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SMOOTH FINISH “Are you sure, Jared? I don’t want a pity date. You aren’t obligated, you know?” Without warning, he leaned down and slanted his hard lips over hers, driving his tongue deep inside her mouth. There was nothing she could do but surrender. Nor did she want to do other than that. Tingles of desire raced through her, down through her body, not stopping until they curled her toes inside the steel-toed work boots she wore. The world spun, and she reached up to wrap her arms around his neck, holding on for dear life, pressing herself close. His scent wrapped around her; she tasted him and wanted more. He lifted her, notching himself between her legs, and she curled one of her legs around his long hard frame, holding on for dear life as they tasted each other for long breathless minutes. She felt his hard cock pressed perfectly against her center, felt liquid gush from her pussy, drenching her panties, as her insides spasmed with the need to know him in ways that had been thwarted long ago. Finally, he pulled away and gazed down at her. His eyes were no longer hard granite but molten lava—intense and passionate, a hot, searing look. “Does that feel like I want a pity date?”

ALSO BY ADRIANNA DANE The Boy Next Door The Diary Of Lillian Manchester, Book I: The Stranger Eluria’s Enforcer Esmerelda’s Secret Fertility Rite Graphic Liaisons If You Dare… Images Of Desire Immortal Treasure Jebediah’s Promise Legend Of The Beesinger Nights In White Satin Realm Of The Ice God Sequestered Passion Sylvie’s Gift Whisper

SMOOTH FINISH BY ADRIANNA DANE

AMBER QUILL PRESS, LLC http://www.amberquill.com

SMOOTH FINISH AN AMBER QUILL PRESS BOOK This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. Amber Quill Press, LLC http://www.amberquill.com All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts used for the purposes of review. Copyright © 2006 by Adrianna Dane ISBN 1-59279-526-9 Cover Art © 2006 Trace Edward Zaber

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PUBLISHED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

For my husband

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CHAPTER 1

“Dad, are you serious?” Cody couldn’t believe he really meant what he was saying. He’d never done it before. “Yes, I’m serious. Do you want the job or not? I can’t fit it in my schedule and they want it done within the month. It’s that old MacKenzie farmhouse.” Willow MacKenzie’s place. She’d inherited it from her mother, and Cody knew Willow wanted nothing more do to with the place, especially after the recent notoriety, and couldn’t wait to put it on the market. It had been neglected for a lot of years, and Cody also knew the wood floors in that place would need a skilled hand to bring them back to their former beauty. If she pulled it off, her reputation in the floor refinishing business would be secured. Even her father wouldn’t be able to fault her then. “Of course I want it. I’m just surprised you’re actually trusting me 1

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to do this on my own.” “’Bout time, don’t you think? Can you handle it on your own? I took a quick look, but it was a while ago. You know how it is. Looks like you’ll be dealing with maple, but they’re in pretty rough shape. Customers say they’re not ready and keep putting things off and then there they all are wanting the work done at the same time. I figure if we split up these contracts, we can get both houses sanded and finished before the next flurry comes in just before the holidays. They’re both big jobs. You sure you’re up to the MacKenzie place on your own?” Cody straightened her shoulders and glared at her father. She’d been helping him sand and refinish floors since she was a teenager and now he asked her that question? Why should she be surprised? It seemed she’d spent practically her whole life trying to prove herself to him—to be the son he’d never had, yet it had never been enough. She loved working with the wood, but the only thing he seemed to see was that she was female and trying to be a part of a profession that was meant for a man to do. She’d attempted to show him for years that she had what it took to make a success in this business—even if she was a woman. It had been like waiting for finish to dry on a particularly humid day, and she’d practically given up trying. Her only recourse was simply to keep doing her best. So this was a big surprise and she didn’t dare turn it down, even if she’d wanted to— which she didn’t. Ever since her mother had died when Cody was only ten, she’d attempted to do everything she could to make her father’s life easier. He’d never remarried, and there were times when it seemed he took Cody for granted, assuming she’d always be there for him. Cook him a good meal and he was all compliments, but sand and finish a wood floor to perfection and she heard nothing for all her hard work and attention to detail. 2

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Of course, she was now twenty-nine and she was still here, still waiting for that one word of encouragement, but that didn’t mean it would always be that way. Eventually, she’d just cut her losses and move on. Some day. Maybe. She still couldn’t believe he trusted her to do this job on her own. He’d never even attempted it before, always thinking he had to be on site to maintain control of the projects himself. Well, she wouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. This was her chance to prove herself to him. Everyone else in Esmerelda seemed to know she was competent enough to handle a sanding and refinishing job, except the man she most wanted to impress—her father. This might just be the chance she’d been waiting for. “Drew Evans is the contractor you’ll be working with on this job.” He peered at her closely. “That won’t be a problem for you will it?” Cody grimaced inwardly, not daring to show her distaste to her father. Andrew Evans, owner of Evans Construction, had been a classmate of hers back in high school. After graduation they’d even dated for a while, but it hadn’t been anything serious, and she’d finally called it quits a little over a year ago. Still, he was constantly making passes at her, trying to get her to go back out with him again. She’d dropped him because she’d found out he was two-timing her, and then after the fact, she’d discovered it wasn’t just once. Fat chance she’d be dating him again. She’d just have to make do with this situation because she wanted desperately to do well on this project. “I’ll be fine with it, Dad. Don’t worry,” she hurried to assure her father. He studied her for a little longer, making her feel like a teenager again. She hated when that happened—hated that feeling. Finally, he nodded. “All right then. You need to meet him out at the MacKenzie place at three o’clock. He’ll go over what he wants to have done. Don’t take any shit from this joker if he tries anything. I tried to 3

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warn you about him when you started dating him, so you be sure and show him what a nailer’s really for if he gets fresh.” Cody had to smile at her father’s surly words. He always got that way when he tried to hide his concern. Dad was never one to come out and say what he felt; he tended to hide it behind some gruff words— like today. “Don’t worry, Dad, I know how to handle assholes like Drew.” *

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The old MacKenzie place was about five miles outside Esmerelda. It had once been a thriving farm, but that was before her time. Willow’s mother had inherited it from her parents, but had never seemed to have much interest in running it the way they had. Cody didn’t know much about Willow’s background, even though they had been fast friends back in high school. When things had gone wrong between J.W. and Willow, and she’d beat it out of town, Cody had lost touch with her. She was glad when J.W. and Willow got back together and finally got married. They were supposed to be together—everyone knew it even back in high school. Except for J.W., and apparently his ex-wife, Elizabeth. But even she’d found out the hard way that J.W. wasn’t capable of loving anyone else the way he’d loved Willow. Last she’d heard, Elizabeth was doing okay though. Everyone finally found out how Moira MacKenzie, Willow’s mother, had made ends meet over the years. She’d always been a rather secretive woman and when it turned out Willow’s mother had been dealing in drugs, there was a mountain of bad publicity about Esmerelda. It hadn’t been pretty and was just starting to die down. Jared Creed’s half-brother, Kenny Miller, had been involved somehow, but Cody didn’t know all the facts, only rumors. Last she’d heard of Kenny, he’d gone into some sort of witness protection program because of the information he provided on other operations in 4

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the county. Jared Creed. They’d dated a couple of times in high school, and then suddenly he’d stopped calling her. Then she’d heard Kenny was arrested and Jared had pulled away from everyone. Kenny was younger than Jared, and Cody had a feeling Jared somehow felt responsible for him. Or maybe he felt he was tarred with the same brush because he was related to Kenny. She’d never known for sure why he stopped calling her and it had rankled all these years. She’d liked Jared. A lot. He still lived in Esmerelda, and as far as she knew, he wasn’t seeing anyone steadily. Often through the years she’d thought about approaching him, but had never gotten up the nerve. Whenever she’d daydreamed about a man, it was Jared’s face she saw. It was a scratch she really ought to itch so she could get on with things or she was going to end up staying an old maid. She shuddered at the vision that brought up. Turning her old truck onto the dirt road leading to the farmhouse, she reminded herself that she’d soon be confronting Drew Evans. “What do you think, Patch? Think that ass can behave himself?” Patch, her two-year-old Old English Sheepdog, nudged her with a big wet nose. She dug her hand into the thick fur to scratch his neck. “Naw, I don’t think so either. Anyone with as thick a skull as his doesn’t have a clue what the word ‘no’ means. I guess I’m going to have to make it real clear to him this time.” She’d finished a floor for a local Old English Sheepdog breeder and inlayed the image of a dog into the den floor for him. It was a small side job that her father hadn’t wanted to be bothered with, so Cody had fit it in on several weekends. The breeder had been so pleased with the finished floor, as a bonus he’d offered her a pup from a litter that had recently been whelped. She’d ended up picking the runt of the litter—a cute little black and 5

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white pup who’d come wiggling up to her, trying to make friends. Unable to resist, she’d been thrilled to have some company and had never regretted her choice. She braked the truck in front of the farmhouse and got out, noting Drew’s brand spanking new royal blue SUV was parked there already. She patted Patch on the head. “You stay here and keep an eye on things.” Taking a deep breath she walked up onto the rickety porch and knocked. The door was opened almost immediately and Drew stood there before her. His tall, muscular frame was encased in tight-fitting blue jeans and a checked flannel shirt and the flash of perfect white teeth as he grinned when he saw her would probably have melted an ice block from fifty feet. But it didn’t do a thing for her. “Afternoon, Drew. I’m here to talk about the floors that need to be done.” She saw a glint of surprise in his bluish-green eyes. “You’re doing the floors? Is your father crazy sending you out here on your own?” She shoved past him and walked inside. “Get over it, Drew. You know damn well I can do the job.” The door closed behind her and she heard his footsteps following as she made her way into the murky hallway. “Why, sweet cheeks, I’m more than happy to have you working on this job. Might be nice having you around for a little afternoon delight, if you know what I mean.” She whirled around to face him, legs astride, hands planted squarely on her hips. Narrowing her gaze, she pinned him with it. “Let’s get this straight, Drew, I’m not here to play games with you. You’ve got plenty of other diversions just willing to drop their panties for you. I’m here to do a job. You can’t play by the rules, then find somebody else to do your friggin’ floors, because I’m not going to take your lip. Got it?” “Now, wait just a minute—” he sputtered. She pointed her index finger at him and drove it into his chest. 6

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“Cause me any grief on this job”—she stabbed him hard, as he began to back away from her—“and we’ll find out how really thick that skull of yours is. And you know I’ve got the tools, and know how to use them, to back that promise.” She lowered her hand and glared up at him. “Well? Do we understand each other or do I walk out of here right now?” He raised a hand to rub his chest. “Damn, Cody, you’re a real bitch, you know that?” “Damn right. But I know how to sweet talk a floor, and you know that, too.” “All right, all right. But I don’t remember you being like this when we were dating.” “Probably not. Now let’s get down to business. Where do you want me to start and what exactly do you want done?” He picked up a clipboard from a small table near the door. “All right. Follow me and we’ll go through the house and I’ll show you which rooms you’ll be doing. I don’t know if you want to start with the upstairs or the downstairs rooms.” “We’ll start with the downstairs. What other work needs doing?” She looked around, noting the freshly painted walls. “The floors need to be done last, you know.” He glared at her. “Of course, I know. You do remember who’s giving the orders on this job?” “I remember, just checking to make sure. I’ve been on more than my share of jobs where I was tripping over painters and drywall people messing up my floors. I want to make sure that doesn’t happen here.” “It won’t. Drywall guys and painters finished up last week. Plumbers are gone and the electricians are done. The only one you’re going to have to deal with is the tile man and he’s working in areas you won’t have to be concerned about.” That was going to make things a whole lot easier for Cody. Too 7

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many times she’d had to come in to re-sand floors that had been destroyed by others after she’d put time into getting them smoothed out and sanded. “What part of the house will he be working in?” She just wanted to make sure they wouldn’t be tripping over each other. “He’s doing the sun porch, the kitchen, and the bathrooms. The kitchen is at the back of the house, the sun porch just off of that, and then one bathroom on this floor and one on the second floor.” “That’s fine then. We shouldn’t be bumping into each other much.” “I wasn’t sure the Daltons would go for having him do the place with the history and all, but they okayed it.” Willow looked up and a feeling of presentiment washed over her. “Who’s doing the tile work?” “Jared Creed, Kenny Miller’s half-brother.”

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CHAPTER 2

Jared was surprised Sheriff Dalton let him anywhere near the MacKenzie place after what Kenny had done. Although he was thankful for the work, he didn’t like taking handouts. He pulled his toolbox out of the back of the van and carried it inside the house. As far as he knew, he and the floor man were the only ones who’d be working here over the next few weeks. Esmerelda was small and Sandy Marx owned the only local company he knew of. Sandy was pretty easygoing. They’d worked a few jobs together in the past and there’d never been any problems. Lately, it was hard finding a local job where someone didn’t look at him cross-eyed over the latest fiasco with Kenny. In one sense it was a relief to know his little brother was tucked away somewhere far from Esmerelda. Their father was dead now and Kenny was causing their mother way too much grief to have to handle at her age. Jared felt guilty that it seemed like a weight had been lifted from his 9

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own shoulders with Kenny’s absence. As much as he’d tried to keep an eye on him, he’d been just as shocked as the rest of the town when he found out about Kenny’s attack on Willow and his involvement with Moira MacKenzie and the drugs. Of course, even when they were in high school, Kenny had been causing problems and acting out. It was as though the world owed him a living and he was going to take advantage of it any way he could—be it legal or illegal. Jared had pulled him out of more scrapes than he wanted to count—and in the process put his own life on hold. Maybe now he could start to think about getting his life on the right track. Work had been damned slow lately and this job would sure help to make him a bit more solvent, barring any unforeseen difficulties. He liked working on these old places—it was always a challenge trying to match up the old tiles and making it all look like it belonged there. Of course, the tile work in the kitchen and the sun porch would be all new, but the two bathrooms were a different story. Sandy wasn’t here yet, so he had the house to himself. The inside was starting to shape up after all the years of disuse. He’d heard the Feds had discovered a secret room upstairs behind the master bedroom and pulled out all kinds of equipment and drug paraphernalia. How Moira had managed to keep what she’d been doing a secret all these years amazed everyone. Luckily, no one blamed Willow. Willow had been an innocent through the whole mess. Of course, her being married to the sheriff probably helped to smooth things for her. Jared had always thought she was a nice girl back in school. He’d never tried to date her because right from grade school she’d had eyes for no one but J.W. But then Jared had always had his eye on her friend, Cody. He wondered if he’d see her since her father had the contract on doing the floors. Maybe finally, he’d get up the courage to ask her out. He’d thought when she was dating Drew Evans, he’d lost his chance, 10

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but then they’d stopped dating last year. He’d been relieved to hear it, but hoped she hadn’t had her heart broken in the process. Then all that attention on Kenny’s escapades had flared up. But maybe now, with the dust settled, he’d get that chance he’d been waiting for. As he walked in the door, he turned toward the main sitting room. It was vacant now, the rug pulled up, the tacking strips removed, and the old furniture gone. He could smell the fresh paint and a certain newness underlying the aged atmosphere. He turned and looked up the stairs. What had gone on in this house? How had everything turned so wrong? Who knew? He turned away and started toward the kitchen where he planned to set up while he worked on the lower floor rooms. As he turned, the front door opened and in walked the woman he found himself dreaming of more than a few times during the last few years. She stopped short when she saw him standing there, and he wondered how he’d ever managed to stay away from her all this time. The atmosphere in the room seemed to shift the moment she walked in, and he attempted to cover his shock at seeing her there. “Hey, Cody. Hope I didn’t startle you. I thought your father would be here.” She seemed to gather herself, and strode forward, closing the door behind her. “No. Didn’t Drew tell you? I’m doing the floors.” She walked past him and into the front room, setting down the cords and red metal toolbox she was carrying. Then she turned back to face him. She was taller than most of the women he knew, slender, yet firm, probably from all the physical work she did in the floor business. She wore a faded blue baseball cap turned backward and her hair was stuffed beneath it, with a few wisps straggling out from beneath. Jared always marveled at how she’d never thought of herself as pretty. Her eyes were dove gray, soft and silvery, with a body he’d found long ago fit him darn near too perfect. And she had the most 11

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tender heart of anyone he knew. He always remembered that about her—remembered the time she’d skipped English class after lunch to nurse a bird that had fallen from a nest next to the track. She’d refused to leave it until she knew it was okay and had ended up with two hours of detention because of the missed class. She’d done the time and hadn’t even cussed out old Swordfish for assigning it. She’d always listened to him when he ranted on about his brother. When his stepfather died, he’d found himself pulling back from their growing relationship because he’d needed to get a part time job to help out and didn’t think it would be fair to her. That had been hard for him, but then Kenny got picked up for shoplifting, and he’d decided it was better for her not to be mixed up with him. His stepfather hadn’t left much in the way of money, so he’d been lucky enough to get an apprenticeship learning about laying tile and it had helped at home. Between worrying about Kenny, school work, and his job, by the time he’d been in a position to look up, Cody was dating Drew Evans. But that was all changed now. “I didn’t realize you’d be here,” he answered her rather lamely. “Need any help with the equipment?” “No, I’m fine. I’ve been dragging it around for years, I can do it.” He heard a defensive tinge to her voice, and expected she’d been challenged on more than one occasion before. “I didn’t mean to suggest you couldn’t. I was just trying to be neighborly, seeing as we’ll be working here together for the next couple of weeks.” He saw her shoulders droop. “Sorry. I get a little touchy sometimes.” He walked toward her because he couldn’t help himself. Even though she was tall, she still only came to his chin. “I’m glad it’s you who’ll be doing the floors. I’ve seen some of your work and I know 12

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you’ll do a great job.” “You have?” “Yep, I’ve heard some real good things from people about your floors.” When she looked up at him and into his eyes, he wanted to lean down right then and kiss her. He remembered the feel of her lips beneath his. Back when they’d gone on their first date, he’d been sure he was the first boy to ever kiss her. He liked the feel of her lips, warm and soft, yielding to him. They’d both been a lot more innocent back then. He’d hardly had that much experience himself, but she’d felt damn fine to him. It had been a hard choice to make to let her go—and he hoped he’d get another chance. He leaned toward her and felt her sweet breath against his face as she looked up at him, her eyes wide and bottomless. Thankfully, he caught himself before he claimed the kiss he wanted so badly. He backed away from her. “Yeah, well I guess I better get to work. Yell if you need me for anything. I’ll be in the kitchen setting up.” “Thanks, Jared. I’m sure we’ll get along fine. I can’t wait to see some of your tile work. I’ve heard some good things about your work as well, you know.” He vaulted out of the door of the front room before he overrode his better judgment and pressed her against him, demanding that kiss he wanted so badly. The time wasn’t right. Not just yet. But he was feeling better about thinking it might just happen—eventually. *

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Cody released the breath that had been imprisoned in her lungs. My, oh my, the flesh and blood Jared was even better than her dreams. It caught her by surprise seeing him so suddenly. Why it should have she didn’t know because his truck was parked out front. Maybe she’d thought he’d be working at the back of the house and she wouldn’t be 13

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confronted with him just yet. But, oh, he seemed bigger than life and she’d been certain he was going to kiss her just now. Yet, he’d pulled away and she wondered why. After all, she hadn’t tried to discourage him. Was he still determined to keep distance between them? Even after all this time? Or maybe she wasn’t his type? She shoved her hands into the back pockets of her blue jeans. She realized she wasn’t the sort of woman guys liked to date usually, being more tomboy and rugged than feminine and helpless. It wasn’t easy when you could arm wrestle a guy—and beat him. That didn’t go over well on a date. But something about Jared made her think it might not matter to him that she didn’t act all girlish—that maybe he might like her for who she was. Drew had always been trying to change her, telling her she had too much muscle for a girl, or she was too tall, or wore the wrong clothes. It hadn’t been so much him two-timing her, as much as how he’d made her feel about herself that finally decided her on breaking it off. After a time it seemed that everything she did was wrong, and she found herself second-guessing herself more as the rule than the exception. She’d finally decided she obviously had too many flaws to please him and she began to freeze up totally when they made love. For several months after the breakup she’d come to the conclusion it was her fault he’d found someone else—that she just wasn’t woman enough to hold a man. It had taken a long time for her to get back some of the self-respect he’d torn away from her. But Jared was different from Drew in so many ways. When she’d dated him back in high school, he’d made her feel feminine and he’d never belittled her the way Drew did. Did she dare approach him about going out socially? She turned back and looked at the large room she’d be sanding. She 14

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was here to work and didn’t have time for mooning about a past love. Walking back out to the truck, she brought in the sandpaper and then hefted the sander out of the van, rolled it up the walkway, and lifted it onto the porch. That room she’d added on in her small house was a godsend—weightlifting wasn’t just a past-time for her—it was a necessity in her line of work. It sure made her job easier, even if it did give her a bit more bulk than guys liked to see on a woman. She still didn’t have the body of a weightlifter, but she did have the strength she’d need to lift a sanding machine—or fend off a wolf. After cutting the sandpaper, she plugged in the floor sander. Putting in her earplugs, she then donned a face mask, and prepared to begin her task. She’d hardly started, when she stopped the machine and bent down to look at the length of floor she’d just finished. It wasn’t the right color for maple, as she’d been told the floor was—it had a reddish look. She bent down and looked closer. Wow! It wasn’t maple, it was cherry. From the years of disuse and being covered by that old rug, it had gone a sort of dull brownish, making it difficult to determine—but now… She felt the excitement build inside her. What a find! This floor was going to be a surprise to everyone when she finished. And it was going to be a beauty. What an opportunity. Who’d have thought this old farmhouse would be harboring a floor like this? She found herself wondering again about the history of the place. She stood and started sanding again. There was a whole lot of history in Esmerelda—as well as all the secrets a small town tended to harbor. She might just take an afternoon and go look up the records on this place, just ’cause she was curious. She knew the homestead had practically been gutted in the renovation process. It was going to be a different house when they were all done. She’d have to talk to Jared about what he found in the tiles he 15

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was restoring. She really did like uncovering the secrets these old places kept hidden. Suddenly, through the vibrations of the sander, as it revealed more and more of the beautiful wood, it felt like a light was shining through, like polishing an old neglected piece of silver to its original beauty. That’s what was going to happen with this house. They would polish and re-shape until its former glory shone through. It was too bad it held such bad memories for Willow. But maybe when it was all done, she’d have second thoughts about selling it—once she saw what was beneath all those bad memories.

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CHAPTER 3

Two hours later, she turned the drum sander off and surveyed the floor with a practiced eye. Narrowing her gaze, she honed in on the area near the fireplace where a dark stain had formed and was pleased to find no evidence of its existence after this first rough sanding, not even a shadow. Damn, but this was going to be one beautiful floor when she was done. She looked down at the watch on her wrist. Unhooking the handmade rope belt her father had made for her, she stepped away, rubbing at her hips and stretching to help ease her muscles. She still had plenty of time to get the rough edging finished before she broke for lunch. If all went well, this afternoon she’d be able to scrape all the corners, screen the floor, then vacuum and tack it with mineral spirits. If she could just get the first coat of finish on before she left today, she’d be ahead of the game. Coiling the thick, heavy cord to the sander and draping it over the handle, she rolled it out of the room and into the hallway, then turned to 17

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head back out to the truck to grab the edger. Yanking open the door to step outside she collided with a solid chest. A pair of quick, hard hands gripped her upper arms, stopping her from falling backward. “Hold on there, Cody. Racing to meet me? I didn’t realize you’d be so eager to get reacquainted.” Cody pulled free of Drew’s grip. “Dammit, Drew, let me go. I didn’t realize you were there.” He reached out to trail a glove-covered finger along her face. “Now, is that any way to thank me for saving you from landing on your pretty ass?” “Drop it, Drew. If you hadn’t been blocking the doorway, it wouldn’t have happened. What are you doing here?” He dropped his hand. “I’m the one responsible for all this, sugar. I’m here to make sure the job gets done right.” Cody bristled at his words. “And you think you won’t get it done right because I’m a woman? Is that what you’re trying to say?” “Now, Cody, I didn’t say that. But I was thinking we might discuss the job over dinner tonight. What do you say? For old times’ sake?” Again he reached for her. Quickly, she sidestepped him, backing into the darkened hallway. “Forget it. There’s nothing for us to talk about. My dad signed the contract with you and there’s no need for any other negotiations. I’ll get the job done and on time. You don’t need to worry about that.” His eyes took on that I-deserve-to-get-my-way steely look she knew so well. What she wouldn’t do to just walk out on him right now. But she couldn’t do that to her father. She’d told him she could handle Drew Evans, and by God she was going to do it. If she couldn’t take care of this herself, her father would probably never trust her alone on another job. He stepped toward her and she backed farther into the hallway until 18

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she felt the wooden banister against her back. He had her cornered, and there was nowhere else to retreat without going through him. “Now, Cody, I know you aren’t dating anyone else. Seems to me you could use a little lovin’ right now.” He crowded her personal space and there was no way for her to back away. “Come on, babe, you know we had a good thing going for us. How many guys do you know who don’t mind dating a woman who can lift more weight than him?” What she wouldn’t give to punch him in the mouth. What had she ever seen in him? “Back off, Drew. I said no.” Like a viper he struck, grabbing her arms in an iron grip and forcing her back against the wall, his body pressed tightly against her. She could feel his erection pushing against the front of his jeans, and the fleeting thought ran through her mind that he might try to force her right here. Well, he’d be in for a surprise if he tried. He had her at a disadvantage, pressed against the wall the way she was, and she struggled to break free, unwilling to let him see her panic. “I said no, and if you don’t want to be missing any body parts, I suggest you let me go. Now.” He leaned closer and she could feel his hot breath against her face as he ground his groin against her. If he tried to kiss her, she was certain she probably would gag. He pinned her more tightly against the wall. “What are you going to do, babe? I don’t think your father would like it if you lost him this contract, do you? On the other hand, I could make things a lot easier for you. I’ve got several bids in on some very lucrative jobs coming up. I’ll be looking for the right subcontractor for the floor work. I’ll bet your father wouldn’t mind having those contracts.” She couldn’t argue that fact, but she also couldn’t give in to his strong-armed blackmail. “Hey, Drew, stopping in to see how things are going?” 19

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Two emotions warred inside Cody at the sound of Jared’s voice. Relief and acute embarrassment at him finding her in such a precarious situation. The intrusion at least had the desired effect on Drew because he dropped his hands as though he’d been touching hot coals and stepped back. She let out a relieved sigh. “Hello, Jared, how are things going?” Cody noticed that Jared had a cloth in one hand and was wiping a sharp-edged tool he held in the other. His gaze locked with Cody’s and she couldn’t break the contact. “Everything’s moving along pretty well. I don’t see any problem in getting the job done on schedule.” Jared raised his gaze to meet Drew’s, and Cody saw his expression change to a fierce, granite-hard look. Although his stance appeared non-threatening, the look in his eyes was not. Surprisingly, Drew grew flustered. “Yes, well, I better be going. I just stopped in to see if you needed anything or had encountered any problems.” “Nothing here. How about you, Cody?” “No, everything’s under control. No problem.” Drew turned and walked toward the door. He paused and looked back at Cody. “What time do you want me to pick you up tonight?” The sonofabitch! How dare he assume he could blackmail her because of her father. “Now listen—” “I’m afraid she’s already committed tonight, Evans,” Jared inserted smoothly. “She’s already agreed to go out with me.” Cody tried to hide the surprise and shock she felt at his words. What date? Drew looked first at Jared and then at Cody. “Is that so? Well, isn’t that an interesting development. I expect you both to keep your minds 20

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on the job and finish up on time.” He turned to face Cody. “We’ll talk later.” Then he slammed out of the house without another word. Cody couldn’t quite find her voice. She heard Drew’s truck spin out as he drove away. She had a feeling their confrontation wouldn’t be the last. Clearing her throat, she turned to look up at Jared. “I’m sorry you had to witness that little scene.” She walked to the entrance of the sitting room, clenching and unclenching her hands. This was a really awkward situation. “I’m glad I walked in when I did. Does he make a habit of trying those kinds of strong-arm tactics often?” She shrugged. “He thinks he’s God’s gift. I can handle him.” She couldn’t look at Jared. He’d just seen her at her worst, and she hated that it had happened. That Drew had put her in that position and thought he had a right to do it. She heard Jared’s steps behind her and then his hands were on her shoulders as he turned her to face him. His hand cupped her chin and gently forced her to look at him. “I know you can handle him. The point is, you shouldn’t have to.” Her body responded to his nearness, and she felt a fierce heat build inside. Her fingers itched to touch him, to feel his skin beneath her fingers in some very unprofessional ways, and she tried not to think about it. “Thanks for stepping in, anyway.” She felt tongue-tied, at a loss for words. “It was sweet of you to try to defuse the situation.” “You will go out with me tonight, right? I hadn’t meant to ask you in quite that way, but now that it’s out there—” She licked her lips. “You don’t have to do that.” “I know that. I want to take you out. Cody, we’ve lost a lot of time. There were reasons, but I really want to try again.” She had to be hearing things. Or dreaming. Jared wanted to take her out? She was finally going to get the chance she’d been fantasizing 21

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about? “Are you sure, Jared? I don’t want a pity date. You aren’t obligated, you know?” Without warning, he leaned down and slanted his hard lips over hers, driving his tongue deep inside her mouth. There was nothing she could do but surrender. Nor did she want to do other than that. Tingles of desire raced through her, down through her body, not stopping until they curled her toes inside the steel-toed work boots she wore. The world spun, and she reached up to wrap her arms around his neck, holding on for dear life, pressing herself close. His scent wrapped around her; she tasted him and wanted more. He lifted her, notching himself between her legs, and she curled one of her legs around his long hard frame, holding on for dear life as they tasted each other for long breathless minutes. She felt his hard cock pressed perfectly against her center, felt liquid gush from her pussy, drenching her panties, as her insides spasmed with the need to know him in ways that had been thwarted long ago. Finally, he pulled away and gazed down at her. His eyes were no longer hard granite but molten lava—intense and passionate, a hot, searing look. “Does that feel like I want a pity date?” “N-no.” Breathless need filled her response. “Well, then?” He pressed her tighter against him, rubbing her body against his, and she wished there were no clothes separating them. “Yes, I’ll go out with you.” Heat of passion and anticipation spread through her as he lowered her back to the floor. “If that’s what you really want.” “I think I’ve made it perfectly clear what I want. But I don’t want to force you to do anything you don’t want to do. I don’t use Drew’s tactics.” She shook her head. “I know that, and you aren’t forcing me. I want 22

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to see you.” He stepped away from her, and ran a hand through his short, dark hair. “Then I’ll pick you up at seven. We’ll go to dinner and then some dancing. How does that sound?” “I-it sounds great. I’ll be ready. Do you know where I live?” The smile he offered her seemed a bit enigmatic. “I know where you live. I’ll see you at seven.” He turned away and walked back into the kitchen. What had just happened? She was almost afraid to move—afraid the fantasy would end. Should she pinch herself? Then panic set in. What in the world was she going to wear? She’d thrown out all the clothes she’d bought when she’d been dating Drew. She’d actually sat down one night and ripped them into pieces to help vent some of her frustrations about how he had treated her. She really didn’t have anything left in her closet suitable for a date with Jared. But then she wouldn’t have wanted to wear those clothes she’d worn back then. They’d made her feel cheap. Jared deserved something better. She deserved something better. Willow would have to help her out on this one. Thank God for her friend and her friend’s dress shop. Willow had awesome taste in clothes. But Cody wondered what Willow would say when she found out she was preparing for a date with Jared Creed. After all this time. She still couldn’t believe it was really going to happen. She shook her head, trying to clear it, and looked down at her watch. Oh boy, she still had to get the edging done in the front room, and in order to accomplish everything, she’d probably need to work through lunch. If she hurried, she could finish it and still make it to Willow’s shop before it closed. She pressed her fingers against her lips. That kiss had branded her in ways she’d never thought possible, and already she’d never be the 23

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same because of it. It was only a taste and she wanted more—so much more. Was she woman enough to give him what he needed as well? She worried about that because Drew had never thought she was. Of course, she’d never lived up to any of his pinup girl expectations. Would Jared expect the same things he had? A prissy, delicate female? What was that poem? Sugar and spice, and everything nice… She hadn’t wanted to be that kind of woman for Drew—had fought against it. But did she want Jared enough to be willing to change for him? Or could he accept her the way she was?

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CHAPTER 4

Cody’s friend owned a small dress shop on Main Street in Esmerelda. Willow had developed her own label and sold her own designs in the store as well as around the world. Surprisingly, J.W.’s ex-wife, Elizabeth, had convinced her father to invest in Willow’s enterprise. With his connections in Boston and New York, she was already on her way to becoming a name in the fashion world. It appeared to Cody that Willow had it all. The delicate tinkling of bells sounded above the door as Cody entered Merlow Designs. This place always made her feel out of place. She was met by a myriad of colors in a variety of materials. The shop represented a showcase of Willow’s creations, from the very sophisticated to the simplest patterns. There was no one in the outer showroom, so Cody stepped over to the rack of dresses hanging closest to the door. She fingered the first dress and sighed. Willow wouldn’t have needed anyone to tell her how 25

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to dress, she’d always had a natural feel for colors and textures. After a few moments spent surveying the rack of dresses, Cody wheeled about, prepared to exit the boutique, feeling as out of place as a pallet of artificial laminate flooring displayed in the wood flooring aisle at the local home improvement store—it looked like it belonged, but pretending to be something didn’t make it the real thing. There was no point in sticking around to make it worse. “Cody!” She halted with her hand on the handle of the door and turned back. A petite woman with hair bright as sunshine hurried toward her. Cody had to smile. Even five months’ pregnant, Willow still moved with delicate grace across the wood parquet floor. “Hi, Willow.” She released the handle of the door and rubbed her hands along the length of her jean-clad thighs, feeling totally uneasy. Willow raced forward and hugged her. “I’m so glad to see you. It’s been a long time.” She released Cody and stepped back. “So what brings you here? You haven’t stepped foot in here since you redid the floors for me. How long as it been? Three months?” Cody nodded. “About that, I guess,” she mumbled. Willow linked her arm through Cody’s and drew her farther into the room. “Come in the back. I just made some tea. It’s quiet today, and Tory will be back shortly. She can handle the front if anyone comes in. I sent her on a quick errand.” Cody had no choice but to follow Willow to the back room that served as her office. It didn’t look much like an office with swaths of colorful cloth strewn around the room. Rather than an office desk, there was a long table against one wall, and a drafting desk on the other side. This room was carpeted with a thick rose and cream carpet. J.W. had nixed leaving the hard wood exposed and instead insisted on the carpeting since Willow liked to sit on the floor to sketch or use the laptop when 26

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she was in creation mode and he didn’t want her to catch cold—or so he’d said at the time. To the left as you walked into the room there were two ceiling-tofloor windows and a small round table set in front of it. Cody saw a ceramic teapot setting on a warming pad at the center of the table. Willow reached into a small wooden cupboard in the corner and pulled out another ceramic mug. “Sit down,” she pointed to a chair as she set the mug on the table and sat across from Cody. After pouring the tea, she sat back in her chair and rested a hand on her protruding stomach. “Tell me all about what you’ve been up to. J.W. tells me you’re working on the farmhouse.” Cody sipped from the mug and set it back on the table. “Yes. Dad had another contract, so I’m taking care of this one.” “Drew giving you any problems?” Cody shrugged. “You know how he is. I can handle him.” Willow sat up a bit straighter in her chair. “I don’t like the sound of that.” “Don’t worry about it.” She took a deep breath. “I’m here because I need a dress.” “You need a dress,” Willow repeated. Her face brightened. “You need a dress! Who is he? How long have you known him? Oh my God, it’s about time.” Cody barked a laugh and held up a hand. “Slow down.” “Well, it’s for a date, isn’t it?” “Yes, but it’s only one date.” “So, who is it?” This was the tricky part. “I suppose you know Jared Creed is doing the tile work at the homestead.” She watched Willow closely for any sign of unease or discomfort. Willow lifted her mug and sipped at her tea. 27

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“Yes, I knew that. He’s a good tile man,” she answered in a noncommittal sort of tone. “I also remember how much you liked him back in high school.” Cody licked her lips. “Does that bother you, Willow?” “Does what bother me? You need to be a little more specific.” “Well. That I liked him—that I still like him.” Finally, Willow looked up at Cody across the table. “I like Jared—I always did. He wasn’t like his brother.” “Half-brother,” Cody corrected. “All right, his half-brother. We don’t pick our relatives, do we? I’m the first to admit that and I certainly don’t have any room to judge. What if everyone judged me on the basis of what my mother did?” Silence hung between them. “Is that who you’re going out with?” Willow finally asked quietly. “Yes. I wanted it to come from me before you found out from someone else.” Cody reached out to cover Willow’s hand, which was lying on the table. “I don’t want to hurt you, but I want to see him. But I also want to know it won’t hurt our friendship—we’ve only just found it again after all these years.” Willow set down her mug and placed her other hand over Cody’s. “Nothing will change that, Cody. I value your friendship. I’m sorry I didn’t stay in contact all those years, but it was just too painful for me.” Her fingers squeezed Cody’s. “I would like to see you have the same chance I’ve had to be with the man who makes me happy.” “Are you sure?” Willow rose from her chair. “Definitely. Now, come on and let’s see if we can find you a knockout outfit for that date. When is it?” “Tonight.” Willow spun around, eyebrows arched. “So soon? He doesn’t waste much time, does he?” There was no way Cody was telling her about the scene Drew made 28

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at the farmhouse and what instigated the offer of a date. “As a matter of fact, I’d say it was overdue. I think we’ve been dancing around each other for too many years. And I think it had a lot to do with his brother. I’m glad he’s finally out of all our lives.” “No one is more relieved about that than me.” She put an arm around Cody’s waist and directed her toward the outer showroom. “Now, about that dress, and you tell Mr. Jared Creed that if he steps out of line I’m going to sic J.W. on him.” The sound of their laughter echoed in the passage leading to the showroom. Now, it was time to see if Willow could wave her magic wand and camouflage Cody the tomboy. That would be worth its weight in gold. *

*

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He was nervous. It wasn’t like other dates—this one was important. Why did he feel like he was balanced at the edge of a cliff. He’d always felt like that when his brother was around. Maybe because Jared was always the one who was required to play interference for him. His responsibilities to his brother, to his mother, had always needed to come first. He still felt like he’d failed both of them. He’d failed his mother because he hadn’t been able to stop Kenny from spiraling downward. And he’d felt damned helpless watching him as he disintegrated, unable to stop it from happening. When he looked at his mother, he started to feel she judged him badly because he was the one who was supposed to be the anchor after his stepfather died of a heart attack. Last year, when there’d been nothing more he could do for Kenny, and the FBI had spirited him away, he’d thought things might start looking up. He found a nice retirement community for his mother—one that was safe and several of her friends had already moved to. He’d rented a small apartment for himself, and had finally saved enough 29

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money to buy himself that small parcel of land up on the lake he’d had his eye on since high school. With that and this contract on the MacKenzie homestead, he might just be on his way to making his own dreams come true. He looked up at the door of the small Cape Cod house he was parked in front of. Part of his dream waited beyond that door. It was a part he’d never acknowledged, not even to himself. Finally, he could admit that she was a large part of his dream. That kiss earlier today drove home exactly how important she was to him. She was the perfect measure by which he’d judged all the others who’d come into his life over the last few years. He hadn’t thought much about that fact, until today. He didn’t know what tonight would lead to. Flexing his shoulders, he walked up the sidewalk, stepped onto the porch, and rang the bell. Cody probably thought he was out of his mind asking her out like that. He’d wondered about it himself. He’d expected to have more time so that they could get reacquainted slowly while they both worked in such close proximity on the house. Damn Evans anyway. He was lucky Jared didn’t toss him out the door on his ass for cornering Cody like that. If he tried it again, he just might. A shaft of yellow light shimmered out as the door swung open. His jaw practically dropped at the vision that greeted him. The woman standing before him was no longer the shy, gawkish teenager he’d known in high school. And the dress she wore… Well, damn, she was beautiful. The clinging material seemed to enhance every firm curve she had. There were few women who’d be able to carry off that style. But on Cody, who worked out regularly he expected—on her tight, sleek body—well, it was more than a man could stand. “Wow,” was all he could manage to say as he offered her the bouquet he held in his hand. 30

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He watched as she smoothed her hands along her shapely thighs only barely hidden beneath the hem. She reached out to accept the fragrant bouquet of creamy roses and baby’s breath. “These are beautiful. Thank you. Please, come in.” She stepped back from the door, allowing him to enter. As he passed her, he scented a hint of gardenias beyond that of the roses she held. Wheeling around, he leaned forward, dropping his head closer to her neck and inhaled the perfumed scent mixed with her own feminine heat. He heard her quick intake of breath as his body memorized the unique signature that would always remind him of her. Reaching for her, he angled his head to caress her lips with his, teasing their soft, luxuriant surface until they parted beneath his sensual onslaught. She tasted of fresh mint, and he consumed her as though he’d never be offered another opportunity to taste her, darting his tongue deep inside her moist warmth. Her scent, her lush curves—everything about her rushed through him, imprinting her essence in every corner of his body. He heard a soft whoosh and crackle as the flowers hit the floor and she reached out, grabbing onto him to steady herself. He raised his head to study her flushed face. Her eyes had gone from the color of a rainy dawn to charcoal dark, all the years of longing for her erupted to the surface in an aching funnel of desire surging upward. He released her and stepped back. “Boy, you go to a man’s head. If we don’t get out of here now, I’m afraid we won’t make it out the door. You look good enough to eat, and did I mention I have a real yearning for something sweet right now?” Her dark gaze on him made him feel like he was spiraling directly inside her, and the overwhelming need to have her now was almost too much to deny. Her long lashes fluttered downward and back up as he watched a 31

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rosy blush deepen her complexion. “Thank you. I think.” She leaned down to pick up the flowers. “I-I’ll just put these in some water, and check on Patch, then I’ll be ready. Why don’t you wait in there?” She pointed to the left as she hurried away, leaving him no time to respond. Once she’d disappeared down the hallway, he turned toward the room she’d pointed to and walked in. It was a cozy room with comfortable furniture and a brick-fronted fireplace. He paced the room as he waited. He was rushing things and he knew it, but couldn’t seem to help himself. It was like all the years between high school and now had served to magnify his feelings for Cody. And he felt like time was running out and he wanted—no, needed—to be sure he laid claim to the one person who meant the most to him. But, damn, he didn’t want to ruin it, didn’t want to scare her away, before he had a chance to make amends for leaving her so abruptly way back then. Right now things were going well, but what if it all went to hell again? This time, he vowed to himself, he wasn’t going to sacrifice himself at the altar of his family. He’d done that once and tried to do the best he could. But wasn’t it time for him to have some happiness as well? Some contentment in his life? He might just have another chance with Cody and he didn’t want to screw it up.

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CHAPTER 5

Cody was nervous. She sipped at the espresso as she studied Jared beneath lowered lashes. Her panties were still uncomfortably damp as a result of that kiss when he picked her up earlier. When he’d taken her in his arms, she’d felt his arousal, hard and insistent through the layers of their clothing. All through dinner all she could think of was making love with him, feeling him inside her, filling her as she rode him, touched him. God, she had to stop thinking about that—he’d think she was some kind of slut if she came onto him on the first date. Yes, well, it wasn’t like they hadn’t known each other forever, but, still— “Did you enjoy the food?” His question inserted into the silence jolted her out of her fantasy. “Yes, thanks. I’ve never been here before. Did it recently open?” She watched as he leaned back in his chair and sipped at his own 33

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cup of regular coffee. “Yes, I did some work in the kitchen a few months back for them. I thought it might be a nice change of pace.” Esmerelda contained a wealth of Revolutionary War era older homes and this was one of the smaller renovated houses still left standing. It was located on Corbin Lane, off the regular high traffic routes, so it wasn’t surprising she’d overlooked it. Though small, all the tables were filled and there was a waiting line as well. The atmosphere was intimate with lighted candles on each of the tables. What she liked best was that it was an unlikely place to run into Drew Evans. His taste ran more to beer joints and sports bars. It would never have entered his mind to bring Cody to a place like this. So she had no fear of running into him and having him cause problems. She still wasn’t quite sure what she was going to do about him, knowing her dad would like a shot at those proposed new contracts. “Ready for some dancing?” Again, Jared pulled her back to the present, away from her more disturbing ruminations. “I’d like that.” He had a way of making her feel very feminine, yet not someone subservient to him. There was a word that she’d never associated with Drew. Jared respected her for who she was. After paying the bill and leaving a generous tip, he escorted her from the restaurant. He looked up at the sky as they walked toward his truck. “Feel like doing something a little different tonight?” “Different?” She glanced up at him, wondering what he had in mind. “Like what?” His smile flashed white in the moonlit night. “Scared? I remember you being more adventurous when we were younger.” “That sounds like a dare to me, Jared Creed.” He pulled her up against him. “A double dare,” he whispered in her ear. Feeling his hard body against hers, she decided she was willing to try just about anything as long as he came as part of the bargain. 34

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She reached up to cup his jaw and raised her head to look at him. “I accept your double dare.” She smiled as a bit of the devil seemed to take over. “This better be worth it.” He whirled her around and helped her into the truck. “Oh, I think it will.” As they pulled out of the parking lot, she rolled down the window, loving the feel of the warm, damp air blowing through her hair. She leaned her head out the window to feel the pine-scented wind against her face and gazed up at the sky. It was such a clear night, hundreds of stars twinkling brightly, and the moon was about as full as it could get, looking close enough to reach up and touch. Finally, she pulled back inside and rested against the seat. When she turned to look at Jared, she found he was watching her with a strange expression on his face. “What is it?” she asked, afraid she’d done something wrong. She wasn’t good at the girly stuff. She reached up to smooth her windblown hair. It hadn’t occurred to her when she’d rolled down the window that it would raise havoc with her nice, neat hairdo. Jared reached over and halted her. “Don’t.” “I must look a mess—I didn’t think—” “A mess? You are the most stunningly beautiful woman I know. Don’t ever change, Cody Marx.” Suddenly he veered the truck off to the side of the rode and jammed it into park. Before she could say anything, he’d unfastened her seatbelt and pulled her into his lap. He turned her so she straddled him, wedged between him and the steering wheel. The hem of her dress scrunched up around her thighs and she felt the outline of his hard cock through the thin material of her panties pressed firmly against the sensitive lips of her pussy. She couldn’t help undulating against the fullness, wanting to have him inside her. She arched against him as he rained kisses over the pulse at her 35

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neck, down to the edge of the dress, and along the shadowy opening covering the tops of her breasts. Her nipples beaded tightly beneath the now suffocating material. She tilted her head back, closed her eyes, enjoying the touch of his mouth as he covered her neck and shoulder with his fiery kisses. “Love me, Jared,” she whispered, grinding against him. “I know it’s our first date, and we’re just getting to know each other again, but I can’t wait. I want you tonight.” He pushed the shoulder of her dress down her arm, freeing one breast, and she shuddered when she felt him grasp one of her nipples with his teeth and suck hard. A harsh gasp escaped her as the most astounding pleasure-pain shot through her. “Jared,” she groaned, “Oh, God, yes.” For long moments he continued to suckle, making long circular strokes with his tongue, and her body responded. Suddenly, she gasped as surging electrical jolts consumed her in an orgasm that shattered her completely. She screamed and threaded her hand through his thick, dark hair, grasping and holding tight, even as his grip on her back pulled her closer and his mouth clamped down tighter on her nipple, as though drawing every ounce of pleasure from her body into his own. Finally, the rippling waves of her climax receded. He released her breast and gently drew her dress back up to cover her. She leaned forward and rested her head on his shoulder. “I can’t believe that happened—just like that,” she murmured. She felt his hands beneath her dress as he slid them inside her panties and cupped her ass, pulling her closer still, kneading her cheeks gently. “You’ve never come like that before?” “I didn’t know it was possible to come without you being inside me. Oh, I’ve heard of it happening, but it’s never happened to me.” 36

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He shifted her slightly and his cock nudged harder against her slit. Her swift climax of just moments ago had not lessened her need for him. “I can’t wait to be inside you,” he growled as his fingers dug more deeply into the flesh of her bottom, shifting her again. A soft moan escaped her lips as the rising heat began to again consume her. “I want you to fuck me, Jared.” He cupped her face and lifted her head away from his neck. “I know. But I have something special in mind. It was just looking at you, I couldn’t wait any longer to touch you.” He lifted her from his lap and settled her back in her seat, then re-fastened her seatbelt. As she watched, he gripped the steering wheel and, after taking a deep breath, restarted the truck. “Are you all right?” He turned his head toward her and grinned. “I’m fine. It’s only that I’ve waited for you a long time and it’s sort of hard for me to believe you’re with me now. I’m afraid you might disappear.” She licked her lips, her whole body tingled with awareness to such an extent even the soft breeze of the night felt painful as it brushed across her skin. “Where are we going?” Again, she saw the flash of a smile. “You’ll see. We’ll be there shortly.” The night rushed by them and the longer they were on the road, the tighter the coil inside her wound. Just as she reached a point where she thought she couldn’t stand it another second, he suddenly turned onto a side road. She peered through the windshield, trying to determine exactly where they were. The smell in the air had altered, and she realized where they were. “What are we doing at the lake?” she asked him as they bumped along the rutted dirt road. 37

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He jerked the truck to the right and pushed through where there was no road to be seen, breaking free to an overlook just above the lake. He braked, and the truck came to a sudden halt. “Do you remember when we were younger how I told you I wanted to buy land up here one day?” She nodded as she unfastened her seatbelt. “Yes, I remember you talking about it. We all talked about our dreams back then.” Having unfastened his own seat belt, he opened his door, jumped down from the truck, and walked around to her side. He helped her out and led to her to the edge of a small hill. She could just make out a faint path leading down to the water’s edge. “Wait here for a minute, I need to grab a couple of things.” He turned and jogged back to the truck. She turned and looked at the glistening water. They’d always enjoyed coming up to the lake. J.W.’s parents owned some land and a cabin on the other side, and she and Jared and Willow and J.W. had come up a few times to swim and fish. Jared came back to her side, grabbed her hand, and started to lead her down the steep path. She pulled back. “Wait a minute, I can’t walk in these shoes on flat ground. I’ll break a leg if I try to make it down that path.” She leaned down and took off her sandals and tossed them toward the truck, watching where they landed. The pantyhose she was wearing wouldn’t survive, but so what—those could be replaced easily enough. She held out her hand to Jared. “Okay, lead the way.” He pulled her along the path until they reached the bottom. Peering through the darkness, she attempted to figure out what he was carrying. It looked like a blanket and a portable CD player. “You planned this, didn’t you?” He shook out the blanket and then lay it on the ground. Setting the 38

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CD player on a large flat rock near the blanket, he then flipped a CD into the player and hit the play button. He straightened back up and turned to face her. The soft strains of a love song filled the quiet night. “Dance?” The ground beneath her feet was soft sand with a few tiny pebbles that shifted beneath her as she walked to him. “Well, I guess you did promise to take me dancing.” His body heat surrounded her as he took her into his arms and they drifted over the soft ground to the cadence of the romantic instrumental. “Now this is what I call a little bit of heaven,” he said as he rocked against her. “It is,” she agreed. “So, do you own this land? Is that what you were trying to tell me?” “Uhmm-hmmm. I closed the deal last month.” He turned and pointed back up to the top of the hill they had just traversed. “I’m going to build up there.” “I’m glad you’re going to realize your dream.” He turned back to her and cupped her face. “That was only part of it. I never thought I’d have a chance at the rest of it.” She was afraid to ask about the rest. Afraid to find out if it mirrored her own. “Do you want to know the rest, Cody?” “I’m afraid to hear it,” she whispered. He tilted her chin upward. “Don’t be. I hope it’s something you’ll want as well. It’s you, Cody. You’re part of that dream—the most important part. I thought when you started dating Evans, I’d never get a chance.” “I didn’t love him,” she protested. “We sort of fell into dating each other after high school, but it was never anything serious.” “He doesn’t want to let you go.” 39

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“That’s because I was the one who walked away, and he doesn’t like being the one left standing holding the bag, or accepting ‘no’ for an answer.” He lowered his head. “Well, he’s going to have to get used to it.” His lips pressed against hers in a soft kiss. Then he raised his head and looked at her, his eyes dark, bottomless pools of desire. “What about you? Do you want this as much as I do?” Cody lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck, raising up on tiptoes to claim his mouth. “More,” she whispered just before he lifted her, pressing her close to him, claiming what she offered without hesitation.

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CHAPTER 6

She was the touch of warmed taffy beneath his hands—pliant, sweet, and tasty. Her hands on his body were the heat of the sun, flooding him with molten need inside and out, demanding and arousing. Pushing the silky fabric of her dress off her shoulder, he again bared a firm, creamy breast for his attention. He teased with his fingers until he heard a soft sound escape from deep inside her. Finding the zipper at her back, he slowly released it, drew the dress down her arms, and let it fall to the ground. In the process, she’d managed to unbutton his shirt and he now shrugged out of it. Urgent to feel her flesh against his, he quickly divested himself of the remainder of his clothing as she did the same, then he lifted her, burying his face between the valley of her creamy, silky breasts, inhaling the scent that was uniquely hers. He licked his way around each mound of firm, tempting flesh as she 41

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arched back to offer him better access. The weight of her body shifted as she raised her long, shapely legs to twine around his waist, opening to him, yielding. Her hands urgently tugged at the mat of hair on his chest as though she were trying to get inside, and he wanted her there, inside him, surrounding him. The moist night air felt balmy, surprising for so late in August. It was a perfect summer night with a perfect full moon, the sound of calm waves lapping against the sandy shore, lulling the peace, yet in counterbalance to the raging bonfire building between them. Cody’s skin glowed eerily pale beneath the reflected rays from the moonlit sky. Her muscles tight and toned, gripped him close, her ass, beneath his palms flexed as she undulated and caressed his skin, her hands insistent. His cock throbbed with the need to fill her, to feel her warm heat surrounding him. Urgently, he shifted her, knowing she was ready for him, unable to wait any longer. He found her hot, moist center, felt the wet heat ease for him as he entered her. Damn, she was tight, so sweetly tight, and he eased his way slowly into the seething channel that sheathed him like the finest glove made to fit him perfectly. Years of hard, physical work had left Cody without an inch of spare soft flesh, and her vaginal muscles now worked his hard cock as he entered her, tightening and releasing, spiraling him into heavenly bliss with each inch she took from him. He tilted his head back, and their eyes locked. He saw in her gaze that she knew what she was doing to him. Her eyes were ebony dark, dilated with passion, as he worked himself deeper. He groaned as she tightened again, stilling his movements, then relaxing, allowing him deeper. Her pussy flirted with his cock, tightening and releasing, not enough to hurt, but to control, to make 42

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him feel every inch of his way inside her. She milked him and took from him, the soft walls of her channel like honeyed heat, until finally he was lodged completely inside her. A watery bead of sweat slid down the side of his cheek and she leaned forward, drawing her tongue along the path on his skin. “You taste wonderful,” she growled as she began to move against him. A bliss he’d never known rocked through him as she did so, her muscles tightening all around him. He turned with her wrapped around him, and walked toward the water. “What are you doing?” she whispered as she wrapped her arms tighter around his neck. “Cooling us off,” he responded, the cold water of the lake caressed them both as he entered. He heard her sharp intake of breath as the water cloaked them both to the waist, where he stopped. Wading toward the small dock, he leaned her against the edge for support as he began to thrust deeply inside her, enjoying the luxuriant feel of the water lapping against them, making them both slippery as he increased his tempo. He felt her rising, her breath increased, and he slowed his movements, wanting to make this last, not wanting the night to end. “Jared.” He heard the need, knew she was close. Swirling his cock inside her, she arched; her hands were urgent on his body as she tried to control his penetration. He switched to shallow thrusts, driving her higher, and dropped his mouth to the tip of one upthrust breast, tugging on the hard nub, drawing it deeper into his mouth. Her deep-throated cries became more urgent and he loved hearing the growl of the tigress, feeling the pinch of her short nails on his back as she fought for the release he knew was close. Lifting her onto the edge of the dock, he lay her back against the 43

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damp wooden planks. Pressing his palms against the sensitive insides of her thighs, he forced her legs wide apart. Looking down, lust roared loudly through his body at the sight of his glistening cock embedded deeply inside her succulent pink flesh. Silky dark curls shimmered with dew, parted and surrounded his length as he slid deep, then retreated. She tried to fight, to take control, but he grasped her waist, holding her still. “What do you want?” he growled. “Jared,” she gasped, “please. I’m so close. Oh, God, I can’t stand much more.” He pulled out, swirled his cock at her entrance, over her engorged clit, along her wet slit, and lodged it at her entrance. “Do you like that?” he whispered as his fingers kneaded her skin, yet held her firmly in place. “Yes! But you’re driving me crazy. Fuck me, damn you. I need to come.” She fought against his grip as he held her still. She was a strong woman and he found he liked teasing her, liked controlling her passion. He loved every bit of her vibrant emotion, her taut, hard body. Moving his hands from her waist, he trailed them down her wellmuscled thighs to linger at her engorged pussy lips. Gently, he pulled them wider, thrust forward and drove deep. Her vaginal walls clamped hard as she went over the edge. Deep, throbbing spasms from her core, and the loud scream she released into the night told him her climax had consumed her, and his own wasn’t far behind. He could feel it building, higher and higher as each wave of release that overtook her echoed inside him. Once more he drove deep, and felt the release devour him as his powerful orgasm pulled every shred of ecstasy from his body and released it deep into Cody. Long moments of pure pleasure passed, until finally he pulled his 44

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softening cock from inside her and gently pulled her into a sitting position at the end of the dock. Her lazy gaze told him what he wanted to know and he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the blanket and lay her down. Looking at her as she lay spread before him, a replete smile on her lips, he felt his body again begin to harden with arousal. He was surprised at how quickly he seemed to have recovered, but he wasn’t surprised that he still needed more of her. Cody was everything he wanted in a woman. More than he’d ever expected. And he meant to brand himself into her memory. He didn’t want her ever to forget this night. He dropped to his knees, and placing a hand to each of her legs, pulled them open to reveal her to him. She lifted her head to look at him. “Jared?” “Relax. Just go with it.” “You can’t mean—” But she didn’t finish the sentence as his mouth clamped down on her sensitive clit. “Ohhh!” He sucked her clitoris deep, then released it, and trailed his tongue over her lips and along her opening. He sank his tongue deeply inside her, tasting their heady combined nectar, back up to again tease her clit, circling with his tongue. Branding her with kisses along the crease of her sensitive thighs, he pulled her long legs over his shoulders, and, using his hands, opened her completely to him. Her rising desire was evident in the glistening release of her creamy pleasure as he lapped and tasted, driving his tongue deep, retreating, and nipping at her satiny white thighs. She arched and swirled her hips. He felt her heat, smelled her rising need, teased and retreated, driving her higher and higher, until once again, she fell head first into the abyss. As the waves of this orgasm receded, he rose above her and swiftly 45

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entered her. Her slippery channel accepted his deep penetration eagerly and he rode her hard and fast, felt the quiver of a fast climax piggybacking her last as he burst free to the Eden that awaited him as well. His own shout of bliss rose to met hers, entwining and melding them both within the explosive heat of this moment. Again, pulling from her, he moved up to take her in his arms and lie back against the blanket. One of her legs inched across his body as though staking a claim to him and he smiled to himself. Pulling the edges of the blanket around them to shelter her from the cool night air, he gazed up at the sky. He didn’t think he’d ever experienced a night like this one. It felt like the one perfect moment in his life and he wanted to savor it. He felt her soft, contented purr as she cuddled closer to him. “I don’t want to leave,” she murmured. He brushed a hand along the curve of her spine. “Neither do I.” “The sky looks huge tonight, doesn’t it?” “It’s limitless,” he responded. He was silent for a long moment, contemplating where they went from here. He felt like he was standing on the edge of a sandy-edged precipice and if he didn’t do something quickly, the ground was going to crumble beneath his feet. He felt her fingers trace a path down across his chest to anchor at his groin. “I like touching you, Jared Creed. I like it a lot.” His arms tightened around her. “Glad to hear it. I like you touching me. And I like touching you.” “Do you? I don’t have a very feminine body.” There was a sad tightness in her voice. He raised a hand to lift her chin so he could look at her. “Who told you that bullshit?” He heard her gasp as he pulled her on top of him, notching her between his thighs. “Do you feel how perfectly we fit?” She lay her head against his chest, and he cupped her bottom, 46

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pulling her more firmly against him. “I don’t do girly things. I can’t cook, I don’t sew. I’m not very comfortable wearing dresses.” “So what?” “Drew—” “Fuck, Drew.” “I did, unfortunately. And he always reminded me how unfeminine and lacking I am.” “Shit. I suppose you believed him.” “You keep being reminded every day of every single flaw that makes you less of a woman and it sort of digs a hole inside.” “I think you’re the sexiest woman I’ve ever met. Believe me, I’ve tried to find someone equal to you over the years. There is no one to match. No one.” He squeezed her bottom to make a point. “Not for me. And there sure as hell is no one that fills out a pair of work pants like you. I get a hard-on just watching you work, thinking about you. Damn, don’t get me started on the subject.” “Really?” Drew Evans sure had done a number on her. If the sonofabitch came near her again with his nasty remarks, he’d have Jared to contend with. He rolled her onto her back and hovered above her. “I can see I’m going to have to make it my life’s work to remind you every day exactly how appealing”—he punctuated with a kiss at the tip of her shoulder—“alluring and sexy you are to me.” She wiggled beneath him. “I think I’d like that,” she whispered. “It won’t be any hardship, lady.” He leaned down and slanted his mouth over hers. This was a night made for loving the woman he’d set his heart on. And he planned to make it very clear exactly how desirable she was before they left the lake. 47

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CHAPTER 7

Cody smoothed her hand along the surface of the newly sanded kitchen table. One more pass and it would be ready to finish. Considering how little sleep she’d had the night before, she felt rather cheerful and mellow today. She couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her lips. Jared had pulled into her driveway just as the sun began to peak on the horizon. What a glorious night it had been. It had felt like she was encased in a rosy glow and it was difficult for her to concentrate. Still, a lingering feeling of unease assailed her. She still had Drew to contend with, and as freely as Jared had loved her last night, she’d felt he was still holding a part of himself back. She’d been a freaking pushover. But Drew had never made her feel the way Jared did. Drew had always made her feel like she wasn’t woman enough to hold a man’s attention for long. Jared was so different. 48

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She must have always known that about him, because she’d never had sex with Drew without safety precautions. Condoms hadn’t even crossed her mind with Jared last night. He’d driven all thoughts of everything else out of her mind, except feeling him inside her—as quickly as possible. It was a good thing she was on birth control, and she trusted Jared in a way she’d never trusted Drew. The experience of feeling him come inside her was like nothing she’d ever felt before. And because it was Jared, it felt right—it was right. But then Jared’s shadow had always been in the background. As much as she’d tried to be what Drew wanted, she realized now that Drew had never measured up to what she really desired. Thank goodness she’d realized it before he’d mangled her self-esteem any worse than he had. She turned around and picked up the small hand-held sander and began to work on the table top. I love him. She didn’t dare say it out loud. Not yet. She felt the surge of excitement building inside, knowing she’d see him this evening. He was visiting his mother today, but he’d be returning to town later tonight. She’d virtually slept the morning away. It was Saturday, her day off, and she was involved in her favorite hobby of refinishing old furniture. She’d made a workshop out of the old shed—it was just large enough for her to keep a few small pieces around. This was where she retreated to if she was trying to work out a problem. Some people jogged or exercised. This was how she handled things—reshaping old, discarded pieces of furniture and making them new and useful again. Turning off the sander, she reached across the table to check the smoothing of a particularly difficult corner. “Nice ass. I like the view.” Stiffening, slowly she rose from her prone position over the length of the table. 49

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“What do you want, Drew?” He stepped through the doorway into the small enclosure. Already, Cody began to feel claustrophobic. The only way out was to get past him. “I told you we’d be talking again.” He moved farther into the room. “So how was your date? Are you all warmed up for me?” She moved to the other side of the table so it served as a barrier between her and Drew. Carefully, she reached behind her and her hand encountered the cold steel of an old crowbar. She clenched it with one hand behind her back. This jerk definitely needed some sense knocked into him. “None of your damn business. I think you should leave.” “You do remember I have those contracts coming up, don’t you? The ones your dad could really use?” Cody bit her lip as she tried to think of a way out of this mess, without jeopardizing her father’s chances on some very lucrative work. Her father shouldn’t have to suffer for her own misguided errors in dating the wrong man. She felt Drew’s gaze sear through her as though undressing her right there and planning what he was going to do with her when he got her that way. Her hand tightened on the tool she gripped behind her back. Why the hell had she decided to take Patch to the dog groomer today? If he’d been here in the backyard, Drew never would have taken her unawares. “You don’t want me and you know it. You’re just ticked because I broke it off first. Be honest, I’m not your type and I never was. We both just used each other.” He cupped the front of his jeans and rubbed lewdly. “Well, babe, I’m needing to ‘use’ you a bit more, I think. Why don’t you get naked for me and we’ll begin negotiations over those contracts. Let’s see if Creed taught you any new bargaining tricks.” He stepped closer to the 50

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table that separated them. “You wanna dicker, Evans? Then you turn around and face me. I’m the man who might be interested in those contracts, not Cody.” Cody’s eyes widened in shock as she saw her father standing in the doorway of the shed, his face a mottled red. “Sandy.” The color of Drew’s face had gone pale as snow when he realized who was standing in the doorway. “W-what are you doing here?” Like he had a right to ask that question. “I’m here to speak with my daughter. What the hell are you doing here? If I’m not mistaken, you just tried to blackmail my daughter into having sex with you. Is that what I just heard out of your mouth?” Her father took a menacing step toward Drew, his hands balled into fists at his sides. Cody had never seen his eyes seethe with such intense, unbridled anger. Cody was unable to speak, her shock so overwhelming at seeing him standing there, and knowing he’d heard Drew’s proposition. “That’s not true,” Drew protested. “Wrong answer. What I want to hear from that filthy mouth of yours is an apology to my daughter. Or you’ll be finding yourself another damn floor company that’ll end up gouging your fine wood floors and you won’t have to worry about any new contracts. Cody’s one damn fine craftsperson and she don’t have to bow to you or anyone else, you hear me? We can both do without your damn contracts. Now you apologize, damn you! And get out.” “Dad, don’t.” His face had turned almost to a shade of purple, he was so angry. The last thing she wanted was for her father to have a heart attack. His fierce gaze riveted to her and she saw the lines of his face soften. “Honey, you shouldn’t have to be putting up with this kind of abuse from someone you work with. I don’t ever want you to bow to that kind 51

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of pressure, you hear me? Your self-respect is worth more than ten of these jerks. He should be down on his knees thanking God for having your skill on his damn job site.” She blinked back the tears that threatened to slide down her face. She turned an angry glare on Drew, who stood there sheepishly. “I think you better leave now. Do you want me to finish the floors at the MacKenzie place or not?” “Y-yes.” He straightened, attempting to regain some of the composure he’d lost when her father began his tirade. “We have a contract and you’ll complete the job.” “And you won’t give her any more trouble…right? Or I’ll think it’s time to have a little talk with your father. As I recall, he and I hit it off pretty well when you kids were back in high school,” her father interceded. Drew went pale at that particular threat. She saw him glance at her father out of the corner of his eye and then shifted his gaze away. He stepped around Sandy, trying to make his way to the door and escape. “No problem, Sandy. I guess I just misread the situation.” Her father sidestepped and blocked the door. “You bet you did. Apologize.” After a brief hesitation, Drew turned his head to look at Cody. “I apologize if I stepped out of line.” Drawing her hand from behind her back with the crowbar still clutched tightly, she lay it carefully on the table without releasing it. “Accepted. But, Drew, keep in mind, you ever try a stunt like this again, you better remember I can take care of myself. I always have, now haven’t I?” She saw his gaze drop to the crowbar in front of her and she saw the understanding in his eyes. “Got it,” he said and swiftly exited through the door. Cody released a long breath and tried to regain her composure. She 52

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turned to her father. “What are you doing here, Dad?” Her father turned from watching Drew make his way around the house to look at her. “I tried to call you last night and you didn’t answer. And you didn’t return my call this morning. I got worried.” She had to smile. He still worried about her. It wasn’t often he showed his concern. “I’m sorry. I should have told you I had a date last night.” “A date? Who was it?” He made her feel about seventeen again with the third degree. This time she laughed outright. “Dad, I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself, you know.” He cleared his throat. “Not the point. I’m still your father.” “I know,” she answered softly, “and I love you for it. I was out with Jared Creed.” “Creed? The kid that worked with old Mortenson? Didn’t you date him back in high school for a while?” She nodded. “Yes, that’s him.” “He’s not giving you any flak on the job is he? Like Evans?” “No, Dad. I like Jared and he’s always treated me well. I have liked him for a long time and I had a nice time last night.” Boy, was that an understatement, but this was her father she was talking to. “He giving you the respect you deserve?” That rosy glow she’d felt this morning was returning. This was a side of her father she hadn’t seen before—all protective and concerned for her welfare. “He treats me very well, Daddy. You don’t have to worry.” Then she remembered something he’d said to Drew. “Do you really think I do a good job on the floors?” His eyes widened as though shocked by her question. “Of course, I do. I wouldn’t have had you working with me all these years if I didn’t think you had a genuine instinct for it.” He raised a hand to remove his 53

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worn out Yankee baseball cap and run a hand through his salt and pepper-colored hair. “You didn’t think I thought you were capable?” She shrugged. “I didn’t know—you never said anything, and you never let me take on any of the contracts on my own. The MacKenzie homestead is the first one. I just didn’t know,” she trailed off. “Honey, when you first came to me and asked to help, I didn’t think much about it. I certainly didn’t think you’d make a profession out of it. I thought you’d try it for a while and then move on to other interests. But you had a knack for it and I was amazed at how hard you worked and the skill you showed for it. You have an affinity with the wood and an attention to detail even I don’t have.” He shuffled uneasily from foot to foot. “I didn’t send you out on your own because I liked having you around, and it would have meant you’d learned everything I had to teach you. I didn’t want my little girl to not need me any more.” Finally, she hurried around the perimeter of the table and threw herself into his arms. “Oh Dad, I’ll always need you. I love you. I thought you didn’t trust me to take on the jobs alone—that you didn’t think I measured up.” He patted her on the back and she felt him give her a quick, uncomfortable squeeze. “I love you, too, Cody. You’ve got the same tenacity your mother had and you remind me a lot of her, you know?” Cody sniffed and stepped away from her father, knowing he was uncomfortable by so much emotion. “I didn’t know you thought that.” “You missed a woman’s touch over the years, and I guess I failed you that way, but I never wanted to marry anyone else. The only love I had left after she was gone was all for you.” “I only needed you, Dad. You raised me fine.” “Then I don’t want you taking any guff from jerks like that. I’m glad I came over when I did. You should have clobbered him with that crowbar.” 54

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She walked back to the table to pick it up and put it back on the shelf. “I was getting ready to. I’m sorry about the new contracts. He’ll probably give them to someone else.” “I’d rather eat dirt myself, than have you give up your self-respect for a friggin’ contract, honey. I hope you know that. And besides, I’ll have plenty of work without them, and I’m not sure I’d bid on them now anyway. It’d serve him right.” If she hadn’t realized how much he loved her before, she certainly did now. Her heart was bursting by the time he finally took his leave and headed home with a promise to come to dinner on Wednesday. The one thing she had learned to cook with some skill was his favorite roast beef dinner. After he left, she returned to the kitchen to make herself a cup of hot chocolate. She sat at the table, going back over the last twenty-four hours and realizing in just that space of time, her world had done an about-face. And for the better. It was like the pieces of a parquet floor fitting together neat and tight, and it felt real good. Glancing at the clock on the wall she realized she had one hour before Jared would be there to pick her up. One last gulp of her chocolate and out the kitchen door she flew to get ready to meet the other man in her life who was quickly becoming a very important part to the puzzle of her future happiness.

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CHAPTER 8

The last weeks of a golden Indian Summer were disappearing quickly. Cody had no more problems with Drew. As a matter of fact he seemed to try to stay as far away from her as possible. She and Jared had settled into a comfortable working rhythm at the old homestead, often stopping to take lunch together. Slowly, they were getting to know each other all over again, cementing their relationship. She found she enjoyed working with him. He never made her feel less of a woman, or acted like he knew more about workmanship than she did because she was a woman. If she suggested something to him about the placement of the tiles, he listened and actually considered the solutions she offered. They had even discussed several joint ventures combining both their expertises. The floors were coming out just as she’d planned. And the cherry in the front parlor had turned a few heads with the bankers and realtors when they’d stopped by to check on the progress. The smiles and 56

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compliments they’d offered masked well the dollar signs she knew were cloaked behind them. Even Drew had grudgingly admitted the floors were top notch. The downstairs rooms were practically finished and she would begin the upstairs on Monday. Once those were done, her last project would be the stairs. It was now Friday afternoon and she’d just applied the last coat of finish to the front entryway and placed signs and tape up so no one would mistakenly walk on it before it was dry. She knew, just like the other floors, this one would be smooth and lustrous when it dried. Although there were customers who liked the darker stains, Cody liked a natural finish—it brought out the myriad of colors in the wood grain and gave the floor a more natural look. It had a way of opening up a room if done right. She particularly liked the way the front room came out because when the sun shone through the windows that floor seemed to radiate an aura of richness and texture only real wood could provide. She picked up the can and brushes and carefully sidestepped around the tape, making her way to the kitchen where Jared was still set up. He was now working on the sun porch and next week he’d begin work on the kitchen. His portion of the renovation at the homestead would be completed by the end of next week. Stepping out the kitchen door, she stood on the back step for a minute. The leaves were already starting to turn vibrant shades of autumn. It was days like this that she wished she had taken more time with art lessons. “Ready for some lunch?” She turned her head at Jared’s question and smiled. He looked good enough to eat, that was for sure. There was something about the rugged casualness of a man who worked with his hands the way Jared did. She looked down at his hands which were covered with a fine white dust. 57

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Yes, she knew the touch of those hands very well, and a swirling of heat started inside her. Naughty thoughts began to enter her head. As she set down the can and brushes, she realized they were going to harden if she didn’t get them cleaned. She glanced over her shoulder, not another soul in sight. To hell with it, so she’d buy some new brushes, she had other plans right now. She straightened and looked at Jared. Jared returned her look with one of curiosity. “Let me go get cleaned up so we can get something to eat. Something wrong?” Warmth spread through her as she placed a hand on his arm. “Nothing is wrong. Wait.” He looked down at her and cocked his head. “What is it?” She pushed him back against the doorframe. “The whistle’s sounded and we’re off the clock,” she whispered just before she reached up to run her tongue across his bottom lip. She tasted his skin and heat, and was hungry for more. They had an agreement that they wouldn’t let their personal relationship hinder their working one. But lunchtime was zone free. She stood on tiptoe to nuzzle his lips with hers. “Let me go get cleaned up,” he repeated. She looked up at him and grinned. “No. I want you just the way you are. It makes me hot, seeing you like this.” She started unbuttoning the front of his shirt. He chuckled. “Here? Now?” She thrust his shirt aside, lowered her head and tugged one of his nipples into her mouth. “Right here. Right now.” He lifted her into his arms and she straddled him, winding herself tightly around him. The scent of finish mingled with adhesive was like an aphrodisiac to her. As he carried her inside, she pushed her hands down between their bodies and worked at the opening to his pants. “Slow down,” he said as he sat her on the edge of the counter. 58

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“Can’t,” she responded. “I want you inside me now.” “What if someone comes?” Apparently feeling her urgency, he quickly unsnapped her pants and yanked the zipper downward. She lifted her hips from the counter so he could slide her clothing down her legs. Leaning forward, she then shoved at his pants and underwear until they spiraled down, freeing his cock. He knelt and quickly removed one of her boots and slid her pants off one leg. She leaned back on her elbows and spread her legs wide offering him a view of her aching, wet pussy. She watched him beneath lowered lids, relishing the sight of his hard cock looking more than ready. She wiggled her hips. “Fuck me.” He glanced at the door so she sat up and reached out to grab his hard, lean hips, yanking him closer. “Fuck me,” she demanded, shimmying closer to the edge of the counter and felt the head of his shaft press against the entrance to her pussy. He grabbed her upper thighs and shoved them wider, a fierce intensity shown from his eyes. “You want it?” He swirled the thick purple head at her slick opening. “Yes,” she hissed. He pressed slightly inward. “Is that enough? Do you want more?” “Damn you,” she growled, trying to force him deeper. He retreated. “Tell me. I want to hear you say it.” “I did.” “Again.” “Fuck me. I want you buried inside me. I want to feel you come. And I want to come.” He slammed deep, grabbed her ass and pulled her flush with his body. “Yes,” she screamed, throwing her head back. “More.” He pulled out and thrust in again, pushing her backward onto the counter. Lifting one of her legs to his shoulder, he retreated and 59

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penetrated again. And again. “Is this what you want? Hard, like this?” He punctuated with action. “God, you’re so hot. I can feel you taking me, all of me. Your pussy surrounds my cock, like pushing through molten silk. Then you grab me, and tighten, locking me inside heaven.” He stroked inward and she tightened her muscles, feeling every inch of his thick tool. And, by God, of all the tools that passed through her life as a contractor, this one was the only one to make her sing. She felt the fierce heat build inside her as he stroked again, and again, lifting her leg higher against his shoulder, driving deeper still, until she felt him all the way to her soul. And she came and came, pulsing all around him, feeling his orgasm surge deep inside. She screamed and sobbed as sensations built all around her. His own shout followed hers as his hot jolts of release flooded her, combining with her own. “Oh, Jared. I love you, I love you,” she sobbed, no longer able to refrain from offering him her heart. He lowered her leg and pulled her into his arms, still buried deep inside her, echoes of fulfillment still lingering. He cupped her face and looked deep into her eyes. “I love you, too, Cody, more than you can know.” His lips claimed hers, cementing his avowal. Finally he lifted his head and his softened cock slid from her body. He quickly straightened his clothing and then helped her to do the same. “Now that’s what I call lunch,” he said with a grin as he helped her to stand. “What caused that?” She was trying to help him button his shirt, but her hands kept sliding beneath it to flay across his hard chest. “I was overcome with lust?” she teased. He chuckled. “Obviously. But that was intense. I’ve never seen you 60

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like that.” Suddenly, she thought maybe he didn’t like that aggressive streak in a woman. “Was it wrong?” she looked up at him uncertainly, lowering her arms to her sides. He grabbed her hands and lifted them to his mouth. “You were perfect. It was just a surprise, but a very nice one. Don’t ever hesitate to let me know what you want. You hear me?” She nodded. “I-I just wasn’t sure. Drew—” He yanked her closer. “Forget friggin’ Drew. You are perfect just the way you are. And I love you.” “You do?” “Didn’t you hear me say it before?” “Well, yes, but I thought—” “Stop thinking. You said it, too, if I remember correctly. Or didn’t you mean it? Was it just the heat of passion and nothing more?” “No, of course not. I meant it.” “Good.” There was a note of satisfaction in his voice. He pulled her toward the kitchen door. “Come on. I don’t know about you, but I’ve worked up a fine appetite. Must be mixing up all that mortar.” He turned and winked at her. Her heart was so full, she didn’t have words to respond. Her lower lip trembled and she bit down on it to stop the tears. But they were happy ones. He meant the world to her. To be honest, he always had. Where this would all lead to she had no idea, but she planned to grab every second. The only thing that bothered her was that he never spoke of his brother. Kenny had played a large part in their lives in the past and she didn’t want him or his memories to come between them again. She’d tried to get him to talk about his family, but he’d always sidestepped the subject. And that concerned her. It was like he was trying to keep her and their relationship separate from the rest of his 61

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life. When he went to visit his mother, he never offered to take Cody with him. He’d said he loved her, but was he ashamed to take her to meet his mother? The thought dampened her spirits. He turned to look at her as they neared his truck and there must have been something in the expression on her face. “What’s the matter?” She studied him for a second and then shook her head. “Nothing. Let’s go, I’m starved.” Now was not the time to confront him about her concerns. There was plenty of time to talk with him about the past and the possibility of a future. Today she didn’t want to upset the happiness and contentment she felt right now. Tomorrow, when they went fishing. Maybe tomorrow she could get him to open up. If they had any kind of future together, he would need to trust her as much as she trusted him.

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CHAPTER 9

She picked out a calf-length forest green skirt and a matching sweater to wear for her date with Jared. It was over lunch at the newest fast food restaurant that had cropped up in Esmerelda that Jared had taken her by surprise and proposed fixing dinner for her at his apartment. She lay the new outfit on her bed and started the shower. In this old house, it took a while for the water to warm up enough for a good hot shower. And then she’d have to be quick before the small amount of hot water the tank held would run out. Walking back into the bedroom, she shed her work clothes and donned an old white terrycloth robe. It was interesting how with Drew she’d hated wearing dresses to go out with him, knowing no matter how much care she took, it was never adequate enough for him. He always found some flaw in her—either her makeup, or her dress, or the perfume she wore. 63

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For Jared she wanted to take the time to look her best. She’d never thought of herself as a particularly sensual woman, not like some of the female acquaintances she knew. Nor particularly feminine, certainly not petite and delicate, like Willow, whom she’d always envied. Jared made her feel different. He made her feel like a woman, not strictly a buddy who happened to be female and made a good bed partner. She discovered she didn’t have to be a tomboy all the time—he made her want to shed that outer layer of protection and release the woman hidden inside without fear of being ridiculed. Having been to his apartment only once over the last weeks, and that was just for a quick stop to drop off an electrical cord she’d borrowed, she looked forward to finding out more about him. Could it be that he was beginning to trust her enough to open up a little to her? It spoke of a deeper intimacy she looked forward to experiencing with him. She padded into the bathroom, shedding her robe, and stepped beneath the now warm water. Grabbing the sponge, she soaped her body and then leaned back to thoroughly soak her shoulder-length hair. Her body tingled at the thought of the evening that lay ahead with Jared. She ran the soapy sponge over and between her legs, remembering the feel of his cock throbbing inside her at their lunchtime tryst. She couldn’t help smiling as twinges of remembered desire spread through her. Standing beneath the spray, she fingered her clit, finding it stiff and engorged just remembering their hot interlude. What had gotten into her this afternoon, she had no idea, but the need to have him there and then had been so overwhelming there’d been no way to resist. She slid her soapy fingers along her wet slit, remembering the feel of him, his taste, and his driving, hot cock thrusting deep inside her. She leaned back against the wall of the shower, allowing the water to cascade down her body as she slid two fingers inside her pussy. 64

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She sighed as she added a third, and then thrust in and out, wishing he were here with her now, wanting to taste his hot skin, feel him stretching her, sliding deep into her vagina. A throaty groan escaped her as a swift orgasm overtook her and she slid to the floor of the shower overcome by the swift release. She pulled her fingers from her slippery channel. It seemed to take less and less to make her come these days. Simply the thought of Jared had the ability to make her ready and her cream would coat her thighs thickly whenever she caught a whiff of his scent. Maybe it was a good thing he would soon be done with the MacKenzie house. Working so closely with him was making it continually more difficult to focus on the task she was there to complete. She kept stopping and visualizing various rooms to make love to him in. Ways of pleasuring him and being pleasured by him. She wanted to make him happy. There were days when she saw the shadow of lingering memories cloud his eyes and she wanted to probe deeper. But something always stopped her. Quickly she stood as the temperature of the water cooled. One day she’d have to replace that tiny water heater with something larger. She liked a long, hot shower and didn’t often get the chance to take one here at home. Oh, well. She found herself wondering about the size of the tank at Jared’s house. Was it as large as— She smiled as she stepped out of the shower and grabbed a large, fluffy towel. What lewd thoughts she was beginning to have. Thinking about the size of Jared’s…water tank…had her smiling in anticipation of the evening ahead. Finally dressed, and after applying a light floral scent, she looked around and then walked out of the bedroom. She let Patch out into the fenced backyard, then she returned to the kitchen and pulled the bottle of wine she’d purchased earlier out of the refrigerator. It was nicely chilled. 65

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Looking up at the kitchen clock on the wall, she noted it was sixthirty and she’d promised to be at Jared’s by seven. Grabbing her leather jacket from the front hall closet, she walked out to her truck, ready for a relaxing and enjoyable evening ahead with the man she loved. When Jared didn’t come to the door after her first knock, it surprised her. She reached up and thumped the knocker against the door, hoping it might be louder than her knuckles rapping against the wood. She knew he must be at home, because his truck was in the driveway. Maybe he was out back and couldn’t hear her. An unexpected chill ran through her. Something wasn’t right. She reached for the doorknob when he still didn’t answer and turned it, surprised when she found it wasn’t locked. Hesitantly, she opened the door and stepped inside. The front entryway was dark. “Jared?” she called out and waited a moment for him to answer. Her hand tightened on the sweating wine bottle she carried, knowing something really didn’t feel right. “Goddammit! I need the money. You have to give it to me.” She stiffened as she heard a voice shout from a room at the rear of the house. Another voice answered, but it was too low to know who or what he was saying. With halting steps she started to move toward the sound of the voices. Her footsteps carried her to the entrance of what looked to be Jared’s office—two men stood at the center of the room. One was Jared, and the other she recognized as—Kenny Miller, Jared’s brother. They both turned to look at her as she stepped into the doorway. Kenny’s expression was desperate, Jared’s chiseled and hard. “Who the hell is she?” Kenny demanded, looking panicked and dangerous. Jared stepped between Kenny and Cody. “She’s none of your business. You stay here and I’ll be right back.” He grabbed Cody’s arm 66

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and turned her toward the door. “Hold it.” Cody felt Jared stiffen, as his hand tightened on her arm. “She has no part in this Kenny.” “She’s seen me. She could tell somebody.” “She’s not going to say a word to anyone.” Cody knew little about drugs and drug addicts, but from what she could see, Kenny Miller was strung out and no less dangerous than an unsteady stick of dynamite, ready to explode at any moment. Jared attempted to force her out of the room, but she whirled around and planted her feet. “I’m not leaving you here with him,” she said in a low voice. “He’s dangerous.” He turned and looked at her and there was so much pain and regret in his expression, that she instinctively reached for him. Just as quickly, he swiveled away and planted himself between her and Kenny. “Chill out, Kenny. I’ll be right back.” Kenny turned a wily look on her. “Is she your woman, bro? She looks familiar. Where do I know her from?” Jared straightened, glaring at Kenny. “That’s none of your business. You shouldn’t be here, didn’t they tell you to stay away?” “I can’t do it anymore—all my connections were here, but everybody’s run for cover. Nobody will sell to me. I thought I could kick the drugs, but it’s no use. I need them, Jared, and you need to help me find them. I promise, if you help me just this once, I’ll go away and you won’t hear from me again.” Jared slowly stepped backward, forcing Cody to retreat past the doorway and out of the room. “Wait here, Kenny. I’ll be right back and I’ll see what I can do for you. Don’t do anything stupid.” Again, he pivoted around and yanked Cody out of the room, pushing her down the hallway and toward the 67

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front door. “I want you out of here,” he snapped out. She fought his hard grip as he forced her forward. “I won’t leave you alone with him. He’s too dangerous the way he is right now.” “Not to me. But I don’t want to have to worry about you. Go home and wait there.” “But Jared—” He grabbed her by both arms, she looked up into his eyes and for the first time he frightened her with the angry intensity she saw blazing out at her. “Don’t you understand? He’s my brother, I can’t just turn my back on him. I have to get him calmed down.” He heaved a deep sigh. “And then I have to get him to the sheriff.” “Jared, he won’t listen to you. Call J.W. now. I’ll call him.” “Stay out of it, Cody. Just go home. This is my problem, not yours.” “Let me help you,” she pleaded. He yanked open the door and thrust her through it onto the porch. “I don’t want your help. Now go home,” he instructed her angrily. “And don’t come back until I call you. This is a family matter and I’ll take care of it. You don’t belong here right now.” He slammed the door, leaving her standing there. His harsh words had stung. Again, he was intent on shoving her out of his life. And at a time when she felt in her gut that he most needed her. She shivered as she stood there unable to decide what to do. Looking down, she found to her surprise she still clutched the damn wine bottle. She wanted to cry. More importantly, she was angry enough that she wanted to slam it against the house, to scream in frustration. This couldn’t be happening. It was a nightmare. But what should she do? It was like history repeating itself, only this time Jared had literally slammed the door in her face rather than just retreating emotionally. 68

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Why was it he thought he had to handle this all by himself? Mr. Big Macho Man. Damn, she wanted to strangle him. Kenny was a dangerous man, and being a drug addict who was looking for a fix made him more lethal than a rabid wolf. She couldn’t simply stand by and hope that Jared could make him see sense. If something happened to Jared, she would never forgive herself. Kenny Miller had never had the ability to be rational. Even back in school before he’d gotten into the drug scene. He was a user and he played Jared’s sense of right and wrong against him. Had always done so, and dammit, she wasn’t going to just stand by and let him do it to him again. Jared might want to strangle her later, but he’d left her little choice but to take matters into her own hands. She wasn’t just some little woman who’d say “yes dear, anything you say, honey.” Her man was in trouble and she was going to do something about it. When they had declared their love for each other, at that moment, she had become irrevocably intertwined in his life. What touched him, touched her as well. He couldn’t continue to segregate these parts of his life like this. She turned, threw the damned wine bottle into the bushes, and stomped to her truck. Opening the passenger side door, she reached into the glove compartment and yanked out her cell phone. She’d forgotten to take it into the house earlier to recharge, but luckily, it still held a decent amount of juice. Jared might hate her for this later, but she couldn’t just take the chance that everything would work out for the best. Not when the man she loved could very well be in danger of losing his life if Kenny shifted just the tiniest bit farther to the stupid side. The number for the Sheriff’s Department wasn’t something she had memorized, but she did have Willow’s home number and she punched it in quickly. “Hello?” 69

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“Willow, I need to speak to J.W. Is he there? It’s an emergency.”

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CHAPTER 10

Cody paced the living room. Two days and she still hadn’t heard from Jared directly. She knew J.W. had picked Kenny up and turned him over to the FBI. They apparently still needed him to testify on a drug case of theirs and they were thrilled to have him back in their loving arms safe and sound. J.W. had directed her to go home once she’d called him. She’d protested, but he’d insisted. He said he’d handle it from there. Men! Willow had phoned her at midnight to let her know Jared was safe and Kenny was back in custody. Cody had breathed a deep sigh of relief. With that news, she’d at last been able to get some sleep, but had spent all day Saturday waiting for Jared to phone her. It was a futile wait. By Saturday night Cody had been alternating between anger and frustration. Damn him, anyway. Was any man worth this aggravation? But, of course, she had to answer yes. This man was most definitely 71

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worth it. Finally, she’d tried to call him, but received nothing but his recording. Why was he making it so hard? Sunday morning, and she tried calling him again, but still no answer. Was he avoiding her? Did he hate her for calling J.W.? “Patch,” she yelled. The dog came bounding toward her. “Come on, boy. We’re going to see a man about an attitude.” Grabbing her truck keys from the table by the door, she slammed out of the house. Opening the passenger door, Patch jumped in happily. Cody ran around to the driver’s side and hopped in. “Keep your teeth sharpened, boy, I may need you as backup.” She jammed her foot on the gas and backed out of the driveway, spinning tires as she did so. Luckily, she lived on a quiet street and it was too early on a Sunday morning for there to be any traffic around. She was not normally a dangerous driver, but this morning her patience was at an end. Arriving at Jared’s apartment, she noted his truck wasn’t in the driveway. Leaving Patch to guard the truck, she stomped up the path and banged on Jared’s front door with her fist. “Dammit, Jared, talk to me!” The only result she got was a sore hand, but little else. She stood on the stoop with her hands on her hips. Eventually, she stalked over to the garage and peered inside. No truck there either. Where could he be? And then it came to her. Where else would he go to be alone? The lake. She ran back to the truck and hopped in. Now, if she could just find that dirt road he’d taken on their first date, there was every likelihood she’d root out his hiding place. As she made her way along the main road on the other side of Esmerelda, she peered at the sides of the road, trying to spot the turnoff. Ah-ha! There it is. 72

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She swerved off the road and followed the bumpy, rutted track. A studied look to the right, and she caught the flash of a vehicle as the early morning sun’s rays bounced off. With a quick jerk of the wheel, she headed the truck in the direction of the parked vehicle. It was definitely Jared’s truck. She pulled her own vehicle up next to his and shoved it into park. Walking over to the edge of the hill, she looked down and saw a figure sitting on the edge of the rough dock below. Cody walked back to the truck and let Patch out. “You need a good run anyway. But don’t go too far,” she admonished him, as he jumped down from the truck and made a beeline for a cleared field off to the left. As he raced off, Cody chuckled because Patch looked like a runaway mop had been freed from its handle. He wouldn’t go far, he never did. Now, she turned and set her sights on what came next. Sliding down the narrow path, she walked toward the dock. When she reached the dock and stepped onto it, she saw Jared’s shoulders stiffen, but he still didn’t turn around. Cody leaned down, pulled off her sneakers, and threw them to the side. This was obviously going to take some shock tactics to get his attention. “I thought you’d be here. Are you going to stay angry at me for very long?” She walked halfway along the dock and stopped. He was going to have to make some effort here. She saw his shoulders hunch forward as he skimmed a pebble across the quiet water. “I’m not angry at you.” “Could have fooled me. I was worried about you. Why didn’t you call? Do I mean so little to you that you’d throw me out of your house and not have the decency to at least call to let me know you were okay?” That got his attention. He jumped to his feet and turned to confront 73

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her, his face in angry, outraged lines. “That’s not the way it is.” She jutted her chin. “Then tell me about it, Jared. Explain why I shouldn’t feel like you’ve totally shut me out of your life. Again.” He raised a hand and ran his fingers through his hair. When he looked at her again, she could see the lines of exhaustion on his face, the weary look in his eyes, and it took all her willpower not to run to him. She stopped herself because this was something they needed to work out now or it would haunt them forever. “After my stepfather died, I was the oldest, the one who needed to be in control, the one who had to try to protect everyone else. That’s the way it had to be.” His dark eyes clung to her, like a hungry child afraid to touch a food-laden plate. “I didn’t want the ugliness to touch you, Cody—you mean too much to me. If Kenny had felt threatened by you in any way, you could have been hurt. And it would have been my fault.” “That’s why you kicked me out of your house like an old, unwanted piece of furniture.” “I didn’t do that. I wanted you to be safe so I could handle the situation. But you couldn’t leave it alone, could you?” She shook her head. “No, not this time. I’m not sixteen any longer, and I can take care of myself.” “I know you can.” He shrugged. “I guess I just let my autopilot take over. I attempted to do what I’d always done—try to protect the people I care about.” She heard his deep, heavy sigh. “But it didn’t work this time any better than it worked before. As much as I want it, Kenny will never change. He and my mother will always expect me to make it all better. Unfortunately, I don’t think I can do it any longer.” Cody began to unbutton her shirt. She felt his gaze bore into her, following the path of her fingers as each button revealed the shadow of 74

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her flesh. “It’s time to let go, Jared. To find your own happiness.” He seemed mesmerized by the movement of her hands as she shrugged out of the shirt, then unhooked and removed her bra. “What are you doing?” She straightened her shoulders and she felt her nipples tighten to hard nubs beneath the caress of the cool morning breeze. “I’m letting you see all my flaws, Jared. No more secrets, no more hiding between us.” She unsnapped the button on her pants, lowered the zipper and shrugged out of them. She was left wearing her thick gray woolen socks and white panties. She stood there for a moment, wanting him to look at her in the full light of day. She saw the hint of a smile curve his lips. God, how she loved his lips, so perfectly sensuous. She stretched out her arms horizontally at her sides. Her breasts rose high and firm, her nipples peaked and dusky, begging for the touch of that mouth, and of his hard, callused hands. Oh how she loved to feel those hands on her body, inside of her. Liquid response seeped from her, the scent of her arousal mingled with the crisp morning air. “Do you see me, Jared? This flawed woman who loves you?” She pointed to a half-moon scar on her shoulder. “Do you see this mark? It happened when I set a gallon can of finish on an unsteady shelf and it caught me before I could catch it. It took seven stitches.” He took a step toward her. “Cody, you don’t have to do this. I don’t care about the scars. You’re beautiful.” She pushed her white panties down her legs and threw them aside. Widening her stance, she pointed to a small white half-moon scar on her inside upper thigh, knowing he could see her glistening pussy, drawing his attention. “Do you see this one? That’s a fond remembrance from one of my stupid days. I was in a hurry and fell off a shaky footstool, landed on an 75

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exposed nail. Not one of my better days.” “Why are you telling me this?” She watched him move closer. “Because I want you to know my flaws. I want to share my life with you. All of it. Not just the good parts.” He reached her and pulled her close. “You are so damn strong as well as beautiful. You’re perfect.” “I’m not perfect,” she whispered as she reached up to kiss the pulse beating rapidly at his neck, feeling its tempo increase. “I wear wool socks to bed because my feet get cold. And it’s so hard to stay warm.” She looked up at him and cupped his face. “It gets really cold at night when one sleeps alone. Jared, I don’t want to wear wool socks to bed for the rest of my life. I want you in my bed to warm me. I want you by my side to share my life with me. I wake up grumpy in the morning, but I like to cuddle at night. So far, it’s only been Patch and me. It’s not the same, Jared. I want to cuddle with you. I want to fight with you and make up with you. I want to go to bed with you and wake up with you. And I don’t want to be alone anymore.” He lifted her against him; the fabric of his clothes razed her skin. She wound her legs around his hips. “You humble me. I don’t want to be alone either. I want to be there to warm your toes.” He cupped her bottom, pulling her closer, rubbing her sensitive pussy against the hard bulge encased behind his jeans. “I love you, Cody Marx, with all my heart.” He kissed the end of her nose. “But we’re going to have to do something about this exhibitionism fetish of yours. It’s starting to become a habit.” She rubbed her face against his whisker-covered jaw and smiled. She loved the feel of it against her smooth skin. Her hands dropped to the front of his jeans and she released his silky hard length. He lifted her and lowered her onto his warm, pulsing cock. He penetrated deeply and held her against him, embedded fully inside her. 76

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“This is were I want to be for the rest of my life, honey.” She gasped as he thrust, retreated, then thrust again. Oh, yes, this was exactly where she wanted to be for the rest of her life, with him deeply embedded in her body…and her heart. It wouldn’t necessarily be a smooth road, but it sure would be decadent…and pleasurable.

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ADRIANNA DANE Theresa Gallup uses the pen names of Tess Maynard and Adrianna Dane. Theresa has been writing since the age of 10. A legal secretary for 30 years, she is currently working on another erotic romance, as well as a full-length romantic mystery/suspense. She has been married for 30 years and has three grown children (a daughter and twin sons), and is a new grandmother. Writing as Tess Maynard, her first published short story appeared in the ezine, The Whispering Forest, in January of 2004. Writing as Adrianna Dane, where adding sensual heat to romance is her motto, Esmerelda’s Secret was her first foray into the erotic romance genre. Having traveled and lived from the East Coast to the West Coast, Theresa receives inspiration for her stories from a variety of sources, including music and poetry, and her tastes are eclectic. For more information about current projects, visit Theresa’s websites at www.tessmaynard.com or www.adriannadane.com. *

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