And Then One Day (Magnolia Sound Book 4) Read online

  “No one’s being protective,” he lied. “I just happen to know that you have a very short attention span with girls and I don’t think you should be messing around with her.”

  They stood watching people dancing and when the song ended, Kyle excused himself.

  And cut in on their grandfather and Courtney.

  Son of a bitch!

  Kyle caught Dean’s eye and winked and it was all he could do to stop from storming over and slugging him.

  But he didn’t.

  Instead, he picked up his champagne glass and drank the rest of it down while he waited for the current song to end.

  And that’s when he cut in on Kyle. With a sincere smile he asked, “May I?”

  Courtney’s eyes went wide while his brother glared, but once she nodded, he shot Kyle a smug smile and shooed him away. Lucky for him, it was a slow song–he was the worst dancer, but could handle swaying to a ballad.

  “So, uh…having a good time?” he asked nervously.

  Bowing her head, she laughed softly before looking up at him. “As a matter of fact, I am. I love seeing your sister so happy.”

  He nodded. “Yeah. Me too.” They moved together slowly and all he could think about was how good she felt in her arms. “Um…listen, about before…you know…outside…”

  “Let’s just forget about it, okay?” she said quietly, her gaze not quite meeting his. “Let’s just chalk it up to temporary insanity.”

  He stiffened. “Is that what it was? Really?”

  This time she did look directly at him, her expression a little sad. “Wasn’t it?”

  Wait…was she disappointed? Had he seriously misinterpreted the whole situation?

  She was leaving the day after tomorrow and he knew he would only make himself crazy if they didn’t settle this–if they didn’t get to the bottom of what she was thinking.

  Boldly, he pulled her a little closer. “What if it wasn’t?” he asked carefully. “What if it wasn’t random or temporary insanity? What if…what if I just wanted to kiss you?”

  “You…you wanted to kiss me?” There was wonder in her voice–like she didn’t quite believe him but really wanted to.

  Hell, he’d be a liar if he said he’d never thought about kissing her–no matter what he said to his goofy brother earlier. Still, it was a line he never wanted to cross.

  Until now.

  Without breaking eye contact, he nodded. “I still do,” he said gruffly. “Hell, Court, just say the word and I will.”

  Her beautiful green eyes went wide. “But…I don’t know…I mean…when…”

  She was all flustered and it was completely adorable. The arm he had around her waist tightened, pulling her close until they were touching almost from head to toe. “I’m not sure I can give you an exact date,” he teased.

  Her breathy “wow” almost made him groan.

  This was insanity. He knew that. Right now, he was playing with fire holding her and talking to her like this in the middle of his sister’s wedding. And before he could stop himself, he said, “Come outside with me again. Just for a little bit. Please.”

  He was not opposed to begging at this point.

  The song ended and everyone clapped as the DJ announced it was time for the bride and groom to cut the cake. Dean had no idea what they were going to do–there was no way they could leave right now but he knew if he gave her too much time to think, she’d avoid him for the rest of the night.

  Unfortunately, he had no choice but to let her go and it became a fun little game of cat and mouse until the reception came to an end. Dean hung back with his family until his sister and her new husband came and kissed them all goodnight. They were going back to their place for the night and leaving for their honeymoon first thing in the morning. Then, he watched as Scarlett gave Courtney a fierce hug. This would be the last time they were going to see each other for a while–with Scarlett’s honeymoon and Court’s move, it could possibly be the longest they had ever been apart.

  Mason gently urged Scarlett to leave and after that, the room emptied rather quickly. In the midst of all the goodbyes, Dean lost sight of Courtney and his heart sank. Not that anything else was going to happen, but…he had hoped to kiss her one more time. Once she moved, he’d only get to see her when she came back to visit his sister and even that was iffy.

  With a sigh, he walked with his family out to the parking lot. After watching his father and brothers leave along with his grandfather, he knew he was hanging around for nothing.

  She had left without saying goodbye.

  And it stung.

  Opening his car door, he took one last look back at the country club entrance when he saw her. Looking a little lost, she came walking out the front doors while glancing around for…something.

  Him?

  Slamming the truck door shut, he strode toward her. When she caught sight of him, she halted in her tracks. “I…I thought you left.”

  He couldn’t tell if she was relieved that she was wrong or not.

  “I was just getting ready to go,” he admitted. “Actually, I thought you had…”

  “I’ve always had a crush on you,” she blurted out, and even in the dim lighting he could see her blush.

  “Um…what?”

  She nodded. “Ever since like the ninth grade, I’ve had a crush on you.” Her voice was a little steadier this time. “After you said what you said while we were dancing, I…I thought you should know that it wasn’t all one-sided.”

  And now he really didn’t know what to do.

  Actually, he knew exactly what he wanted to do, but he wasn’t sure he should.

  “Are you going home right now?” he asked.

  Courtney shook her head. “I’m going to Scarlett’s place. Her old place,” she quickly amended. “My car’s there and I left some things there so I planned on crashing there tonight. My folks were here earlier but left before the cake because they’re getting ready for their trip. The house is a mess and they’re bickering over what to pack and…I really just wanted a little peace and quiet after all the craziness of yesterday and today.”

  “That makes sense.”

  “Actually, they were supposed to be my ride home because I came here in the limo with Scarlett. But once they started arguing about some other aspect of the trip, I told them I’d find a ride. Then I forgot to ask anyone. I was just about to call for an Uber…”

  “I’ll drive you home,” he quickly replied. “It’s not a big deal.”

  Her smile was a little shy as she thanked him and he motioned toward the direction of his truck. His mind raced with things he wanted to say–things he wanted to ask–and yet he couldn’t make himself utter a single word. He knew if he opened his mouth, he’d ask her to come home with him and that was just courting trouble no matter how he looked at it. She was his sister’s best friend and he didn’t ever want to make things awkward between them.

  No matter how badly he wanted her.

  As they approached his truck, she stopped and faced him. “I’m leaving on Monday,” she said, and all he could do was nod. “And…after the things that happened between us, I was thinking…”

  “Come home with me,” he said, his tone as fast and shaky as her admission of a crush had been.

  “What?”

  He nodded, moving in close and cupping her cheek in his large hand. “Come home with me,” he said, slower this time. “We don’t have to do anything, I just…”

  “Okay.”

  Leaning in, he gave her a searing kiss before stepping back. “I wasn’t sure I should ask.”

  She grinned impishly. “I’m really glad you did.”

  He nodded.

  “How far away is your place?” She sounded a little breathless and he was tempted to simply haul her up into the truck and have his way with her right here, right now.

  No. If this was going to happen, he wanted her in his home. In his bed.

  “Dean?” This time her voice sounded a little uncertain.
“If you’re having second thoughts…”

  Leaning in, he kissed her again. “Never.” Taking her by the hand, he helped her up into his truck before jogging around to the driver’s side and joining her.

  And he got them to his place faster than he thought possible.

  3

  What the hell am I doing?

  The question was on a constant loop in her head as she sat beside Dean on the short drive back to his place. The ten-minute drive wasn’t enough for her to come up with an answer. And if anything, it was just enough time for her to obsess about all the scenarios that could happen and all the ways this could go horribly wrong. They had just turned onto his block and she seriously considered telling him she’d changed her mind.

  This was crazy! She had no idea what possessed her to blurt out that she had a crush on him, and this time she couldn’t blame it on the wine!

  You’re moving away in less than forty-eight hours. Do this and get him out of your system…

  It was hard to argue with that logic and as they pulled into the driveway in front of his small bungalow, she let out a long breath and decided to go for it.

  Whatever it happened to be.

  They made small talk during the ride and it was primarily about the wedding. What was going to happen once they were in his house? Were they just going to talk? Was he going to kiss her and then wish her well? Or was he going to take her in his arms and seduce her?

  She was really hoping for option number three.

  Either that or she was just going to grab him by the lapels and do her own seducing.

  Looking up, she realized Dean was already out of the truck. He was standing at the hood of the truck watching her and she couldn’t quite read him. What was he thinking? Either way, she knew she had to get out of the truck too, otherwise she was going to not only look crazy but make herself crazy in her own head!

  Slowly, she gathered her purse and carefully climbed down. Dean had walked over to help her and the heated look on his face took her breath away. In his tux he looked sexier than any Bond actor and she couldn’t believe she was here with him like this. He walked over and took one of her hands in his and led her to the front door. She’d never been in his home and this was becoming more and more overwhelming.

  For so many years, she’d been crushing on him and hoping he’d see her–really see her–and now that it was happening, she felt nervous and shy even as she was beyond excited and turned on at all the possibilities.

  Ugh…I am crazy.

  Once inside, he led her to his living room and offered her something to drink. “No thank you,” she said quietly, taking in her surroundings. The place was small but had a very homey feel to it. Looking around, she noticed an oversized sofa, large flat-screen TV over a stone fireplace, and sliding glass doors that led out to a deck. Turning, she saw the kitchen and it looked like it was newly renovated. Actually, the whole place looked like it was recently done. It was an older house and she wondered if he did it all himself–which she asked him.

  “I did,” he said before taking a drink from the bottle of water he was holding. “My plan had always been to renovate the whole thing. It just took a lot longer than I expected.”

  “I watch a lot of HGTV and always wanted to try flipping a house.” She laughed. “Of course, I have no idea if I could handle all the work and aggravation that goes with it, but I think I’d really enjoy the demolition phase.”

  He laughed softly. “It certainly can be satisfying.”

  She swallowed hard because that phrase sounded incredibly sexy even if it wasn’t meant to be. “So, is this the only house you’re going to do or are you thinking of making this a hobby?”

  With a shrug, he replied, “I’m going to help Scarlett get her place fixed up so she can sell it. But I’m also thinking of selling this one and doing it again with another house–maybe one a little closer to the water. After seeing Scarlett and Mason’s place–both the current one and the one they’re building–I’m a little envious.”

  She laughed softly. “Yeah, I have to admit, I feel the same way.” Then her expression fell. “I’m not even going to be near any water after Monday. The only bodies of water are lakes and I doubt I’ll find a place near any of them.”

  “I couldn’t imagine living that far away from the coast. I think I’d miss it too much.” He walked over and sat down on the sofa and motioned for her to join him.

  “I think I’m going to too,” she said as she sat and they both went quiet for a moment.

  “You sure this is what you want to do? Moving?” he asked, his voice low and deep and…concerned.

  Looking at him, she sighed. “I was.”

  “And now?”

  “Now that it’s really happening, I’m…I mean…I wish…” Damn. This was all too depressing to talk about and totally not what she wanted to be doing either. Shaking her head, she said, “Can we change the subject? Please?”

  “Sure,” he said with a nod, reaching up to caress her cheek and man-oh-man did it feel good.

  Swallowing hard, she studied his face. God, he was so handsome. Why was he still single? Why weren’t there women banging down his door?

  Although, that would make things pretty awkward if that were to happen right now.

  So many thoughts raced through her head and she finally asked, “What are we doing, Dean?”

  For just a second, he seemed as if he was going to move away–like he was doubting what was happening–but luckily it didn’t take long for him to get over it.

  “Whatever it is that you want, Court,” he said and she swore she could have orgasmed right there on the spot.

  Whatever she wanted? For real? Like…anything? She wondered.

  If I only have tonight, then I’m going to go for it all…

  Before she could lose her nerve, she moved away from him and instantly missed the feel of his hand on her skin. Standing, she moved in front of him and did her best to hold his gaze as she reached behind herself and unzipped her gown. The sound of the zipper going down seemed overly loud in the room, but Courtney didn’t stay focused on that. It was the look on Dean’s face that mesmerized her.

  She swore she saw his hand twitch–as if he couldn’t wait to touch her–but she needed to finish what she was doing. This was her first attempt at a striptease, and dammit, she was going to do it without turning into a trembling mess!

  Once the zipper was down, she wrapped an arm around her waist to hold the strapless gown in place–all the while not breaking eye contact. Licking her bottom lip, she dropped her arm, and thankfully, the gown floated down over her breasts, over her hips, and to the floor–leaving her standing in a deep purple thong that matched the gown and her stilettos.

  Dean’s hand reached out and landed on her hip as he looked up at her to make sure it was okay. Nodding, she silently willed him to stand and touch her everywhere he could at once, but he was a man who clearly enjoyed taking his time.

  And hopefully he would.

  Later.

  Right now, she wanted the wild and frantic man who kissed her near the boardwalk earlier.

  “Dean…”

  He stood, his hand still on her hip as he took in the sight of her. She’d been naked with men before, but for some reason, standing here in front of Dean in a thong and heels left her feeling way more exposed than ever before.

  “Damn, Court,” he finally said, slowly licking his bottom lip. He met her gaze and his expression was heated and intense and she braced herself for what was to come.

  “Don’t hold back. Please.”

  As soon as the words were out of her mouth, it was madness. His arms banded around her as his lips claimed hers in a kiss she could only describe as carnal. With his hands on her ass, he lifted her out of the puddle of her dress and she wrapped her legs around his waist. They were a tangle of lips and limbs and it wasn’t elegant or pretty, but it felt so damn good that she was ready to go up in flames.

  She figured he was going to
lay her down on the sofa and was surprised when he started walking. His lips left hers to kiss along her jaw and neck and her head fell back to give him better access. Her eyes closed and didn’t open until he stopped moving.

  His bedroom was dark. That was the only thing she noticed. As Dean slowly lowered her to the bed, she only had eyes for him. Standing back, he stripped off his tuxedo jacket and then the tie.

  Looks like I’m not the only one doing a striptease tonight…

  Part of her wanted to sit up and help him, but it was hypnotic watching his hands work–slowly unbuttoning his shirt, taking off his cuff links, his belt…

  Oh, my…

  Clothes hit the floor and when he was finally down to black boxer briefs, her eyes went a little wide.

  He was perfection.

  She knew Dean had tattoos, but she’d never seen how many. The ones on his arms were visible whenever he wore a t-shirt, but the ones on his chest were completely new to her. Reaching out her hand to him, he joined her on the bed, lying beside her.

  Without a word, she rolled toward him and placed her hand on his chest with a whispered, “Wow.”

  He smiled but she could feel the rapid beat of his heart under her palm. “You like?”

  “Um…yeah,” she said, laughing softly. “I had no idea you had these.” His right arm had a cluster of red roses and a cross with his mother’s name on it, and his left had a very intricate tribal design. On his chest, however, he had a massive lion’s head and the artwork–even in the dim lighting–was spectacular. She was tempted to ask him to turn on a light but figured there was time for that later. Right now, she was simply enjoying having the freedom to touch him.

  After several moments, she looked up at him and gave him what she hoped was a sexy smile right before she pulled him in for another kiss. This one was slower, sweeter, but as soon as Dean rolled her onto her back and covered her body with his, it changed–grew more urgent–and pretty soon all Courtney could think of was how much she wanted him.

  All of him.

  She began to move beneath him, rubbing against him, and just as she had thought earlier, she was all for him taking things slow later. Right now, however, she couldn’t wait. Hell, she’d been waiting for more than ten years to be like this with him and she was beyond impatient.