Chapter 16
Lake Norman was a popular place, with boat ramps and opportunities for fishing from spots along its park trails. Pete housed his boat there since the guys often came fishing. Today was perfect. The luxuriant noon sun cast a glow over the water, while ripples swayed the boat in a slow, rocking motion.
Kelly lay on the leather cushion, her feet propped on the edge, soaking up the rays. When a shadow covered her face, she glanced up to find Dennis leaning over her, an iced drink in his hand.
“Glad to see the two of you decided to come up for air.”
“Don’t be crude, Dennis. You invited me for a day of fun and excitement.”
“This is what you call excitement? Lounging in a bikini, soaking up the sunshine? Looks more like relaxation to me. Here.” He handed her the glass.
“Where did you get Pina Coladas on a boat?”
“Pete had them in his freezer. Try it.”
She sipped cold coconut and rum through the straw. “Oh, yum. Perfect.” Made from scratch, just the way she liked it. Those mixers didn’t do it for her.
Dennis gave a grunt of I-told-you-so, then strode back to the guys at the front of the boat. Along with Pete, he’d invited herself, Craig, Gail, Nathan, Katrina, and Gina, who turned out to be a friend of Katrina’s.
“He’s right,” Gail said out of the blue.
“Who? Dennis?”
“Yeah. No one’s seen much of you lately.” She gave Kelly a knowing grin. “Except for Craig. I imagine he’s seen plenty.”
“I don’t blame her,” Gina piped in. “With a guy like that . . .” she fanned herself with her hand. The green-eyed monster gripped Kelly’s innards.
“No doubt,” Katrina added. “He’s hot with a capital H.”
“Look out, Kat. I think Kelly is getting jealous.”
Kelly sipped her drink, unaware she’d revealed her emotion. Yeah, she considered Craig off limits, and if the others knew it, she’d have less to worry about.
“I would be too if I had a guy like that.”
Kelly glanced at Gina, but noticed the woman watched Dennis instead of Craig. She’d noticed Gina seemed to be watching Dennis a lot, and today she was the girl without a date. So, that left her available for him. Kelly remembered her from the boutique. Dennis had shown an interest, but made a date with the blond. Looked like Gina had the hots for Dennis? Kelly decided to test her theory.
“Look how the sun shines on his hair, giving the black blue highlights.” She’d been speaking about Craig. He was the only one with hair so black he looked like a fine black stallion. Dennis resembled a Palomino with his blond and gold. “Makes a girl want to run her fingers through that shiny mass.” She saw Gina’s eyes dart to Craig and immediately return to Dennis, showing no interest whatsoever in Craig, nor in Kelly’s comment.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Gail joined in. “Pete’s hair is thicker. A girl can grab hold and hang on while . . .” Her voice dropped off, but they all knew her implication.
The girls hooted with laughter.
“I thought you were,” realizing the other girls were listening, Kelly quickly changed her outburst, “um, ceasing that.” At least she didn’t mention any names.
“Ceasing what?” Katrina had been paying close attention and her curiosity made her ask.
“Well, I can’t exactly call a halt.” A sheepish frown crossed Gail’s forehead.
“A halt to what?” Kat’s gaze flew back and forth between Kelly and Gail. “Come on, you two. Don’t leave us out. What are you talking about?”
“It’s not a secret.” Gail shrugged. “You and Gina know me and Pete go out a lot.”
“Are you two an item?” Kat asked.
“Not exclusively,” Gail said.
“So, what are you, a booty call?” Kat questioned with distaste. “I thought you wanted more than that.”
“I do.”
“Then you can’t be available for a booty call.”
Gina choked on her drink. “I thought you and Pete were together.”
With sunglasses on, no one could see Gail’s eyes. Kelly suspected they were filled with unshed tears.
“Oh, hon,” Kat consoled. “Everyone can see you’re in love with him. He’s never going to admit his feelings for you if you give in so easily.”
“That’s what Kelly said.” Gail sniffed.
“Then I agree.”
“I just told Gail to be more stingy with Pete.” Kelly thought she should clear up any misunderstandings.
“Stingy?”
“Not be so available.”
“You denied him sex?” Kat whirled to Gail.
“Keep your voice down,” Gail hissed. Sure enough, the guys had turned their attention in the girls’ direction.
“Okay, guys.” Kat waved her hand in a shooing manner. “You don’t have a patent on the subject of sex. Go back to your own conversation.” She whirled her fingers in a circular motion, ordering them to turn around. Gradually, each one did.
Gina laughed, and Gail looked horrified. Kat sure knew how to manage a crowd. When the guys went back to whatever they were discussing, Kat patted Gail on her knee.
“Sorry. Don’t pay them any attention. Now, tell me you did not deny,” she glanced toward the men, “you know.”
“No, but I pretended to be busy when he called. If we went out, I would meet him. I tried putting him off and not letting him come back to my place. Man, that was rough. I didn’t realize how much of a routine we’d gotten into. He expected . . .”
“Sex,” Kat supplied.
“Yeah.”
“You know you’ve got to stop. You’ll have to deny him. Especially if you want to be more than a booty call.”
“I had a guy who tried that once.” Gina’s comment came from out of the blue, everyone stared at her.
“Tried what?” Kat finally asked.
“The booty thing. At first, I didn’t realize what was happening. No date. He just came over and expected sex. I’m not promiscuous, so he didn’t get it. When he tried again, I called him a jerk. He said he needed a booty call buddy.”
“He had some nerve,” Kat grumbled. “Guys can tell if a girl is into that, unless he’s a total jerkwad. Anyone who knows you, knows better.”
“I haven’t had many partners. I’m only interested in a relationship with the right guy.”
If Kelly had her guess, Gina was into Dennis.
“I want to be exclusive,” Gail said, staring into her drink.
“Did you tell Pete that?”
“Of course not. If he can’t be exclusive, he might leave me out in the cold.”
“You might be better off.” Kat told Gail.
“What if the guy isn’t into you?” Gina spoke, surprising them all, her concentration still on Dennis. “What if you really like a guy but he . . .”
“He’s a Casanova?” Kelly filled in the gaps. Gina’s gaze darted to Kelly. Her hand shook. She blinked as if she realized she’d given herself away. “Just be yourself. I’m glad you came today.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“He didn’t invite anyone. A girl, that is.”
“Oh. That’s today.” Gina studied Dennis for a long time. “He’s gorgeous.”
“And he knows it.” Kelly smirked.
“Well, maybe. I like him. He’s not like other guys who play around. He’s considerate.”
“Yes, he is that.” Kelly agreed.
“You guys are good friends.” Gina searched Kelly’s face, as if she were looking for something. Kelly knew she wanted confirmation.
“Very good friends. Have been for years.”
“How did you get so close?”
“I’ve known him since junior high.”
“Oh.”
“Hey, girl. If you want serious, you better pick someone else,” Kat told Gina in a no-nonsense tone. “You’ll set yourself up for heartbreak if you set your mind on him.”
As if asking Kelly’s opinion, Gina turned to her.
“I don’t know what to say, Gina. I can’t give you hope. Dennis is a dear, but he likes women. Plural.” She actually felt sorry for Gina. “Dennis is a great guy. He’s hot, he knows it. He’s a neat freak, can’t stand anything out of order. He’s dependable, has a good job, everything a girl could want. But, he doesn’t get attached. He lives the life of a confirmed bachelor. I’m not saying he’ll never marry, but don’t expect to change him. If you can accept him the way he is, you won’t set yourself up for heartbreak.” She hoped the poor girl didn’t have it too bad.
“Is that why you two never got, I mean, why you two aren’t together?”
Did Gina just imply what she thought?
“Dennis and I were never together in any way but as friends. Don’t tell him this, but we’re more like sister and brother.” Although, she’d told him things she would never tell a brother, at least she didn’t think she would have. Since she had no siblings, she couldn’t be sure.
“Everyone seems to have this opinion of us, so I’m going to tell you something I’ve never told anyone.” Gail and Katrina were sitting on the edge of their seats, their eyes burning with curiosity. Kelly took a deep breath.
“My parents left me alone a lot as a child. I never knew what a family felt like. I was lonely most of the time. The only playmates I had were my dolls and stuffed animals. The only interaction I had was with the staff.” She refused to look at her friend’s faces, knowing they were more than likely filled with pity.
“Don’t ask me any questions, and don’t expect me to repeat myself. My childhood was neglectful, whether it was my parent’s intention or not. Dennis changed all that. I soaked up every bit of influence and attention he gave me. I think that’s why our relationship is so special. And maybe rare. I don’t know.”
Kelly took a gulp of her drink and finished it off, feeling raw and exposed. Setting the glass to the side, she stood and made her way to the guys. She stepped behind Craig and slipped her arms around his middle from behind, leaning her face against his back.
Sensing her need to hold him, he placed his hand over hers and allowed her to do as she wished. She squeezed him, needing his strength after ripping open her memories and digging into an old wound. She loved Craig. She needed him more than she could explain. She loved her friend Dennis. Her love for Craig filled all the gaps in her soul.
She stood there, enjoying the feel of him for several moments before he turned. She noticed the others had moved away and were talking to the girls.
“Are you okay?” Craig’s deep voice asked, full of concern.
“Yes. I am.” She smiled.
“Come here.” He turned her into his arms and held her, rubbing her back, then kissing her temple. A familiar tug of desire formed low in her center. “You can tell me later.”
Oh, how she loved this man.
~ ~ ~
Kelly stretched, feeling her sore muscles. Craig had left no part of her body untouched. She’d been well and truly loved. A pattern they’d gotten into over the past few weeks. She’d moved most of her clothes from Dennis’s apartment since she spent all of her time with Craig. He had to do some rearranging in his schedule, but he made time for her, and had not left her side since asking her to stay.
Eventually, she’d have to find her way back to reality. For now, she basked in Craig’s presence and savored every delicious moment.
“Mmmm,” she purred, feeling a furry chest at her back. She rolled over to find flashing blue eyes smiling at her.
“Good morning,” he murmured.
Her gaze fastened on his tantalizing lips, reminding her of the bewitching things he’d done with his mouth. A rush of heat flooded her center. She rolled into him. “It’s a perfect morning.”
“Yes, it is, because you’re here in my arms,” he replied, his hands stroking her back.
“Exactly where I want to be.”
“Exactly where I want you to be. Always.”
Always? As in forever?
The past three weeks, she’d lived in a dream. Spending every moment with Craig, she couldn’t imagine a day without him.
A warning light flashed in the back of her mind. What had she gotten herself into? She’d jumped from one relationship right into another. Was she setting herself up for a major fall? Her time with Craig had been phenomenal. She thought of him with every waking breath. So into him, she envisioned a life with him.
Permanency.
“What are you thinking?” his low voice rumbled.
“That I’ve had a wonderful vacation.”
“Mmmm. Me too.”
He’d completely missed her meaning. Vacations came to an end. “At some point, I’ll have to return to the real world. Go home, back to my job.”
“No, you don’t,” he said, while spreading kisses along her temple. How she wished that were true.
“I’ve already put it off too long. I can’t ignore my boss any longer.”
“I know. The executive hounds are after me,” he mumbled. “I need to go to San Francisco. But, I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“I need to go home, too.”
He must have noticed her hesitation. He drew back, catching her gaze. “Kelly. The chemistry between us is explosive. You have to know that what’s between us is much more than attraction.”
“The time apart will help us distinguish if what we’ve shared these last weeks is more than that, or if time and distance will make it seem less important.”
His jaw tightened in anger. “You know as well as I do that what we have is rare and special. Time and distance will only make me want you more.” His expression softened. He took her hand and placed it on his chest, over his heart. “No matter how far away you are, what I feel for you will never change.”
Was it enough to build on? Was she living in a fantasy world?
“Craig. You’re getting a bit serious here.”
He tightened his fingers. “I am serious, Kelly.”
Oh, God. This was too intense.
“I like hot sex as much as any woman, but we need to be realistic. To say my last relationship ended up rocky is putting it mildly. I really thought I knew the guy. He had me completely buffaloed. My confidence is a little shaky.”
“Feel this, Kelly. Feel us.”
She stared into his eyes, analyzing the past few weeks. When she fled to Charlotte, she’d been a mess. Angry more than hurt. Craig soothed her, excited her, hell, he waylaid her. There was no comparison. She realized she’d merely been settling with Robert. She had no idea what she’d been missing.
“When I’m with you,” her voice broke with emotion, “the world around us ceases to exist. I’m absorbed in another universe. It’s like I’m being consumed. I don’t trust myself. Maybe we should slow down.” His expression faltered briefly. An emotion flittered in his eyes, and she sensed she’d hurt him.
“Is that what you want?”
Hell no. She wanted to grab Craig and lose herself in him. Crawl inside his essence and wallow in his love. Love?
“I don’t think I should jump into another relationship.”
“Honey. You’re too late. I don’t want to scare you, but I don’t want to lose you. I think we can have more than a relationship. As a matter of fact, I think we’re already there.”
“What do you mean?”
“I like you, a lot. More than a lot.” A sound between a chuckle and a grunt escaped his chest. “Hell, I can’t keep my hands off you. I want to touch you every minute. I don’t mean sex, although I keep a semi-permanent erection when you’re around. I need to feel you. A touch of my finger on the back of your hand. The texture of your hair between my fingers. You can’t imagine the rush I get from grazing my knuckles over your cheek when I smooth a lock of your hair behind your ear.”
His breathing grew shallow, hers did too. Or did she hold her breath, waiting for the next words out of his tempting mouth? He’d described the same sensations she experienced whenever he was near.
“We’ll slow things down, if that’s what you want.” His poise returned. He held her gaze, letting her know he understood, when she didn’t understand anything at all.
A feeling very close to panic crushed her chest. What had she done? Did he care more than she thought?
“I’ll give you your space.”
Oh hell. She’d bungled this. The thought of not seeing him, breaking up, or whatever the hell was happening tore at her heart, as if the organ was being ripped from her chest. She changed her mind. She wanted to go back. Undo the last five minutes, before stumbling down this horrifying path.
“Wait. No. I don’t know . . .” Terror stole her breath. She didn’t want space. She wanted Craig. “I don’t know a lot about you. Your parents, your growing up years.” She sounded like a blubbering fool.
“I’ll tell you anything you want to know,” his low voice rumbled. He cupped her face in his gentle hands.
Tell me you’ll hold me forever. God, she was losing it.
“I guess we haven’t done a lot of talking,” he gave a soft chuckle. “I grew up in California. My mother left when I was little, I don’t remember much about her. My father liked to drink. I think he took her desertion pretty hard. He took his frustration out on me.”
“No,” she gasped, wondering if his father was abusive. “Did he hit you?”
“I don’t like to think about it, or talk about it, but yes. I have some hearing loss in this ear where he clobbered me too many times.” Craig pointed to his left ear.
“That’s horrible.”
“I don’t like to tell anyone, but I won’t keep any secrets from you.”
“Someone should have punched him.”
Craig chuckled. “I ran away a lot, then I grew. I was a pretty good size for my age. At thirteen, I was taller than my dad. Like most rowdy boys with no direction, I got in with the wrong crowd. Stole a car, went for a joy ride, got picked up by the police.”
“You?” She couldn’t associate the boy he described with the man holding her now.
“Did I destroy my chances now that you know I was a criminal?”
“You were thirteen,” she scoffed. “And it sounds like you were raising yourself. Any teenage boy without supervision would get into trouble.”
“You like lawless men?” he teased and rubbed his chin on the top of her head.
“I like you.” She snuggled and nipped him on the neck. Although, she would have liked to see him at that age.
“Mmmm,” he growled and rolled her onto his chest.
She propped her chin on her folded arms. “Tell me the rest of the story. Something happened to change your life of crime.”
He sighed and stared at the ceiling. “I went to jail, but I’d been in trouble so many times the police knew if they called my dad, I’d end up back on the street.”
“They left you in jail?” Kelly seethed in anger. A young boy, thrown in a cell with bars. He must have been terrified.
“Only for a few hours. The social worker found a woman crazy enough to take me in.”
“I bet she wasn’t crazy at all. She saw the good in you.”
“She saw something.” He talked while caressing her back. “I was a stubborn little shit.”
Kelly giggled. She could imagine Craig at the age of thirteen, a stubborn pout on his face.
“So, you moved into her home? Your father allowed it?”
“He didn’t have much choice.”
“What happened to him?”
“Don’t know. Don’t care. I never went back.”
“You never saw him again?”
“Why should I? He didn’t want me.” She heard the anger in his voice, but she also heard the hurt boy he still tried to hide. “I moved on. Amelia, the lady who took me in, showed me a new life.”
“What about your mother?”
“Amelia is my mother. She turned my life around. Raised me and loved me like I was her own. She showed me what a home should be like.” His tone held so much affection, Kelly wanted to meet the woman who’d raised him from an angry teenager to a confident man.
“You love her.”
“She’s my mom. I’ll always remember where I came from. I’m thankful to her for saving me. I found I loved her more than I knew I was capable. Now, I take care of her.”
His fingers toyed with a strand of Kelly’s hair. She dipped and placed a lingering kiss on his hair matted chest.
Craig clasped his palms on each side of her face, raising her gaze to his. “Please,” he whispered, his eyes full of longing. “Don’t shut me out. I’ll give you your space, whatever you need. I have one request.”
The last thing she wanted was space. She loved him with her whole heart, and it would break if she couldn’t be with him. “What’s that?”
“We speak to each other every day. I’d like to see you every day, but if you feel that’s too much, at least promise to talk to me.”
A tear welled over and slid down her cheek.
“Hey.” He rolled with her to his side and cradled her. She clung to him, her chest shuddering with her sobs. He whispered and crooned until the elephant crushing her soul slowly went away.
What the hell was wrong with her? How could she deny something that felt so right? This man tore her world upside down, but she knew he’d be the one to turn it back where it belonged. Where she belonged.
“Hey,” he murmured. “Don’t cry. Listen to your heart. Accept your feelings. You have to know how I feel about you. Tell me what you want. I’ll do everything in my power to give it to you.”
God, she loved this man.
“I haven’t said much about my family. It’s because my mom and dad left me alone a lot. They were never home. The only family I had were the staff. The ones who took care of me. Then I met Dennis. He became my family. Like Amelia became yours.”
Craig squeezed her tight as if he knew she needed him to understand.
“Tell me,” she hiccupped the words.
“What?”
She sniffed and swiped at her nose. “Tell me.”
“Tell you what, sweetheart?”
She needed to see his face. See the truth as he said the words. She latched onto his gaze, summoning with her eyes what she wanted to hear. “Tell me how you feel.”
“From the moment you jumped out of that shower, I knew my life would change. You captivated me that day, and you’ve had me enthralled every minute since. Kelly, I love you. With everything in me, I love you.”
Tears fell freely. Receiving the words she so desperately wanted to hear, she cried in earnest. Craig loved her. And she loved him. So much.
“Kiss me,” she blubbered.
“Anything you want. Everything.”