by Milly Taiden
“Did you want to do the meet-and-greet thing? I know you’ll like Nika.” I fiddle with the end of my long braid. Having Casey there would help with my nerves.
“No, I’m running behind as it is. But I really wanted to see the finished houses in this neighborhood. I photographed the images of the plots for the developer’s website. The house I saw being built looked like it was going to be spectacular.” She flips on the blinker and turns left onto a dirt road.
“Oh, wow.” My stomach flips. The first house we pass must be worth at least a million dollars. Nestled between pine trees, this neighborhood is high above a valley, and the view of the Rocky Mountains is spectacular. “I knew they had money, but I didn’t know quite how much. Shit.” I glance quickly at Casey, and she frowns. “Sorry. I meant crap.”
While I grew up in a family that didn’t worry much about money, I feel very inadequate not even owing a car right now. I rip a bit of fingernail off with my teeth.
“Hey, don’t do that to yourself. Money isn’t a problem if you don’t let it be. Okay?” Casey reaches over and pats my thigh in her mother-hen way.
“I know. I don’t know what’s come over me. I usually don’t give two sh—-sheets what some guy thinks of me.” Whew, dodged the swearing bullet yet again. I fist my hands to keep from biting my nails to the quick.
“It’s kind of cute. I’ve never seen you like this.” Casey is grinning. “He’s more than hot isn’t he?”
“He pisses me off, gets annoyed with me, and I can’t quite figure out why it makes me like him more.”
“Because he isn’t worshipping the ground you walk on, Gretch. You like him because he’s a challenge.” She slows as we approach a black mailbox with a brass number fourteen on it. “I hear he smells good too.”
I catch her sideways glance and let her see my grin.
She says, “It’s about time you met your match.”
I snort. “That’s what Nika said about Derrick.”
We pull into the driveway of a two-story, log cabin–style home that appears to be five times the size of our nine-hundred-square-foot ranch, and Casey stops behind a white Land Rover. I get out and lift the hatch of the old Saab. With a quick yank, I get my bike out, and it bounces a bit when I let the wheels fall to the ground.
“Hey!” Nika has come out the front door and waves as she approaches the car.
I slam the hatch door and say, “Hi.” I sweep my hand toward the open window. “This is my roommate, Casey.”
“Hi, Casey, I’m Nika.”
“Hi. I love your house. I came out here when they were building the first one to take pictures for the developer. It’s a great location.”
“I know. I was thrilled to find this neighborhood,” says Nika. “Would you like to come in?”
“I wish I could, but I’m late for an appointment. I’m sure I’ll see you soon. We try to do a girls’ night once a week. You’ll have to come.” Casey shifts into reverse and backs out.
I yell and wave at the moving car, “Thanks for the ride!”
Nika says, “Let’s put your bike in my car.”
She has opened the back. “Derrick is making us breakfast for after our run.” She waits for me to load the bike into the car. “Seems he wants to impress you.” I catch her sly smile just before she slams the hatch closed. “C’mon in. I’m just about ready.”
The moment we enter, the sound of nails on wood scrambles toward us, and three dogs start barking. I put out my hand for them to sniff. “Hi, guys.” The wiggling bodies tell me they think I’m okay, and I crouch to pet them. While the two black dogs fight for attention, the golden eyes of the brown one asks politely for it. I reach for her. “Is this one Cleo?”
“Yes, my princess. She’s endearing, isn’t she?”
A deep voice says, “She’s a girl. She knows how to get you to touch her.”
I feel my eyes squint in annoyance as my head lifts to Derrick. I bite back a snide remark and take in the loose shorts and sweat-stained T-shirt. His eyes are swollen as if he hasn’t slept well.
Nika huffs. “My friends used to find you charming. Go back to your cave.” She hands me a dog collar. “Put this on Cleo for me?”
“Sure.”
I look past the dog to a great room with a large stone fireplace. Three plush leather couches in a burgundy shade are arranged in a sitting area with a warm-toned oriental carpet. My eyes are attracted to the large windows set high on either side of the stone chimney and the spectacular views of the mountain range.
Off to the left is a granite countertop separating the open kitchen. Derrick has returned to a chair across from a laptop that looks like it’s open to a sports site, and he sips a cup of coffee.
Nika says, “Derrick, we’re doing the five-mile loop. It shouldn’t take more than forty-five minutes.”
He turns in his chair to glance at us. “Got it. I’ll make breakfast while you two shower. Okay?”
Nika’s head nods as she says, “Thanks.” The dogs start to bark in excitement as she leads us to a door. It opens to a garage, and we move toward the back yard. “Let’s run.”
Jogging, we make our way to the edge of her property where a trail leads into the tree line. The musty smell of earth and decaying plant life float up as we step into the woods. The dogs run ahead of us and out of sight. Nika doesn’t seem to be phased.
I am. “Are they okay?”
“Yeah. As long as I can hear the tags jingling, I let them run. When I can’t hear anything, I call them back. That way they get in twice as much exercise as I do. They need it.”
The temperature is cooler in the thick forest, and I welcome the gentle breeze on my skin. Already heated by the thought of Derrick, it doesn’t take long for moisture to seep from my pores. Roots, rocks, and brown leaves litter the trail. “I love running in the woods. It must be because I have to pay attention to where I step, and it keeps me from being bored.”
Nika’s stride is longer than mine, and our pace is faster than I expected. She says, “Yeah, I like it too. It’s nice with company, thanks for coming.”
The dogs are making their way back to us in a full run. I watch in fascination as they veer at the last second to avoid us. “Wow, they fly.”
“I know. I love the sheer joy it brings them. It makes life seem so simple, doesn’t it?”
“It does. They feel a need and act on it.” I take a moment to mull over those words and realize that’s how I like to live my life. Right now, my body is telling me I need Derrick. Maybe I should just act on it.
Our breathing gets heavier, and we don’t talk. Every so often Nika will call out a dog’s name, and the three will come barreling back toward us. They splash through streams and small ponds as we wind our way along the trail. By the end of our run their legs and bellies are covered in mud.
We slow to a walk as we return to the yard. Nika says, “I’m going to hose them down if you want to go inside for water. It can get pretty messy.”
“I don’t mind helping.”
She shakes her head. “No, it’s easier if I do it without the distraction. Go.” She claps her hands for the dogs, and they follow her toward the side of the house.
My breathing returns to normal as I make way through the garage to the door. I need to stretch and intend to do it on the tile section before the kitchen begins.
I take my dirty sneakers off, leave them outside, and enter the house. The odor of bacon is in the air. Derrick is feet away and approaching me. “Good run?”
“Yes.” A squeaking noise sounds, indicating that Nika is turning on the hose. I lift the bottom of my T-shirt to wipe my face knowing it reveals my clenched abs and sports bra.
He moves closer, and I realize he isn’t stopping. Whoa, way more of a response than I was expecting. I take a deep breath and hold it. He’s so near I step back. But it isn’t enough. He steps so close we’re practically touching. My core is trembling, and I take one more step back.
Derrick’s gaze paralyzes
me, as he remains silent. I let out a shaky breath that makes him utter a sound from the back of his throat, and his hands slap the door on either side of my head. I press my spine against the cold metal as if I can escape.
He’s so close I can feel his exhalation on my slick skin. Moisture has pooled between my legs, and it isn’t sweat. I could fuck him right here and not even care if Nika knew. Staring back at him, I part my lips in anticipation of his kiss.
Derrick smiles and says, “I think you want to be touched.”
Feeling rejected, I react without thought, and put my hand on his crotch. It’s a bold move, and one I’ve never done to a guy that isn’t my boyfriend. He’s definitely aroused, but pulls my hand away and holds it against the door above my head. Oh, shit.
I struggle to pull my arm back down, but he tightens his grip. His other hand reaches under my shorts and skirts along the top of my inner thigh. “Do you want to be touched, Gretchen?”
I stare into his eyes. Hell yes. “Yes.”
Shoving the nylon aside, he drives a finger inside me. Holy shit. I whimper, and my muscles flex around the digit as he strokes in and out. My body quivers and I hear my moan escape. I reach for his head to pull him into a kiss, but he won’t let me. His movement quickens and I’m too overcome with my approaching orgasm to question him. Or even care. I let my head fall back instead. Within seconds I release a strangled cry as I quake under his presence.
The sound of barking dogs approaches, and Derrick releases me. As we step out of the way, he raises his eyebrows and says, “Hungry for breakfast?”
An aftershock runs through me just before the door opens.
CHAPTER 6
I watch him walk back to the kitchen. What the hell was that? I bend over to stretch my hamstrings and to hide my flustered face from Nika. I should feel sexually satisfied, considering the orgasm I just had, but instead all I can think about is feeling Derrick on me. Around me. Inside me. Shizzle.
Look at him gloating in the kitchen while he beats eggs. He’s proud of himself. And what was up with him not letting me kiss him? Oh, my God. Control. This is all about control for him. I bet he thinks I’ll be squirming in my seat, wanting him all through breakfast.
The dogs zoom through the door around Nika. They take off to lap the house after their quick bath. Rubbing against the walls, nipping at each other, and growling, the noise is distracting enough that I have time to pull myself together. Nika joins me in stretching. She says, “That was a great run. You’re fast. Next time we can go further if you want.”
I lunge and feel the pull of tight muscles in my calves. Yeah, I want to go further, all right. I can almost hear Derrick chuckling. “Sure. We should bring Casey too. She would love that trail.”
When we finish our cooldown, Nika leads me up stairs of cherry-toned wood with dark risers. She points to the left. “There’s a shower at the end of the hall. Fresh towels are on the rack, and you should find every toiletry you could possibly need.”
I doubt there’s everything I need right now because a good sex toy would be handy. “Thanks.” I enter a bathroom decorated in shades of taupe and pink. The slate sink has an ornate mirror above it with a freestanding cabinet set next to it. I open it to find what I need. Grabbing shampoo and conditioner for colored hair, I turn to the towel rack. It’s metal and has a dial on the side. Nice. It can be switched on to heat the towels. This is my kind of bathroom.
Stripping off my sweaty running clothes, the odor of my musk wafts toward me. Okay, weird as it was, whatever it was, that was totally hot. I shudder a tiny bit with the memory of Derrick’s touch. Twisting on the shower, I set it to be on the cool side. I need to put out this fire if I’m going to sit near him and keep it together.
The square showerhead rains water over me. So gentle, the cool liquid is like a caress. I search for a way to adjust the flow. I need to feel strong pressure and flip the switch to stream. My skin relishes the pounding.
Fifteen minutes later and I’m dressed in my work polo, Bermuda shorts and my usual ponytail. While my hair is wet, it will be dry enough by the time we open for lunch. I jog down the stairs to the kitchen and am greeted by the smell of strong coffee.
“Coffee?” Derrick holds a mug out toward me.
“That would be wonderful. I take it black.”
“A no-frills girl, I like it.” His eyes dance with amusement as he hands me the cup.
Of course you do. Who needs foreplay? Obviously I don’t. “Thanks.” The oversized mug is hot in my hands, and I take a sip without thinking. The bitter liquid burns my tongue and tears prick my eyes as it scorches its way down my throat. I’m handling this well, not.
Derrick asks, “Wasn’t that hot?” I’m about to say no when he continues. “Nika has the coffee maker set to almost boiling so her coffee can stay warm longer. I burn my tongue almost every time.”
“Um, yeah. I did burn my tongue. I should have tested it first.” I slide onto a leather-cushioned bar chair.
“No, my bad. I should have warned you. Sorry about that.”
His mouth draws my attention, and my lips ache with the need to kiss him. Suddenly grateful for the island of granite between us, I nod and glance past him toward the stove. “What’s for breakfast?”
Derrick leans his arms on the counter so his face is closer. Close enough I smell his warm spicy scent mixed with a hint of something familiar my mind knows is dangerous. His low voice wraps around me, accosting my senses. “I should have warned you about something else too. I take what I want if it’s offered.”
My core twinges at his words, and I will myself not to squirm. “So I gathered.” I sit back in my chair to resist the strong urge to back him up against a wall and make him beg me to touch him.
He stands again and opens a cabinet. Heavy ceramic plates clatter against the stone, and he says, “Eggs, bacon, and toast if you want it.” He’s at ease in this kitchen, and I realize the geeky guy at my bar is long gone. This version has me simmering.
Wait, something he wants? “I’ll take it all. I seem to have worked up an appetite.” I’m so playing with fire, but I can’t help it. I haven’t been this attracted to a guy in a long time. I’m absolutely sure he’s trouble, but I don’t care.
His low laugh rumbles through me as he plates up breakfast for the two of us. I ask, “Should we wait for Nika?”
“She doesn’t eat breakfast. She’ll be down for coffee soon.”
He sets the food down and comes around to join me. Just as he does, I hear a parade of footsteps on the stairs. The dogs tumble down in a pack, and I’m not sure they regain balance until they’re at the bottom.
“Smells great, Derrick. Thanks for cooking for Gretchen.” Nika breezes into the kitchen. Without any makeup she’s still stunningly beautiful in a simple golf skirt and polo shirt.
“You’re welcome. If I left it up to you, she’d leave here unsatisfied.” He sneaks me a wink when Nika turns to fill her mug with coffee.
Cocky. I like it. I shake my head and squint my eyes at him in mock anger. “We can’t have that now, can we?”
Nika tilts her head at me. “What’s going on? You two are getting along, aren’t you?”
Damn, she’s good. “We’re fine. He makes a mean breakfast.” Taking a final bite of my toast, I lick my fingers, but force it to be matter of fact instead of flirty. “Delicious.”
“Great. We should go soon so you’re not late for work. Plus, I have a tee time at ten. Almost ready?” She pours milk into her travel mug of coffee.
“Yes, let me brush my teeth, and I’m good to go.” I get up with my plate, but Derrick grabs my wrist with a grip a bit tighter than normal.
“I’ve got it.” He pauses and then says, “I do more than cook. I’m a full-service kind of guy.” He releases my wrist, but I’m trapped by his eyes. There’s no mistaking what he meant, and my insides quiver.
“Jesus, Derrick. You might try dating her first.” Nika shakes her head. “Even you aren’t that hot. W
omen like a little romance.”
Wanna bet?
“Fine. Gretchen, would you go out with me? Dinner maybe? Then we can come back here to fuck.”
“You’re such a pig! Ugh. Don’t listen to him, Gretchen. He’s just trying to push my buttons.” She hits Derrick on the arm. “I don’t know why I try to help. You ruin any chance you’ve got the moment you open your mouth.”
“Then maybe you should stop, and let me find a girl that appreciates my direct ways.” He looks right at me and says, “She might be just as relieved as I am not to have to play the game.”
I hold up a hand. “No comment. I’m going to get ready and leave you two to this discussion.” Because I’m at a loss for words here. I jog up the stairs to escape as lust courses through my veins.
CHAPTER 7
Metal clangs as I roll silverware in a napkin. Now that I’ve contained my lust, my brain is trying to sort out what I want because Derrick made it crystal clear he wants sex with me. And I more than want it with him. The idea of a sexual relationship without the games sounds appealing. I tend to get involved with guys that fall in love with me. We hook up, start a relationship based on sex, and then in a few months when we’re just getting into a groove, they go and fall in love with me. I usually see it coming. They get clingy, sometimes jealous, and my skin crawls with the attention. I feel trapped and have to let them go. Derrick doesn’t strike me as that kind of guy. So what’s niggling at me?
Moving on to the pile of bar towels, I fold them neatly. Thirsty cotton is plush in my hands as I let the methodic process soothe my frazzled state. I’m interrupted by a scratchy smoker’s voice. “Good morning, Gretchen. Mind if we take our table early?”
“Not at all, Mr. Grimes. I’m just about done here and can take your drink order for the waitress. I’ll be right over.” Mr. Grimes and a few other retired gentlemen come in to play poker one day a week. They sit in a corner for most of the day. They have a good time, and the waitress that gets them usually has fun too.
