Chapter Eighteen

Ginger only half-listened as Greg continued to describe the attractions downtown San Antonio offered. From the moment he took her hand in his, a strange melancholy had settled over her. Or maybe it had happened when that couple passed them, their entire countenance exposing they were more than just friends. Whatever was responsible for her change in mood, she recognized she had been lying to herself. Her friendship with Greg was important. She cherished it and would fight to keep it at all costs, but she also knew it wasn’t enough.

A part of her would always want more, and that’s why the tension between them was becoming harder to accept. In all the weeks she had known him, Greg had done nothing to suggest she couldn’t trust him. In fact, quite the opposite.

The only question was, could she risk the threat of having her heart broken again? For all of his wonderful characteristics, they still worked together, and he had a reputation, deserved or not, of playing fast and loose with women.

But that was why she’d developed her list of requirements in the first place. It was supposed to protect her in situations like this. It was her secret backbone to help her walk away when she became weak and susceptible to her own heart.

Greg’s words finally broke through her reverie. Confused about her attitude? What was he talking about? She tried to bring a lightness to her voice she didn’t feel. “That’s a woman’s job, you know. If you aren’t confused, then I’m dropping the ball. But just for the sake of conversation, what are you confused about?”

He didn’t smile. Raising his head, he looked into her eyes. He seemed to be fighting a battle within himself. Finally, he must have come to a decision, but what he said made her breath catch in her throat.

“I’m confused as to why you’re so afraid of me.” His voice was almost a whisper. “You can’t deny you want me, and God knows it’s clear I want you. We’re good together, in all the ways that make a friendship very special. None of that has to change just because we stop fighting the reality we are physically drawn to each other, as well.” A soft smile crossed his face, and he reached out a hand to gently cup her cheek. “I’m not Todd, Ginger. And I’m not Joe, Bob, Tom, or anybody else who let you down in the past. You’re going to have to let the wall you’ve built around yourself crumble sometime so somebody can get close to you. And I want that somebody to be me.”

She swallowed, not able to pull her gaze away from his. He must be a mind reader. Either that, or she had spoken her earlier thoughts out loud. She swallowed again. Was it worth the risk?

She didn’t speak for several moments as her mind warred with her heart. And then suddenly, a sense of calm settled upon her. She had her answer.

“Take me home.”

His face fell, and he looked down at their hands. Then he gave a small nod and stood, pulling her up beside him. “Of course. I’m sorry, Ginger. I promised not to pressure you, and that’s exactly what I did. Just forget I said anything.”

Reaching out, she copied his earlier movement and placed her hand on his cheek. “I want you to take me home,” she said softly as she gazed up at him, “because I don’t think I’d be comfortable in your home.”

His expression turned from one of resignation to delighted understanding. His eyes lit up, and a slow, sexy smile spread across his face. He took her hand from his face and kissed her open palm. “Did you mean it when you said you could run in those heels?”

She shuddered, desire rippling through her from the feel of his mouth. “I, um…I may have been exaggerating a little bit, but I’m willing to try.” She’d do anything to speed up their journey home.

“Not a chance. You’re not getting injured tonight, lady. I want all of you in perfect working condition.” Then his voice dropped, and he pulled her close. “All of you,” he repeated, right before his head lowered and his lips captured hers in a searing kiss.

Desire poured through her. Hunger grew. Instinctively, she pressed her body against his, the groan escaping from his lips proof he was as affected as she was. And just when she was on the verge of yanking him over behind the palm trees in the corner of the alcove, he pulled his lips away and rested his forehead against hers, his breathing loud and shallow. “We better go before we’re arrested.”

She gave a trembling sigh. “You’re probably right.” Still, it would take a while for the cops to get here…

Before she could finish weighing the downside of ignoring basic decorum, she was swept up into his arms, and he was walking quickly back down the pathway.

“Put me down!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide in shock. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I walk much faster than you do, and I’m in a pretty big hurry.”

“People are staring at us,” she whispered fiercely. “Put me down.” She could hear laughter behind them, followed by a spattering of hand claps. With her face on fire, she buried her head in his neck.

“Nope. I’m a man on a mission, and nobody is going to stop me.” He wasn’t even breathing hard as he marched forward, carrying her as though she weighed no more than a duffel bag. Which spoke volumes about his strength…and stamina.

She thought he would put her down when they reached the doors to the hotel, but a very nice young man opened the door for him. Greg never broke his stride. Oh, what the hell. She lifted her head slightly and pressed her lips against his neck, her tongue trailing a small circle on his warm skin. His flesh broke out in goose bumps. Smiling, she moved her mouth to his ear. “Nobody is trying to stop you,” she said, her whisper erotic. “Can you go a little faster?”

He could.

The drive back to her house was made in record time. She hated the new seat belt laws that prevented her from curling up next to him, but maybe the bureaucrats knew what they were doing for once. It would be very easy to distract him from his driving right now. So she kept her hands in her lap and watched the familiar landmarks pass that let her know they were getting close to her house.

They spoke very little during the drive, but the heated glances they exchanged said more than words ever could. She felt anticipation, an intoxication that had nothing to do with the wine they’d drunk at dinner. There was one thing she did not feel, though, and that was fear.

Greg pulled into her driveway and turned off the engine to the truck. The inside of the truck was plunged into darkness. He reached for her hand. “Are you sure?” he asked quietly.

Uncertainty was in his voice, as if he thought she might have changed her mind during the ride home. For an answer, she pulled her hand from his and jumped out of the truck. He’d just climbed out on the driver’s side when she walked up to him and grabbed his head between her hands, pulling him down to plant a hard, possessive kiss on his lips. “I’m very sure,” she said, pulling away and reaching for his hand as she led him to her front door. “Now stop asking questions and follow me, cowboy.”

****

Ginger closed her bedroom door. On the other side of the door, she heard Jack plop down on the floor with a loud sigh before he began to eat his dog biscuit. “He’s never been shut out of my room before,” she explained as Greg walked over to her nightstand and turned on the bedside lamp. “He has a bad habit of jumping on the bed.”

He walked over to her, a mischievous grin on his face. “At least we know your bed won’t fall apart due to vigorous activity.” He placed his hands around her waist and pulled her close.

Her hands reached up to his shoulders, and she cocked her head. “Are you sure you’re up to vigorous activity after carrying me around down at the River Walk? We don’t have to rush this, you know. You could take a nap, if you like.”

Immediately after the words left her mouth, she was swept up into his arms and carried over to the bed where he dropped her unceremoniously in the middle. “Is that a no on the nap thing?” she asked, laughing up into his playful expression.

He reached over and pushed the throw pillows onto the floor, but he picked up the stuffed rabbit leaning against the headboard and placed it gently on the nightstand. She was touched he hadn’t just tossed it on the floor, evidently remembering it was a gift from her father.

He walked to the window and closed the blinds before returning to the bed and sitting down on the edge. With a purposeful look at her, he removed his boots. “That’s a definite no on the nap.” When he stood, towering over her, her pulse raced at the look in his eyes. He placed his knee on the bed and settled one hand on her thigh before it trailed slowly down to her ankle. He leaned over and removed her heels, his strong hands moving feather-like against her skin.

Her shoes thudded against the floor as he swung his other leg up and over her. Straddling her hips, he reached behind her and lifted her to a sitting position. She lifted her arms to encircle his neck as his hands moved to her hair and removed the clip. His eyes deepened as her thick hair fell over his hands. He lowered his head, and his lips began a tortuous journey that started at her jaw and followed a path down her neck. She felt him working the tiny clasps at the back of her dress, and soon the silky fabric slipped down her shoulders.

She lowered her arms to let the dress fall to her waist, and then raised her arms again to loosen his shirt from his slacks. While she unbuttoned his shirt, his hands fell to her waist and began a tantalizing movement up to her breasts. With one deft move, he unfastened her bra and slid the straps over her shoulders. She shrugged, freeing her arms from the fabric, and then pushed his shirt open so she could slide her hands over his smooth, brawny chest.

The faint light from the bedside lamp cast the room into a romantic wonderland, the lacy ruffles on the canopy providing shelter from the outside world. Slowly, they began to explore each other, the only sound their rapid breathing and the soft rustle of clothing being removed. His shirt landed on the floor, and he cupped her face in his hands. “You are so beautiful,” he breathed as he lowered his head to take her lips in a kiss so soft she almost whimpered.

His hands moved to her breasts, cupping them gently and moving his fingers in a circular motion. His thumbs brushed against her nipples, and bolts of lightning shot through her. Desire so strong she thought she would explode from the tension burst through her, and she reached up to thread her fingers through his hair, forcing him to deepen the kiss. After a few moments, when she was about to beg him for more, he leaned forward, forcing her back onto the pillows. He raised his head and looked at her, his eyes dark, clear pools of sensual awareness as, still kneeling, he slid down her body.

When his legs were astride her knees, he reached forward and placed his hands under her lower back, lifting her slightly so that he could pull her dress over her head. He then reached for her panties and quickly stripped her bare, her clothes landing in a heap next to his shirt. She lay there, completely naked, as he climbed off the bed. The satin comforter felt obscenely erotic next to her bare skin.

He removed the rest of his clothes, his eyes focused on her as he stood tall and proud, and one hundred percent aroused male.

Ginger’s breath caught in her throat. Magnificent seemed like such an inadequate description, but it was the best she could come up with right now. Later, when she was free from the fog of desire, she would think of a more apt description for the incredible perfection of this man. Now, though, she was consumed by the intense need to become one with him, to feel her body pressed close to his as they engaged in the most beautiful dance between man and woman.

She waited, her breath shallow and her eyes heavy with longing. With cat-like grace, Greg lay on his side beside her, pulling her into his arms as he captured her heated lips with his and slowly began to explore her body with his hands. She groaned and opened her mouth to accept his demanding tongue, her hands running over his back. His muscles rippled under her touch, proving he was as affected as she was.

Slipping one hand between their bodies, she encircled his arousal. He shuddered at her touch. “Now,” she whispered. “Now.” She didn’t want more foreplay, and she didn’t want more exploring. What she did want was him.

With a moan, he slid one knee between her thighs, rolling her over onto her back with his body following hers. She opened her legs to wrap them around his hips, inviting him to enter. Lost in a sea of emotion, she clung to him as he began to rock gently back and forth, her desire reaching a feverish point. Her release came suddenly, unexpectedly, and her whole body trembled with feeling. Her entire essence detonated in a brilliant burst of color, shooting out from her body in a spectacular fireworks display before slowly drifting back down to earth.

He gently kissed her lips, and then his movements became faster. His ragged breathing let her know his own release was right on the edge. His hold on her tightened, and a low, guttural moan escaped his lips. His body stilled, and his weight rested on top of her. And that’s when the single tear slipped from her eye. She held on to him tightly, hoping he could feel what she couldn’t say out loud. She loved this man. Completely and without contrition. Whatever might happen to their friendship, whatever changes she might face tomorrow, she would never regret what they had just shared.

She blinked rapidly as their heartbeats slowed to normal. She knew love wasn’t part of the deal. Greg might want a more serious relationship with her, but “forever and ever” was never part of the arrangement.

She wouldn’t burden him with a confession of love, knowing it would scare him away. He’d think she was just like the other women he’d been with who demanded a commitment the moment he showed any interest in them. The tragic thing was, she and Greg had probably become such good friends because she spoke so many times of not wanting anything more from him. Regardless, she would cherish this night forever, and in the future, on days she felt lonely and alone, she would bring back this memory of an incredible night with a very special man.

Greg drew in a deep breath and raised his head, shifting some of his weight by balancing on his elbows. He smiled and looked into her eyes. “Wow,” he whispered.

She grinned. “I second that.”

He kissed her lightly. “That was amazing.”

“I second that, too,” she murmured as he kissed her again. And then her eyes flew open in amazement as she felt him hardening again.

His lips moved to her neck. “When I said vigorous,” he mumbled against her skin, moving to her shoulder, “I meant vigorous.”

****

Ginger was awakened by the feel of a wet tongue on her cheek. You’ve got to be kidding me. Nobody had that much stamina. It wasn’t human. But she was game if Greg was…

With a smile spreading across her face, she pried open one eye and turned her head, wondering how much time they had before the alarm went off. Suddenly, her other eye flew open. Less than two inches from her face was a big black head covered in silky fur, the soft brown eyes pleading with her to wake up.

“Not now, Jack,” she mumbled sleepily. She could kick herself for leaving her bedroom door open last night after she and Greg had made a quick trip to the kitchen for ice cream. Her eyes started to drift closed again, but Jack’s tongue darted out, her nose and cheek receiving an exuberantly wet greeting.

She sighed and reached over to turn off the alarm clock, which unfortunately she wasn’t going to need. Casting a look over her shoulder, she hoped she hadn’t disturbed the reason behind her fatigue. But Greg was sleeping peacefully, a small smile on his lips. He was lying on his stomach, his arms crossed under the pillow where his head rested. The sheet had slipped to his waist, and she allowed herself a moment to admire the splendor of his smooth and sinewy back and shoulders.

Her hands had touched every single inch of his perfect body. She had felt his tremors, heard his moans of ecstasy, and received more pleasure in one night than she had in all her past sexual experiences combined.

A lock of his hair had fallen over his forehead, and she longed to reach out and brush it away, but she was afraid her touch would awaken him. He had to be exhausted. They had made love four times, and each time had been more incredible than the time before. Finally, sometime early in the morning, they had crawled out of bed to raid the refrigerator and let Jack outside to do his business. Then, full and sated, they had fallen back into bed where Greg cuddled her gently until they both fell into a deep sleep.

All of a sudden Jack shoved his cold nose in her hand, reminding her she had another male to think about at the moment. “Okay, okay,” she whispered, carefully slipping out of the bed and padding to the bathroom where she emerged a few minutes later wearing her short terry robe. Jack raced down the hall ahead of her, his nails scratching loudly against the floor as he ran for the back door. Wincing at the noise, she quietly closed the bedroom door.

A few minutes later, with a fresh cup of coffee in hand and her dog happily chewing on a biscuit, Ginger pulled a chair into the living room and raised the blinds on the window. The sun should be rising soon, and she wanted to greet this new day head on. This new day where everything had changed.

She sat Indian-style on the chair and sipped her coffee, her thoughts surprisingly calm. She should be frantic, panicked at this turn of events. She’d broken all of her rules, and all within a very short period of time.

Across the street and over the top of her neighbor’s house, the darkness of night began to lighten into differing shades of gray. The old oak trees were still, standing in their magnificent glory as if they too awaited the beginning of a brand-new day. Jack had settled beside her, his big head conveniently located where she could easily pet him.

She had come to San Antonio with her goals and dreams firmly in place. Stay strong and independent, make a fresh start, cleanse her mind and heart from the toxicity of lies and cheating. And then one day, after she was settled in her career and her home was completed, reach out to find the perfect mate, one who held all the characteristics she had painstakingly written down on paper.

Well, she’d leapfrogged over the order of her goals and danced unafraid in the ring of fire. How could she have been so stupid as to think she could have a strictly friendly relationship with Greg? When sparks of awareness crackled every time they were together? Groaning, she lowered her head into her hand. Stupid, stupid, stupid…

She knew the moment Greg walked into the room. Jack’s head turned, his ears perked up, and his tail thumped on the floor. She lifted her head and turned, but she was unprepared for what the sight of him did to her. The light from the bedroom faintly surrounded him in an ethereal glow as he stood with his hands on his hips and his head tilted slightly. He was barefoot, wearing the slacks from last night with the top button casually left undone, and he hadn’t bothered putting on his shirt.

“Good morning,” she said softly.

A slow grin crossed his face as he walked toward her. “Good morning.” His voice was deep and husky, evidence of too little sleep. He stopped in front of her, leaned down, placed both hands on the arms of her chair, and lowered his head. His kiss was gentle and long, and she relished the taste and feel of his lips on hers. She closed her eyes tight, praying the tears forming would not spill over. Her hand reached up and gently curved around the back of his neck, her fingertips brushing against his hair as she burned this moment in her mind.

The final curtain had fallen on their relationship, and her heart was breaking in two.