Rolling Like Thunder

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  “You’ll still have to trek to the bathhouse. That part couldn’t be magically changed.”

  “I don’t mind.” She decided not to mention summer camp. Finn had told Rosie that this would be a brand-new experience. Better to keep quiet.

  “I can’t tell you how happy I am that he’s found someone who understands him. He can be a bit of a control freak and a workaholic. I probably don’t have to tell you that.”

  “No, but he’s committed to learning when to let go. I’m hopeful he can.”

  “He can do all kinds of things when he’s motivated. And he loves you so much.”

  She covered her gasp of surprise by taking another sip of her coffee. “Did he say that?”

  “Not in so many words, but it’s obvious. I know that boy, and I’ve never seen him look at a woman the way he looks at you. I don’t know how he looked at his ex, of course, but he told us not to visit because they were fighting all the time, so it couldn’t have been a good match.”

  “I don’t think it was.” Rosie’s comment continued to swirl in her mind. He loves you so much. It gave her the courage to broach another topic. “By the way, I was there when Finn took the pig pictures.”

  “And I admit they were cute, but we don’t need pigs around here.”

  “Did you know that Charlotte’s Web was a lifeline for him when he was a kid, before he came here?”

  “It was? I knew he had the book on his shelf, but I didn’t think much about it. Lots of kids like that book.”

  “I’m no psychologist, but I think that story of courage and sacrifice helped keep him going when he lived with his grandfather.”

  “Huh.” Rosie took another drink of her coffee. “I didn’t realize that. If I had, I might have listened more closely when he asked for a pig.”

  “He’s still asking.”

  “But he doesn’t live here anymore.” Rosie glanced at her. “What’s the point?”

  “He’d see the pig when he visited, and if he successfully changes his attitude, he’ll visit more often.”

  Rosie laughed. “So he can see the pig?”

  “No. To see all of you, of course. The pig would be a bonus. The thing is, I found out this weekend that lots of potbellied pigs are abandoned once they become adults, so there’s a need for people who have some acreage to take them in.”

  Rosie lifted her coffee mug in tribute. “Chelsea, darlin’, I can tell you’re in PR. You know exactly what to say to get my attention.”

  “To be honest, this is more for Finn than the pigs. When I saw him with Harley and Wilbur, it touched my heart.”

  “So you’re saying that if I adopt one of these abandoned pigs, it’ll be good for the pig and good for someone I love?”

  “That’s what I’m saying. And the students would learn something by having that pig around, too. They can spread the word that cute little potbellied pigs get big and need plenty of room and that they’re intelligent and trainable, like dogs.”

  “You are a persuasive young woman, Chelsea Trask.” She stood. “More coffee and Bailey’s? I’m having another.”

  “Then I will, too. Thank you, Rosie.”

  When Rosie went in to refill their mugs, Finn left his chair on the other side of the porch and came over to crouch in front of hers. “How soon can we excuse ourselves?”

  “Not real soon. Rosie’s getting us a refill and I think I just convinced her to adopt a pig.”

  He grinned. “You’re kidding.”

  “Would I kid about a thing like that?”

  The light on the porch was dim, but it was enough to gauge the flash of emotion in his eyes. “No, you wouldn’t.” He gave her knee a little squeeze. “When you think we can go, give me a signal.”

  “I will. And, Finn, I love your family.”

  He smiled. “So do I.”

  He loves you so much. She had to believe it was true. He was capable of loving deeply. He felt that way about everyone else on this porch with the exception of Phil, but he’d only just met her. He’d known the rest of them for fifteen years, and he cherished them all. She heard it in his voice, even when he was joking around. Especially then.

  Rosie came back and handed Chelsea a mug. “I knew eventually I’d find someone else who likes Bailey’s as much as I do. You’ll have to visit a lot so you can help me make a dent in that case of it they bought me when I was in the hospital.”

  “Sounds good.” Chelsea cradled the warm mug in both hands. “Finn’s business anchors him in Seattle, but I can tell he’s left a part of himself here. He needs to come back often and connect with his family.”

  “I think so, too. I’ve tried not to be one of those mothers who guilts their children into coming back to visit. That’s obnoxious. But in the case of these foster boys, they do need to come back. It may be more important than if I’d given birth to them.”

  “I agree.” She lifted her mug. “Let’s drink to that.”

  That started a whole new string of toasts. She and Rosie lifted their mugs to several things, including the joys of tuna casserole, the appeal of a man in a Stetson and imaginative hair color. Rosie decided that her next salon visit might include lavender.

  From there they moved on to movies and TV, where they matched up almost exactly. They turned thumbs down on slasher films and toasted action-adventure flicks with a touch of romance and a gorgeous hero. Rosie reluctantly admitted to following celebrity gossip and Chelsea confessed to having a stash of gossip magazines in her apartment.

  When they’d both finished their second mug of coffee, Rosie gazed at her. “I’ve loved every minute of this, but you need to collect your sweetie pie and head on down to the cabin. We get up early around here.”

  “How early?”

  “I serve breakfast at five-thirty.”

  Chelsea blinked. “All righty, then.” She stood. “I’ll just carry this into the kitchen and we’ll be on our way.”

  “Never mind. I’ll take your mug.” She raised her voice. “Finn, honey, it’s time to saddle up your SUV and drive Chelsea over to the cabin.”

  He was on his feet immediately and a round of hugs followed. It was almost like a bride and groom leaving the reception for the honeymoon, minus the wedding ceremony. Chelsea felt as if they were being given everyone’s blessing.

  As they took a back road around to the cabins, Chelsea glanced at Finn, who was still wearing Cade’s brown Stetson. “Your brothers won’t pull any pranks on us tonight, will they?”

  He grinned. “Worried?”

  “After being around them for a few hours...yeah. And I just realized there are no curtains on any of those windows.”

  “They won’t pull anything. We mostly only do stuff to each other. When a guy’s with his girl, he’s off-limits unless he’s being really obnoxious. Or she is. Damon and Cade think you’re terrific, and they’re so grateful for your help with this project. They wouldn’t do anything that might scare you off.”

  “I’m the opposite of scared off. I’ll probably bug you to come back a lot.”

  “Works for me. Do you really think Rosie will adopt a pig?”

  “I do, but I’d let the subject lie. She obviously likes creating a ta-da moment.”

  He laughed. “You have her pegged.”

  “So here’s my thought. Don’t mention it again, and chances are a pig will be here the next time you visit.”

  “You could be right.”

  “Someone will need to contact Lily to set up her guest lectures, so it’ll all fall neatly into place.”

  “Mostly because you backed me up and made that pitch to Rosie after dinner. That kind of support means a lot to me.”

  “I’m glad.” Oh, yeah, he loved her and she loved him right back. They just weren’t saying the word. “I wouldn’t have thought to
do it, though, if you hadn’t told me about the book. I’m honored that you trusted me enough to explain how special it is to you.”

  “It is.” He paused. “And so are you.”

  “Back atcha, cowboy.” And that might be as close as they’d come to declaring their love, at least until they’d weathered a few weeks together in Seattle.

  She was fine with that. She knew how much he cared for her just by listening to his voice. It had the same richness as when he spoke about his family. Rosie could hear it, too, no doubt. Probably everyone could because they knew him so well.

  He parked next to the cabin. Aided by the moon and lamplight shining through the windows, they made their way to the cabin door. Someone must have turned on the lamps earlier.

  Finn put himself in charge of both suitcases again and she carried the laptops. She breathed in pine-scented air and the aroma of fresh-cut wood. Heavenly.

  She leaned the laptop cases in a corner. The bed and nightstands had been positioned against the back wall, which had no window, and a couple of braided rugs had been placed on either side of the bed. Otherwise the room was empty.

  But full of love. She met Finn’s gaze. “It’s so beautiful.”

  “No, it’s just nice. You’re beautiful.” He set his hat on top of his suitcase before walking toward her and pulling her gently into his arms. “Inside and out.”

  “Pretty words.” She wound her arms around his neck. “Can I steal them?”

  “You can have anything of mine you want.”

  “How about all of you?” Gazing into his warm blue eyes, she began unsnapping his shirt.

  “I’m all yours.” He dropped a soft kiss on her mouth. “But first let’s turn out the lights.” He released her and walked over to one of the nightstands.

  “I thought you weren’t worried about being disturbed?” She nudged off her running shoes.

  “I’m not. I just prefer moonlight.” He rounded the bed and turned off the other lamp. Sure enough, the nearly full moon cast a swath of silvery light over the bed.

  “Impressive. Did you know that would happen?”

  “I guessed it would. I wanted to see if I was right.” He drew back the covers to reveal snowy sheets, and she heard the thumps of his boots as they hit the floor.

  “I’ve never made love in the moonlight.” Their breathing was the only sound in their darkened, private world. She shivered in anticipation.

  “You’re going to love it.” His bare feet whispering across the wooden floor, he closed the distance between them and pulled her into his arms with the assurance of a man who knew he was wanted.

  And, oh, how she wanted him. But the frenzy of those first nights had given way to an urge to tantalize and caress, to savor and explore. They undressed each other more deliberately tonight, each of them taking time to place kisses on the bare skin they uncovered.

  Her sense of touch grew sharper in the deep shadows surrounding the bed. The merest brush of his fingertips sent heat spiraling through her veins. The moist pressure of his mouth tightened the coil of desire until she ached for him.

  When all their clothes lay discarded on the floor, he swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. He laid her gently on the soft sheets and moved aside so his shadow didn’t fall on her.

  “Look at you,” he murmured. “Glowing in the moonlight like a goddess. I could almost convince myself you’re not real.”

  She held out her hand. “Come here and I’ll convince you I’m very real.”

  “And if I touch you, you won’t disappear? Or turn me to stone?”

  “The only way you’ll get in trouble, buster, is by not touching me. And I’ll bet a part of you has already turned to stone.”

  Laughing, he climbed into bed with her. “You have a smart mouth, you know that?”

  “So I’ve been told.”

  He moved over her. “So I guess you’re not a goddess.”

  “Not last time I checked.” She wrapped her arms around the solid warmth of his back as he propped himself up on his forearms. “But I think you must be a wizard.”

  “Why’s that?” Bracing himself on one arm, he began a leisurely caress, stroking her throat, her shoulder and the curve of her breast.

  He left a trail of sparks in his wake and she smoldered under the light pressure of his palm. “You must be a wizard.” She took an unsteady breath. “Because you can turn a rational, intelligent woman into a lusty wench who would do anything—anything—to have you between her thighs.”

  “Good to know.” He settled himself there, his rigid cock pressed against her belly. “My boots are dusty from this trip. They sure could use polishing.”

  “Almost anything. I draw the line at polishing your boots.” She was bluffing. When she could feel the hard length of him right there, she’d agree to any terms he cared to set.

  “Looks like I’m not a wizard, after all.”

  “Yes, you are.” She reached between them. “Look, I found your staff.” And holding all that leashed power sent moisture to the very spot where that staff needed to be.

  He sucked in air. “Careful. It’s hard to control a wizard’s staff unless you know the magic word.”

  “Condom?”

  “That would be it.” He reached toward the nightstand. “And, presto! One magically appears.”

  “You can’t fool me. You had it there all along.”

  “Nope. Plucked it out of thin air. That’s what wizards do.” He brushed it over her nose. “Care to put it on for me, lusty wench?”

  “I suppose.” She could barely breathe, she wanted him so desperately. She put the condom on him with trembling fingers.

  His breathing roughened. “Well done, wench.” Lifting his hips, he probed her gently before sliding partway in. “Now how about those boots?”

  She gripped his firm buns. “Consider them polished.”

  “Excellent.” He thrust home. Then he held very still as he gazed down at her. “I’ve been such a fool. Thank God I woke up.”

  “So I don’t have to polish your boots?”

  “Just be there for me, Chels.” He began a slow, steady rhythm. “That’s all I need.”

  “That’s all I need, too.” She held on tight as he rocketed them both skyward. She’d warned him to stay in the present. She needed to take her own advice.

  17

  LIFE DOESN’T GET any better than this. Finn had heard people toss out that statement dozens of times over the years. In his opinion, it had showed a lack of imagination. Life could always get better, right?

  Well, no. Nothing could improve on the joy he felt sharing these few days and nights with Chelsea on the beloved ranch he’d called home for ten years, surrounded by the people he considered family. Both Cade and Damon were staying in town with their respective girlfriends, but they spent most of their time at the ranch working on academy projects.

  Finn and Chelsea helped wherever they could, but this morning they’d taken a break to ride along the Forest Service Road. Rosie had suggested saddling up Navarre and Isabeau, a chestnut gelding and dark gray mare. Both were beautifully trained and Chelsea turned out to be a fair rider. They even cantered a little.

  Then, in a secluded meadow with only the birds and forest creatures around, they’d made sweet love on a blanket in the sunshine. She’d insisted that he had to wear his Stetson to keep the sun out of her eyes. He thought she was just enamored of the hat.

  She confirmed that as they returned to the barn and began unsaddling the horses. “I liked the gray hat, but Cade’s right. His brown one is broken in. It looks more authentic and cowboy-ish. You’re taking it back to Seattle, I hope.”

  “I am. Although I’m not sure why.” He pulled off the saddle and carried it into the tack room.

  “You should wear
it at O’Roarke’s,” she called after him.

  “Not happening,” he shouted back. He deposited his saddle quickly and hurried back to grab hers before she tried to carry it herself. He arrived just in time. “Let me get that.”

  She opened her mouth as if to protest.

  “Please. I like showing off my cowboy-ish skills.”

  “Okay.” She grinned and stepped away from the horse. “Sure you won’t wear the hat at the brewhouse? The customers would love it.”

  “Not doing it.” He piled the cinch and the stirrups on top of the saddle.

  “Then will you promise to wear it when we have outdoor sex?”

  He picked up the saddle and turned back toward her. “As I suspected, it had nothing to do with keeping the sun out of your eyes, did it?”

  “Not really. Sex with you is always great, but when you wear that hat...” She sighed and patted her chest.

  “Then I’d better not wear it at O’Roarke’s.” He carried the saddle into the barn. “I’m liable to be mobbed.”

  “Good point. Save it for when you’re with me.”

  He came back out with the plastic tote that held the grooming tools and smiled at her. “That I can do.” And now he had a reason to take the hat to Seattle.

  “Are you going to brush them down?”

  “I am.”

  “Let me help. We used to brush the horses at the stable where I rode.”

  “By all means.”

  “Yay!” She picked up a brush and started in on Isabeau.

  He watched her for a minute before turning back to Navarre. Yep, life was perfect right now. Caring for the horses together after going for a ride and making love ranked high on his list of favorite ways to spend a morning. He wondered if he’d have trouble getting back into his regular routine.

  Once the horses were turned out into the pasture, Chelsea wanted to go back to the cabin to check the Kickstarter site. A few small donations had come in, so they were inching closer. They only had two days left, but now Damon and Cade could totally cover the rest if necessary.

  “I just have a feeling something more has happened,” she said.