Cora felt her face heat as she clasped her hands in her lap. “I don’t have definite stages,” she defended. “And I certainly wasn’t planning on the great sex, but buying gifts isn’t something I think we’re ready for.”
“Baby, if I want to get you a Christmas present, you can sure as hell believe I will.”
When he called her “baby,” something shifted inside her. Each time he threw out an endearment, which wasn’t often, something clicked in her heart that she couldn’t identify. Okay, she could, but she wasn’t ready for that.
Clearly, there was quite a bit she wasn’t ready for where Braxton was concerned. He deserved more. He deserved a woman who could get on the same page as him. Worry settled deep within her. Where were they going with this relationship? Would they turn into something more or was a heartbreaking end in their future?
“We’re here,” he announced, cutting into her thoughts.
Cora blinked and turned toward him. “Where’s here?”
“You’ll see. Don’t move. Let me come around to you.”
He was aware that she didn’t want help, but she wasn’t going to say anything, not when he sounded so pleased with himself. Besides, she couldn’t recall the last time anyone had surprised her with anything at all.
She unfastened her belt just as her door opened. “Take my hands,” he said, taking hold of her. “Just follow me.”
“Heidi—”
“I’m getting her to put in the other car. Trust me.”
The other car? What was he doing?
He led her a few short steps away. “The door is open.” He placed her hand on the inside of the driver’s door, she could tell by the angle at which it was open. “Go ahead and get in.”
Cora froze. “What?”
“You’re going to drive. Don’t worry, I’ll be in the passenger seat.”
Instantly her eyes burned as tears clogged her throat. “Are you making fun of me? Where the hell are we?”
Braxton’s strong hands framed her face. “I would never make fun of you. I’m giving you a bit of your freedom back. I heard that sad tone in your voice when you mentioned the things you haven’t done since you lost your sight and it gutted me. I just want to give back, Cora. That’s all.”
Damn it. Now her tears did spill over and Braxton promptly swiped them away. “I can’t believe you thought to do this,” she whispered. “I’ve never had anyone . . .”
Words failed her as she closed her eyes. Braxton’s soft lips settled against her forehead as he muttered, “I’m finding I’d do anything to see you happy.”
Oh, man. How could she fight this battle with herself? How could she keep denying the fact she was falling for this man? He’d proven over and over again that she mattered more than on a physical level. He was the most giving person she’d ever met.
“Where are we?” she asked again, once she trusted her voice.
“At the edge of a wide, open field. One of my students has a farm and this field isn’t occupied by any livestock. I called him earlier today and he was more than happy to let us use it.” He swiped her damp cheeks and tipped her chin up. “So get in the driver’s seat and take me for a ride. You’ve got seventy-five acres to do what you want.”
Cora turned toward the car and reached out to find the steering wheel. Braxton didn’t help her, he didn’t attempt to get her belt or anything. Once she was in, she reached back for the handle and closed the door. The back door opened and closed and Heidi’s head was instantly at Cora’s right side. The passenger door opened and Braxton blew out a breath as he settled in the seat.
“There’s not a tree or fence around. I made sure to pull in the middle gate, so let loose.”
Cora couldn’t contain her smile as she felt the steering column for the keys. She pressed her foot on the break and brought the engine to life. Gripping the wheel, she simply sat there for a minute, unable to believe this was happening.
“Take your time,” he told her. “I’ve got nowhere else to be but with you.”
Cora bit her lip to keep it from trembling. He got it. He got her. Braxton knew she wanted to savor this moment, to cherish her sliver of freedom . . . a freedom he’d understood was so important to her.
“I’ll thank you for this properly later,” she promised.
“If you keep talking like that, this ride will be cut short.”
With her right hand, she felt around for the gear shift and found it in the center console. Such simple things as gliding the gear from park to drive were a thrill.
Easing off the break, she started forward, clutching the wheel. Her foot barely touched the gas as they crept along, the bumpy field shaking the vehicle.
“You can give it more gas. We’re in an old Jeep that belongs on the farm. They use it out here. You can’t hurt a thing.”
Maybe not, but she was still getting her feet wet with being the driver. “Can we put the windows down?” she asked.
“I’ll do one better. Stop the Jeep and I’ll put the top down.”
Cora stopped the car and waited while Braxton removed the top. Once he was settled back inside, she decided to let loose.
Instantly the wind whipped her hair around, the uneven ground jarred her entire body, and she felt as if she were flying. This was by far one of the greatest moments of her entire life. She actually tasted freedom and it was all thanks to Braxton.
He never said a word, but she could feel him at her side. He’d made these arrangements only to see her smile and keep her happy. Everything about Braxton Monroe filled her with more joy than she ever knew possible.
“Can I turn?” she asked.
“Do what you want,” he yelled over the wind. “Nothing is around us.”
She slowed down enough to turn the wheel and once she started, she just kept making circles. Then she started zigzagging. This was like being a kid at an amusement park on one of those silly car rides for children. There was nothing to worry about and fun was the top priority.
Cora didn’t know how long she drove, but she could feel the air turning a bit cool, so she knew the sun was starting to set.
“Where are the lights on this thing?” she asked, slowing down.
“I can still see just fine,” he told her. “The sun hasn’t faded completely yet. Are you planning on driving all night?”
His question was asked on a chuckle and Cora shrugged. “Maybe I am. Maybe I’m thinking about driving until it gets pitch-black and then having my wicked way with you.”
Braxton growled. “You’re pushing me and you’re going to have to pay the consequences if you keep taunting me.”
“I hope so,” she retorted, feeling a bit more sass than usual. He brought out the absolute best side of her, the real side of Corinne Buchanan.
“You drove so long, Heidi is passed out in the backseat,” Braxton told her.
“She’s earned her naps. She’s adjusted so well to being here and I’ve had her working hard on learning the path at the resort.”
“There should be a lever on your left side,” he told her. “Check the end of it and see if it turns for the lights.”
Cora felt for the lever and turned the end as instructed. “That do it?” she asked.
“We’re good. Drive as long as you want. We have plenty of gas.”
A sliver of guilt slid through her. “Are you bored out of your mind watching me drive aimlessly?”
“I watched you sleep last night. I tried to sleep, but you were so breathtaking lying there that I couldn’t take my eyes away. I wasn’t bored then and I’m not bored now.”
Cora brought the Jeep to a stop but continued to grip the steering wheel as his words washed over her.
“For the past year of my life I’ve been restless and out of control,” he went on, his voice softer now. “I’ve been searching for something to fill this void after Chelsea’s death and then when my engagement ended. Being with you feels like nothing I’ve ever experienced and I can’t explain it. So never doubt that I
want to be with you. I’m not bored. I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time.”
Too many emotions ran through her at his raw confession. He’d not come out and said the words, but she knew his feelings were running deeper than she’d been prepared for . . . which gave her a little relief considering her feelings were a bit out of control. She couldn’t keep up with how fast her emotions were running away from her, so Cora opted to go along for the ride. Literally and figuratively.
Putting the car in park, she killed the engine and unsnapped her belt.
“What are you—”
In an instant, she hiked up her maxiskirt, fumbled over the console and straddled Braxton’s lap. “I thought I’d show my thanks now. Is that a problem?”
For a half second he said nothing, did nothing, then those big, powerful hands of his gripped her hips. “The only problem is you’re wearing too many clothes.”
He took the bunched material and jerked it higher around her waist. Cora tipped her hips toward his and let her head fall back as his hand traveled up her bare thigh to her center.
Cora reached out to hold on to his shoulders as he caressed her. The man could pleasure her so fast with very little effort, which just proved how potent he was when it came to knowing her body, her needs.
She trailed her fingertips down his taut abs, then reached for the button on his jeans. She lifted slightly on her knees for better access. When his hands covered hers, she froze.
“I’ll get it,” he told her, his voice husky. “You’ve got me too worked up.”
“I haven’t done anything yet.”
“You’re sexy as hell just sitting there and your little pants are just about to kill me.”
Had she panted? Hmmm, probably. Braxton and his talented hands were most definitely pant-worthy, that was for sure.
“I don’t have any protection,” she stated, realizing now was the worst time to have this revelation.
“I didn’t plan on this out here, so I don’t either. But I swear I’m clean. I’ve been reckless, but I haven’t been stupid.”
Cora slid her hands up under his shirt, needing to feel those rippled muscles beneath her palms. “I’m on birth control and I know I’m clean. I’ve only been with one other person and I’ve had a physical since.”
Braxton’s lips nipped at hers. “Then what are we waiting on?” he murmured. “I’m ready to be thanked properly.”
Cora laughed as she adjusted her body against his. Slowly she joined them, closing her eyes and giving in to the desires flooding through her. Braxton’s hands gripped her hips and held her still.
“Not yet,” he whispered. “Don’t move. I just want to feel you.”
Cora’s head tipped forward, meeting his. Their breath mingled, the tension seemed to crackle between them, and Cora thought for sure she would die of want. He wanted to feel her? Could he be sexier? He knew the right words to make the biggest impact on her and he wasn’t even trying.
Cora rotated her hips. “I need . . .”
In a flash, he shoved her shirt up and whipped it off her. He was tugging the cups down on her bra at the same time he started to move. All at once he seemed to be touching her, kissing her everywhere, and all Cora could do was clutch those strong shoulders and let him.
His mouth worked over her chest, his hands dipped at her waist as he ran them back down to her hips.
“This what you needed?” he asked.
“Yes,” she whispered, unable to use any energy to even form a full sentence.
Those lips moved on up her neck, over her chin, and finally claimed her mouth. Cora kissed him with every bit of passion she had in her. She wanted him to know she wasn’t holding back, not anymore. Everything she had to give was his.
Every part of her body started to hum as wave after wave swept through her. He continued to kiss her, swallowing her cries and taking in her release.
Braxton covered her thigh with one hand, the other grabbed her hair and tipped her head to the side as he deepened the kiss. His entire body stiffened as he continued his assault on her mouth. Cora was still trembling from her own climax as Braxton started his, but she wanted to keep this bond, wanted to keep this connection. She couldn’t touch him enough.
As his body settled beneath hers, his lips softened until he was placing short, sensual kisses over her lips, then across her jaw and back to the sensitive spot beneath her ear.
“You’re becoming more,” he whispered. “This is just the beginning.”
Cora lay against his chest, trying to pull in enough air to just keep breathing. Nothing could’ve ever prepared her for what just took place. Nothing could’ve prepared her for those honest words just delivered to her, and nothing could’ve prepared her for falling in love with a man she’d only known a short time.
No. Nothing in her polished, well-cultured life had prepared her for Braxton Monroe.
Chapter Thirteen
“It’s not tacky, it’s festive.”
Braxton rolled his eyes and ignored the bickering between Zach and Sophie from the other room. Those two would not survive this decorating. The open house was in two days and they still were discussing tree and wreath placement. Braxton really wished Zach would just shut up. The man wasn’t going to win this fight, but for once, Braxton wasn’t going to get involved.
Braxton worked on washing and drying the new glasses and plates. Macy had some connections with her hardware store and had ordered from a housewares wholesaler at a ridiculously low price.
“When will he ever learn to shut the hell up?” Liam asked from behind.
Braxton dunked another glass in the suds. “He won’t, but Sophie’s a good match for him since she gives it right back.”
“He deserves it.” Liam rolled out more red fondant across the wide island. “Now that he’s occupied, want to tell me about Cora?”
Braxton froze, his hand gripping the glass. “You want to talk about Macy?” he asked, throwing a glance over his shoulder.
Liam grunted and remained silent.
“That’s what I thought,” Braxton muttered.
They worked in silence for a few more minutes before Liam spoke again. “You really think this is going to take off?”
Braxton rinsed the final crystal glass and dried his hands. “Yeah, I do.” He turned, resting back against the counter. “Sophie said she’s got nearly every room and the cottages booked all the way through for the next month and several bookings in February and March. I think we’ll be fine.”
Liam nodded. The muscle ticked in his jaw, just below where his scar ended. With careful precision, he sliced the tiny knife through the fondant. “I got fired.”
“What?” Braxton pushed off the counter and closed the distance between them. “What the hell, Liam?”
With a shrug, he continued to meticulously cut miniscule circles out of the thick icing. “I asked for a couple months off, I even offered without pay, and they said this wasn’t the time to be taking off with the busy holiday season. We had a few choice words and they told me if I wanted to come here, then not to go back. So, here I am working on fondant holly wreath decorations for the open house wondering if I just committed career suicide.”
Braxton listened to his brother speak. He didn’t raise his voice, didn’t show any emotion as he maddeningly concentrated on the slice of the knife.
“How are you so calm?” Braxton asked. “You loved working there.”
“I’ll have to love working here.” Liam finally straightened and met Braxton’s eyes. “Looks like you won’t have to be in such a hurry to find another chef.”
Braxton knew this was hard for Liam to handle, knew the last thing his brother wanted to do was move back home. Braxton actually hurt for Liam. For the past decade Liam had made a life for himself away from Haven, only coming home when needed. After the accident he’d wanted to get away, to ignore the pain and the memories that came along with this little town.
But maybe it was time for him to come home
and heal. Maybe this was the path in life Liam was supposed to go down. And maybe Chelsea was somewhere smiling down on them, loving that all of her brothers were finally going to be in the same town, working on the resort she’d always dreamed of.
“What are you going to do with your condo?”
“My lease is up at the end of the year.” Liam glanced down to the pile of red circles and went back to cutting more. “I’ll look for a place here for now, but I don’t plan on staying.”
“You can stay with me.”
“Not a good idea.”
Crossing his arms over his chest, Braxton leaned against the island. “And why is that?”
With a snort, Liam shook his head.
“What? Just say it.”
On a sigh, Liam laid down his knife and braced his palms on the counter before focusing on Braxton. “Whatever you and Cora have going on, I don’t want to be in the middle of.”
“I didn’t plan on inviting you into our relationship.”
Liam narrowed his eyes. “You know what I mean.”
“I’m trying to help and you’re being stubborn.”
“Stupid, stubborn man.” Sophie stormed through the kitchen and slammed her hands on the island. “What does he know about decorations?”
She glanced back and forth between Liam and Braxton as if they’d actually answer her. Hell no. Braxton knew when to keep his mouth shut when it came to women and fits of rage. He’d lived with Chelsea long enough to know sometimes it’s best to just weather through the storm. Women’s moods changed fast enough, he’d hold out for the next one.
“You have a wreath hanging on the mirror in the entryway,” Zach defended as he came into the kitchen. His mess of hair was even more disheveled than usual.
“Because it’s pretty.” Sophie whirled around and glared at him. “If you don’t like how I’m doing things, then leave. Chelsea would’ve—”
Her last words died off in a sob, and Sophie turned her back on Zach and covered her face with her hands.
“Well, shit.” Braxton rounded the island, but stopped short when Zach jerked his gaze in his direction.
Liam fisted his hands on the counter and stared at Zach, who rubbed a hand down his face before reaching out to grip Sophie’s shoulders. He turned her around and held her, patting her back and whispering something Braxton couldn’t hear.
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