Chapter Six
Noah wasn’t the only July guy to make her laugh. All her guys had, of course. She loved to laugh. Unlike Noah’s assertion, Anita didn’t think they’d been using her for sex. If anything, it had been the other way around, hadn’t it? She’d never thought about it that way before, and she didn’t like what that might say about her.
No, it had been mutual enjoyment. Of that, she was sure.
Most of them had been charmers. Of course, she’d known the charm was put on. It had been for her benefit while she was there, and they would be off charming someone else once she was gone. That was the way she’d wanted it. Fun to be with, great for sex, but not at all tempting to pursue further.
Noah was a different type of man from the others, but he wasn’t tempting, either. Not even with his bottle of her favorite wine and the handful of wildflowers…that reminded him of her. No. No man would tempt her. And that was the way she wanted it. She could handle some bottles of wine, bouquets of flowers, and candlelight dinners. Talk about fun. She could enjoy her month with Noah and leave with no regrets. She’d be going back to the life she’d worked hard to build for herself. No man was going to screw that up.
In the meantime, she’d get the house renovated and sold for enough money to keep her mother safe and secure. She’d paint a canvas or two and get the house cleaned out. And she’d spend hot, steamy nights with a handsome salvage man. There was no downside to that plan.
So Anita picked up the heavy vase of beautiful flowers. She didn’t do many still life paintings, but the urge to see those colorful flowers bursting from a canvas made her pause. Noah was waiting for her, though, so she said, “You’ll find some glasses in the cabinet on the end. Grab a couple and the bottle and follow me.” She led him out to the weathered back deck and set the vase on the table beside them.
“New pillows?” Noah commented when he joined her.
“You do pay attention.” She loved the wide stripes of turquoise and white. “I picked them up this afternoon. Hope they’re as comfortable as they look.”
“I did some research on this house after you left this afternoon,” Noah told her. “I found some old pictures that show a big porch here facing the lake. It must have been removed at some point, probably when it needed repairs, and the deck built instead.”
“I’d love to see the pictures.” In fact, there might be photos of the original porch in those albums she hadn’t looked through yet.
“Sure. I wondered if you would want to replace the porch while we’re doing renovations?”
She could picture a wide, welcoming porch with woodwork to match the gingerbread decorating the roofline. Wicker furniture facing the water. Children running up and down the stairs, screaming with laughter. Old folks in rocking chairs smiling indulgently. Sitting on a swing with a glass of wine and Noah beside her.
What? No. “Sounds expensive and probably not necessary.”
Noah shrugged lazily. “It would be the crowning touch to bring the house all the way back to its former glory.”
“All I want is for it to be in good enough shape to bring a good price when it’s sold.”
“Of course, but a beautiful porch to go along with that view would surely add value to the house.”
“Wait a minute. Former glory? Where did I see that term recently?” It didn’t take Anita long to remember. “It was on that Facebook post Ginny showed me. No wonder you want to convince me to allow you to add a porch to the front of the house. It will help your campaign, won’t it, Noah?”
“I thought you were okay with that.” He scrubbed his hand over his face. “Forget I said anything. Yes, it would be more historically accurate, and it would also be a great selling point. But I understand this entire renovation is going to cost you a lot of money. You don’t need to add to that. Never mind.”
Anita poured two glasses of wine and took a sip while she thought it over. “You’re right, of course. It would be a great selling feature. Aggie’s surprise money is helping pay for the work, so it’s not that big a deal. Go ahead. You convinced me.”
One side of his mouth quirked up. They relaxed into the lounge chairs again, and Anita sighed with pleasure. Good pillows were always worth the money.
“So there’s you and Carter and Beckett. Any other sons in Colburn and Sons?”
“Just the three of us.”
“And you don’t have any sons to pass the business to?”
“No. Twin daughters. Sarah and Hannah.”
“So you’ll have to update the business name to Sons and Daughters.”
“No. My girls have made it clear they’ve had more than enough old wood and rusty metal to last them the rest of their lives.”
“How old are they?”
“Seventeen.”
“They could change their minds. At seventeen, I wanted to be an actress.”
“Maybe.”
“Your brothers have sons?”
“No. Carter doesn’t have any kids. Never married. Beckett is a single father of a daughter, but he’s young enough to have more kids if he finds the right woman. Guess Carter could, too.”
“You’re not too old to have a son, either, you know.” She acknowledged the brief twinge of regret before she pushed it away. Children had never been a part of her life plan.
Noah shrugged and looked out over the water. The gentle slap of the waves was a pleasant background sound she’d miss when she was back home.
After gazing at the water for a few minutes, she remembered something else she wanted to ask Noah about.
“Your brother said something about a fiasco this morning. I think it had something to do with the Facebook page. Or your campaign. I’m not sure. Do you know what he was talking about?”
Noah gazed at her over the rim of the wineglass. “Do you remember when we were eating ice cream yesterday?”
“How could I forget?” She took a sip of wine.
“The woman who came over to us? Helen Bradford?”
“Uptight. Way overdressed for a walk-up ice cream shop.”
“That’s her. Her husband, Ethan, is also running for mayor.”
“Oh. Your competition.” Ethan Bradford. She’d heard that name more than once since she’d gotten here.
“Right. Either Helen or one of her friends took a picture of us when we were…enjoying our ice cream.”
“You mean, when it was melting?”
“Our tongues all over each other’s ice cream.” His voice had dropped, the tone sexy as hell.
The sun was setting, but it was getting hot out here. “I remember.”
“They posted the photo of us on Facebook.”
Anita laughed out loud. “Oh. Sorry. That’s probably not funny, but really, that sour expression of hers. We weren’t doing anything wrong.”
“You’re right, but PDAs are frowned upon, especially during a campaign.”
“Seriously?”
“This is a small town, Anita. Bradford will use any and all angles to put me in a bad light.”
“So put the bad light on him.”
“I’d rather shine a brighter light on me.”
Yeah. Noah would do the right thing. She’d learned that about him already. “Of course, that would be the better way. Take the high road. I hope that works for you. Ginny sounds as if she’s got a good grasp on things.”
“I hope so. Both of us have jumped into the deep end without learning to swim.”
“You learn quickly that way.” She’d jumped in with both feet more often than she could count. “Have you seen the responses to Ginny’s post this afternoon?”
He winced. “No, I’m letting her handle that.”
“But you still should keep an eye on it. If you’re depending on a Facebook campaign to reach the voters, you need to keep up on the feedback and comments.”
“You’re right, and I will, but I don’t want to grab my phone right now.” He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. The touch of his lips sent shivers through her body. Other men had made that romantic gesture, but Noah was the only one who’d made it feel real. She didn’t want it to feel real.
Still, she liked feeling as if it were real, if only for the month.
“We’ll check it later.” She studied his profile as he looked back out over the water. Her hand was still cradled in his, propped on his bended knee. Firm jaw. Straight nose. Firm and straight, like the man. He’d given her an unexpected thrill when he’d demanded his own conditions for the fling. None of her other men had ever had conditions.
The fact that he had demands should have been enough for her to send him away. This was her fling. He was her July guy. But it really was their fling. She couldn’t blame him for wanting to have a say in what they did this month. It made her wonder why none of the other men ever had.
And that was enough thinking for tonight. Enough talking for now.
Keeping her hand in his, she rose from the lounge chair and tugged gently. He looked up at her and sent her a smile that could have melted her panties if she’d been wearing any. He rose and walked hand in hand with her into the house and into the bedroom.
…
Noah had only ever had sex with one woman. He and Charlene had fumbled their way through what was the first time for both of them, and over time, they’d discovered what they each liked. But this was different. Anita had enjoyed sex with over twenty men. Were they more experienced with the ways to please a woman? Had some been younger? Older? Probably both. Did it matter?
Anita turned to face him, and Noah knew it didn’t matter at all. He was the one with her now. He was the one she was smiling at. Her hair spilled over her shoulders, the dim overhead light making the strands shimmer. She began to unbutton his shirt, brushing her fingertips over his skin. Her lips followed her fingers down his chest, and his body hardened. He slid his fingers into her hair and murmured her name.
She glanced up at him with a smile. He tugged her close and crushed his mouth to hers. He couldn’t seem to get enough of the taste of her. Of the smooth press of her lips. Of her scent and heat. For an indulgent moment, he buried his face in her hair the way he’d dreamed of earlier, the silky strands tickling and teasing him.
He captured her lips again while he walked his fingers down to her hips and reached the hem of her shirt. He slid his hands beneath the stretchy fabric and found her warm skin. He hummed with pleasure, and he felt her lips curve into a smile. It wasn’t nearly enough skin. He grasped the hem of her shirt and tugged. She stepped back to make enough room to slip her arms out and pull it over her head. The shirt went flying over her shoulder.
He’d known she wasn’t wearing a bra, but when he saw those beautiful breasts bared for him, he let out a long, appreciative sigh. She smiled that knowing smile, and this time, he didn’t mind it. She made short work of the rest of his buttons and tossed his shirt in the direction of hers.
Anita stepped into his arms, and when her bare breasts met his chest, he was in heaven. He wanted to savor the sensation of skin on bare skin, his hands on her smooth back, but she was already rubbing her eager hand along his zipper. He was as hard as he’d ever been beneath her palm. Maybe he’d been foolish to think their first time could be slow and sweet. Not much about Anita was slow or sweet.
The need whipping through his system had him digging a condom packet out of his pocket before kicking off his shoes and shucking his shorts and underwear. He tossed the condom on the mattress. Her gaze on his, Anita shimmied out of her skirt and revealed she was bare underneath. She grinned and opened her hands as if to say ta-da.
He laughed, swept her up into his arms, and carried her the few steps to the bed. She shrieked and joined in with his laughter. He tossed her onto the mattress. He looked down on her for a moment before joining her there, straddling her. Rubbing against her.
“I can’t remember the last time I laughed during sex.” He swept his hands along the swells of her breasts. So soft. “Hell, I don’t remember ever laughing during sex.”
She brushed her hands up his thighs until she reached his erection and gave him a long, hard stroke that made him gasp. “I told you, Noah. Fun.”
Fun. Not emotional. That’s what she meant. He knew that’s the way it would be, should be between them, but he didn’t know any longer if that’s the way he wanted it to be. Still the fire in his blood was beginning to burn away thoughts of anything but burying himself deep inside her welcoming body.
He gently cradled one of her breasts in his hands and leaned over to take the perfect nipple in his mouth. She arched beneath him as he suckled one, then the other. He hadn’t tasted her anywhere near enough when she surprised him by grabbing his shoulders and rolling him onto his back. She straddled him now.
“I like this view,” she said.
“The view is great from this way, too.” Her hair tumbled over her shoulders, hiding most of her pretty breasts, but the nipples peeked out from between the strands like a gift. She picked up the condom packet and ripped it open. After giving him a few good, long strokes with her hand, she rolled the condom over him. He groaned as she rubbed her wet heat over his erection. The blaze within him rapidly grew into an inferno.
Nothing wrong with fast and hot. He flipped her back over again and kissed his way down her body. She wriggled beneath him, clutched his wrists, but she didn’t pull his hands away. Instead, she watched him intently, her eyes dark, intense. When he licked her, she threw back her head and gasped out his name. He held tightly to her hips as he teased her slick flesh and flicked her clitoris with his tongue. She cried out again, and he smiled as she proved his theory that she’d be noisy during sex.
He knew the instant before the orgasm hit her. Her body tensed, her hands tightened on his wrists. She screamed when she came, her body bucking beneath him. A moment later, her fingers scrabbled for his shoulders, and she dragged him up and over her. He plunged into her with one long thrust, and she cried out, “Yes!”
Noah wished he could last longer, but it had been three years, after all. Their eyes met as he rocked over and in her. The intensity of the moment must have been too much for her, because she closed her eyes and turned her head. He cupped her jaw and brought her back to face him. He caught her mouth again as the tension built until he exploded inside her.
They both breathed heavily in the aftermath. He brushed her heavy hair back, tracing his fingers over her face. She closed her eyes again but didn’t move her arms from where they were still wrapped around his waist. How did someone have sex without getting emotionally involved? He didn’t understand.
He rolled off her. The bathroom was upstairs, and he was afraid if he left the bed, she’d be up and dressed and ready for him to leave by the time he got back down the stairs. So he removed the condom and dropped it in the trash basket beside the bed.
If he were smart, he’d get dressed and go home right now, but he knew he wasn’t going to. Just because she didn’t feel anything for him now, didn’t mean she might not with time. They had four weeks to be together. They’d be working side by side on the house. He’d take her out to dinner. He’d show her he was different than all those other guys who didn’t care about her enough to get to know her. Because if they’d gotten to know her, how could they have let her go?
Noah knew he was crazy to be thinking this way. They’d only known each other a couple of days. But the attraction couldn’t be denied.
Yeah, that’s all this was. Lust. He hadn’t had sex in a long time, what had he expected? Instant attraction was something he knew nothing about. Just because they’d had amazing sex, it didn’t mean anything serious would develop between them. She was leaving. Nothing could develop between them.
“Are you okay?”
He didn’t know how long he’d been staring up at the ceiling. He rolled back to pull her into his arms. “Yeah. Wow. Sorry. I think you screwed my brains out. It’s been a while for me.”
She grinned up from where her head rested on his shoulder. “Hey, do you know we might have had sex on thousands of dollars?”
“What?”
“Yeah. You hear of people hiding money under mattresses, right? Aggie stuffed bills into almost every other place. I haven’t lifted the mattress yet to check, but I wouldn’t be surprised.” She rose to her knees, a mischievous look on her face. “Let’s check right now.”
“We’re naked.”
“So?”
She turned to climb out of the bed. It was then Noah noticed her back. He put his hand on her shoulder to stop her. “My God, Anita, your tattoo is glorious. How did I not see it before now?” Because he’d been too mesmerized by pretty boobs and penetrating eyes and imminent sex.
Anita’s back was covered with an amazing phoenix swirling, rising out of flames the same red and orange and gold as the bird whose wings spread across her shoulder blades. He brushed his palm over the image, expecting to feel the heat bursting forth, but of course, he simply felt the smooth warmth of her skin. He wondered what might have happened to prompt her to choose that tattoo.
She wriggled away from him. “I’m glad you like it. Now let’s look for cash.” She scrambled off the bed. “Get off,” she said with a laugh. “I can’t lift it with your big, strong body on it.”
He chuckled and joined her beside the bed. He helped her lift the mattress. “Nothing. This is heavy. I wonder if Aggie could have even lifted it by herself.”
“It probably was too heavy for her to lift. Too bad. I kind of liked the idea of rolling around on top of a bunch of money.”
They started to drop the mattress back down when Noah noticed a tear in the thin fabric that covered the top of the box springs. They set the mattress back on the foundation, and Noah slid the bottom corner just enough to uncover the tear. It wouldn’t have been too hard for an eighty-five-year-old woman to push the mattress that short distance.
“I think there’s something in there.” Noah stepped aside to let Anita reach inside. Sure enough, she pulled out a long white envelope so thick with money that a heavy rubber band held it closed.
Anita turned it over to read the writing on the front. Surprise! The rubber band snapped and went flying. She peered into the envelope. “Hundred dollar bills.” She glanced at Noah. “I think I can pay for the new porch now.”
…
Noah slipped his shorts back on long enough to grab the wine from the deck. Anita, gloriously naked, locked the doors. Naked again and back in the cozy double bed, they toasted the night and Aggie, good red wine, and really great sex. Leaning back against a pile of new pillows, Noah said, “You told me you were an art professor, but you didn’t say you were an award-winning artist.”
“Helps the career if you can bring some awards to the table.”
“You shouldn’t sound so cavalier. That sounds like a major accomplishment.” He’d never competed for much of anything. He hadn’t had time for sports when he was in school. He’d always been at the salvage yard. More responsibilities were handed to him as the years went by. This race for mayor was the first time he’d competed in something.
“I’d paint even if I never won an award, but the validation is nice.”
“Have you been able to get any painting done since you got here?”
“No time yet with the house and the handsome man in my bed.” She leaned over to bump his shoulder and give him a quick kiss. “Maybe I’ll take the day off tomorrow and get my canvas and paints out.”
“Sorry, but you’re busy tomorrow.”
“I am?”
“It’s the Fourth Fest. I’m hoping you’ll want to go with me.”
“And what’s a Fourth Fest?”
“It’s the Fourth of July. Lakeside celebrates big time. It’s one big party. Didn’t you celebrate the Fourth with your other men?”
She shrugged. “I’m generally not in the U.S. on the Fourth of July.”
That took him aback for a moment. “I thought you travelled around the country every summer.”
“No. I travel overseas. Last year, I was in Paris. I had scheduled a trip to Santorini this year, but my plans changed.”
“I had no idea.” Wow. How much did that cost?
“What does it matter? The first few years, when I first started teaching, I stayed in the U.S. I went to the Grand Canyon, Miami, and New York City, but after I got a little bolder, I started spreading my wings.”
“I can’t imagine you not being bold.”
“I was young once. I was scared to venture out of my comfort zone. But I’m not anymore. And what does this have to do with the Fourth Festival?”
“Nothing. Part of this fling for me is to invite you to go with me to certain events and gatherings. I’d like to invite you to come with me tomorrow.”
“Wouldn’t it be better for your mayoral chances if we’re not seen together?”
“Nope. Don’t care. If we’re doing this, we’re doing it. No dirty little secrets. No sneaking around.” He paused for a moment. “Although it might be fun to sneak a kiss or two when no one is watching.”
“If the whole village is involved, will it be possible to find a place where no one is watching?”
“I don’t know. Guess we’ll find out.”
“A PDA challenge?”
“Exactly.”
“I don’t want to do anything to ruin your chances.”
“I appreciate that, but you know, if the majority of the people I live with have a problem with me spending time with a beautiful woman, then they’re a hopeless cause and I don’t want to represent them anyway.”
“Spoken like a true idealist.”
“Something wrong with that?”
“No. It’s refreshing. I like you, Noah Colburn. Have I told you that?”
“Once or twice.” He swept his gaze over her. Two days ago, he’d never have believed he’d be sipping wine in a double bed with a beautiful, naked woman. “So this is what you wear to bed?”
That grin got him every time. “Are you surprised?”
“Not at all.” Noah finished the last of his wine and set the glass on the nightstand. A glance at the bright numbers on the digital clock told him it was much later than he thought. “We should be turning in soon.”
“Why? We don’t have to be up at the crack of dawn, do we?”
“Well, the fire department sponsors a pancake breakfast first thing in the morning. And I have to stop at home and change clothes before we go.” He cupped the back of her head and pulled her in for a deep kiss. “Next time I’ll pack a bag.”
She tugged him down onto the mattress with her. “Good idea. Will I meet your opponent in the morning?”
He settled on top of her. “Most likely.”
“I’ll be sure to give him my biggest smile.”
“Oh no, you won’t. Your biggest smile is for me.”
“So it is.” She pulled his head down for another kiss. “He only deserves a little smirk.”
“Except we’re going to take the higher ground.”
“Of course we are.” She rubbed her naked breasts against his chest. “I’m not tired yet. What do you say to fooling around a little more before we go to sleep?”
“I don’t want to miss the pancake breakfast.”
“We can set an alarm.” She reached over to stroke his growing erection, and he decided he didn’t care about pancakes all that much.