Or maybe I don’t need a reason beyond wanting to do it for us. She gazed into his eyes and thought, For the us you want so badly, the one that challenges everything I believe I need to remain on top of my game.
The us I think I might want, too.
“I’d rather not die on the roads, but I appreciate the thought. It’s fine. I’ll just text my mom and brothers and let them know.” She reached into her back pocket and realized she’d left her phone in her suite.
“We can have our own Super Bowl party. Just you and me.”
“You know what, Knox? That sounds great.”
“Yeah?”
“Yes, it does.” It truly did. “But don’t say you haven’t been warned. I can only be who I am, and as I mentioned, me watching a football game is not quiet or pretty. I know everything there is to know about the game, and I hold nothing back.”
He pulled her closer. “Are you trying to turn me on? Because that makes you the perfect woman.” He pressed his lips to hers and lingered, brushing them over hers. “Mm. No smart-ass retort? I think I’m breaking through that brick exterior of yours, Stewart. Let’s go before you realize it and change your mind.”
“Good plan,” she teased. “What was up with the awkward hug between you and your father?”
“My father knows how to excel in business, but he’s not quite as good in the parental department. He means well, but he’s never been comfortable showing emotions. Although he’s much better now than he ever has been. Paige’s close call changed him. Come on. I want you to meet Joyce.”
“Can we grab some food, too? Our wine-cellar tryst made me hungry. I’d love some finger food.”
A greedy laugh escaped as he pulled her into another kiss. “We are two of a kind.”
“I meant like a sandwich and chips, sex machine, as opposed to fancy restaurant food or your body parts.”
“Babe, you have a dirty mind. I meant that I was starved for real food, too.”
“Mm-hm…”
He curled his fingers around her hip, stopping her just outside an enormous kitchen with two islands and loads of counter space. A thick-waisted woman stood with her back to them, humming as she cut vegetables. She wore a plum-colored dress with a pink apron tied around her middle. Her rounded hips swayed to nonexistent music. Her white hair was short and layered, like Aubrey’s grandmother used to wear hers.
“That’s Joyce, Leon’s wife,” Knox whispered. He stepped into the kitchen and began whistling the same tune Joyce was humming.
Joyce spun around, and a vibrant smile appeared, lighting up her dark eyes. “Knoxy,” she said warmly. She set down the knife she was holding and wiped her hands on the apron as she walked into his open arms. “Sweetheart, I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too,” he said, holding her a little longer than he had his own parents. “You look as beautiful as always.”
“Pfft,” she said, glancing at Aubrey. “Still the charmer, I see.”
He took Aubrey’s hand and said, “Joyce, this is my special friend, Aubrey Stewart. Aubrey, this is Joyce. If it weren’t for her, I probably would have grown up to be a real cad.”
Joyce beamed with his compliment but shook her head. “Nonsense. You don’t have that in you.” She opened her arms and hugged Aubrey. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Leon told me you two were heading this way. I was worried when you stayed in Belize for so long, Knox, but you look happy. Are you okay?”
Knox snagged a piece of cucumber and popped it into his mouth, raising his brows at Aubrey as he said, “Better than okay.”
Witnessing the maternal kindness Joyce lavished on Knox made Aubrey happy, but she felt a lightening in her chest and knew something big had changed inside her. She’d been afraid to confess that she hadn’t been with any other guys in so long, worried she’d feel too vulnerable and want to backpedal afterward. But she didn’t feel that way at all. She was doing better than okay, too.
“WELL, THAT’S GOOD to hear,” Joyce said. “Next time you disappear for months on end, you’d better come see me first.”
Knox saluted. “Yes, ma’am.”
Joyce was the only person other than Graham and Morgyn he’d told the truth about why he had stayed in Belize, but he’d done it over the phone. Landon had never been one to talk about relationships, and Paige would have wanted to fly out to be with him so he wasn’t alone. She’d dealt with enough angst in her short lifetime. But for as long as Knox could remember, Joyce had taken the time to listen when he needed advice. She didn’t judge or make him feel bad for wanting to stray from his family’s legacy. She supported his desire for a less elitist lifestyle, and her advice was always sound. He’d never forget what she’d said when he’d called. Some people look for love in all the wrong places. You’re not one of them, Knox. You’ve never needed anyone else to make you feel whole. If you have such strong feelings for this gal that you need to run away to figure them out, then time in the jungle is not going to change them.
She’d been right.
Knox snagged a piece of a carrot and offered it to Aubrey. “Want some, babe?”
“Sure, thanks.”
When she took the carrot, her eyes lingered on his, and he saw something different in them. Surrender maybe.
“Where are my manners?” Joyce said. “Knox comes home and my brain turns to mush. Can I get you anything, Aubrey? A cup of warm tea? Hot chocolate?”
“Joyce makes killer hot chocolate,” Knox said.
“Sounds perfect. Thank you.”
“I just finished making Knox’s favorite winter snack,” Joyce said as she crossed the kitchen to another counter and retrieved a decorative tray full of tea sandwiches. “White bread and Smucker’s Goober peanut butter and grape jelly, just the way you like it.”
A warm feeling bloomed inside him. “You’re the best. Thank you.” He picked up a tea sandwich and held it out for Aubrey. “Finger food at its best.”
“I might never leave this kitchen.”
They chatted as they ate, and what was supposed to be a quick introduction turned into an enjoyable hour-plus visit with Joyce.
Later, as Joyce went back to preparing dinner, Knox kissed Aubrey’s shoulder and handed her his phone. “Didn’t you want to call your family?”
“Oh, yes. How did you remember when I forgot?”
“Guess you’re more important to me than to yourself.”
She snagged his phone and said, “Smart-ass. I’ll be quick.”
After she left the room to make her call, Joyce sidled up to him. “Tell me,” she said quietly. “She’s the one? The one you tried to forget?”
“She’s the one.”
“I like her. She seems sharp but cautious, and she makes you smile. That’s all I have ever hoped for. That you, Paige, and Landon would find love like Leon and I share.”
“Don’t get too carried away.”
“It’s in your eyes, Knoxy.” She put her hand on his and squeezed gently. “That means she’s in your heart, too.”
Chapter Seven
KNOX DROVE THE snowmobile to the side door, where Aubrey was waiting, huddled up against the cold. He climbed off and reached for her hand. “Climb on, tiger.”
“Believe it or not, I’ve never been on one of these before, so don’t flip me off or anything.”
“I’ll try to refrain from doing any movie-worthy stunts.” He sat in front of her and guided her hands around his middle. She was trembling against his back. Whether it was from the cold or nerves, he wasn’t sure. He pulled his coat down over her arms and then tucked her hands between his legs.
“Hey!” she complained, but she didn’t move her hands.
“Warmth, beautiful. Hang on tight.”
The engine roared to life, and snow sprayed around them as they cut through the powder, heading for the inn. He felt Aubrey shielding her face with his back. His tiger had more kitten in her than she cared to admit. When they cleared the woods, he slowed to a stop.
“W
hy are you stopping?” she hollered.
He climbed off and said, “It’s your turn.”
Her eyes widened. “Me? I have no idea how to drive this thing. I just told you that.”
“Exactly.” He patted the front seat. The snow was still coming down, and they were both covered, but he knew she’d warm up from sheer adrenaline once she got the hang of it. “Come on, babe. It’s time to build your résumé.”
As she scooted forward she said, “I’m sure this will come in handy in the media industry.”
“Life is about enjoying all things, and I will take great pleasure in fondling you while you drive.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Seriously, though. It’s fun to drive, and a woman who can command an empire can surely drive a snowmobile.”
He gave her a lesson in all things snowmobile related. “I want you to drive around this level area before trying the hill, okay? And as I said, kneel and lean forward as you take the hill. The deeper the snow, the more speed you’ll need. Do you remember how to go faster?”
“Increase the throttle. I’ve got this. Climb on, big boy. It’s your job to keep me warm.”
“That’s the confidence I adore. When you take the hill, don’t stop until you get to the top. If you lose momentum, you may not be able to start climbing again.”
She nodded and pulled her hat farther down on her forehead. “I can’t tip it, can I?”
“Only if you try really hard.” He wrapped his arms around her and teasingly put one hand on her breast, the other between her legs.
She glared at him over her shoulder, making him grin as he readjusted his hands around her waist. He planted a kiss on her cheek and said, “Take me home, Wattsy.”
She drove slowly across the level ground, but as he’d anticipated, she quickly gained confidence, and twenty minutes later she was zipping up the hill. When they reached the top, she rode along the level ground and made a big U-turn, hollering, “Can I go down?”
He couldn’t resist saying, “When you’re with me, you can go down all night long…”
ALMOST TWO HOURS later, they parked the snowmobile at the inn.
“Do you have two snowmobiles? Are there trails we could go on? Sorry I got stuck a few times,” Aubrey said giddily. She’d lost momentum on one ride up the hill and had gotten stuck in a drift at the bottom of another run, but overall she’d done spectacularly well. “Thank you for teaching me. I can’t believe I’ve lived in Upstate New York all my life and have never done that!”
Excitement radiated around her as she went on about how it felt to control the snowmobile and her love of the power. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. Her nose and cheeks were icy cold. He deepened the kiss, and she curled her fingers into his coat, holding on tight. This was a different Aubrey from the one who had arrived at the inn last night. He wanted to do more for her, to keep seeing this carefree side of her, the side he had a feeling she always kept under wraps except in the bedroom.
When their lips parted, they were both a little breathless, and he said, “Ready to warm up?”
“That made me pretty warm,” she confessed.
He lowered his lips to hers again, enjoying every second of her surrender. He sent a few quick, preparatory texts as they headed inside.
“I should check my email,” she said. “And get out of these wet clothes.”
“How about if we put work on hold for just a little while longer? I have a little something for you first.”
They crossed the lobby and headed through a back entrance to the day spa. He led her down the wide hallway, passing Anne, one of the massage therapists.
“Hi, Knox, Aubrey,” Anne said, causing surprise to rise in Aubrey’s eyes. “You’re all set. Room six, and your delivery will be here shortly.”
As they made their way to room six, Aubrey whispered, “Delivery?”
He pushed open the door, and just as requested, the fireplace was lit, the lights were dimmed, and soft music played. A bottle of wine and two glasses were on the counter, and the massage area was prepped.
“Knox! We’re getting massages?”
“You’re getting a massage.” He closed the door behind them and poured her a glass of wine. “Take everything off and get comfortable under the sheet. The table should be warm by now. I’ll be right back.”
“Wait. Why aren’t you getting a massage?”
“Because I’m needed elsewhere.” He ducked out of the room, giving Aubrey time to digest his surprise. A few minutes later Paige came down the hall with the packages he’d asked her to pick up for him from the inn’s boutique.
“Hey, big brother.” She held up two gift bags. “You sure know how to dazzle a woman.”
“Is it too much?” he asked, feeling nervous for the first time in as long as he could remember. “I know most women love to be pampered, but Aubrey’s different. She loves her independence.”
“So do I, but if I had a boyfriend who went to this trouble for me…” She smiled and said, “I wouldn’t be able to resist him.”
He exhaled. “I hope you’re right.”
“You’re really into her, aren’t you?”
He nodded.
“I’ve never seen you nervous a day in my life. Not even when you used to get in trouble. It looks good on you.”
“It makes me ridiculous.”
“It makes you normal, which is what you’ve always strived for when it comes to everything except business.” She handed him the gift bags.
“You’re awesome, sis. I owe you big-time.”
“Hardly.” She hugged him and said, “Now, get in there before she thinks you forgot about her.”
AUBREY’S HEART RACED as she lay beneath the sheet on the heated massage table. She probably shouldn’t be this nervous, but while she had no qualms about being touched by a man she invited to touch her, she had always felt a little funny about getting massages and shied away from them. But Knox had gone to all this trouble; she didn’t want to seem ungrateful.
The door opened and she lifted her eyes, surprised to see Knox closing it behind him. He didn’t need to see her this nervous! “You’re back?”
He turned with two gift bags in his hand and set them on a couch by the fireplace. As he peeled off his coat and hat, looking a little nervous himself, he said, “Hello, Ms. Stewart. I’m Knox Bentley, and I’ll be your masseuse today.”
It took a second for her to realize what he’d said, and relief washed through her. But just as quickly, her nerves tingled again. “You’re giving me a massage?”
“Yes, and don’t get any ideas,” he said far too primly. “Happy endings are not permitted at this establishment.”
Feeling more at ease by his humor, she said, “Is that a challenge, Mr. Bentley?”
He rolled up his sleeves, grinning like a Cheshire cat. Any hints of nervousness she’d seen were obliterated by her sexy comment.
“Should I be worried about what’s in the gift bags? Please tell me they’re not adult toys. Not that I’m opposed to using them, but doing so in your family’s inn would be way too weird.”
“Damn. Guess I’ll just save them until we’re back at your place.”
Her jaw dropped open, and he chuckled.
“Since you’re unexpectedly stranded at the inn with a charming, handsome man, and meeting his parents for dinner, I had Paige get you some things to wear from the inn’s boutique.”
“As in real clothes? Not lingerie?”
“As in a plethora of things for you to choose from. Jeans, dress, skirt, blouse, sweater…”
“Knox, that’s so sweet of you. And of Paige to take the time to shop.”
“Well, apparently this is what me dating you is like, babe. The desire to send you the bouquet and gifts that I sent to your office sort of blew me away, like some other guy had whispered the idea into my ear and I couldn’t shut him up. But it turns out that was all me, because it happened again. I like doing things for you. So I suggest we both g
et used to it.”
He moved to the head of the table, poured oil into his hands, and rubbed them together. “Are you comfortable?” he asked with a British accent as his slick, warm hands met the backs of her shoulders.
“Yes.” And nervous again, thank you very much. She wasn’t used to being taken care of like this.
His hands moved down her back to the top of her ass. She held her breath, expecting him to get naughty, but in the next second his hands moved up beside her spine and then along her shoulders and down her arms. He massaged his way back up her arms and across the tops of her shoulders to her neck. It felt so good to be touched like this by him, she closed her eyes, enjoying it as he took care of her, patiently soothing her tension away.
“That’s it,” he coaxed, as if he could read her mind as well as her body. “You’ve had a busy week, a roller coaster of a day. Now it’s time to chill.” He moved beside the table, and using both hands, he massaged the far side of her body, pushing all the tension away from her spine.
“You’re very good at this. You must have had a lot of practice.”
“On the contrary. This is my first day on the job,” he said in that seductive accent. “Maybe I’ll earn a good tip.”
She lay mesmerized, relaxed by the man who usually made her heart race. The sound of the music, the scents of the oils, and the hard press of his hands lulled her into a state of euphoria.
“Thank you, Knox,” she said softly. “This feels amazing, and it was so thoughtful of you.”
“I’m sure it’s not as good as you’re used to, but you got wrangled into staying at the inn and having dinner with my parents. It’s the least I can do to make it up to you.”
“You don’t have to make anything up to me. I’m glad we’re having dinner with your family. And I don’t get many massages. I have a thing about strangers touching me.”
Making You Mine – the Bradens & Montgomerys (Pleasant Hill – Oak Falls) Page 9