He laughed.
She lifted her head from the covers as her phone vibrated and skittered on her nightstand. One glance at the display and she sent the caller straight to voicemail. He would not get to her that easy. Bonnie had half a mind to turn her phone off, but then her brother wouldn’t be able to reach her and he was found of calling to check on her too. Just how many days would it take before Buck actually came to see her?
***
“You want to explain to me what happened?” Dexter slipped onto the vacant stool next to Buck.
He barely spared the younger man a glance. “Nothing.”
“Oh. So that’s why she’s been avoiding you all week. You did nothing.”
Buck shook his head. “Why are you here, Dexter?”
“Remember what I said about making my sister cry?”
He winced. That was not his intention. His only intention had been to make sure Bonnie was safe and to do that she needed to be far away from him.
“They’re pouring the foundation for a new building tomorrow. It wouldn’t take much for me to toss you in one corner. The workers would never see you.”
Buck would’ve smiled if Dexter’s tone hadn’t been serious. “And what would it take to keep me out the cement?”
“Dinner. Tonight. You two are going to work out whatever hiccup this is or else.”
“You can’t force two people to be together.”
“No, but I can try.” He placed a card on the arm of the chair. “Be at the address in one hour.”
“If I do this, then you have to do something for me.”
Dexter tilted his head. “What?”
“I bought a duplex on the other side of town and it needs some work. Do you think you can handle it?”
“If not, I know who can. Give me the address and I’ll take a look.”
Buck scribbled the address on a small piece of paper.
“Oh and you need to wear a suit and tie.”
“Are you serious?” He hated getting dressed up.
Dexter grinned. “One hour. Suit and tie.”
“Fine.”
With a wave, Dexter was gone. Buck picked up the card and read the address. It was to a rather swanky restaurant twenty minutes away. What did this kid have in mind?
***
Bonnie avoided Buck’s calls all week, but there was little she could do about the single rose that was delivered everyday to her job. Each one held a small sentiment that eased the pain of her heartache and softened her resolve. By the time Friday rolled around again and she sat on her bed cross-legged listening to Brian McKnight’s One Last Cry, she regretted not answering Buck’s phone calls.
A knock on her door preceded it opening.
“Hey!” She jerked off her headphones and glared at her brother. “I did not give you permission to enter.”
“Whatever. Get dressed.” Dexter tossed a pink garment bag and a shoe box on the bed.
“No. Why? I’m not going anywhere.” She fingered the bag. “What’s this?”
“Your dress for tonight. I’m taking you out. You’ve got forty-five minutes to get ready.”
“I’m not leaving the house.”
He met and held her gaze. “Yes you will. You’ve been moping around all week. I’m tired of seeing your face all scrunched and frowny. We’re going out even if I have to toss you over my shoulder and stuff you in the back of the car.”
A smile flirted at the corners of her mouth. “I’d like to see you try.”
“Don’t be ready in forty-four minutes and you’ll see it first hand.” He walked out closing her door.
“I thought I had forty-five,” she hollered.
“You argued for a minute,” came the muffled reply.
She grinned and removed the plastic from the hanger. A gasp her lips at the dress revealed. Short and strapless in a rich crimson. The plunging v-neck would tie at her neck. She glanced at the door. Her brother picked this out? For her? She scrambled to her feet and snatched open the door.
“Dexter?”
He poked his head out the laundry room a frown tugging at his lips. “It doesn’t fit? Damn. I don’t have time to take it back.”
She glanced at the tag dangling from the bodice. It was definitely her size and expensive. “How and why?”
“It’s sexy and a man always likes to see a woman in a sexy dress.” He offered her a smile. “Did I do wrong?”
Warm fuzzies touched her heart. “No. You did right.”
“There’s shoes too.”
“What?”
“Shoes.”
She spun on her heel and went back to her room. Sure enough there was the box of shoes. She pried off the lid. The strappy sandals matched the dress. A three inch heel with a slight platform at the open toe, while a pretty ruffle ran across the top. She fingered the ankle strap. Her brother had excellent taste.
“You don’t like it?”
“I absolutely love it.” She crossed the room and squeezed him in a tight hug. “Thank you.”
He nodded. “Good. You’ve got forty minutes.”
She laughed and rushed to get ready.
***
An hour and ten minutes later Bonnie sat on a padded stool nursing a cosmopolitan. Their table wasn’t quite ready and Dexter went to take a phone call. She raised the glass to her lips as a hand gripped her shoulder. She stiffened and turned to stare into a set of deep blue eyes. Staring into his eyes was like the first time all over again.
Awareness trickled through her veins tightened her nipples and pulsed at her core. For some reason stranger danger flashed in her mind.
“You look amazing,” he said and dropped his hand. His deep voice moved over her like silk and sin awakening desires and passions better left dormant. They couldn’t be, if he didn’t trust her.
“Thank you. What are you doing here?” She had a sneaking suspicion her brother arranged this little get together. Not good. She could just imagine pressing her body to Buck’s. She shook her head. The one night her brother finally talks her into going out after and temptation in the flesh throws some moves on her. A glance down his body had her hitching a breath. Lean, muscular physique poured into a tailored black suit. This time he’d paired his ensemble with a white tie. She dragged her gaze back to his face and longed to tuck the lock of dark hair brushing his forehead back in place.
“Dexter told me to meet him here.”
“Interesting, he told me he was taking me out tonight. Maybe you should call him and then leave.”
He glanced left and right, she followed. There wasn’t much room for any of them to maneuver in the packed restaurant. “Is there a place I should go? I’m open to suggestions.”
“You’re invading my personal space.”
He studied her a moment, then stepped back. No longer touching her, yet she was bereft of his nearness. He tilted his head to the side. “Better?”
“Yes,” she lied. She settled back on the padded stool and crossed her legs. He followed her movements as she tugged down the hem.
“Did you get my flowers.”
She sipped her drink and nodded.
“And my messages.”
“Every single one.”
He shifted, sliding his body between her chair and the next. “What will it take to get you to talk to me?”
“That would work if I were in a talking mood.”
He covered her hand with his. A jolt of awareness slid up her arm. She stared at their fingers a moment, his large lightly tanned digits a stark contrast to her vanilla latte hued skin.
“I’m sorry.”
“That helps, but only if you mean it Buck.” She shook her head. “How can you not trust me?” She couldn’t keep the hurt from her voice. “I’ve done nothing to break it.”
He clasped her fingers and brought her knuckles to his lips. “You’ve earned my trust sassy, I just didn’t want to see you hurt anymore.”
She stared at him confusion coursing through her.
�
��When I saw you with Jeff,” he smiled when she huffed, “I’ve already admitted I was a bit jealous of him being there, but I used it as an excuse to push you away. Your brother had been arrested and I take the blame for that. Cool-Ade attacked you to get back at me. That’s unacceptable.”
“So why didn’t you tell me that instead of saying you don’t trust me. That hurt.”
“I know and I’m sorry.” He cradled her cheek. “I realized my mistake the moment you walked out the door and wouldn’t answer my calls. I love you Bonnie and have for a very long time.” He fumbled in his pocket and palmed something in his hand. “I called you that night so we could reconnect and date, because I meant what I said. I do want you as my wife.”
She stared at the box he set in the palm of her hand, then at him.
“You are the one woman who has held my heart and I’ve been counting the days until i could see you again, without drama and without bringing trouble to your doorstep.”
“You had no way of knowing what Cool-Ade would do or anyone else from my past or your past.”
“No, but you are more important than anything else in my life.” He brought his mouth down on hers in a soft kiss.
She closed her eyes savoring the tenderness and love stealing through her. For a moment she wished they were alone and not in a crowded restaurant. “You’re still not forgiven,” she murmured against his lips.
He chuckled. “I didn’t think a little kiss would get me out of trouble, but I’m hoping you’ll give me a lifetime to make it up to you.” He opened the jeweler’s box.
She gasped. The marquis solitaire was framed by tiny round pave diamonds. Swirling figure eights of white and pink diamonds cascaded down either side of the white gold setting and between each eight were smaller marquis stones. It was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen. She lifted her gaze to his. “You can’t be serious.”
He plucked the ring from its perch and slid the band on the third finger of her left hand. “I’m very serious. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and being without you for even a moment is time wasted. Let me show you how much I love you for the rest of our lives.”
“You really know how to butter a girl up don’t you?”
“Just you, sassy. Just you.”
***
“Your brother is something else.” Buck eyed Bonnie over his water goblet. Being this near to her was the balm he needed. Getting through the week without talking or seeing her had been pure torture. The only thing that got him through those days were his job.
Now he scrutinized every move she made. The way she kept brushing a stray curl behind her ear, or the subtle way she shifted in her chair each time he touched her knee beneath the table. He admired the way the candlelight kissed her skin and gave it an ethereal glow. Such beauty and he would have the privilege of waking up to her everyday for the rest of her life.
“So when would you like to get married?” Buck watched her swirl her spoon in chocolate sauce then drag it through the dark cake on her plate.
Without batting an eye she smirked. “Monday.”
His gaze was riveted to the utensil as she raised it to her mouth and closed her lips over the dessert. “M-monday?” He shifted his erection, imagining the silken heat of her tongue gliding over him.
“Too soon?” Amusement shone in her irises.
He shook his head. “Are you sure? Fancy dress and tux. Flowers and finery.”
“Nope, but if you want all those things I’ll wait and find a dress and such.”
“You are amazing. I’m perfectly happy to go down to the courthouse.”
“Then it’s settled.”
“Yeah it is.”
She placed her spoon on the table. “So why do I get the feeling you weren’t expecting me to suggest the courthouse?”
“Because every woman dreams of a grand wedding.”
“I never had those fantasies. Well there was one. Being surrounded by family. Finding the love of a good man and starting a family with him.” When she lowered her head, a curl flopped over her forehead and he reached across the table to brush it aside. “I never even stopped to ask if you wanted kids.”
He caressed her cheek. “Eventually, but for now I’d just like to have you all to myself, but if we should happen to make a baby in the next six months that’s fine too.”
“Oh. Hey.”
They both stared at Dexter. “What happened to you taking me out?” Bonnie demanded.
He grinned. “I did, brought you to a fancy restaurant and hooked you up with a really great guy.”
“Thanks young blood.”
He nodded. “Oh no problem. You both looked pitiful.”
Bonnie blushed and Buck coughed.
“We have news,” she said and held out her hand. “We’re getting married.”
“Hey. Congratulations.” Dexter hugged her and then turned to Buck. “Welcome to the family.” He hugged him as well. “So when is the big day?”
“Monday.”
He winged a brow. “So soon?”
“Why wait? Those who are most important will be there. You’ll be there, Dex?”
“You couldn’t keep me away.” He clapped his hands. “Well my work here is done. Do me a favor, keep her with you. I’ve grown rather fond of having the house to myself.”
Buck laughed as Bonnie blushed and the younger man walked away with a backwards wave. “How about a walk before we head home?”
“Sounds great.”
He signaled for their server. Once the check was paid, they stood on the sidewalk in the warm air. A hint of rain drifted to him as he wrapped an arm around Bonnie’s shoulders and they strolled up the walk, skirting the cordoned off area of diners. Bonnie rested her head on his shoulder, a sigh left her lips. He glanced down at her.
“Are you okay?”
“This evening has turned out even better than I expected.” She twisted the ring on her finger. “How did you even know my size?”
“I’ve tried my best to know everything there is about you, sassy. Some days I can’t believe we’re together. Even now, with you agreeing to marry me. It’s surreal.”
“Maybe it will sink in tomorrow. I was half in love with you way back then, but I never really believed you saw me more than just a kid.”
He stopped and faced her. “I saw you and knew I had to wait.” He cupped her shoulders and drew her close. “I don’t have to wait any longer.”
She grasped his wrist. “No you don’t. Let’s go home.”
***
Waiting was so overrated. Bonnie rubbed her body against Buck’s back as he fumbled the key in the door. And they never did get to finish what they’d started the previous week.
“What are you up to?” He glanced over his shoulder.
“I missed you and you always smell so good.” She wrapped her arms around his waist. When the lock clicked, she moved with him.
He turned in her arms and shoved the door closed. “I’ve missed you too.” He tangled his fingers in her hair and tilted her head back. Her lips parted in invitation. “You’re just so beautiful.” He traced the curve of her mouth with his index finger. She flicked her tongue out and licked the tip, his eyes widening at her boldness.
“Don’t start something you have no intention of finishing.”
She smirked. “Why would you say such a thing?”
She stepped away then reached behind her and unfastened the two buttons at her neck, then fumbled down the zipper tab. The dress skimmed her body and pooled at her feet leaving her in her heels and lace panties. It was a bold move, but he needed to know she was serious and by his sharp inhale he got the message.
“You are too sassy for your own good.” He stood and trailed a finger along her collar bone.
She shivered and gazed up at him. “You like sassy.”
He nodded and smoothed a palm over her nipple.
Bonnie flattened her hands against his chest, her fingers slipping the buttons from their mooring. “What el
se do you like?”
He wrapped an arm around her waist and tilted her back as he dipped his head to her breast. She exhaled on a sigh as he sucked her nipple, rolling his tongue over the pebbled peak, while his free hand wiggled down the front of her panties. He laved her other breast as she whimpered her pleasure.
He walked her until her shoulders met the cool kiss of the plaster. She brushed the waistband of his slacks, fumbling with the clasp and zipper as he shoved her panties down her hips. She sighed as his fingers sank into her heat. He was distracting her from exploring his body, the best she could do was smooth her hand over his erection through his clothes. And these layers were frustrating her.
As if sensing her need, he released her long enough to remove his shirt and pants. When he stood before her, naked she lifted a hand and traced one pectoral and then the other trailing her fingers down his torso and over a jagged scar on his washboard stomach. She made a mental note to ask him about that later as she followed his happy trail to the rather impressive erection jutting between his legs.
With trembling fingers she dragged her fingers through the short curls before stroking his shaft. The broad head was almost purple. Fascinated, she caressed back and forth while he pushed against her fist. A drop of pre-cum glistened on the slit and she bent to flick it away with her tongue.
His fingers curled in her hair as she licked the tip. Gently she closed her lips around him and sucked him as far as she could into her mouth. She alternated between licking and sucking, his fingers tightened in her hair even as a tremor undulated through his body.
“Bonnie,” his voice was husky with desire.
She stared up at him, not quite sure if he wanted her to stop, but she was enjoying this moment. She’d never really had this opportunity before and she was going to savor this as long as he let her.
“God, woman you’re killing me.”
That grabbed her attention and she allowed him to slip from her mouth all shiny and wet. “Did I do something wrong?”
He helped her to stand, wrapped an arm around her waist and crushed her to him claiming her mouth in a ravenous kiss.
Forever in Love Page 8
