by Kira Archer
She snorted. How pathetic was it that she was so hard-up she was dying to molest some poor stranger in a seedy motel. Her mother would be so proud. Speaking of whom…
She pulled her phone out and dialed her brother’s number. He picked up on the second ring.
“Hey, sis. You almost here?”
“Umm. Not exactly.”
“What do you mean? If you left right after we talked, you should be just about here.”
Cherice sighed and flipped back over, scooting up to lean against the headboard. “Yeah, well we ran into a bit of trouble.”
“We? Who’s we?”
“Well, there was this guy at the airport who got bumped from the flight, too, and since he was also going to New York he offered to give me a ride, so…”
Something clattered in the background, like he’d dropped something. Like a remote hitting the floor or…oh, it had probably been his Xbox controller hitting the coffee table. Wow. She really had shocked him.
“So you climbed in a car with a complete stranger on a thousand-mile drive? Are you out of your damn mind? He could be total psychopath!”
She sighed again and focused on keeping her voice calm and soothing. Most brothers were protective. Twin brothers gold medaled in the event. “Nathaniel is perfectly nice. You know how I am about driving and he was going the same way. Besides, I didn’t have a choice. He’d gotten the last car so it was either that or I wasn’t going to make it there by tonight.”
“You aren’t going to make it, anyway, are you?” he said, his voice tight with anger.
Lovely. He was already riled. He was really going to love what was coming next.
“No, we’re in a motel.”
“Cherice Buchanan Dubusshere! Are you fucking crazy?”
Her calm tone apparently wasn’t helping. She could almost hear the veins popping from his neck.
“Our car got stuck in a mudhole and broke…something or other. The rental place doesn’t open until morning. What else were we supposed to do? Hang out in the car all night?”
“That would be better than staying in a hotel with some strange man.”
Cherice didn’t think it would be wise to mention that staying in a car with Nathaniel wasn’t all that safe an idea either.
“Where exactly are you?” he asked.
“A tiny little town in Pennsylvania. I’m only about four hours away from home. I’ll be there in the morning.”
“I swear, if I didn’t have to go to this damned rehearsal party, I’d drive out to get you. In fact, I have half a mind to do it, anyway.”
“You would not. Mom would kill you if you ruined the party, especially to save my sorry butt,” Cherice said, happy he seemed to be calming down a little, despite his threat to come get her.
“Oh, I’m sure if I told her that her youngest daughter was in some seedy motel in desperate need of rescue, she would hardly forbid me from going.”
“Sure she would. She’d much rather I come to some horrible demise in West Hickbottom than ruin her precious weekend.”
Elliot snorted. “Well, I’d just have to make sure I told her in front of her friends. Then she’d look bad if she wasn’t concerned about you and she’d have to let me come get you.”
“Ha! Maybe. But she’d never forgive you. It’s bad enough I’m constantly on her shit list. You don’t need to be there, too.”
“Geez. Potty mouth. One little road trip and you’re talking like a trucker.”
She laughed. “Oh, shut up.”
“So, who is this guy? You better be behaving yourself or I will tell Mom, no matter how mad it makes her.”
She smiled and grabbed a pillow, hugging it to her chest. “You better not. Remember, I know who really stole her car senior year and put the huge dent in the door. And put the cigarette hole in the couch. And gave the dog a mohawk the day before the dog show.”
Elliot mock gasped. “You wouldn’t dare!”
“Ha! You rat on me, I rat on you.”
“Fine. Play dirty.”
“Only way to play.”
“Very true.” He must have flopped back on his sofa because the leather let out an audible creak over the phone. “But really, in all seriousness. You okay? Who is this guy? I’m going to Google him.”
“Oh my God, Elliot, relax. He’s a good guy, very nice. He’s been the perfect gentleman.”
She could feel him watching her before she heard him. The shower water was still running, but Nathaniel stood leaning against the wall near the bathroom door, smiling at her. He wore nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist and that ridiculous pair of flip flops.
“Fine. If you say you’re okay, I’ll believe you. Seriously though, sis, if you need me to come get you, you just call me, okay? Mom will survive.”
Her gaze was still locked with Nathaniel’s. “I will. Thanks, Elliot.” She licked her lips, wishing she was running her tongue down Nathaniel’s chest instead.
“Yeah. You just get here as soon as you can.”
“I will,” she said, but she was no longer really paying attention to him. “I better get going. It’s been a really long day. And I’m sure Mom is wondering where you disappeared to.”
He snorted again. “Yeah, she’ll be sending out the dogs soon. Take care, Cher-Bear.”
She smiled. “I will, Smelliot. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
She hung up the phone and dropped it back to the bed.
“So you think I’m a nice guy, huh?” Nathaniel said, smiling and folding his arms across his chest.
All that did was showcase his incredible arms. And chest. Which still glistened with water. Cherice concentrated on drawing air into her lungs.
“You have your moments,” she said.
Nathaniel gave her a slow, sexy grin and stepped farther into the room. “I left the water running for you. It was kind of tricky to get the hot water going so I was afraid to shut it off.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
Nathaniel nodded and watched as she dug in the shopping bags for some toiletries, her pair of flip fops, and her nightgown. She hesitated before pulling it out. She always slept in something slinky and silky. It was comfortable and she liked the way it felt against her skin. It wasn’t something she’d planned on wearing in front of Nathaniel. But it was either that or…nothing. And the nightgown was definitely preferable to nothing. Theoretically.
He saw the bit of silk in her hand and the slow spread of his smile burned through her like those lips were already brushing against her skin.
“I don’t have anything else,” she murmured.
He just smiled. “Enjoy your shower.”
She hurried to the bathroom and closed the door, leaning against it when she was safely inside.
“Let me know if you want any help!” he called out.
Heaven help her. It was going to be a long, damn night.
Chapter Ten
Oz leaned back against the headboard, a smile still playing on his lips. She’d looked so happy talking to her brother. Carefree. Playful. With that sunshine smile lighting up the room. He was glad she had at least one person in that crazy family of hers that she could connect with. It made life a little less miserable to have someone like that.
He felt that way about his own sister. But with her it was a little more complicated. Since she and Tyler had moved in, there was also an underlying sense of obligation in their relationship. Not that he resented for one second the need to take care of them. The fact that he could help raise his nephew and make their lives easier made him very proud. But that sense of responsibility sometimes overtook their old easiness together. Bills and jobs and child care and house chores had replaced hanging out and just having fun.
He should do something about that. Maybe when he got home, they could all take a weekend and just go somewhere. Relax. And if he got this job…he sighed and leaned his head back, closing his eyes.
The ability to fully support his family, with money to spare
, doing something he would actually enjoy doing? He wanted this job so much he was afraid to acknowledge it.
The water in the bathroom shut off and reminded him of another thing he felt that way about. The memory of Cher straddling him, arching into his hands…well, if she came out of the bathroom at that moment and saw his towel standing at attention she’d know exactly how he felt about their little episode in the car.
And now they were going to share a bed. For the whole night. He’d never survive.
The bathroom door opened and Cher clicked the bathroom light off and took up residence near the wall where he’d been. The only light came from the two bedside lamps. Standing in their soft glow, her damp hair curling over her shoulders, the black silk nightgown poured over her, hugging her curves like it was painted on, she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. And he could never have her. There was no scenario where the two of them made any sort of sense. No matter what happened between them on this trip.
He knew without even touching her that once would not be enough. She was already under his skin. If he made love to her, she’d be in his blood, his soul. And how could he walk away from that?
She seemed unsure of what to do.
He smiled and tossed the covers back from her side of the bed. “I’m not going to attack you, Cher. Come on, get in bed. It’s been a long day.”
She still hesitated.
“I promise I’ll stay on my side. I’ll even stay on top of the covers if you want to get underneath.”
“No,” she said, finally moving. She walked to her side and climbed in. “You don’t have to stay on top. I don’t want you to get cold.”
“I’m okay,” he assured her.
She reached over, shut the lamp off, and lay back with a sigh. He did the same. Neither of them moved, nor spoke for several minutes.
“Are you asleep?” she whispered.
“No.”
“Me, either.”
“I noticed.”
“Are you tired?”
He was, but he was also acutely aware that he was lying practically naked in bed with a gorgeous woman who only two hours before had been literally ripping his clothes off. It was a bit hard to relax.
“Not really.”
“Me either. I mean, I am. But…I can’t seem to…”
“Relax?”
“Yeah.”
“Me either.”
“Oh.”
“Oh.”
Another moment of quiet passed before she spoke again.
“Nathaniel?”
“Oz.”
She groaned and he chuckled quietly.
“What?”
“Why won’t you tell me what job you’re interviewing for?”
He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “Because if I tell you and I don’t get it, it’ll make it that much worse. And it’s a total long-shot that I’ll get it.”
“Oh.” She paused for a second before continuing. “But your sister knows, right?”
“Of course, she does. But I trust her.”
“I see. And you don’t trust me?”
Oz rolled to his side to face her and she looked up at him. The neon light burning through the drapes was just bright enough to light her face in a strange, pink glow.
“Cher, you’ve made it more than obvious just how unsuited for life in an office you think I am. I’m just a blue-collar man from a little hick town and New York City is no place for me and I don’t even disagree with you. But it doesn’t make it easier to hear. Especially when I’m headed into an interview for a job I want so bad I could spit. A job I am well aware I am probably not qualified for.”
She rolled toward him, her face puckered in a frown. “I never said anything like that. And I didn’t mean to imply any of those things either, Nathaniel. I really didn’t. I think the company you are interviewing for would be lucky to have you. Truly. I’m…sorry if I ever implied otherwise.”
“Thanks, Cher.”
She smiled and his heart picked up its pace. Good God, but the woman was beautiful. “You aren’t going to correct me on your name?”
She shrugged. “Somehow, I don’t seem to mind it so much anymore, coming from you.”
Her words were quiet, shy. And hit him like a fist to the gut. What is she doing to me?
“You know, you can call me Oz. I promise not to tell anyone. It’ll be our little secret.”
She giggled. An honest to God giggle that made him want to roll her beneath him and see what other adorable sounds she could make.
“Oz.”
It was even better than he thought, hearing his name on her lips. “There you go. Didn’t hurt now, did it?”
“Oh, hush.”
He laughed.
“So. Are you going to tell me what job you’re going for?”
He lay back against his pillows. Maybe it would be easier to say out loud if she couldn’t see him.
“There’s a magazine that is looking for a desk editor for their southern office. The position would allow for some article writing, too.”
“Really?”
He braced himself for her laughter, her judgment. Something. But the only thing coming from her was silence.
“I know it’s a long-shot,” he said.
“Why?”
Well…at least she wasn’t laughing in his face. That was better than he’d hoped for.
“I don’t have much experience. I was the managing editor for my high-school paper and for college—for the two years I was there. And I’ve done a few things for our local paper—occasional articles. Just the local-interest stuff. What festivals are coming to town, what the town council decided to do about the pothole problem on Main Street, that sort of thing.”
“Sounds fun.”
“Well. I wouldn’t go that far. But, it’s writing, at least. Gets my foot in the door. And I can do it around my other jobs. I know it’s not much compared to some of the other people who I’m sure are applying. But, when I heard about it, I had to try.”
“What about your sister and nephew?”
“They’re supportive. Lena knows I’ve wanted to write my whole life. This at least points me in the right direction. And it’s something I enjoy and I’d be able to do it from home. I’d need to fly into New York every now and then for meetings, but the rest of the time I could live where I am. It’s the perfect job.”
“You’ve always wanted to be an editor?”
He rolled back on his side to look at her. She wasn’t laughing. Didn’t seem amused at all. Just genuinely interested.
“Yes. Well, I’d love to be a novelist, really. But that would be even harder to make a living at than writing for a newspaper or magazine. That, at least, I can get a steady paycheck for.”
“Maybe. Depends on what you write, I guess. Erotica seems to sell well.”
He laughed. “Oh sure. Oz the erotica writer. You know, it’s not a bad idea. I’ve got lots of ideas.”
“I’m sure you do,” she said, her voice hitching a little.
The sound erased the remnants of his amusement. Maybe he should show her just how many ideas he had. He reached out and traced the line of her jaw.
“You know, I thought for sure you would laugh,” he said, leaning closer.
She looked up at him, her breathing quickening. “I wouldn’t laugh. I know what it feels like to want a life different from what you’re living. To want something it feels like you can never have.”
“Hmm.” He ran his hand through her hair, smoothing the strands, letting his hand roam over the bare skin of her shoulder. “Do you?”
“Yes,” she said, though it came out as more of a gasp.
“It’s been tough sometimes, with Lena and Tyler depending on me. I’m happy to take care of them. But I’ve had to give up a lot. It’s why I’ve tried not to get my hopes up too high. I know what a long shot this is. But if I did get it…if I could do what I always wanted and take care of them at the same time…”
“Y
ou have to go for it,” she said, rolling closer to him, arching a little when his hand skimmed down her back.
“Yeah.”
“Oz,” she said, her breath coming in short gasps.
He leaned over and nuzzled her neck. “Yeah?”
“Shut up and kiss me.”
He didn’t have to be told twice.
His lips descended and she rose up to meet him, her arm circling his neck, her body pressing against his. His tongue delved into her mouth, tangling with hers until she was trembling beneath him. Oz knew he was about to dive into the deep end of the pool without knowing how to swim, but he couldn’t stop himself. And despite the warning alarms firing in his head, the last thing in the world he wanted to do was stop.
All the pent-up frustration from their interrupted interlude earlier that evening came rushing to a head and he groaned, rolling her on top of him. The fabric of her nightgown tore slightly when she tried to straddle him and she nearly growled in frustration. Oz laughed, low and deep. He knew how she felt. He’d already lost his towel and if he couldn’t sheath himself inside of her, and soon, it was a damn safe bet he’d explode.
She reached down, grabbed a handful of material, and yanked, ripping it clear up her thigh. She slung her leg over him and settled back. He sucked in a breath, his hands gripping her thighs. She wasn’t wearing anything under the nightgown. There was nothing between them. Her hot, wet flesh skimmed lightly over him and it took every ounce of willpower he had not to lift her and drive himself inside her right then and there.
Two problems with that scenario. One, he wanted this to last longer than five seconds. And two…oh God.
She seemed to realize their problem the same time he did.
“Do you have…” she asked.
“No. Do you?”
“No? What do you mean, you don’t? Don’t all guys carry one around in their wallets?”
“Well, obviously not all guys.”
She shifted and the movement brought the tip of his dick so close to paradise he really could have sobbed. He gritted his teeth, sweat popping out on his forehead. She gasped, her thighs trembling, obviously having the same problem he was.
