by Brynna Curry
“One thing before we go. I don’t think I can be just your friend.”
“Ryan?”
“Shh. I want to see where this takes us.” His lips descended slowly, barely brushing hers at first, then going deeper, teasing her to open for him.
Kate kissed him back, allowing her fingers to trail up over his shoulders and link around his neck to hold him there. How could she have ever thought it was over between them? A tinkling sort of music filled her ears.
“What was that?”
“My cellphone. Damn.” He pulled away from her, drew in a ragged breath and flipped open the phone. “Hello?” Listening for a minute, Ryan held her in place.
God, she felt like her body was on fire. Every pore burned for his touch.
“I’m on my way back now. Bye.” Ryan closed the phone and shoved it back in his pocket.
“Molly?” she asked.
“Yes. We’re officially going to be late for dinner.”
Kate raised up on her toes, leaned in and pressed her lips to his in a hot kiss. “We’d better go.” Or we may not get there at all.
Chapter 7
“Guests don’t wash dishes, Mary Katherine, out to the parlor with you.” Molly took the plate out of Kate’s hands.
“Since when have I ever been a guest here?” Kate retorted, and took the dish towel off the counter. “Let me dry them, then.”
“Get out there and enjoy the time with your family. I miss that so much. My babies being little. Even when they drove me crazy wanting something every five minutes, I still enjoyed them.” Molly sighed and she sank her hands in the soapy water.
“I wanted to talk to you alone. Woman to woman, I guess you’d say.”
Allie pushed open the swinging kitchen door. “Aren’t you coming out, Mom? Aunt Liv’s telling us a story.”
“Your mom’s helping with the dishes, Allie. You run along now and we’ll be done in a bit.” Molly handed Kate a plate.
“Yes, Grams.”
“Something happened between you two.”
“Well. Sort of.”
“Out with it. These dishes won’t last long.” Molly smiled and went back to scrubbing a glass.
“I missed him so much. I thought I could get over him, thought I had, but then this afternoon…”
“Honey. You can have a dozen lovers and never get over loving ‘the one.’ Go on.”
Kate pressed her fingers to her lips. She could still feel the way Ryan had kissed her as if he’d been starving for her taste, her touch. “Ryan kissed me, and I’m not sure what to do about it.”
“Oh, the usual thing, I’d imagine.”
“Molly!”
“Honey, I have three children. Do you honestly believe I have no clue about the needs of two people in love?”
“Well. I–” Kate could feel the heat creep into her cheeks.
“Don’t start getting all embarrassed. I’ve practically raised you and I can see as well as anyone what’s in your heart. Now that all the misunderstandings are settled, you should at least try to see where this will lead you. Is that all that’s worrying you, dear? A kiss?”
How much should she tell Molly? She was Ryan’s mother–and had probably set them both up by sending him to the house in the first place. Oh, she was crafty. All right.
“It wasn’t just a kiss. Every bone in my body is vibrating. If you hadn’t called him, I’m pretty sure we’d have sorted it all out right then. If you know what I mean.”
“I want that for you. I want both of you to be happy.”
Ryan’s laughter peppered with Allaina’s giggles rumbled underneath the kitchen door.
“Hear that? It’s the most wonderful sound, my son and granddaughter. There’s such love in this house. Don’t be afraid of what you feel. Embrace the moment and live while you’re young.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Do you still think about Michael?”
“Every second of every day. I miss him so much. I wish he were here to see our babies.”
“If you were in my shoes, what would you do?”
“Only you can answer that.” Molly smiled mischievously. “Allie can spend the night with me. It’s getting late, and she’ll be asleep soon.”
“You are wicked.” Kate laughed and hugged her.
“Don’t I know it.” She laughed. “I’ll make up the spare room.”
Kate paused in the doorframe between the parlor and kitchen. Liv looked so beautiful, glowing with love and child, while her Jack gave just the right amount of support, though still letting go when she needed him to. Skye leaned against the piano, dreaming his thoughts. She’d found it a lot safer not to contemplate on those overmuch.
Ryan lounged on the piano bench, as if he were born on it. To anyone else, he might’ve looked lazy. When his eyes met hers across the room, she felt a punch of heat. Was she ready to surrender to his desires? She held his gaze, smiled at him, and sat on the sofa by Allie.
Molly sat down beside her and pulled Allie’s feet into her lap. “Play us a tune, Ryan Michael.”
“Yes. Play for us, Ryan. I can’t remember the last time I heard you play.” That was a lie. Of course she did, so she grinned at him when she made the request. Ryan smiled back and Kate knew he remembered as well.
Ryan began to play, letting his fingers lightly caress the keys of the old piano. Kate couldn’t help but watch his hands as they played. Their graceful stroking movements conjured memories of how they’d felt sliding across her heated skin. The tune turned bouncy, lusty, and she knew why he’d chosen this song. My song. He’d written it for her on a pipe flute the first night they’d made love, the night they’d conceived Allaina. Ryan slanted a look at her and smirked. Kate wanted to kiss that smirk off his face until he was just as lost in the memory. She closed her eyes and let the notes float around her.
It was just after eight when she heard Ryan knock quietly on the window. He’d be afraid her father would hear him. There was no chance of that. Mick had drunk himself into a stupor earlier and passed out on the kitchen floor. That’s where she had left him to sleep it off.
She climbed out the small window and dropped the three feet to the ground below. Ryan had a blanket over his arm, a picnic basket over that, and a stupid grin on his face.
“Happy Birthday, Kate.”
Ryan always called her that, not Mary Katherine or Katie or girl or cailin, as her father did. He made it sound like a lady’s name, sophisticated and grown up. He drew her against him with his free arm and kissed her with all the passion and fire of the forbidden. Ryan was five years her senior, but she was no child, hadn’t been for a long time, but she was still innocent.
“Mmm, that’s the best present I’ve had all day. Do I get another?” she teased.
“Maybe. Come walking with me, Kate. I’ll have you home before light.”
His words were playful, but the tone serious.
“I can stay out all night if I want. Am I not allowed to enjoy my birthday?” Kate linked her arm through Ryan’s and took the blanket from him.
They walked past the aging cottage near the standing stones. Someone had started painting it a sunny yellow, probably Liv. Kate could understand her friend’s odd obsession with the little house. She felt the same about her cove. She didn’t own the roughly eight by twelve foot spot of land, but it just felt like it belonged to her. She heard a rock give way under Ryan’s heavy footsteps. Almost there. Her heartbeat quickened.
Rolling ocean waves sprayed Kate’s face with droplets of warm water. Summer in Ireland was nothing short of magical and the sea was gorgeous. She closed her eyes and listened to the sound of the pipe flute as the music Ryan played carried on the wind and wrapped around them. Such a beautiful gift to be able create music like that. Standing above them, high on the cliff the stone dance caught the ribbons of moonlight, making it seem rippled with magic. She wished they could just run away somewhere her father couldn’t find them.
/> These stolen moments made it easier to deal with her father and his abusive behavior. Opening the picnic basket next to her, she placed the carefully prepared meal on the blanket spread across the sand.
“A present from Skye, baked chicken and strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting for dessert.”
“He’s so sweet.”
Warm, strong hands touched her gently on the shoulders. Tender. Kind. Kate turned into Ryan’s embrace and held him tightly to her. “I wish you didn’t have to go back. When are you leaving?”
“I don’t want to talk about that now. I missed you like crazy, Kate.”
His eyes were hungry when she gazed into them, starving almost. For what? For her? Sometimes it was easy for her to forget those five years between them, but not now.
She shivered with nerves as he pressed his lips to hers, taking her deep into the kiss, pulling her under a current of emotions until all she had left was him. “I love you, Ryan.”
“Mo chroi, I will love you forever.”
She lay back on the blanket, taking Ryan down to lie alongside her. The love she felt overwhelmed her, until her heart ached with the force of it. Ryan had always been a part of her life, first as Liv’s brother, then a friend, but the strength of their emotions couldn’t stay innocent forever.
“Be sure.”
“I belong with you, Ryan. I need you. This is what I want.”
They took each other slowly, a kiss, a touch, a taste to savor as though time stood still. New lovers with old souls moved together in a dance of pleasure. She needed no test or magical skill to read the love in Ryan’s eyes. Mine. Covered only in moonlight, the cool ocean breeze and the heat of her lover’s body, she clung to Ryan as they flew over the edge, passion into heartache.
The moon rode high in the sky and reflected off the waves gently breaking on the shore. She lay naked on a blanket spread out on the sand. Kate glanced at her watch. Midnight. She must have been dozing, since an hour or so had passed without her notice. Stretching out her hand, she rolled to her side and nuzzled an equally nude Ryan.
“When I go back to classes, I want you to come with me, Kate.”
“Can I do that?”
“We’ll find an apartment off campus.”
“What are you asking?”
“I love you. Marry me.”
* * * *
Ryan ended the song with a flourish of notes and the spell was broken. He looked back at Kate and the tension between them returned full force.
No one spoke until Jack cleared his throat.
“Thanks for dinner, Molly. It’s getting dark, so we really should be heading home.” Jack kissed his mother-in-law on the cheek, and then helped Liv up out of the chair.
“Bye, Ma.”
“Bye, dear. I’ll be round to check on things tomorrow.” Molly saw them out and closed the door.
Skye stared at Ryan intensely, probably seeing all there was to see and a good deal more than he wished for.
“So, pretty Katie, I’m heading back to the pub. Care to join me for a round, or a dance, or anything you like?” Skye took Kate’s hand and kissed her fingers. Ryan shot him a killing look.
Kate smiled at Skye and tugged on her hand.
“Maybe another time.”
“Whenever you like, darling.”
Molly stepped between her sons. “Shouldn’t you be getting back, Skylar? Rain is coming in. Stop teasing Mary Katherine.”
“See you tomorrow, Ma.” He was whistling when the door closed behind him.
“Ryan, you should drive Kate back to the clinic. Allie’s spending the night with me. She’s had a big day. Well. I’m going to put the leftovers away. Keys are still on the hook by the front door. Be careful. I’ll bring Allie over in the morning.” Molly disappeared back into the kitchen.
If he didn’t know better, he’d swear those two had planned this little tryst over sudsy dishes. He walked to the sofa and kissed Allie’s forehead. She woke.
“Dad, will you tuck me in?” His heart leaped. She lifted her arms to him and he bent and picked her up.
“Absolutely.” Ryan held her close to his chest. Her long hair tickled his neck when she shifted and tried to get closer. She smelled like tangerines or something citrusy, maybe lemons. Kate’s footsteps echoed on the carpeted hardwood floor behind him. She slipped around them, flipped on the light switch in the guest bedroom, and moved to pull the covers down. Ryan lay Allie on the bed and covered her with the blanket, tucking it in.
“I had fun tonight. I want you to teach me how to play the piano. I wish you’d be there every night to tuck me in.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek and she whispered, “I want you to fall in love with Mom and get married and live with us. I want a baby brother.”
A little dart jabbed through his heart. I want that too, baby, so badly. “You are the most wonderful, amazing and beautiful person on the planet, Allaina Corrigan.”
“I’m glad you came home, Dad.”
“I’ve loved you all your life Allie. I’ll be here when you need me. That’s all I can promise you for now.”
“Okay.” Allie closed her eyes and snuggled into the pillow.
The door closed with a soft click and he followed Kate back down the hall.
“Stopping looking at me like that, Ryan. Skye was teasing and well you know it. You don’t have to give me a lift. I can manage.” Ryan watched Kate stalk to the door and grab her jacket off the peg. He could smell rain on the air and wondered if she realized her pride would get her soaked.
He snatched the keys. “I’ll drive you. Rain’s coming. How can you take care of everybody else if you get sick?”
They drove in silence. Thankfully the ride was short. Kate pulled a set of keys out of her pocket and climbed out of the car. “There. You delivered me here. Thanks.” She glared at him out of hot blue eyes. He knew she needed distance to balance the frustration and he wasn’t about to give it to her.
“Here, I’ll do it.” Ryan took the keys out of her hand. She jumped when his hand touched hers. Thunder sounded in the distance and rain began to pound them while they stood on the landing. Ryan jiggled the lock and turned the knob.
“Thank you. I can manage from here.” She clipped the words at him. Kate pushed past him and went inside. She tried to slam the door in his face.
Ryan blocked it with the palm of his hand. “Are you really going to shut me out now? I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I know how he is.” He pushed his way in and locked the door behind him. Leaning forward, he pressed a light kiss to her throat.
“You made me look like a–well, do I need to spell it out for you? Then again, I guess you’d be used to those kinds of women by now.”
* * * *
It took a split second for her to realize she had pushed him too far. Ryan would never hurt her physically, but he might give up trying to repair their relationship. One minute she felt Ryan’s lips on her throat, the next the door pressed into her back and Ryan was plastered against her body. His hands circled her wrists and held them above her head. His eyes were so dark and intense.
“I shouldn’t have said that. I don’t how you spent the last thirteen years of your life. I’m angry and afraid. I’m not sure why.”
“I can’t stand the thought of another man touching you. Kissing you. Making love to you. It’s killing me.” His kiss wasn’t gentle or caressing as it had been earlier in the evening. This was possession, a claiming. Ryan plundered and demanded she ride the torrent with him.
“Ryan, I haven’t had another lover. You are the only one.” Was it possible to feel so much at once? The line of his body fit perfectly to hers, familiar, yet not. Heat, God yes the heat threatened to consume her, but the love radiating from him was her undoing. She wanted it more than anything else he could give her. Ryan tore his mouth from hers to steal ragged breaths.
“I won’t lie to you. There were others, but every time I touched another woman, it was your face I saw. Your body trembling beneat
h me.”
Ryan released her wrists and slid his hands to her sides, boosting her up. Kate wrapped her legs around his waist and he moaned in response. He turned with her in his arms.
“Tell me you want this. No turning back.”
Kate clutched his shoulders. “My room is at the end of the hall.” She pressed hot open-mouthed kisses on his neck, unfastening the buttons on his cotton shirt as he half-walked, half-stumbled down the hall. His hands cupped her backside and burned through the denim of her jeans. She reached around him, turned the doorknob, and he kicked it open. Then she was set on her feet by the bed.
Ryan pushed the bedroom door closed and turned the lock, remembering through the haze someone might have an emergency and walk in on them.
Kate pulled her damp t-shirt over her head and tossed it in the corner. She’d already disposed of his in the hall. Reaching behind her, she began to unclasp her bra.
“Let me.”
Chapter 8
Ryan slid around, freed the hooks, and pulled the white lacy material away from Kate’s creamy skin. How could he have forgotten how beautiful she was? She didn’t blush as she had the last time they had been together; instead her gaze held his, strong and sure of what she wanted. He pulled open the snap on her jeans, slid down the zipper. Was there a more erotic sound? At that moment he didn’t think so.
He took her hand. “Step out.” When she was free of her jeans, he lifted her and laid her on the bed. Quickly, Ryan removed his jeans, socks and shoes. Taking his cellphone out of his pocket, he turned it off and laid it on Kate’s nightstand.
“No more interruptions. If Allie needs me, Molly will call my pager.” Kate held her arms up to him. “Make love with me.”
“I thought you two might have set up this little sleepover.” He twined his fingers with hers and let Kate pull him down onto the bed. Ryan gathered her in his arms and pressed his lips to hers. She opened for him, mating her tongue with his.
“I missed you so much,” she whispered, her voice thick with desire, and wrapped her legs around his waist. “Don’t wait, Ryan. Please. We’ve wasted so much time already.”