Lakeshore Legend: The McAdams Series (By The Lake Series Book 2)

by Leah, Shannyn

  “I could do this all night,” he said.

  “I don’t think I can look at another bath bomb,” she admitted, even if it was her business.

  He moved his body between her legs, letting her wrist go and cupping her face with his smooth hands.

  “I wasn’t talking about them.” The low husky tone brushed from his lips and right to her. She tilted her head up as he moved to face closer to her. His thumb rubbed seductively across her cheek, the smoothness of the oil caressing her skin.

  “Oh.” That was all she could manage.

  His lips touched her collarbone, when she’d thought he was dipping to her mouth, and his hands moved down her arms. His hands then moved back up her arms to the edge of his shirt on her shoulder and tugged it, making it fall to her elbow. It wasn’t hard, the shirt was huge on her. He trailed kisses across her shoulders, then back to her throat and up her chin. Each kiss left a stamp of heat.

  He stopped inches away from her lips. “You smell like oranges.” He kissed her chin. “Lemons.” His kissed her jaw line.

  “Like a refrigerator full of fruit?” she chuckled.

  His chuckle was low, deep, and sensuous and sent heat through her entire body. “Like a tree of forbidden fruit.”

  Why did everything that came out of his mouth always sound like an enticing sonnet?

  She plunged against his mouth and let him enjoy the forbidden fruit he spoke of. He didn’t let a second pass and pressed his body against hers straightening and pulling her up with him. His soft warm lips opened hers and indulged in a game of catch with her tongue. Every stroke caressed with passion, lust, heat and desire.

  Finally her hands threaded through his tousled hair. He worked at the knot on the shirt wrapped around her waist and ripped it away from her body and onto the table. Onto the bath bombs.

  “Wait,” she cried. She stopped even as his hands moved across the front of her silky top searing through to her skin.

  He stopped and looked at her. “What?”

  “We can’t do it here. I work here. My sisters work here.”

  He dropped his hands on to her legs and bent his head down in front of her.

  She dug her hands into his hair again. She couldn’t help it.

  “Quit doing that or that’s exactly what’s going to happen,” he snarled, breathing heavy. She rested her head against his. “But there’s a futon in the lunchroom,” she whispered.

  She felt his hands tighten around her legs obviously liking the idea.

  “But first take your shirt off.” He was up and whipped his shirt off as quickly as he scooped her up and carried her into the lunchroom.

  “You’re such a tease,” he said before capturing her mouth. He was the tease.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Colt slowly woke up from the deepest sleep he’d had in a long time. The last two years of his life didn’t come blasting into his thoughts like usual. Instead, he felt...calm. Maybe this was how yoga was supposed to make a person feel. He would attend every class of this version of yoga.

  Peyton stirred a bit. They’d eventually pulled the futon out giving them decent room to sleep but Peyton didn’t like to share. He didn’t mind her naked body pressed against his side though. It felt like she had attached every part of herself to him like an octopus. Underneath the soft blanket partially covering them, her leg had worked its way across his legs and her arm was leaving a warm patch across his stomach. Her torso was almost right on top of him too, which gave him the benefit of looking at her head against his naked chest with her hair splayed every which way.

  “I know you’re awake,” she said almost startling him. If he had been paying attention, he would have noticed her heavy breathing had disappeared. “Are you creepily staring at me?” her sleepy filled voice asked.

  He chuckled. That’s exactly what he was doing and he was damn well enjoying it.

  Her eyes fluttered open and,. without moving her head, she looked up at him. “I knew it.” She closed her eyes. “Creep,” she teased.

  He moved his hand of the arm that was wrapped around her, and brushed her hair from her face. “It’s hard not to. You’re beautiful.”

  She scrunched her face, unable to take the compliment. “I could feel your breathing change,” she said. “I’m going back to sleep even if you’re awake.”

  “I’m meeting some friends for lunch.”

  She groaned. “No, stay here with me all day.”

  He didn’t have a problem with that. He might even drift back to sleep with her. There was no clock in his view so he wasn’t even sure of the time.

  The sun was filtering through the curtains in the windows of the shop. He could see it through their...what did she call it...peeping mirror? No he didn’t think that was its name but that’s what it certainly seemed like...and she called him a creep. Hooking a buzzer up to the door would be just as effective, but it wasn’t his shop. They hadn’t fallen asleep until four or five that morning.

  “What were you doing downstairs this morning?” she asked.

  “Sometimes I can’t sleep.”

  “Why not?”

  He ran his fingers up her bare arm enjoying the silky feeling under his fingertips. “Too much on my mind.”

  “Like what? Getting me into this position?”

  He chuckled. Those were thoughts he had while he was sleeping. “I had you in this position.”

  Peyton chuckled against his chest and lightly tapped it. “What were you thinking about? That took you away from me this morning?” She lifted her naked body, lightly entertaining his skin. She folded her hands on his chest and leaned her chin on them. “Was it Lily?” she asked.

  He took a deep breath. “Sometimes. I was watching you sleep, listening to you breath, enjoying your body curled up around me...” he paused. “By the way do you know that you don’t share the bed very well?”

  Her mouth gasped and her sleepy eyes widened. “I share.”

  He shook his head. “You don’t actually.”

  “I like to cuddle.”

  “You like to kick and shove too.”

  She laughed. “So I kicked you out of the bed?”

  “Woman, you couldn’t have kicked me out if you tried.” His tone was sensual. “I thought I heard some noises outside, so I went downstairs to check them out but I didn’t see anything. So I cleaned up the kitchen and was coming back up when I heard a thump.”

  She smiled. “I fell out of bed.”

  “Ouch.”

  “My ankle.”

  “Sorry,” he apologized grasping the hair on the back of her head and bringing her up for a good morning kiss. She still tasted like the baked treats Mrs. Calvert had left for them earlier in the week.

  She smiled when he released her. Good, maybe she would climb on top of him and straddle him for a good morning ride.

  “Good morning,” she said, her hands reaching below the blanket thinking exactly what he had been thinking.

  “Good morning.” He kissed her again pulling himself up into a sitting position. She slipped right on top of him in a straddle position giving his lips access to her throat. He traced hard rough kisses and she laughed throwing her head back and giving him full access. He ran his hands up and down her long naked back landing at her bottom and pulling her closer to him.

  She groaned. “Aren’t we full of surprises?”

  “Oh, I will surprise you.”

  She kissed him. “I love your surprises,” she said against his lips. Then she pulled away suddenly. “Just a second.” She climbed off him abruptly and crossed the room leaving him alone, hot, hard and ready.

  By the time she returned, her mood had totally shifted. She’d even found his t-shirt and had covered her body. He frowned at her. “What are you doing? Get naked and get over here.”

  “I think you should go meet your friends for lunch.”

  “Huh?”

  “I forgot I have some things to do today and I wanted to get an early start on them.” She did
n’t even wait for an answer and threw his sweater and jeans at him before disappearing behind the doors.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Hesitantly, Peyton held her hand up to the large wood framed door with floral patterned lace curtains.

  Wasn’t this the last place she should be standing? The last place she should be seeking out help? Was she secretly coming here so the lady behind the door would know? How would that help either of them?

  Her hand dropped to her side...again. She could go home and do it alone. She could just open the box and read the instructions and−dammit Kate why did you have to be away this weekend! Why?

  She raised her hand and knocked before she lost her courage.

  The thought of doing this alone absolutely scared the hell out of her. Just doing it at all was causing ruckus through her entire body now that she had no choice but to face it.

  Elaine opened the door immediately as though she had been standing by watching her contemplate. Normally that thought would really bother her, debating what the lady might be thinking of her. But today, her mind was boggled with much more pressing matters...and it wasn’t the shop.

  The pink floral blouse and black slacks Elaine was wearing were as bright and welcoming as her smile. “Good morning sweetheart. Come in out of the cold.”

  Peyton’s shaking legs surprisingly picked up her grounded feet and lifted them into the warm house smelling of apple pie baking.

  “Your dad went to work for a few hours. I guess they had an emergency and needed him.” Her father was manager of maintenance at the Caliendo Resort. He didn’t usually work on Saturdays. She hadn’t even thought about her dad being here when she knocked on the front door. That would have been awkward.

  “I didn’t come to see me dad.”

  “Colt was home quickly but then he was meeting some old friends for lunch. I don’t suspect he will be back for a while.”

  “I know.” She knew exactly where Colt was and for how long or else she wouldn’t be standing here.

  “Colt told me about the break-in last night. You poor dear. I was just glad the two of you were able to make some more bath bombs.”

  The bath bombs! How had she forgotten about them so easily? There were still hours of work ahead to finish the minimum of each scent.

  “I couldn’t have done it without Colt.”

  Elaine beamed. A whistle sounded and she offered her a cup of tea. “Peppermint, right?” she asked, walking away and back into the kitchen.

  “Yes, thank you.” Peppermint tea was used for upset stomachs but she didn’t think her upset stomach fell under that category.

  Elaine set their tea at the table and Peyton slid into one of the hoop back chairs.

  “Have you eaten lunch? I could whip you up a sandwich or soup.”

  Peyton smiled thinking she was the perfect mom material...perfect grandmother material. “I’m good, thank you.” The way her stomach was turning she knew she would never keep a meal down.

  They sat in silence for a moment. Peyton knew Elaine was giving her the opportunity to speak up about her visit. Peyton wasn’t ready.

  “Colt told me he bought Chet’s,” she said instead.

  Elaine’s eyes lit up and she went into full details about the business and her son. Peyton smiled and nodded, but couldn’t listen to her words. She was working her way up to the bag her hands were clenching on her lap.

  Elaine was asking her a question.

  “I’m sorry. What were you saying?” She missed it entirely.

  “Was there something you needed?”

  Peyton nodded slowly.

  Elaine waited.

  Squeezing the plastic bag on her lap she worked up the courage. “I need your help. My sisters all went away for the weekend. You know a little getaway before we open next Friday.”

  “I know. That was a wonderful idea. You should have planned something for yourself. You have been working the hardest. That’s what your dad tells me.” She winked at Peyton. “He’s so proud of you and he calls you his little work-aholic.”

  Yes, that’s exactly what she was and this news was going to cut her down.

  “I don’t know how good I am at making your products but I’m excellent at mixing baking ingredients so I would certainly give it a try, if that’s what you need.”

  Peyton wished that was all she needed. She shook her head. “No, I just...I can’t do this alone. I can’t do it with dad...and I can’t do it with Colt.”

  Elaine must have sensed Peyton’s panic because her own panic took over those blue happy eyes. “Do what? What is wrong Peyton?”

  Peyton brought her hands to her front and looked down at the plastic pharmacy bag then back up to Elaine.

  Elaine eyes were engrossed in the plastic bag. Peyton opened the bag and set the pregnancy test on the table. The two women stared at the white and pink box for a long while.

  “Colt’s?” Elaine asked in a low whisper.

  “Yes. I woke up this morning sick.” Knowing she had missed her period weeks ago, which she’d blamed on the stress of the grand opening, also ran in line with Colt and the shower. “I haven’t told him. It might not even be positive, but I’m pretty sure it will be.”

  “Shall we then?” Elaine asked, but stayed seated, her eyes darting to Peyton. Elaine regained her composure and her inner nurse figure. That was exactly who Peyton needed right now.

  “If it’s positive, what am I supposed to do?”

  “What do you want to do?”

  She had no idea! That was why she’d been avoiding taking the test. “I’m so scared Elaine.”

  Elaine touched her hand. “Sweetheart, motherhood is very scary.”

  “I’m scared for Colt. I didn’t know him before and I thought all these awful things so before I was scared for myself and the...” Her eyes trailed to the box, but she couldn’t say the words.

  Elaine nodded her understanding.

  “I was scared for us because I thought he would hurt us.” Peyton couldn’t believe she ever had such thoughts about Colt. “That’s why I wanted to fix his reputation. It wasn’t for me, it was for us. I wanted the baby to have a father to be proud of.” Peyton felt the tears stinging her eyes. Peyton hadn’t cried this much in her entire life. “And then he wouldn’t leave me alone.” Peyton let out a laugh and cry combination. “And he turned out to be so much more than I knew. He’s amazing and any child would be lucky to have him watching over them.” Peyton looked up at Elaine. “He’s not ready for this. You saw him at the hospital. I don’t think he can handle it and now he bought Chet’s which is a plateful and I’m a plateful and now there’s a baby and that’s just overloading his plate.”

  “I think with you by his side he can get through anything. He loves you.”

  “I love him.” Peyton sniffled.

  Elaine rubbed her hand. “I know you do sweetheart.”

  “He said he would always be there for me.”

  “I know he will.”

  “But in the same sentence he said my honesty is refreshing. And...I wasn’t honest about this. If I’m pregnant and wasn’t honest he will be so angry with me.”

  Elaine slid her chair beside Peyton and rubbed her arm. “Colt will understand.”

  “What if he doesn’t?”

  “Why don’t we go see if there is a little person in there before we stress ourselves all out? Are you ready?”

  No. “Okay.” Peyton looked down where Elaine was squeezing her hand supportive. She inhaled a low gasp staring at the gorgeous subtle gold ring wrapped around her finger with a diamond sparkling at her.

  Peyton’s head flew up to Elaine’s and she smiled. “My dad asked you to marry him?”

  Elaine nodded.

  Their special dinner together that Colt had slipped out to cook for Peyton. Perfect.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Colt had a great time with his friends. Maybe not as much fun if Peyton hadn’t rushed him out of the shop to call the locksmith. He would have
much preferred to stay wrapped together on that futon until the weekend was over.

  Fresh baked apple pie sat on the counter. He helped himself.

  “Colt?” his mother’s voice called.

  “In the kitchen,” he replied, between mouthfuls.

  She was all smiles when she reached the kitchen looking more excited than usual. “Did you have a good time with your friends?” Her hands couldn’t stay still and finally she held them behind her back. She was acting strange. What was going on with her?

  He nodded. “Is Kent here?” The last thing he wanted was an experience like Peyton and Kate had with the laundry room.

  “No, why?”

  He shrugged. Thank God.

  “How is everyone?” She walked around the counter and her busy hands began cleaning the already clean surfaces.

  “Good.” He elaborated into a few details about each of them just to quench her thirst.

  He’d barely finished and she was jumping into another topic. “You know what I was thinking?”

  He shook his head. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know.

  “Peyton has been working so hard at the shop and you two have a busy week around town. So, I was thinking...you should use our tickets to the theater and take her into the city tonight. Give her a little getaway like her sisters are having before they open the shop.” That was actually a very good idea. He wondered what caused his mother to come up with the idea. Then his mind went to Kent. Was she trying to get rid of them so the two of them could have the house to themselves? He shuttered at the thought.

  “After that bath bomb disaster I’m sure she will be at the shop for the next two days worrying about it. Why not get her away from it?”

  “I will run it by her.” He finished the pie.

  “Or simply tell her it’s all arranged and leave her no room for an excuse.”

  He grinned at his mother. “You know her too well.”

  “So do you.”

  He did.

  Elaine stared at him.

  “What?” Did he have pie on his face?

  “Do you have anything you would like to tell me?”