Whatever We Are: A Highland Springs Romance (Whatever Series Book 3) Read online

  “You can’t live here. There’s no heat.”

  “As soon as Travis gets time to put in a thirty-amp service, I’ll be able to plug in the camper and it will get toasty in here fast.” She tried to ignore the nice feeling of his hands on her knees, rubbing warmth back into her legs through the thin fabric of her dress.

  “In the meantime, you’ll freeze to death. It’s supposed to get in the teens over the next couple of days.”

  “I’ll be okay. I’ve got my sleeping bag, the one I use when we hunt, and I spend most of my time in the brewery where it’s warm. But I like the fact that you’re worried about me.”

  He tipped his forehead toward hers and gave her thawing legs a playful squeeze. His lids lowered and he leaned closer, his mouth so tempting only an inch from her own.

  “Does this thing even have a bathroom?” She brushed his hands from her legs and stood, nearly knocking him to the floor. She had to put some space between them. She was tempted to kiss him and they had to stop kissing. If they went much farther, their friendship would be ruined and she couldn’t have that.

  “Don’t need one. I go in the brewery.” He stood and straightened his tie, a bashful grin on his face.

  “What about a kitchen?” He was so hot in that stylish suit she turned her back to get her yearning under control.

  “I use the microwave in the break room.”

  “Honestly, you can’t stay here.”

  “Where would you suggest I go? I’m too old to live with my mommy.” He chuckled as he laid his hands on her shoulders.

  “Could you move in with Travis?”

  “He just has that small apartment over the garage. Might be cramped with the two of us.”

  “There has to be someplace other than this ice box.”

  He drew her back against his chest and his warm breath tickled her neck as he spoke softly against her ear. “I’ll be fine.”

  “No, you won’t.”

  “What would you suggest then?”

  “Come live with me.” It was out of her mouth before she realized what she had said.

  “That’s not such a good idea.” His arms swallowed her body against his chest, creating a cocoon of warmth around her. “You’re shivering. Let me warm you.”

  “Why won’t it work?” The more he wrapped himself around her, the better the idea sounded.

  “Let me hold you a minute and you’ll warm up.”

  “I’ve got plenty of room. You could sleep in the downstairs bedroom.” He was like a big, cozy furnace, his strong arms and solid chest giving off a blast of male heat she wanted to curl into. It would be nice to have him around on a cold night.

  “Don’t you think it would be awkward?” His warm breath tickled the back of her neck.

  “Why? You’ve seen me in my PJs.”

  “When you were twelve.” They shared a laugh and his breath against her skin was like a soft feather. “But I wouldn’t mind seeing you in them again.”

  Maybe for just a minute she could rest her head back against his chest, just until she warmed up. There was no harm in that. Once she quit shivering, they would go to the party and act like the Christmas couple they were expected to be—without kissing. Kissing was where she drew the line, so it was best if she kept her back to him.

  “So, Tucker, is that a yes?”

  “Well, not necessarily.”

  The only part of her body still cold was her feet, but the rest of her body was warm and snug tucked up against him. It was so nice having his arms swaddled around her; she felt a little woozy. She could get used to this.

  “Tucker, it’ll be fine.”

  “I’m not sure.”

  She dragged her hair over one shoulder and tilted her head slightly, just in case he wanted to start a trail of kisses down her neck. What would be the harm in that? Just a few kisses below her ear. That would be nice.

  “I wouldn’t want it to get awkward between us,” he said, resting his chin on the crown of her head.

  “It won’t.”

  He loosened his hold and took a step back. “Travis said he could put in the new outlet next week. I’ll be okay.”

  Feeling abandoned, she drew his arms more tightly around her, drowning in the warmth of his body. “I’m still cold.”

  Again, she tilted her head to her shoulder, inviting his lips to skim her neck. All he had to do was lower his head just an inch or so and brush his luscious mouth below her ear. She felt drugged at the thought of it. “If you did live with me, we wouldn’t have any problem keeping it platonic. We’re just friends, remember?”

  “Just friends. Right.”

  “We have to remain friends. That’s most important.” She covered his hands with hers, drew him in closer, and tucked them just below her breasts. This was okay, wasn’t it? There was nothing wrong with snuggling up tight, keeping each other warm in this igloo. He needed her body heat, too. Keeping one hand below her breast, he spread the other across her stomach, pulling her spine tight against his chest and her butt against his bulging zipper.

  “Absolutely. Our friendship is most important.”

  “See, I knew you’d agree. We’ve been friends so long. Nothing we do could mess that up.” She wiggled her hips against his pelvis, feeling his desire against her backside.

  “We won’t mess up.”

  “So, there’s no reason why you can’t move in with me for a while.” She pulled his hand from beneath her breast and pressed a kiss into his palm.

  “Only if you’re sure I won’t be in the way.”

  “No,” she sighed as his fingers did marvelous swirly things around her belly button. “You would never be in the way.”

  “Okay then, when should I move in?” He tugged her earlobe between his teeth and skimmed his lips down her neck. That’s what she needed—just a little kiss or two to warm her up. Nothing wrong with that.

  “Move in tonight. My house is nice and warm.”

  “Yeah?” His hand drifted north until it rested over her breast as his lips continued to flit down her neck. “You sure it’ll be okay?”

  “Absolutely.”

  His lips and hands were making her crazy. She flipped around and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a deep, wet kiss. They shouldn’t be doing this but, wow, was it nice. Right now, all she wanted was his mouth on hers and his hands right where they were, cupping her butt and drawing her in close. Her hands glided over the bunched muscles of his back, every ridge and contour solid under her palms.

  How could she want him this much? Now was not the time to analyze her feelings. A moan escaped his throat and she drew him in deeper, the frosty chill now a fiery furnace.

  All at once, the spell was broken by the rattling of the tin can camper. Someone was pounding on the door, causing the trailer to rock on his foundation.

  “You all alright in there?” It was Travis outside the RV. She jumped out of Tucker’s arms, embarrassed that they may have been seen through the camper’s only window. He reached for the doorknob, but she drew him back and swiped her fingers over his lips, trying to remove her red lipstick from his mouth.

  “Good enough. You can open it now.”

  “Are you trying to tear down the door?” Tucker barked as a blast of arctic air filled the camper.

  “We were getting a bit concerned about you. Thought you might have hypothermia or something.” Travis chuckled as he popped his head through the door and looked around. “But I can see the two of you are letting off enough heat to warm the place.”

  “Get out.” Tucker laid his palm on Travis’s natty head and pushed it out the door. “We’ll be there in a few minutes.” He slammed the door and turned back around, his cheeks red from the cold. “Where were we?”

  “Stop.” She halted his descent toward her mouth with a flattened palm to his rock-hard chest. The chill had cleared her brain…and her libido. She wasn’t completely cooled off, but enough to think clearly. “We have to set some ground rules before you move in
.”

  “Okay.”

  “What just happened, we can’t let that happen again. Our friendship is too important. We need boundaries.”

  Even as she said the words, she didn’t believe them. Maybe her head believed it, but the tingling below didn’t. As long as they kept their hands to themselves, they should be able to live as roommates and maintain the friendship they’d always had. The last thing she wanted was to give him the wrong idea. She just hoped her body got on board with her brain.

  ELEVEN

  “Lucy, I’m home.”

  Liza dropped the paintbrush when she heard Tucker’s silly Ricky Ricardo impression, creating a blue paint streak across the floor. She grabbed the brush and dropped it in a plastic bucket of water as the sound of thumping and banging echoed up the staircase. She rushed down the steps to find a large, prickly pine tree standing in the foyer. With a loud grunt, he emerged from behind the tree, a boyish smile plastered on his face.

  “I got the tree.”

  “What do you mean? You know I don’t decorate for Christmas.”

  “You are this year. Besides, that white pine out back needed topped out.”

  “But I don’t have room.”

  “I made room.”

  “Tucker, I don’t want a Christmas tree or any decorations. It’s bad luck.”

  He heaved the massive tree across the room to a corner where an armchair once sat. “Can you hold the stand?” He pointed to a green tree stand and bent his knees, lifting the tree off the floor. “I need a little help here.”

  She blew out a sigh and marched across the room. “I don’t do Christmas.” She knelt on the floor and held the stand as he lowered the tree into the opening. He joined her on the floor to tighten the bolts into the trunk.

  “I do. I’m going to help you fall in love with Christmas all over again.”

  “I doubt—”

  “You used to like Christmas. I know. I found a box of ornaments in your attic.”

  “They belonged to my grandparents.”

  Still squatting beside her, he looked intently at her with his brows arched. “It’s time to stop being a Scrooge and get back to celebrating the holiday you once loved.”

  “It’s just so overdone, so commercial.”

  “It doesn’t have to be.” His face was an inch from hers. “We can keep it simple.” His dark gaze drilled deep into her soul, causing a warm quiver from her stomach on south.

  Keep it simple. That was good advice from a man who was making her life anything but simple. Tucker had moved in three days ago, taking the downstairs bedroom where her grandparents once slept, and hadn’t touched her or made a single advance, much to her frustration. How did he stay so cool, such a complete gentleman? All she could think about was leaping into his arms. They agreed that their friendship was paramount and nothing would get in the way of it, no matter how tempting—and she had been tempted, more than once—like right now. Just another couple inches and she could taste his mouthwatering kiss. Was he thinking the same thing?

  “We can do that.” She felt herself falling toward him, hoping he’d make the first move. “Keep it simple.” She hoped he was talking about the two of them and not Christmas decorations.

  “I’m willing if you are.” He narrowed the divide, lowering his lids as he grew closer. Her body zinged with anticipation, ready for his soft lips to meet with hers. She had promised it wouldn’t be awkward between them and it hadn’t been. They hadn’t been this close to each other since the night in the camper. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to have one little kiss. Liza inched closer.

  “Hey, bud, how do you want me to hang these lights?” Travis blurted, coming through the front door without knocking. He had the most uncanny sense of timing.

  “Shit.” Tucker’s laughter broke the spell and she sat back on her heels, only partially relieved Travis had once again interrupted them.

  “You’re not hanging lights on my porch, are you?” She protested, but his crooked grin and flushed cheeks washed away her anger.

  “Tucker thought it would brighten up the place.”

  “There’s no point.” Liza stood and parked her fists on her hips. “No one will see it but me.”

  “And Brody and Kate and the baby. If you want to be the fun aunt, you’ve got to decorate for Christmas.”

  “I’m J.B.’s only aunt and he’s too young to notice.”

  “Do it for me then.” Tucker pulled her hands from her hips and enveloped them in his. “I love Christmas lights. You won’t deny me this simple pleasure, will you?” He was so damned adorable with his crooked grin and his melted-chocolate eyes, how could she say no?

  “Fine.” She tugged her hands from inside his and raked her fingers through her hair. “A Christmas tree and lights outside. That’s it. No kitschy snowmen or tacky elves. No Kris Kringle knickknacks or any other decorations. Agreed?”

  “Agreed.” He extended his hand to seal the deal and even that gesture, with his palm pressed against hers, set fireworks exploding through her body. Even the most innocent of touches drove her mad. She wanted nothing more than to tug him into her arms and lay a long, tantalizing kiss on his lips. She was falling and had never been more scared in her life. Why couldn’t she follow her own advice and kept it platonic, just friends? And why wouldn’t her body cooperate?

  Later that night, after the tree was decorated and the lights strung along the porch roof, Liza lay in her bed with the comforter pulled up under her chin. She settled against the pile of pillows with a book in hand. After the close encounter earlier today, she had decided it best to read alone in her room and avoid being near Tucker. She was finding it harder and harder to be alone with him, craving another heart-stopping kiss and struggling to keep her lust under control. There was something wrong with her. She shouldn’t be having these feelings about him.

  She opened her novel to page one and read the first sentence. A quiet tap on her door drew her away from the story, sending a nervous quiver down her spine. The tapping continued, followed by “Liza.” He was knocking on her door, aware she was awake by the light streaming under the door. She set her book aside and pulled the covers tightly under her chin.

  “Come in.”

  He opened the door and rested his shoulder against the wood frame. “Sorry to bother you.” He was wearing a thin T-shirt and pajama pants. His bare feet were crossed at the ankle and his arms folded over his chest, making his biceps bulge. Her mouth went dry. Obviously, he knew his warm, sleepy presence was affecting her because he smiled and crossed the room where he perched a hip on her bed and picked up the book.

  “What’re you reading?”

  Embarrassed, she grabbed the book out of his hand, hoping he didn’t see the bare-chested Highlander on the cover.

  “Never took you for the romance type.”

  “It’s not exactly romance.” She shoved the book in her nightstand and sat up straight in her bed, making sure her comforter was covering her breasts. “I like the historical setting.”

  His smile said he didn’t quite believe her.

  “There’s a Stephen King movie on in ten minutes. Thought maybe you’d like to watch it with me.”

  Great. Just what she needed: to sit on the couch with Tucker, gripping his hand in fear, waiting for the suspense to build while she buried her face in his chest—his firm, solid, tempting chest.

  “It’s kind of late.”

  “Since when is nine o’clock late?”

  “Don’t you have to get up early tomorrow?” She gripped the cotton linens in her hands so tight her fingers went numb.

  “I think I can stay up until eleven and still get plenty of sleep.”

  “Well, I, um—”

  “Are you afraid?” He tapped gently on her nose and gave her a wry grin.

  Not of Stephen King.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you from the scary demons.”

  That’s not what I’m afraid of. Her eyes drifted around the room.

  “
Well.” She flinched when he patted her thigh through the thick covers. “If you change your mind.”

  Before he made it to the door, she sat up, letting the comforter fall to her waist, but keeping her leg safely hidden.

  “Are you making popcorn?”

  “Of course. Have I ever let you down?” he cocked a crooked grin at her and padded down the stairs.

  No, Tucker had never let her down, but if she didn’t get her head on straight, she’d let him down. A moment ago, when his hand smothered her thigh, she inwardly cringed, knowing what he didn’t about the mangled mess the wreck had left her in. Throwing off the covers, she stared at the red, angry, jagged scar that covered her left leg from hip to knee. A piece of metal had ripped through her flesh, laying her muscle wide open to the broken femur inside. The third surgery had resulted in an infection so severe the wound had to heal from the inside out, leaving a wrinkled, bumpy trough in the center of her thigh. It was so hideous it was still hard for her to look at it. Tucker could never see it. If he was going to continue to live here, she had to get her urges under control.

  She pulled on pink pajama bottoms, a pale gray hoodie, and her fuzzy slippers, determined to simply watch the movie. She could handle this. She and her friend had watched plenty of movies together and nothing had happened. It was time to stop hiding in her room.

  ***

  Sparks flared and flames roared as Tucker tossed another log on the fire. The Christmas tree and the fire gave off the only light in the room. He set the bowl of popcorn in the middle of the couch and settled himself on one end, doing his part to stay within the boundaries of friendship like they agreed. With any luck, she’d throw the popcorn bowl to the floor and climb onto his lap.

  “So, which movie is it?” Liza rounded the sofa and plopped next to the bowl, tucking her heels behind her as she reached for a handful of popcorn.

  “The Shining.”

  “Here’s Johnny,” they blurted out simultaneously and fell into laughter. He’d missed the comfortable, relaxed feeling between them. Nervous around her the last couple of days, he awkwardly side-stepped her whenever she was within inches of him. He had promised to keep their friendship front and center, and wouldn’t do anything to mess it up. But damn if it wasn’t getting harder to resist her. The only thing holding him back was the fear of getting shot down again. If she wanted anything more than friendship, he’d wait for her to give the green light.