Truly, Madly, Whiskey(52)
Crystal glanced at him with a glimmer of heat in her eyes. “Maybe we can replace that naked girl with another”—she walked toward him—“more familiar girl.”
“Sugar, if you think I’ll hang a naked picture of you on my garage wall where my brothers can see it, you’re sadly mistaken.” He took her in his arms. “But I’ll proudly hang that picture in my bedroom.”
“Mm, the real Bear cave. I’m anxious to see what your house looks like. I picture a bearskin rug and lots of leather.”
He chuckled and grabbed the backpack. “You have quite an imagination.”
He led her down the mulched path toward the house, inhaling the scents of pine and fresh water, so different from the scents of the sea. His two-bedroom cedar and stone cabin sat on a ridge about thirty feet from the water’s edge. It wasn’t huge, but in addition to the bedrooms, he had a den and a loft, and the wide front porch and screened-in sleeping deck provided extra living space.
Crystal stood at the crest of the hill, flanked by tall trees, and gazed out over the lake. Her lace dress shifted with the breeze. He’d imagined her there so many times, he could hardly believe this was real.
“You wake up to this every morning?”
“Most, anyway. Today I woke up to a much more gorgeous view.”
“Biker boy,” she said as they headed up to the house. “You’ve got some pretty good lines.”
“I’ve got damn good everything.” He loved playing with her like that because it made her smile, and it wasn’t her normal snarky smile or her warm, seductive smile. It was the smile of a girl who was always thinking, trying to process what he was saying. Was she coming up with snappy retorts? Trying to decide if he was really that cocky? He didn’t know, but he loved that look.
He unlocked the heavy wooden door and pushed it open, following her inside the house he’d considered his second home when he was growing up, and set the backpack on the floor by the door.
Surprise lit her eyes. “Whoa, this is like the ultimate gearhead bachelor pad. You have a pool table instead of a dining room table? That’s awesome.” She ran her fingers along the polished wood edge, glancing up at the loft that overlooked the living room.
“Thanks. My uncle and grandfather built the cabin. My brothers and I updated the kitchen, repointed the fireplace, and refinished the hardwood floors a few years ago. No need for a dining room table. I usually eat there.” He pointed to the bar separating the living room from the kitchen. The open living space suited his lifestyle, as did the gearhead furnishings, like the chandelier hanging over the pool table, made from leather, chains, and a wheel that came from a Silver-Stone motorcycle. And the side table his buddy made from old tools, nuts, and bolts.
“Wait until you get a look at the bathroom.”
“The bathroom?”
“I have a feeling you’ll get a kick out of my appliances.”
She dragged her eyes down his body. “I do love your appliances.” She eyed the sectional sofa. “Do I have to worry about catching a disease on your sex-pit?”
He cocked a smile at her brazen question. He’d bought the extra-large sectional because of its versatility. But he liked her idea a whole lot better. “That’d be hard, considering I’ve never had sex on it.”
She gave him a disbelieving look.
“Sugar, you’ve got the wrong impression of me. My escapades ended a long time ago.” He helped her off with her leather jacket and tossed it on the sofa, pulling her closer. “I don’t want you to worry about my past, okay? You’re the only woman I want, so whatever’s going through your mind about anyone else, let it go. Okay?”
She nodded.
“I had a few girls here when I first bought the place, but when I renovated it, things changed. It went from being a hangout to a home, and no woman has been here with me since. Well, other than Dixie, my mom, the guys’ girlfriends and wives, but not with me. Got it?”
She grabbed him by the vest. “Got it, biker boy.”
WATCHING BEAR COOK should be like watching the abominable snowman walk through the desert. It shouldn’t fit together. But it did, in a very sexy way. He sliced bell peppers, sausage, and chicken like a pro and threw the meat in a bowl with olive oil and a handful of seasonings without ever consulting a recipe. After covering it, he set the bowl in the fridge, which was full of healthy foods, putting her fridge to shame. He heated olive oil in a pan and stirred in garlic, rice, and red pepper flakes.
Crystal leaned against the counter beside him. They’d both taken off their boots, and she’d taken off her leggings amid kisses and gropes, and I really did invite you here for dinner, not just to make out. She loved being in his home, and the fact that he hadn’t had a revolving bedroom door spoke volumes about him.
“You’re really not going to let me help with your secret dish?” He wouldn’t tell her what he was making.
“Nope.” He gave her a chaste kiss and went back to stirring, mixing in chicken stock and a number of spices and other ingredients. He brought them to a boil, reduced the heat, and covered the pan. His hands circled her waist, and his mouth began a tantalizing exploration of her neck.
“Mm. I like helping you cook.” She felt him laugh. “Who taught you how?”
“Same guy who taught me about bikes and cars. When I was growing up, my mom worked shifts as a nurse and my dad was always at the bar. I spent a lot of time at the shop. I’d go after school and follow my uncle around. Sometimes I’d stay with him until close to bedtime.”