15
So, what do you think?” Claire asked as they walked across the threshold of the Airbnb that would be their place of residence for the next eleven days. The balloon festival was a nine-day event, but they decided to arrive early to take in the sights before the rest of the tourists got there. Neither of them had ever been to New Mexico before.
Logan let out a whistle. “Nice accommodations, Claire, and I love that view.”
He was talking about the mountains they could see out the living room window. This particular home, located in the Rio Grande Valley, was spacious, but then, if they were staying for eleven days, the space might come in handy. A huge fireplace of white brick was erected in the corner of the room and she could imagine a fire blazing in it on a cold night. The floors were a marble tile that had a just polished look. A loveseat and sectional sofa faced the hearth, as well as a huge throw rug with pillows, in case someone was inclined to relax on the floor in front of the fire.
The kitchen was massive and so were all the other rooms. There were four bedrooms in all, and three bathrooms. Like the lodge, it also had a split bedroom concept. She had reserved this place before they left DC, long before she’d decided she wanted to indulge in an affair with Logan.
The flight from Arizona had been enjoyable. And she’d learned that planes weren’t the only means of transportation he had a fondness for. He’d told her of his love for boating and how much he liked his home on Tampa Bay. He’d even invited her to visit him. But she put that down to friendship. He wasn’t yet aware of what she had in store for him.
“So, what do we do first?” he asked.
She glanced over at him. That was definitely a loaded question. “I guess we should unpack. The weather is nicer than what I thought it would be. I might have to go shopping for lighter clothing.”
“You might want to wait a day,” he said, still glancing around. “I understand the days might be warm with a little wind, but the nights can get rather chilly.”
She nodded. “I can’t wait to see all the balloons fill the sky. I bet they’re beautiful.”
He glanced at his watch. “How about if we unpack, then rest up a bit before dinner.”
She smiled over at him. “Sounds like a plan. I understand downtown Albuquerque is the place to be at night, with all the clubs, theaters and restaurants. Think you’ll feel like going dancing later?”
He chuckled. “I’m sure I can handle it. I’m only forty, Claire. Not one hundred and forty.”
“Just checking,” she teased. She then glanced at her own watch. “You want to meet up back here in a couple of hours? That will give us time to unpack and grab a nap.”
“That sounds good to me.”
“Great!” She then headed for the bedroom she would be using.
Claire wasn’t sure why she was still reeling with excitement after unpacking. Maybe it was what Asia had said--she’d taken her blinders off and was seeing Logan through different eyes. She’d always known he was handsome and that he was someone whose company she enjoyed, but now there was more to it. And she was discovering just how much more there was to him.
He was a master pilot and she enjoyed seeing how he navigated the plane. Watching his capable hands work the numerous instruments had been a total turn-on…especially when she thought of those same hands touching her.
And he was a great conversationalist. He was well-versed in a number of topics and so was she, which meant they always had interesting conversations. They didn’t always agree on things, but she enjoyed debating and sharing her thoughts with him.
Her phone beeped, letting her know she had a text coming in. Grabbing for her phone, she saw it was from Asia.
Back in DC?
She texted back. No. Just arrived in New Mexico.
It took a few moments before Asia texted back.
I hope U know what U R doing.
Claire responded.
I do. Next time I will call U. Bye.
She then placed her phone aside, hoping what she’d just told Asia was the truth.
She pulled out the outfit she intended to wear tonight--a dress she’d brought along on a whim, not sure she would use it. It was perfect for dancing and she couldn’t wait for Logan to see her in it. If this didn’t get his blood simmering, she didn’t know what would.
“How do I look, Logan?”
Logan turned and had to fight to keep his jaw from dropping. “Wow.” She looked good. Then he decided she looked better than good, she looked amazing. He’d seen her dazzled up before at Lance and Asia’s wedding, then again at Lyle and Monique’s. However, the dress she was wearing now was definitely designed to call a man’s attention to certain things. Like her legs.
He’d always known she had a gorgeous pair, but this dress, with a hem-line just above the knees, placed an emphasis on just how stunning they were. And the dress itself was designed to accentuate her every shapely curve. The bodice of the sleeveless off-white embroidered dress highlighted the firm shape of her breasts, showing just how lavishly endowed she was. Not too much and definitely not too little. She looked sleek, sophisticated and sexy. He would even throw svelte in, for good measure.
“Well, aren’t you going to say anything?”
Logan bit down on his lip, thinking there was a lot he could say, but thought it best to play it cool. Besides, he was sure his expression, and the way his eyes had roamed over her, said it all. Evidently not. “You look great, Claire.”
“Thanks,” she said smiling. “I feel great. You look good, too.”
He looked down at himself. He was wearing a pair of black slacks, a white shirt and blue jacket. “Thanks. Just a little something I threw together.” He checked his watch. “Ready?”
“Definitely. I just need to grab my purse.”
“And I suggest you snag a jacket. It’s a bit cool outside.”
She walked back toward her bedroom and he watched as the mass of beautiful dark hair cascaded around her shoulders. He doubted if she had any idea what she did to him. He was trying to take things slowly, but that outfit was making it hard.
His plan was to take things moment by moment. If he picked up any vibes coming from her tonight, he would act on them. If not, he wouldn’t. He believed her when she’d told him that she was not interested in having a serious relationship with a man. Then again, when she’d told him, he hadn’t had a chance to change her mind. Now, he was determined to win her over, and the time they were spending together was crucial in him reaching that goal.
“I’m ready, Logan.”
So was he.
A couple of hours later, Logan took Claire’s hand and led her onto the dance floor. Dinner had been great and after leaving the restaurant, they headed across the street to Club Temptation. A couple they’d met at the restaurant had told them it was the place to go for dancing.
It was obvious that downtown Albuquerque was perfect for anyone who enjoyed the nightlife. Logan hadn’t known what to expect, but luckily, they’d arrived early enough to snag a table. Although the festival didn’t start for a couple more days, a lot of people seemed to have come to town early. The place was packed.
On the flight to New Mexico, Claire had talked a little about the bad dream she’d had and expressed her desire to relax and have fun while they were in Albuquerque. He intended to make sure that happened.
They started off with a fast number and although he wouldn’t consider himself a great dancer, he was able to keep up with Claire on the dance floor. He liked the way her hair would move in a glossy mane around her shoulders, drawing emphasis to her long slender neck and the smoothness of her cocoa-colored complexion.
“You’re good, Logan.”
He laughed. “Why? Because I’m keeping up with you?”
“That, too. But you’ve got great moves.”
He decided not to mention the moves she hadn’t seen yet. “You’ve got great moves, too.” Lord knows she did. Her limbs were loose, graceful and fluid and her symmetrical abilities were astounding. He could see her being a professional dancer in another life. He loved seeing how her body moved around to the beat of the music, both regal and wild. She looked like sex walking and danced that way as well. He had noticed the way other men were looking at her and then at him, with envy in their eyes.
The song came to an end and a slow tempo began flowing through the sound system in the huge room. One thing Logan liked about this particular night club was that in addition to the huge inside dance floor, there was another one on a huge outside patio, if someone was inclined to dance beneath the stars. He intended to make sure they did before leaving.
He pulled Claire into his arms, not giving her a chance to protest. He had cut a few moves with her, but now, he needed to have the warmth of that curvaceous body close to his. The last time they’d come this close, chest to breast, had been when she’d cried in his arms. Now, he wanted her there for another reason. He wanted her there just because he could have her there.
Claire tipped her head up and gazed into his eyes. He wondered what she saw. Did she see the love shining there, or the need that had begun building inside him since the day she’d opened her door for him in DC? As she gazed up into his eyes, he couldn’t help but look into hers. What he saw there was…curiosity. He wasn’t a complicated man--he loved life and he loved his work. And though she didn’t know it yet, he loved her.
Deciding to get conversation started, he asked, “What are you thinking?”
Claire wished Logan hadn’t asked her that. There was no way she could tell him that, at that moment, she was overwhelmed by how good-looking he was. Being held in his arms was sending all kinds of sensuous vibes through her. She’d discovered his muscular physique had made him the perfect dance partner. They had connected on the dance floor and a part of her couldn’t help wondering if that connection would extend to the bedroom.
Knowing he was waiting for a response, she said, “I am thinking how lucky I am to be here with you. You’re giving me an opportunity of a lifetime, to see several things on my bucket list. I was also appreciating what great company you are. A girl couldn’t ask for better.”
That was the truth. When she’d needed a shoulder to cry on, he’d given her his broad ones. When she needed to have fun, he had found ways to make her laugh. And when she’d needed to relax, unwind and express herself, he’d come up with scenarios that allowed that, too.
She really enjoyed having dinner with him. When they dined together, they talked. She was getting to know him better and hopefully, he was starting to understand her, too. He’d told her about his complex feelings regarding his mother, and she’d shared how forlorn she’d been when she’d lost her father when she was a little girl.
Claire had enjoyed taking “girls’ trips” before, but being with Logan offered something totally different. In fact, she was beginning to regret being attracted to him since there was a chance that it could ruin their time together. She had no reason to believe that just because she had the hots for him, he’d feel the same about her. Other than the time she’d caught him checking her out from behind, he’d acted as a friend would.
“You smell good.”
“Thanks.” He’d told her that before, a number of times. “So do you.” And he did smell good.
Was she imagining things, or did he just tighten his arms around her. Imagining or wishing. “Dinner was nice,” she said, liking how in tune they were with the music.
“I thought so, too. Once again, you selected a nice place for us,” he said, his voice low and husky, close to her ear.
“Umm.” She placed her head on his shoulder. For some reason, she liked it there, whether she was crying or not. But she was caught off guard when his hand began stroking her back in slow, gentle caresses. She could feel her breasts beginning to swell while pressed against his chest and wondered if he could feel them as well.
“So, what are our plans for tomorrow, Claire?”
She lifted her head and met his gaze. Immediately, she wished she hadn’t. Just looking into those eyes at such close range was sending all kinds of sensations through her.
When it came to men, she’d never reached a crisis point. Like most single women, she kept a boy-toy handy and that was good enough for her. Granted, she’d never thought it was a good replacement for the real thing, but it had been satisfying enough to suit her needs. Now she was beginning to wonder about the real thing…and how it would be with Logan.
She drew in a slow, calming breath. Why was he staring at her this way? Surely, he could feel the intense simmering awareness between them. Suddenly, she felt hot.
“Are you okay, Claire?”
How could he honestly ask her that? She searched his face for any sign that he knew what he was doing to her, see the sensual longing he was making her feel. “It’s getting pretty warm in here, don’t you think?” she asked, doubting he had a clue just what kind of heat was consuming her.
“Then let’s finish the dance outside.” Taking her hand, he led her out to the dance floor on the patio. There was so much greenery surrounding the area, it reminded her of a tropical rain forest. Only one other couple was outside with them. But they were so wrapped up in each other, Claire doubted they noticed their space was being invaded.
“It’s a beautiful night,” Claire said, as Logan pulled her into his arms. Only the change of venue didn’t bring any of the relief she craved. There was something about his closeness, of being held in his arms under the beautiful night sky that caused a sense of longing to flow through her bloodstream, drugging her senses, lulling her into a state of yearning she’d never felt before.
“Look up.”
“What?” she asked, trying not to focus on the shape of his lips whenever he moved them.
“I want you to look up.”
She did and saw the stars dominating the darkened New Mexico sky. “Umm, what am I looking for?”
“Twinkling stars. You recall what I told you about them when we were in Arizona?”
How could she forget? She had expected and wanted a hot and steamy kiss, but all she’d gotten was a peck on the lips. “I remember.” She switched her gaze from the sky, back to him. “Can I get another kiss, Logan? For lasting prosperity?”
“You definitely can.” He then lowered his mouth to hers.