“No need to bother T.J. I can drive myself.” She glanced back to see Lindy cleaning up the mess. “I’m sorry to leave you with that.”
“It’s no problem, Ella. Go on. Stay with your friends as long as you need to. Cole and I will cook and serve supper and clean up afterward.”
Ella nodded and snatched her purse from off the couch in the great room and fished around inside to make sure she had her keys. “I think the boys have something planned for the guests this evening. Can you double-check with Dalton?” she asked Cole.
He said he would and guided her to the front door. “We’ll hold down the fort, Mom. Tell Betty I’ll say a prayer. And call later when you know more about Guy.”
“I will. Thank you, son. You, too, Lindy,” she hollered before stepping outside.
When Cole returned to the kitchen, Lindy was squeezing the last of the tea from the mop into the sink in the utility closet. He took the wet towel she’d hung over the sink and tossed it in a laundry basket on the floor.
“I hope your mom’s friend will be okay,” she said, while rinsing out the pitcher in order to make a new batch of tea.
“Me too. I don’t think she could take it if Guy passed away. She and Dad, and Betty and Guy grew up together. They’ve known each other all their lives and have been best friends since I was a boy. It would be a terrible blow to lose Guy so soon after Dad.”
“Let’s pray that doesn’t happen,” Lindy said with sympathy.
Cole looked around the kitchen. “I have no idea what Luz was planning to fix for supper tonight. Let’s see what we have.” He rummaged through the cabinets and found several bags of tortilla chips and tossed them on the counter. Then he opened the refrigerator door and bent at the waist to check out what was inside. “I see homemade salsa and fixings for salad.”
“A big tossed salad is a good idea,” Lindy said. When Cole shifted his stance, her attention was drawn to his muscular backside and legs, all of which filled out his tight jeans perfectly. Her gaze remained riveted as he called out the ingredients he found in the fridge—hamburger, tortillas, peppers, onions, and cheese. Her heart twisted with longing as she chewed her lower lip.
Staring at his body reminded her of what they’d been about to do before Cole got Ella’s message. At least she’d hoped he’d been thinking of driving her to his house in town. There was no more denying the fire that ignited between them each time they touched or kissed. She wanted to be with him, and to hell with the self-imposed rules she’d set for herself. If she were honest, she’d have to admit that those rules had flown out the window the moment she met Cole.
“I can make a beef enchilada casserole,” he said, spinning around. His mouth widened into a broad grin at catching her staring at him. “Like something you see, Miss Grainger?” he teased, sweeping her into his arms and planting a kiss on her lips.
“As a matter of fact, I do,” she confessed when their lips parted.
His eyes twinkled with good humor, and he kissed the tip of her nose before releasing her. “Hold onto that thought for later. But right now, we’ve got some cooking to do here in the kitchen.”
Lindy glanced at the clock and realized they had to get it in gear.
Cole started removing the items he’d need from the refrigerator and placed them on one end of the counter. “Enchilada casserole, chips and salsa and tossed salad. What else do we need?”
“Dessert. I can bake a pineapple upside down cake.”
“Love it,” Cole said, rubbing his hands together. “You can start the cake and I’ll prep the veggies for the casserole and salad.” He flipped on the radio that sat on the counter, and country music blared from the speakers. Before long, they were working side by side like a well-oiled machine and bopping their heads to the music.
When a song came on that Lindy actually recognized, and Cole began to sing along to it, she surprised herself by joining in and harmonizing with him. She’d never sung in front of people before, only in the shower. Their voices blended in perfect harmony. A thrill of excitement ran the length of her spine at the notion that she felt so alive with Cole, and so secure.
When the song ended, he leaned over and gave her another kiss, which sent a jolt of desire racing through her again.
“What’s that for?” she asked.
“For helping Mom and me tonight. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
He nudged her arm. “I didn’t know you had such a pretty voice. You’re a good singer.”
“So are you.”
“We make beautiful music together, don’t you think?” His intense stare caused the hair on the back of her neck to stand on end.
A feeling of euphoria coursed through her. The feeling was so overwhelming she couldn’t speak, could only nod her response.
****
Supper was a rousing success as was the pineapple upside down cake.
“We’re off to build a campfire now,” Sandy said.
“The boys are going to tell us stories about the area,” Susan said. “Some are ghost stories, I’m told. Are you two going to join us?”
“Not tonight,” Cole replied, sliding a knowing look at Lindy.
After the group left, the two of them were cleaning the kitchen when he received a call on his cell phone.
“It’s Mom,” he whispered, with his hand covering the receiver. “How’s Guy?” he asked, as he strolled to stand in front of the fireplace.
Lindy wiped the long table with a damp cloth and listened to the one-sided conversation. Apparently, Guy had had a minor heart attack and would continue to be monitored throughout the night. But it sounded like his prognosis was good for a full recovery.
A few minutes later, Cole told Ella, “You’re right, Mom. It could have been so much worse. Thanks for calling. I’ve been thinking of Guy and Betty this evening. Are you sure you have your door key? Okay then, we’ll lock up and leave the porch light on. Lindy and I are going to take a drive.”
That was news to Lindy—good news.
“Everyone had a great time at supper,” he continued, talking into the cell phone. “They especially loved Lindy’s pineapple upside down cake.” He winked at her then said, “Yes, Mom. She can bake, too.”
Lindy stretched the dishrag over the kitchen faucet, feeling a little embarrassed that Cole and Ella were talking about her. Then she stepped into the great room and sat on the couch to wait for Cole to finish his conversation. He sauntered over to her and put his hand on her shoulder.
When there was a lull in Cole’s end of the discussion, Lindy glanced up and swore she saw him blush. “Yes, Mom,” he said, smiling at her. “I’ll tell Lindy you won’t wait up.” When he squeezed her shoulder, she felt her own cheeks flush.
“Drive safe coming home,” Cole said, before ending the call.
“Guy is going to be all right?” Lindy asked, standing up.
“Yes, thank God. Mom will be home in a couple of hours. Betty wants her to stay until all the tests come back.”
“She should. That’s what friends are for.” She angled her head. “You mentioned a drive?”
“Yeah. It’s been a great day and a beautiful night, and I don’t want it to end. Do you?”
She shook her head.
He gazed around the room to make sure everything looked clean for tomorrow. Then he opened the front door, flipped on the porch light, and locked the door behind them. The moon’s rays shone down from the inky sky like a beacon to guide their steps as they walked hand in hand to his truck.
“Mom told me to tell you she won’t wait up,” Cole said, as he helped Lindy into the pickup.
“So I heard.” Her gaze followed his masculine gait as he strutted around the front of the truck and climbed into his seat. He slammed the door, and their gazes fused in the moonlight. “Have you got any objections to her not waiting up?” he asked.
Her answer was to seize his lips in a long, passionate kiss.
****
Cole and Lindy stu
mbled through his front door wrapped in each other’s arms. He pushed the door closed with the toe of his boot and flipped the deadbolt. Lindy reached her hands around his neck and their lips locked. He moved his hand to her lower back and hauled her against him to meld their bodies. As he deepened the kiss, he delved his tongue between her parted lips. She entangled her tongue with his, and heat seared his gut, flaming into a bonfire of desire.
He was so hot it took every ounce of willpower not to press her against the wall right there in the living room and wildly take her. But he didn’t want her that way. He wanted to savor her, touch her, and feel her writhing under him, calling his name.
She shifted in his arms, and her firm breasts pressed through the fabric of his shirt to tease his senses. All he could think about was caressing her naked flesh.
“Where’s your bedroom?” she rasped, nimbly unbuttoning the buttons of his shirt.
In one fell swoop, Cole scooped Lindy into his arms and carried her into the bedroom.
He wanted to see her when they made love, and fortunately, there was no need for a lamp. Moonlight streamed through the thin curtains hanging at his window to illuminate her face.
He put her down to stand at the end of the bed. With a throb in his loins and heat pulsing through him, he unbuttoned her blouse and opened it to spy a lacy white bra underneath. His fingers deftly unbuckled her belt and unzipped her jeans. Before he could continue undressing her, Lindy slipped out of her clothes on her own and stood before him, her naked body glowing in the moonbeams.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, running his hands over her breasts, down to her belly and across her narrow hips. She trembled under his touch, but didn’t flinch. Eager to feel their flesh pressed together, he stepped back and shrugged off his own clothes in record time. Lindy stood silently watching as he stripped and tossed his shirt and jeans on the floor. The corner of her mouth tipped in a sexy smile as her gaze traveled up and down his body.
He whipped the covers back on the bed and gently lowered her onto the mattress. She inhaled a tattered breath and shuddered as the air conditioner kicked on and cool air swirled around her bare body. Stretched beside her, the heat of Cole’s body countered the coolness of the sheet beneath them.
“You’ve haunted my dreams for too many nights,” he whispered. “I’ve wanted you since the day we met, Lindy.”
Her brown eyes filled with passion, and she whispered in return, “I want you, too.”
He devoured her lips with fierce intensity. His hands roamed her body, caressing and kneading her smooth-as-silk skin. With a groan, he finally abandoned the molestation of her lips and moved his mouth down her neck and to her breast, peppering the tender flesh with suckles and kisses as he went.
His fingers slid over her belly, leaving a scalding trail in their path as they made their way south. Lindy lifted her hips to meet his caress. Draping a thigh over hers, she met his gentle teasing with her own firm tugs on his manhood. Her legs parted and she rasped, “Don’t make me wait any longer.”
Cole studied Lindy’s face, wanting to forever etch her wanton expression in his memory. She was like a precious jewel, and for the moment, she was his. But would she be forever?
He shifted on top of her and braced his hands on both sides of her shoulders. Sweat broke out on every inch of his skin as he thrust inside. He groaned as her heated flesh sheathed him like a glove. Lindy’s soft, erotic cry washed over him.
“Cole,” she sighed. The sound of his name on her lips pitched him into a wild fervor. He scooped his hand under her bottom and lifted her to meet his thrusts.
As Lindy’s pelvis rocked in rhythm with his, his body clamored for release. Pounding animal-like into her flaming flesh, he drew in a ragged breath and worked to hold himself in check for a few seconds longer.
When her pulsing climax began, a long, sensual moan escaped through her lips and sent his blood boiling. Fire blasted through his insides. As her body pulsated in spasms of pleasure, he gave one last plunge into her moistness and joined her at the peak of ecstasy.
Twenty-Six
Lindy slowly drifted up from the cloudiness of sleep. Her body tingled with awareness of a warm body spooned against her back. Even while sleeping soundly, with his arm draped around her, Cole still aroused her senses.
She pulled the bed sheet closer to her body to ward off the morning chill. The tender flesh between her thighs throbbed with a faint, pleasant ache, reminding her of the love they’d made through the night. Cole had shown her the breathtaking pleasures a man could give a woman. And she’d shamelessly done the same for him.
She slid her hand under the sheet and stroked Cole’s brawny arm with her fingernails. Heat prickled her skin at the memory of their unrestrained lovemaking.
“If you keep that up, you’re going to get more than you bargained for this morning.” Cole’s warm breath teased her neck.
Lindy rolled over and felt herself drowning in the blue ocean of his eyes. Her gaze drifted from his bristly chin to his disheveled hair. “I love a good bargain,” she drawled.
Strong arms clamped around her waist and tugged her closer to his sculpted chest. With a low growl and a hot mouth, he claimed her lips. Greedy for all of him, she suckled his probing tongue and tangled her legs between his. The need to feel him inside her again galloped through her body like a runaway horse. The swell of his manhood pressing into her was evidence he wanted her, too.
Later, after lying together for a few minutes, panting and sweaty from their frenzied frolic, Cole pulled her up by the hand. “Let’s take a shower. Then I’ll make breakfast.”
“A shower? Together?” Never had she bathed or showered with a man. The thought sparked her senses all over again.
“Yes, together,” he chuckled.
“What time is it?” She glanced around the room, but didn’t see a clock.
“Early. Are you concerned about Mom catching you sneaking in?” His voice sparkled with humor.
“Yes,” she confessed, with a smile.
He palmed his hand over her cheek. “I think she knows you weren’t coming home last night.”
Lindy dropped her gaze, suddenly feeling embarrassed when thinking of having to face Ella. As if reading her mind, Cole said, “We’re not teenagers, Lindy. Mom’s happy we found each other.”
Her head snapped up. He made it sound as if their meeting had been as a result of divine intervention. The memory of him telling her about the legend of the Tularosa Moon played across her mind. Could all she’d gone through the last few years have been leading up to this? To meeting Cole and falling in love? Was she falling in love with him? Or was she merely confusing loneliness and lust for love?
Could he be falling for her? His powerful and tender gaze spoke of the possibility.
“I’m glad you came into my life,” he whispered, fisting her hands into his. “I want you to stay, for a very long time.”
Why had he used that particular phrase? He couldn’t possibly know her secret.
A lump of fear crawled up her throat. Staying in New Mexico at the ranch, and with him, was what she wanted, too. But the likelihood of that happening was doubtful. Experience taught her not to expect anything good to endure. That way the pain of loss was easier to accept.
As Cole eased her off the bed and led her into the shower, Lindy’s euphoria dipped. Even the touch of his hands lathering her body with soap could not bring back the bliss of the past twelve hours. Reality slammed her in the face.
She’d sworn not to get involved. So how had she let him into her heart? She dressed and ate a quick breakfast of eggs and toast while ruminating over how to tell Cole a relationship between them could never be. Nor could they make love again.
Once the words were out, he’d never forgive her. But wouldn’t it be better to suffer his wrath now than to have him believe in her, in them?
By the time they reached the ranch and were heading up the drive to headquarters, Lindy still had not told him this had
to end—whatever this was. She couldn’t bear to hurt him, nor could she withstand the guilt for having led him on.
How do I say goodbye to him? She sat beside him on the seat, cringing on the inside.
Passing by the corral, she saw the boys helping the guests saddle the horses. Apparently, they were going for a morning trail ride. “Good. There won’t be anyone in the house except Ella when I go inside,” Lindy said, still concerned about her employer’s reaction to her staying out all night. And with her son, no less.
Cole parked at the hitching post. He snickered and kissed her before she slid across the seat and out the passenger door. “Stop by the cabin later,” he called. “I’ll be working all day.”
She nodded, and he drove down the hill tooting the horn.
When she entered the house, the scent of fried potatoes wafted into her nostrils. “Is that you, Miss Lindy?” came Luz’s pleasant voice.
Lindy walked to the kitchen. “Welcome back, Luz. You must be feeling better.”
“Thank you. I am, but Mrs. Roberts has got the bug now.” She pointed a finger to her mouth and pretended to gag. “I must have passed it on to her.”
“Oh, no. I’m sorry to hear that,” Lindy moaned. “Is there something I can do to help her, or you?”
“I took her some broth, but she didn’t want it. The group just finished breakfast.”
“I smell the onions and potatoes.”
“Would you like some?” Luz held up the cast iron pan that still contained a small portion of leftover potatoes.
“No thanks. But I’ll help you clean up.” Seeing there wasn’t much to be done, but needing something to take her mind off of Cole, Lindy extracted the broom from the utility closet and began to sweep the floor.
When she dumped the last of the debris into the trash bin, she went to Ella’s office to check the reservation book. There were two massages scheduled—Philip Davis for early afternoon and someone from town, who would be here in an hour.
Lindy silently chastised herself. Why hadn’t she thought to call? What if she’d missed the morning appointment? She couldn’t let Ella down, and she did not want to get fired. From now on, this job came before any trysts with Cole. Which was moot, she realized, since there weren’t going to be any further trysts.
Tularosa Moon Page 18
