by Rita Herron
"So you still intend to drive this decorating van around town?"
Maddie's hand closed around her briefcase. "Yes, of course I do. I've invested a lot of money as well as my mother's heirloom in this, as you know."
He ignored her barb. "Who are you meeting?"
"Not that it's any of your business, but I'm meeting Chase Holloway to gather research for the project."
The frown on his face resembled jealousy. "Holloway, that... that derelict boy from the orphanage. Good grief, Maddie, he has a bad reputation—"
"He's not a derelict anymore, Jeff. He graduated from college and is an architect now."
"Well, as long as you aren't involved personally."
Maddie bit back a reply.
"Well..."
"Well, what?"
"I miss you, Maddie." He shrugged sheepishly, that boyish smile she'd always loved twitching at the corner of his mouth. "I've been thinking about us, about all the good times we had. I never realized how much I needed you until you walked out of my life."
"We did have some good times, Jeff," Maddie conceded, fond memories suffusing her. "But things have changed. We're not the same people we were in college."
He fiddled with a tray of floor samples. "It doesn't have to be that way. Have dinner with me, Maddie. Let's see if we can work things out."
"Dinner?"
"Yes, we could talk about a reconciliation."
"A reconciliation?"
"You sound like a parrot, Maddie. I simply wanted us to talk. Get back to where we used to be."
She gathered her briefcase and a notepad. "I'm sorry, I can't afford to take the time, Jeff. I have a lot at stake here." My mother's pendant for one. My independence for another.
"I realize now how important your business is to you." He brushed a tendril of her hair away from her face. "I'm sorry I didn't understand before."
"I always told you I had dreams, Jeff. And I intend to see them through."
"I know, and I was being selfish." He reached out and traced her jaw with the pad of his thumb. "I really care about you, Maddie. You just took me off guard that day. I'm sorry I acted like an ass. I should have been more understanding."
Maddie hesitated. He sounded so sincere. "I... I don't know what to say, Jeff. But I do need to go."
Jeff moved his legs sideways as she bent to retrieve her shoes. She'd kicked them off hours ago when she'd sprawled on the floor to survey her fabric samples.
He looked crestfallen. "I guess I'll leave then. Just promise me you'll think about it."
"I'll think about it, "Maddie said quietly.
He nodded, then climbed from the van, and Maddie followed, sliding her feet into the pumps when she made it to the ground. Jeff grabbed Maddie's hand and squeezed it, then leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "I'm not giving up on us."
Maddie nodded mutely, then watched him walk to his BMW and drive away, stunned. Did Jeff really want to go back to the way things were? And if he did, was it really possible?
Chapter 10
"You're late," Chase said when Maddie rushed up to meet him by the City Market.
"Sorry." Maddie smoothed a lock of her windblown hair back into the clip at the base of her neck, drawing his attention to the pale skin beneath her earlobe. Tender, delicate skin he'd like to touch...
"Jeff stopped by. I was trying to get out the door—"
"That wuss came to see you?"
Maddie paused, a small grin tugging at her mouth. "Wuss?"
Chase shrugged. "Sorry, I never did like Oglethorpe much."
"Really?"
Chase realized he'd said too much and pointed to the horse and buggy. "I already bought our tickets. I think they're waiting for us."
"Oh, right." She sashayed toward the buggy, leaving him to stare at the curve of her hips swaying beneath the short navy skirt she was wearing. When she raised her arm to wave at him, her bright red T-shirt rose above her navel, giving him a tempting view of smooth stomach. The heat suddenly seemed oppressive, like steam rising from the bayou. He pulled at the buttons of his polo shirt and exhaled, wishing the spring weather didn't remind him of long, lazy days by the river, days where he and the guys would strip and go swimming in the buff, hoping to catch a glimpse of a young girl doing the same.
Maddie should wear more clothes, and he had half a mind to tell her so. Maybe some pants instead of those short skirts. And a long-sleeved shirt. With a high button-up neck.
Maddie stopped. "Aren't you coming, Chase?"
I'd like to.
"Chase, why are you looking at me like that?"
He'd been so completely dumbfounded by her sexuality that he hadn't actually moved. Mentally cursing himself, he jogged over to the buggy. Just in time to see her climb up the steps, he received a tantalizing glimpse of her luscious bare legs.
Remember those knobby knees when she was ten. Those bruises she always had from climbing trees and tagging along after The Terrible Three. The time she had chicken pox and red splotches all over her face.
Thankfully, the tour guide, a college student named Tonya, who had more earrings in her nose than he could count, took over the conversation when he arrived at the carriage, and he was saved from speaking. For the next hour Chase and Maddie relaxed in the carriage and let the guide lead the way through the historic tour. Moonlight played across the streets, the ironwork of the historic homes, and danced along the river, spilling its radiance across Maddie's features as she oohed and aahed over the scenery. Maddie was totally animated and seemed enthralled in the ghost stories and legends, as if she'd never seen Savannah before, while he found himself enthralled with her.
"You mean the people back then actually considered the staircase like welcoming arms?"
"Yes, that's what they were called," Tonya explained. "The ladies entered and exited one side, the men the other. They weren't allowed to come down together. Women also used their fans to indicate their availability. A lady placed her fan to the right side of her face to indicate yes, to the left side to indicate no."
Maddie laughed. "I guess we have come a long way. I'm certainly glad I didn't live back then."
"Might have been easier on your brothers," Chase said. "Those arranged marriages."
Maddie rolled her eyes. "Just what I want, Lance or Reid to pick out a husband for me. He'd probably look like one of those monks from the monastery."
The only safe place for a sexy woman like Maddie.
"On your right you'll see the historic Colonial Graveyard where many soldiers are buried," Tonya said, going on to tell about a few of the specific burials.
Chase stared at the Colonial Graveyard and started counting tombstones, trying to direct his thoughts from Maddie. But the whisper of a breeze brought the scent of her delicate perfume and the carriage rocked, knocking her bare knee against his jean-clad one, torturing him.
"That orange house is—"
"The Pumpkin House," Chase supplied.
"Right," Tonya said. "And there's the Juliette Lowe house where the founder of the Girl Scouts lived."
"I was a Girl Scout," Maddie said. "Chase, did you—"
"No, Maddie, I was never a Boy Scout," he said in a husky voice. "They didn't have a troop at Bethesda. Remember I was a troublemaker."
Maddie grinned wickedly. "You still are, aren't you?"
He cocked his head sideways and lowered his voice. "I could be."
Maddie's sympathetic look tore at him. He was tempted to tell her the truth, how he laid awake on rainy nights, all alone, and dreamed of being something other than a troublemaker. That he wanted to show all those kids who'd made fun of him that he could be successful. That one of his ex-buddies might be the person causing trouble for Lance and Reid. But Chase Holloway had never spilled his guts to a woman, and he certainly wouldn't start now. Not even to Maddie.
* * *
The echo of loneliness in Chase's voice tugged at Maddie's heart. She wanted to wrap her arms around him and soothe all his old hurt feelings. She wanted
to admit how much she admired him for putting himself through school and overcoming all the disadvantages of his past to build a successful career for himself.
But judging from the fierce expression on his face, he would never let her.
Maybe he would let her soothe him in other ways, Maddie thought wickedly. She'd been shocked back at the town square when she'd turned to see him watching her with heat in his eyes. She'd never expected to see hunger like that from any man, especially Chase. Ever since they began the tour, she'd barely heard a word the guide had said for thinking about how she'd like to follow through on that desire. Thank goodness, she'd covered her reaction by babbling along with the guide, as if she was interested in history!
"We're back." Tonya jumped down and patted the huge horse's mane. "I hope you've enjoyed the tour. If you want another tour sometime, just let me know."
"Thanks, we learned a lot," Maddie said.
Chase tipped Tonya and stroked the horse's back. "You gave us a good ride, boy."
Maddie watched his big, gentle hands move across the mare's neck and wondered how they would feel stroking her own body. "Where did you park, Chase?"
"Over by the city market. Why, you want a lift?"
Maddie gazed up at the sky, admiring the twinkling stars and the full moon. "I thought I'd walk. It's such a pretty night."
"A little hot," Chase said in a husky voice.
"Yes, but the jonquils are in bloom and all the other flowers in the gardens. You can even smell the honeysuckle."
"I thought it was you." He cleared his throat. "I meant your perfume."
Maddie smiled and grabbed his hand, tugging him playfully. "Come on, it feels good to be outside, breathing in the life of the city."
Chase shrugged and followed her down Bay Street, then along River Street. The sights and sounds of the city strummed in the background like music as they strolled across the cobblestone street, along the riverbank. Music and voices drifted out from local bars and kids ran by, chasing one another and laughing.
Couples huddled beneath the live oak trees by the river, cuddling and holding hands while others shared ice cream from a vendor or relaxed on the open balconies of Teddy's Tank House. Bringing the scents of salt and the ocean, a breeze ruffled Maddie's hair. They walked in silence most of the way, tension thrumming through the air.
"I plan to have sketches for you on the first two houses by Friday," Maddie finally said when they reached her porch.
"No leopard-skin furniture or lava lamps?"
Maddie grinned. "You like lava lamps?"
His eyelids lowered to slits. "Yeah, but I don't think they fit with the historical society's code."
Maddie hitched out her hip, unable to resist teasing him. "But your subdivision isn't monitored by the historical society, is it?"
"No, but the designs are based on replicas of the homes built in the 1700s. I'd think the furniture should go along with it."
Maddie pretended to pout. "Then I guess the cowhide sofa is out. And the disco dance floor?"
He stared at her, a muscle ticking in his jaw. "Maddie, the people looking out here want old town Savannah, upscale—"
"I know," Maddie said softly, patting his arm. "I was teasing, Chase. Don't worry so much, I know what I'm doing."
He leaned against the steps, still looking doubtful. "Good. I hope we can stay on schedule. This tour is important, Maddie. Your brothers—"
Would die if they knew she'd used their mother's heirloom as collateral.
"I know, Chase. Don't you trust me?"
His dark gaze trapped her. A loaded question, and one to which she hoped he'd answer yes, but he simply lowered his eyes and let the silence stand between them, like a brick wall that couldn't be scaled. She studied his profile in the moonlight. He was so big and strong, his long raven hair brushing his collar, his eyes dark and heavy in the shadows. She remembered how he'd always stood like that, in the edge of the doorway at their house, looking lost and alone, like he wanted someone to invite him in, but he wasn't sure he'd say yes if they did. That hollow loneliness that always seemed to shroud his good mood and shadow his words with a huskiness sent heat spiraling right through her. She'd felt it when she was a teenager and had had a crush on him. She'd thought she'd outgrown him while she was away at school.
But she hadn't. Maybe she never would. Maybe he was waiting on her to make the first move. But he turned you away after that kiss, she reminded herself. Because you're like a kid sister to him.
Only he hadn't looked at her like a sister back in the street before the tour.
"I'm sure you'll do a good job," he finally said in a husky voice.
And he isn't looking at you like a sister now.
"It's just—"
"Shh." She took his hand and pulled him up the steps so he was standing only a hairbreadth away. "You don't have to say anything else, Chase. Just shut up and kiss me."
The raw desire that darkened his eyes burned through any reservations she might have had. With a low groan, he cupped her chin in his hands, tilted his head and yanked her against his hard chest. His thighs felt hot as her body molded against his strong corded muscles. And his big hands felt like heaven as he stroked her back and drove his mouth over hers. He teased her lips apart with his tongue, then nipped at the corner of her mouth with his teeth before he plunged his tongue inside her mouth and swept her away with desire. His breath fanned against her cheek as he whispered her name on a husky sigh. Sweet fire rose within her. Hot and hungry and desperate.
She had never wanted anyone so badly in her life.
Maddie tore at his shirt, trying to drag it from his jeans. He walked her backward, pressing her back against the hard wood of her door, his hands snaking up her thighs, pushing up her skirt to rub her bare legs. She grabbed his buttocks and dug her hands into the clenching muscles as he ground his sex into her heat. Moisture pooled in her abdomen and dampened her center, sensations spiraling through her so quickly she thought she was going to scream with pleasure or die if he didn't take her right there on her porch.
Good heavens, they were right there on her porch.
Trying desperately not to destroy the moment, she ran her heel up along his leg and lifted her hands to his back, then she stroked his jaw and slowly broke the kiss, growing even more excited by the sound of his ragged breathing penetrating the silence. "Chase, let's go inside."
He rained kisses on her neck, licking the sensitive skin beneath her ear. God, she wanted him now.
"Chase, come on, let's go inside. Someone might see us on the porch."
A long moan escaped him, and he dropped his head against her cheek, his heavy body stiff and obviously aroused as his thick shaft wedged between her thighs. Her words seemed to slowly seep in, though, and she felt him start to pull away. She held him with her foot, but he lowered her skirt, dragging his gaze up to meet hers. His eyes were heavy and filled with hunger, his black lashes lowered, his jaw clenched for control. Heat swept through her again at the intensity of his passion. It would be so good... so incredible....
"Jesus, Maddie, I'm sorry."
Her breath hissed out as if he'd slapped her. "Don't, Chase. I want you to come in. To... to finish." She indicated the sexual hold he had on her body, the way her leg was wrapped around his, the way the bulge of his sex fit so intimately with her body. "I want you."
The passion she'd seen earlier slowly dissipated as he set her aside. "No, Maddie. We can't do this."
She was cold now and shivering, so she wrapped her arms around her middle, missing his warmth. "But... but why? We're good together. I feel it, and so do you."
She indicated his arousal, refusing to allow him to throw the blame off on her or say the attraction had been one-sided.
He backed toward the stairs, lingering at the post again. She stepped forward, her heart in her eyes, and traced a finger along the scar on his forehead. "Chase, don't—"
"Don't what? Stop us from doing something stupid."
&nbs
p; "Don't shut me out. I... I like you, and... and we've known each other forever and—"
"Maddie, stop. You're Lance and Reid's little sister." Chase pulled away from her, ran a hand through his hair, and dropped his head forward, his face twisting with emotions.
"Chase, I'm not anybody's kid sister."
"The hell you aren't."
Maddie swept her hand down her body. "Forget them for now. Just look at me and tell me what you see."
Chase raised his gaze to hers, his eyes stormy. "All right. I see a beautiful, desirable woman who's looking for a man."
"Not just any man, Chase. You."
A muscle ticked in his jaw, almost as if her admission hurt. "Maddie, you think that now, just because you got all fired up, but tomorrow you'd regret it if we made love. And I'd regret it."
Maddie swallowed, fighting tears, determined not to shed them in front of him. She already hated herself for begging, but she had to make one last attempt. "What if I said I wouldn't regret it tomorrow?"
He hesitated, fisting his hands by his side as if he wanted to reach for her. Or maybe he wanted to push her away. "There's too much at stake here, Maddie. The job, my friendship with Lance and Reid, our working relationship—"
"We can deal with all that."
"Trust me, Maddie, I'm not the man for you."
"Why don't you let me decide that?"
His eyes flickered with doubts, turmoil written on every feature of his face. Finally, he exhaled, rammed his hand through his hair again and backed down the stairs. "It's not going to happen, Mad. You're just going to have to accept it."
Without another word, he turned and stalked down the sidewalk, leaving Maddie alone and frustrated. She watched him move into the shadows of the street and fumed, wondering what she had done to deserve this humiliation, wondering if the excuses he'd given were just that—excuses—because he didn't want her badly enough.
She pressed herself against the wall and struggled to breathe normally. The strong scent of his cologne mixed with his musky masculine smell lingered on her clothes, the rough texture of his lips still burned her mouth. Her heat still ached for his touch. But he didn't look back. And when he finally disappeared around the corner, she unlocked the door and went inside, vowing it would be the last time she would ever throw herself at Chase Holloway.
