by Debra Kayn
Gregg chuckled. “Must be the fireman gear.”
“Nope.” She shook her head. “Although, that’s real yummy too, don’t get me wrong.” She leaned her head back on the seat. “We click. All the important things—chemistry, likes, dislikes, wants, needs...I knew the first night after our disastrous sand-building attempt and later through all the talking we did. I’m crushin’ on you big time, hero.”
“Hang on.” He turned the car off the road.
Amber straightened and reached for the door to keep from bouncing around. “Is this even a road?” She laughed, squinting out into the dark.
“Yep.” He slowed the car down and came to a stop. “Let’s go.”
She opened the door without a second thought. Blinking, she tried to find what lay ahead in her path. “Gregg?”
“Right here. Give me your hand.” He pulled her forward. “It’s only about ten yards ahead...”
“Where are you leading me?” She laughed. “God, it’s hot tonight. Not even a breeze.”
“Here.” He dropped her hand.
A zwip, followed by a groan, filled the night air. She bit down on her lip. Barely able to make out his shadow, she strained to see what he was doing.
“Take off your clothes.” His muffled voice told her he was stripping off his shirt. “Hurry.”
“M-my clothes?” She stepped closer and reached out. Feeling around, she concluded she’d grabbed his bare stomach. “Oh sweet Lord, you’re naked.”
“You will be too once you get the damn clothes off, sweetheart.” He trailed his hands down her body to her waist. “Is the answer still yes?”
“Of course, but...”
“Come on then.” He pulled the hem of her shirt up and over her head. “Damn, I can’t wait until my vision adjusts to the darkness and I can see your body bathed in moonlight.”
“You’re crazy! What do you have planned?” She unzipped her shorts. A secret thrill washed over her sensitive skin. “You’re sure you want all my clothes off?”
“Every single stitch, and I’m not telling you what I have planned, but you'll like it.” He held onto her arm. “Kick your shoes off.”
She laughed. “You’re killing me here.”
He scooped her up in his arms and ran.
She shrieked and squeezed his neck. “You’re going to trip and we’ll fall.”
“I've got you. Now, hold your breath.” Gregg slowed down to a walk.
Splashing came from underneath her and drops of water landed on her bare bottom. “Gregg!”
He chuckled. “I’ve got to cool off, sweetheart, if I’m going to make our first time together memorable.” He pitched forward, and Amber’s scream cut off as she went under. She surfaced with a gasp. The decadent shock of cold water against her skin compared to the warm night air only heightened her awareness of how incredibly naked she was, out in the dark with Gregg.
“I got you.” He wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her neck. “Can you touch bottom?”
She brought her legs around his hips and shook her head.
“Good.” His chuckles vibrated down her spine and she shivered. “I’ve wanted to do this since the first time I saw you up in the tree. Me...you...together.”
Her head fell back on her shoulder, and he continued nibbling her neck. She mewed. The water lapping at her breasts heightened her pleasure. Every brush of his body, caress of the water, and press of their bodies created a jolt of pleasure that spread from her womb to her limbs.
He cupped her butt and pulled her into his hardness. She let go of his shoulders and leaned back to float upon the surface; her legs locked around his hips kept her close to him. In the darkness, she shed her inhibitions and opened her soul to him.
“My God, you’re beautiful.”
She gasped and tilted her head. He let go of her bottom and trickled cold water over her breasts. A titillating chill washed over her body. Delightful shocks coursed deep into the hidden recesses of her womanhood. She spread her arms out and planned to enjoy every bit of his attention.
Gregg ran his hands from the indention at her waist, up over her ribs, and settled on her breasts. She quivered. His attention made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. Pleasure spread through her body, landing at the junction of her thighs.
He moved his hands back down her body, over her soft mound, and to the very part of Amber that had her purring in satisfaction. “Oh, yes...” Her muscles constricted, strained, and she reached for Gregg’s arms.
He let out a dark, needy sound and pulled her up into his embrace. He dropped his forehead to hers. “I can’t get enough of you. I need more...”
“Yes. More.” Her breath came out in gasps. The relief was so great she nearly cried out.
He carried her to the shore, set her on her feet, and laid her down in the sand. “Hang on.”
"Gregg?" Left in the dark, she covered her breasts. "Hurry."
Rustling came from the left. “Dammit.”
His heavy breathing clued her in that he was coming back. Gregg kissed her, and whispered, “Blanket.”
He helped her down. She reached out and pulled him down on top of her. Wrapping her legs around him again, she clutched his arms.
"Finally." Gregg nibbled her neck.
“God, yes.” She wiggled underneath him, warming and anxious to come together with him.
Gregg bit off a groan. “Hold that thought.” He disappeared into the darkness.
“Gregg?” She sat up. "What are you doing?"
“Hang on.” Rustling came from the left. “Dammit.”
His heavy breathing clued her in that he was coming back and she lay down. Gregg lowered himself down beside her, kissed her, and whispered, “I forgot the condom.”
“Hurry.”
“I am.” He shifted and positioned himself between her legs. He captured her mouth again, the kiss deep and longing. Amber’s heart melted. He coaxed her forward, stroking her with his hand until she was whimpering and begging him for more. She held onto his shoulders and ran her hands up his chest as he plunged into her moist heat. She arched off the blanket, meeting each thrust. Pleasure swirled in her womb. Oh God, yes.
Somewhere, somehow, in some greater scheme, she was meant to love Gregg tonight.
His hands heated her skin. She slid her fingers through his damp hair. Her lips relaxed and opened under his, and together they each sealed their fate. He was perfect, and she belonged with him.
He moved in a rhythm between her legs, bringing her pleasure higher. Her hips sped up and she bucked beneath him, exploding around him. She clung to his shoulders.
“Yes, Gregg, Yes!” Her body convulsed.
He thrust again and shuddered against her. Hanging his head, he struggled to catch his breath. She stroked his arms, caught up in how beautiful and memorable he’d made their first time together.
Gregg rolled to the side and pulled her snug against his body. His heart thudded against hers, and she could barely make out the contented smile on his face. She traced his jaw with her finger. She never wanted to leave this spot. Everything was perfect.
“I’m speechless,” she whispered.
“Me too.” He stroked the back of her neck.
She laid her head on his chest. The night had ended perfectly, better than she’d ever hoped.
“Think you have any room in your life for me?” He kissed her forehead. “I don’t think I can walk away from you without seeing what we have going on between us.”
She pushed up on her elbow. “I have the perfect spot for you in my life. But right now, I’d love it if you’d take me back in the water.”
He laughed. “Sand problem?”
“Major sand problem.” She hooked her arms around his neck and laughed. “This was crazy.”
"It'll always be crazy between us. I promise you," he said.
Gregg carried her out into the water, gave her a toss, and she flew through the air before making a big splash. Kicking to the surface,
she bobbed in front of him. “You know, this water is pretty refreshing.”
“Yeah, it feels great.” He dunked his head.
She slapped the surface of the water as he came up for air, spraying him in the face. “It’s also rejuvenating.”
“Are you asking if I’m ready again?” He dove under the water and came up behind her. He pressed against her back. “There’s your answer, sweetheart.”
Chapter Seven
The sun was out and Buster was full of energy. Amber swiped her hair out of her face. She was making progress on getting the house in shape for her dad's visit, but not enough to placate him. Nothing ever pleased him enough.
“I thought you planned to take the weekends off from watching any animals.” Gregg stood over Buster and gave him a full-body rub down.
“I am. I’m only doing it today because I asked Pete Schuster, Buster’s owner, if I could watch him while he attended a friend’s wedding today. I figured Buster could keep me company and help me test the new dog run...when we finally get it built. Who knew this would be so hard.” Amber picked up the instructions and glanced at her watch. “Besides, Buster is the one who gets the other dogs barking at every little thing that moves around here during the day. It’ll help him get used to the different things happening at my house, and he’ll stop the unnecessary barking, which will please the neighbors.”
Gregg picked up the wrench. “Does this have anything to do with your dad coming over?”
“What do you mean?” Amber pointed to the metal frame without meeting his gaze. “That one hooks into piece C.”
She picked up the other side of the cyclone fencing. Her father was the last thing she wanted to talk about. She was in a new relationship, telling Gregg too much about her folks would scare him off. What's she'd shared with him was not the same as dealing with him in person.
“Maybe you invited me over, so you wouldn’t have to deal with your dad on your own. You should just tell him you’re an adult. It’s ultimately up to you to handle your own dreams for the future.” Gregg slipped the bolt connecting the two metal pieces together. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m just going off what you’ve shared about your family.”
Amber shrugged. “Maybe...I don’t know...probably. You don’t know my dad. He’s like Hercules and God all rolled up into one man who doesn’t bend to others’ opinions. It’s his way, or you’ll lose.”
“He can’t be that bad, Am. He raised you, didn’t he? You’re making something of your life. Not many people would start up a business and try to win over the neighborhood.” He reached for the other side of the cage. “Here, hold this while I secure the next side, and then it should be able to stand up on its own.”
“Did I tell you that I mailed a flyer to all the neighbors? Kind of an introduction to me and the pet daycare. It gives them all the information about the hours I work, and the number of pets I’m limiting myself to. I’m hoping they realize that I’m a good neighbor to have around.” Amber rubbed her arm across her forehead. “If they’d give me a minute to introduce them to the animals, I know they’d fall in love with them.”
“Have you heard anything back?” Gregg grunted as the wrench hit the back of his thumb. “Damn.”
“No. The few people that I see outside their homes never stop or want to talk. Sometimes I don’t know if it’s me or the fact I’m Aunt Grace’s niece. I don’t think she was well liked here.” Amber sighed. “I’m not going to give up, though. I have other things I’m going to try. In the end, I’ll convince them that the animals will only be a benefit to the neighborhood.”
Gregg stared at the street and whistled appreciatively. Amber turned around to find Gregg admiring the way her daddy had arrived in typical Bailey fashion.
A black stretch limousine with tinted windows pulled up to the curb in front of the house. Amber reached for Buster’s collar.
“Your dad?” Gregg clipped the leash on Buster for her.
“The one and only Allan Bailey.” She led Buster to the fence and opened the gate. “Hi, Dad.”
Her father crossed the sidewalk and gave his daughter a hug. “This place is worse than I thought.” He gazed past her at the house. “Although I shouldn’t be surprised; your aunt never did anything with her life. I should have expected something this run down.”
“Uh...Dad?” She reached for Gregg’s hand. “I’d like you to meet Chief Gregg McKee, the fire chief of Port View and...” She raised her brows at Gregg at a loss for words.
“We’re dating, sir.” Gregg stuck out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you”
“Nice to meet you too, Chief McKee.” Allan turned to Amber. “Is this a casual affair, or have you become serious in the short time you’ve lived here?”
Amber groaned and ignored the question. “Why don’t you come inside? I’ll make a pot of coffee, and you can tell me why you came to visit.”
“That’s not necessary. I have a meeting in Seattle this evening, but I thought I’d come by while I was in the area and talk with you about selling this place.” He stepped away and gazed down the side yard. “I can have Robert contact you later. Although I have no idea how we’ll sell something like this in today’s market."
Amber shook her head. “I’m not selling it. I want to turn this into my pet daycare. I’ve explained this all to you and mom. I thought you understood.”
“You need to go back to school and make something of your life, Amber.” Allan cleared his throat. “If you continue on with this silly plan of yours, you’ll end up no better than your aunt.”
“Let me show you what I’ve done so far, Dad.” Amber put Buster’s leash in her other hand and slipped her hand under her dad's elbow. “Gregg’s helping me put up the new dog run. I need somewhere outside where I can secure the dogs in case the phone rings or I’m attending one of the inside animals.”
“She’s done wonders with Buster here.” Gregg rubbed the top of Buster’s head. “He used to be out of control, but whatever she did to earn his trust, it’s worked. He’s turned into an eager student.”
“Hmm.” Allan stopped and peered around. “How many animals do you take care of?”
“Four. Two dogs, one cat, and a parrot. I have hopes of taking on one or two more dogs. I figured that would cover the expenses and upkeep for the house. Surprisingly enough, the going rate is the same here as it was in Seattle. Fifty dollars a day per pet, and with no house payment, I should do fine covering my expenses. That’s one of the perks I’m finding about small town living. Entertainment is cheap and there's so much to do compared to Seattle.” Amber led him toward the front door. “The inside is quite quant. It might not be very big, but it’s plenty of room for me. I’ve turned the living room into a play area for the animals, and Aunt Grace had a lovely sunroom built off the back door that will work great for the animals when it’s raining, yet let them get fresh air.”
“And yet you’re throwing away all those years you wandered around at college, skipping from one major to the next.” Allan stepped into the living room, sniffed, and studied the area. “If you applied yourself, Amber, you could do much better than this. Hell, if you wanted to play with animals, you should have become a veterinarian.”
“Dad, I know how to run a business. I’ve volunteered at the animal shelter since I was fourteen years old and attended every dog training class offered in Seattle. I know what I’m doing. You’re just going to have to trust me and give me time. I just started.” Amber turned to Gregg, who gave her a wink. “I’ll never be a high-powered lawyer or surgeon, but I love animals. They give me much more happiness than a six-figure income or membership in the Career Women of America Society ever could.”
She inhaled and stepped back beside Gregg. Chewing on the inside of her cheek, she waited for her dad to lecture her further on the subject. They’d beaten this subject to death, and no matter what, he’d never been able to see her side of it.
“I suppose you’ll do what you want to do. You always have in the past.”
He stepped toward the kitchen, hesitated, and turned back around. “You know where to find your mother and me when you need bailing out.”
She raised her chin. “I’m going to succeed this time, you’ll see.”
“Hmm.” He stuck his hand out to Gregg. “Treat my daughter well, Chief.”
“I will, sir. She’s a remarkable person.” Gregg shook Allan’s hand, and then slipped his arm around Amber’s shoulder.
“I’ll see myself out.” Allan bent down and kissed Amber’s cheek. “Call your mother more often; she worries about you.”
“I will.”
The screen slammed and Amber stepped over and shut the door. Leaning her forehead against the cool wood, she sucked in a big breath and willed the tears to stay hidden. Despite standing up to her father, a part of her wanted his acceptance, wanted for him to admit that she’d accomplished something with her life.
Gregg laid his hands on her shoulders and turned her around. “Come here.” He pulled her to his chest. “You should be very proud of yourself. Hell, I’m proud of you, and I don’t know all the history behind that whole conversation.”
She sniffled. “Oh Gregg, I just get so tired of trying to prove myself all the time. I thought it would be different when I found out Aunt Grace left the house to me. It gave me a cushion to fall back on while I built up my clientele.”
“Hey, I believe in you. Don’t get discouraged.” Gregg pulled her over to the sofa. “Sit down. We’ll take a little break, and then we’ll go out and finish the dog run.”
She plopped down beside him, propped her feet on the coffee table, and leaned her head against his arm. “Do you think of me as a pet sitter?”
“Uh...” He crossed his leg and placed his ankle on his knee.
“See? You do. Everyone does. I do more than that. I train these animals to listen, to obey, and most of all, to become better pets for their owners. Most of them are here because they have behavior problems, not because their owners spoil them. I don’t run a doggy spa.” She lifted her chin and gazed at Gregg. “I like to think of it as a school for animals.”
