by Ray, Francis
“I’ll race you to the other side. I’ll even give you a head start.” He turned away, hoping against hope he hadn’t scared her. He caught movement out of the corner of his eye.
“I don’t need an advantage. On the count of three. One. Two Three.” She dove cleanly into the water, her slender arms slicing through the water.
Amazed by her ability, Lance simply watched her before his competitive spirit kicked in. He dove into the water after her, aware that if he caught her it would be because of the length of his strokes. He gave it all he had. He knew she wouldn’t want a hollow victory.
“I won,” Fallon announced a split second before Lance touched the wall.
He stared over at her pleased face. He wanted to kiss her again, but he wasn’t ready for her to reject him again. “It looks like you should have given me the head start.”
“Daddy loved to swim. I’ve been swimming since I was a toddler.” She rested one hand on the blue-tiled edge of the pool. The other undulated in the water as she floated.
“You seem to do everything well,” he said.
Unhappiness glittered in her eyes. “Apparently not.” She started for the other end of the pool.
Lance followed as she swam the length of the pool. Once. Twice. When she pushed away for a third lap, he was there in front of her. “What is it?”
She glanced away. His hand gently turned her to face him. She looked so sad. This time he didn’t think; he just brushed his lips against hers. He wanted her happy. He didn’t want her to have regrets about staying the weekend with him.
“Lance.” She breathed his name and he was lost. With one hand braced on the edge of the pool, he pulled her into his arms with the other, his mouth hotly devouring hers. Their legs slid against each other, the water giving their bodies an erotic buoyancy.
Fallon wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing against him. She felt the rigid hardness of his arousal against the juncture of her thighs. Her own body quickened in response. His mouth, which she had desperately wanted on hers, was hot and demanding.
Lance lifted his head, their breathing loud in the stillness of the night. Fallon shivered from the fierce desire she saw in his eyes. “Tell me to stop or I won’t let you go until the morning.”
She couldn’t say the words to send him away again. Life offered no guarantees. She wanted to be with him. “Then don’t let me go.”
“Fallon.” Her name was a whispered prayer on his lips. His mouth took her again, worshiped her before becoming more heated and demanding. Suddenly releasing her, he got out of the pool and pulled her up into his arms. “Let’s hope I can make it to a bed.”
“Me, too.” Now that she had made up her mind, she found she liked teasing him. She nibbled on his ear, blew.
“Fallon, please don’t do that.”
“I like kissing you.” She proved it by kissing the curve of his jaw.
Lance entered the cottage with a burst of speed and didn’t stop until he was in the master bedroom. Placing Fallon on her feet, he jerked the covers back, then grabbed her and fell into bed with her, his mouth slamming into hers, the kiss filled with passion. His mouth slanted downward to the swell of her breast. He untied the swim top and tossed it aside.
He sucked in a ragged breath at the glorious sight of her high, firm breasts. They’d tempt a saint. He had to taste. His head lowered, taking the turgid peak into his mouth.
She sucked in a sharp breath and clasped his head, holding him closer. He moaned. She was exquisite and tasted like his most forbidden fantasy.
His hand moved downward, sweeping over her trembling stomach to her womanhood, then back up to untie the strings of her bikini bottom. He pulled it away.
Sheathing himself, he brought them together. His hips flexed, moving in and out of her hot, wet body. The tight fit almost sent him over the edge. He cupped her hips and brought them together again and again. Her legs wrapped around his hips, she eagerly met him thrust for thrust.
They went over together. He held her as aftershocks rippled though her body. Nothing had ever touched him as much. He rolled, his arms around her, unwilling to let her go.
Her eyes opened. They were a bit dazed and fully sated. He’d give anything to keep her with him always.
“Are you all right?” he asked, brushing her hair from her damp face.
She smiled, touched her fingertips to his lips. “Incredible, but don’t get the big head.”
“I’ll try not to.” He pulled her on top of him, his hand sliding over the slope of her back and stopping on her naked butt. “Let’s see if I can do a repeat.”
Laughing, Fallon lowered her lips to his. “Let’s.”
* * *
Fallon woke with a smile on her face, her back snuggled against Lance. Not only had they done a repeat, they’d also managed a three-peat. She felt deliciously happy. The night with Lance had been beautiful, and all that she had hoped for.
The early-morning light shone though the wooden blinds. Each time they’d made love had been more powerful and dazzling than the last. She hadn’t known it could be so moving.
“You OK?” he asked, his hand stroking her arm.
She angled her head to look at him. He was handsome enough to tempt an angel. He’d been all that she desired. She kissed his chin. “For the umpteenth time, yes.”
“Carmen will be here soon to cook breakfast, then the people I hired to help with the auction.” He kissed Fallon on the shoulder. “It’s going to be another hectic day.”
“But then comes the night,” she said, surprised by her boldness.
He rolled on top of her. “We don’t have to wait that long.”
* * *
Fallon couldn’t keep the huge grin off her face all during the day. It was going to be all right. She and Lance hadn’t had a chance to discuss how they’d handle their long-distance courtship, but somehow they’d make it work.
Fallon paused in taking a picture of the woman who’d purchased the chest of sterling silver flatware. “Courtship” was such an old-fashioned word. Fallon wasn’t sure why it had popped into her mind. She didn’t think it was because she was surrounded by things of a bygone era. More likely, the word seemed to fit. There was still a lot she and Lance didn’t know about each other, but now they had time.
“You look happy.”
Glancing up to see Lance, she didn’t even think; she just kissed him on the lips. “I am.”
He smiled back. “Just checking. Things are going so well we’ll probably sell out today.”
“And we’ll have more time to spend together tomorrow,” she said, delighted by the prospect.
“That was my thought.”
She stepped back. “Then stop goofing off and go sell. I have plans for you.”
His eyes darkened. “I asked Carmen to prepare our meal again. Unless you want to go out.”
“What do you think?”
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her until she trembled; then he was gone.
* * *
Lance went straight to the auction tent. He needed to focus and get his mind off Fallon. She was as addictive as he’d feared. When he wasn’t with her he wanted to be, and each time he was he had the compelling urge to kiss and hold her. No woman had ever affected him so strongly.
This was bad. Very bad.
This wasn’t forever. He didn’t do long-term. Yet he didn’t want to think of the day she wouldn’t be there. He was getting in over his head. If he had any sense, he’d make up some excuse and get back to Tucson as soon as the auction was over. She’d be disappointed, but she’d understand. Before the thought fully formed, he knew he wasn’t going to do that.
As dangerous to his peace of mind as Fallon was, he also wanted her for as long as he could have her. He’d just have to deal with the fallout later.
* * *
Saturday night, Fallon kept looking at her watch. She wasn’t supposed to come out of the guest cottage until eight thirty. It was eight twenty-eight. Lance
had a surprise for her. She couldn’t imagine what. She was pretty sure it wasn’t a whom. Both of them wanted to be alone.
She glanced at her watch again and moved toward the door, the tiered hem of the cranberry maxi strapless sundress swirling around her legs. Eight twenty-nine. She couldn’t stand the suspense. She’d walk slowly. She was to meet him by the pool.
She reached for the door and stopped. She didn’t want to ruin his surprise. She remembered he’d been a bit unsure of himself when he’d told her, which made her care for him more. She loved it when—
Her thoughts stumbled to a halt. Love. She loved him.
Closing her eyes, she leaned her head against the door. She’d rolled down that mountain past caring deeply and straight into disaster. Lance wasn’t ready for the l word. She knew that. Love to her meant forever, marriage. He’d made it no secret that marriage wasn’t in his future.
So why hadn’t her heart listened?
She jumped on hearing her cell phone. It was probably Lance. She’d talked to Naomi and then her mother and sister that afternoon. She stared at the phone. What if he could tell she loved him? She chastised herself and answered the phone. How would he know when she’d just figured it out herself?
“I’m on my way,” she answered, and cringed on hearing the shakiness in her voice.
“You all right?”
“Yes. I was trying not to come early and just lost track of time. I’m hanging up because I can’t wait any longer.” Disconnecting the call, she hurried out the door. She wasn’t going to spoil tonight for them.
She rushed down the path, her low-heeled sandals clacking on the paver stones. She rounded a huge potted plant and came to a complete stop. Her mouth formed a silent O.
Floating spheres of lotus blossom lights bobbed in the pool. Lance stood on the loggia with a long-stemmed red rose in one hand, a wine flute in the other. Instead of the rattan table, there was a smaller one draped with a white tablecloth. On top was a five-tier lit chandelier.
“Say something,” he said, sounding nervous.
Tears formed in her eyes. She blinked them away. Somehow she made her feet move until she was within arm’s reach of him. “I make my living with words, but this…” She extended her hand toward him and the pool and swallowed. “No one has ever made me feel as special as I do at this moment.”
“Stop looking at me like that, or I’ll spill your wine and we’ll miss a great dinner.” He handed her the rose and the wine.
Her unsteady hands closed around the stem of the glass and the rose. He lifted his flute. “To second chances.”
“Second chances.” She sipped, then took the seat he pulled out.
He lifted a domed lid. “Prime rib, baked potato, and asparagus.”
Steam tendrils wafted up from her plate. She placed her glass aside as he took his seat and said grace. “Do you have genies in your kitchen?”
“Carmen stayed and cooked.” He picked up his knife and fork. “Oskar and his father helped me with the lights.”
Fallon still couldn’t take it all in. “Nothing could have pleased me more.”
“I wouldn’t go so far as to say that.”
Fallon laughed. “You might have a point.”
“I like hearing you laugh.” He cut into his beef. “It was one of the things I missed. I’m glad you trusted me enough to come back for the weekend.”
“Thanks for inviting me.”
He picked up his glass. “How long is your assignment with the food editor?”
“Off and on for a month. She’ll have to get back to her magazine from time to time,” Fallon explained, sure Lance was going to ask her for dates and times so he could visit her.
He nodded. “I can’t wait to read the article you wrote about this place. When do you think it will come out?”
Disappointed, Fallon fought to keep the smile on her face. “In a couple of weeks for the newspaper, and in a travel magazine in two to three months.”
“Be sure and let me know so I can get copies.” He stopped eating and stared across the table at her. “You’re not eating.”
“Just thinking about tomorrow.”
“I’m trying not to.” A frown on his face, he sat back in his chair. “The time went by so fast.”
Fallon perked up a bit. He did care. “But I’ll be back.”
“I’m not sure I can wait that long,” he said.
More encouraging words to hear. She’d just have to be patient. He’d say something about them getting together before the night was over. Assured she was right, she picked up her knife and fork. It was going to be all right. She’d worried for nothing.
* * *
Fallon woke up in Lance’s arms Sunday morning, but this time she wasn’t smiling. Doubts that she had pushed aside last night refused to budge this morning. Lance hadn’t said anything before they fell asleep about a future for them. She didn’t hold out much hope he’d say anything this morning.
The slow glide of his hand down her naked back had awakened her. She would have thought he’d awakened her to make love, but he never deepened the pressure, never touched her anyplace else to inflame her senses.
Misery swamped her. Before now, he hadn’t seemed able to touch her without wanting to kiss her or make love to her. Now, she didn’t seem to matter. She’d gambled and lost. Pride dictated he never know how much he’d hurt her or that she loved him.
She rolled away from him and got out of bed. Naked, she felt exposed. She saw the dress she’d worn last night hanging off the foot of the bed and reached for it.
“There’s nothing much at the airport to eat. You want to leave early and grab a bite?” Lance asked.
Fallon pulled the dress over her head before turning. The sheet pushed to his waist, he leaned on one elbow and stared at her. After all they’d shared, his eyes were once again impersonal. Perhaps, to him, they’d shared nothing but a few hot moments.
“I’m not hungry.” Food was the furthest thing from her mind.
Frowning, Lance threw back the covers and got out of bed, unconcerned by his nakedness. His brows furrowed, he crossed to her. “You feel all right?”
She kept her gaze on his face instead of the body that had inflamed her senses. “I never eat much when I fly. I better get showered and dressed.”
“Your plane doesn’t leave for another three hours.” He frowned down at her.
She picked up her weekender. “I like arriving early. Besides, I promised Naomi I’d call and I want to have enough time to catch up on how things are going for the wedding.” This time she made good her escape.
In the bathroom, her arms wrapped around her waist, she sat on the commode. She loved a man who had only wanted a convenient bed partner. She brushed away the tears threatening to fall. She was stronger than that.
Standing, she pulled off her dress and stepped into the shower. She’d leave him with a jaunty wave and a smile on her lips. Perhaps she should have listened to Megan after all.
* * *
Lance had wondered how today would unfold, but never in a million years would he have thought Fallon would be so anxious to leave. Or that he would want so badly to ask her to stay.
He’d already accepted that there couldn’t be a future for them, had told her as much in the beginning. Yet he was finding out as he glanced at her while they took the road to the airport that saying something and being able to stick with it were two different things.
This morning, when he’d awakened with her in his arms, he’d felt a blissful peace he’d never experienced before. He’d been content to just hold her. When she’d awakened, he’d wanted to ask her if he could fly out to her assignment, but she had been so anxious to leave he hadn’t said anything for fear she’d turn him down. Something had changed between last night and this morning, and he wasn’t sure what.
He parked in front of the airport terminal. Fallon got out of the car and arrived at the trunk of his car before he did.
She glanced at her watch. She
couldn’t wait to be away from him. Unlocking the trunk, he reached for her bags.
“Thanks. I have them.” She straightened with her garment bag, camera bag, and weekender.
“I’ll take them in for you.”
“No need. See you around.” On tiptoes, she kissed him on the cheek. “Take care, Lance.”
He didn’t know what to say to the easy brush-off. It was all he could do not to reach out to her. “I’ll call.”
She shrugged her elegant shoulders. “Suit yourself, but I’ll be on the road and I’m not sure about reception.”
His hands slid into the pockets of his jeans. She couldn’t have made it any plainer. “Good-bye, Fallon.”
Without another word, she walked into the airport terminal. She didn’t look back.
* * *
Inside the terminal, Fallon went through Security and directly to her gate. Her sunshades firmly in place, she stared out the window. She wouldn’t cry. She wouldn’t. Swallowing repeatedly, she fought to keep the tears at bay.
She couldn’t even blame Lance for the way things ended. He’d made no promises. She’d walked into this with her eyes wide open. She’d foolishly thought that he cared, that after they’d made love he would change his mind.
She sniffed. What did that old song say about love making a fool of you? She certainly qualified, but she’d survive. She’d get over him. At the wedding, she’d show him that he meant nothing to her. Perhaps one day she wouldn’t be lying.
Chapter 9
Unable to help himself, Lance had marked off each of the days Fallon was gone. He’d never missed anything or anyone as much or been as anxious to see them again.
Parking in the church’s parking lot, he got out of his car. He didn’t see Richard’s truck, which was understandable, since Lance was thirty minutes early for the wedding rehearsal. He blew out an aggravated breath and leaned against the door of his rental.
His plane from Tucson had landed that morning in Albuquerque. He’d picked up his rental and driven straight to the Yates house. He hadn’t stopped until he was back in the cottage he and Fallon had shared. Memories had washed over him, not just the intimate ones but those of hearing her laughter, of her teasing him, of him holding her.