Baby Stetson (Love and Music in Texas #1) (14 page)

“I want to know you too, Avery. But if you knew more about me, I’m not sure you’d want to know anymore.”

“I can’t imagine that.” Despite his backing away when things got intense, Lucas had been there when Avery thought everything would fall apart. He didn’t have to be here right now, but he’d chosen to stay and help.

The microwave beeped then, killing the moment. She still stood holding Lucas, feeling so content in his embrace.

Lucas pulled away, returning to clean up duty. “Why don’t you eat?”

There he went again. Pulling away when they shared a close moment. Avery hid her disappointment, and opened the microwave. The pot roast, potatoes and carrots looked amazing. Her mouth watered again. Lucas handed her a rolled up napkin with utensils and smiled. “I hope you like it.”

“As a woman said earlier, if it tastes as good as it smells, I’m in for a treat.” Avery took the plate into the office, which was located behind the kitchen.

It was good. More than good. Lucas had a way in the kitchen. Wow! The meat tasted tender, soft, and moist, full of flavor. Avery practically inhaled the dinner, taking in ever last bite. When she brought her plate back to the kitchen, Lucas was still there, finishing the last of the clean up. He took her plate from her.

“I can do it!” Avery protested. He’d already done much more than she anticipated. The least she could do was wash her own dish.

“It’s okay,” Lucas said, already running the water to wash it.

“Lucas, that was an amazing dinner. You impressed me. Thank you. Thank you for everything tonight. I keep repeating myself. I don’t think I can thank you enough.”

He turned to face her after placing the dish in the drainboard. He cracked a smile. “It beats working alone. Are you going to the hospital to see your mom?”

“I thought about it. Dad told me earlier I should just get some rest, and that he’d call me when he had more news. I want to go but-” Her voice trailed off.

“Maybe he’s got a point. I’ll walk you to the house, if you’d like.” Lucas removed the apron, his shirt lifting up when his arms raised over his head. Avery admired his chest, but quickly looked away when he watched her. “I saw that.” His brows arched in an amused look.

“So?” Avery challenged, matching his expression.

“So nothing.” Lucas advanced toward her. He reached for her hand. “I’m just giving you a hard time.”

Was he ever. In more ways than one.

“Ready to go? Is there anything else to be done?”

Yeah. Kiss me. And don’t run away.

“No. Looks like you’ve got everything handled nicely.” Avery gave the kitchen one last look. Not that she needed to. Everything was clean, organized and spotless. Her purse strap fell from her shoulders and she went to straighten it. “I’m ready. We can go the back way. It’s a shorter distance to the house.”

“Okay.”

Cool, crisp air greeted them as Avery and Lucas exited the inn. Not too bad of a night weather wise. Nearby, a twig snapped. Avery jumped. “What was that?”

“Probably an animal,” Lucas guessed. “A little jumpy tonight?”

Avery’s mind went back to that text from earlier. “Maybe a little bit.” She wasn’t fully sure why. A combination of stress and lack of sleep, maybe.

“I’ll protect you from the big bad wolf,” Lucas teased.

“Oh? So what if you’re the big bad wolf? Who’ll protect me from you?”

Lucas halted. “You think I’m the wolf, eh?”

“Well, you haven’t proved that you aren’t yet,” Avery shot back. God how he riled her. She hated how much she enjoyed it sometimes.

“I’m guessing you like the wolves then, because you liked this before.” Lucas reached for her, and his lips met hers. Avery’s heart melted. She wrapped herself into Lucas, leaning into his kisses. He tasted sensational. Each kiss drove her further over the edge.

“Lucas.” Avery groaned. She went in for another kiss, but a strange sound startled her, and she pulled away from him. “Do you hear that? If it’s an animal, it’s nearby.”

Lucas whipped his head to stare in the direction. “I don’t know. Maybe we’d better go, get away from whatever it is.” Lucas put his arm around Avery and pulled her close. They strolled to the house, his arm around her the entire time.

Once they got in front of the house, Avery wasn’t ready to let him go. “Do you want to come in for awhile?” It wasn’t just that she longed for Lucas. The strange sensation that someone was near, watching, the fact that her parents weren’t home ... she just didn’t want to be alone.

“Is that such a good idea?” Lucas asked.

“I don’t want to be alone, Lucas,” Avery pleaded.

“Okay then.” He squeezed her hand. That must have been all the convincing he needed.

Avery fumbled with the keys and got the door unlocked. Once inside, she felt a little safer. She closed the door behind Lucas and flicked on the light.

“You’re so jumpy. What’s going on, Avery?” Lucas asked gently, brushing back loose stands of her hair that had fallen over her left eye.

She swallowed. “I just- I got a strange text earlier. I keep feeling like I’m being watched. Mom and Dad aren’t here. I may be overreacting, but I’m afraid.”

Lucas frowned. “A text?”

Avery pulled her phone from her purse, searched for the text and handed it to Lucas.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he scowled, handing her the phone back.

“I wish I knew. It came out of nowhere. It may even be a wrong number, but for some reason, it’s got me a bit freaked out.”

“I can understand that. You’ve got a few new people in your life lately.”

“That includes you.”

“Do you trust me, Avery?” Lucas challenged.

“I think I do. Sure, you have your secrets, but something about you makes me feel safer than I have in a long time. I don’t know how to explain it. Maybe the question I should be asking you is can I trust you, Lucas?”

He hesitated. “You can trust me.”

“That’s good.”

Avery’s phone went off. “It’s my dad. I recognize the number from the hospital. Maybe they’ll be home soon.” Avery answered. “Dad? How’s Mom? Are you coming home?”

“Hey honey, they’re going to keep your mother overnight and run a few tests. Did everything go okay tonight?”

“Yes. I’m at home now. Are you staying with her? Should I come up?”

“No, it’s okay sweetheart. Stay home and get some rest. I’m going to stay here with your mom. She’s still pissed at me for making her go, so I’m going to stay by her side. You going to be all right by yourself?”

“I’ll manage. Lucas walked me home.” She flicked her gaze to him again.

“That’s good, honey. I’ll call you in the morning, or if we know anything before then, I’ll let you know.”

“Can I talk to Mom?” Avery needed to hear her voice.

“She’s sleeping now. I’m sorry.”

Avery’s heart sank. Good that Mom was getting some much needed rest, though. “Okay. I understand. Good night, Dad.”

“Night, Avery.”

Avery put the phone in her pocket and sank into the couch. “They’re keeping her tonight. That doesn’t sound good.”

“I’m sure they’re just taking precautions.” Lucas sat beside her. “At least you know they’ll keep track of everything. I know it’s not enough to ease your mind.”

“Not really, but I don’t have much of a choice.” Avery leaned back. At least she had Lucas for a little while to talk to.

“Anything I can do?”

“Hold me?”
Comfort me, make me forget my troubles.

“I think we can arrange that.” Lucas scooted further back, opened his arms and Avery fell into them, snuggling into the crook of his arm. Lucas ran his hand up and down her back, his other wrapped around her, holding her tight.

“You feel so good, Lucas,” Avery whispered. It was so nice to be held again with such intensity. “Why do you make me want you so much?”

I shouldn’t have come in. Now it’s too late. Now I’m going to-

Oh hell. Forget throwing caution to the wind. Lucas was already a goner. He wanted Avery as much as she wanted him. He couldn’t keep his hands off of her. He couldn’t stop thinking about her.

“I want you too, Avery.” Lucas pressed a kiss to her forehead. She fit so well right there, in his arms. It had been a long time since he’d held a woman so close to him, let alone one that he cared about. For once, it wasn’t only a sexual need that drove him to stay so close to Avery.

Avery repositioned herself so she could be face to face with him. Her lips parted, and Lucas took the invitation and claimed her lips again, to finish what he’d started earlier. His cock strained in his jeans. “The things you do to me, Avery.”

Wordlessly, she got to her feet and reached for his hand, pulling him up. She led him upstairs. It was too late to turn back now. Avery took him to her bedroom. When she opened the door, he took in the sights of Avery’s room. Beautiful. Elegant. Unique. Just as she was. The room suited her. In one corner set a large vanity table. Hanging from each knob over the mirror were two hats. One was considerably worn and aged. That must have been the hat behind Avery’s story. The other, much newer and better shape, he recognized as the one she wore occasionally. A small recliner chair set in the other corner, next to the large window. The walls were painted a tan color, and there were photos of Avery’s family and her band covering the walls. As for her bed, it looked to be queen size. A burgundy comforter rested nicely over it. She had a wood carved headboard that someone must have handcrafted specifically for her. Carved into the old wood were music notes of all types. Lucas smiled. He was going to enjoy spending time in this room.

He didn’t recall who started it, but the next thing he knew, they were laying in a tangled heap on her bed.

Lucas laid Avery on her back, leaning up over her. Her hair splayed all over the bed behind her, and she stared up at him with those kiss-me lips. Her intense eyes and creamy soft skin begged to be touched.

“You’re not going to bolt on me, are you?” she asked.

He’d hesitated too long.

“No, sweetheart. I’m not going anywhere right now. This is right where I need to be.” Lucas traced his finger along her neckline and leaned in to kiss her along that invisible trail. He knew he got her when she released a moan. She found the bottom of his shirt and Lucas allowed her to pull it over his head. Lucas lifted her up gently and unbuttoned her blouse. Each time he exposed more of her bra, he sucked in a breath. She was so beautiful. Avery’s fingers fumbled with his pants. It wasn’t long before they both were lying naked together. She had an amazing body. Lucas nipped at her naval, darting his tongue out, playing, teasing, torturing. He loved the way Avery reacted to him. He pulled away, then leaned in again, moving up her torso to her breasts.

Then he stopped and just stared at her. Avery’s eyes widened. “What’s wrong?”

“There’s absolutely nothing wrong. I’m just looking at you. Imagining what to do to you next. And taking in your beauty.”

Avery’s lips parted again. She wanted to say something, but couldn’t seem to find the words. Lucas smiled at how tongue tied he’d made her. He toyed with her, but the torture was on him too. All he wanted was to plunge deep inside her and have his way, but in due time. Right now, he just wanted to enjoy the moment.

“Luke.”

“Yes, sweetheart?” He heard the tone. Understood the underlying message. He had her right were he wanted. He rolled her nipple between his fingers until she gasped. His lips found hers again. Avery dug her fingers into the back of his neck.

“I need you to-” She sucked in another breath when he tweaked just a little bit harder. She kissed him hard, pulling him to her in a tight grasp. Ah, this was a woman that knew exactly what she wanted and needed. He liked that about Avery. She had a fire about her that he admired.

She whimpered, rocking her hips underneath him. Lucas didn’t want to rush anything. All he wanted to do was enjoy her, feel her passion. He longed for the kind of passion Avery had, and he wasn’t about to allow it all to move too fast. Then her hand wrapped around his cock. Just when he thought he couldn’t be any harder, Avery proved him wrong. He moaned. Avery moved in slow motions at first, but then stroked at a faster pace. Holy hell, he wouldn’t last long like this. Avery met his gaze. Lucas moved his lips to her breast, kissing the area around her nipple. Every time she slowed down, Lucas squirmed. Avery was determined to drive him over the edge, wasn’t she? Well, he’d show her. He’d play dirty, too. Lucas smiled, knowing all the things he could do to her that would have her begging for mercy. Ahh yes. Power felt good, and he definitely had it.

Thankfully he’d bought rubbers after their first encounter, otherwise this would not be happening right now. Smart move on his part. Or maybe not, depending on which way you looked at it.

Seeing Avery’s naked body spread out before him at the moment told him all he needed to know. Why didn’t he just stop thinking and just act? Feel. Delve into his urges.

“You’re so wet, aren’t you?” Lucas said in a low tone, moving his hand just at the entrance of her vagina. Rubbing ever so lightly, she gasped. Aha. He had her now.

He didn’t want to be finished off before he was inside her, so Lucas found her hand and caught it in his. Her gaze flicked to him in confusion. “You don’t like that?” she asked.

“Oh honey, that’s definitely not the case. But I don’t want to cum yet. I want to explore you just a little more. Unless you don’t want that.” Lucas moved his hand, and watched her squirm. “That’s what I thought.” Reaching for her again, he plunged a finger inside, pulsing in and out, touching her in the most sensual way. Then he pinned her hand down on the bed and met her lips with full force. Avery smelled so sweet, her touch so soft and longing, he had to hold it together. Lucas enjoyed watching her face when he wasn’t kissing those full lips. He’d had a feeling from the first time he saw her that she would be an amazing lover, just as she was amazing as a performer. He’d just never thought that he would be here with her as a lover.

Feelings of pleasure rushed over him. He hadn’t felt anything like this in ... maybe never.

Avery Callimer made him feel. His mind marveled at how much. What he wouldn’t give to know her more, but what would happen after tonight was an uncertainty. There were no guarantees for them. Avery must know that, and despite that, she still wanted this just as badly as Lucas did.