Page 5 of Rekindled Heart

“He’s at home. A friend took him to see lights this afternoon and they’re all staying in to watch a Grinch move tonight.”

“Yes. Fun.” But her sharp old eyes are scaring the hell out of me. It’s like she can look through my soul. See all the way down to the secret that I’ve been hiding.

“Well, it’s been nice seeing you, Margot. But I’ve got to get home. I’m tucking Christopher in when I get back. We’re just staying with them for a very brief time. Just until Christmas.”

“You’ll have to make sure and get in touch with Ricky while you’re back.” It sounds like a suggestion, but I can see the steel in her dark gaze.

“I’ll have to see about that.”

She shakes her lavender head and I see Louise’s head pop up. She starts moving and I panic, jerking back from Margot. “I’ve got to go!”

I dart around Margot and make a run for it. I manage to get out the door without seeing anyone else that recognizes me, or maybe it’s that they don’t notice who the blur is streaking past them. I think I’m home free, until I reach my car door and a harsh, guttural voice stops me.

“Caro…” And that’s all he has to say and all my damn lady bits flare to life. My body heats up even as terror streaks through me.

Oh, shit… I’m not ready for this.

There’s no escape. My head bows and then I whisper, “Ricky.” Just like I have every night since I left. Every night as I cried to sleep, wishing his big, burly arms were wrapped around me.

From that first night, the first night he drove me home and I did something that I never thought I could or would do. From that first second, I touched him and his ragged breathing wafted out in the dark as his head fell back, his blazing eyes closed, his body so damn taut as I wrapped my lips around his dick there in the truck.

I don’t know what the hell got into me, but I just couldn’t stop myself from reaching out for him. He drove me home from our first date, and I use the term loosely.

We were both out dancing at a bar and I was with friends who ditched me. I looked over and saw him sitting there and knew it was providence. Knew it was my chance.

I walked up to him and he looked up from a mug full of golden beer. His brow lifted and he eyed me up and down.

“What are you doing here?”

“Wondering if you can show me a dance in here?” That’s not what I wanted. But more than anything, I just wanted those big arms of his wrapped around me.

He shakes his head. “I’m too tired to dance tonight.” He turns away and my eyes close.

I can’t lose tonight. I have a feeling this might be my one shot to show this man that I really like him.

“Maybe you wouldn’t mind a slow dance with me.” I clear my throat. “I’d really like to dance and nobody’s asked me…” I sound pathetic and I can only hope that that inspires the man to give me a break.

“I don’t think you understand how this works, sweetness. I ask you. You don’t ask me.” His surly tone doesn’t even make me flinch. Weirdly, it makes me smile.

I think I’ve lost my mind. I shouldn’t find his surly nature as intriguing as I do. Shouldn’t feel my clit pulsing hot and heavy every time he snaps or snarls.

What the hell is wrong with me? Why on earth would I find snarky sexy?

Who knew that was a thing?

From that night on, I couldn’t hear the rough growl of his voice without need washing over me.

Obviously, that hasn’t changed.

I jerk myself back to the present and close my eyes, readying myself for coming face to face with the man that I can’t seem to forget.

A deep breath, a quick prayer and I turn around, fighting to keep myself resolute.

To remember why this can’t be what I want it to be. Lies. It’s all about the lies.

If only he didn’t look so insanely good.

TWO

---