Endangered Hearts

by Jolie Cain

  "Is there a path?"

  There was no mistaking his hesitation in answering her. “There is a path, but it's rarely been used.” He took a deep breath and his eyes stabbed into hers. “Look, Miss Montgomery..."

  "Abby, please."

  He didn't act as if he heard her. “I'll be blunt."

  "What a surprise,” she muttered under her breath.

  He looked at her suspiciously and then continued. “I like my privacy. And I don't like unexpected guests. Especially female ones. The only reason that I agreed to let you use this cabin is because Beau is a good friend, and I didn't think that some little old lady would be much trouble. But someone like you is an entirely different matter. Women like you are nothing but trouble."

  Her lips parted to speak in her own defense, but he held up his hand. When she remained silent, he continued. “I don't want you here, but I promised Beau that you could use the cabin, and I always keep my word. However,” he stressed the word as he stared piercingly into her eyes, “I would appreciate it if you would keep to your own side of the mountain. I'm not here for your private entertainment. Write away to your heart's content but stay the hell out of my way. If you come nosing around, I'm going to assume that you're after a little fun and games.” His gaze raked over her breasts “You're very attractive, and I'll be the first to admit that it would be no hardship to spread you across my bed and sink between those sweet thighs of yours. But anything other than that is just not going to happen."

  With that, he nodded a curt goodbye and strode to his Jeep. He'd climbed in and driven off before Abby could summon a suitable retort. Red-faced and stunned at his frank words, she watched as his truck disappeared back down the drive. The man was impossible. He'd acted like she had thrown herself at him just because she'd asked a little question about the path. Stay out of his way? Ha! She sincerely hoped she never saw him again

  * * * *

  Abby woke slowly. Her eyes flickered open, and she felt mild confusion when she noticed she wasn't in her own bedroom. Then it all came flooding back—the long drive, the beautiful scenery ... and Jack Cole. A grin stretched her lips when she recalled how mad she had been when he'd left the day before. Later, she had decided that it would do her no good to stay angry. After all, it was his property. She'd just do what she had come to do, while ignoring his belligerent attitude and her own attraction to him.

  She struggled out of bed and crossed to the dresser, determined to get started on her book as soon as possible. Pulling open a drawer, she reached in to grab a clean shirt and pair of shorts. When she heard a noise behind her, she looked up. Over her shoulder, her eyes met the melting blue of Jack's. He stood in the doorway to her bedroom as if he had the right to be there, hands braced against the doorframe. The skimpy tank and men's boxers she wore were no barrier against his hot gaze. Her breath caught in her throat. “Jack? What are you doing here?” she whispered around the sudden dryness in her throat. Inexperienced she might be, but she recognized that look. He wanted her. And she was very much afraid that she wanted him just as much.

  He shook his head as if trying to clear his thoughts. “I forgot to tell you about the pump. I knew you'd need water this morning. I knocked, but ... Fuck. I swore I wasn't going to...” His words petered out, and he stepped forward as if drawn by an unseen force. His gaze focused on Abby's body, which was reflected clearly in the mirror in front of her. The hardening nipples and the dark shadow at the apex of her thighs were visible through the thin cotton fabric. Her nipples tightened even more at the expression on his face. When he was close enough for her to feel the heat of his body, he stopped, not quite touching her.

  Abby realized she should turn around, say something, anything, to break the silence, but she just stood there, knowing what was coming and helpless to stop it. He reached out to clasp her upper arms, almost tentative at first, sliding up and down and causing her to shiver at the touch of his callused palms. His hands moved higher and caught the thin straps of her shirt, pulling them down off her shoulders, inch by inch revealing her aching breasts and taut nipples. A whimper escaped Abby at the feel of the fabric moving across such sensitive flesh. Catching on the peaks for a moment, the neckline finally succumbed to the sharp tug Jack gave it and eased down to her waist, fully revealing the silky mounds and trapping her arms against her sides.

  He took a step closer, his tongue wetting his lips as he looked his fill. With one hand still holding her shirt tight, his other moved up to twine her hair around his wrist, tugging her head to one side and baring the vulnerable line of her throat. Bending his head, his eyes held hers while his tongue traced a slow, wet path from her shoulder, up the nape of her neck, to stop finally at her earlobe where his teeth nipped sharply. Abby moaned in helpless arousal, unable to prevent her response. Her body arched back into his, and she felt his hard cock press against her.

  Releasing his grip on her hair, his hand moved to her hip, tugging the shorts down and off, leaving her nude but for the shirt twisted at her waist. That, too, was soon dispensed with, and she stood before him, her nude body a pale shadow against his fully clothed form. His hands reached around to cup her breasts. He massaged them with slow movements and tweaked the peaks until they were stiff and red. Then he pushed her forward and down, and she found herself bent over, palms flat against the dresser top, with Jack's hand skimming across her back and down her crevice to test the wetness between her thighs. Her cunt throbbed with need as his finger probed the opening before easing inside. She could see in the mirror how his eyes followed the strokes of his finger in and out of her aroused body and she got even wetter. When he added a second digit, she pressed back eagerly against the movement of his hand.

  "Please, Jack.” Abby hardly recognized her own voice as she begged for more.

  His fingers withdrew, and the sound of his zipper being released echoed in the small room. He looked up at her as he aligned his body with hers, pausing a second before he slammed into her hot cunt. Abby cried out and her eyes glazed over as his cock stretched her tender opening. Gripping her hips, Jack pulled back until just the tip remained lodged inside her.

  "Do it,” she begged when he hesitated.

  At her broken plea, he pounded his cock into her again and again, no thought of tenderness or sweetness, just a hard fucking rhythm. Abby writhed against him, straining back into his thrusts, needing the roughness, the hardness. God, what was he doing to her? The wet sounds of cock meeting cunt thrilled Abby, and she couldn't control the release she felt rushing toward her, pulling her down ... down...

  "Oh,” Abby woke abruptly and looked around. The covers of her bed were a tangled mess, twisted between her legs so tightly they rubbed against her clit with each breath, carrying her closer and closer to orgasm. “Shit, what a dream!” Even as she moved to untangle herself, she could feel the throbbing heat of her pussy aching for fulfillment. At last, she was free of the confining fabric. Knowing what she needed, she eased her hand down into her panties and between her damp thighs, conjuring up the scene that had been interrupted by her waking. Jack, fucking her mercilessly. Yes, her fingers rubbed across her swollen clit, faster and faster, needing only a few hot strokes before she arched up into orgasm. “Jack,” she screamed, her mind filled with the picture of Jack's face as he exploded in his own release.

  Abby lay there for a few long moments, stunned by the power of her orgasm. What in the hell was that about? God, she must have been more tired than she'd thought. Best not to dwell too long on the dream and her own response to it. Obviously, she was reacting to everything that had been going on for the past few months plus her own strange attraction to Jack. She was just on emotional overload. Easing her hand from between her legs, she pushed herself into a sitting position. After shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she struggled up out of the bed and put on her robe.

  She brushed her memories of the dream aside with a rueful laugh and wandered into the kitchen. Bear came over to nuzzle against her leg, so she filled his wa
ter dish before stepping out onto the front porch of the cabin to stand for a moment just absorbing the silence of the surrounding forest. She could feel the tensions of the past couple of months flowing out of her in the face of so much serenity, so different from what she was used to.

  In sudden decision, she went back inside to dress in faded jeans and a comfortable t-shirt. She wanted to make the necessary trip to town to pick up the groceries that she needed before she started working. And on top of that, she had promised to telephone Beau to let him know that she had arrived safely. Her cell phone wasn't working up here in the mountains, so she'd have to find a pay phone somewhere in town.

  Keys in one hand, she ran down the steps, letting Bear out so that he could explore the area while she was gone into town. After a last look at the cabin, she headed the SUV back down the mountain. When she drove past Jack's place, she looked carefully but saw no sign of the man himself. She wasn't sure whether she was relieved or disappointed.

  Abby was soon in the small town of Stone Hill, Alabama. Wide shaded streets with old-fashioned houses and white picket fences gave the town a quaint charm that Abby found delightful. Although hardly a budding metropolis, the town was big enough to boast a couple of large supermarkets, and Abby turned into the parking lot of a well-known chain. Next to the store was a small café with a sign that said they had a public telephone inside, and she decided to make her phone call before buying groceries. The café was not busy, so Abby moved right to the phone and soon was speaking long-distance to Beau.

  "Abby. Good God, woman. Do you know what time it is?"

  "Yes, Beau. It's eight o'clock. Not exactly the crack of dawn."

  "It's Saturday, darlin',” he moaned in disgust.

  "Oops! Guess I forgot what day it was.” Saturday morning was sacred “sleep-in” time for Beau, but she felt no remorse. Especially not after the trick he had played on her and Jack.

  "You don't sound sorry, but I'll forgive you anyway, sugar. So, I ... uh ... guess you made it okay. Any ... problems?” he inquired. She could tell from the tone of his voice that he had remembered his little “joke."

  "No. The trip was fine. A little long and tiring, but nothing compared to the reception I got at the end of it, you jackass."

  She rolled her eyes when she heard his laugh. “Oh, come on. That's a little harsh, isn't it? Jack didn't kick you out or anything, did he?"

  "No, thank goodness. But I could strangle you, Beau. He was expecting some senior citizen and instead he got me. You should have seen his expression when he first saw me."

  He sighed. “I just don't see what the problem is. If I was expecting some old lady and got you instead, I'd be tickled pink."

  "Well, you might not complain, but Jack did. Loud and clear. And you knew exactly how he would react."

  "Okay, okay, I admit it. So sue me."

  Abby laughed in defeat. “What am I going to do with you?” She never could stay angry with Beau for long.

  "So,” she could hear the smile in his voice, “other than the little ‘surprise’ how do you like the cabin?"

  "The cabin's great,” she enthused, “and I am grateful to you for sending me here and arranging with Jack that I stay. Even if your methods were somewhat devious and left me at the mercy of that arrogant S.O.B."

  "Look, Abby, try to cut Jack a little slack.” Beau's voice grew serious. “I know he can be difficult to deal with these days, but he's had a rough couple of years. Let's just say that he has good reason for being suspicious of females."

  Abby restrained her curiosity since it was really none of her business, “All right. I'll try. So, have you heard anything from you-know-who?"

  "Not a peep. I think he's finally given up."

  "Good.” Abby was relieved. Not that she had really thought Scotty would do anything serious, but it was good to have one less worry so she could focus on her work. “Okay, then. I'll let you go. I know you want to get back to your beauty sleep."

  "All right, sweetheart. Tell Jack I said ‘hi.’ And call me if you need anything."

  "Will do. Bye, Beau. I love you."

  Abby hung up the phone and left the café. She walked into the grocery store, conscious of the curious eyes of the people shopping. Uncomfortable under the close scrutiny, she loaded her buggy as quickly as possible and moved toward the checkout stand.

  As she was steering her groceries into line, another cart crashed into the side of hers, and Abby was startled by the jolt.

  "Oh, excuse me. I'm so sorry,” a young woman with long dark hair apologized. “I'm afraid I wasn't looking where I was going."

  Abby smiled. “No problem."

  Inquisitive grey eyes studied her. “You're new in town, aren't you? I don't remember seeing you before."

  "Yes. Just visiting, really. My name is Abby Montgomery.” Abby held out her hand.

  "Leigh Ann Carter. Nice to meet you.” She shook Abby's hand and eyed her with interest. “We don't usually get a lot of visitors around here, so a new face usually gets noticed."

  "So I see,” Abby glanced around at the eyes turned their way.

  Leigh Ann laughed. “Idle curiosity. Don't worry about it. Really, we don't bite."

  Abby chuckled. As she paid for her groceries, she and Leigh Ann continued to chat. When they walked out into the parking lot, Abby said goodbye and started toward her car.

  "Hey, Abby,” Leigh Ann stopped her. “Would you like to meet me for lunch tomorrow?"

  Abby smiled and nodded. “That would be great. Where and when?"

  They arranged to meet the following day at Lila's for an early lunch and said their goodbyes. Her spirits high, Abby loaded her groceries and climbed into her SUV to head home. As she drove toward the cabin, she rolled down the window and cranked up her radio, singing along with an oldies station she found.

  When a black truck pulled up behind her, Abby slowed to allow it to pass. Instead of going around her, however, it stayed right on her tail, slowing as Abby slowed and speeding up when Abby did. It came so close to her back bumper at one point that Abby expected to feel the two cars collide, but the other driver backed off. It was as if they were playing a game of cat and mouse.

  Abby's hands tightened on the wheel. Had she picked up some wacko back in town? Many times Beau had warned Abby about being on her guard, especially when she was alone. The road she now traveled was practically deserted; she hadn't seen another car for quite some time. If she were forced off the road, there would be no one around to help her.

  Abby tried to see the face of the driver, but the truck's windows were tinted, and she was afraid to take her eyes off the road for too long. If the truck rammed her, it would take all her concentration to keep her vehicle under control. Her mouth was dry and her heart pounded as she considered her options. She didn't want to lead whoever it was to the cabin, so she couldn't go home. The last thing she needed was for some stranger to know where she lived and how isolated she was from other people. Just as Abby was about to completely lose it she saw another car coming toward her. A sheriff's deputy. Thank God. The truck behind her turned off onto one of the many side roads that dotted the countryside just as the patrol passed by.

  Shaking with reaction, Abby sped up, frequently checking in her rearview mirror to see if the truck returned, but it was gone. Abby didn't know what to make of the encounter. She didn't want to panic; after all, nothing had really happened. Relieved, she spotted the turn off to the road up the mountain. She was almost home. Should she tell someone? Jack? The sheriff? No, she would just keep an eye out to be on the safe side. It was probably nothing.

  Chapter Three

  The next several days all followed a similar pattern. She spent some time outside playing with Bear and went down the mountain again to explore a nearby antique mall with Leigh Ann, but most of her time was occupied working on her novel. And if her gaze was drawn out the window toward the direction of Jack's cabin a little too often, she wouldn't admit it to herself. Her nights were filled with
restless tossing and turning, and she woke each morning aware of a pulsing arousal humming through her veins. Her body knew what she wanted even if her mind refused to admit it.

  By the morning of the eighth day, she was ready for a break. She grabbed the fantasy novel she had bought at the grocery store and went to sit at the kitchen table. With her chair tilted back and her feet propped on the tabletop, she soon became lost in the adventures of the fledgling wizard Daron and his dragon Crole.

  "I've brought your mail."

  So complete was her concentration that the intrusion of that masculine voice startled the wits out of her. She shrieked, her whole body jerked in reaction, and the chair she was sitting in crashed backwards to the floor. Her left foot knocked against a glass and sent it flying off the table with a bang. And to top it all off, Bear began barking and jumping up and down, adding to the general confusion in the tiny kitchen.

  Jack moved to where Abby lay sprawled on the hard floor, gasping for breath. He stepped gingerly over broken glass and around the barking dog before kneeling and reaching out to support her as she attempted to rise.

  "Hell. I'm sorry. Are you all right?” he asked as he helped her up. She swayed, and he put out a hand to steady her, drawing her close to offer support. His arms enfolded her waist, and she could feel the steady beat of his heart under her hand as it rested on his chest. Though his arms held her gently, their grasp was firm, and she leaned into him for several long moments.

  The atmosphere in the room thickened, and Abby became aware of a tension in the arms that surrounded her. She held herself completely still, afraid of the feelings racing through her. She had known that Jack would be trouble for her, and she had been right. When she tried to pull back, wanting to escape the feelings he aroused in her, his hands tightened, and he drew in a harsh breath as her struggling body arched against his. An unfamiliar heat rushed over her at the look on his face, blue fire shooting from his eyes. She tried to look away but couldn't, hypnotized by the desire she saw there. His growing erection prodded her soft belly while his eyes strayed to her suddenly dry lips. As she bit her bottom lip, his hands tightened on her waist for a brief moment before he pushed her away.