The Last-Chance Maverick

by Christyne Butler

  His one arm was caught beneath her, but with his free hand he caressed her, his fingertips brushing over the swell of her breasts.

  Wanting desperately to touch him, too, she tugged at his shirt, finally freeing it and working her hands to the heated skin beneath the damp cotton material.

  He groaned when her fingers met bare skin, a sound that went even deeper when she arched her body, pressing her center to the hard ridge of his erection that told of his need for her.

  “Vanessa...I want...” His words disappeared as he claimed her mouth again in a way that spoke of the pleasures to come, but then they changed.

  Softened. Slowed. Stopped.

  He was pulling away from her, cooling the fire that burned between them even if their bodies refused to comply. Confusion filled her and she wondered if she’d done something to make him think she didn’t want—

  Wasn’t ready—

  To make love with a man she’d known less than a week.

  A man she’d spent time with every day for the past four days. A good man. An honest man. She knew that about him with every fiber of her being, but did that mean she was ready to be intimate with him?

  Yes.

  The certainty surprised her, but since so much of her life had been unreliable and crazy over the past year, it felt good to know for sure what she wanted.

  “Your brain is racing as fast as your pulse.” Jonah placed a kiss at the base of her throat, his tongue tracing over her collar bone for a moment before he pulled away and got to his feet.

  “So is yours.”

  He stood with his back to her, his hands braced on his hips. “Yeah? How can you tell?”

  “Because you stopped.”

  Her words caused Jonah to pull in a deep breath, his shoulders expanding as he did. He remained silent, except for his rushed exhale that she was happy to hear carried a bit of frustration with it.

  She got to her feet, one hand hovering at the center of his back for a moment before she touched him. “Are you okay?”

  A rough laugh came out of his mouth as he turned to face her, grabbing her hand in his. “Yeah, I’m great.”

  “Hmmm, why don’t I believe that?”

  He rubbed his thumb across her knuckles, much like he’d done with her mouth, and the desire fanned to life again. “Look, I should try to explain. I haven’t been with...haven’t been involved with anyone in a long time.”

  She nodded, but stayed silent.

  “I didn’t want to assume...” he continued, but stopped again. “I’m only in town until the holidays, then I’m headed back to my life in Denver. Getting involved with someone while I was home was never part of my plan.”

  “Hey, if I’ve learned anything over the last—” Vanessa stopped her words by biting down on her bottom lip. She then took a step closer to Jonah, looked up at him and laid a hand against his cheek. “Involved is a complicated word. As long as what’s happening between us is right for us—right now—that’s okay by me. No demands, no labels, no expectations. I like you, Jonah Dalton, and I’m pretty sure you like me, too.”

  He smiled, his gaze dropping to the front of his jeans. “Yeah, that’s pretty evident, I think.”

  She laughed, glad to see his playful side had returned. She dropped her hand from his face. “Well, I’ve enjoyed every moment I’ve spent with you and I’d love to do more of the same. If you’re okay with that.”

  He cradled her head with the palm of his hand, placing a quick kiss on her lips. “Very okay.”

  Ignoring the faint twitch in her heart, she smiled. “Good.”

  “It’s getting late and I need to be at the site early tomorrow, but how about I tag along as your date for dancing at the Ace on Tuesday?”

  Now, there was a silly question. “I’d love it.”

  He nodded, dropped his hands from her and started to head backward toward the door. “And maybe you could come by the resort tomorrow or Tuesday. I’ll give you a grand tour of the place.”

  Unable to stand there while he got farther away from her, she joined him at the front entrance. “I’d like that, too.”

  “Maybe it’ll knock some chinks in that wall you’ve got built around your talent.” He leaned in again, and pressed his mouth to hers one more time. A chaste kiss, but neither of them seemed interested in ending it.

  “Your work is terrific, Vanessa,” he whispered. “The resort would be lucky to have your talent on display for years to come.”

  She nodded her thanks for the compliment as he slipped out the door and disappeared into the darkness toward his truck. Not wanting to watch him drive away, she closed the door and leaned up against it.

  Well, it seemed the one place both she and Jonah would be involved with was the new resort.

  That is if she ever found a way to either climb over, around or blast through that damned wall that she suddenly suspected didn’t just surround her talent, but was also firmly entrenched around her heart.

  Chapter Eight

  “You want me to do...what?”

  Vanessa eyed the dark blue bandanna Jonah held out to her with a dubious expression on her beautiful face.

  She’d been waiting for him on the front deck of the cabin, sketchbook on her lap, when he’d pulled up. He hoped that was a good sign, especially considering his plans for them this evening.

  Tucking the pad into her oversize tote, she’d climbed into his truck and had given him a quick kiss hello. He’d waited until she clicked her seat belt into place before he’d made his request.

  “Come on,” he cajoled, adding a grin to sweeten his request. “Turn around and let me put this on you.”

  “Over my eyes?”

  He sighed, dropping his hand. “Yes, over your eyes.”

  She tried for a suspicious expression, but failed. Or maybe it the small giggle that escaped that sweet mouth of hers that gave her away. “Why?”

  “Because I have a surprise for you. One I don’t want you to know about.” He paused and smiled again, thinking about all the hard work he’d done this afternoon. “Until I’m ready for the big reveal.”

  Her own smile came easy as she studied him. Just the sight of her looking so relaxed on this beautiful yet cool Sunday afternoon did wonders for his timeworn attitude.

  As did the kiss she’d given him.

  A simple one, but laced with ever present hunger just below the surface, too. A hunger he shared, but still wasn’t sure he should act on.

  Especially now as he was worried he might be overstepping when it came to his big surprise for today.

  They’d seen each other a few times since last Sunday, but things like delayed equipment deliveries, a failed inspection on three of the resort’s fireplaces and an onsite injury that thankfully wasn’t serious, had added up to a crazy week with him putting in twelve-to fourteen-hour days at the job site.

  It’d started on Monday when he’d tried to give her an extended tour of the resort, happy when she’d shown up after he suggested it the night before.

  But they’d been interrupted numerous times with issues that needed his attention. He’d finally had to forgo the tour and go back to work after getting a promise from her that she’d let him show her the rest of the place another time.

  Then again, if he was being honest, his own personal craziness had started Sunday night when he’d allowed his good sense to override a burning need to make love to this woman.

  Even after she’d said she was okay with the fact he wasn’t interested in anything long-term, he’d still walked out and returned home to an empty bed.

  And he continued to do so every time they were together.

  Which made no sense at all. She wanted him, he wanted her. What the hell was wrong with him?

  “Okay, go ahead.” Vanessa turne
d away, giving him her back as she brushed her curls away from her face. “I put myself in your hands.”

  He scooted closer, the cool October air clung to the denim jacket she wore, but his head was filled with that sexy, summery fragrance of hers.

  “Hmmm, I like the sound of that.” He whispered against at her ear, enjoying the shiver that raced through her.

  He quickly folded the material into a long rectangle and placed it over her eyes, tying the ends snugly at the back of her head. “How does that feel? Not too tight?”

  “Nope, feels fine.”

  “And you can’t see anything?”

  She turned back to face him, her chin tilted upward. “I’ve got my eyes closed beneath this, I promise.”

  He fought against the temptation that was her mouth. It would be so easy to take their relationship to the next step. It wasn’t as if he’d lived the life of a monk since his divorce.

  What was it about Vanessa that made him hold back when he wanted her in a way he hadn’t felt in years? Maybe ever. He’d been a teenager when he first married, had loved and desired his ex with the mindset of a kid. Now, as a man, he was experiencing a need for this woman that was brand-new to him.

  “Jonah?”

  He shook off his thoughts and slid back behind the steering wheel. “Okay, let’s go.”

  “I hope this surprise includes a meal. I’m starving.”

  Sure enough, Vanessa’s stomach rumbled as if to confirm her words.

  She laughed and pressed a hand to her middle. “See what I mean?”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll feed you.” He headed down the road that led off the ranch. “And I’m sorry about being late. Again.”

  “That’s okay. I’m sort of getting used to it.”

  Jonah heard the teasing in her words, but she was right.

  When she’d mentioned during their private dance lesson how popular she’d be at the Ace in the Hole, there was no way he wanted anyone else being her partner. So he’d joined her twice this past week for dancing at the bar, but he’d run late both times, driving directly from the job site to meet her there.

  They’d had a good time, but when she’d invited him back to the cabin that first night after sharing a few sweet kisses in the parking lot, he’d begged off claiming exhaustion, even though it’d barely been nine o’clock.

  Two nights later, he’d been tempted to invite himself back to her place, especially when their parking lot goodbye had turned into an old-fashioned make-out session in his truck—something he hadn’t done since high school.

  Thankfully he’d parked in the far back, dark corner of the parking lot, but he’d once again been the one to slow things down.

  Right before he’d asked her out for dinner and a movie.

  All the while trying to do up the snaps on his shirt she’d tugged open, with gusto, minutes before.

  They’d had a great time Friday night, and when he’d taken her home he’d accepted her invite to come inside. Passionate kisses and heated touches on the living-room couch soon followed until she’d excused herself to slip into something more comfortable.

  And he’d passed out cold before she’d returned.

  He’d awakened from a sound sleep around dawn, at first having no idea where he was. When it all came back to him, he’d gotten up and gone to where she was asleep in the bedroom.

  But instead of crawling into bed next to her, he’d just stood there and watched her sleep for a few minutes. He’d left her a note apologizing for last night and told her he had to get to the job site, but would call her later.

  He had, asking her for tonight’s date after the idea for a way to help her overcome her artistic block came to him while running errands.

  “I could’ve sworn we were heading toward town, but you’ve made so many turns I’m truly lost.”

  Vanessa’s comment pulled him from his thoughts as he made another turn, this one very familiar. He eased into a space in the empty parking lot and shut off the engine.

  “We’re here?” she asked, reaching for the blindfold.

  “Yes, but the bandanna stays put for the moment.” Jonah grabbed her hand, stopping her. “As do you. I’ll come around and help you out of the truck.”

  When he got around to the passenger side, she’d released the seat belt and had grabbed her tote. Placing his hands at her waist, he helped her down, making sure she had her balance before closing the truck door behind her.

  “You know, I was going to lead you,” Jonah said, placing her hand at his shoulder before bending to lift her into his arms. “But I think this way is much safer.”

  Vanessa squealed in surprise, grabbing at his shoulders. “Hey! Put me down.”

  “Nope, this is easier.” He started to walk. “Even if your bag adds another ten pounds for me to carry.”

  “It’s not that heavy. Besides, I’ve got something I want to show you,” Vanessa said. “Once I’m allowed sight again.”

  “Yeah, what’s that?”

  “I...” She paused, tightening her hold on him for a moment, causing him to glance at her in time to see her pull in a deep breath. “I think I’ve had a breakthrough in the mural design.”

  Her news caused a hitch in his step. “Really?”

  “I was sitting on the deck, enjoying the beautiful scenery when I closed my eyes and grabbed three colored pencils. Blue, brown and green.” Vanessa’s words spilled out in a rush. “The next thing I knew I was shading the three colors on the page, one right below the other. A few drops of water on my fingertips washed the edges of the colors into each other and I realized I’d matched the sky, mountains and land right in front of me. I added some definition, putting the falls that the town is named after, right in the center. I think it’ll be the perfect backdrop for the mural, a reflection of the beauty of Montana with a cobalt-blue sky, the rugged darks of the mountains and the earthy tones of the land.”

  He managed to get them inside without putting her down while she chatted away, doubting she noticed they’d moved indoors.

  Walking past one part of his surprise, he continued into the large space, glad they’d arrived while there was still plenty of light coming in through the windows.

  “Of course, I went completely blank when it came to the next step, but at least I’ve got something to work from. I hope I do, anyway.” Vanessa sighed. “So, what do you think?”

  “I think it sounds great.” He stopped and eased her back to her feet. “I can’t wait to see your sketch, but first things first. Stay here and don’t move.”

  “Hey, are we inside somewhere?”

  “Yes.” He backed away from her, careful of where he stepped. “Now, wait for just a few more minutes.”

  “Jonah, this is driving me crazy. What are you— Is that—” She sniffed the air. “Okay, I smell something spicy and delicious, but also a hint of— Did you just light a match? And why are our voices echoing?”

  Jonah smiled as he hurried to get everything into place. He should’ve known once he took away her sight, her other senses would be on high alert. “Patience isn’t really your thing, is it?”

  She smiled. “What are you up to?”

  Giving the area one last look and satisfied with what he saw, Jonah went to her and slipped her bag from her shoulder. He then cupped her face in his hands, tipping her head back and lowered his mouth to hers.

  She sighed again, opening to his kiss. Her hands went to his waist, holding tight as he groaned beneath his breath. He worked hard to keep the kisses light and easy, but a few slipped along the edge of desperate.

  A desperation he felt down to his bones, along with a thirst he hoped soon to quench.

  Easing back, he gently pushed the bandanna up and away from her eyes, smiling when she kept her eyelids closed.

  “You can lo
ok now.”

  She opened her eyes, blinked a few times and then looked around. “Hey, we’re at the resort, but why...”

  He liked how her words disappeared as she caught sight of the picnic he’d set up in front of the grand fireplace, where the first official fire was catching hold of the kindling and logs he’d placed there.

  Using a couple of old quilts, a handful of small pillows he’d taken from the main house and a couple of lanterns standing by for when it got dark, he’d set up their dinner.

  Nothing fancy, just a meal package from the local wings place in town, but he’d brought real china and silverware, and a bottle of chilled wine.

  “Oh, Jonah, this is wonderful.” Delight shined in her eyes as she looked at him again. “What made you think of this?”

  “I’ll explain in a minute, but first—” He reached for her tote again. “How about showing me your artwork?”

  She took the bag and held it close to her chest. “It’s not that big of a deal, just a watercolor sketch.”

  “I’d still like to see it.”

  Nodding, she pulled her drawing pad out and flipped past some pages until she found what she was looking for. She tucked the other pages behind the drawing and then turned it to him. “It’s not much.”

  He studied it for a moment.

  “Yes, it is. It’s beautiful,” he said, easily seeing the influence of the view outside of the cabin in the drawing. “It’s perfect.”

  Vanessa looked down at her drawing and shrugged. “Well, the background, anyway. Nate said he wanted to honor the people and places that mean so much to this town, to Montana. I’m still drawing a blank on what to do next.”

  “I have an idea.” Jonah’s gaze flickered to the wall behind her. “If you’re interested.”

  “Sure, but can you tell me while we eat?”

  He shook his head. “No, I think showing you would be best.”

  Taking her by the shoulders, Jonah turned Vanessa around just as the setting sun came in through the oversize windows lighting up the wall over what would be the resort’s registration desk.

  Vanessa gasped, swaying a bit when she saw what he’d done.