I hang up the phone with Trevor and get back in my truck. I need to get over to the cabins and get one set up for him. My phone pings again with a text, and I look down to see a message from my mom.
Pearl accepted the position and she’s real excited about it! I told her you’d be back around five to show her around.
I toss the phone on the seat next to me. “Great. Just what I need. A peppy girl hanging around getting in my damn way.”
An hour later, I’m pulling back into the cabin parking lot. I had to run to town to pick up a few things I didn’t already have to get the renovations started. I see Pearl leaning against a baby blue Volkswagen Beetle. Why the hell would you drive that car living in the Rocky Mountains is beyond me. She stands up and offers a hesitant wave as I back my truck in next to her.
I don’t have anything against the girl. Hell, she was always a cute kid, and she grew up to be a beautiful woman. You can tell she doesn’t realize it, though. She isn’t that obvious beauty that knows it and flaunts it. She’s demure. Her strawberry blonde hair is usually always swept back in some haphazard way with pieces falling out around her face. She has the biggest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. I remember her dad calling her birdy as a kid because of those eyes. I just don’t need the distraction of a million questions and some young smart-ass college grad who thinks they know how to run this business better than me.
“Pearl,” I say, giving her a curt nod before walking behind my truck to let the tailgate down.
“Uh, hey, hi, Blake. I’m sorry if I interrupted your schedule. Your mama said you’d be around to give me a tour and talk about things?” She seems nervous.
“No bother. Just need to unload this before the rain lets loose,” I say as I grab the two-by-fours and hoist them over my shoulder. I make my way toward the tool shed when I hear a small grunt. I turn around to see Pearl attempting the same move I just made and failing.
“Whoa! Whoa!” I drop the wood on my shoulder and run back toward her, catching her around the waist with one hand and grabbing the wood with the other. She was about four seconds away from falling straight on her ass.
“I don’t need your help with this, Pearl. Just wait over there and let me handle this.” My words come out harsher than I intended, but this is exactly the kind of situation I was dreading. The over-eagerness of a twenty-four-year-old making things harder than they need to be.
I glance down at my arm still halfway around her waist and pull away. Her warmth feels good against my chest and hips, and the scent of strawberries and vanilla wafts up from her hair as she half turns to look at me. I shake my head to clear the thoughts, most likely the result of not having been with a woman in almost a year. I grab the wood she dropped and take it back over to the other pile and carry them into the shed.
I finish unloading the truck and make my way back over to where Pearl is standing. I hadn’t realized how petite she is. Her jeans cling to her as if they’re painted on, and the cuffs are tucked into some hiking boots. She tugs absentmindedly at the sleeves of her light pink hoodie and squints at the setting sun. She’s gorgeous. I run my hands through my hair. I have no business noticing things like this with her. She’s way too young for me, and I know she’s always had a thing for my brother.
“You ready?” I ask her. She smiles broadly and walks over to meet me. I walk her around the property, showing her the cabins and giving her a brief rundown of our current reno plans.
“So, when does Trevor get home? Your mom told me he was coming home.” I’m surprised it’s taken her this long to ask.
“I spoke to him earlier, and he gets in tonight around eleven. I actually need to get a cabin ready for him. Well, it’s ready, I just need to make sure the water heater is on and the AC is set to a nice temp.” I run my hands through my hair again. I can tell I’m rambling a bit. I’m not sure what else to say to Pearl.
“Your mom said he’s single now?” Ah, there it is.
“You still holding out for that, huh?” I say the words before thinking, and I can tell I’ve embarrassed her.
“What? No, no. I was just asking. What do you mean still holding out?” She crosses and uncrosses her arms as she speaks.
I can’t help but smile and shake my head. “It’s obvious, Pearl, always has been. You’ve been in love with Trevor since you were a kid.” Her mouth pops open, but she doesn’t respond. “Now’s your chance, I suppose. Like my mom said, I guess he’s single now.” I turn and make my way toward cabin three to get it ready for Trevor. I pull the key from my pocket and slip it into the door.
“Do you think he’s into me too?”
I spin around to see Pearl on my heels, her hands in her back pockets. Jesus, I should have kept my damn mouth shut. I let out an audible sigh and step into the cabin.
“Hell if I know, Pearl. Now run along. I don’t need your help. I’ll see you on Monday.” I make my way through the back to check the water heater, but she’s still on my tail.
“Do you think you could ask him for me? Like, not tell him I’m asking, but maybe see if he would be interested in me?”
“Are you kidding me? What is this—high school? Pearl, I don’t have time for your silly crush. If you want something with my brother, you need to approach him about it. Now, for the last time, I’ve got a lot of work today. Our meeting is done.”
She spins on her heel and stomps out of the cabin. I feel a little bad. I might have hurt her feelings, but the last thing I need is to get involved in this childish stuff. I’ve got my own relationship issues to deal with.
Three
Pearl
“I’m going to tell him. I’m going to confess everything and finally tell him how I feel,” I say, downing the rest of my margarita.
“Are you sure, Pearl? I mean…that’s a huge risk, putting yourself out there like that,” Jade says. I wouldn’t expect her to understand. I wouldn’t expect anyone to understand. There’s more to it than just having a life-long crush on Trevor. I’ve kept myself for him.
“I mean, yeah, it is a huge risk, but the reward will be worth it. I…” I lean forward, looking around to make sure nobody can hear me. “I’ve been saving myself for him.”
“You’re a virgin?” Jade practically shouts as her eyes double in size.
I lunge across the table and slap my hand across her mouth, but it’s too late. A few people are staring our way. “Seriously? You couldn’t have read my body language when I leaned in that I was telling you a SECRET?” Now I’m the one whisper shouting.
“I’m sorry! I just…wow! Wait…are you saying you’ve made the conscious decision to NOT have sex so that you can give your virginity to Trevor?”
“Well, I mean, not exactly. You know this town. There’s nobody here and I—”
“You went to college in Boulder for four years, Pearl. You had plenty of opportunities. Don’t bullshit me.”
I let out a sigh and lean back in my chair. “I guess, maybe, yeah, I did hold out for Trevor. Er, have been holding out for him. I think I just…I got it in my head when we were so young that we’d end up together, and I just didn’t see the point in wasting my time with anyone else.”
“Oh, sweetie.” Jade reaches out and grabs my hands across the table. “You’ve really screwed yourself here. I guess that’s not the right way of putting it.” She laughs. “But seriously, you set yourself up for some serious heartache. I know you guys have always been best friends, but you’ve told me he’s been in a serious relationship for years and you guys drifted apart. What if he isn’t moving back here? You going to move to wherever the hell he lives?”
I pull my hands back. “I know, and that’s why I have a plan. Okay, hear me out…I know he’s only in town for a little while, but maybe I can convince him this is where he belongs. I think if I remind him of all the fun and amazing times we had growing up, he will want to stay and have a fresh start after his heartbreak.” I smile, hoping Jade agrees, but I can see on her face that she doesn’t.
“Pearl—”
“Look, I’m sick of being a virgin, Jade, and Trevor is the only guy I trust. I’m doing this whether you agree or not.” She just shakes her head and smiles at the waiter as he hands us our credit cards back.
“Just keep in mind he might not be the same boy you fell in love with. A lot can happen and change in a few years, babe.”
“So, what about you? How’s the online dating world?”
Jade sighs and lets her head fall back.
“That bad, huh?” I rub her back as she sulks.
“It’s just a shit show. The guys either just want a hookup, or they’re a catfish and they show up and they’re thirty years older than their picture. Time for me to adopt a dozen cats and accept my fate.”
“I’ve missed you so much,” I say into Trevor’s neck as he squeezes me tightly. I can’t help but inhale his cologne. It smells expensive, not like the Axe body spray he used to wear in high school. That’s not the only thing that’s changed. The last time I saw him was when he came back to town to tell me he was engaged and my heart dropped to my feet. He had changed a little back then, but now...now, he looks like a sophisticated man. He stands out in this town.
I take a seat next to him at the bar and take a sip of my beer. “So...what’s new?” I say a little shyly. I feel a little like I’m sitting next to a stranger. His once curly, dark hair is now cropped short in a professional no-nonsense cut. His crisp, navy button-down is tucked into matching dark jeans complete with a camel-colored belt and suede wingtips. He looks expensive.
“A lot, I guess. I’m still living in Chicago, and I just accepted a professor position at the University of Chicago. They told me the average age of a professor is forty so I guess I’m a little ahead of my time.” He chuckles and takes a sip of his water. “Before I even finished my Master’s, they had their eye on me. I’m working through my PhD now, so I guess I’m staying pretty busy.”
I half-smile. “Yeah, sounds pretty crazy. I’m so proud of you and happy for you.” I want to ask about his ex, but I don’t want to seem too nosy.
“What about you? I thought for sure you’d have a couple little ones running around by now.” I’m a little taken aback at his remark. Maybe he didn’t know me as well as I thought he did.
“No, no little ones. I just accepted a position with your mom at the cabins. I guess she and Blake are doing some renovations, and they want me to do some social media marketing and build a new website. I went over there the other day and met with Blake. He’s still… moody,” I say with a nervous laugh.
“Yeah, he told me about that a little. He’s just a harmless, grumpy old man. I swear he’s gotten worse since Tracey broke his heart, but he’ll never admit that.”
“Tracey? How long ago was that?” I should take this opportunity to bring up his ex, but I’m curious about this woman who broke Blake Winthrop’s heart. I know I’d seen the two of them around town in the past but not enough to remember her.
“About a year, I think.” He takes another long drink of his water. “I guess she got tired of the small-town life. She moved in with him for a few months but missed her life back in Denver and bailed on him. Just moved out one day.”
“Damn, that’s harsh.” I roll my beer bottle in my hands, “So what about you? Got a Mrs. back in Chicago waiting on you?” I can see his shoulders tense up before motioning to Will.
“Could I get a double Jack and Coke?” he asks before folding his hands on the bar top. “Funny you should ask. I, uh, I am recently single.” He leaves it at that before picking up the drink from Will and taking several large gulps.
“I’m sorry,” I say, reaching out and rubbing his arm.
“Ah, it’s for the better, I guess. I proposed, we seemed happy and then she said she needed space. Good to know we weren’t on the same page.” He lifts the tumbler to his lips before draining it. “How about we do some shots for old time’s sake?”
We’re a few shots and Jack and Cokes in before we’re laughing and teasing each other like old times. I know Jade was wrong. He’s the same boy I remember from childhood, the same boy I’ve dreamt of giving my virginity to.
He glances down at his phone. “Shit. We’ve been here for four hours. It’s already after eight. I promised Blake and my mom I’d stop in and spend some time with them. It’s been great, P, it really has.” He reaches out and places the palm of his hand against my cheek before leaning in and placing a kiss on my forehead. I can smell the whiskey on his breath, and I’m tempted to pull his mouth down to meet mine. He leans back, and for a brief second, he glances down at my lips as if he’s reading my thoughts. I let my eyes close softly before they shoot open again to the sound of his phone ringing.
“Hey, Ma. Yeah, I’m heading over now. No, I’m not driving. I sent Blake a text to pick me up. Okay, I’ll see you soon. Love you.”
“Well, Blake will be here any minute.” He reaches out and squeezes my hand. “You haven’t changed a bit, P. You’re still that same beautiful girl from high school. I’m sad I let time get away from us. I promise I’m going to do more to keep you in my life.” He gets up and walks out.
I have to tell him. Tonight.
I sit in my Beetle and stare at my phone. It’s almost midnight, and I’ve been sitting here for close to thirty minutes trying to muster up the courage to march up to cabin three and tell Trevor I want him. None of the lights are on in the cabins, and being this far up in the mountains, it’s damn near pitch black, especially with the clouds blocking the moon.
I pull down my mirror and give myself a once over. I slick on my favorite strawberry gloss and pop a mint. “This is it. Just tell him.” I flip the mirror back up and exit my car, making my way quietly toward his cabin.
I walk across the small porch and grab the handle of the door. “Please be unlocked,” I whisper to myself. I turn the handle and the door pops open with a squeak. I quickly look over my shoulder and then slip inside. I leave my shoes by the front door before tiptoeing toward the bedroom door that’s partially open. I look inside and his naked back is toward the door. I can barely make out the color of his skin as I approach him. The room is so dark, not even a sliver of light shines through the drapes that are drawn closed.
I reach down and softly stroke his shoulder as he stirs awake. “Don’t panic. It’s Pearl. I just…I need to tell you something.” He sounds like he’s about to speak but stops when I interrupt him. His shoulder and back feel so strong under my touch.
“I…I’ve been in love with you for as long as I can remember.” I let my hand travel over his arm, and a small moan escapes his lips. I don’t know what comes over me, but I don’t hold back. “I’ve wanted you so badly. I can’t help but fantasize about you. I…I’m a virgin and I want my first time to be with you.”
I climb on top of him as he rolls over and place my lips on his. They’re soft and full. His tongue darts out to lick at my own and then delves into my mouth. The kiss deepens instantly. I reach down and pull my sweater over my head to reveal my bare breasts and press them against his naked chest. My hips start to grind against him, and I can feel him harden instantly. I can’t believe the instant connection I feel. The warmth and wetness build in my panties as I grab his hands and pin them above his head.
“Trevor, take me. Make love to me…please. I need to feel you,” I say between kisses.
I’m lost in the moment before I realize he’s trying to stop me. He pulls his hands from mine before sitting up. I let my hands slide up his arms and into his hair…his long hair?
I panic and jump to my feet, covering my naked breasts as I scramble to find my shirt in the dark. I trip over something and fall flat on my ass just as Blake flicks the bedside lamp on.
“What the fuck, Pearl?” He says, handing me my sweater while attempting to avert his eyes.
“Why’d you kiss me back?” I’m embarrassed and angry and wish I could crawl in a hole and die.
“You kissed me first! In the middle of the damn night,
in my bed. What the hell?” He’s rubbing the back of his head, and that’s when I notice the sheet that’s barely covering his very awake manhood. I’ve never seen him without a shirt on, and it’s a sight to behold. His chest and stomach are tanned from working out in the sun and sprinkled with dark hair. His pecs are full, accompanied by broad, masculine shoulders and very defined abs. He has the kind of body that a man gets from manual labor, a body that has me staring. I feel like my mouth has gone completely dry.
Without another word, I grab my sweater, turn, and run out of the cabin.
Four
Blake
I sit in the stillness for another moment, trying to process what just happened. Pearl’s fruity gloss is still on my lips, and I dart my tongue out to taste it again. I smile and shake my head as I close my eyes and lean my head back against the headboard. “What the hell?” I say aloud to myself, dragging my hands over my beard.
As the hilarity of the situation wears off, the shadowy image of her breasts pops into my head, and I can feel myself twitch. Is she really a virgin? She didn’t kiss like one. Her lips moved against mine like a woman who knew exactly what she was doing, not to mention the way her hips ground against me. I stir a little, frustrated that my mind and body are having this kind of reaction to her.
I think about Trevor. If she had done that to him like she’d supposedly intended, would they be naked by now? Would he have taken her? I can feel my blood pressure rising at the thought. Why should I care? I have no claim on Pearl Davenport. She’s always been my little brother’s nerdy best friend.
Grand Lake Colorado Series: A Complete Small Town Contemporary Romance Collection Page 2
