Making their way out of the crowd, tourists stopped him for a few more pictures and several asked for autographs. Carrie Ann assured, voice strung with humor, “I bet you a hundred bucks she crops me out of every picture in less than five minutes.”
Raising a brow, he hooked an arm over her shoulder, drawing her into his chest, planting a big kiss of possession to her lips. “I bet she saves this one.”
Summer made special reservations for two and a half at the Snake River Grill. The Chef treated them to a scrumptious full-course meal of ember toasted baby carrots, smoked octopus with a to-die-for Italian Chile sauce, cast-iron roasted cauliflower, and dry-aged ribeye grilled to perfection. Unable to take another bite, Chef fashioned a to-go cooler complete with dry ice, topping off dinner with a decadent homemade Eskimo Bar served with a side of rich gooey hot caramel, as well as a special treat for Aspen, too.
Boarding the plane, Summer offered assistance, grabbing her hips, stating with a growl as he took a bite of her bum, “I’ve got plans for that caramel sauce.”
The heated promise brought a blush to her cheeks. She couldn’t take her eyes off him as he loaded their bags. Sauce or no sauce, she wanted him in her mouth. Summer rummaged through the to-go bag, sending her pulse skyrocketing. She wondered if it was the wisest of ideas to fool around while flying. Probably not. She started to protest, but zipped her lips when he retrieved Aspen’s steak bone from the bag and tossed it into the trash with a loud thud.
As he climbed into the pilot seat, she questioned, “No dessert for Aspen?”
“No. I didn’t want to offend Chef, but I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Why? Dogs love bones.”
“Well, first off she’s never had one and it might make her tummy upset.” His brow arched in absolute conviction, like that of an overly protective parent of a young child. “And that bone had already been grilled. I read that you should start them off with a bone that’s been boiled, that way there’s less chance of splintering. Either way, I’d rather wait till we get home, so she can be outside in case it makes her sick.”
“Oh.” Brows furled, she nodded in surprise. “You read up on dogs before getting a puppy?”
“Of course.” He twisted, stretching to poke a finger through Aspen’s dog crate strapped into the seat. He rubbed the tip of her wet nose. “I have to know what’s best for my little girl.”
The paternal concern he showed to Aspen, stroked every raw nerve ending she possessed. Carrie Ann fell quiet on the short flight back to the cabin. Tensions gathered in her stomach as her thoughts lingered. In fifteen hours they’d be flying back to California. Which meant she had fourteen to come clean. She’d hidden the hurt for so long, sharing the memory wouldn’t come easily.
When the plane came to a stop, she stared out the glass. Her gaze was transfixed on absolutely nothing, just absorbed in the notion that she needed to open her mouth. She needed to say something. Every minute that passed became more difficult.
She had no idea how long they’d been sitting in silence when she felt his hand close over hers. After a few coursing seconds, Summer gave a double squeeze before bringing the tips of her fingers to his lips.
“You okay, Red?”
“Just a little tired,” she remarked softly, attempting to mask the sound of her lungs moving in an uneven surge. Anticipation and fear strangled the words of admission in her throat. Her heartbeat turned unruly at the thought of having to see the disappointment in his eyes. Risking the chance that he’d never forgive her, robbed her of the courage required to share the scar inflicted on her damaged soul.
Summer exited the plane, unloading the puppy and packages. Assisting her from the aircraft, he suggested, “How bout if I draw us a hot bath?”
Carrie Ann nodded, slipping her arm around his waist. He slung his free hand over her shoulder and they strolled toward the cabin.
Dusk began to take hold, muting the vibrant colors of the setting sun as they disappeared over the horizon. The racing of her heart calmed in its urgency, allowing her to be present in the moment. There was something special, a wistful feeling of nostalgia, about the time of day when the twilight slipped into the darkness and the crickets began their nightly serenade. The damp chilly air made her snuggle closer. She curled her fingers into the seam at the side of his shirt, laying her head on his chest.
Somewhere between the plane and the cabin, her walking came to a halt. She argued silently with her thoughts, words, and apologies, spinning relentless circles in her mind.
Carrie Ann tilted her face upward readying herself for the talk. His lips bowed south, the amber of his eyes still shined bright in the darkening skies. The lashes of her eyes fluttered as she opened her mouth. “Summer…”
Her stomach leaped, feeling his fingers thread through her hair and curve around the sides of her head, cradling her skull. She stiffened from head to toe in surprise when he crushed his lips to hers, kissing her long and hard. Each lick of his tongue and bite of his teeth, an erotic impact on her soul. The seduction, inexorable.
The kiss went on and on until every ounce of tension was stripped from her body. His unquenchable need had nothing to do with lust or sex and everything to do with a passion drenched with adoration. She sagged against his frame, floundering and groping at the flexing surface of his back to keep from crumpling to the ground if her knees gave out.
“Now, I don’t know what’s weighing so heavily on your mind, but whatever’s putting that frown on your face needs to be gone.”
“But…”
“There’s no but, Carrie Ann. I’m gonna haul your ass inside and we’re going to take a hot bath and make love and indulge in a world famous Eskimo Pie…and I can’t promise you exactly what order. But I can promise that by the time I get done with you, your mind is going to be untroubled and that damn notch puckered between your brows is gonna be history. I know you’re concerned about what’s going to happen when we get back to LA. We’ll deal with reality when it gets here tomorrow, but right now we’re going to enjoy this little patch of heaven on earth. No distractions, no deadlines, no scripts, no work, no media, no worries. It’s just you and me.” He paused, cupping a hand into the shape of a C around his ear. “Do you hear that?”
Stretching her neck skyward, Carrie Ann held still and listened. Her bottom lip slipped between her teeth as she shook her head.
“It’s the caramel sauce calling. I’ve kept my hands…and tongue off you all day long.” His palm coasted down her back and over the curve of her ass. The glow of his eyes heated to cognac, gliding his middle finger lower between her cheeks. “Now, I’ve got plans for you tonight and they involve some seriously…intimate moments. Are you good with that?”
“Yes,” she whimpered. She didn’t stand a chance in hell of turning him down. The bravery she’d summoned minutes earlier, lost to the moment. For now.
Curling his hand around her icy fingers, Summer lowered his mouth to the vulnerable curve of her neck. She perched on the tips of her toes, head tilted, encouraging his full exploration. He kissed and nibbled, probing the sensitive area until goosebumps covered the flesh of her arms and a low moan slipped from her parted lips.
“That’s better.” His expression, serious, committed to the evening he’d planned.
Carrie Ann didn’t know how many hours had passed and she really didn’t care. Moonlight shone through the large picture window beside the tub big enough for two, painting a dreamy picture of seduction. Summer took his sweet time with her, undressing and bathing by candlelight. Time stood still as he showered her with affection. His strong hands ran over her body in slick sweeping motions, washing every inch of her. The muted light added a degree of sensuality as her hands sluiced over his masculine form in awe.