Cypress Corners Boxed Set (Books 1-3) Read online

  She just stared at him. He’d leave, then. She’d known it all along. He didn’t like it here. He’d made that clear from the beginning. As clear as the water in her lake. The lake. Swimming with him in the cool water. Making love with him on her dock.

  Why had she slept with him? Because he was gorgeous and sexy and a wonderful lover, that’s why. He made her feel things she’d only imagined before. Was Lettie right? Would the physical lead to the emotional?

  An even bigger question hung over her, clinging like Spanish moss and just as unshakable.

  Why had she set her heart up for this hurt again?

  Chapter 12

  Rick nodded from across the table as he watched Harmony’s gaze fall to her glass. He did have a job to do, but at least it wasn’t coming between them anymore. Her plant was safe and her job secure. His position at Chapman was as well. At the end of the year it would all be settled. He’d be finished here and he could go back to Boston. Wasn’t that what he wanted?

  Their appetizer came, escargot in butter and wine sauce, and they ate. The delicacy slipped down his throat and he smiled.

  “Snails,” he said. “I guess that’s as strange as eating alligator.”

  She returned his smile and ate. Delicately, like she did everything. She was as much a contradiction as Cypress Corners itself, pretty and tough and smart and sensitive. Man, did she look good in that little green dress. She wore strappy little sandals on her feet, showing off those lean legs. Her hair was loose and a little wild, like he liked it. As she sipped her wine he watched her lips. That mouth. God, it was as sweet and hot as the rest of her.

  “So what’s next for the Institute?” he asked.

  She dabbed her lips with her napkin and shrugged. “More of the same, I guess. For me, anyway. More research, more investigations. My work didn’t end with finding the scrub buckwheat.”

  Her words struck him. His work did. He knew it. She knew it.

  “The developers seem pleased with the Institute’s work,” he said.

  Her eyes lit up again. She leaned forward and placed her hands on the table. “Dr. Robbins has a unique position here. It’s important to work with the developers. A property this size doesn’t usually give more than passing notice to conservation. I’m just grateful I can do my part.”

  There was a conviction in her voice that he didn’t feel with Chapman, and a loyalty to her boss he knew he’d never feel for Bill. He was always careful to never examine his own motives as he climbed the corporate ladder. Going for and capturing the next step in his quest for the ultimate job at Chapman, with no one above him but Bill. But the rewards were tangible, not like hers. The prizes were money and prestige, and that was all good. Recognition and respect. It was just what his mother had wanted for him. Just what he wanted for himself.

  “You’ve proven yourself invaluable, Harmony. What’s next?”

  She looked puzzled. “Next? I don’t understand.”

  “Next up for your career,” he said. “What’s the next position you’re shooting for? A promotion? More money?”

  She sat back, giving a shake of her head. “I’m happy with things the way they are, Rick. I’m making a difference and helping the Institute protect interests other than money. It’s what I’ve always wanted.”

  Ouch. His ambitions were clear to her, then. He didn’t hide his ambition. It was a part of him, inherited from Bill and reinforced by his mother.

  Thankfully their meals came and they could talk about tastes and textures as they ate the succulent seared tuna and filet mignon. He’d ordered dessert when they’d arrived, since the restaurant’s signature soufflé took about forty-five minutes to prepare. But the pastries he’d consider for the rec café came on the heels of their dinners, arrayed on a silver platter dressed with paper doilies and powdered sugar. They looked almost too delicate to eat.

  He lifted one to Harmony’s mouth, the flaky pastry yielding as she took a bit. Whipped cream dotted her lip and he wiped it with is thumb. “Good?”

  She closed her eyes and made a humming sound of satisfaction. He couldn’t help thinking about the last time she made that sound. Her breasts in his hands, his mouth on hers as she purred beneath him.

  “It’s delicious,” she said. “But too rich for me.”

  “Yeah, I guess it’s too much for the café.” He picked up his fork and cut the corner off another dessert, this one a square of key lime pie. He held it to her lips. “This one might work.”

  She licked her lips before taking a bit and he watched her react to the tart sweet filling. Her eyes widened slightly and she gasped.

  “Ooh, this is the best key lime I’ve tasted,” she said. “Mmm. Very refreshing.”

  Yeah. He swallowed. Refreshing. The soufflés arrived and the server poured white chocolate sauce over the steaming cake. Again he watched as Harmony ate. He could think of a few things to do with the decadent sauce, namely pouring it over her and licking it off her skin until she came apart.

  “Harmony.”

  She looked up, her lips parted. The smooth skin above the low neck of her dress turned pink as a blush spread over her. She was thinking about it too, he could tell. Her pupils dilated and she licked her lips. She wanted him. He’d had other women look at him with hunger. And maybe a dose of calculation. But this girl? Every expression was open and honest. Amazing.

  He took out his credit card and waved it at the server. The hell with research for the friggin’ café. He could only think of one thing right now. Her.

  They rode back to Cypress Corners, Harmony sitting quietly beside him with her hands folded in her lap. She fiddled with the hem of that little green dress. Showing more of those smooth legs. Mmm. He managed to keep his eyes on the road until they were safely parked in back of his rented house.

  ***

  “Oh.” She straightened and looked around. “I thought you were taking me home.”

  He turned off the engine and pulled out the key. “I did.”

  She looked away yet again. She wouldn’t ask him to take her back to her camp. No, she was… resigned? No, that wasn’t the right word. She was anxious. Eager. She knew he’d make love to her again, with no promises. He would be finished with his job soon and would return to Boston. He’d probably never look back. But she’d remember their time together for the rest of her life. Why not add another glorious memory to that particular book? Goodness, she could certainly use those memories in the lonely years to come. It would be a long time before she ever let anyone as close to her as Rick was tonight.

  Rick got out and opened her door. Anticipation seemed to hum through him as well as he urged her into the house ahead of him.

  They walked into the kitchen and he removed his jacket, draping it over the back of a chair. “Some wine?” he asked.

  She walked into the great room and stood beside the big leather couch, trailing her fingers over the back. “That would be fine.” She pulled her hand away and dropped it to her side. “This house is quite lovely. I’ve never been inside any of the homes on this side of the development.”

  He poured their wine and put their glasses on the coffee table. “It kind of surprised me, too. I didn’t expect it to be so comfortable.”

  She watched him, the muscles moving beneath his dress shirt, and felt the passion coming off of him. She wouldn’t think about his words at dinner, his conviction that he’d leave soon and “get on to the next job.” She’d just think about this, a passion and a wanting so sharp her breath was gone.

  He turned and they tumbled onto the leather couch, sinking into the comfort and heat as he held her above him. She kissed him as his fingers moved up under her dress. Her panties were gone in an instant and his hands were there. His mouth was everywhere, on her lips, her cheek, her neck. She slipped the straps of her dress off her shoulders and closed her eyes. She wouldn’t think anymore tonight. Let her mind worry about tomorrow. Her heart would feel tonight.

  She opened her eyes and looked at him. Really lo
oked. Yum. She pulled off his tie. She unbuttoned his shirt and eased it off his shoulders, all the while kissing him as he ran his hands over her back. His chest rose and fell as he moaned her name.

  He cupped her bottom and she pressed against him. He was hard beneath her through his slacks and she undid his belt, his pants. Breathing heavy, he parted her legs and ground up against her.

  “Yes,” she gasped as he touched her there. Bracing her hands on his chest, she arched toward him as he closed his mouth over her breast. He sucked and licked until she thought she’d die from the pressure building inside her. This wildness… This is what they had for the short time he was here.

  She lifted herself up and felt him enter her. Nothing came between them, just skin on skin as he thrust upwards.

  “Harmony,” he urged. “God, Harmony.”

  She rode him, leaning back to increase the friction. He was inside her, so deep she couldn’t imagine where he stopped and she began. His hands were on her breasts, her hips. He picked up the pace, nearly arching off the couch as they matched tempo. The next second she climaxed, arching wildly as he exploded inside her. Legs trembling, heart racing, she collapsed against him.

  His arms came around her, his hands soothing on her back as she regained her balance.

  “Sorry,” he said at last, his voice harsh in her ear. “No condom.”

  She lifted her head to regard him. The crooked grin on his face told her how sorry he wasn’t.

  “Should I worry?” she asked.

  He brushed her cheek. “No. It’s been a while for me. Before you, that is.”

  She had to take him at his word. He was a careful man, about business anyway. He took care of his body. She’d seen him after his workouts. So of course he’d take care of his health.

  His brows raised. “Should I be worried?”

  “About what?” He couldn’t mean about her many lovers. Oh. Baby worried. She quickly did the calculations in her head. “No. I think we’re safe.”

  He closed his eyes and held her close. “Good.”

  A pang struck her. Why wouldn’t he be relieved? She didn’t want a child any more than he planned on sticking around long enough to see it.

  Then he was all smiles again, smooth and seductive as he ran his hands over her back. “Stay the night?”

  Oh, this was dangerous. She nibbled her lower lip. Here in his pretty little house, tucked next to him in what would probably be a huge bed? What the heck? “Okay.”

  He helped her off the couch. “I’ll be more careful next time.”

  Next time? He’d make love to her again before the night was over. Her heart fluttered for a second and she caught her breath.

  She was in trouble for sure.

  ***

  Rick woke up next to her, her hair tickling his nose. The sheets were tangled around her legs, her fist was wedged in the hollow of his throat and she was snoring softly. He grinned. She was incredible.

  Last night, when she’d set everything in motion downstairs, he’d been stunned. Aroused to the point of no return. He knew now what it felt like to be thoroughly fu— No, that wasn’t the word for it. She’d made love to him on that couch. He’d never felt that before, that connection. If he thought he’d sensed it the other times they were together, last night confirmed it. He was screwed, and he didn’t mean physically.

  Rubbing her cheek against his chest, Harmony sighed and snuggled closer. He waited for the familiar urge to flee, the burning need to sever any ties before they could form that always struck him the morning after. To his astonishment it didn’t come. No “you’ve been great” or “about last night…” He wanted her there in his bed. He wanted to stay there all damn day, ordering food in when they were hungry and loving each other when they wanted more.

  He stared up at the textured ceiling, trying to find the answers in the swirls of plaster. Nothing came to him. His mind was blank of everything but Harmony in his arms and liking it too much.

  She lifted her head and yawned. Her eyes were slits beneath her curls and a smile curved her lips.

  “Morning,” he said.

  Her cheeks turned pink. Man, she’d ridden him like a wild thing last night and waking up in his bed made her blush?

  “Good morning,” she whispered.

  She ran her hand over his chest as she leaned away from him and he felt it clear to his groin. He put his hand on her back and raised his head to kiss her. She kissed him back, but it was barely a brush of her lips.

  He let her move away from him and watched as she wrapped her body with the thin blanket draped over the end of the bed, covering nearly every inch of that perfect body. Pity. She padded across the room and picked up the little green dress from where he’d thrown it last night. One sandal was in the corner of the room, the other on the tile floor of the master bath. Had he thrown it there? It didn’t matter. He’d kissed her feet, the arches, the little toes. She’d wrapped those legs around him, up over his shoulders as he—

  “I, um…” She fingered the blanket and bit her lower lip. “I have to get going.”

  So much for lying around all day, finding new ways to drive each other crazy. He watched her, looking so vulnerable with the blanket dragging the floor. Yeah, vulnerable. And a little frightened. Was she thinking of that jerk in college?

  That made him sit up. “Let me get some clothes on.”

  She brushed her hair back from her face and nodded. Throwing back the sheet, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and walked through the bathroom into the closet.

  He wouldn’t think about her hanging around all day. He’d focus on getting on with the day and leaving the pillow talk for the night. Tonight. Just as long as he got to wake up with her again tomorrow.

  He threw on a golf shirt and a pair of shorts and when he came back into the bedroom she was dressed. Sort of. That dress was as thin as a scarf with the sunlight coming in the window behind her. Had she found her panties? Even he didn’t remember where he’d left them. He closed his eyes for a moment. He wouldn’t think about her sweet backside naked under that thin silk. No. He wouldn’t.

  “I’m ready,” she said.

  He drove her back to her camp. She didn’t say anything, just stared out the window beside her as they drove over the gravel road.

  “What are you up to today?” he asked.

  She ran her hands over the wrinkles on the front of her dress. “I have to be at the Institute around noon.”

  “I’m meeting the developers at The Clubhouse at one,” he said. “Do you want to join us?”

  She turned toward him, her brows raised. “Today?”

  Damn. Just what did that jerk do to her? “Did you think we’d spend the night together and I wouldn’t want to see you again?”

  She clicked her tongue. “Is that so unusual?”

  He stared straight ahead for a moment, thinking of the one-night stands he’d had in the past. He couldn’t think of one instance when he’d wanted to spend more time with any of those women, let alone another night together. “No,” he admitted. “But last night was different.”

  Her eyes narrowed as they ran over his face. “‘Different’ how?”

  He kept his expression neutral. Of course she wouldn’t leave it alone. Research was her thing. Gather as many facts as possible before drawing any conclusions.

  “I don’t know,” he answered honestly.

  She didn’t press him after that little bit of eloquence, but he could tell she wanted to. It wasn’t that he expected a whole conversation about where they were going and what all this meant. It was more that she wanted to know but was holding herself back. Fine with him. He’d take the coward’s way out and leave the conversation unspoken. He had no idea of the answers to those questions anyway.

  A woman like Harmony would expect a man to love her. To tell her he’d stay. That’s probably what that jerk in college had told her. Why else would she still feel that hurt?

  Those words wouldn’t come from him today. H
e didn’t know what he felt for her, but he wouldn’t say the words if he didn’t feel them.

  Chapter 13

  Harmony sat and waited for words she doubted would ever come out of his mouth. There Adam and Rick were decidedly different. Adam was smooth and seemed to know what she wanted to hear before he even formed the words. She guessed Rick wasn’t really cut out of precisely the same cloth afterwards. That was something, anyway. Facts and evidence, that was what she’d learned to rely on after Adam. Not her heart, that was for sure.

  “Lunch at one,” she said with a nod. “Sounds nice. I’ve never eaten in The Clubhouse.”

  He smiled. “It’s no Lac des Fontaine, but I think you’ll like it.”

  “I like The Boathouse, Rick.” She shrugged. “I’m easy.”

  He grinned. “Not touching that one, sweetheart.”

  Sweetheart? She wouldn’t read anything into the endearment. He was just being smooth and flirty.

  He stopped at the end of the gravel road and put the SUV in park before turning toward her. She wanted to invite him in, to ask him to take a shower with her out in the woods. To lay him down on that old quilt and let her have her way with him. But after their halted conversation? Not going to happen. Not today.

  “Thanks, again,” she said.

  He grasped her arms and pulled her close, his touch gentle and commanding at the same time. “I had a great time, Harmony. Dinner and after dinner.”

  He kissed her and it was more like a branding on her heart than on her lips. The next moment she escaped before she could say something really stupid. She didn’t look back as she hurried into her tent-cabin.

  Of course she heard the big engine race as he pulled away. She wasn’t really listening for something else, hoping to hear his footsteps following close behind her. Nope. Not at all.

  “Yeah, right,” she muttered.

  ***

  A few days after Thanksgiving, Rick showed up at Harmony’s camp. She’d invited him to dinner with her parents for the holiday—organic vegetables and free-range turkey, no doubt—but he’d politely turned her down. Lunch at The Clubhouse two weeks ago, after that awkward conversation after their night together, had been nice despite the touch of tension. Ever since then the developers and everyone else at Cypress Corners acted like they were a couple. He wasn’t sure how he felt about that. That bawdy old lady who sat in the Village Center, the one with the big hats and knowing smiles, had asked him about Harmony as if they were in each other’s pockets.