by Rose Lange
Silence filled the truck. He leaned closer, and gently grasped her chin. His deliciously addictive lips came in for a sweet landing, a feather light, chaste kiss that burned up her insides. The feel of his mouth like heaven, she cocked her head, sliding her tongue against his. He groaned in response, pushing her further over the edge. Her heart skittered in her chest, imaging them up in the hayloft. God help her, she wanted him.
Self-consciously she pulled away, wondering how many pairs of nosy eyes had already seen them. “Let’s get going.”
He continued to grasp her chin, but still close enough as his minty breath scattered across her face. “All right, but this isn’t over.”
Playful, and unlike herself, she couldn’t resist. “Is that a promise or a threat?”
Alex’s features smoldered with heat, intensity, and longing. Sending pinpricks of fire up and down her body.
“Both,” he murmured huskily.
She chuckled, grabbing her purse as they made their way in.
Charlie grimaced, the smile instantly lifted off her face. Holly Griffith worked behind the counter. Her black, long sleeved, too tight T-shirt, showed way too much cleavage in her opinion. Her jeans looked like they were cutting off the circulation to her legs, long blond hair perfectly styled.
The green-eyed monster looked out from behind its hiding place, as Charlie noted Holly’s greedy eyes fixated on Alex. Her face lit up, as if to undress him, one piece of clothing at a time. Hell, she could practically hear each piece fall in Holly’s twisted little mind, and it pissed her off.
“Well, hi there.” Her greeting directed straight to Alex.
She bit her tongue, telling herself to be polite to this woman, no matter what. “Hi Holly.”
Alex followed her down the hardware aisle to pick up the supplies. Right on cue, and only seconds later, Holly leaned against the shelving, crossing her arms over her chest so even more of the tops of her breasts spilled out.
Disgust speared through her, and she bit down harder on her tongue. She resumed her shopping, doing her best to ignore the woman. Otherwise she’d say something she’d regret. Her grandma’s voice echoed in her mind. If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. Well, it became damned hard with Holly practically eye-fucking Alex.
Three times divorced, Holly was a cougar. She’d been known around the town to chase after attractive, younger men. In her late thirties, she dressed and acted like a teenager, and while Charlie didn’t care for the woman, unfortunately, this hardware store had been the closest.
“What’s your name, handsome?” Holly asked. Her voice sickeningly sweet and sugary, laced with a touch of-let’s-get–naked-now, please.
“Alex McCray. It’s nice to meet you.”
“I’m Holly, and it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Extending her hand, she held his for much longer than necessary.
Charlie snuck a look from the corner of her eye, revolted at how she stroked his hand with her thumb. As though she wanted to stroke something else entirely. Anger began to bubble over at the nauseating scene, and her fingers itched to pop Holly one in the jaw. Hastily, she gathered her supplies. “Okay, this is all we need. We can head out.”
Alex let go of Holly’s hand, as they made their way toward the front. When they got to the counter, he turned to her, excusing himself to use the restroom.
She tried not to let Holly’s wandering eyes glued to his rear end bother her, but she couldn’t help it. Another hefty shot of jealousy pierced her gut by the way she looked at him, like he was the prized bull up for auction.
“So, who’s the smokin’ hot guy?” Holly asked, ringing up the purchases.
Charlie mentally, and quickly, counted to ten before answering. “He’s helping on the farm for a little while. Why do you ask?”
How hard she tried to keep her tone even, not so snippy, but apparently hadn’t succeeded because Holly quirked a questioning brow her way. “What’s the matter Charlie, can’t handle a little competition?”
Charlie saw red, more than ready to jump over this counter and beat her to a pulp. She clenched her jaw tightly. Her fists balled at her sides. “Oh, I forgot. You like to chase younger men. What would Alex be, your twentieth cub?”
She didn’t even care that she was being blatantly rude. And it really wasn’t any of her business what the woman did in her private time.
The woman’s pale blue eyes turned icy. “You just better keep him close, sweetheart. Because you never know when he might tire of you, and fall for something real like me.”
Charlie laughed out loud, unable to help it as the next words flew out of her mouth. “Since when are two airbags for breasts real, Holly?”
The other woman gasped, her mouth hung open for a rebuttal. Not a moment too soon, Alex reappeared, and thank God. Now they could get the hell out of there.
Unhappy coming here in the first place, she was even happier they would be leaving soon. She knew for sure the next visit would be an awkward one. If there would even be a next visit, because after today she would make it a point to research other hardware stores. It would be well worth the extra driving, especially if it meant not having to deal with Holly ever again.
“Have a nice day,” Holly said between tight lips, handing the bag to Charlie and throwing a coy smile toward Alex.
“Nice meeting you.” He turned and held the door open for her.
Holly inclined her head. “Likewise, handsome.”
Charlie remained silent. Unlocking and opening the door, she climbed into her truck, happier than hell to get away from her. She threw her things behind the seat, and took her gloves off. Forcefully, and unnecessarily shoving the key in the ignition, annoyed with herself. Overcome with emotion, her hands slightly shook.
I hope he doesn’t notice.
She’d never been so jealous before in her life, and didn’t have a malicious bone in her body. But watching Holly drool all over Alex made her want to resort to violence. Made her want to offer Holly a handkerchief to wipe up the drool on her chin.
“You okay, Charlie?”
She avoided eye contact. “I’m fine.”
Going to put the car in reverse, she stopped, as his hand clasped over hers.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
Charlie turned toward him. “Yes, I’m fine. I just don’t like that woman.”
“Neither do I. If that’s what’s bothering you.”
She took a deep, steadying breath. Her veins still pumped with fresh adrenaline at the thought of kicking Holly’s ass. “Most men run over other men just to get close to her.”
He stroked the side of her cheek. “She doesn’t hold a candle to you, Charlie.”
“Really?”
He smiled. “Yeah, now let’s go home.”
Just then she felt like a million bucks in her pickup truck. Faded jeans, no makeup, old worn brown coat and all.
Charlie mirrored him, and smiled back.
Alex drove home that night, his mind heavy, and his heart full. Thinking back to what had happened earlier that day. He grinned like a fool, thinking how jealous Charlie was over that Holly woman. But he’d told her the truth, she didn’t even compare to his sweet, wholesomely beautiful Charlie. Not only her beauty on the outside, but on the inside as well. The way she’d packed up and left her city life, no thanks to her asshole ex-husband, helping Pearl and Eugene on the farm, spoke volumes.
His thoughts inevitably drifted to the hayloft only a few nights ago. How sexy and responsive she’d been. How she’d cried when he’d made love to her. Jesus, no woman had ever cried in his arms before, and it damned near undid him. Brought him to his knees to think she’d been that overcome with emotion.
His mind continued to drift. Picturing perfect breasts filling his hands, dusky, pert, pink nip
ples sweetness in his mouth, beneath his fingertips. Everything about her made his entire being go up in flames, and he wanted nothing more than to take her back to his condo, lay her down on his bed, and wrap her up in the softness of his sheets, while the cold wind of fall blew outside. He wanted to light a fire, and make love to her in front of the warm hearth, and get lost in his Charlie. Explore and find what he’d missed the first time.
His mind shot quickly back to reality. Like the nub of a tip eraser, his guilt wore him down, day by day. Consuming him almost as much as his desire for her, knowing he should tell her, wanting to spill everything about himself. But every time he opened his mouth to say it, she smiled at him or looked at him with those bedroom eyes. Thought of those sweetly erotic words she’d said to him this morning in the truck, and he couldn’t think straight.
God help him, but from the moment he’d laid eyes on Charlie, this business deal took a permanent backseat. His heart led the way, his mind a cluster fuck of emotions. He’d never anticipated falling in love again. Falling in love meant giving up control, exposing yourself, risking pain. Worse yet, he would hurt Charlie, knowing deep down it would be unavoidable. He could end this now, walk away, and nobody would get hurt.
Who are you kidding? Of course she’ll get hurt.
He closed his eyes, blowing out a deep breath, realizing it was too difficult to walk away.
Charlie lowered herself into the hot water, allowing her mind to go, as frothy bubbles surrounded her. Her mind inevitably wandered to Alex.
Taking her by surprise, he’d asked her on another date this morning. Excitement coursed through her, and she could hardly wait for tonight. Lately, and not surprisingly, he’d taken up a majority of her thoughts. Leaning over she grabbed her razor and shaved her legs, wanting to make sure they were silky smooth.
She finished her short soak, dried off, and picked out her clothes for the night. Deciding on a dark pair of jeans and a purple cable knit sweater. Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, she pulled out her black leather boots stored underneath. Opening the box, she smoothed her hand over the still new leather. Not a scuffmark on them, the soles were in decent shape from lack of wear. Goodness, it had been too long since she’d worn these. She relished in the feel of them as she slid them on, feeling like a new, transformed woman.
Getting up, she quickly appraised her appearance in the mirror. She combed out her still wet hair and quickly blow-dried it, leaving it wavy and down past her shoulders. Swiping on mascara and lip-gloss, she grabbed her purse when she caught sight of her parent’s wedding photo on her dresser.
Picking up the frame, she sat back down on the edge of the bed, staring intently at the picture. Her parents looked so happy, and damn it they were happy. They’d shared three children, a home together, and a life together.
God, why did they have to die?
Touching her mother’s smiling face, a tear escaped, sliding down the glass of the frame, thinking that one horrible night and a drunk driver, taking them, and her sense of security, away. She hugged the frame to her body, rocking back and forth as a gut-wrenching sob over took her. Remembering the good times, trips cross-country, movies, camp outs in their backyard, star gazing, staying up late on weekends, bonding over Charlie Chaplin movies, and eating Pringles until she’d been blue in the face and her stomach burst. Memories of the past swirled in her brain, and made her stomach churn.
Opening her eyes, she took a clarifying breath. Gathering her senses, she kissed their smiling faces, and got up. Setting the frame back in place, she took great comfort knowing they watched over her every day, feeling their presence every day.
As she looked up to inspect her appearance, she blanched. Mascara stained the hills of her cheeks, and her eyes were slightly red-rimmed. She made quick work of fixing the damage, putting on another layer of mascara, drops in her eyes, and pasted a smile on her face. Giving herself a final once over, she made her way downstairs.
Charlie’s tummy flip-flopped at the sight of Alex, standing at the foot of the stairs. Preoccupied talking to her grandparents, she took advantage and openly stared. He wore dark wash jeans, boots, and a button down navy blue shirt. In his arms he held a lovely bouquet of red roses. He looked sexy as hell.
Her breath hitched when he suddenly turned up, staring back at her, a charming smile on his face, and a mischievous gleam in his eyes.
As she made her descent down the stairs, his sexy, intoxicating scent filled her nostrils.
He handed the flowers to her. “These are for you.”
Holding them up to her nose, she inhaled deeply, reveling in the sweet scent. “Thank you, Alex. They’re beautiful.”
“Shall we?” Holding out his arm for her.
Charlie noticed her grandma and grandpa looking on, smiles on their faces. She swore her grandma even wiped away a tear.
“Grandma, would you mind putting these in water for me, please?”
She inclined her head. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of them. You kids go on and have a good time now.”
With this Charlie grabbed her coat and they made their way out.
“So, where are we going to dinner?” She buckled her seat belt, anxious for what the night would bring.
Bitterly cold outside, she was glad for the warmth of his truck. She would be even happier for the warmth of his arms later in the evening.
“I think casual, so I’m ordering a pizza and we’ll have dinner at my place.”
His place.
A giddy shot of hope sprang up in her chest, as his words held great promise. He was actually going to take her back to his place. She wondered what it looked like. If he had a fireplace they could snuggle up in front of. Get lost in each other in front of . . .
Her face filled with warmth at the mere thought. Alex made her crazy, in a good way. In a distracted, can’t think straight, washing your hair twice in the shower kind of way.
“That sounds nice.” She grasped his knee, stroking it soothingly.
When they arrived, she looked to see not the tiny apartment she expected, but a nice looking, and rather large condominium. It was a side by side, with a one-car garage attached. “This is your place?”
“Yeah, my parents bought it for me for my twenty-fifth birthday. Before that I rented a small apartment.”
Wow, that’s some gift.
Making her way out, she burrowed herself in her coat to keep the wind from her face, and he made short work of unlocking the door. A large, inviting foyer greeted her, the lights were dimly lit, casting a romantic, soothing glow over the room.
She took off her boots, followed by her coat, handing it to him. He hung both his and hers in the nearby closet. She perused the simple, and masculine décor. Decorated in tones of beige and black, with very few photos hung on the walls. An elegant, spiral staircase lead upstairs, and a nice sized kitchen sat off to the left, homey and surprisingly clean. In fact, his entire place looked neat, and tidy, like nothing she would have expected of a bachelor.
Her gaze gravitated toward the living room, where a large L-shaped black leather sofa dominated the center. Various travel magazines sat lined up in a row, on a square glass-top coffee table, and directly in front, a huge, brick fireplace. Heat flared through her bloodstream, picturing Alex making love to her in front of a warm fire.
Charlie cleared her throat. Goodness gracious, she had to get a hold of herself. “This is nice,” she commented.
“So, are you hungry?” he asked, putting his hands on his hips.
Charlie swallowed the huge lump in her throat. Now that she finally had him alone, she couldn’t resist.
Gathering her bravado, she stepped closer until they were face to face. His back was against the front door. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Leaning in, she murmured, “Starving.”
Chapter 1
1
Charlie hitched a breath. His hands grasped her hips, moving up to the curve of her waist. With a sweeping upward motion of his fingers, her sweater lifted part way, until night air met bare skin.
Not wasting any more precious seconds, she buried her hands in his hair, greeting his mouth like a woman who hadn’t had a drink in years. She eagerly nibbled his lower lip, eliciting a groan from his mouth that sent a shockwave of desire to the juncture of her thighs. Curious fingers moved from his wavy hair down to cradle either side of his face, traveling toward his shoulders, enjoying the eager muscles that leapt at her touch.
Much too soon for her taste, he broke the kiss. Raw, hungry eyes roved over her face, his desire so intense, it nearly brought her to her knees. “Shall we take this to my bedroom?”
“No. I want you Alex, here, now.”
As if those words were an aphrodisiac, the fire in his eyes burned brighter, and suddenly their positions changed. He pinned her against the door, his strong physique sucked the breath out of her. His gaze bore into hers, knees like mush in their sockets. Strong hands moved from her waist, to her bottom, cupping her gently and squeezing. Her belly quivered, her core prickled in still new awareness.
Damn, it still amazed her that just one look, one touch from Alex, could elicit this kind of response. Not just a run-of-the-mill response, a fierce one.
She placed her hands on his chest, needing space for what she had to do. Without breaking eye contact, she slowly removed her sweater, quickly accompanied by her bra. Before she knew it, she was enveloped in his arms again.
“Charlie, you’re making me crazy,” he murmured against the hollows of her neck.
“What is this power you have over me?”
He didn’t answer her as he lowered his head, taking one of her breasts in his mouth. Suckling, kneading her flesh with his hands and fingers. Swiftly moving to the other breast, he lavished the same erotic treatment, laving the nipple with his tongue. She grasped a fistful of his hair, pressing him closer, and closed her eyes. Allowing the mind numbing sensations to consume her, as he traveled to her neck, gently biting and kissing the sensitive, heated flesh. The butterflies in her tummy not only stirred and took flight but danced like they hadn’t danced in years.
