“Sit down. The kettle is almost boiled.”
Alicia tried to read what he was thinking, but it was next to impossible. He’d appeared very relaxed back at the diner, but she’d sensed his underlying anger with the situation. He’d gone quiet when she’d related the tense conversation she’d had on the phone with her mother. She wondered if this was the beginning of the end. Would he decide that now was the time for him to pack his bags and leave town?
She tensed at the thought. Her head throbbed, reminding her that she’d forgotten to take anything for her headache. It was just as well. Pain medication made her sleepy and right now she needed all her senses about her. She’d have her tea and they’d talk. After that, she’d worry about her pounding head.
Why would he stay? He had no ties here. All his friends, the life he’d known for the past twenty years was back in Alabama. His sister, his only real family, was in California.
He’d told her one night that his parents had died in a car crash more than fifteen years ago and he wasn’t close to the smattering of cousins, aunts and uncles that remained.
She’d started this affair, knowing it would end sooner rather than later. His job for her was basically done. There was no reason for him to have to endure any more scenes like he had this morning at Jessie’s. It was a reminder of just what life could be like sometimes in a small town, and it wasn’t always pretty. After having his personal life dragged out in front of everyone, Alicia wouldn’t be surprised if it hadn’t turned him against small-town living and sent him fleeing back to the city. At this point, she wouldn’t blame him.
Gill poured water into a mug on the counter and placed the kettle back on the stove.
He plucked a napkin from the holder on the counter and picked up the mug, placing both on the table in front of her.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Alicia decided it was up to her to begin. “I know I started this…” she waved her hand toward him and then back at herself, “…thing between us.”
The corners of his lips twitched. “Thing?”
“You know what I mean.” She glared at him. “This one-night stand, this affair or whatever you want to call it.”
His face sobered. “How about a relationship?”
“Fine. I started this relationship when I approached you at Shamus and Cyndi’s wedding.”
“I don’t remember putting up much of a fight.” His voice had lowered into the tone she thought of as his bedroom voice. It made her stomach flutter and her skin heat. She tried to ignore it.
“That’s not what I mean and you know it.” Why was he being obtuse about this?
“What do you mean, sugar?”
She closed her eyes briefly and swallowed hard as his tone gentled. The two of them sitting at the table, just talking, was such an intimate moment that she had to blink back tears. Her emotions were close to the surface, but she shoved them back down. She’d get through this no matter what. She wouldn’t give in to tears. She’d gone into this affair with her eyes open. In fact, she was the one who had insisted on keeping it a clandestine affair.
“I knew you wouldn’t be here for long.” Her voice was low and husky with unshed tears. She cleared her throat, taking a sip of tea before continuing. “But I was attracted to you. More attracted than I’d ever been to any other man. Even though I knew better, I thought I could have an affair with you, take what I want and not get hurt.”
“Alicia—”
“No, let me finish.” She stared at him, beseeching him to let her finish this while she still could. “Please.”
He nodded, but she could feel the barely suppressed energy vibrating from him. His body was tense, coiled for action. He held himself still, like a predator waiting to pounce.
She shook her head, amused at her own train of thought. Gill was a civilized man, not a barbarian.
Although the way he was staring at her was anything but civilized, and her body responded immediately. The tips of her nipples hardened, elongating into tight points that pushed at the cups of her bra. Her sex clenched tight, awash with cream that dampened her panties.
Taking a deep breath, she forged onward. “This was an affair, plain and simple. I knew you wouldn’t be staying.” She wrapped her hands around her mug, feeling the warmth seep into her palms. “This has gotten out of hand. You didn’t sign up for a public inquisition or to have your honor and integrity questioned. Your job for me is done. You probably want to leave as quickly as possible, and that’s most likely the best thing to do.”
Alicia didn’t look at him. Couldn’t look at him. She hadn’t thought she was a coward, but had discovered that she was. She couldn’t watch him walk away from her.
Her stomach clenched and she bit her lip to keep from crying.
“Are you done?” he asked, his voice soft, yet firm.
She nodded, still refusing to look at him.
“That’s bullshit. All of it.”
Her head snapped up. Anger whipped through her. “Bullshit?” She’d just poured her heart out to him and that’s all he had to say. “Bullshit!”
“Yes. Bullshit.” He stood up so suddenly the chair tipped over, falling to the floor.
Putting his hands on the table, he leaned forward until their noses were almost touching.
As she watched, his nostrils flared and his lips flattened. “I never asked for a one-night stand or an affair. That was what you wanted.”
She came to her feet slowly, flattening her hands on the table so that the tips of their fingertips were almost touching. “Then what do you want?”
“You,” he growled. Grabbing her by the shoulders, he practically dragged her around the corner of the table and into his arms. Her mug went flying, tea spilling everywhere, but she didn’t care. Their lips met. Clinging. Tasting.
“I don’t know why I want you so damn much,” he muttered as he peppered her face with kisses. “You’re stubborn and opinionated and too blind to see what’s right in front of you.”
She returned his kisses, desperate to touch any part of him she could reach. Her lips coasted over his strong jaw, his slightly crooked nose and his firm chin. “You’re no prize yourself.” She tunneled her fingers into his hair. “You’re stubborn and opinionated too.
And just so damned male.”
He chuckled and then groaned as she hitched her legs around his hips, crossing her ankles at the small of his back. She did it without thought, knowing he wouldn’t let her fall. Her mound brushed against the hard bulge in his jeans. It felt so good, she did it again, this time intentionally. Heat flooded her lower body.
Gill positioned his hands beneath her thighs, holding her steady. He nibbled and nipped at her neck, working his way steadily toward her ear.
“If I’m so bad, why are you still here?” she gasped as he flicked his tongue over the curve of her ear.
“Don’t you know, sugar?” He stilled, his entire body going motionless. “I love you.”
Now it was her turn to freeze. Somehow, she got her lips to work even though they felt as numb as the rest of her. “What did you say?”
Keeping his arms wrapped around her, he turned and pushed her back against the wall. Her breasts were pressed against his chest, her sex against his. It felt natural and right. Perfect.
Using his lower body to keep her upright, he leaned back slightly, clasping her face between his palms. “I said I love you. I know it’s quick, but I’m old enough to know my own feelings. I love your mind, your sense of justice, your sense of humor, the way you see the world around you. I love waking up in the middle of the night and feeling you wrapped in my arms. I love showering with you in the morning, and starting our day together. I love knowing you’re thinking about me during the day, the way I’m thinking about you.” Gill rubbed his thumbs over her flushed cheeks. “I love hearing your voice when I come through your front door at the end of the day.” He kissed her softly, gently.