On a Gamble (3 page)

She cleared her throat, wanting to change the subject quickly. “It was a long time ago. How about you, any siblings?”

Alex said nothing for what seemed an eternity. His face grew grim, body tensed, and he wouldn’t look her in the eyes.

“Alex?”

Then he looked up at her, as she swore he had tears in his eyes. “I had a younger brother, Luke. He was killed in a car bomb in Iraq.”

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to
—
”

“No, it’s okay. You didn’t know.”

Charlie didn’t know what she could say to make him feel better, so she said nothing.

“It happened three years ago, but it still feels like it happened yesterday. Every time I think about it, it makes me angry.” He swiped his forehead with the back of his hand, and didn’t comment further.

No further words seemed appropriate, so she remained silent, figuring if he needed to talk she’d listen. Companionable silence engulfed them.

Minutes later, her heart leapt with excitement as they crossed into the watering hole. At least that’s what she and her sisters aptly named it. This was a special place, a sacred cocoon far away from the outside world. A sigh of contentment escaped her lips. The sun dipped behind the trees, shafts of white light blanketed the area, and the water shimmered, sparkled. She kicked off her shoes and removed her socks, relishing in the soft, lush green grass. She wriggled her toes, leaning down to roll up her jeans toward her ankles.

“Care for a swim?” he asked, a playful hint to his voice.

Charlie stood at attention, turning to face him. She put her hands on her hips, studying the wicked gleam in his cocoa colored eyes. Unable to hold his stare any longer, she turned away, stifling a giggle.

Goodness, she acted like some love-struck young girl, how ridiculous.

She stole a sideways glance at him, avoiding his direct stare. Otherwise, much like the sun, she’d surely get burned. “We don’t have bathing suits,” she finally managed.

“We don’t need them, buttercup.”

Then, without warning, he turned, scooped her up as if to walk her across a threshold, and ran into the water. A helpless squeal escaped her lips, as he plunged them both under water. Her hair covered her eyes, water got up her nose, clothing plastered to her body. She swam up for air, spluttering, wiping her face in vain, and clearing the hair stuck to her skin. Her lungs burned as she tried to catch a breath from the exertion.

Seconds later, he popped out of the water, the very devil in his eyes. Water rivulets traveled down his face, a glint of humor in his gaze. That cocky smirk, aimed right at her. “I thought we could cool off,” his tone, ever so casual made it difficult to stay mad at him.

“Alex, did you ever grow up?”

“Nope. Sorry.” Pure innocence bathed his tone.

She stifled a laugh, but barely. He did look adorable, and boyishly handsome just now. Mischief twinkled in his eyes; an easy smile graced his lips. Warmth grabbed hold, seeped through her bones, and traveled to her toes before making its way to her chest, settling there permanently it seemed. Good Lord, and sweet baby Jesus.   

“Haven’t you ever heard of swimsuits?”

He swam closer, his face mere inches from hers. Her burning lungs now had nothing to do with water, and everything to do with Alex.

“But this is more fun, no?” he murmured.

She sucked in a breath at his overpowering nearness. “That depends on your definition of fun, because I think our opinions vary.”

Her rambling didn’t help the situation. Surroundings evaporated into powder, because he was close, so temptingly close. The lushness of nature, cool water, combined with this man. It was as though they were the only two people on earth. Surrounded by Alex. Surrounded by her desire for him. Damn. She didn’t stand a chance if he tried to kiss her, and knew if he tried she’d willingly cave. It would be the beginning and the end of her problems, and even though it wasn’t the best idea, she longed for a kiss.

He leaned closer, grasping her chin between his thumb and forefinger. His gaze rested on her face. She darted her tongue to draw moisture, but it proved futile. Lowering his eyes, they darkened with hunger, following the motion. She was done for. Dried up, sucked clean of moisture. As though some other force took over, she tilted her head closer. Her heart thundered, his lips mere inches from hers. Her pulse beat an uneven, staccato rhythm.

Shaking off her inhibitions, her eyes fluttered closed, but snapped back open as a loud rustle came from within their cocoon. An animal she couldn’t identify scurried across the clearing.

Charlie faced him, seeing the burning need to kiss her in his eyes, disappointment taking its place. The spell over, there would be first kiss, broken, and the magic of the moment gone. Although mildly disappointed, she knew it was for the best.

“Let’s head back. My grandma’s probably wondering where we are.” She dearly hoped he couldn’t hear the shakiness in her tone.

Alex drove home to change, sopping wet, but with a smile on his face. He didn’t know what possessed him to do what he’d done, but hell it’d been worth it. He tried to forget her clothing sinfully clinging to lush curves and a petite, yet strong frame as she exited the water. He tried to push away the image of her pleading eyes, sweet lips, close to his, and pictured what her kiss would taste and feel like. Hell, his imagination not only ran wild, it packed up and ran clear across the country.

Thirty minutes later, he drove back to Charlie’s.

Pulling into the driveway, he put the truck in park.

He glanced up, and paused. Catching sight of Charlie leaning against the front porch railings, his heart lurched into his throat.

The beautiful sight had him transfixed. Her eyes were closed, a smile on her lips, shoulders relaxed, hair still damp, and resting against her back. The last remnants of daylight brightened fresh, peaches and butter cream skin. A black tank top showcased delicate cleavage, curve-hugging jeans, and if he wasn’t mistaken, bright red polish graced her toenails.

Charlie stunned him, no doubt about it. Even if it had only been a few days, no woman had had such an effect on him.

She opened her eyes, her gaze rested on his. Steady, strong, an invisible energy thrummed between them like a freight train on uppers.

He’d wanted to kiss her earlier, more urgently than he thought, and if that creature hadn’t come along he would have. He could still see the would-be kiss in her eyes, feel it in her body language. She’d not spoken one word, but he knew.

What he wouldn’t give for one kiss . . .

“Dinner time!” Pearl hollered from the open kitchen window, breaking the connection.

Shaking his head, he exited the vehicle and approached her.

Charlie smiled, and rose to greet him. He couldn’t help but smile back. The instant attraction for her surprised him, and he couldn’t help being drawn to her, distracted by her. Since they’d called a truce earlier, and were getting along better, he felt more comfortable. Not that he hadn’t before, but he felt a lot better working here, and forgot the real reason for his presence . . . especially after that sexy swim earlier.

Who am I trying to fool? The first time I laid eyes on Charlie, the business deal got thrown out the window.

“My grandma made stuffed peppers. Hope you’re hungry.”

He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Sounds good.”

“By the way, good work today. I think you’re really getting the hang of everything.”

“I’m having a good time.” And he meant it.

Despite the fact that he smelled of barnyard, as he had every day since he’d started here, he truly was having fun. He also couldn’t wait to get home and get a shower. Relax, let the hard work of the day soak in, crawl into bed, and dream of Charlie.

She’d been the first woman that seeped into his thoughts and stayed there. He thought about her even when she wasn’t around. Bad for business indeed, especially when he hadn’t been prepared to find a gorgeous woman here.

A minor setback he supposed in the grand scheme of things.

Chapter 4

Charlie lay in bed that night, stargazing out of her window. A slow smile crept to her lips as she thought of Alex, especially of their time at the watering hole.

It’d been a long time since one man had her smiling for no reason. She’d been lighter on her feet, and anxious for the next time she would see him. It wasn’t just his chiseled good looks, but he seemed to have a heart of gold. Like today, when they’d fed the chickens, how gentle he was. The way he’d put his all into the chores, as they worked side by side. That mega-watt smile on his face, and his relaxed posture, as if he’d been genuinely happy to be there.

A chill shot up her spine as she recalled his brother’s death, remembering the haunted look on his face, and how she’d unknowingly put it there. It broke her heart to think of the weight he still appeared to be carrying. She knew the feeling, because even though many years had passed since her parents died, it still made her heartache at the thought.

A soft rap at the door broke her thoughts loose.

She sat up in bed. “Come in.”

Her grandma poked her head in, a smile on her face. She held a warm cup of what smelled like hot cocoa. Gently, she shut the door behind her. “I thought you might be able to use this, figured you couldn’t sleep.”

Charlie frowned. “And what gave you that idea?”

She sat on the edge of the bed, handing her a cup. Charlie took an appreciative sip, the warm, soothing liquid like honey going down her throat.

“Oh, just figured you were thinking of a certain someone, by the name of Alex.”

Charlie said nothing, trying to ignore her grandma’s giggles. She could see right through her, as she’d never been very good at hiding her emotions. She cleared her throat. “I was not.”

Grandma shook her head. “Goodness dear, I’ve known you since you were in diapers. I know when the love bug has bitten my granddaughter.”

Evading the direction of the conversation, she took another sip. “The love bug did not bite me, Grandma.”

Pearl shook her head. “Well,
something
bit you that’s for sure. I know it when I see it. You could barely take your eyes off him at dinner, even if you were trying to be coy. And that boy definitely returns your affections.”

“Grandma!”

Right away she was shushed, and lovingly tapped Charlie’s knee. “The way he looks at you, oh goodness. If I was your age, and single, I wouldn’t kick him out of my bed for eating crackers,” she teased.

Charlie’s neck heated. Grandma Pearl had never been so frank in her speech before. “Grandma, you’re embarrassing me.”

She waved her comment away. “I’m only being honest. Why, I love your grandfather very much, but I can appreciate a good-looking man when I see one. And I see one that has eyes for you, Charlie.”

Charlie slunk down into the covers, and wrapped her hands around the still warm mug; about finished with the tasty beverage, the conversation was getting out of hand. She figured the best way to end it was to feign fatigue. Putting a hand over her mouth, she faked a yawn.

“I think you should ask him out.”

Charlie frowned, well that obviously didn’t work. “But I’ve only known him for a few days.”

“A date is just the place and time to get to know him more.”

She shrugged, setting the mug on the nightstand. “I’ll think about it.”

Her grandmother didn’t say another word as she gathered the mug, gave Charlie a cunning smile, and let herself out.

She turned out the light, snuggled into the covers, and tried to get some sleep.

Charlie looked at her appearance in her bathroom mirror the next morning. Running a brush through her hair, she wished she could wear it down past her shoulders, but it would only get in the way. Her grandma’s advice teased her brain. Thinking she wouldn’t mind dressing up, going out on a date. But seeing as she was his employer, she felt it would be awkward. She frowned, wondering if maybe her grandma tried to play matchmaker, and made all these disappearing acts on purpose. Heck, they weren’t even disappearing acts. She was just never around. Usually she’d frequent the barnyard to help out during the day with the lighter tasks.

After their conversation last night, it wouldn’t surprise her in the least.

A sharp knock at the front door broke her thoughts free. Quickly throwing her hair in a ponytail, she walked downstairs to answer it. Even though she knew it was Alex, she couldn’t resist as she looked through the kitchen window. Grinning from ear to ear, his smiling face greeted her from the other side.

Gathering her wits about her she opened the door.

“Good morning, Charlie.”

“Good morning, Alex. Have you had breakfast? I’m sorry but my grandma isn’t here. She and Grandpa went into town to do some shopping.” Why she rambled in the first place she had no idea. Truth was, she was self-conscious, and very aware that they were alone, more so than usual.

“No, I’m fine thanks. Had breakfast on the way here,” he said.

Charlie grabbed a light jacket as they made their way to the barn. “Okay, let’s get started.”

She mentally listed the chores for the day, unlocking the barnyard door she picked up the necessary tools. Blindly grabbing for the feed bucket, but came up empty. “What the heck?” Shaking her head, she looked down to find them missing.

She stole a glance up at the hayloft. Pursing her lips, she wondered if a certain meddling someone moved it on purpose.

Damn it, Grandma.

Well, whatever grandma had in mind, it wouldn’t work.

“Do you need a hand?” he asked, spying her starting to make her way up the ladder.

She waved his question away. “No, I’m okay thanks. Can’t imagine why they were moved in the first place.”

There I go, rambling again. Just get them and be done with it.

Charlie swiftly climbed the ladder, and made quick work of grabbing them. Making her way back down, her foot made its way to what she thought was the ground, when on the second to last step she hit nothing but air. Flailing backward, she landed against a warm, solid body instead of the cold concrete floor.

Shaking her head, she tried to gather her bearings. Even in her disoriented state, she realized her backside was pressed indecently against his front.

He gently rolled her over until her back lay against the barnyard floor. “Whoa, I’ve got you. Are you okay?”

Swiping the hair from her face, she glanced up, only then realizing he lay on top of her. His hands on either side of her face, pinning her with magnetic chocolate brown eyes, tempting lips scant inches away, and words failed her.

Oh. My. God.

Her breath hitched, realizing what it would look like if someone wandered in here.

God help her, she didn’t care. He looked even more delicious up close, just as delicious as the first time down by the watering hole. The burning need to kiss him twice as fierce. Her lips parted at his proximity. His body as muscular as she’d imagined, but easily molded to hers. He smelled heavenly, of a clean scented body wash, sexy and all male.

Open, hot desire flared in his eyes, making her lightheaded. She could easily dive into the hypnotic depths of his intense gaze, and drown. Helplessly, her eyes lowered to his lusciously full lips, and that scruffy, sensual as hell facial hair. Making her want to get down on her knees, and beg, for one kiss. She wanted to lean over, kiss the nape of his neck, inhale his intoxicating scent, and nibble every last square inch.

He moved one hand to softly caress her cheek. His stare bore into hers, sending her pulse flying from zero to sixty in a nanosecond. Using the pads of his thumbs to lightly stroke, entice, and tease. Moving lower still, he slowly skimmed down her neck, brushing along her collarbone. Shivers of white-hot need danced a chorus line up her spine. Even if he was only touching her neck, it lit her up. The hard planes of his chest flattened her breasts. Nipples went pebble hard underneath her shirt.

Shaking her head, she tried to break free of the spell he had her under. Tried to erase the erotic thoughts running freely through her mind. She finally forced her gaze to meet his. “I’m fine,” she murmured against his mouth, but made no motion to move.

Coming to her senses, she lightly tapped on his chest and he rolled off of her. She brushed her jeans off, and put herself back together. “I’m fine,”—she repeated—“thank you for your help.”

He cleared his throat. “Not a problem.”

Normally she favored T-shirts while working, but today, she was thankful for the extra layer of her jacket. It had hidden her shame. Her attraction wore down a little further each day, growing stronger, and she felt powerless to stop it.

The barnyard incident had been an accident, albeit a happy one.

Alex drove home with those particular thoughts on repeat, unable to shake the images, the memories, free. Lush, feminine curves, easily melded against him, beautiful, dark chocolate colored hair, fanning about porcelain skin, and an angelic face. And who could forget that sinful perusal of hazel eyes, roving toward his mouth? Drawing him in, and my God, desperation almost made him give in to her obvious invitation.

He grinned, thinking of all the improper things he wanted to do to Charlie. Right there in the middle of the barn, and in broad daylight no less.

Good grief, even if he’d been tempted as hell for more, he feared one kiss would not satisfy his appetite. He pulled into the driveway, sending the sexy daydream scattering. Which had been happening more often than not lately. He wanted to ask her out on a date, but held back. A big helping of guilt over withholding his true purpose, and identity didn’t help matters.

That was the problem. What would happen if they become involved beyond employer and employee? And speaking of which, he needed to find a way
not
to accept any money from them. He didn’t need it, but how in hell was he going to work his way around that one?

With these somber thoughts he walked into his condo, and flicked on the lights. Removing his jacket, he tossed it on the floor because it desperately needed washing. Looking at himself in the hallway mirror, he felt ashamed and confused. He had to start writing down information as he took it in: the lay of the land, proximity to town, any other desirable traits, or notations.

Honestly, though, he didn’t give a flying fuck.

His dad wasn’t harping, but was afraid he’d start soon.

He made his way into the kitchen, seeking a cold drink. The ringing phone blessedly cut off his train of thought.

“Hi, Dad. What’s up?”

“I don’t know son, you tell me. What’s the latest news about the land?”

Alex let out a deep breath as he poured himself a glass of orange juice. He tried to think about how to explain this, but couldn’t think of a suitable lie so he opted for the truth. “I haven’t got much news to tell you, I’m sorry.”

There was a long pause at the end of the line, then, “Well, okay, can you tell me why?”

His dad didn’t sound angry, just honestly curious. Or at least he hoped so.

Alex took a seat on the barstool, and rubbed his hand over his eyes. “Because I like her, Dad.”

There, he’d said it out loud, and boy had it taken a complete burden off his shoulders. Well, not exactly because he knew things would only get more involved, and for goodness’ sakes he hadn’t even kissed her. Yet. Good grief what would happen then? Or they went on a date and had a great time, and he kissed her some more . . .

It would be the beginning of the end.

Then he remembered one of her smiles, and his heart beat double time. Even this early in the game, he’d kill for one of her smiles.

“I suggest you try your best, Alex. You know how important this deal is to us. Keep me posted.” His dad hung up.

Alex bit his tongue. He knew exactly how things would progress, and it had absolutely nothing to do with the business deal.

Charlie blew a lock of hair out of her face. Indian summer was in full swing, as a thick, warm haze filled the barnyard. Her clothes grew sticky from the dampness. They’d finished the usual, run of the mill routines, and were now finishing the horse stalls.

It was mid-morning, but she didn’t care as she asked her question. “Do you like ice cream?”

Swiping the sweat off his brow, Alex smiled. “Who doesn’t?”

“Let’s take a break and get some. There’s a neat place in town that has the best custard you’ll ever have.” She gleefully rubbed her hands together, already making her way to wash up.

He followed suit, and ten minutes later, they hopped in her truck and took off. She rolled her window most of the way down, allowing somewhat of a breeze to flow through, whipping wayward tendrils about her face.

They arrived to a minimal crowd at
Dolores’ Custard
, a small hole in the wall shop that had been around since the fifties. A tall, wooden strawberry cone hugged the side of the building, the chipping paint showing its age. The freestanding building only offered outdoor seating, but had the best, richest custard you could ever find. Her tummy grumbled, and her mouth salivated at the idea of it. Two outdoor speakers stood guard on either side of the building, and Paul Anka sung about whispered words, romance, and dancing close. She loved the fifties and sixties music piping through.

Removing the confines of her disheveled ponytail, she gently finger-combed her hair before throwing it in a messy, loose bun. She double-checked her appearance in the mirror, glancing sideways at Alex. Finding his eyes trained on her, but when she caught him, he cleared his throat and looked away. She said nothing, but my gosh, he could certainly be adorable sometimes.