Tangled: Emerson Falls, Book 1

by Harlow James

  “Kane is coming over to my house. He wants to meet my family,” I smile, watching him intently while he’s focused on Tony and their conversation.

  “Oh, girl, you’ve got it bad,” Perry shakes her head at me, grinning like a fool over the rim of her glass.

  “Seriously, Liv. It’s written all over your face,” Amy adds.

  I exhale loudly. “I know, guys. He’s been so amazing. I feel like I’m dreaming. He can’t be this perfect, right? I mean, he finally opened up to me about his past, which helped me understand him so much more. And I can’t get enough of him. He’s thoughtful and caring. He’s funny and makes me feel so safe. And the sex… my God. I’ve never had sex like this before,” I confess as I close my eyes and replay the dozens of sexual positions and locations we’ve already explored.

  “Girl, stop bragging!” Clara teases.

  “It’s obvious watching you two together that you’re both completely entranced by each other. But what, Liv?” Perry asks, sensing there was a but coming.

  “But… I don’t know. I just feel like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. Everything is going so well. I leave a less than stellar relationship to come home and suddenly, I fall for a man and start a new relationship right away that seems too good to be true.”

  Perry’s eyes search mine for clarification.

  “The man hasn’t had a serious relationship in years. He’s only been in love with one woman. And yet, he’s the perfect man with me. I feel like I’m waiting for something to happen to freak him out, or something to happen as I watch it all fall apart again.”

  Amy reaches out for my hand. “Man, Trevor really fucked things up for you, didn’t he?”

  “What?”

  Clara chimes in. “Just because Trevor was an ass that cheated on you and couldn’t appreciate what he had, doesn’t mean that Kane is going to do that too. Liv, anyone would be blind if they didn’t see the way that man looks at you. I know it’s early, but he’s in love with you, hun.”

  I turn to find him again just as he winks at me from across the room, sending a swarm of butterflies a flight in my stomach.

  “You think so?” I whisper, refraining from voicing the reciprocal thought for the first time out loud. I think I’m in love with him too.

  “Oh, Liv, it’s so obvious. I just love seeing you this happy…” Perry chokes out as her eyes water.

  “And it’s not that I think he’s going to cheat on me. I don’t get that feeling from him at all. I don’t know… there’s just some feeling in my gut that tells me there’s a curtain pulled over my eyes and I’m afraid I’m blind to some warning sign. I ignored my gut with Trevor. Maybe I’m just being paranoid. He really is just so incredible, I’m afraid it’s all a lie.”

  Clara smiles a shit-eating grin and Amy bites her bottom lip just as Kane comes up behind me.

  “How’s it going ladies? You need another round?”

  Perry looks over at Clara and Amy, the three of them nodding silently towards one another before turning back to Kane and me.

  “Actually, we’d better be going. The husbands are probably passed out on the couch already and the kids may or may not be running amuck in our homes.”

  “Yeah. And I don’t have a husband or kids, but these two were my ride, so I have to leave too,” Clara declares with a jut of her chin.

  “Well, it was great to meet you all officially. Liv speaks very highly of you. It’s clear that you’re very important to her. She’s lucky to have friends like you,” Kane says while pulling each woman in for a hug.

  “Oh, Kane. If you don’t marry her or put a baby in her soon, I’ll have to kick your ass,” Clara says as she smacks his cheeks playfully, his eyes going wide before he cracks an uncomfortable smile.

  “Oh, God, Clara,” I sigh, pushing her away. “Go now before I kick your ass,” I spit out as she throws her head back in laughter and I say goodbye to Amy and Perry. “I’ll see you girls soon. I promise.”

  “Yeah, okay,” Perry winks at me before the three of them make their way out of the bar.

  I turn back to Kane who’s face has softened after Clara’s declaration.

  “I’m so sorry, Kane. Clara is out of control. I’m sorry if what she said scared you. Please don’t freak out. I know we’re far from that step….”

  Kane cuts me off as he presses his lips to mine. The shock of his move hits me first, but only lasts a second as I melt into him. His kiss soothes my fears and gives me hope that this is the man I’m meant to kiss for the rest of my life.

  When Kane releases his grip on me, staring down into my eyes, I sit there and wait for him to speak.

  “Come on, babe. Let’s get back to your place. I have some more orgasms to deliver,” he wiggles his eyebrows at me, which sends a bolt of arousal between my legs and the corners of my mouth to tip up in anticipation.

  “Yeah, I need a few after tonight,” I tease as I follow Kane to his truck and he follows me back to my place.

  Once we’re inside, Kane pins me up against the door and makes good on his promise. Two orgasms later, I lie beside him in bed, curled up in his arms, basking in the satisfaction I feel while my world feels like it’s finally coming together.

  Chapter 33

  Kane

  “I told you to let me sleep in this morning,” a groggy Olivia answers the phone while I smile on my end.

  “I know, but the high today is sixty, which is unheard of this time of year.”

  “You called to wake me up to talk about the weather? Kane, you’re about to learn a valuable lesson from me about how much I like sleep…”

  “Calm down, woman. I want to take you somewhere,” I state, knowing it’s one of our days off the week of Thanksgiving, but I can’t waste this opportunity.

  “Where could you take me on a Tuesday that is so important that you had to wake me up?”

  I sigh in frustration, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Just dress warmly and be ready in thirty minutes. I’m picking you up,” I demand and end the call before she can argue with me more. The woman is burrowing herself deep in my heart, but that doesn’t stop her need to fight me still. Once I get some coffee in her and she sees my surprise, I think she’ll turn around.

  At least I hope. A grumpy Olivia is not a fun Olivia.

  I step into my garage and pull the cover off of my bike—the motorcycle I haven’t been on in almost three years. The last woman who rode with me was Natasha, and when that ended, I couldn’t bring myself to get back on the horse, so to speak.

  I wasn’t in the right head space to ride, I didn’t trust myself not to speed and careen uncontrollably down a windy road and lose myself off the side of a mountain—metaphorically speaking, of course.

  I just knew that when I decided to get back on my Harley, I wanted it to be because something—or someone—told me it was time.

  And now, since Olivia came into my life, I can’t seem to get the image of her on the bike with me out of my head. And when I saw the forecast today, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to make that daydream become a reality.

  After meeting her friends Saturday night, I knew that taking her for a ride was in our future, so I spent time on Sunday tuning up my bike, checking the engine and tires and giving her some TLC. Meeting the infamous Perry, Amy, and Clara definitely solidified our relationship. We haven’t exactly put a title on things yet, but if our time spent together is any indication, I’d say we’re committed. Hell, I’m spending Thanksgiving with her family. I’d say that’s boyfriend territory I’m venturing into.

  Once I put a few supplies in my side bag and grab my extra helmet, I fire up my Harley and listen to the thrum of the engine as I bring her back to life. When I re-enlisted, I used part of my signing bonus to put a down payment on this bike. Usually men wait until a mid-life crisis hits to make such a purchase, but I had spent years in the desert watching my friends and fellow soldiers lose limbs and their lives. So when I came home, I didn’t hesitate to do something for me
to remind me that I was still living—that I had a life and needed adventure and sometimes wanted to get lost with nothing but the road and wind guiding me. Natasha didn’t understand, but she relented and let me take her out on a ride a few times. Ultimately it wasn’t her cup of tea. But she was the only woman who’s ever ridden with me—until today.

  Securing my helmet on my head, I gas the throttle, the roar of the engine filling up my garage before I pull out and take off for the highway. The feel of the breeze hitting me makes my body come alive again as I weave along the asphalt, in and out of the thick forest headed back into town. It also reminds me that though the temperature is higher than it has been in weeks, the breeze is still cold as I fly along the road on the bike. I hope Olivia will endure the chill for our ride because I really want to spend the day with her and show her one of my favorite spots just outside of Emerson Falls.

  As I close in on our town, I make a pit stop at Starbucks and secure us two coffees and muffins so I don’t arrive at her place emptyhanded. The sputter of the engine quiets down as I pull into her apartment complex and shut it off, pulling off my helmet as I look up at her door and see her standing there, mouth open in shock.

  “You’ve lost your marbles, haven’t you?” She says as she makes her way down the handful of steps outside her door and across the sidewalk, stopping right in front of me while I still straddle the bike. Her pajama pants covered in math equations and the black camisole clinging to her torso do weird things to my mind, and my dick. She pulls her long sweater closer around her body while she looks at me like I’ve gone crazy.

  “Nope. I’ve found a few more, actually,” I grin up at her as she shakes her head. I extend my hand to hers and offer her the coffee that probably got cold on the way here.

  Taking a sip, she closes her eyes in appreciation. “At least you had the good sense to provide caffeine after waking me up.”

  “I knew better than to come here without some sort of gift,” I wink at her as she smiles. “So, wanna go for a ride?” I throw my head in the direction of my bike and deepen my voice to entice her.

  Olivia laughs at me while clutching her arms around her waist. “It’s still pretty cold out, Kane.”

  “Wear some thick pants and a jacket. Come on. I haven’t been out on this bike in a long time, Liv. And all I could think about was getting back on it with your arms wrapped around my waist,” I pout while searching for her reaction.

  “Man, you’re really laying it on thick, huh?” The corner of her mouth tips up and lets me know I’ve got her right where I want her, until it falls just as fast. “I’ve uh, never been on a motorcycle before, Kane. The thought kind of scares me.”

  I reach for her hand and pull her close to me so I can encase her in my arms. “I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe, babe. But I’m telling you, it’s one of the most exhilarating experiences you’ll ever have.”

  Her eyes bounce back and forth between mine while she contemplates her answer. On a deep inhale, she gives in. “Okay, but don’t do anything on purpose to scare me, or I will jump off.”

  Her threat makes me laugh and then pull her in for a kiss. “I wouldn’t recommend that Liv, but okay. I promise.”

  Once Olivia retreats inside and changes, I can’t help but soak her up as I watch her return to me in dark leggings and a thick jacket with a beanie in her hands.

  “I said to dress warm and you come out wearing leggings,” I scoff.

  “I’ll have you know, these are fleece-lined, so they’re incredibly warm. And in case you haven’t noticed, I live in leggings when I’m not at work. If you don’t watch your tone, I will march right back inside and go back to bed.”

  Pulling her into me again, her eyes narrow at me while she waits for my response. “I’m sorry. I just don’t want you to be cold. And your ass in leggings is quite the distraction,” I wiggle my eyebrows at her.

  “Good thing my ass will be behind you then,” she says while reaching for the helmet I hand her. She pulls it down onto her head and my stomach does a little flip when I take her in. The long red locks of her hair hang down over her shoulders under the helmet, her cheeks are pressed together from the foam inside, and her eyes sparkle in the sunlight raining down from the sky. She looks so fucking sexy and cute, I don’t know whether I want to fuck her or kiss her senseless.

  Both. I want to do both.

  She throws one leg over the bike as she situates behind me and wraps her arms around my waist, holding on for dear life. This innate need to protect her comes over me, and it makes my chest tighten with purpose.

  “Easy, babe. I still need to be able to breathe,” I tease her.

  “I’m scared, Kane,” she whispers and my heart hurts at the fear I hear in her voice.

  “I’ve got you, babe. It’s going to be great,” I console her by rubbing her hands with mine before giving her a pair of gloves to put on as I do the same. I turn to her and tell her to squeeze me twice if she needs to stop while we’re on the road. Any other squeezes I will deem her reaction out of excitement.

  Once we’re settled in and ready, I fire up the bike, the sound so loud it makes it hard to hear her. I kick the stand up and show her where to put her feet before taking off slowly out of her apartment complex and onto the streets that lead to the highway.

  Our town falls back behind us as we climb higher up the mountain, headed towards the lookout point I’ve been dying to take her to since I got this crazy idea in my head. Tall trees stretch towards the sky around us, blocking the sunlight and making the air colder than it was when the sun was beating down on us while patches of snow in the shade from the last storm spot the ground on the sides of the road.

  Olivia continues to hold on tight, scratching my abs every now and again as we turn and glide along the road, the feel of her nails on my body causes my dick to strain against my jeans. Trying to drive my bike with a hard-on is definitely a challenge I’ve never faced.

  We continue to cruise, taking each turn in stride, our bodies leaning together as I make the final ascent to the top of the cliff that overlooks the valley below us.

  The feel of her behind me as I take the drive that leads us to our destination resonates in my chest. This is right. This is exactly where she belongs—with me, taking off on an adventure together, living life in the moment and holding on to one another through every twist and turn.

  I slow the bike as we come to the area I targeted and as I bring us to a complete stop, I feel the warmth of Olivia’s body relinquish from mine. Removing her helmet, she swishes her hair around like any woman would before finding my eyes as I stand before her and she flashes me the biggest smile, full of excitement.

  “That was incredible! I mean, don’t get me wrong, I was scared shitless the entire time. But the view, the feel of the wind, being able to hold on to you like that…” Her pearly whites continue to blind me as I soak up the euphoria on her face.

  “I’m glad you liked it,” I say, leaning down and taking her cheeks in my hands before pressing my lips to hers. I slip her my tongue just enough to tease her and then pull away as she moans in disappointment.

  Olivia narrows her eyes at me in annoyance before she stands from the bike and peruses the area around us. I parked in a little alcove off of the road so we have some privacy, but we’re close enough to the clearing so we can experience the entire view.

  I open up the bag on the side of the bike, retrieving the muffins from Starbucks and some cheese, fruit, and crackers that I prepared for us and a light blanket to sit on. Olivia shakes her head at me, finding humor in my picnic provisions.

  “What? You didn’t think I was going to bring you all the way up here and then not feed you, did you?” I mock while leading her to a flat spot on the ground where I set down the blanket and then arrange the food. Two blueberry muffins, cheeses, and crackers are spread out in a container, along with olives and peppers. I brought bottled water and a few squares of chocolate just in case since she always needs somet
hing sweet after she eats.

  “Kane… this is so thoughtful,” she murmurs as we both settle down on the ground, stretching our legs from the ride.

  “See? Aren’t you glad I woke you up?”

  She bobs her head while gazing out over the cliff, soaking in the breathtaking view of Emerson Falls below us and a few other towns around ours.

  “Definitely.”

  “Well, eat up. I know if I don’t get some food in you, you’ll be hangry.”

  Olivia reaches for the food. “You’re learning, Kane. I’m impressed,” she mocks me while popping a cheese and cracker in her mouth. I watch her chew and can’t help but feel so damn content with her by my side.

  “So how did you find this place?” She asks once she swallows, twisting the lid off of the bottle of water and taking a swig.

  “It was actually one of the first places I drove to when I got my bike. I just took off on the highway and headed up the mountain. By the time I decided to stop, I turned around and saw the view below and felt like I found a little slice of heaven on Earth.”

  “It really is beautiful up here,” she whispers, as if speaking at full volume will ruin the sight in front of us.

  “Not as beautiful as the woman beside me.”

  Olivia turns to me, reaching for my hand and leaning into me. “That was cheesy, but I’ll let it slide since you went to all of this trouble,” she winks and the deep laugh that rips through me echoes around us.

  “So, I have a few questions for you, if you’re interested,” I arch a brow at her as she nods with her mouth full.

  “Yes! Oh my gosh, I feel like you’ve been holding out on me lately, Kane.”

  “Well, we have been preoccupied with other things,” I tease her as I watch her eyes darken with lust. Last night was one of the few nights we spent apart these past few weeks and I dying to bury myself inside of her again. But first things first—I promised my girl some questions.

  “Okay, well then I’m ready. Bring it on,” Olivia challenges while sitting up taller and crisscrossing her legs in front of her.