Past Promises

Chapter Five

The sun was shining when Linda opened her eyes. She frowned. Her bedroom didn’t get the morning sun. Why was it so bright?

Blinking, she stared around the room, not recognizing the barren walls or the ugly brown chest of drawers that stood opposite the bed.

She sat up and the covers fell to her waist. The cool air of the room hit her bare skin. She was naked. Linda grabbed the covers, clutching them to her chest as the events from the night before came flooding back.

Levi. She was at his apartment. He’d cooked her dinner. He’d pried into her personal life and read her mail. He’d also given her the most erotic night of her entire life.

But it was morning now and time to face reality.

She glanced at the clock on the nightstand and breathed a sigh of relief when it read half past seven. There was no way she wanted to be late for her second day of work.

“I wouldn’t let you oversleep.”

She jerked around to face the door. Levi stood in the doorway looking as handsome as sin. He was wearing jeans and a plain white T-shirt that stretched across his broad shoulders and chest, emphasizing the muscles beneath. His feet were bare. His hair was wet. Obviously, he’d been up long enough to shower and dress.

He hadn’t shaved and his chin was dark with stubble. On most men it would look unkempt. On Levi it just looked sexy.

Her body jumped to life, breasts tingling, sex clutching. She had to get a grip on herself. The night was over. It was time to get their relationship back on an even keel. She didn’t want to lose Levi as a friend. This was a night of passion between two adults. As long as she didn’t make more of it than it was, she would be all right.

She was pathetic. She didn’t want Levi to pack up and leave. She wanted last night to happen again.

She cleared her throat. “I appreciate that.” What did one say the morning after? She hadn’t had one before. Her ex had always left after they’d made love, heading back to his own apartment. He’d always cited that he didn’t want to hurt her reputation by staying the night. She hadn’t objected. Obviously, that should have been a sign to her that they weren’t going to make it as a couple.

Levi padded across the floor on silent feet, a mug in his hand. The aroma of coffee wafted from it, almost making her moan. She licked her lips, almost tasting the potent brew.

The corners of Levi’s mouth quirked up as though he knew exactly what she was thinking. “I thought you might need this.” He held out the mug.

Linda made certain the covers were tucked tightly around her before she accepted the mug. Not that he hadn’t seen all of her. She certainly hadn’t been shy last night. But that was last night. In the bright light of the day she felt different, more uncertain.

He watched her as she sipped from the mug. The coffee was hot and strong—exactly what she needed. The brew had been sweetened just the way she liked it. Levi was a man who obviously paid attention. She took another sip. As long as she was drinking, she didn’t have to worry about talking.

The silence between them grew.

She glanced away, surveying his bedroom. It didn’t improve on second viewing. The walls had been painted a café mocha color. The woodwork around the window had been painted white. It was neutral, but nice. Levi hadn’t done anything to punch up the color. The nightstand and chest of drawers were secondhand and had been painted a dark brown. Paint was chipped in several places, revealing a flash of white and red beneath. The sheets on the bed were white and the comforter that was crumpled on the floor in a clump was dark brown. Clearly, decorating wasn’t high on his list of priorities.

“I’ll be in the kitchen making breakfast when you’re ready.” She glanced back in time to see his back as he left the room.

Sighing, she set the mug on the nightstand and shifted her legs over the side of the bed. She stood, taking the sheet with her and wrapping it securely around her body. Her clothing sat in a tidy pile on the top of the chest of drawers, her shoes on the floor next to it. Grabbing all of it, she headed for the shower.

Fifteen minutes later, feeling refreshed, she headed for the kitchen, empty coffee mug in hand. She could hear a familiar sizzle from the frying pan. As she entered the room the smell of bacon and eggs hit her, making her stomach growl. She’d worked up an appetite last night.

She could feel her cheeks heating up as she strode toward the counter and poured herself another coffee, spooning two teaspoons of sugar into it before stirring. “You didn’t have to make breakfast.” She set the spoon on the counter and toyed with the handle of the mug.

“I wanted to.” He deftly scrambled the eggs. “Besides, I was hungry.” He moved the pan to the back burner and reached for her, pulling her into his arms. “I woke very hungry this morning.” His golden-brown eyes glittered as he lowered his head.

Linda went up on her toes to meet him halfway. Their lips met, lightly grazing. The slight pressure sent shivers down her spine.

Levi groaned and deepened the kiss, thrusting his tongue past her lips. He tasted like fresh coffee and hot male. Yummy. Linda reveled in the feel of his mouth against hers. His hands cupped her butt and pulled her closer. He was obviously aroused. She brushed her stomach against his erection.

The bread in the toaster popped up. His hands tightened briefly before he released her, resting his forehead against hers. “Food. You need to eat before work.”

She took a step back. “Is there anything I can do?” A part of her wanted to escape to her apartment, but another part of her wanted to share the morning meal with Levi.

“Can you pour me some more coffee while I get this?” He motioned to the pan of eggs.

“No problem.” She topped up his mug, grabbed her own and carried both to the table. The placemats were still there, along with clean cutlery and napkins.

By the time she was settled at the table Levi was there with two plates loaded down with bacon, eggs and toast. There was no way she could eat all this. Besides, it wasn’t great for her stomach. Still, he’d made it for her, so she would eat some of it.

He settled her plate in front of her. “It’s turkey bacon so it’s not as greasy and I did the eggs in a nonstick pan without butter.” He sat down and grabbed his fork. “I know women worry about stuff like that.”

Her heart did a tiny flip at his thoughtfulness. He didn’t even know about her ulcer, but he was looking out for her. She frowned. The fact he had turkey bacon and cooking spray meant he’d planned this. Didn’t it?

She took a bite of the eggs; they were light and fluffy. “Do you normally eat turkey bacon?” Why it was important for her to know if he’d planned this or not, she wasn’t sure.

He chewed his food and laid his fork down as he leaned back in his chair. He was so big and handsome he took her breath away. “No, I don’t. I bought it just in case.” He said it matter-of-factly.

She set her fork down on the side of her plate. “You planned for me to stay the night?”

He shook his head. “Let’s just say I was hoping.”

“But why?” She was confused. In all the time they’d worked together, he’d never given her any sign that he was interested in her that way.

He shrugged. “The time seemed right.”

She grabbed a piece of toast and bit off a corner to give herself time to think. He waited, the picture of patience, as she chewed and swallowed. “I don’t know whether to be flattered or scared to death.”

He frowned. “Don’t be scared. All you had to do is say no.”

Linda cocked her head to one side, staring at him. She’d caught a flash of what looked like hurt in his eyes. Even though he hadn’t moved, she could sense the tension in him that hadn’t been there a minute before. “I’m not afraid of you,” she said. “I’m afraid of getting involved in something that might end up hurting me emotionally.” It was important for him to know she wasn’t physically afraid of him. She sensed she’d upset him when she said she was scared.

He leaned back in his chair, his face inscrutable. “Where we go is up to you.”

His words made her stop and think. Could they have an affair for the time he was here? Her feminine hormones all stood at attention and sang the Hallelujah chorus. Of course she could.

Her brain pleaded for caution. Warning that she was getting in over her head. She already had an emotional connection with Levi. Having a prolonged affair would only make it worse.

Still, she pondered the possibility.

They’d proved last night they were more than compatible in bed. She was a grown woman in her early thirties and she’d never indulged in an affair before. If she was ever going to have one, Levi was the man to do it with.

He wasn’t looking for ties or commitments. He wasn’t staying in Jamesville. She liked him as a person. Trusted him. That had to count for something.

One corner of Levi’s mouth turned up. “You don’t need to decide this minute, darlin’.”

The endearment made her feel warm all over. The corners of her lips turned up in a genuine smile of pleasure. “Why don’t we just take it day by day and see what happens?”

The tension drained from Levi, replaced by something else. Anticipation. That’s what it was. He was as excited about the prospect of continuing their relationship as she was.

She couldn’t imagine what her parents would say about her having an affair with an unemployed ex-soldier. Her father would get all tight lipped and tell her she was making a huge mistake and to come to her senses. Her mother would be shocked and appalled while lamenting what her friends would think. She shook her head, wondering how her parents could live with being so snobbish and judgmental.

She finished a few more bites of her breakfast before pushing her plate away. “That’s it for me.”

Levi frowned. “You didn’t eat much.”

“It’s not your cooking. Everything tastes great. I just have to be a little more cautious about what I eat.” If they were going to be spending time together, he had to know about her stomach problems.

His laser stare made her squirm slightly. “Why?”

She shrugged. “I have a small problem with ulcers. Nothing serious,” she hurried to assure him when his frown turned to a scowl. “I just need to be careful. It’s no big deal.” She fiddled with the handle of her mug, not bothering to lift it. She shouldn’t have had the second cup. She usually allowed herself one coffee in the morning before switching to herbal tea.

He leaned forward and took her hand in his. “That’s what was wrong yesterday morning after you read the letter.”

It wasn’t a question, but she confirmed his suspicion. “Yes. But it wasn’t just the letter, there was the added excitement and terror of my first day as a small business owner.”

Levi twined their fingers together. “Your family doesn’t approve.”

She tried to pull her hand away, but he tightened his hold.

“You read the letter.” Just the memory of it made her stomach start to burn. She took a deep breath to try and calm herself. “I’ve always been a disappointment to them.”

She tugged again and this time he let her go. Perversely, she wished he hadn’t released her. She missed the connection. “It’s old news. History. They don’t approve and never will, but that’s their problem.”

Levi inclined his head slowly. She could tell he didn’t quite believe her, but wasn’t going to press her any further.

Linda pushed back from the table and grabbed her plate, carrying it into the kitchen. She dumped the remainder of her meal into the trashcan and set her plate in the sink. “I’ve got to get ready for work.”

When she turned around, he was behind her, startling her. Once again, she hadn’t heard him move. “I’m going to put a bell on you,” she muttered.

He smiled—a big, wide genuine smile that lit up his entire face. Linda froze. It changed him entirely, making him look younger and so handsome it brought tears to her eyes. Then he laughed. Not for long, but enough for her chest to tighten. She had the feeling he didn’t laugh often. He looked as surprised as she was by the sound.

Wrapping his arms around her, he tugged her close. She rested her head against his shoulder and sighed. There was something about Levi that made her feel safe and secure and incredibly turned on at the same time. Her breasts were swollen, her panties damp. Yet she could stand here all day, not moving, and be totally content.

“You’ll let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”

She leaned back and stared quizzically at him. “Other than painting and putting up shelving in the storage room, I can’t think of anything else.” The renovations were all but done except for a few odds and ends here and there.

“That’s not what I meant.” He brushed his lips over her forehead in a tender gesture. “If you need any help with your family.”

She stepped back and gave him a tight smile, wishing he’d let the subject drop. His hands fell back to his sides. “I don’t need any help with them. They’re in Vermont and I’m here. They have their life and I have mine. Case closed,” she added before he could pursue it further.

Levi reached out, gently tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “If you need me, I’m here.”

She didn’t want to think about her family any longer. The subject always left her feeling slightly ill and totally inadequate. She’d been in therapy for an entire year after she’d struck out on her own. She knew it wasn’t her fault her parents had unrealistic expectations for her. She was her own person—successful and content. Yet, it took little more than a letter or phone call to make her feel like an insecure little girl again.

Well, no more. She’d had enough. This was her life and she was living it the way she wanted. That meant working to make her new store a success and possibly having an affair with Levi.

“I have to go.” Turning, she made her way to the door. She felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she stared at the heavy panel of wood. Memories of last night bombarded her. She’d never look at that door the same way again.

When she turned the handle, it opened easily. This time, Levi didn’t try to stop her. She glanced over her shoulder as she stepped out and closed the door behind her. Levi was standing there, arms crossed over his chest, watching her every move. The heat in his eyes told her he was remembering last night too.

That thought put a little jump in her step as she hurried up the stairs to her apartment. She had to get changed and take her medication before she went to work. The talk of her family, added to the heavy breakfast, was making her feel queasy.

Letting herself into her apartment, she hurried down the hallway to her bedroom, pulling off her wrinkled clothing. Her breasts were sensitive as she removed her bra and dropped it to the floor. She cupped them in her hands, shivering as her nipples puckered tighter.

“This is crazy,” she muttered. Dropping her hands, she went to the antique maple dresser and pulled out fresh underwear. “I haven’t had sex in more than a year and I didn’t really miss it. One night with Levi and suddenly I’m a nymphomaniac.”

Automatically, she tugged on a pair of light black wool pants and topped it with a dark blue cashmere sweater. A quick trip to the bathroom and she had a light coating of mascara on her lashes and a swipe of lipstick applied. Satisfied, she glanced at the clock.

It wasn’t quite nine.

Deciding she had time, she went to her kitchen and plugged in the kettle. While it boiled, she leaned against the counter and enjoyed the room. It was painted a cheerful yellow that made her smile. The cupboards were shaker style and painted a crisp white. Some of the cabinets had glass fronts, showcasing some of her nicer pieces of china.

She enjoyed pretty things and had surrounded herself with them. It was so different from the stuffy, stifling surroundings of her childhood. “Don’t think about that,” she cautioned herself.

But of course, she did.

The house she’d grown up in was filled with antique furniture and valuable oil paintings. She’d learned the value of them at a young age. It had been like living in a museum. You could look, but you couldn’t touch. Even her bedroom had been overdone. There had been a massive, four-poster oak bed, heavy armoire and chest of drawers. The bed curtains were dark burgundy, as were the drapes, bedspread and carpet. It had been oppressive and depressing. No place for a young girl to play and dream.

Which was probably why her bedroom now was a light and airy soft green with accents of pale yellow. Hardwood gleamed on all the floors, accented with colorful rugs that weren’t antiques.

This was her home and she’d made it everything she wanted. She’d put down roots in Jamesville and this was where she was staying. Her parents and brother could have as many plans for her as they wanted. The only ones that mattered were the ones she’d made for herself.

The kettle whistled, pulling her away from her musings. Grabbing a cheerful red mug and a teabag from the cupboard, she made herself some chamomile tea. The soothing steam wafted from the mug, settling her nerves.

“Time to go to work.” She locked the door of her apartment behind her, holding her keys in her right hand and her mug in the other. Her feet slowed as she passed by Levi’s apartment, but she didn’t hear him inside. Not that she expected to. The man moved like a ghost.

She unlocked the inner door to Past Promises and entered, stuffing her keys in her pocket. Satisfaction filled her as she went to her desk and began to get ready for her day.

Her mind was already working on new displays. She’d sold a lot of merchandise yesterday and needed to rework a few areas. Thankfully, Levi would be working on the storage room today. She had a lot of stuff still in boxes in the basement that needed to be opened and sorted. Plus, she planned on going to an estate sale on Sunday to look for more goodies for her shop.

Linda lost herself in her work, only looking up when she heard a tap on the door. She glanced at her watch and realized it was ten o’clock and time to open. Her mug of tea was still sitting on her desk. It was cold by now.

She shrugged as she unlocked the door and opened for business. She’d get another one later. “Good morning, Mrs. Saunders.” She greeted the older lady. “What can I help you find today?”

Levi spent the day working on the storage room. After he’d painted the walls, he’d checked on Linda, bringing her some lunch. She’d thanked him for the sandwich and smiled when she saw the oatmeal cookie tucked beneath the napkin.

As he worked through the afternoon, mounting shelving to the walls, he listened. With the door open, he could hear her voice as she chatted to customers. He liked listening to her, knowing she was near.

Last night had been the most incredible one of his life. His cock pressed against the placket of his jeans, thickening and lengthening in agreement.

He’d always been honest with himself and he knew that being with Linda had changed him. He’d always been a loner. Sure, he’d had drinking buddies in the army and guys he hung around with, but not many friends, except Jonah.

Since he’d arrived in Jamesville, he’d found himself being drawn into a circle of good folks—Jonah and his wife, Cyndi and Shamus O’Rourke, Shamus’s brother, Patrick, and his wife, Shannon. Levi stayed on the edges, mostly watching, as was his way. But he liked it here. He liked them.

Most of all, he liked Linda. A lot.

He wasn’t sure if he loved her. Wasn’t even sure he knew what love was. All he knew was he wanted to be with her all the time, loved to talk to her, to listen to the sound of her voice. He’d watched her sleep last night, marveling at how beautiful she was. She soothed the bad thoughts that sometimes haunted him in the dark of the night.

She was too good for him, but he’d take whatever he could get for as long as he could get it. And he would protect her, whether she wanted him to or not.

His eyes narrowed as he thought about that letter. He’d already started researching, digging into the lives of her parents and brother. He wanted to know everything about them, just in case. He’d always been a planner. Success was in the details.

He glanced at his watch. Speaking of details, he had to go shopping if he was cooking dinner for them again tonight. He’d done some research online while he’d wolfed down a sandwich for lunch, checking out ulcers and the foods that would be better for her.

Standing back, he admired the final shelf. The pine was thick and strong. Levi had sanded and varnished it so the wood grain shone. It might only be a storage room, but he wanted it to be perfect. It would hold everything from dishes to toys to whatever else Linda needed.

He’d bring up the boxes from the basement for her tomorrow and help her unpack them. He loved to watch her with her antiques. The joy in her face as she examined the stuff was something to behold. He didn’t know much about antiques, but he was learning. Partly from being around Linda and partly from the research he was doing online. A lot of the stuff he could do without, but some of the furniture had good, clean lines that he liked.

Maybe he should invest in a few pieces. He hadn’t missed the look on Linda’s face this morning when she got a good look at his thrift-store bedroom furniture. Not that she’d said anything. She was too classy for that. His furniture was functional, which was fine by him, but she was used to finer things. If he wanted her to be comfortable at his place, he should make a few changes. There was no reason he couldn’t buy some new furniture, make the place nicer for her.

Something to think about.

He shook his head at his musings. His buddies in the Special Forces would laugh their asses off if they could hear his thoughts. In all his years, he’d never once worried about furniture. He hadn’t had much growing up or during his years in the army. As long as he had a bed to lie on and a place to put his stuff, he was happy.

But that was then. He winced as he thought about his faded sofa and the chair with the duct tape. He definitely needed some new stuff. What was okay for him wasn’t anywhere near good enough for Linda.

Packing away his tools, he headed upstairs to get cleaned up before hitting the grocery store. Linda was busy with a customer, but she saw him and smiled as he was leaving.

She hadn’t agreed to sleep with him again, but she hadn’t said no either. Her smile was warm and inviting. It was enough. For now.