it.”
She was amazed that she was able to laugh, when only seconds before she’d felt brittle, fragile enough to break into little pieces. But now her laughter rang out, clear as a bell. “I believe they wrote a song about that.”
It took him a moment to understand. “Guilty. But it’s true, you know. Baby, it’s not only cold outside, it’s pouring rain.”
“I won’t melt.”
“Maybe not. But I will if you kiss me like that one more time. Would you like to see it?”
“I’m not sure it would be a pretty sight to see a man melt.” She sighed and got to her feet. “I really do think it’s time to get home.”
“I can’t change your mind?”
She managed a smile. “I’m sure you could. That’s why I’d like to leave now
The minute she stood up, Picasso and Toulouse left their spots by the fire and began circling her feet.
“Eager to get home, boys?” she called.
In response they ran to the door.
“Traitors.” Adam picked up a jacket and went in search of his car keys. “I thought all men were supposed to stick together.”
Chapter 6
Sidney sat in front of the fire sipping hot chocolate, watching the morning sunlight making shifting patterns on the hearth. But it wasn’t the pretty scene that had her attention, it was thoughts of Adam. Though she hadn’t seen him in a week, since that night at the lighthouse, he’d been on her mind, and had caused her to lose a great deal of sleep. She’d wanted more than anything to spend the night with him. It had been on the tip of her tongue to agree to his offer, but something had held her back.
Guilt, she realized. She felt guilty for wanting to live again, while Curt lay cold in his grave. A completely irrational thought, she knew, but there it was. She was a smart woman. She knew that she’d been avoiding any serious relationship since Curt’s death, because it was easier to live alone. If she allowed herself to feel again, to possibly love again, she would also be opening herself up to be hurt again.
Everyone had told her that the pain of loss would subside, and that in time she would be able to move on with her life. Though her heart was aching, she’d heeded their advice and had given herself the time needed to heal. She had moved on, but she’d never forgotten. And though the sharp edge of pain was gone, there remained a dull ache, a shadow to remind her of her loss. She’d vowed to never open herself up to that kind of suffering again.
And here she was, debating the wisdom of sleeping with a man who was practically a stranger. What did she know about Adam Morgan except that he was a man without roots. Hadn’t he boasted of it? A man without a place to call home. A world traveler who never knew where his next assignment would take him. A rolling stone happily poised to follow a new trail as soon as the opportunity arose.
She was a woman who needed, more than anything, a sense of permanence in her life. This cottage, this town, held her heart. She’d known after a year in Tuscany, one of the most beautiful places in the world, that she needed to return to her roots more than she needed the inspiration of a lovely setting or the pursuit of another’s dream.
After the initial shock of Curt’s death had begun to recede, she’d been able to find peace and joy in her life again, by concentrating solely on her work. If she’d had to repress her sexual appetite, it hadn’t mattered, for she’d found even more passion than ever in her art.
Now, that sexual hunger was back. If possible, it was stronger than ever. If Adam’s passionate kisses at the lighthouse weren’t enough, his long, possessive kiss good-night at her door that night had left her stunned and shaken, causing her to wonder again if she’d made the wrong choice by pushing him away. It had been on the tip of her tongue to ask him to spend the night here.
Instead, she’d said nothing. Merely watched him drive away, and had then retired to her bed. Alone.
Alone.
The word played like a litany in her mind.
Her choice, she thought miserably. And because of that choice, she hadn’t seen Adam in a week. Didn’t that prove that he was as reluctant for a relationship as she was? And though she liked the fact that he was willing to accept her decision without argument, a little voice inside her head kept reminding her that a more persistent lover would have dogged her trail and would have done everything in his power to change her mind.
Was that what she really wanted? To be swept off her feet? To be so caught up in the thrill of passion that she couldn’t think? To be carried mindlessly into an affair with no thought to the future?
That had been enough for her once. A college student with stars in her eyes and a courageous man who needed her desperately. A man who had clung to her like a lifeline. She could have no more refused Curt’s insistence on marriage than she could have refused to breathe. But she’d undergone a complete transformation in the years since then. That sweet, innocent girl no longer existed. It had been a long, uphill battle, but she was in charge of her own life now, and she liked it that way. She had no intention of going back.
At a knock on the door Picasso and Toulouse raced across the room, waiting impatiently while she peered out. Seeing Adam, she pulled open the door as a thrill shot through her. At once the dog and cat danced circles at his feet, stirring up the red-and-gold leaves that covered the ground.
“Good morning.” She wondered at the lightness around her heart at the mere sight of him. He needed a shave. His eyes looked tired and bloodshot. His hair was tousled from the wind. And there was no denying that he looked better to her than any knight in shining armor. “Come in.”
Instead of stepping past her he paused on the threshold, his eyes steady on hers. “How’ve you been?”
“Fine.” She marveled that her voice sounded so normal, when her heart was doing somersaults inside her chest. “And you?”
“Miserable.”
She couldn’t control the smile of delight that curved her lips and sparkled in her eyes. “Poor baby. Why are you miserable?”
“I’ve been missing you.”
“Well, then.” She took a moment to quell the little dance her heart was doing. “It’s a good thing one of us is fine.”
He cupped her face in his hands. His voice was a low growl of anger. “I hope you’re lying.”
He leaned closer, and Sidney wondered that her poor heart didn’t burst clear through her chest as she waited for his lips to claim hers.
Against her mouth the growl deepened to a snarl. “I can’t stand to think I’m alone in this misery.”
Before they could consummate their kiss they heard the sudden crunch of tires, and looked up to see a car moving slowly along the trail that led to her cabin. As soon as it came to a halt, Picasso and Toulouse were dancing around it, wriggling with excitement.
The doors opened and Sidney’s mother and grandmother stepped out. Both women were staring with interest at the young woman and the rugged stranger standing so close their bodies were touching.
At their approach both Sidney and Adam stepped apart, wearing matching looks of guilt and dismay.
“Good morning, darling.” Her mother hurried forward to brush a kiss over Sidney’s cheek.
“Mom. Bert.” Sidney embraced her grandmother. “Have you two met Adam Morgan?”
“We’ve never met, but as a member of the historical society, we’ve exchanged enough faxes to fill a ledger.” Bert offered her handshake. “Hello, Adam. I’m Sidney’s grandmother, Alberta Brennan, but everyone calls me Bert. And this is Sidney’s mother, Charley.”
He grinned as he shook hands. “Bert and Charley. Sounds like a comedy act I once saw in Chicago.”
Charley’s laughter rang on the breeze. “Now there’s something we might want to consider in the future, Bert.”
The two women were still laughing as Sidney held the door. “Why don’t we all go inside and I’ll make some hot choco
late.”
She waited for the others to precede her. When Adam stepped past her he paused a moment to touch a hand to her shoulder. Just a touch, but she could feel the path of fire all the way to her heart.
Once inside Bert sniffed the air. “Something smells wonderful. Is that cinnamon?”
Sidney nodded. “It is. I made myself cinnamon toast for breakfast. I’ll fix you some if you’d like.”
“I’d love some.” Bert turned to her daughter-in-law. “How about you, Charley?”
“Just the chocolate for me, thanks.” Charley walked to the fireplace and stood a moment, absorbing the warmth of the fire. “Oh, Sidney, I love this cabin more every time I visit.”
Sidney looked up from the stove with a smile. “So do I. I can’t imagine feeling this comfortable anywhere else.”
“It certainly suits you.” Bert was busy scratching behind Picasso’s ears, while Toulouse vied for her attention.
Minutes later Sidney carried a tray of steaming hot chocolate and buttered cinnamon toast to the coffee table. While the two women helped themselves, she carried a cup to Adam and absorbed his warmth as their fingers brushed. For the space of a heartbeat they exchanged intimate smiles, before Sidney crossed the room and sat in a rocker, draping an afghan over her legs. At once Toulouse settled himself on her lap and began purring, while Picasso took up his position in front of the fire beside Adam.
“What brings you out here so early in the morning?” Sidney’s smile grew. “And don’t try telling me you just happened to be passing by.”
Charley chuckled. “We just wanted to see how you were getting along. And you’re right. Our early arrival was planned. I told Bert if we didn’t get he enough, you’d be off somewhere in the woods painting, and we’d never find you.”
Bert turned to Adam, who was kneeling on the hearth, scratching behind Picasso’s ears. “How is our lighthouse working out for you, Adam?”
“It’s everything I’d hoped for. Despite its age, it’s snug and comfortable.” His gaze strayed to Sidney, idly petting her cat. “How could anyone complain about the view around here? It’s spectacular.”
Bert exchanged a quick look with Charley before setting her cup in its saucer. “You saved us a trip to the lighthouse, Adam. You’re the real reason we’re here. We thought we’d have a visit with Sidney first, and then we’d planned on stopping by the lighthouse on our way back to town to see if you’d come to brunch at the Willows tomorrow.”
“Brunch?”
“It’s a weekly affair at our place. Just our family, and a few honored guests. We’ve love to have you join us.”
“Thank you.” He seemed to be considering before he nodded. “I’d be happy to come.”
“Good. Be there around noon.” Bert glanced at her granddaughter. “Maybe you two could drive together. That would save you having to navigate those bumpy roads, Sidney.”
Sidney seemed puzzled by her grandmother’s implication. “I’ve navigated those roads for years without any problem. Why would you worry about me now?”
Seeing her prickly reaction, Adam couldn’t hide the grin that split his lips. “I’d be happy to pick up Sidney. That way she can make certain that I don’t get lost.”
“There you are.” Pleased with herself, Bert merely smiled. “I bet a man like you, who has traveled all over the world, doesn’t get lost often.”
“I see my reputation precedes me.”
The older woman gave him what she hoped was a bland look. “As a member of the historical society, I was privy to certain information about our new tenant.” She paused a beat. “Is it true that you’ve been in both Afghanistan and Iraq?”
He nodded, and though his smile remained, something flickered in his eyes.
Seeing it, Bert was quick to add, “I admire the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way in order to let the rest of us know what goes on around the world.”
“On behalf of those men and women, I appreciate the thought.” His smile warmed. “But most of us do it because we love it, not because we see ourselves as some sort of hero.”
“Another reason to admire your work, Adam. Too many of us do what is comfortable, rather than pursue what we truly desire. Even though, as a retired teacher I might have much to give to the children of other cultures, I’m afraid I’m far too complacent and comfortable to ever give up my life here to live and teach in a foreign land.”
Adam’s voice lowered. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. From the little I’ve seen of Devil’s Cove, I think I’d find it hard to leave, .”
“Really?” Bert exchanged another look with her daughter-in-law before getting to her feet. “I think we’d better start back home now, Charley, and let these young people get to their work.”
“Of course.” Sidney’s mother drained her cup and set it on the tray. “The hot chocolate was perfect, darling.” She draped an arm around her daughter’s shoulders as Sidney stood and walked with her to the door. “I’m glad to see you looking so well. Don’t you agree, Bert?”
The older woman gave a quick nod of her head. “I do indeed. And I find it comforting to know you have a neighbor nearby in case of an emergency.”
“In a forest this large Adam can hardly be called a next-door neighbor, Bert.”
“Close enough.” She paused on the threshold and smiled at Adam, still standing by the fireplace. “I can’t wait for you to meet the rest of Sidney’s family tomorrow. Maybe you wouldn’t mind sharing a few of your adventures.”
“I look forward to it.” Adam watched as Sidney walked her mother and grandmother to their car.
When she returned, she stood in the window and waved until they were out of sight. When she turned, Adam was grinning.
“What’s that smile for?”
“Your family. They’re fascinating. And transparent as glass. They were sizing me up.”
She didn’t bother to deny it. “I think they were more than a little intrigued when they drove up and found us here together at such an early hour. For all they know, we might have spent the night together.”
“Is that what they’re thinking?”
“It’s hard to know what they’re thinking. They certainly didn’t say a word about it to me when we walked outside just now. But you have to admit we looked awfully intimate standing there by the front door, practically crawling into each other’s skin.”
“What a pleasant thought.” He crossed to her, his voice lowering with implied intimacy. “And I say, if we’re going to be damned for something we didn’t do, why not at least have the satisfaction of doing it?” He nodded toward her bedroom. “There’s still time to take me up on the offer I made last time we were together.”
She pretended to glance at her watch. “Sorry. The morning’s almost gone. I have work to do.”
He gave her a wolfish grin. “Okay. Go paint some wildly exotic canvas that will bring you ridiculous piles of money.” He brushed a kiss over her cheek. “But at least tell me you had to think about my offer for more than a minute before turning me down.”
She had to swallow hard before she could speak. She forced a light tone. “Oh, believe me. I had to agonize all of two or three minutes before I could refuse such a wonderful, generous offer as yours.”
He started toward the door, then paused. “There’s always tonight. How about dinner?”
“You know where that would le
“That’s what I’m hoping.”
She hadn’t a doubt. Which was why she was relieved that she’d already made plans. “Sorry. I can’t tonight, Adam. I’ve already made plans with my sister Courtney to meet with a group of art patrons.”
“Do you do that often?”
She shook her head. “This is special. They’ve offered to make a very generous donation to the Devil’s Cove Artists Society in exchange for a chance to meet and talk with their favorite local artist.”
“I don’t blame them. Maybe my best chance at spending time with my favorite local artist is to mak
e that same offer.”
She laughed. “You can try. Or you can join the local art patrons tonight at Courtney’s shop.”
He shook his head. “As lovely as it sounds, I’d rather not have to watch you from afar while the adoring crowds worship at your feet.”
“That sounds delightful. I’ll let you know if it ever happens.” She laughed. “But I will take you up on your offer to drive me to the Willows tomorrow.”
“Deal.” He opened the door, then surprised her by closing it and returning to her side. “If I can’t have tonight, at least let me have this.”
Without waiting for her reply he dragged her into his arms and kissed her long and slow and deep. When at last he lifted his head, he gave her a smoldering look before turning away and crossing the room. This time when he pulled open the door he stepped outside and resolutely closed it behind him.
Sidney stood perfectly still, waiting for her heart to settle back to its natural rhythm.
Had she imagined it, or had the floor actually tilted when Adam kissed her?
She dropped to her knees and picked up Toulouse, rubbing her chin over the cat’s fur. “I think I’m in way over my head, Toulouse. What am I going to do about Adam Morgan?”
In answer the cat merely yawned and closed its eyes, purring contentedly.
“You’re no help at all.” Sidney settled him on the afghan before picking up the tray of empty cups and carrying them to the kitchen.
An hour later she and her pets made their way through the forest to the water’s edge, where Sidney set up her easel and stool and immersed herself in work.
Becoming absorbed in her work had always been enough to take her mind off her problems. But now, no matter how hard she tried to concentrate, she found thoughts of Adam flitting through her mind, causing her to pause, brush in hand, as a smile touched her lips.
She couldn’t deny that, despite all her doubts and fears, she couldn’t wait to see him again.
She shivered. She hadn’t felt this delicious sense of excitement in years. This wonderful feeling of anticipation, as though something new and wondrous and life altering was waiting for her just around the corner.