Chapter Nine

Bryce waited at the window, counting down the minutes until Luke's arrival. Leah was spending the night with Lisa, and Bryce couldn't wait to spend some quality time alone with Luke. They were going to his house after dinner. She had packed an overnight bag, but Luke insisted she didn't need it, which made her laugh.

She couldn't even remember the last time she went on a date. She was excited to see Luke's home as well; he had mentioned it was an old farmhouse that he had renovated himself. A smile spread across her face when she saw his truck coming down Main Street, her heart fluttering with anticipation. She loved him so much.

When he knocked on the door, she took a deep breath, smoothed out her dress, and walked toward the door. She opened it and stared at him in awe. He held a bouquet of red roses in one hand and removed his hat with the other. He was dressed in a navy blue dress shirt, dark blue jeans and black cowboy boots. As usual, his coat hung open.

"You look stunning," he said as he stepped into the apartment and leaned down to kiss her lips. "I can't wait to take that dress off you later."

"I'm guessing you like my little black dress?" She smiled, knowing how well it fit her body like a glove. The scooped neckline revealed a hint of cleavage, while the cinched waist accentuated her figure perfectly. The hemline stopped just above her knees, and she completed the outfit with red stilettos. His eyes roamed over every inch of her before locking onto hers again. He leaned in for another kiss.

"How about we skip dinner?" he whispered.

"Not a chance. I'm starving and it feels like forever since I've been on a proper date."

Luke let out a sigh. "Fine, but just know that I plan on slowly removing that dress later."

"I'll hold you to that," she said, causing him to chuckle.

"I hope so."

"Wait until you see what's under this dress."

He grinned. "I know what's under it."

Bryce shook her head. "You don't know what's on what you know is under this dress."

Luke frowned. "I'm sorry… what?"

She burst out laughing. "You might know what's under this dress, but you don't know what's on what you know is under this dress."

"For God's sake, now I have a headache."

"I know what I'm trying to say." She said while laughing.

"I'm glad someone does."

"Let's just say there's more under this dress than what you know."

"Holy shit. Couldn't you just have started with that? Here." He handed her the roses and she buried her nose into them, taking in their sweet scent.

"Thank you. I love roses, especially red ones."

"Red is the color of love," he stated.

"Yes, it is. Let me put these in the fridge and then we can head out. I'm excited to try this restaurant. I asked Deidra for some advice on what to wear so I wouldn't be over or under dressed."

"The food there is amazing. Let's get going, sweetheart."

She grabbed her bag and chuckled when she noticed Luke raising an eyebrow.

"I told you not to bring clothes."

"I can't walk around naked, Luke."

"I don't see a problem with that." He reached for her coat and held it out for her. "I like your hair like that."

She had it in a loose bun with tendrils framing her face. She smiled.

"Deidra did it for me."

"I'll have to let it down later." He shook his head. "How am I supposed to make it through dinner?"

Bryce laughed. "You'll manage."

"I'll be sitting there with a hard-on all night."

She spluttered out another laugh. "You're so bad, but also so very good."

Luke grinned. "Let's go, baby."

"I'm ready." She switched on the light above the stoop, took his hand, and descended the steps with him.

Once they were settled into the truck, Luke started the engine and drove them to the Hartland Restaurant.

They walked into the restaurant and were directed to their table. The hostess took their drink orders before leaving them alone. Bryce looked around.

"It's a lovely place."

"Yeah, it is. I don't come here often, but we'll definitely come back."

"Hello, I'm Marco, your server. Do you need more time?" He set their drinks on the table.

Luke looked at Bryce.

"I do, please," she replied.

"No problem. I'll come back." The server walked over to another table.

Bryce perused the menu. "Everything sounds delicious."

"Everything is," Luke said with a smile.

"Oh, I love seafood. I think I'll order that."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." She nodded and laid the menu back on the table.

"You're so beautiful," he said, and grinned when she blushed.

"How was your trip to Whitefish?"

Luke let out a deep breath. "I went there to talk to Mr. Hancock's son. I believe he's responsible for the theft."

Bryce gasped in shock. "He stole from his own father?"

"I believe so. It's hard to imagine. But his father told me that if his son did do it, he should face the consequences like any other criminal."

"You really respect him, don't you?"

"He's a great guy. Kind and considerate. I promised myself I'd stay in touch with him after this case is over."

"That would be nice of you. Is he alone?"

"He has some ranch hands, and he thinks very highly of his manager, Rafe." Luke smiled. "He told me he plans to leave the ranch to Rafe one day. Apparently, Rafe had a tough upbringing with a father who didn't show him any attention, and Mr. Hancock took him under his wing."

"I'm glad he has someone who cares about him."

Luke leaned back in his seat. "Tell me about your mother."

Bryce let out a sigh. She always hated talking about her biological mother.

"She had me when she was sixteen, and my sister Brenda when she was fifteen. She never wanted us. Just liked to screw around. My childhood was pretty rough because I knew she didn't want anything to do with me. I ran away when I was fifteen and ended up in foster care until I turned eighteen."

"What happened to your sister then?"

"Brenda and I lost touch for years. Our... mother reached out to us, and we met for lunch." Bryce shook her head in disappointment. "It was a disaster. She just wanted money from us. Brenda got up and left. I tried to give our mother the benefit of the doubt, but as soon as I said I didn't have any money to give her, she caused a scene. Called me all sorts of names. I had enough and walked out too. Haven't heard from her since. But Brenda and I stayed in touch, although she can be a bitch. I hate saying that, but it's the truth. When I got pregnant and told her, the first thing she said was that I turned out just like our mother. Then she scolded me for not being responsible, saying I should know better at my age, and at least our mother had immaturity as an excuse." Bryce wiped away a tear from her cheek. "I'm so glad I didn't go to Seattle like I planned. She made it clear that I wasn't welcome to stay with her."

Luke nodded sympathetically. "You're right. She's a bitch."

"I don't think we have the same father either. Our last name is our mother's last name."

"I'm sorry you had to go through all of that." He reached out to touch her hand.

"That's why everyone here amazes me. I've never experienced such kindness, especially from strangers." Bryce shook her head in disbelief. "But I'm happy now. Despite the mistake I made getting pregnant, I wouldn't trade Leah for anything in the world."

"I honestly believe that. I bet my parents are having a ball with her."

"They'll spoil her."

"As she should be." Luke grinned.

The server returned. "Are you ready yet?" he asked with a smile.

Luke gave him their orders. The young man smiled and walked off toward the kitchen.

Once their meals arrived, they dug in. Bryce groaned at the flavors exploding in her mouth at the first taste of shrimp. Luke looked at her and winked.

"Told you."

"I would come here every day if I could."

"Are you excited about your job?"

"I am. I can't wait. I know I'll miss Leah, but I can always stop by the daycare to see her."

After they finished their meals, Luke helped her up, held her coat for her, then took her hand, and led her from the restaurant.

At his truck, he pushed her back against the door, and leaned into her, taking her lips in a deep kiss. Bryce moaned as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She pushed her hips against his, then pulled back from him. He raised an eyebrow.

"Did you have this," she pushed against him again, "all through dinner?"

Luke laughed. "I told you I'd have a hard-on all night."

"Well, let's go so if we can do something about that."

Luke gave her a quick kiss, opened the door for her, and held her hand while she slid onto the seat. He shoved the door closed, walked around the front, opened his door, and climbed into the cab. He looked at her and she smiled, making him shake his head.

"Hold that thought, darlin'," he said, then drove out of the parking lot.

****

If Luke didn't have her soon, he was going to go insane. She'd been driving him crazy all night. Every time she'd take a bite of her food, she'd moan. He'd been about ready to pull her under the table and have his way with her.

He drove faster than he should have and swore when blue lights flashed behind him.

"Son of a bitch," he muttered, as he pulled onto the shoulder of the road. He opened the glovebox, retrieved what he needed and gave Bryce a glare when she giggled. "I hope you know it's your fucking fault."

"I'll tell the officer that," she said laughing.

Luke sighed as he put the window down.

"In a hurry?" the officer asked.

Luke looked to see Deputy Logan Townson standing beside the door.

"Maybe."

"License, registration, and proof of insurance, please."

"Damn, come on, Logan. You know me. I don't speed."

"Then what would you call what you were just doing?" Logan leaned down, looked into the truck, and grinned. "Ma'am."

"Deputy, I'm afraid it's my fault he was going a little fast."

Luke looked at her and narrowed his eyes. "I don't need your help."

She raised her eyebrows. "I'm sorry, but I distinctly remember you telling me it was my fault." Then she batted her eyelashes at him, making him shake his head.

When Logan chuckled, Luke glared at him.

"Just give me the damn ticket."

"So, you were in a hurry, Luke?"

"Yes," he growled, making Logan laugh.

"Just slow down so you can get there in one piece. Have a good night."

"Why are you working?"

"I had some paperwork to get done. I was just heading home when I saw you."

"You could have let it go," Luke said.

"Yeah, I could have, but I had a feeling I knew why you were speeding." Logan touched the brim of his hat. "Goodnight."

Luke watched him from the side mirror as he got into his SUV cruiser, turned off the blue lights, then pulled onto the road, blowing the horn as he passed by. Bryce snorted out a laugh.

Luke chuckled. "It is your fault, you know."

Bryce shook her head as he pulled out behind Logan.

Luke slowed the truck and pulled into his driveway. He saw Bryce sit up and stare at the house. She looked at him then back at the house.

"It's gorgeous, Luke."

"Thanks." He thought so too. "I have always liked farmhouses. This one is over a hundred and fifty years old. When I was looking for a place, I saw this. I gutted it and redid the interior. It took me almost three years to complete it."

"Did you do it yourself?"

"Beau and some friends helped me, but since we all had jobs, it was mostly the weekends we worked on it. I'd come here after work and do what I could until it got dark."

"Where did you live in the meantime?"

"I had an apartment." He sighed. "I hated it. So, I worked on it as much as I could."

"I can't wait to see the inside. How much land do you have?"

"It's only twenty-five acres, but that's more than enough for me. I have a few horses, so I don't need a lot." He looked at her. "Do you ride?"

Bryce nodded. "It's been a while, but I do love to ride."

"Well, when the weather clears, maybe we can do that."

"I'd love it."

He pressed a button and the garage door slid up, and Luke pulled into the garage. Bryce stepped out, removed her overnight bag, and walked to the front of the truck. Luke took her hand and led her to the door leading into the kitchen. Luke grinned when he heard Bryce gasp.

"Oh, my. I love this kitchen. It looks old. Even the fridge, but that stove." She shook her head. "I love the staircase in the kitchen."

The fridge and stove looked vintage but were modern. There was even a microwave and dishwasher that looked like they'd been made in the fifties. All in white. The floor was large red and white squares.

"How did you come up with this idea?"

"My mom did. When I showed her the house, she said it had a lot of possibilities but making it match the type of house it was would look great."

"Can I see the rest?"

"Yes, ma'am. Let's get our coats off first, then we can head for the living room."

Bryce nodded, removed her coat and hat, then Luke led her to the living room.

"Luke, this is so beautiful."

A window seat sat at the large front window overlooking the porch and front yard. The walls were covered in light green wallpaper with tiny red roses through it. The fireplace was white wood, with matching bookshelves on each side with paned windows.

"Thanks. Most of the credit goes to my mom. She loved decorating it. I wanted it to look like it did when it was first built. We found a member of the family, and she had tons of photos of the house. Inside and out. There are four bedrooms, each with a fireplace, and three have full baths. There's also a full bath downstairs, and I installed a half bath under the staircase." He pointed to a door sitting under the stairs.

The stairs ran along the wall, with a landing halfway up, then turned and continued to the second floor.

"It's just gorgeous. I love old farmhouses."

"Me too. Come on, I'll show you my room." He led her along the hallway, then entered a room.

Bryce gasped when he turned the light on.

"I feel like I've stepped back in time."

Luke watched her walk around the room. The walls were light blue with dark wood molding baseboard, matching the fireplace, and navy blue carpeting covered the floor. Hurricane lamps sat on the nightstands on each side of the bed. A ceiling fan in matching wood, spun slowly above them.

She walked to a door beside the fireplace and peered in to see the bathroom. She looked at him and grinned.

"Love the tub."

"It's like yours but this one has jets in it." He strode to her. "Want to take a bath?"

"Oh, yes, but later." She smiled.

Luke chuckled. "Hell, yes."

****

As he closed the distance between them, Bryce found herself backed against the wall. His lips traced a fiery path up her neck, sending shivers down her spine. He whispered hotly into her ear, "I need to see what's under this dress."

His words were like a match, igniting the flame of desire within her. She gasped as his hands slid down her body, gripping the hem of her dress and slowly rolling it up to her waist. The cool air hit her heated skin, making her gasp.

But that was nothing compared to the groan that escaped his lips when he saw the black garter belt and lace panties she wore.

"Fuck, Bryce," he growled, his hands trembling with need.

She laughed breathlessly, her body tingling with anticipation. "Yes, please," she said, reaching for the buckle of his belt.

He growled low in his throat as she undid the snap of his jeans, pushed them and his boxer briefs down letting his erection spring free. He was thick and hard. She wrapped her hand around him, reveling in the feel of his velvety skin. He handed her a condom and with a sly grin, she rolled down over his hard cock.

He groaned, thrusting his hips forward. "Fuck, Bryce," he repeated, his voice hoarse with desire.

She stroked him slowly, teasingly, watching with satisfaction as his eyes fluttered closed and his breathing grew ragged. She could feel her own arousal growing with each passing moment.

He reached down, sliding his fingers under the lace of her panties. She gasped as he found her clitoris, already swollen with need. He rubbed it gently, sending waves of pleasure crashing through her body.

She moaned, her head falling back against the wall. He took advantage of the position, capturing her lips in a searing kiss.

He slid a finger along her slit, her wetness making it easy for him. She whimpered, her body quivering with need. He continued moving his fingers against her until she felt like she would burst into a million pieces.

She could feel the pressure building inside her, the tension growing tighter and tighter with each passing moment. He continued touching her, as they stared into each other's eyes.

Bryce moaned, arching her back and grinding against him. She reached down and stroked his length, feeling him pulse beneath her touch.

"Luke, I want you inside me," she whispered.

He didn't hesitate. He yanked her panties aside and thrust into her in one swift motion. Bryce gasped, her nails digging into his back as he filled her completely. He began to move, his hips thrusting in a steady rhythm as he fucked her against the wall.

Bryce wrapped her legs around his waist, her ankles locking as he drove into her deeper and harder. She could feel the pressure building, her body tensing with every stroke. "Luke, Luke," she chanted, her voice growing louder with each passing second.

Luke's fingers touched her clitoris, rubbing it as he fucked her. "I want to feel you come, Bryce," he growled, his voice low and rough.

Bryce's body responded to his command, her orgasm washing over her in a wave of pleasure. She screamed, her muscles clenching around him as she rode out the intense release. Luke followed soon after, his own orgasm tearing through him.

Panting, they stayed like that for a moment, Luke still buried inside her. Then, slowly, he pulled out and set her back on her feet.

"Fuck, that was incredible," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her lips, then he pulled his jeans up and zipped them.

"Yes," Bryce said breathlessly, as she leaned against the wall, not sure she could move.

When she started to slide down the wall, Luke caught her and carried her to the bed and placed her on it, then he lay beside her. They both breathed heavily, then Bryce looked at him.

"If I died like that, I'd die happy," she said, and grinned when he laughed.

"I agree. How about that bath now?"

"I need a few minutes. God, that was amazing." She rolled to her side to face him. She touched his arm. "I'm so glad I met you. I can't imagine not being with you."

"I feel the same." He sat up, then pulled her to a sitting position. "Come on."

"Seriously, Luke, I can't move."

He rolled off the bed, pulled her to the edge, picked her up and carried her into the bathroom, then set her on her feet.

"I'm glad I got to see what was under that dress." He grinned.

"I told you; you might know what's under this dress—"

"No. Not again. Just please don't."

Bryce burst out laughing. "Okay, but now you know what I meant."

"Yeah, I get it, but you went overboard trying to get it out. Damn, woman." He shook his head.

She wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his lips.

"I love you, Luke." She frowned. "Is Luke your full name?"

"Lucas Andrew McCallister at your service, ma'am." He bowed.

"Okay, now I know what to call you when you piss me off."

"You think I'll piss you off?" He raised an eyebrow.

" Pffft , you're a man. That's a given."

"Women," he muttered, then turned the water on in the tub. He looked at her. "Let's relax in the tub now."

"My legs feel like rubber," she muttered, making him laugh. She smiled. "It was the hottest sex I've ever had."

When he unbuttoned his shirt and removed it, her mouth dropped open, then he unzipped his jeans, toed off his boots, and stepped out of his clothes. After removing the condom, he stopped when she didn't start undressing.

"Are you going to get in with your dress on?"

"God, you have an amazing body. It makes me speechless every time I see it."

He winked. "Right back at ya." He shook his head. "And you just had a baby."

"Almost three months ago. I worked my ass off to get back in shape."

He pulled her to him and slid his hands down over her ass.

"I'm glad you didn't work too much of it off. I happen to love this ass."

Bryce smiled. "Let me get this dress off and I'll try to move my legs enough to get into the tub."

Luke nodded, got into the tub, and leaned back, keeping his eyes on her. She frowned.

"You don't have to watch me."

His lips lifted in a grin. "Of course I do."

"Lucas Andrew McCallister," she snapped.

"Shit," he muttered and turned away.

"Told you you'd piss me off," she said with a grin. She quickly stripped off her dress, but stopped when she heard him mutter under his breath. "What?"

"You have no idea how fucking sexy you look in just the bra, the garter belt and those shoes."

She peered into the tub. "I thought we were going to relax?"

Luke laughed. "We are. My dick might have other ideas, but my mind knows better."

Bryce chuckled as she stepped close to the tub. Luke put his hand out to her and held it as she stepped into the water. She sunk down into it and sighed.

"Oh, that feels amazing."

"Push that button beside you." Luke pointed at it.

Bryce pushed it and the water swirled around them. She sat forward.

"I had a great time tonight. It's been so long since I've been out. I really enjoyed it."

"We'll go out every Saturday night if you want."

"I'd love that. I should look into getting a babysitter. I can't expect Lisa to do it every Saturday."

Luke shrugged. "Whatever you think is best. I know she won't mind once in a while, but her and Dad do like to go out too."

"That's what I was thinking. I'm sure Connie would know someone."

"I'm sure." Luke yawned. "Damn, I'm tired."

"Then let's wash and get out. I'm ready for some sleep too. It will be nice not having to get up every few hours."

"When will she sleep through the night?"

"I think around six months. I can't believe she'll be three months old soon."

"She'll be walking before you know it." He yawned again. "Damn, we'd better get out before I fall asleep in here."

"Okay." Bryce used the soap to wash with and handed it to Luke. Once they were done, they got out, dried off, and entered the bedroom. She pulled a T-shirt and her lounge pants from the bag and pulled them on.

Luke pulled the blankets back, and slid in under them, then she got in beside him. He kissed her lips.

"Goodnight, baby."

"Goodnight, Luke."

He kissed her forehead. "I love you."

"I love you back." She smiled, closed her eyes and drifted off.