Accidentally Hers (Sterling Canyon #1) (24 page)

Another pronounced pause hung over the group. Avery felt grateful Trip hadn’t used the moment to provoke anyone with a snarky remark. Apparently he had some sense of timing after all.

Kelsey jumped in to break up the discomfort with a change of topic. “Hey, did you all hear about Wade Kessler’
s big project? Huge commission.
” She cast her arms wide. “Huge!”

“Look at you, Little Miss Moneybags.” Trip raised his drink. “What’s his big project?”

“Don’t you read the paper? He’s building a first-class boutique hotel and condominium complex, with a spa and other amenities.”
Kelsey
’s eyes sparkled as she spoke. Apparently Wade had made quite an impression. Avery prayed her friend wasn’t clinging to unfounded romantic fantasies about the guy. “The subdivision plans were just approved for the fifty acres behind the slopes, along Ute Creek. The closing is on Monday.”

“Where, exactly, is this acreage?” Trip’s uncharacteristically serious tone caught Avery’s attention. Was he jealous or something?

“Off Big Fir Trail.” Kelsey ignored Trip’s concerned expression and smiled at Avery. “Girls’ weekend soon, my treat. I’m thinking Santa Fe.”

“Sounds fun.” Avery grinned before noticing her brother staring out over the crowd, wearing a melancholy expression. For a moment, she’d forgotten about him and his bleak future. Now the girls’ weekend, and pretty much everything else about the night, seemed a bit frivolous.

“Will Wade’s hotel hurt your business, Emma?” The concern in Andy’s voice surprised Avery.

“I hope not,” she replied. “Our customers like our historic building and décor, which I doubt they’d find at a fancy new place.”

“And don’t forget about your cooking.” Andy smiled.

“Aren’t you going to sit down and hang out a while?” Emma asked.

He shook his head, casting another quick glance at Grey. “Not tonight, thanks. This is just a flyby.”

“Don’t leave on my account,” Grey quickly said.

“We’re meeting up with some old friends.” Matt looked directly at Avery. “Maybe another night.” After a few good-byes, Andy and Matt meandered into the throng.

Avery watched her brother disappear. His bowed head weighed on her.

The reminders of his situation made Avery want to escape the music and Kelsey’s celebratory mood. She rested her head on Grey’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, but Andy’s mood tanked mine. Would you mind leaving early?”

“Not as long as I’m with you.”

She smiled to herself, thankful for his supportive nature. “Are my friends safe with Trip?”

“They’ve got his number.” Grey kissed her head.

“Okay, then. Let’s go.”

Within fifteen minutes, they’d walked to Backtrax, Shaman trotting alongside them in relative silence. The late evening sky, tinged with faint pinks and lilacs, provided a gorgeous backdrop for the jagged peaks of the San Juans. The music, climate, and picturesque evening would’ve been the ultimate romantic night under other conditions.

Avery stopped on the sidewalk near her car. “I’m sorry I cut short your first-ever Sterling Canyon Jazz Festival, especially on such a gorgeous night.”

“Night’s not over yet.” Grey fished around his pocket for the keys to his apartment.

For weeks she’d been coming to his place, meeting him in town, and generally doing everything she could to keep him separate from her brother, their home, and her family. Suddenly all her efforts seemed selfish and silly. She wanted to move forward and cement the relationship. To forget about competing with Juliette, and bring him further inside her world.

“Hey, let’s go to my house tonight.”

Grey’s brows shot upward. “
You sure?
”

Avery nodded. Grey’s grin made her chastise herself for waiting so long to take this step.

“Let me get Shaman settled,” he said. “I’ll be right back.”

When he returned, he slid into the passenger seat. “Now that I’ve finally met your brother, maybe next time it won’t feel quite as uncomfortable.”

Avery pulled away from the curb, her eyes on the road, her thoughts elsewhere. “I can’t imagine that happening for a long time, although I do appreciate how you’re not holding a grudge. Most people in your position wouldn’t be as forgiving. In fact, I doubt I would.”

Grey shrugged one shoulder. “Let’s not go overboard. If it weren’t for you, I doubt I’d be so easygoing about everything. But I’ve got my priorities.”

“You do?”

“
I do.
” He reached across the gearshift and rested his hand on her thigh.

Avery’s stomach tensed as she approached her cul-de-sac, wondering what Grey would think of her home. As she pulled into the driveway, she watched his eyes scan the yard and exterior of the house, the corners of his mouth tilting upward.

“Home sweet home.” She led Grey in through the front door so he could get the best first impression. From the entry, the immense picture windows lining the rear of the house typically offered a spectacular view of the mountain range. Of course, at night it looked like a wall of mirrors, reflecting the explosion of color inside.

Grey’s grin widened as his eyes were drawn from the living room to the dining area and then the kitchen.

“You must’ve thought you died and went to hell when you first set foot inside my apartment.” Grey looked at her and then pulled a face. “Sorry for swearing.”

She shrugged, unwilling to lie, but equally unwilling to insult him. “Well, your place does have one advantage over this house.” When he shot her a puzzled expression, she continued. “You’re there.”

“Good to know that counts for something.” Grey winked and then walked around the living room, inspecting it more carefully. He frowned briefly when he came to the doorway marred with hash marks denoting Avery and Andy’s heights at various dates throughout their childhood. He gently traced the indents with his fingertips. “I can imagine this being a great place to grow up.”

“It was. There were other kids on the cul-de-sac, although most of them have moved away.” She watched Grey study the family photos on the mantel. “So many people always looking for someplace more exciting, like the location will make their lives more fulfilling. I don’t get it. How could any place be better than this one?”

“Well, having moved around a lot, I can vouch for the fact that some places are better than others.” He walked over and wrapped his arms around her. “This town is great, but what matters is the people in your life, not the place where you live.”

She couldn’t help but detect a double meaning in his words, but she brushed it aside when he continued the conversation.

“When I first met Bill Batton, I thought fate brought me here to buy his business.” His drew his thumb along her jaw. “Now I think it meant for me to find you.”

“So the accident was destiny forcing us together?”

“No, not the accident. I saw you before that happened. If I’d have made it home safely that night, I’d have found some way to get to know you better.” He kissed her forehead. “Now you’re the first thing I think about in the morning and the last thing I picture at night. You occupy a lot of my daydreams, too.”

“
I don
’t know what I did to earn such devotion, but I won’
t complain.
”

“Speaking of devotion,” he said, molding her against his body, “how about you let me show you instead of just talking about it?”

“Good idea.” Her arms wound around his neck. She loved the solid feeling of him. His sexy smile. The grabby hands that always sought her out.

“Can’t wait to see where you sleep most nights.” He flashed a wicked smile. “I’ve been trying to picture it for months.”

“I suppose we’ll see how good an imagination you have, then.” She led him to her room. He squeezed her from behind, resting his head on her shoulder as he took in her white wrought-iron bed and floral-print bedding.

“Very feminine. I guessed pretty well, though honestly I expected brighter colors instead of these soft pinks and yellows.” She felt him grin against her cheek as his hands began to caress her abdomen. His voice dropped to a low, sexy tone. “Wrought iron gives me some ideas.”

Although he left the details of his naughty thoughts unspoken, her body tingled in anticipation.

Suddenly, he turned her to face him. “Thank you for bringing me here tonight. I know how hard it is for you to trust in us, but I swear you won’
t regret it.
”

Letting go of her just long enough to close her door, he then returned and cradled her face, kissing her in a way that made her feel precious. He stroked her neck, shoulders, and ran down along her waist. Easing away, he held her arms out to the sides, letting his gaze roam her entire body.

“I love looking at you,” he said as he gently slid her top up over her head. “These pretty sky-blue eyes, flecked with sunlight.” His lips landed on her jaw and worked their way down her neck. “The little freckle behind this ear,” he whispered. “The notch at the base of your neck,” he said before kissing it. “The swell of your chest.” A soft groan vibrated in the back of his throat as he unclasped her bra. His response elicited a tremble from her.

He continued kissing her while unzipping her jeans.

“Grey.” She yanked his shirt off him and ordered him to take off his cargo shorts. He sharply inhaled as her fingertips traced the sculpted muscles of his torso and chest.

Her breath came a little quicker each time they were so close, so exposed, so vulnerable.

Both of them were still in their underwear when she tugged him onto the mattress. She could easily put into action the emotions she struggled to put into words.

The moonlight cast shadows around them, shrouding them in a private cocoon. She watched Grey’s muscles flex, his wavy hair falling across his face, the intensity in his gaze. “You make me so hot.” His roughened voice rasped across her neck.

Grey kissed her stomach and stroked her thighs, hips, waist, scorching her skin with his touch. His hands then cupped her breasts until he drew one into his mouth, the tender ministrations stoking a need deep within her. Making her want more.

He slid his body along hers and held her face in his hands. Then he closed his eyes and kissed her like it was the most important thing he could do. Like she was the most important thing in his life.

She felt hot and dizzy with lust before he’d even moved his hands along her inner thigh. Her eyes closed and her back arched as he used his mouth and fingers to stoke the excitement building inside. Her hips gyrated, seeking him out, needing more.

She ran her hands down his back, reaching for his hips, urging him to enter her body. “I want you now.”

He opened his eyes, which reflected everything she felt. “I want you always.” His deep voice rumbled over her skin, causing her to shiver just before he drove inside her. “God, I love being with you.”

He slowly withdrew and thrust several times. The power of his body, his voice, his stare overwhelmed her, crushing through every barrier she had built around her heart.

Tonight he seemed intent on a mission to force her to slow down and open up, to let go of all her fear, to meet him on his emotional plane.

Panic collided with pleasure and desire. Grey was everything she’d ever wanted in a man. Could she let go with him without losing herself?

His mouth crushed against her neck as he quickened his pace, driving into her possessively yet tenderly. As he moved inside her, she felt the coil of tension, the wave rising within her body, the craving for release. His breath, hot and wet against her skin, set off ripples of goose bumps.

“Faster,” she pleaded, and he complied. Within seconds his muscles tightened beneath her hands and, just as her own orgasm seized her, he shouted, spending himself inside her, his ragged breath falling against her hair.

“I love you,” he whispered once their bodies quieted.

Her breath caught. When she didn’t immediately respond, he rolled onto his side and stared at her. A lopsided grin graced his face. Sweat plastered his bangs against his forehead, so she brushed them away.

“I think I just freaked you out a little,” he said, not looking the least bit anxious or uncomfortable. How she envied him and his ability to embrace his emotions.

“No. I . . . no.” The three words he wanted to hear sat on the tip of her tongue. He deserved them, but she couldn’t spit them out.

“
I don
’t want to scare you or force you to say anything, but I want you to know how I feel, Avery. I’m in love with you. Everything about you makes me smile. The neon wardrobe, the way your left eyelid droops whenever you’re mad, these deep dimples,” he said, gently placing his finger against her cheek. “Your smarts, your wisecracks. The way you push back when cornered even though you’re actually a little afraid. I’ll take all of it. So whatever does or doesn’t happen in the future, always remember that much.”

Her nose tingled. “I—”

“Don’t.” He pressed three fingers against her lips. “Don’t say it just because I did. If you love me, you’ll tell me in your own way and your own time. It’ll mean more to me that way, too. Okay?”

Once she nodded, he removed his hand and kissed her again. Her heart soared. Grey understood her. Her flaws—her resistance to vulnerability—didn’t intimidate him or put him off. He didn’t want to control or manipulate her, and that freed her in a way she couldn’t explain.

She wrapped her body around his, snuggling into his arms. Perhaps the words wouldn’t come today, but in every other way, she would show him how she felt until she could admit aloud what was in her heart. For the first time in her life, she drifted off to sleep believing she’d finally found true love.

Chapter Twenty

Grey slid into the booth at Drafts Pub to meet Trip for lunch. He’d arrived a few minutes ahead of schedule, so he used the free moment to call Avery. Her parents were due to arrive today in advance of Friday’s hearing, so he wanted to make sure she wasn’t being driven over the edge by all the pressure.

When she didn’t answer, he hung up. Just as well, because Trip showed up on time.

Before they could even say hello, the waitress arrived tableside with water and menus. Trip cast Grey a quick look. “Pizza?”

Grey nodded. His stomach chimed in, too.

Trip tipped his hat to the waitress, whose rapt attention almost made Grey chuckle aloud. “Extra large sausage, onion, and green pepper. Well done, please. And two drafts.”

“What kind?” she asked.

“
Surprise us.
” Trip smiled at her and Grey could practically hear her hormones raging in response. Once she turned away, Trip’s smile vanished. “Listen, Grey, I think you’
ve got big trouble.
”

Grey edged forward on the bench seat, not sure how much more trouble he could handle. “How so?”

“Did you realize Kessler’s big project includes a tract of public land we’ve been using to access portions of the national forest covered by your permit? Without that entry point, we can’t reach some of the most challenging terrain. If we can’t find safe alternatives, it’ll become a lot harder to attract repeat skiers.”

“That can’t be right.” Grey scratched his neck. “My permit must grant some kind of right-of-way over that land. Otherwise private developers could come in and basically void permits.”

“Maybe that lawyer of yours can do a little investigating?” Trip acknowledged the waitress with a grin when she delivered their drinks.

“I’ll ask Warren, but I don’t think he’s that kind of lawyer.” Grey chugged half his beer, his mood darkening. “Am I crazy, or does it seem like the universe has it out for me? What the hell have I done to deserve so much bad luck?”

“I’m just glad you didn’t settle with Randall yet. If that development cuts us off, you’ll need to regroup and submit for a new permit for other land, or, well, I don’t even know what else. But I know this—you’ll need time and money.”

“Dammit. I don’t want to sue Andy. And it’s the last thing I want to tell Avery this week, when she’s so concerned about her brother’s hearing.” Grey pinched the bridge of his nose. “
I don
’t know how much more her family can handle. Are you positive we can’t access that land anymore, or find another access point nearby?”

“There’s no other road access within a couple of miles of that ridgeline, and the forested parts aren’t passable in the snowcat. I’m pretty sure I’m right, but I’
ll double-check
. Maybe Kelsey can confirm it.” Trip’s brows drew together as he drummed his fingers on the table.

“Maybe my dad was right. Being an expert skier doesn’t make me an expert in the business of skiing. I should’ve just invested that money for retirement and kept working as a guide.” Grey stopped talking while the waitress delivered the pizza and two plates. “What the hell will I do if I lose everything?”

“Okay, enough of the pity party. We’re two smart, tough guys. We can figure this out. Maybe you can get a permit for ’copters. I promise, you won’t lose everything.” Trip lifted a steaming hot slice of pizza onto his plate. “But we need more info, more time,
and
more money.”

Trip’s eyes looked distant when he made that final remark, causing Grey to wonder about that sugar mama they’d joked about recently. Had Trip tried that avenue and been refused? Grey wouldn’t impose on his friend. He’
d accept Trip
’s help if offered again, but he wouldn’t pressure him. Besides, a heli-ski permit was still a pipe dream at this stage.

Grey took a bite of the pizza, though his appetite had dulled thanks to the topic du jour. He glanced at his watch, but realized he couldn’t interrupt Avery at work. He forced himself to eat another slice and finish his beer. After they paid the bill, they left the pub and stepped into the bright sunlight.

“Let’s not panic. I’ll go pump Kelsey for info. You call your lawyer and find out what you can. We’ll regroup tonight and plan your next steps.”

“I really don’t know what to say to Avery. It sucks that I might not be able to keep my promise.”

Trip tilted his head and studied Grey. “Like I said before, if she’s as invested in you as you seem to be in her, she’ll support you.” Trip batted a fist against Grey’s bicep. “Buck up. I’m going to hunt down Kelsey. See you at home later.” He turned on his heel and began walking toward Kelsey’s office.

Grey pulled out his phone and called Adler. “Hey, Warren. It’s Grey. What do you know about U.S. Forest Service permits and real estate?”

Ten minutes later
, no closer to an answer, he hung up feeling pessimistic. He went back to his office to further research the legal terms Adler had mentioned: easements, rights-of-way, adverse possession. He also studied the fine print of his permit documentation, hoping to find some kind of grant of access. Of course, his damned dyslexia made the task doubly challenging. He unwrapped his fourth sucker, but no amount of candy could lift his mood today.

At four thirty, he dashed across town to catch Avery at the clinic before she went home. Looking back on the first time he’d blown through these doors bracing for a confrontation, it seemed less fraught with trepidation than the confrontation about to occur. When her last patient strolled out the door, she approached him.

“I didn’t expect to see you here today.” She gave him a quick kiss, but her fidgety body language indicated her distraction. “My parents are here already, so I can’t join you for dinner or anything. My dad’s barking at me to get home.”

“I need five minutes.” He clasped her hand. “I wish I didn’t, but I do.”

“
I don
’t like the sound of your voice.” She narrowed her eyes. “If this is going to upset me, can it wait until next week? I really can’t handle anything else until after Andy’s trial.”

“No, it can’t wait. Believe me, I wish I didn’t have to deal with this either, but things are happening that are making it impossible for me to settle for Andy’s insurance proceeds.”

“What things?” She glanced at his knee. “Did your doctor give you bad news?” The concern in her voice tugged at his heart and burned though his stomach.
Fuck.

“No. This is about business. In a nutshell, Wade Kessler’s new project cuts off our access to a substantial portion of land covered by our special-use permit, and that will wreck my business. I’m going to need time and money to come up with some alternatives.”

“How is that related to the accident and Andy?” She withdrew, her expression confused.

He drew a breath, hoping she’d understand his perspective. “I’ve been willing to consider taking less than I need—less than I deserve—because of my feelings for you. But now making that sacrifice would very likely cost me everything. That doesn’t seem fair, especially when this injury isn’t my fault.”

“I know it’s not fair. Nothing about our situation is fair.” Avery’s troubled expression dug beneath his skin. “I’m not sure what you expect me to say. Are you asking for my blessing?”

“No. I’m telling you so you don’t hear it from someone else first.” He reached out for her hands. “I came to you as soon as I realized what was happening. You know I want to keep my promise not to hurt you or drag your family through some ugly stuff. I’m hoping maybe you, your brother, and I can sit down and find a solution together so we all get what we need.”

“Well, with Andy facing jail time and life as a felon, I doubt he cares much about his financial trouble, let alone yours.” Avery eased free of Grey’s grip and ran her hands through her ponytail, her eyes darting around the clinic, her teeth worrying her lower lip. He’d rarely seen her look so flustered. “Sorry, but I warned you I’m not at my best today. I’ve got to go home. My dad’s already called me twice today. He’s got something important to discuss. I guess we’ll talk about this tomorrow, or next week, after Andy’s hearing.”

“Call me later.” When he pulled her close, her stiff body set off alarms. He tipped her chin up and stared into her eyes. “Avery, I’m still looking into alternatives. If there’s any option that lets you keep your house and me keep my business, I’ll take it. And I promise I won’t do anything without telling you first, okay? We’re in this together.”

“Thanks.” Her weak smile offered little comfort. “Listen, I probably won’t call you tonight. You know how my dad wears me down. I don’t want to end up arguing with you because I’m keyed up about what’s going on with my family. We’ll talk about this legal mess later, all right?”

“I wish I could comfort you, Bambi. If you’re upset, I want to be there for you.”

“There’s nothing you can do or say to make it better, especially given what you just told me.” She wiped her hand over her face. “I’m not blaming you. This is just a difficult time for all of us.”

He didn’t say another word as he walked her to her car. Her quick kiss good-bye left him anxious and unhappy.

Naturally, because God had it in for him, he crossed paths with Matt on his way home.

“You don’t look nearly as cocksure as you did at the jazz festival.” Matt stopped on the sidewalk in front of Grizzly’s, tucking his hands under his armpits.

“Mind your own business.”

“Contrary to your opinion, the Randalls are my business.”
Matt sighed.
“You don’t have to like it, or me, but you should get used to seeing me around town, and around Avery.”

Grey’s hands balled into fists, but he counted to ten in his head. “You seem to enjoy trying to get a rise out of me, but as I said before, I don’t think all the Randalls are as eager for your company as Andy.”

“I made one big mistake, but I’m not a terrible guy, and I do have history with them and this town. Maybe I’ll earn a second chance with them—maybe sooner than you think.” Matt shot Grey a two-finger salute before stepping inside the bar.

Grey stared at the door, debating whether or not to take the bait. His grandfather’s voice echoed in his head, telling him to keep his eye on the prize and not get distracted by other people’s bullshit. With much effort, he backed away and walked home, desperately hoping for a magical solution to his dilemma.

“Smells good.” Avery closed the oven door after taking a quick peek at the lasagna Andy had prepared for dinner with their parents. She glanced at the ceiling, hoping he couldn’t read the extra distress in her face. “I need a glass of wine before Mom and Dad come down.”

“Lucky you.” Andy placed the final napkin and set of silverware at the table. “I have to face Dad sober these days.”

“Sorry, but I really need this right now.” She gulped down a big swallow of Cabernet Sauvignon. “We’re all dealing with a lot these days.”

“Some of us more than others.” Andy pulled at his collar and stared at his feet, avoiding her direct gaze.

“I know you’re worried about the trial, but I told you, Grey hasn’t even talked to the prosecutor. If they ask for a statement before sentencing, he won’t make things worse. You’ve done everything your lawyer suggested. I have to believe it will all make a difference to a judge. I think things will not turn out as badly as you imagine, at least not in the criminal trial.”

“The way you just said that makes it sound like Grey is changing his mind about not suing me.”

“Things are forcing his hand, but he’s still looking for alternatives, Andy.” She recalled the distraught tone of Grey’s voice as he relayed his circumstances. “He’s making every effort to avoid turning our lives upside down.”

“Well, it won’t matter if he sues us anyhow.” Andy then seemed to check himself. His cheeks turned pink as he turned his head away.

“Why do you look so guilt-stricken?” She tipped her head, awaiting his response. “Andy?”

“I hear Dad coming down the steps.” He swiped his palms across his shorts twice before rubbing the back of his neck. Their dad had made Andy nervous for most of his life. Since the accident, it had been even worse.

“Oh, joy.” Avery downed the last drops of wine in her glass and set it on the counter. “On second thought, maybe you should’ve sneaked one, too.”