by Judi Lynn
“We’ve known each other since college . . .” Daphne fidgeted with her napkin. She didn’t have any good answer, and he knew it.
“I bet she’s always been a selfish little bitch.” Tyne finished his wine and went to get them more. He watched the two women lean in for intense gossiping. Daphne had a good friend in Miriam. He brought the wine to the table, then went to get them all food. By the time he carried back three full plates, Daphne and Miriam looked as if they’d solved all the world’s problems. Or at least, they’d had it out and were finished with Shelby.
“Hungry?” he asked.
Miriam went straight for the mummy dog—a sausage wrapped in cornbread dough. Daphne tasted one of the shrimp in cashew sauce. She looked at him. “This one was your idea, wasn’t it?”
“I helped Steph make them today.”
“See?” She pointed the half-eaten shrimp at him like a weapon. “You knock yourself out helping people, too.”
“Friends,” he corrected. “People who’d help me in return.”
She didn’t argue and ate the rest of the shrimp. “This is delicious.”
He laughed and reached for the buffalo chicken on crostini.
They’d finished their food by the time the band started playing. Harley usually hired jazz players, but for Halloween he’d gone with classic rock, mixed with funk. Tyne loved funk. The beat and rhythm called to him. “Ladies?” He held out both hands and led both of them onto the floor. “If anyone tries to cut in, forget about it. The two of you are mine for the next two hours.”
Daphne listened. Miriam didn’t. She pulled Buck Krieger on the floor to be her partner. Poor Buck ran the local landscape business and knew perennials and annuals more than he knew dancing. Miriam towered over him by a good three inches, but he did his best to keep up with her.
When Tyne did a backward dip for the third song, Miriam stared. Grams jumped to her feet and clapped for him. Before he knew it, Grams and Miguel had joined their group. A few minutes later, so had Chase and Paula. Chase had moves of his own, and Paula was one hot little mama. A half hour later, people stood on the side of the floor, sipping their wine, to watch them. By the time the music ended at eleven, Tyne was wiped out.
Paula grinned at him. “I feel sorry for you tomorrow morning.”
He groaned. “When my shift ends, I’m hitting the mattress.”
* * *
Daphne sagged against the back of her seat for the ride home. “It’s been a long week.”
He glanced sideways at her. “Are you ready for your parents to come home and for life to get back to normal?”
“No.”
He glanced again. Her answer surprised him.
She pulled off the headband and toyed with the feather. “I love my parents. It’s not that. And I’m grateful for all they’ve given me. But once I met Patrick, I realized I wanted more. I love seeing them, but not every night. It was nice going out to restaurants, seeing someone else . . .” She trailed off. “You wouldn’t understand. You were never close to your mom and dad.”
“I used to resent that, regret what I didn’t have. Now, I think maybe they did me a favor. I have total freedom.”
She shook her head. “That’s no good either, but there’s something in between. If I ever have a kid . . .” She shrugged. “It’ll probably never happen, but Miriam sees her parents a couple of times a month, and they enjoy each other. And she lives her own life.”
He nodded. “I get it.”
She turned to look at him. “You always do. That’s one of the things I like about you.”
Her compliment made him happy, and it made him ache. She saw things in him that some people missed. He felt so connected with her sometimes, it worried him. Maybe she was the sister he’d never had. No, he corrected himself. He had no brotherly thoughts about her at all. If she weren’t so innocent, so unworldly, he’d . . . He pushed the thoughts away.
He dropped her at her door, and she gave him a weary wave good-night. On the drive to town, he rolled down his Jeep’s window to let the cool air keep him alert. He locked the shop’s back door behind him when he got home and sighed at the steps that led to his apartment. Too many of them. Once he reached his bedroom, he dropped, face down, on the bed. That’s all he remembered until his alarm woke him for the early shift on Monday.
Chapter 28
Daphne swung her legs over the side of the bed and groaned. They felt like lead. She and Shelby had helped close down Chase’s bar on Saturday. When Shelby and Mr. Goatee had disappeared for an hour, Daphne had danced with one man after another until her friend returned, her hair mussed, her shirt buttoned wrong. Embarrassing. And then Daphne had danced till closing time at Harley’s party last night.
She stood under the shower and let the warm water revive her. What would her mother say if she heard about how she’d spent the weekend? She toweled her hair dry, then flipped her head down and blasted the hair dryer on high. She wasn’t going to look good today, no matter what, so why bother?
In the kitchen, she poured herself a bowl of cereal and went to the refrigerator for the milk. One inch remained in the bottom of the carton. Daphne added water to it and gave it a shake, poured it over her wheat flakes. It tasted like crap, but she was hungry. When she finished, Shadow jumped on the counter to steal a few licks of milk. He sniffed and gave her a dirty look.
“Hey, what can I say? I forgot.” She dished wet cat food into his bowl. He acted offended, but chowed down. The damn cat loved Tyne’s table scraps. He was getting a little spoiled.
She poured herself a second cup of coffee and glanced at the calendar. Her parents would be home tomorrow. If any of their friends tattled on her, she’d get a long lecture. Oh, well, that worry could wait another day. It was time to get ready for the shop. She threw on her stretchy, black slacks and a long, black tee. Paula would be proud of her. She looked Goth. She slapped on some mascara and lipstick, then took off.
No tourists jostled up and down the sidewalks. The first day of November, the day after Halloween, people were recuperating. She spent most of the day in her workroom, cleaning up the mess Shelby had left. She doubted Shelby would ever come back for another visit. She smiled. That was probably a good thing. They’d still see each other at art shows, and that was enough. By the time she turned the sign in the window to CLOSED at the end of the day, her shop and her life seemed to be back in order. Then she looked up, and Tyne had his nose pressed against the front window.
She braced herself. Tyne could be a serious deterrent to normal.
He hurried through the door before she turned the lock. “Hey, I made a big pot of food, thought you might want to come up and eat with me before you headed home.”
She hesitated. She’d eaten so much last night, all she wanted was something simple, easy.
As usual, he read her expression and grinned. “Nothing fancy, just beans and hamburger.”
She blinked. “Soup beans?” Did anyone flavor those with hamburger?
“No, baked beans with a little brown sugar, some onion, and ketchup. I like it with garlic bread on the side.”
She was so surprised, she climbed the stairs with him. “I didn’t think you’d make anything an ordinary cook could make.”
He filled her plate and then his own. “Holden and I both make this when we’re feeling a little homesick or ready for something cozy. Our grandma made it for us. It’ll be one of our favorites forever.”
She shook her head. He always did the unexpected. “Does your grandma still make it for you?”
“She’s gone now, but she’s the one who got Holden and me so excited about food.” He smiled, remembering. “She didn’t know how to cook for one or two people, always made enough to feed the neighborhood.”
Daphne watched his expression soften. “You loved her.”
“She was the best. Our parents sent us to camps every summer—sports camps, adventure camps, educational camps, anything to get rid of us. When we finally survived all of them
, we got to go to Grandma’s until it was time for school to start. She made us feel like the most loved, special people on earth.”
Daphne felt sad, listening to him. “Your parents never wanted to spend time with you?”
He shrugged. “They believed in quality time. If they took us to a fancy restaurant once a week, they thought they were champions.”
Daphne sighed. “My parents spent every minute they could with me.”
Tyne grimaced. “That would suck, too.”
She stared at him, irritated. “They didn’t smother me.”
“Really? Who’s afraid of her own shadow?”
She straightened her shoulders. “They weren’t in favor of my opening a stained-glass shop, but they supported me.”
He raised his eyebrows, unimpressed. “What did they think you should do?”
“Become a librarian like Mom or an accountant like Dad.”
“Go figure.”
They bickered back and forth, but Tyne stuck to ideas. Not once did he call her a name or take a cheap shot. No sarcasm, like the professor. How do you defend yourself against sarcasm? It’s a no win. Tyne knew how to fight fair. Despite herself, she was impressed.
Finally, he raised his glass and waved his white paper napkin in the air. “Truce?”
She smiled. “Thanks for the supper. Let me help you clean up.”
“Did you like the beans?”
“Loved them. I want the recipe.”
“Really? Would you make this?”
“Hey, I think I can handle browning hamburger and onions, then adding a can of beans.”
“I’ll copy it for you, but it is our secret recipe, you know. Holden and I don’t let it go for cheap.”
“What will I owe you?” Her blood pumped faster. Her nipples perked up.
“You’ll have to drink another glass of wine with me and be good company.”
Oh, damn. The story of her life.
They moved to the living room and he stretched his legs on the oversized couch. She sat in the recliner next to it. He frowned and swiveled to see her better. “I feel like I’m visiting a shrink, but this is comfortable. What do you want to talk about?”
She couldn’t fight a yawn. “Sorry, I think I’m talked out.”
He put his wine glass on the coffee table they shared. “Me, too. Do you want to watch something on TV?”
“It’s too early. There’s nothing good on.”
“We could rent a movie.”
“That would go too late.”
He glanced at the book lying on the side table. “Want to read?”
She scanned his bookshelves. Lots of cookbooks. No thanks. Nonfiction. Too serious. Spy novels. She’d have to think. She dragged her purse close and took out Ilona Andrews’ Burn for Me.
He stared. “Really? Urban fantasy? I pictured you as a literary girl.”
“Not when my brain’s tired. This is a new series. Lots of magic and battles, and plenty of romance.”
“All stuff you love.” Okay, so he did use sarcasm sometimes.
Her chin shot up. “I like a good, kickass heroine and a sexy hero. There are sparks. A girl needs a little fun once in a while.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He reached for a book on his side table. Prince of Thorns. “Guys need a little fun once in a while, too.”
She didn’t think she could concentrate with him so near, but soon, she was absorbed in the story, and every time she shuffled a little impatiently, he brought her another glass of wine or a cup of tea. After a couple of hours, he carried a chocolate pavlova to the coffee table. He topped it with a layer of whipped cream and sliced strawberries.
It tasted like she was eating something too airy to contain calories. She used a finger to swipe up the last bit on her plate and looked at him. “You know how to treat a woman.”
“I try.” He reached for her tea cup to refill it at the same time she did. Their fingers touched, and electricity shot through Daphne’s body. Their gazes locked, and all she could think about was how much she wanted him.
She slid onto the sofa next to him and slowly bent to kiss him. Sleeping Beauty in reverse. She hoped she woke up something inside him. His kiss started slow, friendly, but when she ran her tongue over his lips, he grew more passionate. Finally, he leaned forward to be more thorough. She scooted closer, pressing her body against his. He pulled back and stared.
“Are you sure you want this? It will change things . . .”
“I want it.”
“We’re friends. This could make things awkward.”
“I’m tired of lukewarm. I want to try spicy.” Besides, once her parents returned, her mom would do everything in her power to keep them apart. Daphne had a shot at hot and sizzling, and she didn’t mean to regret it.
“I have condoms in the bedroom.” He tried to move past her, but she pushed against his chest, pinning him in place.
“I’m on the Pill.” She placed her hands on both sides of his face and ground her lips against his.
His hand slid under her tee, and her skin sizzled. Her nerves tingled with desire. He moved slightly, and soon she was beneath him. His hand roamed over her abdomen, cupped her breast, and then moved higher, feeling and touching, making her body come to life. He sprinkled feather kisses over her face, down her throat. She held her breath, waiting in wonder. Then his hand went to the hem of her shirt and scooted it higher. Up, up, up until he gently tugged it over her head. The cool air hit her hot skin, and she shivered. But then his fingers slid behind her and unclasped her bra, tugging it off, and her shivers had nothing to do with temperature. His mouth lowered over her breast. His tongue teased her nipple, and her body stiffened with need. His hand moved to her black slacks and slid beneath them. She raised her hips and he pulled them off. Her panties followed, and then his hand was free to explore.
Every touch brought her pleasure. He bent to trail kisses down her abdomen when she rose to switch off the light, and they bumped heads.
“Ow.” He rubbed his forehead. “What were you trying to do?”
“I was going to turn off the light. I only make love in the dark.”
He shook his head. “I want to see you. Your body’s beautiful.”
She wrinkled her nose. “It’s too embarrassing.”
“Then shut your eyes.” He bent to nibble behind her ear. She scrunched her shoulders, blocking him.
“What?”
“It tickles.” And it sent spasms of pleasure rocketing through her. She wouldn’t be able to keep her hips still.
He ran his teeth over her throat and she jerked.
“What now?”
“It’s too much. I can’t stand it.”
“Did Patrick touch you anywhere?”
She bit her bottom lip. “We kissed. He grabbed a boob, and then he was inside me.”
Tyne grinned. “We’re going to have fun. I’ll take it slower. Let me do all the work.”
She blinked, unsure of herself. “Am I supposed to do something, too?”
Tyne laughed. “Not this time.”
His hands and lips roamed everywhere. By the time he flipped her onto her stomach and kissed his way down her spine, she didn’t know which sensation to concentrate on. His whiskers scraped a pathway down her body until he reached the base of her spine. He licked her skin, and a shockwave sped through her. Then his hand slid between her legs, and his fingers touched a pulse she never knew she had. Her breath came in gasps. How could anything feel so good?
He rolled her over again, and his lips claimed her nipple, sucked and teased. His hand returned to between her thighs, and she couldn’t think. She threw her arms over her head. She arched her back, and then she opened her eyes and screeched.
“Did I hurt you?”
“Oh, no. Not that.” She stared. He was fully erect. “You’re too big. You won’t fit.”
The grin returned. “Let’s find out—a little at a time.”
She was so slippery, he slid in easily, and then
he began to move—back and forth. Holy mother of pleasure, the more he moved, the more she wanted him. All of him. Every inch. She moved her hips to meet his thrusts, and he sank deeper and deeper within her. And then she tensed, her body crying for release. And when he came, so did she. When he lowered himself onto his elbows, his strong body hovering over hers, she didn’t want him to pull out.
He smoothed her damp hair back from her face. “It’s all right. We can take a break, then do this again. It’s not like I’d leave you forever.”
He was talking about sex, but the words struck home. He would leave her. Eventually. But she wanted as much of this as she could get before he did. He rolled sideways and took her with him, stared into her eyes, and smiled. “It was good for me, too.”
“Oh, sorry, I sort of forgot about that.”
He laughed. “No need to worry about me. I enjoyed every inch of you.” Tears misted her eyes and she blinked them away. He frowned. “Are you having second thoughts?”
“No.” She swiped at her eyes. “It’s just that no one’s ever made me feel so special before.”
He grew serious. “They should have. Everything about you is special. Don’t ever forget that.”
She blew out a long breath. “Thank you.”
He lowered his forehead to touch hers. “Thank you.” He pulled away from her and swung his legs over the side of the sofa. “Want a drink before we try again?”
Her eyes went wide. “How many times can you do it?”
“How many times do you want?”
She shook her head, dazed. “I can’t. It’s getting late. I need to go.”
He didn’t pressure her. “We have to clean up first. First one in the shower has to wash the other one’s back.”
She didn’t win, but it didn’t matter. He scrubbed and smoothed every inch of her anyway. Then he bundled her into his robe and pulled on his pajama bottoms. Then he made her another cup of tea.
“Do you want to spend the night here?” he asked.
Oh, yes! She wanted to, but someone would notice that her SUV never left the lot, and someone would tell her parents that she never returned home. And Shadow was waiting for her. Her legs felt like jelly, but she finally made them move and got dressed. She gave him one last kiss and left his apartment. He stood in the window to wave her off, and she thought she’d always remember him, framed like that with the light shining behind him. And she’d always remember tonight. And nothing would ever compare.
