Harlequin Superromance January 2014 - Bundle 2 of 2: A Ranch for His Family\Cowgirl in High Heels\A Man to Believe In (59 page)

“He's away a lot?”

“Oh, yeah. They venture out pretty far. Keeps them at sea for weeks sometimes.”

“How do you and your mother handle that?”

She shrugged. “We're pretty self-reliant. We have great friends for support. My dad's parents. My aunt and uncle, whom you met at the pancake house, live next door.” She smiled. “This is a fishing community. We work together to help each other out.”

“That's terrific. My brother and I pretty much relied on each other our entire lives.”

While just the two of them sounded like a really small orbit to Cassie, if Peter knew nothing different, then he wasn't missing anything. “That's not bad. I'll bet you two are close.” She tilted her head to get a good gauge on his next answer. “So, who did you leave behind in L.A.?”

He took a swallow of his cola. “Like a girlfriend?”

He'd already said he wasn't dating. This morning, he'd mentioned his mother. So he was dodging her question. “You mentioned your brother. You have a mother. A father?”

He toyed with his glass. “Both parents are alive. They divorced when I was in sixth grade.”

“Ouch. Divorce is hard on everyone, especially kids.”

Peter met her gaze, his woodsy scent wafting across the table. She inhaled deeply, already intoxicated by his unique essence, and curious to know much more about him. The fact that she had rescued him from an accident, was struck by his appearance without even hearing him first speak, then helped in caring for his wounds afforded her an intimacy with him of which Peter was pretty much unaware. Yet, as a nurse, he probably understood how her ministrations had increased her comfort level with him.

She'd seen his excellent abilities as a nurse, admired his bedside manner. But other than the few tidbits he'd shared, she knew he possessed a truck, three surfboards and a really hot body. His personal life was still a mystery. The pensive look on his face as he thought about his parents betrayed that he didn't take issues lightly.

When he spoke, his voice was low. “My mother is mentally unstable, Cassie. I had to have her committed before I left Los Angeles.”

Holy smokes. “To a psychiatric institution?”

“Hard to say, but yes.”

She reached for her iced tea, needing to wash down the bit of French fry she suddenly had trouble swallowing. Her hand went to her throat. “Oh, my.”

Would she have the strength to commit a loved one? Folks rode out the storms of life in her town, doing what they had to do with family. Peter's mother must have been pretty bad for him to take legal action. “That must have been terrible for you.”

He nodded. “It's the hardest thing I've ever done.” When his gaze met hers, guilt pooled in those dark eyes.

“Why did you have to commit her? What about your father?”

“My father hasn't been in the picture at all, except for some monetary support. My mom's brother is an attorney. He helped me get the job done.”

“Was she always unstable?”

He looked embarrassed. “Yes.”

“So, who took care of you and Gil after the divorce?”

He glanced at her as if surprised. “I did. My uncle was around when we needed him, but most of the daily responsibilities fell on me.”

She tried to swallow the knot rising in her throat again. Her life had been so normal. Granted, Dad was gone for weeks at a time, but the network of support she and her mother had woven was flawless. Friends and family supplied all of their emotional, and sometimes material, support throughout the years. She could not imagine a twelve-year-old boy fending for himself, let alone another sibling.

Awe filled her next question as she realized Peter possessed a depth that she hadn't even imagined. “How did you manage?”

His sexy grin returned, thank goodness, since sitting so close to him, she could feel the torment from his guilt. He said, “Turns out I'm pretty resourceful.”

“You had help from the state, too?”

In the afternoon light, his fading bruised eye seemed to accentuate the emotional struggle he had experienced. “Mom was careful about applying for too much aid. She didn't want prying eyes to take Gil and me away from her. And truthfully, we didn't want to become wards of the state.”

“What did she do?”

“Filed for unemployment every time she lost a job. Which was frequently.”

“So, you worked to support your family and attended nursing school at the same time?”

A look of relief filled his face as if he were glad to finally share his burden. “Through high school, as well. And shopped, cleaned house, paid the bills by forging my mother's signatures and made sure Gil didn't get beat up too much when we were kids.”

She rested her hand on his. “So now you are free to live your life.”

He captured her hand and held tight. “Yeah. And feeling guilty as hell for running out.”

“Peter, when you see how badly you are needed at Mercy, you'll know you made the right decision.”

He lifted their entwined hands, kissing the back of hers. His eyes reflected a raw need that sent a thrill up her spine. His voice dropped to a whisper. “I already know I made the right choice.”

* * *

D
RIVING
P
ETER
BACK
to his house, Cassie could not get his personal story from her mind. He'd shared a deeply personal confidence, and she would keep it. Anyone who survived the type of life he described while keeping his brother in tow was the type of guy she could rely on. No. Matter. What. He wasn't a player. He was a man who, like her, had experienced more emotional pain than the average person would ever know. Her personal trauma had lingered years after the event, where Peter had to deal with a new crisis practically every day from a young age until recently.

And despite all the hardship, he'd decided to become a caregiver, willing to put himself out there for the well-being of others. Still.

Now, as they chatted easily on the drive home, she kept watching his mouth, thinking she was going to cross the line. Before she left his company today, she would let him kiss her. She wanted him to know her more. Maybe, in time, she'd let him in completely.

She pulled into Peter's driveway. He was slow to move, resting a hand on the door handle. “Why don't you stay for dinner?”

She laughed. “We still have hours until dinner.”

His dark eyes watched her with open curiosity. “Time flew so far. We haven't even put a dent in the day. Did I shock you with the story about my mother?”

She waved her hand. Nothing was further from her mind. “Not at all. I'm sad to hear you had to deal with such difficulty. I think you've been a hero in your own life.”

A small smile broke on his mouth. “It's all behind me now.”

She watched his lips as he spoke. That mouth. She let out a sigh, licked her own lips and wanted to wipe off that grin rising on his face. She knew how to take care of that...

* * *

P
ETER
SIMPLY
WAS
not ready to let her go. He hadn't expected to share his family problems with her. He never wanted to tell anyone about them, but he had wanted Cassie to understand him more, so he had answered her questions honestly. Now that they'd returned to his house, he didn't want to spend the rest of the day alone.

The twin braids falling over her shoulders lay like two lifelines to her mouth. He wanted to wrap one around each hand and pull her face to his. He watched, mesmerized as she leaned forward, holding up a palm. “I have an idea. How about we kiss once and get it over with. That way we can stop all this nonsense.”

He didn't need to be asked twice, but didn't move a muscle. If he were going to kiss her and get only one shot, he had to kiss her like she'd never forget. God knows he'd remember this moment for the rest of his life. She'd already hog-tied him with a smile. He unsnapped his seat belt. “You sure?”

She sighed as if giving up. “I decided resistance is futile. There's something about a guy who crashes his car because he's so busy watching me. This might be infatuation for us both, so let's just kiss.”

“Oh, I'd be willing to do much more to get your attention, beautiful Cassie.”

She tilted her head, a grin breaking on those soft, pink lips. “What do you mean?”

He reached down and unsnapped her seat belt, releasing her from the confines of her bucket seat. As if thinking twice, she leaned back. He crooked a finger. “Hey, get back here. This kiss is your idea.”

She laughed. “Yeah, but now I'm chickening out.”

He grew still. “Too late. I'm going to kiss you.”

She searched his face for a moment then leaned closer. He heard her cautious intake of breath, so he moved slowly and did what he had been aching to do since laying eyes on her. He let his eyes devour every inch of her face. Close up, she was even more irresistible. He skimmed his hand along her face, traced her cheekbone with his thumb, the welcome in her eyes bringing a smile to his face.

Her skin was baby-soft. He traced her jaw with his fingers, trailing them along the line of her mouth, resting them on her lower lip as he leaned in to kiss the spot his fingers would abandon. This was all happening fast but he didn't mind one bit. He'd never reacted to a woman as he was now to Cassie.

Staring at her mouth and feeling like a starved man, he whispered, “This kiss may well be the end of me.”

She reached for his face with a tentative hand. “Me, too.”

Meeting her lips with his, her kiss, warm and soft, tasted salty with a sweetness all her own. Delicious. He caressed her face, kissing her chin, her cheeks, her forehead. She released a sigh that had him seeking those yielding lips once more. Burying his hands in her hair, he reached for the nape of her neck, pulling her closer to deepen the kiss. She slid her arms over his shoulders, leaning toward him, opening her mouth to greet his tongue in sweet abandon.

He thought he'd lose his mind.

She kissed like an angel on fire. Tasted so perfect. Felt so right.

She broke the kiss, breathless.

He pulled back. Was she real?

Her eyes filled with a look of wonder. “That kiss...”

He nodded once. He felt like ground zero for a nuke. His reaction to her was explosive. “I know.”

She shook her head as if stunned. “No one has ever kissed me like that. Ever.”

“I think we might be in trouble here.”

When she snaked a hand around his neck to offer another mind-blowing kiss, he was glad she did. He whispered in her ear. “Have dinner with me tonight. Don't say no.”

She inhaled a slow, deep breath. He wanted to pull her into his arms, but knew better. If he were going to reach her, it had to be on her terms.

“I have to go home.”

He nodded. “Okay, but come back. Or I can call a taxi and come get you.”

She smiled.

“So, dinner? Say yes. It's a Saturday night.”

“I'll come get you. Let's go to the Sloppy Tuna.”

There was a God in heaven. She'd said yes. “Excellent. I'll make reservations for eight.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

C
ASSIE
CLIMBED
INTO
her Jeep at seven-thirty and laughed to herself. She had dressed to kill while trying to look as casual as possible in a long-sleeved, cleavage-peeking black shirt that tucked into belted jeans and boots. She wore a short, brown leather jacket against the spring evening chill, and let her blond curls fall freely down her shoulders.

The irony of dressing for and then picking up the most intriguing man she had met in a long time was not lost on her. Her actions smacked of romance. Yet, after their kiss, she figured she had a right.

Only, she wondered if she could handle Peter Chapman. All charm and genuine interest, not to mention her perfect idea of the handsome guy—the only part of him she couldn't get comfortable with was his intent. Peter came on like a powerhouse. A man who knows what he wants and doesn't stop until he gets it. She was usually the one in control of the past relationships she'd had. Peter was luring her out of her depths—challenging her comfort zone. She wasn't sure she liked the idea of such a challenge.

She sent him a text that she was on her way before starting the Jeep. Guess there was only one way to find out. Cassie decided they'd hit the Sloppy Tuna for dinner and dancing. She wanted to see how he'd handle a dating scene. The house band played great music. She was glad they'd opened early this season for the Easter and Passover holiday crowd.

He was waiting for her on the porch when she pulled up. She almost melted seeing him. He was wearing a wheat-colored crewneck sweater, black jeans fitting to perfection and very cool rock-star boots. His sun-kissed hair fell on his forehead, making him look dangerously sexy in the shadowy light. She couldn't see his eyes, but knew they were trained on her.

He opened the passenger-side door. Took one look at her and stepped back.

“What?”

He shook his head in amazement. “You look stunning.”

She laughed. “Come on. Climb in. I hope you like dancing.”

A stricken look filled his face. “Uh-oh.”

* * *

T
HE
BAND
BEGAN
their first set with one of Cassie's favorite dance songs just as the waiter cleared their dishes from dinner. The meal had been easy between them. They'd shared a bottle of wine, and Cassie was well aware how comfortable—and fast—the night was moving. Feeling happy and ready to have some fun, Cassie stood. Grabbed his hand. “Let's go.”

“Where are we going?”

“I want to dance.”

He resisted her tug on his hand. “I've never danced before. I don't know how.”

She gave him her come-to-me smile. “I'll teach you.”

Reluctantly, he stood. “I've got two left feet. You'll make a fool out of me.”

“Just hold on to me. I'll do all the work.”

Looking like a man going to his doom, he placed his hands on her hips as she backed him onto the dance floor. She laughed. “I love this song!”

She slipped from his grasp and twirled a few times to the rhythm of the music. He stood helpless as he watched her.

Coming back to him, she grabbed both his hands. “Come on, Peter. Just feel the music.”

He grinned. “I am.”

She laughed, dancing around him in a slow circle to the pulse of the rhythm section. He turned to follow her, and after a moment, he grabbed her hand and held it aloft as she pulled him closer with her eyes and swayed her hips to the music, enticing him to move closer. “Are you going to dance with me or not?”

His eyes devouring her every move, he said, “I told you. I am dancing. These are my best moves.”

She tugged him ever closer. She could feel him softening. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and she whispered in his ear. “Follow me.”

She slowed her moves, loving the way their bodies reacted together to the vibrating music. She stepped away. He slid a hand down her arm to grasp her fingertips. She twirled under his arm and landed with her back against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her neck and released the last bit of his tension.

She unfurled from his hold. Mirth filled his face. “Look at you,” he said. “Making me do things I've never done.”

She laughed. “We need to do this more often.”

“We'll have to practice.” He kissed her hard on the mouth. “Let's get out of here.”

* * *

O
N
THE
CAR
ride back to his house, Peter couldn't keep his hands off her. Watching her dance was so erotic. Cassie was fun, sexy, beautiful. When she laughed as she danced, the sound of her voice shot straight to his libido. So, now his hands did a dance of their own, gliding up and down her arm, mingling with her fingertips. They hardly spoke a word. He watched her the entire time she drove. She cast heated glances his way that at once, promised and asked, for more.

“Cassie.”

“Yes?”

“I'm considering tonight our first date.”

She stayed silent, and he curled his fingers around hers.

“Don't you?”

After a moment, she nodded. “Yes.”

“Did you enjoy yourself?”

A small smile curved her lips. “Very much.”

“So, would you like to date me some more?”

She let a sigh escape her lips. “This is happening so fast.”

“Yes, but it feels right. Don't you think so?”

“I like you very much.”

He grinned. He could go slowly, but he wanted their relationship moving forward. Though, God help him, he wanted to kiss her right now. “So, can I hold your hand in public?”

She shot him a concerned glance. “I'm not comfortable with that idea at work.”

That made sense. No reason to start people talking. “We can keep it low-key for as long as you wish. All that matters is that we spend time together. I want to know everything about you.”

She pulled into his driveway. No sooner did she put the Jeep into Park than he snapped open her seat belt and pulled her across the seat into his lap.

She didn't resist.

He liked that.

She felt great in his arms. Her body heat and powdery incense shot right to his gut. That tight black top did excellent things to her breasts, which were now heaving just enough to betray she was nervous. Her soft, round bottom fit perfectly across his lap. He wanted nothing more than to run his hand down those jean-clad thighs and maybe use his fingers to invade those distress holes in the fabric above her knees. He wanted to explore every inch of her—right now. All night long. He sought her gaze to read her as best he could. She smiled shyly and his heart skipped a beat.

* * *

P
ETER
BEGAN
TRAILING
kisses along her neck, his hands working magic on her body, driving every thought from her mind. When his mouth found hers, Cassie returned the kiss while her brain whispered she had to stop this madness. A kiss was okay, but this was steamy foreplay and they'd just had their first date. She wasn't sure if she was ready to be his lover.

She broke the kiss as if going under for the last time. Inhaling a fortifying breath, she climbed from his lap and instantly regretted the space between them.

“You okay?”

Her laugh was shaky. “You California boys move way too fast.”

“It's you, Cassie. I don't usually behave like this. I want to kiss you all night.”

A surprising jolt of nerves filled her. The last time she felt this right with a man she had known him her whole life, and their love had grown through the years. Peter was brand-new. From another coast. She only knew his middle name because of his résumé. If she kissed him again, she might want to kiss him more and more. Already, the intimacy she felt rising between them seemed more potent than anything she'd ever known. She'd prided herself on keeping an emotional distance from men. Yet, Peter was different. Magnetic. She'd been intrigued by him since laying eyes on him, and now she wanted to delve deeper into this man's world. She'd agreed to do so, but was she ready to take that chance?

Peter was watching her with curiosity. No doubt her emotions were running amok on her face, reflecting her inner turmoil. He leaned across the seat, tying her up in knots with that grin. “I only want to kiss you. I'm saving marriage for breakfast.”

She burst out laughing. “Do I look that petrified?”

He nodded. “Uh-huh.”

One more plus for this wonderful man. His sense of humor was excellent. How could she resist a man who made her laugh at her own silliness? She tapped his lower lip with her finger. “You do things to me, Peter Chapman. I'm not sure what to do with the feelings I'm having.”

He caressed her face. “How about enjoy them?”

“I guess I could give it a go.”

“That's all the enthusiasm I can muster from you?”

She laughed. “I think we're moving too fast here, cowboy.”

He captured her hand, kissing her fingertips. “Hope I didn't spook you. I couldn't help myself. You kiss like an angel.”

“I'll bet you say that to all the girls.”

“I've never kissed an angel before. I don't think I can live with just one kiss.”

She understood way too well how he felt. Never mind those dark eyes deep with intent, his intoxicating mouth and melting smile. His body heat alone pulled her back to him. She slowly leaned in. He met her halfway, kissing her softly. Again. Again. Deepening the kiss, sending every signal that he was intent on making her fall in love with him. While her mind screamed this was all happening too fast, her body melted against him as he pulled her across the seat into his lap one more time. She wound her arms around his neck, breathing in the soap and woodsy scent on his neck. Something about this man tugged her heart in a way she'd never felt. Damn it all, she was caving. The electricity between them was way too much to ignore.

Peter smoothed her hair. “What is it about you, Cassie? I think you could make me lose my mind.”

Her head dropped back at his touch. He cupped the nape of her neck. “Trust me, Cassie.”

Closing her eyes, she whispered, “I'll try.”

“That's good. Very good.” He dove in for kisses along her neck, and a sigh escaped from her. He stopped when his lips pressed above her scapular bone.

“What's this?”

“What?”

Gently, he touched the area at the base of her neck. “Here. There's a lump.”

“Really?”

He took her hand and traced the spot above her collarbone. “Cassie, I don't like this. That's a lymph node.”

A flood of fear washed over her. She sat up in his lap, gently padding the area with her fingertips. “No. This can't be.”

“What do you think?”

Her throat tightened. When she looked at him, all she could see was her mother, her grandmother, her aunt, pale and gaunt from chemotherapy. Their cancer had been detected from painless lumps they'd found in their bodies. It couldn't be her turn. Not now. Not right freaking now!

She inhaled a long, steady breath. “I just had my physical. Nobody said anything about any lumps.”

He rested a hand on her chest, the warmth of his touch helping to calm her. “I don't think you should ignore this, Cassie.”

“Oh, God.”

“What's the matter?”

She shook her head, gathering her wits about her. She wouldn't cave in to believing she had a problem. Not when she had just agreed to date this wonderful man.

“I'll be okay.” She caressed his cheek. “If this lump is something that needs attention, we can't do anything about it now. Do you really want to kill a tender moment here?”

He rested a palm on her cheek. “We can have lots of tender moments. I want to know what you're thinking.”

She closed her eyes. “Cancer runs in my family. My mother had it. My aunt. My grandmother died from it.” When she looked at him again, determination had already taken root. “I was sure I'd be the generation that didn't get hit with the disease.”

“Okay, then. You won't. Or if you are, you'll knock it from the ballpark so we can carry on with our dating.”

The hunger in his eyes as he spoke touched her deeply. What an unusual man that he would plan to stand by her and not cut and run. She shook her head. “It won't come to that.”

He smiled. “Good.”

She blew out a breath, desperately wanting to ignore this new possibility. She'd prefer feeling the thrill of Peter's kisses and the freedom to explore these new feelings from moments ago. She tapped his mouth with her fingertips. “How about one more of those kisses?”

A slow grin crossed his lips. “I can do that, beautiful Cassie.”

Cupping her face, he slowly pulled her mouth to his, kissing her softly, nipping, caressing with his mouth, raising the temperature inside her one more time.

She returned his kiss, letting all thoughts scatter from her mind. His touch was magic. His tongue mingled with hers, turning her insides to molten heat. He slid his hands along her neck, capturing the back of her head. He grabbed a handful of hair, urging her to kiss him more deeply. He kissed her long and urgently, running his free hand all over her, electrifying her body.

He broke the kiss. “I wish to God we weren't sitting in this cramped car.”

The passion in his eyes charged her senses even more. “I've never been kissed the way you kiss me, Peter.”

He slowly shook his head. “I could drown in your kisses and die a happy man. I want you so very badly.”

She could feel his arousal against her hip. “I've overstepped the flirting line.”

He laughed. “Thank goodness!”

Breathless, regret filled her. This was their first date. “Too much has already happened in one night, Peter.” She didn't want to add that now she had to investigate this shitty lump that she didn't want to think about. If it turned out to be a problem, it would suck for dating. Reluctantly, she slid off his lap. “I'd better go. Thanks for a great night.”