The light returned to her eyes. “Sounds like a great way to start a day.”

  “Come on in. I think it has cooled down enough that we can eat our pie out there.” Rick unlocked the door, threw his jacket on a chair and headed for the kitchen. The sound of Cathie kicking off her shoes then the padding of feet slowly coming in his direction told him she wasn’t missing a single detail of his home.

  “You have excellent taste. The floors are gorgeous and the arched doorways are to die for.”

  “I’m glad you like it. I warmed the pie. Let’s eat it while it’s still that way. I’ll show you around later.” It was nice to have someone as interested in architecture as he was. When he’d invited her out he would have never guess that about her. She had seemed like all the other women he’d known, always wanting the newest and best. Lauren certainly had. She had refused to live in a ‘fixer-upper’. He’d bought this place the week after they had broken up.

  Cathie took the chair across from him at the small table. He handed her the plate with the pie on it. Her hand brushed his as she took it. His heart skipped and warmth rippled through him straight to his lower region. When had he last reacted so openly to a woman’s touch? Even now he needed to adjust his pants. With her hand gone his skin cooled. He wanted it back.

  While they ate, Cathie questioned him about what had led him to buy his home, how he had done one of the treatments in the living room, even the age of the place.

  “If I had known you’d react to my house this way I would’ve brought you here instead of taking you to the gala.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Really? I thought the whole idea of inviting me out had to do with showing me off to Herbert.”

  He shrugged. “You’re right. I’ve already apologized for that but I’ll do so again. I’m sorry. How about I show you around to make up for my self-serving ways?”

  “I thought it was more about exploiting, but I’ll accept your apology. Again.” She lifted her dress before she stood. Her bright pink painted toes winked at him.

  Rick couldn’t remember seeing anything sexier. He wanted to whisk her up into his arms and carry her upstairs but he was afraid to push too far, too fast. What if she didn’t share his desire? He couldn’t ruin his chance. He could already tell Cathie was special. He wanted to explore what might be between them.

  He grinned. “You’re going to keep making me pay, aren’t you?”

  “At least until I’ve gotten to see every detail of your house.”

  He held the door for her to enter the kitchen. “Then I’d better get started with the tour.” Over the next fifteen minutes they walked around the lower level of the house. On their way up the stairs he asked, “Where did you learn so much about construction?”

  “My father was a contractor.” She looked back at him. “I used to spend my summers riding around with him.”

  “That makes things a lot clearer. You’re not what I expected.”

  “You keep saying that. You don’t think a woman who works in a lawyer’s office can be interested in something besides papers?” Her hand slowly ran over the banister.

  “No need to get defensive. I’m just trying to figure you out.”

  A stricken look came over her face before she turned away and headed the rest of the way up the stairs. He watched her climb, appreciating the gentle sway of her hips. So caught up in the view he almost bumped into her when she stopped at the top of the stairs.

  She said softly, “People aren’t always what they appear.”

  Lauren had certainly proven that. Maybe he was being too cautious. Needed to take her at face value instead of judging her by the standard Lauren had set. It was time to start enjoying every discovery of Cathie, not be hunting for a hidden agenda.

  Her hand continued to skim over the wood that he’d taken such pains to refinish to a glow. What would it be like to have her touch him with such reverence? Would she wish to if she had the chance?

  “Yes, it’s original to the house. I redid it myself.” He answered the question without her asking.

  Her eyes lowered and she murmured, “That must have taken hours.”

  Rick watched her closely. Had that been an innuendo? “Some things deserve time and attention.”

  “Yes, they do.” She started down the hall toward the two extra bedrooms.

  “Let’s just say I had the time and energy.”

  She stopped and looked at him. “It sounds like there’s more to the story.”

  He didn’t make a habit of talking about his break-up but something had him saying, “To keep an ugly story short, I had just discovered my fiancée was more interested in what I could give her instead of me. I bought this house just after we broke up.”

  Carrie stepped into the room he used as a study. “So, you worked out your frustration with dirt and sweat.”

  “Something like that.” He stepped in beside her.

  She considered the room. “Some people are hard to understand.”

  He studied her. “Now, it’s my turn to believe there’s more to the story.”

  Cathie’s body straightened. Her attention remained on the room. “Some men can be jerks.”

  Rick brought his hand over his heart. “Thank goodness for the qualifying ‘some’ or I might take that personally.”

  She gave him a wry smile. “I’m not including you in that group.” She shrugged. “At least not for now.”

  “Then I’ll make every effort not to join the ranks of the jerks.” For reasons he couldn’t put a name to, he wanted her never to see him as a jerk. “As you can see this is my study. The next room is a guest bedroom.”

  They walked further down the hall and Cathie paused to look in the room. Done, he led her back toward the stairs.

  “I’m guessing the only room left to see is the master.” She gave him a questioning look.

  “It’s this way.” He directed her down the landing to the other side of the house. He stepped inside his bedroom and flipped a switch turning on a lamp beside the bed.

  She stood in the doorway. “If I had a bedroom like this I’d think I had died and gone to heaven. The woodwork is amazing, the large windows must catch the morning sun and the antique bed is perfect for the space. You have excellent taste.” Her voice had turned breathy.

  Would she stay if he invited her to? Rick was getting hard just thinking about having her. Searching for something neutral to say, he settled on, “I reworked a closet and made the bathroom larger and modernized it. Would you like to see?”

  “Sure. I don’t want to miss anything.” She stepped further into the room.

  He chuckled. “If we’d known each other longer, I might believe you liked me for my house.”

  Cathie turned and faced him in the middle of his bathroom. She said softly, “I’ve found more than your house to like about you.”

  That statement was a balm to his injured ego. He stepped closer. “Like what?”

  “Now you’re looking for compliments.” She met his gaze.

  His hand skimmed her arm from shoulder to elbow. “More like reassurances.”

  “I can’t imagine a man like you needing any self-image building, but here goes, if I must. You’re handsome, honest,” she hesitated over the word but quickly moved on, “generous. I saw the amount on the check to hospital. Ambitious, and a hard worker. And so far, not a jerk.” She paused then said, “And a good kisser.”

  Rick moved into her personal space, his focus on her parted mouth. “You think I’m a good kisser?”

  There was a catch in her voice when she answered, “Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. I might have gotten carried away.”

  “You’re saying I’m not a good kisser?” He teased, watching her closely.

  Her eyes flickered up to meet his. “I, uh—”

  Whatever else she’d been about to say ended with his mouth finding hers. Her lips were just as flawless as he remembered. Her arms circled his neck as she leaned into him. His tongue met no resistance when he requested entrance into her mouth. She eagerly welcomed him as their tongues touched then tangoed.

  Moments later he pulled away. His heart was beating too fast. He wanted her too desperately. He searched her face. Her lips were wet and her eyes wide. She looked so desirable he almost forgot what he was doing and nearly hauled her out to the bed. But he didn’t want to make a mistake. How she felt about what they were doing was more important. He needed to make sure they sought the same thing. “I’ve been wanting to do that again for too long.”

  “So…why stop?” She sounded unsure about what she was asking.

  “I don’t want you to think I’m a jerk afterwards.”

  “I’m willing to take that chance.” She smiled. “Just for tonight.”

  “On me being a jerk?”

  She pulled his head toward hers. “Yes. But only for tonight. It can’t go beyond that.”

  “I’ll except those terms.”

  Chapter Four

  Carrie wasn’t sure what she was doing. This evening had started out merely as her helping out her twin, having an adventure, but now all she could think about was experiencing Rick. Him kissing her again, touching her in all the places that tingled. Her finding relief only he could provide. She’d gone so long without feeling desirable that Rick’s attention had her begging for anything he was willing to give.

  She would live on the edge for this one night then return to her simple, safe life with wonderful memories of being wanted and he would never know the difference.

  Rick took both her hands and backed out of the bathroom bringing her with him until he was in the middle of the bedroom. He kissed her tenderly. “Tonight it is.”

  Pushing her dress off one shoulder, Rick let it fall down her arm. All but the tip of her breast was bared. Rick ran his index finger across her skin following the line of the dress.

  Carrie shivered. Her nipples tightened as they pushed against the fabric as if reaching for him. The pad of his thumb brushed over her. Heat shot to her center and pooled low. She sucked in a breath, gripped his forearms fearing her knees might buckle.

  Rick gave her dress a gentle tug exposing her completely. The warm wetness of his mouth found her nipple. Her hand went to his head, fingers brushing through his hair. She trembled as his tongue curled, tugged and slowly released her.

  “Sweet, so sweet,” he murmured.

  She’d been loved before but she felt more emotion from that one simple statement than she’d experienced during an entire sex act. Her ex had been very vanilla about anything that had to do with sex, subtly accusing her of not being exciting enough.

  “I need more.” Rick ran his hand along her other shoulder removing her dress so that the top gathered at her waist.

  “Beautiful,” he said in a husky voice as his hand lifted one breast. Skimming his fingertips along the underside, he left it and moved his attention to the other one.

  Carrie watched as his eyes praised her, while his hands slid under her arms and followed her curves to her hips.

  She couldn’t remember ever being this exposed, vulnerable to a man. Why Rick? So soon? Now? When she’d decided to have an adventure she hadn’t intend for it to go this far, but there was no stopping now. She didn’t want to.

  “My turn.” She pulled his shirt free of his pants and removed the top few studs before pushing his shirt away enough to see his chest. Resting her hands on him, she teased the dusting of hair there. His skin rippled beneath her palms

  Wrapping his arms around her waist, Rick pulled her close and kissed her. He backed to the bed, taking her with him. Reaching it, he sat, bringing her between his legs. His hands went to the zipper at her back. He had difficulty opening it, and Carrie assisted him. The dress fell away, leaving her in nothing but pale pink bikini panties.

  He ran a finger along the elastic band at her hip line before his gaze rose. “You’re…gorgeous.”

  For once in her life, she believed it.

  Rick kissed her belly.

  Her skin tingled in reaction and her legs wobbled. Gaining control, Carrie said, “I wasn’t done. Stand up.” Who was this outspoken person she had become, making demands on a partner? She’d always gone along, never saying what she wanted. He’d somehow made her comfortable enough to do so. That alone made him special.

  With eyes dark as night and a slight quirk to his mouth, he obeyed. When his hands came up to touch her, she pushed them away. “No distractions.”

  Rick’s head dipped to one side as he chuckled softly. In a teasing tone he said, “Me? Distract you?”

  She gave him a meaningful look. “You know you do.”

  He grinned but let his arms fall back to his sides. Hers went to the waistband of his pants. His manhood stood tall and ridged beneath. A present well worth opening. She released the hook and slowly pulled down the zipper. His pants fell off his narrow hips to his feet. All that remained was his red plaid boxers. The thin material left little to the imagination of what was behind.

  She pushed at his shoulders. “Sit. I need to take off your shoes.”

  “You’re a demanding woman.”

  Was she being too aggressive? Was she not being feminine enough? Her insecurity took hold.

  Rick must have sensed it because he said, “And I like it.”

  She smiled and gave him a nudge backwards. He sat, and she went to her knees to removed his shoes and socks then pulled his pants away. Done, Carrie looked at him.

  He smiled and brushed the hair that had come loose away from her face before his fingers circled her forearms and pulled her upwards. Unhurriedly laying back on the bed, he brought her down over him. Her breasts, already weighty with anticipation, brushed his chest. Her center throbbed like a drum, taking on a tribal beat.

  Rick made a hissing sound before his mouth took hers. His hands touched everywhere before they settled at her waist and circled it. He brought her tight against him. Carrie had never felt anything more divine or right, confident this was what she had been missing. Rolling her to the side, Rick hovered over her. His length nudged her center. The only things preventing them from touching intimately was the thin fabric between them.

  As their kisses heated and his demand rose, one of his hands ran over her belly and slipped beneath her panties to tangle in her curls. Her core ached, begging her to find relief. She squirmed, then lifted her hips in invitation.

  Rick teased the skin along the line of her underwear once more before he finally slid his hand beneath the band again. Carrie’s legs parted slightly. The blazing need for his touch had her tense with longing. She didn’t have to ask before he slid a finger into her. She bucked, then shuddered. When he pulled out, she whimpered. She wanted, needed more.

  Rick stopped kissing her and she opened her eyes. His gaze captured hers. “Is this what you want?” He slowly slipped his finger in.

  She nodded, her look never leaving him.

  He pulled out again. She wiggled her hips, her eyes imploring him to touch her. A low self-satisfied chuckle came from Rick. He pushed in once more. “You like that, don’t you?”

  “Oh, yes.”

  He pulsed his finger a couple of times before he removed it. She made a sound of protest. “Panties have to go.” Rick was already pushing them down her thighs.

  Carrie kicked them off. Coming up on an elbow she shoved at his boxers. He quickly stood turning his back to her. She watched as he let his underwear fall to the floor. She only had seconds to admire his broad muscular shoulders that tapered to a slim waist above a firm, taut butt before he turned to face her. She sucked in a breath. His manhood stood large and steady, ready for her.

  Rick only allowed her seconds to appreciate the view before he returned to kissing her, wasting no time before his hand cupped her center and his finger entered her again. Their tongues mimicked the movement of his digit, making the spring of passion tighten into itself within her. His mouth left hers long enough to kiss along her jawline and nuzzle behind her ear but soon he returned to her lips.

  The spring had turned red hot, wound tight. Begging for release. She gripped his back, then flung her hands out to clutch the bed covers. With an upward thrust of her hips, the tension popped. She shouted her pleasure and flew into the land of pure bliss. There she floated, content.

  She hardly registered Rick moving away from her. Seconds later there was a tearing sound. Opening her eyes a slit, she watched him cover himself. He was so magnificent it almost took her breath. All that vastness would be hers. Her confidence soared. He found her that desirable, special. A sensation lacking in her love life for far too long.

  The bed dipped as Rick returned to her. His hand traveled over her middle and moved up to cup a breast. Her heart did a little dance.

  “You’re so incredible. I wish I had the patience to tell you how much, but that must wait. Right now, all I can think of is being in you.”

  This was what it felt like to be desired. Cotton candy sweet and blanket warm. Carrie opened her arms and pulled him to her. “I want that too.”

  His mouth found hers as he covered her, easing his hips between her legs. She shifted until the tip of his manhood caressed her center. Gradually he entered, as if he was absorbing every nuance of her. Or was he doing it for her? Whatever the reason, Carrie would base all future lovemaking on this one tender, divine moment.

  Her body accepted him. Taking all of him. Need grew, swirled within her as Rick slowly pushed and pulled, each time going deeper, staying longer. Squirming, she encouraged him to give her more but he maintained control. Her legs circled his hips. She flexed forward, squeezed him tight and brought him to her. Rick groaned low in his throat.

  As if his restraints had been broken, he thrust hard and increased the tempo to a fanatic pace. Carrie climbed the ladder of passion until she fell over into oblivion.

  Rick made a final shove and called, “Cathieeee.”

  Laying spread eagle across the bed, Rick waited for his heart rate to return to normal. Never had he had such a release. His blood still buzzed. The only blip in the earth-shattering moments had been Cathie’s stiffing beneath him then the gentle push to his shoulder before she pulled the sheet around her and escaped to the bathroom. Was she regretting what they had done?

 

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