Summer Nights

by Susan Mallery

  It had been like this before. Him taking control of her body, carrying her along until there was nothing for her to do but accept the ride. She was—

  He moved his hand. Fingers pushed inside of her, then withdrew, mimicking the act of love. The added sensation made her groan. He repeated the action, this time curling his fingers slightly, finding that one spot deep inside of her. As if he were caressing her clit from both sides. She pushed toward him, needing all of what he offered.

  Control was impossible. If he did that again, if he continued to touch her like that…

  She came with a scream. Pleasure poured through her as she shuddered her release. He continued to touch her with his tongue, his fingers moving in and out. She convulsed around him, tightening and straining, every muscle contracting as her orgasm went on and on. When she was finally done, he settled next to her, his large hand splayed across her stomach.

  She waited for her heart to return to something like normal, then turned her head and opened her eyes. Shane watched her, his dark gaze bright with passion and satisfaction.

  “You’re good at that,” she whispered.

  “You inspire me.”

  She reached for him, but he caught her hands in his.

  “Not so fast.”

  She glanced down at the erection straining against his jeans, then back at his face.

  He grinned. “I’m not saying I don’t want to, but I thought we could have champagne first.” He motioned to the bottle resting in a silver ice bucket. “If you wouldn’t mind bringing it, I’ll open it.”

  There was something about the way he was looking at her. Something provocative. As if he had specific expectations about what was about to happen.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I’d like you to get the champagne. Naked.”

  She raised her eyebrows. “As the champagne isn’t wearing clothes, is this about me walking across the room without my clothes on?”

  “Oh, yeah.”

  She wanted to offer a disclaimer about her thighs and very possibly her butt, but this wasn’t the time. Besides, the man had already seen her naked. If he didn’t like the view, he wouldn’t have asked for more of it.

  She got out of bed and walked around to the other side. As she approached the ice bucket, she decided if this was what he wanted, she would give him the best she had. She moved behind the ice bucket and faced him.

  “This champagne?” she asked, lightly touching the top of the bottle.

  “That’s the one.”

  “What about the ice?” She picked up a small square of ice and held it in her hand. “Want this?”

  Interest sparked in his eyes. “What are you suggesting?”

  She pressed the ice against her throat and slowly ran it down to her belly. The ice was freezing and immediately began to melt. Water dripped down between her breasts. Her already hard nipples tightened even more.

  Shane sat up and began to unfasten his shirt. He worked quickly, his gaze never leaving her.

  “Anything else?” he asked, ripping off his shirt. He moved to the side of the bed and pulled off his boots and socks.

  She wasn’t sure what to do next. Her lone experience with porn had been a badly done movie she and her friends had watched in college and, honestly, she hadn’t seen the point. She knew men were visual, so maybe some kind of sexy dance. Only she wasn’t the sexy dance type. Maybe she could try the dance of the happy virgin or something.

  Pathetic, she thought, getting desperate and cupping her breasts. She really needed to do some research on the subject. With Shane, it could be fun.

  She’d barely raised her breasts in her hands, when Shane was on his feet and his jeans and briefs were falling. He crossed the room in two long strides, and grabbed her wrists. He had her back on the bed before she could catch her breath. Then the condom was on and he was inside of her.

  He pushed in deeply, groaning quietly, his entire body tense. All of ten seconds later, he was done. She blinked up at him.

  “Really?” she asked before she could stop herself.

  “Sorry.”

  “No, it’s fine. I’m just surprised.”

  He pulled out and rolled off her. She shifted toward him, supporting her head on her hand.

  “Shane?”

  He grimaced. “I’m like a teenager. It’s what you were doing. I couldn’t help it.”

  “Five seconds with ice and then cupping my breasts?”

  He turned to face her. “You do it for me. What can I say?”

  That maybe she didn’t need a sexy dance after all. “I like that I do it for you. You do it for me, too.”

  He grinned. “Let’s have the champagne. Give me fifteen minutes and I’ll prove myself with you.”

  “Deal,” she said, thinking there was nothing to prove.

  * * *

  LIKE MUCH OF SOUTHERN California, the Del Mar Racetrack had Spanish influences in the architecture. The grounds were well maintained and lush, the clubhouse impressive and owners and trainers had their own parking.

  Annabelle stepped out of the car and smiled at Shane. He looked good. Better than good. A little tired, maybe, she thought with a smile. One of the advantages of being a woman, she thought as he took her hand. She could hide her dark circles with concealer.

  “What are you smiling about?” he asked as they walked toward the entrance.

  “Last night.”

  “Which time?”

  “All of them.”

  As promised, he’d more than proven himself. They’d ordered dinner in and had spent a long, leisurely evening talking and making love. Later they’d settled into the huge bathtub and explored each other until the water had grown cold.

  “Tell me about your horse,” she said. “It’s a he, right?”

  “Deadline’s Dream. Yes, a boy.”

  She grinned. “Is that a colt or a gelding?”

  “Impressive. Using technical horse terms.”

  “I’m learning.”

  Not just about horses, she thought. But also about Shane. He was wary of her. Slow to trust. But she could live with the flaw. Because he was worth it. He was…

  She glanced up at him and knew she was in danger. A man like him was difficult to resist. Difficult not to care about. Impossible not to love.

  But until he fully believed in her, until he saw her as who she really was, she would have to be careful. Hearts were fragile at best and hers had already been broken once.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  SHANE WOKE EARLY, JUST before dawn, judging by the faint light in the sky. They’d slept with the balcony doors partially open and a cold morning fog crept into the room.

  He carefully climbed out of bed and closed the doors, then returned to the warmth of sheets, blankets and Annabelle.

  She lay on her side, facing him, her eyes closed, her breathing steady. Dark red hair trailed across one bare shoulder and he could see part of a breast.

  Wanting stirred. When she was around, it didn’t take much. Knowing she was in the room pretty much did it for him. Last night he’d taken her again and again, unable to get enough of her. They’d fallen asleep in each other’s arms. Now he watched her and wondered what he’d gotten himself into.

  From the first moment he’d seen her, he’d been unable to escape her. He’d tried. But here he was, in her bed. Trapped by a desire he couldn’t control and a need he couldn’t explain. He should be running, or at least looking for an exit. But he wasn’t. He couldn’t leave. Not yet.

  Was it possible she was who she seemed? She never looked at other men, she was funny, sexy and sweet. Maybe it was time to accept that and give them both a chance.

  He got out of bed again and walked into the living room. Once there he strolled behind the wet bar and started coffee. He used the half bath and the spare toothbrush that housekeeping had thoughtfully put into a drawer. When he returned to the bedroom, the main bathroom door was closed. Seconds later it opened and Annabelle appeared.

&n
bsp; “Morning,” she said with a shy smile. “You know, the hotel provides robes.”

  “You’re not wearing one,” he said, taking in the delicious view. Full breasts, a narrow waist and round hips. She was all curves and attitude.

  “Neither are you.”

  “I’m a guy.”

  Her gaze dropped to his growing erection. “Well, that explains the anatomical differences.”

  “I made coffee.”

  She smiled. “See, this is why you’re such a fun date.”

  They were standing about ten feet apart. He was aware of her body, of the bed and the fact that he wanted her again. He also knew that she was probably tired, sore and not in the mood. Damn.

  “Shane?”

  “Yes?”

  “I know what you’re thinking.”

  “No, you don’t.”

  The smile widened and her eyes brightened. “Yes, I do. I can see it on your face. And other places.”

  He glanced down. There was no hiding that, he thought, knowing if he got much harder he would explode.

  “The coffee is going to take a few minutes,” she told him. “Until then, do you remember what happened when you asked me to get the champagne? Back when we first got here?”

  He remembered every detail of her walking across the room, turning around and touching herself, first with ice and then her hands. He swallowed.

  “Uh-huh.”

  “That was just my breasts.” She moved her hands to her belly and laid them against her soft skin. “Remember?”

  His gaze locked on her slow moving fingers. How they were inching down and down. His breath caught. She wouldn’t… She couldn’t…

  She did.

  Her right hand slipped between her legs and moved in a slow circle. Her gaze locked with his and he saw passion in her eyes.

  He didn’t remember moving. One second he was on the other side of the room and the next he was pulling her close, kissing her deeply, his hand nudging hers away.

  “Me,” he insisted, wanting to be the one to feel her swollen, damp flesh.

  Then she was urging him toward the bed.

  “Touch me everywhere,” she breathed, lying down, then opening her arms to him. “Touch me, Shane.”

  And he did.

  * * *

  CHARLIE WATCHED THE twin girls play with their terry-cloth stuffed animals. Rosabel, otherwise known as Rose, sat next to her sister, Adelina, each holding a worn cat.

  “I can’t believe they’re a year old,” Charlie said.

  Pia Morena leaned back against the sofa. “Me, either. It’s going so fast. Peter’s already twelve. Next year he’ll be a teenager. When did that happen?”

  “Kids grow up.”

  “I know and I don’t like it.” Pia smiled. “I plan to send off a sternly worded letter of protest.” She pointed at the twins. “They’re walking and starting to talk. I feel like in thirty seconds they’ll be dating and borrowing the car.”

  “You have a little time.”

  “I hope so. I’m loving the whole ‘Mom’ thing. I don’t want to become obsolete.”

  Charlie raised her eyebrows. “You’re being a little dramatic.”

  “I know. I have moments when I’m completely normal. This would not be one of them.” She sighed. “I think it’s because we’re getting a family picture taken tomorrow. It reminds me of the passage of time. Plus, we’re talking about having another child and while I want that, I know it means the twins are growing up.”

  “They’re a year old, Pia. Get over it.”

  Pia laughed. “This is why I like you, Charlie. There’s no drama. You’re a completely rational person.”

  Charlie knew that wasn’t true. She had as many demons as the next person. Maybe more. Which was why she’d stopped by.

  Pia’s smile faded. “So it is serious.”

  “What?”

  “Why you asked to come over. What’s wrong? How can I help?”

  Pia Moreno was in charge of the festival calendar in town. She coordinated the million little details that went into making Fool’s Gold a tourist haven. Without Pia there would be no Winter Festival or Book Festival. No vendors selling jewelry and lemonade. No rides, no horse-drawn carriages in the winter.

  But Pia also illustrated the best of the people in town, Charlie thought. Without even knowing what was going on, she offered to help.

  “I’m thinking about having a baby,” Charlie said slowly. “On my own.”

  She paused, to give that information time to sink in.

  Pia’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh, wow. That’s great. You want to know about IVF, right?”

  “Yes, and I’m surprised you’re not going to try to talk me into waiting for a man.”

  Pia grinned. “Charlie, you’re incredibly capable. If you want to have a child on your own, you’ll do great. That whole gruff, crabby thing is just a facade. In case you were wondering, no one is fooled.”

  “Thanks for telling me.”

  “You’re welcome. Okay, in vitro fertilization. There are needles. I’ll warn you up front. Hormones and shots. Your body has to be prepared.” She straightened. “Wait. Before that, you need an in vitro. I mean, a fertilized egg. Are you planning to use your own egg?”

  Charlie nodded.

  “Then you’re going to need sperm.” She motioned to the twins. “We already had that part taken care of.”

  Several years ago, Pia’s friend Crystal had lost her husband in Iraq. The young couple, aware of what could happen to a soldier in a war zone, had prepared by storing several embryos. After her husband’s death, Crystal had decided to implant the embryos, only to find she was seriously ill herself. When she died two years ago, she’d left the embryos to Pia.

  It had taken Pia all of fifteen minutes to realize she had to have her friend’s babies. Three embryos were implanted and two of them survived. Rosabel and Adelina had followed nine months later.

  “I can get sperm,” Charlie told her. If not through a volunteer she knew, then through a sperm bank.

  “Okay. Then they’ll harvest your eggs, about which I know very little and then fertilize them. Once you have a couple of viable embryos, they’ll put them back in and then you wait. Dr. Galloway handled it for me here in town.”

  “I already go to her,” Charlie said.

  “Good. Then I would say talk to her.” Pia tilted her head. “I have to ask. Are you sure you don’t want to just have sex with a yummy guy? It would be easier. And cheaper.”

  “I have savings.”

  Pia raised her eyebrows in a silent question.

  Charlie didn’t want to go into her past yet another time. “There are reasons that the old-fashioned way doesn’t work for me,” she said instead.

  “Enough said. Dr. Galloway will walk you through the procedure and then you’ll have the information. Once you’re actually pregnant, things should go along for you pretty much like they would if you’d done it the regular way.”

  “Meaning if I weren’t a high-risk candidate I wouldn’t be doing this in vitro?”

  “I’m pretty sure that’s right. I had the multiple birth thing, which could be an issue for you, as well. If they implant more than one embryo, it’s always a possibility.”

  Charlie glanced at the twins playing happily together. Two kids? She wasn’t sure how she would make that work, but she could figure out a way. It would be worth it. She needed to belong, to give her heart. Hell, having a baby was biological. Why should she have to fight the need?

  “Thanks for the information,” she said. “I appreciate it.”

  “You’re welcome. And hey, if you want to get in some practice by babysitting, that would be great, too.”

  “So you and Raoul can have an evening out together?”

  Pia grinned. “Of course.”

  “I may take you up on that. Would I have to stand in line?”

  “There are a lot of women in Fool’s Gold who do love to babysit. Peter complains he has too many grandmot
hers. Not that he objects when they show up with cookies.”

  Charlie knew she would get the same kind of support from the community.

  “What’s going to happen when you and Raoul want to have one of your own? Are you going to be able to handle four kids and your job?”

  Pia slumped back against the sofa. “No, and believe me I’m very aware of the problem. The marketing department at the college has been great about giving students credit when they come work for me. They need three units of actual experience to graduate and I’m now an easy way to get that. So I have two or three interns at any given time. But if I have another baby, there’s no way I can be responsible for the town’s festivals. We’d have to hire someone else.”

  Charlie wanted to say she couldn’t imagine another person in charge. That it had been Pia the past eight or nine years and that it should always be Pia. But that was unrealistic. Things changed. Look at her. A year ago she would have said she was perfectly happy being on her own. Now she was seriously considering starting a family.

  “You don’t have to decide today,” she told Pia, but speaking as much to herself.

  “I don’t. And I won’t. So there.”

  Pia laughed. The twins both turned toward the sound, their expressions delighted.

  “Mama!” Rosabel said, holding out her arms.

  “Duty calls.” Pia rose and collected her daughter. When Adelina also raised her arms, Pia turned to Charlie. “Can you get her?”

  Charlie picked up the toddler and held her close. Adelina smiled at her. Chubby fingers reached for Charlie’s short hair and hung on.

  “Not letting me go, huh, kid?” Charlie asked.

  Adelina laughed.

  The sound cut through her, making her happy and sad at the same time. Happy to be with the little girl and sad about the journey she would have to take to get a child of her own.

  But it would be worth it, she promised herself.

  * * *

  “THE DISCO BALL IS a nice touch,” Annabelle said, staring up at the slow-moving silver ball.

  “I found it at a garage sale,” Jo told her. “It seemed perfect for the party room.”

  “Not the banquet room?”

  “I thought party room sounded better.”