On a Gamble (12 page)

The woman’s pale blue eyes turned icy. “You just better keep him close, sweetheart. Because you never know when he might tire of you, and fall for something real like me.”

Charlie laughed out loud, unable to help it as the next words flew out of her mouth. “Since when are two airbags for breasts real, Holly?”

The other woman gasped, her mouth hung open for a rebuttal. Not a moment too soon, Alex reappeared, and thank God. Now they could get the hell out of there.

Unhappy coming here in the first place, she was even happier they would be leaving soon. She knew for sure the next visit would be an awkward one. If there would even be a next visit, because after today she would make it a point to research other hardware stores. It would be well worth the extra driving, especially if it meant not having to deal with Holly ever again.

“Have a nice day,” Holly said between tight lips, handing the bag to Charlie and throwing a coy smile toward Alex.

“Nice meeting you.” He turned and held the door open for her.

Holly inclined her head. “Likewise, handsome.”

Charlie remained silent. Unlocking and opening the door, she climbed into her truck, happier than hell to get away from her. She threw her things behind the seat, and took her gloves off. Forcefully, and unnecessarily shoving the key in the ignition, annoyed with herself. Overcome with emotion, her hands slightly shook.

I hope he doesn’t notice.

She’d never been so jealous before in her life, and didn’t have a malicious bone in her body. But watching Holly drool all over Alex made her want to resort to violence. Made her want to offer Holly a handkerchief to wipe up the drool on her chin.

“You okay, Charlie?”

She avoided eye contact. “I’m fine.”

Going to put the car in reverse, she stopped, as his hand clasped over hers.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

Charlie turned toward him. “Yes, I’m fine. I just don’t like that woman.”

“Neither do I. If that’s what’s bothering you.”

She took a deep, steadying breath. Her veins still pumped with fresh adrenaline at the thought of kicking Holly’s ass. “Most men run over other men just to get close to her.”

He stroked the side of her cheek. “She doesn’t hold a candle to you, Charlie.”

“Really?”

He smiled. “Yeah, now let’s go home.”

Just then she felt like a million bucks in her pickup truck. Faded jeans, no makeup, old worn brown coat and all.

Charlie mirrored him, and smiled back.

Alex drove home that night, his mind heavy, and his heart full. Thinking back to what had happened earlier that day. He grinned like a fool, thinking how jealous Charlie was over that Holly woman. But he’d told her the truth, she didn’t even compare to his sweet, wholesomely beautiful Charlie. Not only her beauty on the outside, but on the inside as well. The way she’d packed up and left her city life, no thanks to her asshole ex-husband, helping Pearl and Eugene on the farm, spoke volumes.

His thoughts inevitably drifted to the hayloft only a few nights ago. How sexy and responsive she’d been. How she’d cried when he’d made love to her. Jesus, no woman had ever cried in his arms before, and it damned near undid him. Brought him to his knees to think she’d been that overcome with emotion.

His mind continued to drift. Picturing perfect breasts filling his hands, dusky, pert, pink nipples sweetness in his mouth, beneath his fingertips. Everything about her made his entire being go up in flames, and he wanted nothing more than to take her back to his condo, lay her down on his bed, and wrap her up in the softness of his sheets, while the cold wind of fall blew outside. He wanted to light a fire, and make love to her in front of the warm hearth, and get lost in his Charlie. Explore and find what he’d missed the first time.

His mind shot quickly back to reality. Like the nub of a tip eraser, his guilt wore him down, day by day. Consuming him almost as much as his desire for her, knowing he should tell her, wanting to spill everything about himself. But every time he opened his mouth to say it, she smiled at him or looked at him with those bedroom eyes. Thought of those sweetly erotic words she’d said to him this morning in the truck, and he couldn’t think straight.

God help him, but from the moment he’d laid eyes on Charlie, this
business
deal took a permanent backseat. His heart led the way, his mind a cluster fuck of emotions. He’d never anticipated falling in love again. Falling in love meant giving up control, exposing yourself, risking pain. Worse yet, he would hurt Charlie, knowing deep down it would be unavoidable. He could end this now, walk away, and nobody would get hurt.

Who are you kidding? Of course she’ll get hurt.

He closed his eyes, blowing out a deep breath, realizing it was too difficult to walk away.

Charlie lowered herself into the hot water, allowing her mind to go, as frothy bubbles surrounded her. Her mind inevitably wandered to Alex.

Taking her by surprise, he’d asked her on another date this morning. Excitement coursed through her, and she could hardly wait for tonight. Lately, and not surprisingly, he’d taken up a majority of her thoughts. Leaning over she grabbed her razor and shaved her legs, wanting to make sure they were silky smooth.

She finished her short soak, dried off, and picked out her clothes for the night. Deciding on a dark pair of jeans and a purple cable knit sweater. Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, she pulled out her black leather boots stored underneath. Opening the box, she smoothed her hand over the still new leather. Not a scuffmark on them, the soles were in decent shape from lack of wear. Goodness, it had been too long since she’d worn these. She relished in the feel of them as she slid them on, feeling like a new, transformed woman.

Getting up, she quickly appraised her appearance in the mirror. She combed out her still wet hair and quickly blow-dried it, leaving it wavy and down past her shoulders. Swiping on mascara and lip-gloss, she grabbed her purse when she caught sight of her parent’s wedding photo on her dresser.

Picking up the frame, she sat back down on the edge of the bed, staring intently at the picture. Her parents looked so happy, and damn it they were happy. They’d shared three children, a home together, and a life together.

God, why did they have to die?

Touching her mother’s smiling face, a tear escaped, sliding down the glass of the frame, thinking that one horrible night and a drunk driver, taking them, and her sense of security, away. She hugged the frame to her body, rocking back and forth as a gut-wrenching sob over took her. Remembering the good times, trips cross-country, movies, camp outs in their backyard, star gazing, staying up late on weekends, bonding over Charlie Chaplin movies, and eating Pringles until she’d been blue in the face and her stomach burst. Memories of the past swirled in her brain, and made her stomach churn.

Opening her eyes, she took a clarifying breath. Gathering her senses, she kissed their smiling faces, and got up. Setting the frame back in place, she took great comfort knowing they watched over her every day, feeling their presence every day.

As she looked up to inspect her appearance, she blanched. Mascara stained the hills of her cheeks, and her eyes were slightly red-rimmed. She made quick work of fixing the damage, putting on another layer of mascara, drops in her eyes, and pasted a smile on her face. Giving herself a final once over, she made her way downstairs.

Charlie’s tummy flip-flopped at the sight of Alex, standing at the foot of the stairs. Preoccupied talking to her grandparents, she took advantage and openly stared. He wore dark wash jeans, boots, and a button down navy blue shirt. In his arms he held a lovely bouquet of red roses. He looked sexy as hell.

Her breath hitched when he suddenly turned up, staring back at her, a charming smile on his face, and a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

As she made her descent down the stairs, his sexy, intoxicating scent filled her nostrils.

He handed the flowers to her. “These are for you.”

Holding them up to her nose, she inhaled deeply, reveling in the sweet scent. “Thank you, Alex. They’re beautiful.”

“Shall we?” Holding out his arm for her.

Charlie noticed her grandma and grandpa looking on, smiles on their faces. She swore her grandma even wiped away a tear.

“Grandma, would you mind putting these in water for me, please?”

She inclined her head. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of them. You kids go on and have a good time now.”

With this Charlie grabbed her coat and they made their way out.

“So, where are we going to dinner?” She buckled her seat belt, anxious for what the night would bring.

Bitterly cold outside, she was glad for the warmth of his truck. She would be even happier for the warmth of his arms later in the evening.

“I think casual, so I’m ordering a pizza and we’ll have dinner at my place.”

His place.

A giddy shot of hope sprang up in her chest, as his words held great promise. He was actually going to take her back to his place. She wondered what it looked like. If he had a fireplace they could snuggle up in front of. Get lost in each other in front of . . .

Her face filled with warmth at the mere thought. Alex made her crazy, in a good way. In a distracted, can’t think straight, washing your hair twice in the shower kind of way.

“That sounds nice.” She grasped his knee, stroking it soothingly.

When they arrived, she looked to see not the tiny apartment she expected, but a nice looking, and rather large condominium. It was a side by side, with a one-car garage attached. “This is your place?”

“Yeah, my parents bought it for me for my
twenty-fifth birthday. Before that I rented a small apartment.”

Wow, that’s some gift.

Making her way out, she burrowed herself in her coat to keep the wind from her face, and he made short work of unlocking the door. A large, inviting foyer greeted her, the lights were dimly lit, casting a romantic, soothing glow over the room.

She took off her boots, followed by her coat, handing it to him. He hung both his and hers in the nearby closet. She perused the simple, and masculine décor. Decorated in tones of beige and black, with very few photos hung on the walls. An elegant, spiral staircase lead upstairs, and a nice sized kitchen sat off to the left, homey and surprisingly clean. In fact, his entire place looked neat, and tidy, like nothing she would have expected of a bachelor.

Her gaze gravitated toward the living room, where a large L-shaped black leather sofa dominated the center. Various travel magazines sat lined up in a row, on a square glass-top coffee table, and directly in front, a huge, brick fireplace. Heat flared through her bloodstream, picturing Alex making love to her in front of a warm fire.

Charlie cleared her throat. Goodness gracious, she had to get a hold of herself. “This is nice,” she commented.

“So, are you hungry?” he asked, putting his hands on his hips.

Charlie swallowed the huge lump in her throat. Now that she finally had him alone, she couldn’t resist.

Gathering her bravado, she stepped closer until they were face to face. His back was against the front door. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Leaning in, she murmured, “Starving.”

Chapter 11

Charlie hitched a breath. His hands grasped her hips, moving up to the curve of her waist. With a sweeping upward motion of his fingers, her sweater lifted part way, until night air met bare skin.

Not wasting any more precious seconds, she buried her hands in his hair, greeting his mouth like a woman who hadn’t had a drink in years. She eagerly nibbled his lower lip, eliciting a groan from his mouth that sent a shockwave of desire to the juncture of her thighs. Curious fingers moved from his wavy hair down to cradle either side of his face, traveling toward his shoulders, enjoying the eager muscles that leapt at her touch.

Much too soon for her taste, he broke the kiss. Raw, hungry eyes roved over her face, his desire so intense, it nearly brought her to her knees. “Shall we take this to my bedroom?”

“No. I want you Alex, here, now.”

As if those words were an aphrodisiac, the fire in his eyes burned brighter, and suddenly their positions changed. He pinned her against the door, his strong physique sucked the breath out of her. His gaze bore into hers, knees like mush in their sockets. Strong hands moved from her waist, to her bottom, cupping her gently and squeezing. Her belly quivered, her core prickled in still new awareness.

Damn, it still amazed her that just one look, one touch from Alex, could elicit this kind of response. Not just a run-of-the-mill response, a fierce one.

She placed her hands on his chest, needing space for what she had to do. Without breaking eye contact, she slowly removed her sweater, quickly accompanied by her bra. Before she knew it, she was enveloped in his arms again.

“Charlie, you’re making me crazy,” he murmured against the hollows of her neck.

“What is this power you have over me?”

He didn’t answer her as he lowered his head, taking one of her breasts in his mouth. Suckling, kneading her flesh with his hands and fingers. Swiftly moving to the other breast, he lavished the same erotic treatment, laving the nipple with his tongue. She grasped a fistful of his hair, pressing him closer, and closed her eyes. Allowing the mind numbing sensations to consume her, as he traveled to her neck, gently biting and kissing the sensitive, heated flesh. The butterflies in her tummy not only stirred and took flight but danced like they hadn’t danced in years.

Charlie groaned. Unable to take much more of his teasing, seductive torture, she whispered, “Alex, please take me now.”

He met her gaze head-on, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. He quickly divested of his clothing, kicking jeans, shirts, and socks off to the side.

Getting to his knees, he slowly unbuttoned, and unzipped her jeans, until they pooled at her feet. She nearly stopped breathing altogether when his mouth made contact with her belly, lavishing moist kisses lower, and agonizingly lower, until he met black lace panties.

Charlie nearly lost it when he looked up. The desire staring back at her, fierce, hypnotic, and pulse stealing.

“These,” he murmured huskily, fingering the lacy edge, “are in the way.” Still not breaking eye contact, and with the same agonizing slowness, he removed her panties until she stood completely naked. The cold door chilled her bottom, but she didn’t care.

“Close your eyes,” he commanded.

She raised an eyebrow, but then obeyed.

“Remember the day we rode horses, and that kiss in the barn?”

Mutely, she nodded, recalling that hot, fiery kiss as though it were yesterday. And without her sense of sight, the timbre and vibration of his voice against her abdomen, rendered her speechless as moist, sensual heat from his warm, full, lips made her bite the inside of her cheek, attempting to stifle a moan. Even if he’d barely touched her yet, her senses swam at a hundred miles an hour. She grasped the back of his head, steadying herself. Other than the sound of her heavy breathing, quiet overtook the apartment.

“This. This is what I wanted to do to you that day, Charlie.” Within seconds he grasped her backside, lavishing the most erotic loving to her womanly folds. Flicking her clit with the end of his tongue, until the sensitive bud pulsed, vibrated, and shook. She’d go clear through the damned roof if he continued, but she’d be damned if she told him to stop. He lowered his hands, rubbing her already hypersensitive skin to the point of insanity.

Oh dear God, this is going to kill me.

Spreading her legs further apart, she silently begged for more, as he licked the flames of her desire. Continuing to tease, taste, and torture. She fisted her hands in his hair, now using it as an anchor. Her entire being liquefied, but still he didn’t stop. Not daring to open her eyes, she wanted to enjoy this moment, revel in his heat, his fire for her.

“Oh, Jesus, Alex. This is fucking amazing. Please . . . oh . . . baby . . .” And the rest of her words got lost, her orgasm numbed her brain, and threatened to consume her whole. Spent, sweaty, and in dire need of oxygen, she only wanted more, needed more. Needed it all.

She opened her eyes, watching him get up off his knees, until she met his gaze head on. Then her feet weren’t touching the ground, literally and figuratively. He palmed her bottom, lifting her up, until her rubbery legs wrapped around his torso. Realizing he was going to make love to her, right up against the door, her body sang. Her core achy, needy, and wet, as he swiftly entered her, the fire within her threatened to swallow her. Muscles clenched, relaxed around his thick length, and her breathing became as ragged as his.

“You. Feel. So. Incredible,” she whispered in his ear, nibbling at the earlobe. Taking it in her mouth, she suckled, bit, and teased.

Damn what a rush, a natural high she loved being on. Alex was her drug of choice, and God help her if she ever had to go off. He brought out the beast in her.

He held her close, until her breasts flattened against his solid chest, as everything tightened in response. Lowering his head, he lavished kisses on her neck, along her jaw, down her shoulders. Leaving a hot trail of fire behind with each kiss. As if some other force was at work, she arched her back, thrusting her chest up, until his face was between her breasts, and he scattered kisses there.

She opened her eyes, meeting his direct, steady gaze.

“You drive me crazy, Charlie.” His voice throaty, and ragged with hunger.

Unable to deny herself any longer, she realized she felt the same way. Not only in the bedroom but outside. Like a bolt of lightning, it hit. She’d fallen hard for this man, absolutely powerless to stop it, and didn’t want to stop it. With every breath in her body, she wanted him, and words got lost in translation. She honestly didn’t know what to say. So she said nothing, and allowed her body to do the talking. She grasped the back of his head, threaded her fingers through his hair, and brought his sweet, full lips to hers. Tasting him, greeting his tongue with hers.

Alex continued to kiss her, and moved lower once more; scattering kisses along her jawline and the base of her throat. A trail of hot fiery kisses left behind, she threw her head back, hardly able to take anymore. She rested her hands on his shoulders, absorbing the strong, and earth shattering emotions to course through her. Lighting her up from the inside out, blood pounded in her ears. Her pulse skyrocketed as wave after wave of ecstasy pierced her system.

“Alex, please I can’t take much more.” Her orgasm climbed higher, strong, fierce, and liquefying her insides as he ground himself deeper. Reaching his own climax, he shook against her, and she steadied herself on his shoulders.

Finally, she relaxed, enjoying the feel of him against her chest. She gazed into his eyes, seeing heaven on earth. A calm overtook her, as she rested her forehead against his. “Oh, wow.”

He chuckled.

“I’m sorry,” she murmured.

“For?”

She curled his hair between her still eager fingers. “Not being able to make it to the bedroom. Again.”

“Don’t worry, baby. Because I’m not complaining.”

Charlie rolled over in bed the next morning, squinting against the bright rays. Birds chirped, ready to greet the day, and a far off dog bark sounded down the street. The morning greeted her bright and sunny, fresh with exciting possibilities.

She studied her surroundings, remembering she’d spent the night with Alex. A slow grin spread across her face, recalling round one, and a fantastic round two in his bed. The spectacular feelings still stirred throughout her body. Her heart clanged against her rib cage, as his eyes greeted hers. Giddy and off center, she didn’t ever want to leave this room. “Good morning,” she murmured.

Leaning closer, he placed a gentle kiss to either corner of her mouth. “It sure is.”

She chuckled, bringing the sheets up to cover her mouth.

“I guess we’d better get going, theirs work to be done.” He jumped out of bed, and already her gaze fixated on his naked rear end.

A happy, satisfied sigh escaped her lips. Honestly she didn’t want to move, thinking about the last few months, and weeks. How Alex came into her life like a world wind, and had slowly broken down walls she’d long ago erected. She never thought she could love again after Langdon, until now.

It hit her like a thunderbolt. She loved Alex. She wanted to be his forever, get married, and possibly adopt children if he’d be willing. Such thoughts scared her. That she’d fallen so quickly and hard, but now that she was on this rollercoaster, she never wanted off.

He finished brushing his teeth, and turned to look at her, an adorable grin on his face. “What is it?”

Charlie shook her head. “Not a thing, I just love watching you.”

Alex’s cheeks turned ten shades of pink, which was rather cute and becoming on him.

He walked toward her, a predatory gleam in his eyes, and sat next to her in bed. Leaning over, he gently brushed aside her hair, moving to cradle her face within his large palms. His fingertips imprinted a trail of white-hot fire on her skin. A feather-light kiss landed on her forehead, as his hand swiped her eyes closed.

Charlie’s stomach clenched, his gentle, soothing touch undoing her. Her heart picked up speed, as he kissed her eyelids, slowly and methodically. She nearly melted into the mattress, because nobody had ever kissed her there before, and it was a heady, surreal experience.

Charlie white-knuckled the sheets. “Alex, this feels so good.”

She opened her eyes, his handsome face mere inches from her own, and paused. Taking her time to study his face, the face of the man she loved. Raising a hand, she caressed the side of his cheek, moving to thread her fingers in his hair. Then she met his direct stare, and was happy to be lying down. He looked at her as if to photograph, frame-by-frame, inch-by-inch, feature-by-feature, and commit her face to memory. Wordlessly, he kissed her mouth, a gentle good morning kiss, before he abruptly stopped. Again, he didn’t speak.

Charlie recalled it had been the same way when he made love, silent and strong. “A man of few words, aren’t we?”

“Only when I have a lot on my mind. No worries, honey.” Then he got up and she followed suit, jumping in the shower and getting ready to head back to the farm.

Funny how comfortable she was in his home, and in such a short time. She didn’t hesitate to strip, and jump in the shower, walking around naked afterward. In fact, she’d been surprised that instead of trying to have his wicked way with her. He’d gone downstairs instead.

Shoving her disappointment down, she resumed her morning routine.

Silence filled the truck, as Alex drove her home later that morning.
What in hell am I going to do now?
He’d taken her back to his apartment last night, and had thoroughly made love to her not once, but twice. Twice. He’d already had sex with her more than he deserved, and felt like a damned thief. At the same time, like an addict, and with each sexy encounter, he still hadn’t had his fill, and only wanted more, becoming a greedy, gluttonous fool.

He’d fallen in love with Charlie, and the guilt sat heavy in his stomach every day, because his true identity still remained hidden. The important “business deal” had been dragged to the bottom of the list, as Charlie dominated his thoughts pretty much from day one.

He could end this now, and nobody would get hurt. Or he could continue and surely Charlie would get hurt when he eventually told her, maybe beyond repair. He was kidding himself. She’d be hurt either way he looked at it.

Glancing briefly at the woman he’d fallen in love with, he smiled, because she had the widest, cutest grin on her face. She looked happy, relaxed against the seat of the truck. He liked seeing her this way, and she deserved better. Not someone like him, who’d break her heart in the end.

They arrived at her grandparents and he put the car in park, turning to face her.

He drew a ragged breath, and prayed a silent prayer, hardly believing he was going to do this.

There was no other way, other than fast, and quick. “Charlie, I’m sorry. I can’t do this anymore.”

As if in slow motion, she turned toward him, a frown marring her beautiful face. Pain flashed briefly in her eyes, swiftly followed by an ice-cold stare. “What do you mean?”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t have another answer for you. I just, can’t do this anymore.” The words fell out like poison. A poison he knew would kill her. His stomach twisted with the thought.

Tears pooled in those beautiful hazel eyes, and he could hear her heart breaking. Shattering into a thousand tiny pieces in her chest, and for a split second he wished the words back. He watched as she pulled herself together, and could see how she fought the tears. The pain sliced him in half to see her distress. He shoved down his inner turmoil, and reminded himself this was best. Before he hurt Charlie worse than he already had if that was possible.

“You son-of-a-bitch,” she said, between gritted teeth. “After these last few weeks, after all that’s happened.
Now
all of the sudden you decide it’s not going to work?”

With a heavy heart, he watched the woman he loved turn away. No longer able to see her face, he could see the tears falling liberally, hitting her jeans, as she’d lost her own battle. Her body quivered, shook like a leaf, and it made him ache to scoop her into his arms. Kiss away her tears, and tell her he didn’t mean it.