Hooked By Sundown (Canyon Junction: Hearts In Love Book 3) Read online

  “He had his arm around you, Mom. Don’t you miss Dad anymore?”

  She embraced her son. “Honey, I’ll always miss your dad and be sad that he isn’t with us. Your daddy told me not to be sad if something happened to him. How can I not be? I loved him so much.”

  “It’s okay, Mom.” Emmett wrapped his arms around her waist. “You can be happy then and don’t be sad. Can we still visit Mr. Emory when we get home? I want to see his horses.”

  He accepted her words without questioning? “Ahhh, let me think. Would you like me to read parts of the letter from Dad?”

  Emmett paused pulling at his shirt. “Nah. Not tonight. Is that okay? Just water.”

  Sophie nearly cried. Her son had developed a strength she was yet to find. “I don’t have it here. Anytime is okay. You say the word. Let’s get your drink.”

  Emmett smiled. Her words appeased him.

  “You laughed on the beach and while eating pizza. You haven’t in a long time. You don’t have to be sad, Mom. I agree with Dad.”

  “Oh, you’re so grown up sometimes. I was happy this evening. And you know what? It felt good to laugh.”

  “I need some water.” He left her and padded to the kitchen part of the suite.

  Chapter 3

  Standing on the pier this way, he thought about things he shouldn’t. He’d been in this place before with a woman. Tonight, he and Sophie stood closer, gazed at each other longer, touched more often. This could end Saturday when they went their separate ways. “How do you like it out here, Emmett?”

  “It’s fun. I don’t want to fall off.” He leaned over the side as he spoke, until his mother placed her hand on his back.

  “Me neither. I’m a good swimmer. If you fell I’d dive in after you.”

  He giggled, but Sophie commented with a gratifying, “Thanks.” A million things must’ve gone through her mind at meeting someone new. “How about dinner Saturday before our flights leave. We never did compare notes to see if we’re on the same flight.”

  “We won’t be.” Sophie turned away from the setting sun and leaned against the railing. “I’m leaving tomorrow.”

  “What?” Wade stood taller. “Why?”

  “I need to get back. Emmett’s going on a little trip with one of his friends, and I have to plan for it. He’ll need new clothes before school starts. If he doesn’t slow down, he’ll be as tall as you before I know it.”

  “Tomorrow? You’re just telling me?” What had he expected? They weren’t a couple. He’d like it if they were, but here he went again, rushing. He squinted at the ocean where sky met an indigo horizon, blending with coppery-yellow reflections and shades of pink in the clouds. “Well, you have my phone number.”

  “I’m sorry, Wade. I’ve been trying to tell you all afternoon. Give me your phone.” She added her number. “There you go. Now you have mine.”

  If she struggled telling him specifically, maybe there was more on her part then she wanted to let on. He took the chance and grasped her hands, pulling her close. Emmett paid no attention, and she hadn’t stopped his advance. “Call me when we’re both home.” He kept his voice low. “Aren’t you curious to see if this can go anywhere?”

  She nodded without meeting his gaze.

  Disappointment brought him down. He thought they’d have a couple more days to get to know each other. “What time do you leave tomorrow?”

  “In the morning at eleven o’clock. We can have breakfast if you aren’t busy.”

  “All right. I might be a few minutes late. Will you need a lift to the airport?”

  “I planned on taking the shuttle from the hotel.”

  Wade squeezed her hand. “Let me take you.”

  “I’d like that.” She spoke to Emmett, “Let’s walk to the end of the pier.”

  She took Emmett’s hand but continued holding Wade’s. In fact, she held his hand tight. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it then slipped his arm around her shoulder. To others on the pier, they looked like a happy family. Again, he went back to the place of doubt when it came to women—the one taunting him—the one trying to convince him that maybe a family like this wasn’t meant to be.

  “Enjoy the rest of your stay.” She eased her arm around his waist.

  He glanced out at the horizon again. “Can we spend some time together later tonight?”

  “Come back with us. I’ll make some popcorn and put a movie on for Emmett.”

  At the end of the pier they stood in silence. They’d only met a few days ago but the short timeframe seemed impossible. The sound of waves slapping against the pier and exclamations of how beautiful the sky appeared from those surrounding them, was the only sounds he heard, other than blood pulsating through his ears. Had she felt anything close to the same? He hadn’t meant to fall so hard, though he reminded himself of his bad habit.

  At the last ray of sun setting below the horizon, Sophie moved away. “Come on, Emmett. Let’s go home. I asked Mr. Emory in for a while.”

  “Good. I have a picture for him.” The boy grinned.

  “Horses?” Wade asked.

  “I can’t tell. It’s a surprise.”

  “Looking forward to it.” He and Sophie walked all the way back to the hotel, hand in hand. If this was the end, he wanted to remember each minute. “Want me to pick up a bottle of wine?”

  “You can. This time choose what you like.”

  “It’d be beer.”

  “That’s okay, as long as you take what’s left with you.”

  “Deal. I’ll see you to your room first.”

  ***

  While Emmett changed into his PJs, Sophie refreshed her makeup and brushed her hair. She’d become aware of how her heart raced, and a sensation of warmth covered her. Upon hearing a knock, hair stood up on her arms. Before opening it, she peeked through the peephole then let Wade in. Sophie had the urge to fall into his arms. Instead, she took the six-pack he handed her along with a package of sixteen-ounce plastic cups.

  “I didn’t know whether to get anything for your boy. I noticed you ordered milk with pizza the other day.”

  “Because of the time. He drinks soda but not near bedtime.” Sophie lowered her voice. “He won’t last long.” She smiled and handed him a beer then opened one for herself but poured it into a cup. She handed him a cup.

  “Sophie, are you sure you have to leave tomorrow. If you want to cut the cost, get a cheaper hotel.”

  “I didn’t pay for this one. My dad gifted it when he found out I was coming here to pick up my brother and pay his fines. Needless to say, I was shocked to see this place. My goodness, but I wish he hadn’t done this. I’m grateful. Emmett loves it.”

  “What does your dad do?”

  Sophie indicated they sit. “He’s an attorney in Phoenix. We have a nice place with a small barn and four horses. His house is big enough for all of us. I help out by cooking and taking care of him.”

  “And your mom?”

  Here it comes. More memories she’d tried to lock away. “My mom passed away not long after Rhett.”

  “Oh, sorry.”

  “I like to think they’re up there together waiting for me.”

  Wade sat forward, his eyes fixated on the floor.

  “Well…I…” Sophie sighed. “I don’t have an explanation.”

  Wade glanced to the bedroom doors in the suite. “Two losses like that so close together had to be hard to take. You don’t need an explanation for thinking your husband is waiting for you.”

  “By the time Mom passed, it was painful for all of us. She suffered through a long battle with leukemia. I miss her every day.”

  “Uh huh.” Wade got up and went to the window. “I’m not here only on vacation, Sophie. I’m calling it that now but meeting you couldn’t have come at a better time. My reason for coming here was to see my brother one last time. I’ve been spending part of my days and nights with him. He’s alone and in the hospital. Dying.”

  She went to him and laid he
r hand on his back. “I’m sorry. Listen to me rambling and you’re hurting.”

  His eyes were sad when he faced her. She hadn’t been mistaken when she’d detected the solemnness about him. “I’m so sorry,” she repeated.

  “Mom, how come the TV isn’t on?”

  She blinked a few times before picking up the remote. “Here we go.” She turned it on but went back to Wade. “We’ll pick it up later.”

  “There’s nothing to pick up later, Soph…Sophie. It is what it is.”

  He called her Soph like Rhett had done. Was it a sign? Had Rhett given his approval of this man? He’d given his approval of someone in her future when he’d written the letter. She needed to know more about Wade Emory.

  ***

  With Emmett tucked into bed soon after the movie started, she handed Wade another bottle of beer and they went onto the balcony. The salty night air was as pleasant as the company. The predictable sound of waves crashing into shore left her with a calmness. However, he’d been quiet all evening. “Do you want to talk about your brother? Is he older or younger?”

  “He’s older by five years. I had to make his arrangements. We don’t need to talk about him.”

  Were the two of them all that was left of his family? Sophie wanted to hear more. Maybe he needed to get it out. “Made arrangements?”

  “Yeah. His ashes will be sent to me at home where I’ll do a memorial service for people who knew him there. His friends here have already said their good-byes.”

  This would be a weird question, but she wanted to give him a chance to talk about him, if he needed it. “Why did he live here?”

  “It’s a weird story. I don’t want to talk about it on our last night.”

  “But why did you have to take care of everything alone?” She treaded to places that were none of her business. Sophie got up to sit on his lap, tenderly pushing his hair back. “I don’t mean to pry.” Yet, that’s what she did.

  He gazed at her while dropping a lock of hair over her shoulder. “Talking about death must bring it all back to you. I can see you’re still healing.”

  “I’m ready to move on. Rhett, my husband, wrote me a letter. I guess all the soldiers write a final good-bye in case—”

  Wade placed his hand against her face. “Sophie?”

  She tiptoed her fingers around his shoulder, losing herself in the moment and the emotional warmth of being on his lap, of touching him. Their gaze connected and she leaned in and kissed him. His hand slipped to the back of her neck, holding her through the kiss. When it ended, she felt comfortable enough with him to lie her head on his shoulder. “I hate to leave. I’m falling.”

  He sat straighter in the chair and wrapped his arm around her. “I won’t let you fall.”

  Sophie laughed. “I’m falling for you. I don’t believe it, but I’m happy because of it.” She repeated what her dad had said about finding someone at the most unexpected time.

  “Sophie, your words make me happy, but I want you to give this some thought.”

  “I can’t stop thinking about how you make my head spin. Let’s go inside.” She got off his lap, but when Wade stood, he held her around the waist and backed her into the wall beside the door.

  He cupped her face with both hands and leaned in close, staring into her eyes the whole time. “I never expected this to happen.” He kissed her deeply and with confidence. Their kiss was reminiscent of the waves crashing into the shore with a surefire force. His hand reverently caressed her body.

  She wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Her body hungered, longed to be touched intimately, to be loved again, to feel the tingle and near loss of consciousness in a climax while sharing something beautiful. “Wade…”

  He slid the door open then closed it and walked her toward the couch where they lay. His hand caressed the side of her breast. “Soph… You’re a pleasant surprise.”

  “Stop. Stop. We can’t do this here.” She peered up at him, a million questions billowing in her mind like a full-sailed ship on the sea. How could this happen so soon? Could she put the memory of Rhett aside? “Wade.” His chest heaved and she couldn’t prevent her eyes from lowering to below his belt buckle. Without weighing the options or consequences, she took his hand and they entered her bedroom. “I don’t know why I’m doing this.”

  “You shouldn’t be, but…” Right away, breathing hard, he slowly unbuttoned her blouse one button at a time. “Let me look at you.” He opened it to observe her breasts in her fancy green lace bra, then dropped kisses along her throat and clavicle. She tipped her head back and breathed in and out. She wanted him. Here they were. Subtle moans couldn’t be held in.

  There was nothing to lose.

  There was everything to lose.

  If she never saw him again, she wanted to remember this moment. This tumbling around inside of her right now, she didn’t want to forget, and never expected to experience it again with anyone else. She undid his belt, the button, and the zipper. “I won’t stop you. I want to make love.”

  “Are you sure? I can stop this right now and walk out the door. Are you sure?”

  She splayed her hand against her chest as her heart pounded against it. In breathless anticipation, she whispered, “Yes. First, I need to check on my son. I’ll be right back. I don’t expect you to have clothes on when I return.”

  “I’ll wait.”

  Sophie went out her door, closed it, and leaned against the wall with her hands against her face. She didn’t want to think about it because she’d change her mind if she waited too long. Rushing into Emmett’s room, she checked to see if he slept. She smiled at the peaceful look on his face. Taking a deep breath, she left. In her room, Wade still stood dressed, his zipper up and belt closed. She twisted the lock on the door. Tingles overtook her from the heart down. “Did you change your mind?”

  “Ah, Sophie, I didn’t bring protection.”

  “What?” She beheld him with longing and no regrets. “I’ve fallen so hard for you, and even if this ends tomorrow, I want this. I want you as a memory. More if possible.”

  He took a step forward. “Didn’t you hear me? I don’t have condoms. Do you?”

  “Of course not. Check again.”

  “There’s no need to check again. I had no reason to bring any to California to watch my brother die.” He paced to the window.

  She padded toward him, turned him to face her, and lifted off his shirt. She’d almost forgotten what a man’s body felt like and needed a reminder. Sophie closed her eyes and ran her hands down his firm chest, letting her fingers give the description. The pleasure of touching him sent electric currents through her body. This man had no protection… She better stop right now. What was wrong with her? He had a magnificent body. She longed for…him?

  Any answer got drowned out by the distraction of a fluttering in her stomach. Adrenalin made her attentive to each breath he took. She licked her lips but wanted to lick his. “You’re a handsome man. Lord, I want you to take away my loneliness.”

  “Wait a minute. Nah, hell no. I didn’t only want to take away your loneliness. This isn’t a one-night stand. Is it?” He pulled his shirt back on.

  “I don’t know.” It was true. She didn’t know. “I’m tired of being lonely and want to move on.”

  Wade gripped her arms. “I’ve fallen, too, but I’m not a stud service to take away someone’s loneliness. You can pay for that.”

  Sophie gasped at his remark. She closed her eyes and drew him closer. “I don’t want this to end tomorrow when I get on that plane. I don’t want a one-night stand.”

  “It doesn’t have to be, Sophie. If you’re looking for pleasure, I can give it to you in other ways.” He slowly removed her blouse and opened the button on her shorts. They fell to the floor, and she stepped out of them. Wade backed toward the bed and dropped to it. She removed her bra and lay beside him. He leaned on his elbow, gently running his hand over her breasts followed by his lips. Sophie moaned in desire and need. She needed
this. Why? There was no logical answer as to why. He smoothed his fingers over her thighs to her abdomen as his gaze cruised over her body.

  “You’re beautiful.”

  “Wade?”

  He stilled his hand where it rested on her thigh. “Huh? Want me to stop?”

  “No. I want to look at your face.” She smiled, sat up, and caressed his cheek. “Take your shirt off and kiss me.” She lay back down. Gulping, she peered at him after he pulled his shirt over his head. “Tell me you’re not married or attached.”

  “Isn’t it a little late to ask? I’m not,” he whispered against her ear. “Want me to prove it?” Wade stretched out and brought her beside him. He traced her lips with the pad of one finger. “Well?”

  “How can you prove it?”

  “Hold on.” Wade took his phone and texted someone. He read out loud as he typed: Hey, Jake. Am I married? Do I have a girlfriend? He sent it. “This is my business partner.” He brought up the ranch website to prove it to her. “Look. There’s Jake’s name. There’s my name. Do you need to see my license?”

  Sophie covered her face. She’d already checked the ranch after he’d mentioned it the other day. “No.”

  He showed her anyway.

  “You didn’t have to do that.”

  “This is necessary for me. When you land at home tomorrow, I want you to know where to find me.” Then he kissed her with a fervent hunger. Lost in a passionate fog, Sophie’s head swam. She gingerly slipped her tongue between his lips. His met hers. She might die from a desire yet unfulfilled. She was lost in a new world she needed to explore. A text came back in, and they pulled apart.

  No, don’t stop now.

  “Look.” He showed the reply: Hell no, not unless you got hitched between the time I dropped you off at the airport and now. “I don’t want you to have any doubts about who I am. You don’t have to be lonely anymore, but that isn’t why I choose to do this.” He kissed her again. Sophie seductively moved her hips against him. Wade lowered his fingers to touch her, but then held his hand still, a few inches shy of what she wanted touched.