HE SPENT MOST of Wednesday preparing for his date. He went in and got a haircut and a beard trim. He picked up snacks and supplies for dinner. He also picked up extra condoms. It was like a talisman. For luck.
Theyd end up in bed. He hoped itd be that night, but even if it wasnt for another month, it would happen. They had so much sexual energy between them, it sizzled.
He cleaned the house, changed his sheets and bedding. Aired everything out and moved furniture three times.
He was officially ridiculous, and he didnt stop even after hed realized that.
There were three movies. Horror, a thriller and some comedy bro-flick. Hed let her choose.
In the shower he considered jerking off so hed be more relaxed. Thinking about her had him tense and agitated, but in a way he sort of dug. He hadnt had to work this hard for a woman, well, ever, actually. Hed had her before, which only spiced things up. He knew what it was like to be inside her. Knew what her lips felt like wrapped around his cock. Knew what she tasted like.
Hed thought hed remembered her body. Hed seen it naked an awful lot. But in the brief glimpses of her he caught out at the river, hed noted curves. More than shed had then. He had tended toward tall women with big tits and a lean look. But Natalie was voluptuous. He hadnt realized he had a thing for all that swoop and dip, but he was utterly converted. Nicely though, the big boobs part was there, too. Hed been so focused on the curves, hed only barely noticed the ink and hoped for a far closer inspection very soon.
So yeah, he soaped a hand up and wrapped it around his cock as he imagined her naked. Wet, but not from swimming. Flushed from orgasm. On her back in his bed. Her lips swollen from his kisses and from sucking his cock. Her eyes half-lidded and dreamy.
Open those thighs.
She complied with that smile of hers. Unashamed of what she wanted, of what he did to her. She was slick, dark with desire and when he fed her his cock, pressing in slow and steady, she made a sound that wrapped around his balls and tightened.
She wound her legs around his waist, grabbing two handfuls of his ass and pulling him closer, urging him on. She loved fucking as much as he did. That wouldnt have changed. Tight and hot, her inner muscles would flutter around him as she got closer. As he got closer. Her nails dug into his skin as she arched, her neck bared to his lips as he licked and nibbled.
Climax shot through him, yanking him from that fantasy as his dream Natalie dissolved, leaving him alone and still half hard as the water rushed over his skin.
* * *
SHED GONE WITH casual that night. Her favorite supersoft T-shirt with the V-neck and some jeans. No heels this time. He lived on a farm so if he wanted her to walk or do something outdoorsy, shed be better off in the sneakers shed chosen instead of sandals.
Of course, as she followed the road, drove through a gate that hed given her the code to and continued on, she realized the word farm probably wasnt adequate for the land, the orchards and fields in the distance. She saw lights from a few houses and passed two until she saw the turnoff for his.
Off the main road, she could see the river in the distance as she parked in his driveway. All glass and gorgeous, warm wood, his house was Northwestern modern. The opposite of her Victorian, but it fit him.
She didnt get the chance to knock; he opened up with a smile before shed even been able to raise her hand.
Hey, you found me.
Yes. Your instructions were perfect, thanks.
He opened the door wider and motioned her inside.
Are you a shoes-off house?
He snorted. No. If you want to, go on ahead. Im not wearing shoes because I dont want to. But its your choice. He paused and bent to kiss her quickly. Sorry to burst your foot-fetish suspicions.
She laughed and put her bag down in the entry.
He took her hand. Want a tour?
Yes, please.
It was a great house. Clean. Very modern but warm at the same time. His living space was great with big couches and chairs.
Is yours the house everyone hangs out at?
We split it up pretty evenly. My house is the middle point between Ezra, who is closest to the big house where my parents are, and Damien, who lives the farthest from it. We spend more time at Damiens these days because Mary is such a great cook. He paused. Want to see the upstairs?
Natalie nodded, and he took her up the stairs fronted by a wall of glass. This view is insane.
We all worked with the same architect who took the land and views into account as she worked. All our houses are unique and fit our individual tastes, but theyre on the same continuum so you can see the thread. Its a light touch. Each room has something about it that I love. My work space has excellent afternoon light. My bedroom gets the sunset. Kitchen gets morning light. All that jazz.
He opened the door to a huge room with several guitars on stands, a large desk with two monitors, big chairs and a wet-bar-sized sink and fridge. This is my work space.
She went in, impressed. Wow.
He blushed, brushing his fingertips over the neck of a guitar. I spend more time in here than any other place but my bedroom. I can run tracks in here. Were all hooked into a network with the board in the barn, thats our studio here. I write here. Ezra sleeps on that big couch a lot. He snorted a laugh.
You and he do the writing?
About eighty percent of it is me and Ezra. Ezra does the bulk of production. Damien and Vaughan write a song or two each album.
So youre closest to Ezra, then?
He laughed. Ezra and I collaborate really well, but were too much alike in some ways, so we fight a lot. In the old days, it was nose-breaking sort of fighting, but now its more pissy bickering. Though we do occasionally get physical. He knows how to push my buttons. He and Damien are closer. Vaughan and I tend to pal around more, but hes been away a lot over the last month. His girls just went back to school, so hes been spending time with them. But, and dont tell Ez this, Ezra is the person whose advice I seek out when I need an honest take. Hes pretty wise for a dick.
She shook her head, imagining what it was like for their mother to have four really handsome sons who got into all the trouble they did.
He opened another door.
My bedroom.
She walked into the room, spinning slowly. Stunned.
What? Why do you have that look on your face?
I never expected this. Where the rest of his house was modern though comfortable, his bedroom was homey. His huge bed dominated one wall and was dressed with fluffy bedding. Heavy drapes were pulled back to expose sheers and windows looking out to the fields beyond, and if she was right, Mt. Hood on clear days.
Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined two walls. She traced her fingertips over the spines. This was the bedroom of a hedonist. Of the kind of person who spent the entire day in bed reading and watching movies.
Fucking.
Never expected what?
She turned to him. This warm, inviting, comfortable space. Its womblike. I want to take a nap in your bed right this instant.
The worry on his features wisped away with a pleased grin. Well, go on ahead. But only if I can nap with you. I love a good nap.
I can tell. Napping was one of her biggest vices.
I can tell. Napping was one of her biggest vices.
There was a big chair near the fireplace with an ottoman and a blanket on the back. She pointed. Whered you get that chair? I want one like it in my bedroom so I can read and nap on rainy days.
If I told you, Id be discouraging you from coming here on rainy days to read and nap, instead. Thats self-defeating, Nat.
You travel a lot. How can I leave my napping needs up to chance? Youre quite heartless to make me, Patrick.
Your sense of humor turns me on. He stepped closer. Youve been in my house for about twenty minutes now, and I havent really gotten a good kiss yet. Have a heart.
Youre the one who wont even tell me where to buy that chair. Mean.
Youre all breathless. Paddy cupped the back of her neck and slowly walked her into his chest. And she let him.
I have asthma and you made me walk up stairs.
He laughed. I swam with you a few days ago. Youre in excellent shape. But goddamn, I love your body.
She gulped. Oh.
You need to be quiet so I can kiss you now.
She nodded.
He started at the corner of her mouth. Just a brush of his lips. When she smiled, he licked at the spot, making her draw a breath. Thats when he used her distraction to sneak his very talented tongue right into her mouth.
Just a quick flick, and then he was gone again. He nipped her bottom lip, tugging until she moaned softly, digging her nails into his biceps where shed been grasping him to stay standing because her knees had gone to jelly.
You taste like cinnamon.
He backed off, and she was sure she should have been glad, but she really liked his mouth on hers.
Gum. The cinnamon, I mean. And maybe two boxes of Hot Tamales. Perhaps three, but that wasnt something she could confirm as she tended to lose count.
He grinned. Come downstairs. Ezra went into town, and hes picking Thai food up for us. He should be here shortly.
She followed him from the room and down the stairs. He had a great back. And a great butt, too.
I should have asked if you liked Thai food. If you dont, I can make something. I went to the grocery store, but then I realized Id rather order in and have more time with you.
Thai is good. I order it all the time, but I havent had it in a few weeks. Tuesday got a slow cooker and shes been making all sorts of great stuff in it. Its pretty awesome that one of us can cook.
How come you cant?
She started to answer, but there was a knock on the door.
Hold that thought. Ezras here.
Paddy bellowed out a come in as he jogged toward the front entry. When Ezra came around the corner into the room, she totally recognized him from before. Where Paddy was gorgeous, Ezra was ruggedly handsome. Big and brawny, he looked every inch the rancher he was. She bet he looked really good doing sweaty things like baling hay or riding a horse.
He flashed her a smile. Hey! I remember you.
It was impossible not to smile back. He thrust the bags at Paddy and headed to her, taking her hands in his. Its good to see you after all these years.
You, as well. Paddys been telling me about the job you do here on the ranch and also the collaborative way you put out Sweet Hollow Ranchs music. Im totally impressed.
Paddy made a sound, and they looked up at him. He had puppy-dog face, and it was very cute.
You can tell he was the spoiled one. He cant deal if everyone isnt fawning over him all the time.
Shut it, buttface.
Notice he didnt dispute my statement.
Shes my date. Go away.
Thank you for bringing us dinner, Ezra. Natalie patted his arm.
He sent Paddy a face, and she burst out laughing.
Id love to have dinner with you guys, thanks for asking. Ezra turned to her and led her into the kitchen. Gives me a chance to catch up with Natalie. I dont suppose you have that Mustang anymore?
Oh, my God, you remember that? I kept it for years, wanting to get it restored, but I never had the time or inclination and I ended up selling it.
Paddy turned and pulled her into a hug. I forgot about that sexy fastback you used to have.
So you both love cars, clearly. Given the one you drove the other day, I should have guessed.
Paddys past love and working his way into obsession. But, as far as obsessions go, classic cars isnt a bad one. Ezra pulled out a chair at the table. Sit.
She did, trying not to laugh more as Paddy frowned at his big brother.
Hey, we understand that you need to go home. Thanks for understanding Im on a date and all.
I headed Mom off so I think the phrase youre looking for is, thanks, Ezra, for saving me from an evening of baby pictures and stories about the time I yarked on that Santa at the Bon Marche.
I dont know which is worse, Paddy muttered.
Please. Dont lie. Sharon Hurley nosy about her babys date is way worse than me eating all your crab rangoon and leaving after I know Ive given you an eye tic for a few hours.
Paddy thrust plates into his brothers arms. At least set the table. Paddy turned to Natalie with a far friendlier look than he gave his brother. What can I get you to drink? Ive got waters, juices, orange soda, beer, wine. I can do mixed drinks, too. I have champagne for later, but not until Ezra leaves.
Id love some orange soda. The two men moved around the kitchenand each otherwith ease, saying far more about their bond to each other than their bickering had. It was clear the two spent a lot of time like this, just hanging out.
So Ezra grinned her way for a moment and continued eating youre a librarian. Why Hood River?
Well, there were a few places that had openings. I visited several cities in a few states. I visited here in May, so it was so pretty and warm and everyone was friendly. I liked the library here. Liked the programs. But to be totally honest with you? I was driving around, you know, just checking the area out, and I drove past a big blue Victorian with a for-sale sign out front.
Shed slowed, looking up at it and had wanted it with a greed she rarely allowed herself to feel. The curves of all the bay windows, the lattice work; the house was like a childhood dream come true.
It was the house that sold me on Hood River. Dont tell my boss that, though.
Ezra laughed, but it was Paddy who spoke next. So? The house?
I went back to my hotel and contacted the listing agent. I made an offer the next day after I did a walkthrough. Moved in sixty days later. Its a really big house, though, so I lived in half while I did a lot of remodeling on the rest. And then my best friend came to visit, and she fell in love with it, too, and she now lives in the other half.
She wanted to ask him why hed chosen to run the ranch, but she didnt know him well enough, and she didnt want to push any buttons about his past addiction. Addiction talk often made her antsy, anyway.
I think I know the house you mean. Its not blue anymore, though. Its green and white. Thats the one. Overlooking the river, right?
She nodded. Yep. It was that color originally, and when I saw the swatches, I knew I wanted it that way again.