River on Fire (River's End #5) Read online

  But she couldn’t understand why it didn’t feel like fun or a flirty mistake?

  “Ah, Hailey, that’s all I was doing here with AJ too. Just having some fun. Some sex—”

  “We’re not,” Hailey interrupted, and for some reason, the distinction became very important for her to point out. She eyed her two kids frolicking down in the water ahead of her. Far enough away that they could not possibly hear her, but it felt oddly wrong for her to contemplate such a thing when they were so innocently playing nearby.

  Kate’s gaze followed hers. “How fresh is your divorce?”

  “About a year old.”

  “Has there been anyone since then?”

  She glanced at Kate and smiled modestly.

  “Too forward? I’ve been accused of that a time or two,” Kate quickly apologized.

  There was something sincere and genuine about her that somehow made it impossible for Hailey to get mad at her. Her forward questions seem to be based more on personal interest than just being intrusive.

  “No, no one else.”

  Kate nodded, just barely. “That must be hard.”

  She shrugged, her gaze staring out over the water. “It is. And…”

  “Joey’s not what you envisioned? Do you think AJ was what I pictured? He’s a ranch foreman, and I lived in downtown Seattle my entire life. Now look at me. Country girl with a teenager to raise who has a host of problems that existed long before even meeting us. But honestly, Hailey? I could not imagine being happier anywhere else than right here. Don’t just write Joey off. Yeah, I know he’s younger, but Joey isn’t just a pretty boy.”

  “My daughter thinks he is.”

  Allison let out a raucous laugh. “Oh, no. That can’t be comfortable.”

  Erin snickered. “No one can resist Joey. I mean…” She blushed as she glanced around. “Well, shoot me, I wasn’t dead. And neither are any of you.”

  “No, no one could ignore Joey Rydell. But the daughter thing? I doubt he’ll ever give her the time of day. And here’s a little more gossip for you to digest: my daughter freaking kissed him.”

  Startled, Hailey squeaked, “What?”

  Kate flashed another smile. “The poor guy woke up to find her kissing him awake. It wasn’t anything to do with him, just a stunt to get back at AJ and me and her former life… Cami has some serious issues, but Joey? He ran off to Jack and Erin’s. To this day, he won’t go near her. It’s quite sweet, actually. I don’t doubt he must have washed an entire bottle of mouthwash down his throat. My point being that the young girls might look, and the hot ones might flirt, but Joey? He isn’t interested in anything they have to offer. I hope you see that. And I, for one, think he’s into you. I think it’s real. And I think you feel the same way. Don’t ignore it or dismiss it just because he’s so young and pretty. Don’t punish him for it either. He can’t help it.”

  Hailey pulled her legs up to her chest. “You’ve given me a lot to think about.”

  Erin smiled as she got up and cannon-balled into the water. Allison commented, “That girl was meant to be a mermaid.” Then she got up and waded in.

  Kate leaned back to soak up more sun into her tan skin. The contrast really popped against her short, blond hair. “Don’t run from him, Hailey, unless you really don’t want him. Otherwise? What do you have to lose? At minimum, you’ll have a really fun summer; at maximum… what? Probably an even more fun summer. I highly doubt it’ll turn into your next marriage, so what could it hurt? It seems to me a torrid affair would do you both some good. Teach Joey what having a real woman feels like. He almost needs a series of guideposts to figure out whether he’s now ready for a long-term girlfriend and real relationship. And you? Sounds like you could use someone to help you transition from married to single and having great sex.” She flashed a smile and closed her eyes, settling her arm above her head and adding, “Just saying.”

  Hailey watched Jacob and Charlie. They were dunking under the water and coming up with rocks off the bottom, repeating it over and over again. Meanwhile, Brianna and Cami-who-kissed-Joey (which made Hailey shudder with repulsion) put their heads close together in private conversation as they trailed their legs in the water and floated peacefully away in the inner tubes.

  A long while drifted by and Hailey was warm, relishing the hot sun on her skin, the flashing, clear river rippling under the brilliant golden sun, the long summer afternoon and the happy sound of her kids screaming and playing. Eventually, all of the women went into the water and were talking amongst themselves while floating idly on fat inner tubes, kicking their legs in the water, and lifting their heads above the rims.

  “Do you need my help getting in again?”

  Hailey was startled when Joey’s voice came up from behind her. In the same moment, he dropped onto the sand right next to her. He was still clad in the resort uniform, and his shoulder bumped hers as he sat heavily on his butt, pulling his legs up to his chest and locking his arms around them. His teasing, light tone had her heart and stomach lifting and squeezing. She had such a physical reaction to his presence. She glanced at him and a small smile tugged her lips up. His eyes were hidden by his aviator glasses, and his hair flopped over his forehead.

  “I’m just fine. Enjoying the setting.”

  “You just like watching your kids smile and have fun.”

  “That too. As well as all of them, your sisters-in-law. I like them immensely.”

  He nodded. “Yeah? Me too. They’re great.”

  “Erin, in particular?” Hailey bit her lip. Wow. She sounded snarky and jealous when clearly, everyone kept reassuring her, the brief encounter was ancient history for all of them. But the thing that bothered Hailey, in addition to being brand new information to her, was that Erin was perfect. Why would any man go from a woman like her to Hailey?

  His shoulders didn’t even tense. He chuckled softly and leaned back on his elbow in the sand. “Let me guess? Kate?”

  “Well… maybe.”

  “What do you want to know, Hailey? It was six years ago. I didn’t know her, she didn’t know me, not to mention Jack.”

  “Isn’t she older than you are too?”

  “Then what? Are you trying to find a pattern with me? No, there is none. I thought she was barely twenty, and we all did for weeks after she got here. She didn’t look twenty-six. We went together for less than a month, as I remember, and were never anything beyond bed buddies. I left her to join the Army and she and Jack got together sometime thereafter. I never asked for details. She’s my friend now, my sister-in-law. I respect her now, but I didn’t then. I was a shit to her. She was kind enough to forgive me. I am genuine friends with her now and I would never change that. For any reason.”

  His tone was stern. Hailey understood that for any reason included her. Even if she were so bold as to request it. Which she wouldn’t. How stupid and petty could she possibly be?

  He leaned forward, and his gaze drew hers. “The pattern you’re seeking is your way of finding out if I like older women as rule, right? Meaning, you’re ready to admit I like you then?”

  She shifted her butt uncomfortably, and returned her gaze to the floating crowd. “I-I think I need to cool off.”

  His smile was long and easy as he started to rise on his feet. “Sure, Hailey, you should cool off. But listen to this, I am interested. I have to get back to work now. See you… later.” It was so defined, so pronounced, and her heart thumped when he said later. She almost ran into the cool water to soothe her flushing cheeks. The rising heat between her legs came entirely from just his presence, his innuendoes, and his smile. Oh that smile.

  Still, what was she doing there?

  Chapter Eight

  THEIR CONVERSATIONS, THOSE OF the sisters-in-law and Joey’s, filtered through Hailey’s thoughts all afternoon as she swam and floated with her kids. Both of them. That was huge. Brianna seemed to chill out towards her whenever Cami was around. Hailey didn’t understand it, but was grateful all the same. Towards
sunset, they finally emerged from the refreshing water. She was drying off when the kids begged her permission to all sleep together down on the beach tonight. Ben and Marcy promised to come with them. Bonfire, s’mores, hot dogs… it all sounded like a night of sheer bliss for the kids. And all the adults were coming too. These Rydells spent lots of time together. But how to say no? Her kids were so animated. They were excited and even tolerated her indecision.

  She changed into jean shorts and a tank top, taking a few moments to put makeup on, with no reason why. Tugging a brush through her hair, she even blew it out with a hair dryer. She and the kids showed up to the large fire on the beach and saw all the Rydells down there too. Amidst the friendly chats were spurts of laughter, and the couples were all holding hands or wrapping their arms around each other. Hailey tried to stay back a bit, feeling as though she were crashing it. Naturally, they all welcomed her. Joey came near her and sat down. Her entire stomach churned and every subsequent movement he made, whether leaning his shoulder forward or using his hands to position a hot dog on the roasting stick, only resulted in making her breathless in his company.

  There were plenty of s’mores and tall stories, along with personal anecdotes of the men growing up. She heard how Ben and Charlie and Erin began learning to ride the horses and why Kate commandeered control of the ranch’s PR and advertising business. Then, one by one, people started to wander back to their homes. Rosie needed to go to bed. Jack was tired and he tugged on Erin’s hand to come with him. Kate and AJ reminded Cami of the rules, checking with Ben and Marcy to be sure they were staying overnight. Hailey respected all the care and stern rules surrounding the event. She seconded the guidelines, and Joey’s gaze stayed riveted on her. Then, it was just them and Ben and Marcy. They were talking amongst themselves and Hailey was quiet. Deathly, uncomfortably quiet. Her kids were staring up at the stars, talking loudly and laughing even louder. They so deserved this time together. She got to her feet, knowing Joey’s eyes were still on her, and said her goodbyes. The kids waved her off, looking so excited with their sleeping bags and the novelty of doing something that they’d never done before. She sighed when she was finally alone, walking towards her cabin.

  But then… only minutes later, she heard footsteps and a hand slipped into hers. She stopped dead, turning with her heart lodged in her throat, not out of fear but sheer excitement. Of course, she knew it was Joey. Holding her, he leaned towards her to touch her cheeks and run his hands through her hair, his gaze caressing all the places he touched. Moving even closer, he pressed his lips on hers. She closed her eyes, leaning against him and relishing his warmth and his body. Just him.

  “Come with me to my house.”

  She didn’t vocalize a reply, but gave him a small, infinitesimal nod. Yes. She would go there. Yes. Holy hell. Yes. She understood that this time, it wasn’t for dinner. She followed Joey as he tugged her hand and increased his pace. They crossed through nearly nonexistent trails that she’d be lost on were it not for his guidance. Finally, up ahead, Hailey saw the steps to his deck. They slipped into the house silently. Facing each other without any lights turned on, the gloomy interior allowed them to barely make out their features. She swallowed the huge knot of anxiety in her throat.

  He put his hand out and touched her wrist, circling it with his fingers. Ever so gently, he pulled her towards him, pressing her against the hard wall of his chest. “I’m glad you’re here, Hailey.” Their heights allowed them merely inches before their mouths joined together. In a word, it was perfect. Hearing his voice say her name made goosebumps rise on her arms in response. He leaned down and when his mouth touched hers, both of his hands combed into her hair and encased her head. In seconds, the first gentle touch of persuasion stoked the heat, which exploded, nearly incinerating them as their mouths instantly opened, along with their bodies. They practically bumped into each other as both of them started writhing towards each other, encircling their arms with the other. His hot mouth was delicious and wet and it felt like the best heater of her life.

  His mouth found her lower lip, chewing on it and then sliding over to her cheek, her temple, and her ear. His tongue swirled inside it and he sucked her ear lobe until her entire body seemed to shudder in response. She tilted her head towards his fiery tongue. Her deep sigh was filled with the desire now coursing through her, as well as the sensation of sheer goodness coming from his mouth on her. Her mounting desire was revealed in the excessive warmth of her skin.

  Joey trailed small kisses behind her ear and down her neck, following her hairline. In response, more tremors coursed through her body. His touch was so soft and gentle, yet it boiled the blood in her veins to the point of nearly incinerating her skin. The tenderness she sensed was so at odds with all the heat it was creating inside her. Stopping at her shoulder, his mouth dropped down towards the hollow of her throat. She arched, throwing her head back, grabbing his head and twirling the silky strands of his hair through her fingers. Stroking his hair in the same rhythm as his tongue on her skin, Hailey didn’t flinch when he dipped his head down to the top of her shirt and then even lower, to the top of her bra. His nose nuzzled between her still covered breasts as his hands wrapped around her and brought her even closer to him as if he were inhaling her. She closed her eyes, savoring the warmth and comfort he offered as her entire body soon became engulfed in towering waves of passion. Her desire was so thick and strong, it made her swell and dampen, to the point of dripping with anticipation. He’d done nothing more than to nuzzle her. And cuddle her. And kiss her.

  Lifting his head, but not his hands, he stepped forward and she stepped back. Somehow, in an almost awkward dance, they remained embraced. Still kissing, they made their way down the hallway and through a door into a dark bedroom. His bedroom. Joey started to search around for a light, but Hailey grabbed his hand. “No lights.”

  Yes, of course… because she was older. Probably owing to her insecurities, but mostly because she hadn’t had sex with anyone new for sixteen years, so it was intimidating to do such an act with a new partner.

  His mouth lifted off hers and he stilled. “Is it because of our age gap?”

  Her breath was shallow, almost panting in response to all of his kissing. But his question wasn’t flippant. His tone was serious.

  “Not so much anymore. It’s just that… I haven’t done this with anyone besides my ex-husband in sixteen years. That’s a long time. I—I’m a little scared.”

  She whispered the last part, tucking her head against his chest, hiding under his neck, and wrapping her arms around his trunk. She nearly snuggled under his armpits and cuddled up to his radiant heat, his muscles, his chest, his strength… She almost felt like Brianna, and the way she used to snuggle up against her father. For some reason, being in the bedroom made it all very real, which sort of freaked her out.

  “Of me? Why, because I’m younger?”

  “I’m not afraid of you, just of this. I knew Brent and he knew me. It’s just so… different.” She felt so lame; she didn’t know how to describe it. It was so much more than different. It was intimidating. Odd. Scary. Sad. Yes, it was even sad. It meant her marriage and her fidelity to her kids’ father was over. Of course it was over, finished, ended forever. But she didn’t fully embrace that before; not until this moment. So yes, it was different.

  “I’m nervous too. Sixteen years with the same guy is a hard act to follow. And I don’t want this to be a fling or a one-night stand. You’re not getting laid. I don’t intend to disappear tomorrow, Hailey. I plan to see you again. And often. This isn’t the end for me.” She felt his chest rise and fall under her ear as if he were taking a deep breath for courage. “I’ve never felt this kind of… potential? Yeah, maybe that’s what you’d call it. I’ve never felt any potential for a permanent relationship with anyone else before. No other woman. So I can’t exactly say I’m comfortable either.”

  His arms held her tightly against him. His head rested on hers and he turned his cheek to t
he side. Hailey never expected such tenderness from him. She immediately chided herself again; why did she keep doing that? Did she assume he’d react like a clueless, horny eighteen-year-old, suddenly let loose in the world to have as many partners in sex as he could? He wasn’t like that. He might have possessed the looks to be a callous womanizer, but his entire demeanor contradicted that. And yet, Hailey kept discrediting him. She was glad he didn’t realize how often she did. Her arms tightened around him even more as his words filled her with joy and she processed them. She never considered the intimidation factor to spring from her. Joey was intimidated at being the first lover she’d had since her husband. Since her long-term relationship. The one that started when Joey was only ten. She shook her head. Goddamn. Why did she keep doing that? She almost sighed. She wasn’t meant for this. The age difference freaked her out too damn much. Other people might say it just didn’t matter when two people connected like she and Joey had… but it did matter. Despite how often she tried to ignore it and insist that it not.

  His mere touch, the grasp he held on her, suggested he cared very much about this, and her. She took more strength from that. This wasn’t just an act of mindless sex. Especially on her end, no matter how much his physical beauty might addle her mind, he was so much more than that and offered so much more to her.

  She leaned back far enough to cup his face with her hands. She stared up into his eyes, but the shadowy room hid their meaning. “There’s nothing for you to compete with. Let’s just live in the present. It’s tonight. Now. You and me. Neither your history nor mine is relevant here. Okay?”