ALWAYS BEEN YOU
GreatAuntFinolawasdead.
BellamyChasecouldhardlybelieveit Thewomanhadsurvivedbeingstruckbylightning,forGod’ssake Bellamyknew She’d beenthere to be traumatized bythe event. Who would’ve thought Finola would finallybe takenout bysomethingso commonplaceasastroke?More,whowould’vethoughtshe’dleaveBellamysomething?Itwasn’tlikeshe’dactuallyseenthe oldbattleaxeinyears Shehadn’tbeenabletoevensetfootinthehouseaftertheaforementionedlightningstrike Butsheand hergreataunthadexchangedlettersalltheseyears,somaybeitwasn’tweirdthatshe’dbequeathedsomelittlekeepsake.
ItseemedfittingthatthereadingofthewillbehappeningNewYear’sEve FinolahadlovedNewYear’s,lovedtheideaof startingnew andfresh.She’dmarchedtothebeatofher owndrum,always,eschewingmarriageanddaringtodelightinher spinsterhoodandonlyever havingtopleaseherself Bellamycouldn’tsayshewas quitesookaywithher ownsinglestatus Shedidn’tneedamantocompleteher,andshelovedthelifeshe’dmadeasatravelingnurse,gettingtoseeotherpartsofthe countryandworld.Butdamn,she’dreallylove tohave some regular,non-battery-assistedorgasms.As she wasn’tintoonenight stands and rarelystayed anywhere more thana couple of months, there hadn’t beenanygreat options onthat front in longerthanshecaredtoremember.
You’re holding them all to an impossible standard Scowling,sheignoredthewhisperinthebackofhermind.
Whyshouldn’tsheexpectgreatfriendshipfromaguyshewantedasherlover?Friendshipwasimportant,damnit.Sowas humor.Andgreathugs.Andallthethingsshehadn’tgotteninpersonfromherfavoritepersonintheworldinevenlongerthan ithadbeensincethenon-battery-assistedorgasms.Notthathewouldeverinamillionyearsconsidercrossingthatbridgewith her Morewasthepity Thatwaswhatcameofknowingeachotherallthewaybacktotheagewhenyou’dshovedaLegoup your noseonadare.Youcouldn’tactuallyseeeachother as grown-ups.Exceptshe’dabsolutelystartedseeingGrahamas a grown-up Andthenhe’dleft Soshe’dleft,too,andthey’dbothmaintainedthisdistantconnectionthroughemailsandphone callsthatjustweren’tthesame.
Damnit.
Usually,shewasabletoputGrahamoutofher mindfor longstretchesatatime.Easytodowhenshewasburiedinher work. Butnow she was drivinghome to Eden’s Ridge for the firsttime inforever, and itjustfeltwrongto be cominghere withouthim
Snow floateddownlikesomethingoutofaHallmarkmovie.Big,lacyflakesthatanyothertimeshe’ddelightin.Butshe wasn’tinthemoodforsimplejoys Theweatherforecasthadthetemperaturesrisingandathunderstormrollinginlatertonight Itwouldwashawaythethincrustofsnowthatcoveredthebleakwinterlandscape.NomoreSouthernwinterwonderland. Itwasfine.She’dgetin,hearthereadingofthewill,collecthercommemorativeantiqueplateorwhatever,andgetthehell backout Shewouldn’tmakeitallthewaybacktoSavannahtonight,butshedidn’thaveto Shejustneededoutof here before thestormstarted.
A horrific crash had her foot hitting the brake, even as she scanned for a rockslide or other vehicle Nothing Heart hammering,Bellamybegantomoveagain,creepingaroundthebendintheroadahead.
HerewasthesourceoftheGod-awful noise AnSUVhadslammedagainstatree Thepassenger sidewascavedin,the hood bucked up, and steam or was that smoke? curled up from the engine. Even as she whipped her own car to the shoulder,atirefellofftheSUVandrolleddownintothesnowyditch.
“Oh,motherofpearl!”
Grabbingherphone,shestumbledoutofthecarandracedtotheothervehicletocheckontheoccupants.Shecouldseered andblackbuffaloplaidthroughthefogged-upwindow
Bellamydraggedthedooropen,almostsurprisedwhenitcamewithoutresistance.Theairbaghaddeployedandthedriver theonlyoneshecouldseeintheSUV wasslumpedoverthesteeringwheel
“Hello.Hello,sir?Areyouokay?”
Shewasalreadyreachingforhim,intendingtocheckforapulse,whenhegroanedandsatup.Herheartallbutstopped.
“Graham?”
Herbestfriendblinkedather,alittledazed.Hisbrowneyesfocusedonherandhislipscurvedintoasmile.“Hey,Bells.”
Atthesoundofhisvoiceandthepropercontractionofhispupils,herheartkickedintogearagain “Don’tyou‘Hey,Bells’ me,GrahamNorthrop.Whathappened?Whereareyouhurt?”Shereachedforhimagain,runningherhandsovereverypartshe couldsee,herbrainassessinghimforinjury
Grahamjustcontinuedtogrinstupidlyather.“Adeerranoutinfrontofme.I’mfine.”
“You’renotfine You’rebleeding”Atrailofvibrantreddrippeddownfromabovehislefteyebrow Shecouldn’tseeany breaks,andhewasn’tpinned,butwhoknewwhatwasunderneath?“I’mcalling911.”
“ItwasRumbuckle’sfault.”
Herfingerspausedoverthescreenofherphone “Excuseme?”
“He flew offthe dashwhenIswerved.” Grahamleaned over and grabbed somethingoffthe floor. “Iwas bringingyour gnomiebacktoyou”
Theybothstaredatthelittlegardengnome.Theonehe’dswipedfiveyearsagowhenheheadedoutforhisglobe-trotting, who’dbeensendingherpostcardsfromallovereversince Bellamy’sthroatwenttight,hereyesburning.
“Sorryaboutthehat.MaybeIcanfixit.”Grahamwinced,tracingonefingeroverthebreak. “Idon’tcareaboutthegnome,”shewhispered Well,thatwasalie Shedidcare Becauseitrepresentedhim,andhecould havejustdied.
“Aw,Bells Don’tcry I’llgetyouanother”Heslidoutoftheseatandpulledherinforoneofthosehugsshe’dmissedso much.
Everythingrawandrestlessinsidehersettled.He’dalwaysbeenabletodothat.Bellamyheldonandtriedtofightbackthe tears.“Missedyou.”
“Missedyou,too.”
His hand stroked downher back, and she wanted to archinto the touchand into him Because damn, he’d put onsome muscleinthelastfiveyearsanditaddedalayertothehugthatwasdefinitelynotjustfriendly.
Hepulledback “It’sreallydamnedgoodtoseeyou,Bellamy”
Needingtoputsomedistancebetweenthembeforeshedidsomethingstupid,likethrowherarmsbackaroundhimandkiss himsenseless,sheliftedherphone.“I’mstillcalling911.” “I’mfine.”
“Youwereinanaccident.LasttimeIchecked,youwerenotthemedicalprofessionalamongus.”
“Seriously, I’mokay” He danced a jig, singingthe openingbars to MontyPython’s “I’ma Lumberjack,” endingwitha flourish.“See?”
Shecouldn’tholdbackthesnickeroflaughter “Ifyouthinkthat’ssupposedtoproveyou’reokay,you’resorelymistaken” “Ididn’teversayIwassane.”
Sobering,shesteppedintohimagain,reachinguptotouchhisface.“You’restillbleeding.”
Grahamstilled,hiseyesgoingdarkashestareddownather “It’llcleanup Ijustneedatow I’llcallMick” Bellamy’s breath hitched. She wasn’t seeing attraction. It was some kind of post-possible-concussive reaction. Or something Swallowing,shedroppedherhand “Yourbrother’sstillinEden’sRidge?” “Sureis.BeenworkingatThompson’sGaragesincegraduation.Figurehe’lltakeitoveroneofthesedayswhenOldMan Thompsondecidestoretire”
Grahamwasprobablyfine.ButBellamydidn’twanttoleavehimontheoff-chancehewasn’t.“Okay.Makethecall.And thenyou’recomingintotownwithme.”
“Whyare youhere?IwasgonnadrivedowntoSavannahinacoupledaystofindyou” “GreatAuntFinoladied.I’mhereforthereadingofherwill.”
“Oh,Bells I’msorry Ididn’trealizeshe’dpassed Doesthatmeaneverybodyelseisintown?” “Yup.”
Graham’sexpressiondarkened Heknewherrelationshipwithherextendedfamilywasn’texactlygreat “Doyouwantme tocomewithyou?”
Hewould.Becausehewasalwaysupforsupportingherhoweversheneeded.Lethimthinkshewantedhimtherepurely foremotionalbackup She’ddowhateversheneededtokeepaneyeonhimuntilshewascertainhewastrulynoworseforthe wear.
“Please”
“You’vegotit.”
“NowsityourpatootdownsoIcancleanthatcut.”
THEY WERE latetothereadingofthewill.
“Sorry!Sorry!”Bellamyunwoundherscarf,flutteringthehandsthathad,lessthananhourago,socompetentlydressedhis wound.Handsthathadfeltfreakingamazingagainsthisskin.Handshehadn’tbeenabletostopimaginingontherestofhim.
Grahamblamed thatonthe prospective head injury He wanted to take those hands inhis to settle her down Wanted to wrapherupandshieldherfromthesehorriblepeople.Instead,hesurveyedthegroupgatheredaroundasmallconferencetable andflashedanapologeticsmile.“Myfault.Sorry.Iwasinanaccident,andBellamystoppedtohelp.”
Anolderwomanwithapinchedexpressionliftedhernoseintheairwithasniff “Youcouldhavecalled” “Sorry,AuntOpal.”Bellamyslidintotheonlyopenchair,hugginghercoattoherchestlikeasecurityblanket.
Grahamheld ina growl and moved behind her, crossinghis arms Maybe he looked a little like a deranged lumberjack bodyguard, but he didn’t give a damn. These people had done everything they could to make Bellamy’s life a living hell growingup She’dchosenalifemoreorlessontheroadtogetawayfromthemratherthanstayintheplacesheloved Hercousin,Tobias,leanedin,layingahandoverhers.“It’sokay,Bellamy.We’renotquitethrough.MissBoltonhassaved thebestforlast.”
Bellamy’s shoulders stiffened Before Grahamcould give the guya lessoninpersonal space, she carefullyextracted her handandleanedbackinherchair,asfarasshecouldgetwithoutactuallymoving.Hesethisownhandonhershoulder,feeling some of the tension drain at his touch She reached back to squeeze his hand and for a moment Graham reveled in the connection.God,he’dmissedhersodamnedmuch.
WhenBellamyspokeagain,hervoicewasfirmer “Please,continue,MissBolton”
“Wewerejustcominguptothehouse.”Theattorneyslidonapairoftortoise-shellreadingglasses.Hergazeskimmedthe documentinherhandsuntilshefoundherplace.“Ah,herewego.‘Tomygrandniece,BellamyMarieChase,Ileavemyhouse andeverythinginit,savefortheappendedlistofitems’”
Bellamygasped.“Sheleftmeher house?”
Oh, shit
Everyoneatthetableexplodedinprotest.
“What?Howcansheleavethehouseto her?”Tobiasdemanded. Astocky,middle-agedmanhuffedinoutrage.“I’mtheonewhotookcareofherthesepastyears.”
“I’m the one who made all those dutyvisits!” insisted a younger womanwithbleached-blonde hair thatGrahamthought mightbeBellamy’scousin,Karin
“KnowingFinola,shetookcareofherself,”Bellamymuttered.
Acoupleoftheothersleaptin,talkingovereachotheruntilMissBoltonletoutapiercingtwo-fingeredwhistle “Iamnotfinished.Thereareconditionstothebequeathment.”
“Whatconditions?”Opalasked.
Miss Boltonfrowned. “They’re… somewhatunusual. Inorder to take possessionofthe property, Miss Chase muststay thereovernight.Allnight.I…Well,there’snootherwaytosaythis.Ihavetolockyouinandletyououtthenextdaytomake sureyoustay”
Tobiasbegantolaugh.“Oh,ho.AuntFinolahadavicioussenseofhumorthere.Bellamywill nevermakeitovernightin thathouse Shehasn’tevenbeenabletosetfootoverthethresholdsinceshewasthirteen!”
“Andthere’sastormcoming,”Karintauntedwithasmirk.“Youmightaswellgiveupnow,cousin.” Bellamy’scheekshadgonepale.
And no wonder She’d beenabsolutelytraumatized whenFinola, througha freakaccident, had beenstruckbylightning duringBellamy’s visit.The phones hadbeenknockedoutandfallentrees hadblockedthe doors.She’dbeenalone withher unconsciousauntformorethanthreehoursuntilhelpcame She’dbeenpetrifiedofthunderstormsandthathouseeversince Thiswasnotideal.
“Sowhogetsthehousewhenshedoesn’tstay?”Tobiasdemanded “Becausethatpropertyisworthafairpenny” FinolawantedBellamytohavethehouse.Maybetheseconditionsweretotrytoforcehertofaceherfearsafterallthese years. Grahamcouldn’tdecide whether thatwas genius or a little bitevil. He didn’tevenknow ifBellamywould wantthe house,afterallthiswasover Butbydamn,shedeservedthechancetomakethatdecisionforherself Grahamlaidbothhandsonhershouldersandtriednottonoticehowsilkyherfinebrownhairfelt.“Itdoesn’tmatterwho’s nextinline Bellamywillbefinestayinginthehouseovernight” “Um.”Hervoiceshookasshelookedupathimwithwide,anxiousblueeyes.
“You’llbefinebecauseI’llbewithyou It’sNewYear’sEve We’llmakeapartyofit,pickupsnacksandbooze,maybe grabsomemovies.It’llbetomorrowbeforeyouknowit.” “Isthatallowed?”Karinwantedtoknow.
“There’snothinginthewillthatstipulatesshehastostaytherealone” GrahamkepthisfocusonBellamy.“Seethere?You’vegotthis.”
Afteralonglook,sheturnedherattentionbacktotheattorney “Whencanyoulockusin?”
THE SOUND ofthelockslidingintoplaceechoedlikeagunshotinBellamy’shead Theinstantsenseofpanichadherturning forthedoor,butGrahamcaughther,tuggingherintohim.
“Nope You’refine It’sovernight Noteventwenty-fourhours”
Herhandsfistedintheflannelofhisshirt.“Butthestormisalmosthere.”
“Andit’llbefine.Theoddsoflightningstrikingthesamespottwicearesoastronomicalastobenil.”
AsifMotherNaturewaslaughingather,thunderrumbledinthedistance Onawhimper,Bellamyburiedherfaceagainst Graham’sflannel-coveredchest.Thefeel ofthemusclesunderneathgaveher somethingelsetothinkabout,asdidthestrong armshehadwrappedaroundher
Heshifted,liftingherchinsoshehadtolookupathim.“I’vegotyou,Bells.”
Histouchelectrifiedherblood,andshewantedsobadlytobelievehemeantmorethanhedid Butsheknewbetter Itwas justthesituationmakingthingsfeelmoreintimatethantheywere.
“Andhow,precisely,doyouproposetodistractmeforthenextsixteenhoursorso?”
Oh, son of a biscuit Did that sound like flirting? Shedidn’tmeanitto Althoughnow thattheideahadoccurredtoher, shecouldthinkofwaymoreinterestingwayshecouldoccupyhertonight.Ifonly.
“Netflixmarathonsexistforareason”
Sure,Bellamycouldgoforbingingalltheseasonsof Stranger Things,butshehadtopokeaholeinthatparticularplan.“I don’tthinkFinolahadinternet.We’reprettyremoteuphere.Itwaspartofwhywewroteactualletters.”
“Thenwe’llfindsomethingtowatchontheregularTV.Don’ttheyusuallydoJamesBondmarathonsforNewYear’sEve?”
“Iguesswe’llfindoutifthesatelliteispaidupthroughtheendoftheyear.”Suckinginabracingbreath,shesteppedaway fromhimandtookherfirstrealsurveyofthehouse
Itwasn’tasdarkandterrifyingassheremembered.Thewarmglow oflampshelpedwiththat.Theplacewasn’tlarge.It hadn’tneededtobe withjusther greatauntlivinghere Atwo-sidedriver rockfireplace was the focal pointofthe room It openedontheothersidetothebedroom.Built-inbookcasesflankedbothsidesandwereloadedwithtomesthatBellamyknew would cover everythingfromthe steamiestofromances to herbalismand history. The books were dustynow, and cobwebs decoratedallthecorners.Inherolderyears,Finolahadn’tbeenabletocleanaseasily,andshehatedhavingstrangersinher space.Crocksandbottlesofbrittle,brownflowerswereplacedaroundtheroom,mutetestamenttohowlongithadbeensince someonewhocaredhadbeenthroughhere
“NoTV,”Grahamsaidinwonder.“HowcouldshelivewithoutaTV?”
“She used to call it the idiot box, so I’m not surprised she doesn’t have one There’s probably a radio around here somewhere.”
Wanderinginto the tinygalleykitchen, Bellamyfound the radio unit that was older thanshe was tucked onthe counter besidethegasstove.Sheswitchediton,fiddlingwiththedialuntilshemanagedtopickupasignal.Tinny,turn-of-the-century popmusicspilledoutofthespeakers.
“Well,that’llgiveusabitofasoundtrackwhilewedoalittleclean
”ShetrailedoffassheturnedtofindGrahamdoing thedancetoN’Sync’s“ByeByeBye”.
Assoonashecaughtherstaring,hestopped “What?”
“I’mreallygladyou’reherewithme.”
“I’mgladtobehere.I’vemissedthehelloutofyou.Whydon’twegivetheplaceaquickclean,likeyousaid.Thenwecan bustouttheNewYear’sEvepicnicAthenaputtogetherforus”
OneofGraham’sfostersisterswasaMichelin-starredchef.Athisbehest andpromiseoffreelaborforatimeandtaskto be named inthe future she’d puttogether provisions for their overnightstay Lookingforward to divinginto that, Bellamy threwherselfintodusting,scrubbing,andsweepingthewholehouse.Itwasduringherforayintothebedroomthatsherealized therewasonlyonebed
Grahamfoundherstandinginthemiddleoftheroom,adustclothandbottleoflemonoilinherhand. “Problem?”
“Shedoesn’thaveaguestroom” “Pull-outcouch?”
“Notunlessshesuddenlydecidedshelikedovernightcompany” Theybothstaredatthequeen-sizebeddrapedincolorfulquilts.
Grahamshrugged “Eh,weprobablywon’tsleepmuchanyway” Bellamy’sbrainwasalltoohappytosuggestamultitudeofotherthingstheycoulddointhatbedbesidessleep. Hedidn’tmeanthatlikeitsounded.He didn’t.Shehadtopullhermindoutofthegutter.ThiswasGraham.Herbestfriend. Theyweren’tgoingthere
Needingsomespace,shewentbacktohercleaning.
Anhourlater,theentireplacesmelledoflemonoilandwoodsmokefromthefireGrahamhadstartedinthefireplace.The glowfromtheflamesflickeredoverallthefreshlypolishedwood,makingtheplacefeeldownrighthomey Shecouldalmost forgetthesteadydrumofrainontheroofandwindows.Almost.Butshe’dgatheredupcandlesandspreadthemoutaroundthe house,incasethepowerwentout,asitwaswonttodouphereinthemoreremotesectionoftheirmountain Afreshrollofthunderhadherleapingtowardthekitchen.“Dinner!” “Andmaybeadrink,”Grahamsuggested “DearGod,yes.”Sheneededallthehelpshecouldgettosurvivethisnight.
AS JOURNEY’S “Don’tStopBelieving”cameontheradio,Bellamyheldupherdrink.“That’smysong!”Shescrambledto herfeetanddancedherwayaroundtheremainsoftheirindoorpicnictothekitchen,whereshegrabbedawoodenspoonfrom ajugtouseasamicrophone.
Grahamgrinned after her “Did you get into the champagne early?” He knew she hadn’t had more than the two beers becausehehadn’tbeenabletotakehiseyesoffher.
Pluckingaspatulafromthesamejug,shethrustitathim.“Shutupandsing,Northrop.”
Becauseitwasadamnedsightbetterthanthefearandanxietyshe’dhadwhentheygothere,hedidassheasked,throwing himselfintothesecondversewithgusto.Iftheirharmonieswerealittlesharp,whocared?Theywerehavingfun.Morefun,he couldadmit,thanhe’dhadinalltheyearssincehe’dleft EverythinghadalwaysbeenbetterwithBellamy
Duringtheguitarsolo,hegrabbedherhand,tuggingherintoaspin.Shecamewillingly,crashingintohimwithabsolutely nograceandaboatloadofsnickeringlaughter Hesoakedupthesoundlikeadesertparchedforrain Thenthesongended,and hestareddownather beautifullyflushedface,intotheeyes he’dmissedsomuchthesepastyears.Heswallowed,unableto stophishandsfromtighteningonherhips.Hisgazefelltohermouth,wherethedelightedsmilefaded,herlipspartingonan indrawnbreath
Damn it. Damn it.
He’d lefttownto getawayfromthis pull To keep fromdestroyingthe friendship betweenthembyaskingfor too much Andapparentlythelastfiveyearshaddonenothingbutmakethatdesirekeener.
Let her go, idiot Hishandsdidn’tseemtogetthemessage.
“Graham?”Bellamy’shuskyvoiceheldaquestion.
Reluctantly,hedraggedhisfocusbacktohereyes,dreadingwhathe’dseethere Butitwasn’tworryinthosebrightbluedepths.Itwasn’tconfusionorrevulsion.Itwasheat.
Could she possiblyfeel the same way? He didn’twantto read this wrong, didn’twantto take advantage ofthe current situation.Shewastoodamnedimportant.
“Bells,I ”
“Whydidyougo?”
Heblinkedatthequestion.“What?” “WhydidyouleaveEden’sRidge?” Christ,howcouldhegiveheranhonestanswertothat?“I ” “IsitbecauseIscaredyouoff?”
Horrified,hecouldonlystareather.“What?No.”
“Iknowwe’vealwaysbeenfriends,andyoudon’twanttochangethat.I’mnot…Ican’treallyhelphowIlookatyou.” Grahamwasprettysurehisbrainwasshortcircuiting.“Wait,what?Howdoyoulookatme?”
Colorbloomedinhercheeks.“Comeon,you’renotblind.”
“ApparentlyIambecauseI’mgonnaneedyoutospellitoutforme”
Onahuff,shetriedtopullaway,buthetightenedhishold.“Bellamy.” Her eyes darted around the room, looking at anything and everything but him “Don’t act like you don’t know you’re amazing.I’dbeacompleteidiotifIdidn’trespondtothat.ButIdon’thaveexpectations.” “Expectations?”
“Oh,fortheloveofGod.Idon’texpectyoutobeattractedback,Graham.” Herwordssankintohim,andhisheartbegantopound.“You’reattractedtome?” Bellamysquirmedinhishold “I’vemadeitweird JustforgetIsaidanything” “ThehellIwill.”Didthatjustcomeoutonagrowl?
Thestartledeyessheturnedonhimsaidyes Butthatwasfine Becauseshewasfinallylookingathim,andGrahamcould
seewhatheneededtosee.Want.Heat.Need.
“IneversaidIdidn’twanttochangeanything.”
“Butyouleft,”shewhispered “Iwasreally,reallywrong.”
Looseninghisholdhecuppedhercheekandstoppedtryingtofightthepullhe’drunhalfwayaroundtheworldtoescape Shedidn’tbudge,staringupathimwithwide,hopefuleyesasheslowly,slowlyclosedthedistancebetweenthem.
Atthefirstbrushofhislips,shegasped,openingtohim,herbodygoingpliantagainsthis Thatinstantsurrenderdestroyed whatevergoodintentionshe’dhadofkeepingthisslowandeasy.Threadinghisfingersinherhair,hetookhermouthwithall thedesperatehungerhe’dspentsolongtryingtohide.Hewantedtodrowninthetasteofher honeyandhops.Onasoftmoan, sherosetohim,wrappingherarmsaroundhisshouldersandpressingthatlovelybodyhe’dneverlethimselftouchinanything butfriendshipagainsthim.
Hebackedherupinthegeneraldirectionofthekitchen,thefew lonebraincellshehaddesperatelytryingtorememberif they’d cleared offthe island. She bumped into it, and he lifted her up. Somethingfell, butitdidn’tshatter, so he didn’tstop kissingher tofindoutwhatitwas Shespreadher legs,andhemovedincloser,hishandssnakingunder her sweater tofind feveredskin.Onawhimper,shehookedherfeetbehindhisback,tugginghiminsothehardnessbehindhisflysettledagainst hercenter.
“Oh,holynight,”shebreathed Grahamchuckled, raining a trail of nibbling kisses down the column of her throat. “You have no idea how often I’ve thoughtaboutthiswithyou”
“Ifit’sanywherenearasoftenasI’vethoughtaboutgettingnakedwithyou,thenreally,we’vebothbeenwastingsomuch time.”
Naked. God, yes. Butheneededhertobecertain.
Taking a grip on his raging libido, he pulled back far enough to study her. “Is that what you want? Because that’s not somethingwecantakeback”
Sheskimmedherhandsoverhischeeks,intohishair.“Iwantyou.AndIthinkmaybeweshouldconsiderringinginthenew yearinanentirelynewtousway”
Hisdickjumped.Yep.Completelyonboard.“Areyousure?”
“AsI’veeverbeenofanything.”Sheleanedupandnippedathisjaw.“Takemetobed,Graham.”
AFTER NEARLY TWENTY yearsoffriendship,BellamyhadbeencertainshekneweveryexpressionofGraham’sface But she’d never seen the absolute hunger in his eyes as he scooped her off the counter and strode toward the bedroom with purpose Knowingshewastheobjectofthateroticintenthadherflushinghot,evenasaboomofthunderrangout,shakingthe houseandstretchinghernervestaut.
Why,ohwhyhadtheyfinallyreachedthispoint here,whereshecouldn’tfullyfocusonwhatwasabouttohappenbecause oftheragingstormoutside?
Grahamlaidheronthebed,brushingatenderkissoverherlips.“Hey,lookatme.”
Shedidasheasked,thinkingthefirelightmadehisalreadygorgeousfacelooklikesomekindofangel Maybeafallenone, withthatwickedsmile.“Doyoutrustme,Bells?”
“YouknowIdo”
“Givemetime,andyouwon’trememberthere’sastormgoingon.”
Sheworkedupasmirk.“Well,aren’tyouambitious?”
“Confident.”
Helefttheroom,comingbackaminutelaterwithanarmfulofcandles.Placingthemaroundtheroom,onthedresser,the nightstand,andthemantle,hesetthemtoflame Thenhepluggeduphisphone,andwithafewswipeshadMilesDavispouring outofthespeaker.
“Moodmusic,huh?”
“Justanother layer tofocus on.Idon’tintendtogive youa chance tothinkfor a while.Ijustwantyoutofeel.” Coming backtothebed,hepulledhiswalletfromhisbackpocket,tuggingafoilpacketoutandsettingitonthenightstand.
The sightofitgave her a little hitch, made this whole thingreal. Theywere reallydoingthis. Holyguacamole. Nerves bunched tightinher chest, butshe was glad he was prepared. She certainlyhadn’tcome outhere expectingto do this. She hadn’tevenexpectedtoseehimtoday Andnowhereshewas,abouttofinallygetnakedwithherbestfriend
“You’rethinkingtoomuch.”Liftingherhand,hepressedakisstotheflutteringpulseinherwrist.
Bellamyclosedhereyesonasigh
“Likethat?”
“Mmm.”
His hands, those big, wonderful hands, came to cradle her cheek, tippingher face up so he could take her mouthagain, seducingherwithlong,druggingkissesuntilhermindwentfuzzy,likeoneofthedreamsequencesintheoldmoviessheloved.
AwhisperofcoolairhadheropeninghereyesagaintorealizethatGrahamhadslippedofhersweater Herskinpebbled withgoosefleshashiseyesrovedoverhersimplecottonbra,butshewasn’tcold.Notwhenshecouldseethestrainingbulge behindhiszipper
Hecamebacktoher,takingherunderwithmoreofthoselanguidkisses,untilhisskilledfingersreleasedthecatchofher bra and drew itaway. For a longmomenthe stood there, staring. Justthe lookonhis face as he tookher inhad her breasts goingheavy,hernipplestighteninginanticipation
“Ireallyneedyoutotouchme,”shewhispered.
“Ireallyneedtotasteyou”Hebent,cuppingherbreastsandsuckingonebuddednippleintohismouth
“Oh,God,yes.”Spearingherfingersinhishair,sheheldhimcloser,layingbackuntilhecamewithher,settlingsomeof hisweightoverher
Itwasn’tnearlyenough.Sheneededtofeelmoreofhim.Withbothhands,shefumbledatthebuttonsofhisshirt.Gettingthe message,hereachedback,draggingtheflannelandtheundershirtoffinonesmoothmove.And,ohyeah,he’ddefinitelyfilled outinthelastfiveyears,goingfromleanandrangytobuilt
Runningherhandsoverhischest,shedrankhimin.“Howdoesaguywhodoescomputercodingforalivingbuildabody likethis?”
“Wecandiscussworkoutroutineslater.AfterI’vefinishedtastingeveryinchofyou.”Hefastenedhismouthonherother breast.
On a delighted moan, she bucked against him. “I support enthusiastic sex as a central component to all good workout programs.”
He was laughingas she rolled him Moaningas she touched himand begangivingas good as she got And thenhe was unbuttoningherjeans,draggingthemdownherlegs,alongwithherunderwear.Shelaytherebareforhim,andhestaredather asifshewerethelastscoopofhisfavoritemintchocolatechipicecream
Startingwithherankle,hekissedhiswayupherlegs,worshipingeveryinch,untilshetrembled.Attheapexofherthighs, hepausedtoblowonherheatedcenter.Sheachedforhimtotouchher,fillher.
“Please.Graham.Ineedyou.I’msoready.”
“Notyet.”Settlinghisbroadshouldersbetweenherlegs,hestaredupatherwitheyesgonemolten.“Notyet.”
Before she could protest, he lowered his mouth Somethingexploded Thunder Abomb The universe Bellamycouldn’t keepupwithanythingbuttheexquisite,torturouspleasureofthemouthhewasusingtodriveheroutofhereverlovingmind. Notuntilshesobbedouthisnameagaindidhecrawlupherbody,settlinghisweightoverher Atthesightofhissmuggrin,shefoundthemusclecontroltofliphim.
“Turnaboutisfairplay.”
She dragged offhis jeans and boxers, freeinghis erection For her All thatwas for her Wrappingher hands around his length,shegaveatestingstroke,delightinginthestringofprofanityhechokedout.
“Ifyoukeepthatup,Iwon’tlast ThefirsttimeIcome,Iwanttobeinsideyou Youcantorturemeasmuchasyouwant later.”
Bellamydraggedherthumbaroundhiscrown “Promise?” “Fuck.Yes.”
Satisfiedwiththecompromise,shesnaggedthecondomfromthenightstand,hesitatingbeforesherollediton. Thiswasit Therewasdefinitelynogoingbackfromthis “Bells.”
Shemethisgaze
“Iwantyou.Butifyouwanttostop ” “Idon’twanttostop”Toemphasizethepoint,shesheathedhimwiththecondom Hishandsgrippedherhipsasshestraddledhim.
“Promisewe’regoingtostayfriends,nomatterwhat,”shedemanded. “Nomatterwhat,”herepeated Shesankdown,herthroatgoingthickwithemotionasheslidsmoothlyinsideher,fillingmorethanjustherbody.Thiswas everythingshe’dbeenmissingforyears Foralways
Murmuringhisname,shebenttokisshim,feelinghisarmscomearoundher. Theybegantomove,losingthemselvestoheatandpleasure.Asherbodywoundtighter,herolledherbeneathhim,angling herlegsohecoulddriveinslower,deeper.
“Yes.Oh,God,yes,there.”
Hiseyeswerefeverbrightashecontinuedtheslow,relentlesspace,draggingherhigherandhigherwitheverythrust,until their skinwas slickedwithsweatandtheir mingledbreaths wentshort. Whenthe orgasmstruck,she wentblindand deafto everythingbutthesoundofhernameonhislipsashecamewithher Sometimelater,herousedenoughtoshifthisheavyweightoffher.“Stillworriedaboutthestorm?” “Whatstorm?”shegasped Hewaslaughingasanalarmsounded.
“What’sthat?Ifthehouseisburningdown,Ithinkwe’rejustgonnahavetocallitagoodrunbecauseIcan’tmove” “Nofire.It’smidnight.Anewyear.”Hebrushedhislipstohers.“Anewus.” Onadelightedhum,shekissedhimback.“Ilikethesoundofthat.”
THE KNOCKING onthedoorrousedGrahamfromthedepthsofsleep Hedraggedhiseyesopenintimetoseeatantalizing flashofbareassashisbestfriendscootedoutofthebedthey’dchristenedlastnightineverypossibleway.
“It’sMissBolton,”Bellamyhissedasshedraggedonashirt Hisshirt,henoted “Putsomepantson!” Pantsweren’thighonhislistatthemoment,butfine.Thelightstreamingthroughthewindow proveditwasmorningand thatthestormhadpassed.Theycouldgettheformalitiesoverwithandgetbacktothiswholenewyear,newthemthing.Byhis estimation,theycouldspendatleastfiftypercentofitinbed,makingupfor thelastfiveyears ofstupidity.Thatwouldbea goodstartoncatchingup.
Bellamyyankedonherownjeans commando,henoted andpaddedoutoftheroomcalling,“Justaminute!”
Grahamtookhistime,notonlybecauseittookawhiletofindhisjeanswherethey’dendedupshovedbeneaththebedbut becausehewasfeelinglazyandverysatisfied
HeheardthedooropenandCatarinaBoltonclearherthroat.
“Itakeityousurvivedthenight.”
“Um,yes”
NotwantingtomissBellamy’sblush shewasdamnedcutewhensheblushed hepulledonhisjeansandsteppedoutin timetoseethelawyerhandoverafatenvelope
“Thepropertyisyours,freeandclear,exceptfortheitemsonthelistinthere.Thingswillbeinprobateforabitlonger,but that’s mostlyjusta formality Finola handled her estate thoroughlybefore she passed, so youshould be ingood shape” The woman’sgazeflickeredtohimandwidened.
Okay,maybeheshouldhavebuttonedhisjeans.
“I’lljustleaveyouto enjoyyourweekend Happynewyear”Shebackedoutofthedoorwayontotheporch “Happynew year,toyou.Thankyou.”Bellamyshutthedoorandturned,her mouthfallingopenatthesightofhim.“You couldn’tputona shirt?”
“Youdidn’tsayshirt.Yousaidpants.Ifollowedorders.Besides,you’rewearingmyshirt.”
Shewenthandsonhipsandhuffedbeforelookingdownattheenvelopeinherhands “Well,youdidit.”
Herattentioncamebacktohimandhereyeswentdarkastheyskimmedoverhimagain,lingeringonthetrailofhairthat disappearedintohisgapingjeans “Yes Yes,Idid”
Grahamlaughed,confidentthey’dbegettingbacktomoreofthefunpartoftheirNewYear’sDayfestivitiesshortly.“What areyougoingtodowiththehouse?Imean,areyouplanningonrenewingyourcontractinSavannahandsellingtheplaceor what?”
“Idon’tknow.Ididn’timagineI’dbeputinapositionofowningpropertyinTheRidge.I’vebeengonealongtime.”
“Well, you know there’s always the option of renting it out. My brother, Porter, has a lot of rental property like that. Vacationrentals.AirBnBandthelike.Hecouldprobablyhookyouupwithapropertymanagementservice,ifyouwanted.” Butherexpressionhadturnedspeculative “Well,thereisthisotheropportunityIgotcontactedaboutafewweeksago” Crossingover,heslidhisarmsaroundher.“Dotell.”
“Well,there’sanewmobilemedicalunitabouttobeservingStoneCounty Igotaskedaboutpotentiallystaffingit” “You’rethinkingofcominghome?”He’dneverimaginedshe’ddothat.
“Well,Iwasn’t.Butnow,there’sthehouseand…well.”Hereyesliftedtohis.“Whataboutyou?Idon’tevenknowwhere you’rebasedrightnow.Whatareyouplanningondoing?”
He’dgivenalittlethoughttothatinthebriefsnatchesbetweensleepandlovemakinglastnight.“IthappensI’mbetween contractsatthemoment Anotheronewillpopupsoon”
“Oh.”Sheslumped.
Grahamcuppedher cheek,forcingher tolookathimagain “The factis,Icancode anywhere Anditseems like maybe
there’sagoodreasontocomehome,besidesjustreconnectingwithfamily.Assumingwecangetinternetuphere.” Hereyeswentwide.“You’dcomehome?Moveinwithme?Justlikethat?”
“Well,ifthat’swhatyouwant”Heknew itwasarisk,justjumpinginhead-firstlikethis Zerotoonestepfromforever overnight.Buthedidn’twanttowastemoretimewithher.
She curled a lock of his hair around her finger “Yeah, I definitely want I’ll call to find out about internet first thing Mondaymorning.Butrightnow,Iwanttoenjoytheprivacyofournewhome.”Andlaughing,shedraggedhimbacktobed.
CHOOSE YOUR NEXT ROMANCE
I HOPE youenjoyedthislittlerompintheEden’sRidgeUniverse.Ifyou’reinterestedinmoreMenoftheMisfitInnstories, thatseriesstartswithLet It Be Me, afriendstolovers,reverseage-gap,firefighternextdoorromance Ormaybeyou’dliketo meet Graham’s foster sisters? The original Misfit Inn series begins with When You Got A Good Thing, a second chance homecomingromancethatkicksthewholethingoff.Ifyou’relookingfor moresexy,bite-sizedreads,pleasecheckout Kilty Pleasures, partofmyKiltedHeartsseries!
