She’d never been able to forgive Summer. He wasn’t there when she needed him the most. Nor could she escape the guilt she endured for the events following that marked day. Shayla was the only person who she dared to share her grief with. Her best friend refused to leave her side, helping her through the depression she suffered after the loss. Carrie Ann didn’t have the nerve to revisit the hopelessness she worked so hard to get past. The scar still rested too close to the surface.
There was no time limit on the feelings. She still mourned for what had been stripped from her life. The numbness still haunted her soul like the veil of mist suspended above the hot mineral water, capable of vanishing in the slightest breeze yet always there, drifting and hovering in a transparent shroud.
The fact that she’d never been able to move on to pursue a future with another man bothered her for years. She desperately wanted to find a love, deep and true, the kind that would last a lifetime. But, after Summer, she never let anyone get close enough to try. Not that she didn’t try to fall in love. She endured a few long term relationships, wished upon a shooting star, prayed for a good man, drank in her sadness with a one-night-stand, but nothing worked. Over time, her love for the Have A Heart Foundation filled the empty void, helping to heal her damaged heart. Or so she thought. Simply being near Summer brought back the disorienting feelings of shock and anger, aching for the love she’d lost.
Shivering from head to toe, she cuddled Aspen to her front, sinking her feet further into the silky warmth. Carrie Ann sat there for what seemed like an hour, stroking Aspen’s fine golden fur turned wavy from the moisture thick air. Tiny clear droplets gathered on the tips of each needle sprouting from the branches suspended above the clear pond. Staring out, she watched them fall upon the water sending perfect ripples across the surface.
The puppy rested the underneath of her neck on Carrie Ann’s chest peering up at her with chocolate eyes. One furry brow lifted and then the other, going back forth like a teeter-totter. She gave a small whine of concern, inching her cold nose higher.
“It’s okay, girl,” she assured between sniffles, stroking her head.
“No, it’s not okay.” Came a quiet husky voice from behind. The sweet sound caused her to crack. Her shoulders shook as another round of tears broke free. Summer hinged at the waist holding a large black umbrella above their heads. He offered her a hand, helping her to her feet. “Christ, I’m sorry. Please don’t cry. You know how much that kills me.”
Without asking, without warning, without hesitation, he drew her into his chest. She stiffened against the solid masculinity, but her thoughts scattered yearning for the comfort and warmth he offered.
Umbrella in hand, his forearm locked around her. She trembled a little as his free hand wrung the excess water from her sopping wet hair. Summer leaned in, trapping her chilled face between his cheek and palm, holding her there until heat of his flesh spread gradually through her limbs and below.
Carrie Ann flinched as he reached for the buttons of her jacket. “What are you trying to do? Undress me again?”
Summer removed her jacket, bundling her in a large dry towel. She refused to release the puppy, using her as a barrier between them. He handed off the umbrella, scooping her and Aspen into his strong arms. She let out a little shaky squeak, but her complaints were instantly silenced with one look, daring her to protest.
“I didn’t undress you, Red. I suggested you change when we were at your place, but you mentioned something about it being a very Pretty Woman moment and insisted on wearing your gown.”
“C..clearly, you did because I was naked when I woke up and…I could tell you s…slept with me.” Tenacity lost to the chattering of her teeth.
“You undressed yourself during the flight.” Raising one eyebrow, he flashed her a small, but sympathetic smile. “You managed to put your heels back on…” he paused sucking in a shallow breath. “You claimed it was for me, but I’m pretty sure you enjoyed wearing them.”
Her mind raced. Curiosity and concern grew into apprehension, rising into panic. Suddenly, her mouth felt like cotton. Her voice completely lost to the play of strained muscles near the dip where his shoulder met his neck. Releasing the breath she’d been holding, Carrie Ann surrendered to the exhaustion inundating her body, and rested her head on his chest. The rapid beat of his heart thumped against her ear.
Damn he smelled delicious.
The rising temperature of his body penetrated her clothing bringing a tingle of awareness to every point of contact. She tried to force her gaze away from his handsome features, but she hadn’t been this close to him in years. Intrigued by his seasoned attributes, she indulged in the fine lines sweeping from his eyes to his temples where she located a few grey hairs.
Noticing her inquisitiveness his lips bowed upward. “Don’t be making fun of my chrome trim.”
“I’m not,” she managed. Her breath wobbled before unloading another long tired breath.
Entering the cabin, he kicked out of his boots, shimmied the slickers from her feet, set the pup on the floor, and hooked the handle of the umbrella on an antler. All the while cradling her in his strong arms. He padded across the hardwood floor in his stocking feet, dropping her in front of a roaring fire.
“Get warm. I’ll get you some dry clothes.” He paused adding, “Will you please stop running off in the rain? You’re gonna get sick out there. Plus, you’re making me feel like a damn stalker staring out the window with binoculars.”
Rubbing her hands together, she nodded an acknowledgement. Turning her back to the fire, she stuck her bum out, inching closer to the glowing flames. Carrie Ann lifting one foot then the other, slowly thawing her toes, bringing a dull stinging sensation to the tips.
Summer rounded the corner appearing cozy and dry in pair of ocean blue twill pants and a fresh tee. The elastic waistband hung from his hips, drawstring undone and hanging from the front like an untied shoe-string. His long tan feet remained soundless, making his way toward her with a stack of dry clothes. The burning glow of the fire highlighted him in an exquisite contrast of colors.
A devilish grin flicked the corner of his mouth catching sight of her bent over in front of the fireplace. The bright white smile, warmed her all the way to the core.
“Here you go.”
“These are yours. Did I bring any comfy clothes from my place?”
“You were more interested in bringing your lingerie.”
His eyes smothered in amusement. Witnessing a tremor of laughter jump in his chest, she could feel the color draining from her cheeks. His sneer ignited to a full blown haughty Summer smile. She knew he was fighting back a smart-ass remark. An image of her drawer popped into her head. Mr. Fucking Perfect.
“Fuck. Fuckity-fuck.” Her grumble nearly inaudible. He opened his mouth, but she cut him off. “Don’t you dare say one damn thing right now. I mean it, Summer.”
“Not saying a word,” he assured, raising the flat of his hands in a show of surrender. He didn’t have to. His smug obnoxious grin said it all. “I’ll make some coffee. You can change right here in front of the fire if you want.”
Carrie Ann held her tongue, watching him disappear into the kitchen. Shedding her wet clothing, she slipped into the oversized flannel shirt and boxer briefs. She folded the loose waistband a few times, grumbling under her breath, “Seriously? I’ve gotta wear his boxers?”
“You need some help in there?” he called out.
“No! I don’t need any help.”
This prompted a loud laugh from the kitchen. Carrie Ann settled into the over-sized club chair, wrapping herself in the plaid camp-style throw draped over the back. Noticing a narrow built-in bookcase in the corner, she leaned over the arm of the chair, skimming through the selection of murder mysteries and western romances, searching for something to spark her interest. The well-worn pages of western romance would have to do. She twisted the toggle on the cast-iron floor lamp and snuggled into the warm leather.