Chapter 5
She rubbed her swollen breasts against his hard chest, feeling the sensitive tips drag across the rough hairs, her naked legs twining with his. ”Kiss me,” she pleaded, desperate for the release only he could give her.
The thud of the closing front door snapped Frankie rudely awake. For a moment, she stared blankly at the ceiling, trying to make sense of where she was and wanting to chase the lingering tendrils of the most erotic dream she”d ever had.
Last night came slowly back to her: telling John about her grandmother, learning about his grandfather, and the bond they shared. She sucked in a deep breath and whooshed it out. The entire situation was so surreal: the winter storm, her car accident, John, of all people, rescuing her, and finally their connection was revealed.
She had always known her grandmother had a soft spot for Ben Robbins, but to also learn that the man had pined for her grandmother even more was almost heartbreaking. They had been so close, yet separated by so much—an ocean, a country, obligations, marriages, such different life paths.
But despite all of those obstacles, knowing they had a summer each remembered fondly throughout their lives made Frankie smile. Meredith Blake had become a powerhouse in the environmental world because of her experiences here and her connection to Ben. So, their story wasn”t tragic and had, in fact, led Frankie to John.
She bit back a yawn as her gaze shifted toward the window. A brilliant white with a few pops of evergreen and burnt orange dominated the view. This was all certainly unexpected, being caught in a winter storm in the middle of a Wisconsin forest, and in October, no less!
Before she”d flown to America, she had been assured that it was much too early in the season for inclement weather, but apparently weather forecasting was just as bad in the US as it was in London.
The scene outside, what she could see of it from her cocoon in the bed, was like a Thomas Kinkade painting come to life. The surrounding forest was a patchwork of shadow and light. The sunlight reflected off the snow causing it to sparkle like diamonds while in other places the trees cast deep shadows holding the promise of secrets yet to be revealed. The branches were still coated in a deep blanket of white with only flashes of verdant green or brilliant crimson peeking through. A faint woof and laugh not far from the window reached her, making her grin. John and Angus were enjoying the weather. It was time for her to get up as well.
Her eyes moved past the solid oak headboard of the bed and snagged on a small carving hidden on the inside of the square bedpost. Frankie squinted, trying to see the shape but couldn”t quite make it out. She scooted over a foot and leaned up, tracing a finger over the shape, a heart with initials etched inside. Moving closer, she made out the letters and her breath caught in her chest.
B.R. + M.B. Ben Robbins and Meredith Blake
Frankie knew it was them—it had to be! She slumped against the bed frame, her mind whirling. Her grandmother had been here, in this bed, with a man she loved deeply but was destined to leave behind. Rather he would inspire her true professional path tying them together through a shared love of the forest, conservation, and the power of nature in overcoming disaster. This had to be a sign that she, Frankie, was on the right track. She believed in her gut that yesterday, disaster though it had been, happened for a reason. Frankie was here for a reason.
Energized at her discovery, Frankie jumped from the bed and scuttled to the bathroom. There was no time to waste and today was the start of her education. She had made great progress just convincing John to help her. Now all she had to do was keep herself from falling head over heels for the magnetic man.
***
John laughed as he watched Angus barrel through the piles of snow he”d made along the driveway. The dog was up there in years, but occasionally something made him act like a puppy again. Snow always seemed to do it for Angus, but he’d probably sleep the rest of the day and limp for a bit. All that mattered to John was his companion’s happiness.
As for him, he”d needed the exercise granted by manual labor. And clearing the drive of heavy snow by hand did just that. His back ached and his body was pleasantly exhausted after the exertion, but his brain was still spinning. He’d spent a long, uncomfortable night thinking about Frankie and he’d needed the escape from the cabin currently occupied by a tempting siren nestled in his bed.
He’d been immersed in her scent from his perch on the living room couch, where she had been entrenched before heading to bed. His bed. Her musky, sweet scent roused steamy dreams of burying his nose in her silky neck, between her lush breasts, and further south.
He grinned, wondering if she”d be shocked or if she”d welcome the idea of his tongue sliding along her cleft as he spread her legs further apart.
John winced and adjusted himself, which was difficult through his heavy-duty snow bibs, not to mention the layers underneath. He had to stop that train of thought, especially considering the way she”d looked last night crawling into his king-sized bed. It was easier said than done.
He had been demonstrating the controls to the mechanical blinds when she’d climbed in and nestled deep into the heavy covers, looking like she belonged there. He’d nearly scrambled in after her.
It didn’t help matters when Frankie confirmed that her grandmother had not returned to England pregnant all those years ago. John hadn’t mentioned it, but he’d known well the story of his grandfather’s great love affair and after learning of Frankie’s background, wondered at the possibility that they could be cousins. He’d been flooded with relief when it was evident they were not related.
Then his mind naturally switched to more steamy notions.
With a grunt, he clenched his jaw hard. He really had to be careful. Otherwise, he”d end up like his grandfather pining for a woman he could never have. Frankie had a life and a mission an ocean away and nothing would change that. She was here for one week before she flew back to London and out of his life. And as the granddaughter of the renowned environmentalist, Meredith Blake, Frankie certainly would feel the responsibility to carry on that work. That duty to a legacy was certainly something John understood all too well.
Another woof grabbed his attention and John turned to find Angus waiting for him on the front porch. His seated, yet alert, stance with drool dripping from his mouth said, ”I”m hungry.”
With a chuckle, John made his way to the storage shed where he hung up the shovel, then trudged back to the porch. He stopped before climbing the stairs and stared at the door, wondering if she was still snuggled in his bed. The thought of climbing in that bed with her, pulling her warm, naked form against his…
”Damn.” With a shake of his head, he made his way up the steep stairs. ”Your daddy is going crazy, Angus.” The dog answered with a heavy whack of his tail.
John took two steps inside the cabin before the smell hit him, comforting and delicious.
”I hope you don”t mind,” Frankie called out over her shoulder. ”I thought I”d make a little breakfast this morning. I figured you could use it after shoveling, and I know I”ll need something in my stomach before we get started today.”
John stood frozen and stared, his jaw somewhere on the floor. She was in his kitchen looking like a wet dream. Her luxurious brown locks were drawn up in a messy bun that exposed the delectable curve of her neck. A curve he ached to nuzzle from shoulder to ear with hot sucking kisses.
Even more enticing, she wore one of his plaid shirts, and the collar was so wide it had slipped down exposing a shoulder. He knew if he took a few steps to the side, he”d see it was more like a dress on her. He yearned to walk up behind her and fit his body against hers, running his lips across the baby soft skin of her shoulder to see if goosebumps popped out.
He cleared his throat, hoping it would clear his mind as well. It had no effect. ”I don”t mind at all. What are you cooking?”
”Well, I had planned to go with a frittata, but now I think it”s more of a messy omelet.”
”Whatever it is, it smells like heaven.” With a sigh, John perched on the small bench near the door and wrestled off his boots, then unzipped and peeled out of his snow suit. Although it was only twenty degrees outside, he”d worked up quite a sweat. He”d enjoyed the burn in his muscles, but now he needed a shower and his stomach rumbled insistently.
”If you don”t mind, I”ll take a quick shower before we eat.”
”Take your time.” Frankie waving the spatula. ”It”ll still be a few minutes. I noticed you had a loaf of bread in the refrigerator. Would you like toast, too?”
”That sounds great. I have a handful of jellies toward the back.” John tried not to notice her toned legs as he walked past—proof she was wearing his shirt and only his shirt. But he couldn”t resist taking a peek. His overactive libido immediately kicked in with thoughts of her legs wrapped around his waist as they moved together.
Damn, this woman was dangerous. ”I”ll be right back.”
Spurred by the smells filling the cabin and the thought of spending the day with Frankie, John showered in record time. Something drove him to be around her and enjoy the limited time they had together. After all, time was the one luxury they did not have.
Five minutes later, he was seated at the dining table with a cup of coffee and a smile on his face as she set a steaming plate in front of him.
”I”m a little excited about this, I can”t lie. It”s been a while since I”ve had the luxury of cooking.” She grinned as she sat down. ”So, what”s the first thing on our agenda today?”
John was already in the process of taking a bite and moaned around the combination of egg, sausage, and cheese. It was spectacular. ”What spice did you use in this?” he asked, distracted by the intense flavor. ”It”s familiar, but I can”t place it.”
Her lips quirked to one side in an adorable lopsided grin and he fought the urge to lean across the table and sample them. He knew instinctively that her mouth would be better than anything he”d ever tasted. She”d be orgasmic. ”It”s smoked paprika. I was actually surprised you had it.”
John blinked, feeling like he”d come out of a haze, still fixated on her kissable lips. What had they been talking about? Spices? He tilted his head, trying to remember the last time he”d bought spices, especially anything other than salt and pepper. ”I have smoked paprika? I”ve never heard of it.”
She giggled as she took a bite. ”Maybe it”s been in there for a while. Luckily, most spices stay good for a long time.”
”I guess so.” He loaded up a piece of toast with the egg mixture and took a substantial bite. ”Damn, this is good,” he muttered around the food, chewing several times before he swallowed. He wiped his mouth with the napkin and threw her a teasing grin. ”Sorry about that. I forgot my manners for a moment. You seem to inspire the caveman in me.”
”Ha! I did that?” She smirked—so very sexy paired with her sparkling eyes. ”I quite doubt that.”
”That”s fair. It”s easy to forget manners when I”m usually just entertaining Angus.” John chuckled and sat back after a moment, his stomach warm and full. ”Clothes.”
Frankie”s brows shot up. ”I beg your pardon?”
”The first thing on our agenda today is getting your clothes at the inn and anything else you might need for hiking through the woods in this weather. Then I”ll show you the areas where I’ve concentrated my efforts for the last few years. Once you”ve seen the terrain, we can discuss methodology and anything else you have in mind.”
”That sounds wonderful!” she exclaimed, her gorgeous hazel green eyes twinkling. Her face suddenly fell. ”Oh, I almost forgot. I need to take care of my rental car.”
John grunted. ”It”s already done. Sorry, I didn”t mention it. Stanley called while I was outside to let me know they found it and towed it back to town. There”s a mechanic working on it now, and they”ve already called the rental company. You shouldn”t have to do a thing.” His eyes zeroed in as her lower lip dropped, then watched in amusement as several emotions played out over her face.
”I… I…” She shook her head, her brow beetling. ”I don”t know what to say. I anticipated a horrible administrative mess with the rental company and you”ve already handled it for me.”
”A thank you should suffice,” he offered, trying not to laugh at her expression.
She sighed, and he enjoyed watching the tension dissolve from her face and shoulders. ”Thank you.” Her gaze shifted ever so slightly before she added, ”Lumberjack John.”
He arched an eyebrow at her sass but said nothing as he sipped his coffee. She must be feeling better after a good night”s sleep.
”I can”t wait to hear how you got that nickname.” She planted her elbows on the table and cradled her chin in her hands, eyes twinkling with mischief.
Another surge of desire shot through him and his teeth clenched with the effort to fend it off. He took a deep breath before replying, meeting her mischievous gaze with one of his own.
”You won”t get it out of me that easily,” he teased, keeping his tone light. ”You”ll have to work for it.”
”I”m not afraid of a challenge.” She lifted her chin. ”You”ll learn that about me soon enough.”
He could only hope.
***
”Oh, thank goodness!” Maysie fluttered around them like a mother hen. ”You made it back. We were so worried when you didn”t return for dinner, and then the storm just kept getting worse.” She planted a maternal hand on John”s arm. ”But I knew if anyone could find you, it would be this guy.”
Frankie yanked Maysie into a hug, overwhelmed with gratitude. ”Thank you for making the call. John found me just in time. I don”t know what would have happened if he hadn”t shown up when he did.”
”It was nothing, dear. Don’t think about it,” Maysie assured her with an affectionate squeeze. She held Frankie”s arms out as if inspecting her. ”You look none the worse for wear. Would you like some tea? I picked up some of that English Breakfast tea just for you. I read it’s very popular in England. I thought you might like it.”
”Can we get it to go, Maysie?” John interjected. ”I”m taking Frankie out on a hike once we get her clothes.”
Maysie”s features twisted with consternation, her finger waving in the air. ”You mean to tell me you”re taking this poor girl out in that weather again after the experience she just had? Have you lost your marbles, John Robbins?”
Frankie snickered at the brief look of exasperation and then fondness that flitted across John”s face. It was heartwarming to witness the close community connection in this small town. ”Actually, I”ve asked John to take me out this afternoon. He”s agreed to show me his work, and unfortunately, time is not on my side. We have to go now.”
”Okaaaayyyyy.” The drawn-out word belied its meaning. ”If you say so.” Maysie pointed over her shoulder. ”I”ll get your tea started while you gather things. How about some sandwiches for the road, too?”
”Sounds great, Maysie. Thank you.” The innkeeper had bustled off to the kitchen before John”s reply had left his lips.
Frankie turned to John, who stood patiently watching her. “I’ll only be a minute.”
She was halfway up the stairs when he added, “Pack a bag of clothes in case it’s too late to bring you back to the inn.”
Her stomach fluttered at his words, and she ran up the rest of the way, eager to get started. The thought of staying overnight again in that glorious cabin, and near John, was tempting beyond all reason.
In the small room, she stared at the large oak dresser in the corner where she”d put her clothes. Her mouth flattened and her brow furrowed in consternation. She knew even without opening the drawers, she had nothing in there suitable for this weather. Snow and ice were the last things she’d considered while planning this trip. An obvious miscalculation.
With an irritated grumble, she grabbed her makeup bag and several outfits.
Here”s to hoping I don”t make it back tonight.
She froze at the thought. Was she hoping that she”d be forced to stay another night at John”s cabin to continue her education? Or was she dreaming that he”d finally kiss her, and she”d learn firsthand just how amazing his hard body would feel against hers?
I’m being practical. That’s it. It has nothing to do with my desire to have hot, passionate, sweaty sex with that beautiful man.
”Ugh!” She shook her head with a grimace. ”I have to stop this.” If this was where her mind wandered, she seriously needed to get laid once she got home. Of course, she reflected, the lack of a man in her life was probably why she was having these thoroughly indecent thoughts. It had been too long.
Keep it together, Frankie! You have a mission to accomplish, and it’s not the one in your pants.
Satisfied with the brief pep talk, Frankie gave herself a formal nod in the mirror and rushed downstairs to find John seated at one of the round dining tables, sipping tea with Maysie. They chatted casually like longtime friends.
”Well, there”s a bit of bad news, I”m afraid,” Frankie announced as she approached them.
John”s brows shot up, his jaw solid and firm. He said nothing, patiently waiting for her to finish.
”I don”t have the right gear for what we”re doing today.”
The corner of John”s mouth lifted into a half smile, making Frankie want to curl up in his lap and see how it tasted. ”It”s not the end of the world. I figured as much when I found you in a ditch yesterday. We”ll head to the outfitters next.” He put the cup down and wiped his mouth with a napkin. ”Are you ready?”
Frankie bobbed her head as she accepted the to-go mug full of tea and a lunch bag from Maysie. ”This should set you two for a while, honey.”
”I”m sure it will. Thank you for everything, Maysie.”
Maysie waved her away. “It’s my pleasure, dear.”
On their way out the door, John glanced over his shoulder at Maysie and added, ”We”ll be deep in the woods today, so she may not make it back to the inn tonight. I”ll give you a call if that’s the case.”
A pleased smile stretched across Maysie”s face, a twinkle in her gaze. ”You two have fun out there.” Her sly tone and big wink said everything.
An hour and a couple hundred dollars later, Frankie was covered head to toe in appropriate winter gear that would get her through whatever John planned. The annoying part was that he insisted on paying for all of it.
”Heading out in this weather was my idea,” he argued when she tried to pay. ”I”ll cover the cost. Besides,” he added, ”I get rewards on everything, so it”s like I”m not spending a thing.” He was obviously fibbing, especially when the cashier muffled a laugh and coughed in his hand. But Frankie let it slide and thanked John for his thoughtfulness.
What more could a girl do?