by Sara Orwig
Ending their kiss, she tried to catch her breath, noticing that his breathing was as ragged as hers. Taking his cue from her, he stepped back.
“Shall we go?” he said in a husky voice while he caressed her nape.
He held her parka and she pulled on her gloves as they went downstairs to the car. During the ride she looked at the charming snow-covered town, but her thoughts tumbled over the excitement of being here with Garrett and the worry of how important he was becoming in her life.
* * *
At the restaurant they sat close to a blazing fire while piano music played softly. They ordered cups of steaming cider and hors d’oeuvres. Garrett had been famished when he finished dressing, but now his appetite had dwindled. He longed to hold Sophia, to kiss her. He ached to just touch her, to physically keep contact. Her hair fell loosely over her shoulders and around her face. Her luminous brown eyes were thickly lashed and captivating. And she looked happy.
Which made what he had to do even harder.
This withholding of information had gone on long enough. The closer they got, the more important it was to be honest with her. He had never been devious in his dealings before and he didn’t want to start now.
It was a miracle she hadn’t already discovered his connection with the Delaneys. But he was certain he would know when she had.
How he wished he didn’t have this big secret. If only he were free to pursue her honestly the way he wanted, in a manner he had never dreamed of before.
Candlelight on the table reflected in her dark eyes. Each day he had been amazed by how much he wanted to be with her. She was becoming more important to him by the minute. Which meant he needed to tell her.
“You’re an excellent skier,” she said.
“I was going to tell you the same.”
She smiled. “I think you held back to stay with me. It was invigorating, a real change from my regular life. You’ve turned my world topsy-turvy.”
And there it was—the perfect opening to tell her about the Delaneys.
But he couldn’t. He realized he didn’t want to tell her in public. He wanted to be alone with her. And he also realized that no matter how guilty he was feeling, he should wait until they returned to Houston. It would give him the weekend to get closer to her and hopefully create a stronger bond between them that would be harder for her to break.
A voice inside him told him that that was a cruel thing to do, but he ignored it.
He didn’t want to lose her. From the first moment he had seen her, he’d been drawn to her and the thought of losing her made his insides churn. He had never expected to find her fascinating, to want a relationship with her.
“Maybe you’ve turned mine topsy-turvy, too.”
“I seriously doubt that,” she said. “All of this is scrumptious,” she added, taking a bite of a mini-beef Wellington. I can see why this is your favorite restaurant.”
“Good—I’m so glad you like it. So tell me, do you go to your gallery every day?”
“Not at all. I have a competent manager and excellent staff. They run the business so I can stay at the studio and paint.”
“I don’t blame you. If I ever build furniture full-time, I’ll do the same.”
“Why do you stay in property management? With your talent for woodwork, you could build a following very quickly.”
“Blame my father for that one. I was raised to be in a productive, lucrative business. It was instilled in me as far back as I can remember.”
“But your father is gone now, and you’ve already proved yourself in that area. Your furniture would be productive and lucrative.”
“I’m wound up in obligations. Imagined or real, they are as much a part of me as my breathing. To Dad, who hasn’t been gone that long, my fascination with building was entertainment and silly.”
“Too bad,” she said, shaking her head. “What did your dad want for you in your personal life?”
“The usual. Marriage and kids. But I’ve watched too many people have miserable marriages, and I’m not ready to get tied down.”
“Tied down,” she repeated, smiling. “So no long relationships in your past?”
“None. And evidently, none in yours.”
“Absolutely not.”
When he had first met her, her answer would have pleased him—a woman who did not want any deep commitment. Why now did he feel jolted slightly by her answer? Was Sophia weaving a web around his heart—something no woman had ever done?
It was nine before they left the restaurant. When they stepped outside a light snow fell, big flakes drifting, glistening in the light.
“Look, Garrett, this is enchanting,” she said, spinning around with her arms spread wide. Her long hair flew out behind her, swirling around her face. He couldn’t resist wrapping his arms around her to kiss her, tasting a wet snowflake on her lips.
When he released her, she stepped away. “We’re in public.”
“I couldn’t resist,” he admitted, thinking he would always remember her spinning around in the snow, a beautiful woman whose exuberance and zest for life were contagious. He looked up at the falling flakes and took out his phone. “We weren’t supposed to have this kind of weather.”
“It’s gorgeous. I can’t keep from being glad we have it.”
“Even if you’re snowbound with me?” he asked.
“Even if. I’ll manage.”
“Chance of a trace of snow,” he read off his phone. “Clear Sunday.” On impulse he glanced up. “Do it again. Let me get your picture.”
Laughing but humoring him, she did and he took a picture that he expected to be a blur, a disappointment. Instead, the picture was clear with her dark hair swinging out behind her head. He had caught her big smile and the essence of the moment. It would have been a perfect moment if it weren’t for this big secret between them. He put away his phone, shaking off the thought. “A trace of snow tonight won’t make any difference except to please you.”
“It definitely does,” she said. “Hey, wait. You’re not the only one who wants a picture of this.” She yanked out her phone. “Smile, Garrett.”
He grinned while she took his picture and then flashed it briefly so he had a glimpse of himself. Linking his arm in hers, he waited for the valet to bring his car.
They stomped snow off their boots at his condo and he built another fire, which gave a low light. When he turned away from the hearth, he faced her.
Sophia stood at the window with the flickering orange flames playing over her. As his gaze drifted down over her lush curves and long legs, his heartbeat quickened. His longing was intense. He crossed the short distance to take her in his arms.
Four
Sophia’s heart thudded as she wrapped her arms around Garrett. The day had been magical and she had grown closer to him, learning more about him and enjoying herself. All through dinner she had wanted to be alone with him so they could be together like this again.
Snowflakes had been the perfect touch, landing in his dark hair, sprinkling across his broad shoulders. His kiss had tantalized her. She wanted more of him, so much more.
She didn’t believe in love at first sight, or second or third for that matter. She thought if she ever fell in love it would be with someone she had been friends with for years, yet Garrett shook her theories because he was already more important to her than anyone else she had ever dated. He was pure temptation.
He made her want to risk her heart.
She stood on tiptoe, her heart pounding while he held her tightly against his long frame. His hand slid down her back and up beneath her sweater. She moaned softly, the sound muffled by his mouth on hers. His fingers trailed up her back in a feathery touch that was electrifying.
He picked her up and carried her closer to the fire, setting her on her feet while he still kissed her as flames crackled. Garrett stepped back and pulled her sweater over her head, tossing it aside. He unfastened her lacy bra and removed it, dropping it to the floor.
She tugged his sweater over his head to toss it aside. She moaned in pleasure again while her hands roamed over his broad, muscled chest, her fingers tangling in a thick mat of chest hair that tapered to a narrow line disappearing beneath his belt.
Firelight spilled over him, highlighting bulging muscles, leaving dark shadows on flat planes. His handsome features captivated her, and in some ways she felt as if she had known him for years instead of days, just as he had said to her.
Desire wracked her. She wanted to make love. She ran her hands over his flat stomach until he leaned down to kiss each breast, his tongue tracing circles. She gasped again with pleasure, closing her eyes and clinging to him while fire raged within her.
She wanted him with an urgency she had never felt before. Garrett was special, unique in her life and she didn’t think Garrett would ever hurt her. It was a night, not a relationship. Was she succumbing in the same foolish way to temptation, just as her mother had done in allowing a man to become irresistible?
All her logic fled, driven away by passion when his arm banded her waist again, pulling her tightly against him. He picked her up again to carry her to a sofa, settling her on his lap. Her bare breasts were pressed against his warm chest, the thick mat of chest hair sensual against her naked skin. As they kissed his hands roamed over her, light caresses that scalded.
Kisses became hotter, deeper and more passionate and she didn’t notice his hands at the buttons on her pants. He pushed them down, standing and setting her on her feet to let them fall around her ankles.
He paused, stepping back to lift one of her feet to remove her boot and sock and then he moved to the other foot, standing to hold her hips while his gaze drifted slowly over her. “You’re lovely, so beautiful,” he whispered. He yanked off his boots and socks, tossing them aside. When he stood, she unfastened his belt and pulled it free, dropping it and unbuttoning his jeans to push them off. As he kicked them away, he pulled her into his arms.
This was the time to stop if she was going to, but she had already made a decision that went against everything she had practiced. Take a chance with Garrett tonight. Tomorrow she could say no. She had never had a weekend like this one and might not ever again. She gazed into his gray eyes that were heavy-lidded, filled with sensual promises. She wanted him to an extent she had never wanted any man. She wanted to be loved by Garrett. She could take what she wanted, and then go back to her resolutions and her safe life.
Garrett drove all thoughts away with his kisses and caresses.
Her insides knotted, fires building low in her. He sat and pulled her onto his lap against his thick rod, caressing her while one hand dallied lightly along her legs, moving to the inside of her thighs, heightening desire.
Continuing to kiss her, he leaned over her while his fingers went beneath the flimsy bikini panties. She spread her legs slightly, giving him more access, moaning with pleasure and need.
He touched her intimately, kissing her, his other hand caressing her breast while his fingers were between her legs. Pleasurable torment built as he stood again to peel away her panties.
Freeing him, she removed his briefs, caressing his hard manhood, stroking and then kissing him. He closed his eyes, his hands winding in her hair while he groaned. In seconds, he raised her up, looking into her eyes.
He picked her up once again, carrying her to the bedroom, placing her on the bed and then shifting to her ankle to kiss her, trailing kisses along her leg to the back of her knee. Gradually, his tongue moved up the inside of her thigh. Writhing, she closed her eyes while he moved between her legs, driving her wild with his tongue and fingers.
She sat up swiftly, wrapping her arms around him and pulling him down. He held her tightly, kissing her fervently.
“Garrett, I don’t have any protection,” she whispered.
“I do,” he answered. He left, and in seconds returned with a small packet, which he opened. He spread her legs and knelt between them to put on the condom and then he lowered himself.
He started to enter her and she wrapped her legs around him. As he lowered himself and thrust slowly, he stopped. “Sophia,” he said, frowning and sounding shocked.
She held him tightly. “I know what I want,” she whispered.
“You’re a virgin,” he said, starting to pull away.
“Garrett,” she whispered, holding on to keep him from leaving. “Love me,” she whispered. “I want you to,” she said before kissing him passionately. He hesitated a moment and then slowly pushed into her, sending a sharp pain that was gone when he filled her and slowly moved in her.
In seconds she rocked with him, lost in desire. The tension increased. Garrett was covered in sweat, moving with her, trying to pleasure her while urgency grew. And then all control was gone. He pumped fast and she met him, clinging to him as relief burst and rapture poured over her.
“Garrett,” she cried out, holding him tightly, spinning away in ecstasy, oblivious of all else.
He shuddered with his release and then showered kisses on her, slowing as his ragged breathing calmed.
They were finally still, wrapped together, her heartbeat returning to normal. She held him tightly while her fingers played over one muscled shoulder.
“You should have told me,” he said.
“It didn’t matter.”
“Yes, it did. I tried to avoid hurting you.”
She framed his face with her hands and kissed him lightly. “You couldn’t hurt me,” she said and saw something flicker in the depths of his eyes that was like a warning bell to her, yet had it been her imagination? The warmth in his eyes now enveloped her and she pushed away her worry.
He rolled over, keeping her with him, their legs entangled. He combed long strands of hair away from her face and smiled at her. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered, kissing her lightly.
“Garrett, when I flew up here, I was certain this would never happen,” she said, running her fingers over his bare shoulder.
He showered light kisses on her temple down to her ear. “I actually hadn’t planned on it either. I didn’t think you’d want to make love.” He propped himself up on an elbow to look down at her, gazing intently. “I’ll never hurt you, Sophia. I’ll never be like your father.”
“Shh, Garrett. Let me enjoy the moment now,” she said lightly, touched by his statement. She noticed his voice had deepened, his words sounding heartfelt. She combed his brown hair back from his forehead. “This was a one-time thing. I’ll go right back to my former resolutions because that’s the safe way to live and protect my heart,” she said.
He kissed the corner of her mouth lightly. “We’ll see what the future brings,” he whispered, placing more kisses on her throat.
She ran her fingers along his jaw. “This was perfect. I’ll always remember it.”
“I agree with that. Monday night I want to see your house, particularly your studio.”
“That’s a deal. But I think you’ll be disappointed. My studio is just an art studio with all the mess that goes with painting.”
“It’ll be fascinating.”
“If it is, you do lead a boring life.” She smiled at him and shook her head in wonder. “I’m amazed there isn’t one particular woman in your life right now.”
“There is definitely one particular woman in my life right now.” He kissed her again on her throat and shoulders.
Through the night they made love and at dawn she fell asleep in his arms. Sometime later, she stirred and looked down at Garrett. The sheet was across his waist, leaving his chest bare. Even in sleep, his looks fascinated her.
She had no regrets. Garrett excited her more than any man she had ever known. He was intelligent, interesting, fun to be with, exceedingly sexy. She thought she could still keep her heart int
act as long as she ended the intimacy when they returned to their regular lives in Texas.
But could she do that? She was realistic enough to know that she was not wildly in love. She was certain she could say no to intimacy.
She leaned down to kiss his shoulder so lightly her lips barely brushed him. His arm circled her waist, pulling her down against him as he slowly opened his eyes. He rolled over while she opened her mouth to tell him good morning. Before she could say a word he kissed her and all conversation was lost.
It was almost two hours later when he held her in his arms while sunshine spilled into the room.
“I have a suggestion for the day,” he said. “I’ll cook breakfast and then we can ski. Or I’ll cook breakfast and then we’ll stay right here in the cabin.”
She laughed. “I say we cook breakfast and ski because that’s what we came here to do. And we’ve been loving it up for hours.”
“And I’m ready to love it up some more,” he said, rolling over on top of her to end their discussion.
He finally cooked breakfast at one. They ate beside a window with a view of the mountains that surrounded the small town.
“Do we have time to ski for an hour?”
“Of course,” he replied, looking amused. “It’s my plane. We can ski for three hours if you want, or longer.”
“One hour will be sufficient and then I’ll be ready to go back to Texas.”
“One hour it is. But there’s no need to rush back to Texas.”
“Garrett, it’s over.”
He paused, gazing into her eyes. He cocked his head to one side. “Don’t make up your mind hastily. You might change how you feel.”
She shook her head. “No. Last night was special and I wanted it to be with you, but we won’t pursue it because that could to lead to heartbreak. I’m not taking that chance.”
“You’re scared to live, Sophia.” His gray eyes darkened slightly. He looked away and a muscle worked in his jaw, a more intense reaction than she would have expected. For an instant, anger flashed like a streak of lightning and then was gone.
