Outside The Lines (Love Beyond Reason Book 2) (17 page)

She turned her head and placed a kiss on his arm before resting back down against the pillow of his muscle and snuggling into his embrace. He lifted the covers over them.

“I’ll never move again.”

His chuckle vibrated through her. “I’d like that.”

“You would?”

He didn’t answer right away. Instead, his hand rode down her side and settled on her hip. “I—” He stopped, cleared his throat, silent again.

Her heart skipped a beat. Her man wasn’t uncertain. He didn’t lack confidence.

“What?” she whispered, finding his glinting gaze through the dark of the room. The moon had finally reappeared and light shown through the window.

He tightened his grip for a moment before continuing his sweet stroke.

She shivered at the touch, trembled to her core, and he pressed himself into her. Maria laughed then because his arousal might have diminished some, but perhaps he wasn’t quite done after all. “Not quite ready to give up the ship?”

“I’m not too old, yet.”

“Old?” She laughed. “When we hit thirty, let’s talk about
getting
old.” Her breath stopped in her throat. Would they still be together at thirty? “Right now, you’re just virile—lots of endurance. You can go all night. Right?”

It was David’s turn to laugh. “I’d like to be together when we’re thirty.” His voice turned serious. “I’d like to be together when we’re forty, too.”

Tears stung her eyes as she blinked them away. She wanted to keep the conversation light, didn’t want to scare him away. “Good plan. We’ll talk at fifty. If things are going to hell in a hand-basket then, we’ll…” The touch of his fingers against her clit made her voice fade. “Or that.” And she shuddered.

It hardly mattered to her if she came again or not. He’d filled her heart with his words, with his uncertainty. He was more vulnerable than she realized. “Come on, baby,” she whispered against his neck, and reached over her leg to cup him.

He came again in an instant, flooding her, tensing in her arms, every muscle tight with strain. Her light touch made him jerk against her, and she smiled when he grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips.

“I couldn’t be with anyone else, ever again.” David drove into her one last time and then dropped into sleep against her, left her hanging on the edge to I-love-you. He hadn’t said it yet. But she was starting to think, perhaps…

He just didn’t recognize it.

She was determined to make this work. She’d prayed for a happy ending and a chance to be with the man she loved. She was married now. Some might say foolishly, but she liked to think of it as faithfully—believing in something she couldn’t see.

16

By noon the next day, the sun had come out, shining down and burning off the edge of frozen. David wanted to leave as soon as possible. He had work in town to take care of regarding the deal in Florida.

Maria hugged Tanner good-bye, secretly wishing she could stay—hole up and hide there for the rest of winter. Until the baby was born, even. He must have sensed it because he framed her face with his soft, wrinkled hands. “Don’t lose heart, my dear. Every road has bumps in it, especially the ones that get hit with a cold, hard winter. But we Vermonters are a hardier sort than usual. David’s a good man, from decent stock. As my Ellie would say, ‘Stubborn, but in a good way.’”

She nodded, the lump in her throat choking off any words.

“Now, next time, if you want to go exploring, you call me. I’ll come get you, okay? None of this wandering through the woods, scaring the people who love you.”

People who loved.
Heart clenching, Maria leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks for everything, Tanner.”

He meant David. It was his approval, his thumbs up. His way of telling her she was important, that she had to be careful. She appreciated it, even as she feared it, too. She wouldn’t hurt David, not on purpose.

But she was starting to understand David’s hang up.

The man in question held the door open for her. He had on his gloves, hat, and scarf. She wore the extra scarf he’d brought with him and her own gloves. The tennis shoes were going to be soaked by the time she got home.

Home
.

David took her hand as they stepped off the porch—glove to glove. They trekked down the trail. Going backward on the route she’d taken yesterday. Only today, she found herself enjoying it. Her thoughts were free.

Finally, her world had come full circle, and even though she was on the opposite side of the country, in considerably colder weather, she was reminded of their time in California. When they’d become friends and then lovers.

She smiled at him when he looked her way. “You’re thinking,” he spoke as he stepped over a snow-covered mound.

“I’m thinking about California.”

He hesitated, so briefly, she second guessed herself.

“If you want to visit, you can go. Any time.”

But come back. Those were the unspoken words. She understood his fear, now.

“I’d rather stay here.”

The surprise on his face made her smile.

“Even with my father around?”

“Well, here,” she stopped. “Right here.” She pointed to the ground. To make a point. “Here, in these woods and at your grandfather’s, you are more the man I met in California. Not the man in silk ties and Armani suits who deals with money and buys and sells hotels. You.”

She thought about his time in Florida, and her heart filled with sorrow—for him. His uncertainty with her was founded in the women who’d shaped his world so far.

“I’m sorry about Tammy.”

David helped her over a fallen log then hopped to the other side as well. “She’s not the woman I knew. No. That’s not it, either. Maybe I did know her. I didn’t know me.” His arm came around her shoulders this time as they continued walking toward the small bridge over the frozen stream. “I saw myself, Ree. Really saw myself for the first time in a long time.”

She frowned. “David—”

“I love it here, too,” he interrupted. “Listen.”

She tilted her head, heard nothing but the quiet. But when he remained silent, she realized there was more. Birds in the distance, chattering away. The rustle of movement through the woods. Their own footsteps crunching in the snow.

“Every year, I take a trip across the country—like when I came to California. But, look at me. I live on the outskirts of this small quaint town, and I have a grandfather who owns a hundred and fifty acres in my backyard, but still I need to get away. Why?”

“Looking for me?” And the grin she sent him was returned along with a sound kiss on her lips.

“Maybe.” He paused. “Or, maybe I’ve never been one hundred percent happy here. Maybe it’s not the town. Maybe it’s always been my dad.”

“Oh David, your dad must care—” But she stopped. Did he? She had no idea. “It’s hard for parents to let go and let their kids make their own decisions, find their own way.”

But he was shaking his head. “No. It’s worse.”

“How can it be worse? He hired another woman to seduce you. You freaking kissed her, David.” The shot of jealousy that struck her came out of nowhere. It came from the insecure region of her heart that she kept well-guarded. “Shit,” she sighed.

“Maria.” David turned her, took her chin in his hand. “I am sorry for what went on in Florida. I’m sorry for this ridiculous scheme my dad concocted. I’m sorry that I let her kiss me.” He broke off, looking as uncertain as she felt. “I would give anything to make you understand. I never wanted her like I want you.”

“Oh.” Pregnancy notwithstanding, a flood of tears started in her eyes. And she frowned. “What do you mean by worse then?”

Hesitating for an instant, he kept them moving as he talked. “My dad. I never saw him so…unreasonable.”

“He doesn’t like me.”

“I don’t understand it, Maria. I swear, if I could change it, I would.”

She nodded. “You realize we are in the same boat. I’m not what your father had in mind for you—not blonde enough, not rich enough? And you are not what my parents expected of me, either.”

“Maybe we
were
made for each other.”

“Do you really think this will work?” She didn’t like the doubts that crowded her thoughts, but she’d known what was right her whole life. Could this new life also be right? Had her views been so narrow?

“See, now. I believe this will work, because we choose to make it work.”

She blew out a breath. “Good point.”

“Of course it is,” he answered her, twinkle in his eye and smugness in his tone.

She grinned, giving him a good-natured whack on the arm at the same time.

He pulled her against himself and into a headlock. “Try it again, lady,” he snarled with a laugh.

But she’d been raised with brothers.

Maria hooked one leg through his legs and leaned into his weight. His feet came out from under him and he fell, letting go of her as he dropped.
Success
. She laughed from above him. The spark in his eye was equal threat and play.

And she ran.

Down the trail and over the bridge. She almost lost it there, slipping on the wood, and grabbed the handrail as she crossed. She’d barely gotten over when David pummeled her from behind, gently lifting her off the ground into his arms. She squeezed her eyes shut and tucked her head into the crook of his neck as they both went flying. The feeling of ultimate release as exciting as being in his arms was comforting.

They landed in a huge drift of snow at the back of the yard, the house beyond, a snow-covered castle. She took a deep wheezing breath and turned in his arms, aware that he’d, again, protected her by taking the brunt of the fall.

The winter wonderland surrounded her. Snow covered the ground and trees. His house stood tall in the short distance and lights twinkled from the windows. “Geez, David. No wonder you love it here.”

“I didn’t always. For a long time.” He brushed the hair off her cheek, and she found his gaze on her, warming her. “Magical, though, isn’t it? I’ve left plenty of times, but I always find my way back.”

Maria kissed him gently. “I’m glad you left.”

“Come on.” He stood and held out a hand.

They walked in silence toward the house, with the sun shining down on them. She felt like they’d come to a better place. The uncertainty of the last weeks had disappeared in such a short time. They’d made love, and he’d spoken words that she’d only dreamed of hearing from him.

In time, they would both get to a place where they didn’t even think of the awkward start to this marriage. And maybe at some point they’d be able to have their union blessed by a priest, too. “I think I’m going to go down to St. Anne’s this week.”

David tensed, and she wanted to laugh. “Hey, no worries. I won’t make you go. I just—feel disconnected.”

“Okay.”

“Okay—”

“Maria!” Mrs. Kraus stood at the edge of the patio, waving a kitchen towel.

Maria sent David a hesitant smile then ran up the last bit of the hill and into the housekeeper’s arms.

“You fool girl. But you look all right, I guess.” She pierced David with a look over Maria’s shoulder, and then brought that knowing gaze back to her. “I’d say you look better than all right. You look downright happy, but I’m not surprised.”

David came up from behind and followed them, as Mrs. Kraus took her arm and led her back into the house.

“I’ve got a nice soup on. I want you to sit right down. I’ll get some decaf coffee brewing, too.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Kraus.”

Maria blew out a breath and made her way across the kitchen to the little nook in the corner and sat down. She sat with her legs out in front of her and, feeling the stretch of her belly, rested her hands on top. The bump
was
growing. It actually fit in her palms. Her heart pounded at the thought of their baby. It still seemed unreal at times.

David came up behind her and massaged her shoulders. “I’m going to call my mom and set up an appointment for you.”

She leaned her head back, resting it on his arm. He leaned over her and kissed her forehead.

“Thanks. If you go up to my room and get my wallet, I’ve got my insurance card in there.”

“You’re on my insurance now.”

Maria rolled her eyes, but let it go. She’d take care of business when she was at the office.

He squeezed her shoulders, let her go, and left the kitchen.

She hated that he still struggled to let his mom back into the picture. On the other hand, he’d been with his father since he was nine. So it made sense. She couldn’t blame him for it.

Deep down, she wondered if this baby was a way to help heal the wounds of the March family and bring them back together. Not that it was fair. No, and she’d never use him or put such a large burden on her baby, but…she could hope.

“The soonest appointment I could get was with Dr. Pelts, my mom’s partner.” David said on his return.
Not his mom
.

Maria nodded. “Okay. He or she?”

“She,” he said, looking at her funny. Then he blinked off a scowl and shook his head at her. “You can have a woman doctor.”

Mrs. Kraus snickered from her spot in front of the stove.

“Oh.” Maria giggled, actually giggled, and she never giggled. “Right. Because…”

“Because, it’s just better that way.” He scowled, his gaze pinning her and then Mrs. Kraus. “I’m outta here. Gonna go find my dad.”

He hurried out as they laughed.

Mrs. Kraus brought over a bowl of soup. “So you met Tanner March.”

Maria took a spoonful and nodded. “I actually met him when I went to town, at the bank.”

“He always was a bit of a recluse, but don’t let that fool you.” Mrs. Kraus tapped the ladle on the side of the pot. “He’s sharp as a tack.”

“We had a nice visit. It’s not as grand as here, of course, and David’s home is more than comfortable but I love it. Being there was…different. Small, intimate. Like going back in time. We played games.”

Mrs. Kraus stared at her.

“What?”

“David played games?”

“Sure.” When they first met last year, she’d loved how he slipped right into her family circle. They’d hang out at the bar or sit in the kitchen and shoot the shit for hours on end. At first she’d been sure he was from a big family and then was surprised to find out he was an only child.

“We have a closet full of games and movies. Some of the games still have the plastic wrap on them.”

“I’m sorry.”

Mrs. Kraus waved away her apology. “I should have stopped buying those things years ago.”

Maria finished the soup and stood, stretching her back. “Well, we’ll use them now, won’t we?” She took the bowl to the sink then leaned against the counter to watch as the housekeeper bustled her way around the kitchen cleaning up, spices went back in the cabinet, measuring cups and spoons went into the sink.

The older woman stopped and really looked at her. “He never brought home anyone like you before; that’s for sure. The more you’re around, the more he reminds me of his grandfather…and his mother, too.”

“Wow. I—” She didn’t know what to say to that. “What happened with his dad? Why—?”

“Why is he such a hard ass?”

Maria bit back a smile. “Maybe.”

Mrs. Kraus shrugged, and Maria could tell her housekeeper etiquette was bugging her, like she might even be sorry she’d started the conversation.

“The March men had it rough. And they avoid pain at all costs.”

“It must have been hard when Mrs. March left.”