Reckless, p.16
Reckless, page 16
My heart stops in my chest. Tori.
And then I’m in motion.
Racing to her room like my life depends on it.
I fling open the door to find it empty. Steam billows from the bathroom where the door sits ajar, but another scream has me bolting forward before I can question whether I should go darting in there.
The shower curtain is open, and her eyes widen when she sees me, but she makes no effort to hide her nudity. Water splashes off her slick body and out onto the floor. But that’s not what concerns me. What has me tilting my head is that she’s flailing and jumping around so much in the stall I’m afraid she’s going to slip and fall.
“Spider!” she screams, smacking at her very bare, very wet skin. “Spiiiiiiiiider!”
Now that I know she’s not being murdered by a serial killer, I take a deep breath, because, damn, she scared me.
That’s when my lizard brain homes in on all that water sluicing down her perky, lush tits. How it runs in rivulets along her tight little body. How ethereal she looks with that wet hair and steam billowing up around her.
But before I focus on what I know is a bare expanse of skin between her thighs, I force myself to stop and look up.
She waves her hands at me. Imploring. Angry. Agitated.
“It rappelled down onto me like a goddamn ninja.” Shivering, she smacks at her arms.
I let out a chuckle, one she obviously doesn’t find amusing.
“Don’t laugh, Ethan! How would you feel if a spider tried to terrorize you when you were wet and naked?”
That’s all I can focus on. Those words. Wet and naked.
Swallowing, I ignore the erection in my jeans that would also love to get wet and naked.
Because there’s a whole lot of naked right now.
Dutifully, I take up her cause and glance around. Up at the ceiling. Along the tiled walls. Down along the drain. All the while ignoring the naked.
Jesus, save me from temptation and the boner in my jeans.
“Babe, I think you probably killed the culprit.”
Tori’s breathless, her long, thick hair a tangle of wet locks cascading down her body, one I need to explore again with my mouth. Because that fumble in my truck didn’t do my memory of her curves justice.
Eyes up, douchebag. Eyes up.
But the smile she gives me is a spotlight, stealing all my attention. “Really? It’s gone?”
God, she’s beautiful.
She stares at me from underneath damp eyelashes, the grateful expression on her face making my heart thump harder against my chest.
Leaning into the shower and ignoring the spray, I wipe away the water on her cheek with my palm and desperately try to keep my hunger for this woman at bay.
I’m about to tell her that yes, the coast is clear, when I catch a glimpse of the eight-legged suspect.
Wow. That is a big motherfucker. She’s not gonna like this.
“Sweetheart, don’t freak out.”
Tori goes stock still, her eyes widening as I lean closer to pluck the bastard out of the hair draped across her shoulder.
“What. The. Fuck.”
The look of terror on her face is punctuated by another shrill scream and more hopping, except she bumps into me as she’s jumping around, and I drop the damn thing. It goes scooting over her bare foot and five hot-pink toenails on its way toward the drain.
With a pained cry, she leaps out of the shower and into my arms.
29
Ethan
At first, I think she’s laughing. Because, yeah, this whole situation is pretty crazy. I chuckle too, not caring that my clothes are drenched and I’m standing in a puddle of water the size of Canyon Lake.
I lean back toward the door and peer through her dimly lit room and into the dark hallway beyond. As loud as Tori was a few minutes ago, I think the sound machines in the kids’ rooms probably kept them asleep.
After closing the bathroom door with one hand, I caress her wet hair. It’s only then that I realize she’s not laughing.
She’s crying.
My heart seizes at the panic in her eyes and the fear fluttering her pulse at the base of her throat.
“Darlin’? Hey, it’s okay.” She’s shivering so hard, her teeth chatter.
Worse, though? She doesn’t respond. Just trembles in my arms and sniffles.
My eyes dart around the bathroom and stop on the robe tucked through a towel rod. Grabbing it with one arm, I shake it out and drape it over her slender shoulders before I set her on the edge of the counter. When I realize how threadbare the robe is, I snatch a thick towel and wrap her in it before I tuck her icy-cold body to me.
It’s a long, quiet minute before she says anything. “I’m so sorr-rr-rry.”
“No need to apologize,” I mutter softly in her ear, but the fear in her voice is still so stark, I realize I’d do anything to make her feel better.
With a gentle touch, I run my hand along her back. “It’s not every day a beautiful woman in distress needs me to rescue her. I like to think I bring my A-game. Ethan Carter at your service, ma’am. Rascally vermin are my specialty.”
That earns me a laugh, and I smile against the silky, wet skin of her neck.
I reckon a lot of people have phobias. My brother loses his shit any time a snake slithers around here. But I don’t tell her that because I’m not sure if her fear extends to all creepy-crawlies or just the arachnid variety, and I’d rather not point out the wide assortment of pests native to South Texas.
Anyway, it’s no hardship to hold her right now, so I can’t complain.
“I’m still sorry I freaked out there.” She sniffles and snuggles closer. “Thanks for not dropping me.”
“I would never drop you.”
Burrowing against me, she shakes her head. “I had a bad experience as a kid with spiders.”
“I’m sorry, honey. What happened? I mean, if you want to talk about it. You don’t have to.”
“It’s so stupid.”
“I’m sure it’s not, babe. Trauma that happens to you when you’re a kid can stick with you long after the scars on your skin have faded.”
She sinks into me and sighs. “I was playing with my neighbor. Her older sister babysat us while my grandmother worked, and I made the mistake of hiding in the shed along the back of the property. My friend must’ve gotten bored and stopped playing, so she didn’t hear me yell. Didn’t know I had gotten stuck and couldn’t get out.” Her voice is nearly a whisper when she says, “There must’ve been dozens of spiders in there, crawling all over me. I had bites everywhere when they finally found me late that night.”
“Oh, shit. That had to be terrifying.”
“I had nightmares for years. But the part that always crushed my stupid little heart was how embarrassed I was.”
“Why were you embarrassed?”
Groaning, she shakes her head. “I felt so forgotten. My friend forgot me. Her sister didn’t care that I had taken off. My grandmother didn’t realize I wasn’t at the neighbors’ until several hours later, so she didn’t know to look for me.”
That would hurt any kid. “Where were your parents?”
Shrugging, she gives me a sad smile. “Not sure. They traveled a lot when I was young. They were migrant workers. So I’d stay with my grandmother for months at a time.”
“What about your sister?”
“I’m guessing with my parents. I was probably around Mila’s age, so I don’t remember all the details. Just being trapped and bitten and freaked out.”
The thought of my daughter being in a similar situation nearly steals my breath. A confusing mix of rage and helplessness swirls in my gut, making me wonder what I’d do if that ever happened to Mila or Cody.
Fuck, I’d wanna kill someone.
I squeeze her tighter. “I’m so sorry that happened to you, sweetness. That I couldn’t be there for you.”
Another sniffle escapes her. “Pretty sure if we’d been friends when we were kids, I’d have made you eat mud pies, so count yourself lucky.”
And I’m pretty sure if I’d known a young Tori, I’d have been smitten from the get-go. “I love a woman who doesn’t mind getting dirty.” I give her my most charming smile with an innocent bat of my eyelashes.
“Lord, look at you.” She presses her hand against my whole face and laughs. “You’re too pretty to do that to a girl, Ethan.”
Snatching her off the counter, I pretend to gobble her neck. It’s the kind of thing I do with my kids. Tori’s laughing and flailing, except this time it’s because she’s having fun.
Her towel and robe are sliding off, but I don’t care. I’m not gonna steal a peek. Just want her to forget the bad stuff that happened when she was young.
“Baby, we gotta rinse you off.”
In the mirror behind us, glops of shampoo and bubbles glisten in her dark strands.
“No, no, I’m fine.” Her whole body stiffens as she shakes her head vehemently. “I can’t… I can’t get back in there tonight.”
I set her back down on the counter. “Hey.” I tilt her chin up and wait for her to look into my eyes. “First off, I’m not gonna make you do anything you don’t want. Ever.”
I caress her soft cheek with the pad of my thumb, and she relaxes in my arms and nods.
“Secondly, you have shampoo dripping down your hair, and you feel like a block of ice. While I’m more than happy to rinse out your hair in the sink, I think a hot shower would do you a world of good right now.”
She gives me an owlish blink before her eyes slide over to glare suspiciously at the stall as though an army of spiders might come marching out.
“Do you want to use my shower? I can make sure the coast is clear before you jump in, and tomorrow I’ll call an exterminator to inspect the house, just to be on the safe side.”
I’d normally think that’s a crazy length to go for one spider, but if it gives her peace of mind, I’ll do it. After hearing that story, I’d do anything to help her feel safe.
With another groan, she presses her damp forehead to my chest. “Gah! I feel like such a freak right now.” Her words get muffled by my t-shirt.
“If it makes you feel any better, Logan once dated this girl who got so hammered, as she leaned out of his car to puke, she peed in his passenger seat. Now, have you ever peed in someone’s car while hurling chunks all over the sidewalk?”
A snort of laughter makes her shoulders shake, and she peers up at me with a huge smile.
“See. I thought not. So in the big scheme of things, I’d much rather deal with my gorgeous, naked woman leaping into my arms, than the aftermath of Logan’s date.”
Her smile turns shy, the vulnerability in those golden-honey eyes piercing something inside me. “Ethan?” She nibbles her bottom lip. “Am I your woman?”
I hadn’t meant to convey so much just now, except it feels wrong to hide my feelings from her.
Suddenly, all that resolve to take things slow, to figure out what the hell is going on with my life before committing to this pull between me and Tori, seems foolish. Because have I ever wanted anyone more than I want her? As a friend or a lover? Never. How she’s engrained herself in my life in such a short time is a mystery to me, but I’m grateful nonetheless. I’m a dumbass for not seizing this chance with her sooner.
“Darlin’.” I press my mouth gently to hers, tasting her minty warm breath. “I’d love nothing more.”
30
Ethan
Her fingers shift through my hair before she arches up, and I kiss her earnestly. My lips slide across hers, and I yank her closer so I can breathe her in. Breathe in her sweet, warm scent that’s uniquely her.
With the last thread of restraint I possess, I pause. Because I should take care of her first before I get too inspired.
Worry clouds her expression when I pull back, but I dip down to kiss her again.
“Come on.”
I fold her arms through her robe and toss the towel on the floor to sop up some of the water. I’ll deal with that tomorrow.
Tonight, Tori’s my priority.
Threading my fingers through hers, I whisk her back to my bedroom, grateful the kids haven’t budged a muscle since I tucked them in earlier.
With a flick of my wrist, the recessed lights above the walk-in shower cast a warm glow into the dim bathroom.
Turning, I reach for Tori. “Want me to wash your hair?” I run my hand over her damp locks, barely keeping back a shiver when I think of how it looks draped over her body.
Another vulnerable smile tilts her lips, but the look she gives me from beneath her lashes quickens my pulse. “Would you? Wash my hair?”
“Of course,” I say, a prickle of awareness dawning in me that we’re not just un-pausing our relationship tonight. We’re barreling forward at full speed.
But this feels right.
With her eyes locked on mine, that shy smile fades until all I see is want.
She wants me.
And goddamn, I want her.
Everything slows down as she tugs on the thin fabric wrapped around her.
The pink robe slips down her shoulders. Over her full, pert breasts. Across the curves of her hips.
Until it’s resting at her bare feet.
Her wild, dark hair marks a damp path along her olive skin. In another lifetime, she could’ve perched herself on a rock, sung a siren’s song, and men would’ve gladly dashed themselves upon the craggy surface to be near her.
She shifts, and her tresses carve out a map of generous expanses I need to explore before I fucking die of hunger.
“Let me take care of you tonight, baby,” I whisper, brushing my palms over her bare shoulders.
She hesitates. It’s brief, but then she nods, reaching for me.
I love that this girl always goes for it. That although she has moments of shyness, she always takes a chance. Best yet? She doesn’t play games.
The last six years have taught me I hate goddamn games.
Tori’s a lot of things. Young. Beautiful. Feisty. Passionate. But never fickle.
It’s time I met her courage straight on.
When I pull her closer and cover her lips with mine, it’s with the knowledge that she and I are overdue.
And I’m looking forward to getting caught up.
31
Tori
Every part of me feels flushed and hot, like I’ve run a race and I’m out of breath but exhilarated from the effort. Maybe it was that stupid spider scaring me out of my wits a little while ago. Or how tender Ethan’s been with me tonight, coming to my rescue and listening to what happened to me as a child. Not laughing at me. Only wanting to comfort me.
Or maybe it’s knowing we’re about to do this for real.
Even though I’ve been with other guys, even though I’ve carelessly shared things about myself with men who didn’t deserve them, I know Ethan does, and being here with him right now feels important. It feels like a first. Like I’m handing him the parts of myself I’ve protected as I’ve waited for him to come into my life.
He leans into the shower and twists knobs until a rhythmic pulsing of water hits the tiles and steam begins to rise.
A quick pulse of expectation fires in my veins when he returns to me, finding my lips with his, and I groan into his mouth when his tongue strokes against mine.
When I pull back, I paint his mouth with my finger, wanting to memorize the feel of his skin and hue of his full lips. “I hadn’t planned on you this summer.”
He bites my finger, and I yelp and laugh.
“You know what they say. The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”
Handsome and smart. I have no clue who he quoted, but I don’t really care. “Then you’re my favorite mistake.”
Smiling, I step back just enough to slide my hand down his t-shirt, so I can yank the offending material off his body. He laughs at my eagerness, reaching back to his collar to help me with that one-handed shirt removal guys do that looks effortlessly sexy.
He shakes out his thick, dirty-blond hair, the shirt relegated to the cold tile, and I bite my lower lip to keep myself from grinning when I’m treated to all six-foot-something of muscled man. Of broad shoulders painted with ink and shadow and shapes that contour his powerful physique.
Pushing up on my toes, I press a kiss to his sternum and run my fingers through his smattering of chest hair. Like I’m following a treasure map, I let the trail lead me lower. He smells so good—like soap and leather and man. His hair is still damp and curling at the ends from a shower he took earlier this evening, but I don’t remind him that he’s already clean.
His gunmetal-blue eyes stay pinned on mine as I unbutton his jeans and shove off the denim. I look down to find his bulge straining against his boxer briefs.
And what a beautiful bulge it is.
With a held breath, I skate my finger along the thick curve, but before I make it to the tip, he catches my wrist in his big palm.
“No dessert before dinner,” he chides.
I laugh and dart into the shower, letting out a squeal when he smacks my ass.
Why is he so much fun? He works tirelessly every day, his brow furrowed as he slaves in the barn, only to be this flirty, sweet guy when he comes home.
Home.
My heart warms at that word and how I’ve come to associate it with Ethan and his family.
He joins me a moment later—stark naked—and my girly parts spasm at the sight. The man is built like one of his horses. Sleek, smooth, strong.
And very hung.
He wraps me in his arms, my back to his chest. Like this, his impressive erection thumps against my rear, and I expect him to ravish me, but instead, he nibbles my neck.
“Let’s wash your hair.”
And he does. Working in the shampoo until I’m covered in bubbles and a lovely grapefruit scent.
The feeling of his strong hands massaging my scalp has me wanting to purr and curl up at his feet like his pet.
After rinsing it out, he repeats the motions with conditioner.
