by James, Anna
Chapter 14
“Come on, sleepyhead.”
Ashely moaned. “Five more minutes.”
A rumbly chuckle swirled around her like soft, smooth silk. She sighed.
“No can do. We’re here.”
A snick and click of a lock releasing, then two strong arms scooped her up and held her tight. She burrowed deeper against the hard wall of muscle, and opened her eyes. Bright stars twinkled in the clear evening sky. A soft breeze cooled her heated skin. “Where are we?”
“At the house on the lake.”
She stiffened. Holy crap! “W-Why?”
“You need someone to take care of you for the next couple of days.”
“I’m a grown woman, Reed. I can fend for myself.” She tried to squirm out of his arms but he tightened his hold.
“Be reasonable, Ashley. You couldn’t even walk out of the hospital on your own. You needed my help. How are you going to take care of yourself when you can barely move?”
“I’ll call my sister.”
“Not a good idea,” he murmured.
Why not? Nicole would drop everything and come if she asked. And wasn’t she being selfish in the extreme? Nicole had a life of her own and as she’d just protested, she was a grown adult. And too weak to argue with Reed further.
Somehow he managed to unlock the front door and thrust it open with her still in his arms. They walked into an enormous space with floor-to-ceiling windows along the far wall, and from there down a long hall to the last room on the right.
He laid her gently on the bed. She sank into the thick, plush linen and closed her eyes.
Ashley woke to a bright, sunlit room. She rose and peered out the floor to ceiling windows overlooking Lake Michigan. Rays of light glinted off the water rippling in the gentle breeze. She opened the sliding glass door, stepped out onto the wooden deck, and drew in a deep, satisfying breath. A girl could get used to waking up to this view every morning.
She wouldn’t. While she was grateful to Reed for caring for her over the last couple of days, she wasn’t under any illusions that his compassion would last now that she was better.
She sighed, went back inside and into the en suite. Lord, this room was just as nice as the master. Very contemporary with a white wood vanity and black granite countertops. Double sinks with Chrome-finished hardware, and, oh, a sunken tub with a view of the lake.
While a long soak would be heaven, all she wanted right now was to wash away the sweat of the last two days. She touched the hi-tech control panel and set the water for a balmy ninety-nine degrees, then stepped under the steamy spray and sighed. Grabbing the Irish Spring from the soap dish, she cleansed her skin, then poured some of Reed’s shampoo into her hand and washed her hair.
After rinsing off, she padded back into the bedroom and opened the top dresser drawer looking for something to wear. She couldn’t put the clothes she arrived in back on. She’d sweated in them for two days. For now, she’d borrow something of Reed’s and toss her items into the washer and change later.
She grabbed a pair of black silk boxers, slipped them on, and rolled over the waistband three times in a feeble attempt to make them fit. Comfy. The smooth silk was soft against her skin. She could see now why he wore them. Another drawer held T-shirts so she grabbed one and put it on, then went in search of Reed.
“Morning, Ash.”
She turned. Reed stood, his long, lean frame propped against the doorframe leading from the hall into the bedroom. He was dressed in a pair of casual khaki cargo shorts and a slate blue polo shirt. He looked good, damned good.
“Feeling better this morning?”
She wanted to march over to him, grasp his head and drag it down to hers for a mind-blowing kiss. She didn’t. “Yes.”
He ambled over to her and placed his palm on her head. “No fever. Good. Are you hungry?”
Oh yeah. For you. No. Stop it. Damn. This is why she’d vowed to keep her distance. She couldn’t control her wayward hormones around him and that wasn’t good for either of them.
“How about some chicken soup?”
“You have chicken soup?” she asked.
“Made it myself this morning.”
Her eyebrow winged up. “You. Made chicken soup?”
“Yes. And it’s really good.”
“When did you learn how to cook?”
His eyes hardened. “When I was a teenager and had to fend for myself most of the time.”
She nodded. Finally, an explanation for the anger and resentment he held for his parents. When they hadn’t been using him to get back at each other, they’d ignored him. Her heart ached for the boy he’d been and the man who stood before her.
She offered a tentative smile. “Actually, soup sounds great. I’d love some.”
He turned, and she followed him into the kitchen.
“Sit.”
He gestured to one of the four high decorative metal-backed bar chairs placed at the granite island in the center of the room. She gazed around while he ladled the soup into a glass bowl. Traditional wood cabinets in white lined the interior rear and right adjacent walls along with a massive refrigerator. The sink sat in front of a sizable glass window and, oh, what a view.
“Go ahead and eat.”
She dragged her eyes back from the sparkling water and smiled. “Sorry, I got sidetracked. I can’t stop checking out the view. It’s magnificent.”
He grinned and damn if her heart didn’t give a little kick.
“It’s one of the things that drew me to this place when I first visited.”
“I can see why.”
She lifted a hand and gestured to her surroundings. “This is pretty nice, too. The light colors give the room an open, airy, feel.” She lifted the spoon and blew on the steaming liquid.
“You should have seen it when I bought the place. Dark wood everywhere. I sanded everything and painted it all white.”
“You did the renovations yourself?” She slid the spoon in her mouth, swallowed, closed her eyes for a moment and sighed as she savored the delicious broth.
He nodded. “Throughout the whole place.”
“I’m impressed. Where did you find the time?”
“I did a lot of it before we got married. While you were away finishing up your bachelor’s degree.”
And still he’d made the effort to drive the four hours to her school to see her most weekends during those two months. “I’d love to see what you’ve done.”
“Good. I’d like to show you, get your opinion on the colors I chose. You’re really good at that. You did a great job with the condo.”
He liked what she’d done? And here she’d worried about wrecking what his interior designer had created. She couldn’t help smiling up at him. “Where do we start?”
“This way.”
She followed him into a considerable space she assumed was the great room. Pale blue paint, creamy off-white trim, crown molding, and light hardwood floors made for a calm, relaxing atmosphere. Floor-to ceiling windows and glass sliding doors along the front wall provided access to a wooden deck and the magnificent waterfront view.
He’d divided the room into two areas. Something she wouldn’t have thought of, but loved now that she’d seen it.
At one end, a grand, limestone fireplace flanked the far wall and two contemporary armchairs in blue and tan striped fabric sat opposite. A patterned rug in shades of blue filled the space in front of the seats.
A massive flat screen television hung on the wall at the opposite end of the room. In this area, a plush sectional, similar to the one she’d purchased for the condo after they first married, provided comfy seating. “I like how you’ve created the two distinct spaces.”
“This was actually two rooms when I started. I took out
the wall between what was the living room and dining room and turned the space into one big area.”
“So the kitchen is the only place to eat?”
He shook his head. “I converted one of the bedrooms on the other side of the kitchen into the dining room. I figured we didn’t need it right now.”
We? “What a great idea.”
Reed grinned, and her heart gave another little kick. She let out a resigned sigh.
He slung an arm around her shoulder. “Come on. I’ll show you the rest of the place.”
Twenty minutes and four rooms later they arrived back in the kitchen, the tour complete.
“I have to say, you’ve done a fabulous job here, Reed. Every room was perfect. I loved them all.”
He gave her one of his rare lopsided grins. It started out slow, just a quick upward twitch of his lips and then spread into a wide smile that reached all the way to those gorgeous dancing eyes. Her insides melted.
“I’m really glad you like the place.”
Had that been his intent all along? Create a home she couldn’t help but love? He’d said this was an investment property. If that were the case, why would her opinion matter? Why had her impressions been important to him? And they had, judging by his reactions to what she’d said when they went through each room.
If so, what did it all mean? He’d agreed to the divorce.
It had been your idea.
Yes, but only because she thought he didn’t love her. Had she been wrong?
“Now that you’ve seen the inside of the house, do you want to take a look around outside?”
Ashley blinked. Reed stood in front of the refrigerator at the far end of the room. She walked over to join him. “Sure.”
He opened the door, extracted two cold bottles of water, and handed her one. “Thanks.”
He led her back down the hall to the rear entrance. It was then she noticed a closed door. “What’s in here?” She didn’t remember seeing it when they’d passed through here earlier.
“Don’t go in there.”
Too late, she’d already opened the door and now stood staring inside. Her eyes widened. “Oh.” She let out a soft gasp.
She entered the modest-sized bedroom and peered around. Cream color paint covered the interior. A hand-painted illustration of a tall, brown oak tree had been added on the left side of the far wall. Long leafy branches spilled onto the ceiling, and around the corner onto the adjacent surface. Monkeys, giraffes, and other animals dotted the jungle landscape around the room and a gigantic, adorable, lion stood guard beside the door.
A white dresser stood opposite her and a half-assembled crib flanked the near wall.
“You did this?” She swallowed hard.
“Damn it, Ashley, I told you not to go in.”
“I’m sorry. I just wanted to see . . .”
“And now you’re upset.”
Upset? “No.”
He reached up and gently wiped a tear from her cheek. “You’re crying.”
Oh hell, she was. “Not because I’m upset. I, I, ah . . . You really wanted our baby.” He rarely talked about their son, and when he did, he spoke of providing a good, stable home and making sure he was a part of his life. Things you did out of obligation, or, at least she’d assumed as much at the time.
Given what he’d gone through as a teen . . . His words took on a new light. And this, she gazed around the room once more. No, not just a room. A warm, welcoming space, created by a man who not only wanted his child but loved him, too.
His face closed over and he turned and strode away.
No. This time she wasn’t going to let him push her away. She raced off after him. She found him in the living room, staring out at the gently rippling water, a brooding expression on his face. “Please, don’t shut me out.”
He didn’t answer. If it was possible he seemed even more remote.
“Please, Reed. I know what you’re going through. I understand. We both lost him. He was a part of both of us.”
He didn’t respond. She placed a hand on his arm. “I loved him, more than I thought possible.”
A shudder ripped through him. “And now he’s gone.”
His toneless, hollow voice wrenched her heart. She flung her arms around him and held him tight. “Oh, Reed.”
Reed started to shake. It started in his fingers and spread throughout him like wildfire until his whole body convulsed. It was as if the dam he’d carefully constructed crumbled into a million tiny pieces and the pain and heartache he’d bottled up deep inside gushed out everywhere.
“It’s okay, honey. I’m here.”
He clung to her as if his life depended on it. “Yes, I wanted our son.” His heart pounded. He’d loved their child.
A guttural groan jerked him out of his misery. He looked down at Ashley. Tears streamed down her lovely face. The grief in her eyes tore at his heart. “Please don’t cry.” He hated to see her hurt this way.
He kissed her. A brush of his lips over hers. He’d only wanted to offer comfort, but she kissed him back, like she’d never let him go, and dear God, he wanted her. No. He needed her.
He lifted her into his arms, strode into the bedroom, and lowered her to the floor. She gazed up at him. An emotion flickered in her eyes. It disappeared before he could decipher it.
“Reed.” She reached for him again.
“Are you sure about this, Ash?”
Her gaze locked on his. “Yes.”
Chapter 15
Slumberous jade eyes stared up at him, then Ashley lifted up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
A shudder ripped through him and Reed marveled at how the simple press of her lips against his skin could bring such intense pleasure. He wanted, no craved, more.
“Ashley.” He lowered his head to hers, intending his kiss to be tender, gentle. A leisurely exploration of her sweet, velvety softness, but passion ignited the moment their lips touched.
His mouth took possession of hers with a savage intensity that shocked him to the core. Only this woman could fire this frantic, urgent need inside him.
She kissed him back with an eagerness that not only matched his, it surpassed it.
“Touch me, Reed. I need you to touch me.”
He cupped her ass and pulled her up against him, then did as she asked. He touched her. Raked his hands over her back, her hips, her thighs.
“Yes, Reed. Oh, God. Yes.”
She clamped her arms around his neck, anchored him to her, and gave a cry of satisfaction when his mouth crushed hers.
White-hot heat surged through him. Dear God, he was going to come. Right here. Right now.
His breaths came in short, sharp gasps. “Ashley!” Only she could drive him to the edge of insanity, balancing on a tightrope between pleasure and pain. “Baby, we need to slow this down.” It was going to be over too soon if she didn’t stop touching him, and she deserved better.
“I can’t. I need you, Reed.”
He scooped her up into his arms and strode into the bedroom. A light breeze blew in through the open windows, cooling his heated skin. With infinite care, he lowered her to the bed and onto the cotton sheets, then removed the oversized shirt she wore—his shirt—then eased the silk boxers over the curve of her hip.
He would never be able to wear either garment again without remembering the sight of them on her lush, ripe body or the feel of her soft, smooth skin beneath the palms of his hands as he slid them from her.
He gazed down at her, drinking in the supple curves of her breasts, her arms, her legs. Framing her face with his hands, he gazed deep into her eyes. “You are so beautiful.”
Tears pricked in the corner of her eyes and he kissed them away, then skimmed lazy fingers through the glossy mane of
fiery hair fanned out before him, over her cheeks, down the long column of her elegant neck, and over the sculpted beauty of her shoulders.
He’d missed her, and not just the sex. He missed the way she snuggled up against him each night before she drifted off to sleep, how she fit perfectly into the crook of his arms, waking in the morning with her warm softness pressed against him.
He cupped one pert breast in each hand. “Perfect.”
She sucked in a deep breath when he brushed his thumbs over the tips of her rosy pink nipples. They stiffened into taut peaks. She moaned.
He lowered his mouth and suckled while his hands floated over her ribcage, her flat stomach.
She shuddered. “Reed, please.”
He continued the gentle torment, letting his hands glide down her thighs, over the curve of her smooth hip. Her breathing grew ragged. She squirmed, her head thrashing side to side.
He gazed down at the hectic flush in her face, the wild passion blazing in her eyes. Knowing he could give her such exquisite pleasure kindled a primitive satisfaction deep inside.
He parted her legs and then slipped his fingers into her hot heat. Her body bucked and bowed.
“I want you inside me. Please.”
How could he argue when he wanted the same? He levered up on his arms, hovering just above her and stared down into those stormy green eyes. Her lush lips curved into a glorious smile and she kissed him.
He trembled and drove into her with one powerful thrust.
“You, Reed,” she cried out. “Only you.”
Her hands roamed over his back, his arms, his hips. Hot, aching need stormed through him. He plunged into her again.
She sobbed. “Only you, Reed.”
Each little cry, each sob of pleasure, every tiny gasp she made brought him closer to the brink.
“Reed, Oh Reed.”
She wrapped her legs around his waist.
“Ashley,” he cried hoarsely. His release came in a shattering surge that jolted every fiber of his being.