Love's Embers (Canon City Series)

by Marie, Lauren

  “Of course, sweetheart,” Gran answered.

  “Would you run over to Charlie’s and let him know I’m going to be late?”

  “You two have certainly become close rather quickly. I’m glad for you both.”

  Lark smiled. “I’m really happy about it, too. I have another question, Gran. On the church phone directory, is there a home number for Mike Strom?” She could hear her grandmother open a drawer.

  “Let’s see. There is a cell phone number.”

  “Great.” Lark wrote the number down and said goodbye. She dialed the number and after four rings got a message and a bing to leave a recording. “Hi Mike. This is Lark Metcalfe over at Mile High Bread. I know you’re on vacation, but Nancy or I really need to talk to you. We’ve had an accountant here all day going through the books. He’s from National Savings and Loan in Denver. I talked to Ryan Barton and his theory is that National might be trying to buy our loan from Canon City S and L. Could you give me a call any time? Thanks.”

  She hung up and her cell phone instantly rang. She looked at the caller ID and saw it was Gran. “Hey Gran, what’s up?”

  “Hey, this is Charlie. I borrowed Gran’s phone. I know with the holidays and all you’re crazy busy. Come over when you get home, no matter how late. I have heat now and the plumber says I should have water in the kitchen by the time he leaves today. I also have a surprise for you,” he said, out of breath.

  Lark smiled and laughed. “Do you want me to pick up a pizza or something else? We’ll have to share with Gran.”

  “That would be great. I’ll let her know not to cook dinner. I can’t wait to see you.”

  “Same here. I shouldn’t be too long.” She hung up and glanced at her cell phone. The message light flashed and she hit the Receive button. It was from Thomas. She pushed the Erase button and didn’t listen to the message.

  There was a knock on her door. She looked up to see her secretary waiting patiently in the doorway.

  “Should I start looking for another job?” Alicia asked.

  “No, not ever. I’ll give you advanced warning if things go south, but don’t worry yet.”

  “Okay.” Alicia walked into the office and stood at Lark’s desk. “The email went out and I’m already receiving condolences. You’d think someone died. Do you want me to forward them to you?”

  “Nope, just erase them.” Lark smiled.

  Alicia put a letter on the desk in front of her. “This is the letter. I need your signature.”

  “How many do you have to mail?” Lark grabbed a pen and signed her name.

  “About thirty. I just have to stuff the envelopes and Ed will be here in about an hour to pick up the mail.”

  “Great.” Lark looked up at her. “Alicia, please don’t worry. We’re in the black for the year. One way or another everything will be fine.”

  “No, it isn’t that. I know we’re doing okay with sales. I can see the bruise on your chin. Are you all right?”

  Lark looked down and pulled her sweater down. She could see the bruise on her chest spread up. She smiled. “I am going to be fine, too. My ex-fiancé stepped over a line yesterday. I’m afraid I’m the kind of girl who only allows one strike and I’ve let him have more than his share of first strikes. He’s out of here.”

  “Good,” Alicia said and smiled. “I’ll get this out.” She turned and left.

  Lark sat back in her chair and heard her cell phone ring. She looked at it and saw it was Thomas calling again. She turned the phone off and set it on the desk.

  At five o’clock, she stood up and stretched. She walked into the front office and saw Nancy’s light still on.

  As she passed Alicia’s desk, she stopped. “Why don’t you cut out early tonight? We’ll just have more to do tomorrow.”

  “Thank you,” Alicia said. “Have a good evening.”

  “You, too.” Lark leaned into Nancy’s office. “I’ve left three messages for Mike Strom. Hopefully he’ll stop skiing for a few minutes and check his messages.”

  “We’ve got the website updated. I made an executive decision and changed the date to the nineteenth which is Thursday. That will give us four mailing days and I feel we won’t be as late with deliveries.”

  Lark leaned against the door jam. “Ack, late is late, but the nineteenth is fine. I’m heading home.” She started to turn, but stopped. “Have you heard anything from Ryan?”

  “No and, knowing him, I’ll bet he’s on his way home, too.”

  “Okay, see you tomorrow.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Lark stopped and picked up a pizza. She, Charlie and Gran enjoyed a nice dinner together. They laughed and reminisced about the past. Breaker was in wolf heaven and enjoyed leftover pieces of crust.

  Charlie helped Gran wash the dishes, again, and then they took Breaker for a walk along the river. It was a cold clear night and they held hands for the first time ever as a new couple. They’d held hands when they were kids, but Charlie knew this was different. His heart thumped in his chest and he didn’t think he’d ever been so nervous.

  “I hope you’re not too disappointed about this afternoon, Ducky.” She looked up at him and bumped his shoulder.

  He let go of her hand and put his arm around her waist. “No, ma’am. No disappointment on this front.”

  Her hand moved around his waist and she latched a finger in a belt loop. “Do you remember when we protected Canon City from the alien invasion?”

  “Lord, yes. We carried our faithful saber sticks and our canteens were full of Androvian power juice. You were a great second in command.”

  “Thank you, major general. You were very good at strategy and always fought heroically.” She smiled.

  “Yes and we are protected even more since we’ve recruited master sergeant Breaker. He will protect us from evil vermin and birds. He has an ever-watchful eye.”

  “Ever-watchful?” Lark laughed.

  “Yes, he’s very devious that way.” Charlie pulled her into his arms and swung her around.

  When they stopped, Lark looked up at him and touched his lips. “Ducky, remember yesterday we talked about your house not having furniture?”

  “I have a vague memory of that, yes. Didn’t someone mention Playboy?” He moved his hand down and put his fingers into the back pocket of her jeans. He felt her jump and shake. “What’s the matter?”

  “Nothing. It’s just chilly out here.” Her eyebrow arched. “Do you think Breaker’s been out long enough?”

  Charlie stood still and then fought against Lark’s pocket as he tried to get his hand free. “Breaker, to me, boy.” He got his hand out and looked for the wolf. “Did I mention to you earlier on the phone that I have a surprise for you?”

  “I think you did, yes,” she said. “I do need to ask one question, Charlie.” She took his hand and pulled him around to her. He made sure he paid attention. “You do have real protection, right?” He felt his brows came together. “I’m on the Pill, and it’s not that I don’t trust you, but...”

  Charlie looked at her and got what she spoke about. He smiled. “Oh, you mean protection. Yes, at least I used to. At one point in my travels I thought I wanted to be a lover. After those one-nighters, I decided it wasn’t worth it. I should have the leftover’s in my truck.” He took her hand. “Breaker, come on boy. Where is that wolf?”

  Breaker bounded through the bushes onto the river bed and ran to them. He danced around them and loved the attention.

  They walked quietly back to Charlie’s house. He unlocked the door and they walked in. The house was warm and it felt good after the cold night air. He saw Lark look down the hall into the living room and a smile spread across her lips when she saw his couch.

  “Hey, your couch arrived.” She walked into the living room and leaned over the
couch to look at it. He loved the view he got when he stood in the doorway.

  “Yeah, the store delivered it early. I found the coffee table in the garage. It isn’t really my taste, but it will work for now.” He stood next to her and tilted his head.

  She turned to him and unzipped her coat. “If the couch arrived, does that mean the bed is also here?”

  He looked down at her and smiled. “Yes, it does and I need for you to wait here one second. I’ll be right back.” Charlie turned and ran out the front door.

  ****

  She heard his truck door open and after a few seconds, it slammed. He ran back into the house and slid into the living room. “One more second, babe. Stay right there.” He turned and pounded up the stairs. She heard his footfalls on the ceiling and had to laugh.

  Lark took her coat off and removed her boots. She knew that this evening would end up in his bed and felt warmth slide down her limbs into her pelvis. She was relieved she felt something that eluded her for the last several months. She heard him starte down the stairs and she turned around. He’d taken off his coat and boots, too.

  ****

  Charlie turned into the living room and stopped in the doorway. Lark stood by the couch and in the darkened room he could see her only in shadow. It made him admire her more than he ever thought possible. She looked so beautiful.

  She leaned against the back of the couch. “Ducky, do you think if we make love it will ruin our friendship?”

  He crossed his arms and leaned against the door jamb. “No, I wouldn’t think so. We know each other’s history and we’re comfortable together.” He saw a look on her face that he couldn’t identify. “We’re still growing and we’re just taking another step.”

  “What do you like?” she asked.

  He heard the question, but felt a bit confused. “What do I like about what?” he asked and wondered where she was going with this conversation. The expression on her face told him it was serious.

  “I’ve only ever been with two men. One of them was in college and he didn’t have any idea about foreplay. He just wanted to get it on and fall asleep.” She took a breath. “Thomas, on the other hand...” She crossed her arms and brought her hand up to her face. “He always wanted me to face away from him. The excuse being that he could play with my breasts easier, but I always felt he thought it gave him more dominance over me. He was into toys and he loved being sucked off. I’m just wondering if you have any favorite positions and such?”

  “No, no, no.” Charlie walked to her and took her hands. He held them to his chest. “Babe, I’ve read about the weird games that people play and I’m not all that interested in dominating anyone. I’m not into playing games either. I’ve always liked the idea of sharing the moment.” He kissed her hand. “Besides, I don’t think that I’d like you in black leather and I’m so not ready to be spanked.” She smiled and he felt glad and relieved. “Lou, you’ll always be my best friend. I’ll never do anything to hurt you, ever again. I swear it.”

  “The hurt was all a long time ago. Don’t you think it’s time we let it go?”

  He looked at the letters on the mantel. “Maybe we should have a sacrificial burning of the letters.”

  Lark turned and reached for her coat. “I’ve been carrying this around since Saturday morning.” She pulled his letter out of the pocket. “It’s a good idea to get rid of them.”

  He took the letter out of her hand and looked at it. He threw it on the couch, Breaker jumped up on the cushions and then lay on top of it.

  “Let’s do that later. Breaker stay,” he told the wolf. He put his arm out for her to take. “I want to show you the surprise. Come with me.”

  They walked up the stairs, but when Lark started to turn left to go to his old bedroom, he pulled her to the right.

  “I’m the master of the house now. I get the big bedroom,” he said in a low tone and laughed. They turned into the room and he let her wolk ahead of him. “What do you think?” He put his hands on her shoulders and stood behind her.

  “Oh Charlie, it’s wonderful,” she whispered.

  Charlie had set up the bed in the middle of the long wall so he could look out the windows when he lay down. Lark’s old nightstand sat next to it and her dresser was against the wall by the closet. He’d made the bed and even turned it down. Around the room he’d set up and lit several candles which gave the room a warm glow.

  “I found the candles in a box in the garage. I think I’m going to need some lamps. The ceiling fixtures don’t put out much light,” he said into her ear.

  “Ducky, you’ve become an old romantic.” She turned and wrapped her arms around his waist. “It’s so nice.” She put her head on his chest.

  “Lou.” He ran his fingers through her hair and kissed her neck. “Are you feeling all right about all of this?”

  “I’m having a shy moment.” She looked up at him. “It just occurred to me that you might want me to take my clothes off. You’ve never seen me naked.”

  “Oh Lord, you’re right. I didn’t think about that.” Charlie swallowed.

  “We are adults and I’m sure we’ll both probably act like kids and giggle our heads off.”

  Charlie became more nervous, but when he looked into her eyes he felt warm and calm. He put his hand on the side of her face and leaned over to move his lips along her chin and jaw. “Should we bite the bullet and undress each other or turn our backs and meet under the covers?”

  “What if you stand on one side of the bed and I’ll be on the other? We’ll each take off one piece of clothing at a time.” She opened her eyes.

  “Yeah, we could do that. It would be sort of like strip - not poker, since we’re not playing cards - strip something. I’m sure at some point I won’t be nervous and will want to strip you myself, but let’s try your idea for now.”

  They parted at the foot of the bed and stood on either side. “Wait a minute; you have on more clothes than me. You’re wearing a bra.” He grinned.

  “No we’re equal, you have on a long sleeved under shirt. Oh wait, are you still au natural?” He nodded his head. “I do have more on. I’m wearing panties.”

  “If you leave them on, do I get to take them off?”

  “Sure, but what if I take the panties off and leave on my socks?” She teased.

  “I hadn’t thought of that. Would it bug you if I took them off and kissed your toes?” He looked across the bed at her.

  “I’ve never had my toes sucked. I’ll have to think about that. Are you ready?”

  “Ladies first.”

  “What a gentleman,” she said. She put her finger on her chin and looked up at the ceiling, as though faking thought. She reached down and pulled her sweater over her head. She held it out to her side, let it drop and showed off her white lacy bra.

  Charlie thought he might fly over the bed, but contained himself. “Nice bra.” He unbuttoned his flannel shirt and pulled it out of his pants. He copied her and let it drop to the floor. He showed off his undershirt and acted like a body builder.

  “Nice,” she laughed. She bent over and took off one of her socks.

  “I see, you’re going to tease me. I, my darling, am a bit bolder.” He touched the top of his pants and acted like he was going to unzip them. He then pulled at the bottom of his under-shirt and took it off.

  He saw her nod her head. “What’s the scar on your stomach?”

  “Appendicitis. I had to get it removed in Baltimore. You’re stalling.”

  Lark put her thumbs in the top of her pants and undid the button. He watched as she slowly let the zipper down and turned to the side. She slid her pants down and arched her back which made her bottom curve out. She wore white lace bikini panties that matched her bra. She sat on the edge of the bed to get them all the way off and then bounced up on her feet
.

  Charlie felt his mouth go dry. She was beautiful and he wanted desperately to get his pants off. He’d put up with a semi-hard on all day, but now it pushed against his zipper. He leaned over and took off a sock.

  She did the same and took off her last sock. She arched her eye brow. “One sock and one pair of jeans. Hmmm...what will it be?”

  He couldn’t take it anymore and opened his pants. He slid them down and copied her turning to the side. He pushed his bottom out and looked at her as sexy as he could manage. He puckered his lips and sent her an air kiss.

  Lark whistled and looked at his bottom. As he straightened, he noticed her eyes looked at his penis. He was definitely ready to go. He got his pants off and turned to face her.

  “Hmmm...what will it be? Panties or bra?” He smiled.

  She reached around her back and loosened her bra. “When you said you’d take my panties off it gave me chills up my back and made my pelvis very warm.” She pulled the straps down and slid it off her arms. She held it out to the side and dropped it on top of her sweater. “You better take your other sock off,” she said.

  He looked up at her eyes and then walked around the bed and put his hands on either side of her face. He gazed into her warm blue eyes. He leaned in and barely touched his lips to hers and felt her warm breath surround him. “You are so beautiful,” he whispered and pressed his mouth to hers.

  He straightened briefly and looked down at her chest. He could see the bruise spread up to her collar bone and neck. He lightly ran his fingers over it. The color was pinkish purple and

  he could see what looked like finger prints on her breast. “Does this hurt?”

  “It’s a little tender.”

  “You’ll let me know if I’m hurting you, right?”

  “I will, but I don’t think you’ll make it uncomfortable. What was it you said? Kiss it and make it better.”

  Charlie felt all the blood rush to his shaft and thought he might pass out from too much happiness. He turned her and whispered, “Lie down and let me get those panties taken care of.” While she flattened out on the comforter, he leaned over and took off his other sock. When he looked back he sucked in his breath and held it. He looked down at her. Lark put her sore wrist over her head and her other arm was at her side.