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

  Her heart beat rapidly, and her body screamed to be satisfied. She encouraged him, “I’m not going to say no if that’s what you’re waiting for.”

  “To pleasure you? I’m confirming with myself this isn’t a dream.”

  His hand didn’t move. She couldn’t lie still, while his lips nuzzled her breasts taking her deeper into forgetfulness and bliss, but he moved his hand and pulled away. “I can’t do this tonight.”

  “Oh…” Breathlessly, she opened her eyes. The look on his face was one she never wanted to forget. She pushed her fingers into his hair. A quick flash of Rhett’s face appeared in her mind, but she focused on Wade and his fabulous Elvis hair. “I hate your willpower, because I want you so badly.”

  “I want you, but we won’t take a chance.”

  She moved her hand down his chest and lower, sliding her fingers over the front of his jeans. Wade grasped her hand, whispering, “Uh uh. Relax.”

  Sophie stretched out beside him, sighing. He slid his warm hand over her midriff. She opened her mouth for a breath, but he pressed his lips to hers. As they kissed slow and romantically then wild and intimately, she knew this man was something special.

  Wade moved his hand to the center of her chest and pulled away from their kiss. Her heart pounded against his palm. Sophie released a long sigh. She opened her eyes to find him with a soft smile on his face and a longing in his sad eyes.

  He was the first guy she’d dated since Rhett, and she landed in bed with the second man she’d ever been this close to. Her senses returned. What had she almost done? “Move.”

  He rolled to his back. “What’s wrong?”

  She sat up and covered her face with her hands.

  He lay his hand on her back. “I was afraid this would happen. You didn’t do anything wrong, Sophie. I’m not a fly-by-night kind of guy, but you don’t know that yet. It’s true, you don’t know me, but take the time. You won’t be disappointed in what I have to offer.”

  I know. “I’m not sorry, but more like shocked at myself for bringing you into my bedroom. I’m embarrassed.”

  Wade pulled his shirt on. “I’ll go. You can’t be more shocked than I am. Don’t beat yourself up. This wasn’t a mistake to see each other this way. We’re responsible adults. We didn’t do anything.”

  “My son’s in the other room. What kind of mother am I? I barely know you. You could’ve been a psychopath, idiot, murdering—”

  “But I’m not.” He sat on the bed and took her into his arms. “What you see is what you get with me. I’m the one who should apologize. I shouldn’t have—”

  “Don’t be silly. I encouraged you on the balcony then took you to my bedroom…and begged.”

  “Don’t feel like you did something wrong. When the time comes that we…if we, when we make love, you won’t be betraying anyone.”

  Wow, he was right. She couldn’t betray someone she no longer had, though her heart hadn’t fully received the message yet. Her son took to Wade, and that was surprise enough. “I know, but it feels like betrayal.”

  “It probably will for a long time. I’ll leave, but I’ll be back in the morning to take you guys to breakfast and the airport. I hope to God I see you at home.”

  “I wish I could be here for you when, you know, with your brother.” She nodded toward the bathroom. “Could you get my robe from behind the door?”

  He washed his hands then brought it to her, watching as she slipped into the green silk robe. She stood at the side of the bed. He embraced her. “You have a beautiful body. You’re a fantastic woman. Everything’s going to be fine.”

  She put her arms around him, and her robe fell open. He brought her head to his chest and slid his other hand inside her robe and around her waist. The belt buckle against her flesh was cold, but she welcomed the chill. With all the beating up on herself, being in his arms didn’t feel wrong. “See you tomorrow.”

  “Take a minute to reflect on how good it can be. I know I shouldn’t be saying that, not even knowing you. Sometimes a person knows…”

  She agreed. Sophie peered out the window to the darkness beyond the highway and beach lights. She and Rhett had only known each other four months before they married, but they both knew right away.

  Rhett isn’t coming back.

  Sophie kept her head against his chest and halted tears before they fell. “You’re right.” She needed to move her thoughts and body forward. Tonight was a beginning whether she’d searched for it or not. She burned inside for wanting Wade fully.

  He crushed her closer to him. “Look. I don’t know what will happen between us from this point on, but I can’t wait to find out. See you in the morning.”

  Sophie smiled. “Mmm hmm.” Is tomorrow the beginning of a brand-new life?

  ***

  In the parking lot after breakfast, Emmett stood close to Wade. “I can draw you more pictures sometime.”

  “I’ll hang the last one you made in my office. It isn’t much of an office, a few two by fours standing with no walls yet. Your pictures will liven it up a little.”

  Emmett laughed. Sophie smiled and brushed his hair back. “Looks like you’ll be busy drawing horses for a while, but homework first when school starts next month.”

  “Can I see your office sometime, Mr. Emory?”

  “Sure, as long as your mom don’t mind, but it’s nothing more than a room in a barn. Smells like horses.”

  “Phew-ey.” He laughed again. “I don’t care. I love horses! My dad taught me to ride.”

  “Good for you. My business partner has a boy a bit older than you. He’s training him to ride broncs.”

  His eyes widened. “Cool. I want to watch him.”

  “Emmett, how about you take a seat on the bench over there for a minute where I can see you?” She pulled her tablet out of her purse. “Here.” He strolled away with his eyes on the screen.

  “We have to get going to make your flight, Sophie.”

  “I know. We won’t be able to say a proper good-bye at the airport. I need a private minute with you.” She put her arms around him and he embraced her. “Umm, this is nice.”

  Wade’s warm lips pressed against her neck. “See you soon. I swear I’ve known you forever.”

  “Yeah, it does seem like it, huh. Give me a kiss now before we leave.”

  Wade glanced to Emmett who had his eyes glued to the screen. He tipped her face until they gazed into each other’s eyes. Their kiss began slowly but turned passionate in no time, like two lovers’ lips would. Pulling apart was the last thing she wanted to do, but she had to. “I’ll never leave if you keep that up.”

  His voice deepened. “Maybe it was my plan.” He gave a cocky grin.

  Sophie smiled. “Mine too. Emmett, come on.”

  He held the car door for them both. They drove in silence to the airport. A text came in on Wade’s phone, but he didn’t check it. Wade pulled up at the door and popped the trunk. He put his arm around her and pulled her over for a kiss in front of Emmett who didn’t say anything. She placed her hand along his jaw and gave him another light kiss. She truly hated leaving him this soon. Her eyelashes fluttered involuntarily. “Ready, son? Let’s go.”

  Wade got out and removed their luggage from the trunk. “Have a good flight, you two.” He winked at Sophie. “I’ll be thinking about you.”

  “Ditto, mister.” She stood on her tiptoes to give him a hug. Sophie took her luggage handle, nodded for the boy to get his, and they walked on. At the doorway, they both turned back. Emmett waved, and she smiled. He stood there looking so good with a yearning look in his eyes she’d grown to know in a matter of days and an hour in her bed. “Farewell.” They went inside, but she looked back one more time and smiled before the doors closed. I look forward to seeing you again, Mr. Wade Emory.

  ***

  Wade watched them walk away—Sophie in her dark denim jeans and the same red top she’d worn the day he met her. She carried a light denim jacket over her arm. Emmett looked and ac
ted like the typical boy his age, but his gift for drawing went well beyond his years. He sighed then got in the car and drove to the hotel for some rest.

  Without looking at the text until he got there, he knew what it’d said. The mortuary had picked up Heath’s body to deliver to the funeral home then the crematory. After leaving Sophie last evening, he’d spent the night at the hospital at his brother’s side until his final breath. He never knew his brother like a brother should. In his drugged state, Heath had told him something he’d found hard to believe. Time would tell if it came true and Sophie really was the one, as his brother had predicted.

  Their parents had sent Heath away as a teen to live with their grandfather to keep him out of trouble. It never worked. He ended up in and out of jail, moving from one woman to another, drinking and using drugs, and then had poor health until he died. His parents had become stricter with him, no doubt to ensure he didn’t turn out like Heath. If they only knew the shenanigans, both legal and illegal, Wade had weaseled his way into and out of.

  Before he’d left for college, Wade had promised his parents he’d give Heath, and them, a decent burial if it ever fell in his hands, not that he’d ever expected to do it. The deed was done. He’d made the arrangements for all of them. No one was left except a cousin here and there. No one would come to the memorial except his friends in Canyon Junction. Not many remembered Heath there, and those who did, didn’t much like him. Heath had made a life for himself here and finally had true friends. Wade felt good about that, at least.

  He checked a text that came in from Jake Lawton. Did you lose your mind last night? You’re not married are ya?

  Instead of replying, Wade called him. “Hey, Jake. I’m still single. How’s it going there?”

  As usual, the background sounds proved Jake worked in the supply barn, and music blasted near the phone. “Don’t worry about this place. How’s your brother?”

  “He passed away before dawn. First, I have to take care of a couple things here, but I’ll be coming home a day early.”

  “Stay the extra day, Wade. Chill out on the beach.”

  “Nothing here for me to stay for now. I’ll be at home a few days before returning to work, but I’ll pick up my horses, unless you need me sooner. Thanks for checking, Jake.”

  “Again, I’m sorry about Heath. Take care of yourself. Catch ya Monday.” Jake hung up.

  Once he arrived back home, he’d talk to the funeral director about a memorial service. After that, life would carry on. It’d be nice if Sophie and her boy were a part of it, but he wouldn’t count on seeing her again. At home in her safe surroundings, with pictures of her husband, memories, and comments from friends and family, it would invade her thoughts.

  Last night he’d lied about not having condoms, to give her an out she didn’t know she needed. Now, he’d be like she’d said—a memory to ‘take away her loneliness’ for one moment if nothing else.

  Shit, life sucks sometimes.

  He could’ve so easily had his own selfish pleasure, but today he’d call himself a number one asshole for taking advantage of her. As bad as she’d felt after their rendezvous in her bedroom, if they’d made love, today she would’ve hated herself and maybe him. Sometimes he made the right decisions. Sometimes.

  Chapter 4

  Two weeks after flying home from the Pacific, Wade carried his mug and plate into the kitchen. Friends Judy Carlson the matriarch at the Double Dutch Ranch, Gracelyn, and Beth Lawton helped to clean up dishes and wrap leftovers. “Thanks again, ladies, for taking care of food and dessert for Heath’s memorial.”

  Judy patted him on the back. “No need to thank us, sweetie. You know we were happy to do this for you and your brother. Your mama and daddy would be proud of you.”

  “Tell your friends from the senior center thanks for their help. I don’t think I caught them all before they left.”

  “Will do.” Judy gave him a friendly smile while stacking brownies on a plate. Beth carried it into the dining room. The kids were the first to discover them. Gracelyn carried the coffee pot around to refill cups for the remaining visitors.

  The turnout had been good, but most were friends and acquaintances of his, as he’d expected. Wade appreciated they took the time to come. Though he’d contacted his cousins, neither bothered to show. He strode to his back patio to get a breath of fresh air. Dane Carlson followed him out.

  “How you doing, Wade?”

  He peered at his best friend since high school. “I’m okay. The worst is over. It’s done. He died like the life he lived. Struggling.”

  Dane stood beside him at the railing. He eyed the back-acreage same as Wade, barn smells blowing their way. “You know I would’ve gone to California with you, if you’d let me. My brothers would’ve taken care of my ranch.”

  “I know. It all worked out.”

  “A guy shouldn’t have to go through that kind of thing alone. You were there for me when my dad died.”

  Wade hesitated. “I did what I had to do, and… I met someone there.”

  “Someone? You mean like a woman?”

  Wade chuckled. “Yeah, a woman. She’s from Queen Creek believe it or not. I went to the Pacific and met someone from home. We hit it off right away.”

  “Ah, I’m glad to hear it. Bring her over for dinner one night. Wait. Let me check with Gracelyn, first.”

  “About that. I haven’t heard from her since I’ve been home, and she left California before I did.”

  “Man, sorry.”

  “I didn’t expect to either. You know how it is, Dane.”

  “Yep. Your luck with women sucks. Hey, I did my part by getting you set up with Bambi over at the school where Brenna works.”

  “Smartass. She’s barely out of college. What the hell? My dates are usually fun while they last, though. This new one has a kid. A son almost nine.”

  “That’s a whole new box of tools to work with, Wade.”

  Wade took a minute to check a text message alert. He widened his eyes while reading it: Hiya, remember me? It’s Sophie. How have you been?

  He’d be better off to let this go unanswered. But he couldn’t ignore her. Two weeks late is better than nothing. He sent a message back: My brother’s memorial is today. Kind of busy with company here at my house.

  She replied: I’m sorry. Text me later if you’re in the mood.

  Wade peered at Dane. “How weird. This is her. You’re good luck for me.”

  “Okay, whatever. You didn’t say that when I used to get you in trouble. I’m grabbing one of those brownies before the kids eat them all.” Dane nudged Wade’s shoulder on his way inside.

  Wade sat on a bench and checked the text again. Text her later? It’d been more than two weeks, and if he let it go now, maybe he wouldn’t think of her again. He only fooled himself. She got under his skin like a sliver. He replied: Sure.

  A little while later in the kitchen, Wade confiscated the last brownie and poured a glass of iced tea. Dane came out to the kitchen and poured himself tequila. “When are you seeing her.”

  “I don’t know if I am. She might be grieving for her deceased husband. I don’t know if she’s ready. We…I almost slept with her.”

  “Damn, Wade. Move fast much?”

  “You should talk, Carlson. Should I ask Gracelyn how she feels about that?”

  “Guilty as charged.” A little boy ran up to Dane and wrapped his arms around his legs. “Hey, little cowboy, whatcha up to. Stay away from that dessert before Mama gets after you.” Dane pulled a bandana from his pocket and wiped the boy’s mouth of brownie crumbs.

  Wade laughed. “I rest my case, fast mover.”

  Dane picked up the boy and laughed. “Roger that, smartass. Maybe that’s what she wants to tell you.”

  “Daddy, you said ass.”

  “I’ll probably say it again, Will, but I don’t want you to say it. Grandma will have you putting money in her cussin’ jar, and she’s right in there to hear you.”

 
Wade ruffled up Will’s blond hair. “Like father, like son, huh? He’ll give you hell one of these days.”

  “I’m telling on Wade, Daddy. He said a bad word, too.”

  Wade took a dollar out of his pocket and handed it to Will. “When you go to Grandma’s you can put it in her jar for me.”

  Dane smirked at Wade. “Maybe in nine months you’ll be out here holding a kid.”

  “Yeah, wouldn’t you all like that? I said I almost made… I would’ve used something for Pete’s sake.”

  “So did I. Where’d it get me?” Dane smiled at Will and brushed hair out of his face. “Right, son?”

  “Yep, Daddy.” He reached for Dane’s glass. “Can I have a drink?”

  “Now you want tequila, too? No way.” Dane put him down, asking Wade if he had any milk.

  “Yeah, there should be some in there.” Wade finished his iced tea. Gracelyn called his name from the doorway. He spun around. She wasn’t alone nor the only brunette standing there. “Sophie. Wow, how’d you know where I lived?” He strode over to meet her. Her pretty smile beamed forth, but her gaze went to Gracelyn and then him again with question.

  Gracelyn waltzed over to Dane and slipped her arm around his waist. “Shall we go inside, honey. Talk to you later, Wade. Come on Will.”

  “Hold up, Dane.” Wade did a quick introduction, “Sophie, meet Dane and Gracelyn. Dane’s my buddy from way back.”

  Dane nodded. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.” Him and Gracelyn left to go back into the living room. Gracelyn smiled at him over her shoulder.

  Through the door, Wade spotted Dane snickering and staring at them. Dane gave him thumbs up. Wade popped up a middle finger behind Sophie’s back. “Come on, let’s go outside a minute.” He held his hand against her back, escorting her out the patio door. “You caught me off guard. Thanks for coming.”

  “This morning I thought of you. I have since I came home. After the text, I looked you up and found your address. At least I hoped it was yours. Thankfully, your name is on the mailbox. I wouldn’t have come over unexpectedly if you hadn’t said it was your brother’s service, so I thought I’d pay my respects.” She hugged him, saying. “I’m so sorry. I’m not stalking you or anything. When did he pass away?”