Chapter Fifteen
Daniel and Ellen’s front room was a beehive of activity by the time Luke and Sally arrived at midmorning. Travis was on his way to the small utility area just off the kitchen, looking surprisingly domestic, carrying a basket of what appeared to be wet laundry. Coop and Matt were helping Ellen fold sheets, and Daniel strode through the back door with a large toolbox and a carpenter’s belt buckled around his waist.
Jen and Bridgett struggled under a bucket loaded with cleaning supplies, rags and sponges. Jen helped Bridgett set down their burden and ran to throw her arms around Luke and Sally.
Hugging her daughter, Sally looked curiously at Ellen. “What’s going on?”
Daniel’s wife stopped folding towels and brushed a loose strand of hair from her face. “We got a big reservation this morning. One of our regulars from Spokane referred a large group of business associates. They’ll be here tomorrow morning and are staying the week.”
“Tomorrow?” Sally suddenly understood the reason for all the laundry and cleaning supplies. “They didn’t give you much notice.”
“I know, but this is really good for our business. Martin O’Sullivan is a real estate broker—the one who helped us buy this place. He sends us new clients all the time. He’s been so good to us, we couldn’t say no.” Ellen glanced toward Daniel and smiled. “Besides, the early season is the toughest to book, especially when you’re the new kids on the block. Unfortunately, none of the cabins are ready for the season, except the ones you’re staying in. I’ve already imposed on Coop, MacGyver and Travis.” Ellen smiled apologetically. “I was hoping you and Luke might lend a hand too.”
“You bet we’ll help,” Luke said.
Sally grasped Jen’s hand. “Tell us what to do.”
“Daniel has a list of items that need attention on the cabins. How about if the guys go with him and we girls finish the laundry and then start cleaning?” Her gaze included Jen and Bridgett.
“Let’s get started.” Luke winked at Sally and tousled Jen’s hair before he followed Daniel and the rest of the men outside.
The women made short work of washing, drying and folding the rest of the sheets and towels Ellen said she’d need. It didn’t seem like work to Sally. Between the adult female conversation and the abundant laughter, she felt normal for the first time in days. It’d been a good idea, coming here, meeting Luke’s friends. She could almost believe it was possible to have a new life, free of the shadow of her past.
Filled with expectancy and optimism, Sally slid her arm around Jen’s shoulders and gave her a hug. “I love you, sweetheart.”
“Love you most, Mom.” Jen issued her standard reply, and they both laughed.
Ellen kept them busy throughout the day, scrubbing floors, organizing cupboards and making beds. As soon as they finished cleaning and stocking each cabin, she sent the girls off to Daniel with the to-do list she’d made as they discovered items that needed attention. The two girls ran in circles, chased each other and giggled as though they’d just been released for recess. Seeing Jen so happy was pure joy to Sally.
The sun was going down when Ellen finally set her hands on her hips and looked around, a hint of pride in her eyes. “I think we’re ready.” A tired smile gave her a soft glow. “We couldn’t have done this without you and the guys. I’ll never be able to thank you.”
Sally hugged her. “That’s what friends are for.”
Ellen linked arms with her. “Come on. Let’s go clean up and start some dinner. The men are probably starving.”
Sally’s stomach growled, and both women laughed. Jen and Bridgett had crashed a couple of hours ago, and Ellen had sent them back to her house to rest and have a sandwich. That sounded pretty good to Sally, but when they started up the path to Ellen’s back door, the most scrumptious aroma teased her senses, magnifying her hunger.
Ellen lifted her head. “Something smells delicious. Daniel must be at it again.”
“He cooks?” Sally’s eyebrows shot up.
“Oh, honey, there’s not much my Daniel can’t do.” The Cheshire-cat grin on Ellen’s face made Sally snicker.
As the women entered the back door, arm in arm, all five men stopped the domestic chores they were involved in and looked their way. Matt was at the sink, presiding over a soapy stack of dishes. Travis and Coop had been hauling plates and flatware to the table. Luke and Daniel worked behind the big, industrial-sized oven, each with an apron tied around his waist.
Speechless, Sally exchanged a bemused glance with Ellen.
Daniel rapped on the countertop with a spatula. “Back to work.” The activity resumed as though it had never stopped.
“What’s for dinner?” Ellen moved around the counter toward her husband.
Daniel held his hands up in a don’t-blame-me-for-this gesture. “Pizza. Luke’s recipe. The jury’s still out on whether it’s any good or not.”
Sally met Luke’s gaze. “It smells wonderful.”
“Thanks, sunshine. It’s nice to hear from someone who appreciates good food. I’ve had to put up with these knuckleheads for the past hour.” Luke swung his arm in an arc, indicating his three SEAL buddies and Daniel.
“Oh, boo hoo, Harding. Give it a rest, will ya?” Travis groused from across the room as he scattered the plates around the table in no particular order.
Luke chuckled and his familiar grin appeared. “Your dinner is about ready. Why don’t you ladies get washed up?”
“Where are the girls?” Ellen gave her husband a quick hug.
“They grabbed a bite to eat a couple of hours ago and headed upstairs to watch a movie. Haven’t heard from them since. I’ll go get them—that is if Luke can get the pizzas out of the oven without burning them.” Daniel strode toward the stairs, accompanied by male laughter.
“Everyone’s a critic.” Luke threw open the oven door and pulled out four large pizzas in quick succession.
Sally looked at herself, dirt and grime caked on the legs of her pants—not to mention under her fingernails. Her skin practically crawled with the sweat and dirt that covered her. “I was hoping for a shower and a change of clothes.” She lifted her hands, afraid to touch anything.
Luke dropped his pot holders and circled the kitchen counter. He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her against him, his lips grazing her forehead. “We’re all in the same boat, sunshine. Just wash off the worst of it for now.” He lowered his lips to her ear and continued in a whisper. “When we get back to the cabin, I’ll wash you…from head to toe.”
Sally’s gaze darted to his. Mischief shone warmly from his eyes. “Now there’s an offer a girl can’t refuse.” She pressed close and lifted her lips to meet his.
Stepping back, she headed quickly for the nearest sink. Luke’s low groan followed her.
“Bridgett and Jen said they’re not hungry. Let’s eat.” Daniel made the announcement as he descended the stairs.
Luke pulled a huge bowl of salad and two bottles of wine from the refrigerator and handed them to Daniel. When they were all seated, Daniel blessed the meal and then bedlam broke out as they passed the salad around the table while everyone grabbed for slices of pizza.
“This is delicious,” Sally said, a slice still clutched in her hand.
The others murmured their agreement, and Luke gave her a kiss on the cheek.
A warm sensation grew in her belly until a flush of heat on her skin made her look away.
“Ellen, what time will the guests arrive tomorrow?”
“Around noon. We’ll check them in and get them settled first. We stocked the cabins with lunch supplies, but they’ll take their breakfast and supper meals with us.” Ellen glanced at her husband.
As though on cue, Daniel raised his wineglass and cleared his throat. “Obviously, Ellen and I couldn’t have gotten this place ready in time by ourselves. Thanks to all of you, we got ’er done. It’s a fitting tribute to Ian’s choice of good friends.” His gaze traveled to Sally. “And Luke’s—who didn’t stop talking about you all day.”
Sally refused to blush but couldn’t corral the pleased smile that spread of its own accord.
Luke chuckled and rubbed his hand up and down her back, then lifted his glass. “To Ian and good friends.”
“May he rest in peace,” Matt said.
“Hear, hear.” Travis held his glass skyward, as though saluting someone the rest of them couldn’t see.
Sally watched him as he solemnly honored his fallen comrade.
Silence settled over the group for a moment until Daniel coughed self-consciously. “You know, those kids are probably sound asleep by now.”
Sally had been thinking the same thing. Before she could reply, Luke threaded his fingers through hers. “No problem. I’ll carry her back to our cabin.”
“Or…you could let her stay the night again,” Ellen said. “I’m being selfish, of course, but Bridgett’s been so happy since Jen arrived.” A blush tinging her cheeks pink, she stood and started clearing the table.
All hands helped carry the dirty dishes to the sink until the men, with Ellen’s prodding, filed outside and quiet descended on the room. In short order, the kitchen was spotless and the dishwasher purred softly through its cycle.
Sally dried her hands on a kitchen towel. “You look tired.” She smiled at her new friend. “Tell me what I can do to help tomorrow.”
“People don’t come here expecting to have everything done for them. Our guests carry their own luggage and clear their place settings from the table. But…even we have to keep records and pay lodging tax. I feel bad even asking, but if you could drop in about noon and help me get them registered, that would really speed things up.”
“Say no more. I’ll be here.” Sally hung the towel to dry on the oven door. “Well, I’d better go get Jen.”
“Need any help?”
“Thanks, but I’ll grab Luke if she needs to be carried.” Sally appreciated that Ellen didn’t bring up Jen staying over again. After everything that had happened last night with the marshal, she wanted her daughter close.
Jen and Bridgett were sound asleep on the Frozen comforter that topped Bridgett’s princess canopy-style bed. Sally should’ve known, but disappointment bit her anyway as she halted just inside the door. For a moment, she stood watching her daughter in peaceful sleep while she made up her mind. Then, carefully covering both girls, she left them there.
Luke and Ellen stood in the open doorway of the cabin when Sally descended the stairs.
Ellen turned toward her, and her gaze swept to the upper floor. “Asleep?”
“I didn’t have the heart to wake her. I’ll leave her, if you’re sure you don’t mind.”
“She’ll be fine here, and don’t worry about coming early to get her. We’re going to take it easy around here in the morning.”
Leaning against the doorframe, Luke studied Sally. “Are you sure, sunshine? I don’t mind packing her back to our place.”
Luke’s sincerity was obvious in his expression, and she loved him for it. Meeting his gaze and holding it, she shook her head. “I think Ellen’s right.”
Daniel entered the cabin at that moment, pushing through the small group standing around the door. “My wife is always right. What’s she right about this time?”
“That Jen will sleep here tonight.” Sally caught Ellen’s gaze and the woman nodded.
“I can’t believe you even tried to argue with her,” Daniel said as he edged Luke and Sally toward the doorway. “You two go on now…and have fun.”
When they stepped onto the front porch, Daniel closed the door in their faces.
Sally raised an eyebrow and glanced at Luke. He stared at her, intensity in his gaze. His slow, sexy smile woke the butterflies in her stomach as he reached for her hand. “You heard the man, sunshine.”
* * * *
“Regrets?” Luke slung his arm around Sally’s shoulders as they left Daniel’s cabin, partly because of the chill in the night air and partly because of her sudden silence. If she’d made the wrong call, there was still time to fix things.
She glanced up with a smile. “No, not at all.” A tiny shrug lifted one shoulder. “Maybe I feel a little guilty leaving her. Can we do something fun with Jen tomorrow after the guests are settled?”
“I was going to suggest that. How about fishing? We can take Bridgett too. Give Ellen some time off.”
Sally’s sigh appeared to lift a weight off her. “Jen would love that. You’re so thoughtful, Luke.” An impish grin blossomed on her luscious lips. “Mmm…I’m so turned on right now.”
He laughed aloud. “That’s what does it for you, huh? A thoughtful guy?” Luke dipped his head toward her. “Listen, do me a favor and keep your observation to yourself. If Travis and the guys get hold of that, I’ll never hear the end of it.”
He stopped abruptly and brought her in tightly against him, putting a silencing finger to his lips. What the hell? Was that a flash of light down by the river? Several seconds ticked by and the shiny reflection didn’t reappear. Sally had tensed beside him, and he could have kicked himself for scaring her. “Thought I saw a light near the river, but there’s nothing there now. Just to be on the safe side, though, I’ll have Travis check it out.”
Luke dug his cell phone from his pocket and thumbed to the text message screen. Possible intruder near river below cabin 3. Have a look around?
Almost instantaneously, the reply came. Got your back, Bro.
Luke held Travis’s response out for Sally to read, knowing it would ease her disquiet, as it had his. He was rewarded by her sensuous smile and an arm slipped around his waist as they started walking again. Luke’s suspicion still nagged at him, and he searched the shadows that surrounded the line of cabins, especially the one at the end of the row.
“How did Marshal Lambert find me?” Sally lay her head on his shoulder and looked at him.
He’d wondered when she would ask about the marshal. Luke glanced at her with what he hoped was a reassuring smile, then resumed his scrutiny of the area they yet had to pass through. “I asked him that. Figured it couldn’t hurt to know what we were doing wrong. Lambert said he has a buddy in Huntington.”
“That’s a bit coincidental, isn’t it?”
“Exactly what I said. Apparently, he was already familiar with the town, through his buddy, before he chose it for you. According to him, he called his friend as soon as he heard from you the night of the fire and asked him to keep an eye on you until he got there. Had the nerve to bitch about us taking a little walk through the woods by Aunt Peg’s lodge, but switching vehicles didn’t throw our tail for long. Former military, apparently. He led Lambert right to us.”
Sally was silent for a few seconds, no doubt digesting that bit of information. Travis, Coop and MacGyver would probably be skirting the river by now, but Luke would never see them. They were too good at what they did.
“How did you leave it with him? He is still alive, isn’t he? Will he come after us again?” Sally’s brow furrowed and worry deepened the crease on her forehead.
Luke shrugged. “He’s alive…although he’ll probably have a hell of a headache for a few days.”
Sally groaned and covered her face.
“He was pissed as hell, but I convinced him we had everything under control. That instead of trying to make you disappear, he should be enlisting some of his buddies to find out what the hell Brennan is up to. It wasn’t an easy sell, but he eventually came around. He even said to call if we needed anything. I think my charm won him over.”
“Charm, huh?”
“Careful.” Luke’s gaze came back to her. “I can be charming when I put my mind to it.”
“I know. Why do you think I’m here?”
Approaching their cabin at last, dark forms suddenly materialized in front of them. Luke had half-expected them, but Sally drew in a sharp breath. He was pretty sure his arm around her stopped her from giving one of them a black eye before they stepped from the shadows into enough light to be recognized.
Sally dropped her hands to her hips. “Didn’t you ever learn not to sneak up on a person?” Her accusing words brought low laughter.
“Not really, ma’am,” MacGyver said. “Just the opposite.”
“No sign of anyone.” Travis was taking care of business. “We checked around the cabins. Yours too. Nothing. We’ll take another run through in a couple of hours, just in case. Not like you to see things.”
“Thanks, fellas.” Luke clapped Travis’s shoulder, wondering how to break the news about all the things he’d seen that weren’t really there since he’d returned from Afghanistan. Maybe it was a conversation for another day.
“Anything for you, Luke.” Coop tipped his ball cap to Sally as he strode by. “’Night, Sally.”
“Good night, Coop.”
MacGyver headed out too, nodding to Sally and slapping Luke’s back. Travis was the last to go, and he seemed to disappear into the shadows the same way he’d come. Luke opened the door and ushered her inside.
“Too tired for a shower?” Luke strode toward the bedroom, hoping it wasn’t too late to get her mind off the scare he’d given her needlessly.
“Yes, but it doesn’t matter. I can’t go to bed like this. Besides, didn’t you promise to wash me?”
Luke stopped in his tracks and turned slowly to face her. A grin was trying to slip free, but he wouldn’t let it…not yet. He took a lazy step back toward her. “I did say that.” Another step. “Are you up for that?”
She shrugged. “I think so. Are you?”
He covered the distance between them until they were a foot apart. “Oh, I’m definitely on board. You know we’ll both be naked, right?”
“I assumed. Anything else I should know?” A sexy little grin rode her lips.
He leaned toward her and kissed both eyes and her nose before his mouth came down on hers, and he put all his longing for her into the kiss. When he came up for air, her eyelids remained closed for a few seconds before she opened them and pinned him with the darkest blue eyes he’d ever seen.
Luke linked his hand with hers and led her toward the bedroom. “I’ll get the water warmed up. Join me whenever you’re ready.” He dropped a kiss on the column of her throat before he kicked off his boots and strode toward the bathroom. A minute later, his clothes lay in a pile near the wall and the hot, steamy water cascaded over his shoulders. Soaping a washrag, he removed the sweat and grime from the day’s work, then shampooed his hair. Sally still hadn’t appeared.
Just when he gave in to the conclusion she’d bowed out of their little rendezvous, a shadow slid in front of the lights. Luke glanced over as she pulled the shower door open a few inches.
She froze there. Luke stood still while her gaze slid over his body, starting with the scar, front and center on his chest, from a bullet he’d stopped on the day he was rescued. She paled but eventually moved on to his scarred back and shoulders, where his captors had sliced open his flesh time and time again. There was hardly a spot on his torso that didn’t bare some reminder of his imprisonment.
He didn’t need to be reminded—he remembered only too well.
Would she be able to cope with the stark evidence of his torture? Apprehensive that she might not be able to handle it, he waited for her to say something, turn away or join him in the shower.
Pushing the door open farther, Luke held his hand out to her. “Come on in. The water’s just right.”
Her gaze darted to his and held for the longest few seconds of his life before the corners of her mouth curved upward ever so slightly. This time, her bold gaze traveled over him like a slow caress, and his body reacted instantly, his manhood hardening to an incessant ache.
A sultry smile settled on her lips and made his heart do a little flip as she placed her hand in his and stepped over the edge of the shower.
Sweet Jesus! If he thought she was sexy standing outside the shower naked, it was nothing compared to her naked and wet. When she reached for him, curling her hand around his rigid shaft, he nearly lost his footing.
Sally gazed at him, a sly smile taking up residence on her beautiful face. “Tell me if I’m doing it wrong.” Without waiting for a reply, she dropped to her knees.
A groan worked free from Luke’s throat as her tongue spiraled up one side of his member and down the other. His eyes rolled back in his head when the tip disappeared between her full lips. As she took him deep, Luke ground his teeth against the release that was building, while fighting the urge to place his hand on the back of her head and direct her movements. With seemingly expert technique, she brought him to the edge of reason, and it was with supreme effort he kept from tipping over the edge.
So aroused it hurt, he pushed her away. Then, releasing a feral growl, he quickly lifted her to her feet, thinking only of his need to be inside her. Unexpectedly, Sally jerked free of his hands and shrank from him. As he met her gaze, uncertainty, bordering on fear, hardened her expression for a heartbeat…and then it was gone. Shit. He’d been too damn rough and he’d frightened her. Instant self-recrimination sucker-punched him.
Holding her gaze, he reached for her, raking his fingers through her hair, and drew her slowly closer until his lips met hers. She tensed but didn’t resist. After a few seconds, she relaxed into him and responded with desire matching his. A sigh of relief escaped, and Luke mentally cataloged the incident for another time. Even so, anger still simmered deep down. Someone had used sex to hurt her. He’d bet on it, and his money was on Jen’s father. They’d never spoken of him, yet Sally had managed to convey to Luke that the topic wasn’t open for discussion. Sooner or later, he’d convince her to talk to him, and if he found that the man who’d fathered Jen had put the look of fear in Sally’s eyes in a moment that should be comprised of complete trust—heaven help him.
Luke plucked another washrag from the rack and slowly covered it with soap. Sally watched him, biting her bottom lip.
“Turn around, sunshine.” He breathed the words against her ear.
A shudder passed quickly through her, and she complied with a nervous squeak.
Luke grinned in response. Wrapping one arm around her to hold her in place, he started with her neck and shoulders, rubbing the soapy rag from left to right.
“Raise your arms.” She complied without hesitation and, looking over her shoulder, he glimpsed the smile that turned up the corner of her mouth as he spread soap from the tip of one hand, across her breasts to the other.
She giggled and bent forward when he got to her ribs, stomach and the sensitive skin at the apex of her legs. He had to bite back an expletive when her sexy backside brushed the length of his hard-on.
“Spread your legs.”
Sally straightened, pushing her hair back from her face, and slid one foot over about six inches.
“More.” Luke nipped her earlobe and soothed the bite with his tongue.
“What? No.”
“Do it.” Luke kissed the pulsing vein in her neck, bending her sideways until her legs parted to keep her balance. “Good girl. Now, don’t move.”
“Um…you’ve gotten a little bossy, sailor.”
He brought the soapy rag down her back and across the cheeks of her delectable ass, eliciting a shiver from her, but she stood her ground. Stepping around in front of her, he knelt. “Grab my shoulders.”
“I’m okay.”
“Suit yourself.” Luke soaped the rag again, slowly, enjoying the view from his position. His eyes on her, he finished bathing her legs from thighs to toes, paying close attention to her hair-covered mound and the slickness of her folds. Her breath had picked up over the past few minutes, as had the pulse in her neck, and her dark eyes watched his every move. He tugged her farther under the spray of water and let his hands slide over her silken skin as the soap suds ran off her in foamy rivulets.
He leaned toward her, placing his mouth over the swollen kernel at her core and sucked. Sally arched into him even as his name tore from her throat. Her legs gave out, and he caught her in his arms as she collapsed. He slid down to sit on the bottom of the compact shower stall with her on his lap while she trembled under the force of her climax. The way she responded to his touch…his kiss…his voice in her ear…was so damn hot.
After a few minutes, Sally’s hand came up to cover her face. “You have to stop doing that.”
Luke nuzzled her ear. “Is that really what you want?”
“Yes. No. No, of course not. But you could warn me.”
Luke barked out a laugh. Then he leaned over her. “We’re running short on hot water. Besides, I forgot to grab a condom, and I’m not done yet. I want to be inside you. Are you ready?” He breathed the words against her mouth.
She pulled him closer. “I’m always ready for you.”
Her words wrapped a layer of warmth around his heart. They sounded closer to permanent than anything she’d said so far. He’d already decided he wouldn’t give her up without a fight…and he could fight dirty if he had to, but it’d be the answer to his dreams if she wanted him badly enough to make fighting unnecessary.
He helped her out of the shower, towel drying her tenderly, and then she did the same for him. When he couldn’t wait another second, he scooped her up, strode to the bed and tossed her onto the soft mattress. Ripping open the waiting condom, he rolled it on and crawled to the center of the bed.
“Care to make a little wager?” Luke braced himself over her, enjoying the instant challenge in her eyes.
“What kind of wager?”
“I bet you’ll have a second orgasm before I have one.”
“Oh, please. That would be some kind of a feat, considering I’m still breathless from the last one.”
His muscles flexed as he shifted to bury himself in her warmth, the action sending a tremor through his body and producing a comfortable feeling of being home. He gritted his teeth and pushed deep. “Have a little faith, sunshine. I bet I can make you come all night long.”
Sally tipped her head back and considered him with what appeared to be doubt. “Big words, sailor.”
“Consider yourself warned.” Luke brushed her lips with infinite care, moving slowly down her throat to the fullness of her breast, pleased by the way her pulse leaped in the hollow of her throat as he stroked the pebbled tips with his tongue. He had all night…and either way it went was a win.