Rose's One Night to Forever Page 2

  From the moment he’d spotted her across the room, a sense of absolute rightness had flooded his system. His stepbrother might have teased Chance about living in a fantasy world, consumed by the art he surrounded himself with, yet this seemed a perfect example of fantasy becoming truth. As if this evening, and more, simply had to be.

  Destiny? Fate? Some benevolent being offering him exactly what he’d always longed for?

  It wasn’t only that she was a beauty and attracted him on a physical level—although she totally was. Light-brown skin that glowed in the golden light of the pub. Dark hair that hung straight down her back and swayed as she turned her head to examine the room. A tall, lithe body that curved and flowed and begged for a man to explore it thoroughly as he brought her to ecstasy.

  Her eyes, though. They were what made his feet move of their own accord in her direction. Deep brown in colour and snapping with intelligence. So damn mesmerizing, Chance had decided right then and there that he wasn’t leaving without finding out more.

  He’d thought more might involve a few dances and asking for her contact information so he could ring her when he returned to Heart Falls in the summer. Being close to Cody was one goal. Having someone like Rose to spend time with in the future?

  The thought was beyond motivating.

  She appeared to have more on her mind than a few dances and an exchange of numbers, though. Hell if he would argue with a woman who knew her own mind.

  He held her hand and followed as she paced from the dance floor toward a dark corner of the room.

  Still not his favourite place to take things up a notch physically, but he’d have a better chance of convincing her to come back to his temporary digs at the Red Boot ranch after a few kisses.

  Confident? Hell yes. He was going to bring his A game.

  When she paused, he reached for her then stalled as she opened a nearly invisible door and slipped through, gesturing for him to follow.

  Even as she closed the door, Chance took in their surroundings. They briefly stood on a small landing under a pale-yellow light before she led him up a narrow staircase along the outside wall of the building.

  Suddenly it all made sense.

  “These buildings are all connected, aren’t they?” He’d noticed the old-fashioned setup while eating dinner at the excellent Korean restaurant across the street. “All the fake-fronted shops along the wooden boardwalk in the Heart Falls town centre are connected. And there’s housing above them—”

  Rose shoved open a door and tugged him with her. An instant later, she fisted the front of his shirt in her hands and brought their bodies together. “Architectural discoveries later.”

  Good point. Chance smiled down, eyeing her lips. He cupped her face with his hands and leaned closer. “Kisses now, yes?”

  “Yes.” The word came out breathless. She opened her palms and smoothed his shirt, heat passing between them. “Very much, yes.”

  He caught the final word against his mouth.

  The urge to sweep in and possess was strong, but the lovely fantasy maiden the gods had gifted him deserved more. He jerked himself under control and slowed to seduce her.

  Soft, gentle. The touch between them a barely there contact that echoed the way her skin felt against his hands. Mysterious and taunting. A silken caress that made his fingertips tingle and excitement slide down his spine.

  Her mouth was molten velvet, giving and sweet as he angled her head to the side and teased his tongue past her lips. The rush of pleasure that swamped him at tasting her felt right. Felt as if he’d been waiting forever for this moment to arrive. For something—no, someone—he’d known was out there but had only dreamed he’d someday meet.

  Slipping his left hand back, he stroked his thumb over the smooth heat of her cheek. A shiver took her as he eased his fingers through the silky strands of her hair to cradle the back of her head.

  Keeping her close, his right hand drifted to her lower back, and he pressed their torsos flush. All the while he kissed her. Tasted her. Learned what it took to make her moan.

  The point of contact between their lips was addictive. The sensation of her hands drifting over his torso upped the ante and made him tremble in return.

  When she put her fingernails on his back and slowly clawed downward, branding him through his shirt, he broke the contact between their lips with a gasp. “Christ. I want more.”

  “Good. Let’s go for more.”

  The smile on her lips was slightly smug for some reason, but hell if he cared why.

  Chance glanced around the room she’d pulled them into. Not a home but a storage facility of some kind. Shelves lined two walls, and tables rested here and there, all visible in the pale glow of the streetlight directly outside the window. The faintest hint of dust lay on the floor, which made him question the cleanliness of the overstuffed easy chairs in the corner.

  Not the place he’d choose to make this woman sing with pleasure.

  He stroked his fingers through her hair and met her gaze, speaking in a low rumble that exposed just how turned on he was. “Come to my room. I have a cabin for the night at the Red Boot ranch.”

  He could have sworn interest flashed in her eyes when he first spoke, but mention of the ranch wiped it clean.

  Rose lifted her hand, caressing her fingers over his lips. “Here is good. We can get creative.”

  Creative he could do. Although at some point, once he was back in Heart Falls for good, Rose and a good long session in his bed were absolutely in the plan. Multiple times. Plus whatever else might be in the works for them in the future.

  He leaned his shoulders on the wall behind him. “Creative it is.”

  With Rose between his legs, he adjusted position until he was free to drop his fingers to the buttons of her blouse.

  Her cheeks flushed, and as he slipped the second button free, her tongue flicked over her lower lip and her gaze fixed on his mouth. “I like how you kiss,” she confessed.

  “I plan to kiss you a lot of other places before we’re done.”

  He’d gotten the final button open and now took a deep, appreciative breath. So much glowing skin revealed as he peeled back the soft-blue blouse. The bra that lovingly cupped her pert breasts was also pale blue lace, and hints of her delectable skin peeked through with the loveliness of a mist-painted forest scene.

  “Beautiful.” He glanced to the side, thankful to spot a straight-back chair within arm’s reach. He eased the blouse from her shoulders, leaning in to kiss her neck and lower as he draped the fabric over the chair without looking.

  Rose moaned as he licked a slow line along the edge of the lace. “Don’t stop, but can I mention I appreciate you not dropping my clothes on the floor?”

  “I live to serve.” He popped the clasp of her bra, groaning when the fabric fell away and her dark nipples came into view. “You’re an angel and temptress in one gorgeous package.”

  Her bra joined the shirt on the chair, and he draped her over his arm, licking a slow, enviable path to the peak waiting taut and ready for his mouth.

  Rose shuddered and clutched his shoulders as she arched and lifted her breasts higher, begging for his mouth. “It’s good. So good.”

  He agreed, planning to draw this out and enjoy himself. Enjoy her. Only a moment later, she tugged at his shirt, pulling herself upright and away from his questing lips.

  “Clothes off. Now,” she demanded.

  Naked took longer than she probably expected. Oh, he tugged his shirt over his head in a split second, stripping it away while he marched quickly to make sure the door they’d come through was locked. He was back nearly instantly, shoving off his pants before jamming his feet back into his shoes. His boxers lifted with the swell of his cock as he switched their positions.

  Rose’s back was to the wall, hands pressed to the vertical surface near her hips. Chance knelt in front of her, staring in appreciation as he eased off her pants and slipped them past her feet.

  She laughed softly when he held out her half boots and guided her feet back into them. “We’re having sex with our shoes on?”

  “Seems prudent,” he admitted, pausing to take a deep breath before dealing with the final bit of unwrapping.

  The pale undies glided down her long legs like a whisper of prophecy.

  Something wonderful was about to happen.

  3

  Chance tilted his head back and smiled at the lush woman now naked above him. “You said something about kisses.”

  Rose’s eyes widened, and then he couldn’t see her face because it was all about her skin, satiny and smooth under his lips. A kiss to her belly, to the notch where her torso and leg met.

  To the sweet, dark curls gracing her sex.

  She stroked her fingers through his hair. “Chance.”

  “Hold that thought,” he ordered. He tapped the inside of her thigh, and she willingly widened her stance. The soft lips of her labia were just visible, and he pressed closer, exploring with his mouth.

  Her taste exploded onto his tongue as she tilted her hips and opened farther, all but begging for more. Begging for what he was desperate to give.

  Easing between her folds, he edged upward until he could taunt the small bud of her clit. Stroking it with the tip of his tongue before working downward. Again and again. Driving both of them in the right direction.

  Chance licked two fingers then gently slipped them into her sex. Rose’s groan of pleasure echoed in the empty room, egging him on, pushing his control to the limit as he once again closed his lips around her clit and sucked. He gently stroked the front of her passage until he found the sweet spot that made her gasp.

  Then he did it again, one hand anchoring her against the wall as her hips bucked against his face.

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; “Chance. I’m so close.”

  “Let go.”

  The fingers tangled in his hair tightened, and Rose tugged sharply as her throaty cry rang out. Her sex tightened around his fingers, her moan and full-body quiver filling him with pride.

  Pride and a hellish need.

  He was on his feet, losing the boxers quickly before turning her in his arms. Her back to his front, naked skin sliding together, his cock a rock-solid line against her buttocks.

  Chance pressed his hand over her belly to firmly retake possession of her mound. He teased his fingertips over the slick wetness of her clit and pussy, extending the pleasure of her orgasm as he savoured the heat between them.

  It was another moment of perfection. The faint light in the curtainless room combined with the darkness outside the windows, creating a mirror effect. He’d turned them toward the outside wall when he’d captured her against him, and now a glorious image shone back. Him holding her upright with her long hair flowing over her shoulder, her hands clutching at his wrist as he played his fingers through her wet folds.

  Outside the building was darkness and the faintest hint of stars. A show only the two of them could see.

  “I could sell this picture for a million dollars, but it’s worth more than that. It’s priceless, unique, and mine.” The possessive growl in his tone shocked him. Chance took an uneasy breath, fighting to regain control.

  Rose lifted a hand and draped it around his neck. After turning her face toward him, she pressed her lips to his cheek. Hungrily, he took her lips again. Still playing with her, edging her up toward another masterpiece that, this time, he would join and they’d create together.

  She nipped at his lower lip. “Condom.”

  “Yours or mine?”

  A beautiful smile bloomed on her face. “Mine.”

  She twisted far enough to pull what they needed from her pants. He stole the package from her, all concentration as he covered himself. His hands shook slightly as she turned and pressed kisses over his chest, his shoulders, stealing his brain as she entwined around him. Skin touched, brushed. Teased.

  The instant he was ready, he spun her to face away from him again then lifted her to kneel on the low table with her knees wide, the heated core of her lined up perfectly.

  He slipped into her from behind.

  Sweet paradise surrounded him. Physical pleasure was there as skin caressed skin, she enveloped him, and he pushed deep on each stroke.

  But that window—

  The image clearly reflected the pleasure on her face, her gaze locked on where their bodies connected. He circled his fingertips over her clit and her head fell back, landing on his shoulder.

  “Yes. That’s so good.”

  He groaned, words failing as release beckoned. A throaty moan escaped her throat. A pulse of her hips against his hand, then the grip around him tightened as she came again.

  She tore a response from him, his orgasm rushing in. The world went blurry, and his legs shook with the bliss of it.

  Chests heaving as they gasped for air, Chance cradled her tight and somehow kept his footing. That had been fantastic, and he couldn’t wait to do it again.

  He nuzzled the side of her face with his nose. “How are you keeping?”

  She laughed. Soft and lusty and with one hundred percent approval. “Very well.”

  “I need to take care of the condom.”

  She waved a hand toward the right wall. “Bathroom’s there.”

  “You want it first?”

  This time her amusement was louder. “I think your need is greater than mine right now.”

  Truth. He kissed her cheek then stepped back far enough to slip from her body. They both made noises of disapproval.

  Yes, they were absolutely doing this again as soon as possible.

  Chance helped her off the table and made sure she had her balance before letting go. “I’ll be right back. Don’t go away.”

  He took one step before something warm smacked him briefly on the butt. He flicked a glance over his shoulder to discover her grinning widely as she wiggled her fingers. “You’re very talented,” she said. “Thanks for the fun.”

  “My pleasure. Literally.”

  He strode away, well aware she was staring at his ass.

  Damn fine woman.

  Cleaning up in the toilet only took a couple of minutes. He had just stepped back into the room when the click of the main apartment door closing rang loud in the room. “Rose?”

  The few paces it took to cross the room and open the exit door made it clear his beauty had decided to avoid any awkward after-sex chatter. Somehow she’d gotten dressed and escaped in under two minutes.

  He checked the stairs and along the hallway to the next set of apartment doors, but she was gone. Nothing left but a handwritten note dropped on top of his clothes.

  Safe travels home.

  Rose

  Chance dressed then returned to the pub for one futile walk-through, searching for her. Nothing, as he’d expected. He returned to the cabin his brother had lent him for his brief visit and fell into bed.

  What seemed to be minutes later, a lush kiss woke him, heating his body and bringing a smile to his face. “Rose.”

  Chance rolled toward the goddess then jerked upright when he realized the sheets were cold and he was alone. No one was there except visions of his spectacular dream woman running through his mind.

  Still, it wasn’t as if all they had was the one night. For now, maybe. But summer was coming. The thought of it brought a whistle to his lips as he got his few things together and loaded them into his car.

  He knocked once then shoved through the door of his younger brother’s cabin.

  “Give me tea before I go.” There was no one in the main room, so Chance paused outside the bedroom and pounded the door with his fist, hard. “Wake up, Cinderella.”

  A muffled curse drifted back from the other side. “Go away.”

  Chance chuckled before he made his way across the room to the small kitchen and went to work on their drinks. He put on the kettle, found a teapot, then searched for what he needed for the coffee maker. “I thought you ranch types were all about getting up at the crack of dawn. Snap to it, brother. I want to hit the road before the traffic picks up.”

  Cody made it out of his bedroom a few minutes later, bleary-eyed and cranky. “I was up until three, and this was my one morning of the week to sleep in. You’re a jerk.”

  “I’m your big brother. I’m supposed to be a gobshite. Want me to toss a couple eggs in the pan for you while I’m making my breakfast?” Chance hit the On button on the coffee maker and turned to gather supplies from the fridge.

  “Sure. If you had to wake me, you might as well cook for me.” Cody moved into position by the coffeepot, staring at the liquid filling the pot as if willing it to move faster. “You’re annoying on many levels this morning. Cheerful, awake, all that sort of thing.”

  Chance broke two eggs into the pan at the same time and grinned as they landed perfectly. “I had a good night.”

  Even with that opening, Cody failed to take the bait. Useless until his first cup of coffee, Chance remembered.

  “Sit down before you fall down,” he said with amusement.

  Cody didn’t argue, which said something about how exhausted he had to be. “Sorry I couldn’t go out with you last night. Next time you come, give me more warning, and I’ll make sure we can hit the town together.”

  “Next time I come, I’ll be moving here,” Chance reminded him, resisting the urge to ask if his brother knew Rose. There would be time enough for that later.

  Cody folded his arms and frowned as if focusing hard. “You’re really serious about moving to Heart Falls? Not that I don’t want you around—I would enjoy the hell out of it. But this doesn’t seem like the art metropolis you usually gravitate toward.”

  “I’m serious. Plus, I think you need to look around at how much your little town is changing,” Chance pointed out. “You might still do a lot of things with a handshake and a nod, but with how close you are to Calgary, and how many people are moving out onto acreages, it’s a different world. You know this. You’re working on a dude ranch that caters to serving visitors.”

  “I guess.”

  No, Chance had thought this through. “Having a gallery here would make it a destination stop, but more than that, with digital sales booming, setting up in Heart Falls means I get prime real estate without the costs associated with a big city.” He poured his brother a cup of coffee and placed it in front of Cody before prepping his own tea with a shot of milk. “I’ve enjoyed living in Europe and Ireland, but I’d like to return to Canada for good. Plus, for some unknown reason, I’ve missed being close to you.”