Mateo frowned and looked around. “Where is he? Erich said he was going to the studio, I thought he would be coming for dinner. I wanted to run some ideas by him about what to do to with my new truck.”
“He got called back to the base.” Mateo met her gaze and arched a brow. Bliss shrugged. “Hey, all I got was a message on the phone. You know this can happen, Mateo. He’s a fighter pilot.”
Her brother sighed heavily. “I know. I was just excited.”
“I know. Look, I need to go shower. Think about what you want to eat.” She walked away without another word.
Bliss stood in her shower under the pulsing spray and thought about the message again. Why would he hesitate? Did he leave because he thinks there is something between me and Raul? With a sigh, she sank to the floor of the shower and pulled her legs up to her chest and rested her head on her knees. Don’t think like this, Bliss, she admonished herself. But the thoughts wouldn’t stop. Even after she’d finished her shower, dressed, and was fixing their meal, the treacherous thoughts continued to weave through her mind and made her doubt everything they had shared. The hesitation in his message was really giving her pause. He’d seen her dance with other men before but Erich hadn’t met Raul before today. I must be being foolish and just tired to be thinking things like this.
Mateo kept the talk light, almost like he knew she was preoccupied. After the meal she headed down to the basement which she’d turned into another dance studio. Staring at her reflection in the wall of mirrors, Bliss sighed. She was tired. Grabbing the music she wanted, Bliss began to head back up. At the top of the steps, she paused and tilted her head.
Piano music filtered to her ears. Walking slowly to the billiard room, Bliss paused in the doorway and her breath caught in her throat. Mateo sat at the piano, playing. He stopped and she said, “No, please. Go on.”
His smile, although sad, was there. “Okay.”
Bliss sat down in an overstuffed chair and rested her head on the arm. Her brother played with a passion she remembered her mama playing with. She drifted away on a tide of memory.
The room was lit with only a lamp when she woke. Bliss smiled and burrowed deeper into the blanket her brother had covered her with. She had no clue what time it was, although she sensed it was day.
“I must have been exhausted.” Instead of getting up, she sighed and closed her eyes. “Still am.”
It was early afternoon when she woke again. She knew it was because she could see her clock. What the hell? I am almost positive I was sleeping downstairs. Peering under the blanket she saw she was still dressed. Okay, this is weird.
Bliss pushed up to a sitting position and looked around her room. Everything seemed to be fine. Climbing out of bed, she showered and dressed in clean clothes. She walked downstairs while she pulled her hair up off her neck. Hand on the banister, she paused when muted conversation reached her followed by the sound of balls hitting.
Mateo must be playing billiards with some friends. Bliss entered the room and feet stopped. It was Mateo and someone else, but not any of his school friends. Leaning over the table and taking his shot was Erich Stark. Both men fell silent when she walked in and she began to feel self conscious.
“Hello, darlin’,” Erich murmured as he sank his shot.
Well now I know how I ended up in my bed. He looked so good. She gulped when he rested the cue along the wall and strode towards her. Bliss remained still and followed him with her eyes, her head tilting back the closer he came. His cobalt eyes bore into hers and he ran his knuckles along her cheekbone.
“I missed you,” he said before kissing her.
Bliss closed her eyes and allowed his strong body to hold hers up. His tongue stroked through her mouth and when he ended the kiss, she wanted more. So much more.
“Did you sleep well?” he asked, swiping his thumb along her lips.
“I did. And now I know why I was moved. You wanted to be able to play without waking me.”
“See,” Erich whispered in her ear. “I see it as me wantin’ to hold you in my arms.”
Like the damn hussy she was for him, her body reacted, violently. Her mind wasn’t so easily swayed, and she hesitated. “Why didn’t you stay then?”
“I didn’t know you wanted me to.”
“I always want you to,” she admitted, for once ignoring the self-preservation alarm going off within her. Stepping away from his touch, she looked around him to where Mateo stood by the table pretending he wasn’t paying attention. “What were you two talking about when I walked in?”
“Nothing,” Mateo said.
Bliss narrowed her gaze. He’s lying. “Mateo?” she warned.
Erich distracted her with a kiss. “Nothing, darlin’. Just a little talk between men.”
She glanced up at the tall Texan who’d swaggered his fine ass into her heart. Okay, I’ll let it go. “Fine. Don’t tell me. I’m going to eat something and then I have to get some things done, so, have fun and don’t leave any watermarks on my furniture.”
Bliss walked out without another word and headed to the kitchen. She grabbed a grapefruit, sliced it in half and sat at the small table in the kitchen to eat it. It was a leisurely breakfast for her, snatches of masculine laughter made her smile. It was good for Mateo to have an older male in his life. When she finished her light meal, she cleaned up after herself and walked out into the back garden.
It was autumn and she was beginning to ready it for the winter by laying mulch and cutting back plants. She sat beneath one of the olive trees, which her mama had told her was over a hundred years, and took a break. Bliss opened her eyes when a shadow blocked out the sun. Erich stood staring down at her.
“Finished playing?” she asked, reaching up a hand to him. He took it and she tugged him down beside her.
“Yes. He’s out here working on his truck. I guess he has a date tonight with Julia.”
“Jamie’s sister. He has had a thing for her for a long time.”
Erich repositioned her so she sat between his legs, her back against his chest. “He told me.”
That must be what they were talking about. She was glad that her brother seemed to be content with playing sports and putting the crazy idea of joining the military out of his mind. Turning her head, Bliss smiled at the sight of her brother dutifully cleaning his truck. “It’s not even dirty,” she muttered with a laugh. Taking a deep breath she faced forward again. “Everything go okay yesterday?”
“Fine,” he said.
“Okay. I’m glad.”
“Sorry about leaving like I did.”
“I understand. When you are called you have to go.”
“Did you date a military man before?”
“No. Mama was military. I remember her telling stories of being called back off leave and stuff like that.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. Mama was stationed over here and met papa at something, not sure. He came to Seville and bought the house, began fixing it up and mama went back to the States and had me, got out and moved back here.”
“You were born in America?”
“Such shock in your voice. Yes, I have a dual citizenship. She wanted me to have the option of where I wanted to live.”
“And you picked Spain?”
“Well, when mama died, I helped raise Mateo. My wants didn’t matter anymore, well, they took a backseat. Then papa died, and here we are. Guess I just never really think about it anymore. I have pretty much all I could ever want here.”
Erich kissed the skin behind her left ear. “Bliss? Can I ask you something?”
“Anything. But, be forewarned, if you ask if I strip I’ll hurt you.”
His rich chuckle flowed over her. “Nothing like that. I want you to come to Texas with me for Christmas.”
“What?”
“Don’t answer me now. Just think about it, please.” He got up and headed toward Mateo who was calling his name.
“Christmas? In Texas?” Bliss remained si
tting there and just watched the men as they stood by the truck, talking.
Chapter Six
“What’s got the scowl on your face?”
Erich opened his eyes and stared up from where he lay bench-pressing and found Donovan looking at him. Shutting his eyes again he continued with his set. The burn was almost too much.
“Okay enough, Daredevil,” Donovan said, spotting him and guiding it back. “What the hell is going on with you, man? Two weeks ago you’re all smiles. You can’t honestly still be mad you got called for a mission.”
“No, that’s not it.” Erich sat up and reached for his towel. “I don’t know what to do, though. For the life of me, I don’t.”
“What’s wrong?” he asked, totally serious.
“Bliss has a dance partner for competitions, I watch them practice and I damn near come unglued. The way he touches her, looks at her…it makes me want to give him a good ole Texas ass-whuppin’.”
“Well, I’m far from levelheaded, but you knew she was a dancer and if I’m not mistaking she’s never given you any reason to doubt her.”
He draped the towel over his head. “I know, I know, but damn it all, it ain’t easy. I’m not that easygoing.”
“You know, I have this friend who gave me some advice I’m going to give to you. Talk to her, don’t sit on it and let it fester.” Donovan clapped him on the shoulder and walked off.
Erich groaned. I gave you that advice, jackass. Still, he had to admit, Donovan had a point. His watch beeped and he pushed to his feet. Tonight was her show and he was going to be there. Hurrying to the shower he got cleaned up then went to his room before heading off to Seville.
He arrived at the gym and smoothed his hands down his suit. Once inside he smiled when he saw Mateo.
“You came. I know she’ll be happy.” Mateo gestured down closer to the floor. “I’ve got seats down there.”
“Excellent.”
Erich followed him down and sat in the seat. He watched people moving back and forth and there was the scent of excitement and nervousness in the air. Then his nose filled with the alluring smell of lemon drops. Turning his head to the side, he inhaled sharply at the vision before him.
“Hey Texan,” she said leaning down to kiss his cheek.
He captured her chin and covered her lips with his. Slipping his tongue into her mouth, he stroked it along hers until she whimpered. Then he ended the kiss. “Hello, darlin’,” he murmured. Erich released her chin and she slid into the seat next to him.
“I’m glad you came.”
“Don’t you have to be down there?”
“They do the students first. I stay out here and cheer them on.”
Taking her hand in his, he laced their fingers and paid attention to the dancers. The urge to confront her about her partner almost won, but Erich decided to save it for a time when they were alone. He was surprised to see Tom and Lisa out there on the floor and cheered them on right along with Bliss.
“They’re really good,” he whispered to her.
“I know.” Erich could hear the pride in her voice.
When she got up to leave, that same push for the confrontation rose up within him and he struggled to tamp it down. Bliss looked at him and winked before she slipped away. Mateo slid over a seat and leaned toward him.
“My sister is the best.”
“What about the man dancing with her?”
“Raul? He’s very good too. They work hard together and practice a lot.”
Just what I needed to hear. Erich nodded and sat back in his seat.
He was blown away. Erich had no other way to describe his reaction to watching her dance. Bliss was total grace and beauty. Elegant and one hell of a seductive vixen. When he wasn’t charmed by her poise, he was shifting in his seat, trying to find a more comfortable position for the erection he sported. Despite that, he felt the familiar wave of jealously and anger rising up within him as they danced the Rumba.
Bliss and Raul took first and Erich stood and whistled along with everyone else. He went with Mateo to find her afterward. His heart skipped a few beats when he found her. She looked tired but there was a huge grin on her face. Raul stood at her side. Erich frowned at the sight of his arm around Bliss. As they got closer, the arm fell away and to Erich’s amazement, a slender dark-haired woman jumped into Raul’s arms and began kissing him.
“Congratulations, Bliss,” he stated.
“Erich,” Bliss replied kissing first her brother on the cheek then moving easily into his arms.
“You are amazing,” he admitted giving her a quick, thorough kiss.
“Thank you. Come meet Sonia.”
“Sonia?”
“Raul’s wife.”
He’s married? Okay, can I just say how glad I am I kept my mouth shut about my fear. “Lead on.”
Erich settled an arm around her shoulders. After introductions had been made and Bliss left to get her things, Erich went to talk with Tom and Lisa. They were in the middle of conversation when a light touch on his back drew his attention. Glancing down, he smiled at the sight of Bliss standing there beside him.
“Ready darlin’?” he asked, leaning down for a brief kiss.
“Yes.” She touched Lisa’s hand. “You two did amazing tonight. I am very proud of both of you.”
They said goodnight and Erich took her bag before leading her out into the night. He held the door for her and soon was driving back to her house. The ride was silent and he was okay with that, sure she wanted a bit of time to decompress. Mateo wasn’t back yet when they got to her home so she pulled him up the stairs with her. Not that he had any arguments.
“Did you want me to run you a bath, Bliss?” he asked as she pulled her shirt off. Oh my.
“No thank you. If I take a bath I may fall asleep. A shower works just fine.” She stared at him and began lowering her pants. “But thank you for the offer.”
With an expression which had to be more a leer than anything else, Erich strode to her and pulled her tight for a passionate kiss. His cock pressed insistently against his slacks and he moaned when she lightly raked her nails over his hard length.
“Bliss,” he growled.
“Erich,” she responded in a same low tone.
“You’re tempting me.”
“Is that what I’m doing?”
“You…shower. I’ll be downstairs.”
She stuck out her lower lip. “You don’t want to join me?”
He thrust into her hand. “I want, but you deserve to relax a bit.”
“Okay,” she said squeezing him again.
He clamped his eyes shut and prayed for strength. Her touch vanished and he remained there until he heard the shower turn on. Slowly opening them, he swore again at the sight of her bra and panties at his feet. Erich was halfway to the bathroom before he forced himself to stop and leave her bedroom.
In the kitchen, Erich took a drink of water and turned when he heard footsteps. Not Bliss, Mateo. He gave the young man a nod.
“Do you have a minute?” Mateo asked looking over his shoulder briefly.
“Sure. What’s up?”
One more glance behind him and Mateo moved a bit closer. “I wanted to talk to you about…being a pilot.”
“Okay, what do you want to know?”
“What’s it like?”
Erich smiled. “The most incredible rush in the world. To me anyway. And my brothers. They’re pilots too.”
“I know it helps to have people write letters to get into a military academy. Would you consider writing one for me?”
Wow. Erich leaned against the countertop. “You want to join the military?”
“Yes sir. I want to be a pilot.”
I know that look. My brothers and I all had that look. “I understand that calling.”
“Do women find pilots attractive?”
Erich hid his smile. I remember thinking like that when I first became one. “I’m sure there are some who go after pilots specifically.�
� A statement he knew to be fact. Mateo smiled and Erich knew the young man was pleased and so kept his mouth shut about making sure you became a pilot for a reason other than to impress women.
They chatted a bit more about what Mateo wanted to do and Erich answered some more questions. After a while, he added, “I’ll be happy to write a letter for you. You let me know to whom it needs to be addressed and I’ll get it written up for you.”
“Thank you. With your recommendation I may have a shot of getting in.” Mateo’s smile seemed almost too large for his face. He went to the patio door and slipped outside.
Erich shook his head and took another sip of water.
“How dare you!” Bliss hissed from behind him. “How fucking dare you.”
Turning quickly, Erich was stunned by the fury in her expression and the venom in her voice. “How dare I what?”
“Encourage him to be a pilot.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
“Look here, I’ve done a damn good job of raising him and I don’t need you coming in here putting ideas like that in his head.”
He shook his head in confusion. “Wait, you’re mad at me because I said I would write him a letter of recommendation?”
“That’s my brother. Mine! He’s all the family I have left in the world and you try to get him to not just join the military but to be a pilot. Get out.”
Erich tipped his head to the side. “What?”
“Get. Out.”
Her face was set in a mask and Erich’s heart fell. “Okay. I’ll call you tomorrow, darlin’.” Moving to her side, he tried not to let her stiffening when he leaned down to kiss her bother him, but it did. A lot. “For what it’s worth, Bliss. I only thought I was helping.”
She stared beyond him at something only she could see. With uncertain steps Erich grabbed his suit coat and headed to the door. He paused at the handle and looked back toward the kitchen. She wasn’t in view. What the hell did I do? At his car, Erich stole one more glance back at the white villa and knew that was where his heart belonged. Bliss was where his heart belonged.
“Bliss,” he muttered, climbing into his car and driving away. Maybe I should have stayed and pleaded my case. All sorts of scenarios moved through his mind and he liked none of them. “Tomorrow. She’ll calm down and we can talk about it tomorrow.”
Born To Fly: Landing In Love Page 6
