The Summer He Came Home

Chapter 19



Maggie had changed at least six times in the last half hour, and at the moment, her bedroom was a disaster. Clothes were strewn everywhere, and shoes littered the floor. She didn’t have a whole lot in her closet, so the mess represented most of what she owned.

Her fingers smoothed the soft lines of the skirt she wore. She’d forgotten about it, mostly because she’d had no reason to wear it for the last few years. It was an older piece, but hugged her curves in exactly the right way. She glanced around. The mess was worth it. She felt sexy, anxious, and excited. Things she hadn’t felt in years.

Her hair was loose, fell past her shoulders in a curtain of crimson that she’d carefully straightened. The subtle highlights Lori had added shone like slivers of gold, and when she turned her head, her eyes were luminous, emphasized by the new makeup she’d purchased.

It was amazing how a little bit of mascara coupled with dark, smoky shadow made her eyes pop. Light blush across her cheekbones and some gloss on her lips, and she was good to go.

The skirt was a wraparound, plain black and short, falling halfway down her thigh. She’d joined it with a soft green silk halter and black sandals that she’d borrowed from Raine. She was braless and a little nervous about the fact, but she didn’t have one of those fancy crisscross halter bras.

Her fingers ran over her chest lightly, and her nipples hardened, their rigid tips very much in evidence. She thought of Cain’s hands on her and blushed when she thought of how boldly she grabbed him between the legs. He’d felt so big and strong.

As the image lingered, the slow, heavy ache she’d been fighting for days intensified. Good God, she had no need for color on her cheeks. Her natural embarrassed tone would be more than enough.

A stab of fear shot through her, and she blew out a nervous breath. All she could think about was sex. With Cain. Her mind had been filled with erotic images of him since Sunday night, and she groaned as her hands rested against her heated cheeks.

She couldn’t do this. She was no practiced actress or knowledgeable model. Heck, she only knew of one way to do it. What if Cain expected something…spectacular? What if there was some new way to do it that she’d never heard of? Some weird, kinky thing that was all the rage with rockers and models and…

You sure as hell had no problems with inhibitions the other night.

The thought snuck into her mind and her blush deepened.

The things I’m going to do to you, Maggie, just might be illegal in some states.

His words echoed in her head, coiled around the heat in her belly, and kick-started her into action. Cain would be here any minute.

She grabbed the pile of clothes off the bed, stuffed them in her closet, and threw the shoes in as well. She could deal with putting them away properly tomorrow. A giggle escaped, and she made a face. If only her clients could see her now.

Her gaze fell to the red tulips on the small nightstand beside her bed. They’d arrived a few hours earlier. A classy arrangement in a beautiful crystal container. There was no card, but she knew who’d sent them. It was a simple gesture but one that meant more than Cain could know.

Tulips had been her mother’s favorite.

After straightening up the mess of makeup in her small bathroom, she slipped into the delicate black sandals and straightened the corner of the comforter. The bed was a king-size monstrosity and filled a good portion of her room. It had come with the house, as had most of the furniture. The mismatched sheets she had didn’t exactly fit properly, but it had never been an issue.

Because she’d never had a man back to her house before.

Maggie bit her lip. Should she change them? Did it matter?

She took a step toward the bed and froze as the doorbell ripped through the silence of her home. Her heart beat a furious rhythm, and her skin rippled with another wash of heat. She shivered from a violent chill and hated the way her stomach tightened, full of nerves.

For one second she considered staying put, pretending she wasn’t home. What if people started talking? What the hell had happened to her need to lay low and blend in?

The bell sounded again, and she closed her eyes. Was it so awful to want something special for herself? To want Cain as much as she did? Her resolve faded as the doorbell echoed once more.

“Don’t be a coward,” she whispered, and followed the fading echo of the bell out to the small foyer. Her tongue darted across her lips nervously, and she yanked the door open before she lost the nerve.

She was sure the birds still sang, that Mrs. Johnson’s lawn mower still mowed, and the laughter from the children a few doors down still echoed in the street. And yet she heard nothing.

Everything faded away like fog rolling across the road in the early morning. Just like in the movies. There was nothing but Cain. He was larger than life, and in that moment, she could acknowledge wholeheartedly he was the sexiest man she’d ever laid eyes on.

His long legs were covered in faded denim, while casual Doc Martens adorned his feet. He wore a white button-down shirt. It was formfitting and emphasized his wide shoulders and tapered waist. His sleeves were rolled up, and his tattoo peeked out at her, a vibrant picture against his darkly tanned skin.

Her eyes slowly traveled up to his face, and the breath caught in the back of her throat. His hair was still damp as if he wasn’t long from the shower, and the slow smile that spread across his mouth left her weak. It spoke of secrets and desires and promised all sorts of naughty things.

Shit.

“Hey.” His voice was husky, low.

“Hi,” she answered, and took a step back. “Do you want to come in or…” Maggie didn’t know what the heck to say. She hadn’t been on a first date since she was sixteen. But back then things had been different. Expectations were so not what they were tonight.

“I think we should just go.” His eyes glittered, and his smile was full-on devastation. “You look…” His eyes caressed her body with one hot look, and he leaned down close near her ear. “Amazing.” His breath tickled the side of her neck, and Maggie’s mouth went dry. She swallowed, a gut reaction, but nearly choked.

“Let me grab my bag.”

She knew his eyes followed her, and it took a lot of willpower to walk in a calm, controlled manner. She grabbed the small bag Raine had dropped off with the shoes. “Okay, I’m ready.”

Cain smiled and stood to the side. “I hope you’re hungry.” Maggie nodded, but as her belly rolled once more, she doubted she’d be able to eat at all.

She turned the lock and followed him to his SUV. He opened the passenger door and stood back, though his fingers caressed her bare back as she stepped inside. He leaned across and secured her seat belt, and from the wicked look he gave her, Maggie was pretty sure it had just been an excuse to rub his arm across her breasts.

She’d barely been able to contain the hiss that slithered along her tongue.

She fingered her small bag nervously as Cain backed out of the driveway. Luke Jansen was on his front lawn, tossing a ball to his golden retriever, Shelby, though his gaze was fixated on the SUV.

Maggie waved, and Luke paused, ball in hand, his expression hard. He didn’t return her wave.

“He’ll get over it.”

She glanced at Cain. “Sorry?”

“Jansen. He’s got a thing for you.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that. I mean, he’s asked me out a few times, but it just…he’s not…”

“He’s not for you?”

She fingered the edge of her skirt. “He’s nice enough and all, but no”—she glanced at him—“he’s not my type.”

He smiled, and her heart quickened. “Good to know.”

Cain turned down onto Main Street. “Mac suggested I take you to Le Rouge for dinner.”

“Oh, I’ve never been.” Which wasn’t surprising, considering one entrée probably cost more than what she made in a day.

“I hope you’re not too disappointed if we don’t.”

Maggie shrugged. “I don’t eat out a lot, so I’m not particularly fussy where we go.”

Cain maneuvered his truck around a parked car that was half in the street and drove down the main drag of Crystal Lake. He pulled into an empty spot in front of a smallish building that stood alone. Above the door was a plain wooden sign: Jack’s Hut. It looked out of place among the elegant buildings that surrounded it.

“This place might not look like much, but trust me, it will be a great. Jack’s been around for years.”

“It looks cute.” Okay, Le Rouge might have been a bit on the grand side. She didn’t expect to be wined and dined, but this place looked a slight cut above fast food. Very slight.

“Hey, we can go to Le Rouge if you want.” He flashed a smile. “I just thought our first date could be more…low-key…intimate.”

Cain used his hands a lot when he talked, and she focused on them. The fingers were long, and as they slid along the steering wheel once more, she thought of them on her skin, traveling up her belly. Touching her breasts. She closed her eyes and swallowed a groan. She so didn’t care where they ate.

“Hey, you’re not disappointed, are you?” His concern was genuine, and she shook her head, her hand reaching for the door.

“I’m just happy to be with you.” The admission slipped from her mouth without thought.

Cain jumped from the truck and was at her side, his hand reaching for hers, enveloping her own into his warmth. He pulled her close, held her against him, and she felt his arousal. He leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. “Let’s go.”

Her heart skipped a beat as she read the “Closed” sign that hung in the window. Inside, the lights were dim. “Are you sure they’re open?”

Cain nodded, a sly smile on his face. “Positive.”

They escaped the warm summer evening into the dark, cool interior of Jack’s Hut. It took a few moments for her eyes to adjust, and when they did, her mouth hung open, a soft “Oh” on her lips as she gazed at the room in wonder.

The place was empty, candlelit, and filled with small vases of tulips that were set upon every available surface that could hold them. Music drifted from a jukebox in the corner, blues by the sound of it, sexy notes layered between the rich, throaty vocals of some unknown goddess.

In the middle of the room was the only table. It was set for two and held a small bucket of ice filled with Coronas.

Cain’s face lit up like that of a little boy on Christmas morning. “Now this”—he glanced around—“this is more my style.”

A tall man appeared from the back pushing a cart laden with food. Maggie sniffed a host of aromas and was surprised at the hunger pangs she felt. Considering she’d been full-on nauseous only a short while earlier, things were looking up.

Chicken wings, garlic bread, and nachos.

The gentleman was solid, with a full head of shockingly black hair and bushy eyebrows to match. His bare arms were powerful and loaded with tattoos, some of which were not exactly appropriate.

“Cain! I just finished.” The man’s dark eyes landed on her, and his smile widened. He walked toward them. “You must be Maggie.”

She nodded. “Hello.”

“I’m Jack. Nice to meet you.” He tossed a set of keys to Cain and shook his hand. “Lock up when you leave, and throw the keys back in through the mail slot. I’ve got an extra set at home.”

“Thanks for everything.” Cain followed Jack to the door and locked it behind him. He glanced back at Maggie. “Last chance to change your mind. I can make a phone call and get us into Le Rouge if you prefer.”

She couldn’t take her eyes off him. The setting didn’t matter. He was what mattered, and if she could have him to herself, with no prying eyes, then all the better.

“This is perfect.” And it was.

His warm hand was on her back as he escorted her to the table. Small, spiky shivers of desire leaped across her flesh at his touch.

Cain opened two bottles and handed her a cold Corona. “Do you want a glass? I can grab one from behind the bar.”

Maggie shook her head. “I’m not really a glass kind of girl.” A smile crept over her mouth. “The bottle is fine.”

He held his Corona aloft, and Maggie raised hers as well. “To our first date,” he murmured.

The next three hours flew by. Cain shared a good many details about his life, and she found herself fascinated at the stories he told of faraway places she’d only seen in magazines and of the funny, crazy, and sometimes disturbing intricacies of living out of a suitcase for months at a time.

He told her about growing up in Crystal Lake, of the good times he’d shared, of the Bad Boys, and of the lost one, Jesse. Maggie was enthralled and touched, and laughed until her belly hurt.

By the time they were done eating she was totally under his spell.

“I see why you’re the front person in your band.” She paused, enjoying the way the candlelight danced in his eyes. “Why all the women are thrilled you’re home.”

Cain cocked his head and smiled. “And that would be because…”

Maggie lowered her eyes and ran her fingers along the empty bottle of beer in front of her. “I’m sure you’re a great musician—”

“You’re sure?” he interrupted with a laugh.

“Well, I’m not familiar with your music, but I think it’s safe to assume you’ve got talent.” She smiled and shrugged. “But I think it’s probably more than just the fact that you write good songs.”

He leaned closer. “So tell me what you really think.”

“I think you could charm the pants off just about anyone without even trying.”

Silence fell between them for several long moments, and then he spoke, his voice so low she barely heard him. “There’s only one person I want to charm tonight, and she sure as hell ain’t wearing pants.”

The jukebox had long finished, and the candles flickered in the dark. His eyes were intense, and she felt the change in the air. It was like a physical touch, a caress, and a shudder all at once. He grabbed her hand, his touch gentle and hot. Maggie watched, her breaths falling in jerky spurts as he lifted her fingers to his mouth and slowly licked the last remnants of sticky sauce off them.

The ache between her legs erupted in a single shot of urgent need, and she bit her lip, her eyes never leaving his.

“I think we’re done here.” His voice was rough.

Maggie stood, and when he held out his hand, she slipped hers inside his large grasp, loving the way he pulled her into his body. She felt like she belonged, and the thought was one that soothed and calmed and fanned the flames of desire at the same time.

“Let’s go.”

Outside the early-evening sky was shot through with reds and golds. It sliced through the dark that loomed on the horizon—a beautiful, mad palette of color. The sidewalks were mostly empty, though the few patios scattered downtown were filled with patrons.

When they reached his truck, Cain’s hands slid along her waist, and he brushed his mouth against hers, a quick, probing touch that was over much too soon.

And yet it nearly took her breath away.

“Let’s get you home,” he murmured against her mouth.

The ride back to her house was silent; the air was charged with an energy that slithered along her body and left her trembling. Maggie gripped her purse tightly, forced herself to relax, but it was hard.

Cain pulled into her driveway and hopped out of the truck in a quick, fluid movement. She already had her door open, but he helped her down. His touch was sure and possessive. It lingered and burned.

His hand didn’t leave hers, and when she fumbled for her key, he grabbed them from her purse, unlocked her front door, and followed her inside.

The silence of her home was so loud, she was sure he heard her heart banging against her chest. Lord knows, it pounded in her ears furiously enough. For a second she felt dizzy, weak, most likely panicked, but then he was there behind her, his body heat searing the bare flesh of her back.

Cain’s arms slid around her rib cage and he held her for the longest time, so tight she felt every inch of his hard frame. His breath was hot against her neck, and when he nuzzled the sensitive area beneath her ear, she groaned.

His right hand slid up and cupped her breast as he continued to trail small kisses along her neck. “Oh Maggie, the things I’m going to do to you…”

Gently he turned her in his embrace. Her eyes focused on the pulse that beat in his neck. The rhythm was as mad and frantic as hers. It hit her then. He was just as affected as she. That knowledge filled her with a confidence she’d never felt before.

Slowly her eyes rose.

“So you said the other night.” She licked her lips and trailed her fingers along his chest until her hands were splayed across his shoulders. “I was a good girl and took your advice.”

“You did?” His chocolate eyes glittered.

She felt saucy. Dangerous. Powerful.

Maggie nodded and stood on her tiptoes so that she could whisper in his ear. Her sensitive nipples scraped along his chest, sending shards of desire spiraling across her flesh.

“I got a full night’s sleep, which I guess is a good thing.” She paused, felt his hardness against her stomach. “Because I’m not expecting to get any tonight.”

Maggie wriggled out of his arms and kicked off her shoes. She turned slowly and headed toward her bedroom, well aware of the man left behind.