Anything but Love cl-3

by Beth Ciotta

  “You don’t know jack shit about commitment, Luke.”

  “What? Because I’ve never been engaged or married?”

  “Hell, you’ve never even been monogamous.”

  “You weren’t exactly a Boy Scout before you met Paula.”

  “Are you saying you feel for Rae what I felt for my wife?”

  “I’m saying we’re involved. Back off, Sam.”

  The man warded him off with raised palms as if to say, done.

  Luke didn’t believe that for one minute.

  “You coming in for the rest of the meeting?” Sam asked. “We’re discussing key issues regarding the future of the club.”

  “Pass.” The sooner he got back to Rae with that fortifying soup, the better.

  “Yeah, well, some of us are actually invested in the cause.” Sam turned toward the café.

  Luke frowned. “When did you turn into such a dick?”

  “Around the same day as you.”

  SEVENTEEN

  “Here he comes!” Rocky tagged Daisy on the shoulder and motioned everyone else away from the window.

  “Do you think he knows we were watching?” Ethel asked.

  “We weren’t exactly discreet,” Chloe said.

  “Luke looked right at me,” Monica said.

  “I wish we could have heard what they were saying,” Judy said.

  Daisy snorted. “I told you to let me crack the door, but nooooh.”

  Chloe shushed everyone as the bell above the door tinkled. They all flopped into chairs as Sam strode inside.

  Rocky peered around her cousin, thinking her brother might follow. Even though he was a crappy baker he was still a Cupcake Lover until he resigned or they voted him out. Very few had ever been voted out. But Luke didn’t follow and Rocky worried that the rift between her brother and Sam was drifting toward alienation. That was all kinds of trouble and all kinds of wrong.

  “Let’s get this out of the way so we can get on with business,” Sam said as he eased into a seat. “Luke and Rae are involved.”

  “As in dating?” Helen asked.

  “Something like that.”

  Rocky didn’t gasp like the others. She’d had a heads-up from Rae. But she did tense. Poor Sam. She’d had a similar snafu. At one time she’d been sexually involved with Luke’s best friend Adam Brody. Then Jayce had reentered the picture. Triangles. Not pretty. One of the three usually ended up hurt. In her case Adam. In this case Sam.

  “I knew it!” Daisy exclaimed. “I ran into them at the hospital. That is, I ran into Luke. He drove Rae to Pixley General. Apparently she got slammed with food poisoning.”

  “Luke didn’t mention that part,” Sam said.

  “I assume she’s okay,” Daisy said.

  “Assume?” Rocky and Sam chimed as one then both thumbed in a text.

  “So Rae and Luke are going steady?” Judy asked.

  “I don’t think that phrase applies anymore,” Chloe said kindly. “More like they’re exclusive. I guess. I don’t really know.”

  “It won’t last,” Monica said with a sympathetic glance at Sam.

  “How can it?” Judy asked. “We’re talking about Luke.” She glanced at Daisy. “No offense.”

  “I know my grandson,” Daisy said. “Big heart, wandering … you know.”

  The women nodded. Sam nodded. Everyone knew about Luke and his wandering you-know-what.

  “Can we get on with the meeting?” Sam glanced at his smart phone. “Rae’s all right by the way.”

  “On the mend,” Rocky seconded as she read her own texted response from Rae.

  “That’s a relief,” Daisy said.

  The club broke out in assumptions and conjectures regarding Sugar Creek’s most unlikely couple. Rocky scrambled to take control. Usually she wasn’t so easily rattled, but this was family. “Granted this thing, whatever it is, between my brother and Rae is juicy stuff, but can we focus on business?”

  “The publishing deal,” Chloe said. “I agree. Let’s wrap this up. Not to be rude, but it’s been a long day.”

  “In other words, she wants to get home to my grandson,” Daisy said. “The responsible one. Ah, true love.”

  Rocky didn’t doubt Chloe wanted to get home to Dev, but mostly she thought her kind-hearted future sister-in-law was desperate to end things so Sam could make his escape. That made two of them. “As I said before, Rae volunteered to use her socialite status and her mother’s fame to attract attention for the Cupcake Lovers.”

  “If we do this,” Monica said, “we’ll be pulling the celebrity card. Which doesn’t make sense considering our small-town apple-pie identity.”

  “It makes sense if we want attention,” Judy said.

  “The goal is to raise awareness for soldiers in need of moral support,” Helen said.

  “And to generate money for our various other charities,” Daisy said. “Why look a gift horse in the mouth?”

  “Rae’s the gimmick we’re looking for,” Ethel added.

  Leave it to the senior CLs to cut through the crap.

  Meanwhile Sam said nothing, although he did catch Rocky’s eye. He thumbed something into his phone and then her phone pinged.

  WE NEED TO TALK

  Rocky frowned. About Rae and Luke? Rae and Sam? Rae and the Cupcake Lovers?

  OK, she thumbed then garnered everyone’s attention. “So we’re going to fly with Rae’s offer. All I needed to know. I’ll touch base with her and the publisher tomorrow. Stay tuned.” Rocky glanced at Chloe, silently begging her help.

  Hand on her pregnant belly, Chloe pushed to her feet with a smile. “Great. Good. Thanks for coming everyone. Not that I’m rushing you out, but I’m rushing you out. See you Thursday for our regular meeting!”

  Within minutes everyone was in their cars except Sam and Rocky, who lingered curbside. “I don’t know what’s up with my brother,” she started.

  “This isn’t about Luke,” Sam said. “It’s about Harper.”

  “What about her?”

  “I can’t work with her.”

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t like her.”

  “I know she’s a little self-involved.”

  “A little?”

  “And obsessed with work.”

  “Shallow work.”

  Rocky gripped her cousin’s arm. “I’m desperate, Sam. I didn’t mention before, but Harper’s obsessed with that house. She wants it to be perfect, her ideal, except she’s doesn’t know what that is and everything I suggest falls flat.”

  “Except for her bedroom.”

  “Except for that.” Rocky shook off a chill that had nothing to do with the sub-zero temp. “For what it’s worth she dictated the look of that room, not me. The colors, the style. You recognized the era, right?”

  “1940s. The Rothwell decade.”

  “Kind of creepy, right?”

  “A little.”

  Rocky hadn’t said anything to anyone aside from Jayce. Even though Harper was eccentric, Rocky liked her. Plus she was a client. Gossiping about the woman’s longtime fascination with the Rothwell Farm seemed cheesy not to mention unethical. She said as much to Sam, following with, “I don’t think she’s nuts or anything. Just sensitive.”

  “As in attuned to spirits?”

  “As in a kind soul moved by another kind soul’s plight.”

  “Kindred spirits,” Sam said.

  “Harper’s known about the legend of the Rothwell Farm for a long time, Sam. I think she feels some sort of personal connection with Mary Rothwell. Not that she talks about it. I think she, Harper, is troubled, as in haunted by … something. I don’t know. She won’t talk about it. And that’s fine. I don’t mind dealing with her eccentricities, but I can’t deal now. Not a week before my wedding. Don’t bail on me, dammit. I know I owe you. Whatever. In spades and triple.”

  Sam looked away and worked his jaw.

  “Something tells me there’s more at play here than a strong dislike of Harper.” />
  “I’m attracted to her.”

  “But you said—”

  “As in I want to jump her frickin’ bones.”

  “Oh.” Wow. Sam didn’t talk about stuff like this. Rocky sometimes wondered if he ever even thought about stuff like this. For all his alpha qualities, Sam McCloud was the ultimate gentleman. What she didn’t get exactly, was why he looked so miserable. Noting oncoming pedestrians, Rocky tugged her cousin into the alley, away from prying eyes and the blustery wind. “You’re not the first man to lust after a beautiful woman.”

  “I can’t go there.”

  “Why? I mean she’s unattached. You’re unattached.”

  “Ben and Mina.”

  Rocky pulled her sock cap down lower over her freezing ears. Considering all Sam’s male cousins, she wasn’t sure she was the best confidant, but she was here and Sam was spilling. “The kids don’t have to know about your sex life.”

  “I have to think about the future. I can’t introduce a woman into their lives when there’s no hope of … something more.”

  “That’s sweet and thoughtful, but—”

  “Old-fashioned?”

  “I think you’re too hard on yourself, Sam. You’re a great dad, but you’re also a man with needs. Pining for Rae just because you think she’d make a wonderful mom for Ben and Mina—”

  “It’s not just that. I like Rae.”

  “Are you in love with her? Or the idea of her?”

  Sam jammed a hand through his hair.

  Rocky pushed. “Do you want to jump her frickin’ bones?”

  The man’s silence spoke volumes.

  “Do you want my advice?” she asked.

  “I can’t believe we’re having this discussion.”

  “If the physical attraction between you and Harper is mutual, strike an agreement and have a fling.” She couldn’t believe she was steering her cousin down this path, except she thought Sam was in serious need of female companionship—even if only in bed. “A friends with benefits kind of thing,” she prodded. “No strings.”

  “Except we’re not friends,” Sam said. “Harper irritates the hell out of me.”

  “Maybe she’ll grow on you.”

  Sam rolled his eyes.

  “And maybe Rae will have a turn of heart when she’s no longer the object of your desire. If you stop chasing her, maybe she’ll chase you. That’s if you still want to pursue a relationship with her even though she doesn’t light you fire, so to speak.”

  “I don’t know what I want any more.” He blew out a breath. “Luke’s going to break Rae’s heart.”

  “Maybe. Maybe not.” The fact that Luke had told Sam to “back off” (yeah, she’d made out that part loud and clear) told Rocky that this was new territory for her brother. “In the meantime, cuz, don’t close yourself off to unexpected opportunities and please find a way to make peace with Luke. He’s family and this town, as you know, is flipping small. Life is short.”

  Sam nodded and Rocky knew she’d hit a nerve. He cupped her elbow and guided her toward her jeep. “I’ll do the work on the Rothwell Farm. Keep Harper out of your hair.”

  “And pursue the attraction?”

  He cast her one of his famous death glares.

  She smiled. “And make peace with Luke?”

  “Let’s just say I won’t aggravate the situation.”

  EIGHTEEN

  Rae didn’t remember falling asleep.

  She remembered taking a hot shower and changing into fresh sweats and a tee.

  She remembered receiving texts from Sam and Rocky asking if she was okay.

  She remembered Luke returning with an overnight bag, bottled water, and food especially prepared by his chef at the Shack and him assuring her that the food was safe and that Sam was aware Luke and Rae were “involved.”

  Too exhausted to maintain a conversation, Rae had picked at her soup and freshly baked bread while Luke had kicked back on the bed, utilizing the remote to surf channels. She’d received two texts from her mom and a call from Geoffrey, both of which she ignored. Turning off her cell, she’d taken comfort in Luke’s companionable silence, crawling in next to him to watch a movie, only she couldn’t recall the ending. She must’ve drifted off.

  One thing was certain. She’d slept like the dead through the night. She’d awoken to muted sunshine peeking through the curtains and the feel of someone spooned in behind her. She knew without turning that it was Luke and the knowledge rattled her senses. At some point he’d joined her under the covers and at some point they’d snuggled up. What she didn’t know is if he’d shed his sweats and tee. Did he sleep in boxers or in the buff? Or maybe he’d slept fully clothed. Her heart pounded as she imagined Luke naked. Even though they’d had sex, they’d merely jostled their clothing to make that happen.

  “What are you thinking about?” Luke asked close to her ear.

  You. Naked, you. Naked you doing things to naked me. Her pulse skipped. “You’re awake.”

  “Mmm.”

  He tightened his hold and she was suddenly, keenly aware of two things. His palm pressed protectively over her belly, and his erection pressed hard against her backside. Both sent her heart and mind into overdrive. “I have to pee.” Flustered, she slid out of bed and hurried into the bathroom.

  Luke was hard. For her. Or maybe it was just a case of morning wood. Guys just sometimes woke up hard, right? “Right.”

  Rae went about her business then washed her hands and splashed cool water on her puffy eyes. Not wanting to face Luke with morning breath, she hurriedly brushed her teeth. Two seconds later, she ventured back into the room, unsure of what to do or say.

  “You okay?” Luke asked.

  He’d propped up on one elbow. His hair was mussed and his jaw was shadowed. He was gorgeous. And shirtless. She wanted to jump his bones. “I’m fine. Great. It’s just … Don’t you need to be somewhere?”

  “It’s Sunday. Other than the traditional dinner with family, no obligations. And you?”

  “Rocky texted saying my plan is a “go” for the Cupcake Lovers, but I can’t do anything about that until Monday. Same for my next step with Sugar Tots.”

  “Then you’re free.” He smiled. “Come back to bed. I want to talk to you about something.”

  She realized suddenly that she was wringing her hands, which ticked her off. She’d committed to controlling her life, yet here she stood riddled with anxiety.

  Show some backbone, Deveraux. Face your desires, make them known and take some flipping action.

  Just as she eased onto the mattress, Luke eased off. “Be right back.”

  Rae noted the blue sweats hanging low on his narrow hips. Admired his muscular back as he disappeared into the bathroom. She tempered several racy thoughts. She wanted to fool around and he wanted to talk. What about? The baby? Their relationship? She heard the toilet flush then the water run. She fluffed two pillows and leaned back against the headboard trying to look casual. Maybe she should order room service. Coffee. Eggs and toast.

  Luke returned and this time she got a prime frontal of his incredible torso. Did he work out every day? He wasn’t overly bulked but every muscle was toned. And his abs … There were ridges. He slid back into bed smelling of soap and toothpaste.

  Rae wished she were wearing skimpy undies or better yet, nothing at all. Could she be any less alluring in her baggy loungewear? “What did you want to talk about?” she blurted.

  “You. Us. Something’s bothering me.”

  “Okay.”

  “What you said about what happened in Bel Air. About it being the best sex you ever had.”

  Shoot me now.

  “Were you serious?”

  “Is that your pride asking?”

  “It’s me asking.”

  Rae bunched the sheet in her hand and focused on the thread count, not Luke’s eyes. Not Luke’s chest. Not … “Let’s just say that my liaisons to date, not that there have been many, believe it or not, have been less than thr
illing. You,” she said with a quick glance, “were thrilling.”

  “I can do better. You deserve better.” He rolled into her and smoothed her hair from her face. “I know we’re on shaky ground, new ground, but when you’re ready—”

  Rae angled and initiated a kiss—bold, brazen. She was more than ready. She was hot for this man and growing hotter by the second. Last night and this morning he’d exhibited all the qualities she’d initially fallen for. Kind, caring, thoughtful, protective …

  Luke Monroe set her soul on fire. Not to mention what he did to her libido.

  Their tongues dueled and her heart swelled. Their hands groped and her senses tingled. She tugged at his waistband. She was ready for fast and furious. Hot and wild.

  Luke finessed her beneath him, pinned her hands above her head. He gazed into her eyes and swear to God she melted. Mel-ted.

  “This time we’re taking it slow.” He nipped her earlobe. “Relax, Reagan. Enjoy.”

  The sound of her full name stroked her intimate parts as surely as his hands. Not hon. Not baby. Not even Rae. Her brain glitched. “Okay.”

  He smiled against her check. Rained intoxicating kisses across her jaw and down her neck. His hands worked under her tee, skimmed her stomach, her rib cage.

  He peeled off her clothes with practiced finesse, seduced her with hot looks and sexy remarks. He worshipped her body—his hands, his mouth, his eyes.

  Impossible to relax, but Rae did enjoy. Every kiss. Every lick. Every nip. Every touch.

  She groaned as he parted her thighs, gasped when he licked her there. Overwhelmed with sensations, she climaxed in a heartbeat. She was shuddering with the aftereffects when Luke rolled away.

  “Where are you going?” she rasped.

  “Condom.”

  Why did they need protection when she was already pregnant?

  Maybe it was habit. She didn’t ask. Could barely think. Luke had tongued her into some sort of euphoric daze.

  Then suddenly he was looking down at her, a wicked grin on his sinfully handsome face. His buff body poised for action.

  Her lungs seized.