He had been back for a little over a week, but the years seemed to have disappeared. He was getting waves of greetings from some of the locals. Fanny at the diner knew how he took his coffee and had a large cup ready to go for him along with her baked good of the day each morning, and he actually had food in his refrigerator other than leftovers.
It was shocking for him to accept that he was away from Glenway for only six hours, and he wanted to be back. He never would have imagined it possible. The truth was he wanted to be with Jillian, wherever she was, but it was the same thing in many ways. Her life and her future were there, and if he wanted to be a part of that, it meant staying in town and putting down roots. The thought made him catch his breath. Fortunately, his seatmate was too engrossed in the movie to notice.
Could he do it? Professionally he knew it wasn’t a problem. He could work from anywhere. Either he was doing research for clients, which he could send in electronically, or he was traveling. He now knew it was only a little over two hours to the airport, and the traffic wasn’t half as bad as what he encountered in Baltimore. Besides, he could probably get support from Nigel to open a New England branch of Prometheus, gaining them more clients and cutting down on some of his long-distance travel.
However, work wasn’t the only thing he needed to consider. He began to think about the positives and negatives of the situation. Move back to Glenway, and small town life: possibly negative. Live in the same town as Jillian’s ex-husband and asshole father: definitely negative. Have Paula and Charlie near by for family support: positive. Give Harlow lots of room to run and play: positive. Marry Jillian: positive.
Marry Jillian. Holy shit, that was exactly what he wanted. Everything else that went along with that plan, he’d find a way to manage. For Jillian, with Jillian, he could take these risks. It would be worth it. He smiled to himself. Paula was never going to let him live this down.
Chapter Ten
“Hey, where’s that handsome guy of yours?” Fanny asked Jillian, when she walked into the diner to meet Paula for lunch.
He’s not mine, she thought involuntarily, then pushed the thought out of her head. He’d phoned several times a day for the two days he’d been gone. He was the last person she spoke to at night and, this morning, the first she spoke to since he asked her to be his wake-up call. She might not be able to define their relationship yet, but it was special and growing and that was not something to be ignored. “He’s in Kentucky. An old case reopened, and he wanted to be part of seeing it closed.”
“No surprise there. Miles is a good man.”
“I think so, too. He’ll be back in another day or so.”
Fanny sat opposite her in the booth as she filled a cup of coffee for Jillian and brought her water. “You know, I remember him as a boy. All arms and legs and gunning for something to do other than help his momma and avoid trouble. Some people just don’t get the breaks they deserve. They have to make them. Miles is the kind of man who finds what he wants, goes after it and gets it. Look how well he’s turned out.”
“He’s pretty special.”
“Is there room for me, too?” Paula said coming up to the table.
Fanny got up with a laugh. “I was just asking her about Miles. Got used to having him come in each morning. Wanted to make sure things were all right.”
Paula beamed. “Thanks, Fanny. It’s been good having him home and giving the people a chance to see how he’s changed.”
“Shoot, that’s not hard. I was just saying to Jillian here, I knew he was a good one from the start. He just got off to a bad beginning. Iced tea for you, sweetie?” Fanny had known Paula almost her entire life, but Jillian knew in here there were no first names. Everyone was called honey, sweetie, darling or dear.
“Yes, please,” Paula said.
“Thanks for taking Harlow today,” Jillian said to Paula as she sipped her coffee, then added more milk. “I have such a late night tonight. I didn’t want her to be alone for all that time.”
“It’s not a problem. I’m happy to help you and Miles out, and Harlow’s a sweet puppy.”
“I think she’s a little large to be called a puppy.”
“There’s a little one inside all of the big ones.”
“I get the feeling we’re not talking about a dog anymore.”
Fanny came back with Paula’s drink. “So, what will you ladies be having?”
“I’m going to have a cup of the vegetable barley soup and a grilled cheese sandwich,” said Paula.
“Good choice. And for you?”
“I’ll have the grilled chicken sandwich,” said Jillian, putting her menu behind the napkin dispenser. “And more coffee, when you get the chance.”
“No problem. I’ll have those out for you in two shakes.”
“So, what were we talking about?” Paula said innocently.
“As if you didn’t know. You are many things, Paula, but I’ve never known forgetful to be one of them. Coy, on the other hand…”
The older woman laughed. “Oh, it’s good to be with someone who knows me and doesn’t let me get away with things. Charlie and I shared that almost from the start.”
“Again you’re talking about two things at once.”
Paula drank some of her iced tea and said, “What’s happening with you and my Miles?”
“I wish I knew.”
“If you don’t, who does? You have been seeing each other regularly since his return, haven’t you?”
“You know we have.”
“And I’ve seen you at the gym. I can’t remember the last time you smiled so much or so easily.”
“True, and yes, that does have a lot to do with Miles’s return. Not only his being here, but how he’s reminded me about parts of myself I had forgotten. I thought I was doing well, standing on my own, creating a business and making a place for myself here. Now he’s back, and damn if my heart isn’t happy, and I’m doing better than ever.”
“Then it sounds like things are going well.”
“They are, Paula, but where they are going is what I don’t know.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you think after this arsonist is caught, Miles is going to want to stay in Glenway? He has a life back in Baltimore. Thirteen years ago he left here as fast as he could the minute he could. I got through the hurt after the first time he left, but made some major mistakes because of the pain. I can’t let that happen again.”
“He might not leave.”
“Why would he want to come back?”
Paula said nothing for a moment. “You know the answer to that. Darling, you are the answer.”
“Is that enough?”
“Do you mean, are you enough?”
Jillian wanted to answer, but she didn’t know what to say. She was saved for the moment when Fanny arrived with their lunches. “Enjoy, ladies.”
As she walked away, Jillian called her back. “Fanny, this isn’t what I ordered.” Instead of the chicken, Fanny had brought her a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich with a side of fries and cheese sauce for dipping.
“I know that, dear, but it’s what you need. I remember how you used to treat yourself to those once every few months. Seems to me I can’t remember the last time you did. Now eat it, enjoy it, and don’t let me hear a word of complaint.”
There was no arguing with Fanny any more than there was with Paula. Fanny stood there waiting until Jillian took a healthy bite of the sandwich. It was one of the best-tasting things she’d had in ages, her dinner out with Miles not included, and she couldn’t stop the moan of pleasure. Fanny smiled and winked before heading back to the counter.
“Was she always like this?” Jillian asked Paula. The two women had been in high school together.
“You mean stubborn, determined and sure she’s right?”
“Yes.”
“Absolutely,” Paula said. “We’re a lot alike. It’s why we’re such good friends. Speaking of being determined and right, I will tell you t
his. My relationship with Miles puts me in a position to know him well.”
“As well as anyone,” Jillian agreed.
“I also have the advantage of age and wisdom on my side. Miles has always needed and craved a home, but he’s never believed he could have one. Not that he didn’t deserve it, but because of all the foolishness his parents put him through, he thought he wouldn’t know how to make it work.”
“I’m certainly not the poster child for a happy family life.”
“I know, but the two of you have always had something magical. You are both amazing, strong, talented people, but together you’re even more.”
Jillian took another bite of her sandwich to keep from having to say anything. She knew what Paula meant. On her own, she was feeling stronger every day, even after the fire, and she was proud of that. However, Miles’s return seemed to kick everything into a higher gear. Could her future include him by her side? She ate a fry and thought about it.
Later that night, Jillian couldn’t wait to get into bed with a book and her cell phone. She knew Miles would be calling soon, and she needed to hear his voice. After lunch, she had a busy and fun day filled with clients and classes, but as she was leaving her office she had run into Rob and had to deal with his snide remarks about Miles’s being out of town. He quickly grew tired of making comments when he saw they didn’t bother her. She was feeling too good about herself, as well as confident that Miles was coming back, which, at least for now, was enough.
Still, talking to him would go a long way to ease her missing him. If she weren’t so happy, she’d be concerned at how easily she’d let him back into her life and, more significantly, her heart.
She had to admit it, at least to herself. She was in love with Miles again, assuming she had ever stopped loving him in the first place, which she doubted. He was her hero, champion and friend back in high school and no one had ever been able to fill that space. Being with him again was a gift, a reward for the last two years of struggle to be independent and strong. The biggest difference this time, however, was she knew if he left again for whatever reason, she would be able to stand on her own and move forward with her life. She was not the child Rob and her father saw. She was a grown woman with dreams she was willing to fight for.
By the time she got into bed she was exhausted, but also giddy from the self realization Miles’s absence had given her. She was getting into the book she was reading when her cell phone sang out Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire – the ringtone she’d assigned to him.
“Hello, sexy,” she said answering on the second ring.
“Hello yourself,” he answered, and her body warmed at the sound of his voice. “How’s small town life?”
“As unchanged as you’d expect, which I suppose is good given some of the unfortunate excitement we’ve had in the last few weeks.”
“That is good news. I’ve been worried the arsonist might strike again once he knew I was away. Guess I’m not that important.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say that.”
“I’m glad you wouldn’t. How’s Harlow?”
“She’s good. I can tell she misses you, but then that’s something we have in common.”
“So, you miss me?”
“Yeah, a little,” she said, enjoying the ability to tease him. Lightness like this hadn’t been part of her life in a long time. It was a welcome addition.
“What do you miss?”
“Watching television with you, having dinner together, the pleasure your touch brings me, just to name a few.”
“Those all sound wonderful. I suppose we could turn on the television and watch something at the same time, or we could eat while we’re talking, but I have a better idea.”
“What’s that?”
“Do you have headphones for your phone?”
“Yes, one of those little ones that hooks over my ear. It’s in my bag. I use it when I’m driving, usually. Why?”
“Go get it and I think we can have some fun.”
He chatted about his day while she went downstairs to get the device. Once she was back in bed she said, “Okay, I’m all set. Now what?”
“Turn off all the lights, except for the nightlight in the bathroom.”
“There’s a nightlight in the bathroom? How did I not notice it?” she asked as she did as he said.
“Zack told me it’s helpful for renters to be able to see slightly in the room since they’re in a strange place.”
“Zack thinks of everything.”
“Yes, he does. Now, enough about my brother. Are you back in bed?”
“I am.”
“Tell me what you’d want me to do if I where there.”
“Kiss me. I miss your kisses.”
“I’ll lie next to you on the bed, pull you close and start slowly on your lips, covering them with mine. Tasting them and breathing in the scent of your skin.”
“From that first kiss, your mouth felt right on mine,” she said.
“I thought you were angry when I did that.”
“I was more surprised than angry, although I suppose in the moment I was mad at myself for wanting the kiss. I thought I should keep you at a distance.”
“And now?”
“Now I want more kisses.”
“I’ll slip my tongue in your mouth then, and drink you in.”
“I put my hands behind your head and pull you closer.”
“And my hand slides down your body and finds…” he trailed off.
“A T-shirt and underwear.”
He gave a small groan. “How is it that thinking of you lying in my bed and wearing something so simple is getting me so excited?”
“Do I have to answer that?”
“No, I’ll continue. My hand goes to the hem of your shirt and slips under, then up, tracing the flat of your stomach and moving to your breasts.”
“My nipples harden at your touch,” she said, and they did. As he spoke, she moved her hands to where his would be. Immediately her body responded. “I reach for you, wanting to feel the heat of your chest.”
“I’m only wearing boxers, darling, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.”
Now it was her turn to moan. “I let my hands run down your muscles, teasing your nipples, bringing my arms around you to run my nails down your back.” Her fingers tingled as she imagined doing what she said. She loved the feeling of his body.
“That makes me shivery.”
“Good, that was definitely part of my goal.”
“I think you’re wearing too much. Take off your shirt.” She did, carefully so as not to knock the headphone from her ear. She heard his soft sigh. “When I close my eyes, I can see you. Your skin lit softly by the light, your muscles both tense and waiting.”
“Definitely waiting and hungry for you. Touch me more.”
“Follow what I say with your hands. I kiss your breasts. Is that what you want?”
“Lower.”
“I’ll kiss your stomach,” he said.
“Lower.”
“Your hip.”
“Lower.”
“Your thighs.”
“You’re killing me.”
“Moving to your inner thighs until I can lick lightly at the edge of your underwear, I slip them gently down.” She took her panties off and lay naked on his bed. “Once they are off, I kiss my way slowly up your legs, until I am able to lick your pussy with my tongue.” Jillian gasped. She didn’t know what was more exciting, finally touching herself there or hearing his explicit words. The combination was thrilling. “I love how you respond to me, how you lift your body to move closer to mine.”
“All I want is more. More contact, more sensation, more pleasure.”
“Then you shall have it. Move your fingers for me. Find the spot that gives you the greatest delight.” She moaned. “Are you wet?”
“Yes, very.”
“Good, slick yourself so you can touch your clit as slowly or as quickly as you need.”
Need. T
hat was the right word. She did as he said, finding it thrilling to follow his requests. “It feels wonderful.”
“Then continue. If I were there, I’d not only be licking you, but fingering you deeply as well.” A gush of wetness followed his words. “So I want you to slide a finger inside of yourself.
“Oh God,” she cried out as she kept a thumb on her clit and experienced the muscles of her pussy contracting around her finger.
“Insert a second one.” She could only moan. “Now tease your clitoris faster. Begin to build your pleasure. Imagine me between your legs, my mouth against you, tasting you, teasing every drop from your body, my fingers driving deeply inside of you.”
Her legs bent and opened further so she could do as he said. The pleasure wasn’t as intense as what she would experience if he were there, but it was a different kind of thrill, having him direct her and only be able to hear her reactions.
“Tell me what you’re feeling.”
She answered in breathless gasps. “A shivering deep inside. Something building, wanting to reach the top. Needing more, moving faster.”
“Yes, Jillian, stroke yourself. Give yourself the pleasure I would give you. Think of my mouth, my fingers, my desire all focused on your enjoyment.”
She could imagine it all. For years, he was in her fantasies when she masturbated, but tonight, while he wasn’t in her arms, he had been recently. She knew what his touch and strokes felt like, how he would move and modify until he found the precise point to give her the most pleasure possible. How he made her come for him.
With that thought, she knew her climax was upon her. She tried to share it with him in words, but a few breaths later all she could do was moan and cry out from the pleasure coursing through her body. She moved her fingers frantically over her clit and stroked and pinched at her nipples in the way he had done to her. “God, Miles, yes, yes,” she panted.
“That’s it, beautiful, come for me,” he said, and she did what she could to sustain her orgasm and share it with him.
Her arms finally fell to her sides and her legs relaxed as her climax waned. “That was intense,” she finally managed to whisper.
Passionate Heat Page 13
