by Aliyah Burke
Fuck! He stood there, a bouquet of roses in hand. Another two-button gray suit as he’d worn earlier, only this one had a sheen to it the other hadn’t. His crisp white shirt worked perfectly with it.
“Jesus,” he breathed. “You’re fucking gorgeous.” He offered her the flowers, and she took them, backing up and allowing him entrance without saying a word.
To be true, she wasn’t sure she could speak. He accompanied her to the kitchen where she took out a pitcher and filled it with water.
“Not finished unpacking yet,” she explained.
“No problem.” He trapped her between him and the sink and slowly turned her to face him. “You’re beautiful, Mellie.”
“You, too,” she uttered. “I mean, handsome, you’re handsome.”
“Let’s go before I find out what kind of underwear you have on under that slip of a dress.” His deep voice struck chords in her no man had ever come close to hitting before.
Somehow, his words put her back on solid ground. She flashed him a smile full of the promise of sex and reached for her clutch before walking to the door. “What makes you think I’m wearing any underwear, at all?”
Chapter Four
Toby admitted to himself with no hesitation he was having a difficult time concentrating on the drive. What makes you think I’m wearing any underwear at all? Her question ran on an endless loop in his head. His cock threatened to burst through the seam of his slacks.
His gaze continued to leave the road and linger over her firm, brown, toned legs, exposed from the bottom of the dress she’d wrapped herself in. She looked damn good on the black leather of his seat. He shifted gears and wove around some traffic.
Sex kitten. Temptress. And a whole other slew of words came to mind when he saw her like this. The outfit she’d been wearing when he first saw her in her father’s clinic had been hard enough on his cock; this one could rightfully claim torturous.
He tugged on his tie, trying to loosen it up a bit, helping him breathe a bit easier. Nothing worked, and he knew, until he had her again, he was doomed to be uncomfortably aroused. He kept the talk light on the way to the restaurant. He pulled up to valet and nodded to the man who met him at his door. Striding around the car, Toby swore under his breath as she stepped from the interior. Many of the men around stopped and gave her more than a onceover. He smirked as he held out his arm for her.
The light wispy scent of wisteria dug its claws into him and rode him like he wanted her to do. Christ, I’m horny.
He gave his name, and they were shown to a table by the window. The candle burning between them only added to the intimacy of the scene.
“So,” he said after he placed their orders. “What are you thinking right now?”
“Honestly? I was thinking about my parents and if my father had gotten past his nausea.” She lifted one shoulder. “Sorry, not exactly date chatter.” She reached for one of the rolls in the basket between them.
“It’s perfectly understandable. He’s your father.”
She tossed her hair back and ripped open the bread. Steam spiraled out from the inside. “Okay, you got me here; what is it you want with me?”
He watched her over the small table. “You know what I want from you, Mellie. But, this date is to get to know you better.”
She chewed slowly and swallowed before she answered. “What’s to know me better about? We grew up in the same town. You know me from that. Otherwise, I’m a vet. That is my life. I’m an open book.”
Their waiter returned and showed him the wine he’d asked for. After sampling it, he gave the nod for their glasses to be filled.
“Thank you,” Mellie said as he finished before he left. The man smiled at her.
“I disagree. You’re a complex woman.”
She dabbed the corners of her mouth with the napkin. “Let me ask you something. If you get your mall deal done, are you even staying in Cottonwood Falls or will you be traipsing back to New York City?”
He paused with the wine glass partway to his mouth. “Back to New York, I suppose.” Why did those words sound so wrong?
“Then, why is it so important for you to bring your desire to the town if you won’t even be around? And, why needing to get to know me better? I thought this was about sex between us. Nothing more.”
It had been at the beginning, or so he was trying to convince himself. The first kiss they’d shared had pushed that possibility out of the solar system.
“Is it so wrong for me to want to know you?”
“No, I’m just curious.”
“Fair enough. Now, let me ask you something.” He ate a bite of his shrimp linguine. She waited for him to speak, not rushing him. “Why are you so against helping the town?”
“You asked me that before,” she replied, hands in her lap. “I’m not against helping, but what you’re doing, isn’t that. If you truly want to help the town, then pour your money into it. Help them redo storefronts, upgrade buildings and technology. Knocking down our history isn’t helping. Support the people who make Cottonwood Falls home, not by bringing in faceless corporations who, in all actuality, don’t give a damn about anyone but their bottom line.”
“And, you think that’s what I am doing? Essentially selling out?”
“I think you already have. There is a beat, a pulse, that flows around Cottonwood Falls. You either hear and feel it, or you don’t. For those of us who do, what you’re suggesting and trying to accomplish is a violation of everything we love and support.” She sipped some wine. “I know you came in waving the promise of big money. That’s how it works; I get that. But, what’s so wrong with investing in the people who know and love the town? When did that become such a taboo suggestion or ridiculous idea?”
She rubbed her shoulder. “Why not back Mrs. Lucy and her canning business, put some money in there, and help her learn how to reach more people? She already sells the crap out of her jams and jellies. Help the school or hospital. Stu’s custom furniture business, Mrs. Doris’ dressmaking one. Hell, even the bakery gets orders of things to ship out. Across the country. Our town is thriving, but honestly, what you want to do will kill it.” She held up her hands. “I’m sorry. This is supposed to be a nice evening, not about us fighting over this.”
“No, it’s fine. I asked.” He lifted his glass to her and drank. The beat and pulse of Cottonwood Falls. She was right; he had lost it.
Despite the rest of dinner going without the topic being breeched, he still detected a hint of tightness around her mouth as he walked her to the door and handed the ticket to the valet. Storm clouds rolled in from the distance.
“We’re in for a big one,” he commented as the clouds illuminated with the lightning flashes.
“I hope so,” she said, swiping her hand over his cock as she stepped forward to be assisted into his car.
Right on cue, his cock, which had been semi-hard all through dinner, jerked to full attention. “Tempting minx,” he muttered.
Tipping the valet, he slid into the car and shifted into gear. He drove off the moment the man closed his door.
“So,” Toby said as they headed for the outskirts of town, “are you wearing underwear?”
She laughed. “Were you thinking about that all dinner?”
“Damn near. I was listening to what you had to say, but yes, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wonder about your clothing situation.”
“I’m wearing some. Red, the same color as my dress,” she said, shifting toward him. Her hand landed on his thigh, and he jumped when she raked her nails along the inside of it. “A lovely item with an open back and cage strap detail. There’s a satin bow, lace.” She leaned up to his ear and nipped the lobe. “Oh, and they’re open crotch.” She sat back and sighed.
The wheel jumped in his hands as he tried to focus. “I’m confused,” he said.
She patted his leg. “Open crotch is like crotchless. It doesn’t have one.”
He grabbed her wrist and put her hand on his cock. “
I’m well aware what that means. I was speaking to the fact you don’t seem to have a problem sleeping with me. But are adamant about me being in the wrong as far as what I’m trying to do here.”
“Why can’t the two things be exclusive? I’m not a prude; I enjoy sex. We’re both consenting adults. If I want to sleep with you and you do me, what’s wrong with that?”
“Bobby thinks you’re doing it because you’re vulnerable.”
She flexed her touch around him. “I suppose, in some sense, I am. You let me get away from it all, and I don’t have to think on it. Still doesn’t change the fact I won’t move from my position on selling. Is it a problem for you?”
He slowed when the skies opened up and released the rain. “No, just wondered.”
“Do me a favor?”
“What?”
“You remember how to get to the old Mickleson barn?”
“Sure. You want to go there?”
“Yes.” She released him and, to his surprise, laced her fingers with his.
They dashed through the rain to the barn. The door creaked as he opened it and allowed her past him. She immediately took his hand and led him down the aisle, fearless. The aroma of fresh hay filled the air. While Old Man Mickleson no longer had animals, he still had a barn full of hay.
“Open it,” she said.
He slid open the large back door. Instantly, the scent of rain intermixed on the air. He stepped up behind her, his left hand on her waist, right holding her upper arm and the strap of her dress that slid easily beneath his touch. She angled her head to the left, allowing him easier access to her neck.
“What are we doing here?” he whispered.
“Doing what people used to do in high school.”
He kissed her skin. “What’s that?”
“Finding the magic.”
***
Melinda stared at the man outside her door. Toby had a suspicious grin teasing the corners of his lips as he stood there, hands in pockets, on her porch. It had been a few days since their date.
“Something you needed, Latner?”
“Are you busy?”
Her body responded to his nearness. She didn’t blame it; she still replayed the adventures in the barn repeatedly in her mind.
“Just cleaning up a bit. What do you need?”
“Do you have a few hours to spare?”
She crossed her arms. “What is going on?”
“Is that a yes?”
She ran over her schedule. She didn’t have anything pressing to do at the moment. “I’m free for a bit. Why?”
“Put on some shoes and come on.”
Sliding her feet into a pair of sandals beside the door, she also swiped her keys and stepped outside. The warm sun shone down and she was grateful for the porch. “Where are we going?”
“I’m taking you out for a picnic.”
“A what?”
“Picnic. Surely, you’ve heard of them before. Typically entails eating outside. Possibly on a blanket on the ground or at a table in a park.” He slid his hand along her upper arm, guiding her down the steps. “I have everything we need.”
He held the door for her and she got in his Audi. “A picnic.”
“You’ve been on me about remembering more about Cottonwood Falls, Mellie. Don’t you recall having them growing up?”
She curled her lip at his use of Mellie. “I am well aware what a picnic is and I remember them. What I’m not getting is why you want to have one with me.”
“Humor me.”
She held up her hands and settled back in the seat. “Where are we picnicking?”
“The falls.”
He had her attention now. “Really?”
“How long has it been since you’ve been there?”
“Far too long.”
“Why is that?” He put the car on the road and drove them to the destination.
“Busy.”
“And that means you don’t have time to go there now?”
“I forget sometimes how beautiful it is out there. We have the other parks around.”
“I know. Life gets in the way. That’s why I thought you could use this. Take a break from everything.”
The gesture was very sweet and she appreciated it. He slowed and began up the road to the falls the town was named after. She held her arm out the window, enjoying the warmth and the slight breeze as they traveled along the tree-lined road.
“These cottonwoods must be so old,” she muttered as she stared up at their leafy branches.
“Pretty sure they are. Beautiful though.”
“I know. I love it here. Especially in fall when the leaves are all changing colors. It’s such a stunning array of hues.”
They arrived at the falls. The three all combined into a large pool, which some kids swam in on hot days. Currently however, there was no one else there. Not another vehicle in sight. Toby shut off the engine and climbed out. She unbuckled her belt and followed. He was withdrawing items from the trunk of his car.
She took the blanket from him and waited as he shut it behind him. He brushed a quick kiss along her cheek. “Where do you want to sit?”
“Your picnic, your show.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” he teased with a wink.
She trailed him to a flat spot under another large tree. They could hear the rush of water over the falls and see them easily. She spread out the blanket then helped him pull out the food from the basket.
“Who made this?” she asked as she opened the containers.
“Would you be surprised if I said I did?”
“Yes,” she answered immediately.
“I’d be offended but hell, I’d be surprised as well. My mom made it for us.”
“In that case, I’m ready to enjoy the food.”
“I think you just insulted me,” he said.
“Would you eat what you cooked, Toby?”
He scrunched his face up in pain. “Is that my only choice? I mean, is there no bugs, or twigs around too much on to tide myself over?”
Her laughter spilled from her, lighting her heart and soul. “You should learn to cook. At least the basics.”
“I have my mom.”
She accepted the offered plate and settled back to eat. He was right, this was what she’d needed. After they ate, they splashed around in the water, lay on the blanket, staring at the sky and the shapes of the clouds floating overhead. He allowed her to just be her and to take some much needed relaxation.
Melinda ended up falling asleep on his lap and woke later, cradled in his embrace. For a moment, she knew there wasn’t anywhere else she longed to be. There, with him, had everything she could need or want.
“Thank you,” she muttered as they packed up when the first stars of the night began to pierce the sky.
“For?”
“Giving me a wonderful day and asking nothing in return.”
He kissed her. “I’m tempted to say something about how much of a nice guy I am, but I’ll stick with you’re welcome.” His grin warmed her all the way to her toes.
***
“I hear Mickleson found your earring in his barn,” Janelle said with a wicked grin on her face. “Is it true?”
The others at the table all turned to Melinda for her explanation. She flushed and mumbled, “It’s true.”
They all hooted before clinking their beer bottles. Melinda shook her head and drank. It had been five weeks since her date with Toby. The news had spread around town that she’d gone out with him. That wasn’t the only change. He’d changed, sitting with her while she hung out waiting for her father to get his chemo. Playing cards with the man when he didn’t feel much like doing anything else. Stopping by the clinic to bring her lunch or say hi. Taking flowers to her mother. No matter if Melinda wanted to admit it or not, they’d grown closer. It was no longer just about the sex. At least not for her and, from all appearances, not for him either. Only recently had the bit about her earring popped up.
&
nbsp; “So?” Janelle prodded. “How was he?”
All of the women there leaned closer. She worked with them all, and at her left, was her best friend growing up, Hermione Windsor. She balled up her hand and punched Melinda.
“I can’t believe you neglected to tell me you slept with Tobias Latner.”
“Would you keep your voice down?” she begged. “I don’t need everyone in town knowing.”
The women laughed. She knew, yeah, good luck with that.
“How many times?”
“Hermione,” she said.
“What? I’m not getting any. It’s my time to live vicariously through you. And, girl, it’s been a while, so please tell me you got a lot.” She shook her head, braids moving along with her.
“I did. Now, can we please talk about something else?”
“His size?” Janelle said.
“How long he goes?” Ruby, another tech, spoke up.
“The freakiest position you did it with him in or if you’ve done it in your father’s office?” Hermione added.
“Such a shame I meant something not involving my sex life.”
“What fun is that?” Janelle again.
“Bitches.”
More laughter, and this time, she joined in.
“Do tell, when are you seeing him again?” Hermione posed the question.
“I don’t know when I’ll see him next.”
“Why not?”
“Been busy, Janelle. Most of my free time is spent helping my parents out best I can. I’m still unpacking as y’all would have seen if you’d come to my house instead of us coming here.”
“You needed to get out.” Ruby pointed at her right before belching and reaching for another beer.
“Such class,” she teased.
“Hey, I have five brothers, and I can burp better than any of them.”
“Such pride in that statement, Ruby.”
She nodded. “Hell, yeah.”
“Okay, back to the topic at hand. Why is he avoiding you?”
“Janelle, I never said he was. I said I have been busy.”
“Sounds to me as if you’re avoiding him.” She arched an eyebrow at her.
“Yes, Mellie, do answer the question. Are you avoiding me?”
