Cold Feet

by Samantha A. Cole

  Grasping her elbow, he led her across the lot to where she’d parked her SUV. “No, he was in the kitchen when it happened. He ran outside, but whoever threw it had already taken off. He’s worried it’s related to your tires getting slashed.”

  “What?”

  “That’s all I know, Gi. He said he’d fill us in when we got there.” They reached her truck and he helped her into the driver’s seat before cupping her chin and turning her head toward him. “Are you okay to drive?” When she nodded, he hesitated a moment, studying her face. “Okay. I’m going to follow you there. Wait for me to get my truck before you pull out and be careful you don’t lose me on the way. I’ll stay close behind.”

  “O-okay.”

  He leaned in and brushed his lips across hers. “It’ll be okay, Gi. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  As two patrolmen and a detective from the Largo Ridge Police Department left, after taking some photos and a statement from Ryan, Regina pulled the vacuum, broom, and dustpan out from where they were stored in a closet in the hall. Justin and one of the maintenance guys from the resort, Tim Keller, had driven up a short while ago with several sheets of plywood and some tools. With Buck and Ryan’s help, they were removing pieces of the broken glass that’d remained stuck into the plateglass window frame before shoring up the opening with the plywood. Ryan would call the glass repair shop in town and get a replacement put in as soon as possible. Hopefully, it would only be a day or two.

  Regina was still shaking from the incident. What Ryan hadn’t told her until she and Buck had arrived home was that there’d been a message taped to the brick that’d been thrown through the window and had also been taken as evidence. A white piece of paper with black marker lettering had announced, “You’re next, bitch!”

  As Buck had mentioned, Ryan had been in the kitchen, reheating the beef stew, when he’d heard the crash. In slippered feet, he’d run out the front door, without thinking twice about it, but the suspect had disappeared into the night. The patrolmen had knocked on several of the neighbors’ doors, but no one had seen or heard anything. There was enough distance between the houses for someone who lived right next door to not be able to hear the glass breaking, especially if they had a TV or radio on.

  After discovering there had been a previous vandalizing of Regina’s tires, the patrolmen had called in a detective to investigate. The responding detective had been Heath Cobb, who’d been a year younger in school than Ryan and his friends, but they’d all played football and baseball together. Unfortunately, Heath wasn’t optimistic about getting any fingerprints off the piece of paper, but he’d said he would at least try when he got back to the police station. He’d warned Regina to be careful and to report any other incidents or anyone acting suspiciously to the police. Ryan had assured him that he, Buck, and Justin would make sure she remained safe.

  By the time the men were finished putting up the plywood and a sheet of heavy plastic over it to prevent any drafts, Regina had swept and then vacuumed up all the pieces of glass she could find. It’d scattered everywhere—onto the couch, Ryan’s recliner, the coffee and end tables, the carpet, and even out into the hallway and foyer. Tomorrow, in the daylight, she’d give everything another round of cleaning. She and Ryan would have to wear slippers or shoes at all times until she was certain there were no slivers that’d escaped the suck of the vacuum.

  When Ryan entered the house with the others, he strode toward her and gave her a hug. “You okay, Gi?”

  With her arms around him, she patted his back. She still had a few tremors of fear and anxiety racing through her, which had started on the drive home, but the worst of it was over. “Yeah, I guess. I just wish I knew why someone is after me.”

  “So do I. And when I find the son of a bitch—”

  Justin slapped him on the shoulder as he passed them. “We’ll help you bury the body.”

  Regina groaned and let go of her brother. “Justin, don’t say that.”

  “Why not? It’s the truth.”

  “Because if you get caught, and I get subpoenaed, I don’t want to have to lie under oath that I didn’t know anything about it.”

  All four men stilled and stared at her for a moment. It was Buck who burst out laughing first, followed by the others. “Atta girl.”

  With the mood changed and lightened, as she’d hoped it would be, she asked, “Is anyone hungry? I can heat up the beef stew.”

  “Is that your mom’s beef stew?” Justin asked, rubbing a hand over his stomach. “If it is, I’d love some.”

  “Hell, yeah,” Buck chimed in.

  An hour later, everyone had eaten their fill of the stew, leaving only a few helpings in the pot. Justin and Tim took their leave after Buck and Ryan said they’d take care of the dishes. Meanwhile, Regina went to her bedroom and changed into a pair of sweatpants and a long-sleeved T-shirt. By the time she returned to the kitchen, everything had been cleaned or put away.

  Buck’s gaze fell on her, and she could see the hunger in his eyes when he seemed to realize she’d taken her bra off too. But then he glanced at Ryan, whose back was to them as he was lifting the full bag out of the trash can. Sighing, with a disappointed expression, Buck said, “It’s been a long night. I should be getting home. I’ll talk to you tomorrow?”

  Although his question had been directed at Regina, Ryan had assumed it’d been meant for him and responded, “Yup. Patriots are playing at four. Don’t be late.”

  He winked at Regina. “Yeah, I don’t think you have to worry about that.”

  Just after eight on Tuesday evening, Regina followed Buck into his house. Each time she was there, she couldn’t believe how much work he’d done since purchasing it. She hadn’t seen it back then, but Ryan had mentioned the house had been in sore need of repairs when Buck had first moved in. From the look of the kitchen, en suite bath, and principal bedroom, which hadn’t been touched yet, she would have to agree. With the help of his friends, Buck had already replaced all the old walls and ceilings with sheetrock in the living room, dining room, hallways, and two spare bedrooms that were on the second floor. He was going to finish off one of the latter before temporarily moving his bed in there while he tackled the largest bedroom.

  A full bath off the upstairs hallway had already received a makeover, with beautiful, walnut cabinets, a black marble countertop, black and white tiles on the floor, and a white bathtub, toilet, and sink with silver fixtures. The walls had been painted a soft gray, and the countertop accessories and towels were burgundy and white. That’d been the first room to be redone, since he’d had no desire to use it the way it’d been any longer than necessary.

  “Watch your step,” he told her. Long lengths of crown molding had been laid out and piled up against one wall of the hallway leading to the kitchen. “Those are going up next. Then on Monday, the guys are coming to lay down the new wooden floors.”

  “You’re not doing that yourself?”

  “Nah . . . I have enough backbreaking work to do. I hired a company to do the wood floors. I’ll be doing the tile in the foyer, kitchen, and the half-bath down here though.”

  In the kitchen, which had seen better days, Buck set the pizza and six-pack of beer they’d picked up on the way home on the table. Meanwhile, Regina took off her coat and began to gather the paper plates and napkins they needed from one of the cabinets. It was much later than she usually ate dinner, and she was starving. He’d picked her up at her house after work, and they’d gone to a furniture store to select a few things.

  When she’d met up with everyone at the resort for their monthly meeting, the subject of Buck’s lack of available furniture had come up. Trying not to sound too interested, she’d offered to go with him to look for a few pieces, like a couch, recliner, tables, and TV cabinet for his sixty-inch widescreen to sit on. A dinette set had also been needed to replace the folding table and chairs they were currently using in the kitchen. Regina had been surprised when Ryan had said it was a great idea for her
to go with Buck because she had a far better sense of style than any of the men. Buck had given her a covert wink, clearly acknowledging the sly trick to be able to spend time with him, since they still hadn’t told Ryan they were dating.

  Taking a large bite of his pizza, Buck moaned in delight as the sauce and cheese tantalized his taste buds. Around a mouthful, he said, “God, I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”

  “It’s been a long day.”

  Under the table, he ran his sock-covered foot up the outside of her leg. “Thanks for coming with me today. I would’ve been overwhelmed with the choices if you weren’t there.”

  “Are you sure you like everything?”

  Nodding, he chewed another bite, then swallowed. “Absolutely. Everything is good-looking, functional, and comfortable—and it doesn’t look all mismatched like the stuff from my old apartment. After Christmas, we’ll go back and find a dining room set and furniture for my bedroom. The spare bedrooms can wait until spring.” He was currently using the mismatched bedroom set he’d brought back to Largo Ridge with him from Massachusetts. His huge TV was in there too. What little else he had was currently in a unit at a nearby storage facility, while he worked on the rest of the house. Apparently, the loveseat and recliner he’d had for years were worn to the point he’d made the decision to toss them instead of putting them in the nice, new living room.

  “Sounds good to me.”

  They chatted about other normal, everyday things as they ate until they were both full. After they cleaned up, Buck grabbed her arms and pulled her into an embrace. “Thanks again for lending a hand tonight. I kind of like the fact you helped pick out the furniture for my house. At least when you move in with me, I won’t have to worry about you not liking it.”

  Regina stilled as she stared up at him. Had she heard him right? “When I move in with you?”

  He arched a brow and frowned. “Should I have said if you move in with me?”

  Thinking about it a moment, she realized the idea of moving in with Buck didn’t make her anxious like it’d been with Edward. With a seductive grin, she slid her hands up and down his muscular chest. “When works for me . . . on one condition.”

  He cupped her ass. “Yeah, what’s that?”

  “Well, I haven’t tried out the bed yet. I’ll have to see if it’s comfortable or not.”

  A sexy leer appeared on his face, fanning the flames of desire roaring to life within her. “Oh, I think we can take care of that right now.”

  Without another word, he leaned down, put his arm behind her knees, and swooped her up, cradling her against his chest. Regina squeaked then laughed as he carried her down the hall to the stairs and up to the second floor. She took advantage of her current position to nuzzle his neck and ears, licking and nibbling on his skin. Inhaling deeply, she let his aftershave tantalize her nose. It was the same delicious scent he’d worn all those years ago. The one she’d never forgotten.

  When they reached his bedroom, Buck kicked the door shut and relaxed his hold on Regina until she slid down his body and back onto her feet again. Cupping her jaw, Buck lowered his head and took possession of her mouth. He sucked her plump bottom lip between his, then ran his tongue over it, drawing a moan of desire from her lungs.

  While he backed her up toward the bed, Regina grasped the hem of his sweater and lifted. Buck stopped kissing her, so he could help her rid him of the garment and then her own top. His big hands cupped her restrained breasts, running his thumbs over the pebbled nipples with just the thin material of the lacy bra she wore between them. His gaze roamed her chest before lifting to her face. “God, you’re beautiful.”

  Without giving her a chance to respond past a blush, his lips met hers again in a punishing kiss. She opened for him without hesitation, enjoying the slide of his tongue against hers. He pulled her body flush against his, and they fit like two pieces of a puzzle. His erection was straining against the fly of his jeans, and she felt it twitch against her abdomen.

  His skin was hot and smooth against hers, and she moaned in protest when he pulled away a few inches. His eyes searched her face. “I don’t want to rush you, baby. We don’t have to—”

  “Shh.” Regina placed her fingers over his mouth. “You’re not rushing me. I want this, Buck. I know this boyfriend/girlfriend thing is new for us, but, honestly, I’ve been dreaming of being with you like this for years.” It was one of the main reasons she hadn’t been able to marry Edward. How could she when her fantasies were filled with the man standing in front of her? The man she was in love with. She couldn’t tell him that—not yet—but she knew deep in her heart and soul that Buck was the one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with . . . starting now.

  Going up on her tiptoes, she settled her mouth over his, bringing them back to where they’d been a few moments ago. Running her hands over his torso, she delighted in feeling his muscles quiver under her touch. Buck kissed along her jawline to the sensitive spot under her ear. “I want to spend hours worshiping your sweet body.”

  She giggled as she rubbed against him like a cat. “I want to let you.”

  Her hands slid down to the button of his jeans and made quick work of it, along with the zipper. When she tried to slip her fingers under the waistband of his boxer briefs, Buck caught her wrists before she could touch him further and wrapped them around his neck. “If you do that, sweetheart, this’ll be over before I get you naked.”

  As she hugged him to her, he devoured her mouth again, then dropped his hands to her jeans and before she realized it, he was pushing the pants and her underwear down her legs. Lifting her feet, she was able to rid herself of both garments seconds before Buck lowered her to the bed.

  As she reclined onto the mattress, Buck kissed, sucked, and licked his way down her body, laving her nipples for a few moments before going lower. Goose bumps skittered across her skin as she whimpered with need. The closer he got to the apex of her thighs, the harder her heart was pounding and she was gasping for air. She spread her legs wider as he sank to his knees beside the bed. “Please, Buck!”

  “Mmm. I love to hear you beg.” He ran his tongue along the crease of her right hip and then the left. But before she could demand he stop teasing her, his mouth closed over her clit and sucked. Regina’s pelvis lurched upward at the delicious shockwave that coursed through her, and she cried out for more.

  Buck used his fingers to part her folds and then he feasted on her. Regina squirmed, panted, and pleaded as he drove her desire higher and higher, alternating between her slit and her clitoris. Every so often his heavy eyelids would lift, and his gaze would meet hers. The raging storm of passion in his eyes was something she’d never seen before in any of the few lovers she’d had over the years—none of whom could have prepared her for a tempest named Buck.

  His tongue delved into her, then shifted to lash at her clit as he eased one and then two fingers inside her. Regina fidgeted under his ministrations, trying to get closer. Her orgasm was right there, just out of reach. She grabbed onto a handful of his hair, and Buck growled but didn’t let up his assault. He found the spot inside her, the one that had her quivering. He stroked it several times, then bit down gently on her clit. That was all her body could handle as she screamed her release. Her back bowed as her hands twisted, one still in his hair, the other clutching the comforter. Pleasure roared through her in waves of ecstasy until she sagged into the mattress, floating down from the intense high.

  Grinning like a loon, Buck pushed up onto his knees and wiped his sopping wet chin, then licked his fingers. “I plan on having you for dessert every night from now on, baby.”

  He crawled up onto the bed and kissed her, his tongue sweeping inside her mouth. She could taste herself on him, something she’d never enjoyed before now. Combined with Buck’s unique flavor, it was different this time and she couldn’t get enough of it.

  Pushing up onto one hand and his knees, Buck reached over and opened the drawer to his nightstand, pulling out a box
of condoms. Regina hadn’t expected the relief she felt when she realized it was a new, unopened box. She hadn’t wanted to think about whom Buck had been with before her if there’d been one or more of the tiny packages missing from the box. She wasn’t naive enough to think he hadn’t been with many women over the years, but she hoped none of them had been in this bedroom with him.

  Opening the box, Buck retrieved a foil package and quickly donned the condom. Then he was back on top of her. “Put your legs around me.”

  She did as she was told, digging her heels into his ass, urging him to enter her. She felt the tip of his cock ease inside of her. She was still slick from her orgasm and it only took him a few short thrusts to bottom out. Regina felt so full, it took a moment for her body to adjust to Buck’s girth.

  “Okay, baby?”

  Regina nodded and lifted her pelvis. “Yes, please move!”

  His mouth settled on hers again as his hips set a torturously slow pace. Regina moaned and ran her hands over every inch of his skin she could reach. When Buck changed the angle of his thrusts, she cried out as he hit her G-spot over and over again. Liquid heat rushed through her veins as Buck increased his pace. As the pressure building within her threatened to explode, she dug her nails into his back. This time, when she went over the edge, she took him with her. His shouts of ecstasy reverberated throughout the bedroom.

  As they lay there, completely spent and sated, Regina knew she was finally where she belonged.

  Sated, Buck lay on his back, with Regina cuddled against his side, her head on his shoulder. He’d pulled the bedsheet over their legs and lower torsos, leaving her gorgeous breasts exposed and crushed against him. His fingers caressed her upper arm. He’d figured sex with her would be amazing, but it’d been more than that—mind-blowing was the only way he could think to describe it right then. Never had he felt so completed by a woman, until her.

  All those years he’d wasted when he could’ve had her in his bed. But as he thought about that for a moment, he realized he’d done the right thing seven years ago. Neither of them had been ready for this. She’d been too young to be a soldier’s girlfriend, and the long, hard deployments would’ve destroyed them. No, he’d definitely done the right thing, and he had no trouble thinking up ways to make up for all the lost time. Now that he had her in his bed, he wasn’t sure he ever wanted to let her out of it.