She was lost in the taste of Brody’s lips and the sweet urgency of his hands. This was how a man should kiss. This was how she wanted to feel. Breathless and alive and vital. When his lips had parted hers, his tongue had short-circuited her brain, wiping thoughts of the rest of the world firmly from her mind. Just the feel of him. His scent. His strength. He pressed her against the truck, twined his fingers in her hair and kissed her until his arms were the only thing keeping her upright.
“It’s raining.” His whisper was part growl, tightening the knot of anticipation low down in her stomach.
Who cared about rain? She didn’t. “Let it rain,” she said, eager for more of this—more of Brody. She tugged his shirt from his jeans, a soft moan slipping from her lips at the way his skin contracted under her fingertip, the hitch in his breathing. Her touch did that to him, and she loved it.
His kiss deepened, a sort of desperate urgency sweeping them away. The ache was raw and consuming. Each touch, each kiss only made it more so. The muscles of his back shifted as his hands slid up her sides. The rasp of his stubble against her cheek. The twist of his fingers in her hair. He cradled her close, fiercely, tenderly, like she was something precious. This was something she’d never had before—and it had her reeling.
A clap of thunder signaled the beginning. And the end. The skies opened up, dropping gallons of water in a matter of seconds and pulling them apart.
“Damn,” he ground out against her lips. “We’ve got to go.”
She was vaguely aware of getting into his truck and the drive back to Fire Gorge. What did this mean? What had happened? She’d been attracted to other men before. Dated a few. But nothing this...intense. This primal. If he hadn’t said something, she’d still be holding on to him—in the pouring rain. Once his lips met hers, letting go hadn’t entered her mind. One glance his way told her he was equally as stunned by what had passed between them. But neither of them said a word.
She had to say something. Anything. He couldn’t leave now. Not with this hanging between them.
He pulled up in front of her cabin, and Scarlett came out onto the front porch, an umbrella in hand. But her sister’s eyes went round, and she slipped back inside the cabin.
She looked at him then, the fire in his gaze making her heart kick into overdrive. “Brody...” She blew out a deep breath. “I guess we have a lot to talk about.”
He grinned. “I’d say so.”
But sitting there, with the rain bouncing off the truck with increasing power, wasn’t the right time. She didn’t want him driving once the roads started flooding. “Tomorrow?” India moved to open the door, but Brody’s hand stopped her.
His fingers threaded with hers, lifting her hand to his lips. “I don’t know what that was, but I liked it. I just don’t want it messing us up. Okay?”
He liked it? She was still on fire, wanting him so. Watching him press his lips against her knuckles made her shiver. She didn’t want to lose his friendship. But she did want this man, desperately.
“India?” His voice was gruff. And tempting.
“Yes. No. I know...” She tugged her hand free, got out of the truck and ran through the rain to her front door. If she stayed in that cab a minute longer, everything would change. She would have reached for him and he wouldn’t have stopped her, and talking would have been the last thing on either of their minds.
“You’re all wild-eyed and out of breath.” Scarlett took one look at her soaking clothes and said, “You go shower and clean up.”
“Okay,” she managed, pausing. “My truck... It’s stuck in a rut out on the ridge. Tomorrow...”
“I’ll drive you. Glad you’re okay,” she said. “Now go warm up. You’re making me cold just looking at you.”
India nodded a
nd headed to the bathroom, not the least bit cold. Nope, the fire Brody had lit was still burning hot on the inside. She took a short shower, hoping to get Scarlett’s opinion—to see if this was as crazy as it seemed. But her sister was gone, a mug of hot chocolate on her table and a sweet note, “Sleep tight, see you in the morning, xoxo—Scarlett.”
She climbed into bed, but sleep eluded her. If that kiss was any indication of what would come next... Her hands fisted in her sheets. Yes, she was crazy to even consider a next. He was Brody, her friend, one of her only friends. This made no sense. And it could cost her someone she cared a great deal about. But, the things he’d made her feel... Even as she finally drifted to sleep, her mind was bouncing back and forth between what could be and why it should—or shouldn’t—happen.
The morning was black and stormy, and the alarm didn’t go off. She and Cal scrambled to get ready before Scarlett came to pick them up. Cal chattered all the way to school, which was good since India knew Scarlett would have questions. Once he was dropped off, Scarlett headed to the antiques shop, Tanner resting his big head on the seat back between them.
“Looks like Mom is already here.” Scarlett sighed. “I was going to get coffee and some pastries and come back and get the scoop, but I guess that will wait.”
India sighed. “I could really use your advice.”
“My advice? You know I’ve never had a boyfriend, India. I might not be the best person to talk to about this.”
India looked at her sister. She’d never had a boyfriend? How did India not know this?
“I know, it’s sad, but you have to admit the pickings are slim.” She shook her head. “Besides, I’d much rather hear about your actual love life than talk about my nonexistent one.” Scarlett giggled.
“I’ll see you after work? Or I’ll text you when Mom leaves?”
“Sounds good.” Scarlett nodded. “I’ll bring coffee or something hot.”