The Only One for Me(23)

He pulled his head back to catch his breath, and slid the straps from her dress off her shoulders. He kissed her there. She smelled like fresh-cut flowers. She had no idea how special she was to him.

She reached up and stopped him from undoing the top button of her dress.

His brows furrowed. “What’s wrong?”

“Chris, are we really doing this? You know I’m a package deal. Whoever dates me has to essentially date my kids too. They’re the most important thing in my life and I won’t let any man come before them.”

He nodded. “I’m not asking you to. I’ve been thinking about this ever since the fund-raiser. Ever since I learned Eric was out of your life. I’ll admit I had to think about it for a minute, but this is what I want.”

“Is that the real reason I didn’t hear from you after you went back to Philly? You had to think about us?”

“Maybe a little. But, I was busy like I said, and to tell the truth, I had to come to terms with our car accident. I wouldn’t lie to you. Ever.” He got lost in the deep, dark brown pools of her eyes. He had to assure this woman that he was ready for her package and wouldn’t shy away.

He yearned to feel her skin against his. His fingers ached from the need to touch her. For her to touch him. But not out here, not like this. He took a deep breath, kissed her shoulder again before fixing her dress. “Come on, let’s go back up to the house.”

Back in the main house Chris asked Corra, “So, how do you like the house?”

“Yes, it’s amazing. I still can’t believe you bought it. Who’s working on it?”

“I am.” He walked around turning off lights.

“No, I mean who’s doing all the physical renovation work?”

“I’ve hired a general contractor for the major work, but I’m doing a lot of the restoration work myself, with my dad’s help.”

Corra stopped. “You know how to restore a house?”

He chuckled. “Yes, I do. Remember I used to work construction every summer. And my dad taught me everything I need to know about woodworking.”

On the way out Corra stopped and rubbed her hand across one of the lions positioned at the entrance. “You’re keeping these aren’t you?”

“You like them?”

She looked up at him. “I do. They remind me of you, actually. Muscular, with a powerful build, impressive, quiet.”

Chris grabbed her hand. “Okay, let’s stop while you’re ahead. I’ve got a roar like a lion too. And as much as I want you to hear it tonight, I don’t think you’ll get to. So let’s get you home.”

Chris clenched his jaws and willed himself to keep going until Corra was inside the car. Trying to have sex with her inside his dusty renovation was not how he wanted their first time to be. They had plenty of time to be together. And one thing he did have in common with a lion, was patience.





Chapter 11

Because it was dark Chris insisted on following Corra to Mrs. Baker’s to pick up the kids. Then he followed her home. Jamie and Katie begged to see inside Chris’s car, and proceeded to touch and inquire about every button. Corra was thankful Chris didn’t mind, and seemed to enjoy explaining all the features.

After she ushered the kids to bed she walked back down to the front door where Chris waited.

“Thank you for seeing me home safely.”

“Not a problem. I don’t think I could take it if something happened to you again while you were in my company.”

Corra started to make a joke about the car accident, but the serious look on Chris’s face caused her to change her mind. The accident hadn’t been a laughing matter. Someone could have been killed. “You know that car came out of nowhere. There wasn’t anything you could do. I’ve told you that before.”

He lowered his head. “Yeah, I know. But I still go back to that night and think if I had done something different—”

“Stop thinking about it. What’s done is done. I’m fine now. The experience caused Rollin to keep the bed-and-breakfast open, and I’m happy working there. All’s well that ends well.”

Chris glanced up the steps before pulling Corra into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and met his kiss with all the longing she’d harbored for him all day.

He released her and whispered, “Thank you. My dad told me the same thing, but I think I needed to hear it from you.”

Corra realized he’d been walking around feeling guilty about his involvement in an accident he never caused.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” he asked.

“Sure, after work. Wait! No. Uh, I have something to do after work tomorrow. How about Thursday?”