Love Enough For Two (Love Inspired)

by Cynthia Rutledge

  Sierra looked at him as if he’d gone crazy. She blew an exasperated breath. “It’s horrible.”

  “No, it’s not.” He spoke with absolute certainty. “There’s no way that something that feels so good could be bad.”

  “Trust me. Lots of things that feel good can be bad.” Sierra’s gaze took on a faraway look.

  “What was his name?” Matt asked quietly.

  Sierra blinked. “Who?”

  “The man who hurt you,” he said.

  Momentary surprise filled her gaze until her lids slipped down over her eyes, hiding her emotions from his view. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is that relationship taught me a valuable lesson. I’m better off alone.”

  “What about certain other needs?”

  The pink deepened in her cheeks. The rapid influx of color fascinated him. He’d never known a woman who blushed so easily.

  “I keep busy,” she said. “Anyway, I don’t see where my love life, or lack of, is any of your concern.”

  Matt paused and carefully considered her response. She might look like a thoroughly modern woman but he was beginning to realize that nothing could be further from the truth. And he had the feeling if he didn’t handle this just right she’d be out the door.

  “We’re in the same boat,” he said finally in a matter-of-fact tone. “Two busy people not looking for anything permanent. But an arrangement of sorts could benefit us both.”

  Sierra looked skeptical but he felt encouraged that she hadn’t immediately said no.

  Still, her gaze was sharp and penetrating. “I didn’t think it was a good idea for an attorney to get involved with a client.”

  The comment didn’t faze him. He recognized it as a last-ditch effort to push him away.

  “You’re right,” Matt said matter-of-factly. “But since I work for your mother and not for you, it’s not an issue.”

  She stared at him for a long moment as if trying to decide if she should believe him or not. “Tell me something. Why you?”

  “Why me?”

  Sierra nodded. “Why should I turn to you?”

  Matt spread his fingers and played them against the table, the image of her in another man’s arms doing funny things to his insides.

  “A,” he said, “It’s an easy way to get Carl off your back without being mean.”

  “But it’s not right to lie—”

  “B,” Matt said, ignoring her feeble protest, “Carl has seen you with me, so your story about us dating will be believable.”

  “You’ve thought of everything.”

  “C.” Matt offered her a smile. “You miss kissing and other men’s kisses might be laden with expectations.”

  “Not yours?”

  Matt had kissed a lot of women over the years and he’d never been anything but honest. “I decided a long time ago that I’m not even going to begin looking for anything serious until I’m at least thirty-five.”

  When she didn’t comment, he continued. “In the meantime, I’m not interested in living the life of a monk. I don’t see any problem with just having a good time, assuming of course that both parties go into the relationship with the same expectations.”

  “Expectations?” Sierra’s voice gave nothing away.

  “No commitment, nothing serious. And we’d both take steps to make sure there would be no untoward consequences of our relationship.”

  “Such as?”

  “Babies,” he said. “Or sexually transmitted diseases.”

  Contrary to what many supposed, he hadn’t been with that many women. But when he was in a relationship, Matt had never failed to take precautions to protect himself and his partner.

  The pink in Sierra’s cheeks deepened to a dusky red. “I can’t believe we’re talking about this.”

  “It’s better to get it out in the open right away,” Matt said. “So we’re both on the same page.”

  “But we’re not on the same page,” Sierra said, her voice rising. “I have no intentions of being intimate with you. So, you don’t have to worry about babies and diseases.”

  Matt frowned.

  “My idea of appropriate physical behavior between unmarried adults is kissing and hugging,” she said. “It doesn’t involve anything more.”

  Matt paused, trying to make sense of what she was really saying. “Is it that you don’t want to do it? Or that you don’t want to do it with me?”

  “I just met you,” Sierra said, a touch of exasperation in her voice.

  “So your feelings on the subject have to do with how long we’ve known each other?”

  “No,” Sierra said in a firm no-nonsense voice. “It has to do with the fact that intimacy belongs in marriage. My faith teaches that and I’ve always believed God knew what He was doing when he set up those rules.

  “No sex outside of marriage for me,” she said. “If you’re looking for a summer fling, I’m afraid you’re going to have to do your flinging with someone else.”

  Though Matt wasn’t used to anyone telling him no, the sight of her clenched jaw brought a smile to his lips. Ever since he’d met Sierra Carlyle he hadn’t known whether he was coming or going.

  He liked her sharp mind and quick wit. He liked the fact that she’d chosen to devote time to a project that most women her age could have cared less about.

  If he just wanted a no-strings relationship he could easily find a woman who would be more than happy to be with him.

  But Matt realized he didn’t want just any woman, he wanted this woman.

  And she wanted him. He could see it in her eyes.

  They’d play by her ground rules for now.

  But a passionate woman like Sierra couldn’t hold out forever. It wouldn’t be long before she’d reconsider her decision.

  And when she did, he’d be right there waiting.

  Chapter Six

  “And then I kissed him.” Sierra sat back in her chair at the sidewalk café, feeling her cheeks warm. She and Libby had just finished eating dinner when she’d made her confession. It had been over twenty-four hours but the incident was still fresh in her mind. “Or maybe he kissed me. I’m not really sure who made the first move.”

  “Shut up.” Libby’s eyes widened and she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “You kissed Matt Dixon?”

  Sierra nodded, still unable to believe it herself. The crazy thing was she had the feeling if she were faced with the situation again she’d behave in exactly the same manner.

  There was something about the guy. Something about the tone of his voice. Something about the way the light smoldered in his gold-flecked eyes. When his gaze had captured hers, she’d felt as if she were drowning in those liquid blue depths.

  “I can’t believe you kissed him.” Libby’s voice rose in surprise. “You hate attorneys. You hate his father.”

  What Libby was saying wasn’t anything Sierra hadn’t already said to herself. Yesterday when Matt’s lips were closing over hers, Sierra had wondered if she’d lost all her common sense. And last night when the memory of the kiss wouldn’t let her sleep, the realization of how easily she’d strayed off course had haunted her thoughts.

  She found herself tempted to justify her actions, to assure Libby that Matt was different, that he wasn’t anything like his father. But she couldn’t say the words because she really didn’t know him well enough to defend him. He probably was like Dix. After all, what was the old adage? Like father, like son?

  “I can’t believe it, either,” Sierra said with a sigh. “I always thought I had more common sense. Or at least more restraint.”

  “Was he a good kisser?” Libby’s eyes were bright with interest.

  Sierra had to smile. Trust Libby to focus on the scandalous part of the tale.

  “Amazing.” Sierra breathed the word. Even after all these hours, she could almost taste the sweetness of his kiss. “Absolutely amazing.”

  “Are you going to date him?” Excitement sparkled in Libby’s eyes and Sierra knew
if she did go out that Libby would insist on hearing every detail.

  The thought of interacting without a business agenda between them sent a surge of emotion racing up Sierra’s spine. She decided it had to be fear, because it certainly couldn’t be excitement. “There’s another Advocacy Center meeting scheduled—”

  “I’m not talking work.” Libby snorted in disgust, not giving Sierra a chance to finish. “I’m talking fun.”

  “I’m going to tell him it was a mistake.” Sierra stabbed a piece of lettuce with unnecessary force. “This just can’t be a good idea.”

  “Of course it’s a good idea,” Libby said promptly nodding her head decisively.

  “How can you even say something like that?” Sierra dropped her fork and pushed away her salad plate, a hard lump forming in the pit of her stomach.

  “Because it makes perfect sense,” Libby said without missing a beat.

  “You sound just like Matt.” Sierra picked a crouton off the discarded salad and absently popped it into her mouth. “Did I tell you we saw Carl at Crane River? He stopped by our table to say hello. After he left Matt made sure to tell me that his presence in my life would have the additional benefit of solving my Reverend Carl problem.”

  “Carl Stieve.” Libby scrunched up her nose. “Is the good pastor still calling you?”

  “Not as much,” Sierra said with a sigh. “But yes, he’s still calling.”

  “Yuck,” Libby said, pretending to shiver.

  “He’s not yuck,” Sierra protested halfheartedly. “He’s nice. And he’s very good with Maddie.”

  The look Libby shot her was one of shocked disbelief. “Don’t you dare tell me you’re considering getting serious with Cootie Carl.”

  “Libby.” Sierra kept her tone firm but she couldn’t stop her lips from twitching. “No one has called him that since fifth grade.

  “At least not to his face,” Libby said with a smug smile, tossing her head and sending her dark hair cascading down her back.

  Sierra rolled her eyes. Carl Stieve was now an assistant pastor at her church. He was a respected member of the community. Cootie Carl was in the past.

  But still, she had to acknowledge that remnants of that boy remained. When Sierra looked into his eyes, she knew he still liked her as much as he had when he was fourteen. A rueful smile tipped her lips at the memory of their freshman year in high school and the afternoon they’d stayed after school to work on a science project.

  She’d just started to notice boys. But Carl had been off her radar screen. It hadn’t been his most attractive time. He’d been tall and gawky and cursed with a bad case of acne. Though Sierra had since learned the importance of the inner man, at that time she’d been a typical teen and looks had been everything.

  But Carl had been incredibly bright and when the teacher had assigned them to be lab partners for the semester, not a single groan of protest had passed her lips. For one thing she knew it wouldn’t make a difference. Old man Stoddard didn’t like to have his decisions challenged.

  But that wasn’t the only reason Sierra had kept quiet. She’d seen the look of excitement on Carl’s face when the teacher had announced the pairings. He’d been so happy that she couldn’t bring herself to burst his bubble.

  Even at the tender age of fourteen Sierra recognized that life wasn’t easy for Carl. He was tall, but too uncoordinated for sports. And his mother insisted he keep his hair short, instead of slightly longer like all the other boys.

  But underneath all that unattractive packaging, Carl was a good guy, a kind soul who cared about others. So she’d just smiled and told him as long as he did all the dissecting, they’d get along fine.

  And, it had been a great partnership until they’d stayed late one afternoon to work on a special project. They were alone in the lab and had just finished with a frog when Carl had leaned over and planted a wet, slobbery kiss on her mouth. And that wasn’t the end of it. Before she could say a word, or even wipe the wetness from her mouth, he’d confessed his undying love.

  She’d turned away so he wouldn’t see the tears filling her eyes. Though she felt bad for him, she’d felt just as bad for herself. It figured that her very first kiss would come from Cootie Carl.

  Over the years, Sierra had been sorely tempted at several all-girl sleepover sessions to tell all, but she’d kept her mouth shut. The kiss and declaration had remained her little secret. And she’d remained cordial to Carl. Though after the incident she’d made a concerted effort to make sure they were never alone again.

  “Carl’s an okay guy,” Sierra said. “I’m just not interested.”

  “But you are interested in Matt Dixon.” Libby raised an eyebrow and took a sip of her iced tea.

  Sierra sidestepped the question. “I’ll admit I’m attracted to the guy. But I can tell you right now, if I were looking for a relationship it certainly wouldn’t be with him.”

  Libby nodded. “I agree. It doesn’t sound like he’d be an ideal candidate if you had marriage in mind. On the other hand, he’s perfect for a summer romance.”

  “He’s not interested in anything permanent,” Sierra said slowly. “But, then, neither am I.”

  Sierra pondered the possibilities for a moment. If it would be just temporary, it also wouldn’t matter that he was his father’s son or a lawyer.

  “You see,” Libby said with a triumphant smile. “It’s a match made in heaven. No ties, no commitments, just fun.”

  Sierra had to chuckle. “I think God is about commitment.”

  “Not when you’re all wrong for each other,” Libby said.

  Sierra had to concede the point. Still, though the idea was tempting, it didn’t seem right. “I’ve never used anyone like that before.”

  “You wouldn’t be using him,” Libby reminded her. “You’d both go into this knowing the score.”

  “I wouldn’t be intimate with him,” Sierra said quickly.

  Libby waved a dismissive hand. “Of course you wouldn’t. And if he starts to pressure you, you get rid of him.”

  Sierra silently considered her friend’s words. “Some people say you shouldn’t date someone you wouldn’t want to marry.”

  Libby rolled her eyes and laughed. “I don’t know anybody who says that, much less believes it.”

  Sierra couldn’t help but smile. It did sound kind of silly when you said it out loud.

  “Besides, you’re not really going to date him,” Libby said with a teasing grin. “You’re just going to kiss him.”

  “Thanks for saying that,” Sierra said. “That sounds so much better.”

  Libby leaned forward, her blue eyes dark and intense. “You should do it. Have fun this summer. It might be your last chance for a while. It’s not like either of you are expecting this to be a serious relationship. And it may serve another purpose.”

  Sierra tilted her head. “What is that?”

  “Cootie Carl. I’m sure Matt is right.” Libby picked up her drink and regarded Sierra through lowered lashes. “Carl will move on and find another woman when he sees you aren’t available.”

  Sierra shook her head at her friend’s confident tone. “You should be in sales.”

  Libby’s eyes brightened as if sensing that Sierra was wavering. “You should do it.”

  Sierra thought for a moment. All her life she’d tried to do the ‘right’ thing and where had it gotten her? Anyway, like Libby said, what would be so wrong with just having fun? After all, she wasn’t really herself this summer, anyway.

  “Why not,” Sierra said, for once in her life throwing caution to the winds. “I have nothing to lose. Right?”

  Chapter Seven

  Matt swung his black Mercedes roadster into his sister Tori’s driveway and hopped out. His feet had barely hit the front stoop when the door to her peach-colored stucco town house swung open.

  “Matt.” Tori’s welcoming smile faded and she stopped short, eyeing his dark suit and tie. She glanced down at her striped cotton sundress. “I dre
ssed casual for tonight. Do I look okay or do you think I should change?”

  Matt smiled. Even though he knew he was prejudiced, he was firmly convinced his sister would look good in a gunnysack. Her silvery-blond hair was cut short, barely brushing her jawline. She wore it straight and tucked back behind her ears. Her complexion was flawless and she utilized her makeup to full advantage, emphasizing her big blue eyes and full, pouty lips.

  “You look great.” He was struck once again by how much Tori looked like their mother. Or rather, their mother’s pictures. Photographs were pretty much all they had. Janice Dixon had left her husband and children when Matt was ten and Tori was four.

  She’d decided that not only didn’t she want to be married anymore, she didn’t want to be a mother, either. She’d taken a job with a multinational firm based out of Hong Kong. “I thought we’d just eat at one of the sidewalk cafés downtown.”

  “But you’re all dressed up.” Tori glanced down at her dress then back at his suit. “Are you sure you don’t want to go somewhere a little nicer?”

  “I like eating outside and watching the tourists walk by.” He took her arm and pushed her toward the shiny black car. “And I’m only wearing a suit because I came directly from the office. You seem to forget that some of us have to work for a living.”

  Tori rolled her eyes at his teasing. “Don’t give me that. You’re on the golf course more than you’re in a courtroom.”

  Matt couldn’t help but laugh again. Tori had been born when he’d been six and she’d always had a mind of her own. But he’d adored his baby sister from day one and he still did.

  Tori stopped short and stared. “Is this your new car?”

  “Yep,” Matt said. “Just picked it up yesterday.”

  “It’s absolutely adorable,” Tori said, admiring the shiny black finish and plush tan leather seats. “Can I borrow it sometime?”

  “Get in,” Matt said, having learned early on the value of not dignifying ridiculous questions with an answer.

  “Maybe some Saturday night you could let me have it for a few hours?” Tori’s gaze grew hopeful. “I’ll take good care of it. I promise.”