The distant rumble of thunder surprised Evie, but it was nothing compared to the ruckus Cameron was causing inside her. The sheer force of his sexual magnetism radiated across the church aisle, making her weak-kneed. Evie’s breathing grew shallow as she remembered his words. By the time our first week together is over, you’ll be limp and satiated. Whimpering with pleasure.
She closed her eyes and willed herself to think of something else. Anything to stop the wanton direction of her thoughts. She was in church, for God’s sake. She drew in a calming breath and stared at the stained glass windows of the old stone church. Multi-faceted light spilled in through the windows creating a luminous, mystical glow. The church was filled with flowers. Bunches of fragrant lilies, roses, orchids and stephanotis tied with ivory satin ribbons decorated the end of each pew. Ladies in gauzy spring dresses and fanciful hats sat on the worn wooden pews beside gents wearing formal wear, including traditional Highland kilts.
The first time Kate and Alec got married, they had eloped. This time they were celebrating their re-marriage with a grand affair. A love like theirs came once in a lifetime. Evie had experienced that kind of love with her late husband, Michael. A lump thickened at the back of her throat as she recalled how her wedding day had been the best day of her life, a salvation from sadness and despair.
Evie looked up and caught Cameron observing her with heavy lidded eyes. Earlier, they had locked eyes when she walked up the church aisle and his wink had caused her to stumble. His striking gray-green eyes held her captive now as a smile teased the corners of his lips. Deceptively soft lips most likely skilled at firm, deep kisses and…and… Oh. A stirring of unbidden desire quivered deep inside her. Her knees nearly buckled at the intensity. Evie clutched the bouquet of scarlet roses with damp palms. She hadn’t felt such an intense jolt of sensual yearning in a long while.
Her cheeks heated and she didn’t move a muscle as Cameron watched her like a seasoned hunter. His thorough perusal sent tingly sparks zipping through her like lightning. It was intimate and too familiar. Evie swallowed against the sudden dryness in her throat. Heartbreaker Hunter was panty-meltingly gorgeous, but not relationship material. Definitely not husband material. Everyone knew he had no intention of marrying anytime soon. He was too busy dating supermodels and starlets exclusively, and then casually dumping them when he grew tired, leaving a trail of broken hearts behind.
She had to find a way to ignore him, but it was near impossible since the bridal party consisted of two people, herself and best man Cameron. They stood roughly six feet apart and separated only by Father MacGillis and the handsome groom, Alec MacLeod. The harp and flute duo segued to “And This Is My Beloved” as a tiny flower girl walked up the aisle tossing rose petals from a finely woven basket.
When the pink-cheeked child reached the altar, she clutched Evie’s hand. Evie gave her an encouraging smile and then raised her eyes to watch Kate walk up the aisle flanked by her handsome younger brothers. Her graceful head held high and a serene smile on her glistening lips, Kate glowed with happiness. Light shimmering in from the stained glass windows illuminated her splendor. Dressed in an empire silver bridal gown with a beaded lace bodice and yards of gossamer silk trailing behind, nobody would have guessed that Kate was four months pregnant. A crystal beaded 1930s bridal cap covered her chestnut hair above the low chignon at her nape.
She looked stunningly gorgeous and happier than Evie had ever seen her. Kate was as beautiful inside as she was on the outside, and she’d had her fair share of suffering. She was strong and resilient, but she had a generous, marshmallow heart. On the day she’d agreed to marry Alec again, Kate had promised Evie that she’d find her a husband.
Evie stole a glance at Alec and loved the besotted look on his face. The moment Kate neared the arch, he clutched his heart and shared an intimate look with her that told everyone she was his private fantasy come true. Kate blushed salmon pink and the guests chuckled.
The loudest chuckle came from Cameron, drawing Evie’s attention again. The moment their eyes collided, another jolt of reckless desire made her knees almost buckle. Smoldering dark green eyes held hers as a faintly wicked smile played at his lips. On the ride over he’d acted like he knew something deeply personal about her. But how could he? Kate would never divulge anything private about her. Try as Evie might to ignore him, it wouldn’t be possible. He was her intended date and she’d be seated beside him all evening.
Evie inhaled sharply and turned her gaze away. The cool air cloaked her bare shoulders in a fine mist and chilled the hot flush on her skin. Her blushing cheeks still felt warm and she could feel Cameron’s burning gaze on her as she kept her attention focused on the bride and groom.
The moment Father MacGillis pronounced Kate and Alec “man and wife”, Alec tilted Kate backward and kissed her passionately, his large hands cupping her bottom and lifting her high with an “Aye” that sounded like a triumphant Highland battle cry. It was so appropriate for the feisty couple that raucous applause followed them down the aisle.
Cameron approached Evie and offered his arm. Her hand curled around his steely forearm. Good Lord, was he that hard all over? Beneath the formalwear was a former rugby player with powerful arms, a six pack torso and highly developed gluteus and thigh muscles. All that gorgeous male strength walking beside her made her crave naughty things.
Two weeks of erotic pleasure. Nothing more, nothing less. He expected an answer tonight.
The feel of Cameron’s harnessed strength made her deprived libido zing out of control. How would it feel to have those steely arms locked around her firmly? To have his strong hands stroke her body into mindless submission? She stole a glance at him and her pulse quickened. He was certain he’d have her whimpering with pleasure by week’s end, and she had no doubt he could. Her blood heated at the prospect of letting go, but wariness won out.
The moment the heavy wooden door creaked open, a flurry of wet wind swept inside heralding rain and Evie wished she hadn’t left her coat in the car. Kate and Alec made it to the end of the flower festooned canvas arch and ducked inside a white vintage Rolls Royce.
Just as Evie and Cameron approached the exit, a booming crack of lightning made Evie dig her nails into his arm.
“How fast can you run?” Cameron asked, glancing down at her feet.
“In these shoes, not too—” Her words halted when a second spark of lightning hit a metal pole holding up the canopy. A lick of flame ignited the arched canvas and Evie froze in her tracks. Her stomach pitched and her chest constricted as her legs immobilized with fear. She felt Cameron’s gentle tug, but she was incapable of moving an inch.
“Come on, Angel.” Cameron slid a strong arm under her legs and lifted her in his arms. He bolted forward on the gravel road, his large body hunched over hers, creating a shield against the foul weather. When they reached the Bentley, he opened the door and carefully set her on the seat. By the time he made it to the driver’s side he was so wet his hair was plastered to his forehead. He pushed his fingers though his thick hair, sending a spray of droplets back and over his starched white collar.
“Nothing like a wee bit of rain to liven things up. I’ve heard it’s good luck to have rain at a wedding,” he said cheerfully.
When Evie didn’t answer, he turned to her. “What’s wrong? You’re as white as a ghost and trembling like a wee rabbit.”
She stared at him and tried to formulate words, but her lips quivered out of control. “I’m cold and wet,” she said finding her voice at last. Her muffled explanation sounded lame and from the dubious look in his eyes, he wasn’t buying it.
“Let’s get you comfortable and then you can tell me why you’re terrified.” His big hands rubbed her arms briskly, bringing blood to the surface.
Before long a hot flush spread over her sensitized skin, warming her inside and out. He draped her cashmere camel coat over her body.
“Thank you,” she murmured, burrowing into it.
“My plea
sure, Angel.” He flashed a smile. “I’d put you on my lap and warm you up properly, but my kilt is soaked through. Feel better now?”
“Much better,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Satisfied, he started the ignition. “Just a wee bit of thunder and lightning. It’s nothing to panic about,” he assured her kindly as he pulled out of the driveway.
“It’s not the storm I’m freaked out about. It’s the fire.” Evie gulped air into her constricted lungs. “My mother died in a car crash. It went up in flames as my little sister and I watched helplessly.” The agonizing image of her dear, sweet mother trapped in the blazing car would forever be ingrained in her mind. She drew in a shuddering breath and swallowed against the lump in her throat.
Cameron slanted concerned eyes at her. “I’m sorry about your mum. When did it happen?”
“Fourteen years ago. I was eighteen. A long time ago, but whenever I see fire, it feels as if it were yesterday.” She clutched the sides of her dress in tight fists.
Cameron patted her knee. “Calm down, lass. You’ll tear holes in your beautiful gown if you keep pulling at it that way.” His soothing voice and gentle touch grounded her as the panic began to subside. “Everything is fine. You’re safe here.”
Evie let go of the satin bunched in her hands and stared out the window. She felt small beside him—and embarrassed. He was in control and she had unraveled before him. “You must think I’m a nut case,” she said with a sigh.
“Not at all. I can only imagine your pain. I still agonize over the boating accident that nearly killed Divina. You survived a traumatic car crash and lost your mum. That’s far worse.”
“Thank you for understanding.” She touched his shoulder. The wet wool felt rough against her hand.
“No need for thanks. We could both use a wee dram.”
Kate nodded. She sure could use a dram of whisky. “Good thing Kate and Alec got away before the worst of it.”
“Aye.”
“I’m worried about the other guests. The fire might have…” she trailed off, not wanting to think about the danger.
Cameron took her freezing hand in his and squeezed gently. Her hand tingled beneath his slightly callused palm and she drew a steadying breath as worry gave way to yearning for more of his touch.
He released her hand and gave it a firm pat. “No more worrying. I’m sure they’re safe. By now the rain has doused the fire. The ladies are more likely worried about their appearance than a wee fire,” he said dryly.
“Ah, vanity. It’s not only the ladies who care,” she countered with a smile.
He smiled back. Not a devil-may-care smile, but a sincere one that warmed her to the tips of her wet satin pumps. She marveled at the change in him and welcomed it. Gone was the swaggering player, replaced by a considerate man. The recent trip to the car in his solid arms had been a balm to her raw nerves, but she was embarrassed by her meltdown. A blaze of fire and she’d fallen apart, trembling like a wee rabbit as he’d eloquently put it.
Growing up, Evie had always been the sensible one. Her mother had been a single mom and an incurable dreamer who had had two daughters from different men and hadn’t married either one of them. Ivy, her ginger-haired younger sister was sweet and smart, but impulsive to a fault, a trait she inherited from their mom. Evie had had to hold it together for the three of them to survive. It had been hard work to keep her stoner mom on the right path while she was alive, but Evie had looked past her weaknesses and had adored her untamed creativity and generous spirit. When her mother passed, a grief-stricken Evie had raised Ivy as best she could. If it hadn’t been for Michael taking them in, who knew where they would have ended up?
She had loved Michael deeply for saving them from the burning car and would have sacrificed anything for him. And she had by agreeing not to have a baby with him, something she regretted to this day. Michael had had two teenagers from his previous marriage and didn’t want more children. If she’d only been able to change his mind, she’d at least have his child now.
Growing up with an unconventional mom and no father had taught Evie not to waste time on impossible dreams. At eighteen when she was at her lowest point, Michael had swept in like the archangel he was named after. He’d married her, refined her rough edges and guided her through the process of finding scholarships and grants. He had also taken in ten-year-old Ivy and helped raise her. Once Evie finished college, she’d gone to fashion design school, all funded by Michael.
She turned her thoughts to Cameron, vividly aware of his vibrant energy and her reaction to it. His eyes were on the winding road as he drove with one hand braced on the steering wheel and the other resting on the stick shift. A light dusting of dark hair on the backs of his tanned hands contrasted with the snowy whiteness of his shirt cuff. She stole a glance at his angular profile; the sharp jaw, straight blade of a nose and rigid chin made his face manly. Yet it was his smoky green eyes beneath the luxurious sweep of thick lashes and the firm set of his sensual lips that made her pulse quicken.
A tremor ran through her and she hugged herself. The tender peaks of her pebbled nipples grazed the damp silk alerting her she was in danger of succumbing to the hunter. Cameron’s protective side lured her more than the verbal seduction he’d tried earlier. Maybe she shouldn’t have judged him solely on his media personality, without really knowing him.
But who was she kidding? Cameron Hunter was an irresistible combination of alpha male and protector. Delicious shivers coursed through her as she remembered the feel of his strong hands firmly rubbing her arms. I’d put you on my lap and warm you up properly, he’d said as if it were a common occurrence. Evie’s heart leaped and her skin tingled at the thought of sitting on his hard thighs. Pressing her thighs together, she tried to control the thrumming in her feminine core as she drew in shallow breaths.
“Where are we?” she asked when he stopped the car in front of a medium sized house painted white with royal blue shutters. Two large stone pots of colorful wildflowers bracketed the sides of the front door, which was painted in the same royal blue. She’d been wallowing in a muddle of dizzying emotions and hadn’t paid attention to the landscape or scenery as he’d driven in the pouring rain. The rain had since subsided and they were parked before a seaside cottage that didn’t look big enough or grand enough for Kate’s wedding. “There’s no wedding reception here.”
“Aye. We’re at my place. I thought we’d dry off and warm up a bit. It’s on the way there.”
He might think it was a good idea, but she didn’t. She mustn’t forget he’d proposed a hot fling with her for self-serving reasons. She should be putting the brakes on the wolf instead of allowing him to take her to his lair—or wherever he had in mind. But after the thoughtful way he’d rescued her and made her feel safe, what else could she do?
What else indeed?
Heart Hunter: Chapter Four
As soon as they entered the cottage, Cameron stepped out of his wet shoes and stripped off his sodden socks. “You can leave your shoes here,” he said, indicating the space next to his shoes on the indoor area carpet.
Evie slipped out of her heels and placed them beside his shoes, suppressing a smile at how dainty the satin pumps looked beside Cameron’s formal brogues. Her bare toes sank into the thick carpet fibers as she gathered her dress in her hands and lifted so it wouldn’t drag on the gleaming wood floor when she walked in further.
The mushroom colored walls complemented the wraparound bisque sofa and large bronze-veined marble coffee table on a thick Persian carpet in the center of the room facing a slate fireplace. She was dying to explore the inviting living area, but it would have to wait. They were both in need of dry clothes, especially Cameron.
“What a beautiful cottage. Is this your home?” she asked.
Cameron chuckled. “No, it’s my getaway pad. I come here to think and gaze at nature.”
“I can see how it would be your getaway. The views are spectacular from every angle.�
�� Now that the rain had stopped, it was possible to get a clear view of the choppy sea and craggy mountains through the vast glass windows that jutted out in a semicircular shape. She stood still, marveling at the magnificent sight.
“Aye. The view is the best part.” He indicated a hallway to the right. “You can freshen up in the guest bedroom. It’s the second door to the right. There are some ladies clothes in the closet. I’m sure you’ll find something to wear.”
Evie shouldn’t have been surprised that Cameron had ladies clothes in his home, but it raised a flag. She was in his love nest and the whole setting was sublime. Scenic, panoramic views provided a provocative backdrop for sipping whisky, and she was certain he’d entertained many ladies here.
She smoothed her hands down her damp dress. “The fabric should dry quickly. Good thing I didn’t get drenched like you. Do you have a change of clothes for the reception?”
“Aye. Don’t worry about me. Go change or you’ll catch cold.” He gently nudged the small of her back with his open palm. Evie arched as an electric spark passed from his blunt fingertips to her bare skin. The sizzling sensation teased her spine and goose bumps spread over her skin. Openmouthed, she stared after him as he headed toward another door.
“Be back in ten minutes. We’ll have a wee dram in the living room while we wait for your dress to dry,” he said before entering what she imagined was the master bedroom further down the hall.
She quickly made it into the room and closed the door. Leaning back against the smooth wood, she took a few seconds to tame the tremor quivering deep in her belly. She drew in a fortifying breath and expelled it as she headed to the wall-to-wall closet in search of something to wear. It was stocked with ladies clothes all right. Bold, Italian designer prints that could only belong to one person—supermodel turned starlet, Divina. How could Cameron think she could fit into these clothes? Divina was 5’10”, a good seven inches taller than Evie and she was much curvier.
If they had broken up, why were her things still here? The status of Heartbreak Hunter’s relationship with Divina was really none of her business, but Evie couldn’t help wondering how many times the actress had been here.
Lucky 7 Brazen Bachelors Contemporary Romance Boxed Set Page 9
