She looked over her right shoulder. “What is it?”
His fingertips ran over the back of her shoulder, lingering on one spot. “Is this…from the stairs? From Vance?”
Her breath hitched. She’d forgotten about her scar. Over time, her gaze had been trained to ignore it.
The air around them turned tense.
“It doesn’t hurt.”
He didn’t say a thing. The tension, however, billowed off him like the wind from the summit of Mount Washington.
She gripped her towel and pivoted to face him. “I’m fine, Guy.”
He shook his head. “He’s an asshole.”
“He is, and life goes on. But you’re thinking too hard. C’mon. Lasagna solves everything.” She pushed on her tiptoes and pecked his lips, praying this wouldn’t ruin their night. After the appetizer he’d just given her, she really didn’t want him to leave.
She walked into her bedroom and reached in her closet for a T-shirt and pink and taupe camo pants. Guy closed the doors to the bathroom for privacy.
After a few quick minutes of lotion and makeup, and twirling her hair into a damp braid, she met him in the kitchen, sipping on a glass of red wine.
“May I have a glass,” she asked with a glance at the timer.
From the creases in his forehead, Guy was still thinking about Vance as he poured a second glass of wine. Time to redirect.
“So, I’d like to think of this as a date. Maybe a first date.”
The creases smoothed. The corners of his lips quirked up as did an eyebrow.
“On dates, people get to know each other. I know what you told me about coming to Cascade Creek, but I want the real answer. I’d told you a lot about my past, I think it’s only fair.”
His chest rose and fell, filling his lungs with air. “That might dampen the mood.” He set the glass on the island but didn’t pull back his hand.
“Well…” She took the glass and raised it to her lips. “Unless you’re a serial killer intending on making me your next victim, then I think you should still take the chance.”
After a few moments of silence and twirling his wine glass between his fingers, he spoke. “I came up here to process and escape. For some quiet. A while ago, I lost my best friend. My mentor. I picked this area because I used to go fishing here with my uncle as a little kid. After everything I saw…this was the first place that came to mind for peace and quiet.”
“I’m so sorry. What happened?’
His grip tightened around the wine glass, and it was a long moment before he answered. “He was shot in the line of duty. It’s still hard to talk about.”
Skye nodded. In the line of duty. So he was law enforcement of some kind. Or used to be. Pressing him with questions wasn’t a good idea. Of all people, she knew time was the best healer. Processing was a time game. Eventually, talking about it made it all better. But only when one was ready.
“What about your parents? Brothers and sisters?”
He shook his head. “No siblings. Dad has dementia, and I don’t want to burden my mom with this. When I’m ready, I’ll reach out.”
She couldn’t even imagine what Guy must have gone through. If she lost Lynée—God, she didn’t even want to think about it.
What a way to kill an erection. One minute Reed had accidentally walked in on dripping-wet Skye wrapped in a towel he was gently ridding her of. The next minute he could see nothing but blazing red as anger boiled inside him over that asshole Vance. That scar on Skye’s shoulder only made him wish he’d at least bloodied Vance’s nose the previous day.
Then she’d nudged him on his past. Which only reminded him of the real reason he was up here in the first place. Another buzzkill.
Protecting Skye wasn’t just about his job or justice. And he knew it. Skye stirred something more in him, something of which he didn’t want to let go.
But she had a point—life goes on.
She was living proof that someone can move on after life drops a bucket of shit over their heads.
The thought had never occurred to him before. To move on. Move on to what?
What was he supposed to do “after”? After he caught the bad guy?
Skye waved a hand over his blank stare. “You’re doing it again. Thinking way too hard.”
He forced a playful smile. “Sorry.”
“We have a few minutes. Want to help me set the table?” She gathered silverware and plates and handed them to him. “Where did you learn to cook?”
Reed stopped and turned his head to lock eyes with her. “University of YouTube and Google. Skye, I’m not much of a cook, if you couldn’t tell.” He continued setting out the plateware.
Her eyes rounded. “Really?” She shifted her weight on one hip and studied him. “You took that job because you were desperate.”
He shrugged.
“Damn. You learned all those dishes on the fly? You’re a quick study.”
He twirled a fork around his fingers before setting it down. “Thanks. I’m a big gamer, so I look at it like a game.” He grabbed his wine glass and sipped. “Strategy, timing, placement, multi-tasking—all the same principles apply.”
“You should teach Ralph how to cook. Otherwise, you’re not allowed to leave. Ever.” She grinned. “Is there anything you’re not good at?”
That was a loaded question. He resisted saying Not a damn thing when it comes to you.
Her hand flew up to stop him, as if she could hear the words in his head, and she chuckled. “Never mind. Forget I asked.”
Before he could capitalize on the moment, the oven timer went off. At least he had a pile of food before him to distract his libido. On the first mouthful, his taste buds came alive. The bite was thick with cheese and meat, and not too hot. “Delicious.”
She smiled. “Thanks.”
“Ralph should employ you to be the chef.”
“Then what job would you have? The waiter? You’re pretty good with the customers, all that charm and suave. But could you handle the bristly ones with extra demands and little patience?”
“Sure.” He scooped the last forkful from his plate. “If you were behind the counter, all I have to do to lift my spirits is look at you.”
She grabbed her wine. “Smooth.”
The earlier rage from seeing her scar had dissipated, and just sitting back with his wine glass and looking over at his delectable date made him content. More than content. “Where did you learn to make scrumptious things like this?”
She wiped her mouth with a napkin. “My mom. She loves to cook.”
“Any brothers and sisters?” He shoveled in another bite.
“Nope, only child. Lynée too, which I think explains why we’re so close. Both starved for sisterhood.”
Skye’s phone lit up with a text from Lynée.
Speak of a church lady.
She read from her phone. “The new Baldacci novel came in, and Lynée offered to hold it for me.”
His ears perked up at that one. Her fingers flew over the screen to text a reply, but he couldn’t help himself. Being able to read a new mystery novel before this book-addict across from him knew the ending was more than tempting.
Reed struck like a snake pulling the phone from her fingers.
“Hey! Give that back.” Her sporting grin made him chuckle.
Damn, he loved to play with her, and he equally loved this author. “Uh-uh. Not until you let me read it first.”
She lunged forward to grab the phone, but he held it behind him out of reach.
Her eyes narrowed, barely concealing that beautiful sparkle. “You dare to hold my phone hostage, after all this yumminess I fed you, so you can get a book that’s rightfully mine?”
He licked his lips, barely able to hold back the temptation. “What are you going to do about it?”
She jumped out of her chair and grabbed his elbow to pull down his arm.
He was quicker and stronger. Skye tried so hard to pull down his arm, both of them laughin
g. She got a little too close, so he stood up and backed away.
“I get the book first. My friend, my book.” She followed.
“Nope, it’s my phone now. I think I’ll tell her you’re so graciously giving it to me first.”
“No way.” She lunged again, and he stepped back, bumping into the sofa.
She’s good.
“You almost had it that time, precious. Don’t give up.”
The flush in her cheeks made her damn-near irresistible.
She heaved herself toward him once again. This time, using the momentum of her body, he wrapped an arm around her torso, spun them both, and had her on her back against the sofa cushions. His hips pinned her below him.
His sight traveled to her lips then to her eyes. He waited for a protest, but she merely stared back, panting in surprise.
Why was he distracting himself with this little game? He had to finish his research. Find Joe’s killer and be on his way. But damn, he was so hungry for this. For her.
Her phone dropped to the floor.
He claimed her lips in a way he’d been craving all damn day.
Her soft lips relented easily, kissing him back with equal vigor.
His lips possessed her, sprinkling kisses down her warm neck. His erection grew with every pant and moan. He had to have her.
Her labored breath floated past his ear as her fingers tunneled through his hair.
“Guy,” she whispered.
He nearly flinched at the name. Her fiery gaze told him not to stop. With a grasp on the hem of her T-shirt, he yanked it over her head and flung it behind them. His shirt followed.
The nude satin bra displayed her delectable cleavage, her breasts so supple and inviting.
“Skye, I want you so badly,” he whispered, lust coating his voice. ”Tell me now if you want to stop. Because if you say it later, I might not hear you.”
“Don’t stop. Please.” Her hands stroked over his chest to his jaw, her skin so soft and delicate. “I want you. I want to feel you.”
Thank God in heaven.
He took her mouth in a desperate, passionate kiss, dancing with her tongue like he was starving for her. With a deft hand, he reached behind her back and unsnapped her bra, dropping it with the other items.
He leaned down, admiring her nipples puckering with desire. So pink and plump, straining for him. He suckled her beautiful breasts. The arch in her back as she reached for more urged him on.
Reed taunted her further trailing his hand down her soft belly to her pants. Loosening the button and zipper, the enticing feminine scent washed over him. Even better than the soap she’d bought at the festival.
With a firm grip on her underwear and pants, he jerked the garments off like a man on a singular, sultry mission.
Her beautiful body was too gorgeous to resist. The polyester uniform he was used to seeing her in hid most of her smooth curvy figure, and tonight his eyes could feast on her full shape. Tonight, she was all his. For once, he thanked his lucky-ass stars.
He slid a finger through her wet slit. Oh, so slick and silky.
She mewled.
“Fuck, Skye. You’re so wet.” He didn’t waste another second. With a quick lift, he pushed her farther up the sofa. Then with his hands on her thighs, he crouched between her legs and licked straight up her core to her swollen clit.
She cried out, grabbing hold of his head as he made love to her sex.
He circled and lapped at her nub while he slowly pushed in a finger, eliciting more moaning. She tasted so sweet. His dick was screaming to plunge inside, but taking his time was important. She needed this. He slid in another finger and pumped steadily. Her sexy sounds escalating higher with every moment made him greedy for more, to have her clench around him. Her legs squeezed his head with the building tension, her hips rolling to the rhythm of his tongue. That pressure never felt so welcome. After a few short moments, her muscles contracted around him.
“Oh. Oh, God,” she called out. Warmth surged into his mouth, her sweet and tangy succulence.
Hell yes.
He held tight to her waist as she writhed below him, wringing every last ounce of pleasure she could stand.
Reed couldn’t wait anymore. He whipped open his fly and pushed them down, freeing his rigid dick. Fishing out the rubber from his back pocket, he sheathed himself, his hands shaking from his fervor. Leaning over Skye, he aligned himself at her entrance. He held her hands over her head and wove his fingers through hers.
She wrapped her legs around his waist. Damn, she looked so beautiful, her face so flush from her first climax, and her neck glistening.
With his lips scant inches above hers, he whispered, “Are you ready?”
She nodded and panted, “Yes.”
Thank God. “I want you like I’ve never wanted anything else in my life.”
As he claimed her lips, he claimed her body. Pushing hard and fast, he swallowed her gasp. He pulled back his hips and plunged in again, taking all he could. His body propelled faster and harder on its own, with barely any control. That was how crazy she drove him. Like a puppeteer to a marionette.
From her gasps and the open circle of her mouth, he prayed he wasn’t hurting her.
“Oh God, Guy, more. Please more. You feel…so incredible.”
“So do you, baby. We’re taking all night.” He continued, his balls tightening with each thrust. “This is just the beginning.” He couldn’t hold on any longer. With a groan, he released deep inside her, fireworks detonating throughout his entire body.
He collapsed, panting into her shoulder. Only when he didn’t feel dizzy anymore, he edged her to the side and pulled her body flush to his. He’d need a little time to recuperate before he started another round. Damn, she’d turned him into an addict.
“Holy shit, Guy.” Skye wiggled her breasts against his chest, her body so warm and responsive. “That was so worth the risk.”
Shit. Guilt from not being forthright about his name sobered his lustful mini-coma. Damn, he so desperately wanted to tell her his real name. To hear “Reed” on her lips… But then he’d have to spill the whole truth. Which would send her running.
He forced himself to quash those feelings and just buried his face in her neck. Hoping it wasn’t written all over his face. He’d been upfront about everything else with Skye, except for this. He hated lying to her, but it couldn’t be helped. He wouldn’t let this ruin their night.
Someday, when all this was resolved, he would tell her. If it would ever be resolved. Hopefully.
* * *
The salacious delight spread over Skye like a warm blanket. She lay on her sofa, eyes closed, and Guy’s breath drifting across her hair. Oh, how she loved his muscular chest pressed against hers. And the buzz of the best sex she’d ever had still hummed through her body.
“Wow,” she breathed. Guy had barely been out of her a minute, and she couldn’t wait for more.
“Yeah.” He pressed his lips to her forehead, letting them linger. “As much as I don’t want to disrupt this, maybe I should jump in the shower.”
She chuckled. “Okay. That’ll give me time to clean up.”
He hoisted his body up and paused, hovering over her, meeting her gaze. “Damn, you’re beautiful.”
“Just keep saying that. It works for me.” She chuckled and held out her hand. He helped her stand and pulled her in for another hug.
“Five minutes. Meet me right back here, okay?”
Her insides fluttered. “It’s a date.”
His lips curled up at the corners, and he made his way down the hall.
“Towels are in the closet,” she called after him.
She sighed as she dressed and cleared the table.
God. When had sex ever been so good?
Maybe it never was. Maybe this was it, the Holy Grail.
Can a person have a sexual soul mate?
She scoffed and carried the plates to the sink. Ridiculous. The pheromones were screwing with her brai
n cells.
Okay, she was arguing with herself, which was equally ridiculous. But it was as if the room suddenly brightened. Bigger and the world simultaneously more hopeful.
As she washed the dishes at the sink, her skin woke up with his presence. His energy pulsed through the air behind her. He awakened parts of her she missed having worshiped by a man. And this man knew just how to worship her.
“Who said you could get dressed?” he whispered at her back.
She grinned. “I didn’t know I needed permission. I mean, how crazy is it to wash dishes naked?”
“Lovely Skye, you can’t focus on a simple task like this while you’re naked?” He started caressing the skin under her shirt, laying kisses against her neck. “I’ve seen your multi-tasking skills at the diner.” He reached around her and unbuttoned her pants. Pulled down the zipper. “You’re masterful. Juggling tables and orders. Coffee refills with conversation.” He lifted her arms and pulled her shirt over her head.
A familiar slickness grew at the apex of her thighs. Her breath shallowed.
Before her hands returned to the soapy water, he unlatched her bra and dropped it. Her pants and underwear were next. In a heartbeat, she was naked at her kitchen sink.
Guy’s towel didn’t hide his erection pressed against her backside. His hands slid over her hips, up her torso, cupping her breasts and playing with her peeked nipples.
A moan echoed across the kitchen, and she let her head lull back onto his shoulder.
“Don’t let me distract you. Dip your hands in the soap while I pleasure you. Unless that would bother you.”
She wanted to laugh out loud. Bother wasn’t exactly the word she would use.
His deft fingers toyed with her nipples as he sucked and licked the side of her neck, making it damn-near impossible to concentrate.
A simple twist and tug of her nipples sent a rush of hot nectar to her nether lips. “Oh God,” she breathed.
His hands grazed down the side of her body and over her ass cheeks.
She desperately wanted to squeeze her legs together to stave off the ache building inside with a glorious fury.
With his knees, he pushed her legs further apart.
Her own knees shook slightly, and she grabbed the counter to steady herself.
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