So Right With You (15 page)

*~*

Garrett arrived home. It was almost ten o’clock. Her car was outside but the house was quiet. He wondered where she was. He’d missed her. After taking Patches out for the last time that night, he went upstairs to shower. It had been a long day and he wanted to relax. Heading down the hallway with Patches at his heels, the distinct sounds of water running reached him. It was coming from the direction of his master bath. He quickened his pace. Reaching the bedroom, he looked at Patches, who had followed. “Sorry, boy, not tonight.” He closed the door between them.

She was home and in his shower. When he reached the bathroom, he could see her behind the glass doors. Stripping his own clothes quickly, he grabbed the knob to join her. Opening the shower door, surprised elation and desire swept through him.

Chloe was holding her breasts with one hand while touching herself with the other hand, obviously bringing herself to completion. The sight of finding her pleasing herself made him grow hard instantly.

*~*

Startled at the sound of the door opening, she dropped her hands, self-conscious at having Garrett find her in a private moment.

She couldn’t say what had prompted her to use Garrett’s bathroom, other than that she had been missing him. The woodsy, evergreen smell mixed with a scent that was solely Garrett to permeate his room. The next thing she had known, she was in his shower, using his products and fantasizing about him, which had led to Garrett walking in on one of her more embarrassing moments.

“Don’t stop,” Garrett said in a husky voice.

“I can’t.” She blushed.

“Please, for me?” His eyes pleaded. “You look so beautiful.” He reached into a drawer in the vanity and retrieved a condom. Coming into the shower, he pulled the door shut behind him.

Chloe trembled with nervousness at the thought of what he was asking of her. She had never satisfied herself in front of a lover before, not that she’d had that many, only Trevor and now Garrett. She released a nervous breath. She wasn’t sure she could go through with it. Looking into his eyes, which were smoldering with desire, she felt compelled to try.

Hesitantly, she reached back up to touch her breasts and stopped. Her nerves got the better of her. “I don’t think I can.”

Setting the condom down on the shelf, Garrett took her other hand and placed it over her mound. His gaze held hers while he began to move her hand through her folds with his hand on top. Realizing she had been holding her breath, she released it. It came out breathy. The water continued to pummel against them, making the sensations even more intense.

With Garrett directing her hand, her orgasm remained just out of reach. Taking control, she moved it to where her greatest need lay. “Here.”

“There, baby. Go ahead,” Garrett said, encouraging her to explore her own sexuality.

As she began to touch herself more deeply, Garrett released her hand and reached for the condom. She whimpered as she neared her completion.

She had no idea how powerful her own seduction could be. His body surged with a feral desire for her.

Her body arched as she neared an orgasm. He leaned forward, ready to take her when she came. At the pivotal moment, Garrett reached for her and kissed her hard on the mouth. Her mouth opened under the pleasure, and his tongue swept inside, connecting with hers. She moaned. When he was ready, he pulled back and roamed down her body, raining kisses on it as he went. Taking a nipple into his mouth, he sucked on it, bit it, and sucked on it again. He reached his hands down to grip her ass and lifted her onto his hard-on. She wrapped her legs around him. He thrust into her and she bowed back. He wedged her between his body and the hard tile. He eased out all the way and pushed in again.

“Oh, God! It feels so good.”

“I know, sweetheart.”

She moaned as he gripped her ass tighter and sank deeper into her. He thrust repeatedly, bringing them both to a fever pitch.

Reaching between their bodies, he massaged her clit until she rocketed over into an orgasm. He thrust into her a few more times until he exploded in his own release. He held her a moment, then slowly pulled out. She unwrapped her legs from around his body and slid them down until her feet reached the floor. He kissed her lips softly.

“Do you think we’ll ever”—he signaled quote marks with his fingers—“‘make love’ regularly?”

“God, I hope not. That was amazing.”

“Amazing, huh?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Absolutely, totally amazing.” She yawned, suddenly wiped out.

“Let’s get you dried off and in bed. You look tired.”

“Somebody wore me out.” She yawned again, stretching to wrap her arms around his neck.

He grinned and kissed her nose. Opening the shower door, he grabbed a towel and started rubbing her.

When they were both dry, he led her to his room and pulled out one of his T-shirts for her. He retrieved her toothbrush from her bathroom, and they brushed their teeth together, like they’d been together always. They went into the bedroom again and climbed into bed. Garrett pulled her close.

“How did it go with Kali and Harper?” he asked.

“Those two are more alike than even they realize. I ended up feeling like a third wheel all day. They were inseparable. I don’t think they even realized I was there most of the time.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. It was great to see Kali making a connection with Harper. And Harper, I’ve never seen her so patient and sweet.”

“Harper?” He raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“Yeah, Harper. It was a real
Karate Kid
moment, as she explained art techniques to Kali.”

“Wax on, wax off.” He imitated Pat Morita’s circular arm movements and voice from the movie with great exaggeration.

Chloe burst out laughing at Garrett’s improv. “Exactly. And remind me never to go to the Grill again. That place is pure hell for anyone over the age of twenty-one.”

“I take it that it’s the equivalent of a teenage paradise, nothing but greasy foods?”

“Yep. I did manage to find salad on the menu.”

“So, you want to hear about my day?” Garrett said.

“Sure.”

“I met with my friend, Craig, and played the worst game of golf ever.”

“It couldn’t have been that bad.”

“Believe me. It was. Then, I went to dinner and found out my ex best friend and fiancée had also been invited.”

“Oh, Garrett.” She cringed. “How was that?”

“Not bad, actually.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Kenny and Pamela are married now and expecting their first.”

“That had to have been tough.”

“Actually, it wasn’t as bad as you might think. The truth is, Pamela and I were never meant to be. We’re too different, but she and Kenny seem really happy. I’m happy for them. Kenny, Craig, and I are going fishing next weekend. It’s good to have my friend back. It was time.”

“Wow, that’s great.” She leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

He pulled her down and leaned over her. “I think I would like to try some of that regular sex now.”

The next morning, Garrett reached for Chloe, but she was already gone. Her side of the bed was cold, like she hadn’t been there for a while. He rolled over and started to get out of bed to search for her. But then the door opened and she came in carrying a cup of coffee, wearing his shirt and her glasses, with Patches following her. The dog had become as attached to her as he had.

He relaxed back into the pillows with his arms propped behind his head, smiling. He found she looked quite tempting in just his shirt. “I wondered where you were.”

“Sorry, I couldn’t sleep. I had a lot on my mind with the fundraiser. Actually, that was one of the things I wished to speak with you about. Here. I think I got the handle on that high-tech machine of yours. See what you think.” She sat on the side of the bed and extended the cup of coffee for him to taste.

He sat up, reached for the mug, and took a sip. “Mmm, good.”

After he had a few more sips, she took the mug back and took a few sips herself. “I know. It only took me two weeks. Next time, keep the instructions.” She grinned. “Okay, you know I have been working on the arrangements for the fundraising event.”

“Yes, and you have been doing an amazing job.”

“Well, I’ve been doing some thinking.”

“Okay.” He raised his eyebrows at her in a questioning look.

“I think we should turn it more into a gala than a formal dinner.”

“Chloe, I don’t think you understand. It’s always been a formal affair. It’s what the contributors expect,” Garrett explained.

“I know. Now hear me out,” she retorted.

He eyed her, wondering what was going on in that beautiful mind of hers. She looked excited about whatever it was.

“Have you ever thought about how much better it could be if the contributors were able to meet the kids they were serving? Wouldn’t they be more likely to give if they had a personal connection with the kids?” She took a sip of the coffee as she waited for him to take in the information.

Finally his eyes lit up. “That’s a great idea. What made you think of it?”

“Kali,” she answered.

“Kali?” His brow wrinkled with puzzlement.

“Yeah. Did you know she’s homeschooled?”

“No, I wasn’t aware of that.”

“Yes, the cancer has not only wreaked havoc on her physical body, it has kept her from enjoying many of the activities her peers take for granted. Her best friend is going to the winter formal. Kali won’t be going. It got me thinking about how much she and kids like her are missing out on. Why can’t we turn this into something for the kids? Isn’t that why we’re doing this?”

Garrett could see the tears glistening in her eyes. Not only was this important for the kids, it was obviously important to her, too.

“Of course, you’re absolutely right. It’s the right thing to do,” he said.

“There’s only one problem.”

“What?”

“I’ve been having trouble finding a location to have the event. Everything is booked already.”

Garrett looked wary. He had a feeling he knew what was coming next. “No, Chloe.”

“I know how strongly you feel about keeping the Foundation separate from Nolan Enterprises, and if the press found out, they would be all over this place. But I haven’t been able to find anywhere else to hold it.”

He shook his head. “Absolutely not.”

“It’s for the kids. Don’t you think your sister Lauren would want you to?”

“Come on. That’s hitting below the belt, and you know it.”

Her eyes pleaded with him to give in. “It’s for the kids,” she repeated.

Looking at her, he couldn’t say no to her. “I know I’m going to regret this. I already am, but oh, damn, all right.”

“I knew you’d agree with me.” She set the mug down, launched herself at him, and gave him a quick peck.

He wanted to deepen the kiss, but she was too quick. She was off the bed and headed out the door. “Where are you going?” he asked. He was hoping for a repeat of last night. Guess not.

“I have to get ready. I’m meeting Kali at the stables.”

There was a look about her that said she was plotting something else. “Not so quick. What are you up to now?”

“Nothing. Have you noticed that Kali and Josh like each other?”

“No.” He peered at her sideways. Sometimes, he had a hard time following her logic.

“Well, they do.”

“Okay.”

“And, if I have my way, Kali will have a date for the gala.”

His eyes narrowed. The truth dawned on him. Chloe was playing matchmaker. “Didn’t you learn anything from my mother’s meddling?”

“That was different.”

“How?”

“We’re just sleeping together. Those two are meant to be together.”

His heart plummeted at her words. Did she have to keep throwing it in his face? He wasn’t sure how much more of this he could take.

He was willing to give her time, but he was wondering if she’d ever come around. She must feel some of what he felt for her. Her responses during their lovemaking seemed to indicate she did. The way she cuddled into him during sleep had to mean something. He hoped he wasn’t grasping at straws. She had to love him by now a little bit, didn’t she? It sure felt like she did, even if she didn’t say it.

“Wait. I’m coming with you.”

*~*

It was amazing how successful Garrett could be when he was determined. They were running late to be with the kids because he had wanted to shower together to save water and time. It wasn’t that she actually bought his excuses. But when he had said it while looking at her like he couldn’t wait to be inside her again, she had lost her ability to deny him.

Although she knew she was already in love with him, it was better for her pride if he wasn’t aware of it when the time came to leave. She couldn’t stand it if he felt sorry for her. She was used to standing on her own. This was one more time when she would have to remain strong.

She realized when she reached the barn that the teens really did need her help. Kali was petting Jupiter, her stance a protective pose, and a mutinous expression on her face. Josh stood in the opposite corner, his arms folded, his mouth held in a straight line. He looked angry. It was obvious they’d been fighting. There were tears in Kali’s eyes. Kali was sending Josh hurt glances, and Josh wouldn’t look in her direction.

As they neared, Chloe realized Kali was wearing makeup, a lot of it, and was dressed in clothes designed to make her look older. She had on a cream-colored lacy tank top, a pink print blouse opened up over it, and extremely tight jeans. Kali had taken what Chloe had said about Josh liking her to heart and was trying too hard. This was actually her fault. Now what was she supposed to do?

“What the heck is on your face? It’s a little cool out. You should really button up,” Garrett said, frowning when he spotted Kali.

Kali reeled back, a pained expression crossing her face. Her bottom lip began to tremble and tears filled her eyes. She looked at the three of them, her eyes darting from one to the other, like a trapped animal. Finally, she ran in the direction of the nearest bathroom.

Leave it to a Neanderthal to be so blunt. Chloe gave Garrett a look of exasperation.

“What did I do?” he asked defensively.

“Why are men always so dense?”

She went to find Kali. She found her sobbing as she wiped off the makeup she had applied earlier.

“I was trying to look pretty. You said he liked me.”

Chloe took away the harsh paper towels that Kali was using. She was afraid the teen was going to inflict physical harm, as hard as she was scrubbing.

“Honey, he does like you.” Chloe finished cleaning the girl’s face with some tissues from her purse. “He likes you the way you are.”

Chloe turned Kali toward the mirror. “He likes you for who you are inside and out. He doesn’t need you to dress up. He sees the strong, pretty—”

Kali shook her head.

“
Yes,
the pretty, smart girl we all see.”

“That’s easy for you to say. You’re so pretty. Your hair is so beautiful.” She touched the scarf on her head. “How can he like me like this?”

“Because he sees
you
. He likes you. If you would allow yourself to see yourself as the rest of us do, you’d see it, too.” Chloe finished buttoning up Kali’s shirt. “I’m not sure you’ll be able to climb up on the horse in those jeans. They’re pretty tight.” She smiled. “What were you thinking?”

“They’re called skinny jeans. They’re pretty popular.”

“They look painful.”

“They’re not, but they are tight.”

“Now, look at yourself in the mirror. You look like yourself again, and that’s perfect.”

Kali peered at the image reflected back at her of a pale, blue-eyed girl with a scarf and cap on where most girls had beautiful locks. She frowned.

Seeing her frown, Chloe said, “Don’t do that. You have so many people who care about you. You have no idea how truly special you are. Now, let’s go riding. Though you might need a forklift to get on the horse.”

*~*

“Do you know what happened just now?” Garrett asked.

“No idea. I arrived and she was looking like that, all gunked up. Why did she have to put all that makeup on and dress that way? I liked her the way she was.” He sounded irritable. He slouched down on a bale of hay with his arms crossed across his chest.

“Maybe she didn’t know that.” Garrett eyed the boy thoughtfully. Chloe had been right. The two teens did like each other. It was obvious to him now that Kali had been trying to get Josh to notice her. Why did some girls try to look older to get a boy’s attention? Kali looked fine the way she was.

“Do you think it would help if I told her I’m sorry?” Josh asked. “I didn’t mean to hurt her feelings. She just surprised me.”

“I think we both owe her an apology when she comes out. How about we do it together?” Garrett asked.

*~*

When Kali came out, she avoided looking at either of them.

Garrett and Josh looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

“Josh and I both wanted to tell you how sorry we are. We were just surprised by your new look.”

“Yeah, Kali, I’m really sorry. I liked the way you looked before. Why did you have to go and change?” The teen appeared petulant at the end. He was still upset with Kali for changing her appearance.

Kali’s posture became stiff at Josh’s tone.

Interceding between the two, Chloe said, “Which horse would you recommend for me, Kali?”

Kali turned, looking sullen, then smiled and said, “Buttercup. She’s very gentle. You’ll like her.” She indicated a brown filly in one of the stables.

“Yeah, she’s a perfect pick.” Garrett agreed.

Taking down Jupiter’s saddle from the rack, Josh placed it on the large horse. Squeezing between him and the horse, Kali said, “I can do it myself.”

“I’m just trying to help.” Josh lifted his arms in surrender and moved out of her way. His face displayed his momentary frustration before he masked it.

The horse, disturbed by the tension between the teens, flanked Kali into the wall with its side.

Josh moved forward, watching to make sure she was okay.

Recovering quickly, Kali said, “Stop. Behave, Jupiter,” as she rubbed the horse down to reassure him.

When she saw Josh begin to outfit the horse for Kali, Chloe was a little worried about her handling the spirited horse, but their temperaments seemed to suit. Both were ornery. She supposed with her equestrian experience, Kali would have complete control of the black Arabian.

Besides, she remembered Kali was only allowed to ride if a stable hand rode with her. She supposed the two teens would be sharing the same horse. She hoped they could set aside their argument and get along. Otherwise, this was going to be a long ride.

Garrett readied Captain, another black Arabian that could easily be the twin brother of Jupiter. Its large size would be well-suited for its rider’s. Meanwhile, another stable hand had readied Buttercup for her. She noticed Buttercup was smaller and seemed less spirited than the other two.

Garrett checked her straps before helping her into the saddle. Then he mounted his own horse.

She watched the two stubborn teens.

Josh went to assist Kali but she beat him to it and swung herself up into the saddle unassisted, which was no easy task in the tight jeans. Josh mounted behind her, and Kali scooted up as far as she could to get away from him. Josh heaved a sigh and reached around her for the lead.

Kali sat stiffly in front of him, looking away.

She had to think of some way to make these two set aside their antagonism, especially Kali. If she didn’t stop, she was going to ruin everything.

“Let’s go.” Garrett made a clicking sound with his mouth, and the horses started moving. Garrett and Chloe trotted next to each other with Josh and Kali falling further behind.

As they moved along, the two teens started to bicker again,

“Can you move your hand?” Kali asked curtly.

“Why?” Josh snapped.

“It’s touching me,” Kali said.

“I have to hold the reins.”

“Yes, but do you have to touch me?” Kali retorted.

“Fine.” Josh lifted his hands so they were away from Kali, but he was still leaning into her back.

She scooted forward some more.

He exhaled. “I don’t have cooties.”

“That’s what you think.”

“Josh, can you try to keep up? You seem to be lagging behind,” Kali snipped at him.

“Yes, your royal princess.”

Chloe couldn’t help hearing them. This was a catastrophe. She’d hoped the teens would get to know each other better. Instead, they were spending the entire time fighting.

Garrett was sending her looks that said,
I told you so.

How could she not get involved? The two really liked each other, but they were letting a misunderstanding build a wall between them.

Finally, she could take it no longer.

“I think my horse might have picked up a burr. Garrett, why don’t you stay with me? And you two can ride ahead. I am going to get off and check. I’ll probably end up walking her back.” She hoped her plan worked, and with time alone, they would come to their senses and reconcile.