ANDREW was relieved they could pause before the topic had moved to relationships. He would tell her everything eventually, in time. The subject of Emma, however, was not going to be something he could jump into as easily as other conversations. For now, he was off the hook.

“Ready?” he asked, tugging at the opening of her robe to get it off.

As he took off his shirt, he noticed her skin had flushed at the question.

“Is it hot in here?”

“You’re hot, that’s why. And I’m about to help you with that.”

He stood up and glided the back of his hand up her cheekbone, and felt her shiver from his touch. She let out a shaky breath.

“You’re gorgeous when you’re bashful.”

“I’m…Okay, you got me this time.” She smiled, slowly backing up to the island and pulling him with her.

When all their clothes were off, she placed both hands backward on the counter to leap up and sit. She stretched out her hands to him, beckoning him to stand between her legs, which were slightly spread apart. This time, she gripped his shoulders and pulled him in like it was urgent. Her mouth found his, kissing him passionately, with fierceness he hadn’t seen from her before.

He took her lead, meeting her raw, carnal need head on. All her unyielding desire did was fuel his growing hunger. Everything he couldn’t say to her with words he expressed through his savage touch.

“Fuck. Andrew. I want you so bad,” she groaned into kiss.

Her voice was intoxicating. She reached a hand down to his erection. Instinctively, he slipped his hand down her stomach to her pussy.

“God. You’re so hot and wet, Abby.”

He spread her legs wide and pulled her hips to the end of the counter, continuing the voracious kiss. He wanted to remember every second with her. He stayed there for a while, trapped in the possessive kiss, taking a snapshot in his mind of her touch, her sweet smell, and the moment.

She was wild and eager, wrapping her legs on his hips and getting as close as she could to his hardness. He needed her more. He wanted to fill her. He stood up from their kiss, tipped her shoulders backward and glided his cock inside her. She let out a long, lustful hiss.

His thrusts found its rhythm. He held on to her at the waist, pulling back and easing into her at first. As her moans slowed down, he picked up the pace. He slammed into her harder, and her sounds morphed into a loud gasp. He released one hand from her waist, snaking it up to her beautiful breasts.

He caressed the outer curve with his fingers, and gently flicked her nipple at the same pace that he drove into her. With every thrust, he flicked harder, until she let out a cry. She didn’t need to tell him. He felt it from deep inside her walls.

“Come for me, Abby,” he growled.

She pulled one hand up and held it to her mouth as she whimpered through her explosion. He felt her channel tighten and flood. Her body followed—it trembled and went limp from her powerful orgasm. Feeling his was imminent, he pumped in and out, pressing in his fingers harder at her waist, to concentrate his movements.

“Don’t stop,” she begged softly.

She started to rock her hips gently, and it was enough to unfurl his hot, gratifying release. Unable to think, he let go of her waist and held himself up by leaning on the island. He gasped for air and strength. It was going to take some time before either of them could speak again, but given where they were, he pulled out and found the energy to carry her back to his room.

“You’re amazing, Abby,” he said as he lowered her to the bed.

“And you’re wonderful,” she said sleepily.

“I’ve got to get our clothes and clean up in there. I’ll be right back.”

“Don’t be too long.”

Andrew threw on a robe and hurried back to the kitchen. He brought their clothes into the room before heading back to wash down the center island. He smiled as he cleaned, knowing he wouldn’t look at that spot in the same way again.

After he was finished, he went back to join her in bed. The rest of the day would come and go, and maybe they would leave, but for now, as he fell asleep, Andrew was blissful.

* * *

It must have been the day for multiple phone calls. This time, it was the landline. Andrew woke up from a restful sleep and turned to answer it.

“Hello?”

“Good morning.” It was an older man. “I’m not sure if I’m calling the right number. May I speak with Abigail Wittfield, if she’s there?”

“Yes, this is the right number. I’ll get her for you. May I ask who’s calling?”

“Of course. Tell her it’s her father.”

“Sure. I’ll get her now.”

“Hold on a minute. Are you the gentleman who took my Abby and her friends in from this crazy blizzard that came through?”

“Yes, sir.” Andrew braced himself. It sounded like the protective father was making his presence felt. He knew the feeling—Joy was the apple of his father’s eye.

“And can I ask your name?”

He cleared his throat nervously. “I’m Andrew, sir. Andrew Carrington.”

“Well, Mr. Carrington, I think I can speak for all those kids’ parents, definitely for Abby and Rob, when I say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking them in for all this time.”

“It was no problem at all, sir. My pleasure to help.”

“We sure are grateful. I’d like to take care of any costs you incurred while they were with you.”

“That won’t be necessary, Mr. Wittfield. They were no trouble at all. It was the right thing to do, and I’m sure you would do the same under these circumstances.”

“You’re right, son. I took in about twenty-five women in their forties and fifties in this house during this storm. Their bus stalled on Highway eighty down the road. Thankfully, they all left this morning and I get my house back.”

“Well then, you know I can’t accept any payment from you, sir. It’s the neighborly way to be when these things happen.”

“Are you sure, young man? Forgive me if I’m assuming your age. You sound pretty young.”

Andrew acted like he didn’t hear the question about his age. “I’m positive, sir. I’ll get Abby now. Please hold on.”

Andrew put the phone on mute and let out a long breath. He was certain Abby didn’t want her father to know she was sleeping with her Lake Tahoe host. Not yet, anyway. He reached over to wake her.

“Abby?”

She was sleeping so soundly, he was tempted to let her sleep and tell her father to call back. Her dad would probably find it strange, his daughter sleeping in so late. He decided against it. He shook her shoulder softly.

“Abby. Wake up, hun.”

She rolled toward him slowly. “Huh?”

“The phone’s for you. It’s your dad.”

She sat up quickly, and looked down at her naked body in a mild panic.

He smiled. “It’s the phone, Abby. He won’t see you.”

“Sorry. Yes I know. I woke up a little confused is all.”

He handed the phone to her. “That’s the button to unmute it. I’ll give you some privacy so you can talk. I’ll be in my office.”

She gave him a drowsy smile and took it. Andrew wrapped himself in his robe and left.

* * *

ABBY unmuted the phone. “Hi Dad.”

“Hi honey. How are you and the others?”

“We’re fine, Dad.” She made a point of not mentioning John’s injury. He would be worried sick. She could tell him later.

“How’s your ankle?”

“It’s better now. Good as new. How are you and your houseguests?”

“Oh they’re gone now. Our stretch of Highway eighty was cleared early this morning.”

“That’s good to hear dad. Maybe they’ll get down this way soon.”

“Probably. That’s why I called, honey.”

“Oh?”

“Abby, where did you say the car was?”

“It’s in front of Broad Oaks Golf and Country Club, Dad. Do you know where that is?”

“Yes, I think so. The insurance company will be able to find it.”

“Do you think they’ll be towing it soon?”

“Probably in two or three days.”

“That’s not bad. I guess we need to empty out our things, right?”

“Yes. See if you can do it before dark tomorrow, just in case they get down there sooner.”

“Okay Dad.”

“And the rental car has already been authorized for you.”

“That’s—that’s great dad. Where can I pick it up?”

“Well, either here in Reno or in Carson City. Carson City might be closer to where you are, honey.”

“Carson City is definitely closer, but everything’s far away until these plows come through.”

“Don’t worry about the timing, dear. A car will be ready for you at either location, when you show up with your ID. And if you want to wait a few more days, they can send two drivers to deliver it to where you are next week.”

“Um, I don’t know if I can wait that long, Dad. I’ll miss school, and so will Rob and the others. It’s worse for them. They have full-time lectures and course work. I’ve got an independent project and two weekly seminars. I’ll probably pick it up in Carson City when the roads open up again.”

“It’s up to you dear. Just try and take your things from the SUV before they make it down there to tow it.”

“I will Dad.”

“So how are you keeping? Are you eating well?”

“I’m doing great Dad.”

“You sound really happy, dear. I’m glad you ended up somewhere safe in this weather fiasco.”

“Thanks Dad. It’s good to hear your voice. You sound happy too, Daddy.”

Abby weighed whether to ask him if he had met someone. She decided against it. She wasn’t ready to share her news yet.

“Dad?”

“Yes honey?”

“I love you.”

“I love you, dear. Maybe while you’re in such a great mood, I can convince you to come home for Spring Break?

“Good try, Daddy.”

“You can’t blame your old man for missing you, can you now?”

“True. I miss you too Dad.”

“Well, I’m gonna go clean the house now. Call me if you decide you’d like the car dropped off to you, okay?”

“I will. Bye Dad.”

“Bye Abby. Take care.”

She hung up and flopped back into bed. Her escape with Andrew was really coming to an end. Sooner than either of them wanted. Even if they still had a few days, it wasn’t going to be enough time.