Swept Away (17 page)

“Nice to meet you.” Lily offered her hand. Small town, she remembered.

“I’d have you tell Carson hello for me, but…” Emily tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “He wouldn’t remember me. Especially not after seeing you in this outfit.” She held up the slip. “Sorry. You’d think I was still that awkward teenager mooning over her first crush, not a twenty-eight-year-old world traveler and successful business owner.”

“So Beverly’s Bridal is yours?”

“Beverly is my grandmother,” Emily explained. “She lives over in Golden Years Retirement Village. She’s still active, playing bridge every week, but the business got to be too much for her. So I quit my job in London, and moved back home.”

“I thought you had a bit of an accent,” Lily said. “Did you live there long?”

“Seven years,” Emily said. “I thought I wanted to get as far from Prospector Springs as possible, but it’s nice to be home.”

“Yes, this seems like a really special community.” Lily warmed to the woman after an initial stab of jealousy.

“It is.” Emily smiled back. “And you’re with Carson? That’s great. He’s a great guy.” She fanned herself with a bridal brochure.

“I’m not sure if I’m ‘with him,’” Lily said. “I’m helping him out with his bookkeeping.”

“Yeah, I heard Heather skipped town.” Emily shook her head. “I wish I could say I was shocked, but she did get her wedding dress from one of those giant chain stores.”

The horror.

“I’m sorry.” Emily sounded a little embarrassed. “I shouldn’t judge. We do offer a wide variety of dresses here. In a wide range of prices. It’s just that I never cared for her. There was something just a little… I don’t know. I’ve been in this business long enough, I can tell right away when a woman is in love and when she’s faking it.”

“I guess that’s a good skill to have in your business.” Lily wondered if Emily would have been able to warn her before she married Brian.

“Unfortunately, I can’t refuse service to customers I feel are only looking for a wedding.”

“Oh, I don’t know, you might get more business if you could guarantee your work.”

They exchanged a few more words of small talk while Lily waited for her credit card approval. She smiled to herself when she thought of being able to pay it off with her own money next month.

Yes, things were definitely looking up. She loved her cabin on Hidden Creek. The sound of rushing water was so much more soothing than busy traffic noise. Now that she wasn’t afraid anymore. She could thank Carson for that. And for the job. And for the spectacular sex that apparently gave off quite a glow. Imagine, Emily thinking she was in love. Maybe it was just her natural salesmanship. The woman did make a living off the idea of true love. Why else would any woman in her right mind spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars on a dress she would only wear for a few hours?

Lily wondered if she was moving too fast in buying the lingerie. Just because Carson had given in and had sex with her, didn’t mean he was going to do it again. She hoped. Really, really hoped he would. But there were no guarantees. No promises. Except for her assurance that she wasn’t going to fall in love with him. It wasn’t a lie if she believed it at the time, was it?

No, she really needed to focus on her plan. In a way, she was glad he’d be gone when she went to her appointment at the fertility clinic. It wasn’t exactly the best pillow talk, discussing the state of her ovaries and whether or not she was a good candidate for artificial insemination.

And she definitely didn’t want to peruse the donor catalog with him. She couldn’t imagine how it would go over if she happened to pick someone with similar physical traits as him.

It was best if she stuck with her plan. Just like he was going to stick to his plan. They would have fun together while it lasted and then…?

Two doors down from Beverly’s Bridal was a shop called Once Upon A Child. Cautiously, she stepped inside the children’s boutique. Her heart seized up at the tiny little outfits, each more precious than the last.

Poufy pink dresses, adorable overalls, and oooh…the cutest little fisherman outfit for a little boy. It had a little plaid shirt, cargo pants, and a tiny little fishing vest with the words, “Mommy’s Lil’ Catch” embroidered on the chest.

Lily could picture her own child wearing the outfit, complete with the miniature hiking boots on display nearby. But she could also picture a man kneeling down to help her son hold a small fishing pole. That man was Carson.

She turned to leave the store before she was tempted to buy something. Near the registers, a double stroller held two little boys, about two. One of the boys reached over and grabbed his brother’s stuffed monkey and threw it toward her, causing the other boy to wail.

Lily picked up the monkey and handed it to the mother, who had finished her purchase.

“Thank you.” She handed the toy back to her son, but his brother grabbed it from him again.

“I swear, they came out fighting.” She sighed. “They have two of everything, but they each want what the other has.”

“You sure have your hands full.” Lily wondered if the woman could hear the envy in her voice.

“Yeah. But as much as they fight”—the mother made sure both boys had their monkeys, or their brother’s—“whenever I separate them, they’re miserable.”

“Must be a twin thing,” Lily offered.

The woman smiled and then pushed the stroller out the door.

Lily wondered how Carson would really feel once he left his brother behind.

“I suppose you want to head on over to the Argo.” Carson helped Cody put away the last of the gear. They had been on the river all day and he knew his brother would most likely want to throw back a couple of beers to help loosen up his muscles.

“Nah. I think I’ll just head home. Relax a bit. Maybe catch up on a few episodes of
Deadliest Catch
on DVR.” Cody rubbed his temples like he had a headache.

“Drink some water.” Carson didn’t mean to nag, but he’d seen the effects of dehydration and it wasn’t pretty. Even in a pretty boy like Cody.

“This isn’t my first time on the river.” Cody shot him a look that said he was tired of being treated like a kid. “I know how to take care of myself. I even manage to feed myself now.”

“I didn’t mean…” Carson just shook his head. When Cody was in one of his moods, the best thing was to leave him alone. “Do you want me to bring you anything?”

“No. I’ll heat up some leftovers.” Cody twisted the top off his water bottle and drained the remaining few ounces. “Maybe I’ll go to bed early. I guess I’m not as young as I used to be.”

“Well, I might be out late.” Carson had debated going to Lily’s tonight. He figured he would have to entertain Cody, but now… “Don’t wait up.”

“Sure.” Cody started to walk off, but then he stopped. “Do me a favor. If you see Fisher, keep an eye on her.”

“No problem.” There was definitely something going on between those two. Not that it was his business, except for how it might affect his business. He was one to talk; he was sleeping with their bookkeeper. And he didn’t intend to stop anytime soon.

After a quick shower and change of clothes, Carson jumped in his truck and drove straight to her place. He didn’t even stop for dinner. Food could wait. He had more pressing needs. The need to touch, taste, and hold Lily again. He’d tried to resist her, he couldn’t even remember why, but she wouldn’t give up. Didn’t give up. And now, he wanted to spend as much time with her as he possibly could.

It was just dark when he pulled into her driveway. The porch light was on. For him. His heart swelled at the realization. He should have brought something. Flowers. A bottle of wine. Whipped cream and chocolate sauce. He’d been in such a hurry to see her, he didn’t think. He’d just have to give her the kind of gift that couldn’t be found at the Golden Harvest Market.

He smoothed the collar on his shirt. A short sleeved button-up shirt that brought out the blue in his eyes—the shirt he wore when he wanted to make a good impression. He had no reason to be nervous. Lily had made it very clear that she liked him. She’d sought him out and responded to his touch with an enthusiasm he’d never seen before. She’d invited him over tonight, making it very clear that they would end up in her bed. So what was he still doing sitting in his truck?

It’s just sex
, he told himself as he climbed her front steps. Just the best sex he’d ever known. He was about to knock when the door swung open.

* * * *

“Hey there.” Lily tried to sound casual. Like she hadn’t been waiting all day for his arrival. But the instant she heard the gravel crunch beneath his tires, she’d raced to her bedroom and slipped into her new lingerie.

“Wow.” Carson took her in, the look in his eyes pure lust.

“You like?” Lily did a quick pirouette, giving him the full effect of her new purchase.

He answered her by pulling her into his arms, claiming her with his mouth, his hands, his insatiable desire. He devoured her with his kisses. Like he was starving and she was the only nourishment he would ever need.

They stumbled together into the living room. Without taking their hands off each other or breaking contact of their lips, they tumbled onto the couch. His hands skimmed the soft satin of her slip, inching the fabric over her hips. He slipped his hands beneath the waistband of her panties, sliding them down her hips with one quick motion. Instinctively she lifted her hips, giving him more access. His fingers found her center, stroking her to near ecstasy. But it wasn’t enough. She wanted him inside her. Now.

She grabbed the front of his shorts, yanking the button open and tugging at the zipper. She shoved his shorts and boxers away and reached for him, guiding him to where she needed him most.

He groaned as he thrust deep inside her. Their joining was frantic, urgent, almost desperate. Lily gasped, her climax coming on so sudden, so fierce. She drew a breath and Carson thrust once more, harder, deeper, and more intense than ever. He stilled, tension filing his body.

“I’m so sorry.” His voice had an edge, a frantic quality to it that Lily couldn’t understand. Unless he thought she hadn’t…

“No, you were great.” He had nothing to apologize for.

“I’ve never lost control like that.” Carson hadn’t moved; he was frozen in place.

“You should lose control more often.” She was still trembling all over.

“I wasn’t wearing anything.” His eyes were wide with something like fear.

She looked him over. He still wore his shirt, his sandals, and his shorts were wrapped around his ankles. Her slip was pushed up to her ribs, one strap dangling from her shoulder.

“Oh.” She understood why he was so concerned. No, so outright terrified. He hadn’t worn a condom. They had been so hot for each other, they’d skipped that step. “It’s okay. I’m not ovulating. I can’t get pregnant. Not right now.”

Maybe not ever.

“How can you be sure?” Yeah, that was sheer terror in his voice. While she might be ready to be a parent, it was very clear Carson was not.

“Trust me, I know my cycle.” Lily felt a stab of disappointment. “I’ve spent years figuring out the optimal time for me to conceive and tonight is not even close.”

He stroked her hair, looking deep into her eyes for the first time since his arrival. He wanted to believe her, that much was obvious. But he was shaken.

“Have you had dinner?” He was still inside her. His fear was so immobilizing that he hadn’t moved.

“No. I came straight here.” He withdrew slowly, causing Lily to feel empty the moment their connection broke. “I wanted to see you. I needed to be with you.”

“Why don’t you get cleaned up? I’ll fix you something to eat.” Lily smoothed her slip down her thighs. “I made a pot roast.”

“That sounds great.” Carson fumbled to pull up his pants. Lily watched him wander down the hall to the bathroom. She reached for her panties, slipped them on, and made her way into the kitchen, wondering if he would come up with some excuse not to stay.

She reheated the pot roast, mashed potatoes, and gravy. After tossing a quick salad, Lily opened a bottle of wine. She poured two generous glasses and waited for his return.

“Something smells wonderful.” Carson looked more like himself as he slid into the chair she’d pulled out for him.

“I made extra.” Lily had hoped he would make it in time to join her, but she hadn’t held her breath. She realized she was holding her breath right now. Wanting more than he could give.

Carson leaned back into the chair, weariness showing in every line of his body. His shoulders, his neck, even his hair seemed weighted down with worry. Lily scooted closer to him, picking up the fork, stabbing a piece of pot roast, and bringing it to his lips. He closed his eyes and accepted her offer of nourishment. A soft murmur of enjoyment escaped his lips. She continued to feed him, encouraged by his appreciation of her cooking. If only… No she couldn’t let herself start to fantasize about anything domestic. Or permanent.

“That was delicious.” Carson swallowed the last bite and reached for the wine. “I can’t remember the last time someone made me a meal.”

“You do all the cooking?” Lily’s heart broke just a little at the thought. Carson took care of everyone. There was no one to take care of him.

“Sure.” He shrugged. No big deal.

“There’s something you should know.” Lily took his empty plate, dropped it in the sink, and took a step toward the refrigerator. She plucked the appointment card off the door. “Maybe I should have told you before, but…” She sighed. “I didn’t want to scare you away.”

She dropped the card on the table in front of him. “I’m going to have a baby.”

He reached for her glass of wine. It was purely instinct; she took no offense. He protected. That’s just what he did.

“I’m not pregnant.” Lily took her wineglass from his hand and took a long swallow. “But I’m going to be.” She tapped the card. “June seventeenth. I go in for a consultation. And then hopefully, in a few months’ time, I’ll return for prenatal care.”

He stared at her blankly. Lily felt a rush of relief that neither Cody nor Fisher had told him about her plans.