by LuAnn McLane
“I love it.” Addison ran her hand over the smooth surface of the wood. “Wow. You do nice work.”
“After crunching numbers behind a desk, working with my hands is like therapy for me. Braden and I extended the upper back deck for Mom and Dad’s anniversary a few years ago. I added the hot tub when Dad started having health issues. He needed to relax. I took a week’s vacation, but Braden had to actually do the finish work.”
“I think it’s commendable that you took vacation time to do something nice for your parents.” Actually, it was also kind of sexy.
“I should have come home more often but I buried myself in work.”
“If you don’t stop beating yourself up I’m seriously going to smack you.”
Reid grinned and he passed through the door she was holding open for him. “After fixing the place up for my parents, I showed up and moved in.” He flicked on a light. “Go figure.”
“Reid, I’m sure they don’t mind at all.”
Reid chuckled. “My mom might. This is where Dad would come to escape, especially after Sara got engaged and all they talked about was the wedding.”
“Ohmigosh, this is so pretty.” She looked up to view the open, beamed ceiling. The walls were constructed of knotty pine paneling. Floor-to-ceiling windows flanked a fireplace. “Wow. Does the fireplace see through to the back deck?”
“Sure does. My dad built this cabin over thirty years ago. It’s a basic A-frame design but he added some pretty cool details. We added another tier to the deck for grilling just last summer.” He walked over to a galley kitchen to the left and put the canvas bag down on a breakfast bar. After putting two bottles of the champagne into the fridge he turned to her. “I’ll put some chicken in the oven to warm up. I’ve got some of Mom’s potato salad and some fresh-cut strawberries. Sound good?”
“Perfect. In fact, don’t bother warming up the chicken. Cold is fine with me. I’m starving and anxious to get out there on the back deck and watch the sunset.”
“Head on out there. I’ll bring the food.”
“No, let me help!” Addison insisted, and gave him a playful shove when he tried to block the entrance to the kitchen.
“If you insist.” He grabbed her around the waist, lifted her up, and plunked her down onto the counter.
“Now, how is this helping?”
Reid handed her a bottle of wine and a corkscrew. “You can uncork this. The champagne needs to chill.”
After doing her small task Reid poured the wine. She sipped the pinot grigio. “Oh, this is nice.”
“Light melon and pear with a smoky finish.”
She arched an eyebrow. “I’m impressed.”
“Don’t be. That’s what it said on the back of the label. I’m mostly a beer or bourbon kind of guy but I’ll enjoy an occasional glass of wine.” He grinned. “Or champagne, if the occasion warrants.”
Addison raised her glass. “So, you bought this just for me?”
“Yep, sure did,” Reid said in a breezy tone, but the look he gave her was anything but casual. When it appeared as if he were going to elaborate he turned back to the fridge and opened the door. He pulled out a plate of chicken, followed by a plastic tub of potato salad. After opening the lid he dipped a fork in and offered her a bite. Addison leaned her face forward and accepted.
“Oh, mmm, good stuff.” She pointed to the tub. “Another bite, please, and I want a piece of the hard-boiled egg.”
Grinning, he fed her. “My favorite part too. I always have to fight Jeff for the eggs.” He unwrapped the plastic wrap from the chicken. “Sure you don’t want it heated up?”
“No, I can’t wait.”
“I know the feeling.” He flicked Addison a glance that made her blush and then reached inside the cabinet for plates. The food might be cold, the conversation might be casual, but the air between them sizzled.
Addison picked up a plump strawberry and took a bite. “I love strawberries. And they’re so good for you.”
Reid turned and looked at her. “Oh, I forgot something,” he said, and then pulled a little glass dish out of the fridge. He popped it into the microwave.
“What is it?” She sniffed the air. “Wait. Do I smell chocolate?”
“Dip for the strawberries.” After the beep he pulled the dish from the microwave and dunked a berry.
“Hey, aren’t you going to share?”
“Of course.” Holding the strawberry, he closed the distance between them. “Open up,” he requested in a husky voice.
Addison complied, moaning when the silky, warm chocolate rolled onto her tongue. She bit into the cold, sweet strawberry, giggling when Reid swiped a bit of dip onto her bottom lip.
“Let me get that for you.” He leaned in and licked her bottom lip back and forth, nibbling, teasing, until Addison reached up and pushed his head closer. She kissed him back deeply, savoring the feel of him, the taste of him, loving his mouth even more than the decadent dip. She spread her thighs so he could get closer and then wrapped her legs around his waist. With a low moan, he cupped her ass, scooting her forward without breaking the kiss.
Pulling her head back, he found her neck with his mouth, kissing, nuzzling, sending a warm, delicious tingle of desire coursing through her veins. When he leaned back and tugged at her shirt Addison helped by pulling it over her head. She tossed it to the floor.
“Lean back and brace yourself with your hands.”
Nodding, she did as he requested.
“God . . . Addison.” Reid stood without touching her, looking at her as if drinking in the sight of her in her deep pink demi-bra.
While he looked at her with such longing and male admiration, emotion washed over her. Having lived in a society hell-bent on unattainable physical perfection, she’d felt below the LA standard. But Reid made her feel beautiful . . . sexy, desirable in a way she’d never experienced before. Here, in this town full of hardworking, wonderful people, she felt a sense of belonging.
And it felt amazing.
Shyness left the building, replaced by a feeling of feminine power. While Reid watched hungrily, Addison unhooked the front clasp of her bra, allowing her breasts to tumble free. She shrugged out of the straps and let him look his fill. She longed for his touch, his mouth, and as if reading her thoughts, he dipped his head and captured an eager nipple in his warm mouth. She gasped at the hot jolt of pleasure, leaning back farther, giving him full access.
And Reid took it.
Placing his hands on either side of her, he licked, sucked, and then added a light nibble for good measure. Addison closed her eyes, enjoying every little sensation, sighing at the soft brush of Reid’s hair against her cheek and the light tickle of his stubble against her skin. The subtle, masculine scent of his cologne filled her head, teased her senses. Opening her eyes, she longed to see his body, to touch his skin . . . and to taste him everywhere.
But Reid had other ideas.
He deftly unbuttoned and unzipped her jeans and then tugged. Addison lifted her hips to help while he pulled the denim off and onto the floor, leaving her in nothing but a pink thong. “Wow . . .” he said.
“Somehow I think you’re overdressed for the occasion.” Addison reached up and pulled the snaps open on his shirt, revealing his chest.
“You’re getting better at that.”
“Practice . . . I need lots and lots of practice.” Oh my . . . his tan was darker, his physique even more ripped. “And snaps instead of buttons. Snaps are awesome.”
“I have tons of these shirts. I’ll wear them all the time for you.”
With a low chuckle she reached out and ran her hands over him, loving the feel of warm skin over firm muscle. He sucked in a breath and then dipped his head and kissed her with an eager hunger. When Reid slid his hands beneath her ass Addison wrapped her legs around him.
“I want you in my bed.”
“Good. I’m ready for another wild ride.”
He laughed as he picked her up, carrying her as if she
weighed nothing, making her feel girly and sexy at the same time. “Then I’ll give you one you won’t soon forget.”
Ever forget, she thought with a sigh. She buried her face in his neck. “You smell so good.” She sucked his earlobe. “Taste even better.”
“Why does this bedroom suddenly seem a million miles away?”
“A million?” she teased from his earlier comment to her.
“Maybe two,” he grumbled, but a moment later they were in the master bedroom. A shaft of light sliced through the darkness, illuminating a rustic log-shaped frame and matching headboard. After lowering her gently to the bed Reid tugged a chain on a small lamp perched on a nightstand, casting a soft glow in the room. While he shrugged out of his shirt Addison reached for the snap on his jeans. Her heart thudded when her hand brushed over the hard bulge, letting her know how much he really did want to make love to her. She shoved the denim over his hips, taking the boxers with it. He sucked in a breath when she stroked him lightly, rubbing a fingertip over the head of his penis. When the pearly drop appeared he groaned. “Baby, slow down. You’ve got me too worked up and I want to last for you.”
“I’ll try.” She withdrew her hand and watched as he removed his boots and kicked his jeans to the side.
“I need protection. I’ll be right back.”
Addison carefully pulled back a beautiful patchwork quilt and folded it at the end of the bed. She wondered who had made it, and, unable to turn off her business side, couldn’t help thinking that wedding quilts would sell well in the shop. She made a mental note to ask Reid. Later.
She slid beneath the cool sheets, loving the sensual feeling of her skin against the smooth cotton. Her body ached with need. She’d never wanted a man more than she wanted Reid, and when he emerged from the bathroom she watched him walk across the hardwood floor with hungry eyes. When he pulled back the sheet and covered her body with his, she gasped with the sheer pleasure of having his nude body sliding against her flushed skin.
He kissed her deeply, thoroughly, with long strokes of his tongue and moved lower, kissing her breasts, her torso before spreading her thighs. He played with the thong, tracing the lace with his fingertips, driving her mad with desire. “Take it off,” she pleaded, arching her hips to help, but he slipped his palms beneath her ass and lifted her, letting his tongue replace his fingertips.
“Reid!” Her throaty plea had him chuckling. He kissed her through the silk and she wiggled, somehow thinking with her sex-addled brain that her little shimmy would make the thong fall off. He finally slid it down her legs with one long swipe and tossed it over his head.
Reid came up to his knees, gazing down at her. “Let your hair down for me, baby. I want to bury my face in it.”
She tugged the band from her ponytail and spread her dark curls over the white pillowcase. “You are so gorgeous.” After looking at her for a long, heated moment Reid lay down beside her. He trailed his hands lightly over her skin, making her desire grow hotter, brighter. When he grazed her mound with his palm she sucked in a breath. She could feel the steely hard length of his erection against her thigh, hot and ready. Just when she considered shoving him onto his back and riding him, he rolled over and covered her body with his.
And then he kissed her . . . a long, hot, bone-melting, toe-curling, all-consuming kiss.
When she wrapped her legs around his waist he entered her, moving slowly but deeply. Addison wrapped herself around him breast to chest, skin to skin. The aching pleasure intensified with each stroke. He nuzzled her neck, murmured her name, and she arched her hips, wanting more of him . . . all of him. He made love to her slow and easy, as if savoring every stroke, each caress bringing her closer and closer to climax. She ran her hands up his strong arms, down his back. Muscles bunched, rippled. Her nipples, sensitive, hard, slid against the silky hair on Reid’s chest and drove her wild with desire. She arched her back and slid her hands to his ass, pressing, urging him to go faster, take her harder.
“Addison!” His throaty cry of release sent Addison over the edge. Wave after wave of pleasure washed over her and she clung to him, kissing him, never wanting to let him go.
20
I Want to Know What Love Is
THE INTENSITY OF HIS RELEASE SENT REID’S HEART RACING. Stunned, he stayed buried deep within her silky heat. Dipping his head he took one sweet nipple into his mouth, and when she cried out he kissed her, on and on until his arms started to shake. Reid rolled to his side, pulling Addison close, spooning. He held her against him, trying to gather his scattered thoughts into one big explanation of where they should go from here, but then tossed it aside. Tonight he was not going to think but instead give himself the luxury to simply feel.
Sliding Addison’s hair to the side Reid kissed her neck. “I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.”
“Like my legs could carry me,” she said with a throaty laugh.
After cleaning up in the bathroom he headed out the other door to the kitchen, desperately needing a bottle of water. He grabbed one for Addison and then grinned at the uneaten dinner. After finding a tray he piled the plates with food and headed back into the bedroom.
“Ah, my hero again,” Addison said as he approached with the feast. She came up to a sitting position. The sheet covered her breasts but he could see the lush outline beneath the white cotton.
“At your service, madam.”
“Oh . . . so you’re my slave?”
“Absolutely,” Reid said. “Your wish is my command.”
She scooted into a cross-legged sitting position. “Well, now, I like that. I like it a lot.” When she reached for a chicken leg, the sheet slipped. With a little squeal she tugged it upward.
“You’ve got to be kidding. I’ve seen every inch of that super-sexy body of yours.”
“I know, but . . .” A pretty pink blush crept up her neck and into her cheeks. She shrugged, making her breasts brush against the sheet.
Reid felt a sexual stirring in his blood and was surprised how quickly his depleted body responded to the sight of her naked in his bed. But he wanted her to enjoy her dinner and so he reluctantly asked, “Would you like me to get you a shirt?”
Ducking her head, she nodded. “Please.”
Reid had no problem parading around naked. He slipped from the bed and opened the chest of drawers, locating a short-sleeved Western-cut plaid shirt instead of a T-shirt, thinking he’d like to do that snap-popping thing on her later.
“Thank you,” she said, and shrugged into it.
“You sure look good in my shirt,” he told her with a grin.
“Are you quoting the Keith Urban song?”
“Yes. So you really do like country music?”
“Why do you seem so surprised?” she asked as she dabbed at her mouth with the napkin.
Reid swallowed a bite of potato salad. “I don’t know. I guess it goes back to my preconceived opinion that you were a Hollywood socialite with your nose in the air.”
Addison shook her head. “You couldn’t be farther from the truth.”
“I know that now. I’m sorry.”
“Well, I had the image of big-bellied farmers in baggy overalls, spitting tobacco. So I was dead wrong too.”
“I do own some overalls,” he admitted. “But I also own a tux.”
Her eyes widened.
“What—you can’t picture this country boy in a tuxedo?”
“Wrong, I totally can and it’s getting me all hot and bothered. Don’t you know that you have the kind of look that could grace the cover of GQ?”
Reid waved a chicken leg at her. “Yeah, right. With a pitchfork in my hand?”
“Those blue eyes, that sexy stubble.” She reached over and caressed his cheek. “Those dimples, and don’t even get me started on that hot body of yours, Reid.”
“Seems like you’ve given this some thought,” he teased.
“In passing,” she said, but laughed. “But, seriously, I have to tell you that it’s refres
hing that you don’t obsess over your looks or body. It gets really old and exhausting. Luckily my parents believe in health and fitness but not some silly obsession with never aging or having an ounce of body fat.”
He chewed on a bite of chicken. “Will your parents be visiting soon?”
“Right now they’re in Hawaii on a second honeymoon,” she said, but glanced away.
“What’s wrong? Are you feeling homesick?”
“No, not really.”
He put a hand on her arm and squeezed. “Oh, wait. . . . Don’t tell me. Are they taking the honeymoon that you would have been going on?” He asked casually and out of concern, but the thought that she had almost married someone else bothered him.
“Yes.”
“Do you miss him, Addison?” He didn’t want to fall for someone who still loved someone else.
“I suppose I do in some ways.” She lifted one shoulder. “It’s weird to have someone in your life, care about them, and have it all go so wrong and then to no longer see them, speak to them, and have to figure out where to file the good memories.”
“I understand. Life sure is unpredictable. Sometimes it’s hard to know which fork in the road to take.”
“I do think that I’ve learned from it, though.”
“What did you learn?”
“What love . . . isn’t.”
Reid reached over and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear, lingering on the petal-soft skin of her cheek.
“Love isn’t simply having fun. And it isn’t just friendship or even passion.”
“So, then, what is love?”
“All of the above. It’s caring so much about that person that you’d do anything to make them happy and support them in so many ways. You’ve seen your parents work together to keep this farm. My dad took a step back to allow my mother to shine. I see it with my cousin Mia and Cameron. She misses him so much, but baseball is his dream and she loves her job and so they somehow make it work even though it’s got to be really hard. Uncle Mitch left Chicago and moved here to Cricket Creek to be with his wife. Nicolina is more important to him than power or money.”