“It was. I’ve climbed to that peak before but having you by my side made it so much more special.” He stroked her hair and leaned forward for a kiss.
Elise backed away, leading him into the cabin. “I don’t think I can settle for a kiss.”
“Are you sure?” Hank asked, certain of the answer.
“You mean since this is only our second date?” She led him to the bottom of the stairs. “Up here, I presume.”
Hank nodded, swallowing down the lump of desire in his throat. “Yes.” He had nothing clever to say, no lyrics to recite.
Elise, his brave, wonderful Elise, turned and climbed the stairs. At the top she paused, and he took control, opening the door to his bedroom and taking her inside. The dim moonlight filtered through the window, casting the room in a soft pale light. Hank unbuttoned Elise’s dress, pushed it off her shoulders, and it slid to the floor. She stepped out of it, standing before him in her bra and panties.
Taking hold of the hem of his T-shirt, he dragged it over his head and threw it to the floor. Mastering his hands, which threatened to tremble due to his pent-up desire, he unbuckled his belt and stripped off his jeans, standing naked in front of his mate.
“Impressive.” Elise stroked his chest, kissing his skin. He ached for her. She was a physical need he could not deny.
“Damn it, Elise.” He lifted her and placed her down on the bed, before sliding down next to her.
“Are you losing control?” she asked, turning to face him and slipping her knee over his thigh. Her hand curled around his hard length and she stroked him up and down. “Oops, forgot something.”
She rolled onto her back and wrestled her panties down over her thighs. “Here, let me help with this.” Hank unclasped her bra and her breasts spilled forward into his eager hands.
He brushed his thumbs over her nipples and Elise opened her mouth, gasping silently as he lowered his head and sucked a taut bud into his mouth. Her hand curled around his cock, and she rested her leg on his thigh once more, guiding him into her. She was wet, the heat emanating from her body a sign of her arousal.
Hank inched his hips forward and closed his eyes in ecstasy as the head of his cock slid inside her. The incredible sensations flooding his body overwhelmed him and he thrust his hips forward, pushing deeper, as skin against skin, they joined together as one.
Elise kissed his neck, her fingers exploring his body, tweaking his nipples, as he lunged into her. His hand curled around her knee and he lifted her leg higher, changing the angle of their bodies. She nipped his skin. Urging him on, harder, deeper. Hank threaded his hand between their bodies and brushed his fingers across her clit. Her hips bucked, her excitement too much as she reached for her orgasm.
Hank flexed his hips, jerking his seed into her as he came. She cried out his name and he held her close, rocking as he slid in and out of her, while her inner walls milked him of his seed. The hot, sultry night cocooned them as they lay together in his bed, utterly spent.
When he moved, he slid out of her reluctantly and went to the window. Flinging it open, he crawled back on the bed and flopped down next to her. Scooping her up, he held her close as the cool mountain breeze caressed their bodies.
He lay for a long time, not wanting to lose a moment of being with his true love. He fought off sleep, not wanting her to be taken from him. Yet he knew as he eventually lost the battle, that she would be there when he woke, this morning and every morning from now until forever.
Chapter Eleven – Elise
A warm breeze woke Elise. For the second morning in a row, she opened her eyes and didn’t know where she was, or if it was a dream. Reaching out, her hand touched Hank’s and a rush of awareness swept over her.
“Is this where I make you breakfast?” she asked, rolling over and stroking his face.
“We could have eggs.” He lifted his head and rested it on his hand. “I could get used to you being the first thing I see every morning. I usually look out at the view.”
Elise slid out of bed and stood at the open window looking out. “I can see why.” Outside the window, the forest stood permanent and yet ever-changing. “I like it here.” She listened to the birds calling and the distant sound of a wolf howling.
“It’s quiet. I like to sit and watch the seasons change.” Hank came to stand next to her, his arm draped over her shoulders. “Bear Creek is the first place I ever considered setting down roots. I explored the hills and mountains, then I saw this house and knew this was it, my home. It needed work, but I had the experience, and so I put it back together. I made it mine.”
“I didn’t know that. I thought it was a rental.” Elise looked up at her mate. “Do you think there’s enough room for all my belongings? I can sell the furniture…”
Hank looked down at her, his expression an unreadable mix of emotions. “You don’t have to… If you don’t like it, we can live somewhere else. It’s just a house.”
“Says the man who told me to hold onto my belongings.” She turned around and cupped his face in her hands. “I want to live here with you. Surrounded by nature. By life.” Elise stood on tiptoes and kissed his lips. “If you’ll have me.”
“Always.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. Holding her like he’d never let her go.
But she had to go. They’d slept late, and she needed to get home and change before she went to work. “Can we meet later?” She stepped back. “I’ll text you.”
“No breakfast?” he asked.
“I don’t have time.” Elise retrieved her clothes and hastily dressed. “If I stay tonight, I’ll bring a change of clothes. And a few other things.” She kissed his lips quickly.
“Roomies by stealth, I like it.” He walked her downstairs. “Not even coffee?”
Elise looked at her watch. “I can’t.” She kissed him again, and then grabbed her purse and ran out to her car. “When all is lost, think of me, underneath the Wishing Tree.”
Hank chuckled and blew her a kiss. “I need to write you a new song. Oh, darlin’, please don’t go, don’t you know I love you so?” He cupped his hands over his heart and broke into his heartbreakingly deep voice.
Rolling down the window, she waved as she drove away. “It’ll be a sure-fire hit!” She giggled as she drove home, shaking her head at his theatrics. Catching a look at her face in the mirror, she stared at the woman reflected there.
Hank had brought love and laughter back into her life. Over the last couple of days, she’d stopped acting her age, and it showed in the glow of her skin and the sparkle in her eyes.
She kind of liked it. A lot. And she liked Hank, a lot. She might even admit to loving him. Not in the same way when she did at fourteen, but with a deep, profound love of a true mate.
When she reached her house, she unlocked the door and went inside, no longer noticing the stack of boxes as she raced upstairs and jumped in the shower. Half an hour later, she was on the road to the hospital, dressed in a smart skirt suit, with her briefcase on the passenger seat. As she drove, she pushed aside her thoughts of Hank and went over her itinerary for the day.
However, thoughts of Hank soon returned when she saw his truck in the parking lot. Her heart jolted in her chest. Was he hurt, had he injured himself and driven here for medical aid?
“I brought breakfast.” He got out of the truck and sauntered over, looking every inch the pop star with his faded blue jeans, leather jacket, and morning stubble. However, as her stomach rumbled, Elise was more interested in the coffee and bagels in his hand.
“I could love a man like you,” she teased, kissing his cheek as he handed over her breakfast.
“I already love you,” he said easily.
Elise sighed and looked up into his eyes. “I love you, too, Hank.” She smiled self-consciously. “I have said those words a thousand times.”
“But not to me. Not the real me.” He stroked her cheek tenderly.
“No. But I’m saying them to the real you now. I love thi
s Hank.” She prodded his toned chest.
“That’s music to my ears.” Hank stood looking down at her. “I should let you go.”
“Why don’t you come in and share breakfast with me?” She held up the food he’d given her. “I’d like to show you what I do.”
“Are you sure?” Hank asked, but he was already walking beside her toward the hospital.
“Absolutely. Not that there’s a lot to see. Thor will be here soon to set up the internal network. I have a ton of scanning to do, and then I’ll make a start on the database. Once we’re secure, I’ll link up to the central database, too.”
“Your job is to extend those databases?” Hank asked as they entered the hospital building.
“It is. Getting the word out to shifters. It’s a difficult balance. The last thing a family needs to decide when they’ve lost a loved one is whether they are willing to donate organs. The aim is to get the conversation started and register with us.”
Hank nodded. “Did you decide? About Delia?”
“I had the final word.” They got in the elevator. “It wasn’t easy.” Elise pressed the button for the second floor.
“And you’re on this register?” Hank asked quietly.
Elise closed her eyes and took a shuddering breath. “Yes, I am.”
“Then, I guess I should be, too. Not that I hope either of us will ever be faced with that decision.” He nodded, his face set firm. “What do I have to do?”
“There are forms to fill in. Then a series of tissue samples, depending on the type of donor you want to be.” Elise stopped talking, a lump filled her throat.
“Hey, nothing is ever going to happen to me. Or you. But I want to support you.” He took hold of her hand. “I can’t be an advocate for your cause if I’m not part of it.”
“An advocate? Does that mean…”
“That I want to be part of your music festival. A big part. Hank Rivera is willing to come out of retirement for his mate.” The doors opened, but Elise didn’t move.
“Hank. You don’t have to.” The doors pinged and started to shut, but Hank put his arm out to stop them.
“I want to. For you and because of Frankie and her babies.” He stepped out of the elevator. “What do you say?”
“Welcome aboard.” Elise hugged him. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” They walked along the corridor to the new department. Elise’s steps were light, as if she were walking on air.
“I never thought I’d have it all.” She gave Hank a sidelong glance. “I get the real Hank and the pop star Hank Rivera. How lucky am I?”
“I’d have to argue I was luckier.” Hank looked up as they entered the department. “Thor.”
“Morning. I thought I’d make an early start.” Thor was in the transplant waiting room, sitting on a seat, his tools by his side.
“You don’t look as if you slept,” Hank told Thor, who adjusted his glasses and shrugged.
“I’m a night owl.” He didn’t crack a smile. “I have a lot on my mind, so if I can get to work, I can concentrate on something else.”
Elise took the keys from her purse and opened the door. “Is there anything we can help you with?”
“No. It’s private.” Thor managed to smile. “Thanks for asking.”
“Hey, anytime you want to talk.” Hank put his hand on Thor’s shoulder. “We’re here for you.”
“Yeah, everyone is here for me.” Thor nodded, but there was something in his resigned sigh that added, except for the one I need.
Elise and Hank exchanged glances. “You know, we should write a song together,” Hank suggested. “I’m about to come out of retirement.”
That got Thor’s attention. “You work at the hotel. I didn’t think you’d retired.”
“I retired from music when I was a little older than you. I used to be a star.” Hank blushed self-consciously as he spoke. “That sounds so pretentious.”
“But true,” Elise backed him up on his statement.
Thor eyed him suspiciously. “You’re joking?”
“Nope.” Hank grinned and Elise pulled out her phone and handed it to Thor.
“This was Hank. My dream boy.” She showed Thor a picture of Hank at the height of his fame, guitar in hand, that boy-next-door smile on his face.
Thor shook his head. “I had no idea.” He passed the phone back to Elise. “But you were lucky, you had the talent and the looks. I have neither. So, if you don’t mind, I’ll get back to what I’m good at.”
Elise inclined her head toward the door. “Let’s leave Thor in peace.”
Hank followed her out, they went back down in the elevator and sat outside in the shade. “He’s not happy.”
“And you think this is because of Lauren?” Elise asked, handing him half the bagel.
“There does seem to be a connection. In their moods at least. But neither of them has mentioned the other.” Hank leaned back on the wooden bench. “Being a shifter is supposed to make this all easier.”
“Did you ever fall for a woman who wasn't your mate?” Elise asked, taking a gulp of coffee.
“I had relationships, but always pulled back before it got too serious. You?” He took the coffee from her and drank deeply.
“The same. There were men I could have loved, but it always felt hollow.” Elise looked back at the hospital building, and paused, her bagel halfway to her mouth. “Lauren’s here.”
Hank sat up quickly. “To see Thor?”
“Not unless she’s brought her parents to meet him.” Elise turned away. “It’s private. We shouldn’t stare.”
“We don’t know why she’s here.” Hank frowned. “But you’re right. This stays between us. They could be here for any number of reasons. And I’m not one for starting gossip.”
“Me neither.” But Elise had seen the department Lauren had come out of, had seen the way her parents hugged her, comforting her. They might just have discovered the reason behind Lauren’s behavior toward Thor.
Let me down gently, baby, don’t break my heart, the words echoed in her head.
Chapter Twelve – Hank
Hank left Elise and went home to do his chores, before heading to work. As he strolled into the staff entrance of the hotel, he carried a pen and paper, and his guitar. He stowed them in his locker and shut the door. At lunchtime, he planned to find a quiet spot and finally get the song that was stuck in his head down on paper.
He was so close to completing it, but the last verse evaded him. Working in the restaurant gave him the space he needed for his subconscious to untangle the web of words. It was one of the reasons he liked this kind of manual work. His mind was free to wander, to imagine the impossible, and soar as if he were an eagle.
When working on a project in India, he’d been taught the art of meditation and could enter a similar state while his body worked on autopilot.
“Hank.” Julius’s voice pulled him out of his meditation. “I have some bands lined up for the festival. I’d appreciate your input on the running schedule.”
“Sure, are you okay?” Hank seemed to be asking everyone that same question lately.
“Yes, this is harder than I thought.” Julius looked down at his iPad.
“Julius.” Hank placed his hand on his boss’s shoulder. “Is this a ruse?”
A frown crossed Julius’s face, along with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “For what?”
“Getting me involved.” Hank raised his eyebrows as he studied his boss. “That’s what I thought.” Hank turned back to his workstation.
“Come on, Hank. You could headline this. It would give Elise great publicity.” Julius rested his hand on the counter next to Hank. “You could write a new song or two and relaunch a career that was cut down in its prime.”
“You talk the talk, Julius, I have to give you that.” Hank took down a couple of plates and began layering salad on them.
“You know I’m right,” Julius told him firmly.
“I do.” Hank nod
ded in agreement.
“Wait, are you playing me, Hank?” Julius asked, trying unsuccessfully to sound offended as he hid his excitement.
“Just having a little fun,” Hank confessed.
“Okay.” Julius put his hand over Hank’s and stopped him from working. “Leave this. From now on, I want you working on a new song. Or two.”
“Are you firing me?” Hank asked in confusion.
“No. I’m redirecting your manual labor hours to where they are best suited. If you relaunch your career at the Midsummer Music Festival, it will be amazing publicity for the hotel. So, I’m willing to trade your work hours for productive songwriting hours.” Julius slapped him on the back.
“Wait, are you playing the player?” Hank asked, turning to face Julius. “You saw me put my guitar in my locker.”
“I didn’t.” Julius backed away, his hands in the air. “I swear.”
Hank’s eyes narrowed. “Was it Emily?”
Julius’s face cracked into a smile. “She is my eyes and my ears.”
“Are you sure you can spare me?” Hank asked. “I could help finish the lunchtime rush.”
“Do that.” Julius pointed at him. “I’ll get someone in to cover you this afternoon. Oh, and Hank? If you could get Lauren to perform, too, that would be great.”
“Because what’s better than one talented employee?” Hank began.
“Two. Yes. That’s true, but I thought she needed something to cheer her up.” Julius rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I haven’t gotten to the bottom of it yet, but there is something going on. This might be the tonic she needs.”
“I already tried to get Lauren involved. She’s turned me down a couple of times,” Hank replied.
“Well, we need to try harder.” Julius turned on his heel and left the kitchen. “I know you can do it.”
Hank went back to work, his Zen-like state impossible to recapture. This was it, he’d made a commitment, not just to Elise, but to Julius, too. He couldn’t back out. Not that he wanted to, the days of hiding were gone. It was time to embrace who he was. Not the same man he’d been back then, but who he was now. If his life story could help anyone else, then he’d tell it to whoever would listen.
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