by SJ McCoy
Pete rubbed his chin. “Are you planning on using their wines for the wedding?”
Jack grinned. “Now there's an idea!”
“And there's no fixed plan after tonight then?”
Jack looked at him. “Have you got something in mind?”
Pete grinned, actually he did, but he wasn't ready to spring it yet. Instead he said, “I was thinking we could all do brunch at the resort in the morning, that's all . Looks like the ladies have got lots to talk about. I was thinking we might take a look at Four Mile Creek after brunch and leave them to it?”
“Brunch sounds great,” said Ben. “It should be quiet enough for me to join you. I'd love to come out to Four Mile with you too, but you know that's not happening, not on a Saturday afternoon.”
Pete had been hoping for that answer.
“I could do it,” said Jack. “If Em's caught up in dresses and flowers with the girls. I know the last week has been crazy, but the three of us do need to get our heads together on the plans for the development soon.”
The Phoenix Corporation was in the process of buying a sizeable piece of land on the Eastern shore of the lake from Ben's grandfather. The three of them were going into partnership to develop an upscale community of mixed residential and vacation properties.
“Let's see how it pans out, shall we? You may have your hands full tomorrow afternoon too, taking care of your lady's needs.” Pete was hoping that he'd be finding himself if that situation, if this plan worked out.
Jack nodded. “Let's play it by ear.”
Missy was the first one to call it a night. “I'm pooped, guys,” she said as she stood. “I'm going to check on Scot and Dan and then turn in.”
That was all it took for the rest of them to start saying their good nights, too, and head inside. Pete's eyes found Holly's.
“Good night, Pete. See you in the morning.”
He frowned at her, he'd still be hoping to find a way to get to her in the night. She shook her head firmly. Her meaning clear. Boy, he could not catch a break!
Ben slapped his back. “Come on roomie, let's turn in.”
Chapter Eight
Holly leaned back in her chair and looked around the table. It was a beautiful morning out on the deck of the Boathouse restaurant by the lake. Missy and Laura were talking wedding cake. She, herself, was all about clothes and flowers and color schemes, she was happy to let them take care of the cake.
She envied Emma the life she had up here in Summer Lake. Jack was a wonderful man, not to mention gorgeous, and there was no mistaking the fact that he was completely in love with her. The gruesome foursome, as Emma liked to call her group of childhood friends, were great fun. Jack's brother, Dan, had joined them again this morning and they made quite a crowd. Holly noticed people look over at their table occasionally when one of the guys would laugh loudly or when Missy shouted at Pete when he teased. It felt strange to her to be a part of the 'in-crowd' as they appeared to be up here. People stopped by their table to congratulate Emma and Jack or to have a word with Ben. Everyone in the place seemed to know Missy. The respect shown to each visitor to their table by Pete didn't surprise her at all. She wasn't used to being with a crowd of 'beautiful people' as this bunch were. She liked it, though she kept reminding herself she musn't get too used to it.
Pete's voice cut across the banter, “Enough talk of cake! What about the booze, Jack? Have you got that covered?”
“Not yet. Though I would like to get some of Antonio's wines in.”
“That's your friend in Napa?” Emma looked at Jack. He nodded.
“You need to get some from Marcos too, so you don't cause a family feud.”
“Who is Marcos?” asked Emma.
“Antonio's brother,” replied Jack. “He runs the family vineyard in Sicily. You liked his Frappato, remember?”
Holly was surprised to see her friend's face fall.
“We were going to go up there this weekend. Marcos is the one who is in Napa at the moment, isn't he?” asked Emma.
“It's no problem,” said Jack, “We'll see him again. I'd like to invite them both to the wedding.”
“Why don't you go up there?” suggested Pete.
“We will,” said Jack. “We'll just have to see when we can work it in.”
“No time like the present. Marcos isn't over for long.”
“It'd take too long to get up there though,” said Jack.
“Not if you take Papa Charlie,” said Pete. “You could leave this afternoon, take your fiancée for a romantic dinner, catch up with Marcos, and be back by lunchtime tomorrow.”
Jack looked at Emma.
“But everyone's here,” she said. “We couldn't just leave.”
“Why not?” asked Pete. “No one's going to miss you, are we guys?”
Missy laughed. “Laura and I were trying to figure out how to get rid of you for a while anyway, Em. You're the best baker of all of us, but we want to do this cake for you, not have you supervising!”
“It's makes no difference to me,” said Ben. “I've got to get back to it once we're done here.”
“And you know I'm going to be working with Scot, we won't notice who's here and who isn't,” added Dan.
“And I'm off to Four Mile Creek,” grinned Pete. “So that seals it. You guys aren't needed around here at all.”
“But what about you?” Emma looked at Holly.
“Holly can come with us and help with cake,” offered Missy.
“I was hoping you might come out to Four Mile with me,” said Pete. “I'd like to get your ideas on the shopping center we're planning.”
Holly knew that wasn't all he'd like to get, judging from the way he was looking at her. She looked from him back to Missy. “I...” she began.
Emma cut her off, “Sorry, Miss, but if I'm going to fly away and leave you all, it will be on the condition that Holly goes with Pete.”
Holly jerked her head back to look at Emma. It was what she wanted, but she'd thought she'd have to stick with the girls.
Emma laughed, “Sorry, Holly, but we both know your talents do not lie in the kitchen. I don't want you anywhere near my cake! But I would love to think that you could guide these three into building a shopping plaza that'll be worth having up here.”
Holly smiled. “I guess you do have a point, Sweetie.”
“Great,” said Jack. “So, we can really go? I'd better call Smoke and have him get the plane ready.”
Holly caught Pete's eye and he smiled at her. She guessed that he'd engineered this whole thing just so they could be together. She was thrilled.
Holly hugged Emma as they stood outside the restaurant. Missy had taken Laura and Dan back to her house. Ben had gone back up to the lodge to prepare for the Saturday afternoon rush. Pete and Jack were both making phone calls.
“You really don't mind me abandoning you?” asked Emma.
“Don't be crazy, Sweetie. There's no way I'd let you miss out on jetting off to Napa with your gorgeous fiancé just to babysit me.”
Emma smiled. “At least I made sure I'm leaving you in capable hands. And you have to tell me all about it when I get back.”
Holly pursed her lips, but said nothing.
“Oh, come on!” laughed Emma. “I told you that once I saw you together, I'd have facts and not just intuition to go on. The electricity between you and Pete is dangerous. I knew I was on to something getting you two together. Have you seen the way he looks at you? Be warned though, he always gets what he wants, and he wants you—badly. I knew you'd be great together, you're so well suited.”
“It's just sex, Em.” Holly couldn't afford to think about how well suited they were. Pete had admitted there was no room for her in his life. She had to be satisfied with a place in his bed.
“Ha! It's so much more than that, and we both know it!”
“Don't start, Em.” Holly looked over at Pete. He stood talking into his phone. The sun reflected off the lake behind him, silhouetting his broad sho
ulders, making his hair shine gold. As if he felt her eyes on him, he looked up and smiled. She knew she should stop this now, before she got too attached to him but, as always when he looked at her, she felt as if he held her captive with his eyes. She knew she would do anything he wanted, just to feel his lips again, his hands, his warmth, his hard body against hers. She may be on a path to self-destruction, but she intended to enjoy every minute of the ride. He ended his call and walked toward them.
She turned back to Emma, who was watching her with a knowing smile.
“Don't say a word, Sweetie. Okay?”
“Certainly. I'll just get out of the way before the sparks start flying again.” Emma smiled sweetly.
Jack was ending his call too. “Okay, Mouse. Smoke will be ready to go whenever we can get to the airport.” He gave Pete a curious look. “He didn't seem too surprised by the request either.”
Pete just smiled. “Have a great time guys. I think we'll take a cab out to my parents place so I can get the old truck.”
“You don't want to ride back up to Em's with us so you can take mine?” asked Jack.
“No, thanks. That's the opposite direction.”
“Here you go,” said Emma, handing Holly a key. “The fridge is stocked and there's plenty of booze. You're welcome to stay up there too, Pete.”
Jack nodded. “I hope you are going to stay too, Bro? I don't like the thought of Holly staying up there by herself.”
Holly saw that half smile lurking as Pete said, “Don't worry, I'll take very good care of her. Now you guys stop fussing and get a move on. Say hi to Antonio and Marcos for me, and would you bring me back a crate of the Cab Franc?”
“Done deal,” said Jack.
Holly waved as they drove away. She was surprised when Pete took her hand.
“Alone at last,” he grinned. “Let's go get a cab.”
Pete gave the driver his parents address, then put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him on the back seat.
“That worked out nicely, hey Sweetheart?”
Holly smiled up at him. “Did you really orchestrate all that just to get rid of them?”
Pete widened his eyes in shock. “Me? Would I do something like that?”
“Yes, you.” She laughed. “Did you?”
“Damned right I did. I had to Holls. How else could I get you all to myself again? No way was I spending another night camping at Em's under a very uncomfortable tent pole!”
Holly rolled her eyes. “Wow! You mad romantic fool you. And I thought it was my wonderful personality and scintillating conversation you were after.”
Pete's brow lowered. “You're the one that keeps insisting that sex is all that's on offer.”
“Lighten up, Bigshot. I was just teasing.”
His smile returned, but his eyes remained dark. “I should have known. You are such a tease.” As he spoke, he cupped the back of her neck and lowered his face to her. He brushed his lips against hers and smiled. Holly drew in a sharp breath as his hand slipped under her skirt and warm fingers slid up her thigh. She looked at the rear view mirror, but the driver had his eyes fixed on the road ahead.
Pete ran his tongue along her bottom lip as he ran his fingers along the edge of her panties. She couldn't believe he was doing this in the back of a cab, but she didn't want him to stop. He slipped his tongue inside her mouth in a deep commanding kiss as he slipped his hand inside her panties. She opened up, kissing him back greedily as the exquisite sensations spread out from the place he touched her. She could feel herself getting wet, the tension starting to build in her belly as his mouth on hers demanded surrender. Suddenly he lifted his head and withdrew his hand, eyes glinting. Damn! He had her pulsing with need for him.
He smiled down at her. “We're nearly there,” he murmured.
“We were!” she retorted.
“Two can tease, Sweetheart.”
She drew in a deep breath. He was right there. She was frustrated, she didn't just want him now, she needed him. But as the lust receded a little, she was grateful that he at least was capable of some restraint. What kind of woman was she turning into? They were in the back of a cab, for God's sake – on the way to his parents' house!
The cab turned off the road and pulled through an arched gateway with the word 'Hemming' carved above it. They followed a driveway toward a huge house standing at the edge of the lake.
“Take a left here,” said Pete and they turned away from the main house.
As they rounded a corner, Holly saw a cabin standing at the water's edge, next to its own beach, sheltered by huge pines. She gasped, it was such a beautiful setting.
“This is great, thanks,” said Pete.
While he paid the driver, Holly got out and walked down to the water's edge. The pines smelled wonderful. The water lapped the pebbles on the beach. It was like a secret cove from a story book.
The cab drove away, and Pete walked down to join her. Holly's throat went dry as she took in his broad shoulders, strong chest, and the muscular legs encased in dark blue jeans. She met his eyes and smiled, he was incredible! He came to her and wrapped her in his arms. Resting his forehead on hers, he looked deep into her eyes.
“So?” The gesture and the way he asked were so gentle, she would love to believe that the question was about much more than sex, but she couldn't start kidding herself now.
“What about your parents?” she asked. She didn't want to be 'that girl,' the one screwing their son in the guest house!
Pete looked confused for a moment. His smile gone. Had he really been asking about more than sex? His eyes narrowed as he recovered.
“Don't worry, they're not here. We could get naked and fuck right here on the beach if that's what you want. We won't be disturbed.”
Holly was shocked by the harshness of his voice and his words. She looked at him, stunned.
“You're just here for the sex, right? Nothing else?”
Holly nodded, not knowing what else to say or what he wanted to hear. She'd never seen him this angry.
“Where do you want it then, Sweetheart?” he spat out the last word.
She started to speak, but his mouth crushed hers as his hands came down and grasped her backside, clamping her to him as he ground his hips into her. She flattened her hands against his chest to push him away, but he tightened his arms around her and started walking her backwards. In a few steps, her back hit the trunk of a tree. One of his hands tangled in her hair and pulled her head back. His lips left hers to nip and suck at her exposed throat.
“Pete, I...” she breathed as he pulled down her skirt to lay in a pool at her feet. His hand dived inside her panties.
“Pete...” she tried again.
“What, Sweetheart? We both know you don't want me to stop.”
She moaned as he slid two fingers inside her, then withdrew them, spreading her wetness over her nub in tight little circles before he slid them back in, over and over.
She couldn't focus on anything but the feel of his fingers, the sensations building. She was supposed to want him to stop, but she couldn't. It felt so good. The next time his fingers entered her, he pressed his palm against her, the combined pressure taking her close to the edge.
“Pete,” she breathed, “You're going to make me come.”
He withdrew his hand, eyes still dark. “Not till you're naked. I need to see you.”
She was panting, desperate for his talented fingers to return to their work.
“Take it off, Holly.” He stepped back, eyes fixed on her breasts. “Let me see you.”
She pulled her top over her head, unfastened her bra and removed her panties. A little thrill ran through her as the fresh air touched her skin, reminding her she was getting naked out here on the beach, in broad daylight. She reached out to Pete, wanting to see him too. He pushed her hands away. Leaning an arm across her chest he pinned her back against the tree.
“No need, you just want sex, right? Not me?”
His
hand trailed down over her stomach and returned to its work. She moaned again as his other hand closed around her breast and he pinched her nipple, hard. He thrust his fingers deep and she arched her hips to him as he touched her G spot.
His eyes, still hard, bored into her own. “Come for me, Holly.”
She couldn't look away as he brought her to the edge. Even as her muscles spasmed over and over and she cried his name, she couldn't pull her eyes away from his. When she stopped gasping, he slowly withdrew his fingers and brought them to his lips, still holding her eyes as he licked her juices from his fingertips.
“Mmm, I need more of this.”
She drooped against the tree, wondering if her legs would support her. Pete read her mind and picked her up, carrying her around to the back of the cabin where he sat her on the edge of a picnic table and took a seat on the bench between her legs.
He pulled her hips towards his face and an aftershock rippled through her. She hadn't fully recovered and he was about to... Oh God! She leaned back on her hands as he held her open and trailed his tongue over her swollen flesh. Even his tongue was hot and hard as he flicked it inside her, making her making her collapse back onto her elbows. He grazed his teeth over her clit, just hard enough make her yelp at the delicious discomfort.
“Sit up!” She was stunned by the growled command that came from between her legs. So stunned that she obeyed instinctively, sitting upright. He reached up to touch her breasts. His mouth closed around her clit and he sucked as he twisted her nipples between his finger and thumb. The combined effects made her come again, a shuddering orgasm that left her panting.
Pete stood and she reached out hold him, but he stepped back away from her. Screw him then if he was going to be so moody! She lay back on the table, needing some support, her muscles were like Jello. She closed her eyes and let out a sigh, she was spent.
She opened them in a hurry when Pete took hold of her feet and pulled her round so she was lying lengthways on the table, her legs hanging off the end. He was unbuckling his jeans, eyes still unreadable, none of the fun in them that she'd grown so used to.
“Pete, I...”
