Rose's One Night to Forever, page 9
Surprisingly, he went slow. Another kiss to her ribs, one to the tiny bow in the middle of her bra. His fingers moved against her back, and the hooks on her bra slipped free. One strap slid over a shoulder, the cups barely clinging to her breasts.
Instinct brought her hands up, but before they landed, he caught her wrists, trapping her, baring her as the material fell away. He let go for just long enough to toss her bra aside, then he was back in control.
Tugging her toward him to nuzzle under her breast. He nipped at the curve, sending tingles of desire flying across her skin like a tangled web.
“Beautiful Rose.” A hum of satisfaction escaped him right before his lips wrapped around her nipple.
The tingles grew to surges as wet heat surrounded her. Pleasure rippled against her nerve endings, an ache pulsing in her core. She arched against his mouth, not so much fighting his grip on her arms as using the hold to angle herself closer.
He nipped, teeth moving rapidly in a series of tender but devastating bites. Rose’s legs quivered, unsteady as blood rushed through her veins.
He dropped her wrists and captured her torso, pressing the edges of her breasts upward to his mouth. Speeding up, more urgent now. The plunder she’d expected was suddenly back on the agenda.
“Oh.”
Chance lifted her off her feet and dropped her in one motion, catching her and tenderly laying her on the quilt. His grin widened.
Then it vanished. He pushed her legs apart with his shoulders and placed his mouth over her sex.
Hungry yet slow. A torment that began with his tongue then added his touch as fingers teased her entrance. Rose caught his head in her hands, curling her fingers through his hair as she closed her eyes and felt.
The sensual strokes touched every sensitive part of her sex. Easing inside, pulling out. Measured, languid rocks that mimicked the press of his tongue over her clit. Her orgasm loomed closer with every moment that passed. She cupped her breasts, fingers teasing her nipples.
A noise escaped him, and she glanced down to see fire burning in his eyes. His gaze was fixed on her hands. She laughed, the sound sliding into a moan when he lifted her hips in retaliation and increased the speed of his tongue.
“Close,” she warned.
“Want to be inside you, love. Want to feel you surround me.” His voice rasped roughly in her ears.
She hooked her legs around him, shocked to find naked skin. “When did you lose your clothes? Talented.”
“Desperate.” Chance paused to put on a condom then loomed over her, staring into her eyes as the thick heat of his cock aligned with her core. He paused with the wide tip of him nestled just between her folds.
“Yes,” she whispered.
His gaze locked on hers, and he rocked forward. Sliding to the root, uniting them as intimately as two people could physically be. She felt possessed, taken, connected.
Loved.
He pressed a hand to her cheek, shifting his balance to rest over her so they glided together on every thrust. Skin to skin, mouth to mouth, pleasure driving pleasure.
She was full, expanding, reaching for release even as she wanted the moment to last forever. He adjusted his hips, and the rock of his length pressed her clit, and the rising buzz of her climax grew louder.
Over and over, while the beat of her heart grew in her ears and the edge rapidly approached.
His forehead touched hers, eyes wide open as she came. Her sex tightened around him. His focus wavered then vanished as he stiffened over her, hips pulsing as if he couldn’t stop. As if this last frantic drive could bring them even closer, even more pleasure.
Aftershocks rocked her, and with each one, she laughed. His thumb brushed her cheek, air moving over her skin in a heated caress. They lay tangled together on the floor, breaths still frantic, the quilt half under them and half over.
It was strange, Rose thought, to have zero concerns. No worries at all that they had made a misstep coming to this point.
He loved her.
Chance drew a finger along her arm, his hair mussed and a contented smile on his lips. “You know, I came to Heart Falls planning to settle down, but I had no idea I’d plant roots this quickly.”
Another comment that made her heart skip a beat. She pushed it aside because, right now, this was all she needed. Savouring the moment without rushing ahead was important.
“Will you miss Ireland? And Germany, and Paris, and all the other places you’ve lived?” she asked. She rested her hand on his naked chest, gently teasing her fingertips in circles. Needing to keep in contact. Needing the touch.
“No,” he answered simply. “Because while Heart Falls is now home, all the other places are only a flight away.” He caught her fingers and pressed them to his lips. “I want to show you the Emerald Isle, love. Introduce you to my world of tall tales and legends. We can drop in on my folks to say hello.”
“Your parents are in Limerick.” She stiffened for a second, the thought of parents shoving this thing between them further into the realm of holy shit, this is real.
Considering he’d dealt with her family since nearly day one, she needed to gird her loins.
She leaned up on an elbow and smiled down. “Brings a whole new twist to meet the parents. But I can’t lie; I’d love to see Ireland. And the rest of your family.”
“Being here with Cody is important to me. But I’m glad you have all your family close. I don’t want that to change. How close you are with them.”
“It never will,” Rose promised. Then she waggled her brows. “We’ll just drag you and Cody into the fold with us. There is no escape.”
“Forewarned and accepted.” He kissed her again as if he craved her, and the connection between them grew and grew. “So what happens now?”
Rose considered.
Chance scooped her up and laid her over his body like a blanket. “May as well enjoy the wait while you plan our best course of action.”
She shook with laughter, settling more comfortably over him. All her soft parts nicely lined up with the warm parts of him that were solid and getting harder.
“You still have a lot to do before the show, don’t you?” she asked.
He made a face. “Yes.”
“Including sleep,” she scolded, fingers soft as she caressed his face. As much as it sucked, it was the right thing to suggest. “Let’s get Gabrielle’s running strong before making any bold changes in our lives.”
“Go slow?” His exaggerated confusion slid into a wink. “Can we do that?”
She snickered then rested her chin on her palms, centered on his chest. “I have a lot of work the next two weeks as well. There are these massive decorative bouquets I’m creating for a very demanding client.”
“The client could stop by and supervise a few times,” Chance suggested. “That way he can make sure you’re doing them up right.”
“Oh, and doing them up right would mean?”
“Naked. You, not the bouquets,” he clarified as seriously as possible. Delight rose in her heart. “I hear the very best floral arrangements are created in the buff.”
Laughter pooled around them. “You’re trouble.”
“You’re mine.” He said it softly. Sincerely. With his entire heart.
Everything she wanted was right here. Now to get through the next weeks so they could discover what came after.
14
August 27, grand opening of Gabrielle’s
* * *
Was there a feeling better than success?
Chance checked the crowd wandering on the main floor of the gallery and all but gloated. Music played in the background, a wild mix of theme music from epic movies and video games with assorted country and Western thrown in for good measure.
Three dozen bouquets were on display throughout the gallery. Some of the roses were deep red, some were brilliant yellow. Others, pink or nearly blue, the wild variety of colours echoed in the sizes of the bouquets. From a bare handful in a vase painted with a dancing goddess to the foyer showpiece with five dozen long-stemmed white beauties, Rose’s art fit perfectly with the rest of the show.
The artwork he’d assembled was being admired by a wide selection of Heart Falls residents, young and old. Conversations and laughter and even a few arguments rang out, and Chance was delighted by it all.
He’d invited the Heart Falls Seniors Lodge residents to an advance showing the previous day. The morning before that, the brand-new kindergarten to grade two classes had poured through the doors one after the other, accompanied by teachers and parent chaperones. Chance had acted as a tour guide that day as well, sharing stories about a handful of the pieces and sending the class home with a flyer Fern Fields had created explaining the rest.
A younger child dragged her older sister past him. “Come on. You’ve got to see the bear one. The sisters made friends with him, and then the mean gnome was going to hurt them, but—”
The rest of the story faded away as the twosome were lost to sight around the corner, but Chance had heard enough to be satisfied to the tips of his boots.
Storytelling mattered, no matter how people did it. Art, or music, or books, or flowers, or games. Or good old-fashioned fairy tales.
“It’s spectacular,” Rose whispered as she stepped beside him and linked her arm in his. “You must be so pleased.”
“My feet haven’t touched the ground for the past hour.” He kissed her temple. “Thanks for all you did to make today a success.”
“Teamwork,” she returned.
Her head pivoted again toward the painting he’d done of her.
Community members would take a look at the portrait then quickly glance around until they spotted him or Rose and offer knowing grins.
But with her cozied up against his side? It was obvious they were together. One man nodded approvingly, while his wife sighed, romance written all over her face.
“You’re going to be accosted everywhere in town after this,” Chance warned. “They’ll all be asking what you’re doing with the transplant.”
“Good thing you didn’t paint a scene from our actual first meeting, or they’d know in great detail one thing I’m doing on a regular basis with you.”
Chance laughed out loud, checking her face to appreciate the flush that made her cheeks glow with happiness. “I might paint that sometime, but not for a public showing.”
“I might be willing to pose,” Rose teased softly.
He shook his head vehemently. “You in the room while I’m working on it? Naked? It would take forever to finish the portrait.”
“Are you in a rush?” she asked.
Not really. Not anymore, except for the need still beating deep inside.
She hadn’t said it. The I love you part. She’d been sweet and demonstrative and affectionate, and he knew she had to feel it—
But she hadn’t said it.
The gallery was now open, and they both should have less work, at least for a while. They could go back to officially dating, with more time together than stolen moments at the end of each day before they went their separate ways totally knackered.
The brand-new keys in his pocket were a heavy reminder that days had passed. Maybe there was a new goal they could aim at together.
Walking across the floor took time, with him pausing to chat with visitors. Answering questions about sale prices and future shows. At some point, Rose gave his hand a squeeze and went to greet someone who’d called her name.
He watched her go as he listened to the question.
Although he might not have done a great job because suddenly a weight landed on his shoulder while a chuckle rang in his ear.
Chance glanced up to discover Luke Stone stood beside him, arm around a petite, slim, dark-haired woman.
“Sorry. Distracted,” Chance offered.
“Is that what staring at Rose’s butt is called?” The woman grinned widely.
“Kelli,” Luke scolded.
“Calling them the way I see them,” Kelli returned. She looked Chance up and down before nodding. “He passes muster. Especially after the way I saw him drooling after my girl.”
Luke gave Chance a thumbs-up. “Thank your stars, because if the girls’ night out crew didn’t approve, you’d be in no end of shit.”
“Fair play to you.” Chance tipped his head at Kelli. “I hear you’re in charge of the next ladies’ gathering. Pick a date, and I’ll arrange a night in the studio for you to do whatever artistic endeavor you choose.”
“Perfect.” Mischief danced in her eyes. “Charcoal sketching of nudes sounds like fun.”
“Hey, now,” Luke interrupted, a crease between his brows and all amusement vanishing. “Just who are you volunteering to be naked?”
Kelli gestured toward Chance. “Well, it is his studio—”
“Troublemaker.” Luke swung her up on his shoulder, Kelli squealing with laughter. Her husband pressed a big palm to her ass and held her in place.
“Let me down, you Neanderthal. This is a fancy art gallery, not the barn,” Kelli complained, trying to lift her head enough to peer at Chance.
“We’re a very open-minded gallery,” Chance assured her before winking at Luke. “If you head that direction, you’ll meet less traffic.”
Although the crowd currently in the building seemed thoroughly amused as Luke offered a hat tip then carried a laughing Kelli out of sight.
When the unexpected floor show left the building, Chance made his way upstairs to the interactive studio Fern Fields had taken to like a duck to water.
She had an interest and some talent in watercolour painting, which might come in handy in the future. But for this show, Chance had gone high tech. When he’d gotten the delivery of computers set up and shoved the games at her to pick her favourites from, the young woman had all but squeezed the stuffing out of him before vanishing online to get started.
The upstairs had become a second maze, but around each corner on this level was a different station set up for participation and simultaneous viewing. One or two people played at each computer or game station, and what they saw on the smaller screens showed up on the wall behind them. The linked screens allowed everyone walking past to see the digital art in real time, the fantastical worlds that were now a huge part of culture and needed to be a part of the current art story.
In the center was a wide desk they’d turned into mission control. Fern had just finished setting up a family with old-school joysticks at one of the small alcoves and came to his side to give an update.
“The stations are a hit,” Fern informed him. “Especially the virtual-reality program that lets you paint along with the masters. I think you’re going to have Mrs. Wilson stopping by daily to try another.”
Chance took a slow turn, but here, as below, everything was running smoothly. “You’ve done a great job,” he told her.
“I’m a great employee,” she returned. She leaned toward him. “I do get the gig full time, yes?”
“Yes.”
“And it’s not because I’m Rose’s kid sister?”
“It’s because you’re brilliant at what you do, and I’d prefer to have you deal with the hands-on tasks that require wire or pixels,” Chance told her honestly.
“Hands-on? You mean hand and prosthesis, right?” Fern winked.
He laughed. “Yes. Exactly how you’re wired, it works.”
Fern looked so pleased, she glowed. “I figured as much, but it’s always good to hear it.”
She turned away to answer a question from a guest.
Chance spotted Cody, who had just entered the upper room. “Alright, brother? This way.”
Cody waved a hand and strode forward, his gaze darting everywhere as he took in the faces and excitement. “Sorry I’m late, but it looks as if it’s been a success so far.”
“It’s gone well,” Chance agreed. He checked his brother over. “You’re in a suit.”
The other man adjusted his tie, looking a touch uncomfortable. “Figured it was the least I could do.”
“You fed me while I painted so that I wouldn’t starve. That was above and beyond the line of duty as far as I’m concerned.” Chance nodded in approval, though. “It looks good on you.”
“Thanks. But next time, feed yourself. I don’t want to have to wear this to your funeral.”
“But you’d look dashing. There is that.”
Cody rolled his eyes. “Take better care of yourself.”
“I intend to. And of Rose.” She was at the top of the stairs with Tansy at her side, the two of them slowly approaching.
His brother caught sight of them as well. “You two are well suited. Don’t fuck this up.”
“You can’t mess up destiny,” Chance said sagely.
“That’s what I said.” Fern popped around the edge of the desk. “Right, Cody?”
“Fern.” Cody nearly tripped over his own feet stepping backward. He scrambled to stay upright as Fern eyed him.
“That’s a good look on you. But so’s your cowboy gear,” she offered.
His brother seemed to have lost his focus along with his balance. He opened and closed his mouth a few times then coughed lightly, meeting Chance’s gaze firmly. “I’m going downstairs to take another peek at the show. Great job. Catch up with you tomorrow. Fern, we’ll see you ’round.”
Then he was gone, pushing past Rose and Tansy, who had stopped beside the desk.
“What’s his hurry?” Tansy asked.
“Running from fate. Skipping out on destiny,” Fern said smoothly. “Something like that.” She grinned then all but pranced across the room to help solve a problem with a station.
Rose slid her fingers into Chance’s. “What did we miss?”
“I’m not sure,” he admitted. But with Rose beside him, Cody’s inexplicable behaviour could be ignored for tonight. “Did you need something, love?”
“You.” She leaned her head against his arm briefly then straightened. “And I need to tell you that the Krugers just followed us upstairs. They have their pocketbook out and are making noises about how it’s vital they buy the canvas on the upper southeast wall before someone else does.”
