Red Hot Lovers: 18 Contemporary Romance Books of Love, Passion, and Sexy Heroes by Your Favorite Top-Selling Authors

by Milly Taiden

  ***

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Diane not only screamed, but practically jumped into my lap. Her hand clutched my shirt and her nails dug into my chest through the flannel. The whole scenario couldn’t have been timed better. Talk turned to vampires and then the lights go out. A warm glow from the last of the fire lit the room, so we weren’t in complete darkness. My laughter broke the silence that descended with the dark.

  “Are you laughing at me?”

  “I am. I’m sorry, but you have to admit, it’s pretty damn funny.”

  “My being scared out of my skin is funny?” She attempted to sound offended, but I could hear amusement in her voice. “Vampires are scary.”

  “If they’re so scary, and you believed I am one, why jump toward me when the lights went out? Have you no sense of self-preservation?”

  Full giggles erupted from her. Leaning back, she released my shirt, tilted her head back, and let her laughter out. After a moment, she composed herself. “Oh my god, I’m the idiot girl who goes back inside the cabin or upstairs in the horror movie! I’m the one everyone yells at for not running for help when I had the opportunity.”

  “Pretty much. You’re toast.” I leaned forward toward her exposed neck and spoke in a Transylvanian accent. “Don’t worry, I bite, but it will be painless after the fangs sink into your flesh.”

  When I stopped about an inch from her neck, she froze in place. Her laughter stopped, and I wasn’t sure if she was breathing. Pulling back, I stared into her eyes, which were wide in the low light of the fire.

  “Breathe. I wasn’t going to bite you,” I said.

  She shuffled and sat more upright, breaking whatever tension was rising between us. “I know. I never believed you were a vampire. That accent gave you away. What was it? Jersey?”

  I chuckled and rubbed my nails over my scruff. “Transylvania, of course. Jersey? Really?”

  “Maybe Philly. Not Eastern Europe. You might want to work on that a little more.” Her words teased, but her posture had slipped into something more formal. I’d clearly crossed a line, but I had no idea what that line was.

  The wind howled outside, lashing rain against the windows. Babe raised his head, gazed outside, and sighed before dropping back down on his bed.

  “Do you think the power will be out for a long time?” Worry crept into her voice.

  “Hard to say. Might be an hour or a few days.”

  “Crap.”

  “You have enough wood. There should be flashlights, candles, and extra blankets a plenty over there, but you’re welcome to sleep here tonight.” My offer was genuine and without ulterior motives.

  “How would Kelly feel about that?”

  How would she feel about me having Diane here? Good question. “She wouldn’t like it. Let’s say she gets a little possessive of me.”

  “Can’t blame her. I’d hate to create any trouble for you. If I could borrow a flashlight, I’ll be fine once I get inside. I can sleep by the wood stove if it gets colder. Maggie has several down comforters; I should be warm tonight. I’ll be fine.”

  Her words were brave, but an undertone of concern and uncertainty lay beneath them.

  “You sure? I’ve got the generator, which should kick on pretty soon. You’d be more comfortable over here.”

  “I’m sure. Now that I have confirmation my fears about a paranormal monster living next door are unfounded, I’ll be able to sleep at night.”

  “Glad we cleared the air. If you’re worried about Dave down the road, you know the guy with all the hair, I can assure you he’s not a werewolf or shape-shifter.”

  “Good to know. I have no idea who you are talking about, but I appreciate you letting me know. I really do.” She grinned at me.

  “Good, everything’s settled. Let me find a flashlight and get you home.”

  “It’s miserable out there. You don’t have to walk me home.”

  “I insist. I want to make sure you have everything you need. A little rain won’t hurt me.”

  I turned on a few LED candles and found a flashlight in the drawer by the door. After bundling up in our coats, we sprinted for Maggie’s door. Despite the short distance, we were both soaked by the time we got inside. I shook the water from my hair with my hands and pushed it out of my face. Diane laid her dripping coat on a chair and searched for candles or a flashlight. Finally locating both in the basket on top of the fridge, she thanked me again. For what, I wasn’t certain.

  “Listen, if the power is out tomorrow morning, come over and shower at my place. I’ll be up early and off to work, but there’ll be coffee and food. Best not to open the fridge or freezer here unless you have to. Food should be okay for a few hours without power. There’s still the landline if your cell battery dies.”

  “You’re very resourceful,” she complimented me, and my chest puffed out at the praise.

  “Years of living on the island. You’ll find we’re hearty people who can handle whatever is thrown at us.”

  “I’m beginning to see that.” She smiled at me in the darkness save the light of the flashlight where it laid on the island.

  “Well, I’ll let you settle in. I had fun tonight. We’ll have to do it again.”

  “I’d love that. You’re the only person I know here. I think we’re going to be great friends.”

  Normally when a woman put me into the ‘friend box,’ I bristled, but I liked Diane. She was cool. Definitely not without baggage, but as far as a friend went, yeah, I could definitely hang out with her again.

  I headed back out into the rain. When I reached my door, I turned back to wave at Diane. She waved her flashlight in response. Smiling, I walked inside. It was good to have a neighbor again.

  *

  The power came back on the next morning around five. I know because Babe woke me up barking at the silence after the generator turned off. Good guard dog.

  Part of me felt disappointed Diane wouldn’t be coming over for coffee. I missed my morning coffees with Maggie, and Diane might be a good substitute. I wondered if she was a morning person like me, or a cranky witch without her caffeine like Mags. Hopefully I’d find out.

  I’d left my phone downstairs last night, so I hadn’t seen that Kelly had texted me a few times. She acted perturbed and asked more than once why I didn’t respond to her texts. I failed to mention having pizza with Diane. It wasn’t a date, far from it, but somehow I knew Kelly would be annoyed. Diane was right. There was no way in hell Kelly would be okay with another woman showering here. Funny, given she was okay with seeing her ex/not-ex. Yeah. Double-standards.

  I sent her a short reply telling her we’d lost power.

  She responded with a snarky comment about rural living.

  Not in the mood for her jabs, I ignored my phone while getting ready, and headed to work. If trees were downed, our equipment could be needed by the county. I’d have to check if power was still out around the island. People might need more wood, and I made it a habit to drop off split wood to those who needed it—the elderly or struggling families. Something I started doing a few years ago, but didn’t brag about. For one thing, I didn’t want word getting out we were a source for free wood, cause firewood isn’t our business. Second, people tend to take advantage of generosity. Messed up, but true.

  The storm let up in the afternoon, but I still dropped off a few loads of firewood at the end of the day. Left them on the porches or filled empty wood holders on my usual route. No thanks needed or expected.

  Arriving home, I could see the power was back on at Diane’s. The early evening darkness highlighted the glow from lamps in her living room flowing out onto the lawn. I debated for about a minute before deciding to check on her.

  The chords of classic rock sounded through the front door when I knocked.

  Diane clearly hadn’t expected company. The baggy gray sweater had been replaced by a tight long sleeve T-shirt and what Maggie always called yoga pants. The curves I suspected where hidden under the oversi
ze sweater were on display. And what curves they were.

  A cough brought my eyes up to hers. “Um, hi.”

  I knew I’d been busted. Meeting her eyes, I could see the delight in them.

  “Hey.”

  “Um, hey. Just checking to make sure you’re okay. Power came back on about five this morning.”

  “Hey, thanks. Come on in. Unless you’re a vampire.” She raised an eyebrow and waited, her lips twitching to fight back a smile.

  “Nope, not a vampire.” I smiled and her own smile broke free.

  “Good, come on in. I’m making dinner.”

  “Doesn’t smell like anything’s burning.” I walked down the hall into the airy living room, sniffing the air. Some kind of stew simmered on the stove in the open kitchen, and I could smell something baking in the oven.

  She padded over to stir the stew. “That’s a relief. I was afraid it would smell of smoke in here forever. Lesson learned, though,” she said, pointing at the fire in the wood stove.

  “Fire going, dinner cooking, and whatever smells amazing in the oven, looks like you’ve settled in to living here.”

  “I have. I can’t believe it’s only been a few weeks, but this place feels more like home than my co-op ever did. Want to stay and eat? I made stew and there are biscuits in the oven.”

  “Stew and biscuits sound amazing. Are you sure you’re a snooty city girl? This is simple fare.”

  She laughed at my teasing. “I’m a simple girl at heart. Guess I forgot along the way.”

  “I need to let Babe out. He’s been cooped up all day.”

  “Bring him over. I’m sure he knows the run of the house over here.”

  After letting Babe out, we walked back to the house. Diane had set the dining table. I guess old patterns died hard.

  “I brought a bottle of Pinot.” I set the bottle down on the counter.

  “Thanks, but I love beer with stew. You can have either.”

  I liked this stew and beer Diane and smiled. “Beer’s fine.”

  Steam rose from the stew as we ate dinner. Conversation didn’t lag between us, but no great personal revelations either. We talked about storms and our dependence on modern conveniences. I teased her about winning me over through my stomach when she brought over an apple crisp from the counter.

  “I wasn’t expecting company. I’m embarrassed to admit all this would have been for me. There would’ve been leftovers all week. I don’t know how to cook for one,” she said.

  “I’m happy to help out any time. I was spoiled by your predecessor, who’s a food blogger. She was always trying out new recipes on me. I’ll never forget the tea brined chicken. It tasted, um, interesting.”

  “You don’t seem the fancy food type of guy.”

  “What was your first clue?” I asked.

  “Well, you appear pretty straightforward all around. Sturdy work clothes because you need them. A truck which functions more than impresses. Loyal dog. It’s all without pretense.”

  I glanced at my Carhartt jacket thrown on the stool and down at my jean covered legs. Flannel shirt, thermal underneath. “I’d never considered my clothes as a personal statement. They serve their purpose. Never been one of those guys who wears fancy socks or designer jeans.”

  “It’s refreshing. Something about being on the island lets me shake off all the pretension of the city.” She tugged at her messy bun. “I never would have had company for dinner dressed in work-out clothes or without a shower first. I got a job today.”

  “Does the job explain the smell?”

  “It might. You know the Pilates studio in Langley?”

  My blank stare told her I didn’t.

  “Well, I’ve been taking classes there and they needed a new teacher. I’m filling in and it might be permanent.”

  “They’ll let anyone teach classes?”

  “Oh, no. You have to be trained. I’ve taken Pilates since college. In New York, I took so many classes, my instructor suggested I complete the training because there were no other advanced levels beyond what I took. I had plenty of time on my hands. I’ve never officially taught before, though. The job of Pilates instructor wasn’t posh enough for the Woodleys.”

  “Well, good for you. Work related stink I can support. I intended to comment on the stench, but didn’t want to be rude.” I grinned at her.

  “Oh, no. I do smell, don’t I?” A look of horror passed over her face.

  “Not that I noticed. All I smell is your fabulous cooking. I was teasing.”

  “You do that a lot,” she said.

  “Do what?”

  “Tease. Is it me, or is that one of your standard forms of communicating?”

  Her question took me off guard. I’d never thought about it. “I didn’t realize I was a tease, although I have a reputation for being a flirt.” I held her gaze, testing her to see if she’d look away quickly. She didn’t.

  “Flirting and teasing can be the same thing. Since you have a girlfriend, I guess you’re teasing.”

  “Does it bother you? I can try and stop.” The offer felt hollow. I liked teasing her and getting her to laugh.

  “I doubt you could stop.” She clearly didn’t buy my bullshit offer. “And I don’t mind. At all. It’s been a long time since a boy pulled my ponytail.”

  “That’s what I’m doing? Ponytail pulling?” I reached over and tugged on her bun.

  Swatting my hand away, she said, “Didn’t say it’s a bad thing. I can’t tell you the last time a guy flirted with me. I was starting to think I’d lost all my appeal.” Her words were light, but between the lines I could see her hurt. Mr. Perfect had done a number on her.

  “If you’re fishing for compliments, let me tell you, you have nothing to worry about.” I touched her arm before pulling my hand back and rubbing my beard. “Don’t forget Donnely at the Doghouse. He was all about hitting on you.”

  “Ah, Donnely. Does his line ever work? The whole gooey duck thing?”

  “You’d be surprised. He’s very popular with the ladies. Not that he ever sticks with anyone long enough. If people don’t call him Donnely, they call him Tom Cat for good reason.”

  “Oh, really?” Interest sparked in her eyes. “I figured he was teasing the new girl, kind of like you do.”

  “Seeing who you were and if you were up for fun was part of it for sure. If you were willing, you could have gone home with him that night. Probably still could. He isn’t easily discouraged.” My words sounded harsher than I meant.

  “Thanks for the warning. Like I said last night, I’m not up for a relationship and am going to avoid the “L” word for as long as possible, but it doesn’t mean I want to live like a nun.”

  “Well, Donnely would be more than willing to flirt with you. Give him an inch and he’ll take a foot.” Was I warning her against Donnely or approving of this? “Just know what you’re getting in to with him.”

  “His bed, probably, from what you’re saying.”

  I nodded. “Yep. Pretty much sums it up.”

  She eyed me and tapped her index finger against her lip in thought. “Before Kelly, were you and Tom pick-up partners?”

  Chuckling, I glanced away from her face. “Yeah, I guess you could say that. I hadn’t dated anyone seriously for a long time before Kelly. I was young, single, and healthy. Let’s leave it at that.” For some reason I wasn’t comfortable discussing my single days with Diane. Not embarrassed or ashamed, hell no, but something about her made me want to protect her from the ways of men on the prowl.

  “I figured as much. You’re handsome and nice. Not as sleazy as Donnely. I can see why you were popular.”

  Nodding in agreement, I pushed back from the table. “Those days seem to be behind me for now. I honestly can’t imagine being Donnely’s wingman for the rest of my life.”

  “You’re the settling down type? Is that why you’re with Kelly? When you fall, you fall hard?”

  “Not sure about the hard part, but I’m loyal. If I make a
commitment, I’m in. One hundred percent. That’s what has my head all messed up about the Kelly thing.”

  “I’m sure you’ll sort it out soon. She can’t stay ‘almost divorced’ forever. Then you two can move on.”

  “Right.”

  “Okay, then. Looks like we’ve talked ourselves into the awkward corner. Change of subject?”

  “Actually, I need to get going. Early morning tomorrow.” I took my plate and empty pint glass over to the sink.

  “John?” she asked from the table.

  “Yeah?” I turned to face her, keeping the island between us.

  “Sorry I keep prying into your life. I haven’t been alone in a long time, or had real conversations with new people. I’m out of practice. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”

  “No problem. Let’s make a pact next time to talk about work, or dogs, or football. Something neutral.”

  “Well, I don’t think you want to talk about Pilates. And I never watch football. Or have a dog. But I get your point. We can do that.”

  Smiling, I nodded. After whistling for Babe, I thanked Diane for dinner and she thanked me for eating her food in return. Odd, but endearing.

  ***

  CHAPTER SIX

  After little deliberation, I bought Kelly chocolates for Valentine’s. The idea of shopping for lingerie and running into someone I knew decided it for me. The island was too small, and somehow I knew my luck would follow me over to town where I would’ve run into Sally or one of her gossiping cluster of women. Plus, a bearded guy in Carhartt’s and boots standing amongst a bunch of nighties and bras came too close to Monty Python’s lumberjack. Even I laughed at the image.

  Chocolates, dinner, and sex—we had a classic Valentine’s Day celebration. Kelly acted into it and into me. I couldn’t complain about that or the hot sex with her.

  The complaining happened the next morning when she got in the shower. I asked to join her, but she said she didn’t want to miss the ferry, so I headed downstairs to make us some coffee.