A Better Man(90)

"See how quick you get to the point? I don't need a therapist. I need you. The woman who's wrapped up my heart and made me think of things that have never even crossed my mind before."

She looked up at him, not exactly expecting to see humor on his handsome face, but certainly not expecting to see sincerity either. "What kind of things?"

"Forever things." His long fingers came up to smooth her hair away and cup her face between his hands.

Forever? She didn't dare let herself fall into that fantasy.

"Until now all I've ever thought about was hockey. The next game. The next win. But that's not all that occupies my thoughts now." He lowered his head and kissed her so tenderly it brought tears to her eyes. "Don't walk away, Lucy. Don't throw away what's growing between us because you're scared or because you've judged me wrong. I know you're strong. Stronger than me in a lot of ways. All I ask is that you give us a chance."

She should say no.

But when he pulled her tight against him and kissed her deep, wet, and bone-­melting hot, her hesitation, doubts, and fears evaporated like rain on a summer sidewalk. When he lifted her into his arms and carried her upstairs, she knew the word no wouldn't find its way into her dialogue. Because once he got started the only word she'd know would be more.

More.

More.

More.





Chapter 15


After passing through the wedding taking place in the event center and the outdoor tent, Jordan felt more strongly than ever that they needed to introduce some fresh ideas into Sunshine Creek Vineyards. They had a gorgeous area surrounded by shade trees that they never used. If they constructed a stage on the grassy knoll, they could have outdoor concerts with wine and picnic supplies available to buy. With dark wood and heavy curtains, the inside of the event center was a bit dated. He felt sure there was a way to bring it back to life without costing them a fortune. Hell, he and Ryan could put in the sweat and labor themselves.



       
         
       
        

Tiered wine club memberships that included a concert series could provide them with enough revenue to push them far away from the financial red zone.

Leaving the bride and groom to their wedding toast, he walked into the main house more determined than ever to do the right thing. Outside the sun shone high in the sky and he'd just spent several hours in bed with Lucy. There had been no pillow talk, just long, satisfied moans interspersed with laughter.

He didn't know how he'd missed it the first, second, or even third time, but during his afternoon explorations he'd discovered his sexy little schoolteacher had some ticklish spots. Though the one behind her knee intrigued him, it was the one at the very lowest area on her spine-­just above her sweet rounded bottom-­that tempted him the most. It had been the very spot he'd kissed just before he got out of bed and left her to finish her nap.

Knowing he'd worn her out and left her with a smile on her face was like being given a piece of his favorite candy. Hell of a good way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Inside his parents' home he found Aunt Pippy folding laundry on the kitchen table. Never in his life would he refer to his mother's sister as a domestic goddess. A lovable psychedelic outspoken wacko maybe. Lately she'd become a little secretive. He still hadn't figured that one out.

"Well, fancy seeing you here in the middle of the day." She snapped out a pair of women's bikini panties before folding them, and Jordan wanted to cover his eyes. He didn't know if they belonged to her or his sister and he didn't want to find out.

"I've only got two days to get things worked out," he said, turning his back when she snapped out another pair of women's underwear.

"Exactly what are you working out?" A brown eyebrow that did not match her carrot top head lifted.

"I need to talk to Nicki. Is she around?"

"She woke up late. She's been up there playing that guitar you bought her. Hasn't eaten a darned thing all day."

"Mind if I grab some of those breakfast pastries to take up to her?"

"Go ahead. You're lucky those brothers of yours left any of them. I think they were even putting them in their pockets."

He didn't want to tell her that the powdered sugar circling her lips pointed the donut burglar finger at her.

"I'll get a plate for you."

"Aunt Pippy? Is there something you know about the missing money you're not telling us?" 

"Me?" Her eyes widened like she'd seen a polka dot baboon. "Wha-­huh-­pffft. No."

"You sure? Because every time the subject comes up you hightail it out of the room."