Backroads Read online

  “Stop. You do not need to hear about getting caught by Charlie and Lee, or about me falling in the water because of it. Such a boring story,” I tease, laughing.

  “Oh, this sounds so juicy. You have my number if you want to indulge all the dirty specifics. I’ll be hovering over my phone.” She pulls me in for a hug. “Ew, you really are all wet... damn, Chase.”

  “Oh, shut it and get going. Drive safe,” he says as she walks off to her car.

  Is there anyone else to catch us tonight?

  “That went better than I thought it would,” I whisper to him in the dark.

  When we get near the door, he backs me up to it. “I had a good night, despite everything.” He presses himself against me and tilts my head up to his.

  “I had a good time too. Minus the water. On second thought, that made tonight more memorable.”

  He smiles. “God, you’re beautiful.” He dips his head down and captures my lips with his.

  “Come in?” I ask pleadingly. I’m not ready for this night to be over.

  Swallowing hard, he breathes heavy and leans his head against mine. “Fuck, I want to. My dick really wants to.” He presses himself into me. “But I think we pushed Linda enough tonight—you screaming all night won’t go over well with her or the guests.”

  “Who says I’ll be screaming all night? Plus, I can be quiet.”

  He presses his erection into me again harder and growls, “Trust me, Princess, when I finally have you, you’re going to be screaming. And once I start, I won’t stop till you lose your voice.”

  “Cocky much?”

  “When it comes to pleasing you, yes.” He kisses me, hard and possessive, to prove his point, fucking my mouth with his tongue and reminding me of how he can unravel me in moments. He pulls away with a groan. “Go inside before I can’t say no to you.”

  I don’t want him to go, but he is right—we need to respect Linda.

  I sneak in as quietly as possible and head to my room. I pull his shirt up to my face and inhale deeply, enjoying being wrapped in his scent.

  As I turn around, my heart jumps in my throat when I see Linda leaning against the wall in my bedroom with her arms crossed. “Well, aren’t you as tickled as the cat who caught the mouse,” she says, grinning.

  “I’m sorry, Linda. I should have told you...”

  She waves her hand to stop me. “You’re both grown up. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy. Are you happy?”

  I can’t help the blush as I grin and nod. “Yes. Yes, he makes me happy.”

  “Good. That’s all that matters. You should probably shower and get some dry clothes on.” She points to my wet pants.

  I may have actually skipped into my bathroom.

  I can’t wipe the smile off my face as I walk back to put the truck away. It seems like I’ve waited forever to have Holly in my arms like tonight. I want a hundred more just like it with her.

  If the guys wouldn’t have shown up at the dock, I’d still be buried in her. “Next time, I promise,” I tell my cock and adjust myself in my pants.

  Good thing I’m used to sexual frustration after all these years. The look in her eyes when she went for my belt buckle... “Shut your brain off for five minutes, Hunting,” I tell myself. Or at least till I get home first.

  Before I can even shift the truck into drive, I notice Holly’s shirt and boots still on the floor. Screw it. “Looks like I’m going to see her again tonight after all.”

  I grab her stuff and jump out, then head toward the kitchen door thinking I can sneak in that way.

  Opening the door, I freeze. Caught. Linda is leaning against the counter with her arms crossed.

  “I had a feeling I’d see you again tonight.” She smirks.

  I hold up the boots and shirt as if that is enough of an explanation for me sneaking in. “I’m just returning these.”

  “I’m sure that’s all you were planning on doing.”

  “Ahhh...” My dick finally goes soft after her judgy eyes don’t let me off the hook.

  “I don’t need to know. I can fill in the blanks.” she says, pointing to my still-half-naked appearance. I’m suddenly feeling exposed and cold.

  “There’s only one thing I need to know, then I will give you my blessing to continue whatever it is you two have going on.”

  I had a feeling there would be talk coming. “Okay.”

  “You’ve been talking about leaving on and off. I’ve pretended not to hear any of it, hoping you would change your mind, but now I need to know you’re not going to break her heart and disappear on her.”

  Standing straight, I look her in the eye. “If she’s here, I’m here. I won’t leave unless she asks me. And if for some reason she leaves... I’ll follow her.” I hadn’t thought about it, but it’s true. I’ll follow her wherever she goes.

  “Good answer.” She smiles.

  I breathe out through a smile, feeling better now that she knows my intentions.

  “You’re not going through the house to give her that tonight either. I’m tired and I’m going to bed. I don’t want to be woken up hearing you two doing whatever you may be doing.” She holds her hands out for the items.

  Blushing like a fool, I hand Holly’s things over. Damn if this doesn’t feel like being scolded by your grandma. “Uh, that wasn’t...” I attempt to lie before she cuts me off.

  “Don’t bullshit me. I saw the look on your face when you opened that door. You thought you would tiptoe through the place, knock on her door, and well—other things. Not tonight. Now be a good boy and go back to your cabin.” She shoos me toward the door. “You did good, Chase. I like seeing her smile like that again. And you. Keep it up.”

  For the first time in a long time, I wish I had a cell phone to call her or text.

  As I jog across the yard, I feel every step putting distance between us. This feeling of wanting scares the shit out of me. My brother’s words echo in my mind.

  “How did you know she was the one?”

  “Trust me when I say you know when you know.”

  “But you guys have dated since you were twelve. Did you know back then?”

  “I knew she was it for me when we were ten; she just wouldn’t hold my hand and make it official till we were twelve. Trust me, bro, you’re gonna know when it happens to you.”

  “How?”

  “When you don’t know which way is up or down. When all you can think about is her. When nothing else matters but her and making her happy. Trust me, you’re gonna get hit on the head when you know.”

  Back in my cabin, I walk straight to my closet where my backpack has been stored. I know exactly where the picture is. It’s been sitting here waiting for me.

  It’s of my brother and his wife. Their smiles and the love they have for one another radiate off the worn, glossy photo. It’s still hard to look at, but today I can smile knowing my brother was right after all.

  I take the photo to the mantle over the fireplace and set it there so I will see it every time I walk past it. It’s time I’m reminded of my family.

  Looking at the photo for another moment, I wonder if Holly and I will look like this couple someday.

  God, I hope so.

  Rolling over in bed, I wake with a smile on my face and one name on my lips. “Chase.”

  Thoughts of his fingers filling me, touching the magical spot that got me off in minutes... the way he licked his fingers afterward... My body is heating, bringing me right back to the dock last night.

  I have to get up. I can’t lie here thinking about him all day. After throwing my hair in a ponytail, I grab his favorite shorts. My main thought is to drive him wild today.

  Bouncing through the kitchen door, I’m already wide-awake but still want my coffee. Of course, Linda is already making biscuits and gravy. I should probably start watching what I eat more. All this home-cooked food could have me gaining weight if I’m not careful.

  “Morning, best aunt ever,” I sing, twirling my way over
to the coffeepot.

  Glancing at me out of the corner of her eye, she quirks an eyebrow at me. “And good morning to you too I see. Sleep well?”

  I smile into my mug of coffee. “I did.”

  “Did you actually go to bed? Or sneak out the window?” she asks with a hand on her hip.

  “Oh my god, I wouldn’t sneak out the window.” I’m shocked she would think that. “Not when there is a perfectly good door to sneak out of,” I say jokingly.

  She stops cooking to throw her judgy eyes at me.

  “Okay, I shouldn’t have snuck out in the first place. You know now, so there won’t be any need to sneak anymore. I just didn’t know what to say last night. And I wasn’t sure I was ready to get twenty questions from you.”

  She nods, smiling. “Good. That’s all that needs to be said on it, then. After you’re done with the chickens and help here, do you think you can run into town for me in a bit?”

  I nod slowly. “Sure.” I was expecting more of a reprimand for keeping it from her.

  “Thanks. Also make sure you get the vegetables from the garden early. Looks like we’re going to get some rain today.” She nods outside where you can see lightning far off in the distance. “And stop looking at me that way—you’re a grown-up; you don’t need my permission to go on a date. Just try not to give us a peep show today,” she says, laughing.

  “Did Alexis ever get caught?” I try to imagine my very innocent cousin doing something even slightly out of line.

  “Oh god no! You and I both know that girl doesn’t know how to sneak out or meet up with boys. She was always too busy playing her guitar and writing songs. I still worry she is a virgin—don’t tell her I said that. And if you know the answer to that, please don’t tell me.” She laughs.

  “And that’s my cue to get going.” I laugh with her, wondering the same thing.

  As famous as Alexis is, she is still socially shy, choosing instead to talk through lyrics. She and I spent many nights staying up talking out a song. Those memories make me smile, thinking back to an easier time in our lives.

  Placing my mug in the sink, I feel Linda’s arms circle around my shoulders, surprising me with a hug. “I want you to know I’m very happy you decided to come here, and you are more than welcome to stay for as long as you like. Forever would be best.”

  She’s said this to me before, and I’m getting used to her motherly affection again. I open my mouth to respond, but she shakes her head.

  “That boy makes you smile, and you definitely make him smile. I want more of that for the both of you.” She hugs me tighter, and I wrap my arms around her and squeeze, hoping she knows how much she means to me. She makes me feel... like I finally found my home.

  “Now hurry up and get going before the rain comes, or I’ll make you walk out there in the mud.” She shoos.

  Just like I knew he would be, Chase is waiting for me by the chicken coop, looking delicious as always.

  “Morning.” His smile says so much more than his words. His appreciative glance at my shorts doesn’t go unnoticed either.

  One word from his deep voice, one glance, and the butterflies in my stomach start dancing.

  “Morning,” I respond, hoping I’m not as red in the face as I feel.

  Nothing more is said as we work in silence with stolen glances at one another. His are smoldering, full of want, and it’s driving me insane. The longer he looks at me, the more my body lights up.

  “Stop.”

  “Stop what?” He smiles, showing off his perfect smile no longer hidden beneath his beard.

  “Stop looking at me like you want to devour me.”

  “But I do.”

  And there goes my fresh panties.

  I shake my head to clear the lust clouding my thoughts. “Linda has things she needs me to get done before the rain comes. I can’t do this right now.” But I want to.

  “Hmmmm, the rain.” He runs a finger down my arm, causing my nipples to bud at his touch.

  “Chase.” My voice comes out in a whisper.

  “Holly,” he pleads.

  He’s barely touching me, and it makes me want more. Leaning down to nuzzle my neck with his nose, he places soft kisses below my ear. His short beard scraping along my soft skin sends shocks through my body.

  “I dreamed about you last night.” His voice is tight and gravelly.

  “Oh.” I can barely think about anything except for his touch.

  “When I woke up, my dick was rock hard thinking about you and what we did in my dream.” He lowers his hand to my waist and grabs my belt loops, pulling me against him. “I’m hard right now looking at you in these little shorts.” He grabs my ass, and his hard length presses firmly against me.

  I moan in response.

  “Can I see you tonight? I’ll cook us supper. We can call it date number two,” he says, swaying me in his arms.

  No man has ever cooked for me. Ordered takeout yes. Not cooked. “Is it going to be edible?” I question, looking up at the man who makes my thoughts run wild.

  He laughs. “Princess, I wouldn’t offer if I couldn’t pull it off.”

  “Fine. I’ll let you feed me.” Who cares if it’s edible as long as he makes good on the promise in his eyes.

  “Good. Then I’m going to enjoy you as dessert.” He smirks before crushing his lips to mine for a quick, searing kiss. “I have to go return the battery to Charlie’s truck. And probably give him a ride. Tonight I want to be with you uninterrupted if you decide to strip naked for me again.” He laughs.

  “Aren’t you sure of yourself,” I tease.

  “A man can hope, Princess. I’ll take anything you’re willing to give me.”

  Just to drive him crazy, I run my hand over his erection. “Fuck,” he growls, pressing his forehead against mine.

  “You’re right—you should get going to help Charlie.” I swat his ass as I make a quick retreat out the door, glancing back over my shoulder to see if he’s watching. He’s braced on the frame of the door, looking like he is using it to hold himself back from running after me.

  Seeing him wound up is heady, and I like it. A lot.

  I barely say hi to Linda, breezing through the kitchen to drop the eggs off, then head back outside to the garden. She is right; it’s going to rain today, and the sky is already turning dark to the west.

  Rain makes bored guests cram in the lodge for the day. Thankfully, the big crowd is going home this morning. I think only two families will be with us for the remainder of the week. We can keep them busy with indoor games, movies, and eventually drinking in the afternoon around the fireplace. Games and food all day. Or maybe just Chase all day... and night.

  I quickly gather the vegetables, weed the garden, and head back inside before the rain starts. It feels the quicker I get everything done, the sooner I’ll be in Chase’s arms again.

  My phone has been chiming nonstop for the last couple of minutes. When I see the unknown number, I don’t even need to look at the messages to know what they’re going to say. I’ll deal with them later.

  Linda isn’t in the kitchen when I drop off the vegetables. I go in search of her before heading out.

  Knocking on her office door, I enter to find out what she needs me to get in town, and I find her on the phone. She motions for me to come in and sit, raising her index finger as a gesture for “one minute.”

  I don’t sit though. I opt to walk around the room and look at the pictures on the wall. This is the only place in the lodge where she has family pictures. My cousin is framed everywhere, from her early years to very recently at an awards ceremony. I find my own smiling face in a few from back in high school when I was in a few pageants with her. My beautiful cousin is crazy talented, and I’m so proud of everything she has accomplished.

  Growing up under the same roof most of the time, I think back to Grandma Kelly rocking us to sleep while Linda was working double shifts and my momma was off with a man somewhere. Grandma Kelly would tell us we could d
o anything if we put our hearts in it.

  Linda has so many of her mother’s qualities, from the way she cooks to the way she loves.

  It scares me to think I was following in my mother’s footsteps with Daniel. Was I really only with him for material things? I was shown better than that.

  Looking at one of Alexis’s crowning moments, I find myself in the back ground midclap with a huge smile on my face. I was happy for her. I am happy for her. I’m glad I never let my mother’s words taint my love for her.

  The sound of my aunt clearing her throat behind me snaps me out of my memories. Lost in the past, I didn’t hear her hang up the phone.

  “Can you sit down, Holly?” Her voice is cold. She won’t look at me and is nervous.

  Her attitude is different than earlier, no longer playful and teasing. She sits up, meeting my eyes with a dead calm that startles me.

  Sliding a chair out across from her, I feel the hairs on the back of my neck rising, warning me something bad is coming.

  “Honey, I just got off the phone with a man who claims to be your fiancé’s lawyer.”

  My heart begins to race and my vision blurs while I try to focus on what she just said. My whole body shakes. I know what this is about.

  “What?” How could they find me here? I told no one.

  “His name was Larry Welsh. Daniel’s lawyer. Would you like to explain what kind of trouble you’re really in?”

  Trouble? But I thought... My mind races as I think.

  Bolting from the chair, I start to pace. “Trouble? Trouble? They said I’m in trouble? They told me not to worry about anything.” I start to ramble, nervously twirling my hair with my fingers.

  Her hands clamp onto my arms to stop me. “Holly, why don’t you start at the beginning. Tell me what’s going on.”

  The worry and concern in her voice is exactly why I didn’t tell her. I hate myself for causing that look.