by Jaci Burton
Music was playing on the second floor—soft jazz, sensual and enticing. Smiling, she took each step, following the trail of candlelight like a roadmap. She hummed in tune to the music, her body swaying in rhythm to the slow, seductive blends of saxophone and piano.
At the top of the stairs the candles continued to light her way, glowing like a runway on each side of the hallway, leading into her bedroom. She followed them as well as the music, breathing deeply of their sweet aroma.
She entered her bedroom and stopped. No sign of Sam, but there were candles lit everywhere—on her dresser, both nightstands, and the windowsill. There were no lights on in here either, and the candlelit illumination across her bedroom was incredibly romantic. Then something on the bed caught her eye.
A soft sigh of pleasure escaped her lips as she spied a small bunch of violets on her pillow, neatly tied with a ribbon. Her heart lurched and she fought back tears as she picked them up and inhaled their sweet scent.
Where did the man find time to do these things, taking such care to set a romantic scene for her, and still manage to work on the house? She was overcome by the obvious care Sam had taken to fill her room with scents, flowers and music, suddenly anxious to find him.
The music was coming from her bathroom, sexy jazz that slid under her skin like warm brandy on a snowy night. She followed the sound and her heart stopped when she pushed the door open.
The bathroom was aglow in candlelight. In every available space, lavender candles filled the room. The scent was intoxicating. Candles surrounded the oversized tub in the corner of the room, which was filled almost to the rim with water, bubbles and one very sexy looking man.
She smiled and shook her head. One very sexy, very obviously naked, very hot-looking man sitting in a bath of bubbles, surrounded by lavender candles and soft music. Only a man confident enough in his masculinity would be comfortable with bubble bath and candlelight.
Sam was one confident man.
“Thought maybe you’d like a bath, some music and a glass of wine,” he said, his smile lighting her own as he held up a glass for her. “And of course, your own personal masseur to work away any tension in your shoulders…or wherever.”
As she walked toward the tub, she began to slowly unbutton her sleeveless blouse. “Masseur, huh?” She watched his eyes devouring every buttonhole she opened. “Sounds like just what I need.”
“Baby, I know exactly what you need.” His face gleamed in the candlelight as his hot gaze poured over her. Her body burned with desire, loving the fact she could tell by his look he wanted her as much as she wanted him.
Her body flared to life, her breasts swelling, her nipples hardening and her pussy moistening. With one look she was ready for him.
She peeled off her blouse, thankful she’d worn something sexy this morning—a blue silk camisole that hugged her breasts. She slid the skirt down over her hips and stood there under Sam’s scrutiny clad in only the silk camisole and matching string bikini.
“Shuck them duds, baby,” he said in his sexy southern voice, “and get in here with me. Now.” He smiled, a wicked glint in his eyes that held the promise of things to come.
But good things were worth waiting for. And she felt like teasing Sam a little tonight. Ever so slowly, she drew the camisole down her arms, letting it rest at the top of her breasts.
“Go on,” he said, his voice tight as he sipped his wine, his gaze focused on her impromptu striptease.
“Oh, I’ll get to it, sugar,” she replied in her own sexiest southern accent. The look he gave her was dangerous—impatient and demanding. She knew what he wanted. But she was going to make them both wait for it.
A delicious shiver passed through her as she peeled the camisole the rest of the way down until it pooled at her feet. Sam’s blatant assessment of her body was as exciting as if he’d touched her. Then his gaze moved lower, resting on her tiny blue silk panties for a brief second before he looked up again, the passion reflected in his hot looks causing her pulse to skitter rapidly.
“Get ‘em off, Jordan, and fast, because I want you in here with me now.”
Still playing, she hesitated, smiling mischievously as she stood a few feet away from the tub, chewing her bottom lip as if trying to decide if she’d actually get in the bath with him or not.
His hot look burned her to the spot, those gorgeous turquoise eyes storming with desire. “I’m warning you. My patience is running thin. Get those panties off while they’re still in one piece, or I’ll get up and rip them off.”
Ripples of excitement coursed through her at his sensual threat. Flashing him a devilish smile, she trailed her fingers lightly around the skimpy strings on her hips, and then dipped one hand inside, teasing him to the breaking point.
“That does it!” He shot out of the water, standing there for a millisecond, dripping wet, gloriously naked, his erection prominent. His eyes gleamed dangerously as he stepped quickly out of the tub and in two strides had her in his arms. His mouth came down hard on hers as he ravaged her with his tongue, and at the same time turned her silk panties into shreds and swept her into his arms.
Words weren’t necessary as they frantically clutched at each other, passion overcoming any desire for slow, languorous lovemaking. That would come later. Right now, she wanted him. No foreplay, no more teasing. Just wanted him inside her.
“Now, Sam, hurry,” she pleaded.
He pushed her against the bathroom wall and cupped her bottom in his hands, lifting her off the ground. She held on to his shoulders and wrapped her legs around his waist as he plunged inside her.
Their coupling was fast and furious, both of them already hot and ready. Sam plundered her mouth, hard and demanding, and she gave in return, digging her nails into his shoulders and crying out as release came fast.
He groaned against her mouth, not pausing in his thrusts, just pressing against her and grinding against her clit. She splintered into a million pieces again, crying out as the waves of pleasure washed over her. His fingers dug into the soft flesh of her buttocks as he yelled with the force of his release.
They regained their breath slowly, still joined and unable to move. Jordan laid her head on Sam’s shoulder, kissing his damp skin until he lowered her feet to the floor.
“Ready for that bath now?” he said, grinning like the well-satisfied man that he was.
“I think we both need one.” She laughed, sliding her sweat-slickened breasts against his chest.
Sam scooped her up in his arms and stepped into the bath. He sat her down in the water and slid in behind her. She relaxed against him as he handed her a glass of wine and took a sip from his own.
“So, how was your day, dear?”
She giggled. “Fine, darling, and yours?”
“Oh, it was fine. Actually I have good news for you.”
Half turning, she looked at him. “Really? What kind of good news?”
“I’m finished.”
“Finished with what?”
“The house. Everything is done. Did a once-over at the end of the day to make sure nothing was left unfinished, and it all checked out. My work here is finished.”
“Oh.” She turned around again and leaned her head against Sam’s chest. Sipping her wine, she pondered the disappointment stabbing at her. Sam would no longer be around every day. The thought of not seeing him made her ache with a sense of loss.
“That should make you happy, babe. The job is finished earlier than we anticipated. Now you won’t have to worry about trying to get it on the market while it’s still being repaired.”
“Actually, it’s already on the market. Didn’t you see the sign in the front yard? Mavis Riley came by the theater earlier this week and said she looked the place over and it appeared ready to sell, so she posted the sign this morning.”
“I see. No, I didn’t notice it. I was inside all day and I guess I didn’t hear her come by.” He dipped a sponge in the scented water and squeezed it over her neck and shoulders
, causing rivulets to run over her collarbone and chest. “You’re closer than ever to getting the property sold. It’s prime land and a beautiful house. It should sell quickly.”
“I guess so.” She couldn’t shake the emptiness as she thought about selling the house. It was the closest place to a home she’d ever had. Hell, it was her home.
And she had to admit that living here the past few weeks felt more like home than her apartment in New York ever had.
“Something wrong?” Sam gently massaged the knots newly forming in her shoulders. “You seem tense.”
“No, I’m fine,” she lied. She wasn’t. The house was finished, would most likely be sold soon, and she wouldn’t be seeing as much of Sam anymore. And she wasn’t one damn bit happy about any of it.
Funny how things could change in a few short weeks. When Jordan first arrived, all she wanted was to sell the house as fast as possible, and keep Sam away from her. Now the opposite was true. She wanted him around—all the time, and wasn’t at all happy about the possibility of selling the house.
This was a fine mess. Now what was she going to do?
Her thoughts scattered as Sam licked the side of her neck, eliciting a delicious shiver.
“Cold?” he asked in between nibbles.
“No, not cold at all.” She turned her head to the side, allowing Sam better access to her neck.
“Hmm, I think maybe you like this.” He kissed her neck, then along her throat toward the back, nipping lightly at her nape with his teeth.
She moaned and pressed against him. He bit harder this time, growling as he tasted her flesh. God, that was so erotic.
“Sam, make love to me,” she said breathlessly. “Now.”
He stood and scooped her into his arms, taking her, dripping wet, to the bed. He pulled her on top of him and, capturing her face between his hands, pulled her to his lips.
She moved restlessly against him as his hands roamed over her. She wanted him again, wanted to eradicate the sense of loss she felt at his imminent departure from her home, from her life.
There was a desperation in her every move. She knew it, but could do nothing to stop it. If Sam was aware of it, he said nothing, instead taking his time to touch her, kiss her, lift her hips and thrust slowly inside her as if they had all the time in the world.
“That’s it,” he urged, grasping her hips and lifting her up and down on his shaft. “Ride me, baby. Fuck my cock.”
She did, rubbing her clit against him, taking him in deep only to rise and begin all over again. Splinters of need filled her, a desperate urge to feel him inside every part of her.
It seemed as if each kiss, each caress, would be the last. The last time she’d press her mouth to his, the last time they’d join as one. And she needed this joining, now more than ever.
It built quickly inside her, this maddening crescendo of pleasure. Like climbing a mountain and enjoying every step of the way, she luxuriated in each stroke, each kiss, burning his touch into her memory banks forever.
“Touch me, Sam,” she pleaded, arching her back and giving him access to her sex.
He reached out, circling her clit, rubbing his fingers back and forth over her swollen pearl until she shrieked with sheer pleasure.
They reached the pinnacle at the same time, once again losing control as she was swept away by emotions and sensations that only confirmed her love for Sam.
Afterward they lay together on her bed. She rested on top of him contentedly as he lazily stroked her back and bottom. They were still intimately connected, neither wishing to break the bond.
Jordan was completely satiated, thoroughly confused, and more than a little afraid. Try as she might to push her feelings for Sam aside, she knew this was much more than a sexual fling.
The ache she felt in her heart when she realized her time in Magnolia would soon be drawing to a close elicited a sadness she had never felt before. Her love for Sam was growing, despite her firm resolve to avoid her feelings for him.
Jordan was one hundred and fifty percent completely crazy in love with Sam Tanner. In a short time she’d be heading back to New York, leaving him behind. The thought of it hurt so bad she wanted to curl up and cry.
And she had no earthly idea what she was going to do about it.
* * * * *
Sam cradled Jordan in his arms, rubbing her back while she drifted off to sleep, exhausted from their multiple lovemaking sessions.
She continued to amaze him, this woman he loved. Her fire and passionate nature equaled his and in her he’d found his perfect partner. But he didn’t think she realized that yet.
Tonight he wanted to tell her he was in love with her, but for some reason couldn’t bring himself to do it. Maybe it was the old fear resurfacing, the feeling he just wasn’t good enough for her. But in whose eyes? Hers, or his?
As far as he knew, she still intended to go back to New York when the house was sold. He thought he sensed some hesitation and disappointment in her voice today when he told her the house was finished and ready to go on the market. But was it really there, or did he just want her to be upset about it?
So upset that maybe she’d change her mind about selling. And about leaving Magnolia.
Of course, he hadn’t really given her a reason to stay. He hadn’t told her how he felt. Maybe that would change her mind. Then again, maybe it wouldn’t.
The thought of losing Jordan was almost more than he could bear. He had to give it his best shot. Tell her what was in his heart, ask her to stay, and then see if what he offered her was worthwhile enough for her to give up her lifelong dream and stay in Magnolia with him.
But was that fair? To ask her to give everything up just to stay here with him?
Of course it wasn’t. He could move to New York, too, if she’d have him.
And do what? Be miserably unhappy the rest of his life? No, that he wouldn’t do. He’d ask her to stay, fair be damned.
He needed her, loved her, and wanted her to stay. Now he just had to convince her that’s what she wanted, too.
Chapter Twelve
The Summer Festival began that morning with a parade through town, although for the life of her Jordan didn’t know where all the spectators came from. Almost everyone who lived in Magnolia had a role in the parade, either as a participant, a judge or a decorator.
Family members lined the street to catch glimpses of their loved ones in the parade. It was a small town after all, and trophies were given for just about anything, from floats to the local bands to kids on decorated bicycles, their paper and plastic streamers flying behind them.
She’d been up hours before the parade started, arriving at the theater before dawn to put everything in place for tonight. Despite her self-reassurance that this was no big deal, the butterflies flitting around her stomach were just as big as if she were opening a play on Broadway tonight.
She took a break from last-minute preparations for the play to step outside and view the mile-long line of bands, floats, civic groups and miscellaneous entries making their way down Main Street in front of the theater.
A childlike enthusiasm filled her as she watched clowns tossing candy to the crowds of excited children lined up along the parade route. Squeals of delight were heard for blocks at the appearance of the local high school floats, a perennial favorite among the town. There was always a fierce competition as each grade level tried to outdo the other and win the prized Best High School Float award.
“You look like a kid.”
Jordan jumped as Sam snuck up behind her.
“You scared me!” she protested, pushing half-heartedly against him. “Quit sneaking up on me!”
Laughing, Sam pulled her against his chest and wrapped his arms around her waist as they watched the parade. “I didn’t sneak up on you at all. Admit it. You were so enthralled with this small-town hokey parade that you wouldn’t have noticed if the Queen of England stepped in front of you.”
She giggled. “Maybe.”
“Maybe my ass.” He brushed a light kiss on the side of her neck. She shivered as his warm breath caressed her, and for a moment thought of other things besides the parade. Things equally exciting, but for an entirely different reason.
Leaning against Sam and watching the parade snake through town, she felt a sense of rightness she hadn’t felt for years. And also a sense of foreboding. This wasn’t supposed to be happening. It wasn’t what she planned. But it happened anyway.
Little by little, she was falling in love with her hometown again, and had already fallen hard for Sam. Although she knew she’d be leaving soon, she hadn’t quite figured out what she’d do when the time actually came to go.
Face it Jordan. You’re a procrastinator of the worst sort, and too much of a coward to face how you really feel and deal with it.
“I love you, Jordan.”
She froze, barely breathing.
Surely she’d imagined what she’d just heard. Had Sam just whispered that he loved her? Had she heard him right? Her heart pounded and her palms grew sweaty.
She turned and looked at him. There was something different in his eyes. Subtle, but there nonetheless. A warmth, a light, those ocean blue eyes glowing with something she hadn’t seen there before.
Love. Sam loved her. Good God, what was she going to do?
But did he really? Or was she just seeing what she wanted to see in his eyes? The old uncertainty came back to haunt her, the doubt that never really went away. Her mother had thought the same thing—that her father loved her. She had been wrong. Maybe Jordan was too. But why would Sam say it if he didn’t mean it?
Oh, why couldn’t she just believe him? Why couldn’t she trust in him, and in herself? Why always the doubt?
He loved her. He said it so he must mean it. What would it mean for the two of them? And her dream? Was it changing, did she now want something different?
Should she tell him she loved him too? That was scary, admitting that you loved someone. She’d never done it before, had never felt it before. Now that she did, she really wanted to tell him.
