Always Be True (17 page)

She'd never been daring enough to try out the backseat of a car, but she was tempted to give it a shot tonight. She glanced over her shoulder and grinned. It would be tricky but definitely doable.

“Okay, woman, what has you smiling all wicked like that?”

Her grin kicked it up a notch. “I was checking out the backseat.”

Tino gave her a considering look. “Why?”

“I'm betting you can figure it out.” She trailed her fingers along the length of his thigh in case he needed more of a hint.

It didn't take him long to connect the dots. “Another fantasy of yours?”

“I've never tried it and won't ask if you've ever done it in a car.”

His initial silence was answer enough, but then he grinned. “I'd have to take the Fifth.”

But after another sideways glance in her direction, he added, “Although in the interest of total honesty, it was actually the bed of my dad's old pickup truck.”

It was hard not to be a bit jealous of whatever lucky girl he'd been with, but she'd never expected him to have been a monk all these years. Tino must have noticed her smile had faded, because he reached over to take her hand in his.

“For the record, there haven't been all that many women in my life. Between deployments and transfers, it was hard to connect with anyone on that level.”

Then he waggled his eyebrows with a playful leer. “But just in case you're interested, we still have that old truck. You know, if you ever want to try it out.”

Was she a bad person for being tempted to give it a go? Before she could decide, she realized the car had stopped moving, and Tino announced, “We're here.”

This time, Natalie didn't wait for him to open the car door for her. She was out and waiting for him almost before he had a chance to turn off the engine. When they reached the front door, he drew a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I know this evening was rougher than either of us expected. Do you still want me to come inside?”

“Yes, I do,” she assured him, although she appreciated that he asked. “None of what happened was our fault, and I really am sorry how things played out. I will also say that I've never seen Benton be that much of a jerk. He takes his public image pretty seriously.”

Tino swooped in for a quick kiss. “Well, hearing that you've moved on and actually seeing it for himself are two different things. It probably hadn't really hit him how much he'd lost until he saw us together. I'm done talking about him except to say the man was a damn fool for letting you get away.”

How odd to realize she'd somehow stirred such strong passion in even one man, much less two. Right now, the same hungry gleam that had been in Tino's eyes when he'd almost taken her up against that tree was back in full force. It was clear that what was coming next wouldn't be the same gentle seduction they'd enjoyed the last time.

She couldn't wait.

Her hand was remarkably steady when she put the key in the lock and turned it. They'd barely cleared the doorway when Tino took her purse from her hand and tossed it on a nearby table. Then he swept her up in his arms for the second time in one evening and headed straight for the staircase.

When they reached the top step, he hesitated only long enough to ask, “Which room?”

“The last one on the left.”

Funny, that she was the one who sounded breathless when he was the one doing all the heavy lifting. Upon entering her bedroom, Tino settled her on the edge of the bed. Instead of joining her there, he took a step back. She hated even that much distance between them. But if he needed a moment, she'd give it to him as long as he didn't retreat any farther.

Finally, he nodded as if he'd come to a decision. “Nat, I want you so damn badly, but after everything that happened tonight—not just with Benton, but afterward in the parking lot—my control is shot. I want to move slowly. To make things good for you…for us, but I'm not sure I can. Go slowly, that is.”

His voice had taken on that same rough and hungry edge it had had earlier in the deep shadows under the trees. She'd liked it then. She liked it now as the weight of his words sank deep within her, fueling the flames of her own hunger, her need for this man.

Smiling up at her handsome lover, she held out her hand to entice him back within reach. “I like slow and easy just fine, but we can save that for later. Right now, fast sounds good to me.”

For a brief second, the dark expression on Tino's face lightened. “Lady, I love the way you think.”

Then he was right there within reach. He drew her back up to her feet and then framed her face with the warmth of his hands, tilting it up for the right angle to kiss her. Contrary to his claim, he took his time and teased her with soft brushes of his lips at the corners of her mouth. When she tried to protest, he finally got down to business, his tongue sweeping past the barrier of her lips to take possession of her mouth and quite possibly her soul.

She clung to his shoulders for support when suddenly her legs would no longer support her. Tino immediately broke off the kiss and eased her back down onto the bed and knelt at her feet as he slid his hands up her calves to pause at her knees. “You okay with this?”

Considering her lips were a bit swollen from his kiss, her smile might have been a bit ragged when she nodded. “So much more than just okay.”

Her answer clearly pleased him as he tugged the hem of her dress up out of the way. Without waiting to be asked, she braced her feet on the floor and lifted her hips to aid him in removing her panties and pantyhose in one motion.

Tino rocked back on his heels to undo his belt and then reached for the tab on his zipper. The soft slide of metal against metal was the only sound in the room, only barely discernable above the pounding of her heart. After shoving his pants down only far enough to free his erection, he held her gaze captive as he took care of protection.

With that warning, he positioned himself over her, taking her with one hard thrust and no hesitation. She expected the abrupt invasion to hurt, but her body was clearly ready for him. Had been, in fact, since they'd left the dance. Tino knew it, too, because he didn't hesitate to set a pounding rhythm that left them both gasping.

The experience was an incredible hodgepodge of sensations. Her dress was bunched up around her waist while his cotton dress shirt felt slick and cool to her grasping fingers. It provided a sharp contrast to the few places where their hot skin came into direct contact. In only a few strokes, her body was already tightening, straining to reach completion.

Tino was having none of it. “Not yet, babe. It's too soon.”

He slowed the pace, rolling his hips as he nearly withdrew from her body before once again burying the hard length of him deep within her core. He held them both still for the longest time before once again pulling back and then pushing in again, but only a little. Holding himself steady, he reached between her legs to flutter his fingertips over the center of her desire, fanning the flames into a full-out burn.

“God, yes, Tino! Just like that.”

She wrapped her legs around his lean hips in a vain attempt to take more of him, but he held her still. Clearly, he was determined to remain in charge this time. Once she quit struggling, he gave her what they both wanted—a hard, fast ride that had her screaming his name as he sent them both flying over the edge.

Tino struggled to fill his lungs right now. It was as if the air in the bedroom had somehow grown thin. Considering how hot the sex had been, maybe they had burned up the entire supply of oxygen. His conscience whispered he should have used greater care with Natalie, but he couldn't find it in him to regret a single second of the amazing roller-coaster ride they'd just been on.

Now they lay spooned together, still half-dressed and completely sated. Tino kissed the back of Natalie's neck and breathed in the sweet scent of her skin. “Are you okay?”

She twisted to meet his gaze over her shoulder and greeted him with a siren's smile. “Somehow ‘okay' doesn't do justice to how I feel right now.”

He tugged on the sleeve of her dress. “Considering we're both still pretty much dressed, I suspect I rushed things a bit.”

Her answering laugh was a purr of pure satisfaction. “Do you hear me complaining?”

Well, no, he didn't, but she couldn't be comfortable with her dress all twisted up like that. For his part, he wouldn't be surprised to learn he'd damaged his trousers and shirt in his rush to the finish line. All things considered, it was worth it.

Before retrieving the blankets they'd kicked to the floor, he decided to strip them both down to the bare skin for comfort's sake. Okay, that was only partly true. His body was already stirring back to life and getting skin to skin with his woman was the perfect way to jump-start that process. Not that he wanted to rush the moment again.

He slowly lowered the zipper on the back of her dress and kissed each inch of skin that he revealed. Natalie curled forward, giving him better access even as she asked, “What are you up to now?”

“If you have to ask, I must be doing something wrong.”

“Must be.”

After nipping her on the shoulder as a small punishment for that remark, he set about ridding Natalie of the rest of her clothing. When he reached for the buttons on his own shirt, she brushed his hands aside to handle that task herself. When they were both satisfyingly naked, he pulled up the blankets to cover them both.

For a few precious moments, he soaked in the gentle warmth of the woman tucked in beside him, her head on his shoulder and the soft tumble of her hair scattered across his skin. This was peace, but it wouldn't last. Already memories of the evening's events were pushing back to the forefront of his mind.

Sure, there had been good moments scattered in among the dark ones, starting with the dances he'd shared with Natalie and even with her mother. Out on the dance floor, he'd fit in, had even been admired by at least the female half of the crowd. He'd also enjoyed the brief connection with the former marine and his wife. At least they had valued Tino's service to the country and didn't look down on him because he didn't have a degree.

But overshadowing those few bits of brightness were the confrontations with the Humboldts, and most especially Benton. That man was a complete ass and obnoxious as hell. He'd made a fool of himself, but Tino had no doubt Benton's behavior would be forgiven by his friends and family. It wouldn't even come as much of a surprise if some folks felt he'd been the one who'd been wronged. After all, not only had Natalie dumped the man, but she'd brought the interloper into their midst.

“What's going on in that head of yours right now? Considering how tightly you're squeezing me, it can't be good.”

He forced the muscles in his arm to relax and pressed a kiss on her forehead. “Sorry about that.”

“Is everything okay?”

Yes…and no. He went with the obvious lie. “Yes.”

Her pretty blue eyes stared up at him full of doubt. “Really? You're not still upset about Benton's behavior, are you?”

His anger came boiling out. “Hell yes, I'm upset that he disrespected you, Natalie. He actually accused us of cheating on him behind his back. I can't tell you how close I came to teaching him some better manners with my fists. He may not know a damn thing about me, but he should damn well know you better than that.”

He wasn't sure what reaction he expected to that little factoid, but it sure wasn't having Natalie sliding up to settle her body over his. The sight of her sweet breasts was a definite distraction when she sat up and captured his face between the palms of her hands.

“Just so you know, that is exactly why I'm here with you and not him. You've known me a fraction of the time he has, and yet you see the real me. He only wants to see the person he wants to think I am or, more likely, the person he hopes can help further his political ambitions.”

All of that was good, but he had to wonder if she saw the real Tino Gianelli or only the one he pretended to be, hoping to fit into her world and her life. How could he ever know or even ask the question? Before he could figure out the right answer, he realized she was still talking. He'd missed part of what she'd said, but clearly she hadn't noticed. Her siren smile remained firmly in place framed beautifully by those amazing dimples. “So, Tino Gianelli, I'm about to rock your world.”

And damned if she didn't do exactly that.

Tino added two more pancakes onto the stack he already had warming in the oven and poured the last of the batter into the skillet. He had no idea how many Natalie could eat but figured they'd both worked up quite an appetite during the night.

The shower had shut off a little while ago, so she should be joining him any minute. The thought no sooner crossed his mind when he heard her coming down the hall toward the kitchen. He flipped the pancakes and then greeted her with a quick kiss and a cup of hot coffee.

Natalie paused in the doorway to sniff the air. “Wow, fresh coffee, homemade pancakes, and a handsome man in my kitchen! The perfect start to the morning. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Nope, just have a seat. Everything is ready to go.”

They made quick work of both the meal he'd prepared and the cleanup afterward. All of which meant it was probably time for him to head back home. As much as he'd like to stick around, she hadn't mentioned what her plans were for the rest of the day, and he didn't want to presume that they might include him. With her busy work schedule, she might prefer to have some time to herself.

He dried his hands on the dish towel and hung it up to dry. “I guess I should be going. I'm sure you have stuff you need to be doing.”

She was already nodding, although she didn't look all that happy. “Actually, I do have to be somewhere in just over an hour from now.”

Tino slipped on his tux jacket and shoved his tie into a pocket. “I'll call you tomorrow and maybe we can make plans for next weekend.”

“I'd like that.”

Natalie followed him to the door where she wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head against his chest. “I've had a wonderful time despite the problems with my ex and his mother.”

Tino held her close, loving the way she fit in his arms. “They were just a momentary blip on an otherwise spectacular night. Now, kiss me and then boot me out before I make you late.”

“Yes, sir!”

The kiss lasted longer than it should have for a simple goodbye. Damn, it was hard to walk away, and it didn't help that she followed him out to the car. After this much time, he found it easy to tell when she had something on her mind. But before he could ask what she was thinking about so hard, she put her hand out to stop him from getting in his car.

“Look, do you like the zoo?”

Well, that sure came out of left field. “I haven't been to the zoo in a lot of years, but I always enjoyed it. Why? What are you thinking?”

“Well, that's where I'm going this afternoon. The foundation sponsored a special day at the zoo for a bunch of kids from the neighborhood around the community center. I'm guessing at least a few of them are from your basketball team. I don't suppose you'd like to tag along.”

Anything to spend more time in her company. “I'd love to come, but I'll have to go home and change clothes first.”

He gave his wrinkled shirt and slacks a pointed look. “I'd be a bit overdressed for the occasion if I showed up in a tuxedo, even one that looks like I slept in it.”

She laughed. “Just a bit. Do you want me to swing by and pick you up on my way?”

No way that was happening. He wasn't ready for her to learn that he lived in a remodeled garage. Eventually, she'd find out, but not yet.

“I don't want to risk making you late, so I'll meet you there.”

“Sounds good. We're set to arrive at eleven thirty. The plan is to walk around for a while, take a break for brown-bag lunches, and then sightsee for two more hours if the kids hold up that long.” She grinned. “Well, actually the adults will hit the wall before the munchkins do, but it's undignified to admit that.”

He laughed. “I know what you mean. I've only helped Jay with the team a handful of times, but those kids flat wear me out. I swear, it was easier to ride herd on a bunch of new recruits out for a good time on their first liberty after basic training.”

“That's why we always try to get as many adult volunteers as we can.” Her face flushed a bit pink. “But don't think that's why I invited you to come. I'm just tagging along to make sure everything goes smoothly. Well, and because I love the zoo.”

“I believe you, and I'll do my best to be there on time.”

Tino gave her another quick kiss before getting into the car. “I'll see you soon.”

The kids gathered near the railing and jockeyed for position to see the zebras grazing a short distance away. While they chattered among themselves, Rosalie sidled up next to Natalie. It was tempting to start talking to one of the kids, but that would only be postponing the inevitable. The woman would eventually corner her. Maybe she could shorten the conversation if she started it herself.

“Yes, Rosalie, he's good with kids and looks good in that Henley shirt.”

She paused to take a quick glance at her friend. Just as she suspected, Rosalie was grinning big-time. “What? I want a bottle of water out of the cooler and was going to ask if you'd keep an eye on my bunch while I'm gone. I'll bring you one, too, if you'd like.”

Well, great. “Yes, I'll watch the kids, and I'd love another water.”

“I'll be right back.” Rosalie started to walk away but turned back. “And you're right. He's good with the kids, and he looks great. He also stares at you as if you're the special on today's dessert menu.”

Rather than continue a discussion she couldn't win, Natalie moved up to stand next to the three kids Rosalie had been shepherding around the zoo. “So tell me, kids, which do you like better—the giraffes or the zebras?”

She let them each give their opinions, laughing at their reasons for their choices. Meanwhile, she noticed that Tino was no longer hanging out with the boys from his basketball team. It took her a minute to spot him standing a short distance back down the path. Who was he talking to with that worried look on his face?

Luckily, Rosalie was already back. She held out two bottles of water and a juice box. “I thought Tino might like some water, too. The juice is for his friend.”

A gap in the crowd finally revealed Tino's young companion, a girl who looked to be about ten or so. “I'm not sure I've ever met her. What's her name?”

“There's no reason you should know Maya. I'm not sure what her story is, but I know she only recently came to stay with one of the local foster families. If she's new to the system, it's not surprising that she's feeling a little overwhelmed by the crowds and hanging out with a bunch of strangers.”

She turned her attention back to her young charges. “Okay, boys, time to move on. There's still a lot of the zoo left to see, and I don't want you to miss out on any of the cool stuff.”

Natalie stayed and watched Tino as the others walked away. By this point, he'd knelt down on one knee to be closer to Maya's eye level as the two of them talked. Natalie's heart ached for the little girl, but it was nice to see that Tino had finally coaxed a smile from her. The man was a charmer, all right, and she loved that he would go to the trouble to help Maya relax enough to enjoy the outing.

As much as she wanted to spend time with Tino, she didn't want to interrupt the pair's animated conversation. Fortunately, he happened to look in her direction and immediately motioned for her to join them.

When she was within hearing, he performed the necessary introductions. “Natalie Kennigan, I'd like you to meet my friend Maya. We need you to settle an argument for us.”

“Nice to meet you, Maya.” She handed Tino his water and then offered the little girl the juice. “I've always found arguing with Tino here to be thirsty work. What do you two need my opinion on?”

Tino gave Maya an encouraging look. She waited until she'd stuck the straw in her juice before speaking. “He says elephants really are afraid of mice. I think that's only in cartoons.”

Natalie laughed. “I'm with you on that one, Maya.”

Then she added in a stage whisper, “I think we both know who really is afraid of mice, and it's not the elephants.”

She rolled her eyes in Tino's direction, which set Maya to giggling while he looked mildly insulted. “Hey, now, you two! No fair ganging up on me like that.”

One of the parents approached them. “Maya, you better come along, hon. We're moving on now, and it's important that we keep the group together. I can't make sure everyone is safe if we get too scattered in this crowd.”

The little girl's smile faded a bit, but she took the woman's hand without complaint. Tino watched her walk away with the oddest look on his face. Sadness, maybe, or even grief. Then the expression disappeared so quickly, Natalie almost doubted that she'd even seen it. Almost.