Chapter 4
In only a short time, the cave was warm enough for them to remove their heavy outer layers, and they had a hot meal ready to eat. They took their plates of food over to the couch by the fire and ate in silence until the worst of their hunger was gone. “This is wonderful; it’s hard to believe that we’re in the middle of the wilderness.”
“I love coming up here; it’s like camping but much easier and the food always tastes better.” Flynn said, taking Tani’s plate to the sink. “I brought desert, too.”
When he turned around, he was holding a small white box which he sat in her lap. She couldn’t help but squeal a little when she opened it to find chocolate-covered strawberries. “Oh, you remembered that I like these.” She said, her voice husky with emotion.
Flynn sat down next to her and took the largest strawberry out of the box, “I can’t forget the look on your face when you talked about them.” He said, holding the strawberry up for her to take a bite.
Tani couldn’t help but moan when she tasted the sweet berry mixed with the creamy chocolate, “Oh, those are the best I’ve ever tasted.” She said licking the chocolate off her lips nearly driving Flynn crazy.
“While you’ve been dreaming of chocolate covered strawberries, I’ve been dreaming about how they would taste in your mouth.” Flynn said, then cupped her face in his hands and kissed her.
This kiss was like none he’d ever given her before — it was soft and sensual, full of the promise of what could be between them. Tani wanted to give into the kiss but she was suddenly afraid of how strong her feelings were, if she let this go to the next level it could be disastrous for her heart. Nothing would or could ever come of this, they were simply two people thrown together for a short period of time, and she wasn’t even sure he felt the same way she did.
But while her mind was telling her one thing, her body was telling her something different, pleasure and desire soon blocking out her better sense. When Flynn’s hands began to roam over her body she responded by running her hands over his chest, loving the feel of his strong muscles under her hands. Flynn moaned and slid one hand up her ribcage to cup her breast, sending a new wave of pleasure through her and making her nipple so hard it showed through her thick sweater.
Flynn found that nipple with his thumb and finger and gently squeezed, making Tani gasp and squirm in his arms. The pleasure he was creating made her throw her head back, each gentle squeeze fueling her desire even further. He took advantage of her exposed neck and began to nibble, while he slid his hand up and under her sweater until he had her breast in his hand. Finding the nipple, he began his sweet torture again, until Tani was desperate for more.
But when Flynn slid his hand down to her legs the box of strawberries went tumbling to the floor of the cave, shattering the moment as the strawberries went tumbling out. Tani came to her senses much too quickly, her head spinning and her body humming. No man had ever made her feel the way Flynn just had, and to make matters worse, she was already half in love with him. Sleeping with him would only make that worse and she’d be leaving in a couple of days, she was afraid that if she took things that far it would hurt too much to leave.
“Oh, the strawberries.” She said, trying to distract Flynn long enough to pull her sweater down where he’d pushed it up, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
Flynn bent and picked up the strawberries knowing that he’d pushed things too far. Tani was like a drug he couldn’t get enough of, she made him feel things he’d never felt before, things that he’d thought he might never feel. But that was no excuse for bring her up here and trying to seduce her.
“It’s okay only a couple got dirty.” He said, showing her the inside of the box where most of the strawberries were still nestled in their wrappers.
Tani was frantically searching for something to say, some way to make Flynn understand that she wasn’t ready for anything more. “Umm, Flynn. I don’t… I mean…”
“Hey, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed you. We’ve only known each other for a few days, but I have to be honest when I’m with you sometimes all I can think about is kissing you.” Tani opened her mouth to say something but he stopped her, “But I can be happy with only that, I don’t want you to do something you’ll regret later.” Then he pulled her into his arms until her head was resting on his chest to show her that it wasn’t only about the incredible desire he felt for her.
They spent the afternoon feeding the fire and talking about nothing, but as the afternoon drew to a close Tani began to wish that they didn’t have to go home. “I wish we could stay here forever. It’s so quiet and peaceful.”
“I know. I love my brother but this wedding is going to kill me. When I get married I’m going to Vegas and get it over quick.” Flynn said. “What about you? Most women have their perfect wedding all planned out.”
Tani felt his words as much as she heard them and stiffened in his arms, but when the wave of pain that usually came with the mention of her wedding didn’t come she relaxed again. “I umm… well I almost got married once, but the ceremony wouldn’t have been like anything you’ve ever seen.”
Flynn waited for her to continue but when she didn’t. He understood that she didn’t want to say more and changed the subject, “Well, it’s going to be Vegas for me if that day ever comes.” He said, getting to his feet and pulling her with him. “For now, I’m happy that I’ve been able to enjoy the company of a beautiful and interesting woman.”
Tani found it easy to go into his arms and as she wrapped her arms around him, she wished that her past was different, that she could believe in what she was feeling for Flynn. But she didn’t trust herself, she’d chosen badly in the past, this might be no different. “I guess we should be heading back, it’s getting late.”
“I’m ready when you are. Although I have to admit that the only thing that’s going to get me through the next few days is knowing that you’ll be with me.” Flynn said, sealing his words with a kiss.
The rehearsal dinner was not that much different than the other parties they’d attended and the group wasn’t much smaller, but Tani had gotten to know the Coldwater Canyon friends and relatives and found that it was a group she was more than happy to spend time with. But she was nervous for the wedding which would be attended by people from not only the canyon but from as far away as Australia. Since it was a night wedding everyone would be in full evening wear, the men in tuxedos and the women in evening gowns.
Of all the clothes that Marissa had picked out for her, the evening gown she was supposed to wear to the wedding was by far the most daring. Cut to fit her perfectly, the flowing gown in the deepest shade of purple was perfect for her, accentuating her curvy figure and bring out the green in her eyes as well as the red in her hair. But it was also cut low in the back and front, and allowed for only the skimpiest pair of panties and no bra, and she wasn’t sure she could go through with wearing it.
As if she’d been reading her mind, Leslie showed up just as Tani was rifling through her closet for something else to wear. “Why aren’t you dressed yet? We need to leave in ten minutes.” She said, when she saw Tani still in her robe.
“Leslie, I just don’t think I can wear this.” Tani said, holding up the dress.
“Oh yes you can. You’ve got the most handsome and available man eating out of your hand already, I can’t wait to see his face when he sees you in this.” Leslie said, taking the dress from Tani and pulling it off the hanger. “You march into that bathroom and put this on right now.”
Flynn was watching the door anxiously, all day he’d been worried that Tani might change her mind at the last minute and not come to the wedding and he wouldn’t have blamed her if she didn’t. It was true that they’d had fun together that week but there had also been a few very difficult moments. It seemed like no matter where they went there was some woman who just had to try to get between them, he’d been prepared for some negative feeling from a few of the woman he’d dated in the canyon but he hadn’t expected the full -n assault they’d faced.
Flynn had been popular with the opposite sex for as long as he could remember, it was his good looks coupled with his amiable personality that did it for most and his money that did it for the rest. His mother had taught him well though and he was always careful to fend off the most aggressive and choose carefully from the rest. He’d done the same in Coldwater Canyon, with the exception of Lauren, who had turned out to be from that group who were after his money. Only after he’d gotten deeply involved with her did she show her true colors, demanding a new saddle for their three-month anniversary as if she was owed something.
What had started out so promising had turned to nothing virtually overnight when he’d seen what she was really like, the relationship only lasting a few more weeks before he just couldn’t stand to be around her. She’d been the worst of the women who’d made their disappointment in his choice of a date clear to everyone around them. In the end, she was quietly escorted out of the dinner party they were attending.
Tani had handled the situation with grace, but they both knew that the wedding could be even worse, made even more daunting by the fact that Flynn would be tied up with official duties leaving her open for attack. He was pacing back and forth across the foyer of the church when the doors opened and a group, including Tani walked through the door. When he saw her, his heart practically stopped beating, she looked radiant with her hair swept up and just a touch of makeup on her face.
He crossed the room in three strides and took her hands in his, “You look beautiful.” He said, his eyes sliding across her face and down to the soft wrap she’d put on over her dress. “Let me help you with that.” He added, unfastening the clasp at her neck and sliding the wrap off her shoulders.
Tani heard Flynn gasp when he saw the dress and was immediately self-conscious. But when Flynn’s eyes met hers all she saw was desire. “I’m not going to be able to let you out of my sight tonight or some other man is going to swoop in and steal you.” He said, then bent and kissed her right there in front of everyone.
She was blushing furiously and a little unsteady on her feet when Flynn finally tucked her arm in his and led her into the church to the front pew. Aware of every eye on her, she concentrated on her steps relieved when she finally sat down next to Leslie. Once she was seated, Flynn took her hand and kissed the inside of her palm, then joined the rest of the best men at the front of the church. There was an audible gasp from the people in the church and several women even awed at the gesture, Leslie elbowed her in the ribs and smiled at her.
“I told you that dress was perfect.” She said, then pointed to the back of the church where the bride was poised to come down the aisle, preventing Tani from making a reply.
The minute she walked out of the church, Flynn took her arm and escorted her across the courtyard to the reception. “I have to go take pictures in a little while, but I’ll get away as soon as I can.” He said, as they walked in the door. “While I’m gone, Mike is going to keep you company.”
Tani watched as a well-dressed man approached them, a huge grin on his face. “You’re actually going to trust me with your date Flynn?” He said, slapping Flynn on the back.
“Not if you keep looking at her like that.” Flynn said, putting his arm around Tani.
Tani elbowed Flynn in the ribs, “I’m perfectly capable of entertaining myself you know.”
“It’s not you I’m worried about.” Flynn said, looking around the room. “It’s the other men here that have me concerned.”
Tani had met Mike before and had found that he was a likable man, he looked so crest fallen that she felt bad. “But if Mike doesn’t mind hanging around with me I’d welcome the company.” Then flashed him a big smile.
“Good, then that’s settled. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Flynn said, kissing her on the cheek before striding out of the room, but when he reached the door he looked back over his shoulder and exchanged a look with Mike that she was sure contained some kind of a warning.
The minute Flynn left the room, Tani was surprised to find herself surrounded by men, which didn’t make the other single women happy, but thanks to Mike they all departed quickly, scared off by the looks he gave them. It wasn’t long before Flynn was back, the rest of the wedding party following right behind him ready for the feast Marissa had arranged for dinner. As the night wore on, Flynn was forced to leave her several times, but each time he did, Mike appeared at her side ready to keep her company until Flynn returned.
Finally, after the father-daughter dance was over, he shooed Mike away and escorted her to the dance floor. “I’m finally done, now I’m all yours for the rest of the night.”
“Flynn, I don’t know how to dance.” Tani was forced to admit when he took her in his arms.
“Don’t worry just follow me and you’ll be fine.” Flynn reassured her as he spun her around.
Tani wasn’t so sure but after only a few minutes she’d picked up the basic steps and was feeling more confident. They stayed on the dance floor until she’d mastered the steps, then out of breath, her feet hurting, they left the dance floor and sat down at a table tucked into a dark corner. She groaned when she sat down, wishing her heels weren’t so high. Now that she’d learned to dance, all she wanted to do was float around the dance floor in Flynn’s arms for the rest of the night, but the way her feet felt that seemed impossible.
Flynn disappeared to get them drinks giving her a second to wiggle her toes and get the circulation going again. When he returned and saw the look on her face, he knelt in front of her and pulled one of her feet into his lap, then slowly unbuckled the strap and slid the shoe off her foot. Tani felt an immediate wave of desire when he ran his hand down her calf to the strap of her shoe which he unbuckled expertly. When he pulled her shoe off, his fingers brushed across the arch of her foot sending another wave of desire rushing through her.
By the time he’d gotten the second shoe off, Tani was practically humming with pleasure, shocked that he could elicit such feelings from simply taking off her shoe. When he began to rub her feet, first one then the other, she thought she would come up off the chair, tackle him right there on the floor. Instead she grabbed the sides of the chair and willed herself to stay seated. When Flynn finally rose from the floor, he took one look at her face and smiled.
“I’ll never understand why women put themselves through such torture.” Flynn said, draping his arm across the back of her chair.
It took Tani a couple of minutes to recover from Flynn’s ministrations, but she finally managed to say, “It wasn’t my idea, it was Marissa’s. So was the dress, I’d never wear anything like this normally.”
“Well, I’m all for the dress but the shoes can go. I can tell they hurt your feet and I want to dance with you all night.”
Tani was more than happy to ditch the shoes so she simply nodded her head and took his hand when he stood up and offered it to her. They spent the rest of the evening on the dance floor, Flynn pointedly refusing to give her up when other men tried to break in and dance with her. The night was beginning to take on a fairy tale feel as they spun and twisted around the floor, Flynn’s arms locked around her as if he never wanted to let her go.
That was exactly what Flynn was thinking as they danced, he’d finally found a woman that he felt a connection with and he had no intention of letting it go when she left. As they danced, he made a decision about his future, he was going to Colorado. He’d only known Tani for a few days, but when he was with her he felt alive, like life finally had something wonderful to offer him.
It would be months before he could leave, but once he was free he’d go straight to the Terrell ranch in Colorado. Not only was Tani there, but once there, he could explore their therapy program and see if it was the solution to what he was going to do with his life. Suddenly life seemed full of so many possibilities; he wanted to tell Tani about his decision but it seemed to soon, a lot could happen in the next few months and he didn’t want to disappoint her if he couldn’t get there that soon.
They were both sorry when the band finally quit. It was late but neither wanted to see the night end. Tani would be leaving the next day for home and it felt like they were living on borrowed time, like this last night might be the last time they’d see each other. When Flynn gently put her wrap on her shoulders and fastened the clasp he couldn’t help but pull her into his arms and kiss her. It was a brief kiss, but Tani understood what he was feeling because she felt it too, and in that moment, she made a decision, a decision she’d have never even considered only a week ago.
When they got to his truck, he helped her inside, then got behind the wheel. “I had a wonderful night.” He said as he started the truck.
“I did too.” Tani said, her heart hammering in her chest, then before she could chicken out, she added. “I’d like to see where you live Flynn.”
Flynn was so surprised by her words that it took him a second to respond, “Are you sure? I live in the vet clinic, it’s just a tiny apartment.”
Tani was touched that he’d given her a way out of her impulsive words, but she’d made up her mind. Even as inexperienced as she was, she knew that what she and Flynn shared was something special and it would be a mistake not to let herself have just one night with him. She’d deal with the pain of leaving him tomorrow, tonight she only wanted to be in his arms.
“I’m sure.” She said, smiling shyly at him, uncomfortable with her new daring.
“I’m glad.” Flynn said, and put the truck in gear.