Somewhere Along the Way (3 page)

I want a baby, a family. I want to fill this home with love and laughter. And I don’t want to wait, hoping some man will come into my life and make my dreams come true. I’ll be thirty in a few years. What if he never comes? No, I’m not waiting on a whim of fate.

I’ll make my own happy ending.

***

Luke placed his cell phone on the nightstand beside a twin-sized bed and laid his suit jacket across the back of a chair. He slowly removed his tie then tossed it on his jacket. Sitting on the edge of the bed he stepped out of his dress shoes and leaned forward onto his elbows.

When he closed his eyes he saw the beautiful face of the woman he could still hear downstairs in the kitchen. For some reason she brought back memories of a simpler time in his life.

He remembered how his brothers had responded to his first serious girlfriend. His oldest brother, Gio, had handed him a box of condoms and lectured him on the importance of using them. His youngest brother, Max, had chortled on the couch, a thoroughly amused audience. Nick had sauntered into the conversation, laid a hand on Luke’s shoulder as if he were about to impart a pearl of wisdom and said, “Luke, nice guys never get laid. And if they do, it’s never that good.”

Luke considered himself a nice man.
Maybe that’s the problem.

In his family, he was the one who didn’t get angry. He’d seen the destructive nature of it too many times to allow himself that weakness. Instead, he’d always focused on what Uncle Victor had told him when he was a child. “Luke, you’re an Andrade, and to an Andrade, family is everything.”

Luke stood, stripped, then washed the day away beneath the hot spray of a shower. He didn’t want to think about his family or anything he’d left behind in New York. He’d go back to them, but for a few days he wanted to wash it all away. What had Cassie said about family? “You start asking yourself who you would be without them. Who they would be without you.”

Who am I?

Outside of the Turners, no one in the town knew much about him. In Defiance, Ohio, he wasn’t a rich surgeon from a powerful family. He was just a man trapped in a storm, sleeping under the same roof as the most remarkable woman he’d ever encountered. A woman who had essentially already declared she wasn’t interested in him.

Even if her eyes told a different story.

He hadn’t seen a ring on her finger, but there was a chance she was already emotionally committed to a man. That particular thought hadn’t occurred to him earlier. He dressed in lounge pants and a T-shirt then paced his bedroom restlessly.

Was she downstairs waiting for her lover to arrive?

He hadn’t known her long enough to care what she did with her days or her nights.

But he did, a fact that frustrated him considering he was on sabbatical from caring.

The man he was in New York would have respected her hint to retire to his room for the night. However, he’d watched his brothers shamelessly pursue women they were interested in and succeed in winning them over.

That wasn’t Luke’s style. Women liked Luke, and that often led to sex. It wasn’t something he’d spent much time thinking about.

He headed back down the stairs and stopped just before walking into the kitchen. His body tightened with anticipation at the sight of her. She was humming a soft tune, bent over in front of a large oven, checking the contents. The simple black dress she wore beneath her apron clung to her ass. When she straightened, her face was flushed, and she had an adorable smudge of frosting across one of her cheeks. In all his life he had never seen anything sexier. His senses were in pleasure overload. The heavenly scent of whatever sugary concoction she was baking only heightened the lust that rushed through him as he watched her. He wanted to taste every inch of her.

Luke fully understood the way the human body functioned. He’d even written a paper in college on the physical effects of desire and hormonal cascades. However, knowing which chemicals were responsible for the giddiness he felt didn’t make it less real.

Being near her was so good it was painful. He shifted as his cock swelled enthusiastically in the loose confines of his lounge pants.

His movement must have caught her attention because she swung around with a spatula raised as if in defense. When she recognized him, she lowered it and said, “Sorry. Do you need something?”

He considered being honest, but chose a safe subject. “What are you baking?”

A smile spread across her face. “So, you’re a sweets man. One guest told me she put on five pounds from the mere scent of my cupcakes. There were always a few missing when I woke in the morning, so I suspect she did more than smell them.”

Luke would have said something witty, if anything had come to mind. Instead, he simply enjoyed how easily she was speaking to him and the wide smile on her face. She’d been guarded with him earlier, and he’d wondered if it was merely the challenge that made her so attractive. No, in that moment she was approachable and lighthearted and somehow even more beautiful. “Amazing.”

“They really aren’t. Cupcakes are an easy enough recipe, but I’ll admit that I add a little something special to mine. I have a batch already cooling. Would you like one?”

“More than I should,” Luke murmured.

Cassie’s smile widened, and she piped frosting on a cupcake for him. “You’re not alone. I don’t know what it is about cupcakes. Maybe they remind people of every school party they had as a child, but no one can resist them.” She removed the wrapping and held it out to him. “I never thought I’d spend so much of my time baking them, but they sell. Go ahead, indulge this once.” Once? He doubted that indulging once in a woman like Cassie would ever be enough.

Unable to stop himself, Luke placed his hand on hers and brought the cupcake to his mouth. His eyes never left hers. He took a bite and felt her hand shake beneath his, but she didn’t withdraw it at first. Rather, she traced his bottom lip with her pinkie then stepped back, leaving him holding the remainder of the cupcake and wondering if he’d lost his mind.
I can’t resist her.
Just like the cupcakes he had indulged in as a schoolboy, he knew he couldn’t leave Ohio without sampling her. “Cassie . . .”

She shook her head and held up a hand. “No. Forget it. I didn’t mean to do that.”

He took a step toward her. “Are you seeing anyone?”

Cassie frowned as he’d seen her do earlier. “It doesn’t matter.”

He placed the cupcake on the table and took another step closer. “It matters to me.”

“Don’t.”

“Don’t what.”

“Don’t look at me like that.”

“Like you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen? Like I want to taste that sweet mouth of yours as much as you thought I wanted the cupcake?” She didn’t retreat, and he leaned close enough that his lips hovered above hers.

“Yes.” Her breath was warm on his lips.

“One question: Are you?”

Her irises widened, a telltale sign she was equally as affected by him. “Am I what?” she whispered.

“Seeing someone.”

“No.”

Yes.
He wanted to pull her to him and claim her mouth, but pleasure could also be in the anticipation. His breath turned ragged as he looked down into her eyes.

She put her hands up on his chest in a move that may have started as a push, but became more of a caress. Her voice was husky when she said, “Please don’t.” She closed her eyes, not yet removing her hands from his chest.

His hands went naturally to her hips. “You’re just too tempting, Cupcake.”

When her eyes opened again there was such a complex mixture of strength, yearning, and anger that he fought to catch his breath. Nothing he’d ever known had prepared him for Cassie.

She stepped back from him sadly. “I’m sorry. I know I’m sending you mixed signals, but you’ll be heading back to New York as soon as the airport reopens. Some women would be into that, but I’m not.” She turned away from him, paused momentarily, then bent to remove a pan of cupcakes from the oven.

“I don’t have to.”

She looked back at him. “Don’t have to what?”

“Leave tomorrow. I’m technically on vacation.”

She bit her bottom lip and glared at him. He couldn’t understand the emotions raging in her brown eyes. “Check into a hotel tomorrow.”

He couldn’t walk away even when she turned her attention back to the stove. “Do you throw all of your guests out after one night, or just the ones you want to sleep with?”

When she spun to face him again, there was more passion in her eyes than anger. Still, her tone was harsh. “I’m . . . I don’t—” She stopped mid-denial, then glared at him again. “I’m not having this conversation.”

“Because I’m right.”

“Because I’m not interested.”

“I don’t believe you.” He closed the distance between them and laid his hands on the counter on either side of her. “I’m a doctor. We base our opinions on symptoms presented.” He raised one hand to her throat. “Your pulse is racing. You’re eyes are dilated. Your cheeks are flushed. You can lie to me and yourself, but your body knows what you want.”

She licked her bottom lip nervously. “Is that supposed to be sexy?”

He grinned. “Yes.”

The corner of her mouth twitched as if she almost smiled back at him. “I don’t want to like you.”

He kissed her lips quickly, nothing more than a tease of a touch. The sweetness of frosting from her lips lingered on his, insanely delicious, but he told himself not to rush. She looked conflicted about how she felt, and they’d only just met. When she came to him, he wanted it to be without reservation. Running his tongue over his top lip and armed with the knowledge that humor was the key to putting her at ease, he joked, “Too late, Cupcake.”

She shook her head, but her cheeks were pink. “Goodnight, Luke.”

As he walked to the door of the kitchen, he felt her eyes on him and his skin burned for her touch. He glanced over his shoulder and winked at her. “I’ll leave my door open in case you change your mind. Goodnight, Cassie. Thank you for sweetening my evening.” His candid desire for her brought a smile to his face. He was a considerate lover, but Cassie brought out a playful side of him he’d never imagined he had. Before meeting Cassie, he’d imagined himself spending a week on a sandy beach. That idea had lost all appeal.

He wasn’t leaving in the morning. He had no idea what that meant, but he’d never been more certain of anything. Back in his room, he removed his shirt and flopped on his back on the bed, folding his hands beneath his head.

He didn’t bother to turn off the light. There was no way he’d sleep.

“Damn.” Cassie finished decorating the final batch of cupcakes and looked around in frustration. She couldn’t remember who she’d made them for. Normally she was very organized, however, the spreadsheet she always tacked to a corkboard near the fridge was missing. She remembered being distracted that morning. She’d been halfway out the door, heading to Emma’s wake, when one of the coffee shops she baked for had called and added to their order.

It’d be helpful if I remembered which one. But the list is gone . . . along with my sanity.

She decided to pack them up and make awkward phone calls in the morning. She quickly glanced at the clock on the wall.
Shit. How could it already be two in the morning?

What am I doing?

Besides hiding in my kitchen,
she admitted wryly to herself. Yes, Luke was upstairs in a bedroom, just three doors down from hers, but that shouldn’t matter. All of the doors had locks. Actually she enjoyed having people in her home. Usually her guests were married couples visiting their parents. Every once in a while she had a single traveler. One or two had attempted to flirt with her. However, Cassie always made it clear she wasn’t interested and they usually respected that.

Luke shouldn’t be any different. But he was. She brought her hand up to her lips and closed her eyes as she savored the memory of his touch.
He kissed me. Worse, I liked it.

I should have told him not to call me Cupcake.

But I liked that, too.

Cassie cleaned the kitchen on autopilot as her mind raced. Luke might be attracted to her, but he didn’t know her. When he said he could stay, he meant for a day or two. He was a successful doctor with a life outside of Defiance. He was looking for a casual hook-up and probably considered her the most available option.

But I’m not.

Easy or available.

Still, there was something disarmingly attractive about the way he smiled at her. It was as though they were already close, sharing some private joke. He had a way of talking to her that made her melt on the inside.

He was strong without needing to prove himself. She was used to men puffing up, strutting around like peacocks showing off, and often mentioning their financial prowess like it was an aphrodisiac instead of a turnoff. Luke had an easy confidence, almost a humble presence, that made Cassie think he must be a very successful surgeon.

She’d never connected with anyone the way she had with him. Every conversation they had felt . . . significant. That was the only word Cassie could think of to describe it.

Maybe everything feels more significant right after a funeral.

After the final batch of cupcakes was decorated and boxed, Cassie headed upstairs to her bedroom. She paused at the top, and her eyes flew to the open door of Luke’s bedroom. She couldn’t help it; she smiled.
He’s a man of his word.

Her mouth suddenly went dry as she imagined how the night would go if she took him up on his invitation.
Would it be so wrong?

Yes,
she told herself firmly and made her way to her own room.
One-night stands are like midnight fridge binges. You’re hungry, it’s there, and if you indulge you will regret it in the morning.

Even if it’s good.
She closed the door of her bedroom and leaned back against it.
And it would be. I bet it would be fucking amazing.

I need to stop swearing now that I might be a mother.

A mother.

Shit.

I could be pregnant. This is bad. He can’t stay here another night.

Cassie pushed off from the door, stepped out of her shoes, and pulled her dress up over her head. She hung it on a hook beside the bathroom and shuffled inside. She dropped her bra into the hamper inside the bathroom. Her nightgown wasn’t on the back of the door where she expected it to be. She shivered and looked around in frustration.
I need to get back to normal.

Heading into the bedroom, she spotted her nightgown on a chair near her closet just as the lights flickered and went out.
No. No. No.

Without giving her eyes time to adjust to the darkness, Cassie rushed across the room and tripped over an ottoman she’d forgotten was there. In just her panties, she fell to the floor with a loud thud. A string of profanity flew from her mouth as she checked if all her limbs were still intact before easing herself up onto her knees.

“Cassie? Are you okay?”

“Yes,” she said in a rush, praying she’d locked her door.

“I heard a crash.”

Cassie stood and tried to remember if there was anything else between where she was standing and her nightgown. “I’m fine.” Unable to remember if she’d locked her door, Cassie scrambled for something to cover up with. “Go back to your room. I just need a minute.” She followed the edge of her bed with her hand, knowing she was almost there when she felt the edge of the nightstand. She stubbed her toe on its leg, hunched over in pain, and knocked over a small glass lamp. The sound of it shattering on the wood floorboards echoed through the room. She couldn’t see where the glass was, and she was barefoot.
Double shit.

“Did something just break in there?” He sounded genuinely concerned.

“It sounds that way.” She stepped onto the chair and steadied herself, trying to remember where she’d left her slippers.

Luke opened the bedroom door. “Where are you?”

“I’m in the corner of the room, but don’t come over here. There’s glass all over the floor.”

“I have my shoes on.”

“I’m not dressed.”

“Oh,” he said, his voice suddenly deeper than usual. “Not at all?”

“Not enough. So stay right where you are.” Cassie felt around behind her for her nightgown. When her hand finally closed on it, she whipped it up over her head and slid it on. “Thank God.”

“Why does that sound like you found clothes?”

The amused disappointment in his voice brought a reluctant smile to Cassie’s lips. “Because I did. I’m serious about the glass, though. Do you have a flashlight?”

“Usually I use my cell phone, but since I bought one of the really smart ones, it’s where it always is—charging.”

“We can use the light on mine. If you walk straight into the room it’s on the bureau.”

“I could simply carry you over the glass.”

“That’s not a good idea.”

“Because we both know where it would lead?” When Cassie didn’t say anything, Luke continued, “We may have just met, but I know you feel it, too. Whatever this is. Why deny it? We’re both adults. We’re alone. There’s nothing wrong with cutting loose for a change. Aren’t you tired of always doing the right thing?”

His voice was deep and seductive. A battle raged within Cassie. She wanted to tell him to get out. She wanted to invite him to stay. She whispered, “No.”

“Ever wonder who you’d be if you didn’t always do the right thing?”

If another man had asked that, Cassie would have thought it was a line. Instead, there was something touching about the way he asked the question. Luke seemed like a man at a crossroads in his life. Cassie told herself whatever he was going through was none of her business. She’d barely figured herself out. She didn’t have the answers he needed. Still, it was impossible not to wonder what had brought him to a place where he would ask such a question. She answered him honestly. “Unfortunately, I know exactly who I would be, and I’m not that person anymore.”

A beam of light shone in her direction as he turned on her phone. He studied her face for a long moment. The earlier playfulness was gone. “I won’t pretend I don’t want you.”

Perched high on the chair in the corner of her room, Cassie tried not to look as ridiculous as she felt. “We all want things we can’t have, Luke. You’re on vacation. You made a pass at me. I turned you down. You find that exciting. But it doesn’t change that you’ll be back in New York before you know it, and if I say yes, I’ll be some woman you slept with on your trip to Ohio. I don’t want that.”

“I could—”

“You said that before. Stay for what—another day? A week? Then what? You don’t get to come into my life and mess it up; do you hear me?”

In the darkness behind the stream of light, his face was hidden from her view. “I would never—”

Wrapping her arms around her waist, Cassie said, “Don’t say it. I’ve heard it too many times. I can’t risk it again. Not now. Not when I’m finally happy.”

Luke walked over to Cassie and handed her the cell phone. He stood in front of the chair with a torn expression on his face. “Someone hurt you, Cassie, but it wasn’t me.”

She met his eyes cautiously.

He held out his hand to her. “I will carry you across the glass, and you will let me.”

She didn’t move. “How do I know . . .?” Her voice trailed away, leaving an unspoken question hanging between them.
How do I know I can trust you?

“You know.”

She put a hand on his shoulder, and he lifted her into his arms, carrying her to the door of her room. As he walked, the glass crunched beneath his shoes. At the door, he stepped out of his shoes and lowered her to the floor. The light on her phone went off, and they were standing in the dark once again. Within the intimate circle of his arms, she felt his arousal against her stomach and shivered. Conflicting emotions swirled within her. He’d said he wanted her and was sporting impressive evidence that he did. She knew she should be worried, but she felt oddly safe within the circle of his strong arms.

She hoped her excitement wasn’t as obvious as his. She knew she should pull away, but she was getting wet even as she mentally recounted the many reasons she couldn’t sleep with him that night.

“Do you have flashlights?” he asked, his voice sounding a little strangled.

She coughed nervously at the double meaning. “No.”

“Candles? How about a generator?”

“I have candles downstairs. I meant to buy a generator, but . . .”

“Without power, will the heat work?”

“No.” It wasn’t something that felt like an impending problem, given her skin was on fire everywhere it contacted Luke’s muscular body. She told herself it was time to turn her phone light back on, but there was something unreal, almost dreamlike, about standing in the dark together. “But we can make a fire.”

He tensed against her, groaned, then took one of her hands in his. “Let’s go find those candles and build a fire before I change my mind and take you right here on the stairs.”

And I’d let you,
Cassie thought. She turned her phone light on and illuminated the stairs, careful not to look up at Luke. “There are blankets and pillows downstairs. We can pull two couches close to the fire. It’ll be fine.”

Even in the dark, Cassie felt his eyes on her face. “Cassie, I heard what you said earlier. Nothing will happen between us . . . tonight.”

There was so much Cassie wanted to say. She wanted to explain to him if they had met years before she might have spent the night in his arms. God knows, if she’d met him in her early twenties she wouldn’t have thought twice about being with him. But she’d chosen a different path, and in her mind, a better one.

She caught herself before she placed a hand on her stomach. It was a path she might not be on alone anymore. Which was more than enough reason to say no to Luke.

She opened her mouth, about to regurgitate some of her story to him, but when she met his eyes the words fell away. He was looking down at her with a protective, possessive expression that shook her. What would it be like to belong to man like that? Even if it were only for a night.

I’ll never know.

Cassie squeezed his hand. “Thank you.”

He continued to look down at her, then the boyish smile that had melted her defenses earlier returned, and he said, “Come on, Cupcake, let’s go build that fire.”

He led the way down the main stairs, and despite everything Cassie told herself, she knew she would probably have followed him right back to his room if that had been his choice. She couldn’t say yes to him, but she was equally unable to say no.

***

A short while later, Luke lay back on a couch in Cassie’s living room and tucked the blankets around himself in frustration. He looked across at Cassie who was bending over in front of the fire, placing another log onto it. He would have offered to do it himself, but each time she stood in front of it, the firelight made her nightgown transparent, and as he was discovering, he was only human.

He doubted a single one of his brothers would have spent the night on one couch if the woman they desired was on the other.
I told her nothing would happen tonight.

Why?

Because I’m a nice guy.

And nice guys don’t get . . .

Returning to the other couch he had pushed beside his, Cassie crawled beneath the covers. He’d placed the furniture so he and Cassie were at an angle, not only to be warmed by the fire, but also to see each other. She tucked a hand beneath her head, watching him as the sexual tension between them became almost unbearable. “Tell me about your life in New York.”