Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
S arah Sloan’s Review
Cole Carter’s Massage: 100 (trillion) stars.
Would recommend. Well, actually, I don’t want someone else getting it. So stay away.
Bonus Review
Standing nearly naked before Cole Carter: 0 stars.
Would not recommend. Most embarrassing thing to ever happen (including depilatory cream incident.) If faced with this, consider fleeing, becoming invisible or turning into a cactus.
Cole stared at the woman before her.
The literal woman, for without the robe, she could hide nothing. She was fully presented to him, except for a small pair of lace panties that did nothing to defend her secrets.
She was glorious.
Just as she stood frozen, he couldn’t move. Couldn’t look away. At the moment, he was very much a lion, wanting to take, to touch, to possess .
She was perfection. He’d already known this, had seen her before, and yet seeing her again reminded him anew. Her skin was pink and flushed, creamy, flawless and smooth. Her body was curved in all the right places, with fleshy breasts just the right size. Her waist was fit but flared out to beautiful hips and lean smooth legs. Yet despite her exposure, her face remained the most striking of all. With silky black hair, rosy cheeks and deep sapphire eyes, she looked like a goddess. His goddess.
The rustling of a curtain shattered the silence, casting a fierce stab of disappointment. Sarah jumped and somehow managed to don the robe before the masseuse made it back into the room.
“Sorry about that. The festival coordinator needed to discuss my next session.” Mr. Simmons halted, looked back and forth between flushed faces. “Are you finished? Because there’s more tim–”
“We’re done!” Sarah yelped.
A sharp stab of disappointment tightened the muscles she’d so recently plied. He hadn’t expected such desire when he touched her, or possessiveness, longing and a sense of rightness. She might be done, but things between them were just getting started.
Mr. Simmons frowned. “Okay, then. Would you like us to turn around so you can get dressed?”
“Actually, would you mind stepping out?” Sarah responded kindly to the masseuse. She turned to Cole, and her eyes blazed. “You, too.”
He smiled and…
Didn’t move.
Of course, he couldn’t deny her forever, not with Mr. Simmons present. He waited just long enough for her to narrow her eyes, then inclined his head and followed Mr. Simmons out of the tent.
Sarah must have feared he’d storm back in because she burst out three minutes later, pulling the curtains back so quickly, the entire structure shook. She was fully dressed in her casual outfit, yet still looked as gorgeous as any beauty queen. “Thank you,” she addressed Mr. Simmons. “That was very…”
“Enlightening,” Cole suggested.
“Educational,” Sarah finished.
“Beautiful,” Cole shared.
She visibly swallowed, then pursed her lips and glared at him. Yet she’d misinterpreted his words. The enlightenment was not a reference to her accidental exposure. It was about how he was starting to feel, about wanting to be near her, about enjoying each and every moment, even the ones in which she speared him with her eyes.
It was also about her reaction to his scar. For the first time in a long time, he’d forgotten about the everlasting gift from that fateful day. Typically, he had a practiced and prepared response, yet it was different when she asked about it, wielding concern, caring and empathy, as if she too carried scars. He’d lied when he said it didn’t bother him. Physically that was true – although the scar was wide and long, it hadn’t been deep, and no longer pained him. Mentally and emotionally, it burned every single day.
It was a reminder. Perhaps some sort of punishment, even. A forever scar to show how he’d failed that day, whom he’d failed. Usually, questions made him uncomfortable, and yet for some reason, Sarah brought him comfort. How or why was unclear, but it mattered .
Now they walked through the sun-splashed day, away from the tent that revealed so many secrets. “We’re going to forget the little clothing incident back there.” Sarah broke the quiet. “Pretend it never happened.”
In a lifetime, he wouldn’t forget a single moment. “We are?”
“Yes, we are.”
“And if we don’t?”
“Hmmm. Well, remember my penchant for mixing up hair care products?”
He grinned. She’d been so cute after the incident . “I remember it well.”
She scrunched up her nose. “Well, I might just do it again, only this time with someone else’s products.”
Knowing her, she just might. “I’m a guy, remember? If I lose my hair for a few weeks, it won’t matter.”
She put her hands on her hips. “Do you really want me to get creative?”
He chuckled. “That’s okay. I’ll take your word for it.” He touched her back instinctively, barely realizing until she gave him a searching look. That she didn’t ask him to remove it brought satisfaction he wouldn’t explore.
She dragged away her gaze as she pulled the program out of her purse. “The next event is the three-legged race.” She frowned. “You’re almost a foot taller than me. What are you going to do, carry me?”
Half an hour later, that’s pretty much what he did. They were already behind from the balloon toss, and he was determined to catch up. She didn’t even make it to his shoulder, and walking together was a near impossibility. When they blew the whistle, he looped his arm around her and started running, taking her along for the ride. She’d gasped and grabbed onto him, and he held her even tighter. And if he pulled her just a little closer than necessary, she didn’t complain.
They scored five points for winning first place in the three-legged race. From there, they travelled to the sack race, ring toss and high jump, where they took two more firsts and a third. Finally, they came to the obstacle course, a trek through the forest with natural and artificial obstructions. They stood in line next to the other contestants, as the judges explained the rules. Minutes later, the racers took off.
As they entered the thick brush, Cole and Sarah faced their first obstacle right away, a pit of brightly colored, plastic balls. The ground underneath the balls was uneven, making it difficult to gain footing. Cole reached out and grabbed Sarah’s hand to prevent her from falling.
She tugged against his hold, clearly misunderstanding his motives. “What are you doing? I’m not moving as quick as you, but my legs are a foot shorter.”
“I’m just trying to help.” He held her fast. “Everyone is holding hands.
She looked around and frowned, probably because he was right. Most of the teams were clutching hands to steady themselves. “Are you ever going to stop protecting me?”
“No.” The word was immediate, succinct and truthful. For a moment, her eyes widened, but then she turned straight, concentrating on moving forward.
He was slightly ahead of her when they reached the end of the pit. Most of the contestants had to climb out, but his long legs allowed him to step up. He reached down, grasped Sarah by the waist and lifted her up. Before she could protest, he regained her hand. He wasn’t leaving her behind. Never again.
They jumped over a series of logs criss-crossing the ground, then ducked under some low hanging branches. They raced along several other paths, conquering more obstacles and taking a sizable lead. Finally, they reached a fork in the road and a sign that said, “Choose your path.” With his height, Cole could see down most of each trail. The left one was clearly easier, and he stepped forward, set on the path to victory. Then he froze, halting at the obstacle that could derail their entire journey.
A snake.
It was a harmless little snake, just an ordinary garter variety without a bite or drop of venom. Likely, it would slither away at the first sight of humans. However, Sarah’s relationship with snakes had been strained ever since one decided to slither into her bed. With a grimace, he started down the right side.
Sarah looked startled. “Wasn’t the other path easier?”
From her height, she wouldn’t have seen the reptile. If he told her, she’d be stubborn enough to continue, yet it would make her miserable. That was unacceptable. “This one is better.”
She frowned, but they’d gone far enough to make it illogical to turn back. A few moments later the other runners made it to the fork, all taking the easier route. Cole pounded the ground faster.
They finally came to the last obstacle, a large hollow log lying straight in the path, pointing a virtual arrow to the finish line. Tall trees and bushes hugged either side, preventing runners from circumventing it. It would be tight to crawl through, but it wasn’t that high. They could easily climb on top and walk their way to victory. Cole started forward, but Sarah suddenly halted.
“What is it?” He waved at her. “If we hurry, we can make it.”
Her face turned ashen. “I can’t climb it.”
Was he missing something? Cole studied the log. Even with her petite frame, it shouldn’t be difficult. “It’s not that high and fairly wide. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you don’t fall.” He’d had more than enough training in the military – he could carry her across if he had to.
“Yeah, well…” Her voice thinned, as she clearly searched for an excuse. “I don’t like heights.”
Cole narrowed his eyes. “Didn’t you just offer to scale a fifteen-foot tree to get a monkey? The log can’t be more than three feet off the ground.” Then something caught his eye, and finally, he understood.
It was the tiniest snake in existence.
He hung his head. Clearly, snakes were going to be his downfall. The other racers travelled swiftly on the other side, poised for victory unless he and Sarah sprinted across the log right now. But… “Why don’t you climb through, and I’ll follow on top?”
Relief flashed as she nodded, and they bridged the distance to the log in two seconds. She dropped to all fours and started pushing through, the jeans plastering against her bottom. And yeah, he had no problem taking a look. If they didn’t win the race, he deserved some sort of consolation prize.
As cheering and congratulations sounded from the finish line, he reached the other side. He waited as the seconds ticked, but Sarah didn’t emerge. “Is everything all right?”
The reply was definitive and swift, “Everything is fine.”
He squatted down, peered into the circular space. She had stopped halfway through the woody path. “Are you sure?”
“Oh yeah. I’m good. Great even!”
“Then why aren’t you moving?”
First, silence. Then, “I’m taking a little rest. You go ahead, and I’ll catch up in a few minutes.”
The sides of his lips tugged up. There was only one logical explanation for her behavior. “You’re stuck, aren’t you?”
“I’d rather not say.”
His smiled widened.
“Fine,” she growled. “I’m a little stuck.”
He laughed silently. “A little stuck?”
“Okay, completely stuck,” she huffed. “Utterly, hopelessly stuck. Are you happy now?”
“I’d rather not say.”
“Cole!”
Now he couldn’t hold back his laughter. “Sorry, couldn’t help it. Did you try wiggling?”
“Yeah. It didn’t work. My shirt snagged on something, and now I can’t move. I’m sure I’ll get it in a minute.”
“I’m coming in.”
“No!”
But of course, he ignored her and began inching his way through the log. Although it wasn’t narrow for her petite stature, he was far larger, and soon the walls brushed against his arms and legs. Fortunately, exercises like these were common in training, and despite his other issues, claustrophobia had never been a problem. He travelled as far as he could, barely making it to her feet. “I’m here.”
“Fantastic.”
“You don’t sound very grateful.”
She growled. “You better not be looking at anything.”
He took another good look at her ass. “I’m not.”
She growled again. Then she wiggled. Whoa.
“There’s nothing you can do. My shirt is caught underneath me.”
“I’m going to reach in.”
“No! You can’t.” Her words echoed in the cylindrical tube. “It’s stuck in a… a sensitive place.”
His grin widened to the next town and back. Consolation prize indeed. “You’re going to have to let me try.”
“I do not,” she sniffed.
“So you’d rather be stuck here than take the chance I accidently touch you?” He waited for an answer, but none came. “Sarah?”
“I’m thinking about it.”
That was his spirited woman. Always independent, always strong. Yet like him, sometimes you just needed help. “Try to relax. I’ll make this as painless as possible.”
“Cole Carter, you stop right there,” she commanded, but he moved forward, since leaving her stuck wasn’t truly an option. But because he really was his father’s son and not a snake of the human variety, he avoided touching her, sliding his hand as close to the log as possible. Unfortunately, the snagged shirt held her down, and soon he had no choice. The back of his hand brushed again a full breast.
He heard her sharp intake of breath.
Felt his own.
“Just a minute.” With a few quick movements, he unhooked several sharp twigs snagging the shirt. He tried to pull her down, but the garment still resisted. The blouse was caught in multiple places, some beyond his reach. “Sarah, I have bad news.”
She breathed out. “Why can’t it be good news?”
Actually, from his point of view… “The shirt is going to have to come off.”
“Why you sneaky–”
“There’s no choice,” he continued easily.
“Conniving–”
“It’s caught in places I can’t reach.”
“Scheming–”
“Believe me, I’m disappointed, too.”
“Liar.”
Well, maybe she had him there. Still, he wasn’t lying about it being the only way to free her that didn’t involve the fire department, a chainsaw and a whole lot of spectators. “I could call the event organizers…”
“No!” Sarah yelped. Seconds passed, but finally she sighed. “Are you sure that’s the only way?”
“Yeah,” he said honestly. “Unless you want to call for help.”
“I’d rather you bring my laptop and a cup of sugar – forget the coffee – and call this my new temporary office,” she grumped. “Okay, do it. But if you touch me for a second more than necessary–”
“Yeah, I know, hair depilatory and stuff.” He didn’t add that it might be worthwhile. “Take a deep breath.”
She did, giving him enough room to undo the buttons on her shirt one by one. And with every button, he felt less like a rescuer and more like a lover, disrobing her in preparation for intimacy. Finally, he reached the last button, and somehow managed to keep his desire from showing. “If you scoot down now, I think it’ll slide off.”
He moved back to give her room, but although she tried, she couldn’t wiggle more than an inch. She sighed. “I can’t gain traction.”
That left only a single option. “I could help you, but it might mean touchi–”
“Just do it.”
This obstacle course was testing his control like nothing else. Reaching under her shirt, he brushed her stomach, fighting to ignore the creamy skin that was as soft as it looked, the luscious curves that never ended. He gently pulled, yet she gave a soft gasp of pain. If he was going to release her from her unwilling confinement, he needed to reach higher.
Inch by inch, he pushed up. He brushed once more by her chest, the smooth skin covered only in lace. Stay in control. Ignore your urges. Do not imagine that beautiful body. Yet it was a near impossibility as he brought his hands down, and with them her, and slowly she began to slide down.
Her shirt stayed behind.
What seemed like hours must have only been a minute, and then he was pulling her out into the open air. He expected her to jump out, but she lay still as the fallen tree. He gently lifted her back. “Are you all right?”
She opened her eyes, but instead of the expected discomfort, she watched him with pure, unmistakable desire . Now he couldn’t stop his gaze from wandering. Down her flushed face, eyes dilated with need, to her red, rosy cheeks. Over her slender neck, the full breasts barely hidden by pale, pink and sheer lace. “Are you all right?” he whispered again.
She nodded and bit her lip. Looked him up and down.
And then she lifted herself up…
And pressed her lips to his.
She was as sweet as sugar, as soft as rose petals. He tried to be gentle, but she would have none of it. She wrapped her arms around him, pulled him closer and kissed him with all the passion she couldn’t hide. He breathed her in as she tasted him. Then…. he plundered.
Emotion soared. Of course, the expected ones came – desire, need, attraction. And yet far less anticipated ones joined: ecstasy, possessiveness and the feeling that for once, all was right. It was a feeling he hadn’t had in a long time. Not since he’d been deployed.
Suddenly, it wasn’t enough. He wanted more, needed more. Needed to get closer to Sarah, and not just in the physical sense. Yet at that moment, voices sounded, and time was up, at least for now. With enough strength to power the sun, he broke the kiss. She looked at him with languid eyes, before they widened in pure horror. “They’re coming!”
Even if they explained what happened, it would still look suspicious. “I’ll grab your shirt.” He dashed back to the log and grabbed the blouse, reachable now that Sarah was no longer there. He threw it to her; by the time he exited the log, she was fastening the last button. Two seconds later, nearly the entire town of Harmony Creek emerged from the forest.
“Are you guys okay?”
“Is everyone all right?
“What happened?”
“We’re fine,” Cole called to the chorus of questions, moving between Sarah and the arriving horde to give her a few seconds to compose herself. As it turned out, it wasn’t necessary.
“No problem,” she said brightly, the picture of clear composure. “Everything is fine.”
“What took you so long?” Elma Givens, the queen of gossip for their little town, stepped forward. “You both seem flushed.”
The crowd blinked and peered closer, sporting not-so-subtle smiles and knowing grins. Damn. They were getting the wrong – as in right – idea. He hated to embarrass Sarah by sharing details of her adventure, but it was better than them filling in the blanks with their own. “Sarah got stuck in the log.”
The townspeople’s expressions turned from delight to unease in an instant. They pressed closer, flinging out questions about possible injuries, suggestions to call the paramedics. Sarah put her hands up amid the flurry of well-wishers. “I’m fine,” she assured them. “Not even a scratch.”
“We meant for you to go over the log.” One of the festival organizers bent down to peer inside the fallen tree. “Never figured anyone would go in it.”
Sarah bit her tongue. Before she admitted the truth, Cole jumped in. “That was my fault. I thought it would be faster if she crawled through it.”
His partner gave a look of grateful surprise as the people nodded their understanding. She quickly chimed in, “But Cole did a fantastic job of getting me out. He really is a hero.” She regarded him with genuine earnest. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
A throat cleared, and Cole turned back to an audience sporting speculative gazes again. Oh no. “Is it time for the next event?” he pressed forward. “We have some points to make up.”
People nodded and moved on, yet the speculative looks never fully left.
From then on, they acted like a team. They gave an impressive showing in the freeze dance and didn’t break a single egg in the spoon race. They pulled heartily during the tug of war and worked together to build the perfect miniature log bridge. And although they didn’t have enough points to make up for the ones they’d lost, they had something they never expected:
Fun.
They laughed together, cheered each other on, smiled and even hugged. For once, defenses were lowered, the past relegated to where it belonged. And Cole began to wonder if just maybe they did work better as partners than enemies.
Perhaps even something more.