Family Ties (8 page)

“Are you angry?”

He squatted down in front of her. “Not particularly. What do you want to drink?”

“You got juice?”

“Let me take a look, okay?” He rose and crossed to the fridge, opening the door, then shook his head. “Sorry. No juice.”

“Pop?”

“Yeah, I’ve got some cola. Want some of that?” he asked over his shoulder.

“Yum.” She smiled. “I loves cola.” She looked at the bowl of mints on the table. “I likes mints too.”

“Good. Wait there and I’ll get you a soda while you grab a mint.” He pressed open the tab on the can, then handed it to her.

“Bottoms up,” he said, clanking his bottle against her can. Cocking his head to the noises outside, he looked down at Chloe. “Unless I miss my guess, you’d better hurry up. I think Andie’s calling you.”

“Is she going to be mad?”

“Yes I am.” Andie was standing at his back door.

Gray wondered when the world had been given access to his back yard. In the next house, he was going to build higher fences and better gates.

“Nice of you to join us.” He lifted his beer to her. “Come on in.”

“It’s time to go, Chloe.” Andie stepped into the kitchen, stopping next to the little girl.

“I’se got to finish my pop, Andie.” She lifted her soda in a similar salute, although she quickly added another hand to steady it. “I was thirsty and the man,” she tipped her head toward Gray, “gave me a drink.”

“That was very nice of him. Did you say thank you?”

Her head dropped. “I forgot.” She flashed her dimples his way. “Thank you. I likes pop way better than juice or water.” Her scrunched up face showed exactly what she thought of the latter.

“No problem, kiddo.”

“Can I take a mint with me?”

“Sure.”

“Come on, Chloe. Time to go.” Andie pointed toward the door. “We’ll talk when you get home.”

There was a no-nonsense tone to his neighbor’s voice which Chloe obviously heard as well. Without further argument she took a deep pull from her drink and set it on the table. “All right.”

“Wait in your room for me. I’ll be right there.”

They both watched the youngster leave, this time through the garage entry. “I’m sorry. I don’t know how she got through the front door.”

“She didn’t. Apparently we have a loose board on the fence in the back yard.”

“Depend on Chloe to find it.”

Gray nodded. “I’ll fix it. We wouldn’t want her wandering too far afield.” He nodded to the can of soda. “She can have that.”

“And spark a revolution among the rest of them?” Andie shuddered theatrically. “No thank you.”

Her hair was pulled back in some metal thingey, then trailed down her back. Her skin bore a light sheen from the heat of the day. Gray knew he’d like to see her glow for another reason. One of his making.

As he stepped closer a hint of something tropical, maybe coconut, wafted up to him from her hair.

“It wouldn’t really cause a big problem, would it?” His gaze locked with hers, he lowered his head, his lips fluttering against hers, tasting. The tart sweetness of lemonade tickled his tongue. He loved lemonade he realized as he took her mouth.

He tilted his head for a better angle, then ran his tongue along the seam of her lips, looking for entry. He had to taste her and discover for himself what she was made of. Earth mother or sexy siren? Solid citizen or temptress who could erode his peace of mind?

Looking for an answer he swept her mouth, savoring her taste. He angled his head, seeking the perfect angle and complete immersion. He felt like a man at an oasis after a long time in the desert. And Andie Bowen was the source of his delight.

He wrapped one arm around her, splaying his fingers across her back. Mercy. The top she wore was backless, held together by a couple of scraps of material knotted in the middle of her spine – in the middle of an expanse of smooth, sleek skin. Gray’d never considered a woman’s back to be her best asset, but the silkiness of Andie’s skin nearly undid him. After a day of working with rough, unfinished lumber her skin was a balm to his starved senses.

Her hands fluttered at his waist, then slid around and up his back. The softness of her breasts against him had the same effect on his body as dropping a match into dry grass. He went up in flames.

Savoring the taste and feel of her, he slid his hand between her shoulder blades and up to her neck. Groping with the other for the table, he put his beer down and brought that hand to her waist.

She jumped and pulled back. “Uhm, your hand’s cold.”

He lifted the offender away from her skin. “Sorry.” Then he leaned forward to claim her mouth again.

“I don’t think we should be doing this.”

“No?” he asked straightening slightly. “Why not?”

Andie pulled away from him and ducked beneath his arm. “It’s probably not a good idea.”

“Felt awfully good to me.”

She watched him carefully for a moment, then crossed to the door. “Me too,” he thought he heard her whisper as she disappeared into the garage.

Giving his head a shake, he grabbed his beer and headed to his bedroom. He’d intended to enjoy a cold shower when he got home. Now he needed one.

***

Andie took her glass of lemonade out to the deck and settled into the lounger. Evenings usually cooled off in Calgary, probably because they were so close to the Rockies, but tonight seemed to be the exception to the rule – it was still as hot as blazes out here.

She ran the cool glass across her forehead, enjoying the feel of the condensation before it evaporated. Closing her eyes for a moment she took a deep breath, remembering. It still wasn’t anywhere near as hot as it had been in Gray’s kitchen this afternoon.

What on earth had gotten into her? She didn’t usually stand around letting strange men take possession of her mouth. Especially if there was any risk of the kids seeing them.

But man oh man, he kissed good. Almost as good as he felt.

Apparently her standards had changed, she grudgingly admitted to herself. Not only had she let him kiss her – and thoroughly – but she’d done it in full view of the back yard and the kitchen window. The kids had plenty of opportunity to witness her behavior. She knew how lucky they’d been that Chloe had gone home, rather than double back for another sip of soda.

A flush warmed her cheeks. She’d have dealt with it, but was so grateful she didn’t have to explain herself to the kids. Her heart was beating hard in her chest and her skin was warming from remembering them together. Who’d have guessed her grouchy neighbor would pack such a wallop? Made her wonder what he’d be like in bed.

Given how he’d taken possession of her lips she had no doubt he’d take charge between the sheets. Given the skill he’d demonstrated, she was sure she’d enjoy every second they spent there.

She sighed – a heavy breath pushed out from deep in her lungs. There was no point in even wondering, since there was no time for hot sex for a woman who had four children. No time at all. She would be lucky if she could get up the energy for a romp.

She considered that thought for a moment then shook her head. Nope, honesty demanded she admit that she would find the energy if the opportunity came up. But since that wasn’t going to happen, she wouldn’t waste precious moments of relaxation revving up her temperature and her pulse. All for nothing.

Even if her palms had tingled with the heat through his soft tee shirt. His scent reminded her of sunshine and freshly cut wood. He tasted like the tang of a cold beer. Her body had responded to the man – the full package.

There was nothing going to happen between Gray Mills and her. He was too grumpy. Too unpredictable – nice one minute and sarcastic the next. Too difficult for her to risk getting involved with. Her kids had suffered enough. Another loss would be devastating for them. And for her.

She relaxed back against the cushions and closed her eyes, allowing the peace of the evening to wash over her. This was her favorite time of day – quiet, cool and relaxing. The kids were in bed, the house was as tidy as it was going to get and she got to chill – in one of the spots that had been a major factor in her decision to buy this larger home. She loved this cedar deck.

She opened lazy eyes and looked around. The yard was a huge pie shape that seemed to go on forever. A couple of mature trees provided a home to a variety of birds. A lily pond and a bird bath, as well as multiple feeders were scattered throughout the trees. She didn’t have the foggiest idea how she was going to replenish them, but she’d find a way. Single women had to be resourceful. That went triple for single women with a house full of kids.

A squeak from next door caught her attention. Gray stepped out from behind the screen door, allowing it to close slowly behind him. She watched him stretch, pushing his hands skyward, lifting his lightly furred chest and sucking in his belly, which allowed his shorts to sag slightly. Her tummy tightened in response.

She was in trouble. Deep trouble. The man’s body was perfect. Worse, she hadn’t noticed one in years, not since she’d been married. Six years was a long time to be alone.

She watched as he picked up a hammer from the ground beside him, then walked across the yard, sandals silent on the patio blocks. His stride was certain but unhurried as he moved to their mutual fence. Starting from the alley, he gently pulled on every board, checking each of them. Poor guy – even this late at night Chloe was keeping him at work. He found one that caught his attention. The quick rat tat tat of the hammer secured the board with a well-placed nail.

It took him only a few moments but it felt longer to Andie. Watching the play of muscles across his chest and in his arms made her mouth dry as lint. She could see his concentration and wondered what it would feel like to receive such focus. She could only imagine what it would be like to be the woman he let in.

“That should keep her inside your yard.”

Gray’s voice dragged Andie from her reverie. “Uhm, excuse me? What did you say?” she asked, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Thank heavens he couldn’t read her mind. He’d probably have been shocked to have a woman ogling his body.

“I said I think the fence should keep Chloe inside now.”

“Oh good. If there’s a way out, she’ll find it.”

“I noticed.”

Andie giggled at the dry tone of his voice which showed what he thought of that experience. “It couldn’t have been that bad. She wasn’t over there long enough to get into too much mischief.”

“Not today. What about her other visit?”

Her giggles grew to full-fledged laughter. “I’m sure it’s not an experience you want to repeat, but it turned out okay.”

“Sure – as long as we both know I’m not a pervert.” He placed the hammer on the picnic table on his patio and turned back to her.

“I know Chloe is irrepressible. She seems to have decided she likes you, so she’ll move heaven and earth to see you. To spend time with you.”

His groan was audible and caused Andie to laugh again. “She’ll get over it – if you’re lucky.”

“If I survive, you mean. It seems every time I turn around she pops up – usually at the worst possible moment.” He leaned over the fence, his gaze resting on her.

“I have fresh lemonade in the fridge. Want some?” Andie heard herself ask.

“Sure.” He searched her face for a moment, then stepped back. “I’ll come around.”

Sucking on a mint, Gray flipped the latch and stepped into Andie’s back yard. He quietly slid the bar into place since the bedrooms were on this side of the house. He needed to apologize and he’d prefer not having to do it in front of an audience.

Climbing the three steps to her deck, Gray looked around. It was a good yard for a house full of kids, although he’d probably get rid of some of the landscaping ‘pretties’. A noise drew his attention toward the kitchen. Andie set a jug of lemonade on the counter. She leaned back into the fridge, then bent over and pulled open one of the bottom drawers.

His mouth dried as her pink shorts pulled tight across her butt. He’d always been a butt man and Andie’s made his palms itch. He’d bet it fit perfectly. But her front wasn’t anything to be ashamed of, either. He remembered her breasts pressed against his chest when he held her against him.

Fascinated, he watched her straighten, a lemon in hand. As she turned to the counter he scraped up some moisture in his mouth and swallowed. Feeling the pull deep in his belly, he turned away from the house, shifted the part of his anatomy that had sprung to life, then took a seat at the glass-topped table on her deck. No point in embarrassing himself when the lady had offered him a cold drink. She was acting neighborly and he was getting randy. And while he didn’t want to be her friend, he didn’t want her to think he was trying to get into her bed. He wanted to apologize for the kiss in his kitchen – not make things worse.

“You must be exhausted.”

“Not really.” She’d been running around with the kids as he’d carried armfuls of scrap from the basement of his house.

“You’ve been busy all evening. What are you doing to your place?” she asked, pushing a glass across to him.