So Right With You (17 page)

“The last time I found you in here, I had some definite fantasies of what I wanted to do,” Garrett drawled.

Hearing his voice, her eyes flickered open. Without realizing it, she must have drifted off to sleep.

“Oh.” She started to sit up, then realized she was naked. She hadn’t yet grown accustomed to being completely exposed in his presence.

“But unfortunately, you were in no shape to carry out those plans. Seeing you there now, I think I’d like to try one.”

As her eyes adjusted to the light, she found him standing over her with a twinkle in his eyes. He watched her as he began removing each piece of his clothing. He started by taking off his boots, followed by his socks. Then he slowly unbuttoned his shirt. She looked on, mesmerized, as he slipped it off his wide shoulders and dropped it to the floor. His pants were next. First, he unbuckled his belt, then slowly unzipped his fly. Her breath caught as he slipped his thumbs into his boxers and jeans and slid them down and off. He now stood in front of her wearing nothing but a grin. She didn’t think she would ever get used to how truly extraordinary the man was when he was naked. Of course, the wink he gave her had her blushing, all over.

He bent down to touch the water, then skimmed the surface until he reached her breast. Cupping it, he pinched her nipple between his thumb and forefinger. “It’s a little cool, but we’ll have to see what we can do to warm it up.”

Her skin steamed as his warm gaze roamed over her. She trembled with need. She was so ready for him. She had been since he had begun his striptease. She licked her lips.

Garrett leaned in and kissed her softly. He palmed her other breast as he deepened the kiss. His tongue entered her mouth and entwined with hers. As he pulled back, she exhaled slowly.

Garrett picked up the sponge, applied soap, and began to wash her body. He started with her back. He moved on to her neck. As he finished each part, he kissed it with the lightness of a butterfly. He reached for her arms and washed each from her hand to her shoulder. He kissed the crease between her shoulder and her neck. He began washing her chest. His thumb gently caressed her nipples. His gentleness was her undoing.

“Lift your leg, sweetheart.”

“Okay.” She lifted her left leg out of the water. He began with her foot, moved to her arch, down her calf, and to her thigh. She lowered her leg. He did the second, rubbing his thumb lightly over her tattoo, which was almost healed. When he reached the heart of her, he swiped it slowly once, then again. Chloe found herself arching up into his hand. He dropped the sponge and pressed his palm into her mound, using his thumb to stroke her clit. Chloe closed her eyes and moaned. He took her mouth with his, as he pumped her with his fingers. Chloe rode his hand hard until she saw sparks, followed by her climax.

Opening her eyes, she found Garrett smiling at her. “I’m not sure we’ll both fit in there, but I’m willing to give it a try.” He sheathed himself and climbed in, splashing water over the side. Sitting at the back of the tub facing her, he pulled her up so that she straddled him. She slowly lowered herself onto his erection.

“I think you’re going to have to direct this time. I don’t seem to have much leverage.”

She lifted up and rode him slowly. It was fit punishment for all the times he had tortured her.

“Ah, sweetheart, you don’t play fair.” He angled up into her body with little success. She seemed determined to continue his slow demise.

When Chloe felt the peak of her own orgasm coming, she shifted positions to gain better leverage and began to ride him faster and harder. More water flowed out onto the floor. They were going to have quite a mess to clean up when they were done.

“Oh, thank God,” Garrett groaned.

He held her tighter as she crashed into an explosion of pure bliss, and he followed. His head dropped into the space between her neck and shoulder.

“Ah, Red. You’re killing me here.” He smiled.

She lifted her head and laughed. “Can’t take a little bit of your own medicine, huh?” She smiled, floating on a wave of absolute contentment.

His grin widened. She had a feeling he was plotting her payback.

*~*

After they had dried off, dressed, and then mopped up with their used towels, Chloe made spaghetti, salad, and toasted garlic bread for dinner. They had finished cleaning up and were now cuddling contentedly on the sofa, watching the evening news. As usual, Patches rested on the floor by their feet, and the cats were sleeping on the club chairs. With her legs draped over his, he was massaging her calves and feet, which were still sore from their hike. He had noticed her limping after their bath.

“Thanks, Garrett.” She started to put her legs down. He pulled them back up. She decided to let him pamper her a while longer.

“Do they feel better? I noticed you have a blister on your little toe.” He gently ran his index finger along the spot. “I have some ointment that should help. You should have said something.”

“I didn’t actually feel it until we got back.”

“We never should have walked all the way back. It wasn’t like there was anything wrong with Buttercup.”

“I was afraid the teens might catch us out. It looks like they made up, so my plan worked.”

“Yeah, Josh admitted to liking Kali. Although the way those two were acting up, I’m just glad they didn’t end up killing each other.”

“That’s not what you were saying at the time. I believe you kept telling me—”

“Hey, their bickering was getting to me.” He smiled. “Besides, I had the added bonus of finally having you all to myself.”

Garrett could be a real charmer sometimes or a real stinker, depending on how you wanted to think about it. “So how hard did you ride Josh for today’s incident?”

“Actually, not hard at all. Josh assured me he was sorry for what happened and that he would never do anything that reflected poorly on Kali or the ranch. He’s a good kid.”

Garrett had stopped massaging her feet, but she left them there, anyway.

“I think so, too. I noticed how protective he was of Kali the first time I met him.”

“Yeah, he does seem to like her a lot.”

“I hoping they’ll attend the gala together. I mentioned the idea to Kali. At first she wasn’t too excited, but I think it was because she is really self-conscious due to her hair loss. I offered to get her a wig and a new dress for the occasion. I’m going to see if Ree can hook me up.”

“Let me know if you need me to do anything,” he offered.

“Thanks, but I think I’ve got this covered.” Chloe yawned. The day was finally catching up with her.

He picked up the remote. “We should probably head off to bed. You look beat.”

“Yeah, I am,” she admitted.

Chloe no longer questioned the sleeping arrangements. For now, she was perfectly happy sleeping with Garrett. Although her clothes had not been moved over, some of her more personal items had.

Using the remote to turn off the TV and lights, Garrett led her back to his room.

It was Sunday. Chloe was meeting Ree and Harper for their weekly brunch. Leighton was still in Australia for a few more days. Chloe was looking forward to seeing her friends again. She planned to enlist their assistance with the fundraising event and Kali’s makeover. In her excitement, she arrived first at the Café House.

Ree waltzed into the café, drawing the attention of every patron in the place. With her golden-blond hair swinging and her ready smile, she was like a ray of sunshine. She wore a Victoria’s Secret Love Pink sweat suit, including a Love Pink tank.

Chloe thought the overkill on Love Pink was strictly for Harper’s benefit. Ree had still not gotten over Harper’s rejection of her early birthday present of the pink blouse. Wearing all that pink, she reminded Chloe of cotton candy. She still couldn’t believe Ree had tried to intimidate Garrett when he had shown up at her salon for a haircut. She generally had a sweet disposition and an even temper. The description Garrett had given did not match the Ree she knew.

Chloe knew Ree was apprehensive about her relationship with Garrett. She didn’t blame her. She had her own misgivings. However, for the time being, she planned to enjoy every second. Being with Garrett was worth the risk. It would give her something to look back on fondly when they were no longer together. She had already acknowledged that she loved him, at least to herself.

Ree reached the table and took a seat. Crossing her legs, she set her leather clutch on the table, leaned in, and whispered, “Sleeping with Garrett seems to be agreeing with you.”

Chloe blushed. That was the problem with good friends. They felt they could say anything to you.

“We’re not serious. It’s just…” Chloe searched for the right term, but the only word circulating in her head was Harper’s “rebound,” and she didn’t want to use that one. It sort of cheapened whatever this was. As much as she realized what was going on between them was temporary, it didn’t mean she wanted to think of it as meaningless. “We’re, ah, having fun.” Somehow that didn’t sound much better.

“I’m not so sure. Have you discussed things with Garrett?”

“Why? Did he say something to you?” She didn’t want to get her hopes up, but if he had told Ree something, she wanted to know.

“No.”

Chloe’s eyes fluttered shut briefly. She couldn’t mask her disappointment.

Ree rested her finger on her chin and considered Chloe thoughtfully. “It was more what he didn’t say.”

“I think you’re reading too much into this. Garrett and I are, like I said, just having fun. He’s not the get-serious type. I knew that getting into this.”

“Maybe, but I’m not so sure. I still think you two should talk.”

Chloe thought she would, if she didn’t think it would end things even sooner. Thankfully, she did not have to answer because Harper strode through the restaurant at that very moment. Her makeover had not lasted long. She was back to her usual outlandish outfits. Her burgundy color-wash hair matched her burgundy T-shirt, which she wore under her black hoodie, over her routine black leggings and Mary Janes. She resembled a vamp. Chloe smiled at her divine intervention until Harper opened her mouth.

Plopping into her seat, she propped her elbows on the table, leaving a room full of gaping adults. “I need caffeine. By the way, the sex must be fucking fantastic. You have a neon glow to you.”

Chloe blushed again. “Would you be quiet? I’m pretty sure everyone in the restaurant heard you. The church ladies are glaring at us again.” Chloe indicated their corner. Without fail, Harper always seemed to be setting them off.

Shaking her head in disapproval, Ree said, “Jeez, Harper. I swear you have such a potty mouth.”

“I surprised at you, Ree. You know it’s not nice to swear.” Harper smirked. Eyeballing Ree’s attire sardonically, she said, “They wouldn’t happen to carry that outfit in black, would they? I would love to get one that said ‘Love Black.’” Harper had said the last two words loud enough that the surrounding tables heard that, too.

Her comment could be taken two ways. There was nothing wrong with either connotation, unless of course you were one of the church ladies. Sure enough, when Chloe glanced over at them, their frowns seemed even more deeply engraved onto their faces, if that was possible.

They gave one last look of disapproval before turning away.

Totally oblivious to the scene they were creating, her friends continued bickering. Ree stared distastefully at the new color-wash Harper was sporting. “You know, one of these days your hair is simply going to fall out.”

“Relax, Nanny McPhee. It’s color spray. It washes right out. You really didn’t expect me to keep that girl-next-door look? That’s not my style. I told you that at the time.”

“All right. Enough. Truce.” Chloe said, exasperation lacing her tone.

Reined back in momentarily, Harper shrugged and Ree nodded.

“Let’s order. I’m starved.” Chloe picked up her menu. She always felt like she was refereeing the two of them.

Harper proceeded to order eggs Benedict and black coffee. Ree ordered fresh fruit, toasted rye bread, a hard-boiled egg without the yolk, and a cup of herbal tea. Ree tended to order from the side menu every time and would specify how everything was to be prepared. For herself, Chloe ordered a short stack of buttermilk pancakes and orange juice.

When they were nearly finished eating, Chloe set her fork down and broached the subject of the gala. “I haven’t had the chance to tell you, but I am planning an event for Garrett. It’s for one of his charities, the Dreams Made Possible Foundation. The party is scheduled for the end of January.”

Both women stopped, their forks in midair, and looked at her before completing their bites.

After swallowing, Ree said, “I’ve heard of it. They do great work. I didn’t realize Garrett was involved with it.”

“That’s the thing. He’s kind of kept his involvement silent. The ranch we’re staying at is used to help some of the kids. But his involvement goes deeper than that. Every year, he sponsors a fundraiser for the Foundation.”

“So what do you need from me?” Ree took a sip of her herbal tea before setting the cup down again.

“Ordinarily, the event is a formal dinner, but I’ve convinced him to hold a gala for the kids it serves. I have been working on it with one of the kids from the Foundation, a girl named Kali.”

Harper swallowed and said, “Great kid. Feel bad about her having cancer. How can I help?”

“Actually, I could use both of you and your expertise. Harper, I was thinking you could work on decorations and creating a backdrop for the party. Kali came up with the idea of having an ‘Under the Stars’ theme since it’s going to be held at the ranch. Anything you could come up with would be great.”

“Not a problem. Consider it done. I’m almost done getting ready for my art show. It’s scheduled for December thirtieth. I’ll be free after that. I also have a few friends that are really good at this kind of stuff. We’ll see what we can do. One of my friends belongs to a local theater group. They might even have some props we can use.” Harper used her English muffin to scrape up some of the eggs on her platter and took a bite.

“That would be terrific.” Chloe turned to Ree. “And, Ree, can you help with styling?”

Ree wiped her mouth with the corner of her napkin and set it on the table. “Sure, I’ll make sure you look pretty for the party.”

“Actually, it’s not for me.”

“Okay.” She gave her a questioning look.

“It’s for Kali. There’s a boy she likes, but she won’t go to the party because she’s worried about how she looks. I told her that I would help her. The chemo treatments she’s been undergoing have caused her to lose her hair. The trouble is, she’s allergic to the synthetic wigs. I was wondering if you had any other ideas. I could also use your assistance with coming up with outfits for both Kali and me. Money is tight for her family with the cost of her medical treatment, so I told her I would cover it.”

She glanced at Ree, who was silent.

“Come on, Ree. You’ve got to help me. Kali has lost so much of what other kids take for granted.” Chloe’s eyes teared up. “Most of her friends have deserted her, and she has chosen to be homeschooled.”

“Relax. I’ll plan on it,” Ree said. “There’s an organization that a friend of mine works with that makes wigs from real hair for cancer patients.”

“That’s great,” Harper and Chloe said simultaneously.

“The only trouble is that not too many people think of donating to the organization, so their supplies are limited. There are also really strict guidelines for the donors. They have to be willing to cut off at least ten inches of hair and it can’t be processed. It’s really hard to find people who qualify who want to donate. I’ll talk to her and see what I can do.”

“Okay,” Chloe said. That kind of put a damper on things. As she pushed her own hair back, it dawned on her. Kali had admired her hair. Pulling her hair back into a ponytail, she could cut off ten inches. Her hair would be super short. But this was a good cause. Why not?

Ree and Harper watched her warily.

“What are you thinking?” Ree asked.

“I have an idea.” Chloe smiled. The more she thought about it, the more she thought it just might work. “I have at least ten inches that I could cut off. I know it’s processed, but it’s still pretty healthy. What if we made a wig out of my hair?”

“Are you serious? Your hair is so beautiful,” Harper said. “You sure you want to cut it?”

Chloe sucked in a nervous breath and released it. “Yeah.”

“Are you absolutely sure?” Ree asked. “It’s a lot to ask.”

“I know, but I really want to do it. How soon would I have to cut it? I’d like to keep it long for the company holiday party, but if I have to, I’ll do it sooner.”

“I’m not sure. I have to talk to my friend. I’m sure she can pull some strings. Are you sure about this?” Ree asked again.

“It’s just hair, right?” As much as she had reservations about it, she wanted to do it for Kali. But she was still nervous. She had never worn her hair short. Her friends’ looks weren’t helping, either.

Ree tried to give her a reassuring smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah.”

Harper nodded her agreement, eyeing her apprehensively. “Uh-huh.”

“Stop it, both of you. You’re making me more nervous than I already am. Ree, can you do my hair on Saturday for the holiday party? I want to look nice. It will be my last time before I have it all cut off. Could you also do my makeup?” She pulled out her cell phone to record the date.

“No problem. I’ll have to check my appointments. About what time?” Ree pulled out her cell phone as well to search for an available time slot.

“Two or three. Whatever works better for you.”

“I have a two thirty.”

“Great.” Chloe smiled and updated her calendar. She wanted to look especially nice for the event. She planned to wear the red dress she had bought with Garrett. It would be one of the last events she would be attending with him.

*~*

Chloe needed to generate a list of children to invite to the fundraiser. She wanted to have activities that appealed to different age groups. It was important that the benefactors got to see some of the children they were helping through their donations. She also wanted to include children from the local community who were without illnesses or disabilities. She believed some of the isolation the Foundation children dealt with was from fear due to lack of knowledge. This would be a good way to bridge the gap.

Garrett had given her the name of a contact person from the Foundation who could help her. She picked up the phone and dialed.

“Hello, this is Teresa Bennett from the Dreams Made Possible Foundation. How may I help you?”

“Yes, this is Chloe Lambert. I work for Garrett Nolan as his administrative assistant.”

“Of course. Call me Teresa. So, how can I help you?”

Now came the hard part. She hoped Miss Bennett would be able to help her. Otherwise she was sunk. Without the kids, the fundraiser wouldn’t be the same.

“Actually, that’s the reason I called you. I’m helping Garrett plan the event this year.”

“Great, what do you need from me?”

“Kids.”

“Okay?”

Chloe pushed up her glasses and gave her best pitch. “I thought it would be wonderful if the benefactors had the opportunity to meet with the children their funds help. From my friendship with one of the teens I met at Garrett’s ranch, I’ve learned that many of these children feel isolated from their peers.”

“Who’s the teen?”

“Kali.”

“Oh. Yeah. Kali. How’s that been going for you?”

“At first, she was a bit of a challenge.”

Teresa laughed. “That sounds like Kali.”

“But she’s actually coming around. She’s helping me with the event.”

“Really, that’s great.” She sounded happy. “I can probably get you as many kids as you need, and I’ll have to check with my boss and the children’s parents, but I think I can guarantee you at least thirty. Is that too many?”

“Wow. That sounds great. I also wanted to invite some kids from the local community. I think that the isolation some of the kids experience is due to general lack of knowledge and fear, and this would be a perfect opportunity to get them together. I’m hoping a few principals from the local school districts might be able to help by suggesting some children who might want to do it. I wish it wasn’t so close to winter break. Wish me luck.”

“Hey, if you ever decide to change careers, I think we have a place for you. We need more forward thinkers.”

“Actually, if I were ever to take you up on that, how would I go about applying?”

“Send me an e-mail. We’ll work out the rest later. I can’t guarantee it will pay as much as your current position.” Teresa proceeded to give Chloe her e-mail address.

Her next few phone calls went better than she had anticipated. However, now she was obligated to speak in two days at the next school board meeting and make her appeal there. The thought gave her butterflies.

Tapping her fingers on the desk, she had one more idea.

*~*

Chloe parked her Prius in front of the suburban two-story house. Hopefully, her plan wouldn’t backfire on her. She had decided to invite teenagers from Kali’s high school. Figuring the best place to start was with Kali’s friend, Gabby, she had called Kali’s mother and gotten the number. She asked her to keep it a secret from Kali, so it would be a surprise. This evening, she was meeting with Gabby.