The Summer of No Attachments by Lori Foster

Chapter Sixteen

Despite the urge to rush, Lang took his time in the shower. While he went over plans in his head, he realized he had nothing to change into.

Would Hope mind him wearing only a towel? She was a sensible woman, so odds were she’d already considered the complications of her spontaneous invite. Still, he didn’t want to alarm her.

Losing a towel would be so easy.

Losing her robe, too.

Yeah, and thoughts like that would not help him keep it together.

After fifteen minutes, the water started to run cold and Lang knew he was pushing his luck. After drying off and finger-combing his damp hair, he folded his clothes—with his wallet on top of the stack—and wrapped the towel around his hips. He stepped out of the bathroom.

He wasn’t sure what he expected, but finding Hope standing right there, her shoulders against the wall, her fingers playing with the terry cloth belt to her wrap, was a total shocker.

Her gaze shot up to meet his, and they stood there like that, no more than two feet separating them, while the tension expanded, throbbing in the air.

With her place so small, the bathroom and her bedroom were right next to each other. She’d left the bedroom door open.

She’d even turned down the bed.

Those realizations all closed in on him at once. While trying to sort it out, he stepped into the bedroom and set down his clothes, then moved the wallet to the nightstand.

Hope stood in the doorway, her gaze tracking over him, across his shoulders and chest, down to his abs, lower—as if she could see through the towel.

When she stepped toward him, the groan came of its own volition. “You’re killing me, honey.”

Crossing the last few steps in a rush, Hope came up against him, her arms sliding around his neck and her mouth seeking his.

Definitely not what he’d expected.

Probably more than he deserved, too. But yeah, he loved her eagerness.

He gently cradled her close while devouring her mouth. It wasn’t easy, but he kept his hands still on her back.

Hope didn’t. Her hands were everywhere, over his chest, up to his shoulders, along his arms. She freed her mouth, but only so she could brush her nose over his chest, breathing him in and all in all acting like a woman well primed, without a single nervous qualm.

He tangled a hand in her hair and tipped her face up. God, she looked beautiful to him, petite and pretty with her dark, baby-fine hair and her deep blue eyes now dazed with need.

Lang considered things, then asked low, “Want to try the bed?”

“Yes.” Snagging his hand, she attempted to drag him toward the mattress.

He laughed, but damn. “Slow down, babe.”

Rounding on him, she said, “Over four years I’ve gone without wanting anyone, and now I want you. I want this.” She pulled the belt of her robe open and let the material part. “And I want it now.”

It struck Lang that he’d been completely wrong in his thinking. Hope was a smart woman who knew her own mind. She’d lived through the awfulness of her past and had learned to deal with it. In all the time that had passed, no one had managed to pressure her in any way—because she hadn’t let them.

Why would he think he’d be any different? Obviously, she wasn’t shy with him, so he’d been worrying about nothing, instead of proceeding naturally.

The smile came slowly. “You’re really sure, aren’t you?”

“About you? Yes, definitely.” As if to prove it, she shrugged off the robe and it landed in a fluffy white heap at her feet.

Lord help him.

As if in challenge, she stood with her hands at her sides, her shoulders back and her chin angled with determination.

So many nights he’d thought about her body, but he still hadn’t been prepared. Lust clamored against protectiveness and then melded with love. It was all okay, because it was with Hope.

Watching her, he loosened the towel and let it drop.

She swallowed heavily, her gaze darting all over him, her breathing deepening.

Using care, Lang stepped closer and eased her bare body against his. “Okay?”

She tucked her face into his neck. “I want you so much.”

That honest admission was all the encouragement he needed.

After that, everything happened as it should, without unnecessary caution. He stopped worrying about offending her and instead loved her as he wanted.

As she wanted.

Stretching out on the bed together, they both grew bolder. Lang discovered that she was keenly curious about his body and not at all timid in exploring. When she curled her small hand around his erection, he closed his eyes and concentrated on not coming.

Once he had himself in control again, he showed her how to tighten her grip, how far to stroke, how fast.

Such exquisite torture.

“My turn,” he said, moving her hand and bending to kiss her breasts while pressing a hand between her thighs.

Thrilled to find her already hot and wet, he utilized every ounce of experience he had, and every drop of patience he could muster, until she gave a throaty, vibrating moan. As soon as her climax started to ease, he shifted to grab the condom, quickly rolled it on and then came down over her.

Using care, he parted her thighs and settled against her. “Open your eyes, honey. I need to see you.”

She chuckled and lazily did as he requested. “I think you can see plenty of me.”

“Yes, and I enjoy looking at you. But I want to see what you’re thinking, too.”

Her gaze warmed. “I’m thinking that you’ve changed my life, and I will never, ever regret that.”

It wasn’t quite a declaration of love, but he didn’t care. He took her mouth and slowly eased into her. She was so tight, it made him a little insane, but her enthusiasm sparked to life again.

Half an hour later, he really wished he had another condom—or ten. He could have made love to Hope all night long.

He could definitely love her...for the rest of his life.

“Lang?” Cuddled together, Hope relished the closeness and comfort of being like this with him. For an instant, she thought of all the time she’d wasted being afraid, and then she shook her head.

It hadn’t been only fear that held her back. No man had offered even a slight temptation.

Not until she’d met this man.

“Hmm?” His fingertips trailed up and down her spine in a never-ending caress.

“Will it ruin the moment if I ask you something?”

He shifted slightly, scooting her up so he could see her face. “You can ask me anything, at any time. Okay?”

Shoot. She hadn’t meant to imply it was something monumental, but now he looked so grave, she smiled. “How come you don’t want me to meet your mom?”

His brows shot up, the seriousness vanished, and he laughed. “God, I’m not sure I want to talk about my mother while we’re naked in bed together.”

Oh. She hadn’t thought about that. No, she wouldn’t want to talk about her mother, either. “Sorry.”

“Kidding.” He rolled her to her back and turned on his side to face her. Now his big hand, fingers opened, rested on her stomach. “I don’t mind if you meet my mom. Actually, I think you’ll like her. For sure she’ll like you.”

“Then why have you excluded me all week?”

His brows leveled. “I’m sorry if you thought I was.”

Hope shrugged. “You’ve spent time with me, and I’ve enjoyed the boat rides. I’m not complaining about that. Everything changed, though, and I wasn’t sure...what to think.”

“I should have explained.” Pressing a firm kiss to her mouth, he said, “I wanted to protect you. Not only does Mom come on strong, she’s a master at making assumptions. I’d worked so hard not to pressure you, I didn’t want her to, either.”

That sounded like a convenient excuse, yet as soon as Hope thought about it, she discarded the notion. Lang wasn’t that way. Far as she could tell, he was always honest with her. “Ivey told me that about her.”

As if they’d been in this very position numerous times, he put a leg over hers. “If Mom has her way, Ivey and Corbin will be married before they know what hit them.”

She knew Ivey would be thrilled—if Corbin was willing. “How does Corbin feel about it?”

He slowly grinned. “This is the strangest after-sex convo I’ve ever had. First questions about my mother and now my brother.”

Hope pushed at his chest. “Well, I’m not exactly up to speed on these things.”

Laughing, he kissed her. “You could try complimenting me. Tell me I’m the best—”

“You’re the only,” she pointed out, then balked as ugly memories tried to intrude. “The only one that matters.”

He smoothed her hair. “You amaze me, Hope. I had all these dumb misconceptions about how you would handle things. I underestimated you, I’m sorry for that. The truth is, I’d love for you to meet Mom. She’ll be there at dinner on Monday if you want to join us.”

Cue the guilt. Knowing she’d just coerced him, Hope frowned. “I didn’t mean to twist your arm.”

“That could be kinky if you want to give it a try.”

The grin threatened; he was always so funny, even now. She loved that about him. “Be serious.”

Turning to his back on the bed, Lang pulled her half over him. After a yawn, he said, “When you meet her, you’ll understand. Going forward, though, know that I want you in every part of my life. If I screw up and don’t make that clear, call me on it, okay?”

She froze even as her heartbeat picked up speed. “Every part?”

Warm brown eyes smiled at her, and he said gently, “I love you, Hope, so yeah. Every part.”

“Lang!” When she tried to sit up, he tightened his hold, keeping her right there against his heart.

“I’m not pressuring you, okay?” His hands gentled, fondling her in delicious ways. “But it’s the truth, I’ve never known anyone like you. I think I fell in love with you that first day I met you in your driveway.”

“You did?” All she remembered of that first meeting was how she’d cowered in her car.

“I swear, I don’t plan to live with Corbin forever. In fact, I’ve been checking into property around here to open a sports complex, so I won’t be a man of leisure forever, either.”

That he wanted to share his plans with her filled her with warmth. “You don’t have to explain yourself to me.” Had she given that impression? “I know you’re here for your brother.”

“And my nephew, yes. And now you.” He squeezed her again. “I love the area, I love my family and I want us to have a life together. Here, in Sunset.”

So much excitement made it difficult for her to organize her thoughts. “Are you...?” Did she dare say it?

She didn’t have to, because Lang did. “Asking you to marry me? Yeah. What do you think of that?”

This time he couldn’t restrain her. She bounced up with a loud squeal that had him laughing again.

“Can I take that as a yes?”

Throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him multiple times, Hope said, “Yes, absolutely yes.” She could barely catch her breath. “I love you so much, and I think you’re incredible, but I wasn’t sure how you felt so I didn’t want to make assumptions.”

“I admire you, Hope. Especially your strength.”

That slowed her down enough to ask, “My strength?” Overall, she was pretty darned scrawny.

“Strength here.” Smiling, he touched her forehead with a fingertip. “And here.” He rested a hand under her breast. “The way you handled your sister today proved you have a great well of strength, enough to forgive, and that’s more than many people have.”

Her heart felt full enough to burst. “I admire you, too, you know. You’re so loyal to your family, and you’re funny and smart.”

“And handsome,” he teased.

“Definitely that.” Another thought occurred to her. “One thing, though.”

His dark eyes drifted over her face with so much heat, she felt singed. “Anything you want.”

She liked that idea a lot. “Let’s take our time. Not because I don’t love the idea of being married to you, but Justin is still adjusting and Corbin is already slammed. Plus I know Ivey feels a little bit in limbo right now. I want to share with all of them, but I don’t want to add to the chaos.”

“Understandable. As long as you don’t mind if I stay with you often. I like holding you like this, Hope.”

“I like it, too.”

“Then we’re in agreement.” Tugging her back into his arms, he said, “Now that we’ve got that settled, let’s get some sleep—and tomorrow I’ll store a box of condoms in your nightstand.”

Loving that idea, and especially loving him, Hope fell asleep with a smile on her face.

On Monday, silence reigned at the dinner table. Corbin glanced around, taking it in. Everyone seemed cautious, except for Justin, who chatted about everything, and his mother, who smiled conspicuously as if she knew a secret.

On her drive over from the RV park, she’d picked up barbecue for dinner with coleslaw, pasta salad and a cake for dessert. It was a simple meal, but the company was a little complex—or so it seemed to Corbin.

His mother had, of course, enveloped Hope with her boundless affection. And why not? Hope was a doll, plus she made Lang happy. Her quiet demeanor didn’t put off his mother, it just gave her additional opportunity for hugs because Hope didn’t protest.

A few times there, it actually looked as if Hope relished the embrace. Maybe because her own mother hadn’t been very demonstrative. Just the opposite, from what he understood.

Thank God she’d had Ivey.

Again and again, Corbin’s gaze was drawn to Ivey. Today she had her riotous curls somewhat contained atop her head, which produced a sort of poof that he thought looked adorable. He didn’t know how it happened, but every time he saw her, she somehow got prettier, and sexier.

Or maybe it was just his growing feelings for her.

Having her all to himself for the weekend had given him a taste of how it would be if they made things permanent. He wanted that. So damn much.

His gaze went to his son, currently with barbecue sauce smeared over the corner of his mouth and, somehow, across one cheek. His mother had apparently let him swim right up until it was time to head home; a touch of color brightened his cheeks and nose, and his hair had that dried-in-the-sun look.

Picking up a napkin, he handed it to Justin. “Right here,” he said, touching his own cheek.

Without much thought, too intent on his food, Justin swiped at the mess.

It made Corbin smile to see his son like this now. Surrounded by people who loved him. Happy. Carefree.

But he knew it was a fragile time for Justin. It was still too soon for him to accept all the changes. He’d keep at it, of course, keep showing him how a child should be loved and sheltered. Eventually Justin’s trust would grow.

Beneath the table, Ivey touched Corbin’s thigh. That silent support proved yet again the depth of her ability to care. She had an acute awareness of others and never hesitated to give comfort when she sensed it was needed. With him, she was always cued in, as if she shared his every thought.

Smiling at Justin, she asked, “How did you like the RV park?”

“It was awesome. I had a TV near my bunk and Grandma let me watch a movie last night. Today we swam and swam, then she took me for a ride on her golf cart and we found some other kids to play with.”

Corbin noticed the beaming smile on Grandma’s face.

“They shot hoops,” Vesta said. “Did you know Justin is really good?”

Blushing, Justin said, “I missed a lot of times.”

“But you also made a lot of baskets.” Briefly, Vesta touched his shoulder. “And you played well with the others, even when one or two of them were rude.”

Justin hitched a shoulder. “Kids are like that sometimes,” he said with world-weary cynicism. “There was a kid where I used to live who was always mean. I didn’t like him, but I felt sorry for him. He never had anyone to play with.”

Vesta put a hand to her chest in a show of emotion. “Were you nice to him?”

“I guess.” He looked up. “His dad would smack him in the street sometimes.”

Corbin slowly lowered his sandwich.

“It’s okay,” Justin said quickly. “Some cops came and arrested him for it and they told the boy they’d figure things out for him.” Scrunching his nose, he added, “I didn’t see him after that.”

Ivey swallowed heavily. “I’m glad you weren’t mean to him. It shows what a wonderful person you are.”

“I wasn’t mean to anyone. Well, ’cept this one kid who was throwing rocks at a dog.” His eyes narrowed. “I threw rocks at him until he quit.”

Before Corbin could figure out how to reply to that, Ivey said, “Bravo! I’d have done the same.”

“A few of the rocks hit him,” Justin said.

“Good. He probably deserved it.”

Lang snickered, and Vesta quickly covered her mouth with her napkin.

Belatedly, Ivey realized her faux pas and cleared her throat to add, “Though we probably shouldn’t do things like that. Some people just need to be taught kindness.”

Justin missed the impromptu correction. “I really like the RV. It has a refrigerator and table and beds and everything. It’s cool. The shower isn’t very big and Hagan says he barely fits, but there’s a hose on the back that Grandma let me use for showering. Outside,” he added with emphasis. “I left on my trunks, though.”

Corbin grinned. Clearly the idea of bathing outside was a treat.

“So,” Lang asked with interest. “You really liked the RV, huh?”

Corbin immediately pointed his fork at him. “No more extravagant gifts.”

Surprised, Ivey said, “You wouldn’t.” When she saw Lang’s face, she laughed. “You would! Oh my gosh, Lang, you’re outrageous.”

“I try to be, but Corbin ruins all my fun.”

“Is that so?” Ivey glanced at Hope and Lang both with suggestive meaning. “I heard differently.”

Hope went bright pink but smiled.

Lang just grinned.

“What’s this?” Vesta, never one to miss a thing, pounced. “Something happened recently?”

Lang gave her a long look. “I always have fun with Hope. That’s nothing new.”

Hope got redder.

Vesta bounced her gaze back and forth between them. “So. When are you getting a job?” she asked Lang.

“Mom,” Corbin said. “You know he just sold his business.”

Ignoring that, Vesta asked Hope, “Do you approve of my son being a deadbeat?”

“He’s not!” Hope went straight to his defense. “He’s already thinking of another business, but for now he’s just enjoying the family time.”

“Hmm,” Vesta said.

Hagan put down his napkin. “Justin, if you’re all done eating, would you want to show me the boat? I admit I’m curious.” He smiled at Vesta. “Been thinking of getting my own, you know.”

“Can I, Dad?” Already out of his seat, Justin jammed the last bite of potato salad into his mouth.

“You can,” Corbin said, “but remember to get a life preserver first.”

“I’ll make sure he does,” Hagan promised. With his hand on Justin’s shoulder, they started out.

Vesta turned to grin at them all. “Hagan knows me so well. He understood I had questions—oh, so many questions—but with Justin here, I was hampered.”

Lang snorted. “Nothing hampers you.”

She threw her napkin at him. “Behave yourself.”

Half hiding his smile, Lang folded the napkin and handed it back to her. “Yes, ma’am.”

Corbin jumped in before his mother could get going. “Justin’s birthday is in two months. I’ve been thinking about this, and we should all cut back on the presents until then. That way, his birthday, and then later Christmas, will mean a little more.”

“Oh my gosh,” Ivey gushed, “I hadn’t even thought about his birthday. We could do an entire monster party! I have so many things we can use...” She jumped up from the table to rummage in a drawer until she found a pen and paper. Hurrying back to her seat, she started a list. “This is going to be so fun.”

As Corbin watched her, contentment settled into his heart. Ivey not only loved his son, she loved caring for him, loved surprising him and making him happy. She would be an amazing stepmother.

Suddenly Ivey stopped her feverish writing. She glanced up at Corbin with an expression of uncertainty. “Am I assuming too much?” She sat straighter. “Damn it, I didn’t mean to suddenly take over.”

“You’re fine,” Corbin promised her, but she didn’t appear to be listening.

“It’s just that he enjoys monster stuff so much and he’s always so happy whenever I give him something from my collection. There are so many more things for him to enjoy, and I’d already decided to hand the whole lot over to him...”

Corbin touched a finger to her mouth to stop her rambling. He was aware of his mother smiling in satisfaction, and of Lang and Hope watching with affection. Of course everyone loved Ivey. How could they not?

If they didn’t have an audience right now, he’d kiss her silly. “I love your idea, and I know Justin will, too.”

Unconvinced, she chewed her bottom lip. “You said it’s two months away.” She glanced around the table, then lowered her voice as if everyone couldn’t hear. “I assume I’ll still be here?”

If he had his way, she’d be with them always. He’d thought about it a lot and as much as he wanted to marry her, he’d kept thinking that it would be best to wait a year, maybe even two...

But now? Now he faced reality. He couldn’t wait that long, even if she was willing.

Ivey sat back. “Well, you’re taking an awfully long time to think about it.”

“Because,” Lang said, giving Corbin a provoking look, “my brother is sometimes a little slow on the uptake.”

“I’m not, actually,” Corbin promised Ivey with a smile. “Yes, I want you here. Always.” He brushed his knuckles over her cheek. “Now that you’ve been staying here, I can’t imagine this house without you in it.”

“Awww.”Ivey put a hand to her throat. To Vesta, she said, “Isn’t he just the sweetest?”

“I raised him right,” Vesta replied. “So will there be a wedding?”

Damn it. He really wished his mother didn’t bulldoze through every situation. He needed to talk to Ivey alone, without everyone listening in.

After a beat, Lang filled in the silence. “In fact, there will be, because Hope and I are going to get married.” He lifted his glass in a toast. “I’m not slow.”

Screeching, Ivey was out of her seat and racing around the table to Hope, while Hope hurriedly pushed back her chair.

They embraced tightly.

Grinning, Corbin watched them. Ivey wanted to marry him. He knew that because, as usual, she hadn’t been shy about telling him. But clearly she didn’t resent Hope’s good news. She glowed with happiness for her friend, and just as she had with Justin’s birthday party, she immediately started making plans.

Corbin looked at his brother. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks.” Lang nodded at their mother. “The news struck her silent. Who knew that was even possible?”

Wow. Their stalwart mother looked positively leveled. She even had tears in her eyes. When she turned her dazed expression to Lang, the emotion overflowed. “I’m finally going to be a mother-in-law!” she wailed, making both brothers jump.

Surging to her feet, she snatched Hope away from Ivey and crushed her. Hope only laughed and hugged her back.

While they were all otherwise engaged, Corbin pushed back his chair, took Ivey’s hand and led her through the dining room and out to the deck. He closed the slider firmly behind him.

Flushed with excitement, Ivey sighed. “Isn’t it wonderful? Oh, Corbin, I was so afraid Hope would never find the right guy for her, but your brother did the trick. She is so happy. And that makes me happy, too.” She wiped at her eyes.

Corbin gently pulled her into his arms. “What about you, Ivey? Have you found the right guy?”

“Pfft,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder. “I found you. It doesn’t get more right than that.”

No, it didn’t. “I love you, Ivey.”

It was as if time and space stopped, she went so still—then she exploded from his arms. “You love me?”

“Shhh. Sweetheart, you’ll tell everyone on the lake.”

Laughing, she surged back against him. “Who cares? I have a right to shout it.”

Corbin tugged her to a chair, sat down and situated her in his lap. “At first I was thinking that we should take it slow—”

“Slow is fine by me.” She pressed her palm to his jaw. “I don’t mind waiting.”

“—but every chance I got, I included you more in our lives.”

“That was for convenience.”

Laughing, Corbin shook his head. “Just shush and listen to me, okay?”

Her brows shot up. “You’re telling me to shush?”

“Please.” He kissed the disgruntled set of her mouth. “It’ll be easier for me to propose.”

Her jaw loosened, then her lips parted. She didn’t say a word.

“I love you, Ivey. Life is so much better with you, for so many different reasons. You see the best in me, you’re the most understanding person I know. The kindest and sweetest.” He lightly tugged on a bouncy curl near her temple. “Definitely the sexiest.”

She bit her lips as if to keep from talking, but he saw the happiness glowing in her mesmerizing green eyes.

“I had worried that it might be too much for Justin. I wanted his adjustment to be as smooth and easy as possible.”

Nodding fast, Ivey again showed the depth of her care for his son.

“But that was just dumb. How can it hurt him to bring more people into his life who love him and who make him a priority?”

Ivey whispered, “I do love him, Corbin. So much.”

He knew it. He’d seen it, felt it. And so had Justin.

“Now I realize that the more he sees of good relationships, the better it is for him.”

“We do have a good relationship.”

“The best,” he confirmed. Her relationship with Justin was also amazing. And she got along great with his brother and now his mother. All in all, Justin had something he never had before—a big, loving family. No matter how old he got, he’d have their support. “We can’t pretend that things are settled with Darcie. We both know better. And I can’t promise my mother won’t overstep at times.”

“With the best of intentions,” Ivey added.

“Yes.” His mother could smother a person, but she smothered them with love, not ill will. “It won’t always be easy.”

“Corbin,” she whispered. “I’m a veterinarian. I deal with wonderful people and awful people. Beautiful animals who have love and animals that have been horribly mistreated. I heal some and lose others. I still love my job and wouldn’t trade it for anything. Nothing in life is always easy. But together, I believe it’ll be easier.”

“Agreed.” He was kissing her, loving her, wishing he had time to get her alone, when voices carried up from below.

Justin and Hagan were returning from their tour of the boat. In his growing, carefree way, Justin talked about life on a lake, and Hagan—who really was a good guy—gave his agreement.

Ivey kissed Corbin’s throat. “Justin is flourishing with all the attention.”

He really was, and it gave Corbin hope. “So will you marry me, Ivey?”

“Yes. But for right now, let’s keep it to ourselves, okay? This is such a momentous thing for Hope, I don’t want to steal any of her limelight.”

Grinning, Corbin said, “I’m not sure my mother could suffer the shock anyway. We’ll let her get used to one wedding at a time.”

“As to the wedding...are you wanting something big?” Ivey rushed on before he could answer. “Because I’d rather something small and simple. I could invite my folks and your family and Hope, of course.”

God, he loved her. “Whatever you want is fine with me.” Thinking it through, he added, “We’ll let Mom get it out of her system with Hope and Lang.”

Ivey laughed. “There you go.”

Just then the patio doors opened and Justin came out. “Hagan wants to try tubing. Uncle Lang is going to take us out. Do you want go, too, Dad?” He turned to Ivey. “It’s super fun.”

“I would love to go,” she said. Leaving Corbin’s lap, she caught Justin in a hug.

He didn’t resist, just hugged her briefly and then wiggled free. “I gotta put on my trunks. Go get ready!” And he took off.

Having Ivey as his wife was going to be amazing.

Corbin couldn’t imagine a better life.