From the Start

by Cheryl Etchison

  Kacie dropped her purse, keys, and phone on the kitchen counter and pointed to a bar stool. “Have a seat. Would you like something to drink? I’m afraid I don’t have much.” She moved from the counter and pulled open the refrigerator. “I have water. Pomegranate juice. Grapefruit flavored sparkling water.”

  “I’m fine for now.” He took a seat on a bar stool and rested his arms on the breakfast bar. “Are you ready to tell me why I’m here? As much as I’d like to believe you’ve finally succumbed to my charms and looks, I doubt that’s the reason.”

  Abandoning the refrigerator, she returned to where she’d been, the counter now separating them. Kacie took a deep breath, then let it all out at once with a rush of words. “I need to go on a diet.”

  He couldn’t help but laugh. “What?”

  A moment too late did he realize she wasn’t kidding.

  “You heard me,” she said without an ounce of humor.

  He reached across the bar and took her hand. “In my professional medical opinion . . . you’re perfect.”

  Although she wouldn’t look at him, a slight blush swept across her cheeks. “Well, it’s lovely for you to say that and definitely earns you some brownie points.” Kacie pulled her hand free from his grasp. “The real issue is I didn’t fit into my dress.”

  Michael shook his head in disbelief. “Didn’t I just pick you up from a dress shop? Buy a new one.”

  “It’s my maid of honor dress.”

  Suddenly, he realized the gravity of the situation. “Oh.”

  “Exactly. And I have just over a month to drop the few extra pounds. Meanwhile, my sister believes I’m replacing sex with chocolate, and I think she might be right.”

  He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “So you’re taking preventative measures?”

  “Absolutely.” Now she looked him directly in the eyes. “And that’s where you fit in. If you’re willing.”

  God, she was cute.

  For two weeks he’d been fantasizing about this woman and now she was in front of him asking him for sex. A request he was more than happy to oblige.

  But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t tease her a bit.

  “Hmm . . . I might need some time to consider this.” He leaned back and folded his arms over his chest. “How much sex are we talking here? Once every couple of weeks? Once a week? Once a day, perhaps?”

  “Could you dial back your enthusiasm just a bit here? I don’t think you realize how hard this is for me.” She grabbed hold of her hair and pulled and tugged and twisted it upward until she had it piled on top of her head, then wrapped it several times with elastic pink elastic from her wrist. “This isn’t normal for me. I’m responsible and punctual and sensible. All those things tend to make me less attractive, particularly to men who love the adrenaline-fueled life.”

  At first glance anyone would think she was a strong, confident woman, virtually unshakeable. But at this particular moment, the facade was starting to crack. Her gaze traveled from the countertop to the window, looking everywhere but at him. The longer the silence stretched between them, the more she began to fidget.

  “Why don’t we go out?” he suggested, his conscience getting the better of him. “Get something to drink. A beer or a coffee, whatever you prefer. Doesn’t matter.”

  That brought her attention back to him and she stared up at him with uncertainty in her wide green eyes. “Don’t you want to be here?”

  “Oh . . . I most certainly do.” He smiled at her in what he hoped was a non-leering nonperverted way. “I was just trying to give you an out if you wanted it.”

  The smile must have worked, because she visibly relaxed.

  She braced both hands on the counter. “No out. I want to do this. I need to do this.”

  “You need this, do ya?” he asked, unable to stop himself.

  Instantly those sea-glass green eyes flashed, darkening to jade as she pointed a finger at him. “Don’t you get all smug there, buddy. This isn’t about you. This is about me fitting into my bridesmaid dress. Remember that in those moments your ego is so inflated it’s about to take flight.”

  He couldn’t help but laugh. “Okay, okay, noted.”

  “Now for some ground rules.” Kacie straightened her spine and came around the breakfast bar to stand directly in front of him. “One,” she began, counting off her fingers. “No assumptions or expectations. If you assume I’m going to stay the night and I get up and leave, no getting pissy about it. If it’s Friday night and you’ve got other things to do than hook up with me, I’m not allowed to get pissy about it. Actually, now that I think about it, no getting pissy at all because we aren’t in a relationship.”

  By the time she was done, he was smiling so hard his face hurt. “You won’t hear any complaints from me.”

  “Two: condoms. Always. Period. I’m on the pill, but that’s not enough of a reason to go without because there will be no children in my immediate future.”

  “Condoms. Yes. You’ll get zero arguments from me on that subject. Hell, I’ll even buy ribbed . . .” Michael paused dramatically. “For your pleasure.”

  “Oh, dear God.” Kacie shook her head with a groan. “Do not make me regret this.”

  He fought to hold in his laughter. “Just kidding. Continue.”

  “Three. No pop-ins. No showing up on my doorstep unannounced, especially not after a night out with the fellas. And vice versa.”

  Now shit was getting serious. Michael raised his hand. “Can I go on the record here as saying I have zero problems with the pop-in? I mean, a beautiful woman knocking on my door and demanding sex isn’t a bad thing in my book.”

  Kacie rolled her eyes. “Fine. Duly noted. Item four. My ass is off-limits. Just imagine a big ol’ sign that says do not enter.”

  “What about—”

  Her eyes widened and immediately she cut him off. “Nuh-uh. No way. No negotiation. Got it?”

  “Okay, okay,” he quickly agreed. And then he couldn’t help himself. “Do you have rules regarding my ass? Because like the pop-in . . .”

  Not only did the crinkle between her brows appear, she wrinkled up her nose, her entire face getting in on the act. It was quite the scowl.

  “Seriously? What is wrong with you?”

  To which, of course, he laughed. “Absolutely nothing. Or everything, depending on how you look at it.”

  He rose from the bar stool and seated himself on the sofa, stretching his arms out wide along the back. Earlier when his phone rang, he’d never expected his day to go like this. But now he couldn’t wait to see what would come of tonight’s encounter. Only one thing was for certain—this was gonna be fun.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  “Getting comfortable for the show,” he answered. “I thought, just maybe, there would be a repeat performance of the other night . . .” He was still mostly teasing her. He couldn’t help it. And in truth, those memories of her had been keeping him awake at night.

  Her scowl was replaced by a look of shock. “Oh, no! That wasn’t me.”

  “I’m pretty sure that it was.”

  “No.” She shook her head violently. “That was the tequila. Believe it or not, I’m already pushing way beyond my personal comfort zone by even suggesting this. So if you’re expecting Tequila Kacie all the time, you’re going to be sorely disappointed.”

  “So not only am I being used, I’m expected to do all the work? I’m not sure I like the sound of this.” Michael placed a hand over his heart as if her words had wounded him. “I’ve just never had this happen before. Don’t get me wrong—women have definitely used me for my body—I mean, damn, just look at me. But I don’t know that any have ever been so brutally truthful about it. I feel cheap.”

  He saw the exact moment she was completely over his bullshit. What had been just a small spark in her eyes roared into flames and she was ready to dish it back.

  Kacie walked over, arms crossed, one leg kicked out wide. “I’m sure I can find some
one willing to help me out who is not so damn sensitive. Like that other guy at the bar. What was his name?” she asked while snapping her fingers. “Was it Gibby?”

  “Come on. There’s no need for any crazy talk.”

  “Just remember I’m not twisting your arm here,” she said, pointing at him. “You’re either in or out. Which is it?”

  He took a deep breath and feigned contemplation. “Do I have to choose? I’d like to be both.”

  “What? Both?”

  That little crease between her brows reappeared.

  “In. Then out. Then in again,” he said matter-of-factly. “Don’t you know how sex works? I never took you for a virgin.”

  “I’m not . . .” A pink flush crept across her skin. “And just . . .” She huffed. “Why do you do that?”

  Michael rose from the sofa and closed the distance between until mere inches separated them. “I do it because you’re fun to tease and I know you can dish it out as well as you take it. I also like seeing how your skin blushes and I’m fascinated by the way your eyes change color when you get a little fired up.”

  Her eyes widened in surprise for a moment, like he might have told her something even she didn’t know, before she suddenly lowered her gaze to the floor. Although she was trying to hide her response, she couldn’t disguise the rapid rise and fall of her chest or her pulse thrumming wildly in the hollow of her throat.

  “To be completely honest, I just like seeing you, sunshine,” Then, when he traced her arm with the tip of his finger, she trembled beneath his touch. He liked that he affected her because Lord knew she wreaked havoc on him, whether she realized it or not. “So . . . how soon did you want to get started?”

  Her head fell back and she looked up at him with a smile. “No time like the present. Right?”

  Chapter Nine

  Kacie stared up into those dark blue eyes for what seemed like an eternity. With both of them sober, standing in her living room in the broad daylight, there wouldn’t be any forgetting what was about to happen. She struggled to find her inner seductress without the tequila to reduce her inhibitions.

  No need to be scared. Just touch him.

  He’s just a guy. You’ve seen him naked before. He’s seen you naked before. No big deal.

  You can do this. You can do this. You can do this.

  She placed her palms on his chest, felt the contours of the muscles beneath his shirt as she closed the last few inches between them. His hands fell to her hips and the warmth of his touch soothed her and bolstered her confidence at the same time. Kacie rose up on her toes, pressed her nose to the base of his neck and breathed deep. For a man who’d spent the past several hours playing golf in the Georgia heat, he ought to stink to the highest heaven. But the combination of sweat and deodorant, and that something that was uniquely him, reeled her in.

  Her hands coasted upward until she gripped his shoulders, and when she wobbled a bit, his grip tightened on her hips, bringing her body flush to his. With every rush of breath, her breasts rubbed against his chest and her skin began to heat.

  “I’m all for getting this started.” His words were barely above a whisper. “But if you don’t mind, I’ll just take a quick shower.”

  If she freed him from her clutches now, she feared the spell would be broken. It was hard enough to find her courage once. She didn’t know if she could find it a second time.

  “You don’t smell so bad,” she whispered against his neck. “As a matter of fact . . .” Kacie boldly touched her tongue to his skin and traced the part of his clavicle exposed by the open collar of his shirt. “Salty. I like it.”

  His laugh was a low and deep rumble from his chest. “And you say you’re a good girl.”

  She lowered herself down and took a half step back. “I don’t know what it is about you—” all the while shaking her head “—but I keep finding myself making questionable decisions when you’re around.”

  A slow smile spread across his face. “Personally, I think you’re making great decisions.”

  “It sure doesn’t feel like it.”

  “In that case.” He grabbed her hand and tugged until she was plastered against him again. “How about I make the next one for the both of us?”

  Kacie nodded in agreement, anticipating a kiss when he placed his hands on her shoulders and lowered his face to within inches of hers. But instead of kissing her mouth, he pressed a kiss to her cheek, then jaw, then finally to the tender skin beneath her ear. He surprised her a second time when his hands continued down her back, sliding over her hips, and edging beneath the skirt of her dress. His fingers cupped and caressed her ass, before lifting her feet from the floor. Instinctively she banded her arms around his neck, wrapped her legs about his waist, her position now bringing them face-to-face.

  “That’s better. You’re shorter than I remember,” he said, smiling as he sauntered down the short hallway with her clinging to him.

  “I’m five-seven and far from short,” she countered. “But I will admit I was wearing wedges that night at the bar so I could see why you’d think I was taller.”

  The dimple in his cheek appeared. “I don’t know what the hell wedges are, but okay, if you say so.”

  Once they reached the bedroom, he eased her to the ground, making certain she was steady on her feet before he took hold of the hem of her dress and lifted it off over her head. Since the bodice of her summer dress was lined and she didn’t have much on top to begin with, she’d gone without a bra. Which meant she was left wearing only her panties.

  He took his time having a nice long look at her. “Have to say I still don’t see the problem here,” he said, dropping her dress to the floor. “Clearly the problem must be with that bridesmaid dress, because, sunshine, it sure as hell isn’t you.”

  She felt her skin heat beneath his gaze and any earlier hesitation she might have had about executing this prevention plan faded away.

  Michael reached out to touch her and instinctively she took a step back. “Something wrong?” he asked.

  Emboldened by his compliments and their playful exchanges, she lazily gestured toward him. “Quid pro quo, buddy. You’ve surveyed the goods and given your stamp of approval. It’s only fair I get a chance as well. After all, I just might change my mind.”

  And just as she’d hoped, he shot her a cocky grin, his dimples on full display.

  “Sure you will.” He reached over his head, grabbed a handful of shirt, and pulled it off in one smooth motion. Then he held his arms out wide, putting his sculpted shoulders, expansive chest, and firm stomach on display, even throwing in a little spin.

  Once he faced her again, she folded her arms over her chest, effectively hiding her breasts from his view, and nodded at his shorts.

  “Oh, ho, ho. I see how things are now.” Michael shook his head in disbelief, but grinned all the while. “Shall I take it all off or do I leave a little something to the imagination?”

  Kacie feigned indifference. “Whatever you’re comfortable with.”

  He bit his lower lip, clearly fighting a grin. Reaching into the pocket of his shorts he pulled out an unopened pack of condoms and tossed them on the bed.

  She eyed them skeptically. “Gotta say that’s some confidence right there.”

  “Now hang on a second.” Michael held up a hand. “I had zero expectations when I came to pick you up. It’s just smart to be prepared.”

  “Do you always walk around with a pack on you, or did you stop on the way to the bridal shop?”

  “I picked them up along the way,” he said while removing his shoes and socks. “As a medical officer, I’m duty bound to practice what I preach. We get all these eighteen-, nineteen-year-old kids in regiment. Some of them have never been away from home. Some of them have never been with a girl. And God forbid their parents tell them anything. I lay down some rules for them. Guidelines, really.” He went about loosening his belt and unfastening his shorts. “Buy your own condoms. Don’t stash them in your car or ke
ep them in your wallet since heat damages the latex. Don’t be cheap and use one that has expired because it might cost you a hell of a lot more than three bucks in the long run.”

  Then he shoved his shorts and boxer briefs to the floor and stood proudly before her in all his glory.

  The man certainly didn’t lack confidence. And rightfully so. He was absolutely beautiful from head to toe. But damned if she’d tell him that. He already had the ego of five men combined.

  “So.” He looked down at his erection and then back to her. “What do you think?”

  Her gaze traveled upward over the spectacular terrains of his body until finally meeting his eyes and that smug, smug smile.

  Kacie narrowed her eyes. “Think about you, or the advice you’re giving those boys?”

  Michael scoffed. “About me, of course.”

  Kacie opened her mouth and faked a yawn, even patted her hand to her lips. “I guess you’ll do.”

  “I’ll just do, huh?” he muttered. “Well, we’ll see about that.”

  He reached out and took hold of her wrists, pulling her body flush against his. She heard herself squeak in surprise, but the laughter bubbling up from within died the moment their bodies met. His flesh was hot to the touch, his muscles hard as stone. As were other parts of him.

  With a slight tug, Kacie freed herself from his grasp, her hands now free to do a little exploring of their own. She trailed her fingers over the rise and valley of his ribs and couldn’t help but smile when his breath hitched and little goose bumps erupted all over his skin when she found a particularly sensitive spot.

  “How do you eat all that crap—the jelly donuts, the peach fritters—and still manage to look like this?” She drew her hands together at his belly button, then ran them upward over his abs, his chest, finally coming to rest on the top of his shoulders.

  He gave a little shrug beneath her hands. “Genes and a fast metabolism?”

  Her exploration halted and she stared up into his eyes.

  “I hate you,” she said as a matter of record. “You realize that, right? I have no choice but to hate you.”