A Love Stolen (4 page)

"Lila, I want another chance."

"I can't." She ran out of the coffee shop and down the street.

He kicked his chair as he watched her go. "Shit!"

A few customers stared at him on his way out. He couldn't believe she'd run out on him again. How was he going to make her see they were meant to be?

Chapter Five

"So, you just left him standing in the coffee shop?" Jenson asked. "Why didn't you hear him out?"

"Serves him right." Cali placed another raspberry martini in front of Lila. "Who does he think he is, asking for a second chance? The ink is barely dry on his divorce papers, and Lila isn't even in town five minutes."

"Exactly." Lila gulped her drink. The vodka rushed right to her head, but she didn't care. It had been years since she'd let go. "Why does he even think I'd want him?"

"Cali, stop making her drinks. It won't solve anything." Jenson didn't approve, but they'd already taken Lila's keys.

"She needs to let loose. She's not hurting anyone." Cali smiled at Lila. "You'll have a hell of a hangover in the morning, but tonight will be worth it. Let it all out, sweetie. You deserve it."

"Damn right I do. How much more can I take? Who does he think he is? A

second chance." She finished her drink. "It's more like his fifth chance."

"Lila, do you think you're this upset because you want to explore a relationship with him?" Jenson asked. "But you're afraid?"

"Hell no!" Lila pushed her glass in Cali's direction. "I can still feel my lips."

Cali laughed. "One more, and then I have to cut you off. You'll be throwing up all over the place as it is."

"I don't want him." Lila put her finger in Jenson's face. "I left and became my own woman. I have an apartment, a master's degree in education, and I'll get another job as soon as I go back to the city. I don't need Trevor Matheson to survive."

Lila had done a good job of convincing herself these past few years that was true.

After seeing him, her resolve was weakening. There was a time when all she wanted to do was get lost in Trevor. She let him consume her life, and then when it was over, she crumbled. She promised never again to let herself get so consumed by a man that she'd lose herself if it didn't work out.

"I know that, but maybe he can make you happy," Jenson said. "I don't think he ever stopped loving you."

"He married another woman." Lila sipped the next drink a little slower this time.

"Nothing says I love you like saying
I do
to another woman."

"He married her because you left," Jenson said. "He wouldn't have done that if he thought there was still a chance for the two of you."

"It doesn't matter," Lila said. "It's over. It has been, for a long time, and I can't waste anymore of my life on Trevor. I'm going back to Boston in a few days."

"No, you're not," Cali said. "You're drunk and you feel sorry for yourself. You're entitled to that because you've been through hell. Tomorrow, you're going to get your ass in gear and figure out what you're going to do. Jenson and I will help you."

Lila felt tears sliding down her cheeks. "I'm lucky to have you both." Since she didn't have a job or a family, there really wasn't much to go back to. Her lease was up on her apartment next month, and she'd debated about renewing it.

"Cali?" Trevor walked over to the bar and he didn't sound happy. "Cut her off."

His voice sent a tingle down Lila's spine. She imagined him whispering dirty

thoughts into her ear.

Damn vodka is making me weak.

"Mind your own business, cop. Lila needs to let off some steam." Cali dared him to defy her.

"Did you call him?" She shot Kirk a dirty look from across the bar.

Lila turned around and smiled at Trevor. She let her eyes travel down his well-

defined chest and abs. He'd abandoned his uniform for jeans and a black T-shirt. The temptation was too much, and the alcohol too strong. She slipped off the bar stool and ran her hands up his chest and over his shoulders.

"Hey." She giggled as she stumbled against his hard body. "What are you doing here?"

Cali snorted and Jenson let out a loud sigh.

"Come on." He took her hand and led her to a table.

"You gonna arrest me?" She pressed her lips to the back of his shoulder. "That might be fun."

"Sit." He motioned for her to slide into the booth. "Have you eaten today?"

"Hey, you left my drink at the bar." She glanced over at the bar area.

"That's where it should stay."

"When did you get to be such a prude? You used to like when I drank too much.

Remember the time we skinny-dipped in the bay?"

He smiled, and she knew he remembered what night she was talking about.

"That was a long time ago."

"But you remember, right? It was always so good." She squeezed her legs together in an attempt to stop the throb that pulsed through her body.

Cali brought over two glasses of water. "Everything okay?"

"Perfect." Lila laughed. "I'm trying to get Trevor to go skinny-dipping with me."

"Don't even think about it." Cali glared at Trevor.

"Just bring us two cheeseburgers and an order of fries," Trevor said. "I need to get some carbs in her."

"No tomatoes." Lila shook her head. "Trevor doesn't like tomatoes on his burger.

He doesn't like tilapia either. And, he hates chili. But you still like brownies, right? With walnuts?"

He nodded.

"Good." She smiled. "I'll make you a batch."

"Lila, remember what you were saying just before Trevor got here?" Cali asked.

"No." Lila stared at Trevor. "You're seriously hot."

"Cali," Trevor said. "I won't take advantage of her. Just get us our food."

"Fine, but if you hurt her again, I'll hunt you down myself." Cali headed to the kitchen.

"She's a rough one." Lila sipped her water. "She means well."

"What are you doing?" He sighed.

Even with her head fuzzy from the alcohol, she could see the toll the years had taken on him. "Having dinner with an old friend."

"Why are you drinking? Do I upset you that much?"

"This has nothing to do with you. I've been sitting with my dad, waiting for him to, well, you know. I lost my job, and now I'm trying to decide what to do. Everything isn't always about you."

"Fair enough." He held up his hands in defense. "I apologize for the assumption."

She lied through her teeth. Tonight had everything to do with him. She'd thought about him for years. She'd grieved over the love that was taken from them. She'd spent every holiday, birthday, and special occasion wondering what he'd been doing. She dreamed about his family, and the life he was building with them. No matter what she did, she couldn't get him out of her head.

Until finally, one day, she'd had enough. Her father was very ill, and she realized there were other things in life. She loved teaching, but once she focused on a career in the guidance office, she knew she was on the right track. Being a kid these days was hard enough, and knowing she could help some of them, and guide them in their

future, thrilled her. Once she'd realized what she wanted to do with her life, she was able to move forward. She wasn't meant to be with Trevor, so she promised she

wouldn't waste any more time on him. How could she go back on that now?

"You're confusing me." The strap of her dress slipped from her shoulder, but she didn't have the coordination to fix it. She tried hard to focus on what he was saying, but all she could think about was his warm, wet lips on her nipples.

"I'm sorry." He reached across the table and put the strap back in place. His fingers brushed across her skin, leaving her wanting more. "I don't want to complicate things for you."

"I told myself I had to move on. I promised I would never let you hurt me again.

But now that I'm back and seeing you, I can't—" She gripped the table to make the room stop spinning. "Oh."

"What is it?" She heard the concern in his voice.

"The room is moving. I think all that vodka is catching up to me."

"How many did you have?"

"Four." At least, she thought it was four. She should've stopped after two. "Can you take me home before I make a complete idiot of myself?"

"Sure." He stood up. "Wait here. I'll tell Cali to make that food to go."

* * * * *

As Trevor helped Lila up the porch steps, she wrapped her arms around his neck

and brushed her lips against his jaw. She hadn't taken her hands off him since they'd left Tate's.

"I love to feel your stubble." She ran her fingers along his cheek. "It's sexy."

"Keys?" He held out his hand and waited as she dug through her purse. She had him rock hard and oozing pre-cum. The fact that she'd rested her hand on his thigh the whole ride home hadn't helped matters. He knew it was the alcohol lowering her

inhibitions, but that didn't make it any easier not to respond.

"Here they are." She dropped them into his hand. "Come inside with me."

He opened the door and led her into the foyer. As soon as he let her go, she

stumbled forward. He caught her by the waist and pulled her against him. He couldn't take his eyes away from her lips.

"Do you want to kiss me?" Her warm breath caressed his mouth.

More than you know.

"Let me help you upstairs. I don't want you to fall down the steps." He scooped her up and carried her to the staircase. She was so light and dainty. She was still his perfect fit.

"You didn't answer my question." She placed soft, open-mouth kisses along his neck, as he made his way to her old bedroom. He remembered sneaking up those steps many times, while her father slept down the hall.

"Of course I want to kiss you." He pushed the door open with his shoulder and set her down by the bed.

She closed her eyes and leaned into him.

He swiped the hair from her face, took her chin between his fingers, and placed a chaste kiss on her lips.

She opened one eye and peered at him, waiting for more.

"That's it?"

"For tonight." He tapped the tip of her nose with is finger. "I want you to remember when I kiss you."

"I'll remember." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "You're not easy to forget."

"Believe me." He pried her arms from his body. "I want to, but not tonight."

"Why?"

"Because four hours ago, you ran away from me," he said. "Something made you run. Tell me why."

He may not have wanted to take advantage of her physically while she was

intoxicated, but he didn't see why he couldn't let her drunken lips tell him what she was afraid of.

She shook her head. "I can't."

"You can't what?" He needed to know what she thought about the two of them.

"I'm tired now." She lifted her dress over her head and tossed it in the corner of the room. She stood before him in nothing but her white push-up bra and matching lace thong.

"Fuck." He couldn't take his eyes off her toned, tanned body. He mindlessly licked his lips when he discovered her rose-colored nipples poking through the thin, silky material of her bra. Struggling with himself, he tried not to lower his gaze. He lost the battle as he greedily took in her scantily covered pussy.

"Want to kiss me now?" She ran her fingers down her neck and over her breasts.

"Want to touch me like this?" She moved her hand down her stomach and to the waistband of her panties.

He stepped closer to her and grabbed her wrist. He had to get her to stop, or he'd lose all control.

"You want to do it?" She moved his hand inside her thong. "Make me come?"

"Lila," he whispered as his fingers brushed her soft curls. "Please."

"I want you, Trev." She pressed his finger against her wet slit. "Please."

She rested her head on his shoulder and swayed. He could feel her losing her

footing. He pulled his hand away from hers and held her up.

"Let's get you into bed."

"Okay," she said. "I think I drank too much."

"You think?" He couldn't help but laugh at her.

He lifted her up, threw back the comforter, and placed her in the center of the bed. He could smell her scent all over the sheets, as he pulled the covers over her body.

He fought the urge to crawl in next to her.

"Trevor."

"Yes, angel."

"Do you think you could stay until I fall asleep? I've been having trouble sleeping." She closed her eyes. "I don't want to be alone anymore."

"I'd be happy to." He sat on the edge of the bed and stroked her hair. "I'll stay as long as you need me to."

He'd do whatever she asked.

"I loved you so much." Her eyes fluttered. "Missed you." A few seconds later, she was out.

He leaned down and pressed his lips to her forehead. "I never stopped loving you."

Chapter Six

Lila woke to rain pelting the skylight of her bedroom ceiling. She squinted to see the clock. It was already after ten. She'd slept a full night. She hadn't done that in weeks.

She pulled the covers back, then glanced down at her half-naked body.

"Shit!"

She shot up into a seated position. Trevor had taken her home the night before.

He'd carried her up the steps and put her into bed. The night was foggy in her mind, but she was pretty sure she'd thrown herself at him. And, he rejected her.

Rejected me?

The Trevor from her youth would've taken any opportunity to get inside her

panties. She wondered what had changed.

Her head pounded and her throat was dry. Motrin and a bottle of water, both in

her kitchen, were in order.

As she popped the bread in the toaster, images of Trevor flooded her mind. She'd been angry with him for so long, but last night, those hurt feelings seemed to evaporate.

If sex was all he'd wanted from her, he could have taken advantage of the situation when he carried her upstairs. She was a more than willing participant.

Lila headed for a hot shower, turning the small radio on in the bathroom. The