Resistance Page 22

  “I’m stranded on the side of the road. The car won’t start. Damn thing just puttered to a stop,” she grumbles.

  “Where are you?” I growl. I knew that car was a piece of shit.

  “Uh, 220 southbound, there’s a sign for Tinker Creek,” she answers.

  “Is there anything near you? A store?” I ask.

  “Not that I can see. I’ll walk a bit, though, if you want.”

  “No, it’s okay. I’ll leave now. Should be less than an hour, hang tight.”

  “Okay. Hey Sawyer...” she calls.

  “Yeah?”

  “Sorry for being an inconvenience.”

  “Shut up. You are the only thing that was on my schedule for today,” I flirt.

  “Oh?”

  “Yes, but there is a storm coming, I need to get on the road now. Stay in your car.”

  “Yes sir.” She laughs before ending the call.

  I slam my hands on the steering wheel in frustration. Of course her dilapidated car would choose to break down in a freak snowstorm. I’m going as fast as I can. The visibility is slim to none and cars are off the road every mile or so. The blizzard we’re getting is worse by the second. What should have only taken me forty-five minutes has now reached fifty minutes and I’m still five miles from where I think she is. The sky is so dark that I had to turn on the headlights. It makes the thick snowflakes look like they are moving at warp speed in front of me even though I’m crawling along.

  As I approach the turnoff for Tinker Creek I can't stop my heart from racing. I’m going to see her. Any second that crappy old car will appear in my line of sight and with it Pepper. I see lights flash. The old junker is tilted at a funny angle to the road. I slow to a stop ten feet from her rear bumper. The snow falls rapidly around Pepper as she steps out of the car, teeth chattering. She’s not wearing a coat. She probably didn't pack one because who the hell could have predicted a freak snowstorm at this time of year? She starts walking toward the truck. I roll all the windows down and yell to her.

  “Stop!”

  She freezes in place, staring at me like I’m insane. Quick as I can, I hit play on the Thompson Twins’ “If You Were Here” track in my Spotify list and crank the truck’s volume full throttle. Then I exit the truck.

  I mouth, movie moment, to her as I take a few steps closer. Her eyes light up, a mesmerizing smile takes over her face and she runs full tilt at me. I brace myself for impact, boots barely visible in the deepening snow. Time pauses and I feel like I'm waiting for her to kiss me for the very first time.

  Her hands reach out for me as I scoop her up and pull her to my chest. My heart jackhammers through me, drilling right out of my chest and crashing into Pepper’s chest. She stares at me wide-eyed as my eyes roam her face, hair, and everything else I can see. Her arms are squeezing tightly, clinging to me. I cup her rear and squeeze back. Her hands palm my cheeks, drawing my face towards hers. Cold lips meet cold lips and I’m lost in the moment completely. Nothing stays cold for long. I lick her bottom lip before drawing it out.

  Heat. Firey heat.

  I work my lips over hers, our tongues mingling. I’m painfully hard.

  All from a kiss.

  Her lips are divine. I’m not going to stop. She nips my bottom lip before smoothing it with her tongue. She plays with my lip ring, tugging on it playfully and I groan into her mouth.

  She’s fire.

  Finally we peel back from each other.

  “I’m-I’m underdressed,” she stutters out.

  I’m such a dick. I’ve got a coat on, but Pepper’s in a t-shirt and jeans. I back up slowly, still carrying her, until we reach the truck. Placing Pepper in the front seat, I blast the heat and tell her to warm up while I grab her stuff out of her car.

  Chapter 39

  Trapped Truths

  The small fire crackles in the fireplace, putting out meager warmth that we barely feel. Pepper shivers. I tighten my arm around her shoulders a little more. The fire’s down to embers, softly pulsing their red-orange glow. It pops and hisses, its orange tongues dancing. The bed and breakfast under normal conditions would be romantic I’m sure. But we’re here because it became too nasty out to drive any further. We’d checked in to Bailey’s, a tiny bed and breakfast along the creek and as soon as we made it to our room, the inn lost power. I don’t care, though. Nothing could ruin this night for me. Pepper’s snuggled into my side and the fire is at least helping keep us mildly warm. We have the down comforter from the bed pulled down around us as we sit on the floor in front of the fireplace. We pick at strawberries, melon balls, and grapes with some cheese that the owner brought up to us. We’ve barely talked in the last hour. Just a quiet word here or there. Soft touches, hand holding, and chaste kisses between “I missed yous” have taken up the time. It’s lazy and calm and comforting just being in her presence.

  “What’s the biggest thing you took away from your month?” I ask.

  “That life doesn't make sense. It's pretty terrifying to think about. All these random events smashing into each other, playing off each other. Changing courses of action and futures. Whatever you thought you knew flies out the window and you can't figure it out. But, what I’m trying to say is, that’s all okay. It’s okay to just be part of the chaos. To survive it, enjoy it even.”

  “That’s pretty deep,” I murmur into the shell of her ear. She tilts her face to mine.

  “I missed you, Sawyer. I missed what we’ve grown to have.”

  “I missed you too.” I lean in and place light kisses on her face and in her hair as she rests her head on my shoulder, before shifting and moving my kisses further south. A small gasp leaves her and the fire light dances on her skin. I need to feel her, all of her, now.

  “Stop please,” she whispers. I keep going. Her body responds to mine. She definitely doesn't want this to stop.

  “Sawyer.” Her voice is stern now. I halt all movements and look up to her face.

  “We need to talk.” I sit up and scoot back a bit from her. She’s all business now and I’m terrified. “Part of my therapy is to take things slow. To build healthy relationships.” She pauses, shaking her head and blowing out a breath. “What I’m trying to say is, fuck, I’m horny as hell and want to jump you right now, but I’m going to stick with my progress plan and say no. No sex yet. I want to date. You,” she says quickly as shock registers on my face. “Only you. But, I want to date you. Properly. I want a mini- do-over. I want to do this right because I’m this close,” she says timidly, holding up her thumb and index finger so they’re almost touching, “to saying three little words to you. Can you understand that?” Her eyes shift, looking at the fire instead of me. As if she’s scared of what my answer will be. Grabbing her hands in mine, I kiss the inside of each wrist.

  “Pepper, I understand. It makes sense. I will show you what a gentleman is. I will woo you by taking you on proper dates and I will absolutely respect your therapy process and any promises you make to yourself because that’s how much I care.” Before the last word leaves my lips she’s diving head first at me, crushing her mouth to mine. I palm her shoulders and push back, separating our lips.

  “Uh...”

  “Kissing isn’t sex, Mr. Crown. We can kiss all we want,” she smirks before her tongue darts out, running along my bottom lip. Kissing it is, then. I pull her close, devoted to the idea of making out with my woman, all night long.

  Chapter 40

  No Sex Therapy

  Our first two days back to civilization were spent shoveling, making out like randy teens, and more shoveling. After that, Pepper shooed me out the door. We’re not to spend the night together. It’s too complicated given our history and attraction, so she says. I’d given her my best pout, but it seemed to do nothing to change her mind. Day three, Allie and Pepper were over and we’d had an epic snowball fight and snowman building competition followed by an ice cream sundae competition. Pepper’s sundaes were starting to get outrageous. Cheesecake chunks and ice cr
eam with M&M’s sprinkled on top seemed like a bit of a stretch to me, but Allie voted it the winner. When I’d finally remembered to give Greta’s letter to Pepper, it’d brought her to tears. It was only three sentences.

  “I’m so proud of you. You are the lightness to my dark. I’m away for work, not sure when I’ll be able to catch up with you.

  Greta.”

  I’d tried to figure out why Pepper was so touched by her words, or lack thereof, but she told me it was girlfriend thing and I wouldn’t understand. Women are mysterious creatures.

  After that, real life slowly settled in. The snow melted, we all went back to work or school and the days never seem long enough to get in the things I want to do. Pepper started work with Dominic. She’s liking it so far but she’s also dog tired by the end of her shift. Tonight I’ve decided to lay it on thick for her. I want her to feel the way she makes me feel.

  I have a bath drawn, candles burning, and my iPod going in the bathroom with a playlist I’d made just for Pepper. I wait in the kitchen, wine glass in hand for her. The kitchen door swings open and she drags herself in, looking beat after her first evening running Dominic’s club alone. Clara had called and said that things had been slightly busier than normal and that maybe she’d need a little pampering after her day. It was the perfect catalyst for my plan.

  “Evening, love,” I say, holding the wine out to her, smiling. She inhales sharply, looking startled. Zoned out, I’m sure, from her day.

  “Hi, Sawyer, thanks.” She takes the glass, pushes up on her tiptoes, and gives me a soft kiss. I watch as she toes off her shoes, sets her purse down on the island, and sits on one stool. Pushing my hips off the counter, I prowl over to her.

  “Come on, love,” I say and hold out my hand to her. “Bring your wine.” She shoots me a curious look but takes my hand and lets me lead her to the bathroom.

  “Sawyer,” she breathes. “What’s all this?” Taking the wine from her and setting it on the edge of the tub, I turn back to her. The look in her eyes takes my breath away. Beautiful.

  Slowly, I reach around her hips and pinch the edge of her blouse, sliding it up and over her head. Next I pull the elastic from her hair, sending it tumbling down her back in soft, black waves. She stands stone still, not taking a breath or exhaling. I keep my eyes on hers. I reach for the top button of her pants.

  Working the buttons, my fingers graze her smooth skin and a soft groan leaves me.

  She shakes slightly, placing a palm on the back of my hand.

  “Sawyer,” she pleads. I move her hand gently back to her side.

  “Shh.”

  I make short work of the buttons, then weave my fingers through her hair, pull her close, and rest my forehead on hers.

  “Hop in and relax a bit. I’ll entertain myself till you’re done.”

  Then I let her go, closing the bathroom door behind me. My jeans are uncomfortably tight in the crotch. I adjust myself and sink into the couch. This no-sex therapy business is tough on a man. Minutes later I hear her humming along to the song playing and contentment sweeps through me. I grab the remote and turn on the TV with a smile on my face.

  * * * * *

  Forty minutes later she appears in the living room, wrapped in a silky knee-length robe. Hair wet, face clear of makeup, she is the prettiest thing I’ve ever laid eyes on.

  “You are gorgeous,” I tell her. She blushes a faint shade of pink and makes her way to the couch next to me. I pull her closer to me, letting her snuggle into my side. We watch the late night show for an hour like this, her curled into my side, head on my shoulder. Perfect. The moment is simply perfect.

  As time creeps on, I can sense her exhaustion, so I shift our bodies, weaving an arm under her knees, the other around her back, and carry her to her room. She doesn’t protest in the least.

  “I love this,” she breathes sleepily as I walked her around the bed to her side.

  “What’s that?”

  “Being held by you. You make me feel safe, and cared for and...and beautiful, I guess.”

  I freeze and look down at her. Dipping my head to hers, I brush my lips against her forehead and set her on the bed. I cover her up, brush a wisp of a kiss on her cheek, and say good night.

  “Night,” she mumbles. I flip off the lights in the house on my way out, lock the door behind me, and head home with the biggest shit-eating grin. The first bit of resistance has left the building. Mission accomplished.

  Chapter 41

  Proper Dates

  Our schedules are proving difficult to line up. She works most nights and I’m at the shop most days. I silently curse Dominic for his job offer. It’s been weeks since she’s been home and we’ve yet to line up a time for a proper date night.

  Out of frustration, I finally pleaded with Clara to take the Monday shift at Bloodlines so that I can surprise Pepper with a daytime date. Not an easy feat. Daytime dates are hard to plan and for whatever reason feel less magical, as Allie would say. Still, I’m a determined bastard and today is the first proper date.

  I arrive at Pepper’s at eleven a.m. on the dot. I’m taking her to the Lyric. Free popcorn all day Mondays and the classic Casablanca seem like a good date idea for a daytime excursion.

  Leaving the truck idling, I saunter up to Pepper’s front door and knock three times. The door swings open and Pepper greets me with a bright smile. Taking her in from head to toe, I can’t help the groan that escapes me. Her jeans look like they’ve been painted on, accentuating the curves of her hips and waist. A simple V-neck sweater reveals just a hint of the cleavage that I dream about burying my face in. She laughs at my groan.

  “Hello there, stud.”

  “You look good enough to eat,” is the response that leaves my mouth. I take her hand in mine and pull her gently to me before wrapping my arms around her and hugging her.

  “You look pretty edible yourself,” she says and smiles into my chest.

  We walk to the truck pressed together. I open her door, help her up and in, and shut it gently before jogging around to my side and hopping in.

  “Where are we going?” she asks curiously.

  “To the Lyric.”

  “That old movie theatre?” Her brows arch and the corners of her eyes crinkle in delight. It’s one of the sexiest things I’ve witnessed.

  “The very one.”

  “Oh nice! I haven’t been able to go yet. It looks so neat from the outside!” Pepper’s chirpy tone brightens the entire day.

  She’s been so much happier since she’s been back. The sadness in her eyes is lifting a little more each day. She reaches over and rests her hand on my thigh. I keep it there the entire drive, stroking the soft skin of her backhand with my thumb as she chitchats about anything and everything that happens to pop into her mind. It’s almost like she’s a different person. A new revised version of herself and we’re learning each other all over again.

  * * * * *

  Awed by the original 1930s tapestries, the golden glow of the replica lanterns, and the charm of the restored lobby and auditorium, Pepper gawks at me.

  “This place is incredible,” she breathes as we approach the concession stand.

  “Wait till you have the popcorn. It’s the best-tasting popcorn in southwestern Virginia.” Her nose wrinkles slightly but in good fun. “Don’t worry, I’m ordering peanut M&M’s for you too.” I chuckle. Her face splits into an enormous grin and I can’t help but pull her into my side. Her smile could make a smart man stupid. Her arm loops around my waist as mine wraps around her shoulder. The feeling of her pressed against me brings a calmness and peacefulness to me that I don’t often feel and I let myself take the moment to enjoy it.

  “Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life,” Pepper says dramatically as we exit the theater. I’d never seen the movie but it was pretty decent. If I’m honest, though, I’d watched Pepper’s face most of the movie. She’d gasp during the dramatic parts, frown when sad, smile or get that
faraway look in her eye during the romantic scenes. I was mesmerized by her expressions. I sweep her up in my arms. Laughter peels from her in a surprised burst as I swing her around before dipping her backwards and kissing her passionately. Hoots and hollers ring out around us but I don’t take much notice as Pepper’s lips move with mine perfectly. I stand her back on her feet and admire the sexy flush of color her skin is sporting.

  “Every girl needs to be kissed like that,” she says quietly while catching her breath.

  “I’m only concerned with making sure one girl is kissed like that,” I tell her. She runs a hand through her onyx hair and grins at me before taking my hand in hers and lacing our fingers together.

  “How is Allie doing? I feel like I haven’t seen her in ages,” Pepper asks while angling her body towards mine as we drive back to her place.

  “She’s good. Excelling in school. Crushing on boys,” I rattle off.

  “That’s normal you know,” she replies.

  “I know what eleven- and twelve-year-old boys think in their sick little heads.” Pepper laughs a full-bodied sound, filling the cab of the truck.

  “You’re going to have to just get used to it.”

  “I refuse,” I answer flippantly. This earns me another blast of laughter. A broad smile creeps over my face at the sound.

  When we arrive at her house, I throw the truck in park and hustle to her side of the car to get her door for her. She takes my hand and leans into me. Her lips brush mine. The high I get when our mouths meet is ridiculous. I’m smitten and I know it shows. Her soft, exploratory kiss has me vibrating with need. A need that I’m not allowed to do anything about. Her plump lips pull away from mine and she smiles a shy smile at me. She has a grip on me so powerful that one glance from her and I would do anything she asked.

  * * * * *