by Box Set
After only a couple of minutes, he yanked his hips back. “You have to stop; I can’t take much more of that.”
“That’s a good thing, right?” I said as I stared up at him from my kneeling position.
He reached down for me, pulling me to my feet. “Too good,” he said before he kissed me deeply. Our tongues danced and our bodies slipped over each other. I wanted more, needed more.
“Chris,” I breathed out, and once again I didn’t need to say anything further as he spun me around and had me up against the tile wall. I sucked in a quick breath at the difference in temperature from his hot body to the cold tiles on my chest as he pressed his shaft between my legs. “Yes. Oh, yes.”
Chris angled my hips back and curled his body around mine so his chest was to my back as he filled me from behind. He hissed as he made his way all the way in and reached around me with both hands. One went to my nipple where he rolled it between two fingers while the other slipped between my legs and found exactly what I needed.
He kissed and nipped at my neck and shoulders as he continued to work himself in and out, keeping me on the verge of exploding the whole time. When he began to speed up, I knew it was finally time to let loose and I reached around and grabbed his hips with one hand, urging him on.
“Now, Robin, now,” he commanded into my ear, and I blew apart at the same moment that he did.
He kept his hands on my body for a few more moments as we both tried to control our breathing. With a final kiss to my spine, he pulled out and turned me in his arms to hold me close.
“That was incredible. You are incredible.” He kissed the top of my head, “You blow my mind, woman.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I feel the same way about you,” I said as I enjoyed the sound of his racing heart under my ear.
“I’m not sure what this is, Robin, but I like it. I like you.”
A bubble of laughter burst out of me, “Well, I’m glad you like me, because I’d be a little upset if we had sex twice, and I learned that you didn’t.”
His chest vibrated with his silent laugh, “Trust me, I do.” He squeezed me tightly for another moment, before pulling me back and kissing me gently. “Let’s get washed up and go figure out what’s for dinner.”
I nodded, not sure if my voice would work. The whole thing about having sex and then discussing what we would make for dinner was all so domestic. I hadn’t had domestic in a long time, and it kind of scared the crap out of me.
If he noticed that I was quiet for the rest of the shower, he didn’t let on. He, too, seemed more reserved than he had been, and I wondered what he was thinking.
After we turned off the water, he took the time to dry me off before he patted himself down and wrapped the towel around his waist. “I’ll get dressed and meet you in the kitchen.”
He kissed me one more slow time before he left me standing in the bathroom, confused about my feelings.
I was crazy about the man. Obviously, I felt something pretty strong for him or I wouldn’t have had sex with a man I barely knew, but at the same time, I didn’t want to get so close to him that it caused pain when I left. I sighed as I towel dried my hair. Was it better to avoid being with him? Maybe I should just take advantage of the short time we have together.
I didn’t know.
Chapter 16
Chris
I was torn.
I’d just left the sexiest woman I’d ever known standing in a towel in her bathroom and had to keep reminding myself that she wasn’t here to stay. For the first time in a long time, I found I wanted someone in my life—not someone to warm my sheets but someone to share in the everyday.
How had she managed to turn my way of thinking around in two days? How could I have gone from never wanting another woman in my home to hurt my kids, or me, to not wanting this stranger to walk out the door?
Easily, because she just fit in. She drove me wild, and the kids adored her—and right there was the problem. Shit. I could deal with the woman leaving me, I’d gone through it enough, but it sure as hell wasn’t fair for Matt or Geri to have to go through it.
What if getting involved with Robin had been a mistake? Maybe I should have kept my distance? Dammit, I felt like such an ass. Mr. Logic was clapping that he had finally gotten through to me, and Mr. Emotional was sniveling in the corner. I guess it was better to feel that way now than to become further involved with her. Shit!
I sat on the bed, hanging my head for a long time as I mulled it all over in my mind. I heard her door open and expected her to knock on mine, but she didn’t. That was probably for the best. I was going to have to put a stop to this before we got in too deep—and without a doubt, we would.
With a heavy sigh, I dressed and went out to the living room, stopping dead in my tracks. Geri was curled up in her lap, and Robin was gently stroking her hair.
“She’s pretty hot again,” Robin whispered.
“I’ll get her more medicine,” I said gruffly as I walked past.
In my heart, I was thrilled to see Robin so doting to Geri, but then again, the more attention she gave her, the harder it was going to be on Geri when she left. I filled another medicine cup and went back to the family room.
“I want a popsicle, too,” Geri whined.
“Just take the medicine, Geri, you can have one later,” I practically snapped, and both Geri and Robin looked at me quickly. “We only have a few left, so let’s save them for later, okay?” I curbed my tone that time.
She drank the medicine and handed me back the cup before she curled up with Robin again. I walked away and paced the kitchen for a moment before sticking my head back into the room. “Robin, can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Sure,” she called back and kissed Geri on the head before she slipped out from underneath her.
“Robin,” I paused trying to figure out the best way to say it without sounding like a prick.
“Yes, Chris.”
“I appreciate what you’re doing for Geri, and how sweet you are being with her, but I have to ask you to step back just a little bit. If you get too close to her, it’s going to be hard on her when you leave.”
A sad look passed over her eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to step on your toes. I was just trying to help.”
I approached her and lifted her chin with my knuckle. “You didn’t step on my toes, and I know you are just trying to help, but can you do it a little further from her, please. I just don’t want to see her get hurt. I can handle being hurt, but she can’t.”
Her brow furrowed. “I don’t want to hurt either of you.”
“I know. Look, I’m sorry. I’m not trying to offend you.”
She took a few steps back. “No, I totally get it. You’re completely right. I’m sorry.”
I contemplated my next sentence. “Are you sure you have to go?”
Her mouth opened and closed a few times. “Chris, we barely know each other. I can’t stay here. I have to figure out what I’m going to do with my life.”
Mr. Logic was knocking on my head again, saying, Whoa, buddy. I ignored him. “Can’t you do that from here?”
She crossed her arms over her chest and averted her eyes for a moment. “I don’t think that’s a very good idea, Chris. I appreciate the offer, but I think it’s best that I leave.”
“Okay,” I replied after a moment, “if that’s what you want to do, but in the meantime, can you keep your distance from Geri, please?”
She looked sad as she turned her beautiful eyes back toward me. “Yes, I’ll do that.”
My hands itched to touch her, but I shoved them into the jeans of my pockets. “Thank you.”
“Sure,” she said softly before she left the room.
“Hey, kiddo, I need to do a few things. I’ll be back in a little while.” I heard her tell Geri as she walked past her on the couch.
I dropped my chin to my chest and clenched my eyes. Man, I was a prick. I’d just spent time worshipping her body, and then I t
old her to step the hell back. She must think I am a total ass.
Inside my mind, Mr. Logic and Mr. Emotional replied simultaneously, You are.
Man, I hated doing that, but seeing Geri curled up with Robin made my heart feel like it was going to burst. Since Barb had walked out the door, I’d often wondered if I would ever find anyone worth bringing into my life, someone who would care about not only me but my children also.
Why the hell did it have to be a woman passing through? When she left in a few days, all three of us were going to feel like our hearts had been torn from our chests.
It was five hours later when I knocked on Robin’s bedroom door, and she called out to come in. She was curled up in a chair by the window reading an e-reader.
“I didn’t say that so you had to hide in your bedroom.”
She set the device down. “I know, but I figured we could all use a break and some quiet. It’s been a long time since I’ve had time to read. How long have I been in here?”
“It’s after five. I figured you might be hungry since you stayed in here over lunch. I was getting ready to make dinner and wanted to know if you wanted to eat.”
“Wow, yeah, that’s probably why my stomach is growling. I could use some food. I’ll be out in a few minutes to help.”
“No need, easy dinner tonight. I got it. Give me about fifteen minutes.”
I stepped out and closed the door. My gut wrenched as the earlier conversation I’d had with her rang through my head. I knew it was the right thing to do for my kids, and I could only hope she felt the same way, but damn it if it didn’t kill me that she was shutting herself off from everyone now, including me.
Chapter 17
Robin
Chris was right. I’d had the same thoughts myself about getting close to the kids. I didn’t fault him in the slightest for saying it. I wished I could find the words to tell him that.
I returned to my room and sat in a comfy chair by the window. For a long time, I stared sightlessly out at the white landscape. The snow was finally slowing, and it was predicted to stop soon, or so I’d heard on a weather bulletin while I’d been in the family room.
I thought back on the reasons I’d left New York and where I planned to go toward the future. It wasn’t fair to stay here longer than necessary. There was no way this could possibly work between us.
I mean, yeah, there was undeniable desire between the two of us. We’d already proved that we were like the sugar and the torch to finish off crème brulée. I instantly melted at his touch.
From the moment he’d stepped out of the pool earlier today, I’d kept picturing those tiny swim trunks. His body was perfection, and I’d wanted to touch every inch of it. The little scrap of material that covered him did not leave much to the imagination, and I hadn’t needed an imagination when it became even less concealing as he’d observed me watching him.
When he jumped into the pool, I pretty much lost my mind with desire. He was so damned sexy and strong, and I loved that he couldn’t seem to keep his hands off of me, like I couldn’t with him. Every chance I’d gotten, I’d found myself reaching out for him.
Maybe having sex with him had been wrong, but I wasn’t going to deny myself the pleasure he was so obviously willing to give. I clenched my eyes and sighed. Somehow I had allowed this man not only into my body, but into my soul. Just looking into his beautiful green eyes, I found myself wanting so much more with him—but I couldn’t, not without having a plan for my future. If I could, I’d be out the door pronto before I could get any deeper into this family and the man who was quickly becoming a recipe for disaster.
When Chris came to find me, I had no idea I’d been hiding out for so long. He was right, I was trying to avoid him, but I played it off like I wasn’t. I had no doubt that he saw through my words.
He’d made grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner, and I smiled at the memory it brought to mind of the snowy winter nights I’d eaten that when I was a child. It didn’t matter that it was canned soup, the memories of my past made it the most delicious soup I’d ever eaten.
After dinner, Matt asked if I wanted to play a game with him in his video room. I glanced at Chris who gave a subtle nod. I didn’t want to step over the lines any more than I had, and I was thankful that he’d given his blessing for me to hang out with Matt for a little while.
When we got upstairs, I stared at all the equipment again. “I’m not sure how good I’m going to be. I haven’t played a video game in years.”
“That’s okay, we can play an easy one.” Matt tossed me a white controller and a steering wheel. “Pop the controller into the back, we can race each other.”
“Oh, cool, I can do that.” For the next hour, Matt and I laughed and raced our sporty little vehicles all over the tracks of the game. I didn’t realize that video games could be so much fun. I thought all the games out there these days had the objective of only shooting people dead.
Chris joined us, and I handed him the controller, but Matt jumped up and grabbed another one, and for another hour the three of us played. Sometimes I won, but it was rare, and I didn’t care. I just enjoyed playing the game.
Finally, I stood and stretched, noticing Chris staring at my belly that must have been peeking out from under the new sweatshirt I wore. When I’d gone back to my room, I’d changed and folded up his and laid it on his bed.
Chris looked away quickly, and I left, using the excuse of having to use the restroom. I stood at the balcony and looked down on Geri who was asleep on the couch. I heard Chris and Matt start talking, and I took a step back to listen.
“You like her, don’t you, Dad?”
“Yeah, I guess I do, but that doesn’t matter much since she’s leaving in a few days. They should have her car pulled out tomorrow and probably fixed within a day or two.”
“Why don’t you ask her to stay?”
“It’s not my place, Matt. She’s just passing through. We can’t ask her to stay if she thinks she needs to be someplace else.”
“But where is she going to go? Did she tell you where she was heading?”
Chris sighed loudly, “Not really, I guess she’s not sure where she wants to go.”
“Then you should ask her to stay,” Matt said forcefully.
“Matt,” I heard some rustling in the room and prepared to make a fast exit if Chris walked out the door. “I don’t want you to get your hopes up. Sure, I’d love for her to stay and get to know all of us better, but do we really want her to if she’s going to leave anyway?”
Matt’s voice was low when he responded, “No, I guess not.”
“I’ve extended the offer to her, it’s her decision to make, but we have to support whichever one she does make.”
“Yeah, okay.”
I blinked back the tears that had formed in my eyes and hightailed it down the stairs and right to my room.
Chris was right; I was going to hurt them all when I left. I needed to get out of here sooner rather than later.
I spent the rest of the evening in my room, and when Chris came to check on me, I pretended to be asleep.
The next morning, my stomach growled loudly, and I showered and dressed in jeans and a colorful sweater. I made sure to plug my cellphone in and recharge it before I left my room.
The house was quiet, and I assumed the kids were still sleeping and Chris was either working downstairs or swimming. As much as I wanted to see him, I refused to allow myself to descend the steps in case he was in the pool.
I was sipping my coffee when I heard someone enter the room. “Morning, Robin, you fell asleep early. Are you feeling alright?”
I threw a glance toward Chris and tried not to think about the fact that he had wet hair, reminding me of our time in the pool and in the shower.
“Sorry about that, Chris, I guess I just needed the rest.”
He poured his coffee and then joined me at the table. “You’re sure you’re feeling alright?”
“Yeah, I am. Tha
nks for asking.”
Chris opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by Geri as she shuffled into the room and climbed up on his lap. “How you feeling today, little guppy?”
“Better,” she said sleepily.
“She’s not a morning person,” Chris said to me.
“Many people aren’t,” I agreed. “Do you want some breakfast? I’m kind of itching to do some cooking.”
“Hey, you could teach me a thing or two,” Matt declared as he entered the room.
“Really? You want to learn how to cook?” I asked him.
He shrugged, “Sure, I need to know how to impress the ladies with something other than my good looks and incredible swimming talent.”
I tried not to laugh but couldn’t help myself when Chris did. This was the first time I was seeing the cocky teenager in him, and I liked it.
“Alright, how about I teach you something for lunch, and then you can help with dinner, too.”
“Great! But can you make those pancakes again this morning. Those were incredible.”
“Of course, I can.” I went to work making breakfast for them while Matt and Chris sat at the table and talked about sports. Geri had disappeared to watch cartoons. While she said she felt better, Chris didn’t think it was a good idea for her to be around the food.
Matt ended up begging for more bacon and even came over to watch how I mixed the sauce and coated the meat. I had no doubt he’d be trying it himself after I left.
After breakfast, I asked Chris if I could borrow his laptop and brought it back to my room to do some research. I had to figure out where I was going and what I was going to do.
By the time lunch was rolling around, I had an idea and the start of a plan of action. I was excited for the first time in a long time. I was closing down the browser when an e-mail notification popped up. I went to swipe it off the touch screen since it was for Chris, but instead the e-mail opened.
