by Reese Ryan
His welcoming smile assured her everything would be okay.
“Hey.” He took her bag and kissed her cheek.
“Hey.” She slipped her hand into his and let him lead her inside. The house smelled like roasted vegetables and baked goods. “Are you sure this is a good idea? Your sister or one of your brothers could pop by at any—”
Blake set the bag on the floor and pulled her into a kiss that ended her objections. Her heart raced and warmth filled her body.
She forgot all the reasons she shouldn’t be there as she tumbled into a morass of feelings she might never be able to escape.
A buzzer sounded in the kitchen. Blake reluctantly suspended their kiss.
“We’ll finish this later.” He gave her a lingering kiss before removing a pie from the oven.
“Smells delicious. What kind of pie is it?”
“Strawberry rhubarb.” He removed his oven mitts. “Hope you like it.”
He remembered.
“You made it?”
“It’s my first one.” He grinned. “So I want you to be brutally honest. If it tastes like crap, don’t pull any punches. It’s the only way I’ll learn to make it the way you like it.”
“You did this for me?”
“Why else?” Blake tugged her against him and kissed her again.
It was just a silly little pie. So why was she so moved by the gesture?
Because Blake cared about what she wanted. About what was important to her.
And all she cared about was getting revenge for her grandfather and hurting his family in the process.
She pulled away, tears burning her eyes.
Blake cupped her cheek. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No.” Savannah’s neck and face tingled with heat. She swiped away warm tears and forced a smile. “Anyone ever tell you you’re a little too perfect?”
“No.” He chuckled, then kissed her again. “Certainly not any of my siblings.”
“Brothers and sisters are there to rein us in when we get a little too big for our britches.”
“At that, they excel.” Blake grinned. “But they’re also there when I need someone to help me get my head back on straight. Or to remind me that things aren’t as bad as they seem.” He moved to the counter and uncovered the steaks. “I imagine you and your sister do that for each other, too.”
“Laney does her best to keep me on the straight and narrow. Doesn’t always work, but she tries.”
“And what about you?”
“I’m the pit bull.” Savannah sat at the counter, watching him prep the steaks. “Even when our parents were still alive, it was my job to protect my sister.” She swallowed past the thickness in her throat. “It still is. Even when it requires me to make difficult choices.”
“Like what?” He held her gaze.
Savannah’s heart felt heavy. It was a lead weight pulling her beneath the sea of guilt washing over her. Blake’s reaction to learning the truth flashed in her head. Would he be hurt or angry? Probably both.
He’d regret the day he laid eyes on her.
She’d always anticipated that the day she finally vindicated her grandfather would be the happiest day of her life. Now she could only envision heartbreak and pain.
She’d have to explain to Blake why she’d misled him about her reasons for coming to King’s Finest. Her only comfort was knowing she hadn’t lied to him. Which meant she couldn’t answer his question now.
Blake put the steaks in a skillet and washed his hands. When he turned around, she handed him a towel.
“It’s been a long week.” She looped her arms around his waist, tugging his lower body against hers as she gazed up at him. “I’m not in the mood for talking or eating right now.”
She guided Blake’s lips to hers and kissed him.
Blake gripped her bottom, hauling her closer. She accommodated his silent request by grinding her body against his until he grew hard against her belly.
Savannah broke their kiss and whispered in his ear. “I want you, Blake. Now.”
“What about dinner?” His voice was as rough as his beard, which scraped against her skin as he trailed hot kisses up her neck.
“It’ll be just as good if we have it later...in bed.” She unfastened his belt and slid her hand beneath his waistband. Savannah took his steely length in her palm and stroked his warm flesh.
Blake groaned against her throat, his body tensing. He pulled away just long enough to turn off the broiler and put the steaks in the fridge. Then he grabbed her bag and followed her to his bedroom as quickly as their legs would carry them.
They stripped each other naked. Blake tried to lead her to his bed, but Savannah urged him into a brown leather chair.
Her gaze fused with his as she slowly sank to her knees. She swirled her tongue around the head of his thick erection before taking just the tip in her mouth.
Blake cursed and his thighs tensed. He gripped the arms of the chair, as if it took every ounce of self-control he could muster to refrain from palming the back of her head and urging her to take him deeper.
She gripped the base of his shaft and ran her tongue lazily along the underside before taking him in her mouth again. Until she could feel him at the back of her throat.
Blake swore under his breath. He loosely gathered a handful of her hair in his fist so it wouldn’t obstruct his view of her taking him deep.
“Do you have any idea what you’re doing to me, Savannah?”
She ran her tongue along a bulging vein. “I’d like to think so.”
“That’s not what I mean.” His expression became serious. “It’s been a really long time since I’ve cared for anyone the way I care for you.”
Savannah froze, her heart racing. She’d done this to remind them both that this was only sex. They were mutually satisfying each other’s needs.
She hadn’t expected Blake to say she meant something to him. What did it matter if she felt the same? She couldn’t say it back. It would only make it hurt more once he knew the truth.
“Blake...” Her mouth went dry and her chest ached. “I can’t—”
“It’s okay.” He pressed a kiss to her mouth. “My mother always says I’m the kid that goes from zero to a hundred in sixty seconds flat.” He sighed, then stood, pulling her to her feet. “Forget I said anything.”
But she couldn’t forget.
It was all she could think of as he took her into his arms and kissed her.
When he made love to her.
Fire and passion spread through her limbs. Her body spasmed with intense pleasure. Her heart was overwhelmed with the emotions that sparked between them.
Blake Abbott had turned her inside out. Made her feel there was nothing in the world he wanted more than her.
He’d left her wishing desperately that this was more than an illusion, born from deception and half-truths.
Unable to sleep, Savannah lay in Blake’s arms after their late-night dinner, listening to him breathe as he slept. Blake Abbott had ruined her. Her life would never be the same without him.
If only she could reclaim her grandfather’s legacy and have Blake Abbott, too.
Fifteen
Blake straightened his tie and adjusted the cuffs of the suit jacket Savannah had helped him pick out for the jubilee gala. His jaw dropped as he surveyed the barn.
He’d witnessed the slow transformation of the structure as his brother Cole’s construction crew renovated and painted it over the past month. He and the rest of the team had assisted with the execution of Savannah’s party plans and decor over the past three days.
Still, he was floored by the remarkable beauty of what had once been a run-down building at the edge of his parents’ property. His brother’s company did excellent work. But this had all been Savannah’s vision.
“The place is beautiful. I had no idea this old barn had so much potential.” His mother suddenly appeared beside him, dabbing the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. “Your Savannah is a genius.”
“She isn’t my Savannah, Mother. She’s very much her own woman.” Blake wasn’t being evasive or ambiguous. He’d spent the past month trying to convince Savannah to formalize their affair. He cared deeply for her, but he was tired of being her dirty little secret.
He and Savannah had spent lazy weekends getting to know each other better. They cooked together, ate together and spent their nights making love.
Bit by bit, he was falling for her, diving headfirst into emotions he’d spent the past two years actively avoiding.
“Women who maintain a sense of self make the best mates.” Iris squeezed his hand reassuringly. “Ask your father.”
They both chuckled and the tension in his shoulders eased. He squeezed his mother’s hand back, appreciative of her underlying message. She wouldn’t stand in the way of him being with Savannah.
Now if only he could convince Savannah it was time to take the next step.
“Can you believe this place?” Zora’s eyes danced with glee as she approached. “It’s incredible, and I’ve been dying for a good reason to dress up.”
Not many occasions in Magnolia Lake called for elegant attire. The typical town event required a well-worn pair of jeans and a sturdy pair of boots.
“Will Dallas be here tonight?” Iris elbowed Zora.
“Said he wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Zora’s eyes sparkled when she talked about Dallas Hamilton—her best friend since kindergarten. Though Dallas still had a home in Magnolia Lake, he and Zora didn’t see each other much.
Dallas’s hobby of building stunning handmade furniture pieces in his family’s run-down work shed had exploded into a multimillion-dollar business. He was frequently overseas attending trade shows, visiting with vendors and presiding over the setup of new retail stores in some of the world’s most glamorous cities.
Sometimes Blake envied the guy. He was a self-made millionaire who’d built an empire out of nothing with a vision and hard work.
“Make sure Dallas comes to see me as soon as he gets here.” Iris beamed. “There’s a spot in the entry hall just begging for one of his custom pieces.”
“Dal is here as our guest, Mother. Not to work. Let him enjoy himself, please,” Zora pleaded.
“That means she plans to keep Dallas to herself all night,” Iris whispered to Blake loudly, fully aware Zora could hear her.
His attention shifted to Savannah as she flitted about the space. Tonight she was simply stunning.
She wore a black one-shoulder blouse and a high-waisted, long, flowing gray skirt with a bow tie at the back of her waist.
He loved her enticing curves. Had memorized them. But tonight, the cut of the blouse emphasized her bustline. Not that he was complaining. The generous flow of the skirt made her curvy bottom seem fuller, too.
Her hair, swept to one side, fell on her creamy, bare shoulder in loose curls. Blake’s hand clenched at his side, his body tensing with the memory of combing his fingers through those soft curls as she lay naked in his bed.
“Seems your brother is more impressed with Ms. Carlisle than with what she’s done here tonight.”
Blake’s cheeks warmed. He shifted his gaze back to his mother and sister. Zora giggled, likely glad their mother was temporarily distracted from her attempts to pair her and Dallas.
“I’m monitoring how she handles herself under pressure.” Blake congratulated himself on his quick recovery. “Maybe you two haven’t noticed who Savannah is talking to.”
His mother and sister carefully assessed the tall, dark-haired man who hovered over Savannah.
“Wait a minute. Is that—”
“It’s Dade Willis,” Zora squealed. “I knew a couple B-and C-list Tennessee celebs had RSVP’d. I had no idea Dade Frickin’ Willis would be here.”
A tinge of jealousy gnawed at Blake as the man flirted with Savannah. The Tennessee native was country music’s latest phenom. His single had topped the country charts for the past ten weeks. That didn’t mean Blake wouldn’t rearrange his pretty, surgically-enhanced face if he didn’t back off Savannah.
“I’d better go greet our guest.” His mother hurried toward Dade.
“Not without me you aren’t.” Zora caught up to their mother.
Blake went to the bar to check on their stock for the event. As Savannah rushed past him holding a clipboard, Blake stopped her with a discreet hand on her hip.
“Everything looks great, Savannah. You’ve done well. Take a breath and relax.”
“I forgot to bring Dade’s badge. He was a last-minute addition, so I made it in my office this morning.”
“Not a big deal. Send one of the guys to get it.”
“I need everyone here. There’s still so much to do. The first band is already late and guests will arrive shortly.” The words rushed from her mouth.
“Then I’ll get it.” Blake fought the urge to kiss her. He held out an open palm. “Give me the key to your office.”
Savannah dropped her keys in his hand, her eyes filled with gratitude. “There’s a small crate on the edge of my desk. My cell phone is in there, too. Thanks, Blake.”
“Anything for you, babe.” He lowered his voice so only she could hear him. “Now stop being such a perfectionist, or you won’t get a chance to enjoy your own damn party.”
Savannah seemed surprised he’d called it her party. She smiled gratefully, then made a beeline for the caterer.
Blake’s gaze followed the sway of Savannah’s hips as she crossed the room. He turned in the opposite direction when someone squeezed his shoulder.
“Gramps.” Blake gave his grandfather a bear hug. “I wondered when you’d get here.” He gestured around the room. “So what do you think?”
“It’s remarkable.” The old man removed his thick glasses and wiped them on a hankie he produced from his inside pocket. The corners of his eyes were wet with tears. “I didn’t expect all this.”
“But you deserve it, Gramps.” Blake draped an arm around his shoulders. “We wanted to show you what you and King’s Finest mean to us and to the community. And this is only the beginning.”
His grandfather’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
“This gala kicks off a yearlong international celebration of our brand. The entire thing was envisioned by the new events manager we hired a couple of months ago—Miss Savannah Carlisle.” Blake nodded in her direction.
“Oh, I see.” His grandfather chuckled. “The pretty little thing you were cozied up with here at the bar. The one you couldn’t take your eyes off when she walked away.”
Blake didn’t bother denying it, but refused to throw any more logs on the fire.
“We were discussing a small problem, which I promised to handle.” Blake’s gaze met Savannah’s. Her mouth pinched and her eyes narrowed. “But first, let me introduce you to the woman behind all of this.”
Blake walked his grandfather toward Savannah and she met them halfway, forcing a smile as she got closer.
“Don’t worry—I’m headed out to take care of that errand in just a minute,” Blake said quickly. “But my grandfather arrived, and I know you’ve been dying to meet him.”
“For longer than you know.” Savannah’s smile was tight and her shoulders stiff. Her hand trembled slightly when she placed it in his grandfather’s palm.
His grandfather clasped her hand in both of his and smiled broadly. “My grandson tells me I have you to thank for all of this. Can’t begin to explain how much it
means to me.”
“The look on your face when everything’s said and done... That’s all the thanks I’ll ever need.” Savannah’s attention turned to members of the band finally arriving. “I look forward to chatting with you at length later, but right now I need to show the musicians where to set up. Excuse me.”
They both watched as she approached the band and guided them to the stage.
“I see why you’re so taken with her, son.” The old man chuckled. “You go on and take care of whatever it is you need to.” His grandfather smiled at Zora, who was walking toward them. “My granddaughter will keep me company until you return.”
Blake drove the short distance to the distillery. He retrieved the small crate from Savannah’s desk and checked to make sure the badge and her phone were there.
Her phone buzzed, indicating a text message. The message scrolled across the screen, capturing his attention.
It’s been two months. Give up and come home. I feel icky lying to Gramps. Giving you one week. Won’t do it anymore.
Blake scanned the screen quickly before the message disappeared. It was from Savannah’s sister, Laney.
A rock formed in Blake’s gut.
What did Laney want Savannah to give up? Her job at the distillery? Her relationship with Blake? And why was Savannah asking her sister to lie to their grandfather?
Uneasiness skittered along his spine.
Blake couldn’t ignore the text. His feelings aside, if there was a risk of Savannah leaving them in the lurch, he needed to know. They’d scheduled a year’s worth of events to celebrate the King’s Finest jubilee. Savannah was the point person on every one of them.
What if there was a simple, harmless explanation?
Savannah would be furious he’d read her private text message. Even if he’d done so inadvertently.
Blake had been burned before by getting involved with someone who wasn’t as committed to the relationship as he was. Perhaps Savannah’s reluctance to take their relationship public went beyond worries over her career.
And then there was the day she’d been in his home office, ostensibly to find a pen. Could there have been another reason?
