Past Promises

Chapter Two

Linda locked the front entrance a little after half-past five. Every muscle in her body ached, but it was a good feeling. She was exhausted, yet exhilarated, by her first day in business. It had been busier than she’d expected, considering the time of year. Many folks had simply been curious about the store, but many had come to buy.

Twirling around in a circle, she let out a small laugh. She grabbed hold of the side of a table when the room began to spin, a sharp reminder that she’d been so busy she hadn’t had time to eat lunch. Added to that the fact that she’d been too nervous to eat any breakfast and it had been almost twenty-four hours since she’d eaten. No wonder she was feeling lightheaded.

Satisfaction filled her as she went behind the counter and began to tally the day’s sales. She’d done well, considering it was early April and there weren’t many tourists around. Already her mind was jumping with ideas. She definitely needed to start looking for a part-time employee she could train so she could seek out new stock at estate sales and auctions.

She hummed as she worked, enjoying the quiet after the excitement of the day. When her bookwork was done, she locked her deposit and account books in the antique safe that sat beside her desk. It had taken five men and a lot of sweat to get the heavy metal box into place so she wasn’t worried about the receipts sitting there overnight. Besides, most of her sales had been credit card. Only a handful of folks had used cash.

“Are you done?”

Linda gave a half-shriek as she spun around in her chair, her hand plastered to her chest. “You have got to stop doing that,” she scolded Levi. The man moved like a ghost. It was very disconcerting.

“Sorry about that.” He leaned against the doorjamb that led to the inside stairwell and the apartments above. She tried not to notice how delectable he looked with his brown eyes gleaming and his black hair shoved away from his incredible face.

“Did you want anything?” As much as she enjoyed spending time with Levi, she hoped he didn’t need anything. All she wanted right now was a long soak in her claw-foot bathtub and something to eat.

Heat flashed in his eyes before being buried beneath his usual unreadable stare. Linda was no longer certain what she’d seen in his eyes in that brief second. She’d probably imagined she saw a spark of sexual interest because she was so tired.

He pushed away from the doorframe and came toward her. “I’d like a lot of things, but right now I’d like to feed you dinner. You didn’t have any lunch?”

It sounded like an accusation and raised her hackles. “I was busy,” she snapped. He raised one of his brows and she took a deep breath, refusing to apologize. She’d done far too much of that in her life.

“So I saw. The store did great today. You must be proud.”

Great, now she felt small and petty for snapping at Levi. The man was just making conversation and, if she’d heard him correctly, was offering her dinner. Her stomach chose that moment to growl. Loudly.

Levi smiled. It was the briefest flash, but it changed his face completely, softening the harsh features. Linda blinked. She’d only seen him smile a handful of times and each one left her feeling warm and tingly all over.

It was a good thing that he didn’t smile all the time or she’d never be able to function around him. As it was, she tended to act like a blithering idiot half the time. She had no idea why. She’d been exposed to rich, good-looking, powerful men her entire life. But none of them affected her the way Levi did.

He sauntered toward her, muscles flexing and rolling with each step. “Why don’t you come on up to my place and I’ll feed you dinner while you tell me all about your day?”

“I’d planned to take a bath.”

The color of his eyes deepened as he leaned closer. “You could take your bath first.”

Linda swallowed hard and closed her eyes in self-defense. Images of the two of them in her large antique tub crowded her brain. Soapy, slick limbs entwined. His hands caressing her breasts, cupping and shaping them. Her breathing quickened. Her head was spinning and this time it had nothing to do with the lack of food. Her body swayed.

Levi steadied her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “You’re tired. Food first.”

She shook herself out of her stupor. She must be more tired and hungry than she thought. That was her only explanation for allowing her daydreams about Levi to take over so completely. Usually she was able to control her unruly thoughts. But not tonight.

“You don’t need to do that, Levi. I was just going to fix a sandwich or something.”

“It’s no trouble. Besides, it’s already cooked. All you have to do is sit and eat. Then you can get your bath.”

It was an offer too good to refuse. “Just let me get the lights.” Going to the bank of switches, she turned off all but three, keeping them on for security purposes. The store took on a ghostly feel as the deepening shadows enveloped it. “Good night,” she whispered to the store before turning back to the doorway where Levi waited.

He stepped back and watched as she locked and secured the inside door. Silently, they headed up the stairs to his apartment.

“Thank you for making dinner.” They’d shared plenty of takeout meals while they were working on the building, but this was the first time she’d ever been in his apartment since it was finished.

“My pleasure.” Levi reached around her and pushed open the door. Curious, she walked inside. The floor plan was open and airy. Several tall, narrow windows looked out onto the street, while another one looked out onto the grassy lot out back. The walls were painted the color of a latté and there were wooden shutters at the windows. She’d bought the shutters to match the ones on her apartment above to give the building a more finished look.

The furnishings were sparse. A ratty couch sat against one wall, a recliner patched with several pieces of duct tape was situated across from it. A low, battered coffee table was positioned between the two. Obviously he’d gotten his furniture from a garage sale or maybe from the Buy and Sell on the other end of town. They sold a bit of everything there from books to furniture and knick-knacks. Either way, it was obvious he hadn’t spent a lot of money on it. Another indication he didn’t plan to stay for long. She tried to ignore the turn in her stomach that thought brought.

Off the kitchen, a wooden table was set for two with mismatched dishes. Paper napkins that matched the inexpensive placemats rested on each side plate. Two unlit candles in squat iron holders were placed next to an open bottle of white wine.

Linda was instantly charmed. Levi had gone to a lot of trouble without even knowing for sure if she’d accept his invitation. “Thank you for this.” On impulse, she went up on her toes and kissed his cheek. It was rough with stubble.

Levi stood unmoving as she stepped back. Then his head slowly lowered as he looked at her. “My pleasure.” His low voice rumbled through the room. “Wine?”

She thought about her stomach, but threw caution to the wind. It was a night of celebration. She’d have a few sips with dinner. “I’d love it.”

He filled one long-stemmed glass and handed it to her before filling one for himself. Lifting it, he saluted her. “To you and to Past Promises.”

Her heart fluttered as she raised her glass so it clinked against his before taking a tiny sip. The wine was crisp and went down easy.

“Thank you.” She placed her glass on the table. “I was surprised how many people actually came to the opening.”

Levi set his glass aside and went into the small kitchen. It was open to the dining area so she could watch him while he worked. “I’m not.” He deftly removed a pan from the oven and dished up two chicken breasts. “It’s a classy store, but it’s accessible too. Something for everyone.”

Pleasure filled her chest to overflowing at his words of praise. She hadn’t gotten much praise in her life and was always surprised when anyone complimented her. “That’s what I was aiming for.”

Adding baby carrots, sweet peas and scalloped potatoes to the plates, he picked them both up and carried them to the table. Before she had time to pull out her chair, he was there behind her, holding it for her.

“Thank you,” she murmured. She could feel the heat from his big body as he hovered behind her. The lightest touch grazed her nape, but then it was gone. Levi said nothing as he sat across from her, leaving her to wonder if he’d touched her at all or if it was just her overactive imagination.

He struck a match and lit the plain white pillar candles. The lights flickered and settled down to a slow burn. Shadows flickered across his face.

“Eat.” He picked up his fork and motioned for her to do the same. The chicken was incredibly tender and delicately spiced, the vegetables done to perfection.

“This is delicious.” She forked up another mouthful and closed her eyes, savoring every bite. A low sound came from the other side of the table and her eyes shot open. Levi sat calmly eating. Must have been her imagination. Linda ate another piece of the chicken, letting the flavors explode on her tongue before chewing. Levi really was the most remarkable man.

Levi was shocked that the fork he was holding didn’t snap in half. His knuckles were white as the muscles in his fingers flexed. With her eyes closed and her head tilted back, Linda was the most sensual creature he’d ever seen. Every mouthful of food she took, she savored, making little noises of pleasure that were driving him mad.

His cock throbbed, keeping time to the heavy thundering of his heart. The damn thing was pressed so hard against the zipper of his jeans he wouldn’t be surprised if he had metal teeth marks on his dick.

Every ounce of his control was tested as he forced himself to take a deep breath and then slowly release it. He focused on her face, taking in every delicate line. Her cheeks were lightly flushed, whether from the wine or some other reason, he didn’t know and didn’t care. The delicate blush made her skin look even more like porcelain.

Linda opened her eyes and caught him staring. She gave a self-conscious laugh and picked up the napkin, patting her lips. “I’m sorry. I’m not very good company.”

“You’re very good company.” Linda had a way about her that soothed him in ways he couldn’t put into words. Just being around her made him feel good.

She laughed again, the light, airy sound skating over every nerve ending in his body. “Now I know you’re being kind.” She rolled her neck on her shoulders before gifting him with a small smile. “I was more hungry than I thought and this is delicious.”

“You’re welcome.” He enjoyed cooking. It helped him relax. “You’re pleased with how today went?”

“Very.” She set her fork aside and picked up her wine glass, taking a tiny sip.

The liquid made her lips glisten. Levi wanted to lick them. To distract himself, he shoveled in another mouthful of dinner, chewing as he listened to her recap her day. The more she talked about the store, the more animated she became. It was obvious how much she loved Past Promises.

Conversation was easy as they finished dinner. Levi had started coffee before they’d sat down so he knew it would be done percolating by now. He stood to clear the table.

“Let me help you with that.” Linda jumped up, but he motioned her back to her seat.

“Sit. You’ve had a long day. It’s only a couple of plates.”

“Thank you, Levi.”

He almost groaned aloud when she said his name. He loved the sound of his name on her lips. Wanted to hear her whisper it in the dark of the night as their bodies melded together. Wanted to hear her scream it as he pounded into her, bringing them both to a mind-blowing orgasm.

Coffee, he reminded himself. Shoving the dishes in the sink, he poured the coffee and carried both mugs back to the table.

“It was nice of Jonah, Amanda, Shamus and Cyndi to come this morning.”

“They’re good people.” He and Jonah had been friends for years, but he’d gotten to know the others over the past few months.

Linda sipped her coffee. “I’m grateful every day for the fact that I handled the estate sale after Cyndi inherited a house and its contents from her father.”

“Is that how you met?” He’d heard bits and pieces of the story.

She nodded, setting the cup on the table. “Yes. And I called Amanda and brought her in on the sale. The rest, as they say, is history.”

“So that’s why you moved here?”

Her fingers, long and delicate, played with the handle of the mug. “Hmm. The time was right for a move.”

“But didn’t you have family and friends in Vermont?” There was no tactful way to bring up the subject, so Levi went for what usually worked best—being blunt.

She shrugged, her entire body tensing. He was sorry for that. She’d finally relaxed and now he’d undone all his hard work. But it had to be done and he’d never been one to shirk from the hard jobs.

Her eyes seemed sad, whether a trick of the candlelight or because of her thoughts, he couldn’t say. All he knew is it made him want to take her in his arms and assure her everything would be okay. His hands clenched into fists beneath the table and he forced his fingers to relax against his thighs. It wasn’t his place to make assurances. She wasn’t his woman.

But, oh, how he wished she were.

Stuffing that thought away, he focused on the problem at hand—getting Linda to talk to him. “No family?” he prompted.

She shoved the chair back, her smile brittle. “None worth talking about. Thanks so much for dinner, but I should go now. It’s been a long day and I’m tired.”

She didn’t take a single breath as she spoke. When she was done, she whirled away from the table and headed to the door. Levi beat her there, pressing his hand against the heavy oak panel as she tried to pull it open.

He was so close he could smell the remnants of the perfume she’d applied this morning. Or maybe it was body lotion. Either way, he was beginning to associate the smell of roses with her. He’d never particularly liked roses, but that had changed in the past few months. Now they reminded him of her. His cock lengthened and thickened as he fought the need to press it against the curve of her back.

“Don’t go.” His voice was low as he whispered in her ear. He didn’t want her to leave like this—upset and tense. “Talk to me.”

“There’s nothing to say.” Her shoulders rose and fell in a shrug, but she didn’t even try to turn around. She laughed, but it fell flat. Tension flared between them and her body stiffened. “Please let me leave.”

Levi knew he should step back, open the door and let her go. He was too blunt and rough around the edges for a woman like Linda. She was softness and roses and class. He’d been born to a junkie mother and an unknown father and grown up in surroundings that made some of the third world countries he’d been in during his years as a soldier look like a paradise.

He’d been in situations that no person should ever have to endure. He’d killed. He’d learned to shut down his emotions to survive, but that had lasted only so many years before the cracks began to show. That’s why he’d retired. He wasn’t certain of himself and his reactions anymore. That made him dangerous in combat situations and he wouldn’t risk the safety of his fellow soldiers. So he’d opted out and come here to figure out his life. All he’d wanted was peace and quiet, but he’d found so much more.

Yes, he should walk away, and probably would in the future. But right now, Linda was hurting and he could do something about it.

“I can’t let you go,” he whispered. “Not yet.” Unable to stop himself, he nuzzled the curve of her neck. The scent of roses was stronger here and he inhaled deeply, breathing in the potent smell of flowers mixed with the unique perfume of the woman in front of him.

She froze.

Levi swore inwardly and took a step back. It was incredibly hard when all he wanted to do was step toward her, flattening his front against her back and letting her feel his need for her. But that wasn’t what she needed. Not now.

Slowly, she turned toward him, her eyes wide with confusion. She licked her lips and his cock jerked in response. He wanted her sweet tongue to lick him. His body tensed and he made himself take another step away. It didn’t help. The scent of her warm body filled his nostrils. His baser instincts roared at him to take her, to love her so long and hard she’d never want him to leave.

“I don’t understand.” Linda pushed a lock of hair out of her eyes as she took a deep breath. The actions made her chest rise and her breasts pushed against her blouse, making him sweat.

Levi reached into his back pocket and slowly drew out the letter. Linda stared quizzically at it as he opened it and then all the blood seemed to drain from her face. She swayed. He was ready to catch her, but she locked her knees and straightened her shoulders.

Her gaze was fierce as she stared up at him. “Where the hell did you get that?”

“From your garbage can.” He saw no reason to lie. “You want to tell me about it?”