by Elle Linder
His heart swelled. “They liked you too, cupcake. Ashlynn called you her new best friend.”
“She’s adorable. Phoenix too.”
“You were great with them.” Duke had been mesmerized watching her with the kids. She read to Ashlynn and braided her hair. Played peek-a-boo with Phoenix. Their giggles made Duke laugh right along with them.
“It’s getting late…” Her voice trailed.
“Stay the night. I don’t mean we have to do anything beyond sleep. I just want to be with you, hold you.”
She tilted her head, making eye contact. “Do you really think that’s a good idea? You’re leaving in a couple of days. Maybe it’s better if we pull back some. As it is, it’ll be sad to say good-bye.”
Emotion lodged in his throat. She wanted to pull back? Jesus, not what he wanted to hear.
“I suppose you’re right. I can take you back to the ranch now if you like.”
She cradled his cheek. Her warm hand on his face made his spine tingle. “I had a wonderful time.”
“So did I.” He captured her lips. He would pour himself into the kiss so it would carry her and him through the night. Then he’d drive her back to Hart Ranch and return to his empty, lonely bed.
Seven
CHRISTMAS EVE AT Uncle Conway’s and Auntie Elise’s would be perfect if she weren’t missing Duke so much. He’d been on her mind since she woke with the roosters. He stayed with her while she helped with the horses in the stable. Even during a rowdy game of Monopoly with Dylan and Sofie, Duke wasn’t far from her thoughts.
He wasn’t like any guy she’d gone out with back home. He was sweet and tender. Playful and funny. He made her heart flutter and her lips tingle.
When he’d asked her to spend the night, she nearly screamed yes. But what good would it do when she’d likely never see him again? The last few days had been the best of her life. Sleeping together, even without sex, was intimate. It would put her heart at risk.
Pulling back from Duke was for the best. Of course, her heart didn’t agree. Neither did her mind.
Why would fate bring them together to only tear them apart? It didn’t make sense.
“Cherish, you all right, honey?” Grandma Peggy sat beside her on the window seat.
The guys were watching Christmas Vacation in the den after dinner. Cherish wasn’t interested. Tori and Rex had left early to make new traditions with Lyla. The women had cleaned the kitchen, and once it was spotless, Cherish had ducked out, wanting to be alone while she moped.
She forced a small smile. “I’m fine. Just enjoying the view.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure, Grandma.”
“Why didn’t you invite Duke to dinner? I thought you liked him. He sure likes you. We all saw it when he kissed you at the table.”
She groaned internally, knowing she’d never live down that kiss.
“Truthfully, I don’t want to get attached. We’re leaving the day after tomorrow. I thought it better to put some distance between us.”
Grandma Peggy furrowed her brow. “Cherish, you’re already attached.”
Well, damn. There was the wisdom both her grandparents had in spades.
“Maybe. Which is why I didn’t invite Duke to dinner. Besides, he was spending the evening with his friends.”
“He should have been spending it with his cupcake.”
Cherish scowled at her grandma for repeating the nickname Duke called her. “Well, he’s not. It’s better this way.”
“Foolish girl. When you find a man who looks at you the way Duke does you, you don’t let go of him.”
“I live in Nebraska, if you forgot.”
“I didn’t. But what’s keeping you there?”
“Excuse me?” Where was all this coming from? Did she really expect Cherish to uproot everything for a man she’d known for only three days?
“You have no job. All your friends moved away. You’re not even close to your brother and sister. Don’t get me started on that, missy. But honestly, Cherish. Why leave Piper Ridge when nothing is waiting for you in Nebraska?”
Tears pricked Cherish’s eyes. “Because my momma is there.” The floodgates blew open.
Grandma Peggy hugged her firmly. “Baby girl, you’re momma isn’t there. She’s wherever you are.” She rubbed Cherish’s back. “She would want you to fall in love with a wonderful man and have a family.”
Cherish reared back. “I can’t have a baby. What if… What if…” A guttural sob hit before she finished her sentence. Grandma Peggy embraced her again.
What if she died during childbirth like her momma, leaving behind the man she loved and her baby? Cherish wouldn’t do that to the love of her life and her child.
Her daddy was never the same after he lost his wife. Sure he loved Denise and his other kids. But Cherish had heard her father tell Granddad Merle when he was drunk that Mary Beth Mayfield would always be his one true love.
Cherish knew the pain and sadness a child carried who never knew their momma. Nope, she couldn’t. She wouldn’t ever have children.
Duke entered her mind. He was just the kind of man who would want kids. He was a wonderful man, an exceptional and kind man. Watching him yesterday at Zeke and Zoey’s with the kids warmed her heart. Uncle Duke adored Ashlynn and Phoenix. She could only imagine how he’d be with his own child.
“Shh, it’s okay, baby girl. It’s okay.” She rubbed soothing circles on Cherish’s back. “I know you think what happened to your momma will happen to you, but it just isn’t so. I promise you, your daddy asked all the questions. It was your momma’s heart. Yours is strong.”
“How do you know I won’t go into cardiac arrest?” Cherish inhaled a ragged breath.
“How do you know you will?” Grandma Peggy gripped Cherish’s shoulders and stared her in the face. “Life is nothing but risks. You can do all the things to never suffer pain or loss, but, darlin’, is that really living? Think of all you’ll miss out on if you don’t step out on faith.”
Lights flashed into the window, illuminating them. It was Duke’s truck.
“Well, well, well… Looks like that nice man has come a-callin’.” She wiped away Cherish’s tears. “Give him a chance, baby girl. I think he’s the one.”
The doorbell rang.
“I love you.” She kissed her grandmother’s cheek.
“Love you too, my sweet girl. Be brave. I have faith it will all be okay. Now, go answer the door.” She smiled warmly.
“I might not return tonight.” Cherish bit her lip.
“I hope you don’t.” She winked with an all-knowing glint in her eyes.
Cherish giggled, feeling lighter. She was still afraid of the unknown, but she couldn’t deny the way Duke made her feel.
“Hey there,” she greeted after opening the door.
He appeared nervous. “I’m sorry to come unannounced, but—”
She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. Duke lifted her off the ground, eagerly kissing her back.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she mumbled against his lips.
“You are?”
“Mhm.”
He set her down. “Wanna go over to my place? I’d like a little alone time with you.”
“I’d love to. Let me pack an overnight bag.” Her face warmed. “If that’s okay.”
“Cupcake, it’s more than okay.”
“Perfect. I’ll be right back.” She ran upstairs, grinning from ear to ear.
Tonight she would live life to the fullest and step out on faith.
Eight
THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE movie, Duke watched Cherish more than George Bailey. It’s a Wonderful Life was one of his all-time favorite Christmas movies, but seeing Cherish crying during it made him feel bad.
At the end, when George finally realized how blessed and rich in family and friends he was, it even put a lump in Duke’s throat. But his sweet, tender-hearted Cherish broke down in his arms.
She fin
ally calmed.
This was not how he imagined spending the evening with her. He wasn’t upset by any means. He just preferred a smiling Cherish over a crying one.
“I’m sorry about this. It’s sort of been an emotional day.” She sat up, turned toward him, and laced her fingers with his. “Can I be honest about something?”
“Absolutely. Always be honest with me.” As the words left his lips, his guard went up. At least she didn’t say the dreaded: we need to talk. Those fateful words always meant the end of something. Or so he’d heard.
“I’ve been holding back with you.”
Now that he didn’t expect to hear. How did she mean “holding back”? Not being her authentic self? She was magnificent. Beautiful. Sweet and kind. He felt how much she liked him in every kiss. When she stared into his eyes, her gaze reached into his soul like she was coming home.
Had she been pretending with him?
“In less than a week, you’ve made me question everything about myself. That probably sounds dramatic, maybe even silly.”
“I’d never call you silly.” He lifted their linked hands and kissed the top of hers.
“I appreciate that. But my walls were up, guarding my heart.”
He furrowed his brow. “Why?”
“Because I feel more for you than I’ve ever felt for anyone else. I purposely didn’t invite you to my uncle’s house today. I was trying to push you away.” She teared up and squeezed his hand.
Well, damn.
“Before you go assuming the wrong things, I like you, Duke. But I’m afraid of what happens after tomorrow. I’ll be straight with you. A long-distance relationship won’t work for me.” A stray tear rolled down her cheek.
He ran his thumb under her eye. “What are you saying?” That lump was back in his throat but for an entirely different reason. If she said she didn’t want to try with him, it would break his heart.
She climbed in his lap, straddling him. He inhaled a breath, running his hands up her thighs. Cherish gripped his face, touching her nose to his, and hummed.
“I don’t usually allow myself to act on impulse. I’m never forward. I keep men at arm’s length.” She ghosted her lips across his. “Except with you, Duke Landon. I’m a different person when I’m with you. A person I like.”
“Then stick with me, cupcake. Because I sure as hell like you.” He stood with her in his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist, burying her fingers in his hair. “Stick with me.” He kissed her. “Let’s see where this goes.”
He entered his bedroom, hoping like crazy he wasn’t presumptuous in what would follow.
“What about the distance?”
“We’ll figure it out.” He set her on the bed. “Am I reading you wrong?” He collected the hem of her sweater in his hands, slowly lifting it up. “You can stop me. Just say the word.”
She smiled, raising her arms. “Same. You can stop me.” Her eyes stayed on his as she unbuckled his belt. “I want you. I think you want me too.”
“More than anything.” He dropped her sweater on the floor as she unzipped his jeans. “Since our first kiss.” He went down on one knee between her legs and removed her boots.
“Same. You lit me on fire. I thought I might combust.”
He couldn’t stop the cocky smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Lit you on fire, you say? I’m glad I wasn’t the only one.”
He tore off his shirt next, then their pants were removed and tossed on the floor. It was impossible to hide the arousal tenting his boxers. Duke wasn’t the shy type. Cherish didn’t appear to be either.
“I haven’t been with a man in years.” She lay back on the bed, tugging his hand to follow.
“Then I’ll be sure to make it good for you.” He covered her with his body and rubbed against her. They still had their underwear on. He wasn’t in any rush to get to the finish line.
She snorted, nipping at his bottom lip. “Make it epic.”
“You got it, cupcake.” He captured her lips and skimmed his hands over her body as they kissed. He dipped his finger under the band of her panties, brushing her skin and teasing her.
Cherish sighed and hummed, driving him wild as she wiggled her body beneath him. He’d never been so turned on before. He might not be able to draw this out.
Their tongues played, hands discovering each other. Cherish glided hers over Duke’s arms ever so lightly. A shiver shot up his spine and he bucked his hips faster. Down his back, her soft hands continued. She was thorough touching every inch of him.
“I don’t know if I can wait,” she whimpered into his mouth. “I’m so turned on.”
“Me too.”
“Do you have a condom?” She tugged at his boxers, making her intentions known.
“Yes, ma’am.” He reached for the drawer in his nightstand.
“Hmm. You’re prepared. How many ladies have you brought home? Not that I mind how many you’ve been with.” She bit her lip. “I mean, I do, but what you did before me isn’t my business.”
He slipped his boxers off and rolled on the latex. “This is a new box, cupcake. I don’t keep a stash here because I don’t bring women home.”
“You don’t?” The surprise on her face was adorable. She dropped her gaze to his erection.
“No, I don’t.” He took her red panties off as she unclasped the front of her red lace bra.
A breath hung in his lungs at the sight of her fully naked. “Cherish, you’re a masterpiece.” He crawled on top of her, kissing a trail up her torso. She purred in pleasure, her back arching into his lips.
“I love having your lips on me. But please, I’m aching for you. God, I haven’t felt like this ever.”
“I’ll ease the ache, beautiful.” He lowered his hand between them, finding her wet and ready for him. He took a moment to apply pressure to her clit, rubbing his thumb against it.
“Yes, that’s it.”
Duke got into position and slowly entered her. He took a moment to relish how incredible she felt, and tight too.
“Tell me if it’s too much.” He moved a little in her, adjusting his angle.
She shook her head. “No. It’s not too much.” She took him all in as if made for him.
Duke nearly passed out from the overwhelming pleasure rushing through him. Being inside Cherish Hart was heaven on earth. He was ashamed to admit he’d been dreaming of this moment since the night he met her.
“Cupcake, you feel incredible.” He kissed her as he started sliding in and out. The way she responded, moving her body in a fluid rhythm, showed how perfect she was for him.
He wouldn’t admit it now, but he was falling in love with Cherish… his cupcake.
“Duke, I’m close.” She pricked his shoulders with her nails.
Staring into her soulful brown eyes, he pumped into her, chasing his own climax. She bit her lip and stilled as her orgasm hit. He followed her off the cliff and into orbit.
They embraced, panting and kissing until they came back to earth. Duke rolled onto his back, taking Cherish with him. Her head rested over his racing heart.
The last few days had been what he always dreamed of. The pieces all fit now that Cherish Hart had entered his life. Would he be able to keep her in it… forever?
Nine
CHERISH’S GUARD WAS entirely down, her heart open as she and Duke recovered from making love. Even after only knowing him a short time, she thought they had a special connection. She felt safe and adored. His calling her cupcake made her heart swell.
It’s A Wonderful Life was a movie she didn’t often watch because it made her weepy. George Bailey had the life she’d forced herself not to desire—a large family. When he wanted to get out of his little hometown and travel the world, she wished she were brave enough to fall in love and have a baby. She and George may have had different issues in their lives, but his story always tugged on her heartstrings.
Duke hadn’t questioned her tears once. She appreciated him all the more for hold
ing her through it. And his sweet kisses.
Grandma Peggy’s wise words about living life to the fullest and stepping out on faith stayed at the forefront of her mind. Sharing herself intimately with Duke was a huge risk. It made her vulnerable. He could break her heart.
Or he wouldn’t.
She didn’t honestly know what would happen, just as she didn’t know if she would die during childbirth like her momma.
The decision had been simple after her chat with Grandma Peggy and Duke showing up unexpectedly. She would take the risk with him. Step out on faith. The jury was still out on kids though.
“You are a phenomenal woman, Miss Hart.” His hand brushed over her arm.
“So are you, Mr. Landon. I want to thank you for coming to get me.”
“No thanks needed. It was purely selfish. I missed you like crazy at Ashton and Kelly’s place. We were playing poker and it wasn’t any fun, not like in previous years.” He kissed her forehead. “I needed to see my cupcake.”
Melt me. “And here we are.”
“Here we are.” He tilted her chin and kissed her. “I’m going to clean up. Think you might be up for another round?”
“Absolutely. It was pretty great. But I wouldn’t quite call it epic.”
Duke guffawed as he strode to the bathroom. “That’s good, baby. Challenge me. I won’t let you down… a second time.”
She giggled, taking in the view of his backside. “You didn’t let me down. You made me thirsty for more.”
“Quick comeback. You are exceptional in every way.”
So was he.
How did she get so lucky? Perhaps her momma sent Duke for her.
If so, he was the greatest gift she could ever receive.
Ten
CHRISTMAS MORNING HAD arrived sooner than Duke preferred. After his enthralling night with Cherish, he needed a few more hours of sleep. But this was his last day with her before he left with the band to Seattle, and he didn’t want to spend it sleeping.
He wasn’t looking forward to the band’s gig. He’d ask her to go with him but it might be weird. None of the other women were going. She’d probably feel like a fifth wheel. Unwelcomed and in the way. He’d never want her to be uncomfortable, so he wouldn’t extend the invitation.
