The Way To A Man’s Heart

by Charlene Sands

  Perplexed, Christy nodded. “Okay.”

  He shot her a look so full of promise that she wondered why he chose that particular moment to leave. But he did.

  Come hell or high water, Christy vowed she would wait up for him tonight.

  *****

  The lights were off when Kyle pulled up to his house that evening. He came home later than he had intended but the practice went overly long. Then his meeting took more time than he’d imagined. Christy would be long gone by now-she never worked passed ten o-clock.

  On a sigh, Kyle got out of his car and walked up the steps to the house. Myriad emotions swirled in his gut. Of all, he recognized two, the first being relief. Relief that with Christy home in her own bed, he’d not suffer having to keep his distance. He wanted her more than ever, but he pledged to go slow, to allow her time to know him, to trust him. It was proving a difficult task. He allowed himself brief kisses and embraces, when what he wanted to do was bury himself inside of her and love her to distraction.

  Tonight, he’d not have that temptation.

  And secondly, he felt a wave of excitement. His plan was taking shape. He’d set the wheels in motion tonight and, if all went accordingly, he’d have solved two dilemmas with one rather brilliant idea.

  Kyle chuckled. “Don’t get cocky, Warren,” he mumbled while unlocking his front door. “It’s not a done deal, yet.”

  Coming home to the empty dark house seemed incongruous to the life he’d once known here in Bentley-Pop and his loud opera music would often times greet him at the door, or his pals’ boisterous teenage rumblings would ring in his ear as they piled into his room. Now, everything seemed hollow, vacant. It put a deep sorrow into his heart.

  He wondered if the old saying were true. You can’t go home again.

  He shuffled aside his loneliness, unwilling to let it mar his confidence. “Soon,” he whispered. “Soon, everything will work out.”

  He flipped on the light in the kitchen and grabbed a soda from the refrigerator. Glancing out the window, he noticed the oven light on in Christy’s kitchen. She always left a light on serving as a beacon of sorts- in case an idea would crop up in her head keeping her from sleep.

  Kyle smiled at the thought of Christy waking up at two in the morning to concoct one of her new or improved recipes. God, he admired that woman.

  “Thanks, Pop,” he spoke to the house, “for knowing what’s good for me. I bet you’re up there grinning from ear to ear right now.” He lifted his soda can in salute. “When you’re right, you’re right.”

  Too wound up to sleep, Kyle went into the den, found the remote and clicked on the television to catch the tail end of the Sun’s game.

  A movement caught his eye.

  He swiveled his body and locked his gaze on Christy.

  She lay sleeping, half on, half falling off the small couch. He lowered the sound on the television and kneeled down beside her, watching her sleep.

  Beautiful, came to mind. He refrained from touching her, but his gaze fixed on her. She breathed softly, and her blonde tresses cast a silky curtain over one side of her face.

  Her eyes fluttered and then opened, and she stared at him, slightly dazed. “Kyle.” She whispered his name like a soft breeze.

  He couldn’t resist touching her another moment. He fingered the tresses from her face and then tenderly ran his palm down her cheek. “Hi.”

  She twisted herself into a semi-sitting position, leaning in slightly. “What time is it?”

  “A little before midnight.”

  The television screen flickered intermittent light. Shadows of gray bounced off the walls. Kyle watched her adjust to the dim light. A dozen questions rolled about in his mind, but he only asked one. The one that mattered. “Were you waiting for me?”

  “Yes,” she said quietly. Her pale blue eyes, sexy and summoning, searched his.

  Kyle groaned and hoped he was correct in his assumption. “Why?”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and brought her lips to his favoring him with a kiss that made his heart flip and his groin tighten. “Never mind, sweetheart. It’s enough that you’re here.”

  Her kisses were reckless and heady and open-mouthed from then on, slamming into Kyle with full impact. The surprise at seeing her here mingled with her unabashed passion took him to the brink of sanity. He kissed her back fervently, stroking his tongue over hers time and again.

  She made a little moan of pleasure and came up on her knees, rubbing her body to his. Whatever restraint Kyle had managed up to that point, instantly vanished. He scooped her up into his arms in one rash movement. “I’m taking you to my bed,” he said, between kisses, “where you belong.”

  *****

  Christy’s head came down softly on the pillow. She watched the man she loved undress quickly. There was no doubt in her mind now she was in love with Kyle. And having him remove one article of clothing after another with sure confidence until his beautifully sculpted body was bared to her only confirmed her feelings.

  For the first time in her life, this truly felt right. Making love to Kyle was worth the wait. Once she acknowledged him for the man he was, the man she loved and the man she trusted, a resounding sense of freedom took hold. She’d battled against his appeal for too long. It was time she put all old wounds to rest.

  Kyle Warren was not one of the men in her life who had hurt and abused her.

  He stood before her next to the bed. “Touch me, sweetheart,” he said quietly, his voice nearly a croak.

  She smiled, meeting his eyes and then put her hand on him. Her touch elicited a deep guttural grunt of approval, spurring her to do more than touch him. Winding her hand around his silk, she moved up and down, gliding, sliding, up and over, time and again. He cursed softly and encouraged her further with soft words.

  Her heart slapped against her chest, pounding, pounding. She wanted more, had to have more. She took him into her mouth, loving him tenderly.

  “Ah, God, Christy,” she heard his almost inaudible whisper. To bring him this pleasure, gave her equal pleasure.

  Minutes later, he lay down on the bed. “Undress for me, like I did for you.”

  Shyly, Christy got up and faced him. His hot look gave her the courage she needed. She removed her T-shirt first, tossing it aside as she kicked off her tennis shoes. Then came her jeans. She wiggled them down her legs.

  “Everything honey,” he commanded huskily. His eyes, like dark coals, raked over her with hunger. A swamping heat invaded her body, bringing a throbbing ache between her thighs.

  When all her clothes were off, Kyle reached for her. She came to him, straddling his thighs, but he shook his head. “No, come closer.” He tugged her to his head and settled her down onto his lips. She gasped when his tongue stroked her core, causing electric tingles to jolt right through her. She grabbed onto the headboard as Kyle continued his lusty assault.

  Moans escaped her mouth, and the burning heat scorched her until she could no longer think. Her body took over and, when a shattering force burst forth a powerful release, she cried out his name. Needing more, she slid down his length, poised and ready.

  “No, not yet,” he whispered urgently, kissing her lips, gliding his mouth to her breasts. Each one received his arduous attention until the buds peaked, fully aroused. Christy’s heartbeats raced, her body flamed. Kyle continued to love her, to tease her flesh, taunting, caressing.

  “Kyle,” she cried out, unable to withstand his fervor much longer. She needed him, and that need overwhelmed. He cupped her buttocks then, and brought her down onto him.

  His manhood pulsed within her with driving force. She called his name as she took him in. Straddling him, she rode the waves of his passion. Pleasured pain graced his handsome features. Christy closed her eyes, absorbing the fantasy of loving Kyle the way she had never dared to dream. She thrust upon him again and again, giving her heart, her love, her whole being to him.

  And with one last final surge, she and Kyle met
on a plain of desire that left reason behind.

  Only at that moment, did she know the truth of their joining. Only then, did she understand the depth of her love.

  She collapsed in his arms, exhausted.

  Kyle held her close, brushing soft aftermath kisses along her throat and cheeks. When her heartbeats had nearly returned to normal range, she sighed into his chest. “I’m glad I waited up for you.”

  Kyle chuckled, and she was lifted slightly from the rumbling in his chest. “I bet not as glad as I am.”

  “Hmm.”

  “Christy,” he began in a serious tone. “This is something special. Not an affair or a fling. I’ve never felt this way before.”

  “Neither have I.”

  He stroked her hair, weaving his fingers through the long locks. She cuddled closer, nestling her body into his. His heat surrounded her, making her feel safe and cherished and altogether wonderful.

  She didn’t want to think beyond this moment. She relished the intimacy she shared with Kyle. And for once in her life, she shoved aside all of her protective doubts, giving credence to her heart instead.

  Nothing could spoil the perfection they had found.

  Chapter Nine

  “Whew, that was a job!” Christy said, laying down an aluminum tray on her kitchen counter.

  Marlee agreed. “Catering Chuck Bentley’s thirteenth birthday party was worse than doing the Women’s Auxiliary luncheon, even with all of Mrs. Quimbly’s complaints.”

  “Yeah, I know. But we had to please the family of the town’s founder, didn’t we? I’m usually not asked to cater birthday parties, but Mrs. Bentley can be very persuasive. She asked for something unique and, boy, did she get it.”

  She shared a chuckle with her friend.

  “Christy, I don’t know where you get your inventive ideas. You had the boys recreate the town with food. Mashed potato mountains, blue Jello lakes, and the town center made up of green vegetable-dyed coconut.”

  “Do you think I went a little overboard? Mrs. Bentley had a look of shock on her face.”

  “I saw it, too,” Marlee said with glee. “I think she nearly popped her starched buttons when you announced the boys could make chocolate molds to recreate the buildings. They made a royal mess in her kitchen.”

  “But they did have fun, and that’s the name of the game.”

  “Yes, but remind me not to have you cater the twin’s birthday parties in the future. Not unless, I know ahead of time what I’m getting into.”

  “It’s a deal.”

  Marlee helped Christy stack up the larger trays on her kitchen counter. The rest of her utensils went into the dishwasher. “Now for the clean-up,” Christy said, donning a pair of yellow rubber gloves.

  She washed while Marlee dried.

  “I heard a rumor about Kyle this morning.”

  “Oh?” Christy said innocently.

  “Yes, it seems he’s dating someone, and it’s serious.” Marlee slanted her a knowing look.

  Christy smiled. “Wonder who it is?”

  “Come on, Christy Evans, give. What’s going on with you two? He’s been by your side since he arrived here. And don’t tell me you’re just friends. I heard he took you up to Meadow Lake.”

  “We just went there to relax after the pep rally,” she said in her own defense. “He was nice enough to help me out when your kids got the chicken pox.”

  “So is Kyle good at relaxing?”

  Christy laughed. “Oh, what’s the use? Yes, darn it. He’s very good. Everything you’ve ever heard about him is true in that regard.”

  “Christy!” Marlee hissed under her breath. “Really? You and Kyle Warren?” Her hands went to her hips. “Well, it’s about time. I’m so happy for you.”

  Warmth spread throughout her body. She found herself thinking about Kyle at all times of the day. “Thanks, Marlee. I still can’t believe it.”

  “So, give it to me. What are your plans?”

  “We don’t have plans right now. We’re taking it one day at a time.”

  “Is he going to stay here in Bentley?”

  “I don’t know for sure. One can only hope. He’s up to something lately. I know that. And he won’t tell me what, but my female instincts tell me he might be ready to make a move.”

  Marlee leaned in close. Her eyes flickered and her expression changed, as if debating whether to say something.

  “What?” she asked.

  “Christy,” she began, fumbling, “I, uh, wasn’t going to tell you this, but I saw him the other night, dressed to the nines. He was escorting Veronica Kendall out of a restaurant."

  Christy’s heart plunged momentarily. But she’d been quick to condemn Kyle unjustly once before. She wouldn’t do it again. She had to give him the benefit of the doubt. “Were they alone?”

  “I’m not sure. They looked deep in conversation.”

  “Veronica’s helping Kyle set up a scholarship fund in Pop's’ name. I’m sure it had something to do with that.”

  “So why wouldn’t he tell you?”

  “Well, I can think of only one reason. I, uh, sort of jumped the gun and made some pretty awful accusations about him one night. Maybe he was afraid I’d do it again.”

  Marlee stopped drying a platter and raised her brow in question.

  “I trust him.”

  “Gosh. You’ve certainly done a complete one-eighty. You know, with Kyle’s reputation and all.”

  “That was high school,” Christy said with a note of regret. “Believe me, I’ve given him enough grief about it.”

  “Well, then, I’m happy for you. Thrilled actually.”

  Christy smiled at the genuine tone of sincerity in Marlee’s voice. “Me, too.”

  “You, too, what?” A familiar husky voice asked from behind her kitchen screen door.

  “Kyle!” Christy said, removing the rubber gloves and opening her door. As soon as he stepped inside, he tugged her close and planted a sweeping kiss on her lips. Christy’s mind went on shutdown, and she gave in to his kiss, surrendering herself over to him.

  Then she remembered Marlee.

  “Oh,” she said, turning in his arms as a swelling heat crept up her throat. “I’m sorry, Marlee. Kyle, you remember Marlee.” She tried to escape his embrace, but he held firm and greeted Marlee with a grin.

  “Hello, Marlee. It’s good to see you again.”

  “Same here. I’m sorry to hear about Pop. I didn’t get a chance to speak with you after the memorial service. The twins were fussing, so I spared you from their wrath.”

  “No problem and thanks. I appreciate you coming to the service,” he said and then glanced at Christy. “Are you through here? I can lend a hand if you need some help.”

  Christy shook her head. “We’re just about finished. Thanks anyway.”

  Marlee grabbed her purse. “Well, I’d better relieve my sitter. The twins have a ‘being good’ shelf life of about two hours. It’s just about crazy time at my house.”

  “Okay, thanks again.” Christy walked her out the front door. “I’ll talk to you soon.”

  Marlee turned to her and offered in a conspiratorial whisper, “What a dreamboat. I think I’m jealous.”

  Christy shook her head. “Get on home to your hunky husband, Marlee. And kiss Erica and Angela for me.”

  Once she drove off, Christy went back into the house. Kyle met her in the living room. “What are you doing back here so soon? I thought you had things to do at the store today.”

  He wrapped his arms around her waist and tugged. Together they plopped onto her chintz flowered sofa. She gave no protest when he adeptly lifted her onto his lap. “I missed you,” he said nuzzling her neck. “So, I finished up early.”

  She wound her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. “Hmm. I missed you, too.”

  “Did you have a good day?”

  “Yes, it was kind of fun.”

  Kyle sighed. “Well, I didn’t have fun. I couldn’t keep my mind on my work.
Every pipe and hose and shovel reminded me of you.”

  “How romantic,” Christy teased, running her hand in his hair.

  “Hey, I’m a romantic kind of guy.”

  Christy sat up straight and looked him dead in the eyes. “Kyle, if I asked you something, would you give me an honest answer?”

  “I’ve always been honest with you, honey. What is it?”

  He stroked her thigh with a hand, up and down, up and down, until Christy had to place a stopping hand over his. “I can’t think when you do that.”

  “That’s the plan.”

  “Kyle, can’t you be serious? I want to ask you something.”

  “Okay, I’m listening.” But he gave her left breast his full attention, kissing her through the cotton material of her blouse.

  She let out a little chuckle. “You’re not going to be satisfied until we make love, are you?”

  He shot her a wicked grin. “Nope.”

  “It’s four o’clock in the afternoon.”

  “Exciting, isn’t it?”

  “It’s crazy, ridiculous, nutty, and…” she said, returning his wicked grin “…exciting.”

  Her question would wait for later. Right now, Christy couldn’t think beyond the man who quite eagerly began unbuttoning her blouse.

  *****

  “Edible Delights is the perfect name for you.” Kyle came up from behind and kissed her cheek. She began preparing a breakfast of silver dollar sized apple pancakes and eggs. “You like my cooking?”

  He stole a pancake right off the griddle and shoved it into his mouth before she could slap his hand away. He chewed quickly. “Honey, I love your cooking. But if your idea of a terrific meal was a frozen pot pie with canned peaches for dessert, I’d still be crazy about you.”

  “Thanks,” she said, thoughtful for a moment, “I think.”

  He laughed then poured them both a cup of coffee, taking it to the table. When the pancakes were done, she handed him the platter. Christy liked the way Kyle seemed at ease in her home, taking over, helping whenever necessary. He didn’t expect to be treated like a guest, and it seemed more and more lately, he was a permanent fixture. She loved that idea as much as she loved him.