Chapter Thirteen

Why can't I get you off my mind?

Emma stared up at the ceiling of her bedroom, unable to keep her eyes closed for more than thirty seconds at a time.  As if her internal distractions weren't enough, she thought she could hear noises outside.  Just below her bedroom window.  She sighed.  Now her mind was going to start playing trick on her too.  Feeling overheated for reasons she didn't want to consider, she flung the covers back.  She shut her eyes.  Why did Andrew have to choose that restaurant to go to?  And why did Kyle have to show up there with Carol Logan? 

She turned over in the bed, restless, then bolted upright, her eyes wide.  There was someone outside.  She could hear the rustling in the garden.  Stumbling from under her tangled sheets, she rushed to the window, her heart beating wildly.  Were they trying to break in?  She glanced to the phone on her nightstand.  Maybe she should call the police.  She hesitated for a moment then turned to the window.  Her hands shaking, she pulled back the floral drapes and peered through the glass into the darkness.

"Shit."  The intruder's expletive sounded in her ears just as she caught sight of him. 

Kyle. 

Her breath rushed out in a whoosh as she collapsed against the wall.  What was he doing here?  She turned to the window.  Covering her mouth to hold back her giggle, Emma watched -- her heart soaring despite its momentary fright -- as he tried to untangle himself from the rose vines. 

"You guys should have to carry permits for these things."  He yanked at the thorny branch hooked tenaciously to his sleeve. 

"Serves you right," she called down to him.  "Trespassing is against the law you know."

"Emma."  Her name rushed from him, a desperate sigh, as he raised his eyes.  She could see need there, and pain.  "Come on down here," he demanded. 

"You must be crazy."  She shook her head at his serious expression.  "It's after midnight."

"Okay, then I'm coming up."  He pushed towards the wall and grabbed the trellis, only to get caught in another tangle of Emma's prize roses.  "Damn."

She stifled her laughter but couldn't do the same for her smile.  "You can't climb up there," she warned, leaning out the window.  "You'll hurt yourself."

He looked up and Emma's heart tumbled.  No indifference in those eyes.  They beamed brightly at her, twinkling through the dim porch light, making her ache to reach down and touch him.  He had the most beautiful eyes she'd ever seen. 

"Okay, I'll do it from here."  A gleam of mischief flashed across his features. 

"Do what?"  What was he up to?  She pushed the window open, angling further out.

Kyle didn't answer, just lowered himself to one knee, his eyes never leaving hers.  Emma gazed down at him, her hand clutched to her heart, as he sang to her.  His full rich voice filled the air, resonating along Emma's skin.  The beautiful tones, strong and steady, gave added depth to the simple words of the song.  A love song.  Not some frivolous story of physical yearnings, but a touching tale of a man's need to heal the spirit of a woman whose love holds his soul. 

"Kyle MacDonald," she said through her tears when he'd sung the last chord.  "What am I going to do with you?"

He came, then, up the trellis that only a moment ago had seemed impossible to climb, with a speed that matched the intensity in his eyes.  Emma took one step away, but only one as he was there, pulling her to him.  His arms closed around her, his hands clutching her. 

"I need you."  His words shot through her, as moving as his song.  "Just let me hold you."

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Emma held him.  He needed her.  He'd said so.  The thrilling sensation of knowing a man like Kyle could need her swept through her, driving her to hold him tighter.  She'd been aching for him all night, and right now she wanted this.  To be held in his arms. 

She lifted her head from his shoulder and gazed into his face.  "I'm sorry."  His steady stare squeezed around her heart.  "I mean about the other night, I . . ."

Kyle lifted her chin, forcing her look at him when she would have turned away.  "Apology accepted."

"You should be furious with me."  Emma brushed away the last of her tears as she drew out of his arms and moved towards her bed. 

"I was."  He followed, taking her hands when she turned to face him.  "And if I'd picked up the phone when you called, you'd know just how furious."

She lowered her head as embarrassment swept over her again. 

"I'll make a bargain with you."  He sank onto her bed, his hands planted on his knees.  "I'll forget the other night, if . . ." 

Reaching forward, he grasped her hand, tugged gently to bring her closer.

"If?"  Emma cocked her head warily, assessing his handsome features.  She wondered what he'd ask in return for his forgiveness, knowing she'd give just about anything.

He raised his eyebrows playfully.  "Well, I am being very magnanimous, considering your accusation."  His meaningful glance roamed to the bed, then back to her.

Emma's mouth dropped open as his implication hit.  "Get out of here."  Laughing, she swung her hand towards his head, but he ducked just in time.

"It was worth a try." 

Though his response came out with laughter the gleam in his eyes told Emma his idea for her penance wasn't all play.  He leaned his hands against the bed and his eyes softened as they swept down her body.  She swallowed.  It would be so easy to fall into his arms and give him what she wanted as much as he did.  But as the other night proved, that would lead to nothing but trouble.  She'd never get away with another reaction like that. 

"If I'm making you uncomfortable, I'll go," Kyle said after a few moments of disturbing silence.  His gaze flickered briefly to the door.  "And don't worry that I'll be insulted."

"No," she cried, reaching out to clutch at his fingers.  "I . . .  I'd like you to stay."  She pulled her hand away when he grasped it.  "But I . . .  I don't know . . ."  She wanted to explain the confused feelings she had, but how?  How could she tell him how much she wanted him without letting him get too close? 

"I won't pounce."  He stood and stepped towards her.  "I promise."

"Oh."  She couldn't believe the level of disappointment in her voice. 

Kyle's hesitant expression told her he'd heard it.  "Unless you want me to."  Lifting her hand, he kissed her fingers.  "Do you?"

Emma swallowed.  She couldn't answer.  If she turned him down, he might never make the offer again.  And if she allowed this to happen, then what?  She knew she couldn't be with him in any meaningful way, but could she be intimate with him and let him go?  Watch him go to someone else?  Could she let him touch her body, and keep him from reaching the rest of her?  Her mind, her soul, her heart!  The parts of her she kept locked away.  If he touched them, she'd likely drown in the flood of feelings.

Kyle stared, appraising her indecision, before moving to the window to draw the curtains.  The dark expression in his eyes as he faced her made Emma flinch.  So much for his promise.  He walked to her, stopping so close she could feel his heat. 

"Kyle, you have to understand this --"

He put his finger to her lips.  "I understand."  Clasping her against him, Kyle drove his fingers into her hair, held her as he kissed her with a deep consuming passion.  No words this time, no attempt at control, just his arms, his lips, his body, all of them taking what she was so afraid to give -- but desperately wanted.

Emma slid her hands from his neck to his solid chest.  His heart thundered with a speed matching her own.  Either she pushed him away now, or she let this happen.  It wouldn't be fair to go any further then ask him to stop.  If only she could be certain she could do this without hurting herself.  Hurting him. 

Kyle's lips softened as he slipped his hands around her waist, lifting her, holding her.  Each kiss, slow and heated, drove Emma closer to him, adding surges of oxygen to a fire that would flare at any moment.  He nibbled lightly, his tongue teasing as it swept along her lips, coaxing her to accept what he offered.  And it was hard to resist.  Drifting in the cradle of his arms, Emma floated on the rapturous sensation of his mouth melting over hers. 

"Come on baby," he coaxed, lifting his lips.  "Kiss me back."  He held her face between his hands.  His eyes clouded with desire.  Leaning closer, he brushed his lips over hers, then kissed her softly.  His fingers twined in the short strands at her nape.  "Like the night at the dance, kiss me back."

The urgency in his words latched onto Emma's desires, willing her to let them free.  Flinging her arms around his neck, she captured his lips with her own.  His arms closed, hard, around her as he staggered backward, taking her with him.  He lifted her along his body, his lips ravaging hers.  His tongue swept into her mouth, stealing her breath, then retreated before attacking again.  This time with more determination. 

Feeling her bed against the back of her legs, Emma wondered when they'd moved.  He lowered her to sink into the soft mattress.  His heat raced over her flesh as his body covered hers, sending tingles spiraling beneath the flimsy fabric of her nightgown.  She couldn't deny her need any longer.  She snuggled closer.  His clean, masculine scent spiraled through her with the refreshing comfort of a summer rain.  She slipped her arms down, around his solid body, felt his muscles flex in response to her touch.  Grasping his shirt, she tugged it free of his pants, delving inside to touch the warm satin of his skin. 

He tensed as her fingers skimmed up his back.  Lifting his head, he rested on his elbows.  "I'm glad I decided to come."  He smiled, brushing his fingers over each feature on her face.  "Do you have any idea what you do to me?"

Emma shook her head, fighting the urge to close her eyes.  She wanted to see him, look into his handsome face. 

"Shall I show you?"  His husky voice tinkled up her spine.  When she arched in response Kyle groaned.  "Yes, I think I'll show you."

She caught his easy smile as his lips lowered to touch her neck, sweeping gentle kisses along her skin.  The thought that Kyle found such simple joy in holding her, touching her, that it made him smile, eased her tension.  He rolled to her side.  While his tongue traced an aching pattern down her throat, his hand crept up to close over her breast. 

She drew a shattered breath and closed her eyes.  His fingers found her hardened nipple, dancing and twirling over the surface until she felt certain she could take no more.  The heat surging through her took control, driving this need inside her.  A need so strong it defied description.  She squirmed, lifting her hips as the ball of fire settled low.  The shooting sparks of pleasure coursing through her begged to find completion. 

"Kyle, I . . ."

"Don't worry, I'm going take care of that."  He tugged the hem of her nightgown, lifting the fabric over her head.  It only took a heartbeat, and she lay naked before him. 

COMING SOON