Authors: Mackenzie McKade
“Where are you going?” Vic frowned.
“I’m a little concerned about Harold. He’s been forgetful of late.” After he sent both Reece and her to the high school, he had also forgotten some of her supplies. Then this morning she had to tell him twice what to do with the plans she had created for the sultan’s tent, which had been the clincher. She knew there was something wrong. “I thought I’d swing by Andie’s—just make sure Harold’s okay.” She couldn’t bear the thought that he might be sick.
“I’d love to help.” Josie looked at all the colorful pillows, smiling. “Where do we start?”
“Maybe you can drive my Jeep over to the site. It’s loaded with Hannah’s jewelry trees and other knickknacks.”
“Won’t you need your vehicle to go to Andie’s?” Vic asked.
“No. I think I’ll walk.” A long stroll would give her the opportunity to unwind and the fresh air would do her good. “Just leave my Jeep at the site with the keys tucked beneath the tire well.” Tabby brushed her palms down her jeans. “I’ll help you load this stuff and then be off.”
It didn’t take long to pack the vehicles. In no time, she was trekking down the street, through town, taking a shortcut in a wooded area passing by the cemetery. When the McGraths’ two-story home, nestled against the lush forest, came into view, a light perspiration dotted her forehead. She stared at the winding road leading up the cliff overlooking the ocean. Maybe she should have rethought the decision to walk. But it was too late to turn back, so she trod onward.
By the time she stood on the doorstep, she was out of breath. She knocked a couple times and waited.
When the door sprung wide, Andie stood before her with an expression of surprise that eased into a warm smile. Her shoulder-length auburn hair was pulled back in a ponytail. One hand rested upon the largest tummy Tabby had ever seen.
“I hope I’m not intruding—”
“Never,” Andie broke in, waving her hand, invitingly. “Come on in.” She glanced over Tabby’s shoulder. “You didn’t walk here, did you?”
“Yes.”
“Eeek. You must be in better condition than me.” Then she laughed, patting her protruding belly. “I think everyone is in better condition than me.”
The McGraths’ home oozed with welcome from the doormat out front to the entryway opening into a living room with comfortable-looking furniture. Polished beams crisscrossed the ceiling that held a large whispering fan. A beautifully carved staircase wound upward to the second floor. And to top it off, Tabby could smell homemade bread baking with a touch of garlic added.
As they strolled over to the plush couch, Tabby took a seat. “When are you due?”
Andie nearly collapsed into a matching chair. “Six weeks, but I’ve been having contractions that come and go. I think these two rambunctious boys want out almost as much as I want them out.”
“Boys? Two?” Her expression must have reflected her amazement because Andie giggled.
“Yeah. That was my reaction when I found out.” She tucked a leg beneath her. “So what brings you here?”
Tabby didn’t know where to start, so she went for the direct approach. “I’m a little concerned about your grandfather.”
Andie leaned forward, her pleasant expression faltering as she yanked her leg out from beneath her.
“It may be nothing,” Tabby rushed, in clarifying, “He just seems to be a little forgetful.” While she shared her observations with Andie, the door creaked open and Brody walked through it.
For a brief moment, Tabby couldn’t breathe. It was amazing how much Reece and Brody looked alike, with the exception of their hair. Brody’s silky mass was black instead of chestnut brown. Maturity touched the eyes of the man before her, while Reece’s held laughter and youth.
“Hi, Tabby. Everything okay?”
Andie shook her head. “Typical sheriff, always thinking there’s a problem.” She continued, “Tabby has some concerns regarding Grandpa.”
“Oh.” Brody sauntered over to Andie’s chair and sat on the arm. He placed a large, splayed palm atop her stomach. “How’s Mommy and the boys?”
“We’re fine.” She glanced up at her husband and they shared a moment so precious it made Tabby blush. “As I was saying, it appears Grandpa seems to be forgetting things. Apparently he sent Tabby and Reece on the same errand. They ended up at the high school. Alone.”
“Ohhh…” Brody repeated. “I see.” Lifting his chin, he sniffed the air. “Is that lasagna I smell? When’s dinner?”
Again, Andie shook her head. “In about thirty minutes. Stay for dinner?” she asked Tabby.
“I couldn’t.” Talk about timing. She could have kicked her own ass for visiting at this time of day. She should have known it was dinnertime for most people.
“Yes, you can. In fact, I insist. You see, I have an alternative motive for asking you. I need help with the salad.”
“Well, in that case I’d love to stay.” It had been awhile since she’d had pasta, and if she was being honest with herself, she was hungry. She hadn’t been able to eat a thing since yesterday.
As Brody assisted Andie out of the chair, Tabby stood, and then followed the very pregnant woman into the kitchen.
“I’ll set the table,” Brody called out from the other room.
Immediately Andie put her to work. As she was rinsing the lettuce, there was a knock on the door. But her attention was pulled back to what Andie was doing. As if she were an experienced chef, the large knife Andie held moved fast and confidently, chopping scallions and bell pepper.
“Where did you learn to do that?”
Andie glanced up from the pile of vegetables. “Katie. She has all kinds of wonderful tips for making cooking easier. Can you get the red wine vinaigrette out of the refrigerator?”
As Tabby retrieved the dressing, Andie placed all the ingredients into a large bowl and started to toss it. Then she added the vinaigrette and mixed it some more.
“If you’ll carry the salad, I’ll take the bread and ice tea. I made enough lasagna to feed an army, so Brody will have to get it out of the oven.”
The phone rang.
“Brody will you get that?” Andie stopped and listened for a moment. After the ringing stopped, she gathered the bread and pitcher and stepped out of the kitchen.
Scooping the large bowl in her arms, she once again followed Andie. When they reached the dining room, she set the bowl down, noticing the table had four place settings. She jerked her questioning gaze up to Andie.
“Oh, I hope you don’t mind, but Brody’s brother will be joining us tonight.”
Tabby felt her heart drop to her feet. She had yet to gather her wits before Brody waltzed into the room, Reece right on his heels.
“That was your grandfather on the telephone. Harold said he’s sorry he couldn’t make supper and was glad Tabby could join us in his place. It appears he has some things that needed his attention in town.”
The mischievous grin Brody flashed his wife before he pulled out her chair and she sat down seemed strange to Tabby, but she had bigger things to worry about.
When her and Reece’s eyes met, he came to an abrupt halt. The air between them seemed to crackle and pop with tension that grew thicker with each second they stared at each other without speaking.
“I’ll get the lasagna,” Brody offered, but before he left the room he threw a glance toward Reece. “Cat got your tongue, bro?”
Reece’s Adam’s apple rolled up and down his throat. “Evening, Tabby.”
She nodded warily. “Reece.”
Why did he have to smell so good? Warm. Woodsy. Sensual. A scent that had been all over her skin after they had made love at the high school. No. What they’d had was sex. Nothing more than a moment’s lust.
“So, how are the booths coming along?” Andie began pouring tea into glasses.
Reece accepted a glass and passed it to Tabby, his eyes narrowing on her. “We’re finished.”
Did she hear a tinge of sarcasm in his tone?
“Vic and Josie did a great job on the inside of the sultan’s tent and the outside of the cottage. It’s quite a sight. You should see it, Tabby.”
Yep. Sarcasm. But why?
The framing and wood flooring couldn’t have taken him much time or effort. It was a simple diagram he had to follow. It’s not as if she could have helped them. Sure, he and Devon had to drape the tent, but that wouldn’t have taken more than fifteen minutes at the most. So why the pissy attitude?
“I planned to take a peek tonight when I go back to get my Jeep.”
“Get your Jeep?” Brody asked as he set the heavy pan of lasagna on a hotplate in the middle the table. Bright red tomato sauce bubbled up between the white layers of cheese covering the top. The rich scent made her dry mouth water.
“Tabby walked here from town,” Andie clarified.
“Well, she won’t be walking back. It will be dark by the time she leaves.” Brody pulled out his chair and sat down. “With all the strangers in town, it isn’t safe. Reece will take you when you leave.”
Even though his tone left no room for argument, she thought,
Ohhh no he won’t.
She placed her napkin in her lap, curling her fingers around the edges. “I’ll be fine.” More so than being stuck in the same confined space with Reece. No. She couldn’t possibly put her heart in that kind of situation.
“No you won’t,” both he and Brody said in unison.
“Then it’s settled. Reece will take you into town. Let’s eat,” Andie said.
We’ll see
, echoed through Tabby’s head as she stared down at her empty plate and wished she’d never come over here to express her concerns regarding Harold. A telephone call would have been better—at least safer.
Dinner went as well as she could expect. Both she and Reece answered direct questions about the sultan’s tent and the cottage. Cautiously, they labored through the evening’s conversation as if they were playing a game of chess, each move calculated and thoughtful in an attempt to avoid each other. She tried to ignore him; still she was advertently aware of him. When their hands accidently touched, reaching for the butter at the same time, warmth spread through her. She hated her body’s reaction and the way her nipples suddenly beaded.
If Brody and Andie noticed the discord between Reece and her, the couple didn’t let on.
Andie pushed her plate away. “So, when do you return to school?”
“The end of the month,” Tabby replied.
The tendons in Reece neck protruded. He pinned a steely glare on her. “I thought you dropped out.”
Sudden anger flared inside her, warming her cheeks. “Well, I’ve decided to drop back in.”
Tension stretched between them like a rubber band.
“What are your plans after you graduate?” Andie sat with her hands rested atop her large belly.
Tabby swallowed nervously. “I’ll look for a position in New York.”
A short, sarcastic laugh escaped Reece. “When did you make the decision to go to New York?”
Her own laughter was mocking and brief. “What difference does it make?” Besides, why the hell did he care?
“It makes a hell of a lot of difference. I bet your mother and Devon don’t know about your plans. He won’t let you go.”
She really didn’t give a damn what Devon or Reece thought she could or couldn’t do. She opened her mouth to tell him just that when Andie cleared her throat. Brody sat quietly with a broad smile across his handsome face.
“Hmm…would anyone like dessert?” Andie asked.
“No,” both Reece and Tabby barked at the same time.
Crap. For a moment, she’d forgotten her manners. “No, thank you,” she corrected, working to regain her control. Deep, slow breaths didn’t seem to help much. “After I help you clean up, I really need to run.”
Fast and far.
“Don’t you worry about the dishes—I have a built-in dishwasher.” Andie grinned.
Brody stood and casually walked toward his wife. With a sparkle in his eyes, he leaned down and planted a kiss upon her head. “She means me.”
Laughter broke the mounting tension.
Tabby took the opportunity to get to her feet. “Thank you for a lovely dinner. Please make sure Mom hears about the happy event so she’ll give me a call when the babies are born.”
“I don’t think I could keep these rascals coming a secret even if I wanted to. Their papa will probably yell their arrival from the very edge of Dresden’s Bluff.” Dresden’s Bluff overlooked the entire town and was a popular place for all the teenagers to hang out.
“Damn right I will,” Brody said proudly.
“I wish you and the boys the very best.” Tabby pivoted, running smack dab into Reece’s chest. “Umph.”
“Forgetting something, or maybe
someone
?”
Dammit. Of course, he wouldn’t forget that he had to give her a ride.
Andie and Brody followed them outside. After saying their goodbyes, Reece opened the passenger-side door for her and she crawled inside. As he strolled in front of the truck, she watched him. By the frown pushing his brows together, he wasn’t happy. He didn’t speak as he slid in behind the wheel and started the vehicle.
They were halfway to the building site when he finally spoke. “So what’s this about you going back to school and moving to New York?”
If Tabby thought she would sashay out of town after what happened between them, she was sorely misinformed. Reece’s fingers tightened on the steering wheel. Although he was supportive for her to return to school, the damn woman couldn’t raise havoc with his life and then just disappear.
Her backbone stiffened while her chin jutted into the air. “I don’t owe you an explanation behind my decisions.”
“The hell you don’t. What do your mom and Devon say about your decision to move to New York?” When she didn’t respond, he harrumphed. “Just what I thought. You haven’t told them.”
“No. And I would appreciate it if you kept your mouth shut. I’d like to handle this at the right time.”
“And when would that be? When you’ve graduated and moved several hundred miles away from home.”
“Dammit, Reece. This is none of your business.”
A moment of uncomfortable silence lingered, before his voice softened. “Are you running away because of what happened between us?”
Her head snapped in his direction. “I’m not running away.”
“What do you call it?”
“Growing up. Leaving my childhood behind me.”
Leaving me behind.
He knew the reality behind what she said. Tabby had given up on him. Wasn’t that what he wanted? And if it was, why did her words feel like arrows piercing his heart?
He brushed his fingers through his hair. “This won’t work between us.”
“Yeah.” She whipped her gaze to the right, staring out the window. “You’ve already said that.”
Shit. He hadn’t meant to speak out loud. The truth was he didn’t know if he could let her go, not after he’d held her, kissed her lips, been so deep inside her he’d marked her—
his
.
You’re one selfish bastard
, his conscience growled.
But he couldn’t deny it. This entire day had been pure hell.
He had unconsciously looked for her time and time again. His distraction had caused him to make stupid mistakes, costing them time and earning him annoying comments from Devon about Lauren. His friend was so off the mark, that if the situation weren’t so fucked-up it would be hilarious. Of course, there wouldn’t be anything funny when his best friend discovered the truth. The thought of their friendship ending, not to mention their business relationship, shook Reece up. And then there was the fact that his occupation took him away from Whispering Cove, sometimes months at a time. What girlfriend, much less a wife, would embrace that kind of life?
Wife?
Reece swallowed hard and chanced a glance in Tabby’s direction. She nearly hugged the door as she continued to stare blindly out the window.
A little more soul-searching had him realizing that the only way he could have Tabby was by marrying her. As Devon said, she deserved nothing less.
And what about his career—his goals?
Could he throw them to the wind for a woman? Not any woman, but Tabby? Could he make that kind of commitment?
A barrage of questions with little to no answers whirled in his head as he pulled off the street, driving as close to the sultan’s tent as possible. From where he parked he could see a sliver of light shining from the split in the curtains that acted as a door. Just to show how thorough Tabby was, she had placed grommets down the seams of the door and included padlocks and keys to safeguard the items inside. Reece loved that about her. When it came to her work, she was meticulous.
He glanced again at the light spilling out of the tent. “Damn,” he grumbled.
Tabby turned to face him. “What?”
“It looks like someone has already broken into the tent. I made sure the lights were off, the locks fastened and the flaps closed before I left today.”
She reached for the door and he stopped her with a hand over hers.
“No you don’t. Let me go check first just in case someone is still there. Lock the doors. And, Tabby, don’t get out of the truck,” he instructed as he climbed quietly out of the cab.
He waited until he heard the click of the vehicle’s locking device before proceeding. As he drew closer, he heard soft music playing and remembered that Vic had hooked a DVD up, testing it before she left, but he was sure she had turned it off. Listening, he couldn’t hear any movement or voices, so he slowly inched open the curtain flap. With a quick scan he noted the place was empty and stepped inside, taking inventory. Oddly, the padlocks and a strange key ring lay upon the short-legged table in the middle of the room.
“So, is anything missing?”
Tabby’s sudden appearance behind him almost made him jump out of his skin.
“Dammit, Tabby. I told you to stay in the truck.”
But she wasn’t paying attention to him. Instead she gazed around with an expression of awe. “It’s beautiful.”
No. Tabby was beautiful.
Standing beneath a waterfall of soft blue lighting, she appeared ethereal, almost angelic. An array of elegant pillows, both large and small, multicolored scarves, jewels and the long strands of pearls and gems draping his mother’s trees shimmered, adding to the picturesque moment.
Memories of holding Tabby, parting her thighs and sinking into her warmth, made his body tighten, the pressure behind his zipper becoming uncomfortable. He knew he should leave, but his feet wouldn’t move. The temptation to touch her was too great.
Then she turned and their eyes met.
Time stretched like a strained rubber band holding them in its embrace. As if by magic, the distance between them melted away. He heard her name, a whisper on his lips. Before he knew what was happening, she was in his arms, their mouths fusing together in a rush of passion so overwhelming he couldn’t think.
It was madness, but he was powerless when his hands moved as if they had minds of their own, reaching for the hem of her T-shirt and pulling it up and over her head. Tabby cried out and his grip grew taut, drawing her so close that air wouldn’t fit between them. One hand kept her melded to him while the other smoothed up her back. Her silky skin was warm beneath his fingertips, an aphrodisiac that urged him to flick the clasp of her bra.
“No. Don’t,” she moaned breathlessly, but it was too late as the lacy material fell to the ground.
He knew he should stop, release her. Instead he trailed kisses down her neck, his tongue swirling in the hollow of her shoulder blade. “Please.” He savored the salt of her skin and inhaled the flowery scent of her feminine essence. “Say you want this—you want me.”
Tabby made a small tortured sound before she cupped his face, guiding his gaze to hers. Sadness he felt, bone-deep, dulled the usual happiness in her eyes—or was it the lighting? His question was answered when she began to speak.
“Wanting you isn’t the problem. I’ve always wanted you, Reece. But I don’t know if I can do this and then walk away like nothing happened between us. It’s too h-hard.” The cry of honesty in her voice sent shivers up his spine.
For a moment, he stood paralyzed. He swallowed, knowing that he stood on a pivotal point. If he let her go tonight, she would be lost to him forever. It was in her moist eyes, the somber way she looked at him, and the anguish in her tone.
A heartbeat thrummed before he said, “You’re mine.” He was surprised by how easily the declaration flowed from his mouth, but it felt right.
The rest would have to fall in place.
Tabby made a soulful sound, somewhere between a whimper and a laugh. “Are you sure? Because I can’t—”
He crossed his lips over hers. Her mouth met his with a hunger that sent fire surging through his veins. He angled his head to deepen the kiss, his tongue plunging in and out, sliding against hers, until she sucked hard, pulling him farther inside. Her bold action increased the pressure in his jeans, forcing him to surrender to her caress.
For some time they feasted upon each other, each of them unable to get close enough. When they breathlessly parted, her lips moved to his throat, a soft caress that left him feeling needy, achy.
“Touch me, Tabby.” The request was a desperate plea. He had to feel her hands on him. Know that she felt the same way he did.
As if she knew what he needed, she slid her fingers between his jeans and his abdomen. A sharp intake of air filled his lungs. Her hand slipped farther inside, her fingers curling around his dick, causing his flesh to harden even more.
When she squeezed him, he quivered. “God. That feels good.”
“Take off your shirt.” Her demand sent another shiver up his spine.
Using her free hand, she worked the button of his jeans loose, and then tugged. His zipper hissed, freeing him. In seconds, his pants and boxers pooled around his boots and ankles, and he stood before her naked and heavily aroused. His cock was dark and engorged, the bulbous head damp with precome.
Tabby dropped to her knees, gazing up at him through thick, shuttered lashes. “I want to taste you.” Her lips parted, her tongue making a slow, sexy slide between her lips.
His pulse stuttered before it soared in anticipation. Just the thought of her taking him this way made him impossibly harder. When she barely touched the end of his cock with her pink, moist tongue, his heart nearly stopped and his knees threatened to buckle. Yet that was nothing compared to how he felt when she licked a slow, seductive path along the underside of the head, and then she smoothed her tongue over the top, removing the pearly drop with a flick.
He trembled as if caught in a snowstorm, but it wasn’t the chilly night having this effect on him. It was the woman who smiled up at him with such sensuality, before she took all of him into her warm haven.
Groaning, he stabbed his fingers through her silky hair as she moved up and down his shaft. The feel of her mouth gliding over his flesh was heaven and hell. The pleasure was so exquisite he thought for a moment he’d lost his friggin’ mind. He couldn’t quite grasp that Tabby knelt before him, with desire burning in her eyes, as she fucked him with that sassy mouth of hers. It was so like her to tease him, switching from firm to gentle strokes, then to slow and fast ones, and then back to slow.
His cock throbbed and pounded to a rhythm of pure ecstasy he had never felt before. He was sure the damn woman was trying to kill him when a fiery rush of blood slammed into his balls, drawing them up tight against his body. A tickling vibration began at the bottom of his shaft.
He tensed.
Not yet
, his mind screamed as his body struggled with the intensity with which his climax threatened.
“Stop! Oh. God. Tabby, stop.”
Bent over in near pain, his palms splayed on his thighs, he groaned, long and low. When he could finally breathe, move, he eased out of her precious mouth. His erection glistened with her saliva beneath the soft glow of light.
“If you keep doing that, it will be over before it begins.” Despite the urgency beating furiously inside him, he chuckled. “Besides you have too many clothes on.”
Tabby licked her lips, rising. “That would just mean we’d have to start all over again. And I can take care of the
too many clothes
.”
He waited until she reached for the button on her jeans before he toed off his boots and socks, shedding his pants and briefs. Still breathing hard, he sprawled upon a pile of pillows to enjoy the view.
Since she was already topless, he savored the fullness of her breasts. As she leaned to push her pants down, the globes hung heavily. Their tips a delicious rose color that was made for suckling. It was a beautiful sight, but completely naked, Tabby was a goddess. Perfectly formed, with valleys, dips and mounds all in the right places. Creamy, soft skin that begged for him to touch and caress.
Reece held out a hand and she came to him willingly. When she eased down beside him, he turned her so she lay beneath him and brushed the hair from her face before he leaned down and kissed her gently. Their eyes met. Silent words exchanged between them spoke of longing and desire and something more, but he didn’t get a chance to dissect his feelings when she widened her thighs, an invitation to join with her.
Tabby couldn’t think past the ache in her breasts. Her nipples were firm peaks that rasped almost painfully against his chest. Her thighs widened even more and her hips jerked when his flesh met hers. Pussy moist and pulsing, she needed him stretching her, fucking her with deep, hard strokes. When his firm erection began to part her folds, push inside her, she wanted to close her eyes and savor the rightness of them becoming one, but she kept them open, afraid this was just another dream that would end in heartache.
“Damn. Darlin’.” A breath hissed between his clenched teeth. “You’re so tight. So fuckin’ wet.”
She moaned when the tip of him struck the back wall of her pussy.
“Yeah,” he whispered. “I like it when you mewl. It’s so hot.” He reared back and then drove forward with a force that brought another cry from her lips.
She arched into him, his name coming out on one more whimper. Her craving for him was insatiable. It was a raging storm sweeping aside her fears that when this was all over he would once again pull away.
Reece dipped his head and she felt his hot, moist tongue lick a slow, languid path around an areola. When he bit down on the sensitive peak, heat exploded between her thighs. Her vaginal muscles clenched, shivered, releasing a wave of excitement that washed through her.
Tabby gasped.
She gripped his bare flesh, her arms crossing his back. Her hips rose to meet his thrust, and then the next one. Too many years of wanting him made her desperate to hold on to him—desperate to make him truly hers. And then he pulled away from her, leaving her grasping at air to bring him back into her arms.
“Easy, baby.” He traced a finger down her chest, between her breasts, past her bellybutton, to her waxed mound. “It’s my turn to taste you.” His lips followed the path his finger had taken.
She squirmed with the thought of his face buried against her pussy. “Ahhh.” The ache beating inside her like a pulse intensified. “Please, Reece. I need you.”
“You need this.” His placed his mouth on her tender flesh and she made a thin, strangled sound that thickened when his tongue parted her swollen folds.