Saving Sara (Redemption #1) (20 page)

“That’s why I’m doing this. So I don’t regret not taking a chance on us and having yet another thing to lament when you leave.” She squeezed his hand. “I think it’s worth the risk.
You’re
worth the risk.”

Crap, she had mammoth expectations of him. He hoped he’d never let her down.

“Right back at you,” he said, defusing the tension with levity, but unable to shake the niggle of misgiving all the way home.

Was he in over his head with Sara?

32.

S
ara was thankful the fair kept her busy the next morning. Four solid hours of manning the art stall, chatting with locals,
accepting
compliments from parents of her art students. And there were a lot of compliments, the kind that blew her away.

When she’d accepted Andy’s offer to run a few classes, she’d never expected to enjoy them, let alone have the kids praise her so highly. Many of the parents asked if she’d considered running art classes out of school hours during the semester and she’d been
flabbergasted
.

She’d already decided to stay in Redemption permanently. The place was good for her soul. She had no idea if it was living in Gran’s house surrounded by precious memories, or the laid-back atmosphere of the town, or the friendliness of the people in general, but Redemption had healed her in a way she’d hoped for but never counted on.

While she was financially secure for the moment, it would be nice to supplement her income and give something back to a
community
that had already given her so much.

She’d ask Andy Symes’s advice later. Because the more she thought about it, the more excitement fizzed through her veins.

Teaching part-time pyrography classes would be great, a soothing balm for her soul and a way to foster children’s love of art.

“Are all these pieces sold?” A familiar voice shook her out of her reverie. Jake leaned on the front of her stall, decidedly delicious in navy shorts, a pale blue polo and aviator sunglasses.

Her heart gave a massive
kathump
as she remembered last night and how much further it could’ve gone if they hadn’t been lying in a vineyard under a moonlit sky.

“Only two left,” she said, pointing to a matching pair of grape clusters hanging off a vine. “But I’m supposed to be saving those for Mrs. Minelli.”

He leaned over and she inhaled, savoring the crispness of freshly showered male. “That old bat’s purse strings are tied tight. She’s probably promised half the stalls here she’d buy stuff.”

“Be nice.” Sara chuckled. “Though I think you’re right. Her hands are empty.”

“Cilla says she never donates to the hospital, whatever
fundraising
they do.” He made a cross sign with his fingers. “Rumor has it she’s blacklisted from the seniors’ functions too because she’s on the lookout for husband number three.”

The thought of the wizened Italian lady who never wore
anything
other than black searching for a husband made Sara smile.

“Where’s Olly?”

Jake jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “At the jumping castle with some of the kids he met at art class, under the supervision of Andy Symes.”

“And Cilla? Haven’t seen much of her today.”

Jake grinned. “Think she’s busy trying to avoid her boyfriend.”

“Is he the dishy doctor who’s been buzzing around between stalls, helping out wherever necessary?”

Jake frowned and mock pouted. “You think he’s dishy?”

“Oh yeah.” Sara loved teasing Jake, loved the banter they traded. She’d never had that with Greg, who’d been serious and driven since day one. “Makes me wish I had a cold so I could go see him.”

“That’s downright sick.” Jake waggled his finger at her. “Cilla’s got enough problems with the doc without you making a play for him.” He slid his aviators down a little and stared at her over the top. “Not that you would, right?”

“Right,” she said, laughing when he swiped his brow in relief. “But I find the whole grey hair thing on a young guy rather
distinguished
.”

Jake snorted. “He’s in his forties. He’s not young.”

Some of Sara’s amusement faded as she glimpsed Cilla ducking behind the popcorn stand when she saw Bryce heading her way.

“Seriously, what’s going on between them? Your aunt doesn’t seem happy these days.”

He grimaced. “Understatement of the year. She won’t talk to me about it, which is probably a good thing. But I hate seeing her unhappy. She’s had enough of that in her life before. She deserves better.”

Sara had felt awkward enough talking to Cilla last time about her relationship and she really didn’t want to do it again. But she knew what it was like not having anyone to talk to about the tough stuff. And Cilla would be her neighbor permanently.

“Do you want me to talk to her?”

Jake brightened. “Would you? I know I put you on the spot last time but she’s not opening up to me and I’m worried.”

“Ssh,” Sara said. “She’s headed this way.”

Sara knew that if her expression mirrored Jake’s, they looked like two naughty kids who’d been discovered with their hands in a cookie jar.

“Hey, Cilla, looks like the fair’s a roaring success,” Sara said. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks to all of you.” Cilla smiled but it did little to detract from the fatigue pinching her mouth and the dark circles under her eyes. Looked like she’d been losing sleep too. “Sergio’s family are going to be thrilled.”

“Glad to help.” Sara gestured at her stall. “Only two pieces left to sell.”

“I knew your wonderful work would sell out.” Cilla glanced at her watch. “We’re winding up in an hour so I’d better keep
moving
.”

“Wait.” Jake, who’d remained silent until now, bent down to kiss his aunt’s cheek. “You’ve been amazing, organizing this entire event from start to finish. This town owes you big time.”

To Sara’s surprise, Cilla’s eyes filled with tears.

“This town stood by me when I needed it most so it’s the least I can do.” Cilla blinked rapidly. “Helping out when I can is
rewarding
.”

Considering how she’d felt after the art classes, Sara could empathize. Helping others was a great distraction. An alleviator of boredom. A way to focus on anything else but what niggled and annoyed a person until it was all they could think about.

“Looks like our new doc shares your sentiment,” Jake said, and when Cilla stiffened and shot a quick glance over her shoulder, as if she expected Bryce to have materialized there, Sara knew Cilla needed to confront her demons or else it would eat her away.

“He’s been helpful,” Cilla said, her voice carefully controlled. “Everyone’s pitched in.”

“Are we all still meeting for a drink at the diner once the fair’s closed?” Sara had planned on heading home, she was that tired, but it would give her a good opportunity to chat to Cilla in an informal setting. With a little luck, the good doctor would be around to further her cause.

“I’m beat.” Cilla shook her head. “Thought I’d take Olly home and relax.”

“Olly’s looking forward to a burger at the diner,” Jake said, then ducked down to murmur, “You can’t keep hiding from the doc
forever
.”

“Watch me,” Cilla said, shooting Jake a scathing glare before hurrying off in the opposite direction to Bryce.

“That went well,” Jake said, his tone dry.

“She’s hurting,” Sara said, her glance speculative as she saw a crestfallen Bryce watching Cilla’s retreating back. “She’s hiding it well behind a stoic mask but there’s more going on than we know.”

“It was the age difference initially,” Jake said.

“There’s more to it.” Sara just knew it. A confident, independent woman like Cilla would be used to presenting a hardened front to the world. Judging from the snippets Jake had divulged, she’d been through the wringer in her marriage and the scandal that had followed her husband’s suicide. She’d had many years to harden her hide, so the fact she was wearing her heart on her sleeve now because of Bryce meant Cilla was in deep.

“In that case, I should stay out of it.” Jake held up his hands. “Secret women’s business is complicated.”

“I’ll try to pop in this afternoon.”

“And I’ll make myself and Olly scarce.” He crooked his finger at her. “Maybe later on, we can make ourselves scarce.”

He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively and she laughed.

“We’re taking it slow, remember?”

“Slow I can handle.” His hand snaked out to capture hers, turn it palm up, then trace slow, concentric circles in the middle of it, making her squirm and setting long-neglected nerve endings alight. “But I’m not a snail.”

When breathing grew difficult, she snatched her hand away. “Don’t you believe the old fables about tortoises winning races?”

His lips eased into a wicked smile that made her pulse pound. “Let’s get to the race first, then I’ll show you how I use slow and steady to win the ultimate prize.”

Sara swallowed as heat flooded her body. Jake was a master at flirting. Or maybe it had been too darn long since she’d had a guy pay her this much attention that he made her hot and bothered.

“Don’t you have to man the soda fountain for a while?”

He grinned. “Nice deflection. I’ll allow it for now.” He captured a strand of her hair and tugged on it lightly, making her scalp tingle. “But later? It’s time for the tortoise and the hare to . . . warm up.”

Sara waited until Jake had left before fanning her flaming face. Looked like Cilla wasn’t the only one who was in deep when it came to sexy guys.

33.

C
illa made her usual end-of-fundraiser speech to wind down the fair. She’d made enough of them to almost recite this one from heart. Which was lucky, considering she had a hard time stringing two words together with Bryce staring at her with obvious
disapproval
.

She’d dodged him all morning and if his glower was any
indication
, he’d noticed. But she had a feeling he’d corner her at the end of the fair.

So when her speech came to an end and he turned away and disappeared through the crowd, she couldn’t have been more
surprised
.

He’d told her to face facts over breakfast at the diner, had said she could come find him when she did. Her initial ballsy response, not a chance, still stood firm. So why did sadness clog her throat as she watched him get into his car and drive away?

The only fact she had to face was the one that clearly stated they could never be anything beyond friends. And she’d been doing okay coming to terms with that. But every time she saw him, her heart gave an embarrassing flip-flop and her stomach joined the party.

Women her age didn’t experience heart flutters or stomach rollovers. Or did they?

She’d shut herself off for twenty years. Longer, if she counted the deliberate detachment she’d fostered during intimate relations with Vernon. During his meaningless quick thrusts, she’d mentally list tomorrow’s to-do list until he’d finished. She’d completed a lot of lists that way.

Now, whenever Bryce looked at her, it felt like her body sat up and howled. She tingled. All over.

Maybe it was time to go on a date with someone closer to her age? James Winsome had flirted with her over the last few years.
A fifty-so
mething widower who ran a successful winery in the region, he was known for two things: sublime chardonnay and exaggerated charm.

She’d always managed to deflect his attentions, fobbing him off with a joke or a laugh. Maybe it was time to see if her body could be assuaged with a man more her vintage?

As if she’d conjured him up, James appeared next to the stage and held out his hand to help her down.

“That was some speech, lovely lady.”

Cilla would’ve usually ignored his hand. Today, she took it. “Thanks. And thanks for donating the wine. It sold like hotcakes.”

“It’s a good vintage.” He winked. “Like me.”

Cilla forced a chuckle. James still held her hand and . . . she felt nothing. No spark. No zing. No goddamn tingle.

“So when are you going to make an honest man out of me, and come out to the vineyard for some of my home cooking?” He squeezed her hand. “I’d love to show you around the place.”

Probably starting with his bedroom.

Cilla should accept. She should put herself out there and start dating. Forget all about sexy young doctors who made her heart go pitter-patter.

But she’d been many things in her life and fickle wasn’t one of them. She couldn’t use James when his touch left her absolutely cold.

“Maybe I’ll pop by one day if you’re lucky,” she said, tempering her refusal with a smile as she slid her hand out of his.

James made a mock gun with his thumb and forefinger, and cocked it. “I’ll hold you to that.”

Cilla wished he wouldn’t but she returned his corny finger wave as he strolled away, looking every one of his fifty-odd years in brown corduroy pants, a checked shirt and a dusty cowboy hat.

“Damn you, Bryce Madden,” she muttered under her breath. She knew she had to bring this situation between them to a head, but she had no idea how to go about it.

Time to do some serious thinking.

34.

A
fter a long day at the fair, Jake was looking forward to spending some time with Sara. She’d agreed to come over for supper and Jake had been like an excited kid all day. So when his cell beeped with an incoming message, he hoped it would be her, saying she’d be over pronto.

He hadn’t been able to forget their make-out session at the vineyard last night and judging by her upbeat mood at the fair today, she hadn’t either. For the first time since they’d met, she’d appeared to enjoy his flirting, giving as good as she got.

However, when he glanced at the screen, the text was fro
m Rose.

HEY BRO.

I’M READY 4 VISITORS.

WUD LUV 2 C OL ASAP!

Ignoring the wave of disappointment that washed over him, leaving him cold, he fired off a quick response. He should be thrilled that his sister had improved to the point of receiving visitors, not lamenting the fact he couldn’t see Sara tonight. Rose’s text meant she wouldn’t be far off leaving rehab. Olly would be ecstatic.

“Is that Sara?” Cilla asked, bustling around the kitchen as usual, chopping and freezing herbs.

“No, Rose. She’s up for visitors and wants to see Olly.” Jake injected enthusiasm into his voice, hoping Cilla wouldn’t pick up on his discontent. “I’ll take him now.”

After all Rose and Olly had been through, the least he could do was reunite the kid with his mom, even if it were only for a fe
w hours.

“Isn’t Sara coming over?” Cilla dried her hands, sat at the kitchen table, rubbed her foot and winced. “Though if her feet are half as sore as mine from manning a stall all morning, she’s probably soaking in a bath.”

“Yeah, but she’ll understand.”

While his nephew’s happiness meant everything to him, he couldn’t help but feel frustrated he wouldn’t be seeing Sara tonight. He hadn’t been this horny for a woman since his teen years and all he could think about was Sara, naked and warm and pliant in h
is arms.

She might’ve been coming over for supper but he’d planned on walking her home with the intent on getting some much-needed one-on-one time with her.

He hadn’t planned on this setback and immediately felt guilty for seeing Rose’s text as such. His sister had made amazing progress. He should be rejoicing, not trying to hide his disillusionment at not getting to spend time with his girlfriend.

“Why don’t I take Olly to visit Rose?” Cilla stretched out her legs and wiggled her toes. “I’d love to reconnect with her. See if she wants to come stay when she gets out?”

Jake’s heart leaped but he tried not to appear too eager. “Y
ou sure?”

It wouldn’t be such a bad idea if Rose heard the invitation from Cilla. He’d already tried on the phone and she’d been less than enthused. Having it come from their aunt, who’d been nothing but welcoming since he’d arrived, might sway Rose in a way he couldn’t.

It would also ensure his plans with Sara tonight didn’t change. A purely selfish reaction to Cilla’s offer but he’d be a fool not to contemplate it.

Cilla nodded. “Absolutely. I’d love to see her.”

Jake wavered. As much as he wanted to see Sara, Olly was his responsibility. Rose was his sister. He should be the one to ta
ke Olly.

“You’d really be helping me out,” Cilla said. “I’d like to get out of town for a night. Do some thinking. This would be a perfect opportunity.”

When Cilla put it like that, how could Jake refuse? If Cilla needed thinking time to eradicate the sadness that hung over her like a pall, he’d facilitate it. And maybe get what he wanted in the process.

Did that make him heartless? He’d prefer to think of it as
making
it easier for everyone.

“Okay. A cleaner comes in once a week so my apartment should be spotless and if you can’t find something, call me.”

“We’ll be fine,” Cilla said, looking relieved he’d agreed. “Olly’s a sweet child and I can’t wait to see Rose again.”

“Try to convince her to come stay, okay?”

“I’ll do my best.” Cilla glanced out the window, a faraway glint in her eyes. “This place is good for healing.”

He couldn’t agree more.

The next hour flew by in a blur of getting a very excited Olly ready to visit his mom, packing overnight cases and ensuring Cilla had directions from the recovery center to his apartment.

When Cilla and Olly left, Jake sank into the armchair in front of the fireplace and breathed a sigh of relief.

He loved Olly and adored his aunt but this would be the first night he’d have to himself since he’d arrived here.

While the prospect of yet another night alone would’ve made him maudlin back in New York City, he now cherished the silence that enveloped the house.

Though if he had any say in it, he wouldn’t be alone tonight.

He should cook a meal, set the table, uncork some wine, put some music on. But all he could think about was having Sara all to himself and he didn’t want to waste time doing any of that ot
her stuff.

He texted her to come over and she responded almost immediately in the affirmative. Hopefully that was a sign she wanted this as much as he did.

As dusk descended, he strolled around the house, closing the curtains, switching on wall sconces and lamps, casting a cozy glow. Cilla had a lovely home, as warm and welcoming as she was, and he hoped it put Sara at ease.

He wasn’t big on seduction. Had never had any use for setting moods or false promises. Not being emotionally invested in any of his previous lovers had served him well. But the way his heart bucked in his chest like a wild thing while he wait
ed for
Sara told him he was far more invested in her than was good f
or hi
m.

A knock on the back door had him swiping sweaty palms down the sides of his shorts. Damn, he was nervous.

As was she, if her wide eyes and pale face were any indication when he let her in.

“Cilla’s car’s missing,” she said, slipping past him before he could kiss her.

“She’s taken Olly to visit Rose,” he said, flicking the back lock and pulling down the blind. “Won’t be back ’til morning.”

Sara stilled, her gaze riveted to his. “So it’s just us tonight?”

“Is that a problem?”

He sent a silent prayer heavenward that she wouldn’t say yes.

It took her what seemed like an eternity to answer.

“Not at all.” Her mouth curved into a coy smile that made him combust on the spot.

“I was hoping you’d say that.” He advanced on her and she backed away, into the living room where a single lamp cast shadows. “Because I’ve been thinking about doing this all day.”

Her back hit the mantel and she stopped. “Doing what?
Chasing
me around a room?”

“This,” he said, vaulting the coffee table to land in front of her, grab hold of her, and haul her into his arms before crushing his mouth on hers.

There was nothing tender in the kiss and he couldn’t help it. He wanted her too damn much. He should apologize, should take it slow, but Sara didn’t give him the chance as she fisted her hands in his shirt and dragged him closer, plastering her body to his.

She matched him for frustration and passion, consuming him with hot, open-mouthed kisses that had them gasping for air.

He palmed her butt and she hooked a leg around him, bringing her heat in tantalizing contact. He groaned as she writhed against him, making soft, mewling noises that fired his libido into the stratosphere.

“You sure you want this?” he managed to say with his last ounce of chivalry when she trailed kisses along his jaw, down his throat.

“Absolutely.” She eased back to look him in the eye. “I want you.”

“Feeling’s entirely mutual, sweetheart.” Not breaking eye
contact
, he hoisted her into his arms and took the stairs at a reckless speed.

Her wild peal of laughter made him nuzzle her neck, tickling her with his stubble until she was breathless from laughing.

Her laughter died when he laid her on the bed and towered over her, reaching for the first button on his shirt.

“I promised you real slow, remember?” He slipped the button through the loop. “So first I’m going to strip and then I get to watch you do the same.”

The tip of her tongue darted out to moisten her bottom lip. “You know the wait’s killing me, right?”

“It’ll be worth it.”

Sara couldn’t breathe as she watched Jake slip his shirt off his shoulders. He was magnificent. Broad chest. Strong pecs.
Smattering
of hair. Tanned.

She wanted to run her hands over every inch of him.

The moment “inch” popped into her head her gaze
automatically
dipped to the bulge in his shorts.

“Do you want to see all of me?” His fingers snagged the zipper and her mouth went dry.

She nodded, gnawing on her bottom lip as he slid the zipper down, grating metal the only sound in the room apart from her ragged breathing.

When the shorts fell to the floor, air whooshed out of her lungs.

When the boxers followed, her jaw dropped.

Now she could understand why Jake was so confident.

“Your turn,” he said, holding his hands out.

She took them, allowed him to pull her to her feet.

“I want to touch you,” she said, not waiting for permission as her palms skated across his chest, his abs, his hips.

She heard his sharp intake of breath as her hand slid lower, heard his muttered curse as she wrapped her hand around him and stroked.

He stilled her hand. “You know how I wanted to take this slow? You keep that up and you’ll be disappointed.”

Batting her eyes in faux innocence, she said, “Trust me, nothing about you is disappointing.”

His rueful grin tinged with pride made her laugh and she released him.

“One of us is way overdressed,” he said, reaching for the zipper on the back of her sundress. “And if you won’t strip for me, looks like I’ll have to do the honors.”

“Be my guest.”

He eased the zipper down as far as it could go, then pushed the straps off her shoulders. She shivered as the cotton slid down her body and pooled at her feet, leaving her breasts bared.

“Holy hell.” He stared at her like she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen and it empowered her to hook her thumbs into the elastic of her white cotton panties and slowly push them to th
e floor.

As Jake’s hungry gaze slid over her body, Sara had never felt so exposed. Yet strangely, she didn’t feel vulnerable.

This was Jake.

The man who’d helped her confront her demons. Who’d been gentle and supportive. Who hadn’t pushed or judged, but had been there for her while she healed in this town.

This was
Jake
.

The man she wanted more than she’d wanted anything in a long time.

When he took her into his arms, she came alive, as if
waking
from a long slumber. Every touch, every caress set her alight,
making
her crave release with every heartbeat.

He loved her with his tongue and his mouth and his hands, until she shattered into a million floaty pieces.

Still wanting more.

Wanting it all.

He gave it to her. This wonderful man thrust into her, filling her, completing her, making love to her until she was mindless and boneless and shameless.

Sara didn’t care.

For the first time in a long time, she felt alive.