by J. D. Robb
When he finally spoke his words were clipped. “That’s a very tempting invitation, and one that’s hard to resist. But you’re exhausted. And you’ve just suffered a shock to the mind and soul. What you really need is sleep.”
She turned toward him. “I don’t sleep well alone. Maybe if I had company . . .”
“Lie here and I’ll cover you.” He lifted the army blanket from the back of the sofa and unfolded it.
His rejection was more shocking than a slap. “You want me to sleep alone?”
He winked. “Doctor’s orders.”
With a sigh of annoyance she turned away, but not before he saw the look of pain in her eyes.
Very deliberately he drew the cover over her, allowing his hands to linger a fraction. Then he stood and crossed to the fireplace, where he set another log in place.
Wiping his hands on his pants, Josh stared into the fire and watched as flames began to lick along the bark until it erupted into a blaze.
He turned to glance at the figure on the sofa. Grace’s eyes were already closed; her breathing slow and easy.
It hadn’t been easy to refuse what she was offering. But it had been necessary. He’d recognized her need and would have been only too happy to pleasure her and himself. But he’d also sensed her vulnerability. Right now she was too devastated to think clearly. Quick, mindless sex might be enough to hold the pain at bay through the night, but in the morning, her heart would still be broken, her soul still shattered.
The heart and soul of Grace Marin didn’t need a bandage. What they needed was a miracle. And though he was beginning to care deeply about this haunted, lonely woman, he was fresh out of miracles.
Eight
Josh stood at the end of the dock, staring at the sky. It seemed almost colorless, neither blue nor gray, a total absence of clouds, as though an artist had stopped painting before the picture could be completed. Though the sun wouldn’t set for hours, the horizon was already beginning to pale and blur into the surrounding forest.
He studied the lake for any sign of a dancing light, but all he could see under the leaden sky was dark water.
What secrets did it hide?
In some small corner of his mind, the question nagged. What was happening here? Had he really seen a ghost, or had he allowed his imagination to make a fool of him? And what about Marty and the crew in the second plane? What could possibly take them this long to bring help? What of his mysterious passenger? Why had she chosen his plane? Why was there no sign of her remains? And now Wyatt Eagle and those letters from Grace’s mother. There were too many events to be considered mere coincidence. There was something eerie going on here, and he couldn’t seem to unravel the mystery. Still, he had to admit that he didn’t feel threatened in any way. In fact, he’d never felt so peaceful. In this place, in this simple, almost primitive cabin, he had the strangest sense that he’d come home.
Hearing a sound behind him he turned to see the big yellow dog trotting along the dock. Josh looked beyond him, but there was no trace of Wyatt.
He knelt down and scratched behind the dog’s ears. “Hello, Barnaby. Where’s your master?”
The dog’s tail thumped against the wooden dock.
“Don’t tell me you ran away.” Standing, Josh peered across the space separating the cabin from the forest, expecting at any moment to see the old man stepping into the clearing.
When Wyatt didn’t appear, Josh turned toward the cabin. “Okay. I guess you just went for a stroll through the woods. Come on. Let’s see what there is to eat. You hungry, boy?”
As if in understanding the dog bounded ahead and stood waiting until Josh opened the door. Once inside Barnaby trotted over to the sofa and began licking Grace’s hand.
She awoke slowly. When she spied the dog, she wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his neck. “Hello. You’re back.” She sat up, shoving hair from her eyes. “I’m so glad, because I have so many questions . . .”
When she realized that Wyatt wasn’t there, her words trailed off.
She glanced at Josh. “I don’t understand. Why is Barnaby here without Wyatt?”
“My guess is that his dog just wanted a little adventure. I’m sure, after so much time in this forest, Wyatt doesn’t have any problem with Barnaby wandering off. He knows how to find his way home.”
She nodded. “I’m sure you’re right.” She got to her feet. “I can’t believe I slept so soundly. I haven’t had this much sleep in a year.” Seeing the way he was searching the cupboards she grinned. “Hungry? Again?”
“Yeah. But I thought I’d feed Barnaby first. I figure he must have worked up quite an appetite.”
“Why not give him the last of the fish, and then we’ll catch more for our supper.”
“Great idea.” He heaped a bowl with the remains of their breakfast and set it on the floor.
At once the dog pounced on the food and devoured it. When he’d had his fill, Josh started toward the door. “Guess it’s time to drop our lines in the lake and see what we’ll catch for our own supper.”
“I’ll help.” Grace pulled on a jacket and followed him.
When they stepped outside, the first thing they noticed was the change in temperature.
Josh grinned. “A few minutes ago, it was freezing out here. Now it’s positively balmy.”
“Another good thing about this place. If you don’t like the weather, stick around. It’s bound to change.” Grace tossed aside her jacket and kicked off her boots before picking up one of the poles. For some unexplained reason, she felt as happy-go-lucky as a kid when school was out. It had to be that nap. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d felt this rested and relaxed. Whatever pain and humiliation she’d been feeling before was pushed aside. “Race you to the dock.”
Laughing, Josh hopped on one foot, then the other, disposing of his boots before snatching up the second pole and chasing after her. Barnaby joined in the fun, barking and running around them in circles. When they reached the end of the dock and cast their lines, the dog trotted up holding a stick in his mouth. He dropped it beside Josh.
“Oh, you want to play, do you?” Josh picked up the stick and tossed it into the lake. At once Barnaby dove in and paddled furiously until he managed to retrieve the stick. Then he scrambled to shore, shook himself, and trotted the length of the dock to drop the stick beside Josh.
For nearly an hour they played the game. Each time, Josh would toss the stick as far as he could manage. Each time, Barnaby retrieved it and raced along the dock to play again. Finally, panting from his efforts, the dog lay beside Grace and began chewing on the stick.
Sweating, Josh tossed aside his shirt. “When I was a kid, I always wanted a dog like Barnaby. In my mind, I could see myself playing just that way.”
Trying not to stare at the ripple of muscle that sculpted his arms and shoulders, Grace nodded toward the bucket of water, where several fish were swimming. “At least one of us managed to bring home the bacon, or at least the fish, while you two were having all that fun.”
“Barnaby and I are in your debt. Now about all that work you’ve been doing. . .” Without warning Josh scooped her up and strode to the very end of the dock. “What do you think, Barnaby? Should we let our lady have a turn at all that fun?”
In reply the dog’s tail thumped a steady tattoo on the dock.
Wriggling and kicking, Grace let out a shriek. “Don’t you dare.”
“Did I hear the word dare?” Josh gave an imitation of an evil laugh. “Woman, never dare Fearless Josh Cramer. It’s the one thing I simply can’t resist.”
“Josh. These are the only clothes I have.”
“Hmm. Another reason to toss you in the lake. I have an idea you’d look cute in nothing but your birthday suit.”
“Josh, I’m warning you. Put me down.”
“Yes, ma’am.” With another laugh he did just that, and watched as Grace landed in the water with a grand and glorious splash.
She ca
me up sputtering, wiping hair from her eyes. “I can’t believe you did that.”
Josh was laughing so hard he could barely speak. “Just following orders, ma’am. You did tell me to put you down.”
While he was distracted laughing Grace reached out and snagged his ankle. Before he realized what she was planning, she gave a fierce tug and he landed in the water almost on top of her.
His hand snaked out to reach for her, but she managed to evade him and ducked under the water. He followed, and this time, when he surfaced, he had hold of her.
She felt the heat where his hands were touching her.
“You’re very quick, Ms. Marin.” He arched one brow like a villain. “But not quite quick enough. Now, how will I make you atone for that crime you just committed?”
She couldn’t help laughing as she batted her eyelashes and gave him a demure smile. “It’s my nature to share. I figured it wouldn’t be fair of me to hog all this warm water for myself.”
He was grinning. “Sorry, kid. You’ll never make it on the stage.”
“And I thought I was such a good actress.” She sighed and wiggled her toes. “This water really is warm. I expected to come up shivering when you tossed me. But it’s as warm as a bath.”
“Now that you mention it . . .” He drew her fractionally closer. “And here I was hoping you’d need me to warm you.”
She was laughing, her face turned up to his. “Sorry to thwart your plans.”
“Not a problem. I’m very good at changing tactics in midstream.” He pressed his lips to the corner of her mouth and nibbled a droplet of water.
She sucked in a quick breath. “Oh, yes. That was a very good change of tactic.”
“Thanks. But it was clumsy. Give me a second chance. I can do better.” He dipped his head and covered her mouth fully with his.
Grace gave herself up to the pure pleasure of the moment. It was the most delicious feeling to be held suspended in the water by those strong arms while that clever mouth moved over hers, weaving its magic. Slivers of fire and ice curled along her spine. With every touch of his lips, she could feel her body growing soft and pliant against his.
“Umm. That’s much better.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and held on as he took the kiss deeper.
They stayed locked together, mouths mating, breath mingling, until the world around them seemed to fade away. When at last they came up for air, their hearts were racing.
“Grace.” The way Josh spoke her name on a fervent whisper had her going still. “We both know a kiss isn’t enough this time.”
“I know.” Her throat felt too tight.
“You know what I want.” He tipped up her chin to stare down into her eyes. “But I need to know if it’s what you want, too.”
While he waited for her answer, he felt his heart stop. She’d become a hunger. A need that could no longer be ignored.
“I want the same thing you want, Josh.” She touched her mouth to his in the softest of butterfly kisses.
His movements stilled. With his hands framing her face, he studied her. His voice, when he finally spoke, was gruff. “You’re sure?”
She was afraid to speak over the lump in her throat, so she merely nodded before leaning into him and offering her mouth.
She could feel him fighting to keep the kiss soft as his lips claimed hers, alternately draining her, then filling her, until all she could taste was him. She was so caught up in the kiss, she wasn’t even aware that he’d begun moving toward shore. When they reached the shallows he lifted her easily in his arms and strode toward the cabin.
Her heart was pounding so loudly in her chest, she wondered that he couldn’t hear it. But when she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her mouth to his throat, she heard his quick intake of breath and knew that he was as caught up in the moment as she was.
He paused to kick in the door, then strode across the room and set her on her feet. Water sheeted from their bodies, forming puddles on the floor. Neither of them took any notice.
His hands were greedy as he fumbled with the buttons of her wet shirt, nearly shredding it in his haste to remove it. Beneath it was nude lace, clinging to her like a second skin. He disposed of it just as quickly, revealing a body so perfect it had him sucking in a breath.
“You’re beautiful, Grace.”
Seeing the desire in his eyes, hearing the husky quality of his voice, had her experiencing the familiar trickle of fear. Fear of what they were about to share. Not because she feared the act itself, but because the feelings she had for this man were too strong, too intense. He was the one she’d been waiting a lifetime to find. For that reason, she knew she was leaving herself open to heartbreak. If he didn’t share these feelings, she would have only herself to blame.
His hands stilled. “Having second thoughts?”
She lifted her chin like a prizefighter. “Of course not.”
He merely grinned. “I told you, Grace, you’re not a very good actress. And a really lousy liar.”
“I’m not afraid.” But her voice wavered as he lowered his mouth to her breast.
Heat poured between them and she wondered that her trembling legs could still hold her. To anchor herself she wrapped her arms around his waist as his clever mouth slowly drove her closer and closer to the edge of madness.
Desperate to touch him as he was touching her, she reached blindly for the fasteners at his waist and tugged at his wet denims until they joined hers at their feet. As her hands moved over him, she was rewarded by his low hum of pleasure.
He’d been content to move slowly, to taste and touch and explore. But now, with her hands on him, the need was so sharp, there was no way of slowing the passion that was raging. Though he fought to bank the flame of desire, he could feel it burning out of control.
He cupped her hips and dragged her roughly against him, all the while lingering over her mouth. With lips and teeth and tongue he took her on a wild ride. One minute she was holding on tightly, the next she felt herself stepping over the edge of a high, sheer cliff and falling, until the next touch had her soaring.
“Afraid now?” The word was whispered inside her mouth.
“Should I be?” She spoke the words on a shudder of pleasure.
“I’ll never hurt you, Grace.”
“I know.” But she knew, in some small corner of her mind, that he was the only man who could. When she left this place, she would be leaving her heart with him.
While he explored the wonders of her mouth, she drank him in. Dark. Exciting. When he dipped his mouth lower, to the sensitive hollow of her throat, she arched her neck and actually purred with pleasure. Encouraged, he pressed soft, feathery kisses along her shoulder, over her collarbone. When he dipped his mouth lower, to take her breast, she felt her legs buckle.
At once his arms were there to catch her. He lowered her to the rug in front of the fireplace. His mouth covered hers in a kiss so hot, so fierce, it had her breath backing up in her throat. There was an urgency now that had their hearts racing, their lungs straining.
“Come with me, Grace. Let me show you places you’ve never seen.”
He found her, hot and moist, and took her to the first glorious peak. Stunned, she could only clutch at him as he gave her no time to recover before taking her up and over again. Her trembling body hummed with needs she hadn’t even known she’d possessed.
“Josh.” She struggled to see him through the haze of passion that clouded her vision. All she could see were his eyes, so fierce, fixed on hers with an intensity that had her heart stuttering.
There was no hesitation now, only a wild exhilaration at this passion they were sharing.
She lifted a hand to his mouth and traced the shape of his lips. “Show me, Josh. Take me with you.”
“We’ll take each other.”
They came together in a kiss that spoke of all the loneliness, all the hunger, all the need. Their lives beyond this cabin no longer mattered. The world had slipped away. Outs
ide a night bird cried, and its mate answered. Neither of them heard. The steady sound of waves slapping the shore matched the beating of two hearts. Their breathing grew shallow, and the air between them grew heated, until their bodies were slick with sweat.
As he entered her, she wrapped herself around him, taking him deep.
They came together in a firestorm of passion and began to climb, to soar. They were beyond thought, beyond words, beyond anything of this world as they felt themselves reach the very summit. For an instant they hovered there, staring into one another’s eyes. In the next moment they felt themselves slipping over the edge, and flying among the stars.
It was the most amazing journey of their lives.
“You okay?” Too dazed to move, Josh whispered the words against her temple.
“I’m. . .” She couldn’t speak over the lump in her throat. Instead, she merely brushed a finger across his lips until they curved into a smile.
“That was . . .” He gave a shake of his head. Words couldn’t describe what he was feeling. So alive. As though everything he’d achieved until now was a mere rehearsal for this moment. As though everything that would come after would seem dull by comparison. “That was incredible.” He leaned up on his elbows to stare into her eyes. “You’re incredible, Grace.”
She managed a smile. “You’re not bad yourself.”
He rolled to one side and drew her into the circle of his arms, nibbling her ear. “That was definitely worth waiting for.”
“I was thinking the same thing.” She shivered at the delicious curls of pleasure spiraling through her.
He brushed her mouth with his. “Want me to get up and cook the fish?”
“Not especially. Are you hungry?”
He gave an impish grin. “I was. But a very beautiful woman just fed my hunger.”
“Happy to oblige, stranger.”
“Now I know what it means to live on love. Who needs food?”
“I’ll remind you about this in the morning, when there’s nothing to eat but those fish swimming around in a bucket.”
