by Darcy Burke
She wanted a relationship? With him? He didn’t want to guess. He took a step so that his eyes were on level with her chin. “Are you saying you want me?”
She edged forward, coming down so that they were eye to eye. “I am saying that. I just want to be honest with you. I’m a mess. I don’t know how this is going to work, but I’m willing to try. You said you have a lot of patience, and I hope that’s true.”
Joy unspooled inside him, and he couldn’t contain a smile. He also couldn’t keep from touching her. He slid his hands around her waist and pulled her against him.
“Yep, I happen to have scads of patience. A lifetime supply, in fact. I also have very good brakes. We’ll go as slow as you want. And if you need to stop—at any time for any reason—we can do that too.” He looked into her eyes, inspired by her courage. “You’re an extraordinary woman, Kelsey. I don’t fully comprehend what you’ve gone through, but I hope you’ll tell me at some point.” He reached up and traced his hand along her hairline, inadvertently touching her scar. He flinched and drew his hand away. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to do that.”
She gently shook her head. “It’s okay. I don’t want Noah to come between us. I won’t let him. Maybe you could even make me forget he ever existed.” Her blue eyes glinted with provocation.
He hardened in response. “I accept that challenge.” He buried his hand in her hair and drew her against him as his mouth descended on hers.
Their kiss the other night had been soft, exploratory. This was hotter. Deeper. They knew the territory—at least a little—which meant they could traverse it fullbore. Like a familiar trail.
Only, the sensations cresting over him weren’t familiar. They were new and exciting, and he couldn’t get enough. He opened his mouth against hers, and their tongues collided. Her hands crept up his back and tugged at his shirt, and she pressed into him, their bodies touching from lips to chests to hips.
A raindrop hit his hand, but he ignored it in favor of losing himself in her embrace. She found the nape of his neck and tugged at the hair coming out from the bottom of his hat. He wanted to toss the damn thing off along with the rest of his clothing so she could run her hands all over him.
Her fingers dug into his neck as the kiss deepened. He clutched at her waist, pulling her against his groin. She moaned into his mouth, and it was the most erotic fucking thing he’d ever heard. If it were not broad daylight in the middle of his vineyard and raining, he’d drag her down to the ground right now.
Rain?
He was suddenly aware that it was raining, and they were about to get quite wet. He broke the kiss, gasping, and took her hand. “Come on!”
She glanced up at the sky and was rewarded with a fat raindrop on her nose. He tipped his head and licked it off. She gave him a sultry stare as he pulled her toward the winery.
They ran for cover as the rain came down harder, dampening their clothes. Their laughter filled the air as they reached the underside of the patio above. There was only about four feet of covered space running along the edge of the building, but it was enough. He pulled her back into his arms and kissed her again, tasting heat and rain and desire.
Pivoting, she put her back against the building and pulled him between her legs. He was hard and eager, his cock finding that sweet spot as she rotated her hips against him.
She moaned into his mouth again, and he cupped her face, pinning her so he could taste his fill. She clasped his hips and held him as her head angled, and her tongue slid against his.
He felt a vibration and stupidly thought of a sex toy. She tugged her lips from his. “My phone.” She kissed him again, quick and hard. “I would ignore it, but I had to find someone to work for me today, and she said she might have to pick her kid up from school because he had a cold.”
He licked along her lips and pulsed his hips against hers. “Uh-huh.”
She pulled the phone from her back pocket and held it up.
He pushed her hair to the side to access the creamy softness of her neck. Kissing her flesh, he said, “I hope this means you’ll come to the wine dinner with me on Saturday. I can’t wait to see you in a sexy dress and take you up to my office—”
She stopped moving, and he could’ve sworn her body temperature took a nosedive.
She pushed at him, her eyes glued to her phone until she raised them, and he saw the stark fear in their ice-blue depths.
“My ex just got out of prison.”
Chapter Nine
Kelsey’s hand shook as she looked at the blaring text on her phone. She’d signed up for a text alert to be notified when Noah was released from prison. She hadn’t thought it would be this early.
“He only served twenty months. It was supposed to be thirty-six. I knew it would probably be less, but I didn’t think it would be that much.” Her phone blurred, and she swayed.
Luke’s arms caught her, and he held her by the waist. “I’ve got you.”
His voice was cool and calming. She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment.
Noah was free.
Would he try to contact her? He wasn’t supposed to, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t try. He’d never been able to quash his impulses. She doubted twenty months in prison would’ve changed him. She hoped so—for his sake—but she never wanted to see him again.
She felt Luke’s hands on her face, his lips against her temple. She opened her eyes. And his dark gaze was full of warmth and caring. She relaxed a bit.
“Nothing’s changed here,” he said. “I still care for you. I want to be here for you—however you need. Whatever you need.”
She leaned into him, and his arms came around her, holding her tight. “Thank you. I can’t really process this right now.” She inhaled, and his fresh, outdoorsy scent filled her senses.
He ran his hands over her back in long, soothing strokes. Her pulse slowed, and she closed her eyes again, savoring this moment. Then she stepped back. “I need to go. I’m so sorry to drag you down with my problems. I won’t blame you if you want to run far away.”
He clasped her hand and squeezed her fingers. “I won’t. And don’t trivialize this. It’s a big deal, and I get that.”
God, he was amazing. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
He nodded, and she made her way up to the winery, keeping close to the building to stay under the cover. A few minutes later, she was ensconced in her car and on her way back to town.
The text had included a phone number to call if she had questions. She put her headset on and dialed the number. She wanted to know when he’d been released and whether she should expect him. Fear carved an ache in her belly, a deep, painful throb that made her want to curl into a ball.
A woman answered the phone and transferred Kelsey to someone who could help her. She was afraid she’d be stuck leaving a message and then agonizing until she received a call back. However, luck smiled on her, and a live body picked up the phone.
The clerk was very helpful. She explained that Noah wasn’t allowed to contact her and that she should notify the court if he did. His official release would happen tomorrow, and he was apparently moving back to Washington immediately where he’d be assigned to a local parole officer. They were allowing him to go back to Kennewick because his family was there, and they’d offer the best support to help with his reentry to society.
By the time she hung up the phone, Kelsey felt slightly better, but there was still a gnawing ache inside her, knowing he was out there terrified her.
Forcing herself to push through the anguish, she parked in her rented spot and hurried straight to the Knitty Gritty, where Gram was working today. She still hadn’t mastered knitting, but she was trying. She said that if she spent less time with George, she’d figure it out. Then she’d laughed. Kelsey smiled, grateful for that happy thought, and tried to think of another.
Damn, it was hard. She felt cold and heavy and completely on edge, as if the slightest thing would send her into a pan
ic attack. She’d had a couple of those after Noah had been arrested. She’d even called his mother to apologize. Wow, had that been a colossal mistake.
She began to shake again.
Don’t think about that! Happy thoughts. The library. Gram. Luke.
And meditation.
She took in her deep, three-second breath, counted to three, and exhaled slowly for three more seconds. By the time she reached the store, she felt marginally better. At least she’d stopped shaking.
Gram sat behind the counter, her brow furrowed and her fingers clacking two needles together. She glanced up as the door swung closed, setting off the bell. “Kelsey, I’m so glad you came to rescue me from this infernal task.” She threw the needles down onto the counter and stood.
Kelsey looked around. Thankfully, the store was empty. “Gram.” Her voice sounded small and hurt, like when she’d fallen out of the walnut tree and sprained her wrist in Gram’s backyard when she was six.
Gram’s eyes widened, and she came around the counter. “You look terrified. What’s wrong?”
“Noah got out of prison.”
Gram pulled her into a massive hug, the kind that only grandmothers could give. The familiar warmth and scent cloaked Kelsey in a protective cocoon, and she thought if she could just stay here, she’d be fine.
But of course, she couldn’t.
After what felt like several minutes, during which Gram patted her back and murmured words of comfort, Kelsey pulled away. “He’s getting out tomorrow and moving back to Kennewick.”
“He can do that?” Gram asked.
“Apparently. It’s better than having him here.”
Gram looked at her with concern, her brow creasing. “Definitely. Do you think he’ll try to contact you?”
“He’s not supposed to.”
“You should get a restraining order. Or does that happen automatically?”
Kelsey wasn’t sure. “I’ll call an attorney.” She could go over to Aubrey Archer’s office in person. It was just down the street. Did Aubrey even handle that kind of thing? It didn’t hurt to ask.
Gram took her hands and frowned. “Sweetheart, you’re ice-cold. Come sit down, and I’ll make you some tea.” She ushered Kelsey to the stool behind the counter and went in the back.
Kelsey stared at the window but didn’t really see anything. Her mind was a tumult of fear and anxiety. She’d worked so hard to regain a normal life, and she felt as though the world had been pulled out from under her.
The bell on the door jingled, and she jumped, practically tumbling from the stool. She jerked her head toward the entrance, half expecting to see Noah.
He doesn’t get out until tomorrow. And even then, he won’t come after you. He never touched you in public. He wouldn’t start now.
The pep talk she gave herself did nothing to ease her stress. Her gaze followed the customer, a middle-aged woman who’d smiled in her direction before moving to the racks of yarn along the back wall.
Gram emerged from the back, cradling a steaming mug. “Here, it’s chamomile with some honey. You’ll feel better.”
Kelsey tried to summon a smile but couldn’t. She took the cup and inhaled the sweet, soothing scent.
She lifted her gaze to Gram’s. “I love you.”
Gram kissed her forehead. “I love you too, sweetheart.”
The customer came to the counter, and Kelsey sipped her tea while Gram rang up her order. Soon they were alone in the shop once more.
“What are you going to do now?” Gram asked. “Do you want me to come stay with you tonight? Or maybe you want to come stay with me? The apartment has a pull-out couch.”
Shit. Kelsey hadn’t even thought that far ahead. Did she want to be alone? Not particularly. But he was still in prison for one more night at least. Even so, she just might not want to be alone. “I don’t know. I think I’ll be okay tonight.”
Gram didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t say anything more about it. “Do you mind if I tell George about this? He was in the military, after all. I’m sure he’d be happy to kick Noah’s ass if he ever comes near here.”
Kelsey latched on to the new, much happier topic. “Are you and George serious? You just met him.”
“True, but remember, your grandpa proposed to me after only three weeks, and we were married almost forty-five years.” Her lips curved up, and a sparkle gleamed in her eye. “Sometimes it doesn’t take long.”
Like with Noah. Kelsey had fallen for him hard and fast. No, she wasn’t going to trust that sort of timing ever again. But Gram was right in that it had worked out well for her. “So you like him a lot?”
Gram nodded. “I do. It’s strange because I was confident I’d never have feelings for another man. I loved your grandfather so very much.” She glanced away.
Kelsey touched her soft, wrinkled hand. “He’d want you to be happy. And for what it’s worth, I think he’d like George.” She’d thought that when she’d met him that first day she’d walked into The Arch and Vine. His jovial sense of humor had instantly reminded her of Grandpa.
Gram turned her head back, smiling. “I think so too.” She shook her head and exhaled. “I don’t know where we’re going. But we’re having a great time right now. I have to admit I love his place. He’s got a vineyard, you know, and a filbert orchard.”
“I bet that reminds you of Grandpa too.” He’d raised trees, which he sold to wholesalers and nurseries.
“It does. And I think I could talk George into a goat and some chickens.” She chuckled.
Kelsey laughed with her. “Uh-oh, that does sound serious.”
Her equilibrium seemed to settle, and a half hour later, she felt much better. Good enough to walk to Aubrey’s office and talk to her about the restraining order, which she was more than happy to file.
Telling Aubrey about Noah had been difficult at first, but then the words had poured out. By the time Kelsey had finished, a surprising sense of calm and strength had descended over her. She actually thought she’d be okay.
But then it got dark, and as she sat in her apartment—alone—she had second thoughts. And third.
Her phone pinged, and as she had in the shop earlier, she jumped and nearly tumbled off the couch. Apprehensively, she picked it up from the arm of the sofa and looked at the screen.
Luke: How are you doing? Can I bring you dinner?
She didn’t hesitate to type a response: Yes, please.
Luke: What kind of pizza do you like?
She tapped out her answer: Hawaiian, but whatever you want is fine.
Luke: Hawaiian it is. See you in a few.
Five minutes later, he texted again: What’s your favorite beer? I’m bringing a growler.
She smiled, flattered that he’d thought of that too. She sent her answer, and in less than thirty minutes, he texted her again from downstairs. She leapt up and ran down to let him in. “Wow, you’re faster than a delivery guy.”
He gave her an exaggerated bow while holding the pizza box out in front of him. “At your service, my lady.”
“So gallant.” She held the door while he bent to pick up the growler he’d set on the ground.
“I can carry that,” she offered.
He shook his head. “The gallant gentleman carries everything.” He winked as he walked past her. She pulled the door closed, and it locked automatically. She double-checked it anyway.
“After you.” He inclined his head toward the stairwell, and she went first.
He followed her into the apartment, and she prepared for his reaction. “Now you can see why I’ve never invited you up. It’s not exactly Pottery Barn in here.”
He stood in the middle of her living room and surveyed the tiny space. “Um, yeah. I was thinking the architecture would be pretty cool given the age of the building, and those built-ins there are very nice, but…can I ask why you live here?”
She took the growler from him and placed it on the tiny kitchen table shoved in the corner. “Have you t
ried looking for rental property in Ribbon Ridge?”
He followed her, setting the pizza on the table. “Actually, I have. Why do you think I’ve been living with my brother the past two years?” He opened the growler while she pulled two pint glasses from the shelf in the kitchen. “Forget I asked. I get it. But now I see why you wanted Brooke’s loft, and I feel like crap for not insisting that you take it instead of Jamie.” He took the glasses from her and filled them.
She grabbed a couple of plates and some napkins. “Do you need a knife and fork?”
He took one of her two chairs. “Hell, no. Pizza is meant to be messy and greasy and awesome. Especially when it’s from Slice of Pi.”
Kelsey set the plates and napkins on the table and sat down next to him. “I can’t argue with that.” Ribbon Ridge’s pizza place was a hole in the wall, but it was the best pizza she’d ever had. And it was crafted by a retired math teacher, hence the clever name.
He lifted his glass in a toast. “To messy, delicious pizza.”
She clacked her glass against his. “And sharing them with messy, delicious people. In case you were wondering, I’m messy and you’re delicious.”
He laughed before he took a drink. “That was a close one. A second later and I would’ve spewed Crossbow everywhere.” He sipped his beer and set his glass down. “For the record, you’re more than delicious. You’re scrumptious.”
She drank her beer, and heat flushed through her. She could blame the alcohol, but she knew it was the company.
He opened the box, and they dug into the pizza for a few minutes before he asked, “How’d the rest of your day go?”
“Okay. Gram talked me off the ledge, and Aubrey Archer is going to file a restraining order for me. She thinks it’s a slam dunk.”
“I should hope so.” He wiped a napkin over his mouth and picked up another slice of pizza. “That’s great. You seem like you’re feeling better.”
She could easily nod and continue on as though she were, but panic had started to set in just before he’d texted. “I was. But then it got dark. He’s still in prison until tomorrow, but after that…I’m not sure I want to be alone. I think I’m going to go stay with Gram.”
