His Unconventional Woman

His Unconventional Woman Dana has always loved Clay, her brother’s best friend. She’d grown up with him always around, and when she left to pursue a modeling career in New York and to go to college, leaving him behind was difficult. Coming home for vacations and holidays through the years, she began to realize the brotherly feelings were gone, replaced with lust and need. On one storm-riddled night, she’d nearly seduced him. With time, she began to learn what got her excited and realized she’d become an unconventional woman in most men’s eyes. Coming home for good, Dana finally let Clay know her secret. If he could accept her need for toys, spanking, and bondage in the bedroom, they might stand a chance at a future together. Genre: Contemporary Length: 77,190 words

HIS UNCONVENTIONAL WOMAN

Lillith Payne

EROTIC ROMANCE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Erotic Romance

HIS UNCONVENTIONAL WOMAN Copyright © 2011 by Lillith Payne E-book ISBN: 1-61034-841-9 First E-book Publication: September 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of His Unconventional Woman by Lillith Payne from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Lillith Payne’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Payne’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION For my husband.

HIS UNCONVENTIONAL WOMAN LILLITH PAYNE Copyright © 2011

Chapter One Clay glanced in his rearview mirror, the dust cloud approached his vehicle with amazing speed. Almost before it could register in his thoughts, the dust enveloped him. “Damn,” he said aloud, wishing he hadn’t taken the top off the convertible. In the distance he thought he heard a horn blow as the vague impression of a blue bullet sped past him on the left. As the dust was settling, he knew instinctively what he was witnessing before he heard the squeal of the brakes and knew the driver was spinning. He was impressed the other driver had controlled it to a complete three-quarter spin and was now facing the driveway, straight ahead. Less than a quarter mile ahead was the right turn into the private driveway, his destination and that of the speed demon that had just blown past him. Had he not been thinking about what lay ahead, he might have shifted gears and given the blue bullet a run for its money on the last mile stretch before the turnoff. Instead, his brain was focused on seeing her again, his stomach churning when he realized how uptight he really was. As if to taunt him, the driver of the bullet postponed his entrance for Clay to catch up, revving its engine in disgust at having to wait,

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just before it took off into the driveway. The driver floored the pedal as a hand came up and waved. Again the horn sounded. Clay decided to slow down. Whoever was playing with him could just wait a little longer. Clay downshifted and cruised toward the driveway at twenty miles an hour. There was no sign of the car and he breathed a sigh of relief. Who the hell was that? He made the turn into Jeff and Lisa Britton’s driveway. The half-mile-long road leading to the house was one-way, as it formed the right side of a large horseshoe with the house being at the head. In the center, the grassy area was surrounded with white board fences, protecting the grazing horses from straying. He remembered seeing the sports car in town several times. Once at the bank and pulling in the driveway of the old Britton Mansion in town. He remembered now, because he had wanted to ask Jeff if he had finally decided to do something with the original old, abandoned homestead of the Britton family. Halfway in, Clay spotted the car pulled off the left shoulder at an odd angle, the driver’s door left open. It was the first time he got a good look at the small BMW Roadster made famous in the movies by a super-spy. The convertible was dark blue and sported a temporary North Carolina tag. That was when he knew for sure it was the same vehicle he had seen around the area the last few days. “Where’s the driver?” he wondered aloud just before spotting her. “Her!” He caught a glimpse of tanned skin hiding under a full-brimmed straw hat that covered her head and shadowed the shoulders of this stunt driver. He saw bare shoulders as he cruised toward her. He did see a small patch of black skirt, a very short skirt for such long legs. Braking slightly, Clay saw the woman had her face buried in the neck of a horse, her hands reaching to soothe it gently. He watched as she climbed up the bottom row of the fence, leaning over to nuzzle the horse. That was when he realized she was barefoot. “Good God!” Clay said aloud as his body went into overdrive and tense feelings in his groin demanded his attention. He dropped his

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hand to his cock and absently stroked his erection. It felt good, too good, he realized, and focused his attention back on the road. He cruised past the bare-shouldered beauty, afraid to think any further, forcing himself to calmly drive up to the house. Once there, he parked the Corvette off to the side, away from the tree-lined entry. With several deep breaths, Clay gathered the small, wrapped box that sat on the empty seat next to him as the BMW pulled up beside him. He watched as she seemed to plan her moves, smiling inwardly as he wondered if she realized how many women would kill to have hair like hers, kissed with natural highlights from the sun, never a bottle. Having known Dana all her life, he knew it wouldn’t occur to her to add them herself. He smiled again, wondering what her answer would have been if it was suggested to her. When her look met his, the dread he’d been holding back rushed forward. Choosing to take the initiative, he left the safety of his car and walked toward her, shaking his head when he realized she couldn’t find her shoes. In that instant it was reinforced to him that being casual around Dana was going to be difficult on all levels. Best he kept his distance until he knew more about her reasons for retiring from her lucrative modeling career and moving back to her hometown. Leaning across her vehicle to say hello to her wasn’t a good idea, Clay realized as her rosy scent reached him. Pulling back from her, he felt his cock harden as the fragrance wafted through his senses. The tightening in his stomach made him realize again he would have to be more careful around her or give away his feelings that might not be returned. If she did return his feelings, it would open another doorway he wasn’t sure he was strong enough to walk through. Clay knew he’d blocked budding relationships in the past, the idea of Dana always lurking in the back of his mind. Now that she was home, he knew one way or another they’d finally decide what their relationship was. ****

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Dana knew the vintage candy-apple-red Corvette, for she had ridden in it often and even been allowed to drive it on several occasions. She knew Clay would come for the christening. He was to be Adam’s godfather, and she his godmother. As her brother Jeff’s best and oldest friend, Clay Hollister had always been around. It had felt wrong if he wasn’t, she reflected, knowing how she hounded the pair with her tagging along and unending requests and attempts for attention. She was ten years their junior, enough time for them to have pity on her occasionally and to be horrid on others. In the long days before coming home, Dana had envisioned Clay’s face often. His dark brown hair was always windblown with sungiven highlights. His dark eyes always mesmerized her, their intensity burning through her on more than one occasion. So wise and knowing. Sometimes when she caught him looking at her it was as if he could see into her soul. The idea that every thought she had might also run through his mind bared her to him in an elemental way. Being near Clay had been a part of the decision-making process. Dana knew she would have to get a handle on her emotions. She blew out the breath she’d been holding, knowing if they did start some form of a sexual relationship he would lean her secrets. If her secrets didn’t horrify him, the two of them might stand a chance to build a future. If he couldn’t accept her eccentricities, he’d probably never see her again in the same light. Innocence lost could never be reclaimed. But that was part of the process. She was no longer too young for him or her private passions. She decided time and fate would prevail. For now, she had to get her act together and get through the christening. Clay would probably like a say on the subject, too. Just because she lusted for him didn’t make him an automatic potential lover, even if that was one of her ultimate goals of moving home. Even through all her angst on the subject, she still couldn’t put Clay on her negative list of arguments for moving home. Over a year in the making, her pro vs. con list shifted several times, home winning out. This was where she belonged, where she

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would continue her life. If Clay happened to run into her on occasion, so be it. They had been friends all her life, and if she was getting anxious at the thought of being close to him, it was her problem to correct. Clay had never been anything but brotherly, in both the good and bad sense. Her desire couldn’t enter into that brotherly friendship if she were to keep the situation uninterrupted. Dana knew if she pushed for a sexual commitment and they failed, she’d lose him forever in all ways. She let her memory flash to the one night he’d lost his reserve with her. It had been an awakening of sorts, one she cherished and longed to repeat. But since he’d never made any mention or attempt to repeat it, she’d have to wait. Her second memory was of their time together at Jeff and Lisa’s wedding, another shattering moment in her life that was so short and never mentioned. Maybe she’d find the courage to talk to him about the incidents one day and get a chance to repeat them. For now, with the guest gathered for the party, she’d have to wait. At this time in her life, Dana wanted Clay as a friend, even if their being lovers was always on her mind. If that was the only place it ever could exist, she’d accept it and hopefully move on to a man who understood her. Dana seriously hoped that didn’t happen. Parking beside him, she pulled off her straw hat, tossing it onto the other seat, not caring when it fell to the floor. Her brown hair waved around her face and shoulders and down her back in soft continuing waves. She watched as Clay froze when her gaze met his. For a second, she thought to retreat, and then she realized she couldn’t. This was her home. The thought gave her reason to smile, and she did as she bent over, searching for her shoes on the floor of the tiny car. “Some things never change, do they, kid?” Clay was standing beside her door, staring down with his smile broad. She wished he would take off the sunglasses, wanting to see the chocolate eyes she had dreamed of so often. Pushing that thought

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aside, she agreed with him. “Yep, some things don’t.” She smiled back, wanting to add that she had, but he hadn’t noticed. “Do you see his brother back there, Clay?” she asked, holding up only one strappy, high-heeled sandal. Reaching across her, he retrieved the shoe that hid under the monstrosity of a thing she had used as a hat. She would never tell anyone she hated wearing hats. Dana learned a long time ago to keep out of the sun as much as possible, or she’d become one large freckle. So she’d taken to wearing outrageously large hats to cover her when she was outdoors. Most people just thought it was a Britton eccentricity. They had no idea how much time she spent in the sun riding horses and swimming. **** “Next time, get a smaller hat or a bigger car,” he teased, handing her the second shoe. He opened the car door for her then ran his hand along the line of the small convertible as she swung her legs onto the grassy shoulder while she slid on her shoes. He had reached the other side of the vehicle and again took note that she was bare shouldered and bare backed. The white halter shirt fit around her small waist and up behind her neck. Everything in between was pure Dana, flawless to his eye, as always. Those eyes, sable brown with golden edges that flamed when she was excited or angry. He had been on the receiving end of both of those moods, knowing both could bring him to his knees if he let them. This latest episode was just more proof. Clay didn’t expect her to understand. After all, she thought of him as just another big brother to bully and taunt. Until three years ago, that was all he had seen in her. Then she came home for the holidays and his life had turned upside down. Watching her bent over in the seat, he knew it had really started a few years earlier. She had been just twenty when she came to him for shelter during a storm. How he had managed to keep from fucking her, he’d never know. Only that it would have been wrong. Technically he hadn’t kept his hands from

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her, but he’d managed to stop himself from making love to her. Instead, he’d brought her to a climax with his hands and lips. Clay knew she’d been the one to initiate the situation, and his cock, still semi-hard from his earlier thoughts, throbbed at the memory. It was a memory he often used to masturbate to. Dana on her knees before him, his legs stretched wide to the side with her mouth just about to encase his cock. Yes, he admitted they’d explored that night, but he hadn’t fucked her. Maybe if they had made love his life would be different. Hers would have been too. But he’d found the presence of mind to stop their explorations before plunging his cock inside her and showing her what it meant to truly be loved and appreciated. Pulling himself from the memories, he cleared his throat and tried to get a handle on his emotions. “When did you get in, kid?” “A few days ago, what do you think of the wheels?” she asked. He knew she wouldn’t ask if she didn’t want his opinion, hating the idea it meant so much to him. “I know you can’t consider it a classic, but it gets me around.” Her straight face folded into a wide smile, warming his heart that had gone cold so long ago. “I’ll reserve judgment until I get to drive it.” He stuck his tongue out at her, as he would when she was ten, not giving him or Jeff a moment’s peace for whatever had been so important to them at the time. Shaking his head when she did the same, he rounded the car as she pulled on a sleeveless black jacket that matched the skirt she was almost wearing. Now, standing before him, Clay felt his hands go clammy and cursed his cock stirring with anticipation. It had been almost three years since he had seen Dana, and he missed her. Dana took a steadying breath as she rose up from the seat of the car. She flung her arms around his neck, pulling him off balance against her. Then she took off his sunglasses and tossed them onto the seat of her car. His arms surrounded her waist, and he felt the warmth of her against him. Inhaling deeply, her scent enveloped him lightly. Sweet

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summer roses. He buried his face in her neck and hair as she had done so recently with the horse in the pasture. **** Dana held onto Clay as if her life depended on him. She didn’t know when she would get a chance to be close to him again, and she yearned for his touch. Slowly, he lifted her off the ground a few inches, swinging her in a circle. They had done this so often through the years it was routine. Dana always had a hug for him as well as Jeff when they would come home from school on vacations. Clay would hug her deeply then swing her around several times before setting her back on her feet. She would lean her head back, close her eyes, and trust him not to hurt her. This time was no different, her head tossed back, her hair swinging free against his bare arms. He never disappoints me, still turning in slow circles beside the two parked vehicles. She wondered how long they might have stayed that way if they hadn’t been interrupted by voices coming toward them. Slowly, he stopped twirling her, forcing Dana to lean in, watching his eyes intently as he lowered her to the ground, her body sliding against his. It was several long seconds before either of them moved their hands away, his from her waist, and hers from his shoulders. The voices were getting closer as Clay took a step back, waiting for Dana to grab her purse from the front seat of her blue bullet. Laughing at her thoughts, she gave him her typical Dana look, one eyebrow up, one hand on her hip, and her eyes expressing the need for information. “I was just thinking I should be shot.” He shifted the baby’s present to his other hand, took her arm, and started walking them toward the front of the house. “I can use a gun, but tell me why first,” she teased. Even with a short-sleeved shirt and no tie, Clay looked exotic. His hair was in

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need of a trim, the back and sides brushing his collar, the natural wave at the ends of the dark brown strands teasing against his skin. “Because I helped to teach you how to drive!” he told her. As they walked to the house, she had an overwhelming urge to fuss with his hair. Suddenly they both stopped walking, and her hand came up to do so, only it caressed his face, her finger running along his cheekbone. Clay seemed startled but didn’t pull back from the intimate touch. Later she wondered what would have happened if Linda Cole hadn’t interrupted them. **** Watching from the wide porch, Linda Cole’s body language told her story to anyone who witnessed it. Her back became ramrod straight, her hand unconsciously smoothing the pastel skirt she decided to wear instead of the solid-colored business suits she usually chose. Her facial expression was the same one she wore in court when she had been bested by the opposition. Her lips were tight, her eyelids half closed in a glare. Linda’s mind went into overdrive, working out the possible scenarios that could take place, opting for Southern grace rather than the catty jealousy that overcame her instantly when she saw Clay with Dana on his arm. She hadn’t been invited to the party and knew she wouldn’t be. But she also knew Clay Hollister would be. That morning, she had chosen her skirt and blouse carefully, wanting to avoid any business attire, plainly exposing the feminine side that most people didn’t see. Linda was uncomfortable in the flowery skirt. The matching top felt unnatural without a blazer to go over it. Today, she knew Clay had to see her as a woman, not a professional. Her excuse was valid. There was some Chamber of Commerce business she wanted to talk over with Jeff Britton. Would it be her fault she happened to stop by on this beautiful afternoon? She had been out driving, enjoying the sun, when she realized she was near his home. Choosing to drop by to see

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to those arrangements seemed plausible. Linda didn’t care what anyone else thought. She knew Southern hospitality would have Jeff inviting her to stay and enjoy the festivities of his firstborn son’s christening party. What could be better? Her mood was unusually light today, hoping that she would take one step closer to Clay Hollister. That is, until she saw Dana Britton in his arms. “There you are, Clay. Lisa and I were just wondering if you had forgotten.” Her posture straightened further as they approached, her blond hair bobbing around her shoulders. Her seeing Dana, still on Clay’s arm, didn’t put her at ease. “I couldn’t forget Adam’s day.” He hadn’t let go of Dana’s arm, and she seemed to be holding on tighter. Watching the other woman’s body language, Linda knew she was staring into the eyes of her competition. With an inward groan she hoped he couldn’t hear, she watched Clay tighten his grip on Dana’s arm as they continued up the stairs. Once on the porch, he stilled. Linda knew Dana was opting to put her on the defensive. “Hello, Linda, it’s nice to see you again. It’s my fault Clay’s late. He was helping me find my shoes.” With that, she turned and placed a kiss on his cheek. “See you later, handsome,” she whispered, smiling broadly at Linda as she passed. Linda had to hold back the seething look that threatened to overtake her plastered-on smile. Clay had to see her as feminine and alluring today. He waited a moment and motioned with his hand for her to go ahead of him into the house. Linda chose to loop her arm around his, drawing him closer as they entered the house. She could still hear Dana’s voice ahead of them and held back from fisting her hand against Clay’s arm. What she really wanted to do was toss Dana Britton on her head. It had taken the better part of a year to be noticed by Clay Hollister, and it wasn’t easy at that. Now that Dana was back, Clay was among the missing in relation to her, Linda realized. Well, she had a few tricks in reserve. Clay was a flesh and blood man, and she knew how to work a man.

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**** Jeff caught sight of Dana, using his index finger to tap at the glass on his watch. “I know, I know, I couldn’t find my shoes,” she started then laughed openly at the grimace her loving brother produced for her. “Relax, Jeffy.” She knew the nickname would send chills up his spine, loving the idea she could still get to him, even after all the time they’d spent apart. “Where’s my nephew? I didn’t come home to stand here getting a lecture from you.” She scanned the crowded room to her right, then her left, until she spotted Lisa holding a small bundle wrapped in white. “There he is. See you later.” She kissed his cheek lightly then wove her way through the crowd toward the guest of honor. It struck her how happy Jeff and Lisa looked. Their glances to each other held a hint of the passion and understanding they had found together. A match made in heaven, Dana decided, and had a fleeting thought if she would ever have something so special in her life. Dana smiled, hugged, and greeted old friends and family. She had planned her homecoming with the christening. When Adam was born, she was finishing up her scheduled commitments, refusing to add any more to her book. Professionally, Dana Britton was retiring. She would still do some charity work of her choice, but her days of modeling before the cameras were winding down. Instead, she looked forward to a more normal existence. Moving back to the coastal Carolina home she had left ten years before was her only hope of finding what was missing from her life.

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Chapter Two The simple ceremony was held in the one-room stone chapel that sat apart from the rest of the house. Its own freestanding building, it had been built with the rest of the landscape in mind, its stained glass windows reflecting the southern light. Dana remembered the stories of the arguments her parents had had, her father finally giving in and building the chapel for her mother when they married. Her mother was new to the area, having met her handsome fiancé away at college. They drifted apart just after graduation. Her father had traveled to her Napa Valley home a few years later, winning her heart. He had wanted to establish himself before asking for her commitment. The house was almost completed, the farm just starting to turn a profit again, when he brought her home. She adapted easily, except that she felt the place was missing something. When their wedding plans were being finalized, she had put her foot down. She would not be wed outside of the church. However, Dana’s father felt they should be married at home. Hence, the chapel he built as her wedding present. From then on, every important ritual had taken place in the small stone space. For the ceremony, only their longtime family friend Reverend Frost stood in front of the font, Jeff and Lisa to one side, Dana and Clay to the other. Their father’s sister, Mary, was the only remaining relative, along with her husband Leo. They sat in the first pew to witness the ceremony. Ruth, their long time housekeeper, sat across the aisle. The small bundle in her arms was anointed without waking from his nap. When they exited the chapel, Dana gave the baby back to Lisa. Watching them walk back toward the house where sixty friends

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and extended family members gathered to celebrate, Dana hung back, retreating into the cool, quiet space. There alone, she let herself have a good cry, which was cleansing in many ways, as just being home helped to soothe her. **** Clay stood in the open doorway of the chapel, wondering if he should stay or leave. He had never seen Dana cry, not even when she broke her arm falling from a horse as a skinny twelve-year-old. Even when her father had been killed, she stood stoic beside Jeff, refusing to let her tears escape before the prying eyes of those gathered to mourn him. These tears bothered him. He wasn’t sure why, but they did. Quietly he went and sat on the wooden pew behind her, leaning over to hand her a white handkerchief. He saw her stiffen when she realized she wasn’t alone. After several long minutes of quiet, she finally spoke. “Don’t worry, I haven’t gone soft on you, it’s just this miracle of life thing got to me.” “Are you sure?” As she turned to look back at him, he noted her posture change. “We have company,” she told him quietly. Clay wasn’t sure if that meant she wouldn’t or couldn’t continue their conversation now that they weren’t alone. Something deep inside her hurt. That was what he felt. Somehow Dana was wounded inside, and his need to make it better was being stifled. Without turning to see who was approaching, he asked her quietly, “Want me to send them away?” Her brown eyes twinkled from the colored light reflecting through the windows. Her profile didn’t waver, but he stared at her lips, longing to kiss her. Dana never got a chance to answer him.

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“There you two are. Lisa asked me to find you, lunch is about to be served, and the godparents are a no-show.” Clay stiffened when he recognized Linda’s voice. While her tone was light sounding, Clay didn’t buy her polite and teasing attitude. He’d met women like her in the past. She had an agenda and it soured his stomach to realize he was on it. “Linda, we were just coming along. It’s amazing to us both that Jeff has a son of his own now. Time seems to go so quickly these days.” Dana let her voice trail off, accepting that Linda didn’t care. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll slip inside and repair the damage from this silly crying jag.” Clay almost told her not to go, that she didn’t need to be repaired, she was more beautiful now with puffy cheeks and watery brown eyes than ever before, but one glance at Linda and he knew to keep his mouth shut. Instead, he stood, offering his arm to Linda. “Shall we? I’m starved. This godfather thing makes a man hungry.” “Oh, Clay, believe me, I know what to feed you then,” Linda purred back. His stomach flipped again but not in a good way, more like instant nausea. **** Dana felt a shiver of repulsion run through her, wondering if Clay had enough sense to see where Linda was leading him. With a shake of her head, she walked around the chapel and in the kitchen door, up to her old room using the back staircase. There, she gave herself five minutes to regain her composure then fixed her makeup and headed downstairs. At the top of the stairs, she halted, taking deep breaths for control. Jealousy was a new emotion for Dana. It had first happened when she saw him across an airport several years before, a slim blonde on his arm. It had taken all her strength not to go to him that day, knowing she couldn’t trust herself not to make a fool of herself at that point.

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During the next few months, every time she pictured the scene she had witnessed, it turned her sick inside. Dana knew Clay dated, but seeing him with the stranger had hit her on such a base level it scared her. Never before had she felt so bitter. It was then she started limiting her trips home. Avoiding the situation seemed the best way for her to handle it. Now she knew she would have to deal with it. “Not today,” she said aloud, checking her appearance one last time. **** Lisa and Jeff both watched Dana out of the corner of their eyes. They knew something was wrong, but all Dana had told them was she had decided she missed home and was moving back. She had dismissed all their attempts to dig deeper, yet the couple knew something was haunting her, something she wasn’t ready to deal with. Until she was ready, the most they could do was offer her love and support. Jeff’s wandering looks found Lisa across the room. Seeing him holding Adam on his shoulder, she let out a sigh. She was thankful her body was returning to normal after the birth, wanting to be the stunning woman he married once again. The miracle of it all surfaced, and she held back a few stray tears that threatened to escape. Lisa went about her hostess duties, urging everyone to have seconds, accepting compliments directed toward the new Britton heir. For the most part it was routine, except for the family. Lisa loved the idea of having a family close-by. She had grown up an only child, lonely and forgotten to sitters most of the time. Deep inside, the one thing she knew was that she would raise her children, not a nanny. Their longtime housekeeper was given more responsibility after Adam was born, Lisa turning her attentions to her husband and baby. The house ran smoothly before Lisa came to live there. It would continue to do so under the careful eye of Ruth. The two women had come to an understanding early on, when Lisa had first been

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introduced to the household. She had taken the initiative, asking Ruth to lunch the day after she had accepted Jeff’s marriage proposal. What could have turned into a power play, she managed to turn into a loving relationship. She wasn’t interested in changing the way Ruth ran the house; in fact, she was relieved to have those duties taken from her. It would give her time to concentrate on her new husband and still allow her time for her painting. She and Ruth had slowly learned to trust each other and eventually to confide in one another. Lisa made a point of always including Ruth in all family occasions, coming to think of her as more of a parent figure than she had ever considered her own. Ruth made the transition easy for Lisa. She knew what was going on in town all the time, who needed to be appeased and who didn’t. Their friendship had grown through the three years she had lived there as Mrs. Jeffrey Britton, a friendship she valued and nurtured. Adam would call Ruth Aunt Ruth, no matter what Aunt Mary had to say about it. All Lisa’s children would. Jeff saw nothing wrong with it, and his was the only opinion that mattered. Catching Ruth’s eye, she smiled, knowing everything was in control. **** Dana filled a plate from the buffet and made a point of carrying it with her for a long time. If anyone noticed, they would see her laughing and talking with friends and family she had missed for the past three years. It was easy to fall back into the little girl that was fussed over by her aunt and uncle, as well as all of the employees at the farm. She had grown up amongst all of them and their families, remembering all the times they protected her or kept her out of trouble. Photographs were taken, cake was eaten, couples danced in the atrium as the afternoon progressed. After seven, Dana saw Jeff and Lisa swaying in a corner of the room, Adam close between them.

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“May I interrupt? I haven’t had a chance to dance with my nephew,” she teased, easing the baby from his mother’s arms. “I was just going to put him down,” Lisa told her. “I know. Stay and dance with your husband. I’ll put him down.” “No. Dana, you stay and enjoy the party.” “No, you stay and enjoy your guests.” She leaned in to the couple as if her statement was meant for them only. “Besides, it will give me fifteen minutes out of these shoes,” she teased. Slowly, Jeff and Lisa smiled at her. Dana cuddled Adam in the crook of her arm then took Jeff’s hand and placed it on Lisa’s waist. “Dance for awhile. We’ll be just fine.” Walking away, she knew the couple would be holding each other close, swaying to the music around them. Walking up to the nursery, she was unaware of the brown eyes that watched every step she took. Talking to Adam in a whispered tone, Dana conversed with the baby, assuring him that his parents were nearby, but that he was in safe hands. As she ascended the wide stairs slowly, she thought about Jeff and Lisa. They were a handsome couple, both tall and slim, yet loving toward each other. The first time they met, Dana was home for the holiday from college, Lisa a Christmas Eve guest. No one had to tell her, the looks that crossed between her brother and Lisa confirmed her suspicions. Lisa was a good match for Jeff. She stood her ground against his stubbornness and usually managed to persuade him with laughter. Only her fair skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes were a switch for Jeff. Usually, he dated brunettes. The following year, on New Year’s Day, Jeff had married Lisa in the family chapel. At that same time, Dana realized she had always seen blondes on Clay’s arm. Linda Cole was a blonde, even if it wasn’t natural. She smiled remembering what a good time she’d had at their wedding. Foremost in her mind was dancing with Clay, her head resting on his shoulder with his hands tight to her waist. Dana sighed when she thought back to how he’d taken her hand and led her away from the party when it was starting to wind down. She followed

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without complaint, laughing as he guided her through the house to the small room under the main staircase. It was supposed to be a closet but everyone used the mud porch off the back door. It had become a storage room of sorts over the years, mainly empty now that the good silver serving pieces were being used for the reception. Clay had glanced around, and when he saw nobody was in the hallway, all but pushed her inside. He reached for the switch that lit a single overhead bulb. Clay grasped her around the waist and tugged her against him, his lips meeting hers in a kiss she longed for. It was sweet yet sensual, and she never wanted it to end. When he pulled away from her mouth, she started to object until he put his index finger to her mouth. “No words, Dana. Be quiet or someone will find us.” What he did next surprised her. He let his hands run down along her hips and when he drew them back up, he had her dress clasped in his fingers. She watched wordlessly as he dropped in front of her and pushed more of the material upward. “Hold this,” he instructed, and she gathered the dress as best she could. What he did next still sent a shiver through her body. Dana knew or had hoped what he was going to do, but when he hooked his index fingers under her bikini underwear, she was shocked when he tore them from her body. She’d assumed he’d draw them down her legs, not tear them off. Yet that simple act had set her body into a sexual tilt. With great flair, she watched him tuck them in his pants pocket and lean forward. With the first touch of his mouth to her clit, she sighed. Clay had sucked her clit and taken long licks of her pussy lips. Over and over he repeated the movements. Dana knew she’d jutted her hips forward, giving him better access to her body. She couldn’t reach to him while holding the material of her bridesmaid gown, which gave him all the control. With his hands on her hips, he moved her body at his whim. Dana had let him, groaning louder when he stroked her pussy lips with his index finger.

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“Clay,” she’d started, but he’d glanced up at her. “Quiet, Dana, just let me,” he’d told her, and she had. She’d let him lick her pussy and slide his finger inside her. “Damn it, you’re beyond wet, you’re almost fluid. So sweet and hot to my lips,” he mumbled. When he slid a second finger in her pussy, she’d widened her stance to give him better access. With his fingers pumping in and out of her and his mouth covering her clit, Dana had cried out when she came. Clay had stood instantly and kissed her lips, sharing her essence with her while he continued to slip his fingers in and out of her pussy. “I told you to be quiet,” he said. Dana had wilted against his body, the aftermath of his attention making her legs weak and her whole body quake. The kiss was beyond erotic, it was mind-boggling for her. His large fingers were still sliding in her body, rubbing against her clit. When she came a second time, he swallowed her cry with his tongue thrusting in and out of her mouth. “What part of be quiet didn’t you get?” he teased, pausing to drop light kisses to her mouth. “Let me get to your cock and see how quiet you can be,” she answered. “Another time,” he told her, and very slowly withdrew his fingers from her pussy. She’d dropped the dress to try and hold him in place, but he was quicker than she was. Grabbing his wrist, she drew his hand to her mouth and licked his fingers clean of her cum. It was his groan they heard in the small closet-like space. “What were you saying about being quiet?” she teased, dropping her other hand to rub his erection through the material of his pants. “Jeez, you’re hard. Let me get to you, I’d bet you’re dripping precum.” He’d grabbed her wrist to stop her movements. “Another time,” he told her, kissed her forehead, and after putting his clothing right, left her alone in the closet. Dana had stayed there a few moments longer, thrusting three of her own fingers in her pussy. She came

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again, but it wasn’t the same. After catching her breath, she smoothed down her dress and left the closet. With a quick stop in the bathroom to repair her hair and makeup, she spotted him across the room, champagne glass in hand, talking with some of the farmhands. Nobody would believe what he’d just done to her in the closet. Her problem was getting him to do it again. Later when they were dancing, she’d leaned up and whispered, “I’ve got my juices dripping down my thighs.” “Is that a problem?” “Not if you do it again. Let’s see if we can get your cum to drip down my thighs.” Dana remembered holding his look, waiting for his reply when the orchestra leader called for everyone’s attention to center on the cake cutting. “I could think of some things to do with the icing,” she’d whispered. “I’m sure you could, but not tonight, kid. We have duties to attend to.” He’d squeezed her hand and walked away, joining the guests gathering around the cake table. “Damn that man,” she’d whispered in exasperation. For the rest of the reception, they hadn’t a moment alone. Dana drew a deep breath and locked the memory away where it belonged. **** The door to the nursery stood ajar, the only light in the room a soft night-light, more of a glow, Clay decided. Adam was nestled on Dana’s chest, his fist gripping her finger as she sang the old hymn softly. One his mother used to sing, one he would never forget from his childhood. Standing beside the door, watching Dana rock the baby to sleep, hearing the soft words she sang, he knew there was no way around it. He was in love with her. He had been since the last Christmas he had spent with her. This moment he watched made him all the more aware of his feelings.

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Now he had to decide how to hide them from her. She was young and free, her whole life ahead of her. He had no right to think the thoughts he had of them together, of her one day holding his child, of them as a couple. She had stopped singing, but the chair still rocked. Forcing himself, he walked several steps into the room, stopping dead when he caught sight of the tear running down her cheek. He went toward her, quietly pulling over a second straight-backed chair as he went. Sitting across from her, his front straddling the back of the chair, his legs spread wide around it, he heard Dana sniff back the next torrent of tears that threatened. Waiting her out, he was still there when she opened her eyes a minute later. Pulling several tissues from the box behind him, Clay handed them to her. He took the baby with ease, whispering to him as he placed the baby into the bassinet, propping him correctly. Adam stretched in his new environment but settled as Clay kept his large hand on the baby’s belly, reassuring him. Dana stared out the window, as if she was trying to force back the emotions that surfaced. He’d never seen her as emotional as she seemed these last few hours. Clay returned to his chair, studying her in the dim light. “Want to talk about it? I don’t think Adam will tell your secrets.” “If only I could,” she whispered. Then, without considering her move, she went to him as he stood, accepting his open arms for comfort. “Come on, kid. It can’t be that bad, tell me.” “Just hold me a minute, Clay. For old times’ sake.” Her grip tightened around him. He felt her shaking in his arms. All he could do was hold her, all he wanted to do was make everything all right for her, any way he could. When she finally pulled back, her gaze wouldn’t meet his. Instead, she started chattering about hormones running amok. He caught her chin in his hand, forcing her to look. “Dana?”

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“Please, Clay, I’m okay.” She walked to the baby, checking him one more time. “You’re pretty good with him. I didn’t realize you knew so much about babies.” “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Dana.” Her look flew to his, searching for the true meaning of his statement. “Just like there’s a lot I don’t know about you.” “Why aren’t you at the party?” “I wanted some peace and quiet.” He started to laugh then pulled back. Dana seemed to be making some sort of decision, Clay thought, watching her face carefully. “Besides, the nursery is the last place Linda would look for me.” His words were whispered as his hand came up to her lips. His thumb ran along her bottom lip, enjoying the texture of it, the softness against his finger. She let her eyes lock on his, wondering if she would accept what he was attempting to offer. Slowly, his head bent down, hovering just a breath away from hers, his lips so close to hers, until finally she closed the distance between them, letting her lips touch his. Clay knew he should leave, but just when he thought he could, he had touched her, touched his mouth to hers with such a delicate glance he knew he had to have more. His face was next to hers, all she had to do was look up slightly and they would touch. Then she did. Clay closed his eyes as his lips met hers in this intimate way. It wasn’t the quick smack of lips that they were used to, this was warm and sensual. Dana lifted up onto her toes, granting him better access to her lips as she opened them to his. A deep groan came from within Dana, exciting him all the more. She accepted the light probing of his tongue against hers. He pulled her up close against the length of him. As their kiss deepened, he knew she felt him harden against her belly. As he did, he tossed away all thoughts of propriety and kissed her back, full and strong, taking what he had dreamt about for such a long time.

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Air, Clay needed air to breath, but he knew if he moved, the magic would be lost. Instead, he groaned against her lips, pulling back slightly, then returning to the one place he knew they belonged. Pressed against hers, life made sense to Clay Hollister for the first time in years. He never wanted to lose this feeling. He never wanted to lose Dana. If he could freeze a moment in time, this would be it. **** Neither Clay nor Dana knew that Linda Cole had witnessed a portion of their kiss. She watched from the shadow of the hall, bile turning in her throat. She would have to deal with this as soon as possible. She retreated back the way she came, running into Lisa as she did. “Something wrong, Linda?” “As if you didn’t know,” was all she got in return. Linda left her standing in the hallway of her own home, confused. When she got to the doorway of the nursery, she saw what had set off Linda. Lisa knew that for the past year or so Linda wanted to stake a claim on Clay. Unfortunately, it seemed only Clay was oblivious to it. Everyone in the county knew she was lusting for him and his bank account. Jeff had discussed it with her on several occasions. Oddly, neither Jeff nor Lisa could picture them as a couple. Retreating several steps, she cleared her throat and then coughed lightly a few times before entering the nursery. There she found Clay looking out the window, while Dana looked down at her sleeping nephew. “Here’s where I lost you two. It’s my turn to hide out with my son for a few minutes. You two have to go back to the party,” she teased. Lisa was affectionate by nature, so it wasn’t out of character for her to put her arm around Dana as the two of them looked at the sleeping baby.

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“I suppose you’re right. I’ll make the supreme sacrifice. I’ll go back to the party.” Clay pushed out his bottom lip in a mock pout, sending the two women into a fit of laughter. “What, pouty doesn’t work for me?” he teased. “Sorry, your tough guy image overrides it. Actually,” Lisa continued, “I find it quite comical.” They laughed again, Clay leaning close to the baby. “Be careful, Adam. You don’t know what you’re up against.” With that said, he left them alone with the baby. Both women noted he turned toward the back staircase. “The baby’s asleep. We should go back to the party.” “If I must,” Dana teased, pausing to grab her shoes. “I guess I can’t go without these.” Lisa noted Dana too went in the direction of the back staircase instead of the main one that lead to the party. Leaning over her newborn son, she soothed him with her hand, smiling down at him. “All hell is gonna break loose soon. It will be interesting to see how they work it out.” **** Clay sat on the back porch steps, the hustle of the caterers just a few feet away. There he pulled out one of the slim cigars he occasionally allowed himself to enjoy. In the warm breeze of the summer night, Clay wondered what would happen next. He wondered even more what Dana would say the next time he saw her. Turning as the door opened, he saw her step out, her shoes in hand. Their eyes met and held. Around them, the party was just starting to break up, the caterer and his staff louder in the kitchen just behind them. Dana kept his look as she approached, surprising him as she took the cigar from his hand, taking it to her lips, puffing evenly until the tip was glowing. Handing it back, they shared several puffs

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of it in silence. Dana sat on the porch step, fastening her shoes once again. “Wouldn’t it be simpler to leave them off?” he teased. Clay hoped if he kept it light, Dana would too. “Probably, but I have an image to maintain,” she teased back. Taking one last puff from the cigar, she stood. “Dana…” “Yes, Clay?” “Not with me. You know that, don’t you?” “Clay, I’d better get back, especially since you’ve corrupted me with tobacco. I have to find some mouthwash before Aunt Mary gets too close.” He didn’t turn to look up at her, instead his hand gently rubbed at her ankle. “I’ll be in shortly.” “All right, Clay.” She didn’t move and he didn’t take his hand away. Her leg was smooth to his callused fingers, slim and delicate. Just the way the rest of her felt as he held her close against him. It was an image he knew would be burned into his memory for the rest of his days. Dana reaching up to close the distance between their lips, her eyes closing as she did. A chill ran through him as he stood, relinquishing his grasp on her, deciding to walk around the house rather than go back through the kitchen.

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Chapter Three Dana knew Hollister Farms encompassed over five thousand acres. Growing up, Clay would often take her for rides through the back roads, showing her new plantings, a new tract of land he had acquired, or especially a new piece of equipment. He never hesitated to let her climb up into the cabs of the huge tractors, following her to explain how that piece worked and its functions. When she was younger, she had often accompanied him during the long hours of spring plantings and fall harvests. It was natural to find Dana in the machine shop standing on a crate to watch one of the workmen, her questions about the repair endless. Even as she grew toward her teens, he’d find her there occasionally, her hands slick with grease from the machinery she was tinkering with. He always took the time to answer her questions, explaining the complexity of the engine and the needed repair. She’d known how to change the oil in most tractors by the time she was ten and had a sixth sense when it came to pinpointing a problem just by listening to the chug or clanking noise it made. Driving on the secondary dirt road, she was stunned at the amount of growth the timber to her left had accomplished. The last time she had been to this area was five years before, just after Clay acquired the thousand acres of freshly logged land. He had replanted, knowing it would be twenty to thirty years before it would be ready for harvest. His long-range plan always gave Dana a comforting thought. He was a man who saw into the future, knowing how to provide for the days ahead.

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The BMW had low ground clearance, so she coasted along the bumpy track until she saw his pickup pulled off to the side. There she found Clay, BlackBerry in one hand and an old-fashioned clipboard in the other. He was surveying the three-foot stalks of corn forcing their way skyward. There had been a brief thunderstorm that morning. It rumbled across the coast in less than an hour leaving behind a sunny, humid day. The rain had washed the dust from the leaves of the crop, leaving it shiny and new as the light wind rustled through the rows. Clay acknowledged the approaching vehicle with the wave of his hand. Dana was instantly relieved and excited when he gave her a large smile. “Hi, kid. What brings you back here?” Before she could say it, he put up his hand, adding, “And if you say your car, I’m going to have to punish you.” “Promises, promises,” she teased back, wondering how he might react if she told him that was exactly what she wanted from him. Dana had vivid memories of Clay tickling her unmercifully when she was younger. She would interrupt him and Jeff to the point of madness, and then Clay would chase her, eventually catching her, tickling her until she promised to behave. A strange feeling came over her with the memory. A feeling she couldn’t quite put into words. The only one that came to mind was lust, and she forced it from her mind. Dana was on alert the minute the words left her mouth. She was glad her sunglasses covered her eyes. The only problem was that he, too, wore dark glasses. His oilskin hat shadowed most of his face from her view. Only the slight tremble in the corner of her mouth gave her away, and she let her lips spread into a smile. “I’ve been sent on a mission, Sunday brunch, two o’clock. Lisa promised immediate family only.” “That leaves me out.” Dana looked stricken at his poor joke. “Okay, kid, just teasing.” He wandered a few rows as if he wanted to put some distance between them. When he turned back, she was sitting propped on the back of her car, her legs pulled up against her

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chest, her arms wrapped around them. Faded denim covered the long length of her legs, her feet clad in old, worn sneakers. The white Tshirt she wore hugged the line of her breasts, tapering to her slim waist. Her hair was pulled back in an elastic band, flowing down her back. After years of modeling, Dana knew the sight Clay saw. She hoped he interpreted it as natural and sensual with a hint of humor. Maybe that would make him see she’d grown up. “What a sight, kid,” he said. For what seemed like eternity, Dana watched him from behind her sunglasses. “Where’s your hat?” “What?” Of all the things Dana was prepared for him to say, asking where her hat was wasn’t one of them. Clay took off his oilskin and plopped it on her head. “Keys in the ignition?” “Yep.” “Going to be kind of hard to hold on sitting there,” he teased as he tossed his clipboard onto the seat of his truck through the open window, carrying only the cell phone. He walked to her Roadster, but she saw the way his hips swayed with a definite purpose. Adjusting the front driver’s seat to accommodate his long legs, he fitted himself behind the steering wheel. Dana swung her legs around, stepping onto the passenger seat, climbing over to get settled. Glancing left, Clay’s profile was still strong and challenging. His jaw was hard, unforgiving, she knew, until he smiled. The thought of his smile warmed her heart on many a cold New York night. “Buckle up, kid.” Dana stuck her tongue out at him then felt her cheeks heat. Unfortunately that wasn’t the only thing that heated. Her pussy was instantly wet at the idea of sucking him. She hoped his glasses would hide the color rising in her cheeks, ducking her head down to tuck his hat under the seat. “Ready?” This close to him it was hard not to reach over and touch him, anywhere, everywhere. She cleared her throat and sat back.

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“Go ahead, it’s still under warranty.” Shaking her head, she held the base of her seat as he gained speed over the bumpy dirt road. Knowing he would control himself until he was on solid ground, she figured he would head over to the airstrip, and she was right. Once he hit the macadam, he shifted gears, the force plastering her against the back of her seat. Dana loved the rush of the speed, the air blowing against her skin. Trusting Clay not to endanger her, she threw back her arms to the wind after she turned on the radio. Blaring around them, the music allowed their silence to continue. Slowing to turn at the far end of the field, Clay waited while Dana chose a disk and inserted it into the stereo. She knew it was one of his favorites from years before, and she often listened to it when she was missing him. The vintage tunes pumped from the multi-speaker system in the small space. After several spins around the airfield, he finally pulled off to the side, shutting the engine, turning in his seat to face her. “High marks on the performance of the vehicle, but low marks on legroom,” he told her. She wondered if he would bring up their kiss, then decided he wouldn’t. She was learning his pattern, how he only showed her adult affection when their time was limited. Always in a semi-public place where outside influences would curtail their actions. Except for the night she’d stopped for shelter during the storm. That night there were no interruptions. “Now, for endurance, let’s hit the logging road, see how she holds it.” With a flip of the key, he drove to the far end of his property, stopping at the new clearing. “This was where the old workshop stood, wasn’t it?” Dana pulled off her seat belt, pushing up onto the seat back, trying to get her bearings. “Used to be, the old lean-to was falling down. It’s easier to keep all the equipment at the main shop now.” “I never realized you could see the water from here. It’s beautiful, Clay.”

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“Seemed like a shame to waste the view.” Clay turned to watch Dana. “You approve?” “Can we get down to the beach from here?” She grabbed his hat to shield her from the harsh sun, her legs swinging over the side of the car and carrying her toward the shoreline before he could answer. “Give me some time, kid. Jeez,” he said, shaking his head as he walked toward her. There was a wide expanse of wetlands between them and the river. “I’m waiting for the permits to cross over with a walkway and a small pier. It should be completed by next summer.” The sun glinted against his dark hair, and she lost her train of thought watching him. She carefully walked out as far as she could go without going into the water. In front of him she threw out her arms toward the sun, laughing. “I haven’t felt this free in years. God, I missed being home.” “Dana, about Sunday…” “About Sunday, it was a great party, don’t you think? Lisa should have the photos printed by brunch this week.” Dana knew that wasn’t what he meant. Let’s see what he does mean, she thought. As she wove her way back toward him, he reached out a strong arm to help her over the last of the distance she had to cover. With her hand in his, it was easy for him to pull her toward him, directly into his arms. Dana knew the moment she took his hand it wasn’t a good idea. Engulfed in his arms, his chest against hers, it was hard to think. She didn’t want to think. Instead she lifted her face to his, wishing him to kiss her. Slowly he pulled off her sunglasses, the harsh change in light forcing her to close them momentarily. His lips met hers, warm, wet, searching hers for a response. Parting her lips under his, he pulled her closer, deepening his exploration. Dana held on for dear life, realizing there wouldn’t be too many more of these uninhibited kisses. Clay deserved a normal woman beside him who could raise his family without fear of accusations of her unorthodox sexual needs. She tugged him closer to her body, letting her hands roam his shoulders

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and chest. For so long, his image fueled her fantasies. Now, here in person, she realized it would be worse in the future when he stops touching her. Dana also knew that with time and her persistence, they’d find a comfortable level of friendship that wouldn’t embarrass either of them. **** Clay knew this was a bad idea even as his mouth went to hers. He could be throwing away a lifetime of trust and friendship, but still he couldn’t help himself. She was vibrant against him, her hands running up his arms, pinching at his shoulders as she pulled him deeper. Body overrode mind, hormones and lust pushed back common sense as he held her, his tongue invading her warm mouth, hers meeting his in a fight for possession. Pulling back from her was the only way to stop it. “Jeez, Dana.” He turned away from her, his jeans suddenly too tight for comfort. A thin layer of sweat beaded along his forehead as he fought for control. “Clay?” “Yeah?” He cleared his throat, trying to control his breathing. “Doesn’t matter.” When he heard her words, anger took over. “Doesn’t matter? Are you crazy?” “I can’t give you what you want. What you need…what you deserve.” She walked back to the river view, keeping her back straight, refusing to turn. Dana’s words floated through his mind, “Can’t give you what you need or want or deserve.” He was more confused than before, if possible. Finally, he knew the time had come to talk it out with her. “Dana, what do you think I’m looking for?” She glanced over her shoulder at him. The sadness in her eyes told him more than any words could as she slowly turned. “Whatever, Clay, you deserve more than I could ever give you.”

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“You don’t know what I want. Sometimes I’m not sure, so how can you be?” “I just know.” Slowly, with all the energy it seemed she could muster, Dana closed the space between them. “I wish I could, Clay.” Taking her sunglasses from his hand, she put them on, a mask to hide behind. She strode with purpose toward the car and waited in the passenger seat of the vehicle. It was a definite way of ending the conversation and questions she wasn’t comfortable answering. When he finally got in, they didn’t talk. He drove back to where she had met him along the cornfield, pulling up near his truck. “The car handles pretty good, are you going to keep it?” “For a while. It doesn’t seem very important anymore.” “Dana, what is important?” “The one thing I can’t have.” He looked to her to explain, but she just shook her head. “I have to get back.” She opened her door, walking around the car, waiting for him to relinquish the driver’s seat. Clay watched in silence as she readjusted the seat and mirrors. “See you Sunday?” “Sure, kid. See you Sunday.” Dana started the car and drove slowly away. When she was about a hundred yards from him, she stopped and backed up to where he still stood. “Clay?” She handed him back his hat, then smiled. “I’m not a kid anymore.” “I know, Dana. I think it would be easier if you were.” “For who?” “For me, of course. There would be a clear line I couldn’t cross.” With that, she switched gears and sped away, leaving him in the developing dust cloud. Shaking his head to himself, he pitied the poor mechanic who would have to realign the vehicle. **** Sitting on the screened porch of his old house, Clay sipped from the bottle his hand held. The beer had gone warm long ago, and he

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just didn’t have the ambition to get a fresh one. His mind kept wandering back. Had it been six years ago? Dana had come home, unexpected and unannounced. She had turned twenty a few months before, not returning for a celebration because of her work and school schedule. When she called to thank him for the flowers he had sent her, she had told him work was hectic but great. Then a few months later, she showed up without any advance notice during the fall semester. Jeff had told him she was home, but he hadn’t seen her yet. Pushing back in the wooden Adirondack chair, he closed his eyes, rubbing them with his fingers. Her vision was as clear in his mind as if she had been standing in front of him now. He had been watching the remnants of a tropical storm blow past when headlights lit up his driveway. In the darkness, he could only tell it was a truck, then the driver’s door opened and he caught the lettering on the door, Britton Farms. He had expected to see Jeff run toward him, but instead it was Dana. He held open the screen door for her against the wind. She was drenched and laughing. He remembered how she had flung herself into his arms, drenching his nude chest with rainwater. She had held him for a long time before she finally released him. “Hi, am I interrupting a hot date?” she teased, her hand running along his bare chest. “Not tonight. Sorry to disappoint you.” “Maybe next time.” She rubbed the sleeves of the flannel shirt she wore. “Is it okay if I hang for a little while? I was on my way back from Aunt Mary and Uncle Leo’s when the storm came up.” Her hair was braided down her back. One long wet tail, he thought as he left her on the porch. Returning, he tossed her a thick towel then pulled on an old college T-shirt. It was cool for summer, the storm blowing in a northeast breeze with the heavy bands of rain. Clay watched her as she toweled off her hair, and she automatically set about undoing the braid. She had peeled off the wet flannel shirt while he was gone, leaving her in a short tee shirt, faded jeans, and her riding boots.

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“What are you doing out in this? Why didn’t you wait it out at Mary and Leo’s?” “Please, Clay. I’d have been stuck there all night. Besides, I left at the first report. It just got here quicker than I did. That reminds me, your power’s going to be off for a few more hours.” “And you know this how?” he teased. He watched as her slim fingers worked her hair against the towel. “Because I was three miles from home when the police turned me around. There are a couple of trees down over the highway, power lines went with them.” “Oh,” was all he could manage. Her shirt, if you could really call it that, rode up near her breasts each time she raised her arms. He knew she wore no bra under it, there were no strap lines, only the hint of her curves and her pebbled nipples. “Mind if I try Jeff on the land line? I’m sure Aunt Mary has called him by now.” “Sure, kid. You know where the phone is.” Dana sat on the porch floor, tugging off her boots before she entered his home. Clay sat, knowing he couldn’t follow her just yet. His cock was rock hard under his jeans, and any movement would be uncomfortable. He heard her talking to her brother through the open kitchen window that looked out onto the porch. “Of course my car phone is charged. If you stop to think, I’ve been driving through an electrical storm on the low lands, no signal you jackass.” Whatever Jeff’s reply was, it made her laugh. “No, you couldn’t get across the highway any better than I could.” Clay wandered into the kitchen, not prepared for the sight he encountered. She was leaning against his kitchen sink, her jeans molded to her hips and legs. The short shirt had ridden up, a large portion of her back exposed. He wanted to run his hand along her spine, watch the chill it would send through her. While a year ago he wouldn’t have hesitated, tonight he didn’t touch her. She turned and winked, shaking her head at the old-fashioned wall phone. It sent a

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chill through his body as he watched her wind the stretched cord around her finger. “He wants to talk to you.” His palm was clammy, but he resisted the urge to wipe it along his leg when she handed him the receiver. “Yeah, lost power about an hour ago. You, too. Dana said they told her a few hours. She can crash here, yeah, no problem.” Dana leaned back, looking around the room that was so familiar. “Have a good time with Gwen, was it? Yeah, she’s all right here.” He gave her back the phone. “Jeff, six thirty at the barn, if the storm’s passed.” He turned his back as she wound the cord around her finger a second time. “Say hi to Gwen, see you in the morning.” She replaced the receiver on the wall-hung base. “Sorry, I didn’t think I’d have trouble with trees tonight. Water I was prepared for, not trees and power lines. “No problem, kid. Want beer or soda?” “Beer I suppose, I’m not going anywhere for a while.” Clay handed her a cold, long-necked, green bottle, taking a second for himself. She had wandered back out onto the porch, beer in one hand, the towel in the other. Her hair was starting to dry, the ends curling in different directions. The oil lamp that sat on the table next to him burned dully against the darkness. With the turn of the switch, he could have illuminated the whole porch, but decided not to. If he could see Dana, she would be able to see him. “Why did you come home, kid? Jeff said it was unscheduled.” She was wandering the length of the porch like a trapped animal. He wasn’t prepared for her reply. Her laughter started out loud and strong, and then eased away to a heavy sob. Standing at the far end from where he sat, she glanced over her shoulder. “If I told you the truth, you’d have me locked away.” “Tell me anyway.” He held the bottle in his hand, not really drinking from it. He needed to have a clear head tonight. Dana alone in his home could mean trouble. He didn’t want that kind of trouble. “My plant died,” she whispered.

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Clay sat forward in his chair, placing the bottle on the table next to him. “Excuse me?” “See, I know it was silly. I guess I was just missing home. It’s been a while.” “Since last Christmas. What did the plant have to do with it?” He tried to keep his voice low and smooth. “It’s silly, I know. I’ve just been busy, too busy, I suppose. Between school and work, it was the last straw. I came home from a weekend shoot and it had died. The next thing I knew, I was at the airport.” “What did you blow off to come home?” Clay wondered where this was going, almost afraid of her answer. “Just schoolwork. I brought it with me, did most of it on the plane.” They were silent for a while, listening to the rain come down hard against the metal roof of the old house. “What kind of plant was it?” Turning, she smiled. “Promise not to use it against me?” The fire was back in her eyes. It wasn’t there a half hour ago. “Promise, kid.” “It was a flat of grass.” She waited to make the obvious connection. “Run that by me again?” Clay knew she wouldn’t be growing pot in her Manhattan apartment, but still couldn’t get the mental picture. “Relax, I mean just that, grass as in lawn. They sell it in wooden flats. I found it very soothing somehow. I’d come home and run my hands across it. The texture, the smell, the memories.” “You got homesick, kid.” “Yes, a little. But it was more than that, Clay, I felt lost.” Clay closed the distance between them, his hands going to her shoulders, pulling her back against him. He ran his hands along her arms, feeling the cold come from her. Slowly, he pulled away, leaving

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her to enjoy the breeze, returning with a sweatshirt he spread across her shoulders. “Thanks.”

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Chapter Four The portable radio on the kitchen windowsill told them another band of rain was heading their way and they were now predicting it would stall over the coast, probably not moving away until midmorning. “There goes my morning ride,” she joked. Clay knew she meant her horseback ride with Jeff, but the initial image he conjured up in his head was anything but that. The winds started howling again, the rain coming in heavy drops. “Dana, we can go inside if you’re cold.” “Not yet, Clay, it feels good. In New York storms are different.” “Are you really homesick, Dana, or is it something else?” “I just needed to know it was still all here, that it hadn’t changed.” A heavy gust of wind tossed water though the screens, dousing her with cold rain. Her hair blew back from her face, the ends wet again. “Inside, kid. I’m not sending you home with a cold.” “The temperature’s dropped, hasn’t it?” Slowly, she followed him, reluctant to leave the howling winds. Inside, Clay set a match to the kindling and paper that was stacked in the old stone fireplace. When it caught, he added several small logs, stacking them carefully. Dana chose to sit on the hearth, half turned to the fire. Clay went to the sofa that sat six feet in front of it, opting for the far corner. She asked him about the farm, what crops he had planted, asking questions that blew his mind.

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“How did you remember all that stuff? I didn’t know you were listening when Jeff and I talked.” “I learned how to be seen and not heard at a young age,” she teased. He asked her about school, not surprised the semantics classes were her favorites. She told him she had been to Paris in the spring and had loved it. But her favorite was still Venice, the history and the architecture. He wasn’t sure when it happened, but she was sitting on the floor with her back against the couch, settled in between his legs. Jeez, Dana. If I was any other guy…No, I’m not any other guy. Clay knew one thing, Dana trusted him, and he wouldn’t do anything to change that. “Dana, if you’re finished with classes after the first of the year, why not come home?” She stretched, laying her head on her knees, her arms wrapping around her legs. “I will when it’s right. I figure I’ve got three good years left, and then I’ll decide.” “Three good years, what in the hell are you talking about?” “Modeling, of course. I’m twenty, Clay. By the time I hit twentythree, some new fresh-faced sixteen-year-old will come along. I just hope I have the grace to accept it when it happens. I don’t want to go out kicking and screaming. I’d rather walk away, preferably with an elegant air.” “You’re serious. You’re prepared for your life to end in a few years, God, Dana.” Clay was up and pacing the length of his living room. “Clay, I didn’t mean my life would be over, just the modeling portion. If I’m careful, I should be able to work for a few more years, but I have to be realistic.” “What will you do then?” “I’m not sure. Hopefully by then I’ll have banked up some money, and, never mind, it’s silly. I’ll come home and find something to do with myself.”

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“No visions of a husband and kids roaming through that strange brain of yours?” “Someday, but it doesn’t seem real just yet. If it’s meant to be, it will.” Clay threw himself onto the couch, at the other end from where she sat. “What does seem real, kid?” She didn’t answer for a long time. When she turned to face him, the firelight danced against her flawless skin. With her eyes closed, she whispered, “This seems real, Clay.” He didn’t know how to respond, so he said nothing. Finally, she came to his rescue. “Got any junk food in this place?” “Probably, what are you in the mood for?” “Cheez Doodles, chocolate, and peanut butter.” “Well, at least you know what you want now.” He rose from the couch, reaching to take her hand, helping her up. “Let’s see what we can find.” **** Clay remembered them leaning on the kitchen counter, a bag of cheese puffs open beside them, several chocolate bars opened alongside it. Dana was spreading a thin layer of peanut butter on a square of chocolate when he turned to look. “Dana, sometimes you scare me. I look at you and see this beautiful young woman, but when I look into your eyes, I see something so different. It’s like you’re twenty going on forty. Are you really afraid your career will be over by the time you’re twenty-three?” “Not afraid. Looking forward to it, I think. It’s not like I won’t still get work, but it will be different. It will be nice to walk down a street, not having heads turn as I go past.” “Dana, no matter what you do for a living, men will still watch you walk by, most of them probably ready to kill themselves when you don’t give them the favor of a look back.”

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“That’s sweet, Clay, but I’m not fishing for compliments. I understand what I’m up against. I’ve tried to be very careful with my choices. With a little luck, I’ll turn into a wonderful spokesperson for some worthy cause.” “What’s your cause going to be? The homeless, wetland preservation, or prevention of cruelty to animals?” Dana hedged, turning away from him. “I’m not sure yet.” Clay turned her face to his with his hand on her chin, looking directly into her brown eyes. “Yes, you do, but you’re not ready to share it, yet.” “That transparent?” “Only to me, kid.” Dana went about cleaning up the mess they had created, and then dropped in front of the fire once again. They listened to the radio. Reports changed often. Dana and Clay both joked about them not really knowing anything, except that it was raining. She stretched again, turning to watch the flames. “Clay, did you ever want something, then when you got it…” “Not quite sure what to do with it?” “Yes, no. It’s like coming home this week, all I wanted was to be home, but once I got here—” She stifled a yawn. “Like tonight.” Clay stiffened against the back of the couch, almost afraid of what she would say next. Had she read something in his manner, he wondered. “I’ve been missing Aunt Mary and Uncle Leo for a while, but an hour after I got there I was wishing I could leave.” Her laugh saddened him. “Be careful what you wish for, something like that?” “I suppose so.” He watched as she braided her hair quickly, leaving the ends free. He knew from years of watching her, it was something to do with her hands. The weight of it wouldn’t allow the braid to stay unless she banded the end. “They’re always a lot more fun to be around in my mind than in reality.”

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“Welcome to the real world, kid.” For a long time they were quiet, watching the fire. “Dana, maybe you’ve been out in the real world for too long.” “Maybe, but I shouldn’t complain about the advantages I’ve had.” Her mood darkened, and he didn’t know why or if he should question her about it. He only knew for sure he couldn’t offer her physical comfort. The possibilities boggled his mind, and his tightening jeans reminded him of how badly he wanted to comfort her. “Maybe you should go to bed, Dana. Take your choice of rooms.” Without opening her eyes, she gave him a strange smile. “Take the flashlight up with you.” “Can I sleep in yours?” “Any place you want.” Dana stood, reaching a hand to him. “I’m gonna stay up a while longer, I want to listen to the reports. I have to figure out where to start in the morning.” Slowly, she lowered herself to him, kissing his cheek lightly. “Night, Clay.” “Night.” She had gotten a few steps away when he called after her, “Dana.” Halting in her steps, she turned slowly, standing in the doorway. “Whatever it is, kid, just give it some time. Don’t make any snap decisions. Anything worth doing can usually wait a day or two. Think it through, sweetheart.” He hadn’t been prepared for her answer. “You haven’t called me sweetheart since the day I broke my arm. Holly used to call your mother that.” They shared a smoldering look, Clay the first to look away. “Clay, what specific topic are you advising me to think through?” “Any that it fits, Dana.” She stood for a long time, leaning against the doorframe, her hands clasped behind her back. When he said nothing further, she turned and left. He heard her overhead heading to the master bedroom. Then her steps changed and he knew she’d headed to the

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other end of the house, using the room he had slept in as a child. Clay groaned when he realized she chose to sleep in his old room. Clay waited an hour then went up to check on her. He walked to the master bedroom, not surprised when it was empty. Turning in the darkness, the door to his old room was open. Standing in the doorway, the sight of her took his breath away. She had pulled the spread down to the foot of the bed. Her jeans were tossed over the back of a chair. Lying on her side on top of the cool sheets, she slept peacefully, his old leather bomber jacket clutched to her chest. Her bottom leg was straight, her top leg bent at the knee. Clay stood for a long time, watching her sleep. The shirt she wore was caught up under her. Little, white, cotton bikini underwear covered her bottom. Her flat stomach and long, toned legs showed the hard work she put in, keeping her body fit. Turning to leave before he crawled in next to her, he stopped and pulled the spread up over her. She didn’t move in her sleep, he didn’t dare move the lock of hair that had fallen across her face. **** Clay remembered that night as if it had been yesterday. He remembered the feelings of confusion he had, first at his attraction, and secondly that she seemed so resigned to having her career end in such a short time. He remembered waking to the thunder and lightning storm overhead, seeing Dana standing in the living room doorway, in just her T-shirt and white panties, her jeans still off. Clay felt the lump in his throat form once again. It did every time he remembered her image. She was so sexy standing there, mussed from sleep. The innocent part of her really didn’t understand what she was doing to him. At the time, Clay simply put out his arm. She closed the distance between them in a few long steps, crawling beside him on the sofa, her head against his chest. He let his arms close around her, even though he knew it was trouble. He had sense enough to pull an old

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cotton throw off the back of the couch, covering her with it. Forcing himself, he placed his hands on the outside of the blanket, holding her as she drifted back to sleep. “Dana, I’m only a phone call away.” “I know, Clay.” He caught his breath as she tucked herself tighter against his warm body. “Just remember it, okay?” She had only nodded against his chest, her breathing even and calm. Regardless of the storm, Clay drifted off to sleep with Dana in his arms. He was having the most erotic dream, but when he shifted he realized it wasn’t a dream at all. Dana wasn’t next to him, she was on the floor between his legs. Sometime in his sleep, she’d woken and, whatever her reason was, managed to undo his pants without waking him. She had his cock between her lips when she glanced up at him. Instinct had him starting to pull away from her but her hands on his hips held him in place. “Dana, you shouldn’t, we shouldn’t…Jeff will kill me.” “Let’s not tell him then.” She’d engulfed his cockhead and swirled her tongue around it before taking him deeper down her throat in small increments. Clay knew he should stop this, but it felt too damn good. He dropped his head back against the sofa and pretended to shut his eyes while watching her from under his lashes. Christ, she was amazing. At a glance, she was angelic, but sucking his cock down her throat she was anything but. At that moment he realized how adult she truly was. And he figured his wasn’t the first cock she’d sucked, not with the technique she was using on him. Between sucking, swirling her tongue around him, and occasionally letting her teeth tease his erection, he was close to losing his load. Her fingers grasped the base of him, and she pulled her mouth from him. Using her other hand she continued to stroke him. “You’re close to coming. I can taste you. Where do you want to come, in me or on me?” Her head dropped and took another few licks of his cockhead.

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“Dana, we can’t have sex, can’t make love.” He was starting to pull from her grasp, but she dropped her mouth over him, her teeth reminding him she was in charge. “I’d really like you to fuck me, but it seems you’re not interested. Maybe another time,” she mused and left him alone, pulling backward. For an instant, Clay was beyond disappointed. Then he realized she was tugging her T-shirt off, over her head, and tossing it to the floor. Immediately she sucked him back between her lips. “Come for me, Clay,” she whispered, using her hands and lips to torture his erection. “If you come on my breasts will you lick them clean?” Clay had been speechless, staring at her. In seconds the choice was made. He watched Dana lean forward and, using her hand, pump his cock only a few times until he came on her breasts. Breasts he’d longed to see, longed to touch. Dana took him back to her lips and licked him clean, making him stiffen a second time in the process. He didn’t care any longer what was right or wrong. Clay wrapped his hands around her waist and lifted her to the sofa, laying her down, and following over her. His lips captured her nipple and he sucked it. His hands closed around each breast, feeling her size and weight, playing with her skin as he went from side to side, licking his cum from her tits. Dana lifted her hand and pressed it to his neck, holding him tight to her. “Harder, Clay, suck it harder.” “I don’t want to hurt you,” he mumbled around her nipple. “Hurt me, please. Don’t make me beg, just make me come.” Clay took more of her breast between his lips, his fingers tightening around it, and let his other hand drop between them. He rubbed her clit through her panties and slid his finger along the length of her pussy lips. The material was moist, and he knew she was responding, writhing under his touch. In an act of total abandon, he let his finger slide under the elastic band and pulled them aside. He was right, his finger stroked along her

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pussy, hot and wet to his touch. She was jutting her hips upward to meet his finger, her hand coming to cover his, moving him slightly until his index finger slipped in her pussy. She groaned and shifted under him, her hand still holding his wrist tight to her. “Clay, use another finger and bite my tit, you’ll make me come.” He didn’t hesitate until she ran her fingers through his hair, tugging him to look at her. “Are you sure you won’t fuck me? I always figured you had a large cock, but you’re huge, long, and thick. I like the way you taste. Come fuck me, Clay, please?” “I don’t have any protection, Dana.” She let her head drop back to the sofa but kept her hand pressed against his wrist. “Use your fingers on me, Clay, bite my nipples, make me come.” “Dana, you’ve got me ready to come again myself.” She stilled under him, and he thought she had changed her mind and wanted to stop. Pulling back, he was confused until she pushed her panties down her legs and off. Then she lay back, reaching to him. Clay leaned forward and kissed her, thrusting his tongue between her lips, sharing his cum with her. He didn’t need her prompting to replace his finger in her pussy, gliding a second beside it before sucking her nipple between his lips. He bit lightly and pushed his fingers deeper. Dana growled at him, and he felt her body grasping at his fingers, her orgasm apparent. Clay left his fingers in her but managed to edge up next to her. He grabbed his cock and with a few strokes, came a second time, his cum landing on her pussy and thighs. There was no hesitation. He shifted his body until he was between her legs and licked his cum from her clit and pussy. He continued to use his fingers to thrust inside her, punctuating his movements to her clit. Dana grabbed at his head and held him tight to her pussy. He felt her body quake and knew she’d come a second time. He continued to lick her but slowed his movements, still sliding his fingers in her pussy until he felt her completely relax under him. Clay dropped his head to her thigh and waited for all hell to break

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loose. He was afraid to speak, but he gently let his fingers drop from her body. “Don’t go yet,” she protested. Clay wrapped his arms around her hips and held her tight, his head only inches from her pussy. He didn’t remember them moving, remembered them dozing off to sleep, his last memory of her scent and the taste of her on his lips. She had untangled herself from him early the next morning. He’d grasped her tighter to him, and she’d stayed with him a while longer. He had listened to her upstairs and assumed she was getting dressed. Clay had feigned sleep when she came to him, kissing his lips lightly with hers before she left. He’d wanted to follow her and call her back. Wanted to take her upstairs to his bed and truly make love to her. Instead, he waited until he heard the kitchen door squeak to move. He was about to get up, but let himself relax back on the sofa, reliving last night. When he finally moved a second time, he realized the blanket he had covered her with was draped over his legs. He was half-lying on the sofa, his pants around his ankles. He knew she left before daybreak, because the sun was just starting to show through the clouds. He couldn’t say good-bye, was afraid of what he might say or do. After hearing her truck start, he clambered to his feet, pulling up his pants and making it to the kitchen window in time to watch the truck pull out of his driveway. Clay had stood at the kitchen window for a long time that morning, knowing he could be in deep trouble. When she was gone he went upstairs to his old room and lay on the bed where the linens still held her scent. He noted his jacket was hung on the back of the straight-backed desk chair. Clay took another deep breath and let his hand drop to his cock. At first, it was just to relieve the ache she created within him. After a few tugs, he paused, undid his pants and pushed them down his hips. His cock sprang free, standing tall and harder than usual. Grasping it firmly, he pumped it back and forth until he came on his belly. Clay let himself drift back to sleep, his hand still grasping his cock. When he woke, his hand and

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crotch were sticky from his release, reinforcing this hadn’t been a dream. He justified that she’d turned their evening to sex, but he hadn’t stopped it. And he kept reinforcing to himself that she was a woman now, not a kid that was off-limits. He knew if he’d had condoms in his wallet their night would have taken a different turn. He would have fucked her for all he was worth, not knowing if he’d ever get a chance to touch her intimately again. He appeased his conscience by deciding what they shared was more than he’d first considered. They had been intimate, they just hadn’t completed the act. Now if he could just wipe the smile from his lips. In the shower his cock got hard, and he resisted jerking off. Tonight would come soon enough, and he wanted to relive how she swallowed him, how she milked him with her throat, how her voice sounded when she begged him to make her come. “I’m in deep trouble,” he said, knowing if Jeff ever found out there’d be trouble, probably including pounding fists and possibly broken bones. Clay didn’t care. He’d finally gotten to suck her raspberry nipples, licking his cum from them. And he now knew how tight her pussy was. He made it through the day with a strange smile on his lips and a slight lift in his walk. He made a point of not leaving the property and letting his cell phone go to voice mail, checking each call to make sure it wasn’t Dana. The next time he talked to Jeff, he was told Dana had gone back to Manhattan. Clay decided that was for the best. If she stayed he would become emotionally attached, something he wasn’t sure she was ready for. Again he wondered who she’d slept with, what other man’s cock she’d sucked, and forced away the questions. He was no shrinking virgin, and apparently neither was Dana. It had been three years later when they were alone again at Jeff and Lisa’s wedding, and he’d taken full advantage of the time. It would take another three years before Dana moved home permanently. Clay wouldn’t allow himself to think about who she

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slept with while they were apart. For a time, he laid any woman who would smile at him, but he soon realized they were all hollow lays. He was looking for a surrogate for Dana, and that wasn’t fair to the women or to him. Finally, he just gave up searching for a woman who reminded him of Dana. His self-imposed celibacy had cleared his mind and his conscience.

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Chapter Five Sunday brunch turned out to be informative for Clay. On the back patio a large umbrella covered their table, shading them from the intense sun. Sitting back, he listened to Dana talk about her plans for the future. She had it all worked out in her mind, he realized. “The architect I hired gave the structure a great report except for the roof. That seems to be another story.” “Do you really trust this guy’s opinion?” Jeff asked her. “Why not? He knew up front he wouldn’t get the job. It was why I chose him. I paid him for his valued opinion, not what he thought he could talk me into. Besides, I wanted to have an idea of the problems before I started talking to anyone local. It can’t hurt when I go before the planning board to have an outside, unbiased opinion.” “Run this by me again, kid.” Clay sat forward, giving Dana his full attention. “You’re going to turn the old Britton family mansion in town into a museum? Restore it and add a main level gift shop?” “In the back rooms, yes. The front parlor, dining, and living room will be restored, as well as the main foyer and staircase. The den will make a great gift shop. Local artisans will be invited to show their work on consignment. That way the stock in the shop will always be different. Upstairs, I figured we could turn the master bedroom back to its original design with the nursery off to the side. The rest of the bedrooms would be turned into conference and meeting rooms.” “I think it’s about time the old mansion got a loving hand. It’s a shame to watch it disintegrate before us. There is so much Britton family history there. Count me in, Dana. I’ll help any way I can,” Lisa added.

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“That’s great, because I had you in mind to help me with a few fundraisers over the next few years.” “Few years?” Clay asked. “Of course, it will take at least five years before the place is ready to open. That’s my major plan, barring unforeseen problems. Did I mention the greenhouse will be repaired? With a little luck, we’ll be able to grow all the flowers we’ll use for decorating and displays. And the ballroom turned back to the original design, I can’t wait to start in there. It can be rented out for parties and weddings. I’ve checked and the original hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished.” Dana looked at each of the three faces that sat around her. “What?” “Five years is a long time to work on a project,” Jeff said. “If it gets done before that, great. But there are too many unknowns, especially with the permits and fundraising. My time frame takes the stress off of having to hurry the quality of the workmanship. I plan on doing this once, not every few years,” she teased. “Sounds like a lot of work,” Clay mumbled. “Are you against refurbishing the old place, Clay?” “No. I had no idea that was what you came home to do.” “I came home to live here. This is where I belong.” Adam fussed in his sleep, his bassinet in the shaded overhang of the veranda. Dana went to him, settling him back to sleep with her hand and a light voice. When she returned to the table, she refilled everyone’s glasses before sitting back. “Well, no feedback?” “My only fear is the planning commission and the permit processes,” Jeff finally told her. “Maybe Clay can pull some strings for you. Linda sits on the zoning board, doesn’t she?” If Clay Hollister could have crawled away, he would have. He knew Jeff didn’t realize what he had said. How could he, since the last three years his life revolved around Lisa and the farm, and now his new son. It was just another reinforcement to Clay that Jeff was

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totally unaware of his feelings for Dana and, more importantly, how he and Dana experimented sexually. It wasn’t as if they could discuss the situation at the club or over a drink. What could he say? Oh, by the way, I’m in love with your baby sister. Thought you should know my goal is to have her! Clay grimaced at the thought. Jeff looked around the table at his companions, oblivious to what he had said. Clay noted Dana was giving him her “You’re so stupid” look and Lisa was giving him her “I’ll explain later” look that only a husband and wife could share. Clay refused to look him in the eye. Finally, Dana got them gracefully away from the subject. “Jeff, I don’t think Linda is going to want to give out any favors to me. I annoy her simply because I exist.” A look exchanged between Dana and Lisa, one Clay didn’t want to analyze at the moment. “I’d prefer to do this on my own terms.” She took a deep breath. “Not that I wouldn’t come crying and whining to you all when things go wrong, but it’s my project. I’ll see it through. Just be here for me to vent my anger occasionally, okay?” Her tone implied the conversation was over. To complete her thought, she started to clear the table, and Lisa joined in. “Coffee and dessert in half an hour, guys,” she called back to them as she carried a tray into the house. **** Jeff sat across from Clay, accepting the thin cigar he was offered. “Want to tell me what’s going on here?” “I think Dana summed it up. Linda will probably be a thorn in her side.” “And that’s because?” Clay watched his best friend’s face for a few minutes, saying nothing. Slowly, he handed Jeff the unlit cigar he was holding, mumbling under his breath as he got up. “Dense, Jeff. Sometimes it amazes me you survived this long.”

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“What did I do?” he called out, but Clay was already nearing the house. “What did I do?” Clay mimicked out of frustration. For the rest of the afternoon, he tried to watch what was going on around him. Nothing seemed out of sync, but he still couldn’t relax. **** Lisa served coffee with fresh strawberries and cream for dessert. By then, Clay had calmed down, and the women had nonverbally decided to ignore the earlier embarrassing moments. Still, neither Dana nor Clay knew Lisa had witnessed their kiss in the nursery. They still didn’t know Linda had either. “I’ve been trying to tell her to stay in the main house, but she wants to move to the pool quarters.” “Please, Jeff. It’s across the lawn. If you and Lisa want to fight, I’ll still be able to hear you,” she teased. “But this is your home, too, Dana. It always will be.” “I know that. But somehow the guest house just feels right for me at this time in my life.” “You’ve made up your mind. I don’t have the energy to fight you.” Jeff reached out to take Lisa’s hand, holding it lightly. Dana knew the first time she met Lisa she was the woman for Jeff. She didn’t back down when his gruff exterior surfaced, rather she challenged him. For a few years while she was still in school, Dana remembered the endless parade of women Jeff courted. From Gwen to Barb, she had been thankful Lisa had become her sister-in-law. **** Clay headed out just after six o’clock. He was surprised when he found Dana waiting for him beside the truck. Approaching her slowly, he took one look at her and felt himself harden. Standing beside the

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old, red pickup, she wore a one-piece, tank-style bathing suit that wasn’t really revealing, especially with the floral skirt she had pulled on over it. The sheer skirt emphasized her legs, though Clay knew it was meant to cover instead. “What’s up, kid?” “I wanted to apologize for Jeff’s comments about Linda. I don’t want or need you to intercede on my behalf.” Dana reached down, pulling up a blade of grass with her fingers. Her bare feet with red painted toenails were driving him crazy with a new lust. “No problem. Linda and I aren’t as close as Jeff seems to think.” “Or as Linda would prefer?” “It’s my choice, I’ve made it.” There was never a choice, Dana, he wanted to yell at her. Linda never entered his mind on a personal level. “All right. I just wanted you to understand this is important to me. It’s something I have to do on my own.” Clay wanted to toss her into the cab of the truck and drive her away. He couldn’t, of course, but the idea was appealing. Instead, he chose to make light of it. “All right, kid. I’ll stay clear of your project.” Dana started to protest, but he put his hands on her shoulders, changing her attention. “Dana, if you need help, let me know. If you want to vent, I’ll be around.” With that, he picked her up by the shoulders and placed her on the ground a few feet from the truck. “Just because you’re bigger than me, Clay Hollister, doesn’t mean you can manhandle me whenever you want.” Her bottom lip pushed out, her hand went to her hip. “Manhandle? Kid, someday, I’ll show you what handling really is.” With that, he jumped in the truck, started it, and began to pull away. “Show me what it really is?” Dana repeated clearly as she started walking back to the house. Clay’s truck reversed as she started to walk away. Seeing it, she waited until he pulled up next to her.

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“Did you remember another way to taunt me?” she asked. He held back a laugh watching her temper rise around the edges. Clay killed the engine, leaning over to open the passenger door. “Get in.” “No. Why?” she challenged. “Dana, get in the truck, please?” His patience was wearing thin, and he pulled back his angst. Slowly she climbed up into the cab, staring straight ahead. “Is there someone in your life?” “What do you mean, Clay?” She watched him flex his hands on the steering wheel several times. Turning, she brought her legs up under her, twisting to face him in her seat. “I’m asking a simple question. Is there a man in your life, now, right now?” No answer. Great, he thought, no wonder she was so aloof. “Clay, I haven’t…no. Not the way you’re thinking.” “No one is going to drop by for a visit, trying to win back your heart?” Anger flashed in Dana’s eyes. Clay was glad, at least there was some emotion left inside her. “Is that what you think?” she asked quietly. “That I ran home because of a broken heart?” Her laugh saddened him. “No man is worth giving up my life for. If I had wanted to stay in New York, I would have, man or no man. Understand?” She looked at him full-on, challenging him to continue. She seemed a little disappointed when he didn’t. “Good,” was all he said, then he added, “Get out.” “What? This is crazy. First you order me in, now you think you can order me out?” Whatever else she would have said was lost by the surprise she felt as he pulled her across the bench seat. Her face just inches from his, he studied her eyes carefully. It was as if he was trying to will her to see his emotions, the feelings for her he couldn’t verbalize. Finally, he released her. “Get out, kid. It’s time I went home.” Leaning across her, he opened the passenger door a second time, and then started the engine as if to punctuate his order. Dana left quietly. He understood her

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refusal to give him the satisfaction of looking back was a power play of sorts. **** Lisa stood at the front window in Adam’s room, watching this all unfold in front of her. She smiled to herself, knowing there were rocky times ahead for Dana and Clay, and she was smart enough to know only they could decide how to work them out. **** Somehow that was the one episode that stuck with Dana the rest of the day. What bothered her more was that she couldn’t quite get a handle on how she wanted him to handle her. One thing she did know was she did want him to handle her. The realization struck her. “Oh, God,” she mumbled, “I do want him.” But will he still want me when he finds out about my sexual preferences? For the hundredth time she thought to let her desires go, but she knew without her particular kinds of foreplay, her body wouldn’t orgasm. Why have sex if it’s only to please another person? And there was her quandary. If she let anyone know about her likes, they might use it against her. That was her one biggest regret in life. She’d chosen the wrong man to share her sex secrets with, and he’d threatened to blackmail her with it when she ended their relationship. Frustrated, she went about hanging her clothes in the closet of the guesthouse, her house, she corrected to herself. This was where she would live, until? That was her greatest unknown. Until what? **** Clay parked in front of the main house and then slowly wandered around the back. Dana stood at the kitchen island chopping

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vegetables. Her wet hair hung down her back, and he couldn’t help but notice her almost bare back. This time she was wearing the shortest pair of shorts he had ever seen with a white, tank-style cropped top. She was barefoot as usual, he knew without actually seeing. On the ride over, he had thought to turn back several times, knowing each time he made up his mind to turn, somehow the motorcycle kept heading toward her. Kenny Rogers was blaring from somewhere in the house, Dana swaying in time to the music. Watching her through the window made him feel cheap. Before he could change his mind again, he stepped up and knocked at the back door. **** Dana heard the knock in the back of her mind but knew she was supposed to be alone. Her heart leapt to her throat and she spun around with the butcher knife still in her hand. Slowly, her empty hand went to cover her heart. In the second it took to recognize him, fear turned to excitement. That was the real reason she raised her hand to her chest, to hold back her heart from leaping out. Never would she tell him it wasn’t fright that caused it. “Jeez, Clay. You scared the hell out of me.” She went to the screen door, opening it. “What are you doing here?” she added, hoping she sounded annoyed. Why did you have to wear the leathers? Of anything else he could have done to wear her down, showing up on the bike in his black leather pants was torture for her. The way they fit his hips and were tight against his thighs, she was getting a strange feeling inside, a warmth he seemed to generate within her, one she knew was dangerous. “Just wanted to go over a few things with Jeff. He around?” He was watching her every move as she continued to carefully slice the peppers on the board in front of her. “Nope, you missed them. They’re off to Wilmington, a reunion supper with the rest of their

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Lamaze class, a chance to show off all the babies. How was your ride over?” “Oh, I thought that was tomorrow,” he said as he leaned across the workspace, stealing a slice of red pepper from the pile. “Oh well, I just wasted an hour then, except for the ride. Nice night for it.” He glanced up, but she wouldn’t meet his look. “Does the music have to be this loud?” That got a smile from her as she put down the knife, grabbed a kitchen towel, and wandered out of the room. She lowered the volume but did not turn it off. Returning, he was still leaning stretched across the center island where she had left him. Her immediate reaction was to palm his leather covered buttocks but she held back, her finger tingling as if she’d made contact. Dana felt a chill run through her body as she remembered how her leather bustier felt against her skin, tight and supple at the same time. “Ruth refuse to feed you tonight?” “No, and I’m quite capable.” A look passed between them. “Canasta tournament tonight. I hope she wins. She’ll be a bear for days if she doesn’t.” They shared a laugh, both of them familiar with her moods. “Not a pretty sight. Remember when her team lost the bridge tournament?” Dana was surprised Clay remembered. “That had to be what, ten years ago?” “Don’t remind me, please! I still have nightmares about it.” Dana was relieved they were on an even keel again. “Hungry?” “Depends, what are you planning on?” “Just some pasta. Make yourself useful, find a bottle of wine for us.” “Red or white?” he asked as he walked toward the butler’s pantry. “White. Too many sulfites in the red, it gives me a headache.”

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Clay returned with a bottle of white, stopping dead when he saw her crying openly. “Dana?” Wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, she started to laugh. “It’s just the onions, Clay. I’m not falling apart before your eyes.” That was when she did venture to look in his direction. What she saw was concern on his face. “Gonna hold that bottle all night or are you going to open it?” Turning to a drawer behind her, she pulled out a corkscrew and handed it across. “Just for future reference, when I leave a room and you’re laughing, could we keep it that way until I get back? Lately I seem to be lost when I’m around you.” “I know how you feel, Clay,” she whispered, hoping he hadn’t heard her. “What?” “Glasses, you know where the glasses are.” She turned to the sink, filling a large pot with water then transferring it to the stove. Beside it, she placed an old, cast-iron frying pan, heating it before she poured in olive oil. Clay was beside her, handing her a glass. She accepted it with a smile then turned back, adding the chopped tomatoes to the pan, backing away from the splatter it would create. For several minutes, he stayed beside her, watching as she added the peppers and onions, pulling off basil leaves from the plant on the kitchen window. “Any chance you could set the table?” He was too close, making her nervous. She had to put some distance between them, physically. Clay seemed to sense it, too. He went to a cabinet, pulling out dishes as if he had lived there all his life. “Patio or kitchen table?” “Patio, I think, what about you?” “Sounds good to me, how much time do we have?” “Eight minutes,” she told him as she dumped the dry pasta into the boiling water. “I’ll go wash up.” Leaving her at the stove, she was somewhat disappointed, having envisioned him turning off the burners and

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ravishing her on the island in the center of the old kitchen. When he returned, her thoughts were back in order, and he helped her carry out the large dish of hot pasta while she grabbed the warmed bread and butter. “How’s the moving going?” Clay inquired in between bites. “Actually, it’s done.” Then she laughed and blushed. “I only brought some clothes with me, the rest of my stuff was due this week. However, it seems they won’t get here until next Monday, now.” Clay gave her a shrewd look. From the tone of her voice she knew he would figure she had something brewing in her mind. “And?” “And I’ve been very polite and understanding on the phone with the movers. No sense pissing them off until my stuff is safely here. Then I’ll let them call me when they get the balance check.” She paused with the fork halfway to her mouth, smiling. “And they’ll call you because?” “I’ve decided.” She smiled. “The contract read that my things would be here within five days from the time they picked them up. We’re at day nine now. I’m going to prorate the total fee by the number of days they’re late.” “And you don’t think they’ll object.” “Oh, Clay, of course I do. I’m planning on it.” Her wide grin made her feel like the old Dana, the woman she was under the layers of protection she’d carefully constructed over the last years. Tough, taking care of herself, not letting anyone take advantage of her. “You get them, kid.”

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Chapter Six Clay poured coffee into mugs as Dana finished loading the dishwasher. Carrying both cups outside, he was surprised when she came out with a plate in hand and placed it between them on the table. He took one look and knew Dana was home. The soft oatmeal raisin cookies were covered with thick, white icing. Picking one up, he bit into it, savoring the taste and texture. “I haven’t had these since before you went away. Ruth flatly refused to make them. Said they were your favorites and she couldn’t bring herself to enjoy them without you.” Finishing it, he reached for another. “Are you glad to be home, Dana?” He watched as she pulled off small bits of the cookie she held, eating it bite by small bite as she sipped at her coffee. “It was time for me to come home. I’ve been away a long time.” “But?” he prompted. “I just need to settle in. When the rest of my stuff gets here, when the project gets going…I’m still adjusting.” Another small bit of cookie to her mouth, he watched her graceful hands as she moved. “Like a fish out of water kind of feeling?” Clay asked, hesitating to take another cookie. “Something like that, but not really. I left here at sixteen. I’ve led a very charmed life for my twenty-six years.” “I agree, which is why you’re probably having trouble settling back.” “Not exactly back, Clay. It’s more like…oh, hell. I can’t really explain it to myself, how can I explain it to you?” She sighed, and then sipped her coffee. “I just…I need to work, that’s what it is really.

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Having these last weeks off sounded great. Now that I have it, time is dragging.” “When can you get started with your plans for the mansion?” “Board meets the first Monday of every month. I’ve written and asked to be put on their docket.” “That’s still two weeks away.” “I know, I know. Don’t remind me.” “Why not take a mini-vacation, do some shopping or something?” Dana left in silence, Clay wondering what he had said wrong. She returned with the coffeepot, refilling their mugs. “Did I say the wrong thing?” “No.” But her laugh told him different. Leaning forward across the table, she pursed her lips together. “Can I tell you a secret, one you promise never to divulge, even under severe torture?” “My favorite kind, tell me.” “You’ll think it’s stupid.” She sat back, using the mug to shield her face. “I hate shopping.” Clay pushed back from the table, questioning her statement with his eyes. “I don’t think I heard you right, Dana. You, the queen of the mall, the woman who can find the perfect gift for anyone? I’m not sure I really believe that.” “Really, Clay, I’m not kidding. It’s lost its joy.” She sipped again, refusing to put the mug down. “I suppose I finally grew up, but it doesn’t hold any joy or elation for me anymore. Frankly, give me a comfortable pair of jeans and a few clean T-shirts, and I’m happy these days.” “You really have changed, haven’t you? I remember days when just the mention of a store name could get you all hot and bothered.” Dana laughed out loud at his embarrassment. He did, too. “All right, wrong choices of words, but you know what I mean.” “Yes, I do. Fancy clothes hanging in a closet. I’d rather spend my money on the mansion. The renovation means a lot to me, Clay. Grandfather left it to me to be cared for. I can’t break that trust.”

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“Dana, have you seen a doctor lately? I’m not sure you really are Dana Britton, model and cover girl extraordinaire, champion for all the lost causes, voice for the meek.” “She died a long time ago, Clay.” With that, she left him at the patio table. He waited a while, hearing the music turned off. He blew out the oil lamp they had used for illumination then took their mugs inside. On his return trip, he brought in the plate of cookies and the coffeepot. She joined him as he was rinsing the pot. “Sorry, I couldn’t handle the music anymore.” “No problem. We’re just about cleaned up here.” He turned, leaning on the sink watching her across the room. “I guess I should head out, leave you to enjoy your evening alone.” Again her laughter surprised him. “I have a better idea. Give me five minutes,” she hollered back as she sprinted up the back stairway. He leaned against the sink, gathering his thoughts, wondering what she had in mind. Clay’s mind conjured up several ideas that would please him. From dancing in the dark with her to tossing her headfirst into the pool. He hadn’t heard her return. When he turned around, she was dressed in old jeans, riding boots, and a flannel shirt long discarded by Jeff. He raised an eyebrow at her. “Let’s ride, Clay.” Dana reached out her hand, and he took hers. She half pulled, half dragged him to the barn. He had forgotten her years spent in the stables, the connection she had with the animals. She had her favorite, William, saddled and ready as he was just tossing the blanket over his mount’s back. “Clay, for God’s sake, I’d want to ride tonight, not tomorrow,” she taunted him, lifting the heavy saddle from its wooden rack onto the horse’s back like it was a feather. Her hands fastened leather straps and harness with amazing speed. “We should have taken the bike then,” he told her. “Next time.” She was mounted and waiting for him to catch up. Once he was seated, she led their way from the barn, past the paddock

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and to the pasture. There, she turned to look at him over her shoulder, then gave the horse a slight nudge with her heel. Britton horses were trained, and Dana knew how to handle a horse. She was a quarter mile ahead when he finally gave his horse the nudge to catch up. **** Walking the horses along the river in the moonlight, Clay was conjuring up all sorts of romantic pictures in his head. Dana seemed comfortable to just walk. He knew better than to ask his personal questions, didn’t really want to know the answers, but he had no choice. “Dana, how do you feel about me?” She stopped walking, using the horse as a shield. “Do you hate me?” “Of course not.” “Do you find me unappealing?” “Clay, don’t be foolish, you’re one of the most handsome men I’ve ever met. Fishing for compliments?” Her expression changed as if an alarm went off in the back of her mind. He suddenly felt he was sinking while standing on dry land. “Is it the brother thing, growing up with me around all the time?” This time he waited while she thought about her answer. “No. Since I went away, that all kind of changed, didn’t it?” “Yes, it has. “Where are you going with this, Clay?” “I want to know why you keep backing off. Why, Dana? You let me kiss you, hold you, then suddenly you go cold in my arms. What am I doing wrong?” He stopped walking, taking the horse’s lead from her hand. “I need to understand.” Dana walked closer to the river’s edge, the small waves lapping near her boots. “Clay, I can’t be the woman you want me to be.” “Why?”

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“It’s just not in me, that’s all. Stop wasting your time on me. I can’t help it. If I could change, I would.” Clay looped the horse’s leads over a low branch of a nearby tree. In the moonlight, dressed in flannel and denim, Dana was the one woman he knew he could spend the rest of his life with. His hands came to her shoulders from behind, pulling her close against his chest. “You are the woman I want,” he whispered to her. No reaction. Great, just great. A moonlit night on the river, the woman of his dreams in his arms, touching him, yet she was so far away. He felt her take a jagged breath, and he squeezed her shoulders tighter. “Please, Dana, tell me. Do you want me to leave you alone, should I just go away?” “Oh, God, Clay, can’t you see? I don’t have it in me. It just isn’t there. I don’t seem to have the capacity for a normal, loving relationship. If I thought I could change I’d do it for you. But no matter what I try, I’m still the same deep down.” She hesitated as if she were deciding what to tell him. “Maybe if we lived someplace anonymous it would be better, but we don’t.” Now he was just more confused than before. “Dana, what are you talking about, and please be specific.” “It doesn’t matter, Clay. I won’t change. I’ve learned things about myself you won’t like. I’m trying to be fair to both of us. I do love you, but it would never work.” Pulling away from him, she all but sprinted to her horse, untying his lead. She mounted with ease then looked down. “I’m so sorry, Clay.” He caught the lead in his hand, choosing his words carefully. “Dana, if I ever find out who hurt you…” “It doesn’t matter, Clay, but nobody hurt me. It’s more what I’ve learned about myself over time. Leave it alone. It’s just not in my nature to be conventional.” “No. You’re wrong. I’ve seen you with Jeff and Lisa. The way you used to throw your arms around me. It’s in there, Dana, you just have to find it again.”

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“You’re wrong. It was never there.” “I’ve seen you with Adam, especially when you think nobody is around. You can’t tell me you don’t have the capacity to love, Dana. I know you do.” With that, Clay slapped her horse on its back, sending it galloping into the darkness. He took his time mounting his, opting for a slow ride back to the barn. Once there, he saw her horse had been taken care of. He went through the motions of putting his away, brushing him down, feeding him, all the while wondering what had really happened to Dana while she was away. Who could have hurt her so deeply that she believed she couldn’t love anyone? The thought haunted his days and kept him from sleep for nights to come. The only lightbulb moment he had on the subject was that maybe she decided she liked women better in a sexual situation. That was a double blow to his ego, one he knew he couldn’t fight or change. **** In the back of his mind, Clay knew this wasn’t a good idea. He drove up the road anyway, knowing Dana would be alone. He parked his truck out front, walking around the big house toward the pool area when he stopped dead in his tracks. Up ahead, he saw her. On the patio of the guesthouse, she was lying on a chaise lounge, her eyes closed. She didn’t stir when he approached or took the chair next to her. So peaceful. There was an empty glass on the table next to her, the bottle of wine next to it three quarters full. It bothered him when he couldn’t walk away. Whatever she was wearing wasn’t covering much. The pink slip, silky with thin straps and a wide band of lace across the low scoop neck didn’t leave much to his imagination. One strap had slipped down, the top of her left breast presenting itself. Her legs were bare. The material ended just at her thighs. Surveying the area around him, there were seven large empty packing boxes, stuffed with assorted packing material and debris.

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“Wore yourself out, kid,” he whispered as he leaned over, taking her up into his arms. Lifting her to his chest, she came awake. “Clay?” “Go back to sleep, sweetheart, I’m just taking you inside.” Clay realized it was the second time he’d slipped and called her that. He’d have to be more careful from now on. “What time is it?” Her arms came around his neck, her breath warm against his cheek. “Doesn’t matter, it’s late.” He pushed open the door to the guesthouse with his hip. “Go back to sleep, you’re exhausted.” She didn’t struggle or fight him as he put her down on the soft covers of her bed. This was the first time he had been to the guesthouse in years. Dana’s style touches were everywhere. While the furniture looked the same, she’d rearranged it, making the space look entirely different. Pale blue and green water-washed silks covered her bed and pillows. She stayed where he put her. Pausing, he pulled the other half of the comforter over her legs. “Clay, did we have a date?” she whispered. Kneeling down beside her, he smoothed the hair back from her face. “No. Jeff told me your stuff came. I stopped by to see if you needed a hand.” “Oh.” She snuggled down against the pillow. “Thanks, I’m almost finished.” “I can see that. Go to sleep, I’ll call you tomorrow.” He waited for her to drift back to sleep, kissing her forehead before he left her. There was a fancy box on the bench at the foot of her bed. It was covered in a flowered paper. It definitely wasn’t a moving box, he decided. He took a few steps toward the door and paused, turning back to look at it a second time. His mind wandered to what might be inside it. Walk away, he told himself several times before he found himself standing in front of it again. Trust was supposed to be sacrosanct, but he could feel his fingertips itching to open it. Glancing to Dana’s sleeping form, he

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watched her patterned breathing and let his fingers slip the cover off the box. Clay had to hold back his gasp when he saw what was inside. At first he stood stunned, then curiosity took over, and he reached inside. He didn’t count the items, just lifted the top few to see what lay beneath. “What the hell,” he said in a hushed tone, beyond confused. Clay pushed one dildo aside and saw another, then another. The entire carton was filled with sex toys. He recognized the dildos and vibrators. There were leather rings at the bottom, and he didn’t stop himself from picking one up and swirling it around his finger. As it spun in circles, he realized it was a cock ring and dropped it back in the box. He was about to put the cover back on when he pulled another leather item from the bottom. It was a pair of leather handcuffs, using Velcro to keep them in place. This was a bit too much, and he threw them back in the box. He was careful to put the dildos back on top and pulled the cover closed. With every step he took, it seemed the floorboards creaked or groaned, and he was afraid she would wake up. He waited in the living room, scanning the area’s confusion of belongings. “Damn,” he said, trying to figure out who Dana had become. Was this why she kept pushing him away? Did she think her use of sex toys would shock him? His cock surged as he pictured her on her knees, her hands tied behind her back with the leather straps wrapped around her wrists. His cock twitched when he wondered if she’d use a ring on his cock to prolong him from coming. Clay had always thought he was a sophisticated man, now he knew he wasn’t as worldly as Dana. She’d traveled extensively, and his mind reeled with ideas of possibilities of what, where, and how she learned about the items. More important, who taught her how to use them? In the main living area, stacks of books stood, waiting to find their spot. He saw several torn photographs lying in the empty fireplace. Another moral dilemma, he knew. Turning to leave, he stopped. Clay held a mental battle with himself. She obviously wanted to destroy the pictures. It wasn’t his place to see them. Then why was he reaching to

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retrieve them? He took the pieces to the desk, putting aside a file box covered with blue flowered paper similar to the one he found in her bedroom, fitting them together. Dana looked back at him from the pictures. In each one, the same man watched him, too. “Mocking me,” he decided. That was the look, arrogant and belligerent. Knowing it must have been Walker, he turned the pieces over, looking for a notation. He found none. What he did find was the saddest he had ever seen Dana look. It wasn’t anything specific in each photo, just emptiness in her eyes. It was evident she had lost her fire. Gathering them, he tossed them back into the hearth. Having a face to put to his anger was refreshing. Now when he pummeled the man in his mind, he could watch the blue eyes swell shut, the blonde hair run red with bloodstains. He had seen the man before, ads and commercials. He hadn’t liked the look of him then either, and that was before he knew he had touched Dana. Burying his head in his hands, he knew that was the part that hurt the worst. Clay reeled himself back in. It wouldn’t help him or Dana to let his anger get a hold of him. He had asked Lisa casually if she knew of anyone Dana was dating before she left the city. All she had told him was not for a while, not since Walker. He knew Lisa had been trying to tell him Dana had left Walker, now he had to find a way to leave his image behind too. Pausing to switch off the desk light, he saw a similar floral covered box again. Placing it back in the center of the desk, he slipped the cover back. He knew he had gone too far. She slept just a few yards away. If she woke and found him going through her private papers, she’d never trust him again. As he was about to place the cover back on the box, he saw another photo. Tugging it from the stack of papers, he saw himself and Dana looking back, taken at Jeff and Lisa’s wedding. A snapshot someone had taken, not a professional. It was just short of being blurry. In it, they were dancing, she was holding him close, and her arms around his neck, her face lay on his shoulder, her eyes

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closed. He was holding her around the waist, his head leaning against the side of her head. “I’ve never seen this before,” he said aloud. Clay held the photo for a long time. It brought back memories he had tried to hide for so long. The wedding should have been fun, not torture. He knew he loved her before that day, but standing across the chapel from her it had all changed for him. No longer was she little Dana, the kid that had followed him and his friend. That night, she was a flesh and blood woman, the woman he wanted. Placing the photo back, he slid the top on the box and shut out the light. The telephone rang, startling him like a thief in the night, stealing Dana’s secrets, he thought. On the second ring, her machine picked up. “You’ve reached me, I’m not here. Talk to the machine.” Vintage Dana, he smiled. The male voice that spoke bothered Clay as much as the message he left. “Darling, it’s Gavin. Call me, you know how I hate to talk to these stupid machines. I’ve a wonderful idea for us, call me. It’s important!” Clay had no way of knowing who Gavin was, or what his relationship with Dana entailed. His inner feeling was that the guy was a bit too friendly. What could be so important? He finally fled her new home, feeling as if he’d become a voyeur of sorts. Outside he paused, looking to the sky. The stars were out and it saddened him. He sat on one of the lounge chairs outside her door, his head in his hands, for a long time, wondering, cursing himself for the jealousy he was experiencing. He had no right, he knew, but it didn’t matter. Clay didn’t want any other man calling her with terms of endearment. **** Dana stood in the darkness of the living room watching Clay. He had no idea she could see him sitting there. Only the glow of his cigar

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indicated his movement. How long had he been there, she wondered as she took a cleansing breath and pulled open the door. “Hi.” Slowly she stepped outside, barefoot as usual. “You’re supposed to be sleeping.” “I was. I’m awake now.” She slipped out into the darkness, taking the chaise lounge next to him. He watched as she slid back into the chair, her legs stretching out in front of her. “Want something to drink?” “No, I have to go.” The tone of his voice bothered Dana. He sounded angry, but she had no idea at what. He wasn’t surprised when she reached to take the cigar from his hand. She kept it for several puffs before handing it back. “How long have you been here, Clay?” “Just a few minutes.” He seemed uncomfortable. “I was watching the sunset.” “I missed it.” In the darkness, she watched his profile. The material of his shirt stretched over his shoulders then down along his muscled back. Her initial instinct was to run her hand along his arm, but she held back. “Since you’re still here, does your offer still stand?” Dana watched panic rise to his expression. He waited a long time before he asked what offer she meant. “Help, of course. There are some books I need to put away…Clay, are you okay?” “Yeah, sure, kid. Let’s get them put up.” He put out his cigar in the large cement planter beside the door. Inside, she only turned on the small desk light. Walking to the wall of bookshelves at the far end of the room, she climbed up the small stepladder, looking to him. “Clay?” What’s wrong with him, she wondered. “The books?” Slowly he gathered an armful, walking toward her. He handed them up one by one. She decided he was pretending to be interested in the titles, which were mostly her textbooks and reference books. Each time she reached down, Dana knew he caught a glimpse of the tops of her breasts. When she would lean across to place a book, the hem of

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her slip would rise. Each time it did, she throbbed inside. Just the idea of teasing him with her almost-nude body made her wet and horny. How far she would go remained to be seen. “Which one’s next?” he managed to choke out. “Those next to the couch, please.” Clearing his throat before trying to talk again, she watched as his cheeks flamed with embarrassment. Clay grabbed three books from the top of the stack. Dana decided he seemed suddenly antsy. Beside her again, as she placed the third book, she turned and smiled down at him. She allowed herself a sexy smile, wondering how he’d fuck her and use her body to satisfy them both. Clay reached up and grabbed her by the waist, taking her off the ladder, holding her against him, slowly lowering her to the floor. As her body slid along his, she felt his excitement against her. He still held her by the waist, searching her face for a sign, something, anything that would guide him. Finally, he released her, stepping back. “Dana, I can’t be here with you dressed like that…or not dressed, whichever.” “Oh. I’m sorry, I didn’t think. I’ll go change.” “Don’t, I’m leaving. I’ll help you with the rest of these another time.” He made it to the door and hesitated. Dana decided if he looked back she might have a shot at winning his affections. Just being home these last few weeks had her rethinking her decisions on hiding her peculiarities. Maybe if Clay truly loved her, he would accept her needs without laying judgment or telling tales. But she knew once she revealed her secret it would never be secret again. Could she live in town if her private life became public knowledge? If Clay walked straight through the door, never looking back, she’d have her answer, and be devastated on a new level. He hesitated with his fingers on the handle turning back to look at her. “God, help me,” he whispered. She was beside him seconds later, pressing against him. “I have to get out of here,” he told her, just before his lips dropped over hers.

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What started out as a caress quickly turned into something hot and wanton. Her sigh against his mouth spurred him on, her fingers tightening in his hair as he deepened his pursuit. Dana gave him what he asked for, and realized she was demanding it back from him. His hands slid along her sides, down to her hips, and back up. Only when his fingers reached toward her breasts did he pull away. Dana was instantly disappointed. Clay took the time to catch his breath while Dana tried to figure out where she misplaced her sanity. With a light kiss to her lips, he released her. “I need to leave, Dana,” his voice told her, but his eyes asked for something else entirely. With precise movements he dropped his hands to his sides, his fingers flexing. “Clay, I knew it would happen, it’s changed.” Dana heard the raw emotion in her own words. She spent too much time guarding her privacy. With one simple statement, she had ripped the door from its hinges, letting it flood open to him if he asked. If he didn’t, she wouldn’t offer any information. Best to let him think she was insecure as opposed to a spanking and bondage junkie. Dana felt her own cheeks heat with embarrassment at the idea. Still, it confused and amazed her how her body reacted to the idea of having her butt spanked while Clay fucked her ass. She knew his cock was long and full, knew how he’d fill her, could almost feel his hands grasping her hips as he pumped in and out of her. Or to have her hands tied, allowing him full access to her body to use at his whim. She shook herself from the idea when she felt her nipples bud tight. Oh, she thought, to have his fingers caressing against her breasts while his lips and mouth sucked her nipples. Her next emotion was panic, and she pulled her façade back in place. “I’m sorry, Clay. I know there is no going back. I miss the old us already.” He let his eyes meet hers for what seemed like eternity. He took a few steps, closing the space between them, his arms instinctively opened to her again. Resigned, she slowly walked to him, wrapping herself around him.

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“Dana, I can’t not want you. I’ve tried. Trust me, sweetheart, I have tried.” He pulled back, watching her face. “I know it’s different. Nevertheless, it will be all right, I promise. We’ll find our place again.” Clay’s hands held her tightly. “I never wanted to make you sad. I just wanted to love you.” “I want it, too, Clay. It’s just not in me. I’m cold, shut down. The only time I do feel is when I’m in your arms. It’s all so overwhelming. My body tells me one thing, but my mind won’t let me follow through.” The shiver that ran through him radiated to Dana. Pulling back, she walked to the fireplace, keeping her back toward him. Clay stood straight and looked directly at her. “Dana, if you prefer women to men, I can still be your friend and confidant. If my touching you bothers you, I’ll try not to manhandle you. Is there a special woman?” Dana was so taken aback she burst out laughing until tears rolled down her cheeks. “I haven’t laughed so hard in I don’t know how long!” She saw how serious Clay was. “Is that what you think the problem is? That I’m a closet lesbian?” “It’s an option, and you’re very…elusive with our conversations.” “Trust me, Clay, I’m not into women. I’m very much into men and their anatomy.” Her admission seemed to stun him. “Or did you think I was still a virgin and afraid of you fucking me?” “I…I…” “I wasn’t, technically, the night of the storm at your house. I still remember how you made me feel with your mouth and hands.” She waited for his reaction. “From my perspective, the only problem with that night was you wouldn’t actually put your cock in me, my pussy or my ass. I had to all but hold you down to suck you off.” She didn’t hold back her smile at his discomfort. “Is my being blunt embarrassing you?” She paused and drew a breath. She’d gone this far, there was no sense turning back know. “You made me plead to feel your cock in my body, and still you wouldn’t fuck me.” “You were too young, Dana. It wouldn’t have been right.”

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“But it would have been fun!” She watched his body tense and couldn’t hold back a smile, which turned into a full-out laugh. It took a long time for him to finally laugh with her. “I’ll make you a deal, Dana. I’ll stay and help you put the rest of this stuff away, but you have to get dressed, sweetheart. I can’t think straight with you standing there in that.” The look on his face gave away much more than the term of endearment had. Dana studied him, deciding she liked it when he call her that. “All right, but only because you called me sweetheart.” She was still laughing as she turned away then halted. “I don’t mean to be a tease, Clay.” Then she turned back to him. “If I wanted to tease you I’d have dressed in less!” She almost added that it would be black leather, or maybe just handcuffs, but she decided they were finding a new peace, and she wanted to keep it. “Jeez, Dana.” He was standing behind her instantly. His arms came to rub her upper arms while his lips traced her throat. “I’m already distracted seeing you up on that ladder in this slip of a thing.” For a second time his lips found the nape of her neck, pressing a line of kisses along it. “Don’t get me wrong, I approve of the look, hell, I’m enjoying it. That’s the problem. I’m enjoying it too much.” She relaxed back against his chest, reveling in his strength. “I’m supposed to be giving you some time to adjust to this big move, and all it’s brought with it. Dana, you’ve only been home a few weeks. I’m rushing you. I don’t have the right.” “You’re the only one who has a right.” With that, she pulled away and walked to the fireplace. Taking a match from the box on the hearth, she lit the waiting kindling. Clay watched as the fire took hold, spreading across the opening. Dana watched it for a moment, and then reached to pick up a stray scrap of photograph. Without looking at it, she tossed it on top of the flame. She didn’t wait to watch it shrivel and burn, although she noted Clay did. Dana didn’t see it as anything symbolic. Standing there, she realized the pictures were laying there. She didn’t want to ever see

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them again. It was a natural instinct to burn them. It wasn’t until she rose up, and saw Clay watching them burn that she thought of the significance of her action. “I’ll go put something on.” “I’ll get the wine.” He hadn’t looked at her. Instead he headed to the patio. “Dana, something long and fluffy, flannel maybe,” he teased. “I’ll see what I can find. Would one of Aunt Mary’s bathrobes help?” Spinning, he wasn’t sure what her words offered. Catching his eye, she stuck her tongue out. Shaking his head, he went outside. Returning, he hollered into the bedroom, “Dana, maybe a few hair curlers would help. Those big pink things.” He was filling two glasses with the wine when she returned. “That was quick.” “The best I can do under the limited circumstances.” Clay handed her a glass, heading back to the fire.

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Chapter Seven He set several logs on the now-glowing embers. She had donned a pair of jeans and a sleeveless cotton sweater. It was long and baggy, hanging almost to her knees. If the soft white hadn’t set against the chocolate color of her hair, he might have been all right. He wasn’t. She could be dressed in a paper bag and he would still desire her. The firelight didn’t help disguise her curves. Rather, it seemed to emphasize what was under the bulky clothing. Clay continued to hand her up stacks of books, when he finally spoke. “It didn’t work, you know. I still want you, Dana.” Her eyes looked down into his. He read both fear and panic, yet longing at the same time. “No matter what happens, we’ll make it work out. I will always be in your life.” “Clay, it’s never been like this for me before. I know you must think that’s crazy, but it hasn’t.” “Dana, I admit, I was never a saint.” She glanced at him, one eyebrow up. “I admit it. I’ve led a varied, full life.” Dana sat on the top of the stepladder. Clay handed her a glass, taking the other for himself. “This is different. The rest never mattered.” Clay watched Dana stiffen and look past him. Slowly, he turned, watching the shadows change in the dim light. The sharp rap on the glass door didn’t surprise either of them. “I thought I saw your truck out there. How’s the unpacking going?” Jeff asked. “Just about done, thanks to Clay. And Ruth spent the better part of her day helping me get settled. How was your supper?” Dana asked. Clay watched as Jeff took a quick look around, smiling.

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“Supper was fine. The place looks like you already.” He went to the desk, picking up a small china figurine of a horse. “Welcome home, Dana.” “Thanks, Jeff. It’s getting there.” “You two want some help?” He walked to the mantel, looking over the framed photos she had chosen to display. Clay watched him as he went from one to the next. There was a picture of her parents, and one of her grandparents. Aunt Mary and Leo on their wedding day, Ruth and Dana at her graduation, along with several family groupings. In another, the four of them at Jeff and Lisa’s wedding. In that one, Dana stood in front of Clay, Lisa in front of Jeff. It just seemed natural for Clay to be holding her against him. The last on the shelf was an old black and white. Dana must have been twelve; her arm was in a cast. She was sitting on the back of the horse that had thrown her, her smile wide. Jeff and Clay both turned to look at the camera as it was taken. “That was your first ride after you got thrown,” Jeff remembered. “The next day, if I recall.” Clay remembered she had caught the two coming home from an all-night party. They were both tired and hungover. She hadn’t cared. What mattered most was getting back on the horse that had thrown her. “I was so hungover, Dana. I don’t know how you talked us into that ride.” “Simple. It was easier than listening to me whine.” With a sly smile, she winked at him. “Besides, it cleared your head.” “Yeah, it did wonders for me,” he teased. “There are only a few books left. Go home to your wife,” she said with a knowing smile. “Sounds good to me. Night.” As he passed her desk, he saw the flashing light on the house line base. Jeff hit the button, and Clay tensed as the man’s voice came on the speaker. When it had finished, Dana looked from Clay to Jeff. Shaking her head, she began to laugh.

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“Dana, if he comes here, he stays here. Nothing against the guy, but he never stops moving. He drove me crazy last time.” “Come on, Jeff. That’s just how he is.” “Fine, let him be that way here in the guesthouse!” “Lisa had a good time with him. Clay, are you all right?” “Yeah, sorry, a million miles away.” He shook himself from his thoughts. “Well, I hope that’s where you keep him, too. A million miles away from me or at least here in the guesthouse. Dana, promise me, if he comes, you’ll move back to the house during his visit.” “We don’t even know that’s why he called.” “Every time he calls, you go running, or he comes running to you. The guesthouse, Dana, please?” “Okay, okay, but you know he especially liked you.” Her lips spread into a sly smile, holding back a laugh until it burst through. “Besides, he’s never met Clay!” “True.” Brother looked to sister, able to hold back the laugh for only a second. Clay was even more confused when Jeff added, “Be careful, Clay.” “What the hell does that mean?” Anger flashed through Clay’s being, something that rarely happened these days. Both Jeff and Dana caught it. “Relax. Gavin is committed to Harry, and you know it. Neither one would dare to stray. Although you would fuel a few dreams for them both, I suppose.” Clay looked to Jeff for help. All he got was a shake of his head. “They’re welcome as your friends, Dana, but keep them away from me, okay. Don’t promise any more personal guided tours of the farm.” “Yes, Jeff. But you know Harry is great with babies.” “Good night, Dana, Clay.” Jeff turned and left. Clay could only surmise his apprehensive stance was from the possibility of another visit from Dana’s friends.

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“Night, Jeff.” Clay added, wondering when all this was going to come to a head. Dreading the thought of the coming confrontation, Clay couldn’t understand what was suddenly so funny to Dana. “What?” “God, Clay. I’ve never seen the color drain from your face so quickly. It’s not like he caught us in bed together. You were just helping me move some books.” “He’s a man, Dana. He knows the dynamics between us have changed.” “Does that bother you?” “Only because I know sooner or later he’s gonna beat my ass for it.” Dana bubbled over with laughter. “I don’t see that as being funny. He’s going get protective.” “Somehow I don’t see the two of you fistfighting over me.” Dana leaned down, which brought his face close to hers. “You’re worth it. What’s a black eye between old friends?” He stopped for a moment, thinking to himself before he continued. “Hell, for the thoughts I’ve had about you for the last few years, I deserve it!” “Just make sure he doesn’t go for the important stuff!” She blushed in the firelight, never having been so bold and brazen before. Clay was beginning to like flirting with Dana. “So this is how it’s going to be. You’re going to torment me!” His eyes lit as he reached for her. Snatching her from the top of the ladder, he pulled her against him. “I’m gonna love every minute of it.” He kissed her forehead then released her. “Sweetheart, someday soon, I’m going to take you places you never imagined existed.” This time, he didn’t cringe when he used the new nickname. “Clay, about Gavin, he’s just a friend.” “I’ve never heard you mention him before.” “I suppose I have in passing. Clay, I saw you stiffen when Jeff played the message. Was that because a man called me?” With her sweetest smile, she looked up at Clay. “More torture, Dana?”

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“A little. Were you jealous?” Clay stepped back, his hand on his hip, his thumb tucked in his front pocket. He gave Dana a once over look from head to toe. “Well?” “Jeez, Dana. A few days ago you told me there wasn’t a man waiting to come take you back. That message…” Dana stood her ground, refusing to go to him. “Clay, he’s an old friend. The first photographer I worked with in New York. He and Harry have been a couple for longer than I’ve known them.” “Oh.” “Oh, that’s all you have to say?” “I don’t like being jealous, Dana. It’s a new emotion for me.” “One you’re going to try and control?” This time she went to him, slipping her hands along his shoulders. “God, help me. I’ll try.” “Good, now about the torture part,” Dana kissed his chin and then moved slowly to his neck, trailing small kisses as she went. Clay knew she had him when his body went tight against hers. Backing away, she looked him up and down. “I just might enjoy this.” Clay lifted her by the waist, pulling her up to him, eye level. “Toying with me, Dana, could be dangerous.” “I’ve never been afraid of you, Clay.” Slowly he put her back down on the floor, holding her tight against him. “Don’t start now, sweetheart.” This new term of endearment was flowing easily. He’d have to be careful, especially when they weren’t alone. For a time they stood there, locked in each other’s arms. “Any other names I should know about for recognition matters?” he teased. “I’ll let you know as we go along.” Their kiss took his breath away, took any remote feeling of sanity with it. Molded against him, he craved to touch her the way his body told him to. He knew he had to stop this before it went too far. Stepping back, he turned her back to him. “Clay, there aren’t any

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other men. Gavin is just an old friend, and I wasn’t joking that you’d fuel his dreams much better than me.” “Jeez, Dana.” Her smile was what he had been waiting for. Tension released from his body. “One last kiss, then I’m leaving,” he told her. He had his kiss, one that left Dana speechless. This time when he did leave, he didn’t look back. **** It was before eight the next morning when Dana was pounding on Clay’s kitchen door. She heard him holler something from upstairs then sat on the screen porch, glancing at the headlines on his Sunday paper. Hearing the door open beside her, she only glanced toward him. “Sleeping in, Clay?” she teased. He stepped out onto the porch, stopping any further words she meant to speak. Fresh from the shower, his hair was still damp, a towel slung around his neck, covering a small patch of bare skin on either side of his shoulders. Dana stared at his bare chest, following the path of dark hair that led downward toward his belly, disappearing into a pair of old jeans he had pulled on. The top snap was open. Dana realized at that moment he had completely undone her. Never in her life had she experienced this particular wave. It was lust, pure and simple. Does he know how sexy he looks standing there? Her hands ached to touch him, to explore him. “What’s up, kid? Do you know what time it is?” “Sunday, early, get dressed, I’m taking you out to breakfast.” “Are you?” Clay didn’t stop staring. “My way of saying thank you for helping me unpack last night.” Wanting to badly, she couldn’t pull her eyes away from his chest. Had she even blinked, she wondered. Standing slowly, she went toward him, watching his face carefully. “Got any coffee made?”

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“Not yet.” Her fingertips ran the length of his stomach. She felt him tense under her touch, liking what it was doing to him. Glancing down, she saw his cock was full and hard under his jeans. “I’ll make us a cup while you get dressed.” Sliding past him in the doorway, she had to duck under his arm to get past him. Clay stood, rooted to the spot after she had walked inside, deciding all his blood had rushed to his groin, his erection evident. She stayed in the kitchen, running water into the pot. Dana longed to touch him, to tell him to take her inside and make mad, passionate love to her, or at least fuck her brains out. When he entered, she was measuring coffee into a filter. With her back to him, she wondered if he was able to appreciate the line of her long legs, the short denim skirt covering little. She had on a pink tee shirt a few shades lighter than the slip she had worn last night. Her hair hung loose. She felt him approaching, closing the distance between them. He turned her around. “Don’t bother with the coffee. I’ll be ready in a minute.” “Okay.” Dana hoisted herself up onto the kitchen counter, bringing her eye level with Clay. His hands went to the sides of her legs, capturing her where she sat. Dana had wanted him to kiss her, she had thought about it all last night. Driving over, the thought of his hands against her skin had given her that same warm, fuzzy glow she was beginning to enjoy. Her hands went around his neck, pulling his face close to hers. His clean scent was driving her to think of things she hadn’t ever let herself wonder about him before. One hand around his neck, the other slowly exploring his bare chest, she closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation against her fingers. **** Clay had hardened again the minute he saw her at the counter. The short skirt helped, but the visual image of her in his kitchen

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accomplishing such a mundane chore sent shocks of electricity straight to his crotch. When she had hoisted herself up on the counter, he knew he was in trouble. Yet, as her hand ran across his skin, he couldn’t move, wouldn’t pull back. Dana pulled him closer, her lips presenting a mere feather of a kiss. Clay wrapped his arms around her, deepening her kiss, taking what she was offering to a new plane. In the back of his mind, he didn’t want to scare her, but couldn’t help himself from pushing forward. Hell, every time he thought about her, at some point he caught the visual of her from years before. On her knees between his legs, her lips locked around his cock. She’d seemed so demure, but so sensual at the same time. He’d never forgotten that image and saw it again now. For an instant, he thought to make a new memory. It would be so easy to run his hand along her waist and up under her shirt to cup and squeeze her braless breasts. With a simple tug, her shirt could be pushed upward, leaving him complete access to her breasts. He still remembered how her raspberry nipples heaved at the touch of his lips. She did something to him no other woman had. She reached him on so many levels it was almost overwhelming. Pulling back when he realized his hands had moved under her shirt, he stood quickly. “I’ll get dressed.” He turned, leaving her sitting on the counter, slightly mussed from their kisses. If he hadn’t gone, he wondered how far she might have let him go. But he didn’t stay. He was relieved and disappointed at the same time. Dana had him in a quandary. Normally, he was intimate with consenting females soon after they met. With Dana, he kept holding back. He was beginning to think she was as frustrated as he was. Showing up dressed the way she was, maybe she was looking for a sexual release and he was too dense to acknowledge it. ****

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They managed to get a back booth at the diner, allowing them the space to relax with the newspaper while they enjoyed a second cup of coffee, or was it a third? Dana was reading the magazine section. Clay had the financial section folded open before him. Their hands met across the center of the table, holding tightly, occasionally exchanging glances. He knew his were requests for permission to go forward, wanting her full consent before he took her to his bed. He decided he would give Dana time, that he’d court her, as old Holly would say. That’s what he decided. Just because he had known her all her life, it didn’t mean she didn’t deserve to be dated and courted. In fact, he decided that was exactly what she would experience, a full-out courtship from him. **** Linda Cole spotted them as she entered the diner, their hands intertwined across the table. With instant disgust, she drew a breath and then headed directly toward them. Standing beside their table, she finally had to speak to get their attention. “Good morning, Clay.” He looked up, tightening his hold on Dana’s hand. “Morning, Linda. How have you been?” He left the paper where it was, left his hand on Dana’s. “Morning, Linda.” Dana added. Linda only nodded toward her. “I’m so glad I ran into you, it will save me tracking you down during the week.” She glanced at the empty portion of the bench seat next to Clay. “May I?” she asked as she sat beside him, leaving him no other option but to shift to make room for her. “What did you need from Clay?” Dana asked sweetly. She, too, had abandoned the article she was reading. “Nothing to worry your pretty little head about,” Linda told her, trying to rein her tone of voice to civil. She had to make Clay see her as female and available along with being sexually experienced. They

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would be a great match. She would be able to help him with his farming and lumber business. They would make the perfect power couple she always dreamed of becoming. From the first time she saw him at a distance, Linda knew he was the man she wanted. And she wouldn’t let this little twit of a model stop her. She held back a groan watching as Clay interlaced his fingers with Dana’s. It should be me with him. Linda decided to treat Dana Britton as a small glitch in her plan, one that would be dealt with one way or another. Linda pulled a deep breath and plastered a smile on her face, hoping it would soften her appearance. Right now, getting cranky in front of Clay wouldn’t help her cause. Most of all, she had to remember she had a cause, to get Clay Hollister to marry her, leaving her access to his land, his money, and his body. **** Clay felt Dana’s hand tighten under his, and he held her in place, his thumb running lazy circles against her palm. Having dismissed Dana from the conversation, Linda turned to Clay. “You know the retirement party for the Senator is approaching fast. I was hoping I could talk you into helping me with some of the planning. It wouldn’t take much time, although I could use a hand.” Dana’s stomach churned as she listened to the voice that dripped from Linda’s mouth. If Clay hadn’t been holding her hand, she might have done something, but his touch kept her centered. He winked, trying to get her to relax. “I’m pretty busy these days, Linda. We’ll be finishing the harvest about that time. I’m not sure how much time I could commit to helping.” “Well, I’m sure I could find an assignment that will fit in with your schedule.” Her arm went along the back of the booth. Dana knew if she hadn’t been sitting there, the chances were good that Linda would be running her fingers through his hair. She drew a

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deep breath, her eyes narrowing. Linda knew exactly what she was doing. She was testing both Clay and Dana. “I’m not sure, Linda. What do you think, Dana?” Deliberately, he chose to look to her, drawing her back into the conversation. He gave her a sly smile, waiting for her to answer. Damn. That look is gonna get me in trouble. The thought of it made her blush. Looking directly at him, “It’s a busy time for you, Clay,” she said quietly. Clay looked uncomfortable with the whole situation, but Dana decided he was trying to use it to his advantage. If Linda knew he and Dana were together, she might back off. “What if you assigned us, Dana and me, something we could work on together as a team? That might work.” Clay offered Linda one of his best smiles. “Would that work for you?” he asked Dana. Before she could answer, Linda interrupted. “Actually, it’s just for members of the Chamber of Commerce. I thought I was clear about that.” The edge in her voice had changed, and Dana watched as she tried to reel it back. “It’s not that we wouldn’t love to have Dana’s help, but the rules are the rules.” “No problem then,” Dana added sweetly. “I just got my letter of acceptance last week from the Chamber. They seemed very happy…” “Why would you join the Chamber? You don’t have a job.” Dana watched Clay straighten in his seat. She took a cleansing breath before she spoke. “Really, Linda. I’d of thought you had a better memory than that. My business will be the museum at the Britton Mansion, once the renovation is complete. The Chamber members all seemed quite enthusiastic about my joining and the renovation project.” Clay seemed to hold his breath as she reached for her coffee cup with her free hand, probably wondering if she was about to toss it at the woman sitting beside him. Dana watched his breath came out in a slow, jagged exhale when she sipped from the cup then returned it to the saucer. “Once my application passes the permit board, of course.”

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“Let’s leave board business out of this.” Turning back to Clay, Linda continued. “Can I count on you, Clay?” she almost whispered. “If Dana agrees, you can assign us something she and I can do as a team.” Dana’s smile and nod were her only answer. “I’ll get back to you, then.” Slipping out of the booth, Linda stood, all but glaring down at Dana. “Linda, why not get hold of Dana when you need me? She always knows how to reach me.” They watched as a mask came over Linda Cole’s face. Only the nod of her head offered any indication she had heard his last statement. Turning swiftly, she walked directly out of the diner. “I guess she decided she wasn’t hungry after all,” Clay teased, bringing up Dana’s hand to his lips, brushing them across her knuckles. “Oh, she was hungry all right, just not for what was being served on the menu.” Clay let out a deep laugh, releasing the tension that had built up inside him and apparently Dana as she started to laugh with him. “Do you really think she’ll give us an assignment?” Clay asked, the sparkle in his brown eyes catching her heart. “Definitely, but I’m sure it won’t be the same one she had in mind for you alone,” Dana added. “Let’s get out of here, kid. What do you want to do with the rest of the day?” “How about a ride? William hasn’t been out in a few days, you game?” Folding the newspaper sections, Clay tossed some bills on the table. Outside, he waited beside the car door for Dana to fold herself into the Corvette. Once she was in, he closed her door and then bent down to lean on it, bringing him level with her. “Are you going to ride in that skirt?” Dana glanced down, her thighs exposed from the edge of the short skirt. Well, she decided, at least he was looking, even if he wasn’t touching her.

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“If it will make you crazy, yes!” “I’ll saddle the horses while you change.” He was shifting the vehicle into reverse when he hesitated. Dana realized he was preoccupied and turned to see Linda was watching from across the parking lot, her car parked directly behind them. It left her with an odd feeling as they drove toward home. How long had she been watching them, she wondered? Clay became quiet during the ride, his fingers clutching the steering wheel so hard his knuckles were turning white. “Clay, what’s wrong?” “Nothing.” “Clay?” “I don’t like the way Linda treats you.” “She’s a jealous female. I assume she figures I’ve taken over her territory.” “I was never in her reach.” “She wouldn’t like to hear that. Actually, I get the impression that my coming home had interfered with her overall plan.” Dana was teasing, but her words held a blatant truth. “Damn her plan. I’m only interested in yours.” He gave her a quick smile then straightened to watch the road. “In that case, I’ll change out of this skirt. No sense chafing my thighs on old William, when I’d rather…” Dana didn’t just blush, she felt her entire face and neck go red-hot with embarrassment. Clay started to laugh, catching a glimpse of her. “God, Dana, someday.” He pushed the car into a higher gear as they left the town limit. Reveling in the idea that Clay was beginning to look at her in a different light, she began to harbor a hope of them together after all. Maybe her secrets would be safe with Clay. It was a calculated risk, one she was beginning to accept as a possibility. It struck her at that second that Clay might have an unusual sexual preference. How stupid of her not to think that side through! All of a sudden things were blurry again. She’d been so concerned about her

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fetish side she never wondered about his. Dana sat back in the leather seat and watched the world go by as she wondered about Clay. He was a well-traveled man, not some country bumpkin with no experience. What would it be, she wondered? She knew he often wore his riding leathers when on the motorcycle. Maybe he had a leather fetish, too. She had to make a concerted effort not to ask him outright. Life was looking up, even if Linda Cole annoyed her. By the time they reached Britton Farm, they met Lisa and Jeff just mounting their horses. “How was breakfast?” Lisa asked. “Fine,” Dana answered, not wanting to mention Linda again. “You guys heading out or in?” “We’re just going for a ride. Adam is sleeping and Ruth offered to keep a check on him.” Dana watched her sister-in-law look at her, then to Clay, and back to her. “Want us to wait while you saddle up?” “You guys go ahead,” Clay said, breaking in. “By the time Dana changes and we get saddled, you’ll be heading back.” “See ya,” Jeff said, nudging his horse toward the north. “I want to check out the corn over there, not much rain lately.” “My romantic husband. I get a babysitter, and he wants to check the corn!” Lisa laughed and grabbed her horse’s reins, heading toward her husband. “Still want to ride?” “I want to ride you, but you still seem hesitant, so I’ll ride the horses. This time.” “Go get changed,” Clay teased her. Dana was back quickly, swapping her short skirt for old, worn jeans and her well-broken-in riding boots. When they were out of sight from the home on the south side, she turned to Clay. He was a handsome man, especially on horseback. “You know, all this time we’ve been riding I’ve been flexing my thigh muscles to get rid of the ache you cause.” Dana didn’t turn away, wanting to see his reaction.

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“I’ll make you a deal, when we get someplace dry, soft, and warm, I’ll take care of your ache.” “Promises, promises,” she teased. “Next you’ll tell me you don’t have any condoms, right?” It was a reference to the night of the storm when she stayed with him. “Just so you know, I’m on the pill and my last physical was clean of any disease.” “What?” Clay seemed shocked at her comment. “We’re adults, Clay. We need to talk about these things openly because they’re important.” Dana waited to see what how he would react. “You want blunt, you got it, at least when we’re alone.” He cleared his throat. “Do you have any idea how hard it was for me not to pick you up on my shoulder this morning and carry you back to bed? Hell, I almost had my hand up your shirt and you weren’t stopping me.” “I figured you’d take the hint,” she told him. “But I suppose I’ll have to romance you a bit. Are you the flowers and candy kind of man?” Dana started laughing and goaded her horse into a trot. She hadn’t felt this good in a long time. She knew one thing was for sure, next time she went out of town, she was going to buy him a crate of condoms and send them to him. Then he’d have no excuse. In a fleeting second, she wondered if he just didn’t want to have sex with her, but it left just as quickly. He’d been openly telling her he was interested, and she was the one who kept pushing him away. Times were changing, and Dana liked the change.

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Chapter Eight One week later, Jeff stood to the side of the tractor he’d been working on, watching the scene unfold with his foreman, Jeb, standing beside him. The two men looked to each other, Jeb mumbling something about a bee in her bonnet before leaving Jeff to wonder what had happened. It was over an hour later when she walked the horse back to the barn, refusing the offers to put him up. Even the barn hands were confused. To Jeff’s view, her skirt was ruined, her hair a wild mass of tangles, and the look on her face read total anger. He didn’t know what happened to cause this temper tantrum, but he’d find out. Even if she had been away for a while, she was still a Britton, and news of this tantrum would make its way around town. **** Dana drove like a maniac, which wasn’t unusual. While in New York, she rarely had an excuse to drive. Home, on the back roads, she was able to let loose. Today was different. Today was about anger and frustration. She skidded the BMW to a halt just outside the paddock, garnering stares from the workers all around her. Still dressed in her business suit, she stood beside the small convertible, stripping off her shoes and jacket. Next she pulled the elastic band from her hair, letting it fall around her face. One of the stable hands started to approach her, but she stopped, put her hand up to ward him off, and then marched into the barn. Several minutes later, she emerged atop her favorite horse, William the Conqueror.

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Her skirt was hitched up around her hips. She didn’t care. Once away from the barn, she goaded the horse into a full-out run, forgoing the warm-up or gallop she would usually pace him with. Skirting the big house to the right, Dana avoided contact with anyone when she finally returned. She left the car where it was, walking the distance barefoot. As she turned the corner of the backyard, she paused only to tug off her skirt before diving into the cool water of the pool. Swimming laps, she tried to work out her options in her mind. No clear-cut choice presented itself. When she finally let herself roll onto her back to float, she saw Lisa sat beside the pool. She had draped a robe by the ladder. Dana went under one last time, wondering how she was going to work this out, dreading the explanation for her temper tantrum. She finally swam to the ladder and pulled herself from the crystal water, grabbing the robe. Pulling the robe around her, Dana accepted the glass of lemonade Lisa offered her. With a gentle arm around her shoulders, Lisa walked with Dana to the guesthouse. Once inside, she went about pulling out shorts and a top for her to change into. Dana toweled off her hair then stripped off the wet layer of clothes. “Thanks.” “Anytime. Let’s go outside to talk.” Dana followed a few minutes later, dressed and semidry. She found Lisa had pulled two of the patio chairs to the far side of the small guest quarters. Once there, they sat in silence for a long time, sipping from their glasses. Lisa waited for Dana to tell her what had happened and how far it was from over. It hurt Dana to see Lisa so upset, knowing she was the cause. With a conspiring laugh, Lisa pulled two of Jeff’s slim cigars from her skirt pocket, along with a box of stick matches. Lighting one, she drew on it until it glowed, then handed it to Dana. She did the same with the second one. They puffed in silence until Lisa decided enough time had passed. “Ready to talk about it?” “I don’t know if I can, I’m so mad.”

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“Start at the beginning.” Dana straightened in her chair, leaning forward. “You know my meeting with the board two weeks ago seemed to go fine.” “That’s the impression Jeff and I both got. The board seemed to think it was just a matter of processing. Dana, did they refuse your permits?” “No, it’s nothing that easy. I’ve spent the last five days arranging meetings with Linda Cole, who, by the way, is the last one to sign off on the process, to no avail. First, something came up, then something else. She’s cancelled five appointments with me, all last minute. Today, we were supposed to meet at noon. I called her office at eleven and it was on.” “And?” “And at eleven twenty, Linda left the building. Apparently something else came up.” “But you saw her?” “More like cornered her in the parking lot.” “Dana!” “Well, what was I supposed to do? I explained I was early, thought she might be free.” Dana shrugged her shoulders. “I got to the bottom of it all.” “Which is?” Lisa took another puff on the cigar. “A veiled ultimatum.” Dana paced the small stone patio where they sat. Lisa leaned forward, anxious to hear the next installment of what Dana would say. “It’s simple really. I am to hand over Clay to Linda. Then I can have my permits, no problem!” With the words spoken, Dana finally collapsed into her chair. “What!” Now Lisa was pacing, anger filling her quickly. “Are you sure you understood her correctly, Dana? This could be serious. She has no right to use her position with the board to delay your permits for personal gain. I’ve known she had an eye for Clay, but he doesn’t have any feelings for Linda. What would make her think you could deliver him to her?”

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“Simple. I make it very clear to Clay there isn’t a chance in hell he’ll ever be with me, talk up Linda, who by the way feels she’s much better suited for him, and when she’s secure in their relationship, I get the permits and the town’s blessings.” “Of all the deceitful, unethical…” “Don’t forget mercenary, arrogant, dishonest, vindictive…I have more, should I go on?” Dana offered with a grim face. “No. The list is too long. What are you going to do?” Lisa sat, taking Dana’s hand in hers. “How can I help?” Leaning forward, Dana accepted the hug from her sister-in-law. “Nothing. And I mean that in the strictest of all senses. All I got was double talk about environmental issues, impact studies, et cetera. Bottom line, Clay for the clearance.” Dana left Lisa sitting in shock, returning with a bottle of iced vodka and two small shot glasses. Filling each, she handed one to Lisa, sipping the other. “Linda has decided I’m not right for him, she is. Nothing like little old unsophisticated me is going to stand in her way. Hell, she told me as much in plain English. I might as well go back to New York. I should grow up and find someone my own age.” “That would make her job with Clay a whole lot easier.” “Yes, it would. But I’m not going. The sad thing is, she talks about him like he was a commodity or something. Not like a human being. I couldn’t give her Clay. He’s not mine to give.” Lisa tipped her glass to Dana’s, and they swallowed the liquor at the same time. “Dana, do you love Clay?” “I wish I knew. Oh, God, Lisa, how did this happen? All I wanted to do was come home to my family and friends. Now look at the mess I’ve made of it all.” “No. This is Linda’s mess. Don’t take responsibility for it. You still haven’t answered my question. Are you in love with Clay?” “Yes.” Lisa settled back in her seat, waiting. “How long has the romance been going on?”

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Dana’s laugh surprised her. “Romance, what romance? We’ve kissed a few times, only since I came home. Adam’s christening was the first time he kissed me.” It was a small white lie leaving out the details of their earlier sex acts, especially from her wedding to Jeff. Dana decided it wasn’t a good idea to tell her sister-in-law their best man pulled her into a closet during their wedding party and licked and fingered her until she was wilting against his body, pushing his fingers deeper in her body. “You mean you haven’t…been together yet?” “Of course not, and we wouldn’t be. I tried to explain. I can’t find the words to make him understand.” She looked away, “I’m not right for any man.” “Dana, you’re confusing me, let alone poor Clay. Start over.” “I can’t love him, Lisa. I’m not the right woman for him, he deserves more. I wouldn’t be beneficial to him personally, or professionally for that matter.” “Oh,” was all Lisa got out, and then she went on. “Well, I know a few nice women if you’d like to be introduced.” Dana started to laugh. “What? Why are you laughing at me?” “Nothing against women, but my tastes are definitely for the male body.” “Then why say you can’t love any man?” “Because it’s true.” Lisa accepted Dana was wrestling with how much to tell her about her prior relationships, not pushing for information. “You knew I was dating Walker for a long time in New York.” “Yes, but he wasn’t right for you. He was too bossy and arrogant, too full of his own agenda.” Lisa watched as Dana searched for the right words, blushing as she thought about it. “Lisa, I can’t seem to enjoy the physical side of a relationship.” If she left it at that, Lisa might think Dana was frigid and she wouldn’t have to reveal her pension for bondage.

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“Don’t be ridiculous, Dana, you just haven’t tried with the right man. Now Clay, he strikes me as the right stuff for you. Why not give him a chance?” “I know what I’m talking about here, sis. After Walker—” Dana shook her head, refusing to discuss the memories of the disastrous time they spent together. “It’s not in me to be conventional.” “And you’re going to take the word of a spoiled playboy as gospel? Dana, grow up. Whatever Walker did or didn’t do for you physically has nothing to do with how you would be with Clay, or any other man, for that matter.” “But he impressed upon me all the time, our compatibility issues were my fault. Lisa, what am I going to do? He’d get mad, I’d be embarrassed. I won’t put myself in that position ever again.” Lisa laughed aloud, enjoying the release. “I’m glad you think my life is so funny, just because you were lucky and found Jeff.” “Oh, Dana. Yes, I was lucky finding Jeff, and he had a little luck finding me. That’s how it is, waiting for that right fit. When you find yours, you’ll know it. It’s called magic or chemistry or fate.” Lisa let her voice fade off, and they sat in a companionable silence smoking the cigars. “Remind me to use your mouthwash before I head home.” “Whatever you need,” Dana said, preoccupied by her thoughts. Hopefully Lisa would let the subject drop. If she didn’t, Dana would come up with something to stop the questions. Probably tears, she decided. The next time anyone started hounding her about relationships, she’d burst into tears. That should stop the questioning. “We’re supposed to meet Clay in town for supper. Join us?” “No thanks, I’ll stay here and be miserable for a while. Besides, with my luck, Linda will be at the same restaurant.” “With a little luck, yes,” Lisa said. “Lisa, promise me you wouldn’t do anything. Let me handle this on my own. I just want some time to think about it, think it through.”

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“All right, no action yet. But don’t wait too long.” She started to leave then turned back to Dana. “When did you first think about Clay romantically?” “A while ago.” Dana omitted revealing details of the night of the storm. Besides, that was before Lisa knew Jeff, she’d have no reference for it. Finally Dana added, “Christmas three years back, I was home for your wedding. That was when I looked at Clay differently.” “You were twenty-one. Why didn’t you go to him?” “It didn’t seem right. Once I went back to the city, I figured it was just all the romance of your wedding and the holidays. Besides, after that, if you think about it, Clay made a point of avoiding me when I was back. I figured I read all the wrong signs.” “And you met Walker around the same time?” “Yes.” “Dana, think it through, but don’t let Clay get away. I think you two would be good together.” Handing Dana her shot glass, she smiled. “I’m aching to ask you what you mean by conventional, but you’ve gone out of your way to dance around it, so I’ll let it drop. I just wanted you to know it didn’t get by me.” Lisa gave her a sly smile. “Are you sure about supper?” “Yes, thanks anyway.” “Clay asked if you were coming.” “Not tonight, Lisa. I’m too wound up. I’m afraid I might say something out of place. I need to deal with this in my own way, without Clay or Jeff interfering.” “Okay, no more lectures.” “Lisa, I’m sorry if this is a problem. I don’t want to come between friends.” “Clay and I are fine.” Lisa gave her a confused look. “I meant you and Linda.” “Linda? She’s not a friend. What made you think there was a connection?”

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“She was at the christening. She came to the chapel after the ceremony, telling Clay and me you and she were discussing us.” Dana watched Lisa think back, her eyes squinting, her mouth twisting from side to side. The pieces were falling into place as she looked at them from another side. “Dana, she wasn’t invited to the party. She showed up as some of the first guests were arriving, said she stopped by to talk about the senator’s retirement party. I only asked her to stay, because how could I not, with all the guests arriving.” Lisa snubbed the last of her cigar in a cement planter near the door. “As for sending her to the chapel, no, Dana. She asked me where you were right after the ceremony, I wasn’t really listening. I remember telling her I thought you and Clay were still in the chapel. That’s all.” Dana filled her in on the conversation at the diner over Sunday breakfast. Lisa wasn’t happy. It was written all over her with her body language. “Lisa, today she as much told me I wasn’t woman enough for Clay. Said she knew I had a history of not being able to make a commitment.” “Dana, you didn’t think I would talk to her about you, did you?” “I’m sorry. I really didn’t. But if you hadn’t mentioned anything, how did she know about it? You and Clay are the only two who…and before now, we’ve never really discussed him, have we?” “Walker knew you were uncomfortable with him.” Lisa broke in. “How would Linda know to go to Walker for information?” “Please, you’re big news in this town. Every time your photo showed up in print, everyone in town knew about it. And they saw the photos of you and Walker from the charity event you chaired. That was all over town for weeks.” “Walker wouldn’t talk to her.” Lisa just shrugged her shoulders at Dana. “Then again, maybe he would. I wasn’t very good for his ego.” Dana didn’t add that her matching his blackmail threat had left them at a stalemate. If he talked about her, she had ammunition to use against him. They had decided to consider their relationship a wash

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and to let it lie. No, she reinforced, he wouldn’t go public. I have the videotaped proof of his preferences. She let her lips curl into a small smile and pulled it back quickly. “We don’t know what she told him, how she approached him, or even if she did, technically.” “I won’t give him the satisfaction of a call to find out. I’d rather deal with the unknown on this one,” Dana said ruefully. “Be careful, honey. She’s an achiever, a real closer, and I’m beginning to see how she gets the deals done. I’m getting a clear picture of how she operates. Did you know she was with Jay for a while, about two years ago, I think.” “Jay as in Jason Harris?” “Yep, until she started making a play for Clay.” “Lisa, promise me. Let me handle it on my own. And I’m sorry I thought you and Linda could be friends. I was upset.” “You must have been to believe that. Don’t take too long, honey. Let me know if I can help.” Lisa hesitated to go. “Sure I can’t change your mind about supper?” “No, thanks. I’d rather be miserable and sulk. I’ll feel better tomorrow. One thing, though.” Lisa waited while Dana stood. “A doggie bag would be appreciated,” she joked. “Anything specific you want to find in that doggie bag?” “Red meat and potatoes. I need fighting food,” she bantered back. “I’ll see what I can do.” **** Walking back to her home, Lisa wondered how she would get through supper without spilling her knowledge to Jeff and Clay. Taking Adam from Jeff, she fed him then rocked him to sleep. While freshening her makeup, Lisa skirted Jeff’s questions, finally telling him to ask her again when they got home. Then she would tell him.

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Jeff and Lisa arrived home to find Dana and Adam on the front porch swing, surprised Adam wasn’t with his sitter. Dana explained she had gotten an emergency call, an accident with one of her brothers who had broken a limb. She was needed at home to care for the rest of her siblings while her parents took care of the broken-boned child. “You should have called us. We would have come home.” “No problem. Adam and I have been having a long talk, He’s turning into a great listener.” **** Jeff finally lost his control. Watching his wife and sister debate about sitters after the episode this afternoon in the paddock, he’d had enough. He ran his hand through his dark hair, and his breath started coming out in small pants. All through supper he had resisted asking questions. In the car from the restaurant, Lisa had turned up the radio, loud, to avoid his questions. Having them both in the same place now, he wanted answers. In the dark of the evening, his sister looked like a child herself, holding his child. Whatever had set Dana off, he needed to know. In the small county they lived in, sooner or later it would get around that Dana had a tantrum. He needed to know why, if only for damage control. He wanted to know for himself, so he could help her. Just because she was grown up, he couldn’t back away from his role as protector. The day his father died, he’d promised him he’d always take care of Dana. Jeff knew he would continue to do so until the day he died. Seeing his son in her arms only reinforced his protective side. “Is someone going to finally tell me what’s going on under my own roof? You tore in here today, stripped in the paddock, and then rode William to the point of exhaustion. I’ve waited through supper and didn’t press the issue. Now I want answers.” “You sound just like Daddy used to. All you need is his cane thumping next to you and you’re his spitting image.”

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“Thank you very much, Dana. However, you created this mood, now dispel it.” “I think Adam and I will retire for the night.” Lisa took the sleeping child from Dana, pausing to kiss her cheek. “Thanks for taking over tonight.” “No problem.” “Don’t forget to eat your supper. I even remembered the fried potatoes,” she added as she slowly wandered inside. Jeff sat beside his sister on the porch swing, waiting her out. She held the white Styrofoam container on her lap. “Come on to the kitchen. I know you wouldn’t touch that without ketchup.” Standing, Dana accepted his hand, following him to the kitchen. He waited while she puddled ketchup on the potatoes and grabbed a bottle of water. Finally they settled at the kitchen counter, where he none-too-patiently waited for her start talking. In between bites, she told her brother the condensed version. **** Lisa was waiting for Jeff when he finally came upstairs. She knew he would be upset; she just wasn’t sure how upset. One look at his face told her it was going to be a long night. “I’ll call the lawyers in the morning. That woman has no right to use Clay as a bargaining tool for Dana’s project. How dare she even think he would want a woman like her, she’s…” “Yes, dear.” Lisa said, “I know the list, and it’s a long one. Did Dana ask you to call in the lawyers?” “No, but—” “Jeff, no matter how hard this is for you, we have to back down and let Dana handle it her own way.” “But—”

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“No buts, Jeff. It’s important she fight for herself. You can’t fix everything for her for the rest of her life. Now that she’s finally come home, we have to let her be an adult. She’ll leave if you meddle.” “She wouldn’t!” “You don’t know your sister then. This is her project. It’s her business. How would you feel if she stopped by your office and cancelled a fertilizer or seed shipment, or told the loggers to clear a different field?” “That’s not the same.” “It’s as close as I can get at ten thirty at night. Jeff, she’s twentysix. She’s come home to build a life. We have to let her build it. Refurbishing the Britton Mansion in town gives her a goal, a valid reason to be here. If you take it over from her, there is no reason to stay. Jeff, please think about it before you do anything stupid that sends her running.” “Stupid, did you just call me stupid?” His dark eyes narrowed. “Jeff, I said don’t do anything stupid. Dana’s a smart lady.” “Girl!” “Woman. You missed a few things lately.” His silence didn’t bother her. Lisa was used to her husband receding into his thoughts. Jeff’s processing time was different from hers. She had learned to wait him out, letting him think things through before tossing more. “Why would Linda think Dana had so much control over Clay?” Lisa shook her head at her husband, knowing when it hit him she didn’t want to be anywhere near until he calmed down. “Let her have this. She needs to fight for herself. If she wants help, she’ll come to you.” Lisa ran her hands through her husband’s dark hair. “Then you can ride in and save the day for her. Until then, I’ll try to keep you occupied.” “Occupied how?” Taking his hand, she pulled him closer, using his fingers to push the strap of her nightgown from her shoulder. “Until then, I’ll just have to keep you busy.” Her kiss was hot and tempting. Jeff let her lead him to their bed, allowing her to straddle

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him once he had sat. “Now,” she whispered, “How can I keep you busy for the next few weeks?” “Is Adam asleep?” His hands found the soft spot of her neck, stroking it gently while he waited for her answer. “Fed, changed, and sound asleep. With a little luck, we should have about three hours before he makes his needs known.” Dipping her head, she caught his earlobe between her teeth. “Mrs. Britton, what could you possibly think of to fill those three hours?” he whispered. Her kiss was his answer. Slowly he rolled her onto her back, pausing to pull his shirt over his head, before lying beside her. “Three hours?” “Think you can handle it?” Lisa dropped her hand between their bodies and found his cock full, throbbing in her hand. His lips met hers, and Dana’s problems dissolved around them. From the way Jeff was fingering her pussy and sucking her nipple, keeping him sidetracked wouldn’t be a problem.

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Chapter Nine Clay paced the length of his small living room. Looking around him, he saw remnants of his younger days. This was his father’s house. Stepfather, he reminded himself. Even today, with both men long buried, guilt still welled within him on those rare times he forgot the man who had been his biological father. He had memories of him, glimpses that he could remember. His stepfather had raised him, taught him what it meant to be a man, and made his mother happy. Everything he was today, he owed to old Holly. Today Clay stood proudly as a Hollister, not a Taylor. Guilt always arrived when he let himself thank the gods that his mother had found old Holly. He was a man’s man, a logger and farmer, a horseman with common sense and a good heart. He had welcomed Clay at that tender age of eight. Even when Clay tested him, he stood fast. “Holly, I wish you were here, I could use some advice,” he said aloud, looking at the ceiling, willing the old man to hear his plea. Wandering from room to room, he knew it needed a fresh coat of paint, maybe some new wallpaper in the kitchen. It hadn’t occurred to him to make these changes until now. This was the home he grew up in, the home Holly had made for him and his mother. The paper in the kitchen was old but familiar and comforting. It was like that throughout the rest of the house. Besides, there was no reason to make any changes. Clay was waiting to live in the river house. His problem, he knew, was the waiting. Maybe he should just complete the house to his liking and hope for the best. Waiting was never one of his strong suits. These past two years since he had taken title to the abandoned, half-finished

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home, his mind kept telling him to wait for Dana. “Dana.” Grabbing his jacket from the hook in the hallway, Clay left the house with no real destination in mind. Fresh air and a walk will clear my head. Anything to get her off his mind. “Why would her ex-boyfriend Walker have hurt her? What could she have possibly done? Was he the one who introduced her to the sex toys? If she hated him using them on her then she wouldn’t have kept them.” He spoke to himself on the way to the garage, trying to figure out what had happened. Wandering the road in front of his home, Clay turned to see it from the distance. It would make a fine guesthouse for a while. Eventually, he had hoped it would turn into the caretaker’s home, if he could find someone who thought the way he did. There was no hurry now. Planting was done for the season, all any farmer could do now was wait out the storms, hope for rain and sun and the strength to do it again next year. Still restless, he headed inside and changed clothes, heading to the garage. He mounted his Harley but didn’t have a destination in mind. He just wanted the freedom of the ride. Turning the Harley off the main road, Clay was shocked to see a vehicle parked in front of his unfinished house. “What the hell?” he muttered, maneuvering the bike closer, until he realized it was a blue BMW. “Dana?” he said aloud, knowing she couldn’t have heard him through the helmet. Taking the time to put it away, along with his gloves, he used that same time to quiet his wildly beating heart. Why was he surprised? Hadn’t he come here hoping she might be there, that some intuition would have her waiting there for him? Didn’t he buy the property because he knew Dana had loved the home that was being built there? **** Dana heard the roar of the bike coming up the private road. At first, she thought it was a car, and then realized she knew the sound. Clay, why is he here? No one really knew where she was. She had

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just said she was stopping in town for a while, she’d be home later. Never did she ever mention this house to anyone…except Clay. But that was three years ago. Remembering the last time he surprised her at the same location, she felt a chill run down her spine. That was the night she had looked at Clay Hollister with a different eye. He had been in his riding leathers that night, his long legs encased in the soft, black coating. His hands she had noticed too. The size of them, the width and length of his fingers, the way her skin felt when he hugged her, surprised to have found her at the building site. Now they were both here again. She knew why she was there, not why he would come here. Shaking off the memory, Dana knew it was too late to slip away. Instead, she called out. “Clay? Is that you?” She rounded the corner of the unclad building, its white protective wrap shredded from the winds. “Dana? What are you doing here?” She caught her first glimpse of him as he turned to rest his gloves and helmet on the back of the bike. “Damn,” she said aloud. Why did he have to wear the leathers was going through her mind. He left his dark glasses on, blocking out the last rays of daylight. “This is a surprise,” she told him. “More than you could know,” he answered. “What are you doing here?” He watched as she rubbed her upper arms with her hands, looking up toward the house. “I’m glad someone finally covered over the openings. It was a shame to let the weather get inside the way it did.” Staring at the front of the house, its window and door openings had been covered with plywood and plastic, she couldn’t look to Clay, not yet. She hadn’t seen him in a few days, since she’d had her meeting with Linda and the hissy fit in the paddock. Instantly she remembered how he kissed her and made her want to confess her newfound needs to him. Then Linda Cole had interrupted their breakfast. She still wasn’t ready to be honest with him yet.

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“I stopped by your house. I thought you might want to go for a ride. Jeff told me you had headed into town to shop.” “What made you come here?” “Somehow it didn’t seem right, you shopping on a Tuesday evening.” He took her in his arms as soon as he was within reach of her, pulling her to his chest, never hesitating before lowering his mouth to hers. It was getting hard for her push him away, to stay aloof. She didn’t pull away this time, and he didn’t either. Dana wanted him to kiss her, needed to know if he could make her feel again, questioning if she had ever really felt the sensual emotions Clay brought forward in her being. Her arms went around his neck, pulling him closer to her; the only incentive he needed to continue his exploration, his hands roaming her back, pausing to grasp her butt and pull her tighter to his erection. His lips broke contact with hers for only seconds while he gulped for air, and then he went back for more until Dana’s breath caught in her throat, only a low moan escaping. Releasing his hold, he hugged her to his chest, as if he were reluctant to let go. She decided he was probably afraid she wouldn’t accept his touch again. She would have stumbled if he had let go of her. Instead he held her close, his heartbeat directly beneath her cheek. This was what she had been searching for, this was home, and Clay Hollister’s arms were her only salvation. Surprise was next when he swung her up onto his shoulder, walking toward the water’s edge with her. “Clay, put me down!” “Nope, not until you’re where I want you.” His long strides moved quickly through the tall grass to the river’s edge where he finally set her on her feet. “Now, we have two approaches I can come up with. One, we sit and talk like adults until we can get straightened out about a few things, or two.” His lips curled into a wicked smile. “Two, I can torture you until you come around to my way of thinking. What’s it going to be, Dana? Make a choice before I choose for you.”

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Slowly, she lowered herself onto the bank of the river, waiting for him to join her. “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” She couldn’t look at him after kissing him the way she had. What must he think? At times she responded without thought or question and other times her mind sent her into protection mode and pushed him away. “Do you know who bought the house? It’s the first time I’ve been here since I got home.” “Yeah, I do. Later.” “I’m glad they at least dried her in, she deserves better treatment.” “Now we’re using building terms,” he told her with a smile. “I’ve been doing my homework. I am going to rehab the Britton Mansion, remember?” she teased back. Clay drew her back to the subject he wanted to discuss. “Dana?” “The thing is, Clay, I have two very different…situations happening around me and to me right now.” “Pick one and start.” “Some minor problems with getting the project started,” she lied. “And second?” “You, Clay Hollister. You’re the second.” “Okay, let’s deal with that. Why am I a problem, exactly?” He watched as she bought time pulling tufts of grass from the area around where she sat, feeling the texture of it in her hands. “I missed this in New York. Did you know in some stores, they sell planters with patches of lawn growing in them instead of flowers? For people like me, something to feel and see…I see you don’t care.” “I know all about it.” Her eyes flashed to his. She remembered the night of the storm when she had taken refuge in his home. “Talk to me later about houseplants, and I’ll be thrilled to listen. Now, tell me what’s wrong between us.” “I can’t. It’s just a feeling that I’m not capable of maintaining a long-term, conventional relationship.”

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She was on her back with Clay lying on top of her. Automatically her hands went to his sides and back, feeling the strength and size of him. She let him kiss her, encouraged him to. For a long time, she let him make love to her body. The feel of his hands on her skin as he pushed her shirt aside, his lips trailing down her throat, pausing to paint spirals on her warm flesh. She hadn’t thought to wear a bra, so he didn’t have to fight one to touch her. Her breast filled his hand. “So firm, so perfect,” he whispered before lowering his mouth to one of her buds. His fingers stroked the other to a peak, waiting for his lips. Dana arched her back, giving him access, driving him toward a breaking point. His mouth switched to her other breast. Back and forth, side to side, all she could do was hold on to his shoulders, willing him to continue. Never had she felt this way before. The sun faded behind the trees while Clay explored her breasts with his hands. Dana was lost, his mouth taking away all her restraint at his lips’ first touch. Only when his hand trailed down the flat plane of her stomach did she freeze. There was no mistaking it, like a switch was turned off in her head. Rolling away from her, he threw his arm over his eyes, not wanting to be seen. “God, Dana. I’m sorry. I had no right.” “No, Clay, it’s my fault. I should have stopped you. I’m sorry.” For a minute, he lay there in silence. She attempted to gather her senses, trying to figure out what to do. Dana knew what she wanted and decided to make it happen. “I shouldn’t have tried to push you.” Then her hand came over to his crotch. His hardness throbbed at her touch through his leathers. Air escaped from her lungs as she closed her hand around Clay. The size of him intrigued and delighted her. “Dana, don’t.” “It’s all right, Clay. I started something. I’d like to finish it.” He moved his hand away from his eyes, not sure if he heard her right.

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Her trembling fingers fumbled with the zipper on his pants until he all but slapped her hand away. “Clay, let me. Or was I so inept the last time I did this you don’t want to have to experience it again?” With that he stood, pulling her up sharply by her shoulders. Holding her at eye level, he searched her face, trying to figure it out. As if a lightning bolt hit him, he saw it in her eyes, releasing her. “Is that what he made you do, finish him?” She turned her back to him. “It wasn’t the way you’re thinking. What he and I did was consensual. It’s just that we had different ideas about how it should work out.” “Dana, if we ever wind up together, it will be because we both want to, not because either one of us is obligated. Do you understand me, Dana?” Only her shoulders moved slightly. “Come on, I’m taking you home.” This time when he lifted her, he cradled her against him, supporting her head with one arm, her legs with the other. When he reached her car, he put her down on the hood. “Let me move the bike. I’ll drive you home.” “No.” She jumped from the vehicle. “I can get myself home.” Brushing past him, she got in the driver’s seat. “I’ll be fine, Clay, really.” Her tone carried the conviction of her statement. “I’ve been fine these last years. I’ll continue to take care of myself. I’m just not a conventional woman. Once you accept that we’ll both feel better and move on.” Clay became pensive while considering her statement. “Dana, are you sure you don’t prefer women?” Now she was just annoyed. “Why does everyone automatically assume I’m a lesbian because I don’t want to get involved with men?” She let out an exasperated breath. “I prefer cock to pussy, Clay. I’ve tried both, so my opinion is an informed one.” Let him think about that for a while, she decided. “Then what the hell is the problem, and what exactly do you mean by unconventional? Damn it, Dana, you’ve got me all tied up here and confused. It’s like you want me to a certain point and then you freeze

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at my touch and back away.” He watched as she straightened her shirt. “Just let me go, Clay. Drop the topic and leave me alone, go find some normal woman without my expectations.” Dana’s eyes filled with tears, but she refused to let them fall, sniffing them back, shaking her head at his confusion. “One day soon I’d like to hear your definition of normal and conventional.” “Be careful what you wish for, Clay. You won’t like the answer, and once you know it you’ll never forget it. You’ll always look at me with a sense of disdain. Trust me. I know what I’m talking about. **** The pleading in her eyes broke his heart. Beyond that, he saw the fire that burned within her. She needed to be alone, her embarrassment evident. “On one condition,” He was about to say he’d follow her, but changed it to, “You have twenty minutes to get home. If my cell phone doesn’t ring, I’ll come and find you.” He tried to lighten her mood, teasing her. “No phone call. Move the bike or I’ll back over it.” Something inside Dana had changed. She was angry, but he wasn’t sure if it was directed at him or not. “Okay, I’ll move it.” Backing away slowly, he moved the bike to the side, watching as she backed out the rutted dirt road onto the macadam. As soon as she made the turn, she was gone in a flash. The blue bullet was a blur in the distance. Clay let his body fall over the front of the bike, carrying his weight. The sky had gone black. The stars were just starting appear. He knew having had a taste of her, there was no going back. How could he convince her that he truly loved her? Clay put on his helmet and slowly headed home. Once in the door, the light was flashing on his machine.

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“Duty call, Clay. I made it home.” There was a long silence as he waited for her to slam down the phone. Instead, he thought he heard her whisper “I’m sorry” before the machine clicked off. Replaying the message over and over, Clay swore if he ever found Dana’s last boyfriend, he’d finish him, only not the way he was used to getting it. In a fit of anger, he brushed his arm along the table. The answering machine and telephone went flying until they impacted with the worn pine floor. “Jeez,” he said aloud to no one but himself. **** Dana was filling her cart with spice jars and canned goods. Lots of soup, crackers, peanut butter, tuna fish, and pasta. She openly acknowledged her luck-of-the-draw genetics when it came to her weight. She ate responsibly, but she loved her carbs. Exercise evened it all out in the end. Lisa was ahead of her in the aisle, dumping things into her cart. “Lisa, it’s summer. I’ll use fresh tomatoes.” “Sure you will, when you bother to shop again.” They had worked their way across the large grocery, both carts full. “Regular or nonfat milk?” “Regular, please, only two quarts.” Adam awoke from his slumber in the carrier seat. Dana went to him, taking him onto her shoulder while she tried to explain to Lisa that she didn’t need two-dozen eggs. Clay turned the corner as she drew the baby onto her shoulder. His mouth went dry and he backtracked from the aisle. He walked straight out the door, opting to lean against Lisa’s Mercedes. That was where they found him, twenty minutes later. “Hello, what are you doing here?” Lisa asked, pulling back from a hug.

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“I was running errands, saw your car, and figured you might need a hand.” Taking the keys from her, Clay opened the trunk, sizing up the cargo space with the bags stuffed into the two carts. His eyes flashed from one to the other, finally breaking into laugher. “A challenge! I always excelled at a challenge!” He was more talking to himself than to Lisa or Dana. As he stuffed the trunk, Lisa went to air out the car, turning the air conditioning up high. Adam was in Dana’s arms when Uncle Leo and Aunt Mary spotted them. “Look out, ladies.” Clay choked back a laugh. “You’ve got company,” he teased. The large hand was on her shoulder before his words had time to register. “Hello, precious.” Dana froze at the term of endearment. “Hi, Dana, how’s the big guy doing?” Uncle Leo went on talking to the sleepy baby as Dana realized who stood behind her. Her eyes involuntary closed as the wave of nausea passed through her. “Uncle Leo, Aunt Mary, what are you two doing in this part of town?” Her voice was strangled. As her aunt went on about their routine for the day, Dana receded from the conversation. Clay saw me freeze at Uncle Leo calling me precious. God, I hate that term, it just reminds me of Walker and blackmail. She kept thinking the same thing over and over. It was Clay who brought her out of her thoughts. “Dana, Mary wants to hold Adam.” “Oh, of course. I’m as bad as the baby. I need a nap today.” Gently she handed the baby to her aunt, rotating her shoulder several times to loosen it from the tense position she had frozen in. Lisa saved her from the rest of the visit, citing too much sun for the baby. “Stop by the house on your way home tonight. Dana and Clay are coming over for dessert. I’ll keep the baby awake until you get there.” With hugs and smiles all around, they were finally left alone. Lisa fastened Adam into his car seat, and then rounded the back of the car.

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“Thanks for loading the groceries, Clay. And we’ll see you at seven thirty.” “What? No.” He was laughing, knowing he was caught. “No deserters allowed. Both of you had better be on my patio tonight before Mary and Leo arrive, or else.” “Spoken like a true Britton.” Clay gave her a mock salute as she slipped into the driver’s seat. “See you later, kid.” Dana sat in the car wondering how she could get through the evening with Clay in the room, during the ride home. She was embarrassed on so many levels. How could she explain to Clay she had taken control of the situation, ended the relationship, had left it behind? How could she tell him she wanted to touch him in her own way? Pretending to be asleep kept the conversation to a minimum on the ride home. She begged off joining them for supper, reminding Lisa of the carload of groceries she had to sort and put away. Wanting to enjoy the menial task, she promised to come for coffee. **** Clay was early. He wanted a few minutes with Lisa before anyone one else got there. Dana was nowhere around, yet. He had to work quickly. “Jeff, what are you serving tonight, a white or a red?” “Hadn’t thought about it yet, guess it’s time to decide, any requests?” “White. Too many sulfites in the red. I don’t need a headache.” As the statement left his lips, Lisa would have sworn Dana’s voice spoke them. Both Lisa and Jeff exchanged a confused look. Clay never voiced an opinion about wine in the past. “White it is.” Jeff was shaken as he left them in the living room. “Lisa, what do you really know about the last guy Dana dated in New York?” Closing the distance between them, lowering his tone, he sat across from her. “Who was he, Lisa?”

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Startled by the anger she saw in his face, Lisa wondered just what had happened with this guy. “All I really know is his name was Walker.” “Walker what?” “I don’t remember just now. Clay, what’s going on?” “How long?” “They dated for a year, I guess.” Lisa was uncomfortable with the topic. “Why is this so important?” “I just need to know.” Clay stood and walked to the fireplace, leaning his elbow on the mantle. With his back to Lisa, he chose his words carefully. “I think if I understood a little about him, it might be easier to…to understand Dana.” “God, Clay, did he hurt her?” Turning, he saw the color fade from her cheeks. “Don’t panic. It’s not that bad, but I think he was definitely the bully type. Hell, I just don’t know. My mind keeps coming up with different scenarios, and I want to hurt this guy. But I need to know what and why he acted the way he did with Dana that turned her off to sex.” He let out a breath. “I know deep inside it’s better to let her explain her feelings in her own time and way than to push her when she’s not ready. That will get me nowhere fast, but it’s frustrating not to have the answers.” “I have her letters and cards packed away. I could go through them tomorrow, see what I can find for you.” Lisa took a deep breath, before continuing. “Clay, if I help you, will you hurt him?” Her question rocked him to the core. “There’s a part of me that wants to, yes.” “Then I can’t help you. Dana put it behind her. You’ll have to work it out with her.” “Lisa, please, just check the letters. I’m looking for a pattern of any kind.”

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“What about Jeff?” Lisa asked. “He’s my husband. I won’t lie. If you go after Walker, Jeff will be at your side. Then what? What will Dana think if she finds out?” “I’m not asking you to lie to Jeff. I’m asking for help to understand why Dana goes…cold.” He shut his eyes, trying to block out the pain he saw in her eyes that night at the river house. “Frigid?” Clay slammed his fist onto the mantel, seeing the picture too clearly in his mind. Lisa realized she had used a different word, knowing she had given Dana away. Sinking into her chair, she closed her eyes, fighting back the revolting thoughts that ran through her mind. “She ended it, Clay. She was the one who walked away.” “Are you sure?” “Yes, definitely, it was a year ago, summer. I remember her letters, she pushed it off to incompatibility of schedules, but still she left him.” “Thank God.” Clay looked to Lisa. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to drag you into this, but I didn’t want to ask Jeff. Lisa, don’t bother to look at the letters. You’re right. She left him, it’s behind her.” Suddenly he realized the compromising position he’d put her in. “Now you have to learn how to put it behind you.” “Put what behind him?” Dana teased, breezing into the room. “It’s a cute behind, what are you going to do with it?” She walked to Clay, slapped his rear as she went to hug Lisa. “What have I missed?” “I lost the bid on a tract of land I was looking at. Not important.” He walked away from the fireplace, choosing to sit across from Dana and Lisa. “Did you get all your groceries put away?” This was the first time in his life he’d lied to her, and it fell so easily from his lips. The concept bothered him, but he also knew if he told her they were discussing Walker and the possibility of him finding him to create physical damage, she’d hit the roof. Somewhere in the future he’d tell her the truth, but not tonight.

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“No to the groceries. But, at least I got the cold stuff in the refrigerator. The rest can wait. I chose to take William for a ride and then a swim instead.” Clay knew she had him hooked. Her hair was freshly blown dry, left loose and fluffy. His eyes traveled down to the flesh toned haltertop she wore. He remembered the feel of her against his hand, against his lips. Her long, low rider silk pants matched the top. She wore no jewelry or makeup, and of course, she was barefoot. She was simply the woman he loved. Jeff came back with the wine as his aunt and uncle arrived. “Heads up, folks.” “One drink, Lisa, and I’m out of here.” “Me, too.” “Oh, no you don’t, either of you. Besides, where are you going?” she asked Dana. “Mary and Leo will surely want to see how you’ve decorated the guesthouse.” Dana rolled her eyes as she looked to Clay. “Help me here!” Turning back, she smiled at Lisa. “Be nice or Aunty Dana will wake up the baby, big time.” A lazy grin formed on her lips. “I think I should wake him up and keep him up until he’s so off schedule, you’ll never know day from night again.” “You wouldn’t!” Lisa said with mock horror. “No, probably not. But it’s a thought for future reference. I’ll file it until he’s older.” “You’re both on your own,” Clay told them as the company wandered into the room. “Good God, Dana. How do you keep those pants on?” Aunt Mary asked. Dana went to her, hugging her lightly. “Simple, double sided tape!” Everyone in the room paused, then she burst out laughing. “God, it’s good to be home, you are all so gullible.”

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Chapter Ten Parking the Corvette behind the BMW at the head of the driveway, Clay stood for a long time, looking at the outside of the old Britton Mansion. The brick structure was still sound, he knew this from the reading the reports from Dana’s outside contractor. The eight columns that spanned the front of the house were intact, but in need of repair. The second floor balcony would need replacing as well as the railings on both levels. He saw that windows were boarded up in places, and a chill ran through him as he realized the amount of vandalism that had occurred since the last time he had been there. Walking up the wide brick stairway, he turned, knowing a good crew could prune the trees and work the flower beds back into shape with some hard work. That’s what he saw, a lot of work to be done. Dana had been right to give herself the five-year plan. The ceiling of the wide veranda had no paint left, only a patch or two of the original teal blue color peeked from under the rafters. He knew she would go to great lengths to have the color matched. The front door was propped open with a stack of books. Entering the gloomy hall, he could envision Dana’s idea of bringing the old place back to life, giving it a second chance. Drapes had been drawn back, and dust motes filled the air around him, vivid in the harsh rays of sunlight spilling through the few remaining unbroken windows. ****

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Dana stood at the top of the staircase watching him. She was in the second floor master bedroom taking measurements when she heard the car pull up. For long seconds she had frozen in place. First, she wanted to hide, surely there were places in the old house where she could keep away from him. Laughing at her own nerves, she shook it off. Confronting him now, alone, would be better. She had survived seeing him last week at the grocery and spending the evening with him, although she had to admit her aunt and uncle were great buffers. His hair was trimmed since she last saw him. His clean jeans and boots, along with a button-down shirt, told her he hadn’t come directly from the farm. Leaning on the railing, she watched as he surveyed the space around him. Large tarps covered the crystal chandelier in the center of the great hall, another covering the marble center table. Slowly, he walked to the room on his left, taking a quick look around, then he did the same to the right. Waiting until he was back in the main entry, she finally found her voice. “What do you think, Clay? Am I in over my head?” His head snapped up, following her voice until he spotted her at the second floor railing. She wondered when he’d realize she was in a business suit instead of comfortable jeans. The jacket was tossed over her computer case on the bottom step along with her purse. The white blouse she wore reflected her tanned skin that peeked from underneath. Her skirt was the same peach color as the jacket she had laid aside. Her hair was pulled back from her face. Looking down at him she envisioned herself coming down the stairs, a long white dress flowing behind her, flowers in her hand. Clearing the ridiculous vision, she listened to the rounded tone of his voice. “I’m beginning to think your five-year plan was pretty accurate.” Slowly she descended the wide staircase, her right hand lightly grazing the mahogany banister. “I’m beginning to think I was overly optimistic,” she teased. At the bottom, she paused, wondering what to say or do next. He came to me, let him guide us, she decided.

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“I can’t offer you much in the way of refreshments. I haven’t had the power turned on yet.” She was nervous, and her voice faltered. Slowly, he turned to her, opening his arms to her. Dana saw him open his arms. She wanted nothing more than to be in his arms, his body close to hers. Choosing a slight alternative, she went to him, giving him a warm hug, but backing away quickly. “What are you doing here?” “I was in town. I was curious about the old place. You’ve been talking about it so much lately, I figured I’d come see for myself.” “Want the tour?” “I thought you’d never ask.” Slipping her arm through his, she gave him the smile his visit brought to her being. “Good, I can practice my pitch on you.” He wandered through each of the downstairs rooms with her, only half listening to the plan she had for each. It didn’t matter to her, she was beside him, touching him, and she didn’t want anything to spoil their moment. Dana decided she was a complicated woman. Would he ever be able to figure her out? Or was her ambivalence what he liked about her? She always kept him guessing, but she knew deep down it was because she was insecure about her own needs. “Clay?” “I’m sorry, I was off somewhere.” “We can finish the tour another time.” Pulling her arm from his, she moved away, putting several feet of distance between them. “Dana.” She froze where she was. “I was thinking how ashamed of myself I am.” “What do you have to be ashamed about? I’m the one who led you on at the old house. Then you pulled away from me.” Closing the distance between them, he pulled her back against his chest, his arms wrapping around her, resting against her waist. Lowering his mouth to her ear, he whispered, “Dana, I was thinking about the windows I broke as a kid, especially the one next to the fireplace.”

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“Oh,” was all she could muster. Holding her against him, she was hesitant to break the contact. His hand lay lightly at her waist and she wanted to stay there forever. “You were here with Jeff and me that day. Do you remember? Your father was in town, and he let us walk over. We were driving him crazy. He told us to get lost for a while.” “I remember. That was the day you and Jeff locked me in the attic!” “Yes, well, I’m not proud of that either.” His breath was warm against her cheek. His hands clasped around her waist gave her an inner glow. A feeling she was beginning to enjoy when she was close to him, a feeling that seemed real and genuine. “Clay?” “Hum?” “If I tell you something, promise not to use it against me later on?” He started to turn her around to face him, but she resisted. Instead, she held his hands in place, keeping her back. “What is it, Dana?” “I wanted to thank you.” She felt him tense behind her. “Clay, let me talk.” “All right, kid, talk.” He felt her take a few deep breaths before beginning. “I wanted to thank you…and Jeff, for that day, the day you two locked me in the attic here.” This time he did turn her around. His questioning look brought a smile to her face. “Speechless for a change? Good. Listen to me.” She took his hand, drawing him down the hall, through the butler’s pantry and into the old kitchen, which was in relatively good condition for its age and lack of care. The wide window over the sink let in a flood of light. Dana pushed herself up onto the long wooden trestle table that ran the center of the room. It was then she kicked off her shoes. She watched

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Clay laugh at her as he picked them up, putting them beside her on the table. “Talk to me, kid.” “Okay, but you need to know this is very hard for me to admit.” His whole body tensed as if he was afraid of what she would say. “That day, I couldn’t have been more than seven. My mother had died the year before.” “I remember. We were pretty rotten to you then.” “That’s right. You both were. I was the third wheel. You and Jeff were already driving and dating, and here I was, the baby sister who you had to drag along.” She looked at his profile, still as strong and sharp as it was back then. “Anyway, when Dad told you two to take care of me, you thought you had. You and Jeff baited me up to the fourth-floor attic then locked me in. I remember you guys laughing on the other side of the door and making stomping noises as you walked away.” “God, Dana. We were horrible to you. We figured we’d give you a scare and then you’d leave us alone. I guess we kind of forgot about you up there.” He looked upward. “You didn’t, you know, you didn’t let it scare you or…you never cried or screamed. Quite disappointing, as I remember,” he teased. “Clay, that day, I wasn’t afraid. I knew you would come back for me. Deep inside I knew you would.” “Is that why you didn’t cry?” “Partly. After I realized you meant to leave me there for a while I started looking around. Have you ever been up there?” “Years ago. It’s just old furniture and junk, as I remember.” “Yes, that, too. But that hot summer day, I found something else up there. Something I’ve never told you or Jeff.” Now she had his attention. Standing in front of her, his hands on either side of her legs, he propped his weight on the tabletop, his face close to hers. He’s too close. I can’t breathe. Fighting for control, she continued. “That day, I found my future, here in this old house.”

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“I’m confused. Just what did you find in that old attic?” His face was less than ten or twelve inches from hers, his brown eyes blazing with confusion. Slowly, she let her arms wind around his neck, although she didn’t pull him closer. “I found the history of this house. I found great-grandfather’s journals.” “You found his journals?” Clay took a step back, Dana’s arms falling to her sides. “I was looking around and found an old trunk up there. I knew I was going to be there for a while, so I started to wander. Under some old clothes, I found his journals. They were wonderful, Clay. He described every step of how the house was built, why he did certain things the way he did, who worked on it, and how much each item cost. It was a treasure of information.” “You never told me. Did you tell Jeff?” “No, of course not. You two had just locked me away. I wasn’t about to share my secret treasure with either of you!” She paused and enjoyed her memory. “For years, I’d slip away and come here. That’s when I actually started to read them. It was like my own private treasure.” Clay wandered around the old kitchen, opening the cabinet doors, running his hand along the wooden counters. His back was to her when she spoke again. “I wanted you to know, to understand this house had been on my mind ever since.” This time he turned to look. Keeping his gaze, she continued. “In the back of my mind, I always knew one day I’d come back, give the old place a new life. It was my safety net, I guess. Whenever I wondered what would become of me, I could always retreat to this house. It would always accept me, no matter what.” “Dana, all these years you’ve been thinking about this house. Why not fix it up and live in it?” She only shook her head.

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“It’s not for me to live in. I don’t know where I belong yet, but I’ll know it when it’s right. This place, well, it deserves better. One person living in all this space would be a sin.” “Why one person? Someday you’ll marry and start your own family.” “I don’t think so, Clay. It’s a reality I’ve come to accept. Wherever I find my home, this mansion deserves to be used and appreciated. It’s one of the few remaining historical homes in the county, let alone in the center of town. I want to bring it back, Clay, breathe new life into it.” “That’s why you want to have the museum and gift shop, the meeting rooms and party rooms.” “Yes. After the first few years, barring any major catastrophes, it should become self-sufficient.” “You amaze me, kid. Been planning this all these years?” “Sort of. I used to talk to Dad about it. He liked the idea, and he thought granddad would have appreciated it. It’s got too much history to let her go to ruin.” Clay was before her, standing so close his thighs brushed against her knees. “You knew then, the time you waited out the storm at my house, you knew you’d come home and fix up this old place for the town, didn’t you, Dana?” All I would have to do is spread my legs a little, and he’d be so close, as close as I need him to be. She felt the flush of heated embarrassment rise in her cheeks. Watching him, she knew he saw it. Turning her head to the side, she started to ramble on about the changes to the room they now occupied. He was too close. She knew he wasn’t listening. When she stopped talking, his hands reached for her face, pulling her closer to the edge of the table. Dana knew he was going to kiss her. There was no way around it. Whatever she was saying was falling on his deaf ears. Inhaling deeply, his lips were on hers, shutting off her words. She didn’t stiffen at his touch. Instead, she

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wound her arms around his neck and let her fingers sift through the back of his hair, holding him. His arms came around her waist, pulling her closer. In the recesses of her mind she wanted him to take her there on the old kitchen table, but knew he wouldn’t for her sake. When she was ready, she’d let him know in some major way that was unmistakable. Pulling back, he buried his face in her neck. She held him tight, lightly stroking his shoulder with one hand, his back with the other. With his face buried against her, she finally spoke. “Clay, I’m…” He started to pull back. Her arms tightened to hold him in place. “I’m going away.” This time he did pull back. He searched her face, looking for answers. “It’s only for a week or so, one of those jobs I just couldn’t turn down.” “Why, Dana? Are you leaving because of me?” “No, Clay. I’m leaving because this project is at a standstill until the permits are issued. This job will be easy, a week on the beach in Florida. Besides, the money I earn will go a long way in paint and lumber.” “I thought you decided not to model anymore?” “Basically, I did. But this offer, well, the money’s good, and since I’m not involved with this yet, I figured it would eat up some time.” “Is that the only reason, Dana?” With decisive motions, she went about putting on her shoes before she jumped down from the table. “Yes, Clay. I’m not running away. I’m going to make some money. The next board meeting is a few weeks away. I can’t do anything until then. The timing’s good for me.” “I’ll miss you.” Taking her hand, he walked with her to the front hall. “When do you leave?” “First thing day after tomorrow.” “Have supper with me tonight?” She stopped mid motion in picking up her jacket.

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“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” “I don’t care. Have supper with me tonight, Dana.” “Clay, I’ve got so much to do to get ready to leave.” “Dana?” “Clay, when we’re together alone, I can’t seem to stay away from you. I want to touch you, I want you to touch me.” He started to interrupt her, but she put her finger to his lips to quiet him. “I know you don’t understand, sometimes I can’t understand it. All I know is I can’t give you a normal, conservative relationship. If we’re together you’ll learn things about me, things you won’t like long term. I’m not sure if I ever can really just be an average woman. You have to come to terms with that, Clay.” “Do I?” He left her alone in the hallway, walking quickly toward his car. There he waited until she locked the front door, slowly walking toward him. “Dana, be ready by six o’clock, casual. I’ll pick you up.” “Clay, please, no.” “Yes, Dana, just two old friends sharing a meal. Besides, I owe it to you for locking you away all those years ago.” His smile broke the tension. “If that’s the case, then I’m paying. You and Jeff gave me a dream to hold onto that day, Clay. When everything around me was in turmoil, you gave me something tangible to hold and to touch.” “In that case, we’ll charge it to Jeff. It was his idea to leave you for so long.” “Just two old friends, right?” “Be ready, I’ll pick you up later.” Sliding smoothly behind the wheel of his car, he waited only until hers was started before he pulled away. ****

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Neither of them saw Linda’s car parked off to the side. They weren’t expecting for her to be there, so they never thought to look. Frustrated, she slammed her fists against the steering wheel. She couldn’t hear what they were saying, only the garbled voices that had drifted past her with the breeze. The way Clay looked at Dana when they were close, the laughter Dana let out as she threw her head back, smiling at whatever Clay had said. Waiting, she watched them both get into separate cars and pull away. For a long time, Linda sat in her car wondering how to handle this. She had decided to use the house as an excuse once she saw Clay’s Corvette parked behind Dana’s BMW. It would be reasonable to want a quick tour before making any further recommendations to the board about the project. Just when she was ready to join them, they appeared on the front steps. Her brain had all but boiled with hatred as she watched them together, laughing and smiling beside their vehicles. It was time for something drastic. Linda had thought a slow introduction into Clay’s everyday life would be best. Dana Britton returning to town hadn’t been part of her plan. She would have to rethink the slow, easy approach. Starting her car, the sweat pouring down her face and neck didn’t deter her thinking. As the air-conditioning tried to combat the heat that had built inside the vehicle, she thought of several ways to insinuate herself into Clay’s arms. That was it. She knew the minute the idea crossed her mind. She would have to arrange to have Dana find her and Clay together. After that, Dana would fade into the background. She’d never stand for being second. It was the first time Linda had smiled in several days. It felt good. Anyone who saw her at that moment would have considered it a menacing smile, that of a dangerous woman on the loose. ****

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He saw her from the distance, her arms wrapped around the horse’s neck. She was beautiful. Her jeans and light sweater set off her dark hair and tan. He felt himself harden at the mere sight of her, and then cursed himself for having no control. “Ready to go?” he smiled up. “Yes, I think so. Where are we going?” “Get in, kid. Trust me?” Her grin gave him a chill that ran down his spine directly to his cock. Instead of opening the car door, she slid over the side, folding her long legs into the passenger seat. “Still not using doors, I see,” he teased as he pushed the car into second as he rounded the circle of the driveway. “Only when I’m wearing a dress! You taught me that years ago.” With the top down, Dana let the wind whip around her. To Clay she looked free and happy. Once they crossed the county line, Dana asked again where they were going. “You’ll see. Relax and enjoy the ride,” he told her, turning up the radio. An hour later, he pulled into the old hamburger joint. Inside, the soda fountain still looked the same. “Clay, it’s wonderful. I haven’t been here in years.” Seated in a windowed booth, they ate greasy hamburgers and chili fries, layered with melted cheese. When she had eaten her fill, she pushed her plate to the side. The frosty root beer was the perfect accompaniment to their meal. Clay was relaxed, enjoying their time together, keeping to safe topics. It was good to see Dana laugh again, really laugh. He had hoped she would enjoy a trip down memory lane, glad he had chosen it instead of some stuffy restaurant. “What else would you like?” he teased. “An ice cream sundae?” “God, Clay. Please, just the thought is enough to push me over the edge. No more food, thank you.” “Ready to go then?” “Where to?” “You’ll see.”

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Pulling away from the hamburger joint after eight, the last remnants of sun began to fade into darkness. Dana was amazed how much the area had changed since she had been away. Clay filled her in on some of the gossip he had heard through the years. “The old filling station is a bank now, and remember the pasture where you always made us stop so you could pet the horses? It’s a housing development now.” “Oh, no, Clay. Not the pasture.” “Want to drive by?” He glanced, checking her profile for signs of distress. More than anything else, he wanted her to have a good time tonight. He wanted her to forget about everything. “No. I think I’d rather remember it with the horses coming to the fence to be petted.” “Okay, keep your memory.” He downshifted at the approaching light, and Dana looked around. “It all seems different, doesn’t it? When I was away, sometimes at night, I’d wonder what it would be like to come home, how much it would have changed.” “Some things always stay the same.” “Some, not all.” Dana realized he was pulling into a parking lot, then saw where they were. Slipping out of her seat belt, she sat up on the back of the seat, taking in the small, wooden stadium in front of them. “This hasn’t changed,” she joked. Directly ahead of them was a ball field. To their right, an old miniature golf course. “You game?” “Of course. If I remember, this was one of the few things I used to be better at than you or Jeff.” Swinging her legs over the side of the car, she jumped down, waiting for him. Club in hand, Clay stood behind Dana, watching her line up a shot as the windmill rotated over the opening. God, she has such a great ass! With that, he took one small step forward, palming her butt cheek with his hand. His touch made her stiffen, and her club hit the ball with a twist. As the ball hit the windmill dead on, it flew back toward

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them. Spinning around to shield her, he had her against him, his lips pressed to her forehead. “I’ve missed you, Dana.” He released her when he noticed the young couple waiting for their turn. Picking up her ball, he took her arm, heading toward the next hole. For the rest of the evening, they laughed like old friends. She didn’t ask why he grabbed her, she didn’t mention it. **** Linda sat in her car once again, parked across the darkened lot. It had been curiosity at first. She had been heading to Clay’s house when she saw him heading out. She turned and followed him at a distance, the candy-apple red Corvette hard to miss. Her stomach had churned when he pulled into the Britton Estate driveway. She had all but decided to leave when he came from the other side, Dana seated beside him. Following at a greater distance, she was thankful she had a full tank of gas. It wasn’t until he pulled into the hamburger place that she relaxed. Through the windshield of her car, she used the small pair of binoculars she kept in her console to watch them during their meal. Bile had bubbled in her throat as she watched the two of them laugh together with such ease. The miniature golf had all but turned her stomach. She had watched Clay grab Dana’s backside, saw her immediate surprise and then witnessed their hug. She also saw the ball hit the windmill and head directly back toward them. Linda’s eyes slid half shut when their embrace lasted, watching as the two of them laughed. Linda decided Clay could do all these little mundane things with Dana, for when they were eventually together, she’d have better ways to spend his time. ****

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Something caught his attention in the parking lot as they approached the car. He tried to dismiss it, but a strange feeling kept coming back, like he was being watched. Or maybe they were being watched because of Dana. Either way, he didn’t like the feeling. Making a mental note, he would be more alert for a few days, just to make sure. Maybe it was a good thing that Dana was going to Florida for a week.

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Chapter Eleven Pulling the seat belt tight across her, Dana saw the clock on the dashboard. It was past ten. She had no idea. Where had the evening gone? Clay took the long way home, the back roads more conducive to her mood. Hitting the cruise control once out of the town limits, he glanced at Dana. She was watching the sky and the stars as they drove. Dana didn’t feel obligated to talk when she was with Clay. That was one of the nice things about being with him, a compatible silence eased around them. When she had been dating, she always felt it her responsibility to keep the conversation going. With Clay, she didn’t feel the need. Crossing back over the county line, she finally did speak. “Clay, I had a good time tonight, thank you.” “You’re welcome. I had a good time too.” He took her hand in his, holding it gently between them. “When does your flight leave?” “Nine a.m.” “Need a ride to the airport?” “Thanks, no. I’ve arranged a car service to pick me up. I have to leave before six.” “How long will you be gone?” “A week. Nine days tops.” Clay pulled his hand from hers, shut off the cruise control and drove manually the rest of the way to her house, both his hands on the wheel. “What’s the job?”

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“Print ad, a cosmetics layout.” She started to laugh. “I’m sure they’ll be thrilled when my face breaks out from all the grease I ate tonight.” He laughed at her tone, knew it was a joke. Dana was always a bit self-deprecating, and thankfully she wasn’t obsessed with her weight the way some would be. “Want company?” Dana wasn’t sure if she heard him right. “Excuse me?” “I asked if you wanted company.” “When?” Dana felt she was on shaky ground here, just what was he asking? “Florida.” “No.” She straightened in her seat. “I mean, I won’t have much down time. They wanted me for two weeks to do the shoot. I told them one week was all I could spare. I can’t be distracted, especially after changing their schedule.” “All right.” “I’ll be back in time for the town meeting. How about I take you to dinner after it’s over? Either I’ll have my permits or a major headache, want to take a chance?” “With you, always.” He was turning off the road into the private driveway of her family home. Pulling to the side, he killed the engine just inside the stone gateway. Sitting in the open car, staring up at the stars, Dana wanted him to make a move, wondered if he was waiting for her to make it. Instead, he finally released his seat belt, shifting in his seat to look. “You’re so beautiful, Dana. I wonder if you ever realize that.” “Clay, it’s just good genes and bone structure. Luck of the draw, remember?” “I remember.” “My mother, she was beautiful, so graceful and kind.” “You’re very much like her, you know.” “Am I? Sometimes it’s hard to remember her. I have glimpses of memories. Mostly I remember her from her pictures.”

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“She’d be proud of you, Dana. Of all you’ve done, what you’re doing with the mansion.” “I often wondered if she had lived, how my life would have been different.” “Can’t second-guess it, kid. If my mother hadn’t gotten up the courage to leave my father, if she hadn’t met old Holly…” Dana had her arms around his neck, pulling him close. “Clay, I wonder what would happen if I…if things were different with me.” Kissing his cheek, she pulled back from him, slid up the passenger seat, and swung her legs over the side of the car. Walking around the front to his side, she leaned down, face-to-face with him. “You have to move on, Clay. So do I.” She gave him one last soft kiss on his lips and then straightened. “Thanks for tonight. For a while, I forgot to be worried.” “Dana, get in, I’ll drive you up to the house.” “No, Clay. I’ll walk. See you after next week.” She took a step back from the car adding, “Supper, my treat, after the meeting.” When she didn’t move away, he pulled himself up onto the back of his seat, resting his arms on the rim of the windshield, waiting. He watched Dana deciding something. He was shocked with her question. “Clay, the blonde in Denver…” “Denver, how did you know I was there?” “I saw you. In the airport, I was leaving, and you were arriving with skis”—she drew a breath and finished—“and the blonde.” “Why didn’t you let me know you were there?” Confusion crossed his face. Dana could read it in the moonlight. “Somehow I didn’t think the woman draped across you would have appreciated it!” Her tone wasn’t catty, it was resigned. “The blonde was a mistake. Over before it ever got started. I was trying to prove something to myself.” “What were you trying to prove, Clay?”

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“That I could lead a normal life without you in it.” He looked her straight on. “That was just after Jeff’s wedding, and you’d gone back to Manhattan.” “Oh.” With that, she climbed the fence in the center of the driveway, wandering along the grassy pasture in the darkness. She knew Clay watched a long time. Finally, she heard his engine start. Seeing the headlights turn on, she raised her arm to wave but didn’t turn back. She knew from the engine noise and change in light he’d turned at the driveway entrance and left. Walking back to the guesthouse, Dana remembered when she was home for the holidays. Christmas and a New Year’s wedding. How much more romantic could it have been? She had a clear picture of Clay standing beside Jeff, both of them in tuxedos. The sight of them both had taken her breath away. When had it happened, she wondered, as photographs were being taken later? During the ceremony, when the vows were being exchanged, Clay had caught her eye for just a second. In that flash, her perception had changed. He was what she had been searching for all along. Now that she understood it, she knew she would never look at Clay the same way. During the reception, he had danced with her, pulling her close, her head resting on his shoulder. Dana had closed her eyes, willing the moment never to end. Then he’d dragged her into the closet, dropped to his knees and licked her pussy, using his fingers to punctuate his tongue movements, making her come twice, her body ultimately wilting onto his solid chest for support. They’d kissed, Dana licking her cum from his lips. Then it was over. He left her in the closet with a sly smile. Sitting on her back patio, she remembered the motorcycle ride he had taken her on the day after Christmas. He had pulled up, just when she thought she would go crazy from boredom. She didn’t have to be talked into his offer. She was mounting the back of the bike before he finished asking her. Slipping her arms around his waist, she had held

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on to him. He rode until it was almost dark, returning her to the front steps of her home. They hadn’t talked that day, just rode. He had come back the afternoon after the wedding. Jeff and Lisa had already left for their honeymoon trip, and Dana was packing for her flight the next morning. They had raided the refrigerator, snacking on leftovers from the party. He never mentioned the closet incident the day before, so she hadn’t either. But she kept waiting for it to get uncomfortable from not talking about his making her wilt in his arms. The afternoon wore on. Dana struggled to keep from jumping in his arms and dragging him to her room. She wanted desperately to convince him to finally fuck her. She didn’t, and he acted as if it had never happened. “How’s New York treating you, kid?” “Typical,” she answered, enjoying the last bit of the cream puff she was attacking. “I keep my appointments, try to stay out of trouble, or at least the tabloids,” she joked. “And I’m enjoying my classes.” “What this time?” “A side in anthropology,” she mentioned as she headed for glasses while he grabbed the milk container. “Just a side,” he teased. “Just classes, really.” “Who was the guy in the Town and Country article?” He chose to wander away, returning with several sheets of paper towel, handing her one. “Nobody, really, an arranged date.” “Arranged, you!” “It’s easier, really. If I have to go to functions, I’d rather go with someone who knows the agenda. It’s a lot less embarrassing that way.” Her eyes smiled to him. “What agendas?” “Whatever it happens to be at the time, for him or me.” She licked the last of the crème from her fingertip. “Want any more of this?” she

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asked. He only shook his head as she re-covered the plate with the plastic wrap. “Just who makes these arrangements, kid?” “Usually my agent with another of her clients needing a little publicity or to promote something.” “And you don’t mind being…arranged?” “Really, Clay. You make it sound so sordid. It’s much more relaxed if both he and I know what our jobs are for the evening. I promote what I have to, he promotes what he has to. Actually, I think they do it more to conserve on the limos.” “Jeez, Dana, how can you joke about it?” Dana stopped and studied him. Maybe he couldn’t understand. “At least I know I wouldn’t be groped all night. And there’s never that awkward moment when he takes me home. I like not having to make excuses for not inviting someone in.” “From that perspective, I see your point. But do you ever get to have fun?” “I had fun with you on the motorcycle. I felt free and alive.” Dana hesitated but smiled at him and added, “I felt much better in the closet during the wedding. There’s something about a man on his knees before me.” Clay looked embarrassed. “You have amazing hands. I’d like to feel them all over me.” Dana figured she’d gone too far when he walked to the kitchen sink and turned his attention to the outdoor view. “What I’d really like is to feel your cock in my pussy and my ass. I want to know how you’d fuck me, Clay. What your face would look like when you come inside me. What gets you hot, Clay, what do you need to get to the point where you’d fuck my brains out?” His expression was a cross between shock and lust. She was just reaching toward him when the phone rang, interrupting them. “Answer it,” he’d said, his voice cracking with the words. “Don’t go away,” she told him reaching for the receiver. She wondered if he’d still be there when the call ended.

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**** They had dropped the conversation when the phone rang, Clay pressing a kiss to her cheek as he left, leaving her to talk to her agent about travel arrangements. The strange feeling had stayed with him for a long time, haunting him. His mind kept flashing her image. Standing in the dark blue velvet dress, with flowers holding her hair back from her face, she had matured, he realized, since the last time he had really looked. Clay was thankful the phone rang and he didn’t have to answer Dana. What would he have said? All the way over to see her, he’d assumed they’d talk about their moment. Most likely joke it away. However, he wasn’t sure what he’d say if she wanted more. He was willing to give her all of his attention, but she was still living in New York, working and going to college full-time. Where did that leave them as a couple? With a long-distance relationship, because he couldn’t and wouldn’t abandon his business or the farm to chase after her. No, he decided. He would pass it off as a long, smoldering moment that was satisfied between them. If she had enjoyed it, that would be better all the way around, but he knew he had to give her a graceful way back to her established lifestyle. Then the phone had rung and he took the punt, leaving the words unspoken. Taking a quick kiss to remember her by and as a goodbye, he left before he got stupid and confessed his undying love for her. Driving home, he cursed himself for running, justifying it was better for both of them. He’d stayed clear of her and the old house the next few times she’d come home, avoiding temptation and any awkward conversations. Through the three years that had passed, he still remembered her scent, how she jutted her hips forward to take his lips and tongue against her. How tight she was around his fingers. How her brown

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pussy curls were trimmed close. His body quaked with a chill remembering it now. How many nights had he used that image to jerk off to? That was years ago. If he thought she had the wisdom of a fortyyear-old then, what had she become now? Her face was slightly fuller, her curves filled in a little more. Clay had tried to push it off to the candlelight and romance of the wedding, but deep inside him, he knew. She had grown up. She was a woman now, and he a man, and it bothered the hell out of him. Even now that she was home for good, he still couldn’t bring himself to be honest about his feelings, to be blunt and put the subject out there where she couldn’t just push it away with excuses. Clay knew they’d be good together in many ways, all the ways it would take to build a life and family together. Now he just had to verbalize his thoughts. He knew Dana wouldn’t broach the subject, especially after all the hints about being an unconventional woman, which he still didn’t really understand. He knew the meaning of the word, just not how she was interpreting it in the context of a sexual relationship between them. He slid his fingers through his hair and shook his head. Walk away, he told himself, knowing he couldn’t.

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Chapter Twelve They sat around the table on the patio, Jeff to his left, Lisa on his right. Clay’s depressed mood hadn’t been easy to hide, even though he tried. He had picked at the supper Lisa prepared, opting for an extra glass of wine. “I’ll get coffee,” Lisa said, leaving the two old friends alone in the dusky light. Adam fussed in his bassinet, and Clay rose to get him. With the baby nestled against his shoulder, he went back to his seat. Lisa returned with a bottle in hand, ready to take Adam from Clay. “I got it,” he told her, taking the bottle from her. “You promised me coffee,” he teased. “Coming up.” He caught the look that passed between the husband and wife, knowing it had something to do with him. Looking to Jeff, he waited while his friend chose the right words. “Clay, do you love her?” It wasn’t what he expected, but he knew he wouldn’t lie. “Lisa? Of course, but not the same way you do.” “Cut the shit, Clay. We both know I’m asking about Dana.” Clay put Adam on his shoulder, patting his back gently, searching for the right words. “Just remember I’m holding your son.” His joke fell flat. “God help me, Jeff. Yes.” He paused, shifting the baby to give him more of the bottle. “She doesn’t feel the same about me. I’m coming to terms with it. I just need some time.” “What makes you think she doesn’t love you, Clay?” Both men were surprised Lisa had snuck up on them in the darkness, the wooden tray she carried filled with cups and the coffeepot. “No really,

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Clay. I’ve avoided this conversation with you and Jeff since she came home.” “How long has this been going on?” Jeff sat forward, accepting the cup from his wife. “Since the christening party, I think,” she added. “Am I right, Clay?” “Yes and no.” He chose to look at Adam in his arms instead of his two closest friends. “I saw her differently when she came home for your wedding. She didn’t acknowledge it then, so I figured it was best to let it go. She was still so young.” “Twenty-three is legal for everything,” Lisa added. “It wasn’t about her being legal.” “Where was I during all this?” “Lost in the romance of our wedding, my dearest,” Lisa teased. “Besides, Clay suddenly took to being so busy whenever she came back after that.” She watched as he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “I’m right, aren’t I?” “I figured it was best to give her some space. She didn’t come home that often.” “I can’t believe you never told me and you…” He turned to Lisa. “How could you have kept this from me all this time?” “Jeff, chill. Nothing has happened. Nothing’s going to. Dana doesn’t feel the same way about me. I won’t push her.” “You’re wrong, Clay Hollister, dead wrong.” Both men looked to her. Lisa sat back, sipping from her cup. “She’s in love with you, only she doesn’t know how to show it.” “Lisa, I don’t think this is the time or place to discuss this,” Jeff told her. “It’s the perfect place and time. We’re supposed to be three good friends, who just happen to be discussing the fourth person we all love. Clay, I went through her letters to me again. I don’t see a pattern.”

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“What letters, what pattern? Information now, or I start hitting Clay on general principle.” Jeff stood, scraping his chair along the stone patio. “Sit, Jeff, hear me out.” Lisa explained about Clay asking for information about Dana’s last boyfriend. She only glanced over the reason, but he was smart enough to fill in the blanks. “That son of a bitch, if I get my hands on him…no, let’s go find him instead.” “No,” came from both Lisa and Clay at the same time. “Jeff, sit and take a breath, let me finish.” Lisa went on to tell them both about her talk with Dana, how Walker somehow had made her believe she was cold and frigid, unable to love. “That still doesn’t change my mind. I can be on a flight first thing in the morning. Clay, you’ll keep an eye on things here for me.” “No. If you go, I’m going, too. I figure if we can get him alone, all we need is three minutes.” “Boys, put away the fists.” Lisa was laughing at them both. “Dana doesn’t want either of you to go and find him. She left him, on her own, remember? It was her choice, and a good one. Clay, if you do love her, you have to give her some time to realize that all men aren’t like Walker.” “But I’d feel so much better if I could just talk to him.” The anger in Clay’s voice echoed in the darkness. “I’m sure you would, but think about Dana. This must have been devastating to her. Gentlemen, and I’ll use the term loosely at this point, think about Dana.” “We are, damn it.” Jeff said, tossing his napkin onto the table. “Clay, give me my son, I need to hold onto something innocent before I go crazy.” Taking his child, he settled back into his seat. “Jeff, how old was Dana when she left for New York, sixteen?” “Yes. I’ll never understand how she talked me into letting her go.” “Because it was the right thing to do, for Dana. Look at the career she’s had. She’s traveled all over the world, met interesting people…”

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“Yeah, I bet Walker was real interesting,” Jeff added. He watched as his wife took a cleansing breath before continuing. “Yes. And in all that time not once a hint of scandal. Think about it, never was she linked with any man until him. Guys, don’t you see?” “No, Lisa. Where are you going with this?” “Dana just turned twenty-six. She broke up with this guy over a year ago. I know she met him when she returned from our wedding, that’s when they started dating.” Clay started to interrupt, but she shushed him in the same way she did Jeff. “I know for a fact, it was while she was home for the wedding and holidays that she looked at Clay differently for the first time.” “So, we’ve both had these feelings for three years.” “God, men are so dense sometimes.” Lisa refilled her cup. “My guess is when Dana met Walker, she was still somewhat innocent. I believe she probably didn’t blurt it out. He must have assumed she was…experienced. That’s why when she didn’t respond to him, he considered her frigid.” “Jeez, Lisa.” This time Jeff was up on his feet, pacing back and forth along the pool line. “Are you telling me you think she was still a virgin and this guy didn’t take time with her?” Clay knew that theory didn’t make sense, the few private times he’d had with Dana she didn’t seem intimidated by him or the acts they performed on each other. No, Clay would have liked to accept Lisa’s version for the simplicity of it. But deep down he knew it had to be something beyond a simple act of sex. He didn’t verbalize his concerns. “Calm down, Jeff. I can see the blood rushing from your brain. It won’t help the situation to have a stroke on us. Please sit down and listen to me.” Jeff relinquished his son to his wife, watching as she placed him back in his bassinet. When she had him settled, Jeff was back at the table, drumming his fingers on the glass top. Returning to

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her seat, she put her hand on top of his, trying to comfort him, mostly trying to get him to stop the noise. “Guys, think back to your first times, it went in degrees as you got older. You started with kissing and touching, exploring, progressing to the final steps of true intercourse. I think with the life Dana led, she was more sheltered than most girls. I’m not saying she didn’t date, but she always had a lot to carry on her shoulders. Her face was plastered on magazines and billboards all over the world. She couldn’t very well pick up someone at a bar and bring him back to her hotel room.” “She told me once she preferred non-romantic, professional arrangements as escorts. No groping good-bye. It was a matter of business for them both.” “She must have been scared to death,” Jeff whispered. “If I ever find out he hurt her…” Clay added. Again, he didn’t add that she wasn’t a virgin in some things. But he couldn’t help wonder just how much experience she did have. For now, silence was his best alternative, along with keeping Jeff from running off and finding Walker for answers. “None of it matters, now. What she needs now is to be made to understand that just because she didn’t live up to Walker’s expectations of the cover girl model he thought he was dating, doesn’t mean she’s frigid. She’s just inexperienced! Besides, by then she was already in love with Clay, he probably never stood a chance to really seduce her, he was a substitute.” Clay let his head fall into his hands, rubbing his temples deeply. Jeff sat staring into the darkness, lost in his thoughts. Lisa left them, returning with an ashtray and Jeff’s secret stash of cigars. She handed each man one, then lit one for herself. She wasn’t surprised at the strange look she got from either man when she lit up. “That explains why I was smoking so much. I wasn’t,” Jeff joked. “And to think, I was blaming old Jeb for pinching them.” Three tips glowed in the darkness. A long time passed before anyone spoke.

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“Lisa, are there any other secrets you’re keeping from me?” Jeff teased. “Nothing important, dear,” she answered, though her wicked smile didn’t go unnoticed. “How do you suggest I handle this?” Clay finally asked. “That’s up to you, Clay. Personally, I think she needs to be made love to, and not just a quick wham, bam kind of thing. She needs to know and feel it’s all right to enjoy sex with the right person.” “I’ve tried, Lisa. She freezes up.” Clay glanced to Jeff. “Sorry.” “No, it’s all right. At least you didn’t push her.” “Of course not! She’s too precious to…” Lisa’s eyes widened as Clay said the word precious. “You saw it, too, didn’t you, that day in the parking lot when Mary and Leo surprised her?” “I’m still here, folks, explain, please?” Jeff said in an assertive tone. “I wouldn’t call her precious, if I were you,” Lisa added and then explained to Jeff about the moment in the parking lot when his uncle called the baby precious, but Dana thought he was calling her that. “She froze. I saw the look of panic cross her face. It wasn’t until she realized it was Uncle Leo talking that she relaxed.” “I saw it. I just didn’t fit it all together.” “She loves you, Clay, has for a long time. Now she just has to understand the physical side of it, without being pressured about her insecurity or phobia.” **** Lisa left them alone, taking the baby up to the nursery. Both men sat in the darkness. She had no idea what their conversation was like, but they were both intact when she returned. When she returned, she handed Clay a slip of paper. “It’s Dana’s number at the hotel. Take it as a fallback. We all know she’s terrible at keeping her cell phone charged. What harm could a simple phone call be to see how the shoot’s going?” With

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that, she kissed his cheek. “Weren’t you the one who always says he loves a challenge?” Walking behind his chair, she went to her husband. “Jeff, I know this is hard for you. You’ve always taken care of her. This one is out of your hands. Trust Clay with Dana. If it’s right, they’ll know it.” Kissing his cheek, she smiled down. “Don’t stay out here too late. I’ll be waiting for you.” With a private wink, she left the men alone. **** “I should go. Lisa’s waiting for you.” Clay stood, wondering how this had changed his relationship with his friend. “Give her a call. A friendly voice couldn’t hurt.” He paused then shook his head. “What, Jeff?” “It’s not my place to tell you.” “God, there’s more?” “I can’t. Dana swore me to secrecy.” “Is it about this?” “No, no. Well, in a way.” He watched his best friend and knew from their years together that Jeff was struggling with his conscience. “There’s a board meeting next week. Dana goes before the board about her permits.” “She told me. We’re supposed to have supper afterwards.” “It would be good for her if you were there to support her.” “Of course, I was planning on going.” Clay got a few steps away before turning around. “Jeff, am I the reason she’s having trouble with the board?” “I don’t know a thing about it!” “Linda?” “Did you know Lisa saw you and Dana kissing in the nursery the day of Adam’s christening?”

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“No, I didn’t.” “She met Linda in the hallway. Apparently Linda saw it too.” “I’ll talk to her tomorrow.” “No, Clay,” Jeff warned him. “That’s exactly what I wanted to do, but Lisa made me see Dana had to do this on her own. If you interfere, it undermines her.” “Am I supposed to sit back and watch the bitch screw with Dana’s dreams?” “It is a bitch, isn’t it? I just wanted you to understand what she’s up against. She’s fighting a woman she believes would make you happier, and apparently feeling she’s sexually inadequate.” “That’s crazy. Linda means nothing to me.” “We know that, but women seem to twist things until they come out the way they want them to. Just know behind all of this, I do believe Dana does love you. And if you truly love her, you have to let her handle both of these situations.” Jeff laughed. “Aren’t you glad you came to supper tonight?” “Jeez, Jeff.” Just past eleven he punched the numbers into the telephone for Dana’s hotel. He’d tried her cell earlier, but it went straight to voice mail. Waiting to be put through, his hands went clammy. Propping the phone against his shoulder, he wiped his palms on the bed next to him. “Hello?” “I woke you. I’m sorry.” Clay cursed himself for waiting so long to place the call. **** “Clay? No, I wasn’t asleep. I’m too wound up to sleep. Give me a second to find the remote.” He pictured her shifting to sit up against the headboard and heard the television being muted in the background. “Is everything all right there?”

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“Fine. I was just thinking about you, wondering how the shoot was going.” He pictured her snuggled down amongst the pillows and blanket, her hair mussed, her eyes dreamy with sleep. “Okay, I guess. I don’t remember it being so much work!” She laughed. “Really, it’s fine, it’s just so hot down here, the beach shoots are taking longer than we thought.” “I miss you, Dana.” “I miss you, too, Clay.” The hesitation in her voice was apparent. Finally, she continued. “I don’t have any real right to.” “Yes you do, Dana. I love you, and I miss you. When are you coming home?” There, he had said it. Now it couldn’t be taken back, she’d have to deal with it. “I’m scheduled to come in next Sunday. Clay, did you just…never mind.” “Yes, Dana. I just told you that I’m in love with you, and not like a big brother. I love you as a man loves a woman, the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with.” “Clay, you can’t mean that. I’ve tried to tell you, I can’t be the woman you need.” “Let me decide what I want for myself. I have, Dana. It’s you. I just needed you to know that, to understand I’m waiting patiently for you.” “Clay, please don’t. I’ve disappointed you already. Please don’t make it worse.” “Why do you keep saying you’ve disappointed me? Because I got carried away at an inappropriate time? That night was my fault, Dana. I should have had more control.” “That’s just it, Clay. When you love someone, you’re not supposed to have to control yourself with them.” “We’ll talk about it when you get back.” “Clay?” “Dana. I didn’t call to worry you. I just wanted you to know I’m thinking about you.”

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“Oh, God, Clay. If only I could be the woman I want to be.” “You are, sweetheart, you just don’t know it yet.” He waited for a response. When he didn’t get one, he continued. “What time does your flight get in Sunday?” “What?” It took Dana a minute to digest his words. Catching up, she added, “Afternoon. I’ve ordered a car service.” He teased her, “I’ll cancel it.” “Clay, it’s such a long ride, please don’t.” “Because you don’t want to see me?” “Because I’m so confused,” she told him, and he honestly believed her. “Dana, I know he hurt you, I’m not sure how and I don’t need to know, but whatever it was, not all men are alike.” He could hear her breathing on the other end of the line. “Dana?” “It wasn’t like that. I wouldn’t allow him to physically hurt me, but he wanted more than I could give him.” “Maybe he didn’t know how to ask for it?” “What he wanted I couldn’t give.” “So he expected you to handle it anyway? How often, Dana? How long did you let it go on?” Clay fought to rein back his temper and adjust his attitude. Dana hollered into the telephone. “I couldn’t seem to live up to what a woman is supposed to do for a man. If it wasn’t so pathetic, it would be ironic. Frigid supermodel. Don’t blame him completely, Clay. It’s my fault. The first time I figured I was just nervous, after that, he was actually very nice about it for a long time. In the end, it wasn’t fair to blame him. I’ve heard he’s happily married these days, a soap actress I think.” She paused for air. Clay realized her temper had risen from nowhere. She was taking a moment to let it now dissipate, but she sounded as if her strength drained away. His voice had risen, although it was the one thing he had promised himself, that he wouldn’t upset her with his call. Now all he could see was red in front of his eyes. “Dana?”

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“Screw you, Clay. Don’t you think I was humiliated enough, knowing I couldn’t satisfy him? Can’t you just believe me when I tell you to move on? It would be so much simpler.” He heard exasperation in her voice. “Dana, I’m sorry. I have no right to make you feel bad. It’s just that when you’re with me, I don’t get frigid. I get erotic. I thought you felt that, too? Dana, I know you’ve felt it, you can’t lie about it. When you’re in my arms, you’re hot and sexy. You have no idea what kind of thoughts you put into my head.” “You might have been better off not knowing. I’m afraid.” “Don’t be afraid with me, Dana. I won’t hurt you, ever.” “I’m afraid that once I disappoint you, we’ll lose what we had before, even though I’ve come to realize there’s no going back. That scares me the most, Clay. Looking ahead and not seeing you in the picture, anywhere, even if just to remember my birthday.” “My God, Dana. Don’t go there, don’t ever think that, it will never happen, if you decide you don’t want me around in a sexual way, I’ll always be here for you, no matter what you decide.” “What about your decisions?” “I’ve made them. I’m not in a hurry, just relax and think it through, Dana. I know you in all your moods, good and bad, including that horrible dental surgery thing.” “Clay, that’s not fair…” Clay listened, taking a relieved breath. “That’s better, I’ve always liked your laugh better than your tears, especially when you’re so far away.” “You must be crazy, Clay.” Her voice was resigned. “Would you just remember one thing, when this all blows up in our faces?” “Anything. What is it?” “Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it!” Clay decided she was trying to irritate him. “Is that a challenge, Dana? Sometimes you frustrate me so much I could take you over my knee and spank some sense into you.”

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“What else would you do to me?” He heard her laugh and decided to play her game. “What are my choices?” “Never mind, I was just joking. I don’t do that very well either. Although I’d have liked to see your face just now.” “Laugh if you want, Dana, but don’t tempt me too far. One day I might just call your bluff.” “How long do I have to wait for that?” There was dead silence on the line. “Clay?” “Are we just joking, or am I a complete dolt and not getting your blatant messages? Really, tell me Dana, are you joking or are you serious?” “What if I told you it was a bit of both?” “I’d tell you my cock got instantly hard. What do you have to say about that?” “I’d say if I were closer I’d handle it for you.” “Are we back to a challenge?” “Oh, no, Clay, not at all. It’s a fact. I fantasize about sucking your cock until you come. Of having you fuck me until I come.” His clearing his throat made her laugh. “Sorry you asked now? I can be very blunt. I want to have sex with you, Clay, only with my preferences on occasion.” “What preferences?” he asked, his mind going crazy trying to figure out what she had in mind. “Maybe one day you’ll find out. Until then, I think I’ll keep you guessing.” “That’s fine for now, but in reality, if I don’t know what you want or need, you’ll never get it.” “If I tell you outright you’ll never see me the same again.” “Don’t worry about it. Get some sleep. I’ll be waiting for you Sunday. After that, we’ll just take it one day at a time.” “Clay, just one last thing?” She stumbled for the right phrase. “Yes?”

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“I do like the look of you in your riding leathers.” Laughter filled his heart as he was about to hang up the telephone. He hadn’t felt this good in a long time. “Before you go, I wanted you to know this. Last week when you left I had a complete physical. I’m clean, Dana, and if you are, too, then I don’t want to be using condoms when we’re together. I want skin against skin when I’m inside you.” “You had yourself tested so we could fuck without condoms?” “Well, I didn’t put it that way in the doctor’s office, but yes.” “Thank you, Clay. That was very considerate of you.” “Purely selfish on my part. You keep saying you want to suck my cock and have me fuck you. I want the same things. I want to lick and finger you until you come for me. Then I want to do it again.” “I hope this isn’t a mistake,” she whispered. “You’ve trusted me all these years. Trust me on this one. At least until we have a chance to test things out.” “Test things out, that’s an interesting perspective.” “One I’ll lose sleep over,” he teased. “If I were there with you, I’d make you tired,” Dana whispered. “Good night, Clay.” “Good night, Dana.” He thought he would spend a long, sleepless night after his call. Instead the realization struck him firmly. Dana was a woman, not a kid as he continued to refer to her. In reality, she’d grown up. At twenty-six, he had to accept she wasn’t a shy, wilting virgin. She was all grown up, a full-blooded woman with needs and wants. He laughed at the irony of the situation. All along she’d tried to tell him she had preferences outside the norm of most people’s idea of sex. It wasn’t that she was afraid of sex, she was afraid of telling him what she needed to get off. Obviously, she decided she was outside the norm, now he had to wonder just how far and in what direction. Clay’s cock throbbed, and he didn’t hesitate to drop his hand and grasp it firmly. He stroked it back and forth, going over their

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conversation. He came on his belly, picturing her draped over his lap, her butt cheeks red from his hand. He had drifted off to sleep quickly, physically sated but emotionally on full tilt. **** After hanging up the phone, she searched the bed for her dildo. She’d been fantasizing it was Clay’s cock in her pussy when the phone rang. She got so flustered she’d tossed it aside, as if he could see her using it. Dana laughed and found it under the blanket. She sucked the tip and pushed it back in her pussy, using her hands to pinch her nipples. With the slightest movement of her hips the toy would shift inside her. She came with her eyes closed, imagining it was Clay’s cock moving inside her. Dana couldn’t get past the idea that he actually went and had a physical so they wouldn’t need to use condoms. The idea got her hot again, and she slid the toy inside her a few more times before pulling it out and slipping it in her anus. She rolled onto her side and used her hand to rub her clit, finally pushing two fingers in her pussy. With her fingers in her pussy and the dildo in her butt, she tried to imagine being laid out over Clay’s lap, her ass cheeks red from his hand. Dana pushed her fingers deeper inside her and used the image of Clay spanking her that way to come again. Only it was his cock in her ass and a toy in her pussy she imagined. She had flashes of images of how they might make love, but her more vivid ones weren’t soft and romantic, they were hard and hot, fucking to make each other come until they were drained. The next morning Dana went shopping with Gavin and Harry, picking out items she wanted to insinuate into her sex life. With the two men beside her she didn’t let embarrassment stop her from choosing the perfect items. They stopped at a packaging store where she had them shipped directly to Clay. He should get his surprise

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package before she got home. Meeting him at the airport would be interesting, to say the least. Dana included a short note, hoping it was clear. C, I’m trusting you with my secret needs. Can you handle my unconventional ways? Just remember these items work for both of us. D Back at the shoot, none of them mentioned the shopping trip again, although she couldn’t believe she’d actually sent Clay the items. She’d have loved to see his face when he opened it. Would it be shock and horror, or interest? Clay’s care package included silk scarves along with several lengths of silk-corded roping. There were several different sized and shaped dildos, lubricant, a cock ring, and a latex cock masturbator. Her favorite was the cat o’ nine tales in smooth, soft leather where the handle doubled as a vibrator. There was no going back now. Best-case scenario if he didn’t want her and her toys, she’d claim it was a joke. Dana hoped he was man enough to explore her in all ways, with her toys and without. Would he be surprised to find out that while she’d be submissive most of the time, on occasion she’d want to be dominant? Would he let her take charge of him completely in such an intimate way? Time would tell. Suddenly she was tired of all the pretending and inane games. Dana was a woman with needs. Now, Clay would have a rough idea of how she wanted to play. She knew by the time she got home the decision would be made. Until then, she’d focus on work and not try to predict his reactions.

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Chapter Thirteen Settled into her seat, Dana accepted only sparkling water during the flight. Her transfer had gone smoothly, surprising her. The large manila envelope stared at her from the outer pocket of her bag, tucked under the seat in front of her. The seat next to her was empty. Closing her eyes, she thought back over the week. She had made her choice to trust Clay. He’d probably gotten her care package yesterday, but she hadn’t heard from him. That could go with her or against her. Either he was totally surprised at its contents or so shocked he didn’t have words to tell her to get lost. Either way, she was happy with her decision. Her secret was now information he’d have to deal with. She would have loved to see his reaction, to see if he got hard, and to see his facial reaction. Still, she knew it was probably better to give him a bit of time to come to terms with her gifts. Gavin had been the one who brought it to her attention the moment he saw her. “Darling, you’ve changed.” He held her at arm’s length then started to smile. “By God, girl, it’s happened. You’re in love!” Her longtime friend had swept her off her feet, hugging her tightly. “Tell me, who is he? What does he look like?” The questions had been too many to answer. At first, she denied them, but Gavin wore her down during the shoot. She had known him for years, trusted him to guide her where her career was concerned, and had enjoyed his friendship. His partner, Harry, was a good friend too. They always traveled together. Where Gavin went, Harry went. He had nothing to do with the photographs; he was simply there to support his partner.

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Dana had found them open and caring. Over the years she chose to spend as much time with them both as she could, whenever she could. They were the reason she ultimately took this job. These two men were the only other people who knew about her penchant for leather, toys, and bondage. Over the years as her preferences developed, they’d been a part of her evolution, nonjudgmental and educational when she had questions and nowhere to find the answers. They helped her accept her erotic side without embarrassment and to make clear choices with partners. Now, holding the sealed envelope Gavin handed her just before her car left for the airport, he had whispered, “Don’t open it unless you’re willing to accept what’s inside.” His cryptic message had haunted her for the first short flight, forcing her to think about her life. Walker had been a mistake on many fronts. He wanted to further his career, she knew, and being seen with her hadn’t hurt. He had been kind and understanding about her inability to take their relationship to another level in the beginning. Though he had made a mess of it in the end, she had to accept responsibility for that, too. She had tried to be with him, tried to make love with him, yet still she hadn’t been able to. Every time he touched her, she froze. An image of Clay Hollister was always in the back of her mind. That image always made her feel like she was cheating on him somehow. After seeing Clay in Denver, she had allowed Walker to take her to bed. The disastrous attempts after that had left her hollow and frustrated. Knowing she couldn’t have who she really wanted, it would be easier to not want anyone. Then she’d decided not to live that way. She’d started broadening her knowledge on love, sex and all associated subjects. Trusting Walker with her desire for a light bondage experience was the worst mistake. They had different visions of what light bondage entailed, especially who was in charge and when the game started and ended. That had been the problem. He assumed she’d continue to be submissive twenty-four-seven, when she wanted the experience for an

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occasional evening. The harder she tried to break away from him, the more demonstrative he became. Then he started to threaten her, blackmailing her to continue their roles. She smiled as she remembered the moment she took charge, changing their positions, supposedly to enlighten him to her perspective. Dana knew the moment she’d stepped into character that she wanted the power over Walker her dominant position allowed. She never dreamed he’d fall into the submissive role so quickly and without a second thought. By the end of their night of role reversal, he accepted he’d found his submissive role appealing, too appealing. He’d asked for things she’d never have thought of, following through with his wishes, using the leather whip he’d provided on his skin with great relish. Each lash was a memory she let go. Dana found his appeals for a more degrading evening beyond her comfort zone. She’d been more than willing to tie his hands behind his back, to make him crawl to her and lick her pussy and anus. What she realized was through all their times when she was submissive, he was really wanting the position for himself. He was quick to tell her how she might use their toys on him, how humiliating it would be to suck the plastic cock before she pushed it up his butt. She drew the line when he wanted her to draw blood from the whippings. She’d stopped the encounter when he gave her access to a box of items he’d hidden away. The ball gag and leather masks were too much her, but apparently not for Walker. She’d never seen his cock so hard, and decided to use it to her advantage, riding him until she couldn’t orgasm another time. She hadn’t let him come, a part of the game he told her was necessary for his enjoyment. When it was over, she’d felt dirty in a way she had never felt before. This wasn’t two people playing a role for a few hours, this was the lifestyle he wanted to continue permanently. When he’d asked her to marry him and remain his mistress forever, she knew she had her out. She mentioned in passing that she’d videotaped their

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session, something she never would have dreamed of doing, until she found the tapes of their reverse sessions she’d never known about. When she was sure she had the home movies of their three encounters, she destroyed them immediately, in front of him. But she took the movie she made with her. In the end, they decided to part without repercussions, especially since she had the photographic proof of his submissive side, begging for more. She’d spent a long time going over their relationship and finally decided with the right person, it could be fun for an occasional evening, but to live the part daily wasn’t in her being. She’d also come to realize substituting Walker for Clay had been a mistake, as using any other man to fulfill her fantasies would be. Her heart’s desire was for Clay to be dominant with her, and no other man would make the experience real for her. “God, I’m so stupid,” she realized. For all her knowledge and schooling, the simplicity of it had eluded her for so long. It was Clay who gave her that strange feeling. Just thinking about him made her warm and fuzzy. That was bad enough, but when she was with him, close to him, touching him, she wanted more. Fear kept her from acting on it. Fear made her pull back, anxious Clay would be disappointed with her inexperience. Now she knew she had been wrong. It was Clay she had been holding out for. Clay was the one man who truly made her feel, and Dana wanted to feel. She wanted it all from Clay, only Clay. Relief washed over her with the revelation. Pulling open the flap of the envelope, Dana glanced around her to make sure no one was watching as she slipped the stack of photos from their covering. The first page was a blank sheet of photo paper, Gavin’s sprawling handwriting covering the page. Darling Dana, The camera never lies; don’t look any further unless you’re willing to accept the truth. Congratulations, I hope he treats you right, you deserve only the best.

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Love, Gavin In the bottom corner there was a P.S. Dana, I hope he’s hung like a horse! Enjoy. Harry. Laughter bubbled up in her chest as she reread the note several times before stripping off the cover sheet. At a glance Dana saw they were a group of candids shot while they were doing the initial setup for the shoot. She hadn’t gone into hair and makeup yet, instead, she stood on the beach, a large straw hat covering her head. She was wearing a one-piece bathing suit with an oversized man-tailored shirt pulled over it, hiding her from the sun. She knew photos were being taken, that was why she was there, but these weren’t meant for any publication, just adjustments. Gavin had captured her when she was thinking beyond the work. A small smile had formed on her lips. There was a gleam in her eyes. Was this what she looked like to other people? Was it so evident to anyone who chose to look? The rest of the shots were similar candids taken thought the week, each with that same dreamy look about her. Harry teased her that she was glowing. Gavin had spotted it immediately. How could she have missed it? The last of the stack was one from the shoot, and even full hair and makeup couldn’t hide that sparkle in her eye. It was a serious portrait, one of the last taken before they wrapped. She knew she had been tired by then, but she also knew it was taken the day after Clay’s phone call. He loved her, was waiting for her. With that, Dana knew what she had to do. First, she had to set Linda Cole straight, and then she had to talk to Clay. If he understood about her past, her eccentricities, maybe it would be different. Hadn’t he told her he felt her responses when she was in his arms? “I’m twenty-six,” she said aloud. “I’ve waited long enough. It’s time I let my life get started.”

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The passing flight attendant paused by her seat, asking if she needed something. “No, thank you. How long before we land?” “Less than an hour.” “Thanks.” She turned back to the window, staring off into the clouds, visions of Clay Hollister lying beside her filling her head. **** Waiting was never one of Clay’s strengths. Sunday morning when the knock came on his front door it was just after eight. He had glanced out the second-story side window to see whose vehicle was parked outside. It took only a few seconds to realize it was the white sedan Linda Cole drove. Backing away from the window, Clay sat on the unused bed, drying his hair with the towel. He did not need a confrontation with her now. She was insignificant compared to the new information Dana had given him. Every time he thought about the items in the package he got from her yesterday, he got hard. He’d laid them all out on his bed, inspecting each item, weighing it in his hands, visualizing how he’d use them with her. Since yesterday when he’d opened the box, he’d jerked off four times, and knew the possibilities were endless with Dana willing to let him experiment. He also accepted the cock ring and soft plastic masturbator were for his use at her whim. Clay decided he had nothing to lose giving Dana her fantasies. After all, sending him these items meant she was willing to trust him with her unconventional ways. His only question for her would be how far she would let him go and how far he was willing to let her go with their game if she was in charge. Time would tell. She’d opened a doorway, and he’d walk through it with her. Hell, he decided, he’d be unconventional if it made Dana hot and horny. He grasped his cock automatically until he heard a noise downstairs and remembered he wasn’t alone.

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The knock had come again just after he finished shaving. He had first thought to bound down the stairs and answer the door, but something had held him back. Now he was thankful he hadn’t opened it. Rationalizing both his old pickup and the Corvette were parked in the driveway, he wondered how long it would take Linda to give up and leave. Quietly, he left the guest room, heading to the master bedroom. There he dressed quickly, not wanting to be naked just now. As he pulled on his boots, he couldn’t remember if he had locked the outer door last night. At the same time, he heard the knob twisting several times. Holding his breath during several more attempts and several loud knocks, he released the pent-up air when he knew she couldn’t get in. Next, he gathered up the items from Dana’s package and hid them in the back of a storage closet just in case anyone stopped by unannounced as Linda had today. He also didn’t want them left out if someone, like Linda, decided to overstep the locked doors and rummage through his home. He decided then he was going to have the whole house alarmed. Clay sat on the foot of his bed, waiting for Linda Cole to get in her car and leave. And sat, and sat. After nine thirty, she finally did return to the vehicle. He hadn’t ventured beyond the kitchen hallway, glancing out to find her pacing on his screened porch. He knew he would have to leave for the airport within an hour if he wanted to take a leisurely drive. Clay also wanted to make himself some coffee and breakfast before he left. Both options were out of the question with her pacing just a few yards away. Back upstairs, he wondered what to do. Hearing a car door slam, he ventured to the guest room once more, watching as she took something from her car. A long time later she returned with the paper in her hand. He heard the screen door slam once, then again. With utter relief, he watched her slide behind the wheel and reverse out of his driveway.

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Clay waited as long as he could before leaving the house. Silly as it seemed, he was afraid she might be waiting up the road. Taking a last glimpse around the kitchen and living room to see that everything was in place, he headed out to the pickup. He didn’t quite run, but it was a fast walk until he was behind the wheel, reversing out onto the road. In his hand, still unread, was a note from Linda. He had found it lying on top of his Sunday paper on the screen porch. He chose not to read it, tossing it on the seat next to him instead. Waiting wasn’t one of his good traits. Clay paced outside the small airport hangar, waiting for the arrival sign to change, telling him that her flight had touched down. When it finally did, he relaxed. Her faded jeans and white tee shirt hugged her curves delicately. Her tan had deepened, and he knew she wore no makeup. Her hair was pulled back in an elastic band, and a large backpack was slung over her shoulder. “God, she’s beautiful,” he whispered. The man standing next to him agreed quietly. With a quick nod, the other man met an elderly man from the same flight. When Dana reached the end of the walkway, Clay took her hand, pulling her to the side, out of the main flow of passengers. His arms wrapped around her without thought as she accepted him. Pressing his lips to her forehead, he told her, “Welcome home, Dana. I’ve missed you.” “I missed you too, Clay.” Time didn’t matter for them. They held tight. The announcer’s voice in the background broke their moment, Clay taking the weight of the bag she carried on her shoulder from her. “Let’s get the rest of your luggage and go home.” Smiling up at him, she laughed. “That’s it.” Clay looked down suspiciously. “That’s all I carried on, the rest will be shipped back,” she told him with a laugh. “That’s the Dana I know and love.” He said it so casually, slipping his free arm around her, leading her out into the heat of the

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summer afternoon. Once inside the pickup, he turned up the air conditioning full blast until the cab cooled them both off. “Tell me what I’ve missed while I was gone.” For the first part of the ride, Clay gave her bits of information about his farm and what was going on in town. He also told her how much Adam had changed since the last time he saw him. He asked her about the shoot, and she told him several comical stories of makeup melting in the hot sun and props that were misplaced, ending in the fact that it was a holiday ad she had done. “Christmas in summer. I’ll never understand the cycle.” He pulled into a family restaurant about a half hour from home. They had a late lunch before finishing their journey. He was more nervous about having to tell Dana about Linda’s visit and note than the package contents. He knew Linda would be trouble. His sex life with Dana would work itself out. Something just wasn’t right. Clay knew Dana saw he was restless in the restaurant. “Clay, what is it?” He roused himself from his mood. “Nothing.” Dana tossed the paper napkin from her lap to the side of the table. Watching him intently, she placed her hand, palm side up, between them on the table. He glanced at her, slipping his onto hers, his fingers tightening. “Please, Clay, at least let’s be honest with each other.” Her voice faltered. “I knew sending the package was a risk. I understand if you’re not interested, but I hope you’ll keep my secret private. Nobody else needs to know about my sexual preferences.” “Sweetheart, relax. It’s nothing to do with you or me.” As the words came from him, he realized that wasn’t true. It had everything to do with them. “All right, but let me explain before you get upset. This isn’t about your sex fantasies or mine or what you consider your unconventional ways. This is about security. Trust me, I’ll be more than willing to review your presents with you later, when we’re safe

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at home. I get hard every time I think about the cock ring or using the vibrator on you. Those silk cords left an image I can’t get out of my mind, but we have to set some ground rules and safe words. All of which I’ll be thrilled to deal with later.” Dana tried to pull her hand back, but he wouldn’t let go. “Dana, in the last few weeks I’ve gotten the feeling that something isn’t quite right.” She interrupted him right then. “Oh, Clay, I tried to tell you I couldn’t…” He shook his head, laughing. “Dana, be quiet and listen, please.” She stiffened but nodded for him to continue. “When I say not quite right, I wasn’t talking about things between you and me. I mean like someone or something has been watching us, invading our space, our private moments.” He let his words sink in, hoping she wouldn’t panic. “Go on,” she whispered. “Remember when we had breakfast in the diner a few weeks ago?” Again she only nodded. “When we left, Linda Cole was sitting in her car, watching us.” “Clay?” “It gets worse. The night we played golf, I got an eerie feeling. Nothing I could put my finger on, just an uneasy feeling. Then I realized we were being watched by her again. She’s been following us.” “Why didn’t you tell me before this?” Her tone verified her concern. “I didn’t say anything because I had no proof. I still don’t. But early this morning, she was knocking on my door.” Dana pulled back her hand, settling back in the vinyl bench seat of the booth, her arms folding in front of her. “And just why would Linda come to your house this morning?” Clay smiled as his heart filled. It was silly, he knew, but she was jealous. Don’t gloat, he reminded himself. “I don’t know. I didn’t answer the door.” “You didn’t?” Now she seemed confused.

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“I was just getting out of the shower when I heard the knock. Instead of running down to answer it, I checked the driveway from the upstairs window. When I saw it was her, I ignored it.” “How long did she wait?” Dana’s voice had a resigned, wistful edge to it. “Over an hour. For a while, I wasn’t sure I could get to the airport on time. She finally gave up, but not before leaving me a note.” “Really, what did it say?” Dana straightened. “No, never mind, it’s none of my business.” “Dana, it is your business, or I wouldn’t have brought it up.” He pulled the white sheet of paper from his back pocket, handing it to Dana to read. Smoothing out the folds, he watched her carefully as she read it. Dear Clay, Sorry I missed you, I wanted to talk about the Senator’s party. I’ll try back again soon. Linda. Both of them sat in silence as the waitress refilled their iced teas. When she had gone, Clay looked to Dana. “Well? You were there when I specifically told her to contact you if she wanted to get in touch with me.” “Is she a child, dotting her i’s with little hearts? Good God, Clay, it’s enough to make me lose my lunch,” she told him. He only acknowledged with a nod of his head. “I’m telling you because I’m afraid she will try and make trouble for us, one way or another. I didn’t want her mentioning she was at my house Sunday morning and leaving a wrong impression. She’ll try and break us up, Dana. Don’t buy into it, please. If something unusual happens, promise to talk it over with me first, all right, sweetheart?” Dana let her eyes meet Clay’s. There was no denying the warmth and love they held for him. “All right, Clay.”

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“And I don’t mean just us. Anything at all that seems out of place, get to me or Jeff as soon as possible. Please make sure your cell phone is charged, all the time, just in case.” “Clay, do you think she would do physical damage—” Dana didn’t finish her thought. Clay understood it was too overwhelming to think of the endless possibilities. “I don’t know what to think. I just want us to be prepared for anything out of the ordinary. Who knows, maybe it’s just my over inflated ego. But please make sure you keep your cell charged and with you at all times.” “Clay, you’re upset about this. Have you talked to Jeff? What about Lisa and Adam?” “Jeff and I had a long talk on my ride to the airport. He’ll make sure things at the house are secure and that Lisa’s on alert.” Clay paused, then decided he had gone this far, he might as well tell her the rest. “There’s one more thing.” He waited for her full attention. “When I spoke with Jeff this morning, he mentioned he had a problem with one of the vehicles.” Dana waited for him to finish. “It was your car, Dana. Jeff drove it to town while you were gone and it was vandalized.” He waited for her reaction, but she just stared at him. “Nothing serious, just the air let out of the tires. A major pain in the ass was all. Jeff didn’t think anything of it, until we talked this morning. The car is fine.” “I don’t give a damn about the car, it’s a machine,” she told him, “and not really practical at this time in my life.” Then she seemed lost in her own world of thought. Sensing this could be trouble, he squeezed her hand. “Maybe it would be best if I just left. I could go back to New York or maybe the West Coast.” “If you leave, Dana, I will follow you. I’ll find you and bring you home.” “But if my being here is creating all this hassle, the logical thing for me to do is leave.”

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“No.” Clay looked around the restaurant, realizing how his voice had risen. “Please don’t let her scare you off. That’s exactly what she’s hoping for. I wouldn’t have mentioned it, except that I want you to be careful, especially if you’re out alone. Use your New York street sense. Don’t think just because you’re home you’re completely safe, at least until we know what her ulterior motive is.” “I can tell you that. It’s to have you, Clay, all to herself.” “Well, then she does have a problem, I’m all yours, Dana, nobody else’s, especially not hers. Just don’t let any gossip set you off until we check out the source.”

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Chapter Fourteen Dana seemed mildly surprised when he didn’t turn onto her street. Instead he turned further up the road. He was taking her back to the river house. “Clay?” “Later, Dana.” They drove in silence the rest of the way. As the pickup bounced along the rutted road, she laughed as she held on. It was music to his ears, her laugh, unrestricted. Pulling up in front of the river house, he reached over and drew out a key from the glove box. He was out of the truck before she could question him, opening her door. “I want to show you something.” She took his hand, letting him lead her to the unpainted wooden garage doors. There, he bent and inserted the key in the lock, releasing the door, allowing it to swing up and out of their way. “Not the grandest of entrances, but the most secure at this point.” With her hand in his, he took her through to the large country kitchen. The space was musty from being closed up. She watched as Clay pulled back a temporary plastic covering from the opening where the window over where the sink would sit. “Tell me what it is about this place that you like, Dana?” He turned, keeping the empty room between them. “I’m not sure, really. The location, I suppose, not the house really. I used to come here when it was just empty land. I’d sit at the river, marveling at the way you could watch the river on this side, then turn and see nothing but forest from the other side. I suppose just the best of worlds, really, water and forest.” With that, she wandered into what was supposed to be the dining room. Clay followed but kept his distance.

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“What about this structure?” Without turning, she just shrugged her shoulders. “Too many small rooms.” “Go on,” he prompted. “I don’t know for sure, it just seems like it should be opened up more. Why block the front or rear view with all these walls? I guess I’d rather be able to choose what I looked at as opposed to having to change the room I was in. That sounds crazy, a house with no interior walls.” She wandered into the front hallway, carefully avoiding a large stack of lumber dropped in the center of it. “What about the upstairs?” “I’ve never been upstairs.” Crossing, he took her hand, leading her up the temporary stairs to the landing. Once there, he leaned back against the wall. “Well?” “It needs a window here, a large one,” she pointed to the central hall. He knew several bedrooms and bathrooms were framed out to their left, and to the right was the master bedroom and bath. Waiting for her attention, he nudged her toward the right. Dana looked around the huge space. Even with just the wall studs and some wiring strung in place, it was a large area. Difficult to judge what the builder had in mind at first, then after several trips around the room, Clay decided she began to visualize it, as a smile spread across her lips. “The bath is decadent, and it would be nice to have a seating area over by the windows to catch the afternoon sun. But why three major walk-in closets? Even I don’t have that many clothes,” she teased. Crossing the room, he took her hand. Slowly, he took her to the first one, standing her in the doorway, forcing her to look at the space again. “This one’s supposed to be a nursery,” he told her. “It doesn’t have any windows. How could you put a baby in a room with no windows?” It wasn’t a question she expected an answer to. Turning to look, she stilled at the sight of him. Leaning against the doorframe, his one arm was propped against the wood, his other was

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propped on his hip, his thumb tucked into the pocket of his tight jeans. Clay watched Dana blushing at whatever thought crossed her mind. “Come on, it’s too stuffy up here.” Again, she took his outstretched hand without hesitation. Once safely down the temporary stairs, he asked her if she saw marble in the entry. “No, not at all. Slate or terra cotta tiles, I would think,” she told him. “Clay, whose house is this? You told me once you knew, but you never told me who.” “First, answer me this. That day you came to the farm, you invited me to Sunday brunch, but you could have done that with a phone call. Lisa could have done that.” “I told myself I wanted to return your handkerchief. You gave it to me in the chapel.” “You never did return it, why?” “I forgot.” “Dana?” “I didn’t want to.” Pushing past him, she mumbled something about fresh air. He found her waiting at the water’s edge when he came out after securing the house. “Why didn’t you want to?” “I wanted to keep it, that’s all. I’ll buy you a new one.” “Damn it, Dana, I don’t care about the stupid cloth, I care about what it symbolized to you!” She turned quickly, surprising him with her actions, her tone. “I wanted to keep it, to have something of yours when…when you were gone from my life.” She stormed past him, almost making it to the truck before he could catch her. “What the hell do you mean out of your life? Where are you going? I thought you came home for good! In the restaurant you promised not to leave.” “I did. I’m not leaving, Clay. But you’re not mine to keep.” Turning away from him, she whispered, “or to give, for that matter.”

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For the first time since her epiphany on the plane, her new resolve faltered. “That’s it.” This time he picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder again. With long strides, he placed her down at the river’s edge. “We can do this two ways, Dana. We can talk like adults or I can…” “What, Clay, were you going to say torture me until I come around to your way of thinking?” Slowly he lowered himself to the grassy bank. “Dana, I am yours, for however long you want me.” Such a simple statement, yet it brought out so much emotion in her. Struggling to fight back the tears stinging behind her eyes, she refused to look. For a long time they stayed that way, Clay sitting on the riverbank, Dana leaning against a tree several yards away. “Clay, there’s something I need to do before we finish this conversation. Trust me on this, when we’re finally alone in bed together, I don’t want anything else on my mind but you and how we’ll fuck. Right now, I’ve got too much in my head, things to deal with. Once everything else is straightened out, I’ll be glad to go anywhere you want and fuck your brains out. Could you please take me home?” With that, she turned on her heel and left him sitting on the grass alone. Dana had decided to confront her demons before going any further with Clay. But she realized then she had to fight for what she wanted, and she truly loved and wanted Clay Hollister. She’d stand up for herself and her loved ones, Clay at the top of her list. Clarity finally came, the future was there for her, she just had to reach out and take what she wanted. Clay claimed he loved her, and Dana knew she’d been in love with him for years. The idea of exploring that love with him thrilled her beyond description. Slowly, he rose, seemingly more frustrated than he had ever been before. When he reached her in the truck, she waited until he was settled, her hand reaching to his before he turned the ignition key.

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“Clay, you wanted to know what appealed to me about this place.” Eye to eye, she had trouble finding the words to continue. Clearing her throat, she continued. “It’s the silence, Clay. I can hear the waves hitting the shore, the wind rustling in the treetops. At night, it’s the sounds of the wild around me. The frogs and owls, the crickets. Even the barking of the tundra swans. I know it’s crazy, but when I’m here, I always feel peaceful.” The ride home was silent. When he pulled up in front of her home, she turned, studying his face. “The meeting’s tomorrow, do we still have a supper date afterwards?” “Yes, of course, if you want to.” “I do. But I have to take care of something during the day. See you at the meeting.” Quickly, she pressed her lips to his, and then opened her door before she could change her mind. “Dana?” he called after her. “Something’s changed.” “You’re right, Clay. Something has. Ask me again tomorrow.” Instead of going to the guesthouse, she put her bag down in the driveway, searching for something in it. Slowly, as if she might change her mind, she drew out the envelope and handed it to him. “Wait until you get home, and then look at this.” Her eyes met his as he took what she offered. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” **** Clay was right, something had changed. Dana had. Her time away, the photos Gavin had taken, her missing Clay in a way she never had before. This was where she belonged. As a wave of independence washed over her, she knew her decisions were made. Whatever Linda Cole had in mind, Dana was going to override. Whatever it takes, she thought, I want this chance with Clay. Lisa and Adam ran through her mind, making her mad and angry at the thought they might be used as pawns to get to her. “I’ll put a stop to all this

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before it goes any further.” Dana said aloud, dropping her bag inside the door of the guesthouse. Standing in the dimly lit space, now she knew why she felt so strongly about taking the space. It was temporary. This was temporary. Whether she found her home with Clay or not, she would find her space. Coming home had its benefits, but this was Jeff and Lisa’s home now. She was a guest. It was Adam who would grow up here, learning to ride horses, love the land, and with a little help later on, learn the ability to slide down the main staircase banister without falling off. With a smile, Dana knew that was one thing she could teach him. Hours later, she’d thought through her plan of attack. She’d decided she’d fight for what she wanted, which was Clay, and everything their joining might bring. Standing before the open refrigerator, nothing appealed. It was too late to call the house. The phone would wake up Adam. Instead, she kicked off her shoes and wandered over to the big house. **** Turning to check the time on the digital clock beside his bed, Jeff listened for the baby. He wasn’t sure what woke him. He left Lisa sleeping soundly, her blonde hair mussed from their earlier lovemaking. Standing beside his sleeping son, he realized someone was in the kitchen. Two steps further down he saw the back half of the house was ablaze with lights. Ruth wouldn’t be back until tomorrow morning, he knew. Figuring to himself that a thief wouldn’t turn on every light in the house, he took the steps downward until he reached the center hall. Jeff stood in the doorway to the old family kitchen, watching Dana slice into the pound cake that was left over from supper. “There are peaches in the refrigerator,” he said. He wasn’t surprised when she didn’t jump at his voice.

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“Actually, no, there aren’t.” She laughed, holding up the container sitting beside the cake plate. “Want some?” “I’ll just get some milk. How was the trip?” Leaning across the center island from each other, brother and sister picked the sliced peaches from the bowl one by one, dipping them into another dish holding whipped cream. He listened while she gave him the condensed version, ending with the fact that her paycheck would help the renovation. “Dana, you don’t have to personally finance the project. We can talk to the bank, and what about all this fundraising you and Lisa have been planning? Wasn’t there talk of a grant or something?” “Yes, yes, and yes. Except I figure if these people realize I’m willing to put my personal money into it, they might not hesitate to add some of their own.” “Got it all worked out, Dana.” “Something like that. What happened while I was away?” Jeff debated if he should tell her about the enlightening meal she had missed, then decided to let it go. Before he could make the decision she broke in. “Jeff, if for some strange reason you got a call tomorrow and I needed you to bail me out, would you come for me?” “Dana! What kind of a test is this?” Studying her face carefully, he didn’t like what he saw, mainly because he couldn’t recognize the look. “Why, are you planning on being arrested tomorrow?” “I’m not really,” she told him. “I’m going to have a meeting with Linda Cole in the morning.” “And you picture the end result of this meeting landing you in jail?” “It’s one possibility, probably not the best one, but still a possibility.” “Dana?” “I’m teasing you, Jeff. Where has your sense of humor gone to?” “When did you set up this meeting?”

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“I didn’t, actually. It’s going to be a surprise attack.” Dana laughed at the face he made. “I’m simply going to lay my cards on the table, explain she can’t use people to manipulate other people, and if she doesn’t clear my application at tomorrow night’s meeting, I plan on bringing her up before the ethics board.” With that, she bit into another slice of peach. “It would be your word against hers.” “Yes, it would, and think about all the publicity it would garner for the mansion. This town would talk about it long after we’re all dead and buried.” “You sounded like Dad, just then.” “Thank you, Jeff. That’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me in ages.” “All right, how about that I love you, and I want you to be happy.” “I love you too, Jeff.” “Be careful tomorrow, Dana.” He waited and then continued, “Did Clay talk to you about her today?” “Yes, I’ll handle her.” She gave him one of her public smiles. He could never read what was behind that particular look. Pausing in the doorway to leave, he had to ask. “Why aren’t you raiding your own refrigerator?” “Because I’ve been away for a week and nothing looked good to me. Besides, you wouldn’t have come down to talk to me if I’d stayed there.” “Oh.” Shaking his head, he left the room, calling back, “Dana, use the cell if you need me tomorrow.” A few moments later he appeared in the doorway again. “Use it even if you don’t, okay?” “I’ll let you know what happens. Jeff, I’m sorry if my coming home has upset the household.” “We’re not upset, Dana. We just want you to be safe.” “As well as Lisa and Adam?” “I’ll take care of them, don’t worry about it. I wish you’d let me help you take care of this.”

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“I know, Jeffy. But this one I have to do on my own. It will be all right.” She went to him, kissing his cheek. As she disappeared through the kitchen door he realized she’d left him the mess to clean up. Shaking his head, he figured tomorrow would be an interesting day. **** Clay came awake instantly when the phone rang. He looked at the clock beside his bed and realized it was after one in the morning. “Yeah?” “Clay, relax, nothing’s wrong.” “Dana, what is it?” “I needed to tell you something, Clay. For some reason when you’re standing in front of me, I can’t get the words out.” “Tell me now, then.” Clay shifted the pillows behind him, dread coursing through his veins. His temples ached slightly while he waited for her to continue. “Clay, I’m in love with you.” Of all the things she might have said, he wasn’t prepared for that. Shifting lower in the bed, he finally spoke. “And it took you all this time to figure it out?” “No, actually, I’ve known it for a long time.” “How long?” “Probably, oh, hell, definitely, since I was home for Jeff’s wedding. Somehow I saw you differently than I ever had before, as a sexual man, not just a friend.” “Thank you, Dana.” “Thank you. Are you crazy, don’t you understand what this means?” “Yes, I do. You’re the only one who’s afraid. I’m not. I love you, Dana. I have since that day in the chapel when Jeff and Lisa got married.”

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“Clay…” “Yes, that far back. Standing there in that blue dress, the flowers holding your hair back, suddenly you weren’t the little brat I was used to seeing. You had become this beautiful woman. I knew then, Dana.” He paused then went on. “I even knew the night of the storm. I just refused to let myself acknowledge it. Along with the memory of what we did that night of the storm. Truthfully, I so wanted to finish the act, to feel myself buried inside you.” “Why didn’t you? I was trying to make it clear it was what I wanted, too.” “You were younger then, just twenty, and had all those years of school and work ahead. I was afraid I’d interfere with all that for you.” “What a waste of time.” “Not really. What would you have done if I approached you then?” “What would you have done if I approached you?” The laughter in her voice warmed him. “Dana, we still on for supper tomorrow night?” “Yes, definitely. But, Clay, I don’t know if you really understand what you’re getting into. Loving me and making love to me isn’t going to be easy.” “I’ve always loved a challenge.” His laugh flowed easier than it had in years. All his pent-up angst dissipated. “Sweetheart, nothing good in this life is easy. I love you anyway, and we will work it out. I promise, and you know I don’t promise lightly.” “Good night, Clay.” “Dana. Thank you for sharing the photographs with me.” “How could I not? Gavin’s right. It shows. I was just too afraid to look. When I did, I was afraid of what I saw. Now, I’m not. The camera doesn’t lie, Clay.” “Tell you what, when they come to visit, let them stay in your guesthouse, and you come stay with me.”

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“It’s an option.” “Dana, I want you with me.” “I want to be with you, too, Clay. Let me take care of business tomorrow, and then we’ll talk.” “Okay, tomorrow. Call me if you need any help.” “Good night.” “Night, love.”

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Chapter Fifteen Dana sat in the chair opposite Linda Cole’s desk just after eight the following morning. She had brought a cup of coffee with her, as well as the morning newspaper and a dozen fresh muffins for the staff. Waiting until she saw Linda’s secretary Mavis enter the building, she arrived with her offering, explaining she didn’t have an appointment, but would only keep Linda a few minutes. Having known Dana all her life, the older woman allowed Dana to wait in the office. “Good morning, Linda, how was your weekend?” “Fine, Mavis, and yours?” Dana heard their words, reaching into the small purse tucked next to her on the seat. She knew Linda hadn’t waited for her secretary’s answer. “You have company. Dana Britton’s waiting to see you.” Wishing she could have seen the look on Linda’s face, Dana continued to stare at the paper in front of her. Knowing she was being studied from the doorway, Dana was glad she had chosen the navy linen pantsuit. Crisp and professional, the vest-like, hip-length jacket elongated her already tall appearance. Her hair was pulled up and pinned back, makeup was minimal. A very professional appearance, she had concluded before leaving home that morning. “Dana? We didn’t have an appointment. I’m very busy today.” “Good morning. I know how busy you are. I’ll only take a minute of your time, Linda. You always show up without an appointment or

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invitation, for that matter. I thought I would mimic you.” She didn’t rise from her seat, choosing to refold the newspaper instead. “Make it quick. What do you want?” Linda busied herself sorting through a short stack of messages on small slips of pink paper, avoiding eye contact with Dana. Slowly, Dana rose, walking the short distance and closing the office door. When she sat back in her seat, she waited until Linda gave her the attention she was looking for. Tossing the papers onto the desk, Linda sat, a weary expression on her face. “First, about my application,” “That meeting is scheduled for seven tonight. I’ll be glad to discuss it with you then. If that’s all, I have work to do.” Dana didn’t stiffen at Linda’s attitude. She had been prepared for it. “Second, let’s talk about Clay Hollister.” Linda’s eyes finally met Dana’s. “Last month you made it clear to me that I would get no permit for the mansion until I gave you Clay. I’m here to tell you that will never happen. Clay and I are together and very much in love. I will not hand him over to you without a fight. I won’t allow you to have any claims on him, ever.” Taking a cleansing breath, she continued. “It’s very simple, Linda. Tonight, my permits will be issued with full cooperation of the board. You will be very enthusiastic about the project, especially the good it will do for the town.” “And why would I do that, Dana? I told you we needed feasibility studies.” “Cut the crap, Linda, you and I both know the only reason my permit wasn’t issued last month was your little power play for Clay. You are professionally out of line here by using him to block the project. You just don’t get it. The project means a lot to me and so does Clay. I won’t walk away from the mansion or Clay. I will have them both, perhaps at your expense, along with the tax revenue it would produce for the county.” Dana let her statement sink in. “Is that all you have to say? I have work to do.”

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“No. Just know that if for any reason my permit isn’t issued, I plan on taking you before the ethics board.” Dana eyed Linda, waiting for her to strike. Instead, she chose to push back in her leather chair, a pencil tapping between her fingers. “You don’t have a case. No one heard our conversation in the parking lot. It would be your word against mine.” Thinking for a moment, a cruel smile came to Linda’s lips. “Go ahead. You’ll make a fool of yourself.” “Unless I happened to have had a recorder in my pocket that day.” Linda sat forward, her eyes narrowed to slits. “It wouldn’t be admissible,” she said dismissively. “Maybe not in court, but I can think of a few ladies’ clubs that would pay dearly to listen to that tape.” “You’re bluffing.” “Am I? Think of all the gossip, all the publicity it would garner for the mansion project. Local girl fighting to keep the man she loves and her dream of restoring her old family home for the town’s use. A jealous, vindictive woman trying to stop her. I can see the headlines now, Britton heir fights town official for project and love.” “Is that a threat, Dana?” “It’s whatever you want it to be. You see, all I have to do is mention to a few well-chosen people in town the problems I’m having getting approval from the board, and the loss of potential jobs and tax revenue it would produce. When asked my opinion why, I’d have to be honest and tell them it’s because Clay and I are together and in love, not because of the project itself.” Dana let it sink in, gave Linda time to digest her words. “I’ll believe that when I see it. Clay won’t keep you long. He needs a hot-blooded woman beside him, not a fluff piece more worried about her hair and makeup than satisfying him. A man like Clay needs…he’ll take what he wants from you and then toss you aside. I’ll be waiting to console him over his unfortunate choice of girlfriends. And Dana, I’ll know how to please him in ways you could

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never begin to imagine.” Thinking she had the upper hand, Linda relaxed in her chair. Dana had a fleeting thought that she must have found Walker. But it still could be a bluff, especially since Walker knew she had the tape of their special night together. Better not to bring it up. “Anything else, Dana?” “Just this.” Slowly Dana stood up, tossing the newspaper onto the desk. She reached into her purse, pulling a small recorder from it. “I know it’s not legal, but it’s proof. Leave Clay and me alone, Linda. We won’t play your sick game. Clay and I are in love and going to stay that way. My permits will be granted with much appreciation for all the revenue it will bring, not to mention the jobs it will create.” “Dana, no one will care about your little tapes. I’m the assistant DA in this county. I can make trouble for you and Clay. And don’t forget your brother’s farm. I wonder if the EPA needs to make a spot check of his farming practices.” “Do what you will, Linda. We’re not intimidated by you. Consider this a courtesy call. If I have to, I will go above your head. I have an appointment with Uncle Charlie for lunch tomorrow.” “Charlie?” “Yes, didn’t you know, Charlie Steffens, your boss? He’s my Uncle Leo’s brother. But of course, they had different fathers, so they have different last names. No one ever told you that story before? You’re slipping then. Actually, it’s quite interesting, quite a love story.” Dana stood still, knowing the only thing that kept her from strangling this bitch was the wooden expanse between them. “Oh, one more thing, next time—” Dana watched across the desk, hoping she would give her just a small reason to cross the line. Linda stood up before Dana could finish her thought. “You little bitch.” With her weight leaning on her desk, Linda’s face was a few inches from Dana’s. It was then Dana saw the cruelness she had always felt from this woman. “You may have won round one, but I’m a patient woman. Round two will hit you when

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you least expect it. And I’ll be there, watching it unfold. It will be the best day of my life.” “More threats for the recorder, Linda? I’d have thought you smarter. Even if I can’t make charges stick with the ethics board, you’ve just given me enough to ask any judge for an order of protection, should I ever feel I need one.” With the relief of a laugh, Dana stood her ground. “No wonder you graduated in the bottom quarter of your class. I’m surprised you finished at all, unless, of course, your basic mode of operation has always been blackmail and threats.” She surveyed her counterpart, satisfied with her performance. Leaving, she turned back to say, “You underestimated me, Linda, that was your first mistake. The second was not realizing I was a fighter and that I want it all. I will have my museum and the mansion, and I will keep Clay. You just don’t have what it takes to compete with me. See you at the meeting, Linda.” Hesitating just before she walked out the door, Dana turned back to Linda. “By the way, I’ll tolerate no more trouble from you, whether it be flat tires or visits to Clay’s home early mornings. You never know who will answer the door.” Linda’s eyes flamed. “Actually, Clay and I had quite a laugh waiting to see how long you’d stay. I won’t tell you the things he did to me with you just downstairs pacing on his porch. I will say we had an amazing morning together.” “You bitch! Get out.” The newspaper Dana had dropped on the desktop came sailing past her, hitting the wall about two feet to her left. “Temper, temper, Linda.” Throwing back her head with wild abandon, Dana laughed harder than she had in months. This new feeling of freedom was liberating. She was going to enjoy it. “Get out…get out,” Linda was yelling. Opening the door, Dana caught the secretarial staff huddled around the intercom on Mavis’s desk. With a large smile, she exited

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the office. The ladies scrambled back to their desks, giving Dana only a wink or a nod as she left the office. **** Linda stood at her office window, livid. She was disgusted with herself for letting the little bitch put her in this position. She witnessed Dana leave the building and walk straight across the street, into the building that housed the bank and their family attorney. In that time, Linda contemplated her next move to get back at the bitch. And all were technically illegal. She watched the truck lettered with Britton Farms on its doors pull up and park next to the blue BMW. Jeff Britton walked briskly into the building. Leaving the bank together, arm in arm, Jeff waited until Dana pulled away. Now Linda had to decide how to play her trump card. She had to decide if she really wanted to stay in this town or if it was time to move on. Her decision would affect how she played that card. Leaning across her desk, she hit the intercom to Mavis’s desk, without a second thought to who she might inconvenience. “Cancel all my appointments and find out where Mayor Harris is today.” **** “Hollister here.” “Morning, Clay.” “Dana? Now it is a good morning, what’s up?” “My spirits. I’ve taken care of the business I had to today.” “How did it go?” “Time will tell, I’ll know at the meeting tonight.” “Is it time to finish our conversation?” he asked hesitantly. “Whenever you’re ready.”

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“Meet me at the river house in two hours?” “Could you make it the mansion, instead? I could use a hand with some books I want to take back to the guesthouse.” “I’ll be there.” Dana hung up the phone and started gathering a few things together. Once the trunk of the car was loaded, she changed into a light summer dress and headed out. **** Clay arrived with just a few minutes to spare, finding Dana’s car already parked in the driveway. Walking up the wide staircase, he called out and then tried the door. Pushing it open easily, he called out again. “Dana?” Dana’s laptop computer and keys lay on the bottom step of the stairs. On top was a piece of paper telling Clay she was upstairs. He took the time to turn the old lock on the front door before taking the steps two at a time. He got to the second floor landing, calling out again, “Dana, where are you?” He walked down one hall then backtracked to the center hall. On the third floor, he again walked one way, not finding her, only to realize the door to the attic was open. He didn’t call up to her, just took the steps two at a time. Stretched out on a plaid blanket beside an old trunk, she laid with her eyes closed to the sun streaming in from the open windows. An old journal lay beside her. He decided she heard his truck pull up, heard him call, and knew he would find her, so she didn’t jump when he sat down next to her, running his finger along her arm. “Hi.” “Hi, yourself.” Reaching down he kissed her gently before stretching out on his belly next to her. “Want to tell me about your business meeting this morning?” “Later. Besides, by the time we leave here, all of the town will know about it.”

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“Just what did you do, Dana?” He waited while she rolled over onto her stomach beside him. Motioning to the bottle of wine she put on top of the trunk, she passed him a corkscrew as she unwrapped two long-stemmed glasses from the basket. “Okay, I’ll tell you.” She gave him a mischievous smile before continuing. “I had a meeting with Linda Cole this morning, unscheduled of course.” She waited until he filled each glass halfway, and then continued. “I don’t think there’ll be any more delays with the board.” Touching his glass to hers, he said, “You mean you fixed the problem? Congratulations, sweetheart.” They both sipped, Clay waiting for Dana to elaborate. When she didn’t he finally had to ask. “Dana, what exactly did you do?” “I simply explained she had no right to use you as a bargaining chip, that I loved you and this old house and wouldn’t turn you over to her or give up the museum.” “What?” He sat up quickly, confused by her words. “Word for word, Dana.” “The tape is in a safe-deposit box, just in case. I know it’s not admissible in any court, but the ladies’ bridge club would love to take a listen to it.” He watched her hesitate. “And in case there’s ever any trouble we can’t explain.” He loved her smile, warm and gentle. “Mavis was listening on her intercom when I left. One thing, though, I sort of embellished a little. I let Linda think that you and I were together Sunday morning. Will you keep my secret, Clay?” The fire was back in her eyes. Clay knew it had been missing for a long time. “Kiss me, Clay Hollister, the way you really want to.” She put her glass to the side, taking his and doing the same. Slowly, she turned toward him, her arms open. When his lips met hers, he had finally come home. Clay wanted to devour her, then and there, but knew better. Instead, he lazily stroked her all over while he thoroughly kissed her lips, moving to her neck

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then back to her lips. Her leg came up over his, pulling him closer. Her boldness excited him more, its evidence against her leg. “Clay, I love you,” she whispered when his lips toyed with her neck. Leaning back, he propped his head on one hand, watching her lay beside him. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips full from his kisses. Her eyes were hazy, her hair tousled.”God, Dana, I’ve waited three years for you to say that. Wait here, don’t move.” “Clay?” “I’ll be right back.” He left her lying on the blanket, returning to find her just as he left her, waiting in the sunlight. Sliding back down beside her, he pulled her close. Her arms wrapped around him, inviting him to her. He had planned to have a quiet talk about their future, give her the deed to the river house and property, but Dana had other ideas. “Sweetheart, we need to talk,” Clay said. “Yes, I know, later.” Her hands ran across his chest, unbuttoning his shirt as she went. With a light trail of kisses, she worked her way across his skin. A thin layer of moisture beaded on his forehead as she assaulted his senses. Clay was lost in the haze of her touch, wanting more, not daring to try to take it. Dana surprised him when she went to unbuckle his belt. His hand came up over hers, holding her in place. He now knew from the last time they were together, Dana gets what she wants or takes it. The concept of her being submissive and dominant had his cock throbbing. “Dana?” “Clay, I know what I want. Let me have it,” she whispered. With one arm covering his eyes from the sun, the other around her shoulders, he let Dana take control. “My God, Clay, you’re huge, swelling harder just from the touch of my hand. What will happen if I lick you or suck you down my throat?” she whispered as her hand closed around him. For long, excruciating minutes of ecstasy, he let her explore his body, fighting

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his urge to take her. She had him close to the edge, too close, he knew. With all the strength he could muster, he held her hand in place, leaving it over his aching erection. “Dana, honey, in my front right pocket…” She continued to stroke him as she used her free hand to search his pocket. “Clay, there’s no condoms here. Besides, I thought you wanted skin to skin? Remember, I’m on the pill, and we were both tested.” It took a moment to realize she was searching for the wrong thing. “Dana, that’s always in a man’s wallet,” he teased. “Then give me your wallet.” Her breath against his exposed erection made it throb. Her lips brushing against the tip jolted him. Taking her in his arms, he pulled her up, kissing her deeply. “Okay, we’ll use the condom. Give me your wallet,” she whispered, pulling back from his mouth. “My front pocket first.” With a confused look, she only shook her head. When she didn’t respond, he pulled the small object from the depth of the cloth that surrounded it. Dana lay across his half-nude body. Clay decided she was finally enjoying his touch and feel for the first time. Her excitement was almost as evident as his as she stroked her body against his. She tried again to shift back, frustrated when he held her across his chest. “Clay, please,” “Dana, first…” He pulled her left hand off him, reaching to slide the ring on her finger. “First, promise you’ll marry me.” “Clay,” was all she could say as he slipped the gold onto her finger. Without looking at it, she buried her face against his neck. “God, Clay, are you sure, maybe we should just date for a while, see how it goes.” Her words were as shaky as her breath. Rolling on top of her, he took her hand to his lips. “This was the ring Holly gave my mother. It brought them luck for many years, Dana. Will you wear it, will you marry me? Right

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away, as soon as possible. No long engagements, three months at the most for your plans.” “Yes,” was all she managed before his mouth captured hers. Clay felt something different from her. She had finally relaxed, stopped holding back from him. Slowly, he began to make love to her. His kisses trailed to her breasts. With the pull of a string on each shoulder, the dress fell away from her skin. His hands lightly skimmed over her as his mouth captured first one then her other nipple in his mouth. She arched a silent plea for more. Without thinking, one hand skimmed to her legs, pulling back the material, freeing him to explore. When his hand stroked her thigh, she didn’t freeze against him. Instead she allowed her leg to fall to the side, granting him access. Slowly he began again, his hand on her thigh, his lips to hers. Her hands were knotted in his hair, pulling him closer to her waiting mouth. With a light touch, he let his fingers dance across her most private place. He waited for her to tense. She didn’t. Instead, the moan she released gave him courage to continue. Slowly, with his lips to her nipple, sucking lightly, he let his finger slip along the side of her panties, pulling them to the side, finding her hot and moist, waiting for him. “God, Dana, you’re hot to my touch,” he whispered, switching to her other nipple. His hand rested against her, her heat radiating to his palm. With careful strokes, he felt her shift under him, felt her hips arch to meet his hand. His index finger stroked her lips, using her moisture to ease his way. Dana was going crazy under him, she wanted more, she wanted it all, from him, now. He felt the urgency of her movements. Pulling his lips from her breast, she pleaded with him, “Please, Clay,” was all she got out as his finger slipped inside her. He let the weight of his hand lie against her, his finger inside her, then a second, and felt her clasp him, felt her pussy go creamy. Clay

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assaulted her mouth with his, riding with her until she finished. His kiss lightened slightly, but he didn’t stop. “Dana, do you know how crazy you make me? Do you have any idea how erotic you are?” Her hands twisted in his hair, she wanted more, wanted him to complete her. “Clay, please, I want to feel you inside me.” She felt his groan build deep within him as he pulled her under him, fighting with his jeans. “That’s what I need from you right now. Remember I’m a very demanding woman. And after you fuck my pussy, I want you to fuck my ass. Now are you going to do me, or do I have to make you? Or is that what you want right now, to lay back and leave me in charge? You pick, but make it quick.”

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Chapter Sixteen Pausing, he saw she was glowing as the sunlight swept across her face and hair. Her eyes were closed, her hands stroking his chest as she waited. Clay studied her for one last moment, knowing there was no going back. He decided, too, they should use the condoms until they were married, just as an extra precaution. He wanted his children conceived after their wedding. As he pulled the foil package from his wallet, he stilled. Dana reacted, pulling him back. Clay resisted, touching his finger to her lips. Listening, he heard it again. “Dana? Where are you, child?” A few seconds later, they heard it again, closer this time. “Dana?” “Did you lock the door, Clay?” “Yes, of course. Who else would have a key?” The voice rang out again. “Dana?” “Aunt Mary?” One look at Clay and Dana dissolved into laughter. Clay collapsed on top of her for just a moment, before rolling to the side. Dana quickly tied the straps over her shoulders with Clay’s assistance. Before she rose up from the floor, she paused, taking Clay’s cock against her lips, claiming him as hers before she left him. He watched as she looked for her shoes, and then dismissed them. Running her hands through her hair, she called out when she reached the door. “Aunt Mary? Is that you?” With a few steps, she was gone from his sight. Clay took a moment to compose himself then set about straightening his clothes. He couldn’t quite get the grin off his face as

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he joined Dana a short time later on the third-floor stairs, where she had blocked Mary’s way. “Hello, Mary?” With that, she gave him an evil-eyed look. He and Dana both watched as she looked from him to her and back. Clay eased Dana back against his body, an automatic reaction to protect. His hands slid to her shoulders. “Well, it’s about time,” Mary declared. Dana turned to Clay, smiling when he realized he must look as tousled as she did. “Come downstairs. I can’t stand on these steps all day.” Turning, Mary started the slow descent of the stairs, Dana and Clay following. As they went, Mary continued speaking. “I suppose there’s no place to sit in this house, or nothing cool to drink?” Clay squeezed Dana’s arm then started back up the stairs. He met them walking into the old kitchen. Mary was right, there were no chairs, so he put the bottle of wine down and lifted Mary by the waist up onto the counter. **** “There are some paper cups in the cabinet to the left of the sink, I think.” Dana made a show of looking for the cups, buying time to compose herself. When she turned, Mary and Clay were eye to eye. Sidestepping them both, she slowly added the liquid to three cups, handing one to each of them before taking her own, coming to stand beside Clay. His arm went around her as she snuggled against his large chest. “So, are you going to make an honest woman of my niece?” Her brusque words and tone didn’t intimidate Clay as they did so many others. He had been around long enough to know her gruff exterior led to a heart of gold, or grief when need be.

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“I’m working on it, Mary.” Dana pulled her arm from Clay’s waist, presenting Mary with her hand, sporting the square-cut diamond. Clay sipped from his cup to hide his smile as she pretended to take stock of his ring. “It’s about time. This means you’re home for good?” “Yes, Aunt Mary. I’ve come home to stay.” “Good, it’s where you belong. You’ve had many advantages in this life, Dana. You’ve traveled and worked, have several degrees. You’ve learned there really is no place like home once you find it.” “Yes, Aunt Mary.” Dana went to hug her aunt, enjoying the rare moment of closeness between them. “To the happy couple.” She lifted her cup and drank greedily. “Now, I think it’s about time you told me what else is going on.” Dana looked to Clay. “I’m not sure what you mean. Where’s Uncle Leo?” “Don’t lie, child, you were never good at it. I dropped him off at Charlie’s office. Tell me about that broad-hipped bitch you went up against this morning.” Dana laughed outright, Clay following close behind. “How did you hear, did Jeff call you? I told him he wasn’t to tell anyone.” “Mavis phoned, told me it would be in my best interest to show my face at the board meeting tonight.” “Mavis.” Dana understood the chain of information. “I may have moved thirty miles away when I married, but this is my home, Dana. Don’t ever forget that. Now, talk. Clay, my glass is empty.” Clay filled Mary’s cup as Dana gave her the condensed version of events, concluding with the tape now in residence in the bank’s vault. “I figure if there’s ever any trouble we can’t understand, I’ll have some backup.” “Leo’s with Charlie now. They’ll make sure everyone is safe.” A small smile appeared on her lips. Dana watched as Clay waited through Mary sizing him up and down. She didn’t care, she knew they

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were a match. Both were strong in character and deeply in love. What else did it take to make a marriage work? “Well. Mavis was right, and you owe her a thank-you. She’s your unsolicited witness, even if she was snooping. She’ll back you if it comes to it. It won’t. Everyone in town will know some version of it by the time the meeting starts.” Mary drank from her cup, mulling something over. “She likes roses, but a bush, not fresh cut.” “I’ll take care of it this afternoon, Mary,” Clay told her. “See that you do. Yellow would be nice against her white house. Have the nursery arrange to have it planted Saturday morning. She should be home then to supervise.” “Yes, Mary. Consider it done.” “Well, it’s late, and Lisa is probably in a tizzy since she got my call. I decided to have supper with her and Jeff tonight before the meeting. Wanted to see Adam while I was here. You’ll both be there for supper.” She told them. “Actually, no. I won’t, but I’ll see you at the meeting.” He brushed a kiss on Dana’s forehead and then added, “Let Jeff drive you, and we won’t have to worry about two cars later.” With a smile, she nodded her agreement. Clay placed a kiss on Mary’s forehead before lifting her to the floor. “See you later,” he called back to them. He wasn’t past the doorway when he turned back. “Mary, wasn’t the door locked when you got here?” “Of course it was.” Her sly grin told him she had her ways, and he’d probably be better off not knowing. Laughing, he shook his head as he left them. **** Clay stood in the back of the meeting room taking stock of what was unfolding before him. He had caught Dana’s eye before it started, but chose to stay in the background. The first row of chairs read like a

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family history; Uncle Charlie, then Leo with Mary. Dana was next, with Jeff at her side. The first several motions on the docket were dispensed with quickly. When the room settled back down, Dana’s permit application was read aloud. Clay couldn’t remember when a board meeting had gotten so much attendance. Comments were asked for. Several questions from the audience members were addressed by Dana. Standing before the crowd, her presentation was concise and accurate, her numbers in order. She fielded the questions with ease, charming every person there, including Clay. Her choice of the peach suit with the white blouse was the perfect look for tonight, wholesome yet professional. Clay couldn’t wait to take it off piece by piece. When it came time for the board to make the final vote, he slipped up the side aisle, going to her side. Jeff moved down a seat, making room for Clay to sit beside her. He and Jeff exchanged a look, a small, resigned smile forming on Jeff’s lips. Clay was glad he had made time to stop and see Jeff earlier in the day. While they were friends, he didn’t want the news of his engagement to Dana to come from another source. They had both shared a hug, and then Clay listened while Jeff gave him the lecture about hurting Dana, with important parts of Clay’s body being broken at best. It had ended with them laughing. He held Dana’s hand in his, and they waited while the vote was taken. He knew she hadn’t taken a breath. When the unanimous vote was completed, she finally gulped for air. Clay choked back his anger as Linda stood, taking control of the meeting. “If that’s all that’s on the docket, I’d like to add one last item.” She had dismissed Dana’s victory while shuffling some papers before her. Linda waited for the crowd to come to order. “It is with sincere regret that I take this opportunity to advise the board that my resignation will be handed in tomorrow morning. While I’ve enjoyed

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my time working for the betterment of this community, I find it’s time for me to move on. I’d like to thank…” Neither Dana nor Clay heard the rest of her words, until the final statement. “Private practice and becoming Mrs. Jason Harris will keep me quite busy.” Her phony smile didn’t fool many people in the room, most of whom had gotten her number a long time before. Everyone knew it was a power play, deflect the gossip and make them wonder. As the meeting ended, the Brittons stayed to thank the board members for their support. Mary was the one who confronted Linda Cole. Leaning in to hug the woman, Mary’s stage whisper quieted the room. “My dear, we’re so happy for you. What did you blackmail Jason with to accomplish this feat?” With a wide smile, Mary pulled back. Clay was glad she was moving to the next county. As mayor of that county’s largest city, Jason Harris already had his hands full. Having Linda as a wife would make his life a living hell. From what he knew of Jay, they deserved each other. “Dana, Clay.” Linda leaned in, kissing Clay on the lips. An instinct told him to wipe it away with the back of his hand. He didn’t suppress it. “Congratulations, Linda. I hope you and Jason will be as happy as Dana and I are.” With an exaggerated move, he brought Dana’s left hand to his lips, running them across it lightly. The diamond glinted from the light. He knew it was a cruel moment, one Dana deserved but wouldn’t take for herself. With a grunt, she moved past them. “Everyone back to the Mansion,” Jeff told Dana. “What, why?” “To celebrate, of course.” “But…” ****

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Dana was surprised to see the cars in the driveway. She recognized a few as she and Clay walked from his car. “What is going on, Clay?” “Go inside and find out.” Taking her arm, he all but dragged her up the front stairs. Lisa opened the door for them, taking Dana into her arms for a warm hug. “Congratulations, honey. We’re so happy for you.” Dana glanced at the faces gathered in the foyer. Somehow Lisa and Ruth had transformed the area. Candles glowed from every surface. The center table was covered in white linen, with trays of cookies and mints laid out. Bottles of champagne sat iced in a huge copper bucket, waiting their turn to be opened. “Lisa, how did you do all this?” she asked, accepting the glass of cold wine. “Ask Clay. It seems with a few phone calls, he can accomplish a great deal.” “Clay, you did this?” “You earned it, sweetheart. For all the hard work and planning.” He tipped his glass to hers, sipping lightly. “And to all the work yet to come,” he added, getting a round of applause from the rest of the guests. Dana counted eighteen people when she glanced around. Mavis was deep in conversation with Mary, Leo, and Charlie. Within an hour, everyone slowly headed out. With just her core family left around her, Dana finally let hers tears come. Not a huge body-racking cry, but a few stray tears of understanding. Finally, she knew what it was like to be home with her family, and especially with Clay. “Just leave this for tonight, honey. I’ll come with you in the morning and give you a hand to straighten it up.” “Thanks, Lisa.” Hugging her aunt and uncle, Dana was surprised when Mary pulled her closer. “Dana, your mother would be proud of you. So would your father.”

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“Thank you, Aunt Mary. That means so much to me.” “Take good care of my childhood home. It was a grand place in its day, make it that way again.” Releasing her, Mary stood straight, looking around her. “Well, isn’t someone going to take us home? It’s been a long day, and I’m sure Jeff and Lisa would prefer to see me and Leo safely tucked away in their guest room for the night.” With one of her rare smiles, she swept from the house, her exit complete. “You two coming?” Leo asked. “Actually, no. Dana and I have a previous engagement. Why not plan on having lunch in town with us before you head home tomorrow?” “See you then.” Leo gave Dana a hug, then followed Mary out to the car. Jeff grabbed a bottle of champagne from the bucket, smiling at Lisa. With one eyebrow raised, she accepted his arm. “See you at lunch,” Jeff told them as he and Lisa left them alone in the old mansion. “Clay, I don’t know what to say. Thank you doesn’t seem to cover it.” “Let’s get out of here, and maybe I can think of something that will.” Teasing her came so naturally. They bantered back and forth until most of the debris had been cleared away. Clay took the last bottle of champagne from the bucket and waited while Dana went about blowing out the candles. Outside, there was a light breeze, and the air smelled clean. Seated in the Corvette, Dana finally asked, “Where are we going?” “Home, kid. Home,” was all he would tell her. She assumed he meant his home, and that was fine with her. Instead, he took the road for the river house. She glanced at him as he shut off the ignition and released his seat belt. Taking a flashlight from beside his seat, he went around, opening the door for Dana. “Clay?” “It’s all right. I know the owner.”

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“What?” She followed him to the garage doors, holding the light as he fitted the key in the lock. Once inside, he made a point of locking the door and double checking it. In the darkness of the house, Dana held tight, following the light he held. Up the stairs and to the right, the master suite, she knew. Just outside the doorway, Clay turned. “Wait here.” Standing in the hallway, Dana wasn’t sure what emotion to feel. They swamped her all at once. The relief of the permits, her love for Clay, being in someone else’s house. Light flooded the dark room, forcing Dana to shut her eyes against it. When she opened them, Clay stood before her. He swept her into his arms, carrying her toward the bed he had prepared in the center of the room. Gently, he laid her down. Dana slipped off her shoes as she looked around. Candlelight flickered all around her. There were glasses set out, waiting. Clay went about opening the wine before he settled next to her. Handing her a glass, he smiled. “Dana, do you think we could be alone here for a few hours?” he teased. “I don’t know, what about the owner, won’t they mind us…christening their home?” “Probably, but let’s do it anyway.” Taking the glass from her hand, she laid back on the layers of sleeping bags and blankets he had laid out. Following down beside her, he unbuttoned her jacket, pushing it aside. “Where were we when we were so rudely interrupted this afternoon?” His lips teased her ear and her neck as he talked. She struggled to get out of the jacket, finally pushing him away, standing to take it off. . Clay looked like he hadn’t taken a breath. Standing before him, she slowly took off her clothes. First the jacket, then the skirt. As she unbuttoned the silk shirt, it fell away with the rest of her things. She hadn’t worn a bra. She was bare to him except for a scrap of white lace that covered her femininity. Slowly, she lay back down next to him.

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“Is that about where we were?” she asked. Clay seemed to have lost his train of thought, as if the sight of her slow strip before him had turned his brain to dust. Lying next to him, she knew she was the luckiest woman alive. “Well, is that about where we were interrupted or not?” Teasing him, she slowly eased his shirt over his head, her nails dragging against his nude skin. “Dana,” was all he could say before she dragged him to her, mouth to mouth. For a long time they kissed, touched, and explored. Her hands were light and graceful against his skin. Her fingers found his erection through his pants, stroking him as she had earlier. “Clay, get rid of these, please.” She tugged at the waistband of his pants. He seemed reluctant to release her but eventually stripped away the barriers that kept him from her. He didn’t hesitate this time. Clay made love with Dana the way she had always dreamed he would, long and slow, teasing and tasting. Her hands were all over him, touching him everywhere. His mouth locked with hers, he pulled the last barrier away from her, tossing the lace underwear into the darkness. “Dana?” In the candlelight, he was even more handsome, if that was possible. “Don’t stop, Clay, please don’t stop,” she murmured against his chest. Her hands were on him, holding him as they changed positions.

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Chapter Seventeen Clay was warm and giving. She didn’t hesitate to explore him with her mouth. She took her time, glancing up at him occasionally, asking him what he liked and didn’t. His moan was her only answer, so she kept going. “Clay, remember when I was a kid and you used to torture me, all the time?” “Uh-huh,” was all he could manage. Her laugh surprised him, and he opened his eyes just in time to watch her engulf his hardness with her mouth. Clay let his head fall back. She was enjoying the sweet torture she was providing him. His hands found her, pulled her up to him. Dana understood if he left her alone, she would finish him. Apparently, he wanted more, and so did she, much more. The discomfort at waiting only prolonged his enjoyment. His hand found her center, touching her in the most intimate of ways. Dana remembered their afternoon, how he had given her such a gift, now she wanted it again. Sensing it, Clay slipped his finger inside her, feasting on her nipple as he had. Again, she felt the wave hit her, a soft cry escaping from her lips. With that, Clay moaned against her breast and then left it. Dana opened her eyes just as she felt his kiss to her clit and then long licks of his tongue along her pussy lips. She could never describe the pleasure he gave her at that moment. When she closed her eyes, lights flashed against her eyelids, dancing in patterns as she gave in to his actions. His lips and tongue moved over her again and again, his hand somewhere in the mix, until she thought she couldn’t take any more.

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Clay kept his hand against her and started at the beginning. His lips to hers muffled her plea for more. Moving against him, against his hand, Dana finally pulled away from him. “Clay, please come inside me,” Her raspy words were his final undoing, as her hand sought him out. Pausing only to slide a condom over his erection, he whispered, “Just until the wedding,” and then his lips went back to hers. Straddling her, he held her head between his hands, forcing her to look. “Dana, I love you. I’ll never hurt you, sweetheart. I will accept any and all of your unconventional ways when we’re alone together. In public we’ll have to show some restraint, but in private…” “I know that now, Clay. I love you too.” Her hand pulled his head to hers as he slowly entered her. She wanted more, writhing under him, trying to get him to hurry. He pulled back one last time and smiled down at her. Then he engulfed her nipple as he pushed his way deep inside her. For one deafening second, Clay froze. She could feel him straining above her. Finally, he began the small jutting motions with his hips that pushed him farther inside her pussy. Her fingers grasped his butt cheeks and pulled him tighter inside. “Damn you’re huge inside me. I knew you would be. I’ve dreamt about you stretching me with your cock. Please, Clay, don’t stop, not now.” Her body writhed under him, forcing his movements faster and harder until he was consuming her body with his cock. She felt the shift in him. He was taking from her too. He sucked her nipple deep into his mouth as he pushed deeper. She felt his warmth inside her and used her inner muscles to milk him toward orgasm. Dana had never experienced a man like Clay. Now, her mind and body worked together, telling her what she needed, and she followed its lead, taking from him what he had waited so long to give her. “Dana, look at me,” he whispered. Her eyes opened halfway; her gaze at him took his last breath of restraint. He pulled back and

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grabbed her thighs and held her in place while he thrust a few last times, his body spent. She pushed him over the edge when her eyes flew open at the sensation he had created within her. Her only word was his name, “Clay,” whispered as she gave in to the feelings he stirred inside her. He moved with her, working through her second peak as his own overtook him. For a long time they stayed together. Clay tried not to collapse on top of her, using his arms to support his weight. Dana held him close, refusing to let him move off her. When her breathing had settled, she whispered in his ear, “More.” With that, she started to move under him, forcing him back to life inside her. “I’ve created a monster,” he teased, raising himself back up to complete the rocking movement she was working toward. “Be careful what you wish for,” she told him, pulling his lips to hers. His kiss was a beginning, and she relaxed back as he slid down her body. His tongue to her clit, he used his fingers to punctuate his movements, and Dana came again, a short ripple of climax rushing through her body. Finally, Clay moved back beside her. She was exhausted and watched as he rolled to the side. He’d ditched the used condom, but she didn’t know where, didn’t care right now. Dana lay in Clay’s arms, sated for the first time in her life. As if reading her thoughts, Clay asked what she was thinking. “I’m almost embarrassed to tell you.” Her smile let him understand the nature of her statement. Even in the candlelight, he watched the blush creep up her neck, warming her cheeks. “But, since you are going to marry me.” Suddenly, she pulled back, searching his face. “Well, you are, aren’t you?” “Yes, kid. Yes. Tell me.” Her slight hesitation started to alarm him, then he felt her warm hand engulf him. She stroked him gently, enjoying the texture of him “I want to do it again,” she whispered. “God help me, I have created a monster.”

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“Of your own doing. Like it or not, now you’re stuck.” “I like it, Dana.” She felt him come to life against her palm, thrilled she could entice him to his current state. Surprised by his body’s quick reaction, they relaxed in a slow joining, Dana learning what she liked him to do, telling him what she wanted. As he finally rolled off her, spent and exhausted, she went to his arms, laying her head against his chest, loving the rhythmic motion of his breathing. “There’s one thing, before I forget.” He rolled out from under her. Suddenly she felt naked. Sitting up, she groped for her shirt. Clay caught a glimpse of her and tossed the closest item of clothing, his shirt, toward her as he searched for his pants. When he lay back down, he had an envelope in his hand. Dana sat cross-legged in the center of the now-mangled bed of blankets. Clay watched her pull on his shirt. It was huge on her, and it carried his scent. He never looked more handsome than this very moment. He handed her a refilled glass, taking a long drink from his before putting it aside. “I wanted to give you this earlier, but we got interrupted.” He held out the envelope, and Dana took the sealed item, turning it over in her hand. She gave him her glass then studied what she held. “It might be easier if you opened it.” With a light kiss, he rolled away, bringing back a large candle, placing it close to where she sat. “Just open it, kid.” Slowly, Dana slid her finger under the sealed flap, breaking the contact. From inside she pulled out several sheets of paper. Holding them up to the candle, the words leapt out. Deed of Sale. The words blurred before her as tears filled her eyes. She didn’t want to cry, but tears came anyway. “Clay?” “The land is yours, Dana. Do with it what you will. We can remodel this house or just tear it down and start over.” “But, Clay, how? When?” “I bought the house two years ago when it came back on the market.”

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“That’s why you had the key. Why didn’t you ever finish it?” Her eyes were wide with shock. Of all the things that could have been in that envelope, this was not one of her initial guesses. “I figured if you were going to live here for the rest of your life, you’d probably want some say in it.” He watched her reactions carefully, almost afraid he had gone too far. “Clay, I don’t know what to say. It’s all so much. You, and getting married. And now this, our home, oh, Clay, thank you.” Her arms went around his neck, and she buried her face against him. “Don’t forget your project at the Mansion.” She pulled back sharply from him, using her hand to steady his face before her. “Clay, it means nothing to me compared to you.” “Dana, now you can have it all.” “All?” Her raised eyebrow got his attention. He watched as she carefully folded the documents and put them back in the envelope. She placed it to the side, moving the candle he had brought for her to read by. Her hands went to the hem of his shirt, her arms pulling it over her head, tossing it aside. “Can you guess what I want right now?” “Give me a hint,” he said, tugging her to his chest, his fingers going directly to her nipple. “We should christen it now that I know it’s our home. I won’t be so uptight.” She held a straight face for about three seconds before grinning at him. “Did you bring the box of toys here?” “God, help me,” he whispered as she lay on top of him. He hardened at the touch of her soft skin once again. This time all the hesitancy was gone. She took what she needed, using her hands and mouth to tease him until she straddled his legs and slowly let her weight impale her on his cock. She shifted until she had him where she wanted him. Dana grasped his hands and brought them to her breasts, pushing them hard against her skin. “I want to ride you for a while, Clay, and then I want you to turn me over and fuck me from behind.”

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“That’s what you want?” “For now. The rest can come later.” She increased her hip movements, grinding tighter against him. “After, you can fuck my ass while you spank me for keeping you waiting so long.” Clay had no words for her, only a sly grin forming on his lips. “Who’s in charge, Dana?” “For tonight, we both are. Tomorrow we’ll figure out the rest.” “I can live with that,” he said, grasping her around the waist and turning her under him. **** The next day Dana finally knew what real happiness was. After her evening with Clay at the new house, she decided to accept life as it came at her and deal with it day by day. Their lunch with the family had turned into an engagement luncheon with much love and well wishes for her and Clay’s future. She’d arranged with Clay to have supper at his home that night, telling him she’d take care of the food. He reminded her where the spare key was in case he got tied up with work, telling her to make herself at home. She packed a small overnight bag and carefully packed up the meal Ruth had made for them, along with a plate of her famous oatmeal raisin cookies. The chicken smelled delicious, and Dana knew she wouldn’t fuss with the meal. Instead, she had other things to get ready. “Just reheat this for fifteen minutes with the foil on, and you’ll be ready to eat.” “Thanks Ruth, you’ve saved me again.” Dana gave her a hug. “Go, get out of here and enjoy that man of yours.” Ruth turned away when tears threatened. Dana gave her a second hug and loaded the cooler into her car. Once at Clay’s, she put the food away and set the kitchen table. It just felt right for them to eat in that room instead of the formal dining

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room. Then she headed upstairs to his master bedroom. After turning back the coverlet and tossing extra pillows on the corner chair, she set out a few new things she’d brought with her. Candles were placed on the large bureau. She knew once lighted, they’d reflect in the mirror. She also took a large bath towel and laid out all her toys, lubes and condoms on the bedside table, leaving them covered with the other half of the towel. Then she changed into her new lingerie. Dana laughed at herself while trying to tug the damn corset into place. Thankfully, it tied up the front, so after some maneuvering, she was encased in the white satin and lace. Her breasts were pushed up, all but spilling over the cups, and her slim waist narrowed further. After several attempts, she finally got the fit she was looking for along with being able to breathe. Then she pulled on the matching panties. She fluffed out her hair and darkened her makeup. Taking a few turns in front of the mirror, she was pleased with her overall look. It was so far removed from her everyday Dana look, she knew Clay would be surprised. She pulled on the silk kimono robe she’d brought as a cover-up and went downstairs to wait. She decided to forget the high-heeled shoes she’d brought, opting for bare feet in the kitchen. The wine was chilling along with a plate of cheese and crackers. Now she just had to wait for Clay to come home. She sighed with relief when he called a few minutes later and told her he was on his way. At first, she thought she’d be nervous, but the butterflies never came. Instead, she was anxious to get her hands on him, all over him. Clay looked exhausted when he came in, but his mood changed immediately when he took one look at her. “Give me five minutes for a quick shower,” he said, pausing beside her. “Unless you want to join me?” His smile told her it was a genuine invitation. His kiss was hot and tempting, pushing for more. She let her hand drop to his crotch and stroked his erection through the material as they reconnected. It was hard to pull away with his hand running up and down her body. “What do you have on under here?” he asked, feeling the corset stays.

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“A surprise. You go clean up, and I’ll pour the wine.” “Never argue with a lady who looks this amazing.” He gave her one last peck on the cheek and disappeared upstairs. When Dana heard the shower running, she decided to meet him upstairs with the wine. Dana was hungry for Clay, not for food. She let her hand drop to her pussy and stroked her clit a few times. It felt wonderful, but she knew Clay would make her feel better. With wine bottle and glasses in hand, she went upstairs to meet him. She was standing at the window with her back to him when he came into the bedroom. Turning, she held back the gasp that came to her lips. He was amazing. Nude except for a towel wrapped around his waist and a second he was using to dry his hair, she eyed him up and down. “You are a very sexy man,” she told him, and went to the bureau, where she’d put their filled wine glasses. She handed him one and paused to light the candles. Dana held her glass in one hand and let her other hand run along his naked chest, following the line of dark curling hairs that led down to his cock. “Are you hungry?” “For you, yes. Food can wait.” He tossed the towel he’d been drying his hair with to the floor and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “To our future, where ever it leads us.” Dana touched her glass to his and repeated his toast. After taking a sip, she put the glass aside and tugged off his towel. His cock sprung to full attention, and she instantly covered it with her hand, stroking him back and forth. Dropping to her knees, she licked the tip before taking the whole head between her lips, swirling her tongue around and around. Then she started to suck him down her throat. She felt him surge on her tongue and held back a smile. Having his body react to her attentions was what she’d longed for. Clay stood with his feet firmly planted a shoulder width apart and gave her complete control. She knew he had put his wine glass on the bureau and was watching her intently. She’d glance up to see his expressions, her mouth full with his cock. She could taste the droplets of pre-cum she was creating and sucked him deeper. When she

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reached one hand to play with his testicles, he dropped his hands on her shoulders. “Dana, you’ll make me come,” he whispered. “Isn’t that what’s supposed to happen?” she teased, her hand still toying with his balls, her other stroking his cock. When she spied a drop of cum, she licked it immediately. Suddenly it all came into focus. This was the man she wanted to act out her fantasies with. She felt no real embarrassment, only the need to push for every feeling she could get from him, and in return, everything she could make him feel. “I want to play with you a while first,” he told her and pushed the robe off her shoulders. Dana let it fall back, revealing the corset and how it highlighted her breasts. “Christ,” he said, looking down at her. “Come up here and let me see you.” He steadied her as she stood and slipped the belt open. The kimono slid the rest of the way to the floor, leaving her open to his view. “Don’t touch me, Dana, I’ll lose my load just looking at you.” She smiled and reached up to kiss his lips. From then on, she just let the evening develop on its own. She’d done her planning, and apparently Clay was impressed. “Turn around and let me see you,” he said, reaching for his wine glass. He leaned his hip on the bureau as she walked to the window and back. “What an ass,” he said and she smiled. “Turn around.” Dana turned and watched his face as she ran her hands up and down her waist. When she walked back to him, she leaned over and licked his cock a few more times. She took the glass from his hand and drank some before handing it back. He was looking at her intently, and she knew he’d seen the extra ribbon restraints tied in small bows at her waist. Dana had bought the corset as soon as she realized the satin ribbons at the waist and back could be used to tie her hands. Apparently, Clay had just figured that out too. “How far, Dana?” he mumbled, pulling at the ties.

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“As far as you want, as long as you remember this is private between us and only on occasion.” “I get the feeling you’ll let me know when you’re in the mood for more than an evening of standard lovemaking.” He dipped his head down and licked at the tops of her breasts. Her nipples were already hard when he sucked them through the cloth. Then he reached up and pulled them from the cups, leaving them exposed for his sight and touch. Dana felt a ripple of heat rush through her and knew her pussy was getting wet. He’d know the second he touched her that she was already creamy and ready. With his lips to her breast, she let her head drop back and closed her eyes, enjoying the sensations he created. When he pulled away, he gave her a sly smile. “Do you want your hands tied?” “If it will excite you,” she said, hoping she didn’t sound too desperate. “The ties work at the sides or from behind.” Dana took a deep breath and turned her back to him, letting him decide. She waited while he used the ribbons to bind her hands at her waist instead of behind her. Then he walked around her several times, admiring her. She knew her body heated with embarrassment and lust. This was one of her ultimate fantasies, to give herself to Clay completely. It felt right to be here with him, right to allow him to join her fantasies. From behind, his hands palmed her buttocks and reached around to cup her breast. He’d roll her nipple between his fingers while pinching her butt. Dana sighed and let her weight drop back against his chest. “Clay, I need you to fuck me,” she managed to tell him. “I will, Dana. When I’m ready.” His tone was different, decisive. “I’m in control,” he reminded her. “Turn and face me.” She did as he asked even though her face was still hot with embarrassment from what she was asking for. He ran his index finger along her pussy lips several times while sucking on her nipple. Dana could feel the pull of his teeth against her and his finger rubbing her clit. She’d found her little piece of heaven.

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Then he used his finger along her lips and pushed the material between them. “You’re hot to my touch, Dana. You’re already wet. What got you all hot and bothered?” “Sucking your cock,” she said without hesitation. “You binding my hands and having your way with me makes me excited. I trust you, Clay. But I need you to fuck me.” She shimmied against his finger, and he lightly bit her nipple. “When I’m ready,” he told her again. “I like you being bound. It gives me time to play with you as I want.” “Then at least put your finger in me,” she pleaded. Clay laughed lightly and left her standing at the foot of the bed. She watched him unfold the towel and appraise the items she’d put out. “My call,” he asked again, picking up one of the dildos. “Yes, damn you, just put it in my pussy.” “Patience, Dana.” He brought the toy to her, and she immediately opened her mouth to accept it, sucking it as if it was his cock. Clay had one hand on the toy while his other skimmed her body. She was having trouble standing still. When he dropped his hand and pinched her buttocks, she melted inside. Dana felt him slide the material between her cheeks, leaving him complete access to her ass. She’d been hoping he’d be an ass man. But he took his hand away and slid his finger along her pussy lips, pushing the material against them, her own heat making the material stick between her lips. “What a sight,” he whispered, before taking the toy from her mouth and dropping to his knees before her. “I wanted to play with you a bit longer, but I’ll be nice tonight.” Dana watched as he put the dildo between his lips and tugged her damp panties down her legs. He lifted each leg and tossed the panties aside. Pulling the toy from his mouth, his lips were instantly at her clit and taking long licks along her pussy. Dana groaned when he swirled his tongue in just the right way. Finally, as if he could read her mind, he slid a finger inside her.

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“Damn you are hot and wet, ready,” he mumbled as he pulled his finger out and gently pushed the toy in her pussy. Dana groaned with delight. “Thank you.” Clay stood and went back to sucking her breasts and nipples, one hand pinching her naked ass and the other shifting the toy inside her. “Dana, do you have any idea how amazing you are, how you look? My cock is drooling just playing with you.” “Then fuck me and come. We can always go back for seconds later.” Dana reveled in every touch and stroke Clay made to her body. Whether with his lips or his hands, he made her feel alive and sensual. He made her feel feminine. “How far, Dana?” “As far as it takes to get you off.” She didn’t panic when he left her standing there, the toy in her pussy and her breasts exposed from the corset. She watched him as he circled around her several times before going back to the toys she’d laid out and choosing a small one. “If you want to stop…” “I want you to start!” Clay grasped her around the waist and lifted her off her feet, taking her to lie across his lap as he sat at the foot of the bed. She was squirming over him, trying to get his cock in the center of her pussy to rub against. She didn’t panic when his hand came down on her buttocks, rather she found herself pushing upward to meet his hand. Over and over he spanked her butt. She felt the tingling and knew his hand would feel it, too. Wondering, she tried to glance back and see what shade of red it was, but she couldn’t see. What she did see was him take the small toy from beside him and lick it. “Do it, Clay, put the toy in my ass, stretch me so you can fuck me.” “Are you sure?” He sounded unsure to her ear.

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“Yes, I’m sure. Do you think I would have fought you all this time to hold back my secret fetish if I was unsure it was what I wanted? Your cock is hard at my belly. I can feel you surge against my skin every time your hand contacts with my skin. Every tap moves the toy in my pussy, making me even hotter, needier.” “God Dana, when you said you were unconventional I never would have guessed this was what you needed.” “Now you know, so give me what I want.” “Oh, so temperamental!” He swatted her butt a few times before using his hand to spread her legs wider. He slipped the toy between her lips and she sucked it greedily. She felt his cock twitch, and he pulled the slick toy from her mouth. He no longer hesitated. He pushed the toy in her anus, and Dana finally came. Her whole body shuddered over his. After only a few seconds, he started to fuck her ass with the toy, pushing and pulling it from her body while his other hand continued to spank her butt. “Dana, I’m gonna come,” he told her, and he let her body slide down to the floor between his legs. It was a bit awkward with her hands still tied and a toy in each hole, but she didn’t care. Finally settled on the floor before him, she licked his cockhead over and over until he groaned and grabbed his own erection. “Where?” she managed to ask in between taking him down her throat. “Where do you want to come, on me or in me?” Dana let his cock slide from her lips and set her weight back on her heels, staring up at him. He was amazing to her. So dark and determined. She smiled and rose up on her knees, pushing her chest against his hand. Clay stroked himself only twice more before shooting his load on her tits. She loved the feel of his cum on her skin, warm and creamy. She glanced down and saw the white fluid dripping from her breasts. Clay didn’t wait, he grabbed her around the waist and stood her between his legs. Immediately, he began to lick and suck his load from her breasts. Her nipples were hard, and she

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wanted him to bite her harder but figured that could wait a bit longer. As Clay licked her clean, she could feel his cock getting hard again. “Lick me clean, then turn me over and fuck my ass.” There was no hesitation in her voice. “That’s what will make me come.” Clay glanced up at her and smiled. He pushed her a step away from him and stood before her. He left her for only a moment to grab a condom from the table. Back beside her, he turned her and leaned her over the bureau, spreading her legs wide. She watched in the mirror before her as he tore the package open and covered his erection. She wanted his cock inside her, but he again teased her with the toys. She knew she was wiggling her ass at him and didn’t care he knew what she needed to come. Finally, he pulled the toy from her pussy and in one smooth move pushed his full length inside her. Dana came just from that one motion, her body shuddering while she watched the pin-point lights the move created within her. He grasped her by the hips and held her tight while he fucked her pussy, pushing in and pulling out over and over until she finally couldn’t hold back the words. “Clay, rub my clit, and I’ll come.” “I thought I was in charge?” “Then fuck my ass and make me come.” They stared at each other in the mirror for only a moment before he gave her a sly smile. Pulling from her pussy, he paused and took her toy, replacing it inside her. Then he used his hand to twist the toy in her ass, not pushing in or out, turning it in circles, first left than right until she was writhing under him. “Clay—”

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Chapter Eighteen Her calling his name made him stop, and he finally pulled the toy from her ass. Instantly, he was pushing his cock in her, past her resistance, and finally became firmly imbedded in her anus. “Christ, Dana, with the other toy in your pussy, you’re too full.” “I’ll decide when I’m too full,” she told him and pushed back against his cock. “Go on, you know you want to, spank my ass and fuck it. That will make us both come.” Clay seemed to have given up the idea of controlling their fucking. She felt his left hand come down and spank her ass cheek. Then his right. After only a few more taps, she felt him surge inside her. “Clay you’re getting harder inside me, bigger…” “Dana, I can’t hold back.” Clay spanked her only a few more times before reaching around in front of her and rubbing her clit. At the same time, he pulled his cock from her anus, tore off the condom and shot his load over her red buttocks. He let his body drop over hers for only a few seconds before he took her toy and rubbed it in his cum. Then he pushed it back in her ass and dropped behind her. He used a hand on each toy to maneuver them inside her while he licked his cum from her hot cheeks. She still didn’t know how red they were, but she felt the heat tingling with every lash of his tongue. Just the idea that she asked him to do this to her was enough to push her over the edge into another orgasm. Watching them in the mirror, she saw herself with her hair mussed and her breasts exposed. Her nipples were pebble hard. She could see him behind her, felt his licking and touching. The idea that this night had actually happened made her

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come again. Finally, she relaxed over the bureau and let it support her weight. Clay stood behind her and stretched to his full height. He watched her in the mirror for several seconds before turning her around and kissing her, sharing his cum with her. Eventually, he untied her wrists. She automatically rubbed the spot where the ribbon had bound her as he grabbed her at the waist and all but tossed her onto the center of the bed. He followed down over her and kissed her again, this time using his knee to nudge the toy in her pussy. In turn, it moved the one in her ass. With Clay sucking her nipples and nudging the toys, Dana came again. She was exhausted and spent. Clay seemed of the same mind and slid the toy from her ass, tossing it aside. He scrambled between her legs and sucked her clit while thrusting her pussy toy a few last times before taking it from her body. He tossed it aside, too, and dropped beside her. “Damn, Dana, I had no idea.” Glancing at him, Dana saw that he was breathless and coated in a layer of sweat. She knew she was coated in layers of his cum. She’d never felt better or sexier. She rolled onto her side and used her hand to prop her head. “Are we still okay or is this too much to ask of you?” Suddenly Dana felt self-conscious, and she scrambled from the bed. “Come back here. I’m not done with you yet.” Dana had never heard the tone of voice he used, and she paused to look at him. “I’m coming back,” she said, holding back a smile. “I just wanted to get our wine.” She refilled their glasses and brought them back to the bed, handing him one while she slid across the mattress on her belly to meet him. “And to let me see how red your perfect ass looks?” “That, too,” she said with a laugh. “I suppose you’ll want food before I get seconds.” “Kid, you got seconds, thirds and fourths.” He sipped from his wine. “But if you want more you’ll have to feed me.”

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“If I must,” she teased. “Shower first or food first?” “Quick shower, food, and then we’ll see where the night takes us.” They relaxed for a few minutes, sipping their wine. Clay reached over and picked up the toy that he’d used in her pussy, staring at it. “I don’t remember this one from the carton you sent.” “It wasn’t. I don’t know where you put those, I brought these with me.” “Dana, we’re gonna have to get a closet with a lock on it so nobody stumbles into our collection.” “As far as I’m concerned, nobody but you and I should be in our bedroom drawers or closet. But, as a concession, when we have kids, I’ll get a lock for the bureau drawers.” “Deal, now quick shower and food, then I want you back here, naked.” “What are you thinking of doing to me?” She feigned mock horror at the idea, laughing when she couldn’t hold back. “Feed me and I’ll think of something.” “If you don’t, I will.” Dana winked at him and drew her body from the bed, reaching a hand to him. “Come on, after supper you can show me where you hid the box of toys I sent you. There are some latex cock rings in there I want to try on you.” “Is this how it’s always going to be?” “Probably not. I imagine some nights we’ll just fuck like any other couple. But other nights, you better be prepared, buddy.” Dana sauntered from the room, knowing her red ass cheeks were the last thing he saw before joining her under the shower spray. **** Clay was sated like never before. He’d wondered what Dana considered unconventional. Now he knew, and he was thrilled. She’d sent him upstairs after their meal to relax while she finished up in the kitchen. When she came into the room, she wore only the silk kimono

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belted loosely at her waist. His cock was hard again, had been during their shower when she fisted him with soapy hands, and stayed that way all through their meal as her robe continued to give him glimpses of her perfect breasts. He was laying on the bed, on his back, his hand toying with his cock when she came in. “Where’s the box of toys I sent you?” “In the bottom right of my closet.” He watched her retrieve the carton and place it on the chair under the front window. It became obvious she was searching for something, and finally she turned to him with a huge smile. It was what she had hidden in her hands that he was suddenly anxious about. “What do you have in mind?” “You should relax and let me just do you,” she said as she sauntered to the foot of the bed. She unbelted her robe and let it fall to the floor, and then slid between his legs. Clay no longer cared what she had in mind, only that her mind was working in the same direction as his. She swallowed his cock and toyed with his balls, each stroke and lick making him harder. He let his eyes slip closed and just felt her movements. He startled when he felt her rolling something over his length, glancing down to see it was one of the latex cock rings. When she had it snugly at his base, she went back to sucking and playing with him. “You okay with this?” she asked between licks. “So far,” he managed. “Good, relax and just let me do you.” Her lips immediately sucked his cockhead, and her hands went back to his balls. He didn’t know how long she toyed with him, only that it felt wonderful. Then he felt her lifting his balls, felt her shift on the bed and start to lick his anus. She pushed his legs toward his shoulders until they bent at the knee, leaving him spread wide to her. Then she began licking him again, this time using her fingers to tease his opening. Clay wasn’t sure what she had in mind, but he understood at some point, he was going to be

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penetrated. His cock stirred fuller and Dana pulled back, laughing at him. “Your cock has a mind of its own.” She scooted up to straddle his chest and fed him her breast, holding it to his lips while he nipped and sucked her skin. Eventually, she slid back between his legs and began her oral onslaught again. He’d never used rings like this, but understood he’d have lost his load long ago if he wasn’t being restricted by the damn thing. He wanted to come, and he wanted it to last all night. Dana continued to suck him, using her tongue in his anus as a mini cock until he felt her finger push all the way inside him. His body reared up at the move, and she steadied him with her weight. Swallowing his cock over and over, she continued to use her throat muscles to tease him. She’d lap up and droplets of cum that escaped and go back to her play, continuing to use her finger as a small cock inside him. Clay closed his eyes and let her have him, opening them only when she pulled from his body. When he glanced at her, she was sucking on a dildo. His first emotion was panic, then embarrassment. Then absolute surrender. “Do it, Dana, that’s what you want isn’t it, to fuck me and suck me at the same time?” “For a while,” she mumbled teasing his anus with the toy until she finally pushed it inside him. He groaned at the new feeling as she wrapped her lips around his cockhead. He thought he’d feel violated, but instead he felt his whole body tingling with the new sensations the toy created inside him. For a fleeting second he wondered if letting her do this would diminish his masculinity in her eyes. Watching her he realized their bond was being strengthened. By trusting Dana, she was becoming more aroused and in turn, he was too. “You’re cum is oozing even with the ring.” “Isn’t that what you wanted?” “I want something else too,” she told him and left him lying on the bed, his cock rock hard and a dildo up his ass. When she returned,

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she had two lengths of satin rope from the box. She straddled his chest and stared directly at him. ‘I want this too, are you still okay?” “Just do it,” he told her and watched wide-eyed as she took each of his wrists and pulled them over his head, anchoring them to the headboard. Sitting back, he watched a smile form on her lips, one he hadn’t seen before. It said she was in charge, and she liked the feeling. Clay assumed she’d go back to his cock, but instead after a few long soul wrenching kisses, she turned around and dropped her pussy over his lips. Leaning over his belly, she captured his cock and began to suck him. Occasionally she’d tap the dildo in his ass, sending chills through him. “You just surged harder between my lips,” she teased. He was in no position to talk back, licking her pussy juices and sucking on her clit as she moved over him. Time stood still, he didn’t care how long they were there, only that she allowed him into this private part of her life. Hell, he decided, using his tongue as a cock to fuck her pussy, if this was what she considered unconventional, he’d be as unconventional as she wanted and needed. Suddenly, she moved from his face, scooting down, and with her back still to him dropped her weight onto his cock, her pussy clasping him as her hand might. “Oh, Dana,” he managed, twisting the cording that had his hands tied to the bed. “What a view,” he added, watching as her body moved up and down over him, her ass cheeks still red from his hand earlier in the evening. “Is my butt still red?” “Not as red as it could be. Untie my hands and I’ll fix that.” “I like your hands tied, I like being in complete control of you and your orgasm.” “Kid, you’ve been in control of me one way or another since that day in the closet at Jeff’s wedding. One taste of your pussy was all it took to wrap me around your finger.”

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“Would you rather my fingers instead of the dildo?” She glanced over her shoulder and smiled sweetly at him. “I want to fuck you.” “I know, but I love how it feels to be impaled on your cock. How my body reacts to yours, how you react to me.” “What’s gonna get you off, Dana? Tell me.” “Just being able to be me, as we are, without fear of repercussions, gets me hot. Being in control of you gets me hot. And fucking your ass while I fuck myself on you is the ultimate.” With that, she lifted from him and leaned forward to lick her pussy juices from him. “I know we said we’d use condoms until the wedding, but I’m on the pill and just this once I wanted to feel you skin-to-skin.” “I don’t know how much longer I can hold back, even with the damn cock ring. You’re gonna have to let me come soon.” “We’re getting there,” she told him and continued to lap at him, using one hand to twist his balls and the other to tap the edge of the toy inside him. “Dana,” he whispered, knowing she’d gone too far, knowing his body would react regardless of the ring. “Oh all right,” she teased and finally turned to face him. When he thought she’d drop her pussy over him, she did, but only for a few strokes. Then she lifted her body and pushed down, sending his cock deep inside her anus. She stilled over him, shifting until he was in the right spot, and then looked at him. Facing him, she began to shift her weight, moving him inside her as her hands pinched her nipples. Clay couldn’t keep his eyes off her. She was an amazing sight. He could feel her body tensing and what she did next pushed him over the edge. Dana continued to pinch one of her nipples and dropped her other hand to her clit, rubbing herself in small circles. He didn’t hold back his groan as his hips started to buck upward. Then she shifted her weight back and let her finger slip in her pussy. When she added a second finger, Clay came deep inside her. He could still feel her fingers in her pussy, thrusting deeper. He

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felt her other hand at the base of his cock. She tucked her finger under the ring, releasing the pressure around his cock. Clay came a second time, his release just as powerful as the first one just moments before. Dana continued to use him as a toy in her ass, but his cum had lubricated her so much it felt completely different. Finally, she dropped her chest to his and relaxed. His cock slipped from her body and his cum started to drip onto his thighs. She scooted up to his chest and seductively leaned over him, her breast near his lips. He went to lick her, but she reached to untie the silk cords from his wrists. When he was free, he grasped her tightly to him as she nuzzled against him. “So, are you sorry you said you could deal with unconventional?” “With you, kid, never. Exhausted, yes, but not sorry.” “Good, because this is just the beginning of what I’ve been thinking about us doing together.” “God help us both, Dana because I want it all.” “So do I, Clay, but more important, I believe we deserve each other in all ways. I’m just thankful you don’t mind my way of thinking.” “I know this isn’t sexy right now, but was there a plate of oatmeal cookies on the counter downstairs?” She leaned upward and pushed the hair from her face. “Yes there is. I suppose that’s your way of telling me you’ve had enough.” “For a while. Feed me and we’ll see what else we can find to do with all your toys.” “Is it always going to be like this, a little sex and then I’ll have to feed you?” “Probably,” he admitted and relaxed his hold on her as she moved off him. Clay lay where he was, stretching each muscle in turn until he could move. With each stretch, the damn toy up his butt would shift. His cock started to stir, and he knew his life would never be ordinary or staid again.

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Chapter Nineteen Dana leaned on the upstairs railing, watching the party below her. The renovation had been a success. Her dreams of renewing the Britton Mansion as a museum and town center were fulfilled. She breathed deeply, feeling the history of her family around her. “You’ve done a good job, Dana. Your grandfather would be happy. So would your parents.” Mary came from the shadows. Her walk was a bit slower, her hair a tad grayer, but her mind had kept its edge. Using Jeff Senior’s cane, the polished silver knob held tightly in her hand, Mary joined her at the railing. “Thank you, Aunt Mary. Are you happy? After all, it was your childhood home.” “I’m very pleased, child.” Dana slipped an arm around Mary’s shoulders, holding her lightly. “That’s a handsome family you have waiting down there for you.” Glancing to her Aunt, Dana shook her head, a smile forming on her lips. “I know, but it wasn’t always easy. I got very lucky with Clay. He’s an amazing man.” “I think you’re both amazing people, well matched to each other. Even if your preferences are a bit…unorthodox.” “I’m not sure what you mean.” “Of course you don’t. Just remember to keep some things private. The whole world doesn’t need to know how you to satisfy each other.” Mary winked at Dana. “I was young once, Leo and I had our moments of unconventional mating.” “Any you’d like to share with me?” Dana was enjoying teasing her aunt, especially when she saw her cheeks blush red.

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“No, use your own imagination.” Mary held her frown for a few seconds before starting to laugh and deliberately changing the subject. “Seems things always come in waves with you. Last time we stood here, the old place was falling down around us, and Clay had just given you an engagement ring.” Mary paused and cleared her throat. “Don’t think I don’t know what I interrupted that day.” Dana laughed out loud, hugging her tighter. “Well, almost. We never did talk about your timing.” “Now the museum is ready. Your home is completed. That little girl of yours down there takes after her mother, you know, all questions and constant movement. She’ll keep you busy for the next twenty years. And now with this project complete, what will you do to keep you busy, a new baby perhaps? It would make Clay happy.” “I agree. It’s been a wonderful five years. I’ve been very lucky. As to a second baby, time will tell.” “You’ve worked very hard for the life you’ve built. Don’t ever let outsiders ruin it for you.” They stood together for a few minutes, watching the people come and go through the open house. Linda and Jay Harris walked from the living room with Charlie. Dana didn’t miss the longing in her eyes as she looked toward Clay. Beside her, Jay slipped his arm around her shoulder, bringing her back into their conversation. “I’ve heard Jay just adores her. So much he hardly lets her out of his sight,” Mary said. Dana laughed lightly. “It’s a shame they reproduced. The poor child will never stand a chance with her as his mother.” “I saw her approach you earlier, what did the broad-hipped bitch want?” “Just offering her congratulations, however begrudgingly. I wouldn’t want to be Jay tonight when they get home. Something tells me she’s not going to be in a good mood.” “From what I hear, she never is. Just what she deserves for all the trouble she tried to stir up.”

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“It didn’t work, though, did it? If anything, her meddling brought Clay and I closer. We learned to talk openly and honestly right from the start. Her actions taught us to question what wasn’t in character. We’ve both grown from that. Sometimes I wonder if we don’t know too much about each other, but then he looks at me and I still get chills inside.” Dana shook herself from the emotional moment. Linda had started rumors, but none bothered Dana or Clay. They would talk over the gossip openly, laughing at the senselessness of it all. They even went so far as to repeat the rumors to key people, reinforcing the foolishness and nasty edge to the stories. Together, they had become stronger than Dana ever could have imagined. So much energy wasted, she thought. But their long talks had become ritual at the end of each day. Defeating Linda’s ploy, Dana had gained a strength she didn’t know she could ever possess. It came from fighting for your loved ones, she knew, from protecting her own. And she would continue to protect them, for the rest of her days. No one but Clay knew she had been keeping journals and diary tapes of the incidents that had occurred. All safely tucked away, insurance against the unknown. In the beginning Dana wasn’t sure she could live with the knowledge that at any moment something might happen to mar their happiness. She had come to realized it could happen at any moment, from any direction. Waiting for her life to settle didn’t suit Dana, so instead she chose to embrace it, wading through the day-to-day life she had begun to cherish. Having Clay beside her was the only thing that had mattered. Elizabeth had come along, bringing so much laughter and joy into their lives. It was hard to remember a time before she was born. Now she was ready to give him a second child. Already she loved it in the abstract, would protect it at all costs. As the thought crossed her mind, she was thankful she didn’t cringe at the word “precious” anymore. It had been Walker’s pet name for her and used to bring up bad memories. Now it was just a descriptive word for her child. Clay had shown her what love truly

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was supposed to be, beyond the mechanics that never truly satisfied her before him. He had a way of accepting her unconventional needs, thriving on them with her. In their time together some of his latent wished had surfaced, ones she was glad to fulfill with him. “Dana?” “Sorry, I was watching my family,” she said in a whisper. “Maybe I should go down and thank Linda for that.” Mary let out a hearty laugh at the thought of thanking Linda. Instead, Mary got serious. “You still have the tape, don’t you?” “Locked away in a safety deposit box. And that’s where I hope it will stay.” “As it should. Just remember, child, if you have to use it, don’t hesitate. Hopefully you’ll never have to.” “I’ll leave it as a legacy for Elizabeth. She’s already picking out printed letters and words. Maybe she’ll be a writer one day, and she can do our family history.” “Whatever she does, if she’s half as talented as her mother, she’ll have a good life. It’s time I joined Leo. Lisa will want to get us home and settled so she can have a rest.” “We’ll see you for lunch tomorrow. I suppose I have to head back downstairs.” Dana said with a sigh, wishing she could take Clay up to the attic for a few minutes. “I’m taking the elevator down.” With that, Mary disappeared into the shadows once more. She called back to Dana just before the elevator doors closed. “Dana, stay out of the attic tonight. You have guests.” She laughed openly as she started back down to the party, not surprised Mary could read her thoughts. She’d stay out of the attic until the guests were gone. ****

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Clay watched as Dana slowly descended the wide staircase, her hand barely dancing along the banister. She wore an ivory-colored gown, formfitting and feminine yet not revealing. The lace top just hinted at the roundness of her breasts. It was an antique she’d found carefully packed in a trunk in the attic and had restored. After the party, it would go on display in the museum. Wearing it tonight brought her closer to her ancestors and the house. The skirt swirled as she moved. She’d added a chiffon scarf the same color and wrapped it around her neck. His breath caught in his throat as he watched her. She was smiling as usual. Jeff moved beside him, watching, too. “She looks like our mom,” he told Clay. “She’s beautiful, but she’s all Dana.” The two friends shared a laugh together, having shared the ups and downs of the last thirty years together. Scanning the room, Lisa was talking to Uncle Leo, Adam’s hand in Leo’s. Lisa’s rounded belly announced to the world that their second child was only weeks from coming into the world. Clay watched as Lisa caught Jeff’s eye, giving him a seductive smile. He nodded back. Clay knew he wasn’t the only one who would get lucky tonight. Clay shifted Elizabeth from one hip to the other. Her one-year-old curls were the same color as Dana’s, as well as her chocolate eyes. “Mommy.” “That’s right. Mommy,” Clay told her. “She’s beautiful.” “Boot-u-ful,” she mimicked. Clay accepted her wet kiss as her arms went around his neck. Jeff reached over to Elizabeth, taking her from Clay. “Hey, peanut, want to come and visit Adam with me?” She clapped her hands and went willingly with her uncle. Clay watched them walk away before turning back to Dana. He met her at the bottom of the stairs, taking her hand in his, pulling her into the large foyer, his arms wrapped protectively around her. They danced to the background music as people milled around.

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“I’m supposed to be hosting the opening,” she reminded him, her arms locked around his neck. “Then you shouldn’t have worn that dress. It’s almost bridal, you know.” His sexy laugh caught her attention as he fingered the scarf. “Why, Mr. Hollister, to think you have a wife and child. Such thoughts!” He kissed away her words, dancing her into the atrium where it was quieter. Locked in his arms, she whispered, “Tell me more.” “Tonight, Elizabeth is going home with Jeff and Lisa. You and I are going to have a quiet evening alone.” “I like it so far. Go on,” she prompted. “I’ll let you think about that for a while,” he told her, dancing her into a darkened corner of the room. He remembered her on their wedding day, just twelve weeks after he had put the diamond ring on her finger. In the small stone family chapel, Jeff had walked her down the aisle. Dana had worn her mother’s gown, the ivory color setting off her coloring. Its long, straight lines were perfect, the minimal adornment totally Dana. Her hair was pulled back, several strings of pearls intertwined in it. Fresh flowers were tucked amongst the curls. With only immediate family present for the ceremony, it had been an intimate time for them before joining their guests for a celebration. Clay had been overwhelmed at the sight of her that day. She walked tall and proud toward him on Jeff’s arm. She had spoken her vows as strongly as he had, meaning the words they were repeating. When Reverend Frost pronounced them married, Dana had tossed her arms around his neck, and Clay lifted her by the waist, turning her in small circles until he held her in front of him, their lips meeting for the first time as man and wife. If he had been breathless then, tonight he felt even more so. He had come to love her more each day. He was amazed how she managed to put together the wedding, get the mansion project started, and organize the renovation of their home. She truly was a miracle

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worker, he knew. With all that going on, she’d updated his family home to make it more comfortable for them to live in while the rest of the renovations were being handled. They’d had amazing times in that old house. Some that made him blush to remember. When Elizabeth had been born, Dana insisted she be named after Clay’s mother. She reasoned since she wore her ring, it was right. Clay had been thrilled. Now, a year later, the museum mansion was complete. Tonight they had thrown a party for the whole town, to thank them for their support and to see the end result. In that amount of time, Dana had managed to have the river house completed, and they were living there quite comfortably for almost a year now. Dana being pregnant had weighed heavily on the builder’s conscience, and he managed to get the project done just before she gave birth. Their goal was to bring Elizabeth home from the hospital to that house. The builder had been inspired, he had told Clay once. The way Dana would talk to him about the project, he’d realized it was a home she was building, not just a house. Clay figured it didn’t hurt that the man had a small crush on Dana. While she never acknowledged his longing looks, he knew their builder had fallen in love with her. Since his feelings were never returned, he’d gone on to marry a friend Dana introduced him to and seemed truly happy. Clay was just thankful their home was finished when Elizabeth was born. “What are you thinking about? You seem miles away.” “I was thinking how beautiful you looked the day we got married. But tonight as you came down the stairs, I realized you’re more beautiful today. God, Dana, how did I get so lucky?” “Clay, we earned each other. We work hard to keep each other happy.” “That you do, Mrs. Hollister. You work very hard to keep me happy.” He caught a hint of fire in her eyes, pulling back to study her. “What were you and Mary talking about?” “She was warning me to keep you out of the attic tonight.”

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“I was picturing a soft bed with a cozy fire, but the attic might be a start.” They both laughed, knowing they just might start there tonight. With Dana, Clay never knew. He did know that he was crazy in love with her. That was all that mattered, and the fact that she felt the same way about him. “What?” Clay asked. “I suppose I have to let you go be a hostess?” His lips brushed along her chin. He felt her breath quicken. “Well, there’s just one thing.” Clay raised one eyebrow at her. “Dana, you promised Gavin and Harry were staying in the guest house.” “They are.” Again he searched her face, trying to put together the pieces. “Still don’t get it?” She pulled back, laughing at the look on his face. “All I’m going to say is the attic was lucky for us with Elizabeth. I think it’s time to think about a little brother or sister for her.” Clay’s mouth formed a slow smile as his hands went to her waist, picking her up, spinning her in circles until he slowly slid her down along his chest. Eye to eye, they continued their dance. “I’m thrilled, Dana. Do you really want another child? I was afraid with everything you’ve got going another baby right now might be overwhelming.” “Let’s let Jeff and Lisa’s new baby have the spotlight. Besides, just because we want to start trying doesn’t mean a night in the attic will make it a reality.” “We’ll just have to keep practicing until we get it right.” “I just want you to know you’ve made me very happy in all ways. You always have.” “Thank you, Clay.” Dana tightened her hold on him. “And before you even start to let your mind wander, I’ve hired Mavis to run the mansion. I figured it would give me more time at home with our family. Flexible hours to go home and have lunch with my handsome husband, or for him to join me in the attic.” Her one eyebrow raised, she had that fire in her eyes again.

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“If I recall, we never did get around to food that day.” “No, but we made Elizabeth, and she’s better than any lunch could be.” Dana smiled at the memory, and Clay held her tight as he thought back. “Remember the last time we were up in the attic going through the old trunks?” His smile told her he remembered in vivid detail. “We’ve been lucky in that old attic.” Clay hugged her tighter. “Dana. You’ve made me very happy, sweetheart.” “And you’ve made me very happy, love.” Clay kissed his wife the way he wanted to, full-out, not caring who might see them. **** Dana was anxious to get rid of her partygoers and lock up the mansion. While she didn’t shoo people out, she made it clear the party was over and it was time to go home. After what seemed like hours, they were finally alone. Clay was making one last check of the building to make sure all the windows and doors were locked. She’d gone to the attic, laid out their makeshift bed of blankets and sleeping bags, and put the cold bottle of wine and two glasses within reach. She also laid out a few things she’d brought with her. When Clay finally made it up stairs to her, he found her standing in the middle of the room, naked except for the scarf around her neck. She turned and reached for his hand. “Any specific wants?” she asked. He surveyed the scene she’d set and noted the toys laid within reach. “I think I have too much clothing on.” He stripped without hesitation while she poured their wine. She held both glasses until he was naked. When she reached one to him, he smiled and took the scarf from her neck instead. “Take a sip,” he told her, and she did, putting one of the glasses aside. Clay took the second, drank from it, and put it beside hers. He

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was running the scarf material through his fingers when he asked, “Who’s in charge tonight?” “You are, of course,” she told him, her smile an invitation to continue. “Turn around,” he told her, and she did, automatically putting her hands behind her back. Clay used the scarf to tie her wrists. “Now,” he said, and watched as she turned to face him. Dana dropped to her knees before him and immediately took his cock to her lips. She didn’t know how long she sucked him, only that he was long and hard, hot against her tongue. “Dana, if you keep that up, I’ll come.” “What do you want instead?” She watched him take a step to the side, appraise the assortment of toys, and pick up the smallest of the toys she’d brought. When he dropped his hand before her she immediately began to suck it as if it were his cock. “Lay back,” he directed her. She slid to the floor and lay back. Clay came over her and propped a pillow under her so she’d be comfortable. His hand dropped to her pussy and stroked along her lips. “You’re hot and wet.” “I’ve been waiting all day for you.” “Wait a bit longer,” he told her, and easily pushed the toy in her pussy. She groaned and shifted to accept it. When he picked up a second toy she immediately took it between her lips, his hand controlling how much of it she swallowed and licked. “I want you to suck me a bit more, but first—” he said, taking the second toy and dropping between her legs. He took the smaller toy from her pussy and licked it before putting it aside. Then he pushed the larger toy inside her. His lips followed, locking around her clit, sucking while he maneuvered the toy in and out of her. Her groans matched her hip movements, jutting to take the dildo deeper. “Leave the toy and let me suck you,” she said, her voice a groan. “In a minute,” he said, grasping her hips and lifting her higher. He licked her clit to anus, the toy shifting with each of his movements.

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Clay grabbed the smaller toy and brought it to her lips. She sucked it greedily until he took it away and pushed it in her anus. He watched as her body accepted the dildo. Finally he moved, kneeling beside her head. She arched forward until his cock was between her lips. “Damn, Dana, you are one amazing sight.” He leaned to grasp her breast, his fingers twisting her nipple. Each time he pinched, she’d use her teeth against his cock, letting them scrape along his skin. “Dana, I’m gonna come soon. Where?” “Not yet,” she told him. “Fuck me with the toys before you fuck me.” Clay reached over her, his cock still locked between her lips, and was able to reach the dildo in her pussy. By simply touching the end, it moved inside her and against the one in her anus. She groaned and swallowed his cock deeper. Clay knew she was close to coming and he was beyond holding back. “Dana,” he said, pulling his cock from her lips. “I want to fuck you. Where do you want me to come?” “In my pussy,” she told him, adding, “Forget the condom, Clay, let’s see if we get lucky this time again.” He laughed at her smile and moved between her legs. She groaned when he pulled the toy from her body and dropped to lick her pussy lips a few times before kneeling back. He grabbed her hips and pulled her legs high on his thighs, his cock just at her entrance. He left the toy in her anus and thrust his erection in her pussy, taking her to the hilt in one smooth, wet motion. “Damn, you’re tight without a toy in your ass, but tonight it’s like you’re a fucking virgin.” “Fuck me, Clay. Fuck me until you come inside me. Fuck me until I can’t come anymore.” “Your wish,” he whispered as he began the rhythmic push and pull of the act. In a moment of clarity, he pushed as deep as he could and used his hand to move the dildo in her ass. It was too much. Dana’s pussy muscles grabbed his cock and started to milk his cum.

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He let himself relax and enjoy the sensations. His breath was uneven when he pulled out, lying between her legs. He grabbed a clean dildo and pushed it in her pussy, sucking on her clit, making her come a second time. “That was amazing,” he finally said, resting with his head on her thigh. “I agree. It was amazing. What do you have planned for an encore?” “Air first, and then wine, then we’ll figure out what’s next.” “Always thinking so practical,” she teased. Clay helped her to lean forward to sip the wine before he finished what was in the glass. “Your toys are still in you,” he said, lifting to sit on the old trunk beside them. Clay grabbed her by the waist and dropped her over his lap. With her hands still tied behind her and a toy protruding from her pussy and anus, he was hard again without thinking about it. His hand came down and spanked her ass. The tingling made his cock harder. She squirmed over his legs. He knew she was trying to get her clit against his thigh. With each tap of his hand, she’d rub against him. “Dana, your ass is turning pink. How far?” “Make me come, Clay, spank me until I come.” “You want to come again, greedy girl,” he said, pausing to push her toys in and out. “My cum is dripping down from your pussy when I pull out your toy.” “I know, and it’s getting you all hot and bothered. Your cock is hard, and I can feel drops of pre-cum on my belly.” Clay grabbed her by the waist and stood her before him. He grasped her breast and started to suck her nipple while his other hand pinched her red ass cheeks. When he switched to her other nipple, he’d shift her toys inside her. “Dana, you are a sight. Your hair is mussed, your lips full, and your nipples are tight as pebbles.” “Don’t forget that my ass is red from your hand and your cum is dripping down my thighs.”

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Clay gently pushed her to her knees between his legs. She immediately opened her mouth to accept him, but he took his cock in hand and after only a few pumps, came on her breasts. He pulled her up to his mouth and started to lick his cum from her tits, holding her ass cheeks, pinching them while he licked her clean. Occasionally he’d let his fingers jostle one of the toys inside her, and she’d groan or moan. When her thighs began to quake, he finally laid her back on the blankets. Following down over her, he kissed her, sharing both their essences with her. Finally, he untied her wrists, but he continued to palm her butt. “That was amazing,” she told him. “I agree. I love fucking you without the condom.” “We only need one little swimmer to make its way upward.” “We’ll just keep trying until I get you pregnant again.” “Promise?” She reached behind her for the second glass of wine and after taking a sip, shared it with him. “I promise,” Clay told her. “I like it when you’re pregnant, and I like it when you’re nursing. Your nipples were so large and hard, your breasts huge.” “We talked about weaning Elizabeth when I did, I could have kept going a bit longer.” “I’ll just have to wait until the next one is born.” “Until then, we’ll just have to practice.” Dana reached down and pulled the dildo from her pussy, licking it seductively before him. “A move like that will have you over my knee again.” Dana moved herself over his legs and kept licking the dildo. “If you stay that way, I’ll have to fuck your ass.” “Use the toy that’s in my ass to fuck me a bit, then you can fuck me until you come.” “I hope we made a baby tonight, Dana, I can’t wait until you’re lactating again.”

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“Practice makes perfect,” she told him, jutting her butt higher in the air. Clay let his hand drop down, landing on her ass cheek. He watched it push the toy within her, and she groaned. After several more spanks, he pulled the toy from her ass and moved her onto her hands and knees. He held his cock and pushed inside her anus, stilling before he could continue. “Christ, even with the toy stretching you, you’re still so tight.” “Fuck me, Clay, fuck me until your cum is running from my pussy and my ass.” His hand came down and spanked her ass cheek, redefining the color on her skin. Her groan was his reward. Clay let his head drop back on his shoulders and just felt how tight she was around his cock. He thrust in her ass over and over. When he glanced down, he realized she was pinching her own nipple with one hand and rubbing her clit with the other. That was enough to push him into the abyss of orgasm. He felt her body tighten around him and quake. He eased up and lifted her to his body, dropping onto one of the old chests with her on his lap. Dana slid her body until she was facing him, her legs wrapped around his waist. He could feel his cum running onto his thighs from her pussy and her ass. “That’s what I wanted tonight,” she said, nuzzling her lips to his neck. “And tomorrow night?” he asked. “I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what kind of mood we’re in.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Having been born and raised on Long Island, New York, Lillith and her husband were both eager to leave the urban lifestyle and explore their futures. With his encouragement, Lillith is living her dream of writing romance novels full time. Their new rural setting allows them to enjoy time together, and Lillith can spend many guiltless hours in her imagination, indulging her other passion. When she realized her works consistently tended toward the erotic, she gave herself permission to explore places she might not venture in real life. You can learn more about Lillith and her work at her website, www.lillithpayne714.com. She loves to hear from readers and can be contacted at [email protected].

Also by Lillith Payne Siren Classic: Love Sabotaged Siren Classic: Her Unexpected Love Siren Classic: Her Cowboy Indiscretion Siren Classic: The Arrangement Siren Classic: One Second Chance Siren Classic: The Gelid Woman Siren Classic: Her Dark Dragon Siren Classic: Lust or Love Siren Classic: Magnificent Abandon Siren Classic: Deceptions Revealed Siren Classic: Just One Night Siren Classic: Her Alpha Male

Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com