Heaven Inside You

by Mina Snowe

  Their father had always made sure that his sons would know how to face life’s challenges. He had had a deprived childhood in his day and wanted his children to have the best, to be the best, even at the cost of brotherly affection. To this end, he went out of his way to create competition between the brothers, almost to the point of obsession.

  Chad, being the younger of the two by one year, took this competition very seriously and followed through on his aspiration to make serious waves in the business world. In physical looks, Chad took after his mother’s side of the family. He was of a rather short stature and lean build, but he more than made up for his lack of height in temperament. An extrovert to the extreme—never let it be said that he wasn’t the life of the party. When they were in college, people would most certainly know when Chad was close by because they’d hear his voice booming from a mile away. He liked to gesticulate when he spoke, and women had always seemed attracted to his particular brand of charm. His choice to go to business school had suited him very well; ever since he could remember, his brother had always been a natural when it came to making deals happen.

  Cole was as different from his brother as ambrosia is from cod liver oil. Unlike Chad, he was the more reserved type. Although he enjoyed his share of partying, he wasn’t indiscriminate when it came to women. He managed well with juggling law school and his college football career and excelled at both. He always had a feeling that Chad was jealous of the way Cole hardly had to make an effort to be well liked by everyone around him. But Cole never paid much attention to his brother’s taunts and pretty much moved on with his life the way he wanted. He was aware how his father had played a significant role in creating the rift between the boys, and he wasn’t about to make it any wider.

  After graduating at the top of the class from law school, Cole was hired as a junior associate in one of New York City’s top corporate law firms. The money was good and the prospects were great. After seven years of hard work, he had finally made partner and enjoyed an upward change in status, which came complete with attendant superior perks and bonuses. All he had to give back was a pound of his flesh and his wish for a private life.

  He gave it all he could. Now, five years later, he felt burnt out. Surely there was more to it all than this. Over the years, he had invested a lot of money in ventures that had, fortunately enough, turned a neat profit, so he finally found himself in a position to seriously consider a complete change of scenery.

  With an unwavering certainty, he was determined that his own life would be conducted in a much different vein, that his brother’s career choices would not reflect his own. And Olivia would be a huge part of the picture he had made up in his mind. She needed somebody who could appreciate her for who she was. In his eves, she was the epitome of femininity and sensuality. She would make one guy a lucky man indeed, and there was no doubt in his mind that he would be that guy.

  When they shook hands, something shifted inside of him. It wasn’t like him to be so affected by a woman’s touch or even to pursue a woman so relentlessly, but who was he kidding? He didn’t know how it happened, but it was as if he had always known that Olivia would mean more to him than any other woman he had met.

  His feelings for her had grown from a distance. He had felt the connection that day six months ago, and he hadn’t so much as said a single word to her. He just couldn’t get her out of his mind. If there was one thing he had learned from life, it was the fact that it wasn’t a good idea to ignore his instincts—and this time, his instincts told him that Olivia was right for him. It wasn’t even worth his time to try to rationalize his feelings. He wanted to know all there was to know about her, and he wanted her and the rest of the world to know she belonged to him.

  Have her he would—body, mind and spirit. It wouldn’t be long before he’d allow her to see how much he desired her. She was in for a big surprise over the next few days.

  Chapter Three

  Five minutes gone, two more hours to go. The dratted “Fasten Seat Belt” sign was flashing again, perhaps for the millionth time. Of course, she did have to end up on the Guinness world record of “turbulent flights.” Would her luck ever end?

  Oh Geez! Why the hell didn’t I get the train? It would only have taken me eighteen hours to travel from NYC to Atlanta. This is going to make me sick. She squeezed her eyes shut, sighed and wondered why she’d even bothered to unfasten the blasted thing anyway. Might as well just shackle herself to the damned seat. Not an entirely unpleasant thought, that. It conjured up all kinds of vivid fantasies, what with Mr. You-Are-So-Fucking-Gorgeous-I-Want-To-Oh-Eat-You-All-Up Cole Evans sitting right beside her on the aisle seat. She supposed this could be one of those times when flying could have its compensations. She gave herself an imaginary slap on the head.

  All of a sudden, warm, strong fingers closed over hers in reassurance.

  “It’ll be alright, pet.”

  For the second time that day, he squeezed her hand and then retreated, a touch too slowly.

  Did he just call her pet? She squirmed in her seat, closed her eyes and let the sensation from his touch swarm all over her. Oh my. This man was doing something to her insides—and no, it wasn’t the flight.

  Once more, those overwhelming ruminations of sizzling kisses and sex made her feel feverish and dizzy. Thoughts that involved her, a mouth-wateringly masculine travel companion, a king-size bed, a pair of handcuffs and a huge…

  This flight was muddling her brain. Somehow, she would have to try to maintain some shred of dignity, at least attempt to not make an utter fool of herself. Surely she could retain her composure for the next few hours. When they got off the plane, she’d put as much distance as possible between her and the dark Viking. What had possessed her to agree to staying overnight in Atlanta with him? He had told her they were almost family so they should spend time together. Family, her ass. As if the thoughts she had about him would classify as sisterly. Hah! Blast the man.

  It wasn’t as if he would notice her, of course. Oh no, not plain old fat Olivia Marsden. Well, she wasn’t exactly plain, but men liked Fiona, not Olivia. Life just wasn’t fair! She hadn’t missed the lusty looks the stewardesses kept throwing his way, either. Who could ignore such a god? How she wished she could be a size four with slim, gazelle legs and neat, petite curves, just for one day! This day would be perfect if anyone was in the mood to answer her prayers.

  Okay, enough of that self-pitying bullshit. Perhaps she could try a conversation.

  “How long have you been living in New York City?”

  “About eleven years, I’d say. I moved there after graduating from college. How about you?”

  “I went to NYU and never made it back to Georgia after graduation. I suppose I got a taste of the city and never looked back.”

  They started talking about their experiences in the Big Apple and laughed at each other’s quips. They spoke about their childhood and discovered that they had a lot of things in common. They both liked reading, going to jazz concerts, had dreams of one day leaving the city and moving to a warmer climate. Anywhere would be great as long as they could live somewhere by the water, a point on which they agreed. They were also both somewhat homebodies, preferring a cozy evening at home by the fire with a good glass of red wine and a nice meal to braving the crowds in smoke-filled bars and trendy nightspots.

  It was the most eye-opening conversation she had ever had with a man, and she couldn’t believe how comfortable she felt in his company. She couldn’t help entertaining the thought that, if she were to fall in love with anyone in her life, she wanted that man to be just like Cole. He was so easy to like—too easy to like. For a while now, whenever she’d heard someone mention him, she had been intrigued. She felt drawn to him like a moth to a flame and was finding it increasingly hard to resist fantasizing about him, what it would feel like to be loved in all ways by a man such as him. She recognized that she was treading dangerous ground and chided herself for being so easily bowled over. It occurre
d to her that after Fiona and Chad’s wedding in two days, she wouldn’t have an excuse to see him anymore. They’d both return to the city and go on with their separate lives. She ruthlessly killed the depressing thought and immersed herself in their conversation. Time passed.

  There were a few moments of comfortable silence.

  Suddenly, he fixed his eyes on her and said, “So are you seeing anybody?”

  She froze. “Well, no. I work most of the time. My job is very demanding.”

  “Does your job keep you warm at night, I wonder?” he murmured.

  “Wh—What did you just say?”

  Shit. Now she was hearing things.

  “I was just thinking out loud, that’s all. It seems as though you don’t have much time to date.”

  “N-Not really.”

  She was turning into a blabbering idiot. He chose right that moment to stretch out his legs and slide even closer to her, molding his thigh to hers. His eyes never strayed from her face, boring into her, talking to her.

  “Olivia, have you ever wondered why I called you three weeks ago?”

  “Because you wanted us to go to the wedding together?”

  “Yes and no,” he said. “It’s mostly because I wanted to spend time with you.”

  “Spend time with me?”

  “Yes. Do you mind that?

  “Of course not. Although…I know we’re going to be family and all, but you don’t have to go out of your way, you know.”

  “The last thing I think of when I have thoughts of you is getting you out of my way, Olivia.”

  Now she was really confused. And she was blushing! And hot, definitely hot.

  She couldn’t possibly look very attractive sporting a red face and a bemused expression. She wished she could look into a mirror right about now.

  “Why do you say that?” was all she managed to muster.

  “Do you remember the engagement party six months ago?”

  “Yes, of course I do. You had made it there, but you had to leave soon after because of an emergency at work.”

  “I did leave, but not before I got a good look at you.”

  “You saw me?”

  She had to stop this annoying habit of repeating everything he said.

  “Yes, I did.” He leaned into her and brought his lips close to her ear. “And I wanted you, Olivia. I still do. That’s why I called you. I want to get to know you better.”

  She swallowed hard, her head a complete jumble. “You couldn’t possibly…” Her voice faltered.

  He pulled back and laid his head on the headrest, but she wasn’t fooled. From the intense way he looked at her, there wasn’t a laid back bone in his body right then.

  “Yes, I can. And so can you. I know there’s something between us, and I know it’s happening way too fast. Perhaps I sound crazed by saying this but I want to do something about it. See where it may lead.”

  That did it. She had lost her voice again. She looked around furtively, hoping that nobody was listening to their conversation. Luckily, the plane wasn’t very crowded, and no one seemed to be paying any attention. She felt like a trapped rabbit.

  There he was, closing in again, playing havoc with her senses. “Olivia, just answer one question for me. Are you attracted to me?”

  She stared at him, nonplussed.

  “Please be honest. I don’t bite. At least not unless you want me to.” He grinned.

  Her heart stopped beating—that’s what it felt like.

  Seconds ticked.

  “I suppose I am…yes, I’m attracted to you. I like y….oh shit. God, I can’t believe I’m saying this out loud. I must be mad.”

  “Don’t say that. We’re just two people who want to have a go at life. I’ve wanted you for a long time, Olivia, and I won’t apologize for it.”

  I’ve wanted you for a long time.

  They looked into each other’s eyes, and the world spun on its axis. At that moment, there was nobody else but them on that plane. His face was so close to hers that she could feel his breath settling on her mouth. His hand slid over her thigh and softly kneaded and caressed her flesh through the thin material of her khakis, leaving a burning sensation in its wake.

  The Fasten Seat Belt sign came on again. It was time for landing. Could life go topsy turvy in two hours?

  The look in his eyes gave her pause.

  “You’re mine, Olivia. All mine. And in the next few days, I intend to show you why.”

  Chapter Four

  You’re mine.

  His words were still ringing in her head by the time they caught the taxi and made it to the B & B. Fortunately, they didn’t have to wait in line to retrieve their luggage at the airport. As their stay would be short and they’d both be returning to New York the day after the wedding, they were traveling light and had only packed a few casual outfits in their hand luggage. Cole’s groomsman suit was waiting at his brother’s place, so he didn’t even have to carry that either.

  The B & B was a family-run establishment nestled right in the heart of midtown Atlanta. The place oozed with charm, and the moment she stepped through the door, it felt like she had taken a trip back in time.

  “Let’s go settle in our rooms. We can meet downstairs in an hour for a late lunch. I heard the food’s pretty good here. The owner was a chef for fifteen years before he decided to restore this house. We can decide where to go and what to do later.”

  They checked in, and he got the keys to their rooms. He walked her to her door and stopped.

  “Sounds great.” She couldn’t help the nervousness which tied her stomach in knots. She was mentally preparing herself for the inevitable, and she knew it was only a matter of time before things spiraled between them. The tension could be cut neatly with a knife.

  He ran his finger down her cheek, kissed her lightly on the forehead.

  She moistened her dry lips.

  His gaze dropped to her mouth and fixed there, as if in fascination, then moved briefly to her breasts and back to her face.

  “I’ll see you in a short while, pet.”

  Her whole body trembled as he opened the door to her room and handed her the key. A few seconds passed as they drowned in each other’s eyes. It was an unspoken rule that from this point on there would be no turning back.

  * * * *

  Her room was elegantly appointed with tastefully chosen antiques scattered carefully within the welcoming space. The bed, magnificent and huge, was adorned with four exquisitely carved posters and artfully arranged silk drapes. The walls were painted a warm ivory color, a perfect backdrop for the beautiful paintings depicting late nineteenth-century scenes and vignettes. A small window framed by heavy dark red and gold brocade curtains and delicate sheers gave a perfect view of the charming urban garden located at the back of the house.

  She couldn’t wait to jump in the shower and wash away the weariness from the trip. Things had been happening so fast that it seemed like ages since she’d been sitting alone in her small, empty Manhattan apartment.

  She laid out a fresh set of clothes and her favorite set of red silk underwear on the bed and proceeded to strip down to her panties before walking barefoot to the bathroom. She had a fetish for high quality matching silk and lace sets, so she made it a point to add to her impressive collection of unmentionables every single month, loving the way the material felt against her skin. This particular set consisted of a pretty red lace bra and thong she had treated herself to last Christmas. It had set her back a pretty penny, but it had been worth it, she thought mischievously.

  She brushed her hair and teeth and checked the water before jumping in the claw-foot tub and closing the circular shower curtain. She’d never been in one before, and she was thoroughly enjoying the experience. There was quite an array of products to choose from, including hyacinth perfumed soap and moisturizer. Her favorite scent.

  She kept humming a tune she had heard at the airport. What was the name of that song?

  She took her time
getting ready, wanting to look her best for Cole; there was no reason denying it. It had been such a long time since she had prepared herself for a man, and even so, this time it felt different, as if there was much more at stake. How could she feel this way so soon? She decided she’d stop analyzing the issue and just relax and enjoy her day with one of the most fascinating and attractive men she had ever met. No. Make that the most fascinating and attractive man she had ever met.

  Perhaps something would come out of this. The more she spent time with him, the more she believed it. There was no way of knowing unless she took a wholehearted risk and prayed that her heart would be taken care of. What use was it protecting herself if it meant she had to live her days alone, with nobody to come home to?

  Cole had made it clear that he wanted more from her than a one-night stand. He told her he didn’t know how it had happened, but he wanted to get to know her. God help her, she felt the same way too. She was actually starting to fall for the guy, as mad as that was! Whirlwind romances did happen in fiction books, but she wasn’t sure about how that would work in real life. Perhaps there was some truth to the fantasy after all.

  After applying a generous amount of moisturizer all over her body and brushing her long, wet curly tresses, she made her way back to the bedroom to put on her clothes and stopped dead in her tracks.

  “So how was the shower, pet?”

  Chapter Five

  His long, muscular limbs were folded in the high-backed wingchair that faced the bed, his right ankle laid carelessly on his left knee, elbows resting on the chair arms. His stance was relaxed, his tone deceptively calm. Were it not for the traitorous muscle twitching at his jaw, she’d never have guessed that his nerves were taut as a string. He had changed into a different pair of jeans and a black t-shirt. No jacket this time. His hair was still wet from his shower.