The Keeping(40)

A little voice felt it was important to point out that the waitress had left Mel with the impression that the two had a rather loose relationship; it seemed more a ‘friends with benefits’ type of thing... Mel pulled a face. It didn’t matter either way. Sure, the man was good looking—sort of a sexy, bad-ass kind of a guy—but she didn’t really know him, and the little bit of conversation they’d had, hadn’t been that cordial. Lucy was welcome to him...wasn’t she? But if that was the case, then why did the idea of him being with the waitress, irk her? She realized that she was scowling and determinedly cleared her expression.

Figuratively throwing her hands up in despair over her own confusing thoughts, Mel drained her cup and checked the time. She was surprised to find that it was eleven-thirty. The diner was starting to fill with the luncheon crowd and, since she wasn’t really hungry, she probably should go, so there would be room for other customers.

Getting to her feet, she picked up her purse and stepped outside. It was another beautiful spring day, and having nothing better to do with her time, Mel decided to go for a walk. The main street was only two blocks long, but there were a few side streets as well. With a smile, she set off to explore the little town.

Forty-five minutes later, she found herself standing in front of Miller’s Service Station having discovered almost all of what the little town had to offer. Now, she faced the same dilemma with which she’d started the day; did she go in and talk to Taylor or leave him alone? Nibbling her lip, she weighed the pros and cons of each course of action.

“Adding ‘stalker’ to your list of crimes now?”

The sound of a deep, male voice speaking behind her had Mel giving a little scream and turning quickly. Unfortunately, she lost her balance and started to fall backwards, tipping off the curb and stumbling onto the street. Simultaneously, several things happened. A horn blared, Ryne grabbed her, pulling her flush against his body and a truck whizzed by.

It had happened so quickly, all she could do was gape up at him.

“Suicidal, too?” Ryne was staring down at her, his expression somewhere between anger and exasperation.

Mel was mesmerized by the intense blue of his eyes and only slowly became aware of the way their bodies fit together. Her mouth was level with his throat, her hands pressed to his chest and his hips snugly cradled her stomach. She could see his throat move as he swallowed, feel the strong beating of his heart, and smell the very male scent of him wrapping itself around her. Unthinkingly, she allowed her fingers to spread out over the hard planes of his chest, while her gaze focused on his lips. They were firm, the lower one slightly fuller and curved into a...a smirk?

Suddenly recognizing the situation she was in, Melody looked him in the eye. He was laughing at her—oh, not out loud—but she could tell from his expression, he was laughing at her. She struggled to step away, but he merely locked his arms more tightly around her.

“Let me go!”

“That’s all you ever say to me.” He sighed and pretended to pout.

“That’s because you’re always grabbing me!”

“And you’d rather I let you fall into the street, right into the path of a delivery van?” Ryne tilted his head questioningly.

Mel stopped struggling as the gravity of what almost happened hit her. “No. I suppose I should thank you.”

Ryne nodded and looked at her expectantly.

“What?” Mel frowned and then realized what he wanted. She huffed, still thoroughly put out by the man, even if he did save her life. “Okay. Fine. Thank you, Ryne Taylor, for pulling me to safety. Now let me go.”

“Is that all?”

“All?”

“Just a thank you? Saving your life surely deserves something more...personal...tangible...than a mere ‘thank you.’ Actions speak louder than words, you know.” He winked at her and then grinned evilly.

Mel closed her eyes and counted to ten, knowing exactly what he wanted. All right. She’d kiss him and then, if he didn’t let her go, she’d knee him in the groin. Opening her eyes, she stood on tiptoe and placed a chaste kiss on his lips. At least it was supposed to be a chaste kiss. No sooner had their lips touched than Ryne immediately took control.

Using one of his hands to cradle the back of her head, he angled their mouths, pressing his lips to hers, stroking the seam of her lips with his tongue. Of its own volition, her mouth opened in response to his implied request. His tongue skimmed the smooth inner surface of her lower lip before venturing deeper. Words couldn’t even begin to describe the sensations that coursed through her. Mel’s entire body tingled and she pressed herself closer, wanting even more contact with him. A moan escaped her, desire starting to uncurl within. She was trying to work her hands free in order to pull him closer, when suddenly she found herself standing a foot away.