Harmony Cabins

by Regina Hart

  “Oh, all right. But give Wendell a call.”

  “Mom . . .”

  “He’s sorry, Audra.”

  “I don’t care. ‘Fool me once, shame on you.’ He won’t have a chance to fool me a second time.”

  “Don’t be so hard. Call him.” With that, Ellen disconnected the call.

  Call him? Perhaps when hell froze over. She needed someone who was real. Someone she could trust. But where do you find someone like that?

  The knock on her door Wednesday afternoon came just as Audra was getting ready to wash her lunch dishes. There was only one person who would visit her, Jack.

  Her heart leaped and executed a series of spins like a champion figure skater. She hadn’t realized quite how much she’d missed seeing him yesterday.

  Audra took a moment to catch her breath before crossing the cabin. She pulled the door open—and stared at a stranger with an ice box.

  “May I help you?” Disappointment sat like a brick in her gut.

  He was a handsome stranger. His smooth sienna skin was taut over a broad forehead, high cheekbones, long nose, and stubborn jaw. His lips were sensuously full and curved in a teasing smile.

  “Have you forgotten me after just one day?” a familiar, bluesy baritone asked.

  Audra’s jaw dropped. “Jack?”

  Jack smoothed his right hand over his cheek. His beautiful onyx eyes twinkled at her. “Do I look that different?”

  Audra raised both brows. “I had no clue what you looked like under all that hair.”

  His beard had hidden a lot. She had no idea he had such a sexy neck. If it weren’t for his memorable eyes and unforgettable voice, she wouldn’t have recognized him at all. How was it possible this GQ cover model was the same Grizzly Adams wannabe she’d met just six days ago?

  “May I come in?” Jack’s question woke Audra from her trance.

  “Of course.” She stepped back, pulling the door open wider.

  “Thank you.” Jack crossed her threshold.

  Audra’s gaze tracked his loose-limbed gait. She could look at him forever. His army green cargo shorts showed off his long, muscled calves. His collared brown shirt complemented his skin.

  “Did you go shopping yesterday?” Audra locked her front door.

  “No.” Jack faced her from the center of the room.

  Audra shook her head with a smile. “So you do have more than seven T-shirts. I can’t believe I fell for that.”

  Jack’s unrepentant grin took her breath away. “I never said I only had seven shirts. I said I had seven like the one I was wearing.”

  Audra couldn’t stop staring at him. “What inspired this makeover?”

  “It was time.”

  Something in his voice alerted her that his transformation wasn’t a whim. Did it have anything to do with the shadows in his eyes?

  She gestured toward him. “What do you have in the cooler?”

  He looked at the carrier as though he’d forgotten it was in his hand. “An afternoon snack. You said you wanted me to be your guide.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “Hiking.”

  Audra’s brows leaped with pleased surprise. “Am I dressed properly?”

  Her skin warmed as Jack’s eyes skimmed her peach T-shirt and ice blue shorts.

  His attention settled on her feet. His voice was rough. “You just need some shoes.”

  He met her gaze and there was something beyond simple appreciation in his eyes.

  Audra’s blush deepened. She’d forgotten about the hot pink polish on her toenails. The manufacturer named it Wet Kiss. It had seemed innocent until she’d met the heat in Jack’s gaze.

  “Are sneakers OK?” Her voice cracked.

  “Yes.”

  Audra escaped to her room, primarily for her socks and sneakers, but also to give herself a stern talking-to.

  You’ve seen handsome men before, Audra. Los Angeles is full of them. So why are you acting like a head case just because the Wolfman had exfoliated and turned into the Sexiest Man Alive?

  She pulled on her socks, slipped into her sneakers, then tied her laces. So the Beast now looks like every woman’s idea of Prince Charming. Get over it.

  Audra took a deep breath, then rejoined Jack in the great room. He didn’t tease her this time when she stopped to check that her cabin was secure before wandering into the woods with him. The mid-July afternoon sun wasn’t too harsh. And the path Jack took was heavily shaded. The air was rich with the scents of moist earth and lush foliage.

  Audra listened to the birds singing in the trees, chipmunks scrambling in the underbrush, and the wind rustling leaves overhead. They must have been walking for about ten minutes before she realized Jack hadn’t spoken a word. She slid him a sideways look. His newly clean-shaven features looked relaxed—content—as he strolled beside her.

  They continued still farther down the path. Unease trickled through her.

  Why isn’t he talking?

  And how well did she know this man who was leading her deeper into the forest?

  CHAPTER 7

  “What’s on your mind?” Jack met her gaze.

  Audra swallowed a lump of sudden panic. “I was wondering why you aren’t talking.” And where you’re leading me?

  “I’m imagining how you’ll react when you see where I’m taking you.”

  “Where are we going?” She leaned into the path as it grew steeper.

  “You’ll see.”

  Audra stopped abruptly, forcing Jack to wait with her. “How do I know you’re not some sort of psycho killer?”

  Jack’s expression was somber. “If I were, would I wait six days to kill you? You’ve met other people who know you’re here.”

  That made sense in a creepy way. “I guess not.”

  “Trust me. I won’t hurt you. And you’ll like where we’re going.” He tossed her a smile that made her heart jump and shout.

  “When we first met, you wouldn’t give me five words. Now you’ve taught me how to fish. You’re taking me hiking, and you’ve smiled at me twice today. That’s three miracles. Call the pope.”

  Jack wrapped his right hand around her bare upper arm to get her moving again. His skin was warm and just a little rough. “And the Oscar for Best Dramatic Performance goes to Audra Lane.”

  “You see? That’s what I’m talking about.” She allowed him to draw her forward. “What’s behind these changes in you?”

  “Not what, who.” Jack stopped again, holding her with his gaze. “I’ve been changing since you walked into my cabin, wearing your fancy little dress.”

  Audra’s heart skipped. Why would he say that? What had she done to change him? Although, after Wendell, she didn’t trust herself to examine his words too closely. “You mean the trash bag? So you were laughing at me.”

  “On the inside. I’m only human.” He released her arm, letting his fingers trail along her sensitive skin.

  Audra shivered at his touch. “I appreciate that you didn’t laugh on the outside. I was embarrassed enough.”

  Jack used his hand on the small of her back to nudge her forward again. “That’s me, Mr. Sensitivity.”

  “More jokes. Amazing.” Audra tilted her head. “How have I changed you?”

  Jack started to walk again. “I’d been alone for a long time. Then you arrived. You make me want to be around people again. Part of me is relieved. I like this change. Although another part of me isn’t ready.”

  “What made you close yourself away in the first place?”

  Jack didn’t respond for a long time. “Maybe I’ll tell you one day.”

  They continued in silence. Audra was shaken by Jack’s claim that she’d had such a strong effect on him. What had she done that had been so special? Convinced him to teach her how to fish?

  An unfamiliar rushing noise sounded in the distance. Audra looked around. “What’s that?”

  “You’ll see.”

  She slid him a look. “A man of mystery, as well a
s sensitivity.”

  Jack just smiled.

  They hiked a little farther up the path until it leveled off and they stepped into a clearing. Audra gasped.

  Jack swept his left arm to encompass their surroundings. “This is Trinity Falls.”

  The horseshoe-shaped clearing was twice the size of a football field. She and Jack stood at its base. Before her was a carpet of deep green grass framed by stately poplar and white ash trees.

  At the center of the clearing was the source of the rushing wind she’d heard: a waterfall. Audra walked closer to its edge, which was framed by a sturdy metal safety fence. She felt its power as the water poured into the stream below, pushing gusts of wind and mists of water up and over her.

  Jack smiled at Audra’s reaction. Her eyes were wide. Her lips parted. She looked transfixed. She looks like she belongs, a woodland fairy queen exploring her kingdom. He’d been right to bring her here. He hadn’t enjoyed this scenery with anyone since Zoey had become ill, nearly four years ago at the age of six. Before then, she’d made the trip with him frequently. He’d never come to the clearing with Kerry. She wasn’t fond of nature.

  Jack set the cooler beside a nearby tree and approached Audra. She stepped back from the edge and stretched her arms wide. She spun to him. Her face, arms, and T-shirt were damp from the waterfall’s mist. Her cloud of curly dark hair played in the breeze. Her warm caramel features glowed with pleasure. Her bright grin lifted her lips and his heart. “This place is remarkable. It’s just like a fairy tale.”

  “I’m glad you approve.” Jack’s laughter came more easily now. Those muscles had warmed since Audra’s arrival.

  The waterfall fed a skipping stream that was born at its feet. The water danced over rocks and continued far into the distance. Jack fell into step beside Audra as she explored the clearing’s perimeter, following its tree line. She exclaimed at the red-shouldered hawks and merlins, soaring above the water and dancing on the wind. She laughed at the squirrels racing each other up and over tree trunks. Watching her pleasure in this special place made Jack see it in a new way, too. It did seem enchanted, almost magical.

  She turned to lead them back the way they’d come. “I feel like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ next-door neighbor.”

  “Or Cinderella. Her pets helped with the chores.”

  Audra’s winged eyebrows leaped toward her hairline. “You do know your fairy tales.” Her champagne eyes sparkled with pleasure. “Are these woods part of the rental cabins’ property?”

  “No, it’s part of the county’s park system. But not many people come here.”

  Her eyes widened. “Are you serious? I’d come here every day.”

  He believed her. The mental image of the two of them spending long, lazy hours together in the clearing melted another chunk of ice from his heart.

  Jack led Audra back to the cooler. Together they spread the blue-and-white plaid picnic blanket under the tree. It was the same blanket he’d taken when they’d gone fishing. They removed their shoes, then sat cross-legged on the blanket to share the lemonade and fresh fruit he’d packed for their afternoon snack.

  Audra popped a seedless black grape into her mouth as she looked over their surroundings. “You must be so proud of your ancestors for establishing this town.”

  “I am.” Jack bit into an apple.

  “Now Trinity Falls is one hundred and fifty years old.” She gave him a curious look. “How have you managed to remain humble? I’d run up and down the streets every morning, screaming, ‘I’m king of the world!’”

  He smiled at her imitation of Leonardo DiCaprio’s famous line from Titanic.

  “My parents made sure I was well-grounded.” He sipped from his thermos of lemonade. “I had chores and a part-time job. But most importantly, my parents taught me to give back to the community.”

  “Your parents sound incredible.”

  “They were incredible.” They were his heroes. He’d assumed he and Kerry would have a family just like the one he’d known. But everything had gone wrong.

  “I bet you were the most popular boy in high school.” Audra’s voice pulled him from the past. “You’re from a prominent family. I bet you were a star athlete. All the girls in your school probably chased after you.”

  Jack set down his thermos. “What about you? Did all the guys ask for your phone number?”

  She gave him a self-deprecating smile. “I was a nerd. Prom night, I was home re-reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

  Jack winced. “Really?”

  “Really. What about you?”

  “I had a date.”

  “Of course you did.”

  They were tucked into the trees, all alone. The sounds of the waterfall underscored their isolation. Jack felt himself pulled in Audra’s direction.

  “What was wrong with the boys in your high school?” His voice was huskier than he’d intended. “Were they blind or just stupid?”

  Audra gave him a skeptical look. “Don’t worry. I’m not a self-conscious adolescent anymore.”

  “You don’t look like one either.” Jack leaned in slowly, claiming her mouth with his own.

  The taste of her sweetness today was as intoxicating as the first time he’d kissed her. Her lips were soft and supple beneath his, making him forget everything except her scent, her feel, her warmth. He slid his tongue across her lips and she opened for him, welcoming him closer to her. Jack followed her without hesitation.

  Audra’s head was spinning. She uncrossed her legs and fell back onto the blanket, clutching onto Jack for dear life. He swept his tongue into her mouth and Audra moaned at the intimacy. Fireworks went off behind her lowered eyelids. And this was just a kiss, warm and wet and deep, but still just a kiss. She’d been kissed before. It had never felt like this, though. She pressed her fingertips into his muscled shoulders as her world spun away from her.

  Audra trembled as Jack’s hands moved over her body. His palm caressed her left breast through the thin cotton of her T-shirt. He molded her fullness and stroked her tip until her nipple tightened with need. Audra arched her back, pressing her breast tighter into his hand. The feel of his fingers tracing her, learning her, drew her deeper under his spell. She forgot where she was. She forgot what she’d been doing. All she knew was here and now, and a hunger that moved her body restlessly beneath his. Heat built inside her. She scored her fingertips down his tapered back, pulling him closer to her. Kissing him harder. Drawing his tongue deeper into her mouth.

  She sighed as Jack freed her lips to taste her neck. His hand slid to her waist. There was a tug at the waistband of her shorts, then his hand slipped inside to smooth over her hips. She pressed her head back, gasping for air. Jack licked her collarbone and palmed her derriere. The cornucopia of sensations kept her off balance. An ache was growing between her thighs. Her bare legs shifted beside his.

  She needed to touch him, needed him to feel what she was feeling. She slipped her hands under Jack’s shirt. The heat from his skin scorched her palms. She traced the taut, smooth muscles of his back and drew him closer, wanting more of his touch. Wanting to ease her ache.

  Jack kissed her again. Audra opened her mouth, deepening their bond, drinking him hungrily. Jack’s hand caressed its way to her lower abdomen. He slid his fingers between her thighs, separating her folds and pressing one finger against her. Audra’s body shivered. In shock or in need? Both.

  Audra tore her mouth free. She grabbed hold of Jack’s wrist, stopping his movements. Embarrassed, she bit her lip, squeezing her eyes shut. Her hips wanted to rock against the pad of his finger. Her thighs shook with the strain to resist him, to resist herself. Her body wanted him there so badly, and in so many ways. But . . .

  “I can’t.” Audra met Jack’s heated gaze.

  Jack’s chest heaved in a deep sigh. He released her, rolling away to sit with his back to her.

  Heaven knew he’d stoked a fire in her body that only his touch could feed. But neither her hea
rt nor her mind was ready for this.

  Audra laid her forearm across her eyes. “We’ve only known each other six days. I’m leaving in three weeks.”

  “It’s a bad idea for both of us.” Jack’s voice was tight.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be.”

  Her body hummed and her knees shook. Would she be able to stand? “As much as I’m tempted, I’ve never had a casual relationship.”

  “I understand.”

  Audra didn’t remember helping Jack repack the cooler. She didn’t recall leaving the waterfall or walking down the hill through the woods. Her mind didn’t clear until they arrived at her cabin. The gravel path crunched beneath her sneakers. She didn’t remember putting those on again, either.

  Jack climbed her porch beside her. “Did you eat the fish you caught Monday?”

  She could still feel his hand between her thighs and he wanted to talk about fish? “Yes. It was delicious.”

  “I was thinking of cooking mine for dinner tonight. Will you join me?” His quiet question caused the muscles at the tops of her thighs to pulse again.

  Should she? “I don’t know if it’s a good idea for us to spend more time together.”

  “I’m not suggesting we take our clothes off.” Jack’s onyx eyes probed hers. “But I was serious when I said you’re changing me, and for the better. I haven’t laughed or even smiled much since . . . in a very long time. I’d like to get to know you.”

  Either he was telling the truth or that was the best pickup line she’d heard in her thirty-one years of life.

  She was playing with fire. Twice he’d shown her that with a look, a touch, or a taste, he could make her forget her best intentions.

  But the fact was she wanted to get to know him better, too. “All right.”

  Jack’s smile was her reward. “I’ll see you at seven.” He turned to leave.

  “Should I bring anything?” Her question stopped him.

  “No, I’ve got it covered.” And he winked at her. He actually winked.

  Audra dug her keys from her front pocket, then let herself into her cabin. This was the way she would have felt if she’d had a date to her high-school prom.