Abel looked even better than she remembered, and her memory was excellent. The faded denim of his jeans were molded to the muscles in his thighs and cupped the large bulge in the front, displaying it to perfection. His waist was thick due to his size, but there wasn’t an inch of flab on him. Erin was just glad that he hadn’t felt the need to put his shirt back on. The muscles of his back and arms looked like they were sculpted out of bronze.
Sighing, she wished he’d turn around again just so she could ogle his washboard stomach again. She knew she was being disgraceful. After all, she had two strong, muscular brothers not much smaller than Abel. A great male body shouldn’t have her panting after him like this. But there was just something about Abel that called to her as a woman and made her glad to be one.
He stood beside the counter for a moment and just closed his eyes and inhaled the scent of the pie. The sheer look of pleasure on his face made every moment of making it and baking it well worth it. Hurrying past him, she opened a cupboard and took down a plate. Tugging open the drawer next to him, she pulled out a fork and knife. Abel hadn’t moved a muscle. He was still standing there with his head tilted back and his eyes closed, breathing deeply.
It occurred to her then, that Abel was tired. Not a regular tired, but a deep down to your soul exhausted. She didn’t know how she knew, only that she did. This was a man at the end of his rope, mentally and physically. What he needed was some old-fashioned TLC, and she was just the woman to provide it. Biting her lip, she reminded herself that this thing with him had to be a summer fling. He wouldn’t be around much longer than that, and if she let her heart get involved she was asking for a world of hurt.
Reaching in front of him, she snagged the pie plate and dragged it in front of her. Wielding her knife with skill, she cut a huge slab of pie. Actually, it was more like a quarter of the pie. She slid the fork underneath it and scooped it onto the plate. He still hadn’t moved.
“Abel.” She laid her hand on his forearm and could feel the muscle jump under her palm. “Come sit down and eat.”
It seemed to take an effort on his part, but he opened his eyes, rolled his shoulders, and allowed himself to be led to the table. When he was seated, she popped the plate of pie in front of him and handed him a fork. “Eat.”
He gave her a glance from under his heavy eyelids that warned her that he wouldn’t always obey her orders. But she didn’t care as long as he ate. “Do you want something to drink?” She knew she was hovering, but she couldn’t help herself.
“I think there’s some milk in the fridge.” He forked up a piece of pie. She watched as his mouth opened and the pie disappeared inside. His teeth scraped against the fork as he pulled it back out and his tongue licked his lips.
Liquid flowed from her crotch and she ached with emptiness. Her imagination conjured up all kinds of things he could do with that talented tongue. Right now, Erin wanted to do nothing more than sit on his lap facing him, haul off her shirt, and offer him her breasts to feast on. She could feel her nipples poking against the front of her bra and thanked the lord that she was wearing overalls. It wouldn’t do for him to know that she could get all hot and bothered just by watching him eat.
“Erin?” His voice brought her back to her senses. “Are you all right?”
“Fine. I’m fine. Everything is just… fine.” Turning on her heel, she hurried to the refrigerator and opened the door. The cold air felt good as it washed over, allowing her to regain at least part of her composure. She rummaged around until she found the carton of milk and plunked it, and two glasses from the cupboard, onto the table.
Taking her time, she filled the two glasses with the cold milk. She wanted to make sure she approached this in the right manner. Abel seemed oblivious to her turmoil as he continued to shovel down the pie. Scraping his plate clean, he sat back with a contented sigh and took a mouthful of milk to wash it down. It was now or never.
“I want to have a summer fling with you.”
Milk spewed everywhere as Abel began to choke and sputter. “Woman,” he roared. “Are you trying to kill me?” He started to cough, so she leaned over and thumped him on the back a few times.
Pushing her away, he stood up from the table and crossed his arms over his chest. He looked very intimidating, and for a moment, she hesitated. But only for a moment. She’d known him all her life and she trusted him.
Sitting back in her chair, she saluted him with her glass of milk before taking a sip. “No. I’m offering you a no-strings summer affair.” She carefully set the glass back on the table.
Leaning forward, he gripped her upper arms and plucked her out of her chair as if she was a child. “What happened between us shouldn’t have happened, and I take full blame for that. But it wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t caught me so unaware.” He said each word slowly as if she was dimwitted and he was trying to make her understand him. “You are Jackson’s baby sister.”
“What’s that got to do with anything?”
“What’s that got to do with anything?” he repeated, his tone incredulous. “That’s got everything to do with it.”
“Why?” Taking advantage of her proximity to him, she placed her palms on his chest and kneaded the tense muscles there. “We’re both adults. I want you, and I know that you want me.” Slipping one hand down the front of his stomach and over the front of his jeans, she cupped his bulging cock.
“Damn it, Erin.” He pulled away from her, backing up as he continued talking. “Just stop. I know it’s like closing the barn door after the horse is out, but it can’t happen again. I apologize for taking advantage of you earlier, but this is not going to go any further. It can’t.”
The counter was right behind him, so she stood in front of him and wrapped her arms around his neck. His arms went behind his head to remove her hands, but before he could, she stepped up on the tip of her toes and kissed him.
He froze immediately with his hands wrapped around her wrists. Emboldened, she feathered soft little kisses across his lips while pushing as close to him as she could. His stiff cock pressed against her stomach and once again she felt the answering ache pulsing between her legs.
For a moment he did nothing and just allowed her to kiss him. When he didn’t respond, she began to lose her courage. She could feel the heat crawling up her cheeks, and she closed her eyes as shame washed over her. Because of what he’d done in the bedroom, she’d felt bold and womanly. She’d forgotten for a moment that she was just plain old Erin. A man like this didn’t need her when he could get any woman he wanted, and he’d probably only had sex with her because he was horny and she’d made herself readily available. Closing her eyes against the pity she was sure would be there in his eyes, she tugged her arms from his neck.
He pounced the moment she moved. As if she had awakened the sleeping giant, she found herself hauled into his arms, and clasped so tight, she could barely breathe. One large hand cupped the back of her head and angled it for his comfort as his lips took hers in a searing kiss.
Heat sizzled through her veins and she knew that she was in danger of becoming a puddle at his feet. This man could kiss. There was no part of her lips, mouth and tongue that he didn’t taste, explore and savor. As if he had all the time in the world, he consumed her slowly, one kiss at a time. Giving herself over to his skillful embrace, it wasn’t long until she was returning the favor. She’d always been a quick learner.
The other hand moved down her back until he was cupping her behind. Pulling her tight to his arousal, he used his grip to urge her to move her hips in a circular motion. His hand dropped from the back of her head and suddenly both of them were gripping her ass. That was her last thought as her feet left the floor. Wrapping her arms tight around his neck and her legs around his waist, she was ready to do whatever he wanted her to.
Moaning, she peppered his face with kisses. Both of them were breathing hard now, and she could feel his hot breath on her neck as he placed stinging little love bites there. �
�Fuck me, Abel.”
The minute she uttered the words, she knew she had made a huge mistake. Her voice seemed to shake him out of his sensual haze. His large body froze, every muscle drawn tight. Slowly, he released his grip on her, and she felt her legs slide down his until her feet touched the floor.
She stumbled slightly and his hand shot out to steady her before pulling away. Feeling unsteady, Erin groped behind her and gripped the back of a chair. Carefully, she lowered herself until she was sitting.
Abel looked like a man in pain. It was etched across his face and evident in every straining muscle in his massive body. “Erin,” he began. Rubbing his hand over his face, he took a deep breath and tried again. “It’s not you.”
Erin couldn’t bear to hear the “it’s not you, it’s me” line. This was the beginning of the pity speech that every plain girl got when being turned down by a gorgeous guy. Next thing he’d be telling her what a great personality she had. Every woman knew that that was the code word for at best, plain, at worst, ugly.
“You’re a great girl.”
She held up her hand to stop him. If he kept going she’d probably disgrace herself by crying, and that just wouldn’t do.
“You don’t have to say anything more. I’m sorry for throwing myself at you.” She gave a little laugh, trying desperately to lighten the mood and not let him know that her stomach was cramping, and her heart was crushed. “I forgot who I was for a moment.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” His frustration was evident now.
It was time for her to end this and leave while she could still manage it with some dignity. “I’m plain old Erin, everybody’s buddy.” Standing, she inched towards the back door. “Jackson’s and Nathan’s baby sister.”
Abel stalked towards her, looking more displeased than she’d ever seen him. “What the hell are you talking about?”
She had to get out of here. Now. “Gotta go. You’re invited to supper.” Her hand was on the back door. Safety was a few steps away.
Turning, she pushed open the door and heaved a sigh of relief. Just when she thought she’d made it, a large hand clamped over her shoulder and spun her around. “You’re not going anywhere until you explain that last statement.”
Anger bubbled up inside her. What did he want? Her heart on a platter. She was sick and tired of people acting like she really didn’t have any feelings at all. Tired of being seen as an extension of her two older brothers. She was a person in her own right, and although people didn’t seem to realize it, she was a woman. She had wants and needs too.
“What don’t you understand?” Taking the offensive, she poked him in the chest as she spoke. She’d learned early to never give ground when dealing with a man. If they sensed fear or weakness, they pounced in a moment. It was something she always kept in mind when dealing with her brothers, but for a moment with Abel she’d let down her guard. “I made an offer. You declined. Simple.”
“It doesn’t seem that simple,” he muttered.
“You’ve made it obvious that I don’t appeal to you and that’s fine. You don’t need to use your friendship with Jackson as an excuse. I understand that a man like you is probably used to having beautiful women fall all over them.” She was horrified as a thought crossed her mind. “You don’t have a girlfriend do you? Or a wife?” Her gaze shot to his left hand. It had never crossed her mind to look for a wedding ring. What had she done?
“No. No girlfriend. No wife.”
Relief filled her, but he wasn’t finished.
“What the hell kind of man do you think I am?”
Before she could reply, he held up his hand to stop her. “I don’t think I want to know.”
She bit her lip hard to keep the tears at bay. This was getting worse and worse. First she threw herself at him, and when he tried to let her down nicely, she insulted him. Erin wanted to die on the spot. She’d felt silly and foolish lots of times in her life, but she couldn’t remember a time when she’d felt quite this bad before.
Before she ran home and crawled under a rock, she owed Abel an apology. His expression was still thunderous and she couldn’t blame him. She’d all but accused him of being a two-timing snake, and it would have been all her fault if it had happened.
“I’m sorry.” She couldn’t think of what else to say. “I’m really sorry.” The look he was giving her told her that he wasn’t finished talking to her yet, but she was done. “You’re invited to supper. Jackson is looking forward to seeing you. Bye.”
Turning, she ran as fast as her long legs would carry her. In five seconds flat, she was in her truck, had it started, and was tearing down the road towards home. The dirt was flying behind her, but she didn’t even glance in the rearview mirror. She couldn’t bear to see him and her dreams disappearing in the distance.
Chapter Five
Abel stood in the back doorway and watched until the truck was faded from view. Even after she’d disappeared from sight, he stood and surveyed the land behind his home, contemplating what had just happened. Finally he let out a long sigh and took himself back into the kitchen. Snagging the remainder of the pie off the counter, he sat at the table and dug into the rest of it.
Rolling the tasty apple around in his mouth for a moment before chewing it, he replayed everything over in his mind. There was more to Erin’s reaction than him just turning down her offer of an affair. It went deeper than that. For a moment, when her defenses had dropped, she’d seemed shattered. The last thing he’d wanted to do was hurt her.
He stared down at the pie, wondering about the woman who would take the time to bring him a freshly baked apple pie. And not only that, but she’d used his mother’s recipe.
Then there was the house. Yes, he leased most of his land to her family, but there had never been any kind of agreement over the house. They had a key because they were the closest neighbors, and you never knew when there would be an emergency of some kind. Especially when he was gone most of the time.
The place should have been dusty, musty, and rundown. Instead, it smelled fresh, like someone had opened a window recently. The table and furniture were polished to a sheen and the kitchen sparkled. It was obvious that someone had been taking good care of the place. And without even having to ask, he knew it was Erin.
What was worse, was that he still wanted her. Badly. His body was screaming for release and his dick was still rock-hard and waiting, jammed against the zipper of his jeans. They’d damn near set the place on fire, they’d generated so much heat. How in the heck could she ever come to the conclusion that he didn’t want her? It was just past noon and he’d already fucked her twice. Almost three times, if you count the close call on the stairs.
As he continued to eat, it came to him. Only an inexperienced woman, one not sure of herself, could ever think he didn’t want her. She’d put herself down in a way that seemed natural. Too natural. As if she’d been doing it for so many years, she actually believed the crap she was spouting.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. What was wrong with all the men around here that a woman as gorgeous as Erin didn’t know just how desirable she was? For that matter, why weren’t the men beating a path to her door? The fact that she turned to him, a virtual stranger, was telling.
Scraping back the chair from the table, he placed the empty pie plate in the sink, giving himself a mental reminder to wash it and take it with him when he went to the Connors’ home for supper. After this morning’s performance, there was no way he would miss it. Glancing at his watch, he noted that it was just after half-past twelve. Plenty of time to put away the rest of the groceries, unpack, and take a shower before he had to leave.
Jackson’s sister or not, he decided he might have to rethink his strategy. An affair might be out of the question, but there was no reason he couldn’t flirt with her a little. Build her confidence. The more he thought about it the more he liked the idea.
He snorted at himself. Yeah, great guy that he was he was doin
g this for her own good. The truth was, he wanted her more than he’d wanted any other woman. Just to touch her, kiss her, and maybe pet her a little would be an exceptional treat. The hardest part would be trying to retain some kind of control over his horny body.
With that in mind, he decided that another cold shower was the first thing on the agenda. His cock was still at full salute and he knew that if he stood a chance at having any control, he’d have to take care of that little problem. He’d just imagine it was her soft little hand wrapped around him. His cock twitched. For once, they were in agreement.
* * *
He could hear the loud voices as he approached the back door of the house. So caught up in their argument, they didn’t even noticed that he’d arrived. Propping himself against the open back door, he crossed his arms over his chest and waited for them to notice him.
The mouthwatering smells drifting from the kitchen told him he was in for quite a treat for supper. If he wasn’t mistaken, that was baked chicken with stuffing he was sniffing. He’d also bet his last dollar that it was his mother’s special recipe for stuffing that he was smelling. His stomach growled in anticipation.
Erin was bent over, peering into the oven at whatever she was baking, giving him a perfect view of her behind. Her faded jeans perfectly cupped her luscious ass, making his fingers itch to do the same. She’d fit his hands perfectly this morning. The soft cotton shirt she was wearing hugged her pert little breasts to perfection. He was so caught up in his lustful thoughts that it took a moment for the argument to register in his brain.
“You knew I needed your help with this.”
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