Almost Perfect

by Julie Ortolon

  The sound of a car approaching jolted her. What if it was Harold? Or someone who knew him and would mention seeing her? She ducked behind some bushes, squatting down where she couldn't be seen-and instantly felt ridiculous. Although beneath that was a little thrill of excitement. She hadn't done anything like this since the nights when she was grounded and Joe would help her climb out of her bedroom window.

  Several long minutes passed with her straining to hear any sign of Joe's return. All she could hear was the lapping of the water against the riverbank, night bugs, the hoot of an owl.

  "Maddy?"

  With a screech, she landed on her backside and looked up to find Joe leaning over the bush. "You scared the tar out of me!"

  "Why are you hiding?"

  "I heard a car. And… I don't know. I thought it might be Harold out looking for us."

  "Not a chance. He's sitting in the guardhouse clear on the other side of camp, lying in wait."

  Seeing his grin, she narrowed her eyes. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

  "Absolutely." He held out his hand. "You ready?"

  Accepting his hand, she let him pull her to her feet, then gasped when he swept an arm behind her legs and lifted her off her feet. "Are you hauling me around again?"

  "Just trying to keep your shoes dry." He carried her toward the river.

  Turning her head, she saw a canoe pulled to the bank, barely visible in the moonlight. "Ah, I see." She circled his neck with her arms and smiled at him. "My brave Indian warrior, come to row me away in the moonlight."

  "So, I've moved up from caveman?"

  "A little." She tipped her head flirtatiously! "Although maybe I like strong he-men."

  He glanced down, his face all sharp angles and strong planes in the darkness. "I know you do."

  When they reached the water's edge, she realized he'd left his cowboy boots in the canoe and rolled up his pants legs. He waded into the water and settled her on one of two seats. With hardly a sound, he pushed the canoe away from the bank and leapt nimbly inside to settle on the seat facing her.

  She watched him row as they slipped in and out of moonlight. His arms and shoulders moved with easy strength and fluid grace. Water dripped off the paddle like silver pearls that dropped back into the black river. Her mind conjured a fantasy of him bare-chested with glossy black braids that hung past his shoulders while a loincloth and buckskin chaps hugged his lower body. The image made, desire throb deep in her belly. Savoring the mild discomfort of it, she tipped her head back and studied the star-strewn sky as wispy clouds drifted" by the moon. "It's beautiful out tonight."

  He glanced up as well. "It really is. One of the things I like about being away from city lights is all the stars."

  She listened to the dip of the paddle as they glided along. "You always did like the out-of-doors."

  "It sharpens the senses. Especially at night."

  He guided the boat to shore in the shelter of a weeping willow, then stepped silently into the ankle-deep water. After pulling the boat onto the shore, he lifted her into his arms.

  "Thank you," she said as he released her legs and let her slide to the bank.

  "My pleasure." He stared down at her a long time, his face hidden in shadow. The throb in her belly built to an insistent ache. Just when she thought he would kiss her, he stepped away.

  She looked around, trying to gather her scattered thoughts. "Are you going to leave the canoe here?"

  "No. That would raise too many questions." He pulled it higher onto land and retrieved his boots. Leaning against the tree trunk, he dusted off his feet before putting the boots on. "I'll walk you home, then come back and put it away."

  "Oh." Nerves fluttered as she debated what to do when they reached the Craft Shack. Should she invite him in so they could talk? Or maybe the progress they'd made tonight was enough for now-which raised the temptation to invite him in and not talk. But no, she'd sworn she wouldn't do that. No sex until they settled a few things.

  "Ready?" He held his hand out to her.

  Taking his hand, she let him lead her up one of the trails, through the trees. The path grew steeper, the ground rougher. With her mind distracted, she stepped wrong and nearly fell.

  "I've got you." His arm went about her. "You okay?"

  "I'm fine." She started to straighten and winced as pain stabbed her ankle. "I think."

  "Did you twist your ankle?"

  "Maybe."

  "Hang on." He lifted her again, that effortless move that had her cradled in his arms, snug against his chest. Her arms went about his neck as he moved up the trail. In spite of her earlier complaint, she decided a woman could get really used to this.

  They stopped in the Serenity Garden, an area at the side of the trail where Leah and the campers had planted wildflowers and berry bushes to attract butterflies and songbirds. He lowered her to a bench and knelt before her. Sitting back on his heels, he removed her sandal and placed her foot on his thigh.

  "Does this hurt?" His fingers probed the ankle, sending little shivers of delight up her leg.

  "Not too much." She suppressed a moan of pleasure when his hand continued its exploration. "I think it will be fine in… mmm, a minute or two."

  He looked up, still cradling her ankle in his hand, his skin warm against hers. "Do you need me to carry you all the way home?"

  Oh, wouldn't that be sexy? Especially if he carried her inside and laid her on the bed. Staring into his eyes, she decided they really needed to get past the talking portion of the evening, so they could get to the not-talking part. "No. Just give me a minute."

  He nodded, but made no move to rise and join her on the bench.

  She gathered her courage. "Joe-"

  "Maddy-" he said at the same time, then laughed. "Sorry. You go ahead."

  "No, that's okay. You first."

  He took a long while to gather his thoughts, his fingers absently caressing her lower calf. "About your offer to design brochures for the boot camp. If, um, if you're still willing, I'd, uh…" His eyes lifted and looked deep into hers. "I'd like to take you up on that."

  "You'd-" Her heart skipped. "You'd let me be part of it? Starting your business?"

  "I would." He nodded stoically. "In fact, I'd like it very much. If the offer still stands."

  Joy poured in as she realized what he was really saying. He was willing to open himself up to her again, maybe not all the way, but it was a step in the right direction. "Yes, the offer still stands."

  "Are you sure?" He cupped her jaw with his free hand, searching her eyes.

  She nodded as tears filled her eyes.

  "Then why are you crying?"

  "Because I'm scared I'll let you down."

  He stroked her lips with his thumb. "I thought you said you were a good graphic artist."

  "I am." She meant she feared hurting him again because she still hadn't figured out everything she wanted. She just knew she wanted more than casual sex. "I promise I'll try very hard not to disappoint you."

  "Oh, Maddy." He came up on his knees and pressed his forehead to hers. His hands moved over her back in soothing circles. "You don't have to promise me anything. We'll just… take it as it comes, okay?"

  "Okay." She wrapped her arms about him and held him tight. So many emotions filled her-fear, relief, happiness, love. And desire. "Make love to me, Joe. Right here."

  "What?" His hands went still. "Here?"

  "Please." She lifted her head to look at him. "Here in the moonlight, beneath the stars. Make love to me."

  He looked at her, and she saw all her own emotions burning in his eyes as he cupped her face in both his hands.

  "Here," he agreed on a sigh. Slowly he lowered his head and kissed her with a thoroughness that left her breathless. Wind sang through the trees as his hands ran over her, arousing all her senses.

  Leaning into his touch, her head fell back as she gloried in the feeling of Joe touching her, caressing her. He slipped the jacket off and ran his palms up her b
are arms. Needing more, she started to unbutton her dress, but his hands stopped her.

  "Let me," he whispered, his voice hoarse with desire.

  Dropping her hands back to the bench, she watched as he unbuttoned her dress and slowly parted it. Night air brushed her heated skin. Somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted as Joe lowered his head. She closed her eyes, listening to the night sounds as she absorbed the feel of his warm lips on the upper curve of each breast. A quiver went through her as he pulled the lace do^vn and his mouth closed wetly over one nipple.

  If she couldn't give him promises about the future, she'd give him now and the fullness of her response, letting him know he aroused more than her body. His gentle intensity went all the way to her heart.

  Arching her back, she moaned as his tongue worked its magic over her tingling skin. His hands swept beneath her skirt, taking hold of her panties.

  "I want to touch you," he said, tugging at the scrap of silk. "All of you."

  "Yes," she breathed, lifting her hips so he could remove the barrier. His hands returned quickly, pulling her forward so she sat on the front edge of the bench. With the dress bunched up to her waist and gaping at her breasts, she was completely open to him, an offering for the taking.

  Her eyes met his as he eased her thighs apart,! and a winsome smile curved her lips.

  Oh, Maddy, he thought, aching to have and to keep this time. Forever. He accepted that that might never happen. Love had to be given freely. No conditions.

  The knowledge made him tremble as he ran his hand purposefully up her thigh, toward the center of her heat. Her gaze remained fixed on his and she opened her thighs a fraction more.

  He might not be able to hold her forever, but for tonight, this moment, she was his.

  Be mine, he told her with his eyes as he slipped a finger slowly inside her. Stay mine.

  "Yes," she sighed as if she'd heard his words. "Yes."

  He chained his own hunger and concentrated on pleasuring her, slowly, deliberately, driving her up and over the edge, soaring with male satisfaction as she slowly drifted back down.

  Only then did he release his own need. He took a second to protect them both, then poised at the entrance to all that heat. Pressing into her was like entering heaven. She engulfed him, drew him in, and held him tight.

  He closed his eyes, thrilling to the sensation of being part of her, yet loving her so much that he feared it.

  With a moan deep in her throat, she lifted her hips, taking him even deeper, and he couldn't hold back. He thrust hard and strong, every muscle in his body tensing as the pleasure built, and when it burst free, he thought for one heart-stopping moment that he would die from it.

  He braced himself, still buried deep inside her, his head back as his heart thundered. As he drifted back to his senses, he realized Maddy had wrapped herself about him, her arms and legs holding him tight as she pressed her head against his chest.

  He wrapped his arms about her as well and rested his cheek against her hair, wishing he could hold her like that all night.

  Eventually, though, his spent body eased from hers, breaking the connection. With a sigh of disappointment, she tipped her face to smile up at him.

  "You're right," she said. "The senses are keener outside."

  He smiled as he caressed her cheek. "Do you think you can walk on that ankle now?"

  "Ankle?" Wicked delight danced in her eyes. "What ankle?"

  They straightened their clothes and he helped her rise. "Come on. I'll take you home."

  Chapter 18

  It's true what they say: Time flies when you're having fun. -How to Have a Perfect Life

  Stretching languidly, Maddy came slowly awake, then went still as she realized this was not her bed. And she was not alone. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Joe lying behind her, sound asleep. Even with his hair mussed, he looked as handsome as ever. Maybe even more so with the muscles in his face-normally so tense-relaxed in sleep.

  Fascinated, she rolled carefully toward him and propped her head on her hand. A smile of pure contentment welled up from deep inside her as she watched him.

  In the week since the art show, she'd spent quite a bit of time in Joe's bed, but this was the first time she'd stayed until morning. Actually, it was the first time in her entire life she'd stayed with him until sunrise.

  What would it be like to wake up with him every morning for the rest of her life? She expected the question to scare her. Instead, a sense of Tightness settled over her.

  Love filled her. Warm and vibrant and glowing. And she had her answer.

  I want to spend my life with you.

  He woke suddenly, startling her with his abrupt switch from sound sleep to full alertness. After a quick glance about, he let his head drop back onto his pillow and his body relaxed. He smiled up at her, all sleepy aad rumpled and sexy. "Good morning."

  "Good morning." She grinned. "You certainly wake up fast."

  "Must have been the noise." He gathered her against him, positioning her until she lay with her head on his shoulder and her legs tangled with his.

  "What noise?" She listened for something besides the bird singing in the cactus outside his bedroom window. The first session of camp had ended yesterday, leaving the camp almost eerily empty. "I don't hear anything."

  "Exactly." His lips curved against her forehead. "Silence. One whole week with no screaming."

  She felt a little pang in her heart as she remem-bered the closing day ceremonies and the last campfire followed by a day of loading buses and emotional good-byes. After the buses cleared out, the coordinators and counselors left as well for their own week off. Other than Mama and Harold, Maddy and Joe had the place to themselves. "You know, I think I miss Kaylee and Amanda already."

  "Yeah, me too." He yawned. "But they'll be back next year."

  Yes, but will I? She bit her lip to hold back the words. By some silent agreement, they never talked about the future in personal terms.

  "Besides," he added, "we have another crop of little monsters arriving next week."

  "Well, there's a cheerful thought." She sat up and stretched her arms over her head. The covers fell to her waist and cool morning air brushed her skin. "How about some coffee?"

  "I'd rather have you." He ran a finger down her spine.

  She glanced over her shoulder. The covers had slipped to his waist as well, leaving his whole gorgeous torso bare. He tucked an arm behind his head as he lowered his eyelids with promises of sensual pleasure.

  Unfortunately, her gaze moved to the clock on the nightstand and she remembered all she had to do that day.

  "Tempting." She laughed. "But I need caffeine."

  Climbing out of bed, she gathered the clothes she'd left lying on the floor and headed for the bathroom. Once there, she found a denim shirt hanging on the back of the door that would make a perfect bathrobe.

  She ducked her head back into the bedroom. "Do you mind if I borrow this?"

  "No. I put it there for you."

  "Oh." That drew her up short. He was always doing stuff like that. Stocking his refrigerator with the kind of cola she liked. Buying flavored potato chips when he liked them plain. And now a shirt for her to use as a bathrobe, when they hadn't actually discussed her staying the whole night. She'd simply fallen asleep, and he hadn't woken her.

  She pulled back into the bathroom, wondering if these were all giant hints about his feelings, or if she was reading more into them than he intended. The fact that she'd mentioned her favorite flavor of ice cream and a half gallon of caramel turtle fudge had magically appeared in his freezer was not a declaration of undying love. Was it?

  The question nettled her even when she stood in the kitchenette measuring coffee grounds. She heard water running in the bathroom and knew Joe would join her shortly. For all she knew, caramel turtle fudge was his favorite flavor too and it didn't mean anything.

  With the coffeepot gurgling, she stared out the window, more frustrated than ever by all the
unanswered questions. Maybe she was coming to terms with what she wanted, but that didn't mean Joe had. Maybe he was still thinking short term. Somehow that made her want a future with him even more.

  Since the night of the art show, they'd talked a lot about plans for the boot camp, which they were both having a ball working on. They sat in his office every evening using his computer to design brochures, business cards, and even a Web site, which was going to take a lot more work to finish. But they never talked about where their relationship was going. Or what would happen when summer camp ended.

  A dozen times at least, she'd started to tell him she loved him, which had seemed huge enough. Now here she stood, thinking about marriage and children and a lifetime together-God willing. Her heart swelled with the knowledge that she wanted all the things she'd rejected from him once- wanted them with a passion that made her ache to say the words aloud.

  Would he believe her, though? After what he'd told her, she feared that words alone would never do it, and might even cause a setback. So, somehow, before summer camp ended, she had to find a way to show him she loved him, to make him feel secure enough about that love that when she finally said the words he would believe her.

  Six weeks. Surely that would be long enough.

  She was still staring out the window when Joe emerged from the bedroom.

  He stopped as the sight hit him square in the chest. Morning sunlight streamed over her. She was so… Maddy, standing there barefoot with his big shirt hanging to her knees.

  If he could have one wish, he decided, it would be this right here, to wake every morning for the rest of his life to find Maddy in his kitchen, bathed in sunlight.

  A part of him wanted to toss his carefully laid plans out the window, to walk over there, scoop her into his arms and say, "Marry me." But impulse had been his undoing last time. He refused to repeat that mistake.

  Drawing on patience, he headed toward her. "Is that coffee ready?"

  She glanced over her shoulder, smiling with approval as her gaze ran over his bare chest and the sweatpants that rode low on his hips. "It just finished."