He bent his head and touched his lips to hers, then headed for the door because he knew he didn’t dare stay. He glanced back, saw her shattered expression and almost changed his mind, but something warned him that it would be the worst mistake of his life.
After taking one last look at this woman who’d stolen his heart, he sighed, then said, “Let me know when you’re sure.”
He almost made it out the door, but her softly whispered cry of his name stopped him. He turned slowly back.
“I know now,” she said, her eyes bright.
He smiled. “So fast?”
She nodded. “Because you were willing to walk out of here when I know you didn’t want to. I knew in that instant.”
He wanted desperately to believe her.
She held out her hand. “Please stay. Just for dinner, if that’s all you’re interested in.”
“You know better than that.”
“Please stay,” she repeated.
Still wondering if he could trust himself, he grinned. “No hanky-panky?”
“Absolutely not.” She sketched an X across her heart, then regarded him innocently. “Unless you change your mind.”
“The steaks are probably ruined,” he noted.
“We probably shouldn’t be eating meat, anyway.”
“Don’t ever say that out at White Pines,” he warned. “Grandpa Harlan will surely take offense. He does run a cattle empire, you know.”
“I’ll remember that.” She tilted her head. “So was that a yes? Are you going to stay?”
He considered the question for some time, debating the wisdom of his decision, weighing desire against reason. Finally he nodded.
“Against my better judgment.”
She laughed at his somber tone. “What’s the matter, Deputy? Don’t you trust yourself around me?”
“You’ve got that right.”
“I’ll do my best to see that you don’t go against any of those important principles of yours.”
“There’s only one principle that applies to this particular situation,” he told her.
“What’s that?”
“I don’t want to do anything that either one of us is going to regret in the morning.”
She stepped up close then, deliberately crowding him, and rested her hand against his cheek. His skin heated under her touch. “There is nothing we could do, Justin, nothing, that I would ever regret.”
She said it so fiercely, with so much passion that Justin’s only choice was to kiss her. He moved quickly, before he could think, before second thoughts could come roaring back. And when he claimed her lips this time, he knew there would be no turning back.
* * *
Until the very instant when Justin’s mouth had come crushing down on hers again, Patsy had been terrified that he would walk out the door. She had also been very much afraid that she would never again have the courage to go after him. It had been a long time since she’d taken an emotional risk. Her confidence was shaky.
She had been astonished earlier when he’d read her so easily, when he’d guessed that she’d wanted to give herself to him out of gratitude. Men weren’t supposed to be so perceptive. Then, again, this wasn’t most men they were talking about. This was Justin. He’d always struck her as a cut above the rest and tonight he had proved it.
She wanted him so desperately. She wanted the physical connection, knowing that it would come with the emotional commitment. She had been so sure that she was doomed to a life of solitude, a life on the run, an unending marital limbo. Because of Justin, all that had changed. He had given her back her life, given her back her heart. So, yes, she was grateful.
She was also wildly, passionately in love with him. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind about that now. She had told him the honest-to-God truth about that. She had known, though, that he was really asking more than that. He was asking not just about her feelings, but about her readiness to face the future, a future with him very much in the middle of it. Could she answer that question as easily? Truthfully, no. She’d made so many resolutions about standing on her own two feet. It was important to keep them.
But with Justin’s mouth covering hers, with his hands dancing over her skin and setting off wildfires in the wake of his touches, the only answer she could give was with her body and she gave it eagerly.
Clothes were shed in a frenzy, his, hers, flying through the air and landing who knew where. His heated gaze was as seductive as his caresses, lingering on every inch of bared flesh, stirring her.
He slowly slid his hand along her belly toward the hook of her bra. He flicked it open, then slowly brushed away the scraps of lace. She watched the muscle in his jaw work as he stared at her breasts.
“You are so beautiful,” he whispered for the second time that night, his breathing ragged. “I want to make love to you right here, right now.”
“In the kitchen?” she said on a gasp that was as much pure pleasure as shock as he skimmed his finger across an already hardened nipple.
“You’ll never prepare a meal in here again without remembering,” he teased.
“I’m not sure my heart will be able to take it.”
“Now, see, there’s something I didn’t know about you. You’re very traditional.”
Patsy glanced at the counter, then considered that they were both already mostly undressed. “I can change,” she said thoughtfully. “It could be fascinating.”
He chuckled. “You’ve turned daring now? In the blink of an eye?”
She felt laughter bubbling up. “It’s been that kind of day.”
“Come here then,” he suggested, stealing away the last scraps of clothes she was wearing and hoisting her onto the counter. The tiles were cold, a startling contrast to the fire burning inside her.
When he lowered his head to take her breast in his mouth, she rocked back, stunned by the sheer magic of it. He shucked off his jeans and briefs, guided her legs around his waist and then he paused. Anticipation had her ready to plead with him, but then she saw that he was only reaching for a foil packet in his pocket.
And then, before the heat had cooled even so much as a degree, he was inside her and it was building again. So much heat, so much urgency. Patsy was trembling from the inside out, straining toward an elusive goal that promised release. She kept thinking about the magic of it, the wonder of being touched by a man who was totally, thoroughly dedicated to her pleasure.
And then she wasn’t thinking at all, just feeling as Justin’s thrusts went deeper, as tension coiled in her belly, then sent shock waves ricocheting wildly through her. The intensity of it shattered her, leaving her panting and sated and awed by the wonder that was Justin.
Chapter Fourteen
It was morning before Justin was finally able to force himself to leave Patsy’s bed. They had finally made their way into it long after midnight. In the meantime, they had used Patsy’s newfound daring to make love in several spots along the way.
Gazing at her with the morning sun splashed across her body, he was struck anew by what a remarkable woman she was. Definitely full of surprises, that was for sure.
He dressed quickly and paused beside the bed for one last, lingering look. She stirred as if she’d felt his gaze. She came awake slowly, stretching like a sinuous cat and setting his blood to roaring through his veins all over again. When her eyes finally focused on him, she blinked.
“You’re already dressed.”
“I need to get to work and I have to stop by the house first to change into my uniform.”
She glanced at the clock. “Oh my gosh, I’m going to be late, too.”
“Take your time. I’ve got an in with your boss.”
She scowled. “Which you are not to use. Getting there on time is my responsibility. I’m supposed to open up. Sharon Lynn’s not ready to be back full-time yet.�
�� She yawned.
“The impression I got is that she’s anxious to be busy.”
“I’m going in,” she repeated emphatically.
Justin decided he’d better not argue with her. He’d seen evidence of this stubborn streak before, and after growing up with a whole clan of control freaks, he knew better than to take her on over the inconsequential stuff.
“Just don’t burn the coffee.”
“You can’t burn coffee.”
“You can if you forget to put any water in the pot. Ask Sharon Lynn. She has firsthand experience.”
“When she was distracted by the wedding preparations?”
“Oh, yeah. And that was just the tip of the iceberg. Suffice it to say, you will always be regarded as something of a savior of the public health in this town.”
She tilted her head. “Is that how you think of me?”
“No way, darlin’.” He leaned down and whispered in her ear, chuckling when her cheeks turned bright red. “That’s how I will think of you from now on.”
“Well, I certainly hope you’re the only one who feels that way.”
“I’d better be,” he concurred. He leaned down and delivered a hard, quick kiss that made up in intent what it lacked in passion. It was meant as a final reminder that she was his now. The dazed look in her eyes suggested he’d gotten his message across.
“See you in a while,” he said.
“Justin, we are going to keep quiet about this, aren’t we? For now, at least?”
He grinned, knowing the futility of it. “We can try.”
She sighed. “I was afraid you were going to say that.”
* * *
The whole blasted town was jumping to conclusions. Patsy realized it when half a dozen people asked very pointed questions that morning about her dinner with Justin and none of them had even witnessed the warm, personal greeting he gave her when he stopped by for a quick cup of coffee just before nine. Nor had most of them seen the way she’d brightened at his entrance. No, indeed, their probing had been sparked by something else entirely.
Thoroughly embarrassed at having her private life made public, she mumbled evasive answers to the prying questions and retreated to the back room at Dolan’s every chance she got. Obviously Justin had known what he was talking about. There hadn’t been a chance in hell of keeping anything secret in this town. It was all too reminiscent of being the wife of a promising political candidate.
“Hiding out again?” Sharon Lynn inquired, peeking through the partially opened door.
“I am not hiding out.”
“Sure you are. Can’t say I blame you. The folks in Los Piños do like their breakfast served up with gossip.”
Patsy sighed. “What I can’t figure out is how they even knew Justin and I were having dinner last night.”
“That’s a no-brainer.”
“Explain.”
“Did you shop at the grocery store?”
“Of course.”
“Enough food for two, maybe something a little special, like thick steaks?”
She began to see where this was heading. “Yes.”
“Did he bring you flowers?”
“Yes, but—”
“Did I cover for you in here yesterday afternoon?”
She got the picture. “Oh, good grief,” she muttered impatiently. “Am I going to have to buy food in the next town before I invite him over again?”
Sharon Lynn grinned. “It won’t help. We have sources there, too.” She sat down on a stack of boxes. “So, tell me, how did it go?”
“We had a great time.”
“Did you sleep with him?”
“Sharon Lynn!”
Her friend—and his cousin, she must never forget that—grinned impudently. “Never mind. I think you’ve just answered that question.”
“I did not.”
“That bright pink color in your cheeks did.”
“Maybe I was just embarrassed that you would even think such a thing.”
“If you’re trying to persuade me I’m wrong, it’s not working. Justin couldn’t look me in the eye and give me a straight answer, either.”
“You asked him, too?”
“Well, of course I did. I love both of you. I want this to work out.”
“Then maybe you should just leave us alone. Knowing there’s a fascinated audience panting for a play-by-play won’t help.”
“If you think I’m nosy, wait until you run into Grandpa Harlan.”
“Did I hear somebody mention my name?” the very man in question called out. “Where the dickens are you, girl? You hiding in the broom closet like your mama and Cody used to do?”
Patsy sent a panicked glance toward the door. “I am absolutely not going out there.”
“Of course you are,” Sharon Lynn said, clearly eager to throw her to the wolves—or one wolf in particular, at least. “Your break’s over. Mine’s just beginning.”
Before Patsy could argue that point, the door pushed open and Harlan Adams poked his head in. He was evidently tired of waiting for either of them to appear.
“I knew it,” he gloated. “What is it about this room that lures everybody back here?”
“Maybe they’re hoping for a little privacy,” Sharon Lynn teased, going over to give him a kiss on the cheek.
He seemed fascinated by the explanation. “You two indulging in a little girl talk? Mind if an old man sits in?” He glanced at Patsy. “I have a few questions about you and my grandson.”
“Sorry, sir. You’ll have to get those answers from Justin,” Patsy said, slipping past him with the finesse and speed of a very crafty running back.
“Dadgumit, he wouldn’t tell me a blasted thing, either,” he grumbled irritably.
“Bless his heart,” Patsy murmured.
“What was that?” Harlan Adams asked.
“She said he’s a wise man, Grandpa. What she had the good grace not to say was that you’re being a nosy old man.”
He scowled at her. “Like you haven’t been poking at her all morning long.”
Sharon Lynn shrugged. “I’m her friend. I’m entitled.”
His gaze narrowed. “Did she tell you anything?”
“No, I did not,” Patsy said, giving Sharon Lynn a warning look. “Some people just enjoy making assumptions.”
“How the devil is a man supposed to plan a wedding, if nobody will tell him anything.”
Patsy halted in her tracks. A wedding? Who the hell had said anything about a wedding? Sharon Lynn shot her a sympathetic albeit an I-told-you-so look.
“Maybe you should let the people involved make their own wedding plans, Grandpa, if there are any to be made.”
He stared hard at Patsy. “That what you want?”
“I think it would be best,” she agreed, then relented just a little at his look of disappointment. “I will tell you one thing, though. If and when Justin and I talk about getting married, you will be the first to know.”
He gave a little nod of satisfaction. “Good enough.” He bent down and kissed Sharon Lynn’s cheek, then Patsy’s. “I’d best be getting back to White Pines. Janet’s been moping around out there this morning because she doesn’t have a case to work on. I’ve got to come up with something to keep her occupied or she’ll be back here in town practicing law full-time before I can blink. That case of yours sparked her hunger to work again.”
Sharon Lynn winked at Patsy. “Maybe you should compromise, Grandpa. Let her take on a case now and then.”
“She is a very good lawyer,” Patsy offered. “It’s a shame not to take advantage of all that legal knowledge.”
“You two are just too danged liberated for your own good. Her place is home with me. It’s taken me too darn long to get her there as it is.”
“She’ll be h
appier if she’s feeling fulfilled professionally,” Sharon Lynn said.
“Which means she will be very, very grateful to you for suggesting that she go back to work part-time,” Patsy said slyly. She did not mention just what form that gratitude might take, even though she had some very recent experience with it.
He regarded Patsy with a twinkle in his eyes. “I do like the way you think, girl. I hope you and my grandson hurry up and get this show on the road.”
“Why don’t you forget about Justin and Patsy and pester Harlan Patrick,” Sharon Lynn suggested. “Now there is a man just ripe for matrimony.”
“Never you mind your brother. He’s right on track with Laurie Jensen, as far as I can tell.”
“And you would know, I’m sure,” Sharon Lynn teased.
He scowled at her. “I have to see to it that all my babies are settled, don’t I?”
“You think you do, anyway,” she agreed.
Harlan Adams’s expression sobered. “What about you, darlin’ girl? You doing okay?”
The smile on Sharon Lynn’s face faded faster than the sun dipping below the horizon. Patsy gave her hand a squeeze.
“She’s doing fine,” Patsy said, trying to bring a quick end to the subject. She was all too aware that Sharon Lynn’s tears were too close to the surface and that the slightest reminder of Kyle could bring them coursing down her cheeks again. She’d dashed into this back room a few times herself today, when a customer’s sincere expression of sympathy had gotten to be too much for her.
Thankfully, Harlan Adams glanced at Sharon Lynn and took Patsy’s hint. He rose to his feet, again kissed his granddaughter on the cheek, then pressed another kiss on Patsy’s cheek.
“I’ll be getting on home now. As for you two, you might want to come out of this broom closet every now and again. It looks to me like there are some impatient folks sitting out here wondering what happened to the help.”
“I’ll go,” Patsy said at once, brushing past him to discover that the only impatient person in the store was Justin. Her heartbeat accelerated. She forced herself to walk slowly back to the counter, pausing to grab a cup and the coffeepot on her way to where he sat.
Wildflower Ridge Page 17
