He laughed with her, each appreciating the other’s joy for their craft.
“So do you ever cook?” he asked.
“No, never was able to have the patience for cooking an elaborate meal for just one.” she trailed off and he decided not to bring up the aspects of her marriage, the pain obvious in her voice.
“But I can make a mean salad.” she laughed, her expression and her tone softening, which Luke found appealing and sensual.
“Well, that goes excellent with pasta. Would you do the honors while I start with the noodles?”
“I’m on it.” She stood up and tenderly made her way around the counter. “Just point me to where everything is.”
He showed her which cupboards she needed and also told her feel free to explore before they both settled into the easy movement of making a meal together. The conversation was light and centered around their childhoods and what pulled them into their current careers.
It was a comfortable, easy feeling being with him and she began to relax and really enjoy herself and the conversation. She’d never had this kind of an experience with a man before. Kip had never been interested in how she got into her horses, or her childhood. Sure, he asked questions, but it had been to fine tune his software program to sell to other breeders. She couldn’t recall laughing and enjoying a conversation as much as she was now.
Grayson watched Rebecca as she cut up tomatoes and shredded the lettuce, talking animatedly about growing up on the ranch and her horses and he was able to see the vibrant woman she really was behind the strict and serious business woman he had met earlier. The stern face he’d experienced throughout the day was gone and a light glow that emanated from her was staggering. She was absolutely beautiful and for the first time since meeting her in person, he saw the exquisiteness he’d seen on the video. He found it very hard to focus on preparing their meal and not throwing her up on the counter to ravage her, which was a first for him. The few women he had actually brought back to his home had been eager, sometimes impatient to make love. He had tried to prepare a meal for a couple of them but they’d ended up in bed before the meal was finished. After having to throw away expensive pans with burnt remnants, he stopped attempting to cook anything for his dates.
He knew he couldn’t do that with Rebecca. He was sure that if he even tried to kiss her right now, she would run and he didn’t want that to happen. He wanted to taste her, to ease the need for her but knew he had to bide his time.
They sat there at the center island instead of moving to the formal dining table, enjoying the meal they’d prepared together and continued their conversation. When they finished, she insisted on helping clean up and between the two of them, had the kitchen as spotless as they had found it. Grayson grinned knowing his housekeeper would be surprised and pleased that the kitchen would be as clean as she had left it.
He led them to his living room and poured them both glass of wine before going over and lighting a fire to take off the evening chill. They both sat on the couch, listening to the crackle of the flames. Rebecca winced as she stretched her injured knee, the inflammation setting in.
Grayson set his glass down and moved closer. “May I?” He watched her face, seeing the hesitation in her eyes but then she nodded. He removed her shoes and stretched her injured leg across his lap. He began to gently massage her foot, before slowly moving up her calf. He felt her tense up and he stayed where he was, waiting for her to relax again. “So tell me about the video you sent to me. When was it taken?”
She nervously took a sip of wine. “You saw it?”
“Well of course I did. You asked to use one of my songs for it.”
“Of course, how stupid of me. I just thought that your managers had seen it, that they were the ones who made the decisions.”
“You’re not stupid and you’re right, they are the ones who normally see these things and make the decisions. It just so happens I had writer’s block one night and as a distraction, I watched your video. When it was done, I decided to deal with this personally.”
“Oh, well thank you, I feel honored.” she stumbled.
“Actually, I’m the one who should thank you. You’re video inspired me and I was able to finish my song that night.” He could see that she was at a loss for words and decided to save her from obvious embarrassment. “So when was it recorded?”
“It was recorded this past fall in my arena, we had just come home from Nationals. I had chosen an older, classical song and we came in second, the winner had chosen a current rock song and swept all of the competition under the rug. The crowd had gone wild. It was then that I decided I needed an edge, a great song this year to win world grand championship.”
“And you chose me. Now I’m the one who feels honored. Why me?” he asked as he slowly began to massage her other leg.
“Your music is very popular and I find the words to your songs filled with emotion, which is what I want. When I show, my performance and my horses mean something to me, I want the music I use to help express that.” She took another drink.
“My songs are written from my life, from my heart and my feelings. It tells a story of my life.”
“I know.” she said softly. “That’s why I chose your song. It speaks to me.”
Grayson stared into her eyes for a moment, then leaned forward slowly. “Rebecca, I’d like to do something right now but I don’t want you to panic or freak out.” he said calmly.
She felt her throat go dry and took another drink, trying to delay what she knew what going to happen, but found she wanted it too. “Okay.”
He moved towards her, leaning over her, watching her face. He slowly lowered his face and softly touched his lips to hers. Her lips tasted sweet from the wine and velvety soft. He lightly ran the tip of his tongue over them and felt her shudder. He pulled back against the couch, worried that he had gone too far but found her eyes closed, her lips quivering with anticipation.
She had known he was going to kiss her and she had almost stopped him. She was a married woman after all but the vision of Kip laying on top of the brunette stopped her from saying anything. She wasn’t obligated to Kip anymore, she could indulge in one kiss, but when Grayson’s lips touched hers she felt a desire she’d never experienced before and the heat of her need extinguished any thoughts of Kip. When Grayson pulled back, she held her breath and kept her eyes shut, trying to gain control of her emotions. When she opened her eyes, she found herself staring up into his eyes, concern on his face. Seeing the consideration on his face, she knew she wanted to know this man, to experience what she had never felt with Kip. She allowed all her thoughts and emotions about Kip to flow from her mind and body. She had never been so attracted to a man before as she was with him. She would deal with the pain of betrayal and the guilt of a rebound fling later. All she wanted now was Grayson.
He saw the passion in her eyes and found it irresistibly alluring. He lowered himself toward her and tentatively touched her lips again. They were soft and pliant and when he parted her lips with his tongue, he found her mouth eager, matching his own desire. He felt her hands run through her hair and his body shudder as their kiss deepened. He began his own exploration of her body with his hands, feeling a thrill when he felt flesh and curves as opposed to the bony frames of the models and actresses he was used to. He found her body enticing and electrifying. When he cupped her breast, she moaned and he began to unbutton her blouse as her lips began to explore his neck, sending delicious sensations through his body.
She felt her body rack with shivers as he touched her and explored her body. The areas she had always been so self-conscious of during lovemaking with Kip were now being praised and adored. She never felt so alive, so female, so sexy. Her inhibitions about herself melted away and she found herself trying to get rid of Grayson’s clothes, needing to feel his flesh against hers.
He knew what she wanted without any words spoken between them. He sat up, pulling her with him as they began to shed each other’s clo
thing.
He devoured her with his eyes and she felt sexy and attractive under his gaze, powerful. She didn’t feel heavy or worry about how her body looked. She wasn’t the size of a model but when he looked at her, she felt perfect.
He’d never known a woman like her before. Not only was she indifferent to his life, his possessions but she also wasn’t constantly concerned with how she looked at every single moment, she didn’t act as if she was on-stage, so to speak. When they were rid of their clothing and began to revel in each other, she didn’t fuss with her hair or demand to be on top of him to place her body in a more visually desirable position. She was only focused on him, enjoying his body and focusing on the areas that elicited moans from him. In turn, he found himself concentrating on what aroused her, made her body strum to the passion he was feeling. They fed on each other, building the other to a heightened level and when he finally entered her, he felt a rapture he’d never imagined, nor experienced. Her body whispered to him and he moved to her song, throwing them both over the edge of nirvana.
Chapter Five
She lay there, trying to catch her breath, her mind alive but her body spent and numb. She had never encountered a lover like him before and though the experience was amazing, she also felt guilt and confusion. She was here to get permission from this amazing musician to use one of his songs for her show, she was married, at least until she got the divorce papers finalized, and here she was, jumping in the sack with him. Did she just blow her possibility of using his song? Worse, would he give his consent because she slept with him? Either way, she felt ashamed that she hadn’t kept her mind on business and focused on her career.
She sensed the tears well up in her eyes and angrily fought them back. She wouldn’t regret being with Grayson. She’d never felt so beautiful or had such a wonderful experience. She would take it as what it was, a wonderful encounter between two consenting adults. She would just have to find another song for the world grand championships.
He felt her body change and knew something happened. The woman who had been uninhibited moments ago now seemed tense and reserved. He sat up and gathered her tight body in his arms. “Rebecca, what are you thinking?”
“I shouldn’t have done that, taken advantage of you. I’m just in a really dark place right now.” she said quietly.
“Rebecca, you didn’t take advantage of me. I wanted to be with you, I have all day. There’s something about you, something different. I think you’re incredible.”
She couldn’t help the laugh that came out of her mouth. “I’m not, really, but I appreciate you saying so. It’s very sweet.”
He felt the anger well up in his belly and tried hard to control it. “I didn’t say it to be sweet. There is something about you that’s different. I think you’re special.”
“Grayson, I appreciate your words of endearment but I’m not going to hold you to the contract. What happened here tonight doesn’t need to be aired to the public or anything else you may be worried about. Tonight will be our little secret. I won’t go to the tabloids, I promise.”
Grayson stood up and began to get dressed, his actions sharp with the fury he felt. “Is that what you think? That I’m going to let you use my music to keep what happened just now out of the media?”
She blanched at the tone in his voice and the violent movements as he finished putting on his pants. “Well, yes. I don’t want you to think that what just happened was because I only wanted your song.”
“Well, for your information, Miss Gordon, I had signed the contract with my managers this morning for you to be able to use my song. And, the tabloids already think I’m a playboy so how would this be new news?”
Rebecca felt indignation as Grayson’s words zinged through her heart and into her mind. “So you kept that information from me the entire day, making me think that I needed to do my presentation when you already had the contract signed? What was tonight then? What am I supposed to think? It seems to me this whole night was a way to get another notch on your belt. Well, congratulations, Mr. Luke Grayson, you seduced this small town girl into your bed. You win.” She leaped up, throwing on her clothes as quickly as she could.
“I keep telling you what tonight was all about but you’re being too damn pig-headed to hear me. You’re special, damn it. I am attracted and intrigued with you. I want to spend more time with you, in and out of the bedroom!” He grabbed her around her waist and pulled her up into his arms, crushing his lips to hers until he felt her body relent. He softened his kiss and felt heat burn in his stomach when she touched his lips with her tongue.
He gently pushed her back and gazed into her eyes. “You’re not just another notch on my belt, I mean that.”
She felt an overwhelming surge of emotions pound through her head and she rested her forehead against his chest. “Grayson, as lovely as it is to hear that, my life is so complicated right now and about to get crazier. Once I get home, I have to deal with my divorce. Not only that, I have to get ready for the championship show and then there’s your schedule to consider. You’re getting ready to leave for your concert tour. It’s impossible to think of how we could possibly see each other.” She pulled back and searched his face. “Thank you though, for tonight. I’ve never felt so beautiful, so sexy before. I will cherish tonight for the rest of my life.”
“Oh God, Rebecca. Now you’re sounding like a cheap romance novel. It doesn’t have to be that way, two lovers, destined to be apart, only able to share that one special night, blah, blah, blah. There are wonderful modern devices now called cell phones and this thing called the Internet and Skype. And guess what? I own my own jet so even if I need to fly out and see you for two hours, I can.”
She felt numb as she listened to him talk about how they could attempt a relationship. It sounded exciting and romantic and she found herself getting caught up with the idea of having such a fanciful experience. But memories of her and Kip’s fights about how much time she spent with the horses flooded her mind and she backed up. “That does sound so absolutely incredible but I have so much on my plate now and my horses…”
He put a finger on her lips to stop her from continuing. “I get it but just don’t answer now. Go home and think about it. Take a week or so to get things with your husband figured out. I have to leave to go on tour in two days but I’ll give you my cell phone number. Call me and if I can’t answer, leave a message. I’ll call you back as soon as I can, I promise. Okay?”
He smiled at her and she found she couldn’t resist him. “Okay, I’ll think about it.”
He gave her another lingering kiss. “Now, can I talk you into staying the night?”
She smiled and thought about it but shook her head. “I can’t. My flight leaves first thing in the morning and I still have to pack.”
He nodded and began to button her blouse. “I understand. I’ll call the car around to take you back to your hotel.”
They got each other dressed, exchanging kisses and loving caresses before he walked her to the door. Grayson followed her out to the car and opened the door but before she could get in, he pulled her into his arms, embracing her in a long and lingering kiss.
“I wanted to give you something to think about tonight.” he said as he nuzzled her neck.
Her body strummed with excitement and she giggled. “Oh, I won’t be thinking of anyone or anything else for quite a while, thank you.”
“Good. I hope to see you soon, Rebecca Gordon.” He helped her into the car and gently closed the door.
She watched him, watching the car drive away and she sincerely hoped that she would see him again too, soon.
* * *
Her trip home was uneventful and too short. She wasn’t looking forward to dealing with Kip and was relieved when he’d stopped calling her cell phone. She drove her truck home from the airport, going over in her mind the conversation she planned on having with him. She knew that their marriage was over, even before she’d slept with Grayson but she couldn’t stop
the feelings of being a failure, that she couldn’t save her marriage. She pulled into the drive and saw that Kip’s car was gone. An odd mixture of relief and disappointment flooded her as she walked in to the empty house. She deposited her luggage on her bed and promptly turned around and made her way to her barn. She smiled as she was greeted with eager nickers and stomping hooves, pausing long enough in the feed room to grab treats. She fed and lavished affection on every one of her horses before she made her way to Othello’s stall. She walked into his stall, breathing in the scent of fresh pine shavings and horse flesh. Othello nickered and sniffed Rebecca’s hand, seeking out the treats she held. She buried her face into his furry neck and began to cry softly. So much had happened, so much had changed but her horses loved her unconditionally, no questions asked. Why couldn’t human relationships be as easy, be as pure?
She patted his neck again and left the stall. It was still too early for evening feeding so she made her way back to the house to take a shower. Hot water and clean clothes would definitely make her feel better. She grabbed some sweats and a t-shirt and made her way to the bathroom. When she finally climbed out of the shower, he skin pink and clean, she wandered to the kitchen to make herself a salad. She noticed the light flashing on her answering machine and hit the button to play her messages. She grinned when she heard Megan’s anxious voice demanding that she call her as soon as she got this message so that she could give Megan all of the minute details about meeting Luke Grayson.
She felt a chill run through her body as she heard Kip’s voice calmly relay the fact that he’d moved out while she was gone and expected her to call to go over the divorce papers he’d filed. When the message ended, she dropped the ranch dressing and fell to her knees on the kitchen floor, sobbing. She’d known their marriage was over but he made it sound so cold, like a business contract that had been cancelled. Their marriage had meant nothing to him.
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