Hot, Wet, Smooth, and Hard (Craving Cove Book 1)

by Blue,Marina

  “I know that look,” Kat said. “You’re playing the game.”

  Melody looked over. “Huh?”

  “You know, the one that kept you from trying to follow your dreams of being a professional singer…”

  Melody shook her head. “First off, I’m not good enough to sing in front of people. And second, what game are you talking about?”

  “To respond to those statements in order,” Kat said. “You are good enough to sing professionally. Good enough to do anything you want, really. You’re the most talented person I know. And second, the game you’re playing is the classic Melody Brooding What If Game. What if I’m wrong? What if I fail? What if people don’t approve? What if, what if, what if? I think that’s why you bailed on your job to marry William so early in your career.”

  Melody thought about her friend’s suggestion.

  “Stop thinking,” Kat said. “Go. Do what I said, then go get what belongs to you.”

  The waiter returned with the lemon pie, and delivered it with a smile. “Enjoy.”

  Kat swallowed a spoonful. “Delicious.”

  Melody considered the proposition. “Yeah,” she said. “They have excellent pie.”

  Kat ran her tongue up the silver utensil. “Who’s talking about pie?”

  #

  Melody drove home, and called her new lawyer. “Hello, Ms. Banks?”

  Celia Banks was pleasant, but professional. “Is this Mrs. Brooding?”

  “It is,” Melody said. “I’m calling about hiring you. I’m getting divorced-”

  “Yes, I know. Kat told me everything. She also mentioned that you’re taking a vacation? I must advise you against it. I’d suggest staying in your home. That makes it easier in cases like yours.”

  Melody looked around the living room. It was beautiful, full of gorgeous furniture, and an ugly couch that her husband nearly soiled with his mistress. “No, I can’t. But I’m having the locks changed, along with the security code. Then I’m alerting the security company that my husband and I are going out of town, and that anybody claiming to be us is lying and should be dealt with by the police. Do you think that’ll work?”

  Celia Banks’ smile was almost audible. “Your friend was right, Mrs. Brooding. You’re an extremely intelligent woman.”

  “No I’m not, but thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. I also wanted to mention my fee.”

  “I have twenty-”

  “Thousand,” Celia said. “Yes, Kat told me that, too. Normally I’d take it as a retainer, but I was told your husband has a considerable net worth.”

  “He does,” Melody said. “We do.”

  “Excellent. Then I’ll be happy to use a percentage of the settlement for my payment.”

  “Thanks again. Anyway, I’m going to leave in about an hour, please set everything in motion, and if you need me I can be reached on my cell.”

  “Outstanding, I look forward to working together.”

  Melody sighed deeply. “Me too.” She gave Celia her number and hung up. Then she waited for the locksmith to arrive. He traded out a new lock for every door in about thirty minutes, and after that, Melody locked each one, alerted the security company to her plans, then packed a bag and jumped into her red sedan.

  It took a few minutes, but she managed to turn the key. Then she drove towards the last place she truly felt unstoppable.

  Chapter 3

  After nearly four hours, Melody finally found herself entering the tunnel that led to Craving Cove. It cut through the top of a mountain, and was narrow, long, and almost completely dark. It felt constricting. Tight. But when Melody came out the other side, the valley Craving Cove sat in unfurled beneath her, like a shining emerald.

  It was like being on the lip of half a bowl. Both sides of the mountain’s steep hills curved on either side of her, and ran all the way to the ocean. To the right, the incline was dotted with thousands of different colored flowers, each one bright and beautiful. On the left, at the very end of the mountain, sat a tall, white lighthouse.

  Directly in front of her, taking up the whole basin, was the town itself. The roads were small, and lined with quaint houses. Each one was unique, but somehow all the styles complimented each other, and blended in with the rich, verdant greens of the trees. At the end of the residential area, was the beach. Smooth, white sand that could make Hawaii jealous practically glowed as the small waves, capped with white foam, gracefully tumbled in.

  Especially near the pier on the left. It sat under the lighthouse, and could handle fifteen ships. It’s where much of the action was. It’s where all of the sailors were. Craving Cove had a booming ocean trade. There was sport fishing, whale watching cruises, and all sorts of water activities. Though despite the fact that all the docks were occupied, there was a conspicuous lack of sailors.

  Though if her particular sailor was still here, that’s where he’d be.

  Sinbad.

  The man who made her want to sin, bad.

  His real name was Knox, and just thinking about him made Melody's heart flutter like a jittery hummingbird. They’d made a lot of memories here. But would they make more? Melody hoped so. She needed it. But she wasn’t quite ready for that just yet. First, she had to find a place to stay. And there was only one spot she’d accept.

  The Coeur de Mer Bed and Breakfast.

  Home.

  Melody took the long road into the valley. It twisted back and forth, all the way down the side of the mountain. Once she arrived at its bottom, she turned down Ocean Way, the town’s main drag, and couldn’t help but notice the changes. The real estate office had closed down, as had the old bookstore and the dress shop. There was also very few people around.

  Odd.

  But as she got further down the street, closer to the water, signs of life began to sprout. Groups of children were playing, and a few families were window-shopping. The drug store was still bright. And then she came up to the corner where The Perfect Sundae sat. Its front was covered in windows, and inside every table was taken. Next to the front door was its famous pink bicycle with the bright white tires, and leather seat.

  And Melody smiled as she remembered her last ride on it. She had the urge to stop, and go in for a malt, but instead she took the next left onto Heart’s Way Road. It was a beautiful street that meandered lazily through the green trees, and up the side of the mountain’s foot until it came to the Coeur de Mer. Melody pulled into the open garage, got out of her car, and walked to the lawn.

  Looking up at the old Bed and Breakfast she sighed deeply.

  The old place hadn’t changed. Not. One. Bit.

  The home was nestled snugly into the mountain’s slope. Its wooden panels were still that perfect shade of pink, and the window’s white trimming was as bright as the sun. The wraparound porch had an old swing that looked out over the docks and water, making it the perfect place to see a sunrise or sunset. Even the grass was as green as she remembered.

  Melody looked at the whole property and smiled. Always reminded me of a cake…

  She inhaled deeply. The air smelled of the salty sea, with just a hint of honeysuckle. And for a moment she was young again. Full of hope. Full of promise. Full of-

  “Mel?” an old woman’s voice said. “Melody Song?”

  Melody turned to the porch. An older woman stood there. She was short, but wide, in a blue flower dress, and had on a ludicrously large brimmed hat. The years had turned her blond hair silver, but there was no mistaking that smile.

  “Pearl!” Melody ran over with her arms wide.

  “It is you!” Pearl walked down the steps, and pulled her into a tight hug.

  The smell of jasmine and bergamot tea washed over her. It was the scent of love. And of motherhood. And of promises kept…

  When they quit their embrace, Pearl said, “Melody Song, I can’t believe it. How long has it been since I’ve seen that gorgeous face?”

  Melody brushed away a stray tear. “Too long. It’s good to see you. B
ut it’s no longer Song, remember? I’m Melody Brooding.”

  “That name doesn’t fit you,” Pearl said. “But hopefully that handsome, rich husband still does. Where is he?” Pearl looked around.

  “With his mistress. Probably.”

  Pearl's face slid a few inches. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Don’t be. I’m not.”

  The older woman grabbed Melody's arm, and gently squeezed. “Are you sure? You look a little sorry.”

  Melody sighed. “No, I’m good. Just not great. That’s why I’m here, I need a…” Melody searched for the words, but they were lost in a fog.

  But Pearl beamed like a lighthouse, cutting through the grayness. “You need a fresh start. You need to recharge. Darling, you’ve come to the right place. Home.”

  Melody turned and looked out over the cove. The view wasn’t the best in town, but it was always her favorite. “Home.”

  “It sure is,” Pearl said. “Now, let’s get you settled. Grab your bag while I get some tea.”

  “Absolutely,” Melody said. She turned and walked towards the garage.

  Pearl waddled towards the house, but stopped. “Did I say tea? I meant wine.” Then she winked, and disappeared into the house.

  Melody walked back into the garage. She was happy to be home. And to see Pearl. Over the years, they’d spoken less and less. In fact, it had been seven months since they’d last talked, but the older woman hadn’t said a thing about that. She didn’t make Melody feel bad. She just welcomed her with open arms. Like she always did.

  Melody opened the trunk, and reached for her bag. But as she did, a loud rumbling came from behind. She spun around. And every part of her froze. Except her heart. That nearly leapt from her chest.

  Because a motorcycle was riding towards her. It was big and black and chrome, and on its back was a man. The black t-shirt he wore was stretched thin by his broad chest and wide arms, and all six abs on his slim waist poked through it like knots on a tree. The jeans, too, were straining to hold his powerful thighs in check. His short beard was as dark as the hair on his head, and both were so thick that they barely moved in the breeze he rode through. His forearms were knotted, and full of blue and green tattoos of sea creatures, and at their ends were a pair of powerful hands, that were both soft and calloused, which he used to pilot his black beast of a cycle up to the curb in front of the Coeur de Mer.

  When he cut the engine Melody's world went silent. And her heart whispered, Knox.

  He dismounted the bike like a barbarian from his steed.

  “Mr. Knox!” a tiny voice cried out.

  Knox turned around. There was a small girl in a pink dress on the other side of the street.

  “Hi, Samantha.” His voice echoed in every part of Melody. “How are you?”

  The young girl twirled. “Fine. You want some tea?” She motioned to the small table on her lawn with three stuffed bears sitting there.

  “Of course,” Knox said. He strode across the street like a panther, his meaty arms swinging with a grace few men possessed. But Melody was busy staring at the round lines that made up his ass. It still hung in the air like a balcony, round and firm. Smooth and hard. And like his arms in the shirtsleeves, it strained against the cotton trying to contain it.

  “What kind of tea do you like?” Samantha said.

  Knox stooped down. “What kind do you have?”

  “Jasmine.”

  “Jasmine’s my favorite.”

  The little girl lit up. “Me too! Here.” She poured an imaginary cupful into the plastic mug on the table.

  Knox picked it up, extended his pinky, and drank it in one gulp. “That’s delicious, thanks Sam.”

  “You’re welcome. You want another?”

  “When I come back, I promise. I have to pick some stuff up from Pearl.”

  “Ok,” the little girl said. “Bye!”

  Knox stood up, and walked back across the road, striding the street like a giant. But when he got to the sidewalk he stopped dead. He stared into the garage. And with a voice that sounded deeper than a crashing wave, he said her name. “Melody Song.”

  She felt it more deeply than the fearsome vibrations of the bike. She looked into his eyes. Even from ten feet away they were an impossible blue, with flecks of silver, and they stood out from his dusky complexion. “Hi Knox.”

  “I can’t believe it.” Knox walked up to her, his massive frame dwarfing her easily. “You’ve come home.”

  Inside Melody a hurricane was brewing. Her heart beat against her chest like gale force winds. Her stomach pitched back and forth, like the storming sea. She wanted to tell him how much she missed him. How their parting had been such a stupid mistake. How sorry she was for how she’d treated him. And how she never wanted anyone else. Melody opened her mouth, ready to say all of those things, and bare her soul. But the only word that came out was, “Yes.”

  He nodded slowly. “Are you staying long?”

  “I don’t know. For a while. I think.”

  “A while?” A smirk broke the surface of Knox’s face. “But you’ll be gone. Eventually.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Because that’s what you do.”

  “Knox, that’s not fair.”

  “Yes it is. But hey, maybe this time you’ll say goodbye.” He looked down at her red car. “But probably not.”

  Melody shook her head, trying to regain some composure. “Why don’t you come in? Pearl's getting me some tea. Uh, wine.”

  “Come in?” Knox said. He had something like a sneer on his face. “You want me to come in? I see you’re not wearing a wedding ring.” He moved in close.

  And Melody took a step back. But she ran into her bumper. She leaned back, over the open trunk. She was completely off balance.

  Knox moved in even closer. His lips, and that perfect mouth of his, were inches from hers. He smelled like the ocean, with a bit of leather and just a touch of grease mixed in. Melody was breathing heavily. Almost panting. And his mouth grew even closer.

  But Knox didn’t kiss her. Instead, his lips sank lower, like an anchor. His mouth passed her chin. Then it was inches from her breasts.

  Melody watched him intently.

  And Knox kept eye contact as he went. Those gorgeous blue eyes stared into hers as he inched lower. And lower. And lower.

  Melody bit her lip. Whatever he wanted to do to her, she couldn’t stop him. She knew it. She looked around. The little girl was back inside. Nobody was out. They were all alone, in the garage. And Knox sank even lower. Then he licked his lips.

  Melody slipped her feet further apart. And closed her eyes. The idea of his mouth between her legs set her head spinning. He had the most incredible tongue.

  A few seconds passed. Melody held her breath with anticipation.

  Then Knox said, “Your bag.”

  Melody opened her eyes.

  Knox was once again erect, looking down at her.

  “My what?” She looked at his hand. In it was her suitcase. “Oh, right.”

  Knox said, “Come on, Pearl's waiting.” Then he walked out of the garage, and towards the porch.

  Melody steadied herself, and followed him on weaker knees.

  For a big man Knox went up the steps fluidly, and rapped on the door twice. “Hey Pearl!”

  The older woman appeared. “Well, look at this vision from the past. I thought I’d never see the two of you standing on my porch, together again.”

  “We’re standing next to each other,” Knox said. “We’re not together.”

  “Well, give it time,” Pearl said.

  “We did.” Knox looked at Melody. “Fifteen years. How’d that work out for you?”

  Melody opened her mouth.

  But Pearl cut her off. “Now don’t be rude. Both of you, come on in.”

  Knox motioned to Melody. “After you.”

  Chapter 4

  The trio stepped into the spacious living room. To the right was a picture window, and a
n old couch with floral print in front of a coffee table. Next to that, was a pink easy chair that Pearl always sat in. Straight ahead, hanging in a thick, wooden frame over the fireplace, was a large painting.

  Pearl led them into the center of the room and spun around. “Glass of wine, Knox?”

  “No thanks, I’m just here for the provisions.” He put Melody's bag on the sofa.

  “The cobblers? They’re boxed up, next to the porch swing,” Pearl said.

  “Thanks. My crew would be in open revolt if we pulled anchor without them.”

  “So when do you shove off?” Pearl asked.

  “Tonight,” Knox said.

  “Fishing or pleasure?” Melody said.

  “Neither. I’m looking for that.” Knox motioned towards the watercolor painting.

  Melody looked. The painting was of a proud Clipper Ship with a bright green flag that was being tossed in a violent storm. Its hull was cracked open, and water poured in. And she laughed. “The Foundering Grouse? You’re still looking for that?”

  Knox gazed deep into her eyes. “When I pledge myself to something, I never give up on it. And I certainly don’t run away for no reason without a word.”

  Melody felt his words deeply. “I’m sorry,” she squeaked.

  There was a moment or two that passed without anyone saying anything. Just Melody and Knox, staring at each other.

  Finally, Pearl said, “Ok, that’s good to hear. Do you know how long you’ll be out for?”

  Knox looked over at her. “Maybe a week.”

  Melody’s heart sank. “A week?”

  “Depends. Maybe less. Maybe more. It’s not like there’s anything waiting for me here.”

  “Let’s hope you find success,” Pearl said. “On both sea and land, I know I’m pulling for you.”

  “Thanks. Anyway, I got to get going if we’re to sail with the tide.” He stared at Melody. “It was… Welcome home.”

  “You too,” she said.

  Knox looked at her funny.

  And Melody cursed herself for saying something so stupid. So she said, “I meant goodbye.” And instinctively, she got up on her tiptoes and leaned in to kiss Knox’s cheek.