Backwoods

by Jill Sorenson

  She found a purse that matched her shoes and slipped the lipstick inside, along with a few essentials. Then she turned away from the mirror before she could decide to change again. Brooke and her friend were in the kitchen, making chocolate chip cookies. It was her favorite comfort treat.

  “How do I look?” Abby asked them.

  “Hot,” Stephanie said.

  “Like a classy prostitute,” Brooke said.

  Abby’s stomach fluttered with unease. “Is it too much?”

  “No,” Brooke said. “It’s perfect.”

  “I have to stop by work first,” she said, grabbing a light sweater. “I’m not sure when I’ll be home.”

  “Tomorrow, if you’re lucky.”

  Abby said goodbye to the girls and headed out the door. Her “fancy” outfit sparked a few compliments from coworkers and at least one wolf whistle from a male resident. She hid in her office and tried to concentrate on the pile of paperwork. Thoughts of Nathan kept creeping in. About twenty minutes before she had to leave, she abandoned the task in favor of strolling the corridors. She enjoyed interacting with residents and making sure their needs were met. To her surprise, Nathan walked in the front door.

  It was almost like seeing him for the first time. She was struck anew by his height and lean physique. He was ridiculously good-looking. Everything about him dazzled her, from his clean-shaven jaw and precise haircut to his casual clothes and strong forearms. He was holding a bouquet of flowers.

  Like father, like son?

  She came forward on unsteady legs, her heart hammering in her chest. When he caught sight of her, his eyes darkened. After a few seconds of studying her face, he skimmed her body with approval.

  “You look nice,” he said, clearing his throat.

  “Are those for me?” she asked.

  He glanced at the flowers, as if he’d forgotten he had them. “Yes.”

  “Thanks,” she said, accepting the bouquet. “My office is right here.”

  He followed her in, watching while she put the flowers in a vase on her desk. It was a basic, no-frills space. She had a few small paintings on the walls and a photograph of Brooke winning a track medal.

  “I thought we were meeting at the restaurant,” she said.

  “I wanted to see where you work.”

  Deviations from the plan usually made her anxious. Maybe he was a calming influence, because she didn’t mind. He’d taken a risk in coming here, and she was flattered by his interest. “I’ll show you around.”

  They went on a brief tour of the facilities. She introduced him to some of the residents they passed along the way. When he met Mr. Papadakis, Nathan smiled and said, “I’ve heard a lot about you,” before shaking his hand.

  Mr. Papadakis squinted at him. “Do I know you?”

  “He’s a famous athlete,” Abby said. “Guess who?”

  “Arnold Palmer,” Mr. Papadakis said.

  Nathan laughed at this answer, not bothering to correct him. “Can you name my favorite drink?”

  His rheumy eyes lit up. “Iced tea and lemonade.”

  “You got it.”

  Smiling, she guided Nathan down the hall and back to her office. She grabbed her purse, walking outside with him.

  “Should I drive?” he asked.

  “Sure.”

  She didn’t care if her SUV stayed in the parking lot all night. He led her to his car and opened the passenger door for her. It was an expensive vehicle, but not flashy. He got behind the wheel and headed toward the coast. They were having dinner at a restaurant in Mission Bay. Traffic on the freeway was heavy, as usual.

  “How’s Brooke doing?” he asked.

  “Not too bad,” she said, giving a summary of the past few days. She didn’t mention Leo out of respect for Brooke’s privacy.

  “And you?”

  “No panic attacks, but I’ve had a few nightmares.”

  “Of what?”

  “Him,” she said, meaning Gary Nash. “His eyes.”

  The federal agents she’d been in contact with had updated her on the case. Human remains had been found in one of the graves Wyatt had marked on the map. They were still looking for the other bodies. When all of the victims were located and identified, Gary Nash would be revealed as a serial killer, and the media would have a field day.

  Abby was anxious about the aftermath. She didn’t want reporters hounding Brooke for an interview or coming to the house. Ray had said he would do everything in his power to keep her name out of the papers. He’d hired an attorney who specialized in victims’ rights. Abby wasn’t sure it was possible to prevent Brooke’s personal information from getting out, but she could always refuse to speak with the press.

  Nathan reached across the console to hold her hand. The feel of his warm skin against hers was electric. She flushed at the memory of drawing his thumb into her mouth. Among other things. Dinner was going to be...interesting.

  “The authorities haven’t been able to locate Wyatt’s relatives in Florida,” she said, releasing his hand. “He’s been placed in a group home for now. Brooke talked to him on the phone yesterday.”

  Nathan changed lanes, glancing in his rearview mirror. “Really.”

  “Do you think he’s dangerous?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “He left the trail of threads,” she reminded him.

  “Why is she talking to him?”

  Abby wasn’t sure. Brooke liked to live on the edge, and she thought Wyatt was sweet. She also might be feeling rejected by Leo. “She wants to be his friend, I guess. They’re both survivors. He doesn’t have anyone else.”

  Nathan didn’t say anything more, though his concern for Brooke was clear. Abby appreciated the sentiment. She knew she worried too much. It was a relief to share some of the burden with him.

  “How’s Leo?” she asked.

  “Good,” he said, relaxing a little. “He’s coming to visit next weekend. I asked him to give me a surfing lesson.”

  He looked so pleased with the prospect that her chest expanded with happiness for him. “That’s wonderful, Nathan.”

  He smiled at her. “You and Brooke should join us.”

  “No,” she said, reluctant to intrude.

  “We could have lunch after, then.”

  Again, she hesitated to accept. Brooke had called Leo to thank him for the flowers, and she seemed a lot less upset about their relationship. Even so, she might prefer taking a break from him to let her heart heal.

  “You don’t want to make future plans?” he asked.

  “That’s not it.”

  “Good, because I’m ready to pencil you in for every spare moment.”

  His tone was teasing, but the words made her giddy. Her desire for him had grown over the past few days. Their connection felt stronger than ever. She wouldn’t mind skipping dinner and driving straight to his place.

  “What are you doing tomorrow?” he asked.

  “I’m free all weekend,” she said. “I don’t have to go home tonight.”

  His dark gaze cut to hers before returning to the road. “If you decide to stay, I’ll make it worth your while.”

  She’d already decided, but she didn’t say so. Not that it was much of a secret. He’d encountered very little resistance from her so far. He knew he could have her again. What he didn’t seem sure of was where they were headed, beyond his bedroom. His attempts to pin her down for another date before this one had even started indicated that he wanted more than a night of uninterrupted sex.

  They arrived at the restaurant and were seated on the outdoor patio, where they could watch sleek boats sail into the sunset over Mission Bay. Abby wasn’t too nervous to eat, and the food was delicious. She enjoyed Nathan’s company. He spent a lot of time staring
at her, instead of their gorgeous surroundings.

  “Do you want more children?” he asked, startling her.

  She had to take a sip of water before answering the question. “Is that what you’ve been thinking about, impregnating me?”

  “No. Well, not specifically.”

  “Good.”

  “I’ve been thinking about giving you everything you want,” he said in a lowered voice.

  “You’re serious.”

  “Yes.”

  Abby hadn’t thought about babies in years. It hadn’t seemed fair to bring a second child into the world when Ray wasn’t even there for Brooke. Since the divorce, it hadn’t been an issue. Casual relationships didn’t warrant this kind of conversation. She was surprised Nathan had brought it up so soon, but this wasn’t a typical first date. Their relationship was already serious. They’d been intimate. Maybe it was best to address the issue before she fell even more hopelessly in love with him.

  “I’ve spent the past eighteen years taking care of Brooke,” she said. “When she went off to college, it was really hard for me to let her go. I’m sure it will be just as hard when she leaves this month. But I finally feel like I’m adjusting to the transition. I’m actually looking forward to focusing on myself.”

  He rubbed a hand over his jaw, weighing her words.

  “Is that a problem?” she asked, uneasy.

  “Not at all.”

  “You’re not ready to pencil in a second family?”

  “No,” he said, the corner of his mouth quirking. “I never thought I’d get remarried, let alone have more kids.”

  The way he said it suggested that he was open to a second marriage. Her pulse fluttered with a mild sort of panic.

  “Now that I’m getting along with Leo again, I don’t feel like such a failure as a parent,” he continued. “But I still can’t imagine starting over. It’s such a huge responsibility.” He studied the bay for a moment, contemplative. “There’s something they teach you in therapy called living in the moment. Being present. That’s what I want to do. Hang out with Leo when I can. Spend time with you and Brooke.”

  Her throat closed up with emotion, because she wanted exactly the same thing. “That sounds nice,” she said, her voice hoarse.

  They lingered over dessert and left well after dark. Then he paid the check and drove her to his posh downtown condo. It was a beautiful space with dark hardwood floors and modern geometric furnishings. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased a spectacular view of the bay, which sparkled with lights.

  “What do you think?” he asked, as if his multimillion-dollar home might not meet with her approval.

  “Heights make me nervous,” she said.

  “I’ll move.”

  She laughed. “You’re eager to please.”

  “Very eager.”

  “Where’s the bedroom?”

  His gaze darkened. “This way,” he said, leading her down a short hall. His room had the same large windows, but a touch of a button brought a privacy shade down. The bed was large and low to the ground, with simple white linens.

  Abby ducked into the bathroom to freshen up. Her lipstick was worn off, but she didn’t bother to reapply it. When she came out, he was sitting on the bed. He watched her walk across the room, his throat working with agitation. She unbuttoned the front of her dress and slipped off her shoes.

  “I’ve been wondering what you were wearing under your dress all night.”

  She took it off, standing before him in a black lace bra and panties. The sheer fabric revealed more than it concealed. “Now you know.”

  He pulled her into his lap, skimming his hands along her curves. His touch caused shivers to ripple down her spine. Her skin broke out in goose bumps as he threaded his fingers through her hair, kissing her mouth again and again.

  He made love to her as if the world might end tomorrow. She responded the same way, stripping his shirt off his shoulders and fumbling with his belt. He stroked every inch of her body and she explored his shamelessly. Her nipples jutted against the lacy cups of her bra, which were damp from his mouth. He spread her legs and licked her through the fabric of her panties, driving her crazy with need. She returned the favor, sucking him slow and wet and deep. By the time he entered her, she was desperate to come. He kept her on the edge of orgasm, circling her clitoris with his thumb and then easing off.

  “Please,” she sobbed, digging her nails into his shoulders.

  He withdrew from her and kissed her intimately, using his tongue to bring her to orgasm. A few hot licks had her exploding into a thousand pieces, crying out his name. She was still shuddering when he removed the condom, pumping his cock with one hand. He spurted across her quivering belly, his jaw tight in ecstasy. When he was finished, he fell back on the bed, spent.

  “Sorry,” he said, breathing hard. “I’ll get you a towel.”

  Abby didn’t mind. He seemed to relish giving her pleasure as well as taking his own. His lack of inhibitions excited her. She felt cherished and well-used, her body slick with passion. She’d never been like this with anyone else.

  He brought her a damp washcloth, rubbing the fabric over her still-tingling flesh with tender care.

  “I think I’m reaching my sexual peak,” she said.

  He laughed, kissing her relaxed mouth. “You have excellent timing.” After he discarded the washcloth, he tugged on his boxer shorts and stood by the window. He seemed troubled, as if he wanted to say something.

  “Should I get dressed?”

  “No,” he said, perusing her naked body. “I love you like that.”

  The words stunned her. He didn’t mean I love you. It was just careless phrasing. Even so, her heart leaped into her throat.

  He raked a hand through his hair, cursing.

  Feeling vulnerable, she sat up and brought a pillow to her chest. “It’s okay. You don’t have to—”

  “I love you,” he said.

  She frowned at him in confusion.

  “I’m in love with you.” He moved to stand between her and the door, as if he expected her to bolt. “I’m sure this comes as a shock, and I hope it doesn’t scare you away. I had this plan to win you over slowly.”

  She hugged the pillow tighter.

  “I just can’t wait. Maybe it’s because I’ve been alone too long. Maybe it’s because I know how it feels to lose everything. Now that I’ve found you, I want to keep you close. I want to wake up next to you every morning and sleep with you every night.”

  It dawned on her that he was telling the truth. Although the situation made her anxious, she couldn’t resist him. He was so earnest. So handsome. The hot body didn’t hurt, either. She was ready to take the leap and trust him with her heart.

  “I’m in love with you, too.”

  His jaw went slack. “What?”

  “I love you,” she said, smiling.

  “You do?”

  She tossed the pillow aside and rose from the bed, twining her arms around his neck. “I really do.”

  “Are you sure?”

  She nodded.

  “Say it again,” he demanded.

  “I love you.”

  He kissed her breathless, falling back onto the mattress with her. They focused on living in the moment, enjoying the present and loving each other. She agreed to stay the night, and he definitely made it worth her while.

  * * * * *

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SBN-13: 9781460332979

  BACKWOODS

  Copyright © 2014 by Jill Sorenson

  All rights reserved. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher, Harlequin Enterprises Limited, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

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