TIS THE SEASON...FOR ROMANCE (WESTMORELAND/MASTERS/JEFFERIES) Read online

  Tears appeared in Courtney’s eyes. It was hard to believe that this time last year she was wondering if she would ever find a man who could love her as much as she loved him, who would be her all and all like she intended to be his.

  Lake had come into her life at a time when she least expected it. She’d given up when the little black book she’d inherited from Sonya had failed to yield any positive results. He had proven that true love and romance was possible for anyone at any age. You just had to be ready for it when it came knocking on your door.

  She smiled over at her mother who was now standing beside her. She thought they were just doing lunch. She hadn’t expected this. Barbara Andrews seemed happy these days and Courtney knew she had Detective Blair to thank for that.

  A short while later after enduring bridal shower games which she’d gotten eliminated in most of them during the first round, Barbara was making her way around the room, chatting with several of Lake’s relatives who’d flown in for the affair. From their conversations she could tell they were excited that Courtney was joining their huge family and the thought of Lake getting married still had a number of them tickled.

  She had ridden in Courtney’s car and Rick had volunteered to come back for her after the shower was over. They had plans for later that included dinner and the skating rink. He was supposed to teach her how to skate. He refused to believe a woman who could ride a horse as well as she, had never learned how to skate.

  She glanced around the room. The shower was everything that Courtney’s friends and the ladies in Lake’s family had wanted it to be and she was happy. The proud mother of the bride. But she knew that lately she was happy for another reason.

  Rick.

  Sunday brunch had been wonderful and she had felt at home in his house. They had prepared the meal together and then spent the rest of the afternoon watching movies he’d rented. It had been nice sitting beside him on the sofa and sharing kisses.

  She hadn’t left his house until around seven that night and the goodbye kiss they’d shared had tempted her to ask if she could stay the night. He had invited her to lunch several times this week and she looked forward to each and every moment they spent together.

  And she was proud of the fact that she’d finished all of her therapy sessions with Dr. Banks. More than ever she felt she was ready to move on and continue to date Rick with the full knowledge that she deserved some real happiness in her life and didn’t owe Ron a single thing. With that resolution planted firmly in her mind she was ready to move on to the next level with Rick.

  “You’re smiling.”

  Barbara glanced over at her sister and unashamedly admitted, “Yes, I am.

  “And I guess I have the good detective to thank for it,” Peggy said, returning her sister’s smile.

  Barbara had given up on correcting Courtney or Peggy whenever they referred to Rick as a detective. Both knew he’d retired but would jokingly say that until they saw him again in another role, they would continue to think of him as the ever efficient and dedicated Detective Rick Blair. She was well aware that was their way of letting her know they were waiting on her to bring him around to meet them on a less formal basis.

  “Yes, Rick is the reason I’m smiling like I know Willie is the reason for your smile.”

  Peggy laughed. “Touché.” She then glanced around the room. “Courtney is truly happy.”

  Barbara glanced over at her daughter who was still opening her gifts. “Yes, she is and I’m happy for her. Ron and I didn’t set a good example.”

  “Neither did Joe and I for Sonya. But luckily our girls picked better men for husbands than we did,” Peggy said. “I think they learned from our mistakes.”

  Barbara nodded. “I think so, too.”

  “Have you given much thought to Thanksgiving?” Peggy then asked her.

  Barbara sighed. She couldn’t believe Thanksgiving was next week. “No. I figured it would be the same as last year. It’s time for me to host it at my place this year.”

  “Yes, but there is a slight change from last year,” Peggy noted.

  At the raising of Barbara’s confused brow, Peggy said. “Ron.”

  Barbara left out a deep sigh. She had totally forgotten that this time last year she’d been a married woman. Out of sight and out of mind. She didn’t think of Ron unless it was during Dr. Bank’s sessions. And definitely not when she was spending time with Rick.

  “Or are you thinking about inviting Ron?”

  Peggy’s question almost made her choke on the sip of punch she’d just taken. “No more than I expect you to invite Joe and his child bride.”

  A smirk touched Peggy’s lips. “And let’s not forget the baby nobody believes is his. And to answer your question the answer is no. Nobody from that household is invited. I’m past wanting to get the opportunity to shove my Thanksgiving turkey down Suzette’s throat.”

  Barbara couldn’t help but laugh and doing so felt good. Life was good and she couldn’t wait to see Rick again.

  “Are you inviting Rick?”

  Barbara glanced over at her sister. “Are you inviting Willie?”

  “Yes, although he might have made plans to spend Thanksgiving with his daughter, son-in-law and his grandson in Texas. But I plan to ask him anyway.”

  Barbara nodded. “Rick has a son who lives in Atlanta. I don’t know how they spend Thanksgiving. I never asked him.”

  “But you will invite him to our little get-together right?”

  A huge smile touched Barbara’s face. “Yes, I think that I will.”

  * * *

  Later that night when Rick entered Barbara’s home after returning from the skating rink, he closed the door behind him and then pulled her into his arms and kissed her with a degree of passion that sent heated shivers through both of their bodies. He tried to ignore the pulsing ache behind the zipper of his jeans, but the more he kissed Barbara, the more the urgency took control of his mind.

  He pulled his mouth away and took a step back as he drew in a much needed breath. “I think I need to leave now,” he said.

  “No. Please stay.”

  He met Barbara’s gaze. Held it. “Do you know what you’re asking, Barbara?” Memories of every single time he’d walked out of her door and wanting her with a need that kept him awake many nights washed over him.

  “Yes, I know.”

  He nodded slowly as he continued to look at her. “Are you sure you’re ready?”

  Barbara stared back at him. Yes, she was sure. Each and every time Rick touched her, she felt things she’d never felt before with Ron. And she wanted things she never wanted with Ron. She’d always felt incapable of holding Ron’s complete attention while making love, but she had a feeling that would not be the case with Rick. She had fallen in love with him. She was sure of that as well.

  Knowing her next words would seal her fate, she said. “Yes, I’m sure that I’m ready.”

  He recovered the distance separating them and drew her into his arms, wanting her to feel how aroused he was for her and was satisfied the moment that she did.

  “I might not be any good at this Rick.”

  He pulled back slightly and with his arms still wrapped around her waist he studied her face and saw a worried glint in her gaze. “You’ll be better than good at this, Barbara.”

  “You sound certain.”

  “Because I am.”

  “Then prove to me, Rick Blair, that you’re right.”

  Rick smiled and in a movement Barbara hadn’t expected, he swept her into his arms.

  * * *

  Rick placed Barbara on the bed and stepped back to look at her. Over the past weeks he’d imagined her in the middle of her bed or his, looking at him this exact way with those beautiful chocolate brown eyes of hers. She wanted him to prove that he was right; that she would be good at making love. That would be easy because he truly believed she was a very passionate woman. He doubted she was aware of the degree of passion she possessed. Proof of it
came through in her kisses. Several times he’d had to hold himself in check to keep from losing control when her passion had stirred up his. They’d been kisses that had gotten as hot as hot could be, and most had him sweating long after they’d parted.

  He wanted to undress her but he wanted her to feel comfortable with him doing so. “May I remove your clothes?”

  “Only if you let me remove yours?”

  Her comeback had him smiling and sensual images of her removing his clothes flashed vividly through his mind. “Lady, you got a deal.”

  She eased off the bed. “Ladies first.”

  She took the few steps to stand in front of him and reached out and lifted the jersey - that boldly proclaimed he was a Denver Broncos fan - over his head. She tossed it aside.

  Barbara paused and marveled at his hairy chest and just how tight his abs were. No flab anywhere. It was nice to see that he kept in good physical shape. She took her hand and traced a path down his chest and smiled when she heard his sharp intake of breath from her touch.

  She then reached for his belt and after unbuckling it she pulled it through the loops of his jeans. She then went for his zipper and eased it down. She looked up and met his gaze. “This is where I’ll need help with your shoes and socks.”

  He chuckled. “No problem.”

  He moved to sit on the edge of the bed to take off his socks and shoes. He then stood back up. Her hands went to the waistband of his jeans and gently eased them down his hips and stooped to assist him in stepping out of them.

  She stood up and saw how well endowed he was in his briefs and for the first time since she began undressing him she started getting nervous. Rick could tell. “You’re doing a great job, sweetheart. You only have one piece left.”

  He watched as she pulled in a deep breath before easing the last piece of barrier down his body. She then stood back and studied every inch of him and he wondered if she knew the trail of her eyes was like a heated brand.

  “Now for protection, babe,” he said and leaned down to pull a condom packet from his pants pocket and proceeded to sheath himself. From her curious expression he assumed she’d never watched a man put on a condom over his erection before.

  “Now it’s my turn,” he said, and without wasting time he went for her pull-over sweater and quickly removed it from her. Her bra was a piece of cake and when he saw her shapely breasts he weakened in the knees. She was beautiful.

  Removing her slacks took no time at all and he liked how she coordinated the color of her bra with her panties. To him seeing her in baby blue lingerie was sexy as hell.

  Barbara watched the way Rick was studying her breasts and hoped he found them satisfactory. Her breasts were small, always had been and Ron used to complain that maybe she should consider implants but she hadn’t.

  “Your breasts are perfect.”

  She blinked. It was as if Rick had known what she was thinking. Ron had never told her she had perfect breasts. “Thank you.”

  And then his gaze traveled down her stomach and paused at the juncture of her thighs. She knew a lot of women were into all those different kind of wax jobs. She’d tried it once at Ron’s urging and hadn’t cared for the end result. She suddenly thought about how many times and just how often she had tried being the kind of woman Ron preferred. But he’d never asked her what kind of man she might have preferred in the bedroom. It made her realize just how selfish he’d been to only think about his own wants and needs. In the end nothing had kept him faithful.

  “You’re frowning, Barbara.”

  She met his eyes. “Sorry.”

  “Only positive thoughts between us are allowed.”

  “Okay.”

  He then reached out and took her hand and led her over to the bed.

  * * *

  Rick intended to go slow so that Barbara could savor everything he was doing to her. He began touching her all over, getting her acquainted with the heat in his hands. And when they stretched out together on the huge bed, his mouth went for hers and kissed her hungrily.

  When he broke off the kiss and lowered his mouth to her breasts he took a swollen peak into his mouth. Sensations ripped through him and from the sound of her moan, they’d ripped through her also. What he’d told her earlier was true. Her breasts were perfect. Not too large and not too small. They were just right.

  And when he had lavished attention on one breast he then went for the other. He liked the taste of her breasts but knew he wanted to sample another taste as well. He shifted his body to ease down a little to begin nibbling on her stomach.

  He then decided to move lower and when his head was right there, between her thighs he couldn’t resist kissing her there. He could tell by her sharp intake of breath that this sort of intimate foreplay was one she wasn’t use to and if he sensed it was something she didn’t like, he would stop.

  He knew the moment his tongue slid between her womanly folds that she would like it. The moan that slipped from between her lips and the way she easily opened her legs wider was one sign.

  Rick delved deeper and enjoyed her taste. He wrapped his arms around her thighs and she instinctively tilted her hips toward his hungry mouth. He took his time and feasted on her properly, liking the sounds of the moans she made and the way she grasped his head to hold him to her.

  And when he knew she was mere seconds from an explosion, he pulled his mouth away and eased his body over her. Their gazes held as he slowly entered her and nearly exploded right then when she arched her back and lifted her hips to receive all of him.

  Reaching up she entwined her arms around his neck and leaned her head up to trace his lips with the tip of her tongue. Something inside him snapped and he began thrusting in and out of her and each time he went in, he somehow managed to go deeper and deeper.

  And when he heard her scream his name and felt her muscles clench him tighter, he came in a rush, giving her all he had and knowing that if he had a choice, he would remain inside her forever.

  * * *

  “You okay, babe?”

  Barbara’s body felt drained but she managed to lift her head to meet Rick’s gaze. “Yes, although I might never be able to walk again.”

  He chuckled. “You’ll walk.”

  She snuggled closer to him, breathed in his scent as well as that of sex. Usually after they’d made love Ron would get up and go into the bathroom. There was no cuddle time and no time to absorb in afterglow. She liked lying here and being held in Rick’s arms.

  “Have you made any plans for Thanksgiving?” She thought this was just as good a time to ask.

  “No. Usually Antron flies in and we try and find some restaurant around here that’s opened. Neither one of us inherited culinary skills worth a damn. I can handle something simple like what we did that Sunday for brunch, but I wouldn’t try tackling anything like Thanksgiving dinner.”

  Barbara chuckled. “Well, I’d love to invite the two of you to Thanksgiving dinner with me and my family. My sister and I usually rotate and it will be at my place this year.”

  “You sure your daughter and sister won’t mind strangers showing up?”

  She grinned. “They’d met you before, so you’re not a stranger.”

  “Yeah, but when I met them it was all business.”

  Barbara smiled. “Now it won’t be business related. Think you can handle that?”

  He returned her smile. “Yes, I can handle that.”

  He pulled her closer and Barbara automatically cuddled deeper into his arms. Yes, she thought. He could handle that. She had a feeling that Rick Blair could handle just about anything.

  Ten

  Barbara glanced down at her outfit. Rick was taking her out to dinner. She had no idea where they were going afterwards. All he’d said was to wear an outfit suitable for dancing.

  During her lunch hour she had gone to the Millenia Mall and bought this dazzling red dress and a pair of Jimmy Choo slingbacks to match. She smiled thinking that even with the shoes 4 1/2 inch h
eels, she would still have to look up to meet Rick’s gorgeous eyes.

  Courtney had dropped by earlier and had given her outfit a thumbs up and said Rick would probably get tongue-tied when he saw her. She sighed deeply as she left the kitchen to enter her living room, while thinking she couldn’t believe just how wonderful her life was going now. Rick was an incredible lover, conversationalist and all around friend.

  Often when he would come over to her place or when she would go over to his, they would spend time talking for hours. He would tell her about his days with the FBI and she would discuss several aspects of her job with him. She’d been surprised to learn he had a master’s degree in criminology and that in addition to teaching at the FBI academy, every once and a while he was pulled back in to assist on high profile crime cases.

  She smiled when she heard her doorbell, thinking Rick was early. Crossing the room she opened the door and a frown immediately settled on her face. “Ron, what are you doing here?”

  Instead of answering, her ex leaned on his walking cane and let out a wolf-whistle. “You look good, Barb. Where are you off to? Is it girls’ night out with you and Peggy?”

  “No. So what do you want, Ron?” It bothered her that he assumed that he could drop by without calling first.

  “I want to talk to you about something that’s important.”

  She glanced down at her watch. “As you can see I’m about to leave in a little while.”

  “Surely you can give me at least five minutes.”

  She pulled in a deep breath. “Only five minutes.” She moved aside to let him enter and it was then she saw just how profound his limp was. Ron, the man who was known for his soulful strut could barely put one foot in front of the other now.

  She couldn’t help wondering what Ron’s visit was about. She hadn’t talked to him in weeks. The last time she’d done so was when he’d called her office and she’d dropped a hint that she had a lunch date. She’d done so mainly because she hadn’t wanted him to think she was somewhere pining for him. Their divorce was final and it would stay that way.