Treasuring Amber: The Temptation Saga: Book Five

by Hardt, Helen;

  “Yeah, I know.” Since when was her voice so wistful? “Catie sure is a lucky girl. She’s got everything her heart desires.”

  “True that, especially since she’s desired Chad McCray since she was five years old.”

  “I’ve heard the story.” Amber grinned. “She stole Chad right out from under my nose when she got home from Europe last spring.”

  “Were you really interested in Chad McCray?”

  Was that a twinge of jealousy in his voice? She wasn’t sure. “No, not really. He’s great looking and a lot of fun, but it was never more than a little fling. It didn’t go anywhere anyway.”

  “You mean you didn’t sleep with him?”

  “Not that it’s any of your business, but no, I didn’t. I haven’t slept with anyone since I moved here. I’ve hardly dated. It hasn’t been a priority.”

  Oops. Had she said too much? She didn’t want him to think she wasn’t interested. She definitely was interested in him. Which surprised the heck out of her. He was a stud, for sure, but not really her type. A little too stiff. Why all the fuss about a co-ed shower? Sheesh. And too lawyerly. Course he was a lawyer, if only a non-practicing one. The real reason was she just wanted to be free of men for a while. Dancing naked in front of them for two years did that to a woman.

  “Maybe we can change that.”

  “Are you saying you want to date me?”

  His dark gaze seared her. “I think we’re dating right now, aren’t we?”

  “I would have bet everything I had that I wasn’t your type at all, cowboy.”

  “I didn’t think you were either, but that kiss changed my mind.”

  Amber agreed. Her cheeks warmed. “It was something, that’s for sure.”

  “So why did you kiss me anyway?”

  “I think you already figured it out. I wanted you to stop talking about Rachel’s.”

  “So…anything you want to tell me about that?”

  “Not really.”

  “I won’t judge you.”

  “I never said you would. It’s a time in my life I prefer not to think about. A girl has to make a living, you know.”

  “True enough. And for what it’s worth, I won’t hold that against you. Not that I’d want to see either of my sisters doing it.”

  “I wouldn’t want to see either of your sisters doing it either. I care about them too much. It’s not the noblest of callings. Little girls dream of being ballerinas or cowgirls or doctors or astronauts. I doubt any get a child-size pole and pretend to be a stripper.”

  Harper let out a laugh. “You’re probably right.”

  “Geez, I sure hope so.” Change the subject, Amber. “So what are you making me for dinner?”

  “Like I said, I got the best beef right here, so…steak on the grill?”

  “Sounds great.”

  “You’re not one of those vegetarians?”

  “Do I look like a vegetarian to you?”

  He laughed. “Well, you’re built great. But no, you look like a girl who likes a juicy steak.”

  “Yup. Rare. Better yet, blue.”

  “Blue? Seriously? I love ’em blue. Blue it is.”

  “What can I do to help?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Come on. I love to cook.”

  “Okay,” he laughed. “Grab some stuff out of the fridge and throw a salad together. And you can toss a few potatoes in the microwave. That ought to be a good dinner.” He started toward the door and then turned. “And pick us out a bottle of wine from my rack.”

  “Cowboy, I know nothing about wine.”

  “Hmm. Okay, I’ll pick the wine then.” He ambled to his well-stocked rack and bent down.

  Nice view. The man had one fine ass.

  “Here’s a nice Carmenére. You’ll like it I think.” He took it into the kitchen and Amber followed.

  “Wow!” She couldn’t help the awe in her voice. “This kitchen rocks. We could have some fun in here.”

  “I’m sure we could. And we could do some great cooking.”

  Amber giggled. “I meant cooking. Though this stainless steel surface looks extremely sanitary.”

  Harper opened the bottle of wine and poured two glasses. He handed one to Amber. “Let me know how it is.”

  She took a sip. “Like I said, I know nothing about wine, but this is good. Kind of spicy.”

  “There you go. Take another sip and let it float on your tongue for a minute and then ooze down your throat. Can you get the berries, the green pepper?”

  “Green pepper?” She took a sip and followed his instructions. The wine was soft on her tongue. She swallowed. “I’ll be damned. I do taste green pepper.”

  “Told you.” He smiled. “I’m going to throw these steaks on the grill. Be back in a minute.”

  Instead of waiting, Amber followed him out to the patio and watched as he lit his gas grill.

  He turned to her, his brown eyes blazing like the flames on the grill. “Amber?”

  “Yes?”

  “May I be frank?”

  “I thought you were Harper.” Bad joke. Really, Amber? Did you really say that?

  He smiled that lopsided smile. “I’m serious.”

  “Okay, sorry. Sure. What?”

  “Would you come to bed with me?”

  “Huh?” Talk about spur of the moment. No talking? No kissing? No heavy petting? No seduction attempt whatsoever?

  “Here’s the thing. I haven’t been able to think straight since you kissed me at Catie’s. All I can think about is you in my bed. I’m not sure I’ve ever wanted a woman this badly.”

  He advanced toward her. “You’re so beautiful. And those lips…so full and red.” He traced them with his fingers.

  Her skin heated. Little jolts lit up where his skin touched hers. One finger trailed over her cheek, down her neck, and over the swell of her breast.

  “I bet these are perfect like the rest of you.”

  Her nipple tightened.

  His eyebrows arched. He’d noticed.

  “I see you’re not immune.”

  Immune? Who could be immune to him and his tousled charm? He was yummy. “Of course I’m not immune. Why do you think I agreed to have dinner with you? But I didn’t agree to hop in the sack with you.”

  “No, you didn’t. That’s why I’m asking nicely.”

  “Have you ever seduced a woman, Harper? Because if you have, I hope you did a better job than you’re doing right now.”

  He laughed. “I’ve had a few in my day. Though less than you probably think.”

  She smiled.

  “I just don’t see any reason to beat around the bush. I want you in my bed. I want to kiss those lips of yours until they’re raw, I want to suck on those hard nipples until they’re crimson from my whisker burn.”

  Amber heated. Her sex throbbed. How was he doing this?

  “I bet you’re sweet as a candy apple between your legs.”

  Harper Bay? How had she always thought he was some kind of Goody-Two-shoes? He was the second most eligible bachelor in Bakersville for a reason. She hadn’t known he could talk so dirty. And she hadn’t known it would make her crazy with desire.

  “The steaks’ll burn.”

  “We can save the steaks for later.” He moved toward her so their bodies were touching. His hardness pressed into her belly.

  Dear God. How could she want him so much? This was hardly her idea of a seduction, but if he pressed much harder she’d fall into his bed in a minute.

  Yet he wasn’t kissing her. He was simply gazing at her, with beautiful brown eyes so intent and so full of fire she thought they both might burst into flames at any moment. He traced the outline of her lips again, and she darted her tongue out and touched the tip of his finger.

  He smiled. “You are so very sexy, Amber.”

  She let out a nervous giggle. “So are you.”

  Finally, he lowered his head and touched his lips to hers. Just a soft peck, barely a whisper. Passion shot
to her core. From a little tiny kiss.

  Seemingly of its own accord, her hand rose, cupped his cheek, his stubble prickly against her palm. She brushed his shoulder length hair back behind his ear. Soft as silk.

  “Mmm, that feels nice.” His voice was barely above a whisper.

  “You have beautiful hair.”

  “So do you.” He brushed his lips lightly against her cheek.

  She shivered, her eyes closing. “It’s natural, you know.”

  He stepped back. “Really?”

  She opened her eyes. Why had she said that? “Yes, really. You didn’t think it was?”

  “I assumed it wasn’t. It’s still beautiful.”

  “Everyone thinks it’s dyed. But it’s natural. My mom was Swedish.”

  “Was? Is she gone?”

  Amber’s stomach knotted. “I…I don’t know. I haven’t seen her since I was sixteen.”

  “Oh?”

  “She kicked me out of the house.”

  Harper grabbed her hand. “I had no idea. What happened?”

  “It’s a long story.”

  He led her to the living and room. “Let’s sit down.”

  “Okay.”

  “You want to tell me?”

  “It’s no big deal. I stayed with a friend and went to the vocational high school. That’s where I learned to do nails. I got my license and my high school diploma. With honors even. But I had to leave my friend’s house once I was out of school. Her mother kicked us both out. I had a hard time finding a job right out of beauty school, and long story short, she and I ended up at Rachel’s when we were barely eighteen.”

  “Wow.”

  “I couldn’t serve alcohol. Couldn’t drink alcohol. Not legally anyway. But I could take my clothes off. Something doesn’t seem right about that.”

  “I agree.”

  She sighed. “It was a living. A pretty good one, truth be told. I made enough to take some riding lessons. I had done a little when I was younger and my mother kept house for a rancher. I was pretty good too.”

  “I know you were. You are, I mean. I saw you ride at the rodeo queen competition, remember?”

  She smiled. “That’s right. Judy let me use her horse. She was a beauty. But anyway, the money was good. I can’t lie.”

  “Yes, I’m sure it was.”

  She shifted her shoulders, hoping he’d believe what she was going to say. “But I swear, Harper, I never did any of that other stuff. I only stripped.”

  “I believe you.” He took her hand and caressed her palm. “What happened with your mom? Why did she kick you out?”

  “She was a drunk. She couldn’t afford both me and her booze. The booze won.”

  “And your father?”

  “Never knew him. He’s supposedly a bronc buster named Morgan Cross. His name’s on my birth certificate, but I’ve never met him. He wasn’t part of my life. I’m not sure my mother ever told him about me. In fact, I’ve wondered on more than one occasion if she just made the name up.”

  Harper’s eyes widened. “I don’t think she made up that name.”

  “Why do you say that?” A warm ray of hope shot through her veins. “Do you know him? I never could find anything on the net about him.”

  “Not by that name, you wouldn’t. But I assure you he does exist. He goes by the name Thunder Morgan. He retired a few years ago.”

  “Well, he must have brown eyes then. My mother’s are ice blue. She’s got the typical Scandinavian coloring. So do I, except for these darn eyes.”

  “I think he has brown eyes, but I never really paid much attention. His hair’s a sandy blond. He and my father were friends. He’d come by the ranch every so often, usually during the rodeo. He hasn’t been around for a few years, but he showed up at my father’s memorial service.”

  “I was at your father’s service!”

  “I know. Freaky, huh? He was only at the church though. He didn’t come back to the house. He’s a good man, Amber. I doubt he knew he had a daughter. If he had, he would have been a part of your life.”

  “Is he married?”

  “Nope. Never married that I know of. He was on the rodeo circuit forever. Not much of a life for a family.”

  “A better life than living with a drunk, I’d bet.”

  “Yeah, maybe. Hey, that’s why you never drink more than two drinks, isn’t it?”

  “Yeah, pretty much. I’ve had a few bad experiences with alcohol, so now I keep to my limit. I figure alcoholism is in my genes. I’m not giving it any help.”

  He smiled and twirled one finger through a lock of her hair. “That’s smart.”

  “Even when I was at Rachel’s, I never did the booze or drugs like the other girls did.”

  “You’re very strong.”

  She squirmed, embarrassed by his near reverence. She was so not worthy of it. “Don’t put any halos on me. It’s not like I never got drunk before. I did. Twice to be exact. The first time I blacked out and lost several hours. Scared the hell out of me. You’d think it would have scared me enough never to do it again, but I was young and stupid.”

  “We all are, baby. There’s not a one of us who doesn’t do something stupid when we’re eighteen.”

  She smiled. What a nice guy he was. “The second time I ended up in bed with a stranger. Thank goodness he turned out to be a nice guy. That’s when I got scared straight and decided not to tempt fate. No more than two drinks at a time. Like I said, alcoholism is probably in my genes.”

  “I still say you’re strong.”

  “Not strong enough. If I were, I’d never have ended up at Rachel’s.”

  Tears filmed over her eyes. Why in hell was she talking to Harper Bay about this stuff? And how did he know her father? Crazy. Just crazy.

  “I’m sure you did the best you could. Stripping may not be the classiest job out there, but it’s an honest living. As long as there are men in the world, there will be a market for beautiful women to take their clothes off.”

  “You’re not extolling the virtues of your gender, cowboy.”

  “Baby, men are rarely virtuous. We all think with our dicks half the time.”

  Amber couldn’t help but laugh. “You got that right.”

  “You have a beautiful smile, baby, and a great laugh.” He wiped a stray tear from her cheek. “Let’s get those steaks ready.”

  Amber shook her head. “The steaks can wait. I want to take you up on your previous offer. I’d like to go to bed.”

  Chapter Six

  A crackle of energy passed through the air—hot, raw, and carnal. Amber’s skin sizzled. Did Harper feel it too? A deep sexual hunger stirred to life in her gut.

  Harper turned out to be a gentle lover. He removed her clothes with care, slowly and deliberately, to the point where she wished he’d hurry up a little. The spiral of need burst out of her belly and flowed like molten honey through her veins. Her arousal—unlike anything she’d ever known—sent sparks over her whole body.

  Every touch tingled as though she were holding a blow torch. She looked down at his crotch, at the arousal apparent beneath his jeans. She gulped and dragged her gaze back up to his face. His dark eyes consumed her with raw need. Sensations of ice and fire raced up her spine. Her hunger for him gnawed at her, and the tickle between her legs intensified.

  He’d discarded her shirt already, and he stroked up her ribs, to the edge of her bra. She leaned toward him, as though a magnet drew her. His finger reached underneath her bra and stroked the sensitive skin of her breast.

  Her breath caught. Her nipples tightened against the satin of her bra. Slowly, slowly he caressed, until the need to shout at him to take the damn bra off almost overwhelmed her.

  As though he read her mind, he deftly unhooked the offending garment and tossed it to the floor. Her ample breasts fell gently against her chest. The air hit her nipples and they tightened even further. He leaned down, and his firm wet mouth closed over one peak.

  Such sweet suction, such gentl
eness. He drew on the nipple, sucking, tonguing, teasing. The ache between her legs heightened. With his other hand he cupped her other breast, and she leaned into him, letting his palm rub against her, hold her. Fingers clamped around the nipple and she sucked in a breath. Just a touch of pain, the right amount. It spiraled downward and intensified her need.

  “Mmm. Beautiful.” His breath caressed her skin. “Gorgeous breasts, baby.”

  Thank you, she said in her mind. It came out as a soft sigh, the air blowing wisps of his silky hair into further disarray.

  His other hand wandered to her crotch. Through her jeans, he rubbed her most intimate place. “Are you getting wet, baby? Wet for me?”

  Another sigh was her answer.

  “I’m hard for you, Amber. So hard. God, I want you.”

  Amber wasn’t sure she’d ever wanted a man this much, this intensely. How could this be happening? With Harper Bay? Brother to her best friend? They didn’t have chemistry did they? Couldn’t possibly.

  Yet her body responded to his touch like it had to no other man’s. Not that she was overly experienced. In fact, she hadn’t ever had a serious relationship. A couple dates here and there, two one-night stands, one of which had been a drunken mistake. What did it feel like to have real chemistry? To fall in love?

  She foisted the thought from her mind. This was not love. Harper certainly wasn’t in love with her. So he knew a few things about her past now and he didn’t hold them against her. That didn’t mean he was in love with her. To the contrary, it only meant he was a nice guy.

  Was it too soon to fall in bed with him?

  Yeah, it really was. She pulled away.

  “Baby? You all right?”

  “Yeah, yeah. I’m fine. I’m just not sure this is the right thing to do after all.”

  “Oh?”

  “I mean, we hardly know each other.”

  He pushed a stray curl behind her ear. “I know I’m attracted to you. I know I’m hard for you. I want you. And I know you want me. If I reached into your panties right now I’d find you wet. I can tell by looking at you. Your cheeks are ruddy, your eyes smoky, your lips swollen and trembling. You want this, Amber.”

  She couldn’t deny it. “It’s not a question of what I want. It’s a question of what is right.”