Getting Lucky (A Nugget Romance Book 5) (22 page)

She still had the robe on. Lucky took his off and waded in up to his waist, walking over to the side where Tawny sat.

“You coming in?” he asked her.

“I’m not much of a swimmer.” For a minute they watched Katie shoot up and down the lap lane like a fish. Whoa, the girl could swim. He’d have to put in a pool.

“Watch me do the backstroke, Daddy.”

Lucky watched, wearing a big grin. “You’re pretty amazing there, Katie girl.” He turned to Tawny. “Where did she learn that?”

“I got her lessons at the community pool as soon as she was old enough to walk. You hear so much about children drowning.”

It struck him that Tawny hadn’t been much more than a child herself when Katie had been old enough to walk. Yet she’d had the forethought to get Katie swimming lessons. When Katie had become sick, Tawny got her the best medical care in Northern California—maybe even the country. The woman was a force to be reckoned with.

“You never learned?” he asked her.

“I can paddle around, stay afloat, but I don’t like getting my face wet.”

He caught sight of the empty spa. “We can sit in the hot tub while Katie swims.”

“You don’t want to do a few laps?”

“Not particularly.” The truth was his bones were sore from the meds. He hoped the hot water would soothe him. A lot of times after PBR events, he and the other bull riders would get in their hotel’s hot tub to relieve the aches and pains.

“All right.” Tawny got up and met him at the spa. It was right next to the pool, so they could still keep a close eye on Katie. She crouched down and tested the water. “Hot.”

“Good,” he said. There must’ve been pain in his face because she stuck her hand out for him.

“I’m fine. Just a little achy from the drugs. This’ll help. Come sit with me.”

She slowly took off the robe and Lucky could tell she was shy about him seeing her in a modest one piece. During sex, they’d been too busy taking their fill of each other to get self-conscious. But the woman had to know how beautiful she was. Not the same kind of voluptuous as Raylene, but her petite curves were sexy as hell. Long legs, a tiny waist, and in his opinion, perfect breasts. Just enough to fill his hands. And every bit of her was real. The part that he couldn’t get enough of, though, was her face. Those green eyes and plump pink lips.

Tawny went in up to her knees and then got out. “I’ve got to get used to it.”

Fine by him. He got in, sat near one of the jets, and blatantly took her in from head to toe.

“What?” she scolded, clearly embarrassed.

“You’re pretty. I like looking at you.”

That got her in the spa, hiding under the bubbly water, as far away from him as possible. “Don’t say things like that.”

“Why not?”

“Because it won’t work with me and because it makes you sound smarmy.”

“I’m just being honest. Anyone can see that you’re a beautiful woman. Brady obviously thinks so. Pete. Noah too.”

She splashed him with water. “What are you talking about?”

“You tell me. Are you and Brady together?”

“No. I already told you that.”

“Then why are you making him boots?”

“Not that it’s your business, but the man is constantly bringing me and Katie food he prepares. I wanted to do something nice for him in return.”

Not buying it, he just stared at her.

“What did Pete and Noah say about me?”

“Why should I tell you? It’ll only give you a big head.” He could tell how badly she wanted to know, and laughed. “They think you’re hot.”

“They do not. You’re such a liar.” She splashed him again.

He wiped water from his eye. “Next time you do that, you won’t like the consequences.”

She splashed him again and he leaned over and pulled her into his lap. Despite the water temperature, Lucky felt his trunks grow tight. Oddly enough, she didn’t try to move away. He wrapped his arms around her and checked the pool to make sure Katie was okay. Too busy doing handstands under the water, Katie didn’t pay them any attention.

“I’m not a liar. That’s what they told me. Why? You interested?”

“Of course not,” she said.

“Damn straight. You’re only interested in me.”

“Don’t flatter yourself, buddy boy. What? Raylene dump you again?”

Lucky tightened his grip because he didn’t want Tawny to squirm away. “Raylene and I are over. That’s all you need to know.”

Tawny chewed on her lip, seeming to be contemplating something. “She told Noah that you forced her at the Rock and River that night.”

“I don’t care what she says.”

“I told Noah the truth.”

“I know,” Lucky said.

She reeled back. “Did Noah tell you that?”

“No. He said reliable sources disputed the allegations. I knew you were the reliable source.”

“How?”

“Because you’re reliable.” He kissed the back of her neck, then the side of her throat, until he turned her around and kissed her full on the mouth.

“Not with Katie,” she said against his lips, but she didn’t seem like she’d be stopping anytime soon.

“I want you,” he told her. “Tonight. I’ll ask my mom and Jake to take Katie to dinner and a movie.”

“Don’t do that.” She pulled free. “I don’t want them to think there is something going on between the two of us. Because there isn’t.”

“I don’t know what it is, Tawny. But there is definitely something going on.”

Lucky heard Katie get out of the pool and he gently moved Tawny off his lap. “You ready to go back to the room?” he called to Katie.

“You think Grandma and Jake are back?”

“I think there’s a good chance of it, yeah.” He tugged Tawny up, got out, and handed her a towel.

“Wrap yourself up,” Tawny told Katie, and cinched the girl’s robe tie. “I don’t want you catching a chill.”

“You neither,” Lucky said, and purposely stared at Tawny’s nipples through her wet swimsuit. While handing her the hotel robe, Lucky let his hand graze over her breasts. He heard her sudden intake of breath and threw her a wicked grin.

They walked through the lobby of the hotel to the elevators, and through the hallway to their suite. Lucky wanted to take a shower, wash off the chlorine, then hand wash Tawny. Unfortunately, that wasn’t going to happen. At least not now.

But later, anything was possible.

T
awny put on a dress that she saved for special occasions. Not that going out to dinner the night before Lucky got a catheter stuck in his chest was a special occasion, but she thought she should look appropriate for a nice dinner out.

The five of them had a reservation at a restaurant Tawny had never heard of but came highly recommended. A little part of her—if she wanted to be honest, a big part of her—had hoped that she and Lucky would stay in. His idea, not hers. He’d either been talking a big game or he’d chickened out. Either way, it was for the best since Lucky couldn’t seem to stop checking his text messages every five minutes.

Raylene, of course. He was probably hoping she’d beg his forgiveness and they could live happily ever after.

“You ready to go?” Lucky broke into her thoughts as he popped his head into her room while she put on her mascara. “We’re supposed to meet Ma and Jake in the lobby in five minutes.”

“Yep.” She called to Katie. “Let’s go, Miss Fashion Queen.”

Katie came out of the bathroom wearing her new dress.

“I thought that was your transplant outfit,” Lucky said, his lips curving up into a half smile that made Tawny’s stomach flutter.

“I want to wear it tonight too.” Katie patted down the folds, getting out any wrinkles.

“Well, you look beautiful. I’ve got a good-looking family.” Lucky pulled Katie under his arm and took a picture of them with his camera phone.

“I want that picture,” Katie said.

“I’ll make a print of it. Come on, Tawny. Let’s get one of the three of us.”

She felt like the odd person out, but it would be petty to resist. Lucky posed Katie between the two of them and snapped another photo. A thought, too horrible to contemplate, shot through her mind.
If the transplant didn’t work, these could be the last . . .
She wouldn’t let herself think that way.

Lucky must’ve felt Tawny tense because he asked, “Are you okay?”

“Just cold.”

“Well, then I’ve got just the thing,” he said, and left Tawny’s room only to return with a Nordstrom bag.

“What’s this?”

“Open it, Mommy.”

Tawny caught Katie’s eye, but her daughter seemed to be as much in the dark as Tawny. Opening the bag, Tawny pulled out the tissue paper and found the green wool coat she’d admired during their trip to the mall.

She examined the coat, then Lucky, with a combination of wonder and annoyance. Did he think she couldn’t afford her own clothes? “Why did you buy me this?”

“Because it matches your eyes. Put it on and let’s skedaddle.”

At home she wore an old down jacket that kept her warm but was about as attractive as the dead chickens that had been plucked for the filling. This coat was elegant and really did match her eyes, but the price tag was way too extravagant.

“You shouldn’t have gotten me this.” But even as she said it, she itched to feel the cashmere next to her skin.

“Try it on.” Lucky lifted it with one finger and draped the coat over her shoulders.

Tawny slipped her arms into the sleeves, pulled the belt around and tied a perfect square knot. Nothing had ever felt more deluxe. She kept petting the wool.

Katie pushed her toward the full-length mirror. “It’s beautiful, Mommy.”

Tawny turned this way and that. “It is gorgeous.”

“Good,” Lucky said. “Now can we please go before we lose our reservation and Jake puts out an APB for us?”

Katie dashed to the door while Tawny started to take the coat off.

“What are you doing?” Lucky asked.

“I can’t keep this. It’s too expensive and I’m not your . . .”

“What?” Lucky said. “You’re not my what?”

“Girlfriend.”

“No, you’re not,” he said. “I bought it for you because you’re under a lot of stress and I thought you could use something to cheer you up. It’s a small token. So put the damn thing back on and let’s go.”

Tawny shrugged into the coat again and cinched the belt. When they got to the lobby, Cecilia and Jake were dressed up too. Cecilia gave Katie a big kiss and praised her new dress.

“And look at you, Tawny. What a beautiful coat.”

“Lucky got it for me,” Tawny said, feeling self-conscious. The last thing she wanted was for Cecilia to think that Tawny was taking advantage of her son’s money.

“Good for him.” Cecilia gave Lucky a hug and turned back to Tawny. “You deserve someone giving you something pretty for a change.” And that’s when Tawny realized that Cecilia was wearing the boots. It seemed to Tawny that Cecilia wore them every chance she got. A true compliment.

Jake ushered them out the door and they squeezed into Lucky’s crew cab. They found the restaurant and after ten minutes of searching for parking, they were shown to their table on the patio. The outdoor heaters made it more than comfortable and the twinkly lights strung through the trees added a warm ambiance. Romantic.

Lucky sat next to Tawny and Katie sat next to Lucky. Her daughter couldn’t seem to get enough of the man. Jake ordered champagne for the table and got a mocktail for Katie, who glowed with excitement at being included with the grown-ups.

When the food came, their chatter ceased and everyone ate. Tawny couldn’t have asked for a lovelier evening. Being enveloped in such warm company had taken her mind off tomorrow. Although the actual transplant wouldn’t happen for a few days, she’d be back in a hospital bright and early. Fighting for Katie’s life.

Tawny felt Lucky’s hand on her leg. At first he squeezed her knee as if he knew where her thoughts had gone and wanted to reassure her.
Everything will be fine. We’ve got this covered.

Then his hand started to boldly roam up her thigh, and higher, until he reached the edge of her panties. Within seconds he was in, stroking her with his finger. She moved her leg to nudge him with her knee, but that only gave him better access. The man had to be insane. Here, in a restaurant, with his family? She pinched him under the table, which only made him touch her more . . . and she was wet . . . and throbbing. Dear God, in another second she would go off like the champagne cork.

The check came, saving her the embarrassment. Lucky stopped fondling her so he could reach for his wallet.

“I’ve got it,” Jake said, and handed his credit card to the waiter too fast for Lucky to argue.

“Thanks, Jake,” chorused the voices around the table.

“Cecilia and I were thinking of taking in a movie. Anyone want to join us?” Jake asked, and Tawny knew this was Lucky’s doing.

“I want to.” Katie practically bounced out of her chair, then looked at Tawny for permission.

Tawny in turn looked at Jake and Cecilia.

“Of course,” Cecilia said.

“I’d like to turn in early if it’s all the same to you,” Lucky said. “And Tawny could use some rest—a little alone time.”

Alone time. Ha. What a liar
.

“That sounds wise,” Jake said, signing the bill and rising.

“Why don’t you drop us off at the hotel and take the truck,” Lucky suggested.

A short time later she and Lucky were making their way through the revolving door of the Four Seasons, into the lobby.

“You’re crazy,” she told him as the elevator door opened and they stepped in.

An elderly couple tried to follow them, but Lucky slapped the button, letting the door close on them. He pushed her up against the wall and slid his hand up her dress.

“Where were we?” He pulled the leg of her panties to the side and began stroking her again. She could barely stay standing, it felt so good. “You like this?”

“Let’s wait until we get to our room.”

“You didn’t answer me.” He kissed the side of her neck and nuzzled her ear, taking tiny nips.

“Oh God, yes.” She groaned. “Someone will see us, though.”

He tugged the bottom of her dress down but moved his hands over her breasts, pressing the thick ridge in his pants against her. She went up on tiptoes so she could feel him where it counted the most.

When the door opened, he all but dragged her out, muttered a curse when he couldn’t get the key card to immediately work, and pulled her across the threshold.

“By my estimate we have three hours, give or take some.” He pulled off her new coat, then tugged her dress over her head when all he had to do was untie the belt. But she couldn’t breathe, let alone talk. “I want to make the best out of every single, solitary second. You with me?”

He unhooked the front clasp of her bra, slid the straps down her shoulders, weighed her breasts in his hands, and leaned down to take them in his mouth. Stopping, he looked up. “Well? You with me?”

“Yes,” she said, and started tugging at his clothes. Thank goodness for Western shirts and snaps. “Bed.”

“You got it.” He lifted her like a bride, carried her to his room, and laid her on the bed just long enough to shuck off his shirt, pants, and shorts. Standing over her, his erection jutting out, only one word came to Tawny’s mind. Perfection.

Lucky Rodriguez was flawlessly made. Not too tall for a five-foot-four woman, and a body built of muscle and steel. Without knowing what possessed her, she got off the bed and down on her knees and took him in her mouth. Never before had she been this brazen, but she wanted him like this—a little at her mercy. She was rewarded with a loud moan of pleasure.

“Ah, Tawny, you’re killing me. Stop, baby.”

He tugged her up, pushed down her underwear, sat on his haunches and returned the favor. The difference was she didn’t stop him until he took her over the edge while screaming his name.

“Oh yeah,” he said. “Good?”

Her legs shook so badly, her heart pumping a million miles a minute, that all she could do was nod. Lucky got off the floor and backed her against the bed until she fell onto the mattress. He followed, continuing to touch every inch of her with his hands and lips and the part of him she wanted inside of her.

“I can’t wait anymore,” she said. “Please tell me you brought condoms.”

“Right here.” He climbed over her and pawed through his suitcase until he found a box still sealed in plastic, which he ripped open with his teeth, scooping out a handful of foil packets.

She watched Lucky roll the condom down the length of him before coming to the end of the bed. He spread her legs wide, entering her a little at a time, letting Tawny get accustomed to his size. But she didn’t want that. Instead, she wrapped her legs around his waist, demanding that he go deeper. He reached under her bottom and pumped hard and fast.

The pleasure of it drove her to the brink.

“Holy hell, you feel good,” he said, his muscles straining. “At this rate I won’t make it to the buzzer.”

He flipped over so that Tawny was on top and sat her up so he could fondle her breasts. “Let’s try this a while.”

She moved on top of him, liking how she could control the pace.

“Jesus,” he said, gazing up at her. “I can’t get enough of looking at you.”

He outlined her breasts with the tips of his fingers. Reaching up, he pushed back the hair that curtained her face. “Ride me, baby.”

She rocked into him faster, planting her hands on his thighs, arching her back. He clasped her hips with his big hands and met her stroke for stroke, grunting his appreciation when he wasn’t laving her breasts with his mouth.

“You getting close?” he asked in a rough voice, using his fingers to bring her higher.

Incoherent, Tawny said something unintelligible, but the answer was yes. God, was she close. Lucky moved her onto her back and took over until he raced them both across the finish line. He lay sprawled on top of her, taking in deep breaths. Although he was heavy, she liked having his weight on top of her, and pressed her breasts against his slightly furred chest.

He kissed her over and over again. “Am I crushing you?”

Before she could answer, he lifted off and moved to the other side of her, slinging his arm over his eyes to block the light. Tawny hadn’t noticed it before, but the overhead fixture was turned on. He gazed at the bedside clock, reached up, and dimmed the switch.

A few seconds later, Tawny felt Lucky’s hands roaming over her stomach and between her legs.

“Looks like we’ve got two and a half hours left,” he whispered in her ear. “How do you want to spend it?”

At nine o’clock the next morning, Dr. Laurence and his team stuck a plastic tube in Lucky’s chest and used it to suck out his blood. The blood was then cycled through a machine that separated his stem cells from other blood cells. The doctors kept what Katie needed and gave Lucky back the rest. It took four hours. Other than the discomfort of the catheter, the procedure was fairly painless. Boring as hell, though.

Tawny had come with him and tried to keep up a steady stream of conversation. But with medical staff constantly coming and going, they couldn’t talk about anything of substance, like the incredible sex they’d had the night before.