After We Fall, page 5
part #1 of A Dare With Me Series Novel Series
He leaned forward, tossing his phone onto the table, way too calm and relaxed about this.
“So what did the doctor say?”
“Well, it's none of your fucking business, but I am fine. You know medical information is private,” I said.
Grant rolled his eyes. “Fine. You don't have to tell me, but if you’ve got something going on, maybe you could let your family know.”
I flung my hands in the air again. Grant leaned back in his chair. “If you don’t want people to think this is a big deal, maybe you shouldn't be so mad about it.”
“Oh. My. God.”
While I normally had to look up at Grant since I was short and he was tall, we were almost eye level with him seated and me standing. I leaned forward, pressing my fingertip into his chest.
Grant’s silvery-blue eyes met mine, darkening. I abruptly realized, way too late, that I was waaa-yyy too close to him. With my fingertip pressed into his chest, I could feel the heat emanating from him. It traveled up my arm, flames flickering and radiating outward. My belly flipped, and my breath became short.
I tried to tell myself to back away, but I couldn’t. I clung to my anger like a lifeline. “You shouldn't have told Diego anything. It's my business.”
Grant didn't look away. It felt as if he were meeting the dare I'd flung in his direction and catching the fiery arrow of it. He actually shrugged, narrowing his eyes. “What exactly are you going to do about it?”
I opened my mouth to say something, but then I leaned closer. I didn't know what I wanted. I didn't intend to kiss him, but maybe I was. I still hadn't forgotten our kiss from the other night. I’d told myself for days that I would remember all the reasons kissing Grant Walker was a foolish, stupid idea and never kiss him again.
Foolish or not, my body had its own opinion. Our mouths met, and it felt as if lightning bolts struck between us. I was fighting a war within myself, and it was futile. His hand slid around to cup my nape, drawing me closer.
All rational thought scattered like leaves blown away with a bracing gust of wind. I shimmied onto his lap, straddling him. He was all lean muscle, fluid under my touch, warm and strong and hard in more places than one. I shimmied even closer, savoring the feel of his arousal against me.
I gasped when he snaked an arm around my waist, banding me tight against him. All of this felt so good. My nipples ached where they pressed against his muscled chest.
I broke free from his mouth, sucking in deep lungfuls of air. Our eyes met, and we stared at each other. It was as if we had an entire conversation without words.
This is crazy.
I know. But it feels so good.
I know.
It's stupid.
I know, but I want you too much.
I didn't realize I whispered that last part aloud until he whispered in return, “I know. I do too.”
On the heels of another breath, we were kissing again. He drew away too soon. For a split second, I thought he was going to be the sane one. He would tell me we should stop right now and slam the brakes on this madness.
Instead, he nipped at my earlobe, and I shivered in his arms, biting my lip. I tried to hold back a moan, but it slipped out. His lips teased at the sensitive skin just beneath my ear before blazing a trail of hot kisses down my neck. One kiss followed the next with a soft brush of his lips, open and wet. Goose bumps broke out all over my skin, and sensation sizzled down my spine in a fiery shiver.
He muttered something, lifting his head and hooking his hand on the hem of my shirt. In another second, cool air struck my skin as he lifted it up and over my head. I was a practical woman for the most part, except when it came to my underwear. Today, I wore a deep navy silk bra, the cups barely covering my nipples.
Grant’s gaze dipped down and then lifted to mine again, the look there dark.
“Fuck, Harley,” he whispered.
His knuckles trailed across the tops of my breasts as he lowered his head. His tongue teased just above the silk before he dipped lower, his mouth closing over one of my nipples through the silk. My finger speared his hair, and I cried out sharply.
He lifted his head again. “You're so fucking sexy.”
I opened my mouth to argue. He put a finger over my lips. “Don't argue with me.”
I fumbled to reach for his shirt, demanding, “Take your shirt off.”
“Yes, ma'am,” he returned, his lips curling in a sly smile as he reached behind his head.
He yanked his shirt off, and then all of that muscle was pressed against me. His skin was warm to the touch and felt like fire against mine. The contrast of his hard-muscled chest against my softness was intoxicating.
Sensations overrode my sanity. It was as if the fuse box in my brain was flicked off. All reason was overridden by the pure need, want, and fire storming through my system.
His palm splayed on my lower back and then slid up my spine, levering me forward as he fit his mouth to mine in a devouring, claiming kiss. Grant was such an easygoing guy, always quick with a smile and lightness to his laugh. I didn't expect this intensity, this edge of possessiveness.
Our tongues dueled, and I felt myself tumbling, my need for control falling to the wayside in the rush of this tide of desire to simply let myself be claimed by this man. And claim me, he did. One devouring kiss after another.
His hands mapped my body, cupping my breasts and teasing them until I was begging, “Grant, please…”
His low chuckle against my skin sent fire licking over the surface. My bra fell away, and his lips closed over a nipple. The hot shock of it released a ragged cry from me. I rocked my hips over his thick swollen length nestled at the apex of my thighs. The rough friction created by our clothes generated this sweet, piercing pleasure that was spinning and cresting in little waves. I felt my release teetering, and I wanted it so bad.
Grant murmured, “Hang on.”
He set me back off his lap. I felt bereft and nearly protested.
He had so much more control than I did. He unbuttoned my jeans, and his fingers slipped between my thighs as he shoved them down. I was wet, dripping wet, slippery with arousal. His eyes held mine, and I couldn't look away as he delved into the very heart of me. With my jeans still half on, the friction was intense. His fingers pumped in and out, the heel of his palm riding over my clit again and again.
I tried to cling to some control, but I couldn't. My orgasm hit me abruptly, those tiny waves of pleasure rolling into a massive, crashing release. I let out a choked cry as I shuddered all over, my knees giving out as he pulled me onto his lap.
The pleasure seemed to go on and on and on, finally slowing with tiny waves lapping through me. I was limp and sated as I sat there curled against him. He slowly withdrew his fingers, and I dragged my eyes open. He was watching me, looking as stunned as I felt, which was a relief.
I nearly came again when he lifted his fingers and licked them, murmuring, “I need to know what you taste like.”
He dropped his hand and kissed me again. I tasted the subtle tang of my own arousal against his lips. A moment later, he lifted his head, murmuring, “Cat will be here any minute.”
I scrambled off his lap, and we yanked our clothes back on in a rush. I glanced at the clock, realizing she usually did get here around this time because she did baking prep for the following morning. Just then, I heard her footsteps on the stairs.
Chapter Ten
Grant
“Grant?” Skylar prompted, waving her hand in front of my face.
“Hmm?” I glanced down.
She looked up, her big blue eyes blinking at me. “You with me here, dude?”
“Oh yeah, sorry.”
Tucker, one of the other pilots and Skylar’s boyfriend, approached. “I have room.”
“For what?” I asked.
Skylar glanced at Tucker and then back at me, rolling her eyes. “You are seriously out of it today.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I just asked you how much room you had for that pallet.” She thumbed over her shoulder toward the pallet in question.
“Oh,” I said.
Tucker cast me a sideways glance. “Everything all right?”
“Everything's fine,” I muttered.
Everything was fine. Except Harley had blown my mind three nights ago, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. We were both doing a bang-up job of avoiding each other since then, yet I couldn't stop thinking about her. It was so bad. I even tried to hook up with Layla last night, but I couldn't even kiss her. It was crazy. I felt like I'd lost my mind.
Tucker peered into the back of my plane, glancing over at Skylar as he straightened. “Let's put half in his plane and half in mine.”
I mentally kicked myself, glancing back and forth between them and offering, “Sounds like a plan. I can't take that whole pallet. What is it anyway?”
“Food,” Skylar replied. “Let's get to it.”
The three of us quickly loaded up both of our planes. When we were done, Skylar smiled. “Thanks, you guys.”
Tucker leaned down to kiss her. “See you tonight.”
I waved and climbed into my plane. My day started out with transport and then handling some local flights. Tourists required a little more conversation usually, so that would make my day easier.
Midmorning, I landed in Seldovia, where my friend Tom was waiting. He smiled at me, waggling his eyebrows. “What have you got today? The store is totally out of milk, so I hope you have some.”
“I don’t know what's in those crates, but probably some milk. Tucker will be here in a bit with more,” I replied.
He grinned. “I'm sure there is.”
He helped me unload, offering, “Make this flight back quick. I'm gonna be late for my doctor's appointment.”
“Am I late?” I asked.
“No. I'm late.” He chuckled. “I was supposed to take the flight with Nora earlier, but, well, I overslept.”
I laughed as I opened the passenger door. “Hop in the front, man. Nobody else is with me for this one.”
“Nice. Can we chat?”
“Of course.” Tom was a regular customer. Most of the locals were regulars.
That was one of the things I loved about my job. I enjoyed flying and got to fly over the breathtaking landscape of Alaska every day. We completed a variety of tasks, such as taking tourists out for sightseeing and handling transport for goods and locals. It was a one-of-a-kind job, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Once we were up in the air, we began chatting on the private channel on the headset, discussing the weather, business, and the like. Tom commented that he needed to pick up a gift for his anniversary.
“Oh, yeah?”
“Yeah, this is wife number four, but she was also my first wife. So really, she's wife number one,” he offered with a chuckle. I couldn't help but laugh. “Hey, we figured it out in time,” he added.
“What are you going to get her?”
“I don't know. I'm really shitty at getting gifts. I am good at remembering that I need to get them, though.”
“Well, what does she like?” I asked.
“That's the thing. She's got everything. She always says I shouldn't worry about it.”
“Well, maybe you should do something for her.”
“What do you mean do something for her?”
“I don't know. There's that new spa in Diamond Creek.”
“Ooh, I could get her a gift certificate. She could get a massage and stuff?”
“Yes, exactly. They're in the place right beside Gemma's yoga studio.”
I happened to know he occasionally went to Gemma's yoga classes when he was over in Diamond Creek.
“I love this idea. You are good. If you ever settle down, you'll be good at gifts.”
I shrugged. “This was one idea. How long have you been married?”
“Well, if I count our first few years and now…” He quickly did the math on his fingers. “Twenty years.”
“How old are you?” I asked.
He waggled his eyebrows. “Only sixty-four. I figure we can hit at least our fortieth anniversary. I’m gonna make it to one hundred. I have goals.” I chuckled. “What about you? Are you serious with anybody?”
I shook my head. “Nah.”
“All your friends are getting married. Don't you think it's your turn?”
I slid him a look. “Are you serious, dude?”
“Well, no, but yeah,” he returned.
I burst out laughing. “Which one is it?”
He shrugged. “I don't know. How old are you?”
“Thirty.”
“It's about time you stop being stupid. That's when I started to figure shit out.”
Of course, my mind went straight to Harley because, well, she'd come all over my fingers the other night. It had been the hottest thing I'd ever experienced—her in my arms climaxing. Just now, even when I shouldn't be, I felt a stirring down there. That was how bad I had it for her.
I surprised myself with my question. “How did you know?”
“Know what?”
“When it was the right person?”
“I was stupid when I was young,” he announced in his typically direct manner. “I actually knew with my first wife, but I was just not the brightest guy then. We were young when we first got together. I won't say I didn't love my second and third wives, but it wasn't quite the same. With us, we just clicked. But it doesn't mean it's easy. It really isn't easy with her. She's the one who challenges me the most. The simple part is the trust.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Just knowing that on a base level when shit gets hard, you're going to be there for each other and have each other's backs. Does that make any sense? We still argue. Hell, when we fight, it’s loud. She's kind of got a temper, and so do I. That’s how we ended up divorced when we were younger. We’ve mellowed now that we're older. Now, when we get going, we end up laughing.” He rolled his eyes. “I don't think I'm explaining this well, but she's solid for me.”
I nodded slowly. “I think I know what you mean.”
“Why? Got somebody in mind?” he teased.
I cast him a glare. “No,” I lied. “Just wondering. I mean, like you pointed out, my whole family's freaking falling in love now except for Cat.”
“Well, she's way too young,” he offered. “She gonna fly planes too?”
“She used to say she wanted to, but she loves cooking at the lodge,” I stated.
“Then she should follow her passion for now. She can always change her mind.”
A short while later, we landed and climbed out of the plane. Just as he was about to amble off, Tom glanced back. “I think you do have somebody in mind. Don't be stupid like me.”
“What do you mean?”
“Get it right the first time.” He winked before waving and walking away.
Chapter Eleven
Grant
I took a bite of my burger, closing my eyes before opening them again. “Their burgers are fucking good.”
“I know,” Flynn replied.
I took a swallow of my beer, glancing around the table. Every few weeks, the guys tried to get together. Tonight, it was actually all of us—Flynn, Diego, Tucker, Gabriel, Elias, and myself. We’d met up at Glacier Brewery, which had excellent food to go along with the beer.
“Schedule’s busy these days,” Diego commented between bites of his burger.
Flynn nodded. “I know. For now, we’re just going to roll with it. I'm not up for buying another plane or hiring another pilot right now.”
“I get it, man. It's a lot to manage,” Elias replied.
Our conversation meandered along, talking about work and our respective lives. Diego happened to be seated beside me. Flynn was chatting with Gabriel about something on one of the planes, and Diego commented to me, “Thanks for letting me know about Harley, by the way. She upset with you about it?”
“Oh, yeah,” I replied with a chuckle. I ignored the jolt of heat that went through me at any mention of Harley.
Diego’s sister had definitely been upset with me. Then I’d lost my damn mind and kissed her again. That ended with her coming all over my fingers. I was so fucked.
I forced my mind to the moment. “She said she went to the doctor.”
“Yeah?” he prompted.
“She said it turned out to be no big deal. Just a low blood sugar thing.”
“Hope she's telling the truth,” he commented.
“You don’t think she is?”
Diego shrugged. “It’s Harley, and she doesn't like to make a big deal out of fucking anything.”
“Mmm,” I offered. The last thing I wanted was to spend more time talking about Harley. It was bad enough to have her parked smack dab in the middle of my thoughts most of the time.
Later that night as I lay in bed, I was attuned to any tiny sound coming from her bedroom. This was day four of managing to avoid her at the house. Yet she was here, just on the other side of the wall between our rooms.
Her door had been firmly closed when I'd gotten home. My mind replayed Diego’s last comment about Harley. I hoped it was nothing, and that she wasn’t covering up something more serious. My mother had passed away from an undiagnosed heart defect when I was in college. Her death still weighed on me. She'd had problems periodically but hadn't told us the whole story. I remembered being worried, but she’d assured me she was fine and insisted I go to college.
It was midsemester one year when I got the emergency call. The doctor had told us her prognosis wouldn't have been good long-term because of the complications. But still, I kept thinking if I hadn't been off at college, somehow, she would’ve been okay. I’d raced home to take care of Nora and Cat while I tried to hold our family together until Flynn could get there for all of us.
After Flynn came home, things started to feel less overwhelming. But even now, I carried the weight of it. Old twinges of guilt burned. I thought I should have known. Logically, I knew better, but it didn't really matter.
While I understood Harley was angry with me for mentioning it to Diego, she didn't understand where I was coming from. My mind spun. Moments from the other night kept going off like little flashbulbs in my memories. Every recollection triggered a visceral response as my body reacted with lingering jolts of electricity.
