Falling for Love: A Winter Romance

by Addison M. Conley

  “Did you hear me?” Carter nudged her hand.

  Jordan had lost track of what he had said. Looking helplessly at her brother, she finally mumbled, “So what do you think he wants?” As the words left her mouth, she knew the question was about the creep as much as it was about Gerry.

  “I have no freakin’ clue. He’s coming by at four. So any, and I mean any, words of wisdom would be helpful. Better yet, you want to take my place?”

  As she was about to say something, he blurted out in a hushed voice, “I don’t know how Mom puts up with it. For me, it is way more than the older sibling or the religious thing. I think he’s got some real mental issues. And these last couple of years—” He pursed his lips and shook his head. “His bull crap and anger are getting worse. I’m worried he’s going to lash out at one of us physically. He ruins most family gatherings. Luckily, you’ve got the restaurant to give you an excuse to leave.”

  Jordan silently cringed at the statement, knowing she had her own secrets for keeping away. “Carter, I love you, and I do agree with what you’re saying. I also know you two always seem to end up in a shouting match. So whatever Gerry has to say, bite your tongue, nod your head, and get him out of the house as fast as possible.”

  He bobbed his head in a yes gesture and shoved more food in his mouth. Carter always liked to eat no matter what his mood. This time, he pushed the plate between them. “Help me eat this. It may be my last meal before going into the snake pit, so I don’t want to be too stuffed.”

  Food was the last thing Jordan wanted. The tension that gripped her would not let go. She carefully chewed one piece as Carter wolfed down the rest then stood. He probably thought she was also upset by the news on Gerry.

  “Well, guess it’s time to face the music. Wish me luck.”

  “You’ll be fine.”

  Carter squeezed Jordan’s shoulder as he left. She remained seated until her nerves settled and sipped her iced tea. With every swallow, a chill ran through her body even though the ice was melted. She dreaded walking by the weird dude but had no choice as he was seated near the kitchen door. At least he had food now and wasn’t staring her down. Get a grip. It’s probably a coincidence. No big deal.

  She plastered on a smile when she got closer. “Everything okay?” He gave a thumbs up, and she kept on walking. She felt like fainting when she saw a bulge on his hip. Fuck! The asshole’s packing!

  She walked right by the staff into her office, shut the door, closed the blinds, and plopped in the chair, resting her elbows on her knees and her head in her hands. Jesus Christ. I hate this state’s conceal-and-carry law. As much as she tried to tell herself the guy was probably no threat, her gut told her otherwise. Tonight, she’d tell Robby they needed to post a “No Firearms” sign.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Betty Jean had not spoken of Emmy’s new burgeoning relationship since the ride home the other night. Instead, she had inundated Emmy with chores and running errands. Emmy was certain it was intentional. As soon as she would fulfill one of Auntie’s requests, another would come in.

  Sneaking out to the restaurant between shopping sprees was exciting, but the crazy demands had to end, and last night, Emmy put her foot down. After Auntie’s fake pleas of innocence followed by a warning of “You better think twice,” Emmy flat-out told her to back off. Betty Jean unwillingly agreed, and when Emmy said, “And don’t be surprised if I don’t come home Monday night,” her aunt was speechless.

  Now with the dinner date a few hours away, Emmy was in a dreamy haze as she walked out of the florist with an exquisite bouquet. Her eagerness to unabashedly kiss Jordan’s lips and the thrill of more was building. When she reached the car, her cell rang displaying Becca’s number.

  “Hello, wild mountain woman. I’ve arrived at Dulles a few days early and just made it out of customs. Hope you don’t mind. Thought I’d drive up to your mountain retreat instead of meeting you in DC.”

  Emmy hoped she didn’t mean tonight. “Of course I don’t mind.”

  “Shall I take a cab?”

  “You could if you wanted to spend a fortune. It would be better renting a car.”

  “Oh, you of all people should know I can’t drive on the wrong side of the street.”

  Emmy laughed, recalling what it was like to be a passenger with Becca. “So why did you fly in early without calling me?”

  “We finished the shoot, and they cut my last scene. Do you know they’re discussing a script for next season where I get back at my husband over the affair by sleeping with a nineteen-year-old student? I don’t think I want to play that kind of professor. I do want some spicy scenes, but I don’t want to go from everyone’s darling to a tart.”

  Emmy had to laugh again. “So what exactly was your character in London at Night?”

  “Ha, ha, aren’t you the cheeky one?” she replied as Emmy reminded her of the old show.

  Becca’s first major television role featured her as a tough detective working the night shift to bring down the underground drug trade. As the ratings slumped, the scripts had progressed to a lot of skin including a simulated sex scene without a thread of clothing on. Emmy had never let her live that one down. Her newest show was going strong, and her fan base was exploding.

  “Okay, Becca. So, you are at Dulles, and we both know you can’t drive worth a shit even back home.”

  “Smart-arse!”

  “There are several good hotels near the airport. I can pick you up around noon tomorrow. How does that sound?”

  “Bloody perfect because I’ve had enough of trains, planes, and automobiles for a while, and an indoor heated pool sounds lovely. I don’t suppose you’ve got that in West Virginia? You know what I’m talking about, one of those cement ponds.” She cranked the last sentence out in her best Beverly Hillbillies imitation.

  “Ah, now look who’s being a smart-arse. Sorry but you’ve caught me at a bad time. I need to go. Text me your hotel info, and I’ll see you tomorrow. Bye, luv.”

  Emmy had not been in any serious relationship since Heather’s death, and she wondered how Becca would react. Still, she had to have faith in her best friend—they’d been through hell and back together.

  Over twenty years ago, Emmy had caught her then girlfriend with Becca, who apologized immediately saying she did not know the woman was in a relationship. Then the damn girlfriend proposed a threesome. Both Becca and Emmy turned her down, and Emmy dumped her. A couple of days later, Becca and Emmy met again when they were called in for questioning at the police station. Unbeknownst to them, the ex-girlfriend had been dealing in stolen credit card information. After the police were satisfied and released them, Becca and Emmy shared a pint at a nearby pub and eventually became best friends.

  Later, Becca introduced Emmy to Heather, an old university chum. When Heather was dying, it was Becca by their side, and it was Becca who helped pick Emmy back up after she buried Heather. Their friendship never faltered and grew stronger. Unlike some, neither believed in friends with benefits and had no desire to move beyond friends. They became blood sisters and stayed in touch even when they lived hundreds of miles apart.

  Emmy smiled. I think Becca’s going to like Jordan.

  ****

  Jordan couldn’t believe how nervous and excited she was about Emmy’s arrival. She had been prepping since yesterday. Today, she fidgeted about the kitchen trying to make everything flawless. All the dishes were Italian to honor part of Emmy’s heritage. As she floated around, her thoughts split between cooking and Emmy. There was more simmering than the braciole in the tomato sauce.

  The chemistry was right between them, and Jordan was sure tonight would be the turning point. They had known one another for over six weeks, and while it was hot and heavy at times, they had yet to sleep together. Jordan had never been nervous before, but Emmy wasn’t simply any woman. She could feel it in her heart and bones—Emmy was special, and Jordan wanted tonight to be perfect.

  She tore herself out of daydreaming
. Wine. I need a nice red. Rushing to the basement wine cellar, she scanned her stash of exceptional bottles. Ah, that’s the one. Tonight was time to celebrate a new start.

  She bounded back up the steps. Her body tingled in anticipation. On the last step, she heard the soft knock. Swallowing hard, she put the wine down and opened the door.

  “I’m sorry for being a tad late.”

  Jordan’s heart fluttered at Emmy’s voice, and her loveliness took Jordan’s breath away. Emmy wore an azure-blue sweater that made her hazel eyes pop. Her long blond hair fell past her shoulders, and a deep red lipstick accentuated full lips. As Jordan ogled, Emmy’s arm swung from behind her back, presenting a bouquet of yellow roses.

  “Thank you.” Jordan stepped aside. “Please, come in. Oh, love that sweater.”

  “Yes, it’s one of my favorites.” Emmy smiled warmly. “Your home is gorgeous. And this kitchen, wow.”

  Jordan put the flowers in a vase and hung up Emmy’s coat. “Part of the privilege of being a chef is to design a well-equipped playroom. Have a seat.” Jordan gestured to the comfy bar stools at the gigantic island.

  “What? I don’t see you in private for a couple of days, and you forget how to kiss me?”

  Like a switch that was flipped, Jordan stepped toward Emmy and delivered a fiery kiss. As their tongues mingled, Emmy ran her fingers through Jordan’s hair and moaned. After a couple of minutes, they broke contact.

  Jordan stroked Emmy’s face with her fingertips. “Better?”

  “Oh my, much. I see the shy woman has been put back in the box and the tiger is out to play. Now, I have to sit down because I am flushed.”

  Jordan grabbed her again and nuzzled her neck. “Your perfume tonight has hints of jasmine and roses,” she said after kissing her sweet spot.

  “Umm. The way our greeting is going, we’re not ever going to get to dinner. Not that I mind.”

  One more sumptuous kiss later and Jordan released her.

  “Wine?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Jordan poured a healthy portion and laid out the appetizers.

  “I need to finish the last dish. Feel free to roam around. I’ll join you in a sec.”

  As Jordan attended to the stove, Emmy picked up the bottle of Rioja and gasped.

  “Is there a problem?” Jordan asked over her shoulder. When Emmy didn’t answer right away, Jordan turned around to see Emmy’s eyes wide open.

  “Jordan, this is a Spanish Marques de Riscal Reserva 1945!”

  “It’s my best red,” Jordan replied nonchalantly.

  “This is too expensive.”

  Jordan reached over the bar and intertwined her fingers with Emmy’s. “You’re worth it.” She grinned wickedly. “However, as much as I’d like to impress you by telling you I bought this special wine just for you tonight, that would be bullshit. So let me quickly tell you the bullshit reason that Ms. Dumbass—me—has this wine.”

  “Wow. Okay.”

  “The wine was to celebrate my anniversary with Luciana. It was never opened because another round of her infidelity popped up. I thought about pouring it down the sink, but I didn’t have the heart to waste a thousand-dollar bottle of the world’s finest.” Jordan moved in closer. “While I could resell it, I’d rather share it with someone special, like you, because you are worth it. And that is no bullshit.” She kissed Emmy again.

  “Her loss, my gain.”

  Jordan returned to dinner. “Now please, feel at home.”

  Emmy wandered into the living room that flowed off the kitchen while savoring the flavor from the crystal glass. The house was an eclectic mix of style. Her eyes roamed to the high vaulted ceiling, the elegant timbers, the stone fireplace, and the warm furnishings. A unique glass wall with a French door composed of two stained glass panels separated this room from another that had a large bookcase from floor to ceiling on one wall and a baby grand piano. Emmy walked up to examine the multicolored panels. They were composed of various rectangles and other geometric shapes. She ran her fingers over pieces of the panel. Some were smooth while others were rippled. It added the right splash of color to the room.

  “You are an excellent stained glass artist. The geometric patterns are simple yet exquisite.”

  “Thank you.”

  “How did you ever find this gem?”

  “I didn’t. I designed it and hired a structural architect to make sure it was built soundly.”

  “So do you play?”

  “Mom plays the piano. Carter plays guitar. Me, I amuse myself. To be honest, I’m dreadful. Good self-therapy though. You’re welcome to check out the other levels.”

  “I’d rather relax and watch you cook.”

  As the evening unfolded, they enjoyed the various courses of dinner by candlelight, hands frequently touched, and their conversation grew more personal. Jordan revealed more about the relationship with her family, and Emmy opened up more about Heather and how Becca had been such a close friend.

  The romantic mood was heightened when they shared dessert and coffee in front of a blazing fire. As the fire warmed them, Emmy gathered the plates and cups and sat them down on a nearby table. Her voice was husky. “I never fully repaid you for the earlier greeting.” Her hand stroked Jordan’s cheek and played with her hair. The kiss that followed sent an explosive charge through Jordan’s body.

  The caresses intensified, and Jordan lightly brushed Emmy’s chest through her clothing while her mouth moved down Emmy’s neck. As inhibitions fell away, Jordan’s cell rang. With one hand, she unsuccessfully fumbled to shut it off. Grunting, she broke away.

  “I’m sorry. That’s my mom. I have no idea why she’s calling. Be back in a few.” Standing, she pointed her finger at Emmy. “Please, don’t forget where we left off.” She headed to the master bedroom to take the call in private.

  Jordan was annoyed at the interruption, but it was a weekday. As far as her mother knew, she was sitting around. She was thankful there was no emergency and ended the call after a few minutes. Before returning, she lit several large candles and turned down the bed. Every fiber of her body told her that Emmy felt the same way.

  Returning to the great room, she found Emmy standing still at the picture window gazing into the dark night. Jordan wrapped her arms around her waist and nuzzled against her back. She was gripped with shock as she realized what Emmy was intently looking at. Yep, it was snowing. It wasn’t supposed to start until tomorrow afternoon. Not only had the forecasters screwed up again, but the flakes were enormous and falling rapidly. There was at least an inch on the deck already.

  “I told you we had bipolar weather around here.”

  “Becca arrived early. She’s at a hotel near Dulles. I’m not sure I can pick her up tomorrow. I hate driving in snow.”

  “I can help. Besides the snow, we’ve both had too much wine. You should spend the night.”

  Emmy turned into Jordan’s embrace. “Yes. In fact, I had already warned Betty Jean not to wait up because I was hoping for a long, luxurious, unforgettable night.”

  Jordan’s mouth stretched from ear to ear and butterflies fluttered in her stomach. “Ah, Ms. Russo. What are we going to do all night long? We could finally play cards. We never did even though you mentioned it once. Or we could role-play. I know you’re not wearing a costume. Did you bring the handcuffs?”

  “My, my, you really are a tiger tonight. I do like this bold side.”

  “Somehow you seem to cast a spell on me. I want to get into as much trouble as possible. Yet I’m not sure where to start.”

  “Now you try to play innocent. I don’t think so.”

  Jordan guided Emmy to the oversized sofa. The two women feasted on one another’s mouths as hands glided through hair. Desire rose, and Jordan flipped Emmy down on her back and laid kisses from her neck down to her exposed cleavage.

  “Oh God.” Emmy gasped. Her voice was low and her breaths came out in quick bursts. “You’re such a tease.”

  Jordan locke
d her gaze on Emmy’s face. Her fingers traced Emmy’s lips then delicately moved over her chin, down her neck, and over her chest before stopping at the top button of her blouse. Jordan waited. When Emmy grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled their mouths together, Jordan’s nimble fingers took care of the blouse.

  Turned on by Emmy’s moans, she broke the searing lip-lock and moved down Emmy’s body. When she had Emmy breathless, she stood and offered her hand. “The bed’s more comfortable. Besides, the room is warmer, and there’s more space for thrashing around.”

  “Oh, I do like the sound of that.”

  They stole small kisses and hugs while making their way to the bedroom. Once there, Emmy threw Jordan down on the bed then masterfully stripped off Jordan’s blouse. With the same loving attention, she tenderly made her way down Jordan’s body. At Jordan’s chest, Emmy kissed and bit each of Jordan’s nipples through the bra. Jordan encouraged her by placing her hand in her hair and firmly massaging her scalp.

  Emmy placed further soft kisses down Jordan’s torso then slipped off the bed and dropped her slacks before removing Jordan’s. Her hands glided over the thin fabric between Jordan’s legs, and she glanced up at Jordan as if to say, “beg me.”

  “Oh my God, who’s the tease now?” Jordan said through a whimper.

  “Uh-uh. Sit up on the side,” Emmy commanded.

  In a lustful haze, Jordan did as she was told. Emmy stood in front. With her bra straps hanging, Emmy demurely asked, “Do you like what you see?”

  “Yes.”

  Jordan held eye contact as Emmy unhooked the bra and let it drop to the floor. She trembled when Emmy stepped between her legs, her breasts tantalizingly close to her mouth. Yet Emmy maintained control, firmly resting her hands on Jordan’s shoulders. Jordan ached to touch the heavy, firm breasts and lick her light rosy pink areolas and flawless lily-white skin.

  Emmy stepped back. “Can you finish undressing us?”

  Jordan slid off the bed and eased Emmy’s panties down to the floor while placing light kisses along the way. When she began to bury her head into Emmy’s core, Emmy grabbed her by the hair to stop her.