“Well, yes, of course, dear. But I could have sworn I told you…” Louella’s voice trailed off and her gaze went over Katie’s shoulder. “Well, for goodness sake, look at that. It’s Lucas and Rusty and Sean and, why it looks like the whole basketball team.”
“Rusty?” Katie repeated, turning around. Her jaw dropped open and she merely stared as Lucas led the boys, all of whom looked like someone had spit shined and polished them to within an inch of their lives, into the gym. Their hair was combed, and they were all dressed in white shirts and ties.
“What do you think they’re doing here, dear?”
Katie sighed. “I don’t know, Mama, but let’s go find out.”
With her mother and her aunt trailing in her wake, Katie made her way through the crowd of dancers to the other side of the gym where Lucas and the boys were standing like soldiers on sentry.
“Lucas,” she said, glancing at her son who was grinning from ear to ear. “I suppose there is a very good reason why you and the boys are here?”
He smiled at her, then leaned forward to kiss her mother and her aunt hello before bringing his gaze back to hers.
“There is, Katie. Do you remember the morning I dropped off Rusty’s time capsule? When your mother asked me if I could…uh…use my position as police chief to sort of find some more male escorts for the seniors’ dance since the women always outnumbered the men?”
“Yeah,” Katie said carefully. “I remember.”
“Well, I’d like you to meet the new escorts.” He turned toward the boys who were all desperately trying not to fidget.
“It’s a community service project, Ma,” Rusty said with a careless shrug. “For the town,” he added. “And don’t worry, we all learned how to dance.”
“Dance?” Katie repeated, a bit shocked. “You learned how to dance?”
“Yeah,” Rusty said, craning his neck and fiddling with his tie. “Lucas taught us.” He shrugged. “He said all men need to know how to dance. And besides, everyone who is part of the town should volunteer to do what they can to help others, using whatever special skills they got. Lucas says everyone has special skills and they should use them to help others. You know, like Mrs. Cushing gives free music lessons and stuff.” Rusty cast another admiring glance at Lucas, as he recited almost verbatim what Lucas had told him. “It’s called being a good citizen.”
“A good citizen?” Katie repeated, pride swamping her. “I’m very proud of you, sweetheart,” she said, forgetting that all his friends were standing right there watching as she leaned over to kiss him.
“Ma!” Rearing back, Rusty raised his hands to block her. “You can’t kiss me,” he hissed in horror, turning beet red and glancing back at the guys. “No kissing me in public, remember?”
“Oh, yeah, I’m sorry,” she said, trying not to grin. “I forgot. But I’m still very proud of you.”
“Yeah, thanks, Ma,” Rusty mumbled, terrified she was going to try to kiss him again. Awkwardly, he stepped toward Louella and held out his arms. “Uh…Grandma, do you wanna…like…uh…dance or something?”
“Oh, dear, yes, I’d love to dance.” Louella’s eyes swam and she clapped her hands in delight. “This is just wonderful. Absolutely wonderful, Lucas.” She leaned up on tiptoe to kiss Lucas’s cheek. “I must confess I do believe I’m in falling love with you,” Louella teased and Katie merely sighed. She knew the feeling.
“You look beat,” Lucas whispered in Katie’s ear as they slowly made their way around the dance floor as the dance finally wound down. They were moving to the strains of an old forties ballad that had made Katie feel both warm and nostalgic.
“I am,” she admitted, lazily glancing up at him with a smile. His arms were comfortable around her, lulling her into a lethargic state. “After you left last night I couldn’t really sleep knowing the boys were outside in the clubhouse.” She shrugged at his lifted brow. “Yeah, I know they were safe and sound asleep, but I was just worried about them being outside all night.”
“Mother’s prerogative,” he said simply, smiling down at her as he pulled her a bit closer until her body was pressed the length of his. He could feel his blood begin to stir and his mind to cloud just having her near. Holding her so close, he could smell her, that lingering sultry scent that had been driving him mad since the moment he met her.
“After the boys finally left this morning, I cleaned the house a bit, then worked on the Halloween edits.” She stifled a yawn. “I worked until it was time to come to the dance.”
“And are you working after the dance?” Lucas asked glancing down at her. Her mouth was only inches from his, and if he leaned forward just a bit, he could brush his mouth against hers. Fearing he might do just that Lucas struggled to keep his mind on their conversation and his feelings in check.
Katie shook her head. “I thought I might, but to tell you the truth, I’m too tired. I actually think I’m going to take the night off, or rather what’s left of it,” she added with a laugh, realizing it was almost ten o’clock. “Rusty’s staying overnight at Sean’s, so I thought I’d just get one good full night’s sleep and start back in on the edits in the morning. After I deal with my mother.”
“Your mother? What’s wrong with your mother?” he asked drawing back to look at her as the song ended. Keeping his hand around her waist, he guided her to the side of the dance floor and out of the way of the other dancers.
“She’s decided to run for mayor,” she said, trying not to scowl.
“Mayor?” Lucas shook his head, confused. “But Katie, I thought you said since your mom’s stroke she’s had trouble with her short term memory. Can she really handle running the town?”
“No,” Katie said with a laugh. “But I guess someone forgot to tell Mama that. I don’t think she really wants to be mayor, I think this has something to do with Mayor Hannity. Something personal. He and Mama have been ‘keeping company,’ as she says, for almost twenty years now, and apparently they recently had some kind of falling out, and the next thing I know, Mama’s decided to run for his job.”
“Ahh, so that’s how it is.” He kept his hand at her waist, unwilling to let her go, aware that they were standing in full view of most of the town. “Want me to nose around the mayor and see what I can find out?” he asked, as the band announced the last song of the evening.
“You’d do that?” she asked, glancing up at him in surprise. He was so close, and she was so tired, it was almost too tempting to have his warm, solid presence so close. The urge to just lean against him, to let go of every worry in her mind and just let her guard down and relax against Lucas was nearly overwhelming.
“Of course,” Lucas said with a smile. “Why not?”
She shrugged, feeling off balance because he was so close and her resistance was so depleted. “I don’t know, I thought maybe male loyalty or something might prevent it.”
“Nope,” Lucas said. “I seemed to have missed the male loyalty gene. Besides, I happen to adore your mother,” he said, brushing a strand of hair off her face and letting his finger linger on her cheek. “And I agree with you that running for mayor might not be the best thing for her. Besides, I happen to think the mayor’s doing a fine job.”
“I agree with you on both counts,” Katie said slowly. With the warmth of his touch lingering on her cheek, she just wanted to nestle her cheek against his hand, close her eyes and do nothing but feel.
“Listen, Katie…” Lucas hesitated. “I know you’re beat, but I was going to ask you if you wanted to go out for a drink or some coffee or maybe something to eat, but if you’re too tired—”
“No, actually, I think I’d like that,” she admitted, meeting his gaze and seeing so many things that stirred and touched her heart. Her heart began a two-step when she realized what he was asking—he was asking to see her, not Rusty. Her. Alone.
The mere thought had her stomach doing a jig. In all this time, they’d never been alone and Lucas had never made any attempt to see her without
Rusty being present since he was after all, Rusty’s buddy. But she knew now that they’d crossed some kind of bridge, some kind of barrier and were about to embark on something that might change her—and their relationship—forever.
“Everything in town is closed by now, Lucas,” she said carefully, “so why don’t you just come by the house and I can make some us some coffee and something to eat.”
“I’d like that,” he said softly, aching to touch her but aware they were in full view of the whole town. Trying to keep his mind on the task at hand, Lucas’s gaze searched the gym. “But I’ve got to round up all the boys and drive them home first.”
“And I’ve got to drive Mama and Aunt Gracie home.”
“So how about if I meet you at your house in say…half an hour?”
“That will be great,” she assured him. “I’ll be waiting.”
Chapter Nine
By the time Katie got home, she was a bundle of nerves. It had been so long since she’d been alone with a man, so long since she’d felt any of the feelings Lucas stirred in her, she wasn’t quite certain what to do with herself.
To keep her mind off her jangled nerves, Katie concentrated on the practical. The moment she got home, she started a fresh pot of coffee, checked the kitchen to make sure it wasn’t a total disaster area, then went into the family room to start a fire in the fireplace. It was nippy enough now that a roaring fire would not only take the chill out of the air, but also would make things seem a bit cozier.
She dashed into her bedroom to check her appearance and to change. She’d worn a dress to the dance, but now slipped into a comfortable pair of jeans and an oversize sweater. She pulled the pins out of her hair and brushed it through, letting it fall free. She thought about redoing what little bit of makeup she had on, then decided against it, settling for another spritz of her favorite perfume.
She’d just taken a deep breath and checked herself out in the full-length mirror when the doorbell rang.
Pressing a hand to her stomach to try to steady it, she took a deep breath, then hurried to the door, pulling it open.
“Just in time, I think the coffee’s just about done,” she said with a shaky smile, letting Lucas in and cursing the nerves that were dancing over her skin, almost making her shiver.
“Smells great,” he said as he followed her back to the kitchen, loosening his tie and collar along the way.
“Have a seat in the family room,” she said, gesturing him toward the couch. “I lit a fire. It’s the first one of the season.”
“It’s terrific,” he said, taking off his suit jacket and laying it on the back of the couch. His tie followed, and he unbuttoned his shirt collar, opening it to let his neck breathe.
He stood in front of the fireplace for a moment, watching the flames, aware of how quiet it was in the house, and how alone they were.
As she got out coffee mugs, cream and sugar and placed everything on a tray, Lucas came to help her, taking the tray from her hands. Their fingers brushed and it was as if a jolt of electricity shot through both of them. Katie’s gaze flew to his and held. She was surprised by the warmth and softness in his eyes. Gone was the pain and anguish she so frequently saw, and she couldn’t help it, she relaxed a bit, knowing he seemed relaxed.
She followed him to the couch, sitting down next to him as he handed her a mug of coffee and took one for himself.
“It’s so quiet in the house it’s almost spooky,” she said with a laugh as she sipped her coffee. “It’s rare when Rusty isn’t here, blaring the television, or his video games or the radio.” Aware of how close Lucas was to her, Katie stared into her coffee mug. “Lucas, I don’t know how to thank you for everything you’ve done for Rusty.” She dared to look at him, and found him watching her curiously. He set his mug down, and sat back, laying his arm around the back of the couch. “I don’t know that I ever realized how much Rusty needed an adult male’s influence. At least not until he met you.” She took a sip of her coffee because her throat was suddenly dry, then set her mug on the table in front of her.
“Well, like I said, Katie,” Lucas began softly, playing with the silky tips of the back of her hair. It was just as soft as he’d always imagined. “He’s a terrific kid and you’ve done a terrific job with him.”
“Thanks.” Her heart was banging against her ribs so fast and hard she feared he might hear it. Not one to play coy, Katie decided she’d had enough of being nervous. “Lucas, look, I’m sorry, I’m not very good at this.”
He smiled at her. “Good at what?”
She sighed. “Good at making small talk with a man.” She shrugged. “I don’t exactly have a wealth of experience when it comes to men, and I’m afraid even if I did, it’s been so long since I’ve been alone with a man I’m just woefully out of practice.”
“You’re nervous,” he said gently, pleased and touched when she nodded.
“I am,” she admitted, glancing up at him.
Touched and humbled beyond measure that she could be so nervous, and look so vulnerable because of him, he took her hands in his. “Relax, Katie,” he said softly, lifting her hands to kiss her fingertips. “There’s nothing to be nervous about,” he said softly, releasing her hands to caress her cheek, feeling his own heart jump when she nestled her face against his hand in welcome.
“Did I ever tell you how much I love your perfume?” he asked, letting his hand slide from her cheek to caress her neck. Her skin was like silk and warmed under his touch. “That first night we met, when I caught you digging up my yard, I swore I smelled your scent all night long. It kept me awake,” he admitted with a smile. “You’re trembling,” he said quietly and her eyes opened and she smiled wryly.
“Yeah, I am.” She shrugged, trying to dismiss her nerves. “My perfume might make you crazy, but when you touch me it makes me crazy,” she admitted without a hint of embarrassment.
“And that scares you?”
“Lots of things scare me, Lucas, but you’re not one of them.” She lifted her chin, forced herself to meet and hold his gaze. She could feel her pulse speed up, could feel the hot seed of need and desire begin to plant itself deep inside.
“I’m glad.” He couldn’t resist any longer. She was so close and the tight rein of control he’d had on himself for so long suddenly seemed to be slipping and he knew there was nothing he could do about it.
He bent his head to gently nibble at the corner of her mouth and heard her soft sigh of acquiescence. It only fueled and flamed the need and desire coursing through him.
“Lucas,” she murmured, reaching for him, sliding her hand around his neck and pulling his mouth down fully on hers. “You’re driving me crazy.”
Her words set off a flash fire inside of him that threatened to burn him up from the inside out. Fighting for breath, for sanity, he dragged her closer, crushing her mouth under his.
His blood went straight to boil, overloading his system as he dragged her yet closer, wanting to mate, to meld with her, to become one. It had been a desperate need growing from the moment he’d laid eyes on her, and now, the desire had been unleashed and he knew he was hopeless to stop it.
“Katie.” Gently, his hands bracketed her face as his gaze held hers. “Beautiful, you’re so beautiful.” Awed and humbled by the emotions shimmering in her eyes, the trust and vulnerability, he slid his fingers through the sensuous silk of her hair, the silk he’d dreamed of, fantasized about night after night until he thought he’d go mad.
He murmured her name like a prayer, a plea. Anchoring his fingers in the silk of her hair, he tilted her head back to tease and caress her mouth with his, taking the kiss deeper, then deeper still until the blood was pounding in his ears, his limbs, his loins.
“Lucas,” she murmured his name, fisting her own hands in his hair, dragging him closer, fearing she’d slide off the edge of the world if she didn’t. They slid down on the couch together, his body half covering hers.
Her heart was slamming inside her breast as
desire, dark and dangerous, slid through her like a magic potion, awakening all the needs and desires, all the things she’d kept buried for so long.
She wanted this now, wanted to feel this joy, this pleasure, this man in her arms, in her body.
When his mouth slid from her lips to her neck, caressing, nibbling, arousing, she could only moan softly, holding him tightly, silently pleading for more.
She shuddered, then sighed when his warm hand slid under her sweater and skin met skin. The shudder went straight through to her heart, and his heart gave a shuddering sigh in return.
She reached down, pulled the hem of her sweater up and over her head, tossed it across the floor, her gaze never leaving his. She would remember the look in his eyes forever. Desire, fresh and hot, flared and darkened his gaze until she was certain she might ignite from all the heat.
“Katie,” he said her name reverently, a soft prayer in the quiet room. The logs in the fireplace shifted, sent a spray of sparks flying upward even as he caressed her, from shoulder to waist, bare hand to bare skin until she was moaning softly, wanting, begging for more, arching upward toward him, pressing her body against his, wanting to ease the ache that had only grown with each moment of his touch.
When his mouth, soft and sweet, dipped into the gentle hollow between her breasts, she moaned softly, slipping the straps of her bra off her shoulders to give him better access.
Her eyes closed and she gasped as his mouth closed over her breast, warm and wet, urging her up and up until she was certain she would go mad.
Need spiraled through her, and she clutched at the back of his shirt, dragging it up so she, too, could feel flesh against flesh. Her hands smoothed under his shirt, caressed the skin until she had him nearly mad. Her hands slid up and down his back, wanting more, needing to feel his arousal even as she felt her own.
About the Boy Page 16
